genealogy ¶ The Chronicles of England, from Brute unto this present year of Christ 1580. Collected by JOHN STOW Citizen of London. Printed at London by Ralphe Newberie, at the assignment of Henry Bynneman. Cum Privilegio Regiae Maiestatis. ¶ Authors out of whom these Chronicles are collected. Abbess Floriacensis. Abraham Hartwel. Adam Merimouth. Aethicus. Alfridus Beverlacensis. Alfridus Rivallensis. Alexander Neckham. Amianus Marcellinus. Antonius Archiepiscopus. Antiquitates Britan. eccle. Antiquitates Glasconiae. Antiquitates Calen. de Brist. Antiquitates S. Pauli London▪ annals de Hide. annals Elienses. annals de Aquitania. Arbour Successorum. Asserius Menevensis. Aurea Historia. Arnolds' Chronicle▪ Andrew Board. Anthony Ascham. Anthony Anthony. Baptista Platina. Bede de gestis Anglorum. Brute Book. Canterbury Records. Caesar's Commentaries. Capitolinus. Carta Regia. Chronica de Dorobernia. Chronica Chronicorum. Chronica de Burgo S. Petri. Chronica de Dunstable. Chronica de Wigmore. Chronica de Bury. Chronica de Dunmow. Chronica de Eaton. Chronica de Tewksbury. Chronica Glasconiae. Chronica de Eovesham. Chronica de Tintern. Chronica de Tinmouth. Chronica de Colchester. Chroniques' de Normandy. Chroniques' de Britain. Chronica Colleg. Regis Oxon. Chronica de Hautenprice. Chronica de Holland. Chronica de Bromholme. Chronica S. Albani. Conradus Mendenbar. Cornelius Tacitus. Constitutiones de London. D●● C●●●●●s Doro●h●●●. Edmond Haddenham. Edmerus Dorobernensis. Engwerant. Encomium Emme. Epistola Bonifacij. Eusebius. Eutropius. Eulogium. Erasmus Roteradam. Edward Hall. Edmond Campion. Freculphus. Floriacensis Wigornensis. Flores Historiarum. Flaccus Albinus. Francis Guicciardine. Galfridus Monemutensis. Galfridus Vinisalfe. Gasperus Varerius. Geruasius Dorobernensis. Geruasius de Mappamundi. Geruasius Tilberiensis. Gesta Abbatis Albani. Gildas Sapiens. Giraldus Cambrensis. Giraldus Corn●biensis. Guilelmus Mahnesburiensis. Guilelmus Novoburgensis. Guilelmus thorn. Gualterus Coventriensis. Guilelmus Rishanger. Gualterus Hemingford. Guilelmus Gemiticensis. Guilelmus Tailor. Guilelmus Paston. Guilelmus Shepeshed. Gualterus Baker. Guilelmus Dunthorne. Georgius Lilius. Guilelmus Packington. Geffrey Chaucer. Guilelmus de Wilum. Gual, Haddon. Herodian. Henricus Huntingdonensis. Henricus Lecestrensis. Henricus Blandford. Hector Boetius. Humphrey Lhuid. Henry Bradshaw. jacobus Bergomas. jacobus Lassabeus. johannes Salisburiensis. johan. Hanuile. josephus. johannes de Vigney. johannes Rowland. johannes Mandevile. justine. johannes Rouse. johannes Maior. johannes Bale. johannes Fordon. johannes Capgrave. jocelinus de Barkeland. jocelinus Furnensis. johannes Leylandus. johannes Leoaffer. johannes Taxtor. johannes Pike. johannes Beverlacensis. johannes Euersden. johannes Blackeman. johannes Truklow. johannes Lewenclaij. johannes Prington. johannes Gower. johannes Belandin. john Frosert. john Audley. johannes Fortesc●. john Reustall. john S 〈…〉. john Ca 〈…〉 Inscriptiones Glocest. john Lidgate. john Harding. Lampridius. Leges Edwardi Regis. Liber constitut. London. Liber Dunelmensis. Liber Norwicensis. Liber Tutsberiensit. Liber s. Martini magni. Liber Lanthoni. Liber Roffensis. Liber Trinitatis London. Liber Colne. Liber Mona. Ely. Liber Bermondsey. Liber pont London. Liber Glocestrensis. Liber Warwicensis. Liber s. Mariae de Southwark. Liber Kenelworth. Liber Bernewel. Liber s. Barthol. Smithfielde. Liber Colegij s. Petri. Liber Edendon. Liber Eastminster. Liber Maior. & Vic. London. Liber Eweline. Liber Lichfielde. Lilius Viraldus. Liber Theokesburie. Lodovicus vives. Marianus Scotus. Martinus Polonus. Mathaeus Paris. Mathae. Westmonasteriensis. Matheus Parkerus. Marlin. Melkin. Nenius. Necham. Nicephorus. Nicholas Trevitus. Nicholas Vpton. Nicholas Perotus. Nicholas Bromefielde. Old Records. Oracul Sibil. Orosius. Osbernus. Pausanias. Panegeric. Constancio dictus Pau. Orosius. Pau. Diaconus. Paulus Aemilius. Petrus de Ikham. Petrus Ramus. Petrus Pictavensis. Perce de Longtofte. philippus Comineus. Policraticon. Ponticus Virunius. Polidorus Vergilius. Quadrilogium. Radulphus de Diceto. Radulphus Niger. Radulphus Baldoke. Radulphus Cogshall. Ranulphus Higden. Record. ecclesiae de Assaphe. Registrum novi Mona. Registrum fratrum minorum. Registrum monast. de Hide. Registrum de Wodbridge. Registrum de ponte Rofensi. Registrum de Clerkenwel. Registrum mon. de Bury. Registrum mon. s. Albani. Record. ecclesiae Christi Can. Registrum mon. Cartuarien. Registrun fratrum carmelitarun Registrum Maiorum London. Registrum mon. de battle. Registrum de Garter. Richardus Cirencestrensis. Richardus Southwel. Richardus Diviensis. Richardus Canenicus. Rogerus Hoveden. Robertus Gaguin. Robertus Glocestrensis. Robertus de Auesburie. Reynwels' Testament. Robertus de Brune. Robert Fabian. Robert Greene.. Richard Turpin. Scala Temporum. Scalamundi. Speculum Historiale. Sebastian Munster. Sigebertus Gimblacensis. Scala Chronicor. Simon Dunelmensis. Solinus. Suetonius. Smart Falconer. Strab●. Spartianus. Sozomenus. Sulcardus. Socrates. Theodoretus. Titus livi. Thomas Castleforde. Thomas Sprote. Thomas de Wike. Thomas Walsingham. Thomas Rudburne. Thomas Delamore. Thomas Hocline. Thomas Moor. Thomas Lanquet. Thomas Cooper. Thomas churchyard. Vita Berini. Vita Aldelmi. Vita Erkenwaldi. Vigetius. Vita Albani. Vita Guilelmi Longocampo. Vopiscus. Vox Clamantis. Wolfangus Lazius. William Norwel. William Caxton. William Bear. William Lambert. William Patten. Ypodigma Neustriae. Zozimus. DROIT · ET · LOYAL HONI ◦ SOIT ◦ QVI ◦ MAL ◦ Y ◦ PENSE royal blazon or coat of arms To the right Honourable the Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Baron of Denbigh, Knight of the most noble Orders of the Garter, and of Saint Michael, one of her majesties most Honourable privy Counsel, and Master of her Horse. THe good acceptation of my summary dedicated to your Lordship five years since (right honourable & my singular good Lord) hath so emboldened this Treatise, grown now to a greater Volume, that it presumeth with assured hope of like acceptance, to present itself to your Honour, & under the protection thereof, to venture into the world, and view of men: and that the more boldly, being an Historical Discourse of this our native Country, setting before our eyes, to our instruction & profit, the incredible inconstancy, & continual alterations of this transitory world, with the worthy exploits of our Kings and Governors. What I have performed herein to the common commodity in searching out the truth: and what variety of worthy matters I have recovered, with no small cost and care, out of the grave of Oblivion, wherein they have lain buried, I refer to your honourable censure, and the indifferent Reader, not doubting but your Lordship, which hath gotten grounded experience by the administration of most weighty affairs, & furnished your wisdom with diligent reading of sundry Histories, will both vouch safe to accept this Monument of my affectionate mind with your wont courtesy, and shield it under the authority of your name against those, which in this age requite honest endeavours with unhonest speeches. The Almighty God preserve your Honour, with continual increase of his benefits, to his glory, and your advancement. Your Lordship's most humble to command. JOHN STOW. ¶ To the gentle Reader. AMongst other Books which are in this our learned age published in great numbers, there are few, either for the honesty of the matter, or commodity which they bring to the common wealth, or for the pleasantness of the study and reading, to be preferred before the Chronicles and Histories. What examples of men deserving immortality, of exploits worthy great renown, of virtuous living of the posterity to be embraced, of wise handling of weighty affairs, diligently to be marked, and aptly to be applied: what encouragement of nobility to noble feats, what discouragement of unnatural subjects from wicked treasons, pernicious rebellions, and damnable doctrines: to conclude, what persuasion to honesty, godliness, and virtue of all sorts, what dissuasions from the contrary is not plentifully in them to be found? So that it is as hard a matter for the Readers of Chronicles, in my fancy, to pass without some colours of wisdom, invitements to virtue, and loathing of naughty facts, as it is for a well-favoured man to walk up and down in the hot parching Sun, & not to be therewith sunburned. They therefore which with long study, earnest good will, & to their great costs and charges have brought hidden Histories from dusky darkness to the sight of the world, and have been diligent observers of common wealths, and noted for the posterity the fleeting manners of the people, and accidents of the times: deserve (at the least) thanks for their pains, and to be misreported of none, seeing they have laboured for Note that the backebiter slayeth three at once, himself by his own malice, him that crediteth his false tales, and him that he backebiteth. all. I writ not this to complain of some men's ingratitude towards me (although justly I might) but to show the commodities which ensue of the reading of Histories, that seeing they are so great and so many, all men would (as they ought) employ their diligence in the honest, fruitful, and delectable perusing of the same, and so to account of the Authors, as of men careful for their Country: and to confess, if need require, by whom they have taken profit. It is now seventeen years since (I seeing the confuse order of our late English Chronicles, and the ignorant handling of ancient affairs) leaving mine own peculiar gains, consecrated myself to the search of our famous Antiquities. What I have done in them before time, the former editions of my summary of Chronicles may well testify, but how far (be it spoken without arrogancy) I have laboured for the truth more than some other, this last edition will evidently declare: wherein, that I differ from the inordinate and unskilful collections of other men, it is no marvel, seeing that I do not fully agree with myself, as some malicious persons have fondly charged me: but let it be considered, that there is nothing perfect at the first, and that it is incident to mankind to err and slip sometime, but only the point of fantastical fools, to persever and continue in their errors. Wherefore, seeing that the perusing of ancient Records and best approved Histories of all times (not without great difficulty obtained) do not only move me, but for their authority drive me to acknowledge both mine and other men's errors, and in acknowledging to correct them, I trust to obtain thus much at your hands, that at the least you will call to remembrance a most gentle and wise law of the politic Persians, wherein it was enacted, that a man accused to be in their laws a trespasser, and found guilty of the crime, should not strait way be condemned, but after a diligent inquiry and search of his whole life and conversation (no slander imputed unto him as of importance) if the number of his laudable facts did countervail the contrary, he was full quit of the trespass. The same law do I wish the readers of these my Chronicles to put in ure, that if the errors be not so plentiful, as Histories truly alleged, they will bear with them: for as I promised, so have I tried all matters worthy of immortality, by the certain Touchstone of best allowed Historiographers: and yet notwithstanding, some faults by misprinting have escaped the correction, which easily may be seen and amended by the diligent Reader. ❧ A brief Description of England, scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. BRitaine, or Brutanne which by two names is called England and Scotland, is an Island in the Ocean Sea, situate right over against France: one part of which Isle Englishmen do inhabit, another part Scots, the third part Walshmen, and the fourth part Cornishmen. All they either in language, conditions, or laws, do differ among themselves. England (so called of Englishmen which did win the same) is the greatest part, and is divided into xl. Counties, xl. Counties or Shires. which we call Shires: whereof ten (that is to say) Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Southampton, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, Devonshire and Cornwall, do contain the first part of that Island: which part bounding toward the South, standeth between the Thames and the Sea. From thence to the river of Trent, which passeth through the midst of England be. xuj. shires, whereof the first six (standing Eastward) are Essex, Middlesex, Hartfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire: the other ten which stand more in the middle of the Country are these: bedford, Huntingdon, Buckingham, Oxford, Northampton, Rutland, Leicester, Nottingham, Warwick, and Lincoln. After these there be. vj. which border westward upon Wales as Gloucester, Hereford, Worcester, Shropshire, Stafford, Chester, and Monmouth. About the middle of the Region lie Darbishire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberlande. On the left hand toward the West is Westmoreland. Against the same is the Bishopric of Durham, and Northumberlande, which boundeth upon the North in the Marches of Scotland. These shires be divided into. xxij. bishoprics, which by a Greek work, be called Dioceses. Of which Dioceses, Canterbury hath Kent. Rochester hath part of Kent. London hath Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hartford. Chichester hath Sussex. Winchester hath Hampshire, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight, Salisbury hath Berkshire, and Wiltshire. Exeter hath Devonshire and Cornwall. Bath and Welles hath Sommersetshire. Worcester hath Worcestershire, and part of Warwickshire. Gloucester hath Gloucestershire. Hereforde hath part of shropshire, and Herefordshyre. Coventrie and Lichfield hath staffordshire, Darbishire, part of Warwickshyre, and part of shropshire. Lincoln which is the greatest, lying between the Thames and Humbre, hath Lincoln, Leycester, Huntingdon, bedford, Buckingham, and the residue of Hartfordshire. Ely hath Cantabridgeshire, and the Isle of Ely. Norwich hath Suffolk▪ and Norfolk, and part of Cantabridgeshyre. Oxford hath Oxfordeshire. Peterborow, hath Northamptonshire, and Rutland. Bristol hath Dorsetshire. And this is the province of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is the Primate of all England, with Wales. The Archbishop of York, hath Yorkshire, Notinghamshire, and a piece of Lancashire. The Bishop of Durham hath the Bishopric so commonly called, and Northumberlande. Chester hath cheshire, most part of Lancashire, Richmonde, part of Flintshire, and part of Denbighshire. Carlisle containeth Cumberlande and Westmerlande: and this is the other Province of the Archbishop of York, which is another primate of England, and was of long time also primate of all Scotland: but these Dioceses take their names of the Cities where those Seas be placed, the chief whereof, is London▪ where in the beginning was the Archbishop's Sea, but afterwards transposed to Canterbury, a City in Kente, placed in a soil amiable and pleasant. London standeth in Middlesex, on the north side of the Thames. That most excellent and goodly river hath first the name of Ice, and beginneth in Coteswolde in Glocestershire, about a mile from Titbery, and as much from the high way called Frosse: and it taketh first the name Tamis●, near to Dorcester bridge, where the river Tame and the foresaid Ise meet, and so with a marvelous quiet course it passeth by London, and then breaketh into the French Ocean by main tides, which twice in xxiv. hours space doth ebb and flow more than lx. miles, to the great commodity of travelers, by which all kinds of ambergris be easily conveyed to London, the principal store & staple for all commodities within this realm. Upon the same river is placed a stone London Bridge. bridge, a work very rare and marvelous, which bridge hath (reckoning the draw bridge) xx. arches made of foursquare stone, of height. lx. foot, & of breadth. thirty. foot, distant one from another xx. foot, compact & joined together with vaults and cellars. Upon both sides be houses builded, that it seemeth rather a continual street than a bridge. The Ocean sea doth bound England, the first part of Britain, East & South, Wales & Cornwall West. The river of tweed divideth England & Scotland North. The length of the Island beginneth at Portsmouth in the South part, & endeth at tweed in the North, containing. 320. miles. This Realm above other is most fruitful on this side Humbre: for beyond it is fuller of Mountains. And although to the beholders of that Country a far off, it may seem plain, yet it is full of many hills, and those for the most part void of trees, the valleys whereof be very delectable, inhabited for the most part by noble men, who according to ancient and old order▪ desire not to dwell in Cities, but near unto valleys and rivers in several villages, for avoiding of vehement winds, because that Island naturally is stormy. Humbre hath his beginning a little on this side York, & by and by runneth Southward, and then holdeth his course Eastward, and so into the main Sea, greatly increased by the Rivers of Dune and Trent. Trent beginneth a little from Stafforde, running through Darbishyre, and Leicestershire, passing by Litchfielde & Nottingham on the right hand, & Dune on the left hand: so that both those rivers do make an Ileland which is called Auxolme, and then joining together on this side Kingston upon Hul, a goodly merchant Town, they fall into Humbre: by which river they may arrive out of France, Germany and Denmark. England is fruitful of beasts, and aboundeth with cattle: whereby the inhabitants be rather for the most part graziers than ploughmen, because they give themselves more to feeding, than to tillage. So that almost the third part of the Country is employed to cattle, Dear red and fallow, Goats, (whereof there be store in the North parts) & Coneys, for every where there is jolly maintenance of those kinds of beasts, because it is full of great woods: where of there riseth pastime of hunting, greatly exercised, specially by the Nobility and Gentlemen. (Andrew Board saith, there be more Andrew Bord Parks in England than in all Europe beside.) Scotland an other part of britain, (whereof in this place I Scotland. have thought good to treat at large, that no further mention of the situation thereof might be made hereafter) began sometime at the Hill called Grampius, now called Grantsbeyn stretching to the furthest coast Northward, but after the overthrow of the Pictes, it began at the River tweed▪ and sometimes at the River of Tyne, the fortune of wars altering the same, as it doth all other things. Therefore the length of Scotland from tweed to the furthest coast, is esteemed to be 480. miles: But as Scotland is longer than England, so it is narrow and endeth like a wedge. For the mountain Grampius is evil favoured and craggy, which Tacitus in the Cornelius Tacitus. life of julius Agricola doth remember, piercing through the bowels of Scotland, from the coast of the german sea, that is to say, from the mouth of the River of Dee to the Irish sea, even to the Laake of Lomunde, which lieth between that Country and the same hill. The river of tweed (which springeth out of a little hill, not far beyond Roxborough) is mingled with the german Ocean, joining Southward with that Country which is called the Marches, being the east bounds between England & Scotland. The said river of tweed separateth the Marches from Northumberland, the furthest Country of England, having prospect to the german Sea, the chief town whereof is Berwick, now in possession of the English. The Western limit of scotland whilom was Cumberlande, which the River of Solve divideth from Annandale. Between, these two Regions the Cheviot hills appear. Next to the Marches Pictlande bordereth, now termed Loughdean, bounding upon the East, a very hilly Country, barren almost of any trees. The most famous towns of the same be Dunbar, Hadington, Leith, Northberwik, & Edinburgh, the King's seat, where also is the castle of Maidens, a very strong and defensible place. The same City the river of Forthea (commonly called the Frith) doth water and pass by: which being carried into the german Ocean, maketh great arms or meres, commonly called the Scottish sea: wherein besides other is the Island of Saint Columbe, by name called Aemonia. The same river again divideth from Loughdean a Country adjoining (abundant of all things) called the Fife, in which Country are many towns, as Donfermile, Cupre, but the notable town of Saint Andrew, specially famous for the University, and beautified with the sea of the Archbishop and primate of all scotland. On the other side towards the Irish side Northward, is Nidisdalia, so called of the River that passeth thereby, where be the strong towns of Douglasse and Donfriese. Upon the South adjoineth Galloway, more abundant of Fodder for cattle, than of Wheat, where is the Town of Candida Casa, now called Whitherne, and the ancient temple of Saint Ninian, adorned also with an Episcopal Sea. In those parts besides the town of Wighton is a laake of a wonderful nature, because the one side in Winter doth freeze, and the other not. By that standeth the Country of Caricta, once renowned, with the town Caricton, whereof perchance it took the name. Above Caricta towards the West, is Elgonia (by which name Ptolemy calleth the Country) bordering upon the Ocean, wherein is the Laake Lomunde, which is very broad and large, containing many Islands, situate at the foot of the mountain Grantesbeyn, eight miles from the Castle of Donbriton, besides the river Bodotria, now named Levinus, entering into the river of Glota or Clude. Here some do contend that the name of Bodotria is not well applied to Levinus, because it appeareth by Cornel. Tacitus, that Bodotria & Glota have sundry passages into the sea, and are clearly dirempte one from the other, as Levinus and Glota are not: wherefore they judge rather the river now called the Frith to be that which of old time had to name Bodotria, and to prove the same, they add many other reasons, which here I omit. But a good space on this side Grampius riseth the river of Taus, the greatest in all Scotland, taking his name of a Laake from whence it springeth, which falleth by Atholia and Calidonia by many places, but chief by Perthum now called Saint john's town, and lastly by Dunde, in time passed called Alectum, and there breaketh into the german sea, and at the mouth forceth great estuars or arms of the sea, whereof Tacitus maketh mention. Against Taus is Anguise, which by means of that river is fertile and prosperous, and is divided from Fife. To th● same upon the North adjoineth Athels, not the barrenest Country, as well for water as for plenty of soil. On the other side Arguile showeth itself, which being full of laakes, yieldeth greater plenty of fodder than fruit, whose uttermost bounds stretch so far, as Ireland is not distant past. xuj. miles, about which the promontory or foreland, called Lands head standeth. That coast whilom the Silures did inhabit, as Polidor gathereth by these words of Pliny in his 4. book, the. 16. Chapter. Ireland being situate over against britain, is distant from the nation of Silures by the shortest cut. xx. miles. Howbeit, some other, for that it is manifest by the same Pliny in that same Chapter, and also by other writers, that Britain was not in his time well known so far North, suppose he mente not by this, that the Silures should inhabit Arguile, but rather South-Wales, from whence the passage over was better known (and as he might have understanding) shortest. Where also as well Tacitus, as Antoninus seem to place that people. Between Argile and Olgovia Westward lieth the Country of Sterling, so called by a town there. Here the forest of Calydonia began on the left side, which within stretcheth far and broad. This forest sometimes bred white Bulls, long maned like Lions, which were so wild as they could not be tamed, but because the flesh was pleasant and dainty to the mouth, the whole race of them almost is extinguished. There likewise is the castle of Calydone, situate by Taus called Doucheldine. From a little hill of the forest riseth Glota, or Cluid, which by a broad channel falleth into the Irish Ocean: for stayed in a manner by the banks of the mountain Grampius, it slideth into the sea by great tides, so (as witnesseth Tacitus) the Romans thought it to be another Island. Of that river the Dale was called Glotevale, which Country that River runneth by: and in the same is the City of Glasco, a goodly University. Again towards the east is joined the Country as Anguish and Merne upon the Sea coast, wherein Fordune by situation is very strong, and for the relics of S. Palladius the Scottish Apostle famous. Of the same side of scotland, is the Country of Marre, garnished with a City called Aberdone, standing between the two Rivers of Dona and Dea, with a School also adorned. Then followeth Morrey, which the two notable Rivers do compass about, called Nessa and Spea. At the mouth of this last River, standeth the Town of Elgis, about the banks whereof be huge woods replenished with all sorts of wild beasts. There is a Laake also called Spina, stored with plenty of Swans: but in the middle part standeth the broad Country of Rossia now called bean resin, stretching to the uttermost angle even to both the Seas, and the further it goeth Eastward, the better it is inhabited. In the same is a bosom of the Sea, now and then so convenient for Sailors, as commonly it is called the port of Health, (or the Haven of Safety) and the town Thana. The breadth of the Island is very short, for falling into the form of a wedge, it is scant. thirty. mile over, which defended with three promontories like towers, repelleth the great waves and surges of the Sea: and environed with two gulfs, which those promontories do enclose, the entries be quiet and calm, and the water peaceable. The strait of that land is at this day called Cathanes, coasting upon the Sea Deucalidon. Thus much of the particulars of scotland. But th● same is in every place full of good Havens and navigable entries, Laakes, with Marshes, floods, fountains, very full of fish, and mountains, upon the tops whereof be pleasant plains, yielding great store of grass, and plenty of fodder for cattle, woods likewise full of wild beasts. That part of the land is well sustained with commodities, and therefore the people hard to be vanquished at any time, by reason the woods and Marshes be at hand for refuge, and hunger eased with Ueneson and Fish. About scotland in the Irish Seas, are xl. Islands, of Pliny termed Brytanniae, other call them Mevania, other Hebrides. Many of these in length at least are thirty miles, but in breadth not above. xij. Amongst them is jona beautified with the Tombs of the Scottish Kings. The Islanders generally speak Irish, which declareth them to take their original of the Irish nation. Beyond scotland toward the north, be the Isles of Orchades, which (as Ptolemy saith) be. thirty. in number, some lying in the Ducalidon Sea, and some in the german Ocean, the principal of which Islands is Pamonia, because it is a bishops sea, and is under the government of scotland. The Islanders use the Goths speech, which argueth them to proceed from the Germans. They be tall of stature, but very helthie and lusty of body and mind, living very long, although their chiefest food is fish, for the land almost continually beset with cold, in many places is not able to bear corn, and generally almost without tree or bush. Beyond the Orchades standeth Thule, in the Frozen sea now called Iselande, to which our merchants repair for fishing once every year in the Summer. And thus much have I to say of the scite of scotland: now of the nature and manners of the people. The Scots which inhabit in the Southern part, be well nurtured, and live in good civility, & the most civil, use the English speech. And for that wood there is geason & scant, their common fuel is of a black stone, which they dig out of the Earth. The other part Northern, & full of mountains, a very rude and homely kind of people doth inhabit, which are called the redshankes or wild Scots. They be clothed with a mantle and shirt saffroned, after the Irish manner, going bare legged to the knee. Their weapons are bows & darts, with a very broad sword and a dagger, sharp only at the one side. All speak Irish, feeding on fish, milk, cheese, & flesh, having a great number of cattle. The Scots differ from the English in laws and customs, because they use the civil law as almost other Countries do. The English have their own laws and edicts. In certain other conditions they be not far unlike, but their language is one, their habit & complexion like, one courage in battle, and in the Nobility one desire and pregnancy in hunting. The country houses be narrow, covered with straw & reed, wherein the people and beasts do lodge together. Their towns besides S. john's town are unwalled, which is to be ascribed to their animosity & hardiness, fixing all their succour & help always in the valiancy of their body. The Scots are very wise, as their learning declareth. For to whatsoever Art they do apply themselves, they easily profit in the same. But the idle & slothful, and such chief as shun and avoid labour, live in great poverty, & yet will not stick to boast of their nobility and gentry, as though it were more seemly for the honest to lack, than comely, (by exercise of some honest Art,) to get their living. But the Scots generally be devout observers of Religion. And thus much of scotland. Wales the third part of Britain lieth upon the left Wales. hand, which like a Promontory or foreland, or an Isle (as it were) on every side is compassed with the main Sea, except it be on the Southeast part with the river of Sabrine, commonly called Severn, which divideth Wales from England, although some late writers affirm Hereford to be a bound between Wales and England, and say that Wales beginneth at Chepstow, where the river Wey (augmented with an This arm of the Sea, as I ●udge, is now called Aust, where is a passage between the village of Aust and Chepsto●●. other river called lug▪) passing by Hereforde, doth run into the Sea, which river riseth in the middle of Wales out of that hill (but uncertain whether out of that Spring that Sabrine doth,) for even to that place there goeth a great arm of the Sea, which passing through the land westward, on the right hand leaveth Cornwall, and on the left Wales: which topography or description, although it be new, yet I thought good to follow. Therefore Wales is extended from the town of Chepstow, where it beginneth almost by a strait line a little above Shrowsburie, even to Westchester Northward. Into that part, so many of the Britons as remained alive after the slaughter and loss of their country, at the length being driven to their shifts, did repair, as ancient writings report, where partly through refuge of the mountains, and partly of the woods and marshes, they remained in safety: which part they enjoy even to this day. That land afterwards the English men did call Wales: Giraldus Cambrensis. and the Britons the inhabitants of the same, Walshmen: for amongs the Germans, Walshman, signifieth a stranger, an alien, an outborn or strange man, that is, such a one, as hath a contrary language from theirs, for Wal in their tongue is called a stranger borne, as an Italian or Frenchman, which differ in speech from the german. Man signifieth Homo, which is a Man in English. Therefore Englishmen, a people of Germany, after they had won Britain, called the Britons, which escaped after the destruction of their Country, after their Country manner, Walshmen, because they had an other tongue or speech besides theirs: and the land which they inhabited Wales, which name afterward both to the people and country did remain. By this mean the Britons with their kingdom lost their name. But they which affirm that name to be derived of their King or Queen, without doubt be deceived. The country soil towards the Sea coast, & in other places in the valleys and plains, is most fertile, which yieldeth both to man and beast great plenty of fruit and grass: but in other places for the most part it is barren & less fruitful▪ because it lacketh tillage: for which cause husbandmen do live hardly, eating Oaten cakes, & drinking Milk mixed with water. There be many towns & strong Castles, & four bishoprics, if the Four bishop in Wales. Bishopric of Hereford be counted in England, as the late writers declare. The first Bishopric is Meneve, so called of Meneva, which at this day they call Saint David's, a City very ancient, situated upon the Sea coast, and boundeth Westward toward Ireland. An other is Landaffe, the third Bangor, and the fourth Saint Asaph, which be under the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Welshmen have a language from the Englishmen, which (as they say that fetch their pedigrée from the Troyans') doth partly sound of the Trojan antiquity, and partly of the Greek. But hewsoever it is, the Walshemen do not pronounce their speech so pleasantly and gently as the Englishmen do, because they speak more in the throat: and contrariwise, the Englishmen rightly following the Latins, do express their voice somewhat within the lips, which to the hearers seemeth pleasant and sweet. And thus much of Wales, the third part of Britain. Now followeth the fourth and last part of Britain named Cornwall. This part beginneth on that side which standeth toward Spain Westward: Toward the east, it is of breadth four score and ten miles, extending a little beyond S. Germains, which is a very famous village situate on the right hand upon the Sea coast, where the greatest breadth of that Country is but. xx. miles: for this parcel of land on the right hand is compassed with the coast of the main Sea: and on the left hand with that arm of the sea, which (as before is declared) parteth the land, and runneth up to Chepstow, where the Country is in form of a horn: For at the first it is narrow, and then groweth brother a little beyond the said town of S. Germain. Eastward it bordreth upon England: West, South, & North, the main sea is round about it: it is a very barren soil, yielding fruit more through travel of the tilers & husbandmen, than through the goodness of the ground: but there is great plenty of Lead & Tin, in the mining & digging whereof doth specially consist the living and sustentation of the inhabitants. Their tongue is far dissonant from English, but it is much like to the Welsh tongue, because they have many words common to both tongues: yet this difference there is between them, when a Welsh man speaketh, the Cornish man rather understandeth many words spoken by the Walshman, than the whole tale he telleth, whereby it is manifest, that those three people do understand one another, in like manner as the Southern Scots do perceive and understand the Northern. But it is a thing very rare and marvelous, that in one Island there should be such variety of speeches. Cornwall is in the Diocese of Exeter, which was once worthy to be counted the fourth part of the Island, for the contrariety of the language. Afterwards the Normans, which constituted a kingdom of all those three parts, reckoned Cornwall to be one of the Counties or shires of the Country. Thus much of the particular description of Britain, that the whole body of the Realm (by the members) may be the better known to some peradventure that never heard the same before. The form of the Island is Triquetra, or three cornered, Strab●. lib. 4. having three corners, or three sides: two whereof, that is to say, the corner toward the east, and the other toward the West (both extending northwards) are the longest. The third side which is the South side, is far shorter than the other: for the Island is greater of length than of breadth. And as in the other two parts is contained the length, even so in the last, the breadth, in which place the breadth beginneth: and so continuing from the south part to the North, it is but narrow. The first and right corner of which Island Eastward, is in Kent, at Dover and Sandwich. From whence to calais or Boulogne in France, is the distance of thirty. miles. From this Angle, which is against France, to the third Angle, which is in the north in scotland, the main whereof boundeth upon Germany, but no land seen, (and there the Island is like unto a wedge even at the very Angle of the land in scotland,) the length is seven hundred miles. Again, the length from this corner at Dover in Kent, to the uttermost part of Cornwall, being S. Michael's mount (which is the West part or West Angle) is supposed to be three hundred miles. From this left Angle being the West part and the uttermost part of Cornwall, which hath a prospect towards Spain, in which part also standeth Ireland, situate between Britain and Spain to the North Angle in the further part of Scotland, in which part the Island doth end, the length is eight hundred miles, in which part there be very good havens, & safe harbours for ships, and apt passages into Ireland, being not passed one days sailing: but the shorter passage is from Wales to Waterforde, a town in Ireland upon the Sea coast, much like to that passage between Dover and calais, or somewhat more: but the shortest passage of all, is out of Scotland. From this last Angle to Hampton, which is a Town upon the Sea coast, with a haven so called toward the South, and therefore called Southampton, between the angles of Kent and Cornwall, they do measure by strait line the whole length of the Island, and do say, that it containeth. 800. miles, as the breadth from Meneva or Saint David's to Yarmouth, which is in the uttermost part of the Island towards the east, doth contain. 200. miles, for the breadth of the Island is in the South part, which part is the front and beginning of the land, and endeth narrow, or as it were in a straight. So the circuit or compass of the Island is. 1800. miles, which is. 200. less than Caesar doth reckon or account. (⸪) ❧ Of the first habitation of this Island, a short note to the Reader. WHere it is recorded by the sacred and most ancient Gene. 10. History, that after the universal flood, the Isles of the Gentiles were divided by the posterity of japheth the son of Noah, we doubt not but this Isle of Britain was also then peopled by his progeny, the History of whom, as it is to be wished and appertinent to this purpose, so sith it is irrecoverable, not only unto us, but also to other nations, I think it better to say nothing therein, than to set down here Samothes, Magus, Sarron, Druys, and Bardus for his successors, which are upholden and boulstered only by the credit and authority of a new small pamphlet falsely forged, and thrust into the world under the title of the ancient Historian Berosus. For that is the censure of all the best learned, as concerning our common Berosus, which at his first appearing, about one hundred years since, was partly suspect Lodovicus vives. Gasparus Varrerius. by Lodovicus vives, afterward convinced to be fabulous by the learned Gas. Varrerius, in a several treatise, and now universally rejected of all skilful Antiquariesas, a mere fable unworthy the name of Berosus. Therefore I dare not ground the beginning of our History upon the credit thereof, unless I would be prejudicial to the truth whereunto I level all my endeavour. I hope it shall be sufficient in this History for the Britons time, to follow the authority of the received British History, which Geffrey Archdeacon of Monmouth translated out of the British tongue about. 400. years since, beginning with Brute, who after the progeny of japheth seemeth to be first discoverer, namer, and Ruler of this land. Yet before we enter into the History of Brute, it shall not be impertinente to note here that where as Pomponius Mela mentioneth that one Hercules killed Albion a Giant about the mouth of Rhosne in France, many learned men have judged the said Albion to have ruled here, (sith the Greek monuments do always call this Isle ALBION,) and after his death Nicol. Perotus Lilius Giraldus. Solinus. that Hercules came hither, Lilius Giraldus writeth. An ancient altar also containing the inscription of a vow found in the uttermost North part of Britain 1500. years since, as Solinus reporteth, plainly proved that Ulysses the renowned Grecian in his ten years travails, after the sacking of Troy, arrived in this our Country. And thus much is found only in approved Histories as concerning Britain before the arrival of Brutus. (⸪) The race of the Kings of Britain since Brute: and in the margin are placed the years before Christ his birth, when every King began their reigns, till Cunobelinus, in whose time Christ the Saviour of the world was borne, and then following, the years from christ his birth are placed. BRute the son of Silvius, the son of Ascanius, 1108 Gaufrid●. the son of Aeneas, after the death of his father, being banished into Gréece, delivered there the remnant of the Troyans' from the long captivity, wherein they were detained under the Grecians, with whom he departed thence for to seek some habitation: and associating to himself Corineus with his Troyans' whom he found in the way, after a long and weary journey, and many notable acts achieved in Aquitaine, he arrived in this Island, which was called Albion, at a place now called Totnes in Devonshire, the year of the world. 2855. the year before Christ's nativity. 1108. wherein he first began to reign, and named it Britain, (as some writ) or rather after his own name Brutaine, as Aethicus Aethicus. that wonderful Philosopher (a Scythian by race, but an Istrian by Country) translated by Saint Jerome above a thousand years past, termeth both it and the Isles adjacent Insulas Brutannicas. And for more proof of this restored name, Brutannicas. not only the said Philosopher (who traveled through many lands, and in this land taught the knowledge of mineral works) may be alleged, but sundry other, as the Sibyl's Oracles, who in the name of the Britons is written with y. that is the Greeks little u. which Oracles although they were not the Sibyls own work, as some suspect, Oracula Sibili. yet are they very ancient indeed, and that they might seem more ancient, use the most ancient name of Countries and peoples. And some English writers above an hundred years since, usually do name it Brutan, and not otherwise, ● Mandevil. through a large history of this land, translated out of French. Brute builded the City of new Troy, now called London, he established therein the Trojan laws, & gave the uttermost Western part of the Realm to his companion Corineus, of whose name it was called Corinea, and to this john Harding. john Hanuile. Nichol. Vpton. day Cornwall. john Harding saith, that Brute bore Gules two Lions rampant endorsed Ore. Also a Banner of a Uertdian of Gold fichule crowned and entronized, that were Aeneas arms when he entered the land of Latins. john Hanuil in Archinis, and Nicholas Vpton, saith he bare o'er a Lio●● passant Gules. When his death approached, he divided the whole Island among his three sons, which he had by Innogen his wife, Locrine, Camber, and Albanact. Unto Locrine he gave the middle part between Humber and Severn, which of him was called Loegria▪ To Camber he gave all the region beyond Severn, which of him took the name of Cambria, and is now called Wales. To Albanact he gave all the lands beyond Humber, which of his name was called Albania: after which partition he deceased, when he had reigned. 24. years, and was buried at new Troy. LOcrine, the eldest son of Brute reigned. xx. years: he 1084 Gaufride. chased the Huns▪ which invaded this realm: and pursued them so sharply, that many of them with their King were drowned in a river which then parted England and Scotland. And forsomuch as the king of Huns, named Humber, was there drowned, the river is till this day named H●mber. This king Loctine had to wife▪ Guendoline▪ daughter How Humber took that name of Corineus, Duke of Cornwall, by whom he had a son named Madan▪ He also kept as Paramour, the beautiful Lady estrild, by whom he had a daughter named Sabrine. And after the death of Corineus, he put from him the said Guendoline, and wedded estrild: but Guendoline repaired to Cornwall, where she gathered a great power, and fought with King Locrine, and slew him. He was buried at new Troy. She drowned the Lady estrild, with her daughter Sabrine in a river, that after the young Severne. maidens name is called Severne. GVendoline the daughter of Corineus and wife to Locrine 1064 Gwendoline a Queen reigned. Gaufride. Flores Historiar. (forsomuch as Madan her son was too young to govern the land) was by common assent of all the Britons, made ruler of the whole Isle of Britain, which she well and discreetly ruled, to the comfort of her subjects. xv. years, and then left the same to her son Madan. MAdan, the son of Locrine and Guendoline▪ was made 1049 ruler of britain: he used great tyranny among his Britons: and being at his disport of hunting, he was devoured The King devoured by Wolves. by wild Wolves, when he had reigned. xl. years. He left him two sons, named Mempricius and Manlius. One old pedigrée saith, he builded the city of Madan▪ now of the river Doncaster builded. Don called Doncaster. MEmpricius, the son of Madan, being King, by treason slew 1009 A trautor to his brother, devoured of wild beasts. his brother Manlius after whose death he lived in more tranquillity, wherethrough he fell in sloth, & so to lechery, taking the wives & daughters of his subjects: & lastly, became so evil, that he forsook his wife and concubines, and fell to the sin of Sodomy with beasts, whereby he became audible to God & man. And going on hunting, he lost his company, & was destroyed of wild Wolves, whereof the land was then full, when he had reigned. xx. years. EBranke, the son of Mempricius, was made ruler of Britain, 989 Gaufride. he had. xx●. wives▪ of whom he received. xx. sons, and. thirty. daughters: which▪ were scent by their fathers to Alba Flores Histariarun . Silvius, the fourth King of Albanois▪ in Italy▪ to be married to the Albans. This Ebranke first after Brutus attempted to invade France with an army▪ 〈…〉 s jacobus jacobus Bergomas. jacobus Lessabeus Bergomas. sayeth in his sixth of his Chronicles, and jacobus▪ Lessabeus in the description of Henault affirmeth the same, and that he was driven back by Brunchildis Lord of Henault with no small loss of his men. Assaracus the second Germany took the name of Ebranke his sons, who conquered the same. son of Ebranke, with the rest of his younger brethren 18. at the least, by the aid of Alba Silvius, conquered all Germany, which was then no great matter, for then Europe was very smally inhabited, save only about the Sea coasts, as Dalmatia, Italy, and the coasts of France, as in reading the histories may easily be seen how the East people at sundry Bergoma●. Hector Bo●nu●. times came swarming into Europe. Of these brethren had Germany the name, à Germanis fratribus, that had subdued it. Ebranke was a founder of many Cities (saith Bergomas) as Alcluid in Albania (now Scotland) which is after Dunbretain, Edenbrough, Bamburgh, and York builded. Hector Boetius, Dunbretaine, but other think the same to be clean destroyed. He made the Castle of Maidens, now called Edenbrough. He made also the castle of Bamburgh: in the. twenty-three. year of his reign he builded Kayrbranke, now called since by the Saxons, Euorwike, now corruptely York, wherein he builded a Temple to Diana, & set there an Archflame, and was there buried when he had reigned. lx. years. john Rouse sayeth he builded Caior Manor after it was called Bellositum, at length Caior Bossa, Rhydichen, and Oxenford, of a certain Ford, which john Leiland calleth Isis, in English Ouse, and saith it is namely called Oxford for Ouseforde. Brutus'. 2. the eldest son of Ebranke, succeeded in the kingdom, 929 and for that his father had received such a repulse at the hands of Brunchildis Lord of Henault, he, in revenge thereof invaded Henault with a great army in the Fens and Marshlande at the mouth of the River Scaldis (of old time named Stadus) and encamped himself upon the River Hania, where between Brutus and Brunchildis, was fought a strong battle in that place, which to this day is called, Estam bruges, of the station and camp of Brutus, as jacobus Lessabeus writeth in his description of Henaulte. This Brute of his lusty courage was surnamed Gréeneshielde, he reigned. xij. years, and was buried at York. LEill the son of Brute Greeneshielde, being a lover of 917 john Bradshaw. peace, builded Carleile and repaired Carleon, which was since by the Romans re-edified, when a legion of Soldiers was sent thither, and by them named The City of Legions, now called Chester, of the ancient building with vaults and towers, each house like a Castle, which sometime had been of great pleasance. A legion of the Romans (as Vigetius reporteth) contained 6000. warriors or more: Vigetius. which legion was divided into 10. bands, but the first passed all the rest, both in number of soldiers, and also in estimation: for this band bore the Eagle, which was the chiefest Standard of the Romans. This first band contained 1105. footmen, heavy armed horsemen 132. and was named Cohors miliaria, that is to say, a company of a thousand and more soldiers. This band is the head of all the legion: whensoever they must fight, these begin the battle, & are first set in order in the front of the battle. The second band containeth 555. footmen, and 66. horsemen of heavy armour, and this band is called Cohors quingentaria, that is to say, a company of 500 and more soldiers. The third band likewise hath 555. footmen, and 66. horsemen, The fourth band hath 555. footmen, and 66. horsemen. The fifth band hath as many. These five bands are set in array in the first battle. The sixth band hath 555. footmen, and 66. horsemen. The seventh band hath 555. footmen, 66. horsemen. The eight band hath 555. footmen, 66. horsemen. The ninth band hath 555. footmen, 66. horsemen. The tenth hath 555. footmen, 66. horsemen. These ten bands make a full and perfect legion, containing. 6100. footmen, and 726. horsemen. King Leill in the end of his▪ reign fell to sloth and lust of the body, by mean whereof civil strife was raised, and not in his days ended. He reigned. xxv. years, and was buried at Carleile alias Chester. RVdhudibras, alias Cicuber, the son of Leil, builded Caergant, Canterbury▪ Winchester, & Shaftisbury built. of the englishmen called Canterbury, (that is to say, the Court of the Kentishemen) Caierguent, now Winchester, and Caersepton now called Shaftisburie, wherein he builded three Temples, and placed in the same Flamines. Flores Historiarum He reigned xxix. years. BLadud the son of Rudhudibras, who had long studied at 863 Stamford an Vninersitie. Athens, brought with him four Philosophers, to keep School in Britain: for the which he builded Stamforde, and made it an University, wherein he had great number of Scholars studying in all the seven liberal Sciences: which University dured to the coming of Saint Augustine. At which time the Bishop of Rome interdicted it for heresies john Harding. I. Rouse. john Ba●e in ●ys Votaries. Bathe with the hot Baths built. The King attempteth to fly. that fell among the Saxons and Brytons together mixed, so saith Harding. He builded Caier Badon or Bathe, and made there a Temple to Apollo, and placed there a Flamine: he made also the hot Baths, and practised his Necromancy: he decked himself in feathers, and presumed to fly, but by falling on his Temple, he broke his neck, when he had reigned. xx. years. LEire son of Bladud succeeded his father. He builded Caier 844 Leycester built. Flores Historiarum. Lair upon the River Sore, now called Leycéster, and made there a Temple of janus, placing a Flamine to govern the same. He had three daughters, Gonorel, Ragan, & Cordeile, which Cordeile for her virtue and wisdom towards her father, succeeded him in the kingdom. When he had reigned xl. years he deceased, and was buried under the channel of the River Sore, within Leicester. This vault under the ●. Rouse. earth was built in honour of janus Bifrons. There all the Workmen of that City, when the solemnity of the day came, begun all things that they had to do the year following. COrdila, the youngest daughter of Leire, succeeding her father, 805 was sore vexed by her two nephews, Morgan of Albany, & Conedagius of Camber and Cornwall who at the length took & cast her in prison: where she being in despair of recovering her estate, slew herself, when she had reigned. v. years, and was buried at Leicester in janus Temple, by her father. MOrgan, the eldest son of Dame Gonorell, claimed 800 Britain, and warred on his nephew Conedagius, that was King of Camber (that now is Wales) and of Cornwall: but Conedagius met with Morgan in Wales, and there slew him: which place is called Glamorgan till How Glamorganshire took that name. this day. And then Conedagius was King of all Britain. He builded a Temple of Mars at perch, that now is Saint Saint john's town builded. John's Town in scotland, and placed there a Flamine: He builded another of Minerva in Wales, which now is named Bangor. The third he made of Mercury in Cornwall, Bangor built. where he was borne. He reigned. xxxiij. years, and was buried at new Troy. RIuallo, son of Conedagius, succeeded his father, in whose 766 Blood rained. Flores Historiarum. time it reigned blood three days: after which tempest ensued a great multitude of venomous Flies, which slew much people: and then a great mortality throughout this land, which caused almost desolation of the same. This Rivallo reigned over this whole Island. xluj. years, and then deceased, and was buried at Caierbranke, that now is York. Rome was builded in Italy by Remus and Romulus Rome builded. 356. years after Brute arrived in this land. GVigustus, son of Rivallo succeeded in the Kingdom of 721 Britain who reigned quietly, but was a common drunkard, whereof followed all other vices. When he had reigned. xxxviij. years, he deceased, and was buried at York. SCicilius, brother of Gurgustus, succeeded in the Kingdom: 684 of whom is left but little memory: he reigned. xlix. years, and was buried at Bathe. IAgo or Lago, Cousin of Curgustus, reigned. xxv. years: 636 for his evil government he died of a Lethargy, and was buried at York. john de Vigney, in his Book named The Moralization johannes de Vigney. Game of Chess devised. of the Chess, sayeth, that the same game of the Chess, was devised by Xerxes the Philosopher, otherwise named Philometre, to reprove and correct the cruel mind of a filmous Tyrant called E●●lmerodach King of Babylon (as is supposed) about the year before Christ's birth. 614. ¶ Kim●acus reigned. liiij. years, and was buried at York. 612 GOrbodug reigned three score and three years, and was 559 Flores Historiarum. 496 The brother slew the brother, and the mother murdered her own son. buried at new Troy. FErrex with his brother Porrex, ruled Britain five years: but it was not long ere they fell at civil discord for the sovereign dominion, in which Ferrex was slain, and Porrex afterwards by his mother, whose name was Idoine, was killed in his bed. Thus cruelly was the blood and house of Brute destroyed, when this realm by the space Brutus' line extinguished. of 616. years had been governed by that lineage. After this the realm was divided with civil wars, for lack of one sovereign governor, until Dunwallo reduced the same into one Monarchy. MVlmutius Dunwallo, the son of Cloten, Duke of Cornwall, 442 First King that wore a crown of gold, who builded Blackwell Hall. The second Laws were Mulmutius laws. Flores Historiarum. reduced this Realm into one Monarchy, being before by civil wars and dissension severed and brought into divers dominions: he was the first that ware a crown of gold: he constituted good laws, which long after were called Mulmutius Laws. These laws holy Gildas wrote out of the British speech into Latin. He gave priniledges unto Temples, and ploughs, and began to make the four notable ways in Britain. In new Troy he builded a great Temple called Templum Pacis, which some suppose to be Saint Paul's, some Blackwell Hall, and without doubt, the old work of Blackwel Hall now remaining, was the Jews Synagogue. He reigned. xl. years, leaving after him two sons, Belinus and Brennus. He was buried in the Temple of Peace which he had builded. BElinus and Brennus, sons of Mulmutius and Cornovenna, 401 divided this whole Isle of Britain between them. Unto Beline the elder brother was appointed England, Wales, and Cornwall. Unto the other the North part beyond Humber. This Brennus, a young man, desirous of glory Flores Historiarum. I. Leiland. ●a●fride. and dominion, raised war against Beline. But in conclusion, by the means of their mother, they were accorded, and Brennus being wholly given to the study of wars, left his country to that governance of his brother, & went into France amongst the Galls, where for his excellent qualities he was greatly esteemed, & made of them their sovereign Captain, with whom he passed into Italy, sacked Rome, and expelling the tuscans, builded Milan, Brescia, Como, Bergamo, Vincenza, Trent, & Verona, which he called after his own name Brenona. After justine. this (as writeth Trogus Pompeius, abridged by justine,) he raised an host of 150000. footmen, and 15000. horsemen, & invaded Macedon again. When Sosthenes saw how they wasted the Country and villages, he met them with his host of Macedones well appointed. But by reason they were few, and their enemies many, they were soon put to the worse. Wherefore while the Macedones being beaten, kept them within the walls of their Cities, Brennus like a conqueror, against whom no man durst show his head to make resistance, foraged all the Isles of Macedon. And from thence as though those booties and spoils seemed too base and simple in his eye, he turned his mind to the Temples of the Gods immortal, malapertly scoffing that the gods were rich, and aught to depart liberally to men. Therefore he took his journey towards Delphos, setting more by the gain of the gold that had been offered to the Gods, than by their displeasure. The Temple of Apollo at Delphos, is situate in the mount Parnassus, upon a cliff on every side falling steep down. There the confluence of men hath made a populous City. Moreover both the Temple and the town are enclosed with the stéepenesse of the rock. The middle part of the rock inward is in fashion like a Theatre, by means whereof when men make any shouting, or any Trumpet is sounded, the same breaketh & redoundeth in such wise upon the stones from one to another, that the Echo is herd double and triple, the noise resounding far louder than it went forth. The which causeth the ignorant to stand in more fear, thinking it to be the presence of the godhead. In the winding of the rock, almost midway to the top of the Hil, there is a little plain, and in the same a deep hole into the ground, which serveth to give Oracles: Out of the which a certain cold breath ascending upward, stirreth the minds of the Prophets into a madness, and so compelleth them to give answer to such as come for counsel. In the same place therefore, there are to be seen many and rich gifts of kings and peoples. Wherefore when Brutus came within the view of the Temple, he was in doubt a great while, whether he were better to attempt the matter forthwith, or give his soldiers that night's respite to rest them. Euridanus and Thessalonus, who for covetousness of the pray, had joined themselves with him, willed to cut off all delay, while their enemies were unprovided, where as by giving them that night's respite, their enemies should perchance get both courage and succour: but the common soldiers of the Frenchmen, when after long penury, they found a Country replenished with wine, and all other kind of victuals, they dispersed themselves in the fields, making havoc of all things like conguerours, by which means the Delphians had respite to lay for themselves, and manned the town by the help of their neighbours, or ever the Frenchmen could be called from the wine Fat to their standard. Brennus had threescore and five thousand chosen footmen of the best in all his host, where as the Delphians were in all but. 4000 fight men. In disdain of which small handful, Brennus to the intent to sharpen the minds of his men, showed them all, what a rich and plentiful pray they should have. The Frenchmen being by this vouching of their Captain, or rather by their own beholding, stirred up, and also wounded with the wine they had poured in the day before, without respite of any danger ran herlong to the encounter. On the contrary part, the Delphians putting more trust in God than in their own strength, resisted their enemies, and what with stones, and what with their weapons, threw the Frenchmen (as they scaled,) headlong from the top of the mountain. While the two parts were thus striving one with another, suddenly the Priests of all the Temples, and the Prophets, with their hair about their ears, etc. like men 'straught & out of their wits, came running into the forefront of the battle, crying out, that while they were all making their supplications to God for aid, they met a young man of beauty and parsonage, far excelling any mortal creature, and in his company two Virgins in armour, wherefore they besought them, seeing the Gods did guard their standard, they should not stick to dispatch their enemies. And there with all they forthwith perceived that God was present on their side. For both a piece of the mountain being broken off, by a sudden earthquake, overwhelmed the French host, and the thickest of their enemies (not without great slaughter,) were opened and put to flight. In the neck whereof there ensued a tempest, with hail, thunder, and lightning, consuming as many as were any thing sore wounded. The Captain Brennus himself not being able to abide the smart of his wounds, Brennus killeth himself. took ● sword and killed himself. Thus far abridged out of justrne. Beline in the mean time both in civil justice and also Religion, greatly increased his Realm. He made three Archflamines, whose Seas were at new Troy, Kayrbranke, & Kayrlegion. Archflames. Four notable ways. He finished the four great ways begun by his Father: he subdued and made tributary unto him Denmark. In new Troy he made the Haven, which at this day retaineth Belines gate builded. john Leland. Tower of Lon. doen first builded. the name of him, called Belines Gate: And as john Lelande writeth, he builded the Tower of new Troy. He married his daughter Cambria, unto a Prince of Almain called Antenor, of whom these people were called Cymbri, and Sycambri. Finally, after he had reigned with his brother and alone xxuj. years, he died: and after the Pagan manner, with great pomp was burned, and his ashes in a vessel of brass set on a high pinnacle over Belines Gate. He builded Carlheon upon Flores Historiarum. the River Uske, which since by a legion of the Romans there placed, was named Caerlegion, now clean destroyed. GVrgunstus, son of Beline, succeeded his father. I. Rouse saith 375 he builded Caier Werithe, that is Longcastra: He subdued Denmark, compelling them to continue their tribute, and in his return home, met with a fleet of Basdenses coming from the parts of Spain, which were seeking for habitations, Giraldus. because their Country was so populous, and not able to sustain them, to whom the king granted the Isle of Ireland Ireland inhabited. to inhabit, and to hold the same of him as their sovereign Lord: But the Scots writ, that Spaniards arrived before Hector Boetius. this time in Ireland. This Gurgunstus builded Porchester and Warwick in the middle of the Realm, (saith I. Rouse.) He reigned. xxix. years, and was buried at Caerlheon. GVinthelinus, son of Gurgunstus, was Crowned king of 356 Britain. A prince sober and quiet, who had to wife a noble woman named Mercia, of excellent learning and knowledge. Flores Historiarum. She devised certain laws, which long time among the Britons were greatly esteemed, and named Marcian Marcian laws the third . Laws. This prince reigned. xxuj. years, and was buried at new Troy. CEcilius the son of Guinthelin and Marcia, reigned. seven. 350 years (as the Scots writ.) In the first year of his reign, a people called Picts, arrived here in Britain, and possessed those parts, which now be the Marches of both The Picts first inhabited the Marches. Realms England and scotland. Cecilius was buried at Caerlheon. KImarus succeeded Cecilius, who being a wild young man, & living after his own lust, reigned but three years, and 323 was slain as he was hunting of wild beasts. ELanius, called also Danius, was king of Britain nine 321 years. MOrindus, the bastard son of Danius, began to reign 311 in Britain: he fought with a king who came out of Germany, and slew him with all his power. Moreover, Gaufride. out of the Irish Seas in his time came forth a wonderful monster, which destroyed much people: Whereof the king hearing, would of his valiant courage, needs fight with it, by whom he was clean devoured when he had reigned eight years. GOrbomannus, eldest son of Morindus, reigned eleven 303 years: a Prince just and religious: he renewed the Temples of his Gods, and governed his people in peace & wealth. This Gorbomannus builded Grantham in Lincolnshire. Our English Chronicle saith, he builded both the towns Caxton Grantham builded. I. Ro●fe. of Cambridge and Grantham: but seeing that Cambridge in ancient Chronicles is called Grant (as it is also Grantchester, Cairgrant, and Grantbridge) it was an easy matter (as Grammarians know) to translate Grantham into Cambridge, and so ascribe the building of both Towns to him that builded but one of them. ARchigallo, brother to Gorbomannus, was crowned king 292 of Britain: he was in conditions unlike to his brother: for he deposed the noblemen, and exalted the unnoble. He extorted from men their goods to enrich his treasury: for which cause by the estates of the Realm he was deprived of The King deprived. his royal dignity, when he had reigned five years. Elidurus', the third son of Morindus, and brother to 286 Archigallo, was elected King of Britain: a virtuous & gentle Prince, who governed his people justly. As he was hunting in a forest, by chance he met with his brother Archigallo, whom most lovingly he embraced, and found the means to reconcile him to his Lords, and then resigned to him his royal dignity, when he had reigned five years. ARchigallo, thus restored to his royal estate, ruled the 282 people quietly and justly ten years, and lieth buried at York. Elidurus' aforenamed, after the death of his brother Archigallo, 272 for his piety and Justice, by the general consent of the Britons was again chosen King. But he reigned not passing two years, but that his younger brethren, Vigenius and Peredurus raised war against him, took him prisoner, and cast him into the Tower of new Troy, where he remained during their reign. VIgenius and Peredurus, after the taking of their brother, 270 The town of Pickering built. Caxton. I. Rouse. reigned together seven years. Vigenius then died, and Peredurus reigned after alone two years. He builded the town of Pickering in the North parts of Yorkshire. Elidurus', the third time was made king, who continued 261 his latter reign honourably and justly: but being sore bruised with age and troubles, he finished his life, when he had now lastly reigned four years, and was buried at Carlisle. Gorbonian reigned in Britain ten years. 258 248 2●4 Morgan guided the Realm peaceably fourteen years. EMerianus his brother, when he had tyrannously reigned seven years was deposed. IVal was chosen King for his justice, and temperance, which 227 governed peaceably twenty years. RImo governed this Realm sixteen years, his time was 207 191 171 A good example. peaceable. Geruncius reigned in Britain twenty years. CAtellus reigned peaceably ten years, he hung up all oppressors of the poor, to give example unto other. COilus succeeded Catellus, who quietly reigned twenty 161 years. Porrex, a virtuous and gentle Prince, reigned five years. 142 CHirimus, through his drunkenness, reigned but one 136 135 133 132 131 136 1●4 120 118 year. Fulgen his son reigned two years in Britain. Eldred, reigned in Britain but one year. Androgius, likewise reigned but one year. VRianus the son of Androgius, wholly gave himself to the lusts of the flesh, and reigned three years. Eliud reigned five years, who was a great Astronomer. Dedantius' King of Britain reigned five years. Detonus reigned in this land two years. Gurgineus reigned three years in Britain. Merianus was king of Britain two years. 115 113 111 108 106 104 94 91 Prodigious signs. 88 86 82 81 78 76 74 70 Bladunus governed this land of Britain two years. Capenus reigned king of Britain three years. Ouinus ruled this land of Britain two years. Silius reigned in this land of Britain two years. BLedgabredus reigned ten years, and gave himself to the study of Music. Archemalus was king of Britain two years. ELdolus reigned four years. In his time diverse prodigies were seen, as Globes of fire, bursting out of the air with great noise. etc. Rodianus, was king of Britain two years. Redargius reigned king of Britain three years. Samulius reigned king of Britain two years. Penisellus was king of Britain three years. Pyrrhus' ruled this land of Britain two years. Caporus, was king of Britain two years. DInellus, the son of Caporus, a just and virtuous prince, governed this Real me four years. HElius his son, reigned not fully one year. Of this prince the isle of Elie took the name. LVd the eldest son of Hely, succeeded his father: he amended 66 Lud repaired & fortified London. Flores Hist. his laws, and took away all usages that were nought: moreover he repaired the City of new T●●y with fair buildings and waltestand builded on the West part thereof, a strong gate; which unto this time retaineth the ●●●ne of him and is called Ludgate. Finally, he died, leaving after him two sons Androgius and Theomantius: who not being Ludston, or London took the name of king Lud. of the age ●o governed, their uncle Cassibelan obtained the Crown. London took the name of Lud, and was called Ludston: He was buried near to the same Ludgate, in a Temple which he there ●●ilded. CAssibelanus, the son of Hely, after the death of his brother 58 john B●le. julius Caesar his first voyage into England, Eutropiu●. Lud, was made governor of Britain, which ruled nineteen. years. In the. viij. year of his reign, julius Caesar co●●●ing unto that part where Caleys and Boloigue now stand, determined to make war into Britain, which Eutropiu●. until that time remained unfrequented and unknown of the Romans. His quarrel was, because the in the wars of France, Caesar's Commentaries. he perceived the Frenchmen to have much succour and aid from thence: And because he could not understand nor learn the greatness or state of the Island, neither what nations they were which inhabited the same, nor what laws, customs, or kind of government they used, nor yet what Havens they had, able to receive any number of ships, he sent Caius Volusenus before with a Galley, to discover as much as he could, concerning those matters, who within five days after returned to Caesar, declaring such things as he had learned by coasting alongst the shore, for he durst not for fear of the Britons stir out of his Galley. In the mean space there came Ambassadors from many Cities of the Isle, and delivered him Hostages, with whom he sent Comius of Arras, charging him to exhort and persuade the rest of the Cities and Counties to do the like. And he himself shortly after having prepared. lxxx. ships, sailed into Britain, where Two voyages of Caesar. at the first being wearied with an hard and sharp battle, and after with sudden tempest his navy almost destroyed: he returned again into France, there to winter his men. The next Spring (which was the year before Christ. 51.) his navy being new rigged and increased, he passed the Seas again with a greater army, but whiles he went towards his enemies on land, his ships lying at Anchor, were driven on the sands, where they stack fast: or else through beating one against another, with force of the tempest, they were destroyed, so that. xl. were lost, the other with much labour were saved. In the mean space Saeva one of Caesar's soldiers, Eutropius. with four others, who before in a small vessel were conveyed to a rock near the Isle, and by ebbing of the Ocean being forsaken, a great number of Britons fell on a few Romans, and some of his companions (though but few) found means to return by boat, but Saeva remained with out fear in the midst of his enemies dar●s; first with his spear he resisted them, after with his sword he alone fought against many of them, and when he was both weary & wounded, and had lost his helmet and shield, with two light harnesses, he ran to Caesar's tents, and asked pardon of the Emperor for his overboldness, who not only forgave him, but honoured him with the Office of a Centurion. Upon land Caesar's horsemen at the first encounter were vanquished, & Laberius Durus the Tribune slain in a place now called Cheston would near unto Rochester, (as saith the Chronicle of Wygmore.) Cro Wigmore. At the second conflict, not without great danger of his men, he put the Britons to fight, from thence he went unto the river Thamis, on the further side whereof Cassibelanus with a great multitude of people was keeping the banks, who had set all the said banks, and all the shallow places, under the Caesar's Comen. water with sharp stakes, every one of them as big as a man's thigh, bound about with lead, and driven so fast into the bottom of the river, that they can never be removed, (so saith Bede. Asser. Bede, and Asser,) who affirm that in their times the said stakes were easily perceived to remain as aforesaid. But Cassibelanus and his Britain's not being able to resist the violence and force of the Romans, hide themselves in woods, & with sudden eruptions oftentimes invaded them: but in the London submitted to Caesar. mean time London their strongest City submitted itself, & delivered hostages to Caesar, who at their request placed Mandubratius to be their governor, whose Father called Imanentius, being chief Lord or ruler of the Trinobants, Cassibelane had before slain, wherewith Mandubratius fled, and coming to Caesar, not only submitted himself, but also was a great means (as many do write) for Caesar to subdue the rest: yet did Cassibelane send messengers to the four Kings that ruled in the quarters of Kente, that with all their puissance they should set on the Romans that lay next them: their names were Cingetorex, Caruilius, Taximagulus, & Segonax, who obeying his request were discomfited, and Cingetorex taken, wherewithal Cassibelane being dismayed after many losses, was constrained to give pledges, and to agree that Britain should become tributary to Romans. Then Caesar julius C●sar conquering the world was slain with bodkins. Eutropius. john Lydgate. Pliny. Suetonius. The Castles of Dover, Cauterbury, Rochester & the tower of London built. Salisbury, Chichester, & Excester builded. like a conqueror, with a great number of prisoners sailed into France and so to Rome, where after his return out of Britain, he consecrated to Venus a surcotte of britain Pearls, the desire whereof partly moved him to invade this Country: shortly after he was by the Senate slain in the Counsel house. john Lydgate, john Rouse and others writ, that julius Caesar builded in this land the Castles of Dover, of Canturburie, Rochester and the Tower of London, the Castle and town of Caesar's Bury, taking his name after Caesar, the which is now called Salisbury. He also edified Caesar's Chester, that now is called Chichester, and the castle of Excester. etc. Caesar in his Commentaries faith, the Brytons coin was Caesar's Commenmentaries touching the barbarousness of Brytons. of brass, or else rings of Iron sized at a certain weight, in stead of money: they thought it a heinous thing to taste a Hare, a Hen, or a Goose: they clothed themselves in Leather: they died themselves with woad, which setting a bluish colour upon them, made them more terrible to behold in battle: they ware their hair long, and shaved all parts of their bodies, saving the head and upper lip: they had ten or twelve wives a piece, common with themselves, specially brothers with brothers, and parents with their children, but the issue that came of them was accounted his that first married the mother. Theomantius, the son of Lud, and nephew to Cassibelan, 37 succeeded in the Realm of Britain, and reigned quietly twenty-three. years: he was buried at London. octavius Augustus desiring to be like julius Caesar his 34 Dion. Cassius. ●●●. 49. Father (for so he always termed him) prepared an expedition in Britain, but being come forward into France, understanding that the Panonians lately subdued, rebelled, he turned his power against them, and altered his mind as touching our Country. THe fourth year after, he opened the Temple of janus at 25 Rome, fully determining to invade Britain, but when he had marched on his way, as far as Ariminum Ambassadors of Britain met him, humbly suing for peace, & submitting Dio. 53. G●l●●●u●. themselves unto his obedience and protection. Wherefore he stayed again to settle some troubles then raised in France. THe year following, because the covenants between him 24 and the Britain's could not be agreed upon, he made provision for a third expedition into this I'll, but an actual rebellion in Biscay and Savoy withheld him then also. But S●●●bo. lib. 4. shortly after Ambassadors came from Britain to Rome entreating for peace, swearing filthily in the Temple of Mars, offering gifts in the Capitol to the Gods of the Romans: and submitted part of the isle unto Angustus. Now the Britons began first to pay tolls and tribute without grudging, for all wares which they traded, which were for that time, ivory boxes, tongues, ouches, & other trinkets of amber and glass. And all here were so quiet, that one band of soldiers and a few horsemen were sufficient to keep the isle in the Roman possession. CVnobelinus the son of Theomantius reigned king in 14 Britain. xxxv. years, and was buried at London. In the xiv. year of his reign Christ our saviour was borne in Bethlehem of juda. From this place following, the years from Christ his birth are placed in the Margin. WHen Caesar Augustus the second Emperor, by the Anno Christi 1 Ex Eusebi. Paulus Orosi. Baptista Platin●, Martinus Polon●●. will of GOD had established most sure peace through the World, our redeemer jesus Christ, very God and man, was borne in the. xlij. year of the reign of Augustus, he began to preach the. xv. year of Tiberius, and suffered his passion the. xviij. year of the same Tiberius, according to the Prophecies. But here is to be noted, that the first year of our Lord hath but seven days, after some computation, for he was borne the. xxv. day of December, & the first of Januarie following, began the second year. GViderius, the first son of Cunobelinus, was ordained King. 21 Flores Historiarum This man was valiant, hardy, wealthy, and trusted much in his strength. And for that he thought the Romans had their tribute wrongfully, he of great courage denied to pay the same. Wherefore Tiberius the Emperor purposed to come hither in person, but death prevented him. Guiderius reigned Geffrey Mo●. 23. years. arviragus, or rather (as the britains term Humphrey L●●yd. him) Monrigus, the youngest son of Cunobelinus, and brother of Guiderius was ordained King of Britain: he slew G. Mon. Hamon near to a haven of the sea, & threw him gobbet meal therein, it is now called southhampton. He strengthened the Castle C●r●. Dover. of Dover, and also the Castle of Richbourgh, near unto Sandwich in Kent. He reigned. xxviij. years, and was buried at Gloucester. ALbeit the Britain History doth here place arviragus, yet 40 it is probable that Cunobelinus as yet lived, for about, 40, years after Christ: Admimus the son of Cunobeline banished Suetonius. out of Britain by his Father, was received into protection by Caius Caligula the fourth Emperor, who was then Dio. lib▪ 59 set forward with great preparation against Britain, but when he came into the parts of Holland against Norfolk he stayed, writing vaunting letters to the Senate, that all britain was yielded unto him, because Admimus had so done. afterward The ridiculo ●● expedition of Caligula into Britain. as though he would immediately fight a field, he cast his men into battles, and squadrons upon the sea coast, disposing all his Engines in most warlike manner (no man knowing what he meant): this done he himself in a Gallye launched into the sea, and immediately returning, he caused the Trumpets to sound to battle, & suddenly commanded them to gather cockles and muscle shells, and therewith to fill their helmets, saying they were spoils due to the Capitol, and in these spoils he greatly triumphed, as though he had subdued the Ocean. He rewarded his soldiers, and returned to Rome, after he had built a high watch Tower in token of his victory against the sea, the ruins whereof are great remaining in Holland, but overflowed by the water, and is to this day called the Brytons house, in remembrance of this ridiculous expedition against Britain, by the persuasion Britain house in Holland. of Bericus banished out of Britain. Claudius' the Emperor dispatched Aulus Plantius with 45 an army into Britain, where after divers conflicts when he had received part of the Bodunni into his tuition▪ and had slain Cataracus and Togodumus sons of Cunobeline, & thereby had made the Britain's more eager to revenge, he sent for Claudius himself, who with great preparation and Elephants, Dio. Suetonius. came into Brytanne to his army, than encamped near the Thames, with which he passed over into Essex, fought with the Brytanies, obtained the victory, took the chief City of Cunobeline, and all weapons from the britains, and so returned to Rome the sirthe month after he set forth from thence, where he triumphed, surnaming his son Brytanicus: to which triumph he permitted not only the precedents of provinces, but also certain banished prisoners to repair to Rome: and amidst the spoils taken from the Britain's, he fixed on the top of his Palace a crown of gold beset with stems and foreparts of ships, in token he had vanquished the British Ocean. He behaved himself very courteously towards diverse of his friends, in so much that when Plantius (a notable man) who in his voyage which he made into Britain achieved divers notable acts, and should triumph for the same, the Emperor himself accompanied him, and (the use being such that with his triumph he should go up into the Capitol) Claudius gave him the pre-eminence▪ and went on the left hand. At this time Vespasian who was after Emperor, was sent by Claudius into britain, where he fought 30 times with the Britons, subdued to the Roman Empire two worthy nations, above 20. towns, and the isle of Wight. OStorius was appointed lieutenant in Britain for the 50 Romans who at his first entry in the beginning of Winter assaileth the Britons, & purposeth to pen them up and include them with rivers & fortifications, wherefore the joeni made an insurrection, which when he had pacified with some slaughter, he marched against the Gangi, for raging all the countries as he passed, but was forced by new tumults to turn from them against the Brigants, whom with some slaughter, & promise of pardon, he pacified. Then he made provision against the Silures which inhabited South-wales, bearing themselves bold upon the puissance of Caratacus a valiant britain, who being skilful of th● Country, removed the war into Shropshire, where he fortified amongst craggy mountains a place strong by situation, where nevertheless the Romans prevailed. The wise daughter, and brethren of Caratacus were taken, and he flying to Cartismandua a q. ruling in Yorkshire, was by her delivered captive to his enemies. ix. years after the wars began, who sending him to Rome, was there in open assembly brought before Claudius, with his wife, daughter, brethren, and friends, and such spoils as had been taken from him, where he (nothing dismayed in spirit or countenance,) spoke after this sort to Claudius: If my moderation of prosperous successes had been correspondent to my state and nobility, I might have come to this City, rather a friend than a Captain: neither you have disdained to admit me into league, being descended of noble parentage, and sovereign over many nations. This present state of mine, as it is villainous toward me, so it is honourable to you. I had horse, men, money, munition, & what wonder is there, if I had lost them unwillingly? For if you will rule and reign over all, of necessity all must come into slavery: if I had yielded at the first, neither my fortune nor thy glory had been renowned, & the oblivion of me had ensued immediately after my execution: but if you save my life, it shall be an everlasting example of your clemency. At these words Claudius remitted his offence, granted him life, & the Senate adjudged In Ostorius time certain Cities were given to Cagidunus a British king, and a Colony of Romans was placed here. Ostorius worthy to triumph: but in the mean time the inhabitants of South-wales, to revenge Caratacus captivity intercepted & discomfited certain bands of the Romans, amidst which new wars, Ostorius tired with travel, departed this life. Claudius' scent Didius to supply the place of Ostorius now 52 ●ac●●us. 3. H●sto. departed, but in the mean time the Silures fought fortunately against the legions which was under the conduct of Manlius Valens. In this time war broke out between Cartismanda Q▪ of the Brigants, & Venutius her husband, whom she refused, & matched herself with Vellocatus his Esquire: whereupon Venutius favoured of the people, assailed her territory, and she succoured by the Romans, after she had intercepted by treachery Venutius brother & allies, fought with him. Where after a sharp fight, she by the aid of the Romans, prevailed, as also Caesius Nasica did with his legion against the Britons in an other place: for Didius used others in these matters, because he was aged, & only kept th● which others had heretofore conquered. Claudius' being now poisoned by Agrippina his wife, Nero 61 her son obtained the Romain▪ Empire▪ & about the. 7. year of his reign Verennus was appointed lieutenant here, who died within the first year of his government, saying th● he would have subdued provinces, had he survived but. ij. years, but about this time great slaughter was here of the Romans. SVetonius Paulinus was then sent hither, who at his arrival purposing to subdue Anglesey, whither many Britain's had 62 with drawn themselves, he invessels with flat keels ferried over his footmen, bringing over his horsemen by some fourdes, where as on the shores stood closely together great numbers of Britons, & among them women gadding up & down frantically in mourning weeds, their hair hanging about their ears, & shaking firebrands: the druids also casting up their hands toward heaven thundered out cruel execrations, with which uncomely sights the Romans at first stood dismayed, but after encouraged by th● Dion. Casstus. General's persuasion▪ they burst in among them, made great slaughter, got the possession of the isle, & felled down the wood's▪ consecrated to superstitious uses: two Cities belonging to th● Romans were taken. 80▪ 000. of their people slain, & the whole Island revolted, & to the Romans reproach, the slaughter was committed by a woman, being foretold them by many strange signs & tokens. For in th● court was heard a noise with much slaughter. In the Theatre a great tumult and much wondering, when there was no man there, that either spoke or mourned. Besides, in the river of Thames certain houses or buildings were seen. The Image of the goddess Victoria in the Temple of Camulodunum turned her back as though she had yielded to her enemies: the women ran as mad here and there, saying, and singing, Destruction is at hand. Finally, betwixt the Island & France, the Ocean sea appeared as it flowed with blood. The occasion of this war was a confiscation of the Britain's goods, which being remitted by Claudius the Emperor, Decianus Catus then Procurator of the isle, said that it ought to have been renewed. To this cause was added, that whereas (against their wills Seneca had lent them forty Sesterces upon great usury) he now with great force and all kind of violence compelled them to pay all the whole sum at one payment, and also persuaded them to make war on the Romans. Bunduica of Britain, a woman of noble birth, not only with much honour ruled amongst them, but also was the sovereign in their wars, & had in deed a stomach more manly than womanlike: who having gotten together an army of 120000. men, got her upon her seat made of marish turfs, after the manner of the Romans, and being a tall woman, of comely shape, and severe countenance, sharp voice, with yellow hair hanging down to her skirts, (Ponticus Virunius saith to her thighs) she ware a great chain of Ponticus Virunius gold, and had on her back a coat of sundry colours, & a playted Kirtle. When she was thus appareled, and had in her hands a great spear, she spoke unto them to this effect. First she commended liberty, showing them, how poverty with liberty, was far better than great riches in misery and bondage: on the other side, with great eloquence she declared the mischiefs and calamities they suffered at the hands of the Romans, who exacting Tributes of payments, so oppressed them, that much better it were once to die, than long to live in such extreme slavery. Secondly, she reproved them, for not expelling their enemies, as their forefathers had done julius Caesar, Claudius, and Caligula: And again, she praised them for their present readiness to help her, and recover their ancient state. Thirdly, she disabled the Romans, for that they were few, cumbered with armour, and so faint of courage, that they had rather fight a far off, than encounter with them by hand strokes: she commended the Britons, to be more in number, of greater valour, and far more able to abide hunger, cold, thirst, rain, wind, heat, etc. she added the vantage of the place, as being at home, where the Woods and Rivers, Lakes, and all other things were well known to every one of them. Lastly, she exhorted them to show themselves as Dogs and Wolves among fearful Hares and Foxes: wherewithal, she let out of her lap a quick Hare, thereby to learn the event of her enterprise. The Hare having a prosperous passage, all the multitude gave a great shout, and Bunduica clapping her hands, gave thanks to her Gods, that she ruled not the Romans, as did Nero, (who, though he were a man, yet was in deed but a woman, for that he sang What the Britons weregiven to. and played on the Harp) but the Britons, who esteemed it better to be Warriors than Ploughmen, who, as they had all things in common, so had they both wives and children, and that having a kingdom amongst such a kind of people, she prayed their divine aids against a spiteful and wicked kind of men, if they were to be called men, who used Niceness of the Romans'. hot baths, dainty fare, wine, ointmentes, lay in soft beds, and were vassals to such a wanton Minstrel as their Emperor Nero was. Bunduica having spoken these and such like amongst her people, with all her host she set forward against the Romans, who at that time were without head or governor, for that Paulinus was gone with his army into Anglesey, (as is before rehearsed,) which is an Island near Britain, by means whereof Bunduica took two of their Cities, and committed the notable slaughter before remembered. She exercised all kind of cruelty on such men as she took. As for the noble women that she got, she hanged them up, and cut off their paps, and sewed them to their mouths: besides this, she stretching their bodies out at length, thrust sharp stakes clean through them: all which things were done in despite, when they sacrificed and feasted in their Templas, but specially in the wood called Andates. Paulinus, who had now subdued Anglesey, hearing of the foresaid slaughter, returned to Britain, yet would he not adventure the fortune of battle with them, fearing their number, but when he wanted victual, and that his enemies approached, he was compelled to abide the battle Bunduica▪ who had in her army 230000. men, was herself placed in a Chariot, and ordered her men at length: but Paulinus could not stretch his company so long, for that they were not of any such number, but at length he divided his army into three parts, so that at one time they might fight in sundry places, exhorting them not to be abashed at the multitude of their enemies, for both they and their forefathers, had with less number achieved greater matters, and gotten greater victories. Adding, that now was the time to play the men, to enjoy that in quiet, which before their ancestors had won, and recover that which they had lost, or else to live for ever in misery and shame. Again, he showed what cruelty their eyes had seen, by those barbarous people, to such as they had overcome, exhorting them in revenge thereof to fight manfully, and there was no doubt but the Gods (who were always favourable to such as had suffered cruelty) would help them: and better it were to die fight valiantly, than with reproach to be taken, and die in their enemies hands like Dogs. Finally, (sayeth he) whether we live or die, Britain shall be ours, for, though the other Romans lose it, yet shall our bones continually keep it. When he had thus spoken, the sign of the battle was given, and each part prepareth himself: the Britons with great and strange noise, the Romans in silence came to near, that they might throw their darts to them: and perceiving their enemies to approach, with great violence, rushed in amongst them, and broke their anraye: but after being compassed with the multitude of their enemies, the battle waxed doubtful. The light harnessed men began to smite each other, and those of heavy armour together with the horsemen encountered, and the Roman Archers fought against the british Chariots. They which fought without breastplates, were slain with Darts. This encounter was made in three several places, and was fought with great courage on both sides. At the last the Romans departed Conquerors, many were slain in the battle, and many were taken. Great numbers which escaped, prepared to fight again, but in the mean space Bunduica died of a disease which she had, and they mourned, and buried her very honourably. After, those that remained were easily overcome and dispersed. Tacitus saith, that Prasutagus King of the Iceni, a Prince Corneli●● Tacitu●. of great wealth, appointed, that Caesar and his own two daughters should inherit his lands, hereby thinking all his life to be more quiet: and being deceased, his wife and daughters should be the more safer by means of such protection, but it fell out far otherwise, for the Centurions got his Realm, their servants spoiled his house, beat his wife, and deflowered his daughters: besides, the chiefest men of his land were displaced of their inheritances, and handled extremely. In revenge whereof, Bunduica raised the war, and committed the slaughter before remembered, and at last her army once overthrown by Paulinus, being afraid to fall into her enemies hands, she poisoned herself. Policletus then a servant of Nero, was sent hither to survey the state of Britain, who discharged Paulinus Suetonius of the government. PEtronius Turpilianus was sent into Britain as a man 64 Petronius Turpilianus. easy to be entreated, and being not altogether acquainted with offences of the enemies, was the readier to receive them to grace: who setting matters in their former stay, and attempting no further, delivered the Province unto Trebellius Maximus. Trebellius being both faint-hearted and too sluggish, and also utterly unacquainted with experiments of arms, ruled the province▪ with a certain mildness of government. Now had the barbarous people also learned to wink at enticing vices, and the civil wars of the Romans then happening, was a cloak to his cowardice: but there presently arose discord between Roscius and Caelius, legates of the. xx. legion, when the soldiers (accustomed to be employed in expeditions) gave themselves to lasciviousness: whereupon Trebellius took his flight, and hid his head, to avoid the fury of the army, and in most base and beastly manner, governed (as it were) by entreaty, so as they might seem to have compounded, that the soldiers should live in all liberty, and the General at his safety. This time for a year and half there was deadly civil war among the Romans for the Empire, between Galba, Otho, and Vitelius. VEctius Volanus, then was sent hither by Vitelius, he did 69 Vectius Volanus. not use any discipline or correction in Britain, so as there continued the like sloth and cowardice in the soldiers, toward their enemies, and the Camp still as full of wantonness, saving that Volanus was a good and mild man, and thereby made himself beloved where he should have been feared. In this time Vitelius advanced many soldiers in the Britain legions, and Herdonius Flaccus brought unto him 80000. chosen men of war out of Tacitus. Britain. The Britons seeing the Romans' thus encumbered with civil war, began to trouble them, wherefore Volanus would send no succour to Vitelius at his commandment, when Vespasian warred against him for the Empire, and all the Britons favoured Vespasian. WHen as (with the rest of the world) Vespasian had recovered 70 Britain, them were there placed great Captains, and notable armies, the enemies hope abated, and Petilius Cerealis brought great fear upon the Britons. The Petilius Cerealis. City of the brigants (which was accounted one of the greatest of the land) being by him assailed, he had many encounters, and some not without slaughter, whereby he either conquered or assailed a great part of their country. julius Frontinus a man as worthy and valiant as was julius Frontinus possible, took then the charge upon him, & subdued the nation of the Silures, being both valiant & warlike notwithstanding the valour of the enemy and difficulties of the places. This was the state of Britain, and course of the wars, which Agricola found arriving in the midst of Summer, julius Agricola. the Soldiers even then beginning to retire to their strengths, and the enemy searching for his most advantage. The City of the Ordovices few days before his arrival almost wholly defeated a company lying upon their bordures. This beginning stirred up the province, serving for an example to them, who coveted the wars, and yet desired to see what was in their new Governor. Agricola, although the Summer were now well spent, the bands dispersed all about the province, the soldiers had determined to rest for that year, the time being late and incommodious to commence the war, thinking it would be better to man the pieces most suspected: yet he determined nevertheless to prevent danger, and gathering together the Standards of the Legions, with a few of his foreign aides, for that the Ordovices durst not take the field, marched forth against them himself in the vauwarde of his army, that others might take like courage in the same danger, and put almost that whole nation to the sword: then following his good success, he invaded Anglesey, (which Suetonius had before attempted) causing certain Britons that served him, and knew the shallows and manner of swimming, with horse and harness to pass over into the Isle on a sudden, wherewith the inhabitants were so amazed (who Tacitus: feared nothing because they saw no navy) that they submitted the isle unto him, immediately. Now having some quietness, and perceiving that war would little prevail against the Britons, if they were injuriously handled, he purposed to cut off all causes of quarrel, and first reforming his own family, did nothing partially, only respected the virtue of men, loosened tributes, and behaved himself most honourably. And thus much the first year. When the Summer began, he assembled his armies, trained his soldiers, forrayed the enemies Countries with sudden invasions to their great fear, and yet so favourably, as many Countries willingly yielded unto him, and suffered Castles to be built among them. The Winter following he spent in civil administration, counselling the people privately, and helping them publicly, to build houses, Temples, and Court houses. He procured noble men's children to study liberal Sciences, and then began the Britons to conform themselves to Roman fashions and attire. The third year he discovered people in the north hitherto unknown, even as far as Tau, terrifying the people, and placing fortresses most wisely to the annoyance of the enemy, The fourth Summer he employed getting those Countries which hitherto he had passed through, even to the Edinburgh Frith, and Cluid, the narrow space between the which waters he fortified. The fifth year by Sea he discovered and vanquished further nations in the North, and placed garrisons in the coast toward Ireland, whereunto he also aspired, and to that end retained an Irish Prince with him, that was driven out of his Country by civil dissension. But in the Summer which began the sixth year of his government, he searched the Havens by a navy for that purpose sent to the Sea, fearing least all those nations beyond had united themselves and kept the passages by land: but afterward he marched forward, his navy coasting with his army by land, so as sometime in the same Camp, he had horsemen, footmen, and Seamen, lodged together. It was reported by such as were taken prisoners, that the sight of the navy much astonished the Britons as men from whom all refuge was cut off, the secrets of their Seas being discovered, wherefore determining to try it with hand blows the inhabitants of Calidonia with great preparation, although the report thereof were greater (as it often happeneth in unknown matters,) of their own accord, assailed some Castles, and seeing themselves rather to be assailants than defendants, put the Romans in some doubt: whereupon the ●owards pretending policy, advised to retire on this side Bodotria, rather than to be driven thereto by force, when as in the mean while, Agricola knowing that the enemy would charge him in several troops and companies, and fearing to be overmatched and cooped in with number, or deceived by the ignorance of the place, divided his army into three battles, and so marched forward: which order marked by his enemies, made them alter their purpose, and in the night killing the watch, broke in upon the ninth legion, half asleep and half affrighted, which (as they took it) was the weakest, & so the fight continued within the Camp till it was day light, at which time the Romans began to gather courage, and the Britons were discomfited, so as, had it not been for the woods and bogs, that victory had ended the whole strife, after which battle the Roman soldiers grew to be of haughty courage, crying out to pierce the country of Calidonia, that they might find out the uttermost ports and bounds of Britain. The Romans on the other side, ascribing the praise of this victory, not to the prowess of the Roman souldioure, but to Fortune, and the wiliness of their captain, used all means possible, to hearten up and arm their Youth: bestowing their wives and children in place● of safeguard, and by sacrifices and holy assemblies unite all their Cities together, upon these resolutions they removed. In the beginning of the next Summer which was the. viij. year of his charge, Agricola seding his fleet before him, which often put a land and spoiled the Countries, thereby causing a great and uncertain fear: himself with a picked army, whereunto he added of the valiantest Britain's, came to th● mountain Grampius, whereon his enemies had encamped, (for the Britons nothing quailed by the success of the former encounter,) and expecting nothing but a revenge, or bondage, learning at length, that common danger is only to be resisted with common consent, by leagues and embassages had stirred up the minds of all the Cities about. Now were there to be seen in arms thirty thousand and upward, unto which number, the Youth, and all such as were of strong and lusty years, every man bearing his tokens of praise about him, continually repaired from all sides. When amongst many other Captains, Calgacus a man both in nobility and valour above the rest, spoke to the assembly in this manner: As often as I behold the causes of this war, and our necessity, my mind giveth me great hope, that this day and your mutual consent shall be the beginning of liberty to all Britain, for, every one of you having tried servitude, and having no other land nor sea, which can save us (the Romans' navy being at our elbows) the very war and weapons which are the honour of the worthy, must be the only safety of the faint-hearted. With these and many such reasons drawn from the calamity of their future servitude, the pride & tyranny of their governors, the fickle friendship of the strangers, serving in their enemies Camp, ready to change upon any high occasion, and the present remedy of all misery, which, as he said in the beginning, was only valiancy, he so stirred up all men's minds, that they applauded his Oration after their manner, with songs and divers kind of noises. This Oration being ended, as also Agricola his speech to his soldiers, the two armies began to encounter▪ Agricola placed his battles in this order: he made his main battle of the strangers (his aids) which were in number▪ viij. thousand, on each side whereof, for wings he placed his horsemen to the number of three thousand, and his legions he caused to guard the trenches of his Camp, that if it were possible, the victory might be gained without the shedding of Roman blood, or if his main battle were broken, they might be gathered again, and the fight restored by his legions. The battle of the Britons (to terrify their enemies, as also to make their bravest show,) stood on higher ground, so as their vaward being come upon the plain, the rest were on the foot of the hill, their Chariots, in the mean time, galloping up and down the field, making great shouts and cries. Then Agricola perceiving the number of his enemies to be greater than his own, and fearing to be charged both on the face and ●lanke of his battle at one time, and that many thought necessary to have the legions advannced forward, remained notwithstanding, firm in his first resolution, causing his battle to be somewhat drawn in length, himself alighted from his horse, and stood on foot before his standards. The first fight was with shot of Arrows and Dar●es, during which time, the Britons, both skilfully and courageously with their huge sword & small Bucklers, either bare or broke the Romans shot, and answered them with an infinite number of the like, until Agricola was persuaded by bands of Hollanders, and Brabanders, that the matter might be brought to sword and handstrokes, which kind of fight they ●●re acquainted withal, by long haunting the wars, and the same was very incommodious for their enjuries, bearing but small shields, and unmeasurable sword: For the pointless Swords of the britains, were unfit for a throng, and where they wanted roomth. Wherefore the Hollanders struck thick together, and thrust them over the Bucklers, wounding them in the faces, and having broken that battle, passed forward toward them which kept the hill, which seen by the rest of the Roman bands, they partly moved by envy of the others glory, and partly by heat● of their own courages, cut in pieces those that they first encountered, leaving notwithstanding, some half dead, and others not touched, for haste, to obtain a perfect victory. In the mean while, the troops of the Britain horsemennes, did take their flight, but the Chariots put themselves péece-meale among the foot bands, which kind of fight, (at first) seemed somewhat terrible to their enemies, but it long served not their turns, being assailed with a thick press of their enemies, and the ground not commodious for the Chariots, nor their riders all of the best. So as at the last, their Chariot horses, coursing up and down the field without guiders, ouer-ran many of their own company, as they fled for fear from one place to another. The Britons, which all this while kept the hill, & came not to the fight, making little reckoning of the small number of the Romans, began by little and little to descend, intending to hem them in, in the midst of their conquest, which surely they had done, if Agricola, suspecting the same, had not dispatched four companies of horsemen (which he kept for all sodaines) to encounter with them, who, the more fiercely they assailed, so much the more sharply repulsed them, and sent them to flight: whereupon the devise of the Britons turned to their own harm. Moreover, by Agricola his commandment the wings of horsemen were taken from the front of his battle, & were made to charge upon the battle of his enemies, standing over against them. Then might you behold in the open field, a grievous and lamentable spectacle, some followed the chase, some took prisoners, and after killed them to take others. Now the enemies as every one thought best, fled, some in heaps and armed fled from a smaller number: other, though unarmed, tarried and were slain: every where lay weapons, carcases, and limbs, out of the ground all bloody: sometime the vanquished approaching near to Woods, would make head, and entrap the héedlesse followers, so as, if Agricola had not caused certain lusty bands in the manner of a search, and also divers horsemen▪ leaving their horse where the Woods were thick, and other on horseback, where the Wóoddes would suffer, to range them all about, there might have been some detriment received by too much hardiness▪ But when the Britons saw themselves pursued in order of battle, they took again their flight, not in companies, as before, nor tarrying one for an other, but here and there, even as men glad to escape, sought long, and by ways. Night & weariness of slaughter ended the chase. There were slain of the Britons about ten thousand: of the Roman army, three hundred and forty, among whom Aulus Atticus, captain of aband, whom the heat of his youth, and courage of his horse brought into the hands of his enemies. That night the victors made merry with the spoil, but the Britons wandering up and down, men and women lamenting together, relieved, and fetched away their hurt men, assembled together the whole, forsook their houses, and for anger set fire on them, choosing themselves lurking places, which strait they forsook again▪ sometime▪ conceiving good hope, which straight way quailed again: and some were known to kill their wives and children, as though they had therein taken compassion upon them▪ The next day made the victory more manifest, in which there was nothing but silence, the hills being then forsaken, and also the houses smoking a far off. Agricola sending abroad his espials, could find no enemy to make ●ed, wherefore Summer being too far spent to proceed any further in the war, he had his soldiers into the coasts of the Horest●▪ and there taking hostages, caused his navy to coast about Britain, which at last arrived at the Haven called▪ Trutulensis, afterward having bestowed his soldiers in their wintering places▪ departed Britain, and left the province in quiet to his successor. divers s●uthours affirm, that about this time, the Gospel first Christians in Britain. of Christ our saviour was first preached in this Island. Nicephorus a Greek Author, in his second book the. 40. Chahiter, Nicephorus. hath as followeth. Simon borne in Cana Galilei, who for his fervent affection to his Master, & the great zeal he took by all means to the Gospel, was surnamed zealots, he having received the holy Ghost from above▪ travailed through● Aegip● and Affr●k●▪ then through Mauritania and all Lybia, preaching the Gospel. And the same Doctrine he brought to the Occidental sea, & the Isles called Brytani●, etc. And in the third Book the first Chap. he saith. The holy Apostles (like as we have declared already) being dispersed throughout the whole earth, did divide the provinces amongst them by lot, to preach the Gospel in▪ Peter undoubtedly first at Jerusalem, then in Galatia, By●●inia, with the higher Asia, Capadocia, and all Italy, taught the Gospel: john in Asi●▪ who ended his life there: To Andrew fell the Provinces on the co●●●● of 〈…〉 all Scythia, Byzans, Ma●edonia, and the 〈…〉 of Greece: Thomas amongst the Parthians▪ Indians, ●●● the 〈…〉 of Tap●●b●● did publish the Gospel: Another chose Egypt and Lybia: another the uttermost coasts of the Ocean, with the Isles of Britain, etc. Do●otheus writeth thus▪ Simon zealots passing through Mauritania, & Do●otheus. Africa preached Christ, at length was crucified, slain and buried in Britain▪ Also he saith, A●●●●●bulus, whom the Apo●●le to the Rom. remēbe●th, was ma●e●a Bishop in Britain▪ George Maior writeth in a preface, that immediately after Christ's resurrection under Claudius the Emperor, the light of th● Gospel wa●●●●dled in Britain by joseph of A●●●●●hia that bl●●ed the body of Christ. 〈…〉 writing against the Jews of those times▪ saith▪ The Britons inhabitants of places unknown to the Romans, yet did obey and were subject to the kingdoms of Christ. William of Malmesbury, Antiquities of Gla●tenb●r●. Freculphus. in his Book of the Antiquities of Glastenburie, allegeth Freculphus to write in his second Book and fourth Chapter, as followeth: Philip the Apostle, preaching the word of God in Gaul (now called France) chose out. xij. amongst his Disciples, whom he sent into Britain to preach the word of life, and upon every one of them, he most devoutly stretched out his right hand: over these he appointed for chief, his dear friend joseph of Aramathie, that buried our Lord. Glastenbury first Church of Christians in Britain. These (saith john Capgrave, who allegeth Melkin and Merlin) came into this land the year of Christ's incarnation, 63. in the time of arviragus, who gave to them the isle of Aualon, where they builded an Oratory of writhen john Capgrave. Melkin and Merlin. wands, and after there were buried: which place being since increased, and newly builded by divers Princes, was named Glastenburie. For confirmation whereof, King Henry Chart● Regi●. the second having diligently perused the Privileges and Charters, which he caused to be presented and read, not only of William the first, of William the second, and Henry the first his Grandfather: but also the Charters of the Princes his predecessors, of more ancient time, to weet, of Edgar, Edmond, Edward, Elfred, Bringwalthius, Kenthwin, Baldred, Ina, Arthur, and that noble man Cudred, and many other Christian Kings beside, also of Kenewalla, sometime a Heathen and Pagan King, concerning the house of Glastenburie▪ found, that in some of those Charters it is called the Mother of saints, of some other, the Grave of the Saints, and that the said place was first builded even by the very Disciples of Christ themselves, and by them dedicated to our Lord, as the first place which he chose to himself in this Realm: all which the foresaid King Henry established by his Charter. Marius' son of arviragus, an excellent wise man, was 73 Galfr●d●●. ordained King of Britain. At this season Rodrike King ●f the Pictes, (which were people of Scythia) accompanied with the Scots invaded Britain, & spoiled the country with sword & fire, against whom Marius with his knights assembled in all haste, & gave them sharp battle, wherein Rodrike was slain, Flores Historiarum. with a great number of his soldiers upon Stansemore, in token of which victory, there was a stone not far from Carleile erected, with this inscription, In token of Marius' victory. To them which remained Marius gave inhabitant in the further part of Scotland. And forsomuch as the Britain's disdained to Ran. Hig. Henry Bradshaw. Chester repaired. give to them their daughters in marriage, they acquainted them with the Irishmen, & married their daughters, & grew in process of time to a great people. He repaired, walled, & fortified the city of Caerlegion, now called Chester. He reigned. liij. years. DOmitianus the Emperor sent Salustius Lucullus into Britain, 94 Suetonius. whom he shortly put to death, for that he suffered certain laws to be called Lucullen, after his name. Some writ, that Cneus Trebullius was now Governor here. What Lieutenants were in Britain for the time of Nerua & Trajan, I find not recorded: but when Adrian was possessed julius Severus. in the Empire, julius Severus governed here under him, whom Adrianus called out of Britain, to war against the Jews, 120 & came hither himself in person, pacified the tumults, reared a wall, which should separate the barbarous from his Spartianus. subjects, and returned to Rome. COilus the son of Marius was ordained King, he was brought 124 Galfridus. Colchester builded. up even from his youth in Rome among the Romans, & therefore favouring them, paid the tribute truly: he builded Colchester, and reigned. lv. years, and was buried at York. Antonius' Pius succeeded Hadrianus in the Empire, & governed 139 Capitelinus. this province by Lollius Vrbicus, who overcame the Britons, and raised another wall of turfs to keep out the inroads, the Northern Britons. Antonius' Philosophus now ruled the Roman Empire, 162 and Calphurnius Agricola was sent hither with authority against the Britain's then repining at the Romans, but with what success it is not specified. LVcius the son of Coilus, was ordained King, who in all his 179 Florent. Vig●r●●. acts & deeds followed the steps of his forefathers, in such wise as he was of all men loved & dread. He sent his two Ambassadors Eluanus & Medwinus▪ two learned men in that scriptures, with his loving letters to Elutherius Bishop of Rome, England received the faith▪ ●eda. Asser. Flores Historiarum. Record of Saint Asaphs Church▪ john Capgrave. Marianus Scotus. desiring him to send some devout & learned men, by whose instruction both he & his people might be taught the faith & religion of Christ: whereof Elutherius being very glad, baptised these two messengers, making Eluanus a Bishop, & Medwinus a teacher, & sent also with them into Britain two famous Clarks, Faganus & Derwianus, by whose diligence Lucius & his people of Britain were baptised & instructed in the faith of Christ. 28. Temples were made Cathedral churches, & Bishops placed, where Flamens before had been: at London, York▪ & Carlein, (which is now S. David's in Wales) were placed Archbishops: London, York and Carlein, Archbishops. The Epistle of Eleutherius to Lucius King of Britain. Lib. constitut. Lon. & now followeth an Epistle of Elutherius, sent to Lucius K. of britain, as I find the same recorded in a Book of the Constitutions of London▪ pertaining to the Guild Hall of London▪ The year after Christ's birth 202. Pope Elutherius did write to Lucius king of Britain, for the amendment of the kings & the nobility of Britain as followeth. You required that we should send you the Roman & Imperial laws, the you might use them in your kingdom of Britain, but those laws we may disprove, & not the laws of God. You have received lately through God's goodness in your kingdom, the faith and law of Christ: you have there in your kingdom both Testaments, out of them by God's grace, & the advice of your realm take a law, & thereby patiently govern the kingdom. You are the vicar of God in your kingdom, according to the kingly prophet. The earth is the Lords, & his fullness is the whole world, & all that Psalm. 45. dwell therein: & again, Thou hast loved righteousness, & hated iniquity, wherefore God (even thy God) hath anointed thee with the oile of gladness above thy fellows. They be the kings children, christian nations, & people of your kingdom that live & consist under your protection, peace, & kingdom according to the Scripture, as an Hen gathereth chickens under her wings, the people, & nations of the kingdom of Britain is yours, such as are divided you should gather them together to the law of Christ: his holy Church, to peace & concord: and cherish, maintain, protect, govern, and defend them from the injurious, malicious, and their enemies. Woe be to that kingdom, the King whereof is a child, and the Princes eat early in the morning. I do not call a King a child for his youth or minority, but for his folly, iniquity, Psalm. 55. and madness, according to the Kingly Prophet. The bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not outlive half their days. By eating we shall understand Gluttony, by Gluttony, Luxury, by Luxury, all filth, wickedness, and mischief, according to King Solomon: Wisdom will not Sapience. ●. enter into a spiteful soul, nor inhabit in a body subject to sin. A King hath his name of governing, and not of his Kingdom, so long you shall be a King, as you rule well, otherwise, you shall not be so named, and lose that name, (which God forbidden) God grant that you may so rule your Realm of Britain, that you may reign with him everlastingly, whose vicar you are in the said Kingdom. To whom with the father, etc. There remaineth in the Church of Saint Peter upon Cornhill at London, a Table, wherein is written, that Lucius founded the same Church to be an Archbishop's sea, and made it the Metropolitan and chief Church of his Kingdom, which so endured the space of 400. years, unto the coming of Saint Augustine. joseline of Fornes, in his book that he wrote of the British joseline of Furneys. Bishops, saith, that Thean, who was first Archbishop of London, in the time of Lucius, builded the said Church of S. Peter Archbishops of London. 13. in a place called Cornhill in London, by the aid and help of Ciran, chief Butler to King Lucius, & also that Clauus, the second Archbishop there, builded a Library to the same church adjoining, & converted many of the Erwydes (learned men in the Pagan Law) to the Christian faith. The third Archbishop was named Cadar, the fourth Obinus, the fift Conan, th● sixth Paladius, the seventh Stephan, the eight Iltut, the ninth Dedwin, the tenth Thedred, the eleventh hilary, th● twelfth Guidilinus, the thirteenth Vodinus, who was slain of the Sarons that came first into this land. Lucius reigned 12. year, and was buried at Gloucester. COmodus after his father Antonius Philosophus succeeded 181 Dion. in the Empire with most cruel tyranny. In his time the Northern Britain's burst in through the wall, forrayed the Country, and slew the Roman General with his soldiers, wherefore Vlpius Marcellus was appointed here a careful vigilant Captain: he sore annoyed the Britain's, which were enemies to the Roman state, and purchasing envy by his virtue, was shortly dismissed▪ Then Ceronnis who ruled all under Comodus, appointed Lampidi●●▪ Dion. certain men of base estate to govern the Roman enemies here, wherewith the soldiers being grieved, sent. 1500. chosen men out of their number to Rome, who accusing him before Comodus to compass the Empire, for his son was delivered unto them, who immediately mangled him and slew his wife with his two sons. Comodus then sent Holnius Pertinax into britain, and surnamed Lampridi●●. himself Brytanicus, thereunto persuaded by flatterers, when the Britons were so evil affected toward him, that they would have nominated some other Emperor against Capitolinus. him, and namely Pertinax: but these tumults were appeased by the Wisdom of Pertinax, to his great danger, for he was wel-nere slain in tumult, and left among the dead, which injury he after severally revenged, & sued for his discharge, being afterward preferred to the Empire. Clodius Albinus was then sent hither by Comodus▪ who Capitolinus. at the first so greatly esteemed of him, that he honoured him with th● title of a Caesar▪ which Clodius refused: but afterwards when a false rumour was dispersed, that Comodus was slain, he made an Oration to the legions of britain, impeaching that government of Emperors, and preferring the Senate, whereupon Commodus being sharpened against him, sent junius Severus to rule here, and shortly after Comodus was slain. slain. PErtinax then was chosen Emperor, & within. iij. months 194 was slain through the persuasions of Didius julianus, who enjoyed the Empire two months, and the practice of Clodius Albinus, which then returned into britain, and (as it seemeth) recovered his former government. Severus after the death of Pertinax was saluted Emperor: 194 he immediately slew Didius julianus, and because he feared Clodius Albinus with his britain legions, he created him Caesar, and partaker of the Empire, and sent Heraclitus to govern this Isle: but after he had subdued Niger who also usurped the Empire, he moved war against Albinus, who passing hence into France with the British army, encountered with Severus near Lions, and was there slain. Henceforth Severus quietly enjoyed the Roman Empire, & made sharp wars into the Eastern parts of the world, with great glory. But returning to Rome, he understood of a war raised in 209 Britain. Wherefore he hasted hither with his two sons Bassianus and Geta●at his arrival peace was offered, whithe he refused, and leaving his younger son Geta to govern the province, (being the hither part of the Isle) he with Bassianus his eldest son entered into the north, and passed th● further part of this Island without any resistance: yet by ambushes, difficulty of the way, & other inconveniences, he lost. 50000. men, and then returned, enforcing the enemies to conclude a league, and yield some part of their Country. At conclusion of which league, when he and his son rid to treat with the Caledontans or Northern Britain's, Bassianus his son drawing his sword in the sight of the enemy, was ready to have slain him, and had done it, had not some of the company made an outcry: yet this fault was remitted. After this league, the Britons of the North resorted to the emperors Court, where julia, Severus wife, objected to a woman of Britain, the wife of Argentorix the Caledonian, that the British women accompanied with men dishonestly, ye● quoth the British woman, we satisfy the natural lust in better sort than you Romans, for we accompany ourselves openly with the best men; and you commit adultery closely with most vile persons. But after this league there was a general revolt of the britains against the Romans, which yet was pacified with great slaughter, and then he built a Wall of Turf, to inhibit S●uerus wall. the Northern Britons, from whence when he returned, at the next lodging, a black Moor that served him, a notable scoffer, met him with a Crown of Cypress: he moved with the colour of the man and the Cypress (which was then used at all burials,) as with signs of evil luck, commanded the man to be sent away, wherewith he cried: Thou haste been all in all, and hast banquished all, and now of a couquerour be thou a God. Then coming to the City of York (as it is supposed,) he was by Spartia●●●. mistaking brought to the Temple of Bellona: black beasts also being ordained▪ for sacrifice, followed him home to his Palace: which things these than did account to be ominons. Shortly after he departed▪ out of this life at York, partly through sickness, and partly through grief conceived of his sons evil demeanour. At his last gasp he uttered these words: I found the state troublesome every where, and leave it quiet even to the Britons. Herodian writeth, that in these wars of Severus against the Herodian North Britain's, he found their Country full of watery Marshes: by those marshes did the Britain's swim and skirmish with their enemies, being covered with water up unto the Navel, not caring that men saw the privy parts of their naked bodies. Neither did they know the use of apparel, but accustomed to compass their bellies and necks only with Iron, which they esteemed an ornament & token of riches, as other barbarous people supposed of Gold. They painted their bodies with diverse pictures and forms of beasts, and therefore ware no garment, least the painting should be hidden, being a nation very valiant, and warlike, greedy of slaughter, and content only with a small target, a spear, and a skayne hanging by their naked sides, ignorant of the use of shirts of mail and helmets, for they reckoned the same cumbrous unto them, when they should swim over the lakes etc. A gréetious disease came upon Severus, being sore appalled with age, so that he was constrained to keep his chamber and send Antonius unto the wars: but Antony not regarding the business of Britain, endeavoured by all means he could, to win the hearts of the soldiers unto him, depraving his brother, to the intent they should only aid him to the attaining of the sovereignty. The long malady of his Father, caused him to persuade Physicians to rid the old man out of the world, until that Severus, being consumed, ended his life, who was the most famous of all Emperors in war like affairs: For none other had obtained so many victories and conquests, either civil against his adversaries, or for rain against the barbarous nations. Thus deceased he, after he had governed the Empire the space of xviij. years, leaving his sons for successors in the same: unto whom he left also great abundance of riches, as none of his previcessours had before him done. When Antony had gotten the supreme authority, he put to death the Physicians, because they obeyed not his commandment in hastening his Father's death: and slew all his own, and brother's bringers up and instructors, for that they went about to reconcile them, leaving none alive, that was either of dignity, or had reverenced his Father. The Captains of the army, he enticed, to persuade the soldiers to proclaim him only Emperor: imagining daily manifold mischiefs against his brother: but he could not win the soldiers good wills. Wherefore Antony, having taken truce with the Britan's, removed towards his mother and brother. Their mother laboured to bring them to agreement, wherein also, many prudent counsellors earnestly traveled. Antony thereby was induced, rather of force, than good will; to counterfeit love. After which done, the two brethren governing th● Empire with equal honour, launched out of Britain, and sailed with the relics of their Father toward Rome. For when they had burned the body (as was the custom of the Romans) they carried the ashes, (intermeddled with pleasant odours, in a Box of Alabaster) to Rome, that it might be there interred amongst the monuments of other Princes. Themselves led thus their army, as conquerors of britain, & passed over the Ocean unto the next coast of France, and so hasted towards Rome. When they were entered into Rome, all the people crowned with Laurel, received, and the Senate welcomed them. Foremost road the Emperors themselves, clothed in Imperial purple. And next unto them followed the Consuls, bearing the vessel with Severus relics. Which vessel, the people, after they had saluted the new Emperor, did reverently worship. The Emperors & Consuls being thus accompanied with Princely pomp, ●aryed the sane into the Temple, where the divine monuments of Marcus▪ and other Emperors, are seen. After they had finished the solemn sacrifice, and according to the ancient usage, celebrated the Funeral ceremonies, both the brethren departed into the Imperial palace: which they divided between them, closed up all back doors, and privy posterns, & met together only at th● outer gates. They chose besides either of them unto himself a sundry guard, & never came together unless it were sometime for a little while to be seen of the people. Nevertheless, first of all, they accomplished the due Funerals of their Father. For the Romans accustom to consecrate with immortality, such Emperors; as at their death, lea●●e either children, or successors in the Empire behind them. And those which are endued with that honour, they canonize strongest the Gods. There is through the City, a certain▪ doleful lamentation, mixed with fearful i●. And they use to enterre the dead corpse very sumptuously. But then, they have an Image, made as like the dead Emperor, as may be. The same, within the porch, of the Imperial Palace, they lay in a great and high bed of ivory, covered over with cloth of gold. The same Image looketh very pale, like a diseased patient. About the bed on either side, a great part of the day, do certain persons sit. That is to wit on the left side, the Senate, clothed in black garments: and on the right side, many matrons. None of these are seen to wear any ouches, or chains of gold, but being clad with thin white vestures, they show the countenance of mourners. And thus do they continue the space of seven days: during the which, every day the emperors Physicians do repair unto the bed, and, as though they had felt the patient's Pulses, declare that he waxeth more sick than before. Finally, when it seemeth that he is deceased, certain of the most noble and worthy young men, of the orders of Knights and Senators, do take up the bed on their shoulders, and carry it through the street, called Sacra via, unto the old market place, where the Roman magistrates are accustomed to render up their Offices. There on both sides, are certain stages made with steps, upon the which, on the one side, is a queare of Boys, being noble men's sons, and on the other side are many beautiful women, singing Hymns and Ballads, in praise of the dead Emperor, measured with diverse lamentable verses. When these are finished, the young men do take up the bed again, and bear it out of the City, into the field called Campus Martius, in the broadest part whereof, there is erected a Tower four square, with sides of equal height builded of great Timber, like unto a Tabernacle. The same within forth, is filled with dry chips, and reeds: And on the outer side, it is hanged with Arras clothes of gold, and decked with▪ Images of ivory, and sundry painted pictures. Within it also, is another less Tower, but like in form, with doors and Portals opened. And over that, the third and fourth, with many other rooms ascebdubg continually, until they retch unto the highest, which is less than all the other. A man may compare this building unto Towers, which are set in havens, with fire on the tops, to direct ships which sail by night on the Seas, into their perfect ports. The same are commonly called Phani. Now when they have put the bed in the second Tabernacle, they gather all kinds of spices and perfumes, with diverse odoriferous fruits, Herbs, and juices, the which they throw on heaps in the Tabernacle. Neither is there any Nation, City, or Person, which excelleth in honour, or dignity, but at that time, will to the uttermost of his power, most honourably celebrate the last Funerals of the Emperor. When they have couched a great heap of Spices together, and stuffed the building therewith, all the Roman Knights do ride about the Tower, with a just course and order too and fro: Chariots are also drawn about, wherein many do sit, clothed in purple, representing the persons of all noble men being Magistrates and Captains of Rome. The Ceremonies being thoroughly ended, the successor in the Empire, taketh a brand of fire in his hand, and fireth therewith the Tabernacle. After whom, all other that are present, do throw fire likewise into the same. And immediately, all the building being filled with those dry sticks and spices, beginneth to burn vehemently. Then out of the highest and least Tower, as out of a high steeple, is let forth an Eagle, the which they believe, doth bear the emperors soul into Heaven. And from thencefoorthe is that Emperor worshipped as the other Gods. From this time to the reign of Dioclesian, for the space of. 72. years, there is nothing recorded in our Histories hythereto published concerning Britain: but where as it is manifest that the sovereignty of britain rested in the Romain Emperors all that space, I will set them here down successively. After Severus, Bassianus surnamed Antonius Carracalla, 212 Herodian. murdering his brother Geta, succeeded in the Empire. He was cruel to his people: he founded the Bath in Rome, which is called Antonians: he was out of measure given to sensuality, and carnal concupiscence in so much, that he espoused his mother in law juba▪ He was murdered by Martialis when he had governed by years. Macrinus one year. 218 Antoninus Elagabalus. iij. year. Severus Alexander, who was slain by his soldiers here 223 Lampridius victor. 236 238 239 245 250 252 252 254 in Britain, in a village called Sicila, but other save in France. xiij. years. julius Maximus. iij. years. M. Antonius Gordianus j year. Antonius Gordianus the son▪ vj. year. julius Philippus the first Christian Emperor. v. year. Decius▪ ij. years. Trebonianus Gallus▪ and Vibius Hostilianus ij. years. julius Aenilianus. 4. months. Licinius Valerianus vj. Licinius Gallicinus▪ xv. At this time there arose in diverse countries. 30. Usurpers; which are called the. 30. tyrants, of the which Lollianus Posthumius, Victorianus Tetritius, as it is supposed, kep●e Britain from Gallicinus. Flavius Claudius. ij. 269 Aurelianus. 5. Tacitus▪ vj. months. 276 Florianius. iij. months. Aurelius Probus. v. years. In which time Bonefus a Britain 277 borne, but brought up in Spain, fearing lest he should be executed because the Germans had burnt certain vessels in the Rhine, whereof he had charge, usurped the Empire with Proculus at Colen▪ and would have exempted from the Vopisens'. Romans, Britain, Spain, and part of France: but being baquished by Probus in a long and sore battle, he stangled himself: some sedition was then raised in Britain, and appeased by Victorinus a Moor, by whose motion Probus had made him regent of britain, which was causer of this trouble. This Probus permitted the Britons and others, that they might have vines and make wine. After he had reigned fine years, he was slain by the soldiers. CAius then succeeded him, with his two sons Numerianus, 282 Vopisens'. and Carinus, to which Carinus he assigned Britain Gaul, (called France) Illiricum, Italy, and Spain, but all three within three years space lost their lives. VAlerius Dioclesianus was then chosen Emperor, 284 who adjoined Maximianus unto him in like government. About this time, holy Alban for professing Christ, being Vita Albani. led from the City of Verolamium, unto Holmehurst, where now the town of Saint Albans is builded, suffered martyrdom, who is specified to be the first Martyr of Britain: and shortly after to the number of one thousand Christians, were martyred at Lichfielde, where Amphabole, instructor Liber Lichfielde. of Alban, was taken, brought to Verolamium, and there tormented to death. Carausius was appointed to be admiral of the Britain Seas, which were sore troubled by the Piracies of the Franckes and Saxons: but when he had oftentimes apprehended the Pirates, and neither reserved the prizes, or was Reserved. accountable for it, neither to the Emperors, nor his deputies, it was suspected that of set purpose he permitted these Rovers to have recourse through those Seas, to the end he might rifle them, and enrich himself. Maximianus therefore sent part of his army to suppress him, in which were many of the Theban legion, who in this journey were slain, by his commandment, and made martyrs because they professed Christ. Carausius understanding of the preparation made against him, passed out of Gaul into Britain, where bringing the Country to his obeisance, he usurped the Robe of an Emperor: whereupon they which were sent to surprise him, returned to Maximianus, who then was encumbered with new war in Gaul against the Peasantes. In the mean time Carausius built ships in britain, intercepted certain companies of soldiers, assembled a great number of barbarous people with spoil, with hope of whom he purposed to trouble the sea coasts of Gallia & Spain. Holland (also then holden by certain franks) revolted to Carausius. THen purposed Maximianus the second time to make 288 war against Carausius, but by stormy weather, and want of Pilots, he was enforced to defer his purpose, leaving the government of this I'll to Carausius. Shortly after, the two Emperors elected two Caesars, 291 Valerius Maximus and Constantius Chlorus, to which Constantius they committed the recovery of Britain. He immediately passing through Gaul hitherward, suddenly surprised Gesseriacum, now called Bullen, (which Carausius had manned,) and so stopped the Haven, that it could stand Carausius in no steed. Then building ships to pass over Paneg. Constantius dictus. hither, he first assailed luckily the Hollanders, which had revolted to Carausius: and then staying for convenient wind, he hovered a while on the sea coast, and in the mean time Carausius was traitorously slain by Alectus his familiar friend. ALbertus then usurped the Empire here in britain, 292 against whom Constantine with his former preparation made ready for war, and launched out in haste, though the wind was contrary: Which when his soldiers understood, they set out also with side winds out of the Seyne and other Ports, in such foggy and misty Seyne. weather, that they passed by Alectus Navy, then honouring for them about the isle of Wight, not seeing one the other. The Romans as soon as they landed burnt their ships, determining either to win, or lose their lives, which when alectus understood, he left the shore, and prepared himself for battle with his Mercenary barbarous soldiers, in which he was slain, by Asclepiodatus lord great master of the emperors house. In this fight none of the Romans perished, but here all the field was overspread with dead bodies of the enemies, among whom lay Alectus himself, without any Imperial ornaments, and scantly known. Other Roman soldiers also which had lost their company in the mist, arrived at London, slew in the City great number of barbarous people which escaped from the battle, and purposed to have sacked London. Then when Constantius came a land, the Britain's with their wives and children flocked unto him, and submitted themselves joyfully, being now delivered out of a long thraldom. This expedition of Constantius into britain, is ascribed by some to Maximianus, into which error a false inscription of the Panegirike hath led them. ASclepiodatus▪ as is before touched, recovered Britain, 290 Galfridu●. he belayed the City of London with a strong siege, wherein was Livius Gallus the Roman Captain: and ere it wer● long, by Knightly force and violence, entered the City, and slew the forenamed Gallus, near unto a brook there at that day running, into which brook he threw him, by reason whereof, it was called in British Nant Gallon, since in the Saxon tongue Gallus or Wallus brook: and this day, the street where sometime the brook ran, is called Walbrooke. coil after Asclepiodatus took on him the Kingdom of 301 Britain. COnstantius begun his Empire with galerius, the Empire 305 was divided between them: so that Constantius should possess Africa, Italy, France, and Britain: galerius should have Illirica, 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 Africa: 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 afterward Britain felt no persecutions. The year following he passed out of France hither against the Pictes, at which time his son Constantine, who then served Galerius, perceiving his destructien to be compassed, posted to his Father in all haste, howghing & killing the post horses, which way so ever he passed, that he might not be pursued, and came to his Father the very hour that he went aboard to come into Britain: but Constantius as Panegiricus. soon as he came to York, suddenly sickened, and perceiving his day to draw near, when he was asked to whom he would leave the Empire, answered, to Constantine, and shortly after departed. COnstantine surnamed the great, son of Constantius by 306 Helena, first consecrated, his Father being now dead, and with so great sorrow and shedding of tears, solemnized his burial, that the soldiers hoping he would resemble his Father, saluted him Emperor at York against his will: but when the Roman Senate had confirmed his election with their consent he willingly accepted it. And the year following setting the affairs of Britain in order, he passed hence with many Britons, first against the franks whom he vanquished, then against Maxentius an Usurper, whom he slew: and afterward against Licinus who named himself Emperor, whom also he subdued. Many barbarous nations also were by him discomfited. He established the Gospel in his Empire, and after him all Emperors were Christians. In the first beginning of his reign, he was worthy to have been compared with the best and chiefest Princes of the Romans that ever were: and at the end thereof, to be resembled to such as were of the meaner sort. He was much given to purchase praise and fame by feats of chivalry: he had good fortune in battle, and yet not so good, but that his industry excelled it far. After he had repressed the civil wars, he vanquished the Goths in diverse places: and wan great memory of praise among the Barbarians: He applied himself wholly to the study of the Liberal arts: he endeavoured to gain the love of the people, through his well deservings, seeking the same by his great liberality. The City which he built, he made it able to compare (in manner) with Rome itself. Constantinople And as he made prepation for battle against the Parthians, he died at Nicomedia. Eusebius writeth that Constantine was baptized first in Eusebius. the last days of his life in Gracia, in the City of Nicomedia, of the Bishop there. Also Sozomenus & Theodoritus write, that he was baptised Sozomenus. in his latter days a little before his death, when he witted he should die, in the xxxj. year of his Empire. He left behind him three sons, to wit Constantinus Constans, and Constantius, to succeed him in the Empire. Theodoritus. Helen the mother of Constantine the great at jerusalem found the Cross on the which Christ suffered his passion, she repaired the City of jerusalem, and adorned it with many fair Churches. She builded walls about London and Colchester. About this time Octavius whom Constantine had left governor▪ Octavius. Simon Dunelmensis. in this Island, rebelled, against whom Constantine sent Traherne with a legion of Romans, who (after diverse conflicts) was slain. Gratianus surnamed Funarius, was at this time governor of the Roman legions here. COnstantinus began his Empire and reign over britain: 337 with him his Father Constantine had appointed by his last will, that his two brethren Constans and Constantius should participate and have their portion of the Empire, but not long after, when Constantinus attempted war against his brother at Aquileia, and demeaned himself unadvisedly therein, he was slain, and then was the Empire reduced under the government of the two brethren only. COnstans then ruled britain, which he administered with 340 great justice: but after when he failed of his health, he associated unto him in steed of friends, evil disposed people to assist him, through whose evil counsel he declined into horrible vices, by mean whereof, waxing scant tolerable of the inhabitants of the provinces, he was slain by Magnentius who usurped the Empire in France, Spain, & Britain also as some writ. COnstantius then had the regiment of Britain, who sent 353 hither a spaniard called Paul, a notary by profession, to bring out certain men of war which had conspired with Amianus. Magnentius: but he upon false surmises grievously molested the guiltless, fettering and manacling whom he pleased. Martinus. Whereupon▪ Martinus, than lieutenant in Britain, being moved with compassion, desired him to forbear the harmless: but he was so rigorous, that he also charged Martinus himself of conspiracy with Magnentius and was earnest to bring him before the Emperor: whereupon Martinus drawing his sword s●it at him, and because he could not slay him, he suddenly slew himself, and Paul imbrued with blood, haled a great company (linked in chains) to the emperors presence, which were either banished, executed, or attainted. Constantius after this appointed julianus to govern Amianus Marcellinus. Gaul (or France) at which time great spoil was made in Britain by the Scots and Pictes, wherefore julianus busied with war against the Almains, sent Lupcinus hither with an army, in whose absence julianus usurped the Empire: whereof when Constantius heard, he returned from the war (against the Parthians,) against julianus, and died in the way. IVlianus (called the Apostata) began his reign over britain 362 & the Empire, a man seen passing well in the Liberal sciences, but an earnest adversary of Christian religion: he banished Ammian●●. Marcellinus. Palladius a great and honourable person into britain, upon a suspicion: he sent Alipius who had been lieutenant of Britain to repair jerusalem, but terrible flashes of fire issuing out of the Earth, when they laid the foundations, enforced them to leave their purpose. This julian, with great preparations made war upon the Parthians, he spoiled Assiria, and returning from thence a conqueror, he was slain by his enemies, as he pressed unadvisedly into the battles. After him succeeded in the Empire jeninian, and held it. ix. months. VAlentinian was then chosen Emperor by the soldiers. 365 The Pictes, Scots, Attacots, and Saxons, grievously molested the Britons. Nectaridius who had the charge of the Sea Marcellinus. coasts here, was slain by them, and Bulchobandes a great Captain was enclosed by them: wherefore after diverse Captains; Theodosius was sent hither, who discomfiting the enemy, and recovering the spoil, entered triumphantly into London, and the next year went into the North, suppressed the enemies, recovered the province, and repaired Cities & fortresses: he oppressed Valentinus an Hungarian, who being banished hither, practised new tumults, delivering him to Dulcitus Dulcitus. to be executed, without any inquiry of his confederates, because he would not renew the tumult: which done, he returned to Rome. Shortly after Valentinian sent hither Fraomarins (which he before had ordained king of the Buccenobats in Germany) to be marshal of the Almains which served in britain. And not long after Valentinian died. GRatian with his brother Valentinian was then created 375 Emporour. He to the intent he might better repair the decayed state of the Empire, made Theodotius a copartner with him in it. MAximus a valiant & worthy man was shortly after forced 383 here in britain to take the Empire upon him, who passed into France, and immediately all the german legions and Roman soldiers revolted unto him from Gratian, so that he being destitute of men of war, fled to Lions, where he was slain by treason: for Maximus gave out that Gratian'S wife was coming to her husband, which Gratian entirely loving his wife, lightly credited, and therefore accompanied with a few, went forth to meet her: but in the Coach where he supposed to have found his wife, was Andragatius a desperate man, who leaping out of the Coach killed Gratian. Then Maximus created his son Victor a Caesar, and Zozimu●. used some cruelty against Gratian'S Captains. Valentinian being herewith terrified, sent S. Ambrose unto him to treat a peace, which he accepted, and Theodotius permitted him to use the title of Augustus. Then he settled himself at Trier in Sige●ertus. Germany, impoverished the Countries round about him, executed certain Heretics called Priscillianists, and then entered into Italy, breaking the peace, and thought to have intercepted Valentinian, but he with his mother fled to Theodotius, and persuaded him to take revenge of Maximus. In the mean time Maximus came to Aquileia, all Italy and Africa submitted themselves unto him, when suddenly Theodotius coming from Constantinople, moved war against him, corrupted his soldiers with bribes, and after one or two skirmishes enforced Maximus to fly to Aquileia, where his own soldiers delivered him to Theodosius, by whose commandment he was shortly after beheaded. Andragatius also who kept the Seas, understanding this, drowned himself, and Victor the son of Maximus was slain in France by Arbogustes. The Britons which served him returned into France, and settled them in the Country there, which is now called Britain, so was Britain recovered Giraldus. again to the Romans Empire. Saint Ursula, with the 11000. Virgins, which were sent The. 11000. Virgins. Flores Historiarum. into Britain to be married to Conon and his Knights, were slain and martyred of the barbarous people being on the sea. But, as some writ, by Attila King of the Hu●●es. HOnorius, the son of Theodosius, succeeded in the Empire, 365 Bede. Pelagius Heresy. in whose time Pelagius, a Britain borne, disparckled the venom of his faithless Doctrine very far abroad, holding, that a man might live well without the help of the grace of God: using herein the aid of julianus of Campania, who was intemperately stirred with the loss of his Bishopric, to whom Saint Austen, and other Fathers also have answered in most ample manner, but yet they would not be amended thereby, but being convicted of their falsehood, they rather would increase it by defending and maintaining it, than amend it by returning to the truth. This time Marcus was chosen Emperor by the Souldyoures L●zi●●●. in Britain, fearing the invasion of the Vandals, but immediately they slew him, and elected Gratianus, whom also they murdered within four months. Then Constantine, a Soldier of base estate, only upon confidence of his name, was elected here Emperor, who passing hence into France, with all the youth of Britain, got all the men of war there to take part with him. Honorius sent therefore Sarus to withstand him, who in a fought field slew justinian, Constantine's Captain, and so pursued Constantine, that he made him take Valentia, wherein he sharply besieged him, until Gerentias' with his Britons, and Edebrichus with the francs raised the siege. Then Constantine fortified the Alpes, and Rhine with Garrisons, sent Constans his son (whom of a Monk he had made a Caesar) with a great Army into Spain, where he took, and afterward slew certain noble personages allied to Honorius, and returning to his Father, left Gerontius to govern Spain. Constantius himself then craved pardon of Honorius for usurping the Empire, saying, that he did it by compulsion, which when Honorius heard, he so well liked, that he sent an Imperial Robe unto him. In these troubles, Britain was greatly endangered by Pictes and Scots, and sued to Honorius for succour, but he sending them only Letters, willed them to look to their own state. Shortly after Constance, that was Monk, was slain by Gerontius his own Captain, at Vienna in France: and Constantine himself being besieged at Arles by Honorius Soldiers, entered into holy orders, and fled into the Church, thinking thereby to save himself, but was drawn out from thence, and slain. Gerontius who had traitorously killed his Master, was beset round about with Nicephorus. Spaniards in his Lodging, wherefore he first slew Allanus his tried friend, than Nunichia his wife, and lastly himself, and now Honorius recovered Britain. In his time (saith Bede) Bead. Rome was destroyed of the Goths, the 1164. year after it was builded: after which time the Romans left to rule in Britain, after almost 470. years, that julius Caesar first entered the said I'll. The Romans dwelled within the french, which as we have said, Severus drew overthwart the Island at the South part, which thing may appear by the Cities, Temples, Bridges, & paved streets to this day remaining, notwithstanding they had in possession, & under their dominion th● farther parts of Britain, and also the islands which are about Britain. By means (as is afore said) the Romans had used to transport with them over into France the flower of all the youth of Britain, to serve them in their foreign wars, their men of war were consumed, & was not now able to defend themselves against the invasions of their enemies: whereupon many years together they lived under the oppression of two most cruel Nations, the Scots, & Pictes, which were of the circuit of Britain, but divided from the land of Britain by two arms of the Sea, running betwixt them, of the which one from the East Sea, the other from the West, runneth in far and wide into the land, though they may one reak to the other. In the middle of the East creek, there is a City builded called Guidi. Above the West creek toward the right hand standeth a City called Alcluith, which in their language is as Alcluith. much to say, as the Rock Cluith, for it standeth by a Flood of the fame name. The Britain's then being thus afflicted by the said nations, sent their Ambassadors with Letters unto Rome, with lamentable supplications, requiring of them aid and succour, promising them their continual fealty, so that they would rescue them against the oppression of their enemies: whereupon there was sent unto them a legion of armed soldiers from Rome, which coming into the Island, & encountering with the enemies, overthrew a great number of them, & drove the rest out of the frontiers of the country, & so setting them at liberty, & free from the misery with which they were before so grievously overcharged, counseled them to make a wall between the two Seas, which might be of force to keep out their evil neighbours: and that done, they returned home with great triumph. But the Britain's building th● wall which they were bid to make, not of stone as they were willed, but of turf, as having none among them that had skill therein, made it so slender, th● it served them to little purpose. This wall they made between the two said arms or creeks of the Sea, many miles long, that where the fence of the water lacked, there by the help of the trench they might keep their country from th● breaking in of their enemies, of which piece of work, there remaineth even unto this day most assured tokens yet to be seen. This trench beginneth about two miles from the monastery of Abercuring, in a place which in the Pictes language is called Penuahil, and in English is called Panwell, and running Penuahil. out Westward, is ended by the City of Alcluith. But the former enemies, when they had once perceived that the Roman Legion was returned home again, forthwith being set on land by boats, invaded the borders, overcame the country, & as it were beat down all before them: whereupon Ambassadors be sent again to Rome, beseeching them they would not suffer their miserable country to be utterly destroyed. Again, there is sent another legion, which coming upon a sudden, made a great slaughter of th● enemies, & chased them over into their own country. Then the Romans told the Britain's, that it was not their ease to take any more such travellous journeys for their defence, and therefore bade them to practise their armour themselves, and learn to withstand their enemies. They builded up a Wall of hard stone from Sea to Sea, right between the two Cities, which there were made to keep out the Enemy, in the self-same place where Severus before had cast his Trench with public and private charges: the Britons also putting too their helping hands, they then builded it eight foot broad, and twelve foot high, right as it were by a line, from East, to West, as it doth to this day appear, which being perfected, they give the people strait warning to look well to themselves, they teach them to handle their weapon, and instruct them in warlike feats. Also by the Sea side Southward, where their Ships lay at harbour, lest their Enemies should land there abouts, they made up Bulwarks along, one somewhat distant from another, and this done, bid them farewell, Gildas Sapiens. as minded no more to return. At this time almost all the treasure of Britain was hid under ground, or transported over into France. As soon as they were gone, the Scots and Pictes having intelligence that they had made promise they would come no more, they taking heart of grace, return again to their business: and first, all that was without the wall, they took for their own. After that, they give assault unto the wall, where the britains were with Grapples pulled down, and otherwise so assaulted, that they leaving both the Cities and the wall also, were dispersed and put to flight, the enemies following, killed and slayed more cruelly, than ever they did before, whereupon being driven out of their own houses, and possessions, they fall a robbing and spoiling one the other of them, so far forth, that all the whole Country was brought to that exigent, that they had none other sustenance, but that they goat by hunting, and killing of wild Beasts. THeodosius the younger, son of Arcadius, succeeded his 408 Uncle Honorius, and appointed Valentinianus his Cousin, Emperor in the West parts. At this time, Timotheus here in Britain, under a pretence Sigebertus. of Religion, and great continency, drew many into a dangerous Heresy. Chrisanthus, the son of Bishop Martian, a Consul of Socrates Lib. 7. Italy, was made Uiceroy, and Lord Deputy of Britain: he was afterward made Bishop of Constantinople. Now the poor remnant of the Britons directed letters to Aetius, whereof this was the beginning: To Aetius thrice 446 Consul, the mourning of the Britons. In the process of which Epistle, they thus set forth their pitiful estate. The barbarous enemy driveth us upon the Sea: the Sea again upon the enemy: between these twain riseth two manner of deaths, either we are killed or drowned And yet for all their suit, they could obtain no aid of him, as he which had then both his hands full of business and battle at home with Bleda and Attila, Kings of the Huns. The Pelagian Heresies being brought in by Agricola, Pelagian Heresy. the son of Severianus, a Pelagian Bishop, about this time did fore corrupt the faith of the Britons, but the Britons being neither willing to receive their lewd Doctrine, as blasphenrous against the grace of God, neither able to refute their wily and wicked persuasions, they devised this wholesome counsel, to seek for aid of the Bishops of France, against these their spiritual enemies. And they calling a common counsel, consulted among themselves, whom of them all it were best to send to help their neighbour's faith. By the assent of them all there was chosen two worthy Prelates, Germanus Altisiodorensis, and Lupus, Bishop of the City Germanus and Lupus. Trecassa, which should pass over into Britain, to confirm them in the Faith, which with ready obedience, accepting the commandment of the Synod, took shipping thitherward, and had prosperous winds, which set them ashore in place where they themselves desired. Thither a great multitude of people being assembled, received the Priests of God, and the word of God was preached by them, not only in their Churches, but also in the open streets, and in the Country, in such sort, that in all places both the sound and faithful were confirmed, and they that before swerved out of the right faith, were amended. The authors and head professors of this heretical error, lay lurking all this while, and much spited to see the people daily to fall from them. After long advisement used, they take upon them to try the matter by open disputation, which being agreed upon, they come forth richly appointed, gorgeously appareled, accompanied with a number of flattering favourers. The people were present both to see and judge the matter. The parties were far unlike of condition: on the one side was the faith, on the other man's presumption: on the one side meekness, on the other pride: on the one side Pelagius, on the other Christ. First of all Germanus and Lupus gave their adversaries leave to speak, which vainly occupied both the time and ears of the people with naked words, but after the reverend Bishops poured out their words confirmed with scriptures, out of the Gospels and Apostles. Thus the vanity of Heretics was convicted, and falsehood confuted, so that at Pelagians Heresy confuted. every objection, they were forced to confess their error, not being able to answer them: but after their departure, the Heresy began again to revive. Wherefore Germanus returned into Britain with Severus, banished the Heretics with banishment, and restored the faith. The end of the Romans government in Britain. Britons and Saxons. THe Britons continued in doubtful War with the Scots and Pictes, sometime bearing away the victory, & sometime leaving it to the enemy. But considering the ambitious minds of men, and fearing least some should usurp the Kingdom at home, while they were detained with wars abroad, thought good to appoint over them some King: and so with one consent they elected Vortiger. VOrtiger reigned in Britons, in whose time hunger more 447 Bead. prevailing against the Britons, drove many of them to yield themselves unto the hands of their enemies. Other there were, which could never be brought thereunto, but from the hills and brakes where they lurked, many times invaded their enemies, as trusting so much the more in the help of God, how much the less hope they had of aid of men, and by such means, first of all both resisted and overthrew them, which many years together had lived by the spoil of the Country, whereby for the time they drew homeward with shame enough, contending not long after to return. The Pictes then, and long time after, kept themselves quiet at home, save only they would now and then make invasions into the land, and drive away booties of cattle. After that they drew to a quietness, there ensued such plenty of grain, as never was seen the like before, as far as any man could remember, whereof the people grew to lose and wanton living, whereof all manner of lewdness followed, specially cruelty, hate of truth, and love of lying, in so much, that if any were gentler and more given to truth than other, the other would work him all the hurt Riot and evil life the destruction of the Britons. and spite they could: this did not only the seculars, but also the Clergy, and the heads thereof, giving themselves over to drunkenness, pride, contention, envy, and such other, casting from them the yoke of Christ. In the mean season a bitter plague befell among them for their corrupt living, consuming in short time such a multitude of people, that the quick were not sufficient to bury the dead: and yet for all that, the remnant remained so hardened in sin, that neither their friends death, nor fear of their own, could cure the morrein of their souls, which daily perished through their sinful living: whereby a great stroke of God's vengeance ensued upon the whole sinful Nation: for being now infested again with their old neighbours the Scots and Pictes, they devised with themselves what was best to do, and where they might seek rescue to withstand and repel the fear of the Northern nation: and they agreed all with their King Vortiger, to demand aid of the Saxons beyond the Seas, which thing doubtless (saith Bede) was done by Gods own appointment, that the people might be thereby plagued, as by the end it manifestly appeared. The people of the English or Saxons, being sent for of the Saxons sent for into Britain. said King into Britain, landed here in three long Ships, and by the King's commandment, are appointed to abide in the East part of the Land. And the Isle of Thanet was given to them, they to defend the Country like friends, but Wil Malmesberie. in deed, as it proved afterward, minding to destroy the Country as enemies. Wherefore encountering with the Northern enemy, the Saxons had the better, whereof they sending word home into their Country, as also of the fruitfulness of the Land, the Saxons sent over a greater Navy and number of men better appointed for the Wars, which being now joined with the former band, drew to a stronger Army than all the power of the Britons was able to overcome. These by the Britons were allowed a place to dwell among them, with that condition that they should war for them against their enemies, for wages of the Britons. These Saxons, English, and juits, that came from beyond the Seas, Bede. were three of the strongest nations in Germany. That is, the Saxons, English, and the Vites, or juites. Of the juites, came the people of Kent, and the isle of Wight, and they in the province of West Saxons, are called of juites, right over against the isle of Wight. Of the Saxons (that is of that Region now called old Saxons) descended the East Saxons, the South Saxons, and the West Saxons. Of the English, descended the east English, the Mercies, and the Northumber's. The chief Captains of the Saxons are said to have been two brethren, Hingest, and Horsus: this Hingest prepared a great banquet, appointing Wil Malmesberie. his Daughter (Rowan as some writ) to attend at the table, to the end she might delight the King's eye as he sat: which thing was not done in vain, for as the King was always desirous to behold the beauty of Women, so was he strait ways taken with the beauty and elegant behaviour of this maiden, and without farther delay, desired to have her to his Wife, and would compel her Father to consent thereunto, who in his heart was willing enough withal, but for a subtlety said nay, alleging that so base a marriage was not meet for the King, and holding himself as aggrieved and not willing. All Kent was given him for a reward, to consent thereunto, in which country, all equity and justice was decayed, under government of one called Gnorongus, who notwithstanding was subject unto Vortiger, as all the rest of the Princes of the Island were. For the love that Vortiger bore to Rowayne the Saxon, he was divorced from his lawful Wife, by whom he had three sons, for which deed, wellnear all the Britan's forsook him. Vodine Archbishop of London, a man of singular devotion Archbishop of London reproveth the King. and good life, by the advise of Vortimer, went to Vortiger, and said to him, that he had not done as a Christian Prince, in departing from his lawful wife, and taking another woman, whose Father was an enemy to the Christian faith, and also went about to conquer the Crown of Britain: Then said Vortiger, I was not wise when I brought the Saxons to help me against mine enemies, but I was more unwise, when I was taken with the inordinate lust of the daughter of Hengist: I know that mine Empire will be terrible, except I repent me with speed and turn to God. Hengist hearing Vortiger make this lamentation, blamed him, for that he believed the persuasions of a profane man, of feigned life (as he termed him) and forthwith slew the good Archbishop Vodine, and many other Priests, and Archbishop of London slain. Religious persons. All the Churches in Kent were polluted with blood, the Nuns, with other religious persons, were by force put from their houses and goods, and constrained to pollution of their bodies. The Britain's considering the daily repair of the Saxons into this Realm, showed to their King the jeopardy that might thereof ensue, and advertised him of the danger, but all was in vain: for Vortiger, by reason of his wife, bore such favour to the Saxons, that he would in no wise hear the counsel of his subjects, wherefore, they with one mind deprived him of his royal dignitio, when he had reigned six years, & ordained to be their king Vortimere his eldest son. VOrtimere pursued the Saxons, and by his martial knighthood 454 fought against them four battles, besides divers skirmishes, until at length he was poisoned by the means of Rowa●he his stepmother, after he had reigned vj. years. The first battle, Hengest & Horse fought with Wirtigerre (or Marianus Scotus. I loriacen. Wigornieu. Vortimer as others have) was in a place called Aeglestrop, & notwithstanding that Horse was slain in this battle, yet Hengest carried away the victory. The second battle Hengest & Eske fought with the Britain's, in a place called Crecanford. Of the Britain's many perished by the sword, the rest of them abandoned Kent altogether, and with great fear fled unto London. The third battle Hengest & Eske fought with the Britan's near unto a place called Weppedes fleet, that is to say, the Fleet of Wepped, where they slew xij. Dukes or Captains of the Britain's, with many other, where as on the part of th● Saxons, there was one only man slain, whose name was Wepped. The fourth battle was fought by Hengest & Eske against the Britain's, who obtaining the victory got an innumerable spoil, in which battle the Britain's fled from the Angles. VOrtiger obtained again the Kingdom, and shortly after 460 Hengest, which was chased into the isle of Thanet, entered the land with a number of Saxons, but when he heard of the great assembly the Britain's had made against him, he treated W. Malme. for peace, which in fine was concluded. Shortly after Hengest (by a guile which before he had devised) bid his son in law, & iij. C. of his Nobles unto a feast or banquet, where when he The Barons of the Britaines slain at a banquet. had overlaid his guests with overmuch Wine, he fell to quarreling, & with taunting talk, pinched every one of them, and strait fell to fight, wherethrough the Britain's were slain every one. The King was taken prisoner, and forced to give The King taken prisoner. for his ransom, Kent, Sussex, Suffolk, & Norfolk. This murder of the Britan's, was on that plain of Salesbury. Then Hengest begins his dominion over Kent, & Vortiger, fled into Wales, & Hengest King of Kent. builded there a castle, of which building, & long let of the same, and of his Prophet Merlin, Geffrey Monmouth, and others speak many things. Great companies of the Saxons daily flocked Bede. into this Island, & grew so strong, th● the people of th● Country which sent for them, stood in great fear of their puissance, for those Saxons had taken league with the Picts, & began to turn their force upon the Britain's: and to be short, the fire once kindled A miserable state of the britains. in that lands of the Pagans there, took just revenge of th● wickedness of the people, raging first upon the Cities & Country next adjoining, after from the East sea to the West, overwhelming all the whole Island without resistance: both public & private houses were overthrown to the ground: the Priests were slain standing at the altar: the Bishops with their flock were murdered, without respect of their dignity, nor there was any that would bury the slain: some of the miserable leavings being taken in the hills, were there killed: other being starved with hunger, were feign to creep out of their caves, & buy their victual at their enemies hands with sale of their liberty for ever, if yet they were not killed out of hand: other fled over the Seas with an heavy heart: other tarrying still in their country in fear of death, & lack of food, lived full miserably in the Mountains, woods, & Cliffs. Aurelius Ambrose, and Uther (brethren of Constantine that was before slain in France) landed with a Navy of Ships at Totnes, made war upon Vortigerne, and buried him in his Castle in Wales, when he had secondly reigned vj. years. AVrelius-Ambrose was ordained king of Britain, in whose time, the Britain's by little & little began to take strength 466 Bede. Wil Malme. and courage unto them, coming out of their caves in which they lucked before, and with one consent, calling for heavenvly help, that they might not for ever be utterly destroyed, they had then for their Captain a Roman, called Ambrose Aurelius, a gentle natured man, which only of all the blood of the Romans remained then alive (his parents being slain) which bore the name of King of the Country. This man being their Captain, they assembled themselves together, and provoking the victors to the fight, through God's assistance achieved the victory, and from that day forward, now the men of the Country, now the enemy had the victory, until the year that Bathe was besieged; where they gave their enemies a great overthrow, which was about the xliiij. year of their coming into the land: but of this we shall speak more hereafter. This Ambrose caused the Churches to be repaired, Brute Book. which had been spoiled by the Saxons. He caused the great Stonehenge besides Salesburie. Gadeasins Tilberiensis. stones to be set on the plain of Salesburie, which is called stonehenge, in remembrance of the Britain's that were slain and buried there in the time of Vortiger, at the banquet and communication of Hengist with the Saxons. A Saxon named Cella, with his three sons, and a company Kingdom of the South Saxons. Agar●a Scot Brute Book. of Saxons, landed in the South part of Britain. A Saxon named Porth, landed with his two sons, Byda and Meagla, at an Haven in Southhamptonshire, after whom the Haven is named Portesmouth. The third Kingdom of the East Saxons, began in Britain, Kingdom of the East Angles. under Duke Vffa. Aurelius Ambrose being poisoned, died when he had reigned 32. years, and was buried at Stonehinge called Chorea Gigantum. VTher Pendragon, so called, for that he caused always a 498 Gafrid. Arbour Success. Dragon to be borne before him in his battles, was crowned King of Britain: he vanquished Otta and Oza at Windgate by Coquet River. He was enamoured upon Igren, the Duke's Wife of Cornwall, and to obtain his unlawful lust, made war upon her husband Goilen, and slew him in battle at Duvilioc. On her he begat Arthure. He reigned eighteen year, and was buried at Stonhinge. ARthure the son of Uther borne in Cornwall, at the age 516 of fifteen years was crowned King of Britain, as some say at Caerleon, other at Winchester: one old nameless pamphlet saith at Cilicester, by Dubritius Archbishop of Legions. Nene●iu●. This City of Cilicester in British is called Caier segent, and was situate near Reading. It was so called, for that Constantius, the son of Constantine the great died Sea. Cr●. there: his Sepulture might once have been seen there besides the City, as the Letters engranen on it in stone did declare. He took to Wife Guinover, Cousin to Cador Duke of Cornwall, and Daughter to the King of Biscay. Of this King there be many fabulous reports, but certain, Wil Malmesbery he was a Prince (as Malmesberie saith) more worthy to have advancement by true Histories, than false Fables, being the only prop and upholder of this his Country. In the beginning of his reign, Lotho and Conradus his Aurea Histor. allies, envying his prosperity, made War against him, but he valiantly vanquished them with their Pictes and Scots, at his pleasure, and appointed them a governor Sea. Cr●▪ Neni●●. named Anguisell. He fought twelve fields against the Saxons, and always bare away the victory, of which, the last was fought at Bath, where by his own prowess and manhood, he vanquished nine hundred. Afterward he raised the Malmesberie. siege which the Saxons had planted about Lincoln, and slew them in great numbers. Thus having abated the rage of the Saxons, and reduced his Country to quietness, he constituted the order of the Round Table. round Table, into which order, he only received such of his nobility as were most renowned for virtue and chivalry. This round Table he kept in divers places, but especially at Cairleon, Winchester, and Camalet in Somerset-shire. There is yet to be seen in Denbigh shire, in the parish of Leyland. Llansanan, in the side of a stony hill, a place compass, wherein be four and twenty seats for men to sit in, some less, and some bigger, cut out of the main Rock by man's hand, where children and young men, coming to seek their cattle, use to sit, and play: they commonly call it Arthures round Table. So having established all things well at home, he with his nobility made an expedition into Norway, where he achieved Norway subdued. sundry notable, and marvelous exploits, and subdued the same, with all the Regions thereabout, to Russia, Leges S. Edwardi. placing the limit of his Empire in Lapland. He caused the people of those Countries to be baptized, and receive the Christian Religion. He also obtained of the Pope to have Norway confirmed to the Crown of this Realm, calling it the Chamber of Britain. Norway the Chamber of Britain. Then sailing into France, he forced Frolo (governor there for the Romans) to flight, and afterward in Combat manfully slew him. Shortly after, he addressed deadly War against Gaufridus. Lucius Hiberus, who claimed a Tribute of Arthure for Britain, and had assembled great powers to overcome Arthure, but Arthure encountering with him, after a long and bloody fight, discomfited his Army, killed him, and sent his body to the Senate of Rome for the Tribute. While Arthure was thus valiantly occupied in his wars beyond the Seas, and had conquered thirty Kingdoms Flores Historiar. (such as they were in those days) Mordred to whom he had committed the government of Britain, confederating himself with Cerdicus first King of the West Saxons, traitorously usurped the Kingdom, of which treason, when Battle at Dover. relation came to Arthure, he speedily returned into Britain, and at Richborow near to Sandwich, gave battle to him, and wan the field. Anguisell of Scotland, Gavin and Cador were there slain: then pursuing him into Cornwall, gave him battle there again by the River of Alaune, of some histories called Cablan, where Mordred was slain. Wal. Conjure. Mordred slain. Ann. Glasco. And Arthure being deadly wounded, was conveyed to Glastenburie, where he died, and is buried, after he had most victoriously governed this Realm six and twenty years. COnstantine, kinsman to Arthure, and son to Cador Duke of Cornwall, was ordained King of Britain, and 542 B●●te Book. reigned three years. This man was by the two sons of Mordred gréenouslye vexed, for they claimed the Land by the right of their Father, but after many Battles, they fled, the one to London, the other to Winchester, which Cities they obtained, and took them: but Constantine Mordred'S children slain. followed, and subdued, and took the foresaid Cities, and one of the young men he found in an Abbey at London, and slew him near the Altar cruelly, and buried him nigh Uter Pendragon, at stonehenge. The other Gildas. Arbour successio. young man he found at Winchester, and slew him, flying into the Church of Saint Amphibalus. Aurelius Conanus, a Britain, raised mortal war against Constantine the King, and after sore fight slew him in the field, when he had reigned three years, and was buried at stonehenge. A Vrelius Conanus, Nephew to Arthure, was Crowned 545 King of Britain. He cherished such as loved strife and dissension within his Realm ● and gave light credence to them which accused other, were it right or wrong. He imprisoned by strength his Uncle, which was right heir to the Crown. He reigned three and thirty Flores Historiarum. years. The Kingdom of Northumberland began first in Britain The fifth Kingdom of the Saxons. 578 Gildas. Gaufrid. under a Saxon named Ida. VOrtiporus, the son of Conanus, was ordained King of Britain, a vicious King, and cruel tyrant, who put from him his Wife, and kept her daughter for his Concubine. In divers battles he discomfited the Saxons. He reigned four years. MAlgo pulcher Canonus of North-wales, began his 581 reign over the britains, and governed them five years. This Malgo was in proportion of body, greater than all the Dukes of Britain, but he delighted in the soul sin of Sodomy. He slew his first wife, and then took to wife his Gildas. own brother's daughter. CAreticu● began to rule the Britons. This man loved civil 586 War, and was audible both to God and to his subjects. They moved the Saxons (being accompanied with Gurmundu● King of Ireland) to make war upon Careticus, in such wise, that he was sayne to take the Town of Cicester, where they assaulted him so sore, and fired the Corn, by tying fire to the wings of Sparrows, that he with his men fled from thence into Wales: by which means, he left a great part of his dominion, and ended his life, when he had reigned three years. Sea. Cro. This Gurmund burned up the land of Britain from Sea to Sea, and the more part of that I'll called Leogrea he gave to the Saxons. The Britain's gave place, and fled into the West parts of Cornwall, and Wales. Theanus' Archbishop of London, & Thadeocus Archbishop of York, when their Churches were all destroyed to the ground, they with their Clergy fled into Wales, & many of them into little Britain. This plague came on the Britain's for their covetousness, cavine, and lechery. Gurmund builded Gurmondchester. Gurmunchester builded. 61● Paulus Diaconus. CAdwane Duke of North-wales, was made sovereign of the Britain's, who gave strong battle to Ethelfride King of Northumberland, and forced him to entreat for peace: After which concord being made, they continued all their life time loving friends. He reigned xxij. years. The Kingdom of the East Saxons began under Erchenuin●s, sixth Kingdom of Saxons. about the year of Christ, 614. The Kingdom of Mercia, or middle England, began under seventh Kingdom of Saxons. 635 Penda▪ 626. CAdwalin, the son of Cadwane, reigned over the Britain's: he warred strongly upon the Saxons, and made Penda King of Mercia. tributary to him▪ He reigned xlviij. years, and was buried at London, in a Church of S. Martin near unto Ludgate, which Church was then new founded and builded by the britains, in Anno. 677. CAdwalladar was ordained king of the Britons, and 685 ruled only three years: he vanquished and slew Lothier king of Kent, and Athelwold king of south Saxons: and then forsaking his kingly authority, he went to Rome, there to be christened, who after became a Monk, and was buried in S. Peter's Church at Rome. He was last king of britain. After which time the Britons were called Walshmen, which name was given them by the Englishmen, or Saxons, who used to call all men Walshmen, that be strangers unto them. NOw are we come to the time wherein God (who for the sins of the people translateth kingdoms) dispossessed the Britons of their ancient habitation, & rule of this land, who by the victory of Saxons were enforced, either to miserable servitude, or driven into the Western parts of the isle, now called Wales & Cornwall, (where they now inhabit,) or else to their countrymen the Britain's in France. But the Saxons enjoying the fertile soil of this Realm, parted it in process of time into seven kingdoms: Kent, Southsex, Eastangle, East-saxons, Mercia, Northumberland, and westsaxons, which the learned call the Heptarchy of the Saxons, of which kingdoms, I purpose (for avoiding of confusion) to treat severally, setting down the limits of these Countries, with the succession, acts, and civil battles of their petty Kings, until the time that this Heptarchy, or government of seven, was reduced to a Monarchy, or regiment of one. Kentish Saxons. KEnt the first Kingdom, possessed by the Saxons, contained 456 that country that stretcheth fro the East Ocean to the river of Thamis, having on the south-west side Southrey, on the West London, & upon the North-east the said river of Thamis. It hath the Archbishopric of Canterbury Metropolitan and primate of all England, and the Bishopric of Rochester▪ and had Kings as followeth. HEngest the son of Widgils, the son of Victa, the son of Wecta, the first son of Woden and Fr●a, was the first of the Saxons that made himself king of Kent, as before ye have heard, ●yght years after his first entering into this Island in the year from Christ's birth 456. He reigned xxxiiij. years, & died honourably (saith Marianus Scotus) but Peter de ●kham and others say, that by the counsel of E●dad Bishop of Gloucester, Edel Duke of Gloucester, caused his Marianus, Petre de l●k●. Floria▪ Wigor. 490 514 536 562 head to be cut of at Cones●orow. ESke or Vske, succeeding his father Hengest, reigned peaceably. xxiv. years. ¶ Otta son of Eske reigned. xxij▪ years. ¶ Ermericus the son of Otta reigned. xxv. years. EThelbert the son of Ermericus had the government of that Kingdom, by the space of. liij. or after Bede. luj. years. This Ethelbert in the beginning of his reign W. ●alme. being but a child, was troubled with wars on every side, so that he could hardly defend his own coasts. In his first battle against Ceauline king of the West Saxons and Cuthe his son, he was forced to make his flight into Kent, having two of his Duke's Oslave and C●eb● ano slain in a place called Vuibbadune▪ but when he came to more age, and was more cunning in war, in short space he overcame all the Kingdoms of the Saxons round about him, save the Northumber's. And to the end he would have acquaintance with foreign Princes, he made affinity and alliance with the King of France by marrying of his daughter Berta, a Christian woman, to whom he permitted to use the laws and rites of her Country, and to have a Bishop, whose name was Letardus, to remain with her, for her better instruction in the laws of God. By this▪ means the barbarous and Heathen Saxons keeping company with the French▪ and agree to have all one law and like customs: besides this, the chaste and virtuous life of Letardus the Bishop, and the other French which came with the Queen, changed the King's mind unto the knowledge of Christ, whereby it came to pass, that afterwards he did so soon give place to the preaching of Augustine. At this time (saith Bede) the Britons Bead. being at quiet, little regarding the storms paste in their father's days, and having respect only to the present prosperous éstate in the which they then lived, were so set to break all good orders of truth and justice, that scant any token or remembrance thereof remained, but only in a few, among many other of their doings, which their own Gildas. Historigrapher Gildas, doth lamentably set forth in writing, (he saith of them thus) that they never took care to preach the Gospel of Christ unto the Angles and Saxons, which inhabited the land among them. But yet the goodness of God provided for the said nation of the Angles, much more worthy preachers, by whom they might be brought to the faith POpe Gregory moved of godly instinction in the hundred 596 Marianus. Floriacen. Bead. forty and seven year after the arrival of the Angles in Britain, sent Augustine, Melitus, justus, & john, with sundry other Monks that lived in the fear of God, to preach the Gospel, to the nation of the Angles in Britain, which Austen came into Britain. Ethelbert was the first Christian King of the Saxons. landed in the isle of Thanet, and were first received by Ethelbert king of Kent, whom they converted to the Christian Faith with diverse of his people in the. xxxiiij. year of his reign: and king Ethelbert delaying no time, gave unto Augustine the City of Canterbury, who furthered thus by the King, received at his hands an old Church, sometime founded there by the faithful Romans, and dedicated th● same to our saviour Jesus Christ, which since was called Saint Augustine's. Augustine consecrated Melitus and justus Bishops, and Saint Augustins at Canterbury builded. appointed Melitus to preach unto th● East Saxons, who with their King Sebert the nephew of King Ethelberte, at the preaching of Melitus received the word of life. King Ethelbert founded the Church of Saint Paul in London. Saint Paul's in London. S. Andrewes at Rochester builded. justus was made Bishop of Rochester, where Ethelbert builded for him and his successors the church of S. Andrew. Augustine ordained Laurence to succeed him in the archbishopric, and shortly after departed this life. Ethelbert reigned. luj. years and was buried with Berta his wife at Saint Austin's by Canterbury. AThelboldus the son of Ethelbert, not only refused the 616 ●ayth of Christ, but also took to wife his mother in law. He was oftentimes grieved with woodness and distraught, but by Laurence the Archbishop of Canterbury, he was converted to leave his Idolatry and unlawful sin, and was turned again to the Faith. He founded the Priory of Fulkestone in Kent, and reigned xxv. years. ERcombert the son of Adbold by Emma his wife, he 640 first suppressed the temples of the Idols, and because his people were given to excess, commanded a solemn fast of. xl. days long, to be observed throughout all his Kingdom, and reigned xxv. years. About this time Henorius Archbishop of Canterbury divided his province into Parishes. EGbert his son succeeded, whose quiet government for 667 a long season was after defaced by the cruel murder of Ealbert, and Egelbright his cousins Germans, whom either W. Malme. he slew himself, or procured to be slain: he reigned nine years. LOtharius succeeded his brother Egbert, who being assaulted oftentimes by Edrike the son of Egbert, in a cruel 674 fight was shot through with a dart, whereof he died under his Surgeon's hands, when he had reigned thirteen years. EDricke the son of Egbert, within the space of two years 686 lost both life and Kingdom. After his death th● kingdom being sometime governed by usurpers, and sometime by foreigners, began to decay. The Kentishmen, by casting of fire, did cruelly burn Moll the brother of Cedwal King of the West Saxons, and twelve of his Knights with him: wherewith Cedwal being moved to fury, did miserably harry and spoil all Kent, so that by the space of six years, there was no King in that Country. WIthredus the son of Egbert purchasing peace with 698 money, was then established king, in which state he behaved himself very honourably, both in peace and war. He founded the Priory of Saint Martin at Dover, and reigned xxxi●j. years, with whom king Swebhearde reigned jointly in one part of his kingdom. EDbert the son of Withered walked in his father's ordinances, 731 and had like success, and reigned three & twenty year. EDelbert his brother succeeded, in whose time the City of 754 (Canterbury as is to be thought) was burned by chance: he reigned. xj. years. ALricke the third son of Withered ruled Kent after his 765 brethren, and was vanquished in a fought field against the Mertians: he reigned xxxiiij. years. EDelbert or Egbert otherwise called Pren, them usurped the kingdom, and leavyed war against the Mertians, by 799 whom he was taken prisoner, and not long after resisted, but the Kentishmen would not receive him, Cuthred then usurped, & bore a title of a Kentish king for the space of. viij. years. BAlbrede then took on him Princely dignity, but Egberte 807 King of West Saxon so discomfited him in battle, that he fled and forsook his Kingdom, when he had reigned xx. year, whereby this kingdom of Kent was united to the Kingdom of the West Saxons. South Saxons. SOuthsex the second Kingdom, contained the Counties of Southsex and Surrey, which had on the east side Kent, on the South side the Sea, on the West side Hampshire, and on the North the river of Thamys: it containeth the dioceses of Chichester and part of Winchester. AEle the eight from Woden, with his three sons, Cimen 478 Plencing, & Cissa, came into Britain with. itj. ships, & landed in a place called Kimenesore, & there slew many of the Britons, and forced the rest to make their flight into a wood which is called Andredsleage. afterward fight with the Britons in a place near unto Marerodes burn, slew many of them, and put the rest to flight. Then he and Cissa his son after long siege, broke into the City of Andreds Cester, and slew the inhabitants from the greatest to the smallest, and so began the Kingdom of Southsex: he reigned. xxxuj. years. CIssa his son succeeded, he built the City of Chichester, 514 and named it after his own name, he reigned lxxuj. years. EThelwulfus (whom Bede nameth Edelwach) was christened 590 Eeade. First Christened King in Southsex. in the province of the Mercies, in the presence and at the exhortation of King Wulfhere, who also at the font was his godfather, and in sign of that adoption, gave him two provinces, that is to say, the isle of Wight, and the province of Manures, in the West part of England. Wilfride the Bishop came to the province of the Southsaxons, unto them did he minister the word of Faith, by the permission and great rejoicing of the King. This Bishop Christened the chief Lords and Knights of the Country: and the rest of the people at the same time, or soon after were Christened by other Priests. The Queen Ebba was christened in her I'll, which was in the province of the Vicctans: for she was the daughter of Eanfride, who was Eanheres brother, which were both Christian men, and all their people. But all the province of South Saxons had never before that time heard of the name of God, nor the faith. This Wilfride preached the Gospel, and not only delivered the people from the peril of damnation, but also from an horrible murrain of temporal death. For in three years before, it had not rained in all those quarters, whereby a famine destroyed the people by heaps, in somuch that diverse times forty or fifty in a company, being famished for hunger, would go together to some rock or Sea bank, and cast themselves all down, either to be killed with the fall, or drowned in the Sea: but on the same day they received Baptism and Faith, there fell a plentiful shower of rain, wherewith the Earth flourished again. This Bishop also taught the people there to get their sustenance by fishing. Edilwach gave unto bishop Wilfride the land of fourscoure and seven tenements, where he might place his company, the name of the place was Seolesey. In this Selsee Monastery in Southsex. place he founded a monastery, to be his Episcopal Sea. CEadwall a valiant young man of the west Saxons, being banished from his Country, came with an host of men and slew King Edilwach, wasted that province, cruelly murdered and spoiled every where. Edilwach reigned. xxv. years. And soon after Ceadwall was driven out by two Captains of the Kings, Bertham and Anthun, which from that time did hold and keep the Dominion of that province: the chief of which two, was afterward slain of the same Ceadwall, (being then King of the Weastsaxons,) and the province subdued: and the latter was slain by Ina. East Angles. EAstangles the third Kingdom contained the Countries of Norfolk and Suffolk, Cambridge, and the isle of Ely, which had on the East and North sides the sea, on the West, Saint Edmondes' Dike, with a part of Hertfordshyre, and on the South side Essex. It containeth the dioceses of Norwich and Ely. VFfa the eight from Woden, first king of East Angles, reigned 492 seven. years. ¶ Titulus reigned. xx. years. 499 REdwaldus the tenth from Woden, as men writ: this is he that for the favour of Edwin, killed Edelfride king of 519 W. Malme. Northumberland. The same Redwalde was by th● persuasion of edwin baptized, but after by his wives counsel he fell from the faith again, but his son Dorwaldus in pure and uncorrupted Christianity was slain by the heathen Rochbert. Redwaldus reigned xxv. years. ¶ Gerpenwalde reigned xij. years. 554 566 East Angles baptized. SIgebertus being brought up in France, when he fled the enmity of Redwald, was there baptized, whereupon after his return coming to the Crown of the East Angles, and desiring to follow the godly order which he had seen in France, set up a School to bring up children, by the help and aid of Bishop Felix, whom he took out of Kent for that purpose, appointed them masters and teachers, after the manner of Kentishmen. This Felix ●orne in Burgonia, was made Bishop of Dunmock, Falix Bishop of Donwich. now called Donwich, an ancient City, sometime of great fame, governed by a Mayor and three Bailiffs, now soar decayed and wasted by the Sea: he sat Bishop xvij. years and was buried at Ramsey. Sigebert renounced the world and became a Monk, and left his Kingdom to his kinsman Egricke, with whom he (being assaulted of Penda King of the Mercies) joined himself in battle and was slain. ANna the son of Guido, succeeded Egrieks, and was likewise slain by the fury of Penda. Etheldred daughter to Anna, founded the Church of Saint Peter in the Isle of Ely Minster founded. Ely. Anno. 674. Athelhere brother to Anna succeeded, and both he and Penda were slain by Oswinus King of the Northumber's, and that deservedly, because he had aided Penda against his own brother, and his kinsman. Adelwaldus his brother succeeded him with like fortune, and left the Kingdom to Aldulfus, Elohwoldus and Hisberna, sons of the same Athelhore. Etheredus succeeded him. EThelbertus his son, whom Offa King of Mercies deceitfully 790 slew: he was buried at Hereforde. Very few men of might did reign after him in Eastangle, by reason of the violence done by the Mercians, until S. Edmond. EDmonde reigned xv. years, in whose time Hinguar and 870 Hubba began Danes, entering the Province of the Northumber's, raged over all the same, and made great spoils. Hinguar having gotten a great pray, left Hubba, and with Asserius. his navy sailed into Eastangle, & arrived at a certain City thereof unawares to the Citizens, set it on fire, and slew Albo Florica censis. both man, woman and child. This wicked Hinguar took Edmonde King of that Province, in a village then called Heglisdune, near to a Wood bearing the same name, where this holy Edmond being constant in the Christian Faith, was first by the Pagans beaten with bats, then scourged King Bdmund cruelly martyred by the Danes. with whips, he still calling on the name of jesus: his adversaries in a rage shot him full of Shafts, and then smote off his head: after which time the Angles ceased to reign in the Eastangle, but the same was possessed by Danes, till a fifty years after, that Edward the son of Etheldred did expulse the Danes, and joined that Province, and also the East-Saxons, to his Kingdom of the Weastsaxons. East-Saxons. ESsex the fourth kingdom contained Essex, Midlesex, and Hartfordshire, being bounded on the East, with the german Ocean, on the South with the river Thamis, on the West with Colme, and on the North with Stowre, which at this day parteth Suffolk from Essex: it containeth the diocese of London. ERchenwine, the eight from Woden, from whom all the Saxons derived their genealogies, first erected this Country 527 to a Kingdom, which nevertheless he held as Feodarieto the kings of Kent, who were as yet the very soveraines' of the whole country from Thamis to Humber. And as we have specified, Vortiger yielded season to Hengest for his delivery, ●eade. when th● Peers of the Britain's were slain on Salisbury plain, and he taken prisoner. SLedda the son of Erchenwine, succeeded his father in the 587 government, and to establish the state more sure, married Ricula the daughter of Ermenrich King of Kent, and enjoyed his government so quietly, that he ministered small matter to Historiographers. SEbert the son of Sledda by Ricula, ruled this kingdom 602 after his father. The second year of his reign, by the persuasion of Ethelbert his uncle, and preaching of Miletus first bishop of London, he embraced Christianity, and was baptized by Miletus, and (immediately to show himself a Christian,) built a Church to the honour of Saint Peter, on the West side of London, in a place, which because it was overgrown with Thorns and environed with Waters, the Saxons at that time called it Thorney, and Westminster built. now of the Monastery and West situation is called Westminster. In this place long before was a Temple of Apollo, (as Sulcardus writeth,) which being overthrown with an Earthquake, Eucius built a Church for the Christians, ●ulcard●●. Sebert (when he had reigned thirteen years) died, and was entombed in the Church which he built, with his wife Acthelgod, whose bodies many years after, in the the time T. Walsingham. of Richard the second, were translated from the old Church to the new at Westminster: and there interred. SErred, Sewarde and Sigbert, sons of Sebarte, jointly (as it seemeth) then ruled Eastsex▪ men wickedly given, irreligious, 616 and deadly enemies to the Christian profession: who presumed contemptuously to the Table of the Lords Supper, being not baptized: and because Miletus would not permit them to be partakers of the Christian Sacrament, they expelled him from his Sea at London, but shortly after Serred encountering with the West Saxons, was slain with both his brethren by king Kinegls'. SIgebert surnamed the little, son of Sewarde succeeded in this kingdom, and left the same to Sigebert his kinsman. SIgebert son to Sigebalde, brother to Sebert, then ruled in Eastsex, he by the persuasion of Oswy King of Northumber's, ●eade. abandoned all superstition, and became a Christian, and took an holy man Ced with him, who did mightily beat down errors, & won many by preaching the Christian religion in his Dominions, whereupon Ced was by Finan consecrated Bishop of the East Saxons, and then proceeded with more authority in his function, ordering Priests and Deacons in all places of Essex, but especially at Ithancester, and Tilberie. This City of Ithancester, stood on the bank of the river Pante, that runneth by Maldune in the hundred of Dansey, but now that City is drowned in Pante, so that nothing remaineth but the ruins of the City in the said river. Tilbery standeth on the Thamis side. Ralph Cogshal. In th● good proceedings of King SIGEBERT, he was slain by a kinsman of his own, upon none other occasion, but for that he used too much clemency towards his enemies, as the murderers themselves confessed. Swidhelin son of Sexbald, succeeded then in this regiment, who was baptised by Ced in Rendlesham in East-Englande. Sigher then ruled with Sebba, which Sebba became a Monk, and is buried at Saint Paul's in London. Sigehard then reigned. Erkenwald Bishop of Eastangle founded the Monasteries of Chartesey in Surrey, and Barking in Essex. Anno. 677. Seofride next successively, of whom I find nothing recorded. Offa the son of Sigher than ruled this Province, he enlarged with building, and enriched with lands the Church Rich▪ Cices●●. of Westminster, and then forsaking his wife, lands, kin and Country, he went to Rome with Kenrede King of Mercia, and there in a Monks cowl ended this life, leaving Selred to rule his Country. SElred (whom other call Colred) peaceably after Offa reigned 718 Ri. Grincastri. 748 in Essex thirty years, and at length was slain. SVthred after Selred was slain, reigned in Eastsex: but Egbert King of the Weastsaxons, the very year that he conquered Kent, subdued also this Suthred, and annexed Essex to his Kingdom: yet London with the Country confining about it, came not in subjection to the Weastsaxons, but obeyed the King of Mercia, as long as that Kingdom continued. Sigehricke and Sigehard afterward aspired to the Kingdom of East Saxon, but with no good success. Mercians. MErcia the fifth Kingdom and greatest of the other, contained Gloucester, Hereford, Chester, Stafforde, Wircester, Oxford, Warwick, Derby, Leicester, Buckingham, Northampton, Nottingham, Lincoln, bedford, Huntingdon, and part of Hartford shires. It had on the West side, the river Dee fast by Chester, and Severne fast by Shrewsburie unto Bristol: in the East, the East sea: in the South, Thamis unto London, in the North th● river Humber, & so Westward, down to the river Merce, unto the corner of Wyrhall. This kingdom of Merce in the beginning was departed into three parts, into West Mercia middle Mercia, and East Mercia: it containeth the dioceses of Lincoln, Wircester, Hereforde, Coventrie and Lichfielde. CReda (the eleventh from Woden) first King of the Mercies, 586 reigned ten years. ¶ Wibba his son reigned. xx. years. 596 616 626 W. Malme. ¶ Ceorlus his son reigned. x. years. PEnda the son of Wibba, a man active in wars, but frantic and most wicked, took on him the kingdom of the Mercies, when he was fifty years old: he shook the Cities, and disturbed the borders of the kings, that were his own countrymen borne: he slew Edwin and Oswald, kings of Northumberlande, (where Oswald was slain is now situate the town of Oswalstre, which of him took that name,) he also slew Sigebert, Egfride, and Anna, kings of the East Angles, which all were of holy life and conversation: he banished Kenewallus king of West Saxons, but in the end himself was slain by Oswyn which succeeded Oswald his brother, when he had reigned. thirty. years. PEda the son of Penda succeeded in part of the Kingdom 656 W. Malme. being preferred by the gift of Oswin, whose daughter he had taken to wife, on condition he should embrace Christianity and forsake Idolatry. This Peda was the first founder of Medeshamsted, now called Petarborow. Through that treason Peterborow founded. of his wife he died suddenly, when he had reigned after his Father. iij. years. OSwine took the Kingdom, but he reigned there only 659 three years. VLferus brother to Peda, earnestly preferred Christianity 662 which his brother had begun, but he was the first (sayeth W of Malmesbery, that through the sin of Simony sold the bishopric of London unto Wyna. He reigned. xvij. years. EThelred brother to Vlferus succeeded in the kingdom of 676 Bishop's sea ● Worcester. the Mercians: he obtained a bishops Sea to be in the City of Worcester▪ Bosellus was first Bishop there: Egwinus was the second. This Egwinus, by the help of Kenredus King of Mercies, founded the Monastery of Euesham, in a Ex Carta. place then called Eovesham, of the shepherds field and Euesham. house, purchased by the said Bishop. The town in the Saxons time was called Hotheholme. About the same time two Liber Tewks. noble men named Odo and Dodo founded the Priory of Tewksbury. Monastery of Gloucester. Inscriptiones Gloucestriae. Tewkesburie. Also Osric duke of Gloucester founded the Monastery of Gloucester then since the same is a Bishops Sea. Etheldred became a Monk at Bardoney, when he had reigned thirty. years. KInredus son to Wolferus, in the fifth year of his reign 706 went to Rome, and became a Monk. CElred the son of Ethelred, who as he was marvelous 710 in prows against Ina of the West Saxons, so was he miserable by untimely death, for he reigned not past. viij. years, and was buried at Lichfielde. EThelbalde reigned in continual peace many years, and 718 Chronicle of Holande. Ro. Mai. Epistle of Boniface to Ethelbald. then by the procurement of Beruredus, was slain of his own subjects. Unto this Ethelbald, Boniface, the second Bishop of Verche in Holland, after Archbishop of men's upon the Rijne, an English mamborn, who was afterward martyred, sent an Epistle, of the which I will here set down a piece to be seen, for that it showeth partly the state of that time, and serveth for example in time to come. TO his most dear Lord, and to be preferred in the love of Christ above all other kings of England, Edbaldus, Boniface Archbishop, the german legate, perpetual health of charity & love in Christ. We acknowledge before God that we did rejoice to hear of your prosperity, your Faith and good works: and we be sorry when we hear any thing that goeth against you, either in success of war, or in danger of your soul, for we have heard, that you forbidden theft and robbery, that you love peace, defend the widow and the poor, for the which we give God thanks: but in that you refuse lawful marriage, which if it were to the preferring of chastity, it were commendable: and sith you wallow in lechery and adultery with Virgins consecrate to God, it is both shameful and damnable, for it doth confound your renown, both before God and man, placing you among idolaters, because you violate the temple of God. Wherefore my dear son repent, and remember how filthy a thing it is, that thou who by the gift of GOD design'st over so many nations, shouldest to the great displeasure of GOD, make thyself a bond slave to thine own fleshly lust. We have heard also that the more part of noble men and people of the Mercians, by thine evil example have left their lawful wives, and have defiled the wives of other, and also Virgins, which how far it differeth from all good order and honesty, let the laws of strange nations touch you: for in the ancient Country of the Saxons (where was no knowledge of God) if either a maid in her father's house, or being married to an husband, were become an adulteress, she should be strangled by her own hand closed to her mouth, and the corrupter should be hanged adultery among the Infidels pushed by death. upon the pit where the adulteress was buried. If she were not so used (her garments being cut away down to the gyrdle-stéede) the chaste matrons did scourge and whip her, and prick her with knives, and so was sent from Town to Town, where other fresh and new scourgers or whippers did meet and whip her, until they had killed her. Likewise the Womedeans, who are the most unclean kind of people, had this manner of usage with them, that the husband being dead, the woman together with the dead body should cast her self headlong into the fired stack or pile of wood prepared for the burning of their bodies. If therefore the Gentiles (not knowing GOD) had so great zeal to chastity, how much the more (my dear son) it is to be required at thy hands, who art a Christian and a King. Have therefore compassion of thine own soul, and spare the great number of people, that by thy fatherly▪ example yet may beware to offend God, for whose souls thou shalt give an account. Consider also, that if the Englshe nation, despising lawful matrimony, do increase by adultery, (as the French men, Italians, and also the very Pagans do cast in our teeth and upbraid us withal,) of such conjunctions and copulations, shall spring up a peakish dasterdely people, which shall despise God, & with their wicked qualities undo the Country, as it came to pass to the Burgundians, the people of Provence, and the Spaniards, whom the Saracens have many years assaulted for their sins which in times past they had committed. Besides this, it is told us, that you take away privileges of Churches, and thereby give evil example to your noble men to do the like, but I pray you remember how terrible vengeance God took upon the Kings your predecessors, which committed such offences as we rebuke you for. A wicked spirit came upon Colredus your predecessor, which was a defiler of Virgins, and a breaker of ecclesiastical Privileges, for sitting royally among his barons at a dinner, the Devil plucked away his soul without confession of his sins. The Devil also drew in such a rage. Osredus king of the Northumber's, which was guilty of the same crimes, that with a vile death he lost both kingdom and life in his lusty young age. Also Charles king of France which overthrew Churches, and altered the Church money to his own use, was consumed with a long torment and fearful death. It followeth therefore my dear beloved son, that with fatherly and earnest prayers we beseech you that you will not despise the Counsel of your Fathers which diligently do admonish your highness, for nothing is more commodious to a good king, than willingly to amend such faults when he is warned of them, as Solomon saith, who so loveth discipline, loveth wisdom: therefore my dear son, declaring our advice, we beseech you by the living God, by his son Jesus Christ our Lord, and by his holy spirit, that you will remember how transitory this present life is, and how short and momentane the pleasure of this filthy flesh is, and how vile and shameful a thing it is, that man shall leave evil examples unto his posterity for ever: begin therefore to frame your life in better ways, and amend the errors of your youth, that you may obtain praise with men in this life, and eternal glory in the life to come: we wish your Highness well to far, and to increase in all goodness. Ethelbald was slain at Secgeswald, and was buried at Hrependune. BEraredus the murderer of Ethelbald, did nothing worthy 749 to be remembered, but being straightway slain by Offa, had an end meet for a Traitor. OFfa, Nephew to Ethelbald succeeded: he joined battle 749 with Kineulfus King of the West Saxons, and got the victory. He sent for Ethelbert King of the East Angles, promising great things by flattery, but when he had got him to his Palace, he caused him to be beheaded, and then unjustly invaded the Kingdom of the East Angles. He caused the relics of S. Albon to be taken up, and Vita Alboni. S▪ Albon builded put in a Shrine aborned with gold and precious stones, and builded there a princely Monastery. He founded the Abbey of Bathe. He translated the Archbishop's Sea to Lichfield. He made a dike between Wales and the Kingdom of Offa Dike. the Mercies, which ditch extendeth by South from the parts about Bristol, over the Mountains of Wales, and so North toward Flint, and under a hill of coal, even to the mouth of Dee, or the North Sea. He reigned xxxix. years, and died at Oflay, and was buried in a Chapel which then stood on Offlay. the bank of the River Ouse, without the Town of Bedford. EGbertus or Ecfride his son, reigned one year. Alquine Alquine. writ to Osbert of the Mercians, that the noble young Ecfride died not so soon for his own faults, but because his Father was a great sheader of blood. Places A●●inus. 789 W●l. Malme. KEnulfus, Nephew in the fifth degree unto Penda, warre● on the Kentish Saxons punished their Country very sore, and carried away bound their King Egberthus, but not long Winchelcomb founded. after, when he had builded a Church at Winchelcomb▪ on the day of dedication thereof, he delivered him, declaring a worthy Bishop's Sea a● Hereford founded. example of clemency. He founded the Church of S. Ethelbert in Hereford and reigned xxiv. years. KEnelmus son to Egbertus a child of seven years, was 813 innocently slain by his Sister Quenda, whereby he obtained the name of a Martyr. CEolwulfus, brother to Kenulfus, reigned one year, and 820 was expulsed by Bernulfus. BErnulfus in the third year of his reign, was overcome 821 by Egbertus King of West Saxons at Elyndune. LVc●●us after he had reigned two years, was oppressed 824 by the East Angles. WIthlasnus being at the first subdued by Egbirth reigned 826 xiij. years, paying to him and his son a tribute. BErthulfus reigned xiij. years, in the same estate, till at 839 W. Malme. the last he was chased beyond the seas, by the sea rovers of Denmark. BVrdredus paying the Tribute, enjoyed the same twenty 852 years, and then he being deposed, and driven out of his Country, fled to Rome, and there was buried at the English school. Then that kingdom was by the Danes delivered to Geolwolfus and in few years after that, Alfred th● Nephew of Egbirth gate it. So the kingdom of the Mercies fell away in the year of Christ. 875. Northumber's. THe sixth Kingdom was of the Northumber's, which contained Lankishire, Yorkshire, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Northumberland. It had on the West the Sea, by South, the River of Humber, and so downward toward the West by the ends of the Shires of Nottingham and of Derby, unto the River of Merce▪ and hath the diocese of York, Durham, and Carelile. At the beginning, it was divides into two Kingdoms, Bernitia and Deira. Bernitia stretched from Edinburgh Frith to Tine and Deira, from Tine to Humber, but these two were shortly united. When Hengest had established himself in Kent, he sent W. Malme. his brother Otha, & his son Ebusam to possess the North parts of Britain, where many times they put the men of that province to flight, and for the space of 99 years, they and their successors ascribes to themselves the names of Dukes, and bore themselves under the Kingdom of Kent, but in the year of Christ. 547. the year after Hengests death 60. that Dukedom was changed into a Kingdom. IDa▪ the ninth from Beldegius, and the tenth from Wooden, 547 continued fourteen years in the Kingdom of Deires. Ae●la his successor of the same kinded, but by another 559 line, strongly advanced his Kingdom thirty years. In his time, children of Northumberland were carried to be sold in the Market at Rome, where when the Citizens beheld them, and wondered at their comeliness and beauty of face, amongst other, Gregory the Archdeacon of the Apostolical seat being one, asked of what Nation they were, unto whom it was answered, that they were the children of Englishmen, of the province of Deires, and subject to Alla their King, but were paynim, whereunto Gregory said, they shall be taught to sing Allelu●a there, during the reign of Alla over the Deires. ADda the eldest son of Ida reigned upon the Bernitians seven years: ¶ Elappea five years: ¶ Theodwald one year: ¶ Frethulfe seven years: ¶ Theodrike seven years: ¶ Aethelfride two years, and all in the life of Bernitianus. AEThelrike, the son of Ida, reigned in both provinces of 582 Wil Malme. Deirie and Bernicia five years. EThelfride, brother to Ethelricus, made greater spoil of Marianus. Floriacensis. the Britain's, than all the other Kings of the Angles, and unpeopled and subdued more of their Countries, and made the same tributary and habitable for Englishmen: wherefore Aadan King of the Scots being greatly moved with his happy success, came against him with a mighty Army, but was overcome and put to flight of a few Saxons, which battle was fought by Ethelfreth, in a place called Degsastan, in the eleventh year of his reign, and in the first year of Phocas the Emperor. This King also long after this time, levied a new power, and according as Augustine the Archbishop of Canterbury had before spoken, marched toward the City of Legious, which of the Britain's is called Cairlegion, and there first slew 1200. monks, assembled to make prayer unto God, 1200. Monks slain. for the good success of their soldiers in the battle: and afterward he overthrew the whole power of the britains host. He was slain by Redwall King of the East Angles in a battle near unto a River which is called Idle, in the year of Christ 616. when he had reigned xxvij. years. edwin succeeded and drove out the seven sons of 617 First Christian King of Northumberland. Marianus. Floriacen. Wi. King Ethelfride. In Anno 626. Paulinus being the third Bishop of Rochester, was constituted by justus then Archbishop of Canterbury, to be Bishop over the Northumber's, and sent by Eadbald to Edwine the King of that nation, with his Wife, being the daughter of King Ethelbert, and sister of the said King Eadbald. A certain desperate fellow, named Eomer, was sent unto King Edwine, by Guicheline King of the West Saxons, who came unto him on Easter day, and having a naked weapon under his garment, assailed the King, but Lilla his servant thrust himself before the stroke, yet notwithstanding the King was with that stroke wounded through the body of his faithful servant. The same night the Queen his wife was delivered of a daughter, which upon whitsunday next after, was the first that was baptised of Paulinus the Bishop, and named Eanfleda. In the year of Christ. 628. Edwine, the most mighty king of the Northumber's, and his people, received the word of God, at the preaching of Paulinus the Bishop: this was done in the xj. year of his reign, and in the 230. year after the arrival of the Angles in Britain. Edwine gave unto Pauline a bishops Sea in the City Cathedral Church of York founded. of York, and began the Cathedral Church of S. Peter there, which Church was after finished by King Oswald his successor, after this, in increasing of the Christian Faith and heavenly kingdom, his earthly possessions did wonderfully increase, for he first of all the Angles brought Britain wholly under his subjection, saving the Kingdom of Kent. Edwine in the xvij. year of his reign, and xlviij. of his age, was slain in a battle which he fought at Headfeld, with the most valiant Painime Penda King of the Mercies, and Ceadwalla King of the Britons. Paulinus the Bishop builded Lincoln Minster founded. Bead. the great Church at Lincoln. In the reign of King Edwine, such was the peace and tranquillity through all Britain, which way soever King Edwines dominions lay, that a weak woman might have walked with her new born babe over all the I and without any damage. Moreover, for the refreshing of wayfaring men, he ordained cups of iron Cups of brass by the high ways. or brass, to be fastened by such clear Wells and Fountains as did run by the ways side, which Cups no man durst touch further than to his own present use & necessity, for the love & good will they bore to their prince, who was for the time of his reign so honoured and loved, that the triumphant banners were borne before him, not in war only, but in peace to, wheresoever he went abroad. After the death of Edwine, the Kingdom of Northumberland was again divided. OSriche the son of Elfrike, who was Edwins' uncle, succeeded 633 in the governance of Deira. And Eanfride the son of Ethelfride, ruled the Bernicians: but both these forsaking the Christian profession, wherein they were instructed, yielded themselves to be defiled with the filth of Idolatry: but this Apostasy was revenged by Cedwall King of the Britons, who slew them both, and with tragical slaughter spoiled Northumberland. OSwald brother to Eanfride, then governed this Kingdom, 634 who with a small army overcame the Britons, and slew Cedwall their King at Deniseburne. He sent for Aidan a Scot to advance the Christian religion among his people, assigning to him the Isle of Lindisfarne or holy Island, for his Sea. He greatly enlarged his Kingdom, reconciled the Deirians and Bernitians, which did deadly hate one the other. And when he had reigned viij. years, was slain in a cruel battle at Maserfielde, by Penda King of Mercia, and canonised a Saint. OSwine brother to Oswald, succeeded: he buried the head 642 and arms of Oswald, which Penda commanded to be hanged upon poles. His government was greatly disquieted by invasion of the Mercians, rebellion of his own son Aelfride, and insurrection of Adilwald son to Oswald. He murdered Oswy, the son of Osrike, who ruled Deira, being traitorously delivered unto him at Ingethling, where Liber Lichfield. ●. Rudbern●. afterward a Monastery was erected. But at length he delivered his Country from foreign invasion, vanquished the Mercians with Penda in a fought field near the river jewet, brought them to his subjection, and caused them to be instructed in the Christian Faith. He builded a Church among the Mercians called Lichefielde, Lichfield Church a bishops sea founded. and procured the same to be a Bishop's sea, in Anno. 657. Duina was first bishop there of Mercia, and also of Lindisferne: for there were then so few Priests, that one bishop was compelled to govern two Provinces. King Oswine ended his life quietly, when he had reigned xxxij. years. EGfride his lawful son, than inherited Northumberland: 670 he deposed Wilfride of the Bishopric, and appointed two Bishops over the Northumber's. Mildred, otherwise called Etheldred, his wife, would by no means accompany her husband, but continued a virgin, and after she had been married twelve years, took at the hands of Wilfride the vail and habit of a Nun, and built the Monastery of Eely, where she was Abbess. Egfride her husband fought a battle with Edilfride King of Mercia, but after they were reconciled by Theodore the Bishop. Then turning his power against Ireland, he sent Berte thither, who miserably destroyed the seely people. But the year following, he marched against the Pictes (contrary to the good counsel of S. Cuthbert, whom he made Bishop) and was slain by them in an ambush, when he had reigned fifteen years. ALfride, bastard son of Oswine, succeeded after his brother 685 Egfride. He did repair th● decayed state of Northumberland, but could not recover all that Picts, Scots, and Britons took from the Northumber's at the death of his brother. He reigned nineteen years. OSred his son, a child of eight years succeeded, who, 704 when he had wickedly reigned eleven years, was murdered by his kinsmen Kenred and Osric. KEnred, when he had slain Osred, ruled Northumberland 715 two years. OSricke obtained the Kingdom after xj. years, and elected Ceolnulph brother of Kenred to be his successor. CEolnulph reigned in this province with great piety & 728 victory viij. years, & then forsook the estate of a King, and took the habit of a Monk in the holy Island. Benedict, who first brought Masons, Painting, and Glazing into this Realm to the Saxons, flourished at this Glazing brought among the Saxons. Bede famous. time. Beda also that famous learned man, lived at this time, who dedicated his History of the Church of England to the forenamed Ceolnulph. EGbert, cousin german to Ceolnulph, reigned in Northumberland 736 Wil Malme. twenty years peaceably, and then forsaking the World, entered into Religion, and became a Monk: his brother bearing the same name, was Archbishop of York, which Sea he greatly advanced, and founded there a most worthy Library, replenished with all good Library at York. Authors. OSwulfe succeeded his Father, who was slain by the 757 people in the first year of his reign. MOllo then took the regiment, and after eleven years 758 was traytecously murdered by Alerede. ALered reigned after him eleven years, and was enforced 76● by the people to leave the Country. AThelred or Etheldred the son of Mollo, was advanced 780 to the regiment of Northumberland by the people, and the fifth year after was by them deprived. AELfwold then was proclaimed King of Northumberland, 785 and when he had reigned eleven years, was slain by his subjects: he lieth buried at Haugustald. OSredé, the son of Aelerede then succeeded, but the first 796 year he was deprived. AEThelred or Etheldred who was before deposed, now received 797 the Kingdom, and when he had ruled four years, was also miserably slain. After his death, this Kingdom decayed, and was pitifully ransacked by civil sedition, and foreign invasions, for the space of 30. years, in which space, there ruled here without title of Kings ¶ Eardulfe, ¶ Alfwold, ¶ Eandred, Lib. A●tonensis. ¶ Ethelred, ¶ Readulfe, ¶ Osbert, which two last, were slain at York, by the Danes, in a place yet to this day called Elle Craft. This Osbert ravished a Lady of his Country, wife to Bernebokard, in revenge whereof, the same Bernebokard fleeing into Denmark, returned again with the Danes Hinguer and Hubba, and arrived in holy Island, and so came to York, and there slew King Osbright. ¶ Egbert then obtained Northumberland. RIcsy then usurped it, and after him Cuthred, from whom Sitricke the Dane goat it, unto whom King Athelstane the Monarch gave his daughter in marriage. West Saxons. THe seanenth Kingdom was of the West Saxons, which contained the Countries of Berkshire, southhampton, Wiltshire, Dorcetshire, Somersetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall: and hath dioceses Bathe and Welles, Sarisburie, and Exester: having on the East side Southsex, on the North side Thames, on the South and the West the Sea Ocean. This Kingdom, although it took beginning long after the first coming of the Saxons, yet the same endured longest, and overcoming all the other Kingdoms, brought them again to one Monarchy. CErdic, the tenth from Woden, with his son Kenrike, landed in Britain, at a place called Cerdike shore, and slew Natanleod King of the Britain's, and five thousand men, of whose name the Country as far as Cerdikes ford, was called by the name of Natanleod. CErdike and Kenrite began to reign as Kings, and 519 the same year they fought with the Britaines in a place called Cerdikes ford, and departed vanquishers. After that, they fought with the britains in a place called Cerdicks lege. They took the isle of Wight, and gave the same to their nephews Stuff and Withgare, and slew the Britain's in Wethgarbirg. He reigned xvij. years. Withgare the Nephew of Cerdic was buried at Withgarbrig, or the City of Withgar. KEnrike the son of Cerdic fought with the Britaines at 5●6 Searesberige, and afterwards at Beranbrige, and at both times put them to flight, and reigned xxv. years. CEaulin the son of Kenrike took upon him the Kingdom 560 of the West Saxons. In the beginning of his reign he discomfited Ethelbert King of Kent and slew his two Duke's Oslave and Cnebban at Wibbandune. Afterward his brother Cutholfe vanquished the Britain's at Bedford, and wan from them the towns of Liganburge, Egelsburge, Bensington, and Eignesham. Six years after, Ceaulin slew three kings of the Britain's, Commeaile, Condid●n, & Fariemeile, at Deorham, and took three Cities from them, Gloucester, Cirencester, and Bathancester. After he fought with the Britaines at Fethanleah▪ in which Tho. Rudborne. Leyland. he had the victory, but lost his son Cutha: for now his fortune changed, and when he had reigned xxxiij. years, he was overcome at Wodnesbeorhe, or Wannes' ditch in Wiltshire, and expelled out of his Kingdom by the Britain's. CEalrike the son of Cutholfe ruled the West Saxons fiu● 591 years. CEolnulfe son of Cutha before named succeeded, who had 598 continual wars either with the Englishmen▪ with Britain's, with the Scots, or with the Pictes, and lastly moved war against the South Saxons, and there died when he had reigned fourteen years. KInegilsus the son of Ceolrike succeeded. He brought his 611 Marian. Floria. W●g. host against the Britain's into Beandune, and there ●lew of them two thousand xluj. He also fought with Penda King of Mercians near unto Cirencester, and after made peace with him. And shortly after Westsex baptized. in the year of Christ 635. by the preaching of Berinus, King Kinegilsus and all his people received the Christian faith, to whom, King Oswald was Godfather at the Font, of which Kings, the said Berinus had granted to him the City of Dorchester, and builded there an house of Canons for Vita Berini. his Bishops Sea. Kinegilsus reigned xxvij. years. Dorchester a Bishops Sea. 6●8 GVichiline the son of Kinegilsus was baptized by Berinus the Bishop in the City of Dorchester, and deceased the same year. CVthredus the son of King Guicheline, was baptized 639 at Dorchester, by Berinus the Bishop, who was his Godfather at the Font. He reigned four years. KEnnewalcus the son of King Kinegilsus, took on him 64● Winchester a Bishops Sea. Malmesbery builded. Vita Aldelm●. the Kingdom of the West Saxons. He founded the Cathedral Church in Winchester placing there a Bishop's sea. He gave Meydulfus burgh to Aldelmus the Abbot, there to build a Monastery. afterward being infested with wars by Penda King of the Mercians, because he had forsaken his wife, sister of the said Penda, was by him driven out of his Kingdom, and fled to Anna King of East Angles, where he was baptized of Bishop Foelix, and after was restored to his kingdom by the help of the forenamed Anna. He reigned thirty. years. After whom Queen Sexburgeo his wife governed a while. She founded a Monastery of Nuns in the isle of Shepey, and became herself a Nun, and after Abbess of Eely. EAs●winus Nephew to Kinegilsus succeeded, he fought a 67● battle against Wulfere King of Mercia, in a place called Bidanheafod He reigned two years. KEnewinus, son to Kinnegilsus, chased the Britaines even 676 to the Sea shore, and reigned nine years. CAdwalla, Nephew to Ceauline succeeded in the Kingdom. 685 He slew Berthune Duke of the South Saxons, and brought Marianus. that province under grievous bondage. After that, he & his brother Mull wasted Kent, & subdued the isle of Wight, which till that time was given to Idolatry, whereof he purged them, giving the fourth part thereof to Bishop Wilfride, who appointed Preachers to convert the people of that I'll to Christianity. Ceadwalla once again spoiling the Country of Kent, his brother Moll, and xij. of his Knights were slain by fire cast upon them, after which tune, even before he was baptized, he gave for tithe or tenth to God all the pray and spoils he had gotten to his Wil Malme. own use: in whom (saith Malmesburie) although we praise his affection, we allow not the example: for it is written, that who so offereth the sacrifice of poor folks good, doth as it were sacrifice the son in the sight of his Father. This being done, he went to Rome to be baptized, when he had reigned two years over the West Saxons. In reigned among the West Saxons, a noble man, of great 687 Asser. power and wisdom, and therewith valiant and hardy, in feats of arms very expert: he maintained such war against the Kentish Saxons, that he constrained them to seek and entreat means of peace, giving to him for the same great gifts 30000. Mancas (pieces of Gold so named.) This Ine was the son of Kenred, the son of Ceadwolde, brother to Keadwold, and son to Chenling, son Marian. of Kenri, son of Cerdic, the first King of the West Saxons. This man builded first the College of Welles. College of Wells, and Abbey of Glastenbury builded. He also builded the Abbey of Glastenburie, and paid the Peter Pence first to Rome. When he had governed the West Saxons by the space of seven and thirty years, by the earnest labour of his wife Etheldreda, which was Abbess of Barking in Essex, he gave up his royal dignity, and went to Rome. EThelard kinsman on the father's side to Ine, succeeded in 726 the Kingdom, notwithstanding Oswald a young man of the King's blood did disturb the beginning of his reign, Wil Malme. for he stirred up Rebellion among the inhabitants, but not long after he died, and then Ethelard reigned quietly fourteen years. ENthrede his kinsman made war on Ethelwald King of Mercia and against the Britain's, and had of them the victory. In his time there appeared two Blazing Stars, tasting as it were burning brands towards the North. He Blazing Stars. reigned sixteen years. The Englishmen buried not the bodies of their dead Antiqui. Britan. Ecclesi. Burial in Churchyards. in Cities, until the time of Cuthbert Archbishop of Canterbury, who procured of the Pope, that in Cities there should be pointed Churchyards. SIgebert was made King of the West Saxons. He was cruel 757 W. Malme. Scal. Cro●●. and tyrannous towards his subjects, and changed ancient Laws and customs after his own lust and pleasure, and because a certain noble man some deal sharply advertised him to change his manners, he put him to cruel death: and for so much as he continued in his malice, and would not amend, he was deprived of all kingly authority, A Tyrant came to a miserable end and shameful death. and lastly, as a person forlorn, wandering in woods, and hiding himself in caves of wild Beasts, he was slain in Andreds Walde by a Swineherd, whose Lord and master called Cumbra, he had wrongfully put to death, when he had not reigned one year. KEnulphus of the blood of Cerdicus appeased certain 757 murmours and grudges that were amongst the people, for the deposing of his predecessor Sigebert. He founded the Bishop's sea at Wells founded. Cathedral Church of Welles. As he haunted a woman which he kept at Merton, he was slain by treason of one Olio, the kinsman of Sigebert late King, when he had reigned nine and twenty years, and was buried at Winchester. BRithricus of the blood of Cerdicus, was made King of 786 West Saxons. He married Eadburga the Daughter of Offa King of Mercia, by whose power he expelled Egbert, that was an under King in the Lordship of the West Saxons. In his time it rained blond, which falling on men's Blood rained. clothes, appeared like Crosses. In Anno 800. the Danes arrived in the isle called Portland, The Danes first arrived in this land. but by the puissance of Brithricus, and other Kings of the Saxons, they were overcome at Donmouth, driven back, and compelled to avoid the land. Marianus. The King poyfoned by his wife. Brithricus was poisoned by his wife Ethelburga, when he had reigned seauentéene years, & was buried at Warham. For this deed, the Nobles ordained that from thenceforth the King's wives should not be called Queens, nor suffered to sit with them in place of estate. Eadburge with infinite treasure fled into France, where offering a great portion of her Gold to King Charles of France, he said unto her, choose Eadburge whom thou wilt have to thy Husband, me, or my son: and she answered, if choice be granted me, I choose your son, because he is younger than you: then (quoth Charles) if thou hadst chosen After a wicked life followed a miserable end to Queen. Eadburge. me, thou shouldest have had my son, but because thou hast chosen my son, thou shalt have neither him nor me, and then gave to her a Monastery, wherein she professed herself a Nun, and became their Abbess a few years, but afterwards committing adultery with a lay man, and cast out of the Monastery, she ended her life in poverty & misery, Hoveden. as of many that have seen her we heard, saith mine Author Asserius. Asser. EGbrichus obtained the government of the West Saxons. 802 He tamed the Welshmen, vanquished Bertulphus King of the Mercians at Hellendune, and subdued to his obeisance W. Malme. the Kentish Saxons, East Saxons, and Northumber's. He caused the brazen Image of Cadwaline King of the Britain's to be Scal. Croni. thrown down, and this Land no more to be called Britain, but Anglia or England. He was Crowned at Winchester. Britain first named England. In the 33. year of his reign the Danes arrived at Lindisferne, Danes arrived here. Sca. Cro. and fought with the Englishmen at Carham, where two Bishops, two Earls, and a great number of the English people were slain. Two years after th● Danes arrived in West Wales, where Egbright overcame them at Hengistendon. He reigned over the most part of England the space of seven and thirty years and seven months, and was buried at Winchester. ADelnulfus the son of Egbrichus began his reign over 8●9 Wil Malme. the more part of England. He took to wife judith, daughter to the King of France, and had by her four sons, which were Kings after him. In his time, there came a great army of the Pagan Danes Alredus Riusall. with 350. Ships into the mouth of Thamis, and so to London, and spoiled it, and put to flight Beorthulfe King of Mercia, Danes spoil London. with all his power which came to bid them battle, and then the Danes went with their army into Southerie: then Adhelnulfus with his son Adhelbald, and a great army came against the foresaid Danes, and at a place called Aolea they fought a cruel battle, wherein the most part of the Danes were slain. The same year Adhelstane the son of Adhelfus, and Sca. Cro. Calchere th● Earl slew a great army of the Pagans at Sandwich in Kent, and took nine of their Ships. Adhelnulfus sent his son Alfride to Rome with a great number of noble men and other, at which time Pope Leo confirmed the said Alfride, and took him to his son by adoption, and also consecrated him King. This Adhelnulfus did make the tenth part of his kingdom Tenth given to the Church by King Adelnulfus. free from tribute and service to the King, and gave it to them that did serve Christ in the Church: and the same year he went to Rome, where he repaired the English English School at Rome repaired. School, which was first founded by Offa King of the Mercies. In the mean season, his son Adhelbald rebelling, usurped the Kingdom, so that when Adhelnulfus returned, he was forced to divide the Kingdom, and to take the worse part. He reigned eighteen years, and was buried at Winchester saith Asser. Asser. ADhelbald reigned after his Father: against God, & the 857 worthiness of Christianity, yea, and contrary to the custom of all Pagans, he presumed to his Father's marriage bed, and with great infamy, married judith the French Kings daughter. He reigned after his father Flori, Wigor. two years, and was buried at Shirborne. AThelbrict, brother to Athelbald, took under his dominion 860 Kent, Southery, and Sussex. In this time, the great Army of the Pagans invaded Danes invade and spoil Winchester. and spoiled the City of Winchester, who when they returned with a great pray towards their Ships, Osrike Earl of Hampton, and his folk, and Adhelnulfus the Earl, with Berkshire men, met them, and far from any Town they joined battle, where the Pagans were slain in every corner, and the Christians kept the field. The Normans and Danes made a firm league with the Kentishmen, who promised them money to keep the league, but notwithstanding the Pagans broke privily out of their Danes make a league, and break it. Castles by night, and spoiled all the East parts of Kent. Athelbrict reigned five years, and was buried at Shirborne. ETheldred brother to Adhelbrict, received the Kingdom 866 of the West Saxons. In the first year of his reign, a great Navy of Pagans came into England, and remained all the winter in the Kingdom of East England. Anno 871▪ the Pagans came to Reading in Berkshire, where they cast a great ditch and wall betwixt the two Rivers, Thames and Kynetan, on the right side of the said town. Adhelnulfus Earl of Berkshire and his army, met with the Pagans in a place called Englefield, where the Pagans had the worst, and many of them slain, and the rest put to flight. Etheldred King of the West Saxons, and Aelfrede his brother, came to Reading, where was fought a fierce and cruel battle, but at the last the Christians fled, and the Pagans had the victory. The Christians within four days fought a battle with the Pagans in Assendune, but the Pagans divided themselves Battle at Assendune. into two battles, for than they had two Kings, which when the Christians saw, they likewise divided their army into two companies. It was determined that King Ethelred with his battle, should go against the two Pagan kings with their battle, and that his brother Aelfrede with his army, should set on all the Pagan Dukes and their army. Battle at Assendoune. All things thus ordered, when the king farrowed long in his prayer, and the Pagans' being readily prepared, came to Chipenhane where the battle was pitched, Aelfred seeing he must either retire or set on his enemies Sca. Cron. before his brother did come, he strait ways set upon them, though the place of battle was unequal, for the Pagans had gotten the higher ground, and the Christians brought their battle from the valley. There was in that place one only thorn tree, very short, about which tree the battles met and joined, where when they had a long time fought, Hubba one of the kings five Earls, and many thousands more of the Pagans being slain, the other were chased. A great heap of stones was laid copped up where Hubba was buried, and the place called Hubbeslow. Hubbeslow. This being done, King Etheldred and his brother Aelfrede Sca. Cro. shortly after gathered their power again to fight with the Pagans at Basing, where after a long and sore battle, the Pagans had the victory. After this battle, came another army of Pagans from Pagans vanquished. beyond seas, and joined with the first. When King Etheldred had reigned five years, he was slain of the Pagans at Whitingham, and buried in the Monastery of Winburne, with this Epitaph: In hoc loco quiescit corpus sancti Etheldredi regis Westsaxonun Sca. Cro. Marian's. Scotus. martyris, qui anno Domini. 872. 23. die Aprilis, per manus Dacorum Pagan●rum occubuit. His arms a cross Florie. Anno. 870. Saint Ebb Abbess of Coldingham, six miles Flores Historiarum▪ Chastity before beauty preferred, a rare example. North from Berwick, cut off her nose and upperlippe, and persuaded all her sisters to do the like, that they being audible to the Danes, might the better keep their virginity, in despite whereof the Danes burned the Abbey, & the Nuns therein. AElfrede borne in Berkshire, at a village called wanting, 872 Marians. Scotus. Florentij Croniea cronicarum. Asser. Alfridus▪ Beuerlacens●●. Speculum Hist. Wiltshire, why so named. Ricardus Cirecestrensi●. Hap of war doubtful. the fourth son of Athelwolfe, received the government of the whole realm, and within one month after, with a very small number fought a sharp battle against the whole army of the Pagans, in a place called Wilion (which lieth on the Southside of the River Wily, of which river the whole shire taketh his name) and after they had fought a great part of the day, the Pagans fled, but seeing the fewness of them that pursued, they set themselves in battle again, and got the field. The West Saxons made league with the Pagans, upon condition they should depart out of their Country. The next year they wintered at London, and made league with the Mercies. The next year they wintered at Lindesey, which was in the Kingdom of Northumberlande. The next year, at Ripindune: they constrained Burgoredus king of Mercies, to flee beyond the Seas, who went to Rome, where he died, and was buried in the School of the Saxons. Burgoredus death. The Pagans' subduing the whole kingdom of the Mercies, which they committed to Ceonulfus: The next year one part of the Pagans wintered in Northumberlande near to the river Tyne, subdued the whole Country: the other part went with Guthram, Oskecellus, and Amandus, three kings of the Pagans, to Grantbridge, and wintered there. The year following, the Pagans going from Cambridge in the night, entered the castle of Warham, where there was a Monastery of Nuns, situate between two rivers, Fraw and Trent, in the Country called in the Saxon Thornseta, a most sure seat, except in the West only, where it joineth to the land: with whom king Aelfrede made a league that they should depart his kingdom, but contrary to their oath, they road into Devonshire, to Exancester, and there wintered. Exceste●. The next year. 120. of the Pagan's ships were drowned at S●anauing: And king Aelfrede pursuing an army that went by land to Excester, took of them pledges, and also an oath to departed with all speed. In the year following the Danes ●ame to Chipingham, a manner of the kings, situate on the left side of Wiltshire and there wintered, compelling many of the West Saxons to leave their Country and to go beyond the seas: the rest that remained they subdued▪ King Aelfrede himself was oft-times brought into such misery, that none of his people knew where he was become. On a time, being forced to hide hymwith Asser. Spe. Histo. Ri. Ciren. a Cowhearde in Somersetshire, as he sat by the fire, preparing his bows and shafts, the Cowherdes' wife baking bread on the coals, threw the king's bows & shafts aside, and said, thou fellow why dost thou not turn the bread which thou seest burn, thou art glad to eat it ere it be half baked. This woman thought not that it had been K. Aelfred, who had made so many battles against the Danes, and gotten so many victories. For God did not only vouchsafe to give him victory over his enemies, but also to be wearied of them in the sight of his own people, to the end he should know there is one God of all, to whom all knees shall bow, and in whose hands the hearts of kings consisteth. The brother Hinguar slain in Devonshire. of Hinguar and of Healfden, who had wintered in Mercia, & had made great slaughter of the Christians, sailed with▪ 23. ships into Devonshire, where doing great mischief, he & the The Ensign of the Danes was a raven. Alredus Rival. most part of his people were slain, the rest escaped by fleeing to their ships. In this battle among many rich spoils was taken a banner or ensign called Reafan, which among the Danes was had in great estimation, for that it was embroidered by the three sisters of Hinguar, and Hubba, the daughters of Lodbroke. King Aelfrede made a castle in Aethelingei, Ethelyngey, the noble Island. Egbrights store. from thence he went to Petram Egebrichti, which is on the Eastside of the chase called Sal nudum, in Latin silva magna, th● great wood: there met with him all the inhabitants of Hampshire, which when they saw the king, rejoiced as though he had been risen from death to life. The king with his army went to Ethandune and fought against the Pagans where he made great slaughter, and pursued the rest to their Castle, who after. xiv. days desired peace, gave pledges and took oath to departed his realm: and Gythram their King received baptism hard by Ethelingsey, in a place called Alre, whom Aelfrede received to be his Gythram king of Danes christened. Chichester. Godson. In the year. 879. the Pagans went from Chipnan to Cirenceaster, and there remained one year after. The same year a great army of Pagans came from beyond the Sea, and Fulham. wintered at Fullanham, hard by the river of Thamis. The next year, the Pagans went from Circestre to the Marianus Scotus. East English, dividing that Country among them, & there inhabited. The Pagans that wintered at Fullanham, went into East France. In the year. 885. an army of Pagans came into Kent, and besieged the City of Rhofeceaster, which lieth on the east Rochester besieged. side of the river Medowege and before the gate of the same City they made a strong Castle, but Aelfrede with a great Midway. Army chased them to their ships. The next year▪ Aelfrede restored, and honourably repaired Asserius. Floriacens. London builded & made inhabitable. the City of London (after it had been amongst other Cities destroyed with fire, and the people killed up,) he made it habitable again, and committed it unto the custody of his son in law Adhered Earl of the Mercies. Kentishemen, South and West Saxons, (which before were in Captivity Marianus Scotus. under the Pagans) willingly came and submitted themselves. In the year. 890. Gythram the king of the Pagans (whose name in his Baptism was changed to Athelstane) Hadley. died, he was buried in the king's town called Headleaga among the East English. In the year. 892. the great army of the Pagans, came from the East kingdom of France unto Adbon, and from thence with 250. ships▪ into Kent, arriving in the mouth of the River Limene, which river runneth from the great wood, which is called Andreads Weald, from whose mouth four Andreads weald in Sussex and Hampshire. miles into the same wood they drew their ships, where they destroyed a castle, and fortified another more strong, in a place called Apultrens, now Apulder. This wood was from the east to the west. 120. miles in length and more, in bréedth. 30. miles. The same year, Hastings came with. 80. ships into the Milton. mouth of Thamis, and made a strong town, Middleton in the Beaufleet. South side of the Thamis, and another on the Northside, called Beaufleete. The year following, the City of York was taken by the Normans, but Seber the Bishop, by God's provision escaped. The same year also Aelfred fought against the Normans at Fernham, where he slew them, wounded their King, and Fernham. chased the remnant through the Thamis into Eastsex, whereby many of them were drowned. Aelfrede hearing that a great number of the Pagans were arrived at Exanceastre, he took with him a great army, and by battle overcame, and chased them away. In the mean season Adhered Earl of the Mercies, and Beaufleet taken from the Pagans'. the Citizens of London with other came to Beaufleete, and besieged the Castle of the Pagans, and broke into it, where they took exceeding rich spoils of gold, silver, horses, and garments, among which was taken the wife of Hastings and his two sons, which were brought to London, and presented to the King, who commanded them to be restored again. But Hastings came again into Beaufleete, and repaired to the Castle, which they had broken down. From thence he went to Sceabridge, and there builded a Sudbury. strong Castle: there was joined unto him the army that remained at Apuldrane, and other that came from the East English, and from the Northumber's, who altogether spoiled Apuldo●. and rob, till they came to the bank of Severne, and there at Bultingatume, they made a strong town, but by Adhered Earl of the Mercies and other, they were besieged, & shortly through famine forced to come out, where many on both Floren●● Cronica cronicaruin. Marianus Scotus. sides were slain, but the Christians had the victory. In the year, 895. the Pagans wintered in a little Isle called I'll of Mersey. Ley, a river that then bare ships unto Ware. Asserius. Mer●ig in the East part of Essex, situate in the sea, and the same year they sailed by the river of Thamis, after by the river of Ligea, and twenty miles from London began to build a Fortress. In the Summer following, the Londoners and other near adjoining, did seek to destroy the fortress of the Danes, but they being put to flight, king Aelfrede pitched ● field not far from the City, lest the Pagans should take away the Harvest of the Country, and viewing the river one day, perceived that the Channel might be in one place dammed up, that the Danes should not get out their ships, he forthwith commanded on both sides the river a dam to be cast, and divided that river into three streams, so that where ships before had sailed, now a small boat could scantly row, which when the Pagans perceived, they leaving their wives and ships, flee a foot to Quatbridge, & there Now called Catwarebrig, or Catwa●d bridge. building a Fortress, lodged there the Winter following, whose ships the Londoners bring, some to London, the other they broke down and destroyed. Anno. 897. the Pagans came from Quatbridge, part into East England part into Northumberland: some got them ships and sailed into France. After all these verations, by the cruel Danes committed, followed far greater, the space of three years, by death of cat-tail, and mortality of men. XX. Danish ships were taken being Pirates, and the Pirates slain or hauged on the gallows. This victorious Prince, the studious provider for Alfred deceased widows, orphans and poor people, most perfect in Sa 〈…〉 Poetry, most liberal, endued with Wisdom, Praise of King alfred. fortitude, justice, and temperance, the most patiented bearer of sickness, wherewith he was daily vexed, a most discrete searcher of truth in executing judgement, a most vigilant and devout Prince in the service of God, alfred, the. xxix. year and sixth month of his reign, departed this life, the xxviij. day of October, and is buried at Winchester, in the new Monastery, of his foundation. He founded a Monastery of Monks at Ethelingsey, and another for Nuns at Shaftsburie. He ordained the hundreds, and tenths, which Wil Malm●. Floriac●ns. Reg. Hig. Sea. Cro. Regist. Hyde. T. Rudburn●. University in Oxford. Marianus Scotus. men call Centuaries and Cupings: he sent for Gr●●balde, to come into England that by his advice, he might erect th● study of good learning, clean decayed. By the counsel of Neotus he ordained common schools of diverse sciences in Oxenford, and turned the Saxon laws into English, with diverse other books. He established good laws, by the which he brought so great Regist. Hid●. a quietness to the Country, that men might have hanged golden bracelets and Jewels where the ways parted, and no man durst touch them for fear of the law. He carried ever th● Psalter in his bosom, th● when he had any leisure he might read it over with diligence. He divided the xxiv. hours of the day and night into Asserius. three parts▪ he spent. viij. hours in writing, reading, & praying: eight in provision of his body: &. viij. in hearing and dispatching Marianus Scotus. the matters of his subjects. He divided his yearly revenues into two parts, and the first he divided into three: one part he gave to his servants, the second part to his workmen which were occupied in building, the third part to strangers. The second part of th● whole, he divided into iiij. parts, the first part whereof he gave in alms to the poor, the second to Monasteries by him founded, the third to schools which he had erected, and gathered of many both noble men's & other men's sons of his nation, the fourth part he distributed to the next Monasteries in all the English Saxon. Alhfwido wife to king alfred founded the monastery of Nuns in Winchester. EDward surnamed Senior, the son of Aelfred, was anointed 900 Speculum histo. Ri. C●ren. Adhelwold● revolteth. king, & shortly after Adhelwoldus, cousin germane unto king Edward, revolted and went to the army of the Pagans, who forthwith chose him to be their King in Northumberlands. joannes Leoafer▪ in his third book of the description ●● john's Leoafer. Africa, writeth that about this time (to say) about the year ●● our Lord. 905. the Englishmen at the persuasion of the Goths, besieged the great City Argilla in Barbary, which the africans call Arella, being. 70. miles distant from the straight of Marrocho southward, hoping thereby to withdraw the Saracens out of Europe, where they fought with so great courage and good success, that they wan the said town, and so ransacked it with fire and sword, that scant one escaped there, and the town lay desolate and without inhabitants for the space of thirty year. We account this to have happened in the foresaid year, because the author after the ●●shion of the Saracens, doth refer it to the. 314. year of M●homets Hegira, which by conference of their places doth seem to begin in the year of our Lord. 591. which number being added, do bring forth. 905. Adhelwoldus King of the Pagans brought a great army from Eastsex, and the East English which rob and spoiled through all Mercia, and the west Country, until they came to Crickalde, and there went over the Thamis and took great spoils about Bradney. King Edward gathered an army and went toward the Danes, but while he tarried his army out of Kent, Adhelwolf King of the Danes came upon him with a great power, and bad him battle, wherein Cochricus & Adelwolfe, kings of the Pagans were slain. In the year. 910. a battle was fought at Wodnesfielde, a mile North from Wolfrune Hampton in Staffordeshire, where Wodnesfielde in Staffordshire Wlfrune Hampton. Cowilfus & Healidene kings of th● Pagans', with many Earls and Nobles were slain, but of the common people innumerable. Aethered Earl of the Mercies died, and king Edward took into his Dominion London and Oxenford, and all the Country adjoining thereunto. In the year. 913. by the King's commandment, at Hertforde, betwixt the rivers of Memeran, Benefician, and Legian, in the North side a City is builded. In the year. 914. the Pagans of Northumberlande, and Leycester, in the County of Oxford took spoils, and in the king's town called Hokenorton, and in many other places they slew many people, and returned home again: another army of th● Danes, being horsemen, were sent into Hartfordeshire, towards Legeton, with whom the men of th● Country encountered, and slaying many of them, put the rest to ●●ight, taking their horses and armour, with a great pray. King Edward leaving certain to build a City in th● South Maldon i● Essex. part of the river L●gea, with more part of his army went into Essex, and encamped at Mealdune, where he tarried till a Town was builded at Witham. In the year. 915. a great Navy of Danes sailed about the West Country, and landed in diverse places, taking great prays, and went to their ships again. The King for strengthening of the Country, made a castle at th● mouth of the water of avon, and another at Buckingham, & the third fast by, that is, on either side of the rivers course one, & then went into Northampton and Bedfordshires, and subdued the Danes there, with their leader called Turketils. King Edward builded or new repaired the towns of Tocester Tocester. Wigmore. and Wigmore. In the year▪ 918. the Kentish, Southrey, and East Saxons, besieged Colchester, and wan it by force, and slew all therein, Cogshal. a few excepted, that escaped by flight. The same year king Colchester in Essex. Edward went to Colchester with an army, repaired th● walls, and put a great garrison of soldiers into it. The next year died the noble Princess Elfleda (wife to Henry Bradshaw. Reynul● Hygden. Etheldredus Duke of Mercia) and was buried in the Monastery of Saint Peter, which her Lord and she before had builded in the Town of Gloucester, which Monastery was after thrown to the ground by the Danes, but Aeldredus Bishop of York, & of Worcester, made there another, which is now the chiefest Church in the town. This noble woman Elfleda, réedified the City of Chester▪ she repaired the town of Tomworth, beside Lichfielde, Chester. Tomworth. Lichfielde. Stafford. Warwick. Shrewesburie. Watersburie. Eldesburie. Leycester repaired. Runcorn town and castle, and Brimsbery with the bridge builded. Stafford, Warwick, Shrewesburie, Watrisburie, Eldisburie, Legeceaster with a town and Castle in the North end of Mercia, upon the River of Merse, that is called Runcorne she builded a bridge over Severne called Brimesberie bridge▪ etc. When she had once assayed the pains that women suffer in travailing with child, she ever after refused the embracing of her husband, saying, it was not seemly for any noble woman to use such fleshly liking, whereof should ensue so great sorrow and pain: tamed the Walchmen, and in diverse battles chased the Danes, after whose death, Edward held that Province in his own hand. King Edward builded a new town against the old town of Nottingham on the South side of the River of Trent, & made Marianus Scotus. Wil Thorn. Henry Hunting. Alredus Rival. Thilwal built. Manchester repaired. a bridge over the said river between the two towns: he subdued the kings of Scotland & Wales: he builded a town in that North end of Mercia by th● river of Merse, & named it Thilwal, and repaired the Town of Manchester: after all which deeds by him done, he deceased at Faringdon, and was buried at Winchester, in the new Church, which his father A●lfrede had builded when he had reign. xxiv. years. A Delstane, after the death of Edward Senior his father, 924 Alfridus Beverla. john Leyland. Speculum histo. Rich. Cirenc. was Crowned at Kingston by Athelmus Archbishop of Canturburie. His corenation was celebrated in the market place upon a stage erected on hic, that the King might been seen the better of the multitude. He was a Prince of worthy memory, valiant and wise in all his acts, and brought W. Mal●●. this land into one Monarchy: for he expelled utterly the Danes, and quieted the Walchmen. He caused them to pay him yearly tribute twenty pound of gold. 300. pound of silver, and 2500. head of Neat, with hounds & hawks to a certain number. And after that he had by battle conquered scotland: he made one Constantine king of Scots under him, adding this Princely word, that it was more honour to him to make a King, than to be a King. He made seven coining mints at Canturburie, four for the King, two for the Archbishop, and one for the Abbot: at Rochester. iij. two for the king, and one Canturb. records. for the bishop: besides these, in London eight: in Winchester W. L●●b●●● Sax. Laws. six: in jews two: in Hastings two: in Chichester one: in Hampton two: in Warham two: in Excester two: in Shaftesburie two: and in every good town one coiner. He founded Saint Germans in Cornewal, which was since T. Rudborn. Girardus Co●●ubi. a Bishop's sea: he founded Saint Pe●rocus at Bodmin he founded Pilton Priory, Midleton and Michelney. In his time Guy Earl of Warwick, in acombate slew Guy of Warwick slay Colbrond. Colbrond the Danish Giant, in Hide Meade, near unto Winchester. Athelstane reigned fifteen years, and was buried at Io. Lidgat. Malmesburie. Edmund, the brother of Adelstan, took on him the governance 940 of this realm, whose short reign took from him the renown of most high praises that should have redounded to this posterity: for he was a man disposed Marianus. of nature to nobleness and Justice: he took out of the Danes hands the Towns of Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Stanforde, and brought all Mercia to his Dominion: he expulsed the two kings Anlafus the son of Sithricus, Io. Taxtor. and Reginalde the son of Cuthberte out of Northumberlande, and subdued the Country to his Dominion. He granted the Privilege unto Saint Edmund in which the limits of the Town of edmund's Bury are contained. On Saint Augustine's day, in the king's town named Puckelchurch, W. Malme. the King (whilst he would have saved his Sewar from the hands of a wicked thief called Leofe) was slain, when he had reigned five years and. seven. months, and was buried at Glastenburie. ELdrede succeeded Edmund his brother: for his sons 946 Sp●. Histo. Rich. Ciren. edwin and Edgar were thought too young to take on them so great a charge. He took on him but as protector, but afterwards he was crowned at Kingston. This Eldred had the earnest favour of the commons, because he was a great maintainer of honesty, and also most abhorred naughty and unruly persons: for his expertness in feats of arms, he was much commended, whereby he quieted and kept in due obeisance the Northumber's and Scots, and exiled the Danes. He placed the Bishop of Cornewal at Saint Germans, where it continued till the time of Edward, next before the conquest, in whose time it was translated to Excester. In the year. 951. he committed to prison Wolstan archbishop Ma●●●nus. Canturb. records. of York in Luthaberie, because he often had been accused to have commanded many Citizens of Thetford to be slain, in revenge of the Abbot Adelme unjustly by them slain: he was a year after released, and restored to his sea. King Eldred builded Mich at Abindone, gave great lands, Asses. and confirmed them Charters, with seals of gold. He reigned. ix. years, and was buried in the Cathedral Church at Winchester, in the old Monastery. EDwyn succeeded his uncle Eldred in the kingdom: He 955 was crowned at Kingston, of whom is left no honest memory, for one heinous act by him committed in the beginning of his reign. In the self day of his coronation, he suddenly withdrew A vicious king. W. Malme. Speculum Hist. ●i. Cirecest. himself from his Lords, and in the sight of certain persons ravished his own kinswoman, the wife of a noble man of his realm, and afterward slew her husband, that he might have the unlawful use of her beauty. For which act, and for banishing Dunstane, he became audible to his subjects: and of the Northumber's, and people of middle England, that rose against him, was deprived, when he had reigned The king deprived. four years. He died and was buried in the new Abbey of Winchester. EDgar the peaceable, brother to edwin, was crowned at 959 King Crowned at Bathe. Bathe. He was so excellent in justice, and sharp in correction of vices, as well in his magistrates, as other subjects, that never before his days was used less felony by robbers, or extortion, or bribery, by false officers. He chastised the Alfridus Beverla. great negligence, covetousness and vicious living of the clergy, and brought them to a better order. Of stature he was but little: yet of mind valiant and hardy, and very Marinus. Alredus Rival. expert in martial policy. He prepared a great navy of. 3600. ships, which he deposed in three parts of his realm, and had soldiers always priest and ready against the incursions of foreign and strange enemies. King Edgar having restored & new founded. xlvij. Monasteries, which before his time had been destroyed, and intending to continue that his intent till the number of. 50. were accomplished, he confirmed the Monastery of Worcester, which oswald then Bishop of Worcester, Worcester nu●ster restored. Ex charta regia. by the king's consent and leave had enlarged and augmented, and made it the Cathedral Church of that shire. The Princes of Wales, paid to him yearly in name of Tribute. Wolves destroyed. 300. Wolves, by means whereof within three years, in England and Wales might scarcely be found one Wolef. The Danes and all other people in England, used the vice Against qua●●ing of great drinking. The king therefore put down many alehouses, and would suffer but one in a village or Town, except it were a great borough: he ordained certain Cups Laws against drunkards. with pings or nails, and made a law, that who soever drank passed that mark at one draught, should forfeit a certain pain. Alwynus Alderman, earl of Eastangle, kinsman to king Edgar, founded the Abbey of Ramsey: King Edgar confirming Ramsey fonnded. Ex charta regia. the same on Christmas day. 974. in the presence of all the Nobility. The same year was an Earthquake through all England. Edgar being at Chester, entered the river of Dee, he took Eight kings rowed K. Edgar. Horiacensis. john Pike. Eulogium. W. Malme. Alfridus Beverla. Speculum histo. the rule of the Helm, and caused eight kings to row him unto Saint john's Church, and from thence unto his Palace, in token that he was Lord and King of so many Provinces. The names of the eight Kings were, Rinoch king of Scots; Malcoline of Cumberland, Macone king of Man and of many islands: Dufnal King of Demecia, or South Wales: Siferth and Huwall, kings of Wales: james king of Galaway: and ●i. Cir●●●st. Rog H●●ed. Flores Historiarum. R●y●●lf Hygden. Henry Bradshaw. Edmerus. 〈…〉 Osbernus'. Autonius Archi. Marianus Scotus. jukil of Westmerlande. King Edgar reigned sixetéene year, & was buried at Glastenburie By his first wife Egelslede (as some do write) or by a religious votary, as some other do write, he had issue Edward surnamed the martyr, who succeeded after his Father. Of his wife Elfrith daughter to Ordgarus, Duke of Devonshire, he received another son named ethelred, & a daughter named Wolfrith. EDward the son of Edgar was crowned at Kingston by th● 975 The king crowned at Kingston. john Pike. W●l. Malme. Alfridus Peverl. Speculum histo. Ri. Ciren. Flores Historiarum. The king murdered by his step mother. hands of Dunstan Archbishop of Canturburie, and Oswalde Archbishop of York. This man might well be compared to his Father for his modest●e and gentleness, so that he was worthily favoured of all men, except only of his stepmother, and other of her alliance, which ever bore a grudge against him, for so much as she desired to have th● governance of the realm for her own son Ethelred. This Edward while he was hunting in a forest (by chance) lost his company, and road alone to refresh himself at the Castle of Corffe, where by Counsel of his stepmother Elfrede, he was traytorouslye murdered▪ as he sat on his horse, when he had reigned three years. He was buried at Warham, and after at Shaftesburie. Elphred did after take great penance, and builded two Warwel and Almesbury built. monasteries of Nuns, Almesburie & Warwel: in which Warwel the after lived a solitary life till she died. etheldred commonly called Unready, the son of King 978 W. Malme. Speculum Hist. Ric● Ciren. Edgar, by his second wife Elphrede, was crowned at Kingston. But because he came to the Kingdom by wicked means, and by killing his brother, he could never get the good will of the people, who had conceived an ill opinion of him: of this arose civil wars within the Realm, and often dissension and discords, as well of the Nobles as of the common sort. Anno. 982. a great part of the City of London was brent, Thomas Rudburn. which City at this time had most building from Ludgate toward Westminster: and little or none where the heart of the City is now: except in diverse places was housing that stood without order: so that many Cities, as Canturburie, York, and other in England, passed London in building: but after the Conquest it increased, and now passeth all other. A disease not known in England in time past, to wit, Asser. Flux of men, etc. morraine of Cat-tail. Bishop's Sea at Excester. Fevers of men, with the flux, and Morren of cattle killed many. Anno. 994. King Ethelred erected a bishops sea at Excester. The same year Anlafe King of the Norway's▪ & Sweyne King of Danes, on the day of the Nativity of our Lord, in xviij. Galleys came up to London, which they attempted to break into, and to set on fire, but they were repulsed, not without their great detriment and loss by the Citizens, whereupon they being driven with fury, leaving London, set upon Eastsex and Kent, by the sea coasts, brent Towns, and wasted the fields, without respect of sex or age killed all▪ & wasted with fire & sword all what they may not carry away. At length being pacified with a Tribute of. 16000 pounds, departed to their ships, and Wintered at Southampton. Anno. 995. a Comet appeared. The Bishopric of Lind●fer Bishop's sea a● Durham, or Hol●e Island was removed to Durham. In the year. 1002. King Etheldred caused all the Danes in The Danes 〈…〉 thered. Burton upon Trent. England to be slain, upon the day of Saint Brice. The same year Vl●ricus Spote founded a Monastery at Burton upon Trent. In Anno. 100L. Swain King of Denmark with agret army invaded Englend with fire and sword. 1004▪ they fought a great battle at The●forde against Vlfekettel Carl of Eastangle. Asser. The year. 1009. they fought another battle against Vlfekettel at Rengemore. The year, 1011. they destroyed Canturburie, & for that th● Archbishop Elfegus would not yield to them he was first imprisoned there, & after carried to Grenewiche, and there stoned to death. Christ's Church is spoiled and brent: the Monks with all other men are ●●●●hed, tyranny of the Danes in England. nine of every ten being put to death, the tenth suffered to live in misery: the number of them that were left alive was four Monks, and of lay people eight hundred, so that th● number slain was 36. Monks, and. 8000. of the lay people. In Anno. 1012. they took tribute of. 48000. pounds, and Record eccle. Ca●. Marianus▪ Tloriacensis. at the last after diverse overthrows given to the men of this Island, they possessed the same, and put king Etheldred to flight, constraining him to live in exile among the Normans. This Etheldred had two wives, Ethelgina an English Ethelgina and Emma wives to Etheldred. Alured and Edward, the sons of Etheldred. woman, and Emma a Norman: of the first he had two children, of which saving of Edmonde who succeeded him in the kingdom, it were nothing to our purpose to speak. Of the second that was Emma, sister to Richard Duke of Normandy, there were borne two sons, to wit, Edward and Alured. And that I do here (contrary to that is commonly used▪) set Edward before Alured as elder brother, I am moved thereunto by no small authority, which I have taken out of the historiographers W. Gemeticensis. Encomium Emma of that age, out of Gemeticensis▪ a most diligent writer of Genealogies, and one other author, who in his Commentary written in praise of Emma the Queen, affirmeth that Edward was the elder brother, whom I do the better believe, because it is not like, that he seeing the things with his eyes, should mistake the matter, especially writing to the Queen, who was mother to them both. Swanus in the mean time subdued all England, and the people for fear yielded unto him on every side, over whom most cruelly he triumphed. But not long after he departed this life at Geynesburge and left Canutus his son, successor in the Kingdom. etheldred hearing that Swanus was dead, leaving in Normandy with Duke▪ Richard his sister's son, Emma his wife, and the children that he had by her, returned with all speed into England with Edmund his son by his first wife, being then at man's state, & by the trustiness of his own men, and the aid of the Normans, moved war against his enemy. Canutus finding himself unable to match with him, went into Denmark, minding to return hither immediately again. Etheldred being contrary to his expectation thus restored to his kingdom, showed great cruelty upon the Danes that remained in England, sparing neither man nor woman, young nor old. Therefore Canutus being very desirous to revenge the same, prepared a new army, and came into England against Etheldred with all speed he could, raging wide and side with fire and sword. Etheldred in the mean season, whether by sickness or for sorrow, died, when he had reigned ●o. Taxtor. Wil Malme. Alfredus Beuers lacensis. eight and thirty years, and was buried in the North I'll of Paul's Church in London above the high Altar. EDmond the son of Etheldred by his first wife, succeeded 1016 Edmond Ironside. W. Malme. in the Kingdom, who (whether it were for the great strength of his body, or for that he always used to go in armour) was surnamed Ironside. He had six battles against Canutus King of the Danes Leyland. at Penham hard by Gillingham in Dorcetshire. He put the Danes to flight after that at Shirestone. He held even hand with them in the field, notwithstanding that the Englishmen at the first began to flee, by the policy of Edricus Duke of Lincoln, and of Merce, who cried Edrike a Traitor. run away wretches, Edmond your King is slain. After this, King Edmond came to London, to deliver the Citizens, whom part of the enemies had besieged as soon as he was gone from thence. He had made a ditch also round about the City, where Ditch about London. the River of Thamis doth not run. The Danes fleeing, the King followed them, and passing over Brentford, he vanquished them with a notable victory. The rest of the Danes which remained with Cnute (whiles London besieged both by land and by water. Edmond rested him, and set his matters in order) did again besiege London, both by water and by land, but the Citizens stoutly withstood, and repulsed them, wherefore they showed their anger upon the Country of the Mercies, spoiling Towns and villages with robbery, burnings, and murder, and carried their prey to the Ships which they had gathered together in the River of Medway, which runneth by Rochester, from whence they were driven by the King, who taking the ford of Brentford before them, put them to flight, and slew a great number of them. The sixth and last battle was at Essendone in Essex, near to Rochfort, in which battle Edmond had got the victory, Cogshal. Sca. Cro. but Edrike again playing the Traitor, great slaughter of the Englishmen was made, there the honour of England was overthrown, and Edmonde went almost alone on foot to Gloucester, where he gathered a new force to set upon his enemies, but Cnute pursued him as he fled, and having prepared their armies, both the Kings themselves attempted to fight hand to hand for the right of the Combat for the Kingdom. kingdom in the isle of Olania in Severne, in the which Combat, they both being wearied, fell to a covenant to divide the same, so that the one half of the Kingdom should be England divided. under Canutus, and the other half under Edmond, which Edmond not long after died at Oxford, whereas it is said he was slain by the treason of Edrike of Straton, and was buried at Glastenbury, leaving Edmonde and Edward his children very young. This Edrike was not long unrewarded according to his deserts, for himself making vaunt thereof unto Canutus, then being at Baynard's Castle in London, said in this wise, Thus have I done Canutus for the love of thee, Edrikus' a Traitor. to whom he answered, saying: and thou shalt die as well thou art worthy, because thou art guilty of Treason against God and me, in that thou hast slain thine own Lord and King, which was joined to me in league as a Brother, his blood be upon thine own head: and strait ways, lest there should be any tumult, the Traitor was in the same Speculum histo. Ri. Cirecest. Chamber tormented to death with firebrands and links, and then his feet being bound together, he was drawn through the Streets of the City, and cast into a ditch, called Hounds ditch, for that the Citizens there cast their dead Hunsditch. Treason rewarded. Dogs, and such other filth, accounting him worthy of no better burial. These Princes reigned together two years. CAnutus the Dane, taking an occasion, because in the covenant 1018 that was concluded concerning the dividing of the Realm, no assurance was made for the Children of Edmond, The Danes possessed all England. he challenged all England to himself alone by law as they call it, of growing to, which was a most easy thing for him to do, because there was no man that durst erect himself as patron to defend the children's right and title, and by this subtle and crafty interpretation of the covenant: the Dane goat the Monarchy of England and slew the brother of Edmond, and conveyed the children far away out of England, lest they should at any time be brought again and receive their right. Some say, they were sent to a certain The King's children conveyed into Swethen. man that was a Prince in Swethland, there to be dispatched out of the way: and that the Prince understanding they were Kings children, spared them, contrary to the credit and trust that was committed unto him: which appeareth to be true, in that the same foreign Lord kept and brought up the children honourably, the youngest of which whose name was Edward, did afterwards marry Agatha, the Agatha the Emperor's daughter the wife of Edward. daughter of Henry the fourth, Emperor of Rome, of whom he had many children, of which we shall speak hereafter. And the other, which was the elder brother, whose name was Edmond, died without children. In the mean season Canutus, because he had no heir that lawfully might succeed him in his kingdom (for Harold & swain were begotten of harold and Swain concubines children. a Concubine) partly that he might establish in time to come the kingdom that he had gotten unto his own kindred that came by lawful succession: and partly that he might purchase to himself the friendship of the Englishmen, and of the Normans, procured to have given him in marriage Emma, the widow of King Etheldred, who at that time was with Edward and Alured her sons in exile with Duke Richard in Normandy, which marriage seemeth to be made even by God's providence, who had determined to restore the common wealth in England, whereby, as by the law and title of recovery, and return out of exile, the monarchy of all England, which the Danes had taken from the Englishmen, and had possessed six and twenty years and more, did return again to the Englishmen that were the right heirs. For Emma concluded marriage with the Dane, upon condition Marriage made upon condition. that the Kingdom of England should remain unto none other but to the Children that were begotten of her, if any of them did remain alive: by reason of this marriage, shortly after she did bear Canutus a son of his own name, commonly called Hardycanutus. This second name was given him because of his great How two names were given to Kings. courage, like as his brother Harold was named harefoot, that is to say, lightfoot, because of his notable swiftness of foot. By this affinity and alliance, the Danes became of the more strength and power. He kept Englishmen in his service so long as he lived. He subdued the Scots whereby he was King of England, Canutus King of four Kingdoms. Scotland, Denmark, and Norway. After that, he went to Denmark, and so to Rome, and returned again into England, where he kept good justice all his life, and did many charitable deeds. He made a fair Church at Ashendume in Essex. He founded anew the Monastery of Saint Edmondesbury, Saint Edmundsbury builded. Ex charta regia. Marianus. restoring the donation which Edmond King of the West Saxons had given to Saint Edmund the King and Martyr, who lieth there buried. He appointed to be King of Norway Swanus his son Marianus. (as was said) by Alfgine daughter to Althelme Duke of Northampton, and his Lady Vulfrune: but other said, he was a Priest's son etc. He also appointed his son Hardycanutus by Emma, to be King of Denmark, and deceased at Shaftesburie when he had reigned twenty years, and was buried in S. Swithens at Winchester. HArold for his swiftness called harefoot whom Canutus 10●8 had by a Concubine Alice of Hampton, a Shoemakers daughter (affirming himself to be son of Canutus and Peter de Ich●●●. Marianus. Floriacen. Alfgina the Earl of North-hamptons daughter) slept not upon the occasion and opportunity offered, but using the force of the Danes that dwelled in England, invaded the Realm, while his brother Hardycanute governed in Denmark. He took from his mother in law Emma, the most part of the riches and treasure that Canute his father had left her, and then with consent of the great Lords began to reign, but not so mightily as his Father Canutus did, for a more just heir Hardycanutus was looked for, whereupon the Kingdom was divided, the North part to Harold, and the South to Hardycanute. Edward and Alfred sons to King Ethelred, with many Knights, came out of Normandy, to see their mother at Winchester, which sore troubled the minds of many great men, who bore more favour to King Harold. Especially Godwine Earl of Kent, feigning to receive Alfred as a friend, came to meet him, but in the end put him in prison, part of his company he put in fetters, and after put out their eyes. Of some he caused their skin to be plucked over their ears, chopping off their hands and feet. Some he commanded to be sold, and divers were murdered at Gilforde. Queen Emma hearing of this dealing, she sent her son Edward back again into Normandy. After this, Alfride was conveyed to the isle of Eely, where his eyes being first plucked out, he was delivered to the monks to be kept prisoner there, where shortly after he departed this life, and was buried in the South I'll of the West part of the Church. Because Hardycanutus delayed to come over being sent for, he was utterly rejected, and Harold, who before was King of the Mercies and Northumber's, was chosen King of all England, who shortly after expelled his mother in law Emma out of the Realm. He reigned three years, died at Oxford, and was buried at Westminster, and after at Saint Clements without Templebarre at London. HArdycanutus the lawful begotten son of Canutus and 1041 Emma as soon as he had gotten his father's Kingdom, fetched home his mother out of exile: and in revenge of displeasure that was done to her, and of the murder of his brother Alured, he commanded the carcase of Harold to be digged out of the earth, and to be thrown into the River of Thamis, where by a Fisher it was taken up, and brought to the Danes, who buried it in a Church yard, which they had This is supposed to be S. Clement's Church without Temple bar. at London. Which done, the King appointed eight marks to be paid to every Sailor in his name, & twelve marks to every Pilot or Master, which tribute was to be paid of all England, so grievous, that scarce any was able to bear it. Shortly after, he sent for Edward the son of Etheldred, his brother of the mother's side, to come into England, and embraced him with all love and favour. Being at a marriage feast pleasantly drinking with the Bride & other persons, in the midst of his cups he fell suddenly down to the ground & so remaining dumb, departed this life the third year of his reign, & was buried by his father at Winchester. EDward borne at Islip besides Oxford, the son of Etheldred, 104●. Alfridus Beverla. Io. Rouse. whom Hardycanutus had sent for into England, was Crowned at Winchester. This Edward for his excellent holiness, is until this day called Saint Edward who so soon as he had gotten his father's kingdom, of his own free will released the tribute of 40000. pound, called Dane gelt, which Dane gelt. the English people, even from the very beginning of the reign of the Danes, was compelled to pay to their Kings every The first comeling up of the common Law. year. He was also the chief author and cause, that the law which we call the common Law, was first brought up, being gathered together out of the laws and ordinances of four nations, which were received when the Island was subject to divers regiments & governances, to wit, of the Mercies, of the West Saxons, of the Danes, & of the Northumber's. Mercies, west Saxons, Danes, and Northumber's. He was hard to his mother, because she was hard to him in his minority, and also suspected with Alwine Bishop of Winchester, whom he put in prison, by counsel of Roberte Archbishop of Canturbury: but after his mother had purged herself, Alwine was delivered, and Robert the Archbishop conveyed himself out of England. He took to wife Edgitha, Sea. Cron. the daughter of Earl Godwine, who because she brought Edgitha was barren. him forth no children, neither was there any hope that she should bear any, when he did see that many did gay after th● kingdom, he began to be careful for one that should justly succeed him, and therefore following the reason of th● common law, he sent for home into England his Nephew Edward, the son of king Edmond his brother, who by reason of his long absence out of the Country, was commonly called the outlaw. This is that Edward, the son of King Edmond surnamed Ironside, which remained alive, whom Canutus when he had gotten England, had sent into Swethen with his brother. He knowing the advise of his. Uncle, came again into England, and brought with him Agatha his wife, & Edgar, Margaret and Christian his children, borne in Panonia, in hope of the kingdom, where he lived but a while. Thus S. Edward being disappointed, both of his Nephew and his heir, for that Edward the outlaw was both by nearness of blood, and by lawful succession right heir unto the Kingdom, without delay pronounced Edgar the outlaws son, and his great Nephew, to be heir of the Kingdom, and gave him to surname Adeling, which name in those days was peculiar only to King's Children, which were borne in hope and possibility of the Kingdom: for this word Adeling, in the English tongue, is as much to say, as Prince, or Lord, the contrary of which word is▪ Underling, that is The signification of the word Adeling. to say, a seruan●●or or bondman: or according to the Walche speech, Adeling signifieth heir: but because this Edgar was but young of years, and within age, by his testament he made Harold the son of Godwine (a stout man both in war and peace) Regent, until the young Edgar should be of age to receive the Kingdom, and that then he should be made King: which thing Harold with a solemn oath promised to see so performed and done. Notwithstanding, he like a Traitor (by force of arms) immediately after th● death of Edward, refused the name of Regent, and pronounced himself Alfridus Beverl. Speculum histo. R●. Cirecest. Flores histo. King, which thing shortly after brought destruction both to himself, and to all England. Anno 1051. Eustace Earl of Bullogne, which had to wife Floriacen. Goda, sister to King Edward, arrived at Dover, where one of his men quarreling about his lodging, slew one of the Townsmen, in revenge whereof, not only the quarreler, but other of his company, and many of the Town were slain, which doing so much offended Godwine Earl of Kent, that he assembled a great power, wherewith he marched toward Gloucester, where the king than lay, unto whom he sent messengers to denounce war, except he would deliver Eustace and his fellow Normans and Bolognians, which held a Castle in the dominions of Kent. After this, Godwins' army entered into Gloucester, but it was there agreed, that at a day appointed, the King and Earl Godwine should meet at London: and thus departing for the time, the King increasing his army, led the same to London, and Godwine with his power came to Southwark on the other side of the River Thamis: but there because his army by little and little stipped from him, he fled, and the King forthwith pronounced him, with his five sons, to be banished, who straightways with his wife, and two of his sons came to Thorney, where his Ship being laden with Gold, Silver, and precious things, he sailed toward Flanders: his other sons took Ship at Bristol, and sailed into Ireland. In the next year, Harold and Leofwine, sons to Earl Godwine, returning out of Ireland, entered Severne, arrived with many Ships in Somerset and Dorsetshires', spoiled many Towns in the Country, slew many people, and returned with prey, than they sail about Portesmouth. etc. Earl Godwine landed in Kent, gathered a power, sailed to the isle of Wight, wasting along the Sea coasts, till his sons Harold and Leofwine came with a Navy, which being come together, they take their course up the River of Thamis, came to Southwark, and there stayed for the Tide, and then weighed up Anchor, and finding none that offered to resist them on the Bridge, they sailed up by the South side of the River, and his army by land, placing itself upon the banks side, made show of a thick and terrible battle. After this, the Navy turned toward the North shore, as though it would have compassed in the King's Navy: but they that were with the King, and with Godwine, abhorred to fight against their own kindred and Countrymen, wherefore a peace was made, Godwine with his sons were restored to all former honour, and the Normans were banished the land. As William of Malmesbury writeth, a certain young woman W. Malme. King's evil healed by the King. being terribly diseased, by reason of humours gathered about her neck into great swelling kernels, came to King Edward, who with his right hand dipped in water, handled her neck, and forthwith the hardness did break, the worms with the matter ran out, and all the noisome dwelling assuaged, so that she was perfectly hole, and fair skinned ere the week were ended: and they that knew his life, said, he had oft cured this plague in Normandy. This Edward reigned three and twenty years, six months, T. Rudborn. and odd days. He was buried on the day of the epiphany, in the Abbey of Saint Peter in Westminster which he had newly builded. In the same day Harold the eldest son of Godwine Earl of Kent, and brother to Edgitha the Queen, having obtained faith of the nobility, took the Crown. Leofrike Earl of Mercia, and of Hereford, founded the Monastery of Coventrie in Anno 1044. He also granted great privileges to that Town. HArold, that he might in some behalf seem to make the 1066 The year of our Lord beginneth here at Christmas. young Edgar amends for the wrong he had done him, gave him the Earldom of Oxford, and so from a King, he made him an Earl. But in the mean season England began to be tossed and turmoiled with wars within and without: for the disheriting of the right heir is always wont to be the beginning of civil wars. The 24. day of April, a Comet appeared, not only to the people of this land, but also in other parts of the world seven days. Toftus envying (as men said) the prosperity ●og. Houed. Simon D●nel. Gualther Coven. of his brother, stirred up troubles in the Realm, for he joining himself to Harold the King of Norway, assaulted England in warlike sort, both by sea and land. Whose attempt whiles Harold of England prepared to withstand, William Duke of Normandy, who notwithstanding he was a Bastard, William Conqueror cousin to King Edward by the mother side. was of kin to Saint Edward in the third and fourth degree of consanguinity, seeing a convenient time and occasion offered to take the Kingdom in, gathered a Navy of 896. Ships, and came into England with a very well appointed army, alleging, that by all right and title it was due to him, by the gift of King Edward his kinsman, and also by the covenant that was made, and by oath established betwixt Harold and him. He landed at Pemsey, nine miles Gualther Coven. from Hastings, the 28. of September. Harold notwithstanding he was bare of men, by reason of the battle that he had fought against Toftus, and the men of Norway, yet hearing of Williams coming, went straightways against him. Both armies being brought into array, the battle was fought, wherein great slaughter of Englishmen was made, and England conquered by wooden bows and arrows. the Normans goat the victory, especially by means of their wooden bows and arrows (which the Englishmen had not then in use) for Duke William commanded his men, that Io. Rouse. some of them should shoot directly forward, and some upward, by reason whereof, the arrow shot upward, destroyed the English as they stooped, and the arrow shot directly afore hand wounded them that stood upright: and King Harold himself (valiantly fight) was shot through the Harold slain. brains, whereof he died, when he had reigned nine months, and was buried in the Priory of Waltham which he Sigebertus Gemla●en. W. Gemi●●censis. Gualterus Coven. Hen. Hunting. Register of Wodbridge. Chronicle of Normandy. The description of the Saxons. Matthew Paris. W. Malme. Flores Historiarum. had founded. This battle was fought at Hastings in Sussex, upon the fourteenth day of October being Saturday, in the year of our Lord 1066. There was slain of Englishmen 67974. and of Normans 6013. This was (saith Matthew Paris) the doleful destruction of this sweet and pleasant land, the Kings whereof (meaning the Saxons) at their first coming, with barbarous countenance and gesture, in warlike sort, provoked all men to malice and hatred towards them, who overcame all men by war and subtlety: but after they had received the Christian faith, and by little and little applied their diligence unto Religion, they neglected the exercise of armour, for the Kings did change their habit, and some at Rome, and some in their own Country, sought to change their temporal Kingdoms for everlasting Kingdoms: and many which all their life time embraced worldly things, did yet distribute their treasures unto all the works of mercy: but afterwards when charity waxed cold, all their study and travail of Religion slaked, and then came the destruction of the inhabitants: first at the coming of the Danes, and now in the expulsing of the Englishmen by the Normans: for the noble men giving themselves to gluttony and lechery, did not go to the Church in the morning as Christian men use to do, but lying in their Chambers dallying with Women, did hear the Priest hastily rattle up divine service. The Clerks also that had taken orders, if one had learned but his Grammar, every one wondered at him. All men generally gave themselves to drinking and gulling, and spent both day and night in such exercises till they vomited. The Saxons ware their garments to the mid knee, their hear rounded, and their beards shaven (all save the overlip) their arms adorned with golden bracelets, and W. Malme. their skin painted and printed. etc. ¶ Thus endeth the Reign of the Saxons, who were first sent for by Vortiger, about the year of our Lord. 450. and had now continued sometimes in wars with the Britain's, then with the Danes, and now with the Normans, the space of six hundred years. Verses. A thousand six and sixty year it was, as we do read, When that a Comet did appear, and Englishmen lay dead: Of Normandy Duke William then to Englandward did sail, And conquered Harold with his men, and brought this Land to bale. ¶ King William Conqueror. WIlliam Duke of Normandy, Anno. reg. 1. surnamed Conqueror, Bastard son of Robert the sixth, Duke of that Duchy, and Cousin german unto King Edward on the mother's side, began his dominion over the Realm of England, the fourteenth day of October, being Saturday, in the year of our Lord 1066. After the battle at Hastings, Duke William came to London, where with great joy he was received, both of the Clergy and people, and was proclaimed King. When the City of London was thus yielded unto him, he took his journey towards the Castle of Dover, to subdue that, and the rest of Kent also: which when the Archbishop Stigand, and Egelsin the Abbot of Saint Augustine's (being as it were the chiefest Lords and governors of all Kent) did perceive and consider, that the whole Realm was in an evil state, and that whereas in this Realm of England, before the coming of the foresaid Duke William there were no bondmen, now all, as well noble men, as the common people, were without respect made subject unto the perpetual bondage of the Normans, taking an occasion by the peril and danger that their neighbours were in, to provide for the safeguard of themselves and their Country, they caused to assemble at Canterbury all the people of the County of Kent, and declared to them the perils and dangers imminent, the misery that their neighbours were come into, the pride and insolency of the Normans, and the hardness and grief of bondage and servile estate: whereupon all the people rather choosing to end their unfortunate life, than to submit themselves to an unaccustomed yoke of servitude and bondage, with a common consent determined to meet Duke William, and to fight with him for the laws of their Country. And th● foresaid Stigand the Archbishop, and the Abbot Egelsin, choosing rather to die in battle, than to see their nation in so evil an estate, being encouraged by the examples of the holy Maccabees, became Captain of the army. And at a day appointed, all the people met at Swanescombe two mile's west from Gravesend and being hidden in the woods, lay privily in wait for the coming of the foresaid Duke William. And because it can not hurt to be very wary in such cases, they agreed before hand, that when the Duke was come, and the passages on every side stopped, to the end he should no way be able to escape, every one of them, as well Horsemen as footmen, should bear boughs in their hands. The next day after, when the Duke was come into the fields and territories near unto Swanescombe, and saw all the Country set and placed round about him, as it had been a stirring & moving wood, and that with a mean pace they approached and drew near unto him, with great discomfiture of mind he wondered at that sight. And as soon as the Captains of the Kentishmen saw that Duke William was enclosed in the midst of their army, they caused the trumpets to be sounded, their banners to be displayed, and threw down their boughs, and with their bows bend, their swords drawn, and their spears and other kind of weapons stretched forth, they showed themselves ready to fight. Duke William and they that were with him, stood (as no marvel it was) sore astonished, and amazed, and he which thought that he had already all England fast in his fist, did now despair of his own life. Therefore on the behalf of the Kentishmen were sent unto Duke William the Archbishop Stigand, and Egelsin Abbot of Saint Augustine's, who told him their message in this sort: My Lord Duke, behold the people of Kent cometh forth to meet you, and to receive you as their liege Lord, requiring at your hands the things which pertain to peace, and that under this condition, that all the people of Kent may enjoy for ever their ancient liberties, and may for evermore use the laws and customs of the Country, otherwise they are ready presently to bid battle to you, and them that be with you, and are minded rather to die here altogether, than to depart from the laws and customs of their Country, and to submit themselves to bondage, whereof as yet they never had experience. The Duke seeing himself to be driven in such a strait and narrow pinch, consulted a while with them that came with him, prudently considering, that if he should take any repulse or displeasure at the hands of this people, which be the key of England, all that ever he had done before, should be undone again, and of no effect, and all his hope and safety should stand in danger and jeopardy: not so willingly as wisely he granted the people of Kent their request. So when the covenant was established, and pledges given on both sides, the Kentishmen being joyful, conducted the Normans (who also were glad) unto Rochester, and yielded up to the Duke, the Earldom of Kent, and the noble Castle of Dover. Thus the antiente liberties of England, and the laws and customs of the Country, which before the coming of Duke William out of Normandy, were equally kept throughout all England, do (through this industry and earnest travel of the Archbishop The ancient liberties and laws of England, remain in Kent only. Thomas Sprot. Wil Thorn. Stigand and Egelsin Abbot of Saint Augustine's) remain inviolably observed until this day, only in the County of Kent. Thus far Thomas Sprot, after him William thorn. After this, Duke William wasted Sussex, Hampshire, Southery, Marianus. Floriacen. Wigor. Middlesex, and Hertfortshire, not ceasing to burn Towns, and slay the people, till he came to Barkehamsteed, where the Archbishop Alredus, Wolstan Bishop of Worcester, Wilferus Bishop of Hereford, Clito Edgar, the Earls Edwine and Morcare, and every one of the noble men about London came to him, and giving pledges, submitted themselves, and swore fealty to him, with whom also he made a league, & nevertheless permitted his army still to burn Towns, and to take spoils. Chro. S. Albani. There was at that time an Abbot of Saint Albon called Fredrick Abbot of S. Albon's his policy against Duke William. Fretherike, who hearing of the coming of Duke William into Hartfordshire, caused the woods betwixt London and Saint Albon to be felled, that no man could either ride or go that way for them: and thus the Abbot kept his Monastery, that Duke William might not come there, but was fain to coast over to the Castle of Barkehamsteede, who there, under surety, sent for Fredrick Abbot of Saint Albon, and demanded of him why such felling of woods was made about him, more than in other places: Fredrick answered and said, if the Spiritual men through this land had done their endeavour, it should not have been in thy power to have entered the land so far: for the spirituality is of great power. Duke William answered, and I may live and rejoice, I shall lose their power, and make it less, and specially I will begin with thee. The Abbot thought he had said too far, and (as soon as he might) departed home, called a Chapter of his brethren, told them of Duke William, took his leave of them, and went to Eely, and never returned. Then Duke William took much of the livelihood of Saint Albon. At Christmas he would be crowned at Gloucester, at Whitsuntide at Westminster, at Easter at Winchester: these feasts he kept with great royalty, but he made his commons bare, and himself rich. He was proud of port, and had a great belly, bald head, and a big man in all the parts of his body, he was a good Archer, and right few might bend his bow. He brought the jews from Rhone to inhabit here. When Christmas approached he marched with all his army Duke William crowned. to London, that there he might be crowned King, which was there done on Christmas day by Aldred Archbishop of York, and not by Stigande of Canturburie because he came not lawfully by that dignity: then he received homage, oath of fidelity, and pledges of the nobles, and commanded that in every town and village a bell should be rung every night at eight of the clock, and th● all people should then put forth Fire and light forbidden to the Englishmen. their fire and candle, and go to bed, which order was observed through this realm during his reign, and the reign of William his son. The Historiographers of that time accounted the year to begin at Christmas, after which account then began the year 1067. but after the account of England now observed, the year beginneth not till the. 25. of March following. And now because those houses may not be unremembered unto whom King William disposed th● lands and possessions of this realm for their good service, I have thought good to publish the names of them as heretofore I have done, out of the Chronicles of Normandy, gathered by William Tayleur of Rhone. To wit, Odo Bishop of Baion▪ Robert Earl of Mortaigne: These two were brethren to Duke William by his mother: Bandonni de Buillon: Roger Earl of Beaumont, that was surnamed with the Beard, of him came the lineage of Mellent. Guillam Ma●●●▪ The Chronicles of Normandy wri●tē in french by Guillem Tailleur. Guilliam fitz Osberne. Le sire de Montfort sus Rille▪ Guillam de vielz Pont. Neel de saint Saveur le vicont. Le sire de F●●giers. Henry sire de Ferrer. Le sire Dambemare. Guillian sire de Romare. Le sire di Lichare. Le sire de Tonque. Le sire de la Mare. Le sire de Nehabon. Le sire de Piron. Le sire de Beauson. Le sire Damnon. Le sire de Sotevile. Le sire de margneville. Le sire de tankerville. Eustace Dambleville. Le sire de Magneville. Le sire de Gremesuille. Guillam Crespin. Le sir de saint Martin. Guillem de Moulins. Le sire de Pins. Gieffray sir de Mayenne. Affroy de Behunt. Affroy & Mau●gr. de Cartaict. Guillam de Garennes. Hue de Cournay sire le de Bray. Le conte Hue de Do●rnay. E●g●●●o●nt de Laigle. Le vicont de Tovars. Richart Donnemchni. Le sire de Biars. Le sire de Salligny. Le Boutellier daubegny. Le sire de Marre. Le sire de Victry. Le sire de Lacy. Le sire du vall Darie. Le sire de Tracy. Hue sire de Montfort. Le sire de Piqgny. Hamon de Brayen. Le sire de Spinay. Le sire de Port. Le sire de Torchy. Le sire de jort. Le sire de Rivers. Guillem M●yon. Raoul Tesson de Chignelois. Rogier Marmion. Raoul de Gael. Au● Neel de Biars. Parnel du Monstier. Bertram le Tort. Hubert Robert. Le sire de Seukee. Le sire de Dormal. Le sire de Brenal. Le sire de saint jehan. Le sire de Bois. Le sire de Homme. Le sire de Saussay. Le sire de Cailly. Le sire de Semilly. Le sire de Tilly. Le sire de Romely. Martel de Basquevill. Le sire de Praux. Le sire de Gonies. Le sire de Saincteaulx. De Mullox. These Archers of the vale of Rueill, and of Bretueill, & of many other places. Le sire de seinct Saen. Le sire de la Rhymer. Le sire de Salnarinlle. Le sire de Tony. end de Beaugien. Le sire de Ollie. Le sire de Sacy. Le sire de Vassye. Le Bisquams' de Chaymes. Le sire de Sap. Le sire Duglosse. Le sire de Nim●. Le sire de Blamuille. Le sire de Brencon. Le vidam de Partenay. Raoult do Mormont. Pierre de Bailleul. Sir de Foscamp. Le sir de Beaufault. Le sir de Tillieres. Le sir de Pacy. Le seneschall de Torchy. Le sir de Lacy. Le sir de Gacy. Le sir de Doully. Le sir de Sancy. Le sir de Bacy. Le sir de Tourneur. Le sir de Praores. Guillem de Colombiers'. Hue sir de Bollebec. Richart sir Dorbec. Le sir de Donnebos. Le sir de Trois gros. Le sir de mont Fiquet. Hue le Vigot, alias Bigot de Mal●●ot. Le sir de la hay. Le sir de Bracy. Le sir de Mowbray. Le sir de Say. Le sir de Laser●. Bontevillam Tronsebours. Guillem Patris de la land. Hue de Mortemer. Le sir Donuiller. Le sir Donnebant. L● sir de saint Cler. Robert le fitz Herneys duke Dorlians. Le sir de Harecourt. Le sir Crevecure. Le sir de Dancourt. Le sir de Brunetot. Le sir de Cambray. Le sir Dauncy. Le sir Fonteney. Le count Deureux. Le sir de Roberchil. Alan sergent Count de Britain. Le sir de ●aint Wallery. Le count Deden. Gualtar Guisart, count de Longevile. Le sir de Scoutevile. Le count Thomas Dambinale. Guillem de Hoimes e● Darques. Le sir de Barrevile. Le sir de Breante. Le sir de Freamuile. Le sir de Panilly. Le sir de Cler●. Tostamdubec. Le sir de Mangny. Roger du Mont Gomery, Comes. Almary de Tovaers. Beside a very great number of Knight and esquires that were under them. Thus far out of the Chronicle of Normandy, the other following are taken out of a Table sometime in Battle Abbey. Awmerle. Audeley. Angilliam. Argentoun. Arundel. Auenant. Abel. Awgers. Angenoun. Archer. Asperuile. Amonerduil●. Arey. Akeny. Albeny. Asperemound. Bertram. Buttecourt. Brahus. Byseg. Bardelf. Basset. Bygot. Bohun. Bailiff. Bondevile. Barbason. Beer. Bures. Carta W. Reg●▪ de S. Martin ●● g●●●d●. Bonylayne. Barbayon. berner's. Braybuf. Brand. Bonuile. Burgh. Busshy. blundel. Breton. Bela●yse. Bowser. Bayons. Bulmere. Broune. Beke. Bowlers. Banastre. Belomy. Belknape. Beauchamp. Bandy. Broyleby. Burnel. Belot. Beufort. Baudewine. Burdon. Bertevylay. Bar. Bussevile. Blunt. Beawper. Bret. Barret. Bainard. Barnevale. Barry. Bodyt. Bertevile. Bertine. Belew. bushel. Beleners. Buffard. Boteler. Botevile. Brasard. Belhelme. Branch. Bolesur. Blundel. Burdet. Bagot. Beawpount. Bools. Belefroun. Barchampe. Camos. Canuille. Chawent. Chauncy. Couderay. Coluyle. Chamberlain. Chambernoune. Cribet. Corbine. Corbet. Coniers. Chaundos. Coucy. Chaworth●. Claremaus. Clarell. Camuine. Chaunduyt. Claruays. Chantilowe. Colet. Cressy. Courtenay. Constable. Chaucer. Cholmelay. Cornevile. Champeney. Carew. Chawnos. Claruaile. Champain. Carbonell. Charles. Chereberge. Chawnes. Chawmont. Cheyne. Cursen. Conell. Chayters. Chains. Cateray. Cherecourt. Chaunuile. Clereney. Curly. Clyfford. Denavile. Dercy. Dine. Dispenser. Daniel. Denyse. Druell. Devaus. Davers. Doningsels. Da●el. Delabere. De la Pole. De la Lind. De la Hill. De la Wate. De la Watch. Dakeny. Dauntre. Desnye. Dabernoune. Damry. Daveros. De la Vere. De Lee. De la Warde. De la Planch. Danway. De Hewse. Disard. Durant. Drury. Estrange. Escutavile. Escriols. Engayne. Euers. Esturney. Foluile. Fitz Water. Fitz marmaduk filbert. Fitz Roger. Fitz Robert. Fanecourt. Fitz Philip. Fitz William. Fitz Paine. Fitz Alyne. Fitz Ralph. Fitz Browne. Foke. Frevile. Faconbrige. Frissel. F●lioll. Fitz Thomas. Fitz Morice. Fitz Hugh. Fitz Warren. Faunuille. Formay. Formiband. Frison. Finer. Fitz urcy. Furnival. Fitz Herbert. Fitchet. Fitz john. Gargrave. Graunson. Gracy. Glaunuile. Gover. Gascoigne. Gray. Golofer. Grauns'. Gurly. Gurdon. Gamages. Gaunt. Hansard. Hastings. Haulay. Husie. Herne. Hamelyn. Harewell. Hardel. Heck●t. Hamound. Harecord. jarden. jay. januile. jasparuile. Karre. Karron. Kyriell. Le Strange. Levony. Latomere. Loveday. Logenton. Level. Le Scrope. Lemare. Litteril●. Lucy. Lislay. Longspes. Longschampe. Lastels. LindSey. Loterell. Lindsey. Longuaile. Le Vawse. Loy. Lave. Le dispenser. Marmilou. Moribray. Moruile. Manley. Malebranche. Malemaine. Muschampe. Musgrave. M●nilebillers. Mortmain. Muse. Marteine. Mountbocher. Malevile. Mountney. Maleherbe. Musgros. Musard. Mautravers. Merke. Murres. Montague. Mantalent. Mandute. Manle. Mal●ry. Merny. Muffet. Menpincoy. Mainard. morel. Morley. Mounrmartin. Miners. Mauley. Mainwaring▪ mantel. Mayel. Morton. Nevile. Newmarche. Norton. Norbet. Norece. Newborough. Needle. Normanuile. Otenell. Olibef. Olifaunt. Oysell. Oliford. Oryoll. Pigot. Pery. Perecount. Pershale. Power. Paynel. Peche. Peverell. Perot. Picard▪ Pudsey. Pimeray. Pounsey. Punchardon. Pynchard. Placy. Patifine. Pampilion. Poterell. Pekeney. Peruinke. Penicord. Quincy. Quintine. Rose. Riddle. Rynel. Rous. russel. Ro●d. Richmond. Rocheford. Reymond. Seuche. saint Quintine. saint Omer. saint Amond. saint Leger. Someruile. Sanford. Somerey. saint George. saint Les. Sauine. saint Clo. saint Albine. saint Barb. Sandevile. saint More. saint Scudemor Towers. Toget. Talybois. Tuchet. Truslot. Trusbut. Traynel. Taket. Talbo●. Tanny. Tibtote. Trusell. Turbevile. Turuile. Totet. Tavers. Torel. Tirell. Totels. Taverner. Valence. Vancord. Vau●sour. Vender. Verder. Verdon. Aubrie de Vere. Vernoune. Venables. Venture. Verlaud. Verlay. Vernoy. Verny. Vilan. Vmframuile. Vnket Vrnall. Wake. Walenger. Warde. Wardebus. Waren. Wate. Wateline. Watevile. Woly. weevil. THis year through the great suit and labour of William the Norman, then. Bishop of London, King William granted the Charter and liberties to the same William, bishop, Wherefore the Mayor and Citizens of London repair to Paul's. and Godfrey, Portgreve, and all the Burgies of the City of London, in as large form as they enjoyed the same, in the time of Saint Edward before the Conquest: in reward whereof, the Citizens have fixed on his grave, being in the midst of the great West I'll of Saint Paul's Church in London, this Epitaph following. GVilielme viro sapientia & vitae sanctitate clar●, qui primùm Epitaph of William Bishop of London. divo Edwardo Regi & Confessori familiaris, nuper in Episcopum Londinensem erectus, nec multò post apud invictissimun Principem Guilelmum Angliae regem eius nominis primum, ob prudentiam fidemqúe singularem in consilium adhibitus: amplissima huic urbi celeberimae privilegia abeodem impetravit. Senatus populusque Londinensis bene merenti posuit. Sedit Episcopus annos. 20. Decessit anno à Christo nato. 1070. HAEc tibi, clare pater posuerunt marmora cives, Praemia, non meritis, aequiparanda tuis: Namque sibi populus, te Londoniensis amicum, Sensit, & huic urbi non leave praesidium. Reddita libertas duce te, dotaque multis Te duce, res fuerat publica muneribus. Divitias, genus, & formam brevis opprimat hora, Haec tua sed pietas, & benefacta manent. Obijt anno. 1070 Sedit Episcopus annos. 20. The same in English. TO William a man famous in wisdom and holiness of life, who first with Saint Edward the king and Confessor being familiar, of late preferred to be bishop of London, and not long after for his prudency and sincere fidelity, admitted to be of counsel with the most victorious Prince William king of England of that name the first, who obtained of the same great and large privileges to this famous City. The Senate and Citizens of London to him having well deserved, have made this. He continued Bishop. xx. years and died in the year after Christ his nativity. 1070. THese Marble monuments to thee thy Citizens assign, Rewards (O Father) far unfit to those deserts of thine. Thee unto them a faithful friend, thy London people found, And to this town, of no small weight, a stay both sure and sound: Their liberties restored to them, by means of thee have been, Their public weal by means of thee, large gifts have felt and seen. Thy riches, stock, and beauty brave, one hour hath them suppressed, Yet these thy virtues and good deeds, with us for ever rest. KIng William, (leaving his brother Odo Bishop of Bayon, Marianus. Ypodigm● Neustri●. and William Fitz Osberne whom he had made Earl of Hereforde, to be Wardens of England) returned into Normandy, which at that time was bend to shrink from him. He took with him Edgar Etheling, Stigandus Archbishop of W. de W●lum. Canturburie, Fredrick Abbot of Saint Albon, Egelnothus Abbot of Glastenburie, edwin Duke of Mercia, Morcarus duke of Northumberlande, Walden Earl of Northampton and of Huntingdon, Roger late Earl of Hertford, Renulphe Earl of Cambridge, Gospatrike Earl of Cumberlande, Gualther the son of Siward, and many other nobles of England thinking they would be truer to him in a foreign Country than in their own: by their diligence he subdued the rebelling Normans. When Winter was at hand, King William returned, and set an importable tribute on the Englishmen. After this going into Devonshire he besieged Excester, Excester besieged. which the Citizens and other English men held against him. The Countess Githa mother of King harold, and sister to Swanus king of Denmark with many other fleeing out of the City escaped, and got them over into Flaunders, and the Citizens yielded to the King. Anno reg. 2. 1068 Ypodigma. Mathild wife to King William came forth of Normandy, and on Whitsonday, was consecrated Queen by Aldred archbishop of York. After this Marleswin, Gospatricke, and other noble men of Northumberlande, to avoid king William's rough and boisterous dealings, taking with them Edgar, Etheling, and his mother Agatha, with his two sisters Margaret and Christian, went by sea into scotland, where they were received and well entertained of Malcoline king of Scots, who took Margaret the sister of Edgar to wife. john Rouse. King William with his army went to Nottingham and castle at Nottingham, York and Lincoln. builded. there builded a castle: he went to York, and made there two Castles, and put in them garrisons: he commanded also Castles to be made at Lincoln and other places. This year Henry the king's son was borne in England, T. Rudborne. Earl of Northumberlande slain. for his eldest sons Robert and William Rufus were borne in Normandy, before he Conquered England. King William gave to Robert Commin the Earldom Liber Dunelme. Anno. reg. 3. of Northumberland, who entered by force into Duresme, but for his outrages there done, he and 900. of his men were slain by the men of that Country, in the bishops palace, that Sea. Cro. had himself received him honourably, and king William came Afterward upon them and slew them every one. Agelricus bishop of Durham, being accused of treason, was 1069 imprisoned at Westminster. And his brother Egelwine being made Bishop there, was soon banished. The Englishmen that were fled out of England, having Edgar to be their Captain, returned out of scotland, and suddenly set upon the garrisons that King William had set at York, put them to flight, slew them, possessed the City, and pronounced Edgar to be King: but not long after King William came with a great army and recovered the City, constraining Edgar to return into Scollande. Edgar seeing he could not make his party good with king William, adjoined unto him Canutus king of the Danes, promising him half of the kingdom. Thus they entered England and came to York. The normans that were left to defend the City, set York brent. their suburbs on fire, that their enemies should have no commodity of it, but the wind drove the fire on high, and set all the City on fire, so that the garrisons were forced to flee into their enemies hands. In the skirmish were slain 3000▪ Normans, whereupon all the North part of England fell from William to Edgar. When William had word, of the slaughter of his men, he with great travel came to York, where he fought with his enemies, and put them to flight. Canutus with a few Danes got to their ships, but Edgar and the Englishmen which escaped, returned into Scotland. King William spoiled all the Country beyond Humber. Such a dearth was in England that men did eat horses, Anno reg. 4. Man's flesh good meat. Ioh Taxtor. 1070 Monasteries rifled. cats, dogs, and man's flesh. King William bereaved all the Monasteries and abbeys in England of their gold and silver, sparing neither chalice nor shrine, appropriating the said Monasteries and abbeys to himself: he also brought under knights service, all those bishoprics and abbeys that held Baronies, which had been free from all secular bondage, appointing them how many soldiers they should find him and his successors in time of war. In a counsel at Winchester Stigand was deposed as an Ypodigma. Stigand deposed Apostata archbishop, who for money got his Bishopric: and Lanfranke was chosen Archbishop of Canturburie. Anno. reg. 5. 1071 Edwine Earl of Mercia, Marcherus Earl of Northumberland, and Swardus an Earl, with Egelwine Bishop of Durham, and many other of the clergy and laity, keeping the Noble men fled woods, for that they were not able to abide the King's displeasure, at the last came into the isle of Elie, Herewarde being their Captain, who sore afflicted that Country, but king William besieging the isle, they all saving Herewarde submitted them to his pleasure, who committed some to perpetual prison, some he put to death, and some he ransomed, but Hereward by strong hand brought his men out of the isle and escaped. The Castle of Ledes in Kent, was builded by Creveken, Anno. reg. 6. Ex libro Nor●. castle of Leder and of Oxford builded. john Rouse. 1072 Matthew Paris. York subject to Canturburie. Anno reg. 7. 1073 Anno reg. 8. and the castle of Oxford by Robert de Olly, two noble men that came into England with William Conqueror. In a Counsel holden at Windsor, the primacy of th● church of Canturburie over the Church of York being examined, it was found by good authority of old writings, that the Church of York ought to be subject to the Church of Canturburie and faithfully to obey the same. King William with a great power invaded Scotland, and forced Malcoline to do him homage and fealty. King William with a great power of Englishmen, went into Normand●e which rebelled, and subdued it, spoiling the Cities, towns, vineyards, corn, etc. Gregory the seventh Pope, excommunicated all committers 1074 Married priests removed. Ypodigma. Matthew Paris. of Simony, and removed married Priests from executing of divine service, whereof rose great troubles in England. Ranulph Earl of the Eastenglish, by th● counsel of the Earls Woltheopus & Roger, traveled to expel K. William out of his kingdom. The conspiracy was concluded at a marriage in th● Conspiracy. City of Norwich, & forthwith they sent to the King of Denmark, desiring his aid, and having confederated with the Walchmen, every one where they came, rob the kings towns. King William came suddenly out of Normandy, and took the Earls, committing them to prison: but the Walchmen he caused to have their eyes put out, and some to be hanged. Kanut the son of Swain, and Hacon the Earl, came Anno reg. 9 out of Denmark, with 200 sail but when they heard th● their fautors were overcome, they turned into Flaunders. King William caused a castle to be builded at Dirham, & 1075 Ypodigma. commanded Waltheothus, Earl of Northampton and of Huntindon, son to Siward duke of Northumberland, to be beheaded at Winchester, who was buried at Crowland. The king sailed into Britain, and besieged the castle of Dolens, but prevailed not. Walter Bishop of Durham, bought of king William the Bishop murdered. Anno. reg. 10 Earldom of Northumberlande, wherein he used such cruelty, that at the length the inhabitants slew him and an hundred of his men, by the river of Tine, where the Bishop held his courts. The Earth was hard frozen, from the kalends of November, 1076 T. Castleforde. john Leyland. Anno. reg. 11 till the midst of April. King William gave the castle with the town of Pontfrait, with land lying there about, to Hilbert Lacie a Norman. The castle town & lands about Pontfraite, longed before th● Conquest to one Richard Ashnalde, who had issue Ailricke, who had Swain, who had Adam, of whom came two daughters, one of them married to Gaulfride Nevile, the other to Thomas Burgh, but neither of them had any part of the Town or lands about Pontfrait. Robert son to Hildebert Lacie, founded the Priory of Pontfraite. Robert the first son of King William, because he could not possess Normandy, which his father had given him before his coming into England, (in the presence of Philip king of France) he went into France, and through aid of King Philip he fetched prays in Normandy, brent towns, slew men, and brought his father into no small perplexity. Upon Palm sunday about noon, appeared a Blazing 1077 Anno. reg. 12 1078 Ypodigma. star near unto the sun. Malcoline King of Scots, wasted Northumberland, slew many, and took a great pray with him into Scotland. The Cathedral Church of Hereford was brent by Grifin and Algare son to Leof icke Earl of Merce. While King William gave battle unto his eldest son Robert, before the Castle of Kerbothead, which King Philip King William wounded. had lent him, he was wounded by him in his arm and cast besides his horse, but as soon as Robert knew him by his voice, he strait alighted, and required his Father to mount on his horse, and suffered him to departed: many of king Anno. reg. 13 William's men were slain, and his son William with many other sore wounded. Trustin Abbot of Glastenbury, committed a filthy act in his 1379 Murder. Matthew Paris. Church, for he caused three Monks to be slain which were laid under the Altar, and xviij. men to be wounded, that their blood ran from the Altar down th● steps to th● pavement. This year was a great wind on Christmas day. And Anno. reg. 14 1080 Anno. reg. 15 1081 Anno. reg. 16 Tutsbury. Liber Tutsbury. 1982 Bermondsey. Anno. reg. 17 1083 a great Earthquake and roarings out of the earth, the vj. of April. Henry earl Ferrer founded a Priory within his castle of Tutsbury, the late new Church was builded in Anno. 1407. when the Normans were put out. Alwin Child a Citizen of London founder of the Monastery of S. Saviour at Bermondfeey in Surrey, gave unto the Monks there, divers rents in the City of London. Matild the Queen, daughter to Baldwin Earl of Flaunders, and wife to King William, died, and was buried at Cane in the Monastery of Nuns, which she had builded. Richard son to King William, died in the new Forest, and was buried at Winchester. King William caused inquiry to be made, how many Acres of land numbered. ●●. Rouse. Anno. reg. 18. 1084 A great tax acres of land were sufficient for one plough by the year, how many beasts to the tilling of one hide, how many Cities, Castles, Farms, Oranges, Towns, Rivers, Marshes, and Woods, what rend they were by year, and how many Knights or Soldiers were in every shire, all which was put in writing, and remaineth at Westminster. King William took homage, and oath of allegiance of all England, of what tenor or fee soever they were, and took Anno. reg. 19 of every hide of land sire shillings, and then failed into Normandy. When the Normans had accomplished their pleasure upon 1085 the Englishmen, so that there was no noble man of that nation left to bear any rule over them, it became a reproach to be Nev●●●●rrest. called an Englishman. Wicked customs sprang up, and the more the people spoke of equity, the more wrong was done: the Justiciers were the authors of all unrighteousness. Who so did take a Dear or a Goat, had his eyes put out. It was brought to pass, that for the space of more than. thirty. Matthew Paris. Bishop at Lincoln. miles, good profitable corn ground was turned into a chase for wild beasts. Remingus Bishop of Dorchester, removed his Sea to Lincoln, Anno reg. 20. where he built a new Church to be his seat. King William kept his feast of Christmas at Gloucester▪ Flori. Wigmore. where to three of his Chaplains he gave three bishoprics, to Mawrice, the Bishopric of London: to William, that of Thetford: and to Robert, that of Chester. There was a great water flood, so that hills were made 1086 Water flood. soft and consumed, & with their fall over whelmed many villages. King William founded the Abbeys of Battle, where he overcame harold of Selbe in Yorkshire, and of Cane in Normandy, Battle Abbey. in the which he was buried. He founded the Priory of Saint Nicholas at Excester. He gave great Privileges to Saint martin's le grand. Liber S. Mar. Anno reg. 21 Saint martin's le grand in London, (which Church was founded before the Conquest by Ingelricus and Ewardus his brother cousins to king Edward the Confessor) he also gave to the Chlledge, as appeareth by his Charter, in these words: I do give Creeplesgate of London, but a Postern and all the ground adjoining was a Door or marish. and grant to the same Church all the land and more without the Postern which is called Criplesgate on either part of the postern, that is to say, from the North corner of the wall, as the river of the Wells there running, depart the same more from the wall, to the running water which entereth the City, etc. This year was a great death of cattle, and sore distemperancie 1087 of air, many died first of fevers, and after of famine. In the mean time, a devouring fire spread over all the principal Famine and Pestilence. Cities of England. The Church of Saint Paul in London was brent with the more part of the City, which fire began London and Paul's Church brent. 〈…〉 Erkenwaldi. at the entry of the West gate & consumed so the East gate. Mawrice then Bishop of London began the foundation of the new Church of Paul's. Richard his successor did wonderfully increase the walls of the said Church, and of his own cost Floria Wig. purchased th● large streets about it where were wont to dwell many lay men, and compassed it with a strong wall. In a province of Wales, called Rose, was found the sepulchre of Gawen upon the sea shore, who was sister's son to Wil Malme. men's bones of large six. Arthur king of the Britain's, being xiij. foot of length. King William being at Roan in Normandy, Philip king of France said that he kept his Chamber as women do in childbed, & nourished his fat belly, but when he is churched I will offer a thousand candles with him. King William hearing of these scorns, went with a great army into France, spoiling all things as he passed. Last of all he burned the City of Meanx with our Lady Church and two Anchers that were enclosed there, who persuaded themselves, they ought not to forsake their house in such extremity: whereat the King rejoicing, cheered his men to feed the fire, & came himself so near, th● with the heat of his harness he got a disease to the increase of his sickness. Also the king's horse leaping over a ditch, did burst the inner parts of the K. with the pain whereof he was sore afflilcted, and returned to Roan, where shortly after he ended his life. The. ix. day of Septem, in the year of King William died. our Lord. 1087. when he had reigned xx. years & xj. months lacking fine days, his body being brought with great solemnity in Cane in Normandy there to be buried in a Church which he had founded, a certain knight boldly forbade the burial of W. Malme. him in that place, affirming that by title of inheritance the ground was his, & that king William ought not to be buried Burial forbidden to William Conqueror. in the ground, which by violence he had obtained: wherefore by consent of Henry his son, this reproach was appeased with the payment of an hundred pound of silver. He had issue by Matild his wife, daughter to Baldwin earl of Flaunders: Robert Curthose, unto whom he gave Normandy. Richard that Issue of William Conqueror. died young: William Rufus, unto whom he gave England: and Henry to whom he gave his wives inheritance & treasure: he had daughters Sicily, Abbess of Cane: Constance married to Alane Earl of britain: Adale wife to Stephen Earl of Bloyse: Margaret promised to Harold king of England, & Alianor betrothed to Alfonse King of Galicia. King William commanded all prisoners to be released, & his treasure to be distributed unto churches. ¶ King William Rufus. WIlliam le Rowse or Rufus, the third son of William Conqueror; began his reign the Anno reg. 1. ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord 1087. and was crowned at Westminster by Lanfranke Archbishop of Canturburie, th● first day of October. He was variable, inconstant, covetous, & cruel, he burdened his people with unreasonable taxes, pilled the rich and oppressed the poor, and what he thus got, he prodigally spent in great banqueting and sumptuous apparel, for he would neither eat, drink, or wear any thing, but W. Malme. Robert of Glocest. S. Albon Cronicl. that it cost unmeasurably dear. As for example it was in those days written (and for us now to be noted) that in a morning his Chamberlain bringing him a new pair of hosen, he demanding what they cost, and the Chamberlain The best pair of hose three shillings. answering three shillings, the king being wroth, said, away beggar that thou art, are those meet hose for a King to wear, bring me a pair of a Mark, or thou shalt sore repent it, than his Chamberlain fet another pair that were much worse than the first, and said ●h●y cost a Mark, wherewith King William was well pleased. Thus far have I noted the saying of King William, because it importeth the simplicity of apparel in those days used, so far different from the excess of this present time. Odo Bishop of Bayon, and Earl of Kent, with his brother 1088 The Nobles ●ebes●. Robert Earl of Mortaigne and Hereford, and almost all the Nobles of England, raised war against King William, and would have had Robert his eldest brother to be King: but King William▪ by fairs words pacifying some of the principal conspirators, besieged the residue in the Castle of Rochester, W. Malme. and with much labour lastly overcame them. An Earthquake overturned many houses and churches An Earthquake. in England. Lanfranke Archbishop of Canturbury deceased. He renewed Anno reg. 2. 1089 the great Church of Canturbury, restoring xxv. manors to the same. He repaired the walls of that City, builded two Hospitals, the one of Saint john the other at Harbaldowne. Hospital of Saint john and Harbaldowne. He restored the Church of Rochester from four secular Clerks, to fifty Monks. He always attended his book, and traveled to correct the corruption of Writers. When Lanfranke was dead, King Wilham kept in his own hands the Churches and Monasteries of England after Matthew Paris. G. lily. their pastors were dead, making great spoil, and lotting them out to farm. King William making war against his brother Robert Anno reg. 3. 1090 King William made war on his brother. Duke of Normandy, took the Castles of Wallarroke and of Albemarle, making great spoil in his brother's Country: but at length agreement was made between them, that Robert should give up into the King's hands, the Castles that he had gotten of him: and the King should help him to get all that his father had, England only excepted: and also, if one of them died without issue, the other should succeed in the inheritance: to which covenant were sworn twelve Princes of the King's side, and twelve Barons on the Duke's side. Malcoline King of Scots did homage and fealty to King of Scots did homage. Matthew Paris. Great tempest. King William. of England. A great tempest sell on Saint Luke's day in ●imdry places of England, specially in Winchcomb, where a great part of the Steeple was overthrown with thundering and lightning, and in London the wind overturned 606. houses, and 606. houses overturned. the rou●e of Bow Church in Cheap, wherewith some persons were slain: four of the ●afters of 20. foot in length were with such violence pitched into the street that scantly Wil Malme. Gualther Coven. four foot of them remained above ground, which were fain to be ●●t even with the same ground, because they could not be plucked out. About this time, one justinus son to Gurguntus▪ Earl Anno reg. 4. of Glamorgan, and Morgannoke, refusing to obey Rhesus▪ son to Theodore Prince of South-wales, sent Aeneas, The winning of Glamorgan and Morganoke out of the Welchmens' hands. son to Gedi●orus, sometime Lord of Deme●ia, into England, to take muster of soldiers, and there received a great Army, under the conduct of one Robert Fitzhamon, and joining with other tables out of Went and Brecini●, met with Rhesus in Black h●ll, and there ●●ewe him, and s● paying the Englishmen their wages, discharged them. But they taking regard unto the goodness of the soil, and the great variance which was then amongst the Welshmen, as in foretime the Saxons had done, they turned their force of arms against those which had entertained them, and soon displaced them wholly of all the Champion, and the best of the Country, which Robert Fitzhamon divided amongst twelve Knights which he brought with him, reserving the better part to himself, who building there certain Castles, and joining their power together, defended their Farms and Lordships▪ which they had taken and possessed, whose heirs peaceably▪ enjoy the same unto this day: but justinus scarcely reserved to himself and his, the hilly Country. The names of the twelve Knights were these. 1 William Lowdon. 2 Richard Granuille. 3 Paganus Turberuille. 4 Robert Saintqui●ti●●. 5 Richard Siward. 6 Gilbert Vmfrevill. 7 Roger Berkerowle. 8 Reynald Sully. 9 Peter sore. 10 john Fleming. 11 Oliver Saint john. 12 William Easterling, now for shortness called S●radling. Thus was the Lordship of Glamorgan & Morgannoke won out of the welshmen's hands, which Lordship contained in length from R●mid bridge on the East side, to Pallekinan in the West side 27. miles. The breadth from the Haven of Aberthaw on the South side▪ to the confine of Breknokeshire, about Morleys' Castle, is 22. mi●●●▪ In this Province are neath upon a River of the same name Pontfaine, that is to say, Stone bridge, sometimes called Cowbridge, Lantwid, Wenny▪ Dinwid▪ towns, and Castles, besides Caer Phili, a most ancient Castle & fortress, which by report was erected by the Romans, and Caerdid, the Humphrey L●●yd. principal Town of the Shire, standing upon the River Tafe, Englishmen term it Cardid or Gardife. Also, within the body of the said Lordship, were eighteen Castles, and ●6. knights fees and a half, that held of the same Lordship by Knight's service, besides a great number of free holder's. Also, the said Lordship being a Lordship Marcher, or a Lordship Royal, and holden of no other Lordship, the Lords thereof, ever since the winning of the same, owing their obedience only to the Crown, have used therein jura regalia, with the trial of all actions, as well real as personal, and pleas of Crown, with authority to pardon all offences, Treason only excepted. King William▪ W 〈…〉 Northumberland, where he repaired 1091 New Castle. Sarisburie. Anno reg. 5 such Castles as the Scots had impaired, and builded the new Castle on Tine. Osmond Bishop of Sarisburie founded the Cathedral Church of old Sarisburie, and on the morrow after the dedication thereof, the Steeple was fired by lightning. In England fell wonderful abundance of rain, and after 1092 Great Frost. Matthew Paris. Wil Malme. ensued so great frost, that horses and carts passed commonly over great Rivers, which when it thawed, the Ice broke down many great bridges. Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, sent into Normandy for Abbey of Chester. Anselme, by his counsel to build an Abbey at Chester of Saint Werbridge. King William lying sick at Gloucester, for fear of death, Matthew Paris. promised to correct the wicked Laws. He gave the archbishopric of Canturbury to Anselme, Anselme Archbishop. and to his Chancellor Robert Bloet, the Bishopric of Lincoln▪ but when the King had recovered his health, he was sorry that he had not sold the Bishopric of Lincoln. Malcolme King of Scots coming into England, was King of Scots slain. met withal, and suddenly ●●ayne, with his son and heir also, by Robert Mowbray Earl of Northumberland. john Bishop of Welles, by anointing the King's hands, Bishopric at Bathe. Lewes in Suffex. Anno reg. 6. 1093 Carelile repaired, and the Castle builded. Famine. ●●▪ Beverla. Thomas Rudburn. transposed his Bishop's seat to Bathe. William Waren first Earl of Surrey, and Gundred his wife, founded the Abbey of jews in Sussex. King William builded again the City of Carelile which was destroyed by the Danes 200. years before. He also builded a Castle there, and out of the South parts of England sent men to inhabit. This year was a great famine, and after, so great a mortality, that the quick were scant able to bury the dead. King William made great wars in Normandy against his brother Robert, through the which both England and Normandy were sore oppressed with exactions. Exactions. W●l●chmen wined Angle●ey. The Welshmen spoiled the City of Gloucester with a part of Shrewsburie and won the Is●e of Anglesey. The Bishopric of Thetford was translated to Norwich, Bishopric at▪ Norwich. Anno reg. 7. 1094 Northumberland spoiled. by Herbert Losing, Bishop there. King William sent his brother Henry into Northumberland with a great power, because Robert Mowbrey Earl of that Country refused to come to the King's Court: the Country was spoiled, the Earl was taken, and many were disherited. Some had their eyes put out etc. King William with a great power entered Wales, but not King William invaded wales. being able to follow the Welshmen among the hills, he builded two Castles in the borders and returned. Great preparation was made by the Christians to go Anno reg. 8. 1095 〈…〉 to Jerusalem. against the Infidels at Jerusalem, Peter the Hermit being their first leader, and after Godfrey of Lorraine, called Godfrey of Bolleine. Robert Duke of Normandy took his journey towards Anno reg. 9 1096 Normandy pawned. An. reg. 10. 1097 Nice and Antioch won. Jerusalem and laid Normandy to gauge to his brother King William for 6666. pounds of silver. The Dukes, Godfrey Beamonde and Robert, besieged the City of Niece, with 6000. horsemen, and 10000 footmen, and took the same, with the wife of Soliman, and his sons. They also took the City of Antioch. King William with an army of horsemen and footmen went the second time into Wales, meaning to kill all the male kind there, but he could uneath kill or take any one of them. All the lands in Kent▪ that sometime belonged to Earl Hector Boetius. Godwin sands. Godwine, by breaking in of the Sea, were covered with Sands, and therefore is yet called Godwine Sands. King William was in Normandy▪ and gave himself to Exactions. An. reg. 11. 1098 An. reg. 12. 1099 Jerusalem won. wars there, so that with exactions and tributes he did not only shave, but flay the people of England. Hugh, Earl of Shrewsburie was slain in Anglesey by the Irishmen. The Christians took the City of Jerusalem, and placed there a King and a patriarch. After King Wilham was come out of Normandy, he kept his Court at Westminster in the new Hall, which he had then caused to be builded, the length whereof is 270. foot, Westminster Hall. P. Pataviensis. and the breadth 74. foot, and hearing men say it was too big, he answered, this Hall is not big enough by the one half, and that it was but a Chamber in comparison Io. Euersden. of that he was about to make. A diligent searcher might Matthew Paris. Io. Rouse. yet find out the foundation of the Hall which he had purposed to build, stretching from the Thames side unto the common strééte. King William being a hunting in the new Forest, word was brought him that his people were besieged in Maine: he forthwith took shipping, though he were vehemently persuaded to the contrary, for that there was at that time a great tempest, to whom he answered, he never heard that any King was drowned. At this time he got more honour Word of William Rufus. Matthew Paris. than ever he did in all his life, for he chased his enemies, and returned with victory. In this Summer, blood sprang out of the earth at Finchamstede Anno reg. 13 in Berkshire. King William on the morrow after Lammas day hunting 1100 There stande●● a Chapel. King William slain. Wil Malme. Matthew Paris. Radulphus Niger. in the new Forest of Hampshire, in a place called Chorengham, Sir Walter Tirell shooting at a Dear, unawares hit the King in the breast, that he fell down stark dead, and never spoke word: his men (specially that Knight) gate them away, but some came back again, and laid his body upon a Colyars' Cart, which one silly lean beast did draw unto the City of Winchester, where he was Radul. Cogshal. buried on the morrow after his death, at whose burial men could not weep for joy. This King was taken out of the world in the midst of his unrighteousness, who being wicked to his own people and to strangers, was most wicked to himself. The Countries about him he provoked with wars: and England was so miserably oppressed under him, that it Io. Rouse. could not recover, for he and his train spoiled and subverted all things. He reigned twelve years and eleven months lacking eight days. He gave unto the Monks, called De Charitate, in Southwark, Register of Berna●dsey. the great new Church of Saint saviour of Barmonds' eye, and also Barmonds' eye itself. He also founded of an old Monastery of Monks, a Ex C●●● goodly Hospital in the City of York, called Saint leonard's, for the sustentation and finding of the poor, as well men as women. He gave the Church of Saint Peter in the City of Bathe to be a Bishop's Sea, and the mother Church of Somersetshire. ¶ King Henry Beawclerke HEnry brother to William Anno reg. 1. Io. Rouse. Rufus, and th● first of that name, for his learning called Beawclearke, brought up in the study of the liberal arts at Cambridge, chiefly through the travel of Henrye Nowborough Earl of Warwick who appeased all debates of that time to the The. R●dborne. W. Malme. contrary) obtained the dominion over this Realm of England, and began his reign the first day of August, in the year o●●ure Lord 1100. and was crowned at Westminster on the fifth day of August, by Mawrice Bishop of London, because at that time Ge●●●. Dor●. Anselme Archbishop of Canturburie, was by persecution of William Rufus exiled. This Henry borne at Selbe in England, was a noble Prince, strong and mighty of body, high of stature, and amiable of countenance. He was excellent in wit, eloquent, and fortunate in battle, and for these three, he had three notable vices, covetousness, cruelty, and lechery. He married Mawde the daughter of Malcoline King of Scots, of whom he begat William, and a daughter named Mawde. At the beginning of his reign, he restored the state of the Clergy, assuaged the grievous payments, reduced again Saint Edward's laws, and amended them. He put out of his Court all nice and wanton persons. He reform the old untrue measures, and made a Measures reform. W. Malme. Vlno, now called a yard. W. Malme. measure by the length of his own arm, which was then called Vlno, an Elle, and now the same is called a yard, or metewand etc. He restored to his Subjects the use of lights in the night, Use of light in the night permitted. which lights, and also fire, had him forbidden by his father to be used, after the ringing of a Bell, at eight of the clock at night. Edgar King of Scots did homage to this Henry. This year jordan Briset Baron, the son of Ralph, the Saint john's by Smithfielde son of Brian Briset founded the house of Saint john of Jerusalem, near unto London, by Smithfield. The same jordan gave fourteen Acres of ground lying Clarken well. Register of Clerken well. Ex Carta. in the field next adjoining unto Clarken well, to build thereupon a house of Nuns, wherein, he, with Murioll his wife were both buried in the Chapter house. Robert Shorthose Duke of Normandy, the King's eldest 1101 Anno reg. 2. brother, which was now returned from Jerusalem, made war upon his brother Henry for the Crown of England, who assembled a strong army, and landed at Portesmouth, but by mediation a peace was made, on condition, that Tribute to Robert Shorthose. Winchester and Gloucester brent. Liber Glocestr. Tewkesbery builded. Cronica de Theoksbery. Henry should pay three thousand marks yearly to Duke Robert, and if the one died without issue, the longer liver should inherit. Winchester was brent the xvij. of May, and Gloucester was brent the twentieth of May: Robert Fitzham, who came with the Conqueror out of Normandy, with Sibell his wife, founded a new the Church of Theukesbery and was there buried. Robert de Belasine Earl of Shrewsburie, eldest son to 1102 Robert de Belasme rebelled. W●l. Malme. Floriacens●s. Roger Mountgomery strengthened the Town and Castle of Shrewsbury, so did he the Castles of Bridgenorth, Tichile, and Arundel with victuals, and armed men against King Henry: but the King being warned thereof, he gathereth his power, and beséegeth Bridgenorth, which Town was yielded unto him. And this being known to them of Arundel, they forthwith submitted themselves, with condition, that their Lord Robert de Belasme might be permitted freely to pass into Normandy. Also they of Shrewsbury sent the keys of their Castle, and pledges of their obeisance, and then Robert, with his brother Ernulfus, and Roger of Poitiers abjured this land for ever. The Cathedral Church of Norwich was founded by Minster of Norwich. Anno reg. 3. Register of Saint Barthelmew. Hospital of S. Barthelmew. 1103 Anno reg. 4. Herbert Bishop of Norwich. The Priory and Hospital of Saint Barthelmewe in Smithfield was founded by a pleasant I ester or Minstrel of the Kings, named Reior, who became first Prior there. Before this time Smithfield was a laystow of all drdure and filth: and the place where felons and other transgressors were put to execution. Roberte Duke of Normandy coming into England, through the subtlety of King Henry his younger brother, released The younger brother beguileth the elder. to him the tribute of three thousand Marks of Silver. Hugh Lacie founded the Monastery of Saint john at Ex libre Lanthony Matthew Paris. Lanthony founded. Chro. Donmow. Lanthony, the Canons of which place were since translated by Miles high Connestable, and Earl of Here ford to a place near unto Gloucester, then called Hide, since called Lanthony. juga Baynard Lady of little Donmow, caused Maurice Bishop of London to dedicate the Church of Donmow which the Priory of Donmow in Essex founded by the Widow of Baynard that builded Baynard's Castle in London. had founded, and the same day she gave to it half a hide of land. This Lady juga was late wife to Baynard, that first builded Baynard's Castle in London. Great malice was kindled between the two bréthrens 1104 Anno reg. 5. Robert and Henry whereupon deadly war ensued. There appeared about the Sun four circles, and a blazing Star. King Henry remained in Normandy, making strong 1105 Anno reg. 6. Saint john's in Colchester. wars upon his brother Robert and Rorsia his wife. Eudo Dapifere, or sewer to King Henry founded the Monastery of Saint john in Colchester of black cannons, and those were the first in England. Simon Earl of Northhampton; and Mawde his wife, Saint Andrew in Northhampton. Ex Carta. ●o. Rouse. 1106 Anno reg. 7. Elder brother seeketh favour of the younger. founded the Monastery of Saint Andrew in Northhampton. Robert Duke of Normandy came to his brother at Northhampton and friendly desired him to bear brotherly love foward him, but King Henry feeling his conscience accusing him, for obtaining the Kingdom by defrauding of his elder brother, and fearing men more than God, first he reconciled the Nobles of the Realm with fair promises, thinking afterwards to make amend for his great wrongs, by founding of an Abbey. The Duke returning into Normandy the King followed with a great power, where between them were many sore battles fought, but at the last the valiant man Roberte was taken. This year appeared a blazing Star; from three of the A Blazing Star. Matthew Paris. clock till nine. And on the Maundy Thursday was seen two full Moons, one in the East, and another in the West. The first Canons entered into the Church of our Lady T Rudborne. Saint Mary Ouery. Liber Roffensis▪ ●o. Reverla. 1107 Anno reg. 8. in Southwark, called Saint Mary Ouery, founded by William Pountlarge Knight, and william Daneys, Normans. Aigedus was first Prior there. When King Henry had set in order Normady according to his pleasure, he returning into England, brought with him his brother Robert; & W●rlham of Morton, & put them in perpetual prison, from whence shortly after, Duke Robert deceiving The younger brother putteth out the eyes of his elder. his keepers; sought to escape; but he was taken as he fled, & by his brother's commandment had his eyes put out, & kept straighter till his dying day. This year, the Priory of the holy Trinity, within 1108 Priory of the Trinity in London. Liber trini. Aldgate of London, was founded by Matild the Queen, in the Parishes of Mary Magdalen, Saint Michael, Saint Katherine; and the holy Trinity, all which are now but one Parish of Christ Church, in old time called holy Rood parish. W. Dunthorne. She gave to the same Priory the port of Aldgate, with the stock thereunto belonging, which was of her demesnes, and is now called Aldgate Warde. King Henry with sundry expeditions brought under him the Welshmen, and to pull down their stoutness, he Anno reg. 9 W●it. Malme. Gerua. Doro, Flemings sent into Wales. sent all the Flemings that inhabited England thither, which of late were come hither, when great part of Flanders was drowned, and also in time of his father, by alliance of his mother, in so much, that through their great multitude they seemed grievous to the Realm, wherefore he sent them all with their substance and kindred into Rose, a Conuntrey of Wales, a● into a● stuck, that he might cleanse the Realm of them, and also suppress the wildness of the enemy, and not long after he made expedition thither, compelling the Welshmen to give him for pledges the sons of the Nobility, with some money, and much cattle, and returned. Henry Emperor of: Rome sent messengers into England, requiring to have Mawde the King's daughter given 1109 An●. reg. 10. him in marriage, which was granted by the King, who then took three. Shillings of every hide of land through England. The King translated the Abbey of Eoly into a Bishopric, A Tax. john Taxtor, Eely a Bishopric. Matthew Paris. ●ibermōn. Elie. and made Harvey Crust Bishop of Bancor, Bishop there. A Comet appeared after a strange fashion, for it was risen out of the East, and astended upwards. A great Earthquake was at Shrewesburie, and the water 1110 Anno reg. 11 A Comet. Trent dried up. Floria censis. of Trent at Nottingham was dried up from one of the clock, till three. King Henry married Robert his bastard son to Mawde, Floriacen. daughter and heir to Robert Fatzham, and made him the first Earl of Gloucester, who after builded the Castles of Bristol Castles at Bristol and Cardife. Saint james at Bristol, Kensham. 1111 Anno reg. 12 Matthew Paris. and Cardeffe, with the Priory of S. james in Bristol, where his body was buried. And his son Earl William began the Abbey of Kensham. King Henry went into Normandy to make war against the Earl of Angiew, which kept Main against the Kings will, and spoiled the whole Country. William Baynard, under whom Lady juga held the Cro. Dun. title of Dunmow, by misfortune lost his Barony, and King Henry gave it wholly to Robert the son of Richard the Robert Fit●● Richard. son of Gilbert Earl of Clare, and to his heirs, together with the honour of Baynard's Castle in London, and the appurtenances. This Robert was Cupbearer or Butler to the King. About this time, Geoffrey Clinton, treasurer and 1112 Anno reg. 13 Kenelworth Priory and Castle founded. Lib. Ken. Chamberlain to King Henry the first, founded the Priory at Kenelworth of regular Canons. Geoffrey Clinton the younger, confirmed to the Canons all which Geoffrey his father gave them, except those lands which his father reserved, to make his Castle and Park on in Kenelworth. This year was a great mortality of men, and moreine Matthew Paris. of Beasts. The City of Worcester, the chief Church, the Castle, 1113 Anno reg. 14. Floriacen. Cro. Hautenprice. and all other buildings, one of the Monks, with two servants, and fifteen Citizens, were all brent the twentieth day of July. The King subdued the Walchmen. The King caused all his Nobles to swear to William his son. The tenth of October, the River of Medway, by no small 1114 Anno reg. 15 Thames and Medway dried up. number of miles, did so fail of water, that in the midst of the Channel the smallest Uessels and Boats could not pass. The self same day the Thamis did suffer the like lack of water, for between the Tower of London and the bridge, and under the Bridge, not only with Horse, but also a great Thomas de Wike. Walter Coven. john Taxtor. William Sheepehead. Liber Roffensis. Chichester brent. A blazing star. 1115 Anno reg. 16 Liber trinitatis. number of men and children did wade over on foot, which defect of water did endure the space of two days. Chichester with the principal Monastery was brent. There was many storms, and a blazing Star. This year through an hard Winter, almost all the bridges in England were borne down with Ice. Edgar sometime King of England granted unto thirteen Knights a portion of ground without the walls of the City of London, left void in the East part of the same City, Knighten Gilled, now Portsoken ward. together with a gild, which he named Knighten Gilled, that now is called Portsoken ward, and now the Church of the holy Trinity being founded within Aldgate of London by Mathild then Queen, as is afore showed. The successors of those Knights, to weet, Radulphus fitz Algede, Winiard le Dovershe, etc. gave the foresaid Lands called Knighten Gilled, to the same Church: but Othowerus, Accolinillus, Otto, and Geoffrey Earl of Estsex, Constables of the Tower of London by succession, withheld by force a portion of the same land, that is to say East Smithfield, near to the Tower, to make a Uineyard, and would not departed from it by any means, till the second year of King Stephen, when the same was adjudged and restored to the Church of the holy Trinity. King Henry having great wars with Jews King 1116 Anno. reg. 17 Cro. Peter. of France, the Realm of England was sore oppressed with exactions. The Town of Peterborow with the stately Church there, was burned down to the ground. In March was exceeding lightning, and in December 1117 Anno. reg. 18. Tempest and Earthquake. thunder and hail: and the Moon at both times seemed to be turned into blood. This year in Lombary was an Earthquake, continued forty days, which overthrew many houses, and that Floriacen. which was marvelous to be seen, a Town was moved from his seat, and set a good way off. Mathild the Queen, wife to King Henry of England, 1118 Anno reg. 19 Matthew Paris. deceased at Westminster, and was there buried in the Revostrie. She founded the Priory of Christ's Church within the East gate of London, called Aldgate, and an Hospital of Mathilds' Hospital. Saint Giles in the field, without the West part of the same City. The order of the Templars began. Knights of the Temple. Many sore battles were fought in France and Normandy between the King of England and of France. 1119 Anno reg. 20 1120 Anno reg. 21. The King's children drowned. W. Malme. Matthew Paris. King Henry having tamed the Frenchmen, and pacified Normandy, returned into Engalnde, in which voyage, William Duke of Normandy, and Richard his sons, and mary his daughter, Richard Earl of Chester, and his wife, with many noble men, and to the number of one hundred and sixty persons were miserably drowned, the Sea being calm. King Henry married Adelizia, the Duke of Lovans 1121 Anno reg. 22. daughter, at London: from thence the King with a great army went toward Wales, but the Welshmen met him humbly, and agreed with him at his pleasure. The City of Gloucester with the principal Monastery, was brent again, as before, and Lincoln was burned. 1122 Anno reg. 23 Gloucester brent Lib. Glocest. Matthew Paris. 1123 Anno reg. 24. Warwick with the College. King Henry sailed into Normandy, where he remained long, traveling to quiet that Country. Henry Earl of Warwick, and Margaret his wife, founded the College of Saint Mary in th● town of Warwick. And Roger de Belemound his son Earl of Warwick, and Aeline his wife, translated the same College into the Castle of Warwick, in Anno 1123. At that time were nine parishes in Warwick, Saint Sepulchre, Saint Helen's, of these twain were made one Priory of Saint Sepulchre: Alhalowes, Saint Michael, Saint john, Saint Peter, Saint Lawrence, Saint james, these five last Liber Warwic●●▪ Io. Rouse. were joined to Saint mary's, in Anno 1367. Saint Nicholas. Waleran Earl of Mellent is taken in Normandy by King 1124 Anno reg. 25 1125 Anno reg. 26 Matthew Paris. Taxtor. Coiners punished. Henry, and he with many other are imprisoned at Roan. john Thremensis Cardinal came into England, who inveighing sore against priests Concubines, was himself detected of whoredom. The King caused all the Coiners of England to have their privy members cut off, and also their right hand, because they had corrupted the Coin. Henry the fourth Emperor being dead (as it was said) 1126 Anno reg. 27. The Empress returned into England. Giraldus Cambr. and Mawde the Empress returning into England, dwelt with the Queen in her Chamber, because she was suspect of her husband's death, but some affirmed him to be long after in England, living as an Hermit, and in the end to be buried at Chester. King Henry held his Court with great magnificence Floriacen. in his Castle of Winsore, and there assembled all the nobility of his Realm, where when the Archbishop of York would have Crowned the King equally with the Archshop of Canturbury, by the judgement of all men he Archbishop of York with his Cross cast out of the King's Chapel. was repulsed, the bearer of his Cross, together with the Cross, was thrown out of the King's Chapel: for it was affirmed that no Metropolitan out of his own Province might have any Cross borne before him. The feast being ended, the King with all the States of the Realm together came to London, and there at the King's commandment, William the Archbishop, and the Legate of the Romish Church, and all other Bishops of the English Nation, with the Nobility, took an oath. to defend against all men the Kingdom to his daughter, if she survived her father, except that before his decease he begat some son to succeed him. The King also granted to the Church of Canturburie, and to William and his successors, the custody and Constableship of the Castle of Rochester for ever. The Archbishop of Canturbury assembled a counsel of Bishops, 1127 Anno reg. 28. Abbots and other Prelates at Westminster, where they determined many causes concerning Ecclesiastical business: and the King with his counsel confirmed them. King Henry went with a warlike army into France, because 1128 Anno reg. 29 Lodowick the French King defended the Earl of Flaunders the King's Nephew and enemy. At this time men had such a pride in their hair, that they Men wear hair like women. W. Malme. 1129 Anno reg. 30 Matthew Paris. contended with women in length of hair. King Henry held a Counsel at London, wherein it was granted him to have the correction of the Clergy, which came to an evil purpose, for the King took infinite sums of money of Priests, and suffered them to do what they would. Robert Deolley Knight, great Constable of England, was the first founder of Osney. King Henry gave his daughter the Empress to Geffrey 1130 Anno reg. 31 1131 Anno reg. 32 Rochester brent Richard Diviensis 1132 Anno reg. 33 Carlisle a Bishopric. Geruasius. Gualther Coven. London brent. Geruasius Doro. Thomas Wikes. Plantagenet Earl of Angiou. In the month of May, the King being present, the City of Rochester was sore defaced with fire. The King made a Bishopric at Carlisle. Mawde the Empress did bear to Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Angiou a son, and named him Henry, which when the King knew, he called his nobles together, and ordained, that his daughter, and the heirs of her body, should succeed him in his Kingdom. In Whitsonwéeke, a great fire beginning at Gilbert Beckets' house in West Cheap, consumed a great part of London, from thence to Algate with the Priory of cannons of the holy Trinity, and many houses of Office thereto belonging. An Earthquake in England. Earthquake. Henry Bloys Bishop of Winchester, builded the Hospital Liber canonitrinitatis. of Saint Cross near unto Winchester. The same had been a Hospital in the Saxons time, but after spoiled by the Danes. There was great darkness in England, and the Sun 1133 Anno reg. 34. Worcester brent. became like the Moon in the third quarter. Worcester, as it had oft before chanced, was sore defaced with fire. Mawde the Empress brought forth a son named Geffrey, for which cause King Henry went over into Normandy. Robert Shorthose King Henry's brother died in the castle 1134 Anno reg. 35 Robert Short●ose died. 1135 Anno reg. 36 Death of King Henry. Matthew Paris. of Cardife, and was buried at Gloucester. King Henry remaining in Normandy, upon a day did eat Lamprays, whereof he took a surfeit, and deceased the first day of December, Anno. 1135. when he had reigned 35. years 4. months: his bowels, brains and eyes, were buried at Rouen, the rest of his body was pondered with salt, and wrapped in Bulls hides, because of the stink, which poisoned them that stood about him. The Physician which being hired with a great reward to cleave his head to take out the brain, with the stink thereof died, so that he enjoyed not the reward that was covenanted. Thus among a great many that king Henry slew, this Physician was the last. King Henry was buried at Reding, which he had founde●. He also founded the Priory of Dunstable, he converted a rich College of Prebends in the Town of Cirencester, into an Abbay of Canons regular: he also builded ●. Leyland. there an Hospital of Saint john: and new builded the castle of Windsor with a College there. (⸪) ¶ King Stephen. STephen Earl of Morton, Anno reg. 1 W. Malme. Floriacencis. Gernasius Do. Ypodigma. and of Boulogne, son to the Earl of Bloys, & Adela, William conquerors daughter, and nephew to king Henry the first, claimed the kingdom the second day of December Anno. 1135. He coming into England, was repulsed by them of Dover, shut out by them of Canturburie, but received of the Londoners, and Peers of the land, admitted king, and crowned at Westminster on Saint Stephen's day by William Archbishop of Canturburie. This was a noble man and hardy, of passing comely favour and parsonage, he excelled in martial policy, gentleness and liberality toward all men, especially in the beginning: and although he had continual war, yet did he never burden his commons with exactions: But unjustly and contrary to his oath made to Mawde the Empress, daughter Fire at London to King Henry, he took on him the crown of England. Fire which began in the house of one Ailward near London Liber trinitatis London. Thomas Wikes. 1136 Excester besieged. Ger. Dorobor. stone, consumed Eastward to Algate, and Westward to Saint Erkenwalds shrine in Paul's Church. King Steven assembling a great army of Englishmen and Flemings entered into Devonshire, and besieged the Castle of Excester a long time, which Baldwine de Rivers held against him, but at length when they within the castle wanted necessary things to live by, they compounded. Baldwine with his wife and children are disherited and expulsed the land. A battle was fought at Goher, betwixt Normans and Walshmen, where a hundred and. xuj. persons on both sides Battle against the walchmen. were slain, whose bodies lay in the fields, and were horribly torn and devoured of Wolves. After this was made great eruptions by the Walchmen, who destroyed Churches, Towns, Castles, corn, cattle, slew men, women and children, rich and poor, or sold them in foreign countries. In October a sore battle was fought at Cardigan, in the which such slaughter of men was made, that the men except which were led away captive, there were of women taken and led away, that there remained to the tenth a thousand, their husbands with their small children partly drowned, partly brent, partly slain, so that the bridge being broken over the river of Tinde, there was a bridge made of men's bodies Anno reg. 2. and horses drowned. In March King Steven passed the Sea to subdue Normandy, 1137 Ypodigma. Rochester. Richard Diviensis where he took many Cities and strong Castles. The third of June, saint Andrew in Rochester was brent, with all the City, and the Bishops and Monks houses. The fourth of June Saint Peter's the Archbishop's sea in Saint peter's in York. York, Saint Maries without the walls, and an Hospital which the Archbishop Thrusto● had builded, with 39 other Churches, also the Trinity Church in the suburbs of the same City, within a small time after were brent. Also Saint Peter's Church at Bathe, and all the City, the The City of Bath brent. Liber Roff. Geruasius Dor●. Floriacensis. Anno. reg. 3. 27. of June was brent. And the same month the city of Leogere was consumed with fire. England began to fall into great troubles, which caused King Steven to return out of Normandy before he had finished his business there. King Stephen besieged Bedford and won it, than he went 1138 Bedford besieged. Floriacencis▪ Geruasius. with a strong power into Northumberlande, where he stayed not long, but went to Gloucester, where the Citizens received him with great rejoicing: Miles the King's Constable brought him into the King's Palace there, where all the Citizens were to him sworn. From thence he went to Hereford, because that he heard the castle was held against him, and on Whitsonday he sat crowned in the Church of Hereford. When they that kept the Castle saw the kings power to increase, they yielded themselves. The King took also the Castle of Webheleyge, which Geffrey Talbot had held against him. The same day that the King departed Hereford brent. out of Hereforde all beyond the river of Wye was brent by the said Geffrey. The King returned to Oxford, where he took Roger the Bishop of Sarum, with the Bishop of Lincoln and his son Roger: the Bishop of Eely escaping, went to the Castle of Vies and kept it against the King, but at length it was delivered. The same time Robert Earl of Gloucester renounced his allegiance to King Stephen, fortified Bristol and other castles. Also Miles the King's Constable revolted. Wherefore Bristol besieged. the King besieged the Castle of Bristol, but at length being wearied, he turned to other of the Earls Castles, and seeing his enemies still increasing: he called out of Flaunders Anno reg. 4. Ypodigma. men of war with William de Ypers their leader, whose counsel he chief followed. The same year Roger Bishop of Salisbury, a great builder Geruasius Do●o. of Castles and Houses, departed this life. There was found in his Coffers forty thousand Marks of silver, besides much gold, and divers Jewels that came to the king's hand, so that he had gathered treasure, but witted not for whom. The Nobles sent for maud the Empress, promising her Matthew Paris. Geruasius. Battle of the standard. Cro. Hautenprice. the possession of the realm according to their oath made to her: In the mean time, David king of Scots, promising to recover the crown of England for the Empress Mawde his niece, in most cruel wise invaded Northumberland, where by Thrustone Archbishop of York, the Scots had an overthrow at Conton more than four miles northester from Alnert●● and were slain above x. thousand. In the month of July Robert Earl of Gloucester returned 1139 The Empress returned into England. Geruasius. into England, with his sister the Empress, and a great army, which arrived at Portesmouth. The Empress was received into Arundel castle, by Adelize late wife to king Henry, as then wife or Concubine to William Earl of Arundel. Earl Robert went to Wallingforde, and thence to Gloucester, and raised those Countries. The king held his siege before Marleborough, but advertised Marleborough besieged. of the empress arrival, he hasted towards Arundel▪ where being by fair speech pacified, he commanded his brother Bishop of Winchester to bring the Empress unto Bristol, and he himself followed Earl Robert with his army. The Empress stayed at Bristol till October, and then went to Gloucester, her coming thither being known, Miles the high Constable and many other nobles took part with her against king Stephen. The king besieged Wallingforde Castle, but profited not, Walingford castle besieged. Floriacensis. and therefore raising a Tower of wood before it, stuffed it with men of war, and went to win the Castle of Malmesburie. The army of Earl Robert wan the City of Worcester▪ brent the most part of it, and laden with the spoil, departed thence▪ The Sheriff of that City in revenge hereof, destroyed the town of Sudley, and with the spoil thereof returned to Worcester. After this the King with a great army came from Oxford to Worcester, where he gave the honour of high Conestableship, Anno. reg. 5. (being taken from Miles of Gloucester) unto William the son of Walter Beauchampe, Sheriff of Worcester, and then returned to Oxford and so to Salisbury. The King went to Reading, and after with his army towards 1140 Nottingham spoiled. Geruasius Doro. Ely, but the Bishop fled to Gloucester, to Earl Robert, and the King wan the Castle of Ely. Robert Earl of Gloucester with a great power invaded the town of Nottingham and spoiled it: the towns men were taken, slain or brent in the Churches, whereunto they fled. One of them more rich than the others was taken, and led Anno. reg. 6. Nottingham brent. to his own house by his takers, to show them where his treasure lay, he bringing them into a low seller, whilst they were busy to break open locks & Coffers, he conveyed himself away, & shutting the doors after him, set sire on the house: and sooth thieves to the number of thirty were brent, and by reason of this fire all the town was set a fire and brent. King Stephen besieged Lincoln, against Ranulph Earl of Chester, but Roberte Earl of Gloucester, came with a great 1141 Lincoln besieged. King Stephen taken. power and rescued the same, chased the kings army, and took him prisoner on Candlemas day, first he was had to Gloucester, and after to Bristol, & there committed to prison. The Empress rejoicing at this her good hap, departed from Gloucester and came to Ciceste, r with Bishops, Barons and other in great number, from thence she went to Winchester, where met her Lords spiritual and temporal in great number, the City with the tower and Crown of the Realm was delivered into her hands. The Bishop of Winchester that was king Stephen's brother, The Empress obtaineth thè Crown. accursed all that stood against the Empress, and blessed those that took her part. From thence she departed to Wilton, where the Archbishop of Canturburie came and saluted her. When Easter was passed, she went to Reding▪ where she was received with all the honour that might be: thence she went to Oxford, where the Castle was delivered unto her by Robert de Olly: then went she to Saint Albon and was received with all honour. Here the Citizens of London came and yielded their City to her, whereupon she went to London, and so to Westminster, where she being received with procession, remained certain days taking order for the state of the Realm. King Steuens wife, and many Peers of the realm, made Ypodigma. Geruasius Do. Floriacensis. suit to the Empress to have the King restored to liberty, and not to the kingdom, promising to persuade with him to become a Monk: but she would not hear. The Bishop of Winchester requested her, to give unto Eustace his nephew, King Steuens son, his father's Earldom, but it would not be. The Citizens of London required her to restore King Edward's laws, but she being puffed up with pride, would not grant their request, whereupon they conspired to take her prisoner, but she advertised hereof, fled with shame, The Empress fled. leaving behind her all her furniture of household and apparel. Henry Bishop of Winchester, casting which way to deliver his brother, persuaded the Londoners to aid him. The Empress got her to Oxford, and from thence to Gloucester, and Ypodigma. Floriacences. Geruasius. then with her assured friend Miles, again to Oxford: & because she trusted most in him, she to do him honour, gave him the Earldom of Heneforde, and now having got a great army, about Lambs went again to Winchester, and lodged in the castle there. The Bishop abashed of her sudden coming departed out at one gate as she came in at another, he getting a great army with the help of the Londoners, besieged the City, and the second of August committed the City to the Winchester brent. Geruasius. Floriacensis. fire, with the which the Nunnery and houses of office with more than twenty Churches, some writ xl. and a great part of the City, with the Monastery of Saint Grimbald, & the houses thereto belonging, were brought to ashes. About the exaltation of the cross, the Empress being wearied of long siege, got her to horseback with her brother Reginalde Earl of Cornewal, and many other. Earl Robert followed with a great number of Lords & knights, but the Bishop's men setting on them, slew & took a great number. The Empress fled to the castle of Lutegershal heavy and The Empress fled. almost dead for fear: from thence she was brought to the Castle of Vies, and from thence to Gloucester, bound in a horselitter like a dead carcase. Earl Robert being pursued was taken at Stobbridge with Earl of Gloster taken. earl Waren, and many other, and presented to the Queen, as then new entered into Winchester. Earl Robert was delivered to William de Ypers, who put him in prison in the castle of Rochester. miles Earl of Hereford hardly escaped, and came to Gloucester Earl of Hereforde fled. almost naked. The Bishop's men brent the Monastery of Nuns at Warwel, etc. the books and ornaments of the Nuns were taken and borne away, and men slain even before the Altar. These things thus done, the Bishop's wrath was somewhat appeased, but his covetousness increased, so that being prompted thereto by the Prior of the new Monastery in Winchester lately brent, he took of the cross that was burnt. 500 pound of silver &. 30. mark in gold, three crowns, with as many ●eats of fine Arabic gold: fret with precious stones, all this he laid up in his own treasury. King Stephen, and Earl Robert being straightly kept, at length through mediation of friends a peace was concluded, that they should be delivered, the king to his kingdom, and the Earl to his liberty. William Mandevile fortified the Tower of London, and john Beu●●. Robert Bishop of London was taken at Fulham by Geffrey Mandevel. The King and Earl being set at liberty, did not only renew, but multiply their malice: the King repaired his power 1241 and expenses, the Earl went over the Sea to Geffrey Earl of anjou, whom he found occupied in wars against certain of his subjects of anjou, so that he could not come into England with him, whereupon he taking Henry, eldest son to Geffrey Earl of anjou, and Mawde the Empress, with certain chosen men of arms, returned into England. King Stephen hearing that Earl Robert was gone out The Empress besieged. of the realm and the Empress to lie at Oxford, with a great power, came and besieged her a two months space. Earl Robert with Henry son to the Empress and other his complices, Warham castle besieged. landed at Warham, where he besieged the castle, which was defended by Hubert de Lucy, who at length yielded the The Empress flieth. Geruasive. same. In the mean time the Empress seeing that she was void of all help, with a womanish subtility deceived the kings scout watch, clothing herself and her company, five in number all in white, upon a night went over the Thamis a foot, which was then hard frozen, and white with snow: that night she went to Walingforde, and the Castle of Oxford was yielded to the king. After the winning of Warham castle, Robert went to visit his sister the Empress, who was not a little joyful to see him and her young son Henry, which Henry remained at Bristol for the space of four years, and there Anno reg. 8. was brought up in learning. King Stephen after the robbing of many churches, brenning 1143 and robbing of towns and villages by the hands of the Fleming soldiers, he and his brother Henry Bishop of Winchester, builded a castle of the Nunnery at Wilton, to repress the incursions of them of Salisbury. Earl Robert the first of July fell suddenly upon them in Wilton, and set the town on Wilton brent. King Stephen fled. Anno reg. 9 Boxley. fire. The king with the Bishop fled with shame, the Earl's men took the king's people, & sacked his plate and other things. Miles Earl of Herforde died, and his eldest son Roger succeeded him. William of Ypre, founded Boxley Abbay in Kent. King Stephen took Geffrey Mandevile Earl of Essex, at 1144 Geruasive D●r●. S. Albon which Geffrey could not be set at liberty till he had delivered the Tower of London, with the Castles of Walden & Plecy. When the Earl was thus spoiled of his holds, he took the Church of Ramsey, and fortified it: as he besieged the castle of Burwel, he was smitten in the head with a Dart, whereof he died. Robert Marmon was also slain at Coventrit, and Ernulfus earl Mandeviles son, that held Ramsey church as a fortress, after his father's death was taken and banished. Anno reg. 10 1145 Wallingford besieged. Anno reg. 11 King Stephen besieged Wallingford, but could not prevail. The Earl of Chester was reconciled to the King, and was at this siege with him, but shortly after when he came to the Court, the king lying at Northampton, he was taken and kept prisoner till he had rendered the castle of Lincoln and other fortresses, whereupon he was the king's enemy ever after. Geffrey Earl of anjou sent four noble men with furniture 1146 of warriors to Earl Robert, requesting him to send over his son Henry, and if need required, he would send him back again with all speed. The Earl agreeing to his request, brought the young Henry to Warham, where he took shipping towards his father, of whom he was joyfully received, there he abode two years and four months, in the mean time Earl Robert deceased, and was buried at Bristol. Anno reg. 12 1147 King Stephen entered Lincoln and there ware his crown, after whose departure from thence, the Earl of Chester came to recover th● town, but could not bring his purpose to pass, Anno reg. 13 The Empress went into Normandy. the Citizens showed such defence. The Empress being wearied with the discord of the English nation, went over into Normandy, choosing rather to sit under the defence of her husband in peace, than to suffer so many displeasures in England. The Queen lay at Saint Austin's in Canturburie, because 1148 Anno reg. 14 S. Katherins. W. Dunthome. Liber trinitati● London. she was desirous to see the Abbay of Fe●ursham finished, which she and her husband had begun to build: she also builded the Hospital of S. Katherine by the tower of London, for poor brethren and sisters. In the month of may, Henry the empress son, 1149 with a great company of chosen men of arms and other came into England, and taking with him Ranulph Earl of Chester, Roger Earl of Hereford and diverse other, he went to David king of Scots, of whom he was joy, fully received, and made knight. When king Stephen heard that David King of Scots, with his strength, and Hen son to the Empress with his Western Lords, were together at Carlisle, he came to York with a great army, for fear they should attempt any thing against that City, and so lay there the month of August: at length the one party as well as the other departed: but Eustacius the King's son being made knight, exercised many cruelties in the lands of the Earls, that took part with Henry the empress son. Henry the empress son sailed into Normandy. Al England Anno reg. 15 1150 Anno reg. 16 Ex charta regia. 1151 Ypodigma. Geruasiu●. was full of trouble and noise of war, set forth to fire and rapine, through discord betwixt king Stephen, and certain Earls that took part with Henry the son of the Empress. Robert Earl of Ferrer, founded the Abbay of Merival. Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou, and Duke of Normandy, deceased, and left his son Henry his heir. King Stephen besieged the Castle of Worcester, which he Worcester besieged. Anno reg. 17 could not win the last year, and when he saw now also that he could not obtain his purpose, he builded two Castles before the same, stuffing them with garrisons, and went from thence, but by Counsel of Roberte Earl of Leicester, the king's Castles were overthrown, & the castle besieged delivered from danger. A divorcement was made between Jews king of France 1152 Matthew Paris. Geruasius Doro. and Elinor his Queen, because they were a kin in the fourth degree: moreover, she was defamed of adultery with an infidel, etc. Henry Duke of Normandy married Elinor, (whom jews king of France had divorced from him) and had by her a son named William. King Stephen called a parliament at London, declaring to Theobalde archbishop of Canturburie, and the other bishops, how he would utterly disherit Henry duke of Normandy, and confirm his own son Eustace to be his successor by crowning him king: but the Pope had sent a commandment to the Archbishop, prohibiting him to crown king Stephen's son, because his father had usurped the kingdom, contrary to his oath. Which thing (as was thought) was brought to pass by the subtle policy of Thomas Becket a Chaplain borne in London. King Stephen and his son, being not a little offended therewith, caused the Bishops with their Primate to be closed up in an house, threatening with terrors to extort of them that which with prayers or price they could not obtain. The Archbishop stiffly standing in his purpose, some of the Bishops through fear went from him, at length the Archbishop by a marvelous hap escaping, got over the Thamis, and so to Dover: and thence transporting over the seas, escaped the threats of the King and his son, and deprived his son of his coveted honour. Queen Mawde deceased, and was buried at Feversham. Anno reg. 18 Norwich increased. Chronicle of Brom▪ holma. The people of Norwich obtained of the king to have Coroners & bailiffs, for before that time, they had no other Officer, but a sergeant for the king that kept Courts, and after this, that is to say in the 37. year of Hemie the third, they had licence to enclose that town, with ditches got of sundry hundreds▪ etc. Henry Duke of Normandy furnished with an army came 1153 into England and at his first coming won the Castle and town of Malmesburie, from thenceforth Roberte the noble Earl of Leicester, began to take the Duke's part, and to furnish him with things necessary, a thirty Castles or more (through his counsel with them that kept them,) submitted themselves to the Duke: at length it was decreed th● the King should talk with the Duke touching peace to be had: and so they met in a place where th● Thamis was most narrow, the one standing on the one side, & the other on the other. After long talk they returned, the Duke to his men, & the king to his, and so laying down weapon, every man departed in peace. Eustace the king's son was angry with his father, for agreeing to this peace, and therefore in a rage departed from Policraticon. john Sarisburien. john Taxtor. Matthew Paris. the Court towards Cambridge, to destroy that Country. Coming to S. Edmund's Bury, he was there honourably received and feasted, but when he could not have such money as he demanded, to bestow among his men of war, he went away in a rage, spoiling the corn in the fields belonging to the Abbay, and carried it into his castles thereby: but as he sat him down to dinner, he fell mad upon receiving the first morsel, and miserably died, and was buried at Feversham. The Duke besieged Stamfort castle, and wan it, and Stamforde Nottingham, and Ipswich besieged. then he went to Nottingham and won that. The King in the mean time besieged Ipswich and won it. At length, through the great labour of the Archbishop of Canturburie and the other Bishops, the king commanded the nobles to meet Ex charta regia. Anno reg. 19 King Stephen adopted Henry. Ypodigma. 1154 at Winchester, where the duke being received with great joy, the King in sight of all men adopted him his son, and confirmed to him the principality of all England. The duke received him in place of a father, granting to him all the days of his life to enjoy the name and seat of the king's pre-eminence. Duke Henry in the Octaves of the Ephiphanye, came together with the king to Oxford, where the Earls and Barons by the king's commandment swear fealty to Duke Henry, saving the king's honour so long as he lived. This assurance being made, they departed asunder, but shortly after they met again at Dunstable, there to entreat of the state and peace of the kingdom. Shortly after Duke Henry with king Stephen and certain Lords of England came to Canturburie, and from thence to Dover, where they had communication with Theodrike earl of Flaunders, & the Countess the Duke's aunt. When the King and the Duke had dismissed the Earl of Flaunders, and were turning towards Canturburie, the slaughter of the Duke was prepared by a conspiracy of the Flemings, which envied both th● duke & peace: but behold suddenly th● king's younger son William privy with the conspirators, on Barhan down fell of his horse, & breaking his leg, he gathered all th● company about him in sorrow. The duke in the mean time understanding the appointed treason, got him to Canturburie, and so escaped his enemies hands: from thence by Rochester and London, he came to the sea, and passed over into Normandy. William Archbishop of York going to York in the feast of Pentercost, was poisoned at Mass, and died within few days after. In October the king met the Earl of Flaunders again at Dover, and talked with him. After the Earl was dismissed, the king was taken with a sudden pain of the Iliake passion, K. Stephen died Ger●a. Doro. Ralph Cogshal. and with an old disease or running of the Emeralds, and there in th● house of the Monks died the xxv. of October, when he had reigned xviij. years. x. months and odd days. He founded the abbeys of Cogshal in Essex, of Furnes in Lancashire, of Hurguilers, and Feversham in Kent, where his body was buried. He founded an house for Nuns at Carewe. ¶ King Henry the second. HEnrie the second, son of Geffrey Plantagenet and Mawde the Empress, began his reign over this realm Anno reg. 1. of England, the xxv. day of October, in the year of our Lord 1154. he was Crowned at Westminster the. xvij. day of December, by Theobalde Archbishop of Canturburie: he was somewhat red of face, short of body, and therewith fat: of speech reasonable, well learned, noble in chivalry, and fortunate in battle: wise in counsel, one that loved peace, liberal to strangers, but hard to his familiars: unsteadfast of promise, given to pleasure, and a wedlock breaker: by his manhood and policy the crown of England was much augmented, with the annexing of Scotland, Ireland, the Isles of Orcades, Boytaine, Peyters, Guienne, and other provinces of France. Thomas Becket Archdeacon of Canturbury, was made the King's Chancellor. He held his Christmas at Bermonsey, where having conference Geruasius Doro. with his Nobles for the state of the Kingdom, he 1155 promised to banish all Strangers. Whereupon William of Ipres, and all the Flemings▪ that had flocked into England, fearing the indignation of the new King, departed the land. And the Castles that had been builded to pill the rich and spoil the poor, were by the Kings commandment, and counsel of his Chancellor thrown down. In March, Queen Elinor did bear a son at London called Henry after his father. King Henry was son to Mawde the Empress, whose Line of the Saxons restored. Gerua. Doro. Radulphus de dec●te. mother was Mawde Queen of England, wife to King Henry the first, and daughter to Margaret Queen of Scots, who was daughter of Edward, which he begat of Agatha, the sister of Henry the Emperor. Edward was the son of King Edmond named Ironside: whose father was King Etheldred: whose father was the peaceable King named Edgar, the son of Edmond, the son of Edward the signior, the son of Alured etc. A counsel was holden at Wallingford, where the Nobles Anno reg. 2. Ger. Dorobor. were sworn to the King and his issue. King Henry went over into Normandy, where with long 1156 Anno reg. 3. siege he took divers Castles, of Mirable, Chinon, and other, and obtained the homage and pledges of all Aquitaine and Gascoigne. William the King's eldest son died, and was buried at Reding. King Henry returned into England▪ and then with an army 1157 King Henry went against the Welshmen. re-edified Castles. Henry of Essex. went against the Welshmen, where he felled their woods, fortified the Castle of Rutland, and recovered many strong holds. He re-edified the Castle of Basingwirke etc. but he lost many of his men, for Henry of Essex that bore the King's Standard, as he was assailed amongst his enemies, let fall the Standard to the ground, which encouraged the Welshmen, and put the Englishmen in fear, supposing that the King jocelyn of ●racland. had been slain. The King notwithstanding got of a certain King of Anno reg. 4. Wales and other Baron's homage and hostages, and so rereturned. Queen Elinor brought forth a son named Richard, at Oxford in the King's Palace there. William Earl of Gloucester was taken by the Welshmen Giraldus Cambre. in the Castle of Cardife. On Christmas day King Henry ware his Crown at 1158 Winchester, where after celebration of divine service, he set his Crown upon the Altar, and never ware it after. King Henry went into France, and at Paris was joyfully received of King jews, who required to have his daughter Margaret to be married to his son Henry, which suit he obtained, and King Henry obtained that as Seneschal to the French King he might enter into Britain, and call afore him such as made war one against another, to appease them, whereby he brought the City of Aunts to his dominion. An Earthquake happened in many places Earthquake. through England: and the River of Thamis was dried up, that at London men might walk over the same dryshod. Queen Elinor brought forth a son named Geffrey. Anno reg. 5. Ypodigma. A new Coin was made in England. King Henry took escuage of the Englishmen, the sum 1159 Geruasius. whereof grew to 12400. pounds of silver. Of other countries subject to him he gathered also an infinite exaction, & then passed towards Tholouse with an huge army, and besieged that City from Midsummer till Hallontide. There were with him Malcoline King of Scots, and a certain King of Wales, and all the Earls and Barons of England, Normandy, Aquitaine, Angeow, & Gascoigne: but jews the French King so defended that City, that the King's purpose was frustrate, and the siege raised. King Henry returned from Tholouse, and Henry th● King Anno reg. 6. 1160 of England's son, not seven years old, married Margaret the French Kings daughter, that was not yet three years Gerua. Dor●. Anno reg. 7. 1161 Anno reg. 8. Thomas Wikes. ●●. Beu●●la. old. Matthew Earl of Bolonia married Mary Abbess of Rumsey, daughter to King Stephen. Theobald Archbishop of Canturbury deceased, and the Church of Canturbury was void one year, one month, and fourteen days. King Henry caused all his subjects to swear fidelity to 1162 Matthew Paris. his son Henry concerning his inheritance. Thomas the King's Chancellor took his oath, first, saving his fidelity to King Henry the father so long as he lived. This Thomas was elected Archbishop of Canturbury, and when he was consecrated, he forthwith refused to deal any more with matters of the Court, renouncing the Chauncellorship etc. There came into England thirty. germans, as well men as women, who called themselves Publicans: their head and Wilbel Novobur. Ralphe Cogshall. ruler named Gerardus was somewhat learned, the residue very rude. They denied Matrimony, and the Sacraments of Baptism, and the Lords Supper, with other Articles. They being apprehended, the King caused a Counsel to be called at Oxford, where the said Gerard answered for all his fellows, who being pressed with Scriptures, answered concerning their faith, as they had been taught, and would not dispute thereof. After they could by no means be brought from their errors, the Bishops gave sentence against them, and the King commanded that they should be marked with an hot Iron in the forehead, and whipped, and that no man should secure them with houserome or otherwise: they took their punishment gladly, their Captain Publicans whipped. going before them, singing, Blessed are ye when men do hate you: they were marked in the forehead, and their Captain both in the forehead and the chin. Thus being Anno reg. 9 whipped and thrust out in the winter, they died with cold, no man relieving them. Robert de Mountfort accused his near kinsman Henry 1163 jocelin of Bracland. of Essex of high treason before the Nobility, affirming that he in an expedition into Wales, in a narrow and hard passage at Colleshele, most fraudulently threw away the King's Standard, and with a loud voice pronounced him to be dead, and turned back those that came to th● King's secure. (Indeed the foresaid Henry of Essex was persuaded that King Henry was slain, which undoubtedly had come to pass, if Roger Earl of Clare had not with quick speed come to with his retinue, and raised again the King's Standard, to the encouraging of the whole army.) Henry withstood the foresaid Robert, and denied all his accusations, whereby in process of time the matter came to be tried by Combat. They met at Reding to fight, in an I●e Combat at Reading. near to the Abbey. Thither also came much people to see what end the matter would come to. And it chanced that when Robert had manfully powered out many and heavy strokes, Henry turning reason into rage, took upon him the part of a challenger and not a defender, who whilst he manfully stroke, was more stoutly stricken again, and endeavouring to conquer, was conquered himself: he being overcome, fell down for dead, and when he was thought to Henry of Essex overcome. have been slain, at the instance of such of the nobility as were of kin to him, it was granted unto the Monks there Flores Historiarum. that his body should be buried, but afterward he revived, and having recovered his health, became a Monk in that place. London Bridge was new made of timber, by Peter of Colechurch Anno▪ reg 10 London bridge made of Timber 1164 Geruasius Do. a Priest chaplain. Malcoline the Scottish King, and Resus Prince of South-Wales and other, did homage to King Henry and his son Henry at Westminster. A Counsel was holden at Claringdon, in presence of the King and the Archbishops, Bishops, Lords, Barons, etc. wherein was recognized, and by their oaths confirmed many ordinances, too long here to recite, Thomas Archbishop of Canturburie being sworn to the same, shortly after sore repent, and ●●ed the Realm, & went to the Court of Rome. The six and twentieth day of January was a great Earthquake Anno reg. 11 1165 An Earthquake. Matthew Pari●. Gerua. Doro. Anno reg. 12. in Eely, Norfolk, and Suffolk, so that it overthrew them that stood upon their feet, and made the Bells to ring in the Stéeples. The King seized into his hands all the Archbishop's goods and rents, and banished all his kindred. The King led an innumerable army against the Welshmen▪ Radul. Cogshal. of Flemings, Scots, Pictes, Aniowans, and other, but with so great a multitude he could not overcome them. The Welshmen took the Castle of Cardigan. In a certain asséege at Bridgenorth, against Hugh de Mortimere, when the King was shot at by one of the enemies, a valiant man Hubert de Saint Clear Constable of Colchester, did thrust himself betwixt the King and the danger of the stroke, and so received death for him, whose only daughter the King taking into his custody, he gave her in marriage to William de Languale, with her father's inheritance, who begat on her a son, bearing the name and surname of his Grandfather. Queen Elinor brought forth a son named john. The King passed over into Normandy, and there holding 1166 a counsel, appointed a collection to be made through all his Countries, two pence of the pound of movable goods A Tax. for the first year, and one penny the pound for four years after. Robert, son to William Earl of Gloucester deceased. Anno reg. 13 1167 The war was renewed betwixt the King of England, and the French King, for the City of Tholose: and matthew Earl of Boulogne, brother to Philip Earl of Flanders manned six hundred Ships to have come into England, but by such preparation as Richard Lucy governor of England made, he was stopped well enough. Mawde King Henry's daughter was married to Henry Anno reg. 14 1168 john Taxtor. Gerua▪ Doro. Ypodigma. Duke of Saxon. Conan Earl of little Britain died, and left for his heir a daughter named Constance, which he had by the King of Scots sister, which Constance King Henry married to his son Geffrey. Robert de Boscue Earl of Leycester died. He founde● Anno reg. 15 1169 Sca. Cron. Gerendon. Leycester and Eaton. Sca. Cro. the Monasteries of Gerendon of Monks: of Leycester called Saint Mary de Prate of cannons regular: and Eaton of Nuns, was founded by Amicia his wife, daughter of Ralph Montforde. King Henry caused the Castle of Warwick to be builded. Deruntius the son of Morcardus, called Mack Murgh Giraldus Cambr. King of Leynster, being expelled out of his kingdom, came into Guienne to King Henry, hnmbly requiring 〈…〉 ●●r his restitution, who understanding fully the cause ●●ereof, gave free licence to all Englishmen that would, to ●●●●e the said Deruntius: whereupon he returning into England, covenanted with Richard Earl of Chepstow, to g●●e him his daughter in marriage, and with her the succession of his Kingdom, so that he would help him in the recovery of it: and shortly after he promised to Robert Fit● Stephen, and Mawrice Fitz Gerald large revenues in Ireland for the like help. King Henry held his Court at Aunts, where the Bishops Anno reg. 15. 1170 and Barons of Britain being present, swore their fidelity to the King, and to his son Geffrey: and then the King sailed into England, but many of his company were Giral. Cambr. drowned by the way. Robert Fitz Stephen first of all Englishmen after the Conquest Englismnen transported into Ireland. entered Ireland the first day of May, with 390. men, and there took Wexford in the behalf of Deruntius. King Henry caused his son Henry borne at London Henry the king's son Crowned. to be Crowned by the hands of Roger Archbishop of York, as he thought to the great quietness of himself and his Realm, but it proved far otherwise. Thomas Archbishop of Canturbury, by the mediation of Pope Alexander, and jews the King of France, was restored to his Sea of Caunturbury. In September, Richard Earl of Chepstow, surnamed Gualteru● Coven. Strongbow, sailed into Ireland with a thousand two hundred men of war, and by force took Waterford and Dub●●●, and married Eve Deruntius daughter. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canturbury, the xxviij. of Anno reg. 17 1171 December was slain by William Tracy Baron of Brains, Reignolde Fitz Vrse, Hugh Moruilt, and Richard Briton Knights. There was seen at S. Osythes in Estsex a Dragon of a Chro. Colchester. marvelous bigness, which by moving burned houses. Ex Record. King Henry returned from beyond the Seas, and landed at Portesmouth in the month of August. Nicholas Break espeare an Englishman, borne at Langley in the County of Hartford, son to Robert a younger brother Pope Adrian an Englishman. of the house of Breakespeares', (which Roberte after the death of his wife professed himself a Monk of Saint Albon, leaving his son to provide for his own preferment) this young man passed into France, was shorn a Monk, and after chosen Abbot: went to Rome, was consecrated Bishop of Alba, made Cardinal, sent Legate to the Norway's, where he reduced that nation from Paganism to Christianity, and after returned to Rome. When Anastasius was dead, he was chosen Pope, by th● name of Adrian the 4. During his Popedom, he granted the regiment of Ireland King Henry Lord of Ireland. Gesta Abbat.. Sanc●● Albani. Regi●trū m●n. Sancti Albani. john Bale. Cimphriu●. Anno reg. 18. Giraldu● Cambr. Radul. Cogshal. Geruasius D●●●. to the King of England, whereupon King Henry having caused Richard Earl of Chepstow to give into his hands all the land which he had conquered in that Realm, took Ship at Penbroke, and sailed thither, where the King of Conach, Deruntius King of Cork, Morris King of Methe, the King of vriel, Duvenald King of Ossery, Duvenald King of Limerike, Machachelin, Ophelon, Machaleny, Othne●hely, Gillemehelmach, Ocadeci, Ocaruell, with other Princes, and the Bishops, submitting themselves and theirs to the King of England and his successors, builded for him a great Palace at Dublin, where he held his Christmas. The Church of Norwich, with the houses thereto belonging was brent, and the Monks were dispercled. The King returned into England on Monday in the Easter 1172 week, & about the Ascension tied sailed into Normandy. At Andover a Priest praying before the Altar, was stricken with thunder, and slain. Likewise one Lark and his brother was brent to death with the lightning. Cro. Col●estre. King Henry the son, with his wife, the French Kings daughter, were both together Crowned at Winchester the seven and twentieth of August, by the hands of Rotrod Archbishop of Roan. King Henry the elder was assoiled of the death of Thomas Geruasius. Anno reg. 19 the Archbishop, upon his oath made, that he was not privy to it. King Henry married the eldest daughter of Hubert 117● Ypodigma. Earl of Morton, unto his son john, surnamed without land. He also made Mary the sister of Thomas Becket Abbess of Berking. Henry the younger rebelling in Normandy against King Henry the younger rebelled. Henry his father, many Earls and Barons fled over to him, whereby divers strong battles were fought, as well in England as in Normandy, Poytow, Guienne, and Britain. There took part against the father, jews King of France, William King of Scots, Henry, Geffrey and john his sons, Robert Earl of Leycester, Hugh of Chester, and others. Robert Earl of Leycester with three thousand Flemings coming into England, arrived at Walton, and after were received by Earl Hugh into Framilingham castle. They brent the Castle of Hagoneth, the City of Norwich etc. but by john Taxtor. Anno reg. 20 Richard de Lucy the King's Justice, both he, his wife, and as many Normans and Frenchmen as were with him were taken, but the Flemings were all slain, or drowned. This battle was fought without the Town of S. Edmondsburie, near to a place called S. Martin's of Farneham. William King of Scots with many Flemings entering into England, won the Castles of Appleby, Brough, and Prideho●▪ King Henry the elder, returning into England, in short time subdued his Rebels. The City of Leycester by his 1174 Leycester brent. commandment was brent, the walls and Castle razed, and the inhabitants sparkled into other Cities. Robert de Scotevile, Radulph de Mandevile, Barnard Bayllole, of whom Baynard's Castle took the name, and William de Vescy came to Newcastle, and after took King William King of Scots taken prisoner. Ger. Dorobor. Baynard's Castle. Sca. Cron. prisoner, and sent him to London, from whence King Henry took him and the Earl of Leycester with him into Normandy, and there imprisoned them at Roan, where King William compounded for his ransom, and after was delivered at York for 4000 pound. The Nobles of scotland came no nearer than Pembles in Scotland to meet with their King, wherefore he took with him many of the younger sons of noble men in England that bore him good will, and gave them lands in Scotland, which he took from such as were Rebels to him there. The names of those Gentlemen that he took with him, were Baylliol, Brewle, Soully, Mowbrey; Saintclere, Hay, Giffard, ramsey, Lanudell, Bisey, Berkeley, Wellegen, Boys, Montgomery, Valx, Celenille, Friser, Grame, Gurlay, and divers other. The v. day of September, Christ's Church in canterbury Geruasius Doro. Wil thorn. Canturbury brent. was burned, with certain houses of Office in the court. King Henry the son, with his brethren, & other, were reconciled to King Henry the father. The Archbishop of Canturbury held a Counsel in S. Peter'S Anno reg. 21 1175 at Westminster on Sunday before the Ascension day, at which Counsel were present all the suffragan Bishops of his Province, Worcester except, that was sick, and so excused himself, and th● Bishop of Norwich which was deceased. A brother of the Earl Ferrer was in the night privily Roger Houed. slain at London, which when the King understood, he swore that he would be avenged on the Citizens: for it was then a common practice in the City, that an hundred or more in Night walkers in London, did murder all they met. a company of young and old, would make nightly invasions upon the houses of the wealthy, to the intent to rob them, and if they found any man stirring in the City within the night, they would presently murder him, in so much, that when night was come, no man durst adventure to walk in the Streets. When this had continued long, it fortuned that as a crew of young and wealthy Citizens assembling together in the night, assaulted a stone house of a certain rich man, and breaking through the wall, the good man of that house having prepared himself with other in a corner, when he perceived one of the thieves named Andrew Bucquinte to lead the way, with a burning brand in the one hand and a pot of coals in the other, which he assayed to kindle with the brand, he flew upon him, and smote off his right hand, and then with a loud voice cried thieves, at the hearing whereof the thieves took their flight, all saving he that had lost his hand, whom the good man in the next morning delivered to Richard de Lucy the King's Justice. This Thief upon warrant of his life, appeached his confederates, of whom many were taken, and many were fled, but among the rest that were apprehended, a certain Citizen of great countenance, credit, and wealth, surnamed john the old when he could not acquit himself by the waterdome, offered the King for his life five hundred Marks, but the King commanded that he should be hanged, which was done, Gualther Coven. and the City became more quiet. The Kings of England both father and son did eat Anno reg. 22 1176 and drink at one Table, lay in one Chamber, and went together to visit the Tomb of Thomas late Archbishop of Canturburie, accomplishing indeed the peace which they had promised. The King caused to be razed and overthrown the Castles of Huntingdon, Walton, Groby, Tutsburie, Hay, and Trest Castles razed. with many other, in revenge of the harm the Lords of them had done to him. This year 1176▪ after the foundation of Saint Mary Redulphus de diceto . Oueryes Church in Southwark, the stone bridge over the The stone bridge at London begun to be builded. Ex recordis Sanctae Mariae de Southwark. john Leyland. Thamis at London was begun to be founded. A Cardinal, and the Archbishop of Canturburie gave a thousand Marks toward the same foundation. In March the King called a Convocation of the Clergy at London, when the Pope's Legate was set, and the Archbishop of Canturbury on his right hand, as primate of England, the Archbishop of York disdaining to sit on the left hand, came and swapped him down to have thrust his tail betwixt the Legate and the Archbishop of Canturburie, which Archbishop of Canturburie being loath to remove, the other set his buttock in his lap, but he had unneath touched him with his bum, when the Bishops and other of the Clergy and laity stepped to him, pulled him, threw him to the ground, and began to lay on him with fists and bats, so that the Archbishop of Canturburie (yielding good for evil) was fain to defend the other Archbishop, who with his rent cope got up, and away strait to the King with a great complaint: but when the truth of the matter was once known, he was well laughed at for his remedy. Richard Strangbow Earl of Chepstow, deceased, and was john Bever. buried at Dublin in Ireland. William Earl of Arundel also deceased, and was buried at Wimondham. William Earl of Gloucester, because he had no son to Anno reg. 23 Ypodigma. inherit his lands, and being loath to distribute them amongst his daughters, he made john the King's son his successor. A shower of blood reigned in the Isle of Wight two Cron. Tinmouth. hours space. The Church of secular cannons at Waltam, was by 1177 Ypodigma. Geruasius. the King's commandment new builded, and regular cannons placed there. After the death of Rosamund the Fair, daughter of Walter Rosamund. Lord Clifford, Concubine to Henry the second at Woodstoke, he took privily King jews daughter of France, (that was married to his son Richard Earl of Poytow) for his Leman, and had practised for a divorce betwixt him and his Queen Eleanor, whereupon followed great discord betwixt the Kings of England and France, but meeting together, they agreed upon peace for a time. Richard Lucy the King's Justiciar laid the foundation of the coventuall Church in the honour of Saint Thomas, in 1178 a place which is called Westwood, otherwise Lesnes, in the territory Lesnes. Geruasius. Walter Coven. Gerua. Tilberien. of Rochester, in the new Parish of Southfleete. This Richard Lucy builded the Castle of Anger in Estsex, in the diocese of the Bishop of London. The City of York was brent. On Christmas day at Oxenhall, in the territory of Derlington, Anno reg. 25. 1179 Cron. vinmouth. in the Bishopric of Duresme, the earth lifted up itself in the manner of an high Tower, and so remained from the spring of the day unmovable, until the evening, and then fell with so horrible a noise, that it feared the inhabitants thereabout, and the earth swallowed it up, and made there a deep pit, which is seen until this day. For a testimony thereof, Leyland saith, he saw the pits there john Leyland. commonly called Helkettles. The tenth day of April the Church of Saint Andrew in Rochester was consumed with fire. Richard Lucy departed this life in the Abbey of Lesnes, having changed his habit. The Usurers in England were grievously punished for Anno reg. 26 1180 Vsuters punished. Gerua. Dor●. corrupting the Coin, the which besides other vexations were fettered two and two together, and carried in Cartes to the King's Court. A new Coin was ordained in England. Geffrey the King's Bastard son, resigned the Bishopric Anno reg. 27 1181 of Lincoln, and was made the King's Chancellor. This year Giraldus Cambrensis wrote his book of the Itinerarium Cambri● Giraldi. description of Wales, wherein he noteth to have happened in his time in the Province of Kemmeis, a young man (borne in those parts) to be persecuted with Toads, as all within that Country had come crawling together to vex him, A man devoured by Toads. and when innumerable numbers of them were killed by those that kept him, and other of his friends and kinsmen, Geruasius de mappa mundi. yet came they still as if they had sprung like Hydra's head numberless: at length when his friends were wearied with watching, they caused him in a Coffin to be hoist up into an high tree that was shred of all the boughs, and made smooth: but there was he not preserved from his venomous enemies, which assaulted him creeping up into the tree, till they had eaten him to the bones that he died, his name was Seisillus Elker her (that is) long leg. Barnewell with the Priory, near unto Cambridge, was fired Anno reg. 28 1182 and brent. Robert Harding a Burgess of Bristol, to whom King Henry gave the Barony of Barkeley, builded the Monastery Saint Augustine's in Bristol. Anno reg. 29 1183 of Saint Augustine's in Bristol. King Henry the elder went into France, and there made his testament. They of Aquitaine hated their Duke Richard for his cruelty, and were minded to drive him out of the Earldom of Poytow and Dukedom of Aquitaine, and to transpose those estates to his brother King Henry the younger, but when all men looked for victory to the young King, he King Henry the younger deceased. Giraldus Cambr- 〈…〉. 1184 Gualterus Coven. fell miserably sick, and died in the Castle of Limovicen, about the beginning of June, and was buried at Roan. King Henry returned into England, and sent many men of war into Wales, for the Welshmen emboldened by the King's absence, had broken forth and slain many Englishmen. The Abbey of Glastenbury was brent, with the Church of Glastenbury brent. Saint julian. Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem came to King Henry, Anno reg. 31. desiring him of aid against the Turks, but the King because 1185 Herac●●us the Patriarch. Gerua. Doro. of the cruelty of his sons, was counseled not to leave his Dominions in hazard, and to go so far off: wherefore he promised the Patriarch▪ 50000. Marks of Silver. This Patriarch dedicated the new Temple then builded New Temple. in the West part of London. King Henry sent his son john into Ireland, that he john the king's son Lord of Ireland. Ypodigma. might be made Lord thereof. The Pope sent him a Crown of Peacock's feathers braided with Gold. This year died Hugh Mortimere founder of Wigmor● Abbey. Mawde the Empress, Mother to King Henry the second The Empress deceased. deceased: she founded the Abbey of Bordesley. Geffrey Earl of Britain the King's son of England died Anno reg. 32 1180 Geffrey Earl of Britain dieth. Giral. Cambr. Matthew Paris. Roger Hoveden. john Taxtor. at Paris, about the beginning of August, and was there buried. He left issue two daughters which he had by Constance (daughter to Conan Earl of Britain) who also at the time of his death was great with child, and after brought forth a son named Arthur. A great Earthquake threw down many buildings, amongst the which the Cathedral Church of Lincoln was rend in pieces the five and twentieth of April. The Cathedral Church of Chichester and all the whole Chichester brent. City was brent the twentieth of October. Near unto Orford in Suffolk, certain Fishers of the Anno reg. 33 1187 A Fish like a man. Ralphe Cogshall. Monument in Colchester. Sea took in their nets a Fish having the shape of a man in all points, which Fish was kept by Barthelinew de Glaunuile, Custos of the Castle of Orford, in the same Castle, by the space of six months and more for a wonder: he spoke not a word. All manner of meats he gladly did eat, but most greedily raw fish, after he had crushed out all the moisture. Oftentimes he was brought to the Church, where he showed no tokens of adoration. At length when he was not well looked to, he stolen away to the Sea, and never after appeared. The Kings of England and of France met betwixt guysor's Anno reg. 34 1188 and Try, where they took on them the Cross, and divers other with them. The King of England landing at Winchelsea, hasted towards Northhampton, where at Gedington, Richard Sothwel▪ Rog Houed. ●n●iq●●●●erl. Gual. Coue●●. about eight or ten miles from Northhampton he held a parliament about the voyage into the holy land, where many Articles concerning that voyage were concluded, and the whole Realm troubled with paying of tithes toward that voyage. The Christians were appointed to pay above lxx. thousand pound, and the jews lx. thousand, without any delay: but by means of a discord that fell betwixt the two Kings, that voyage was stayed. The Town of Beverley, with the Church of Saint john Beverley brent. Anno reg. 35 Geruasius. 1189 there was brent the twentieth of September. The Kings of England and of France, with Richard Earl of Poytow, the Legate and the Archbishops, of Canturbury, Roan, Rhein's, and Burges, met at Aunts the ninth day of June. There Philip the French King required, that his sister which had been kept in England a two and twenty years, ●odouicus vi●es▪ Death of King Henry the second. might be restored unto Earl Richard as his wife, and Earl Richard desired the same, but King Henry denied this request, and so they departed a sunder, and got them to armour. The French King and Earl Richard pursued the King of England so hard, that he was forced to yield to Richardus Cambr. all the requests, as well of the French King, as of his son Richard. This was done at guysor's, and so departing came to Azai, where he fell sick, and departed this life the sixth day Ypodigma. of July, in the year of our Lord 1189. when he had reigned xxxiiij. years, ix. months, and xij. days, and was buried at Fonteverard in the Monastery of Nuns by him founded. He founded the Priories of Dover, and of Stoneley, and Basingwarke, and the Castle of Rudlan. He also began the stone Bridge over the Thamis at London. He left issue Richard and john. ¶ King Richard Cuer de Lion. RIchard the first borne at Oxford, for his valiantness surnamed Anno reg. 1. Cordelion, or with the Lion's heart, the second son of Henry the second, began his reign the sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord 1189. He was big of stature, with a merry countenance. To his Souldyoures favourable: bountiful to his friends: to Strangers a grievous enemy: hard to be pleased: desirous of war: abhorring idleness: inclined to pride, lechery, and avarice. He coming from beyond the Seas, landed at southhampton Geruasius Do. Matthew Paris. the twelfth day of August, and was Crowned at Westminster on the third day of September, by the hands of the Archbishop Baldwine. He commanded that no Jews nor women should be at his Coronation, for fear of enchantmentes which were wont to be practised: for breaking of which commandment, many jews were slain the same day. Elinor the old Queen, who at the commandment of her husband had been long kept close prisoner, was now set at liberty. The Archbishop of Canturburie being sore offended with earl john the king's brother, for taking to wife Isabel countess of Gloucester, his cousin in the third degree▪ wrote a threatening letter to the same john, commanding him not to touch the virgin, and to appear at a peremptory day before him to answer the matter. King Richard gave the Castles of Berwick and Rokesburgh to the Scottish king, for the sum of x. M. pound: he also sold to Hugo de Puteaco Bishop of Durham, his own province for a great piece of money, and created him Earl of the same, and then said in game, I am a wondrous craftsman, I have made a new Earl of an old Bishop. He sold the Priory of Coventrie, to Hugh Bishop of Chester, for iij. C. marks, which Hugh with a power of armed men invaded the Priory, chased the Prior away, beat the Monks, lamed some, cast some into prison, and spoiling the other, drove than away, broke the Hutches of the Church, brent their Charters and privileges. The King also feigned to have lost his signet, and made a new, and then caused to be proclaimed, that who so ever would safely enjoy those things which before time they had enrolled, should come to the new seal, whereby it came to pass, that many which could not find him in England, went over sea to fine with him at his pleasure. He gave his brother john the provinces of Nottingham, Devonshire, and Cornewal. In this time were many robbers and outlaws, among john Maior. Outlaws in England. the which, Robert Hood & little john renowned thieves, continued in woods, despoiling and robbing the goods of the rich. They killed none but such as would invade them, or by resistance for their own defence. The said Robert entertained an hundred tall men, and good Archers, with such spoils and thefts as he got, upon whom four hundred (were they never so strong,) durst not give the onset. He suffered no woman to be oppressed, violated, or otherwise inolested: poor men's goods he spared, abundantly relieving them with that, which by theft he got from abbeys and the houses of rich Carls: whom Mayor blameth for his rapine and theft: but of all thieves he affirmeth him to be the Prince, and the most gentle thief. Till this first year of King Richard the first, the Citizens Magistrates of the City of London, since before the Conquest. Robert Fabian. of London had been governed by Portgraves, as Fabian sometime an Alderman of London, in his Chronicle affirmeth: whose names with the laws and customs of the City then used, (he sayeth) were recorded in an old book written in the Saxon tongue, called Domes day, sometime remaining in the Guild Hal of London, but now embezeled. To this accordeth the Charter of the same City, granted by William the Conqueror, and diverse other Records, wherein I find, that the chief Magistrate of the City of landgrave. London, in the time of king Edward last before the Conquest, called the Confessor, was called landgrave▪ whose name was Wolfgare. In the time of William Conqueror, and William Rufus, Liber trinitatis. W. Dunthorne. Provost. Godfrey Mandevile or Magnavile was landgrave, & Richard de Pare Provost. In the time of King Henry the first, Hugh Bouch landgrave, and Leofstanus Goldsmith Provost. After them Awburie de Vere landgrave, and Robert de Barquerel Provost In the time of King Stephen, Gilbert Becket landgrave, and Andrew Buchennet Provost. In the time of King Henry the second, Peter Fitz Walter landgrave. After him john Fitz Nigelly landgrave. After him Ernulfus Buchel landgrave. After him William Fitz Isabel landgrave. These Portgraves are also in diverse Records called Vicecomites or Sheriffs, for that they then farmed the Sherifwike of the King, as the Sheriffs of London do at this day: john Bevar. and some authors, as johannis Bevar and other, do call them Domes men, or Judges of the King's Court. This year the Citizens of London obtained to be governed Bailiffs. by two Bailiffs, which in diverse ancient records are also called Sheriffs, for that they (like as the Portgraves) farmed the Sherifewike. They also obtained to have a Mayor to be their principal governor, and lieutenant of the City, as of the King's Chamber. The names of the first Bailiffs or Sheriffs, who entered at the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, were as followeth. Sheriffs. Henry Cornhill. Richard Reinery. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. Fitz Leofstan Goldsmith, The first mayor. first Mayor of London, and continued Mayor during his life, that was four and twenty years, as appeareth by a very ancient Record sometime pertaining to the Nunrye of Clerkenwel, containing as a perfit register, all such Register of Clerkenwel. grants of lands as was made to them by any, which hath diverse deeds, where unto Henry Fitz Alwyne first Mayor of London is a witness, dated the 1. 2. 3. 4. etc. of Richard the first. And for a more proof, I find recorded in the Guild Hal, Consuetud de Lon. in a book called the Customs of London, a constitution or order how Citizens shall proceed in buildings between Citizen and Citizen, which constitution beginneth thus: In the year of our Lord. 1189. the first year of the reign of king Richard, Henry Fitz Alwyne being Mayor, who was the first Mayor of London, it was provided and ordained etc. Other proofs might be showed out of diverse ancient Records, but these are sufficient. King Richard betook the guiding of this land to William 1190 Governor of England William Bishop of Ely. King Robert took his voyage over to jerusalem. Geruasius. Ypodigma. Longshampe Bishop of Ely, Chancellor of England, and th● four and twentieth day of February, he took his scrip and staff at Canturburie, and the sixth of March took the Sea at Dover, and transported over. The second of July the two Kings of England & of France met at Towers, and from thence set forward on their journey towards jerusalem. The town of Mawling in Kent with the Nunnery was consumed with fire. The Jews in the towns of Norwich, Saint Edmunds Bury, Lincoln, Stamforde fair, and Linne, were rob and spoiled. jews slay themselves. And at York to the number of 500 besides women and children, entered a tower of the castle, which the people assailing, the Jews proffered money to be in safety of their lives, but the Christians would not take it: whereupon their men of law said to them, it is better for us to die for our law, than to fall into the hands of our enemies: and they all agreeing to that Counsel, cut the throats of their wives and children, and cast them over the walls on the Christians heads: the residue they locked up in the king's lodging, and burned both the house and themselves. Geffrey archbishop of York, returning from Rome, Archbishop of of York drawn from the Altar to prison. Ralphe Cogshall. and now consecrated, arrived at Dover with his train, whom Matthew de Clare, by the commandment of the King's chancellor, entering with violence into the Church of Saint martin's le Grande in London, drew from the Altar, and so carried him to prison. William Bishop of Ely, builded the utter wall about Anno reg. 2. W. Di●●thorne. A ditch made about the tower of London. Richard Sothwel. the Tower of London, and caused a deep ditch to be made about the same, thinking he could have caused the river of Thamis to go round about it, but he bestowed great cost in vain. Sheriffs. john Herlion. Roger Duke. Maior. Henry Fitz Alyne. King Richard subdued the isle of Cipers, and then joining Matthew Paris. Rog Houed. Galf●id●● Vinis●l. his power with Philip the French Kings in Asia conquered Acon, where there grew between the two Kings a grievous displeasure: for which cause Philip shortly departed thence, and coming into France, invaded the Country of Normandy. john brother to King Richard, took on him the kingdom Arbour Successi●nis. of England in his brother's absence. Robert Earl of Leicester died in his journey to jerusalem. King Richard restored to the Christians the City of joppa, and in many battles put the Turks to great sorrow. The bones of the most famous King of Britain, Arthur, 1191 were found at Glastenburie, in a goodly old sepulchre, about the which stood two pillars, in which were letters written, which, by reason of the great barbarousness of the language, and the foulness, no body could read: upon the sepulture was a cross of lead, whereon was written, here lieth the Anno reg. 3. noble king of Britain's Arthur. Sheriffs. William Haverell. john Bucknote. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. William Bishop of Ely, did commonly ride with. 500 john the king's brother rebelled horses, and grieved abbeys by mean of his lodging with them: he withstood john the King's brother, who said, he witted not if his brother Richard were alive or not. To whom the Bishop answered, if King Richard be yet living, it were untruth to take from him the Crown. If he be dead, Arthure the elder brother's son, must enjoy the same. King Richard exchanged Cyprus, with Guy of Lesingham, 1192 Ex anniles ●lie●▪ Vita G●●ng● c●●●. for the Kingdom of jerusalem: wherefore the King of England a long time after was called King of jerusalem. The Bishop of Ely legate to the Pope, Chancellor Roge● Houed. The Bishop put to his shifts▪ Geruasius Doro. of England, and governor of the Realm, was forced to take the Tower of London for his refuge, wherein Earl john besieged, him, at length the Bishop getting licence to departed went to Dover, but he was there forced to swear that he would not depart the Realm: yet being in a marvelous disquietness of mind, he put off his man's apparel, & put on woman's, meaning so to escape: whilst he goeth up and down on the shore, bearing a web of cloth on his arm as he would sell it, still waiting for a ship, a sort of women pulled off his kerchief, and threw him to the ground, and after beat him, and drew him along the sands, whereupon great cry being made, the Burgesies ran, and with much a do, got him from among them, and kept him straightly till he had obtained licence to depart the Realm. Anno reg. 4 Then the archbishop of Rhone, with the consent of Earl john, took upon him the rule of the land as Uice● Chancellor. Sheriffs. Nicholas Duke. Peter Newlay. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King Richard having knowledge that Philip of 1193 France invaded Normandy, and that john his brother had made himself King of England, made peace with the Saladine for three years, and with a small company returning homeward, was taken prisoner by Leopolde Duke of Austria, who brought him to Henry Anno reg. 5. King Richard taken prison. the Emperor, and there kept him in prison a year and five months. He was envy for his valiancy, in that he had showed more proof of his prows, than all the other had. Wolfangus Lazius, in his book de Romano Imperio, affirmeth that Leopolde of Austria, when he had taken king Richard, for some injury done to the house of Austria, he King Richard of England builded the walls of Vienna compelled him to build the walls about Vienna, the chiefest City of Austria, the which Walls within our memory defended all Germany from the invasion of the Turk. The rumour being spread that King Richard was taken Earl john rebelled against King Richard. as ye have heard, forth with the French King and earl john made a great conspiracy together, meaning to take the Kingdom of England, hereupon a great number of Flemings were assembled at Witsa●●e, and an innumerable multitude of Flemmings ready to come over, but their messengers being taken, their treason was bewrayed. Elinor the old Queen caused the Sea coasts to be watched over against Flaunders, but notwithstanding earl john came secréetely into England, to raise the Walchmen and Scots, but the King of Scots would not aid him. The Walchmen in the parts about Kingston and Windsor took prays abroad. The French King entered Normandy, found small resistance, wan diverse Towns, guysor's was delivered to him, than he hasted towards Roan, & besieged it, but through the great industry of Robert Earl of Leicester, he profited little there, and so returned into France▪ Earl john perceiving his treason was discovered, fortified his Castles and passed over into France, and joined with the French King. Sheriffs. Roger Duke. Richard Fitz Alwyne. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King Richard sent for his mother and the archbishop of Rhone to come unto him into Almaigne, being now in great hope to be delivered, and in the mean time the Archbishop of 〈◊〉 was made regent of England. The King's friends entreating for his deliverance, his The King's ransom. Geruasius Doro. Radul. Cogshal. ransom was set at 100000. pound, to wit to the Emperor 100000. marks, to the Empress 30000. marks: and to th● Duke of Ostrich 20000. marks: whereupon commandment was directed from the king's justices, that all Bishops, Prelates, Earls, Barons, Abbots, and Priors, should bring in the fourth part of their revenues towards the king's ransom, and besides this, the clergy brought in their golden and silver chalices, and fleeced their shrines, all which was coined into money. The order of the Cestercencies, did give their wool for one Matthew Paris. Roger Hoveden. year etc. all the money gathered for the King's ransom, to remain in the custody of Hubert Archbishop of Canturburie, Richard Bishop of London, William Earl of Arundel, Hameline Earl of Warren, and the Mayor of London. The King was restored to liberty, the most part of his ransom being paid, and pledges left for the residue. In the mean time letters were intercepted of earl john which he had sent into England touching treason, one Adam of Saint Edmund Clerk, being sent by Earl john, to provide that his castle might be fortified against King Richard, came to London, and dined with Hubert Archbishop of Canturburie, where he bragged of Earl john's prosperity, and familiarity Recard●● ca●●●●. with the French king, for th● which being suspected, he was after dinner apprehended by the Mayor of London, who took from him his letters, and delivered them to the Archbishop of Canturburie, who on the next morrow called a Counsel of the Earls and Barons, and showed them the letters, whereupon they all consented that Earl john should be dispossessed of all his land in England and that his Castles should be besieged. The same day the same Archbishop and Bishops excommunicated Earl john and all his favourers, which troubled the peace of the kingdom. And forth with the Archbishop 1194 besieged the castle of Marleborough, which belonged to Earl john, and took it. After this he besieged Nottingham castle. The King taking ship at Antwerp▪ landed a● Sandwich, on God●●●▪ v●●●●alfe Gerua. Doro. K. Richard the second time Crowned. Anno reg. 6. the. 12. of March, shortly after he besieged the Castle of Nottingham, and won it, and after that the castle of Tikehil▪ and then road to Winchester, where he was again solemnly crowned on the xvij. of April. After this he called into his hands, all such thing as he had either given or sold by patents or otherwise, by which means he got a great sum of money, and sailed into Normandy the xij. of may, where having a great army, he took Taileburge and the county of Angolesme. Shortly after a peace was taken between the two kings of England and France, the xiij. of June, and also by means of Elinor the old Queen, Earl john was reconciled to his brother. King Richard gave to him the earldoms of Morton, Cornewal, Dorset, Somerset, Nottingham▪ Derby, & Lancastre: th● Castles of Marleborough, & Luthegarshal, with the forests and Gual. Coven. appurtinaunces: the honour of Wallingford, Tikehil and Eye: the Earldom of Gloucester with the Earl's daughter Isabel▪ though she were a kin to him: but he kept certain Castles belonging to the said Earldoms in his own hands: he removed from him his Concubines, and took to him his own wife, which he had not known of a long time before. Sheriffs. William Fitz Isable. William Fitz arnold. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King Richard sent messengers to the Pope, complaining upon the Duke of Ostrich, for misusing of him and his, as they came by distress of weather through his Country: whereupon the Pope excommunicated the Duke, and enjoyed him to release the covenants that he constrained the King to make, and to send home the pledges: but the Duke refused this order contemning the Pope's authority, who shortly after died, and was kept unburied till his son had released the English pledges that lay in hostage for the money behind of K. Richard's ca●nsome, and further swore to stand to the judgement of the Church for that offence of his father. Hugh Bishop of Lincoln gave to the king a thousand Anno reg. 7. marks for his mantel of Sables, which his predecessors were wont yearly to have given them by the King. Sheriffs. Robert Beasaunt. joke de joshua. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. William Fitz Osbert a Citizen of London, poor in degree, W. with the ●earde. Roger Houed. Wil ●aruus. john Taxtor. Gerua. Doro. Canturb. records. Gual. Covent. evil favoured of shape, but yet very eloquent, moved the common people to seek liberty and freedom, and not to be subject to the rich and mighty, by which means he drew to him many great companies, and with all his power defended the poor men's cause against the rich. 52000. Londonors he alured to him to be at his devotion and commandment. The king being warned of this tumult, commanded him to cease from those attempts, but the people still followed him, as they before had done: he made to them orations, taking for his theme this sentence▪ Haurietis aquas in gau●io de fontibus salvatoris, which is to say Ye shall draw in joy, waters forth of the wells of your saviour. And to this he added: I am (said he) the saviour of poor men, ye be poor, & have assayed long the hard hands of rich men: Now draw ye wholesome water forth of my Wells, & that with joy, for the time of your visitation is come. This William was commanded to appear before the king's counsel to answer for himself in such causes as should be laid against him, where he appeared, but with 1196 such a multitude of people, that the Lords were afraid, and remitted him with pleasant words for the time, appointing some priuliy when he was alone to apprehend him. He sook the steeple of Bow Church in Chope, and fortified it with munition and victuals: The Archbishop of Canturburie then being at London with other justices sent to him, and willed him to come forth of the Church & he should have his life saved: but he refused to come forth, wherefore th● archbishop talking with the Citizens of London, called together a great number of armed area lest any stur should be made. The saturday therefore being the Passion sunday even, the steeple and Church of Bow were assaulted, and William with his complices taken, but not without bloodshed, for he was forced by fire and smoke to for sake the Church: he was brought to the Archbishop in the Tower, where he was by the judges condemned, and by the heels drawn from thence to a place called the Elms, and there hanged with nine of his fellows. This counterfeit friend to the poor, who named himself A false accuser of his elder brother in the end was hanged. to be the saviour, persuading them against the rich, was a man of an evil life, a murderer, who slew one man with his own hands: a fornicator, who polluted Bow church with his Concubine: and amongst other his detestable facts, one that had falsely accused his elder brother of treason which elder brother had in his youth Anno reg. 8. brought him up in learning, and done many things for his preferment. Yet after the death of this wicked malefactor, the simple people honoured him as a martyr, in so much that they stolen away the gibbet whereon he was hanged, and pared away the Earth, that was bebled with his blood, and kept the same as holy relics to heal sick men. King Richard granted licence unto Philip Bishop of Durham, to coin money in his City of Durham, which liberty Roger Hoveden. none of his predecessors had enjoyed of long time before. Sheriffs. Gerard de Anteloch. Robert Durant. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The Walchmen broke forth and did much hurt by spoiling 1197 of the Marches. The Archbishop of Canturburie calling together an army hasted thither, besieged the castle of poly, and took it, and chased the enemies, established peace, and returned. Rise the Walch king departed this life. King Richard and the Earl of Flaunders confedered together. Anno reg. 9 The French King entering unwarely into Flaunders, was intercepted and taken by the Earl of Flaunders, but giving pledges upon covenant to make peace, he was suffered to departed. The viij. day of September they met at List, where by mediation of the Archbishop of Canturburie, they took a truce. The Archbishop of Roan returned from Rome, where he had complained on King Richard, for taking from him a plot of ground, whereon he builded a strong Castle, but at the request of the Archbishop of Canturburie, the King gave him in recompense the town of Deep. Sheriffs. Roger Blunt. Nicholas Ducket. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The Walchmen on the Marches took booties, & did much 1198 Geruasius. hurt, but Hubert the Archbishop of Canturburie being Lord thief justice, lieutenant, or Warden of England, found means to resist them, so that they being fought with, were overthrown, and five thousand of them slain. The archbishop having got this victory returneth to London, where calling together a great number of the Nobles of the land, he resigned his office of being head ruler, in whose place the Anno reg. 10 Lord Geffrey Fitz Peter succeeded in August. King Richard took of every Carucata, plough land, or hid of land through England five shillings. The French king was intercepted by the army of King Richard, so that with much ado, he escaped into Cyprus, his army was dispersed, and almost an hundred Knights taken, beside other common soldiers, without number. The Charters which the king had Matthew Paris. before made with his new seal were changed. Sheriffs. Constantine Fitz arnold. Robert de Beaw. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. Hubert archbishop of Canturbnrie, through the procurement of the Monks of Canturburie and by the commandment of the Pope, broke down even with the ground the Chapel College at Lambeth. or College at Lambeth which his predecessors had founded, and he had finished in the honour of Thomas Archbishop of Canturburie. King Richard turned his army against the Barons of 119● K. Richaad wounded to death. Paulus Aemeleus Gualterus Coven. Ralph Cogshal. Poictow that rebelled against him, he set their Cities & towns on fire, spoiled their Country, & flew many of his adversaries cruelly, at the last came to the Dukedom of Aquitaine and besieged the castle of Chalne, and brought it to that, that they within offered to yield upon conditions, but he would not so receive them, but would have them by force: wherupun a certain young man named Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a cross bow and smote him with a venomed Dart, which stripe the king little regarded, but invading the castle won it, and put the soldiers in prison. Of this wound aforesaid, he died the sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord. 1199. When he had reigned ix. years and ix. months, and was buried at Fonteverard at his father's feet, whom he confessed he had betrayed, his heart was buried at Roan, and his bowels at the foresaid Chalne. ¶ King John. JOHN brother to Richard aforenamed, began his reign over the Realm Anno reg. 1 of England the vj. day of April, in the year of our Lord 1199. Of person he was indifferent, but of melancholy and angry complexion. He being now in Normandy, sailed over into England, & was crowned at Westminster on th● ascension day. And at Midsummer Ralphe Cogshall. he returned again into Normandy with a great army, which all the Summer season contending against th● French, proved the worthiness of the enemies to be sufficient enough: Consuetud de Lon. for Philip king of France, in the quarrel of Arthur the son of Geffrey, john's eldest Brother, duke of Britain, made war upon King john in Normandy, and took from him diverse Castles and towns. King john granted the Shirifewike of London and Midlesex Sheriff wike of London let to ferme. to the Citizens thereof for. 300 pound yearly to be paid, for that of ancient time it had been so accustomed to be fermed, as king Henry the first before he had granted to the same Citizens, for. 300. pound yearly. Also he gave them full authority to choose and deprive their Sheriffs at their pleasure. Sheriffs. arnold Fitz arnold. Richard Fitz Barthelmew. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King john made a law, that no tun of Wine of Poiteer, 1200 Price of wines. Gual. Coven. should be sold dearer than twenty shillings: of Anioye four and twenty shillings: and of French wine five & twenty shillings, unless the same French wine were so good, that some would give for it, six and twenty shillings eight pence, but not above. A sexter of wine of Poiteer, no dearer than twelve pence, nor white wine above six pence. King john having made peace beyond the sea he required Annoreg. 2 Task. aid of his Realm of thirty. M. marks, wherefore an edict was made, that every plough land should pay three shillings, which troubled the land very sore, considering the escuage that went afore for every Knight's fee two marks, which before never paid above twenty shilling. The king being divorced from his wife Isabel, the Earl King john divorced. Matthew Paris. Ypodigma. Radul. Cogshal. of Glocesters' daughter, he passed over the sea, paid thirty M. marks to the French King, vanquished his enemies, and returned into England with Isabel his wife, daughter to the Earl of Angolesme, and crowned her Queen at Westminster, on the eight of October. Sheriffs. Roger Dorset, james Bartelmew. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King john went to Lincoln, where he met with William King of Scots did homage. King of Scots, Rotland Lord of Galloway, and many other noble men, who did to him homage on the one and twentieth day of November. A noble man of Aquitaine named Hugh Brune, rebelling 1201 Hugh Brune rebelled. against King john, invaded divers parts of the province, because the King had married the daughter of the Earl of Angolesme, whom the said Brune had affied, and had in his custody, wherefore the passed over, and restrained the rebels from their attempts. The 25. of June there arose a cruel Tempest of thunder, Ypodigma. Annoreg. 3. Tempests. lightning and hail, with a vehement rain, that destroyed corn, cattle, men, and houses, by brenning them etc. The 10. of July, another Tempest much like to the former happened, so that the Meadows could not be mowed, and the hay that was down was carried away by the outrageous course of waters that overflowed the ground, great numbers of fishes through the corruption of the waters died, many bridges borne down, corn and hay carried away, & many men drowned: so that all men thought a new deluge had been come. Sheriffs. Walter Fitz Alis. Simon de Adermanbury. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King john sharply warred upon the Earl of March, 1202 Radulphu● Cog. Hugh Brune, and the Earl of Eve his brother, who being not able to resist, they complained to Philip king of France, as to their sovereign and chief Lord, who sent ofttimes to King john, moving him to cease from vexing them, but that would not serve, wherefore he was summoned by the ▪ Annoreg. 4. Nobles of France as Duke or Earl of Aquitaine and Anjoy, to come unto the Court of the French King, and to stand to the judgement of his Peers, all which King john denied, K john summoned to the French Kings Court. whereupon the same Court adjudged him to be deprived of all his lands, which he or his predecessors held of the king of France etc. King Philip forth with assembled an army, and invaded the castle of Butevant in Normandy, which King Richard had builded, he razed it to the ground. He took the land of Hugh Gorney, and all the Castles there about. He took the Castle of Albomarle, with the County of Eve, and all the land to Arches, none resisting him. Also Arthure Earl of Britain being made Knight by the French King, whose Arthure Earl of Britain taken. younger daughter he had fianced, he being but sixteen years old, went to Hugh Brune, and Geffrey of Lucingnam, and with 250. Knights, besieged the Castle of Mirable, in which Queen Eleanor his Aunt was enclosed: but King john came with a power, and delivered his mother from danger. He took there his Nephew Arthure, William de Brawsa, Geffrey de Lucingham, Hugh Brune, Andrew Caveny, Saluaricus de Mauleon, and divers others. Great thunder and lightning, with hail as big as hens eggs etc. Sheriffs. Normand Brundell. john de Ely. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The waters increased, and did much hurt in England. 1023 Matthew Paris. Annoreg. 5. Earl of Britain murdered Radul. Cogshal. Arthure Earl of Britain, from Falaise was brought to Roan, and put in the Tower under the custody of Robert de Veypont, where shortly after he was dispatched of his life, some say by the hands of his Uncle john. The King of France invaded the Castles of Normandy, took Lisle, Dandely, with the Castle, and the Vale de rule, in the which were Robert Fitz Water, Sayer de Quincy, and many other. He took the strong Castle upon Seyne, builded by King Richard, which had been valiantly kept by the Connestable of Chester. Sheriffs. Walter Browne. William chamberlain. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King john doubting treason in his own men, in December returned into England, where he gathered great aids of money. Elinor, daughter to the Earl of poitiers, that had been 1204 Ralph Cogshal. Anno reg. 6. wife to Jews King of France, and after to King Henry the second of England departed this life, and was buried in Westminster. King john sent Ambassadors to treat a peace with the King of France, but he, because the world went with him, would not agree in any wise, except Arthure might be delivered to him alive, or if he were dead, he would have his Sister in marriage with all the lands on that side the Seas. Shortly after he took Falaise, Caen, and so forth all the Country to Barflot, Charburgh, and Dunfront, Roan, Vernoll, and Arches: and so proud Normandy, Angiow, Briteyne, Maine, Poitow, and Thoraigne, were within a short time delivered to King Philip. King john married jane his Bastard Daughter to Lewlin Prince of Wales, and gave with her the Castle and Lordship of Elingsmore, in the Marches of South-Wales. Robert Fitz parnel Earl of Leycester, died without issue, Liber Bernewell. and then Simon de Mountford, and Sayer de Quincy divided the Earldom betwixt them, because that Sayer de Quincy, and the Father of Simon Mountford had married the sisters of the said Robert. Sheriffs. Thomas Haverell. Hamond Bronde. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The fourteenth day of January began a Frost, which continued till the two and twentieth day of March, so Great Frost. 1205 that the ground could not be tilled, whereof it came to pass that in Summer following, a quarter of Wheat was sold for a Mark of Silver in many places of England, Dearth of corn which for the more part in the days of King Henry the second, was sold for twelve pence: a Quarter of beans or Pease for half a Mark: a Quarter of Oats for forty pence, that were wont to be sold for four pence. Also, the nno A reg. 7. money was so sore clipped, that there was no remedy, but to have it renewed. King john gathered great armies of men to have gone over the Seas, but being sailed onward of his voyage, he returned again, and took escuage, two marks and a half of every knights fee through England, pretending a quarrel against his Barons, because they john Taxtor. would not follow him into the parts beyond the Seas. Sheriffs. john Walgrave. Richard Winchester. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The Earl of Salisbury, the King's brother, Geffrey the King's son begot on a Concubine, and many other 1206 Ralph Cogshall. Anno reg. 8. Knights, were gone over before, but all in vain: the charges was inestimable that had been laid out about the preparation made for this journey. Great Thunders and Lightnings, bursting out of the Great Thunders Lightnings and hail. Clouds were seen, so that men thought the day of Dome had been come, many men and women were destroyed, beside cattle, and houses that were overthrown, and burned. The Corn in the fields was beaten down with hailstones as big as Goose eggs. About Maydestone in Kente, a certain Monster was A strange Monster. found, stricken with the Lightning, which Monster had an head like an Ass, a belly like a man, and all other parts far discordant from any one living thing. This dead body no man might unneath come near unto for stench. Sheriffs. john Holyland. Edmond Fitz Garrard. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. King john took the thirteenth part of all movable goods, both of lay and religious through England, at which all men murmured. The seven and twentieth day of January a great wind 1207 overthrew many houses and trees, and a great Snow destroyed many beasts. The Monks of Canturbury, by the advise of the Pope, elected Stephen Langton to be their Archbishop, and then Anno reg. 9 Matthew Paris. Pope Innocent intending to obtain the favour of King john towards this election, because he knew that he did make diligent search for precious stones, sent him an eloquent Epistle, with divers precious jewels, which were of King john well accepted: and Stephen Langton was consecrate at Rome. Then the Pope sent Letters to King john, humbly exhorting him to receive the said Stephen Archbishop of Canturburie, being thereunto canonically elected, the rather because he was an Englishman borne, and a Doctor of Divinity etc. but King john being greatly offended with the promoting of the said Stephen, sent men in armour to expel the Monks of Canturburie, to the number of lxiiij. out of the Realm, and condemned them of Treason, the Monks went into Flanders, and their goods, and lands of their Church was confiscate. Also King john sent threatening letters to the Pope, whereunto the Pope made a large answer. Queen Isabella was delivered of her first son at Winchester, and named him Henry. Sheriffs. Roger Wincher. Edmond Hardell. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne. The twenty-three. of March, William Bishop of London, Eustachius Bishop of Ely, and Malgor Bishop of Winchester by the 1208 England interdicted. Nicholas Trivet. Matthew Paris. Ralphe Cogshall. Pope's commandment executed the interdiction upon the whole Realm, and they ceased through all England from ministering of Ecclesiastical Sacraments, saving to them that were in peril of death, and Baptism to Children. All the bodies of them that died, were buried like Dogs in ditches and corners. Many Bishops, especially they that pronounced the interdiction, fled the Realm. The King Anno reg. 10 set all the bishoprics and Abbeys in the Realm into the custody of lay men, and commanded all Ecclesiastical revenues to be confiscated. Also doubting lest the Pope should excommunicate him by name, or discharge the Nobles of England of their allegiance towards him, he laid hold upon them, specially such as he had in suspicion, and took pledges of them. This year was granted to the Citizens of London by Mayor of London yearly chosen. the King's letters patents, that they should yearly choose to them a Mayor. Sheriffs. Peter Duke. Thomas Neale, the 28. of Septem. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne the 28. of October. Richard the King's second son by Isabella his wife was 1209 Wil Packington. borne. By the procurement of Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canturburie, licence was granted to the conventual Churches in England to celebrate divine service once every week, but the white Monks had not this privilege, because they had disobeyed the interdiction. The Exchequer was removed from Westminster to Northhampton Exchequer at Northhampton. by the King's commandment. He also gathered a great army, and went toward Scotland as far as the Castle of Norham, where the King of Scots came to him, and treated a peace, for the which he gave 11000. Marks of Silver, and delivered his two daughters for a pledge. By the King's commandment, through out all the forests of England, all the ditches were made plain ground, Cro. D●●. Hedges breute. Homage of freeholders. Welshmen did homage. and the hedges brent. After this, he took homage of all fréeholders, and swore all men to his allegiance from twelve years old upward. The Welshmen came to Woodstock and did homage. A Clerk of Oxford by chance killed a woman, and then Anno reg. 11 Oxford forsaken. ran away, wherefore his three chamber fellows which knew nothing of the matter, were hanged at the towns end▪ which caused three thousand Masters and Scholars to forsake the University of Oxford, so that there tarried not one. A prodigious sight was seen one morning in the beginning Radulphus Cog. of Lent, the Clouds seemed to fight with the Sun from the Sun rising till one of the clock of that day. The Arches and stone bridge over the Thamis at London London bridge builded of stone Fx libro pontis ●ondinensis. S. Marry Ouery was this year finished by the worthy Merchants of London, Serle Mercer, William Alman, and Bennet Botewright. Master Fowl a learned man, last Prior of Saint Mary Oueryes Church in his life time, reported, that at the first, being no Bridge at London, but a Ferie, the Feryer and his wife deceasing, left the same Ferie to their Daughter, a maiden named Mary, who with the goods left by her Parents, 1. Leyland. and the profits which came by the said Ferie, builded a house of Sisters, which is the uppermost end of Saint mary's Church above the Quire, where she lieth buried, unto the which house she gave the oversight and profit of the same Ferie: but afterward the same house of Sisters was converted unto a College of Priests, who builded the Bridge of Timber, and from time to time kept the same in reparations: but considering the great charges in repairing, lastly by the great aid of the Citizens of London, & others, they builded the same of stone. King john gave certain vacant places in London to build on, for building and reparation of London Bridge. A Mason being Master of the Bridge house, builded from the foundation the Chapel on London Bridge, of his own proper expenses. Peter le joshua, William Blund, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne, the 28. of October. The King commanded all the jews both men and women jews ransomed. to be imprisoned, and grievously punished, because he would have all their money, some of them gave all they had, and promised more, to the end they might escape so 1210 many kinds of torments: amongst whom, there was one which being tormented many ways, would not ransom himself, till the King had caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven days, and then he gave the King ten thousand Marks of Silver, to the end they should pull out no more. In the month of June, the King leadeth an Army into Anno reg. 12 Ireland, expulseth Hugh Lacie, and brought all Ireland under his subjection. He caused the Laws of England to be executed there, and money to be coined according to the weight of English money, and made there both halfpences, A mint in Ireland. and farthings: he returneth with great triumph in the month of September, and then raised a great Tax Tax. Nic. Trivet. upon all the religious in England, whom he caused to pay such a ransom, and to spoil their Churches, that the sum came to an hundred thousand pound, besides forty thousand pounds of the white Monks. Another fight betwixt the Sun and the Clouds was seen. Matild a noble woman, wife to William de Brawse, and john Bever-ral. Cog shall. his son and heir William, perished miserably with famine at Windsor. William her husband changing his apparel passed over the Sea at Shoram, and shortly after died at Paris. Adam Whetly, Stephen le Grace, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne the 28. of October. The Bishop of London's Castle called Stortford, is overthrown, Stortford castle 1211 Army into Wales. Matthew Paris. and the King's house builded at Writle. The King went into Wales against Lewlin his son in law, that had married his bastard daughter, with a great force, even to Snowdon, and subdued all the Princes and nobles without any gainsaying. He took xxviij. Pledges for their subjection, and returned. When he came at Northhampton, there met him messengers from the Pope, Pandolph, Legates from Rome. Anno reg. 13. and Durand, which came to make an unity betwixt the King and the Bishop of Canturbury, with the monks which were banished, but the King granting their return, dented to make them any amends for their loss which they had sustained, or to restore their goods which he had confiscated, so that the Ambassadors returned without any end concluded: After this, the King took of every Knight which was A great Tax. not with him in Wales, two Marks of silver of every shield. Pope Innocent absolved all, both Princes and other, which pertained to the Crown of England, from their fide litie and subjection to King john, and commanded them to eschew his company. A heard of Hearts coming forth of the Forest, leapt all Gual. Covent. into the Sea at the mouth of Severne. Sheriffs. john Fitz Peter. john Garland, the 28. of Sep. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyn the 28. of October. William King of Scotland being aged, was not able to ●●ber Bernewell. quiet the inner parts of his Realm, troubled with sedition, wherefore he fled to the King of England, and committed himself, his Kingdom and only son unto his provision, who making the young man Knight, went into those parts with an army, and sending forth his men into the inner parts of that Kingdom, he took Cuthred Mac William Captain of the sedition, and hung him on a pair of Gallows, for he was of the old ancient race of the Scottish Kings, who assisted with the aid of the Irish and Scots, did exercise long enmity against the modern Kings of Scotland, as his Father Donald had done before him, sometime secretly, sometime openly: for the moderane Kings of Scotland confess themselves to be rather Frenchmen, as in stock or lineage, so also in manners, language, and apparel, and having brought the Scots unto extreme servitude, they admit only Frenchmen into familiarity and service. The Welshmen took divers Castles of the King of England's, Welshmen invaded England. 1212 cut off the heads of all the soldiers, burned many Towns, and with a great pray returned. The King gathered a great army, minding utterly is destroy all the coasts of Wales, but when he came to Nottingham, he caused the xxviij. pledges of the Welshmen to be Pledges hanged. hanged, and for fear lest his nobles should rebel, he returned to London. An Hermit in Yorkshire, named Peter, prophesied openly Peerce of Pomfre● of King john, and said that upon the Ascension day next coming, he should be no King, but the Crown should be transposed to another: this Peter was apprehended, and put in prison. The tenth of July at night, a marvelous and terrible Anno reg. 14. London bridge perished with fire. Ex recordis Sanct● Mariae de Southwark. chance happened, for the City of London upon the South side of the River of Thamis, with the Church of our Lady of the Canons in Southwark being on fire, and an exceeding great multitude of people passing the Bridge, either to extinguish and quench, or else to gaze, behold suddenly the North part, by blowing of the South wind was also set on fire, and the people which were even now passing the Bridge, perceiving the same, would have returned, but Arbour successic. Gualterus Coven. Will▪ Packington. were stopped by fire, and it came to pass, that as they stayed, or protracted time, the other end of the Bridge also, namely the South end was fired, so that the people thronging themselves betwixt the two fires, did nothing else expect or look for than death: then came there to aid them many Ships and Uessels, into the which, the multitude so undiscreetly pressed, that the Ships being drowned, they all perished, it was said, through the fire and the Shipwreck, that there were destroyed about three thousand persons. William Packington writeth, that there were found in part or half brent three thousand boydes, besides those that were quite brent that could not be found. Randolph Eiland. Constantine joshua, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Henry Fitz Alwyne the 28. of October. King john being now in extremity, and minding to impute the fault to them that would not appease his furor aforetime, reprehended sometimes one, and sometimes another Liber Roffensis. Gualther Coven. of his Nobility as Traitors, calling them jealous, whose beds (as he bragged) he had defiled, and discourse their daughters. The Chronicle of Dunmow sayeth, this discord arose betwixt Chr. of Dun. the King and his Barons, because of Mawde called the Fair, daughter to Robert Fitz Water, whom the Maud the fair, daughter to Robert Fitz Walter. King ●o●●●d, but her father would not consent, and there upon ensued war throughout England. The King spoiled especially the Castle of Baynard ●●● London, and other Baynard's Castle thrown down. holds and houses of the Barons. Robert Fitz Walter, Roger Fitz Robert, and Richard Mount Fichet passed over into France, some also went into Wales, and some into Scotland, Robert Fitz Walter fled into France. and did great damage to the King. Whitest Mawde the Fair remained at Dunmow, there came a messenger unto her from King john about his suit in Love; but because she would not agree, the messenger poisoned a boiled or po●ched egg against she was hungry, whereof she Maud the Fair poisoned. died, and was buried in the Quire at Dunmow. About this time, the King of France wasted the King of England's lands beyond the Seas, and the King of England 1213 likewise wasted his: but at the length a truce was taken, and an a●ne of the Sea being betwixt either host, there was a Knight in the English host that cried to them of the other side, willing some one of their Knights to just a course or twain: whereupon without stay, Robert Fitz Walter made himself ready, terried over, and got on his Horse without any man to help him, Robert Fitz Walter his ●al●an●ie. and being ready against the face of his enemy, at the first course he struck the other so hard with his great Spear, that Horse and Man fell to the ground, and when his Spear was broken, he went back again to the King of France: by God's tooth (quoth King john) he were a King indeed that had such a Knight. Robertes friends hearing that, kneeled down, and said, O King, he is your Knight, it is Robert Fitz Walter: and the Robert Fitz Walter restored to the king's favour. next day he was sent for, and was restored to the King's favour, and by his means peace was concluded, and he received his livings, and had leave to repair his Castles ●●. Three the most for 〈…〉 and valiant Knights of England in those days were Roberte Fitz Walter, Roberte Fitz Roger, and Richard Mount Fichet. Pandolph the ●●ga●●●ame to Dover, and admonished Matthew Par●s. Nic. Trivet. the King to restore Stephen Langton to his Sea of Caunturburie, and the Monks unto their Abbey: the King calling to mind the manifold dangers he was in▪ made promise by oath to be obedient to the Court of Rome. This was done the Monday before the Ascension day● Pandolph ●al. Cogshall. King john resigned the Crown. with the Nobles of the Realm came together at the house of the Templars by Dover, upon the Ascension even, where the King, according as sentence was given at Rome, did resign his Crown, with the Realms of England and Ireland into the Pope's hands, whose Vicegerent was Pandolph aforesaid; and confirmed his gift with a Charter, dated the xv. of May, in the viiij. year Peter of Pomfret. Anno reg. 15 of his reign. When the Ascension day was past, he commanded the foresaid Peter the Hermit to be fet out of the Castle of Corfe, to be bound to a Horse tail, drawn through the Streets to Warham, and there both he and his son to be hanged. The seventeenth of August, Stephen Langton Archbishop Stephen Langton returned. of Caunturburie, and all the other that were banished, arrived at Dover, and went to Winchester to the King, who meeting them in the way, fell flat upon the earth before their feet, and with tears beséeched them to take pity on him, and of the Realm of England. The Archbishops and Bishops likewise, with tears took him up from the ground, and brought him unto the do●e● of the Cathedral Church, with the Psalm of Mise●ere absolved The King ab●solued. him: then the King took an oath to call in all wicked laws, and to put in place the Laws of King Edward's Divine Service being ended, the King, the Archbishop, Bishops, and Nobles dined albat one Table. Richard Prior of Bermondsey, builded an house (against Lib. Bermondsey. Saint Thomas Hospital. the wall of the sa●● house of Bermondsey) called the Almorie or Hospital of converts and children, in the honour of Saint Thomas. Gilo de Brawse, the son of William de Brawse, received all his Father's inheritance into his custody, together with his Nephew, till the child came to lawful age. Henry Fitz Alwyne Fitz Leofstam, Maior of London deceased, who had continued Mayor of London four and twenty Henry fitz Alwin Mayor of London xxiv. years. Wil Packington. years, since the first of King Richard the first, he was buried in the Priory of the holy Trinity, near unto Aldgate. Martin Fitz Alis, Peter Bate, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Lib. Bermond. A ditch about London. Chr. of Dunstable. Roger Fitz Alwyne, the 28. of October. The fifteenth of October, was begun by the Londoners, the Ditch without the Walls of London, of two hundredth foot broad, causing no small hindrance thereby to the cannons of Christ's Church near unto Aldgate, for that it passed through their ground. Geffrey Fitz Peter dieth, chief Justice of England, and Bishop chief justice. 1214 the Bishop of Winchester in that office is placed, the Nobles of England murmuring, that a Stranger borne should be made Ruler over them. Pope Innocent sent his Letters to Nicholas Bishop of Interdiction released. Nic. Trivet. Tusc●land his Legate, to release the interdiction, which had continued six years, three months, and fourteen days. The second day of July, King john sailed toward Brit●ne, intending to besiege Aunts, in the which wars, he had the aid of Oath the Emperor, and of the Dukes of Lo●●ine, Brabant, and Holland, of Reignold Earl of Roloigne, and Ferrandis▪ Earl of Flanders, so that there was a great field fought, in which the French King escaped narrowly, but being rescued, he took the foresaid Earls, put Hugh de Bones to flight, and drove the Emperor out of the Fields, and then a truce was taken betwixt King john and the French King, for five years. The King returned from Poytow, and the Barons of the Anno reg. 16 Realm came to him at Saint Edmondsburie, requiring to have the Charter of Henry the first confirmed, the which if Old Lawc● required. he refused to do, they swore by the high Altar they would make war against him. Fishes of unwonted shape were taken in England, for they were armed with helmets and shields, in outward shape they resembled, and were like unto armed Knights, saving that they were far greater in proportion. Solomon Basing, Hugh Basing the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Saint edmond's bu●y brent. john Taxtor. The Barons in armour. Searle Mercer, the 28. of October. Almost the whole Town of Saint Edmondsburie was consumed with fire. The King being lodged in the new Temple at London, there came to him the foresaid noble men in warlike order, demanding of him to confirm the liberties of King Edward's law and other: the King requiring respite till Easter, was fain to put in sureties the Archbishop of Caunturbury, the Bishop of Ely, and other, to satisfy all men in that behalf, and then the noble men returned. The King in the Church of S. Paul at London, at the hands of William Bishop 1215 King john crossed to jerusalem. of London, took on him the sign of the Cross of the holy Land, by mean thereof to be in the better safeguard: the Earls of Chester and Derby did the like. In the Easter week the noblemen in armour met at Stamford, and after at Barkley; whether came to them from the King, the Archbishop Anno reg. 17 of Canturbury, William Martial, with other, to demand of them what they would have confirmed, and the Nobles delivered to them a schedule, containing the old laws and customs▪ which except the King would grant, they would take the Castles of his lands, & so compel him. The xvij. day of May being Sunday, the Barons came to London, and entered through Aldgate, in the service time, where they took such as they knew favoured the King, and spoiled their goods. They broke into the houses of the jews spoiled in London. Gualther C●uen. jews, and searched their coffers, to stuff their own purses that had been long empty. After this, Robert Fitz Walter, and Geffrey de Mandevill Earl of Essex, and of Gloucester, Walls of London repaired. Ralph Cogshal. chief leaders of the Army, applied all diligence to repair the walls of the City, with the stones of the jews broken houses. The Tower of London yet held out, though there were few within to defend it. When it was noised that the Barons had London, all (except the Earls of Warren, Arundel, Chester, Penbroke, Ferrer, and Salisbury, and the Barons, William Brewer, with other) went to those Barons that were against the King, who called themselves the Army of God, whereby such a fear came on the King, that he durst not peep out of Windsor castle: at length he appointed to meet with the Barons in a meadow betwixt Stanes and Windsor, Matthew Pari●. The King meeteth the Barons. which appointment he observed, and there granted the liberties, without any difficulty, the Charter whereof is dated, Given by our hand in Runningmede, betwixt Stanes and Windsor, the xuj. of June, the xvij. of our reign, unto which, all the whole Realm was sworn. Whiles the Barons returned home, the King being left almost alone, he sent Pandolph the Legate with other to Rome, to the end that by the Apostolic authority, he might make frustrate the purpose of the Barons. Also he sent Walter Bishop of Winchester, and john Bishop of Norwich, with other, unto the realms next adjoining, to procure him soldiers, promising them lands, The Pope excommunicateth the Barons. and large possessions. By means of Pandolph, the Pope disannulled the foresaid Charter and liberties granted, and also excommunicated the Barons. By the other messengers were procured a great number of men of war, Rochester besieged. which landing at Dover, the King forthwith besieged Rochester, coneting to burn the Bridge, that no aid should come to the besieged: but Robert Fitz Walter defended the Bridge, and quenched the fire, nevertheless after long assault the Castle was yielded. As a great number of Strangers were on the Seas, minding to have landed at Dover, to have aided Strangers drow●ed. Matthew Paris. the King against his Barons, through a sudden Tempest they were all drowned, so that about the coast of the Sea, was cast up such a multitude of men, women, and children, that the Air was sore infected with their putrefied bodies. It was said that of forty thousand, there escaped not one alive. The King had promised to this people, the Countries of Norfolk, and Suffolk. john Travers, Andrew Newland, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Mator. Ralph Cogshall. William Hardell, the 28. of October. King john divided his Army, the one half whereof he put under the leading of Savarike de Maulion a Poictovin, Fulco a Norman, the Earl of Salisbury his bastard brother, Gerard de Sotingham a Fleming, and Walter Buca Brabander. He himself went against the Northernmen. Savarike besieged the Castle of Plashy, that belonged to Geffrey Maundevill, the other gave themselves to waste the Country about. On Christmas day they spoiled the Abbey of Tiltey, Radul. Cogshal. Liber Bernwel. and carried away much treasure that there was laid up in trust by divers of that Country. On newyears day they did the like at Cogshall Abbey. From thence, they went to Saint Edmondsburie, and so to the isle of Ely, which Isle they besieged, because divers I'll of Eely besieged. Knights and Ladies were fled thither with their substance: and those robbers entering the Isle, spared neither sex nor state, but by torments compelled them to tell where their treasure lay. About the Epiphany, Sayre de Quincy Earl of Winchester, and other, returned from beyond the Seas, bringing with them one and forty Ships laden with soldiers: and about the feast of the Purification of our Lady they besieged Colchester Castle, but hearing Colchester besieged. that the Barons that were at London made haste to come and secure that Castle, they went back to Saint Edmondsburie. The King with his army was long time on the Scottish Seas, and oft-times invaded the Lands of his Barons in those coasts, burning their Castles, and spoiling their goods, in which expedition he went so far, that it was not well known what was become of him, in so much, that he was noised to be dead, and secretly buried at Reding. Geffrey mandevil died at London of a wound received in jousting: he was buried in the Priory of the Trinity at London. The Pope excommunicated the Barons by their peculiar The Barons excommunicate. names, but the Canons of S. Paul in London, and many other Ecclesiastical persons, with the Barons that remained at London, appealed against this sentence, taking exceptions against it, as pronounced by false suggestion. The Barons sent Sayre de Quincy and other, to Philip The Barons sent for Lodowick. King of France, earnestly requesting him to send his son jews into this Realm, promising to make him King thereof, which the French King refused to do, till the Barons had sent him 24. pledges of the best men's sons in the Kingdom, and then he sent them aid. Gwalo the Legate 1216 was sent from the Pope into France, to forbid jews to go into England, but his persuasions nothing prevailed, wherefore he excommunicated them. Also the Abbot of Abbingdon renewed the excommunication against the Barons, the Citizens of London, and the French, which came to their aid. About Mid-lent the King besieged the Castle of Colchester, and after a few days it was delivered to him by the Colchester taken. Frenchmen that kept it, with condition that they might departed free, with all that belonged to them, and that the Englishmen should be suffered to departed upon reasonable ransom, notwithstanding the Englishmen he put in strait prison. After the King had taken Hidingham castle, belonging to Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, he made haste to besiege London, but the Londoners set open their gates, and were ready to meet with the King ten miles of the City: the king understanding their boldness and multitude, he withdrew himself, but Sauari● de Malione, being suddenly set upon by the Londoners, losing many of his men, was sore beaten and wounded almost to death. The Northern Lords recovering their strength, besieged York besieged York, at length receiving above a thousand marks granted truce to the Citizens, till the Octaves of Pentecost. The Londoners also took a lxv. ships of Pirates besides innumerable other that were drowned, that had besieged the Anno reg. 18 river of Thamis. In the mean time the king having knowledge th● jews meant to come into England, he sent over to the French King, th● Bishop of Winchester, William Marshal the elder, and other, to try if they could persuade the French king to stay his son from that journey, but they returned without audience. The King therefore marching along the sea coast fortified his castles, and getting pledges of the five Ports, gathered a great multitude of ships of Yarmouth, Linne, Dunwich, and other havens, fraught them with men of war, and determined to encounter the Frenchmen by sea, when they came to arrive in England, but by Tempest that arose from the North, those ships were bruised, drowned, or driven into the South parts Lewes arrived in England. of the sea, jews having all his power ready at Cala●s, graveling, and Whitsande, the North-east wind coming about, he set forward toward England, and with some difficulty, because it was a side wind, he landed at Stona, in the isle of Thanet, the nineteen. day of May. King john being then at Dover, because his soldiers were strangers, durst not go against jews, but fled towards Gilforde. jews went strait to Canterbury, where he received both Castle and City into his subjection, and after all the other Castles in Kent, Dover only King john flect●●. excepted, then came he to London, where he was honourably received of the Nobles and Citizens, who altogether swore fealty to him, and did him homage at Westminster, after this taking the Castles of Rygate, Guldforde and Ferneham, he hasted forward to take the King, who as he heard was at Winchester, and had raised up the standard of the Dragon, as he had meant to give battle to jews, if he came to offer it. But when king john heard that jews approached, he laid down his Dragon, set fire on four parts of the City and fled. The Dover castle besieged. W●l. Packington. Citizens quickly quenched the fire and went forth to meet jews, receiving him joyfully into their City, and swore fealty to him. Here came to him in manner all the Earls and Barons of the realm: then taking the castle of Odiham, and the tower of London, he returned into Kent, & the xxij. of July he besieged the castle of Dover, and continued the same till the xiv. of October: then Hubert de Brugh & Gerard de Scoting being not able longer to abide the assaults, obtained truce, that they might send to king john for succour. Whilst this siege remained, king john went about the land, consuming with fire and sword the possessions of the Barons. Alexander king of Scots and the Barons of the north came to Canturburie unto jews. The king marched through Norfolk and Suffolk till he came to Lin, and appointing Saverice Radulphur Niger. Ralphe Cogshall . de Maulion to be Captain there, began to fortify the town: but here (as it is said) filling his belly too much, as he was thereto greatly given, he got a surfeyt, and therewithal fell into a lask, after his lask left him he was let blood at a town in Lindsey called Lafforde, belonging to the Bishop of Tho. R●dborne. Lincoln. Here also when the messengers of them that were besieged in Dover were come and had declared their case, the disease with grief conceived thereat increased: moreover, The king's treasure drowned. great sorrow oppressed him, for that in his journey he had lost the ornaments of his chapels, with other treasure and carriages at the passage of Welstreame, where many of his household servants were drowned in the water and quick sands, by reason they had unadvisedly entered Liber Bernewell. K. john died. before the tide was gone forth. His disease increasing, within few days he died in Newerke castle, which belonged to the said bishop of Lincoln, on the nineteen. of October, Anno. 1216. His servants spoiled all that he had there with him, & fled away, leaving not so much as would cover his dead carcase: but the Captain of that castle causing his Matthew Paris. Flores Historiarum. body to be bowelled (by the Abbot of Croxton, who had been th● king's Physician, both for the soul and body) provided for it so honourably as he might. He was buried in the Cathedral Church of Worcester. The English Chronicle printed by W. Caxton. Eulogi●●. William Caxton, and other, report that king john was poisoned by a white Monk of Swinsteede Abbay in Lincolnshire, for saying if he might live half a year, he would make a half penny loaf worth twenty shillings. To conclude, howsoever he died, certain it is that he reigned with trouble enough (as by the preemisses may appear) xvij. years. vj. months and odd days. He had issue two sons Henry & Richard, Issue of K. john. and three daughters, Isabel the Empress, Elinor Queen of Scots, and jane: he founded the Abbey of Boweley, in the new forest in Southamptonshire: he builded the Monastery of Farendon, and the Monastery Farendon, Hales Godstow, and Snaresbrough. Ex charta regia. 10. Rouse. of Hales Owen in Shropshire, he re-edified Godstowe, and Wroxhall, and increased the Chapel of Knarisborough. (⸪) ¶ King Henry the third HEnrie born at Winchester, the eldest son of john, of the age of ix. years, began Anno reg. 1. his reign the nineteen. of October, in the year. 1216. he was crowned at Gloucester on the xxviij. day of October, by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and jocelyne bishop of Bathe, in the presence of Walo the Legate, Silvester Bishop of Worcester, Ranulph Earl of Chester, William Martial earl of Penbroke, William earl Ferrer, john Marshal, Matthew Paris. and many other, being crowned remained in the custody of William Marshal Earl of Penbroke, by whose means all the nobles served King Henry much more faithfully than they had his father. Bennet Seinturer, William Bluntivers the. 28. Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. james Alderman, the. 28. of October, for part of the year, and Solomon Basing for the residue. jews took the Castles of Berkhamsteede and Heneforde, & 1217 after returned into France to fetch more succour, and at his return besieged Dover in vain: for the Barons of England, that had taken part with him, going to Lincoln with a great Liber Barnwel. army, were there taken on the xx. day of June, which misfortune Liber Col. S. Peter. Scala Crom. when jews understood, he raised his siege from Dover, and came to London, and shut up all the gates save one, but the Londoners at the coming of king Henry's host yielded the City to him, wherefore he confirmed all the liberties that the Londoners had or were meet to have: at length the barons of France with one Eustace le Moyne a great man of France, having prepared a navy of. lx. ships, set forward to come into England to th● aid of jews: but Hubert de Brugh Constable of Dover castle with a multitude of armed men and the ships of th● five Ports, met them on the Sea, where they slew Eustace their leader: there escaped but fifteen ships & all the other were taken and drowned. When jews heard this, he witted not what to do, whereupon compelled by necessity, he sued for peace: at length, the Legate, Bishops and nobles of England, meeting in an isle near unto Kingston, they had a treaty of peace together, where the said jews in presence of them all was released of the excommunication, and he renounced she Realm of England, and so peace was restored the thirteenth day of September. Jews returned Lewes returned. into France. From the benefit of the absolution and peace were exempted Bishops, Abbots, priors, and of all the clergy which had borne any favour or good will to jews and the Barons were all deprived from the benefices by the Legate. Hugh Bishop of Lincoln gave a thousand mark to the Pope, and an hundred mark to the Legate, whose example Anno reg. 2. many other did follow. Thomas Bokerel, Ralphe Elland, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Searle Mercer, the. 28. of October. Simon de Montfort died at th● siege of Tholouse, being hurt Lib. Barnewel. Gualters Coro. 1218 with the stroke of a stone. Randulph Earl of Chester, Sa●r de Quincie earl of Winchester, William de Albeneto Earl of Arundel, William earl Ferrer, with the Barons, Robert Fitz Walter▪ john Constable of Chester▪ and William Harcourt, with a great train took their journey toward jerusalem: Walo the Legate departed toward Rome, and Pandolph elected Bishop of Norwich succeeded Legate. Anno reg. 3 Sheriffs. Maior. 1216 Crom. ●●iter. Nicholas Trivet. Earl Martial died. Anno reg. 4. john viel: john le Spicer▪ the 28. of September. Searle Merce●, the▪ 28 of October. William Marshal the elder Earl of Penbroke, governor of the king's person and of the realm died, and was buryer at London in the New Temple, the xv. of april, after whose death the king was governed by Peter Bishop of Winchester. Richard Wimbledon: john viel the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. King Henry crowned. Searle Mercer, the 28. of October. King Henry was crowned at Westminster by Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canturbury▪ on the. xvij. day of May▪ Hubert de Burgo was made the king's chief Justice. The new work of our Lady's Chapel at Westminster New work of Westminster Strangers banished. was begun by king Henry. Proclamation was made, that all strangers should ●●oyde the realm, except such as came with Merchandise, and to make sale of them under the king's safeconduct. ranulph the third Earl of Chester, Lincoln, and Richmond, Castles of Chart lay and Bestrne builded. Abbey of Delacrosse. Annoreg. 5. Sheriffs. Maior. 1231 Nicho. Tre●▪ Antiq. Calend. in Bristollia and Lord of Little Britain came out of the holy land into England, and builded the Castles of Carteley, Bestone, and the Abbey of Delacrosse. Richard Renger: john viel, the 28. of Septemb. Searle Mercer, the 28. of October. The Friar Preachers, thirteen in number, were sent into England and having to their Prior▪ Gilbert de Fraxineto in company of better de Roche Bishop of Winchester, came to Canturbury, and there presenting themselves before the Archbishop Stephen, he commanded the said Prior t● preach before him, and liked him so well, that he ever a●●● loved their order. On Saint Laurence day they came to London, and so to Oxford on the day of the Assumption, in whose ho● or they builded an Oratory, and also those Schools which since were called Saint Oxwards' schools, in whose parish they took a place, and there for a time remained, and after that removed to the place without the walls, which the king assigned them. King Henry subdued the Welshmen which rebelled. The Noblemen granted to the king two Marks of 〈…〉 of every hide of land. Isabella the kings mother, without making her son or Nicho. Trivet. his Counsel privy to her purpose, went over into France, and there married with the Earl of March Hugh Bronne. King Henry gave his sister jane to Alexander k. of Scots, who married her at York and Hubert de Brugh married the king of Scots sister. William de Albeneto Earl of Arundel ●yed coming from the holy Land, who was conveyed into England and buried at Wimondham, a Priory of his foundation. Anno reg. 6 Sheriffs. Maior. 1222 Provincial Counsel. Radulphus Cog. Gual. Coven. Lib. Bermond. Richard Renger: Thomas Lambert, the 28. of Septemb. Searle Mercer, the 28. of October. A Provincial Counsel was holden at Oxford, by Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canturbury, and his Suffragan Bishops and others in the conventual Church of Osney xv. days after Easter, where were degraded a Priest & a Deacon, the Priest for homicide, the Deacon for sacrilege and theft committed. another Deacon offending more deeply, denied the profession of Christian Religion, and for the love he ●are fo a Jewish woman, caused himself to be circumcised, following the Jewish rites and customs: he was degraded, An Apotestate brent. A counterfeit Christ. and being left as a lay person and Apostata, was condemned and committed to the fire▪ by the servants of Falcatius, wherein he miserably ended his life. There was also a young man and two women brought before them, the young man would not come in any Church, nor be partaker of the Sacraments, but had suffered himself to be crucified, in whom th● scars of all the wounds were to be seen, in his hands, head, side, Radulphus Cog. & f●et, & he rejoiced to be called Jesus of these women & other. One of the women being old, was accused for be●●●▪ ching Radulphus Cog. Wal. Coventren. Nicholas Trives. the young man unto such madness, and also (altering her own name▪) procured hirself to be called Mary the mother of Christ. They being convict of these crimes and other, were adjudged to be closed up between two walls of stone, where they ended their lives in misery. The other woman Counterfeit Marie and Christ. being sister to the young man, was let go, because she reue●led the wicked fact. On Saint james day, the Citizens of London kept game● of defence and wrestling, near unto the Hospital of Matild, Wrestling. Matthew Paris. where they got the mastery of the men of the Suburbs. The Bailiff of Westminster devising to be revenged, proclaimed a game to be at Westminster upon Lammas day, whereunto the Citizens of London repaired, and when they had played a while, the bailie with the men of the suburbs harnessed themselves and fell to fight, that the Citizens being foully wounded, were forced to run into the City, where they rang the common Bel, and assembled the Citizens in great number, and when the matter was declared, every man wished to revenge the fact. The Mayor of the City being a wise man and a quiet, willed them first to move the Abbot of Westminster of the matter, and if he would promise to see amends made, it were sufficient: but a certain A tumult in London. Citizen named Constantine Fitz Arnul●e▪ willed that all houses of the Abbot and bailie should be pulled down, which word being once spoken, the common people issued out of the City without any order, and fought a civil battle: for Constantine the first pulled down many houses, and oft-times with a loud voice cried in praise of the said Constantine, the joy of the mountain, the joy of the mountain, God help and the Lord Lodowick. A few days after this tumult, the Abbot of Westminster Cro. D●n. Abbot of Westminster pat to his shifts. came to London to Philip Dawbney, one of the king's counsel, to complain of the injuries done to him, which the Londoners perceiving, beset the house about, and took by violence twelve of the Abbot's horses away, cruelly beating of his men, etc. But whiles the foresaid Daubney, laboured to pacify the uproar, the Abbot got out at a back door of the house, and so by a boat on the Thamis hardly escaped, the Citizens throwing stones after him in great abundance. These things being thus done, Hubert de Burgo, Justiciar Chief justice en tread the City of London with an army. of England, with a great army of men came to the Tower of London, and sent for the Mayor and Aldermen, of whom he inquired for the principal authors of this faction. Then Constantine, who was constant in the sedition, was more constant in the answer, affirming, that he had done it▪ and that he had done much less than he ought to have done. The Justiciar took him and two other with him, and in th● morning early sent them to Falcatius by water, with a great number of armed men, who brought Constantine to the gallows, Constantine with other hanged. and when he saw the rope about his neck, he offered for his life 15000. marks, but that would not save him: so he was hanged with Constantine his nephew, & Galfride, that proclaimed his proclamation on the sixteenth of August. Then the Justiciar entering the City with a great army, Matthew Paris. Feet & hands. of many cut of. caused to be apprehended as many as he could learn to be culpable, whose feet and hands he caused to be cut off, which cruelty caused many to flee the City. The King took of the Citizens 60. pledges, which he sent to divers Castles: he disposed the Mayor, appointing a Gardien or keeper over the City, and caused a great gibbet▪ to be made, and after heavy threatenings, the Citizens were reconciled, paying to the king many thousand Anno reg. 7 Tempests and dearth. marks. On holy Rode day was great Thunder and lightning throughout all England, and such great floods of water followed, with great winds and tempest, which continued till Candlemas, that the year following wheat was sold for xij. shillings the quarter. Richard Renger: Thomas Lambert, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Searle Mercer, the 28. of October. On Saint Andrew's day a great Thunder overthrew Great tempests. Churches, Castles, and houses, so that scantly any body escaped free from harm by this tempest. A Knight and his wife and eight men of his household, with the fall of his house were slain in Pilardestune a villedge of Warwickshire. In a Counsel holden at London the Archbishop of Canturburie 1223 and other the nobility and Barons of the Realm, required the king to confirm the liberties for the which the war was moved against his Father, and that himself at the departing of jews out of England: swore to observe where upon forthwith the King sent his letters to all the Sheriffs of the realm, commanding them to inquire by the oaths of twelve lawful men in every County, what liberties were in England in the time of King Henry his grandfather, and to send the inqusition so made to London fifteen days after Easter. john de Brennes king of jerusalem, and chief master of K. of jerusalem. the Hospital there, came into England, and required aid to win jerusalem, but he returned with small comfort. Leolyn Prince of Wales, founded the Castle of Mountgomerie, Tho. Wikes. and therewith certain Englishmen in despite of the King, attempted to constrain William marshal Earl of Penbroke, and other, to yield to them: but the whole Country Anno reg. 8. Sheriffs. Maior. 1224 Matthew Paris. rose in armour, and overcame them. john Travers: Andrew Bokerel, the. 28. of September. Richard Renger, the. 28. of October. The Earl of Chester and other, rose against the king, and his Justiciars, for the custodyes of the Castles and lands, which the King demanded of them. Wherefore the Archbishop of Canturburie and the Bishops excommunicated all the perturbers of the king and the Realm. The Earl of Chester and his complices, perceiving that the King had a greater number of men of arms than they, and also fearing the excommunication, came to the king at Northampton, yielding their castles & honours which appertained to the Crown. Then the king laid siege about the Ral. Cogshall. Bedford castle besieged. castle of bedford, that Falcatius had long kept by strength, which siege he continued by the space of eight weeks, and took the castle on the fifteenth of August, on which day he caused to be hanged to the number of 8●. men of arms and other soldiers, Falcatius de Brent, who was fled into Wales, hearing that the castle was taken, and his men slain: under the conduct of the bishop of Coventrie, came to bedford and fell at the king's feet, requiring mercy. The King delivered him to Eustace Bishop of London, and the Castle was made an heap of stones. There was granted to the King throughout England two shillings for every carucat of land. Caruage granted Grey Friars. Registrum fratrumminoram. The friars Minours first arrived at Dover nine in number, five of them remained at Canturburie, and did there build the first Covent of Fries Minours that ever was in England: the other four came to London, and lodged at the preaching Friars the space of fifteen days, and then hired an house in Cornhill, of john Travers one of that Sheriffs, they builded there little Cells wherein they inhabited. The devotion of the Citizens towards them, and also the multitude of Friars so increased, that they were by the Citizens removed to a place in Saint Nicholas Shambles, which john Iwyn Citizen and Mercer of London appropriated unto the communalty of the City, to the use of the said Friars, and became himself a lay brother. Anno reg. 9 William joynar builded their choir, Henry Wales sometime Mayor of London, the body of the Church: Walter Potter Alderman, the Chapterhouse: Gregory Roksle the Dortar: Barthelmew of the castle made the Refertorie. This year the King granted to the communalty of the the City of London, to have a common seal. john Travers: Andrew Bokerel, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1225 Fifteen, Great charter confirmed. Richard Renger, the. 28. of October. The xv. part of all men's goods movable within th● realm, as well of the Clergy as of the laity, was granted to the King to aid him in his right beyond the Seas, and the king granted to the Barons and people, the liberties which they long time had sued for: he caused charters to be made, and sent into every Country twain, one of the common Liberties, and the other of the Forest. Richard the king's brother, and his uncle William Earl Gascoin subdued. Anno reg. 10. of Salisbury and many other, were sent into Gascoigne, who subdued the same, and recovered poitiers. Roger Duke: Martin Fitz William, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1226 Free warren free toll. Anno reg. 11 Richard Renger, the. 28. of October. The King granted to the Citizens of London free warren, that is to say, free liberty to hunt a certain circuit about the City. And also that the Citizens of London should pass toll free throughout all England, and that all wears in Thamis should be plucked up and destroyed for ever. Roger Duke: Martin Fitz William, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1227 Richard Renger, the 28. of October. The King blaming the Citizens of London, because they had given to jews the French King (now deceased) at his departure out of England. 500 marks, he compelled them to pay the like sum to him, beside the, xv. part of their movables: and of the burgesses of Northampton he took 1200. marks. In a Counsel at Oxford, the King proclaimed, that Charters canceled. for as much as he was now of lawful age, he would rule himself at his pleasure, and forthwith made all the charter of the Liberties & Forests to be frustrate, alleging, that they were granted whiles he was under ward of other, and had not power of his own body: so it followed, that who so would enjoy the liberties afore granted, must renew their charters of the kings new seal, with such a price as the Justiciar awarded them. Richard the King's brother returned into England, & was made Earl of Cornewal at Westminster, Hubert de Burgo was made Earl of Kent. Shortly after the Barons declared unto the king, that except he would restore the Charter of liberties of the Forest, which lately he had canceled at Oxford, they would compel him by the sword. Anno reg. 12 Sheriffs. Maior. 1228 Anno reg. 13 Stephen Bokerel. Henry Cocham the. 28. of September. Roger Duke the. 28. of October: The King corrected the measures and weights, and made them bigger. In the Summer was often great thunder and lightning, which brent many houses, and slew both men and beasts. Stephen bokerel. Henry Cocham the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1229 Anno reg. 14 Roger Duke the. 28. of October. Robert Lingham Bishop of Salisbury, by the King's help, prosecuted the building of the new Church at Salisbuburie, which his predecessor Richard did translate. William Winchester. Robert Fitz john the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. 1230 Matthew Paris. Darkness in Paul's Church. Roger Duke the. 28. of October. Upon the day of Saint Paul's Conuersition, when Roger Niger Bishop of London was at Mass in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, a great multitude of people being there, suddenly the weather waxed dark, that one could scantly see another in the Church, and suddenly an horrible Thunder clap lighted on the Church, that the same was shaken as though it should have fallen, and out of a dark cloud came such lightning, that all the Church seemed to be on fire, and such a stink that all men thought they should have died. thousands of men and women ran out of the Church, and being astonished, fell upon the ground void of all understanding, none of all the multitude tarried in the Church, save the Bishop and one Deacon, which stood still at the high Altar awaiting the will of God. Anno reg. 15 King Henry with a great army sailed into Britain, where after spoiling the Country, a peace was concluded. Anno reg. 15 john Bever. Sheriffs. Maior. 1231 Gilbert of Clare Earl of Gloucester, died in Britain. Richard Walter: john of Woborne, the. 28. of September. Roger Duke, the. 28. of October. Richard the King's brother married Isabel Countess of Gloucester, late wife to Gilbert Earl of Gloucester lately deceased, and sister to William Marshal Earl of Penbroke: and the marriage being scantly finished, the said William died, and was buried in the new Temple at London by his father. His brother Richard succeeded him in the Earldom. Leolin Prince of Wales, spoiled the lands of the Barons Nicho. Trivet. Anno reg. 16 that were on the borders of Wales wherefore the king gathered a great power at Oxford, and went against the Walshmen, and builded the Castle of Matilde, which before had been destroyed. The Jews builded a synagogue at London very curiously, jews sin●goge john Shepeshed. but the Christians obtained of the king that it should be dedicated to our blessed Lady. Michael of Saint Helen: Walter de Buffel, the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. 12●2 Andrew Bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. Ranulph Earl of Chester and Lincoln died at Walingford, and was buried at Chester. Through many complaints made against Hubert de Burgo, chief Justice of England, the said Hubert fled to the Chapel of Brendwood in Essex, where he was taken, and the king sent him to the tower of London. The morrow after Saint Martin's day began Thunders very horrible, which lasted xv. days. Great harm was done in London, by fire which began first in the house of David jonet Lombard. Historia A●rea. Anno reg. 17 Ela Countess of Salisbury widow, founded the Monastery of Canons at Lacok in Wiltshire, for William Longspeye her late husband and William their son and heir. Henry of Edmonton. Gerard Bat. the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Andrew Bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. The King removed all his officers and counsellors, as 1233 pictavians placed about the King Matthew Paris. The likeness of five Suns. well Bishops as Earls and Barons, and sent for pictavians, whom he retained into his service, and committed to them the keeping of the Castles and his treasures. The seven. of April there appeared as it were four suns beside the natural sun, of a red colour, and a great Circle of Crystal colour, from the sides whereof went out half circles, in the divisions whereof, the four Suns went forth. There followed that year great war and cruel bloudesheds, and generally great disturbance throughout England, Wales, and Ireland. In the month of June in the South part of England by Dragons. the Sea cost were seen two great Dragons in the air, flying and fight together an whole day, the one chase the other to the deep Sea, and then were no more seen. The King being at Oxford, Robert Bacon openly preached Robert an I Roger Bacon. against Peter bishop of Winchester, for that he evilly counseled the king to spoil the Realm with pictavians. Also Roger Bacon his brother both earnestly and pithelye persuaded the king to leave the counsel of the said Peter. Also the Barons sent messengers to the king, requesting th● The Barons threat the King. he would put from him Peter Bishop of Winchester and the pictavians, or else they would depose him from his kingdom, and create a new. The King builded a fair Church and many houses adjoining House of converts. thereunto in the City of London, not far from the Old Temple: In the which house all the Jews and Infidels that did convert to the faith of Christ might have under an honest rule of life sufficient living, whereby it came to pass that in short time there was gathered a great number of Conuertes, which were baptized and instructed in the laws of Christ, and did live laudably under a learned man appointed to govern them. He also builded Hospital at Oxford. Histo. Aurea. Anno reg. 18 Io. Rouse. the Hospital of Saint john without the East gate of Oxford for sick folk and strangers to be relieved in. Simon Fitz Marie. Roger Blunt. the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Andrew bokerel Peperer: the. 28. of October. Richard Marshal and Leolyne Prince of North-wales, with a great force invaded the King's lands, and destroyed the 1234 Salisbury brent same with fire and sword, from the coasts of Wales to Salisbury, which town also they set a fire. By the persuasion of Edmund Archbishop of Canturburie, the king commanded Peter Bishop of Winchester to go to his Bishopric, and also expulsed all the pictavians into their own Country, and The Pictaulans expelled. making peace with Richard Martial and Lewyn Prince of Walls, he called again his natural subjects and submitted himself to their counsel. Richard Marshal in Ireland raising a war there, by Geffrey Nicholas Trivet . de Marisco, was slain and buried at Kilkeny, Gilbert his brother succeeded him in the Earldom. This year was a great dearth and pestilence so that many Matthew Paris. Covetous Archbishop. poor folk died for want of victuals, and the rich men were stricken with covetousness th● they would not reticue them, amongst whom is to be noted, Walter Gray archbishop of York, whose corn being five years old, doubting the same to be destroyed by vermin, commanded to deliver it to the husband men that dwelt in his manors, upon condition to pay as much new corn after harvest, and would give none to the poor for gods sake. And it fortuned that when men came to a great stack of corn neygh the town of Ripon belonging to the said Archbishop, there Corn full of vermin. appeared in the sheaves all over the heads of Worms, Serpents and Toads, and a voice was heard out of the Corn mow saying, lay no hands on the Corn for the archbishop and all that he hath is the devils, to be short, the Bailiffs were forced to build an high Wall round about the corn, and then to set it on fire, least the venomous Worms should have gone out and poisoned the Corn in other Anno reg. 19 places. Ralph Ashwe. john Norman the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1235 Andrew bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. The Jews at Norwich stolen a boy, and circumsised him, minding to have crucified him at Easter, for the which fact they were convicted both bodies and goods at the King's pleasure. Fredrick the Emperor married Isabella the king's sister. Walter Brune a Citizen of London, and Rosia his wife, Saint Mary Spittle. Anno reg. 20 founded the Hospital of our Lady without Bishop's gate of London, a house of such great relief to the needy, that there was found standing at the suppression 180. beds for the poor. Gerard Bat. Robert Hardell the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1236 Matthew Paris. Histo. Aurea. Wil Packington. Andrew bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. King Henry took to wife Elinor, daughter to Raymond Earl of Province, she was married at Canturburie, and crowned at Westminster the twentieth day of January. To this Coronation resorted so great a number of all estates, that the City of London was scarce able to receive them. The City was adorned with Silks, and in the night with Lamps, Cressets, & other lights, without number, besides many Pagentes, and strange devices which were showed. The Citizens road to meet the King and Queen, being clothed in long garments, embroidered about with gold and silk of divers colours: their Horses finely trapped in array, to the number of 360. every man bearing golden or silver cups in their hands, and the King's Trumpeters before them sounding. The Archbishop of Canturburie did execute the office of Coronation. The Citizens of London The Citizens of London Butlers. did minister Wine as Butlers. The Citizens of Winchester took charge of the Kitchen, and other Citizens attended their charges. joane the King's sister, wife to Lewlin Prince of Wales died at Havering in Essex, and was buried at Tarent in Dorset. About this time fell such abundance of rain the space High Water. of two months, that the Thamis overflowed the banks, so that in the great Palace of Westminster men did row with wherries in the midst of the Hall, and they road on Horseback to their Chambers. A Parliament at Marton, wherein was made the Statutes Anno reg. 21 Statutes of Marton. Sheriffs. Maior. 1237 of Marton. Henry Cocham: jordan of Coventry, the 28. of Septem. Andrew bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. By the King's procurement, Octobon a Cardinal came into England as Legate from the Pope the second day of July. This year passed a stormy and troublesome weather, and very unhealthful, so that no man could remember that ever so many folks were sick of the ague. john Scot last Earl of Gloucester deceased, and the Country Anno reg. 22 Nic. Trivet. john Bever. Sheriffs. Maior. returned to the King for lack of heirs. john Tolason: Geruas' the Cordewenor, the 28. of Sept. Andrew bokerel Peperer, the 28. of October. Simon de Mountfort, son to Simon Earl of Mountford, for doubt that Queen Blanch, mother to the French King was offended with him, fled into England, and was made Earl of Leycester, and Steward of England, by King Henry, and had the King's sister Elinor, widow of William Nicholas Trivet. Io. Beverla . Martial given him to wife. Octobone being lodged in the Abbey of Osney, the Scholars 1238 Matthew Paris. Ypodigma. Legate put to his shifts. of Oxford slew his master Cook, who was also the Legates brother, and the Legate for fear gate him into the Steeple of the Church, where he held him till the king's officers coming from Abingdon, conveyed him to Wallingford, where he accursed the misdoers. Odo de Kilkenny, as standardbearer of the Scholars, was taken with twelve other, and cast in prison, and long after went from Saint Paul's Church in London to the Legates Scholars did penance at London. john Bever. house (which was Durham place) ungirded, without gown, bareheaded and barefooted, whereby they asked him forgiveness, and then the Legate restored them to their University. A Scholar of Oxford feigning himself mad, enterprised to have slain the King in his Chamber at Wodstocke: King in dargel. Anno reg. 23 but he was taken, and after long imprisonment, plucked in pieces with Horses at Coventrie. john Coders: john de Wilehale, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Nicho. Trivet. 1229 Richard Renger, the 28. of October. Simon de Mountfort, whom the King had made Earl of Leycester (after he had agreed with his elder brother Earl Almericus for the same Earldom) being also Steward of Gascoine, induced the King of England to recognize, that he would hold of the King of France the land of the Baseles, the chief Town whereof is Bayon, and was in times past a Kingdom of itself, and so by acknowledging to be of the fee of the King of France, excluded the King of Castille, who challenged the said fee to belong to the King of Spain. The Tower of London was fortified, which the Citizens Matthew Paris. Tower of London. fearing lest it were done to their▪ detriment, complained to the King, who answered that he had not done it to their hurt, but (saith he) I will from henceforth do as my brother Ypodigma. Anno reg. 24 doth, in building and fortifying of Castles, who beareth the name to be wiser than I am. Queen Elinor bore a son named Edward at Westminster, the 22. day of June. Roger Bongye: Ralph Ashwye, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1240 William joiner, the 28. of October. Richard Earl of Cornwall, the King's brother, took his journey towards jerusalem, with many other noble men of England. Upon Saint George's night, the stone gate and bulwark Matthew Paris. which the King had caused to be builded by the Tower Bulwark by the Tower. of London, was shaken with an Earthquake, and fell down, but the King commanded the same to be builded again, stronger than before. Lewlin Prince of Wales deceased, and then betwixt his bastard son Griffin, & his legitimate son David, nephew to the K. of England by his sister, great & grievous destruction rose for the principality, but at length Griffin being taken of his brother, was committed to prison. Many strange and great Fishes came ashore, whereof xj. were Sea Bulls, and one of huge bigness passed up the Monstrous Fishes. River of Thamis, through the Bridge at London unhurt, till he came as far as the King's house at Mortlake, where he was killed. Aldermen chosen in London, which had the rule of the Wards of the City, but were every year changed. Anno reg. 25 Aldermen in London. Sheriffs. Maior. 1241 john Gifers. Michael Tony the 28. of September. Gerard Bat the 28. of October. The Jews were constrained to pay twenty thousand Marks at two terms in the year, or else to be kept in perpetual prison. Gilbert Martial Earl of Penbroke, died without the Town of Hereford, being bruised in Turneament, and was john Bever. buried at London in the new Temple. Walter his brother hardly obtained the Earldom, because he procured that Turneament, contrary to the Kings will and pleasure. This Walter dying without issue, his heritage was divided Nic. Trivet. betwixt the sons of his five sisters. The walls and Bulwarks that were newly builded about the Tower of London (in the building whereof, the Bulwarks by the Tower. Matthew Paris. King had bestowed more than twelve thousand Marks) were again unrecoverably thrown down as it were with an Earthquake, for which chance the Citizens of London nothing sorry, were much amazed, for they were threatened, that the said walls and bulwarks were builded in despite of them, to the end that if any of them would presume to contend for the Liberties of the City, they might there be imprisoned, and to the end that many might be Anno reg. 26 laid in divers prisons, many lodgings were made there, that no one should speak with another. john viel. Thomas Duresme the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1242 Nic. Trivet. Ypodigma. Roger Bongey the 28. of October. King Henry with a great army sailed into Normandy, purposing to recover poitiers, Guine, and other Countries, but after many bickerings, to the loss of Englishmen, he treated a peace. Elinor, daughter to Geffrey Earl of Briteyne, and sister to Arthure, ended her life prisoner in the Castle of Bristol. john Fitz john: Ralph Ashwye, the 28. of September. Anno reg. 27 Sheriffs. Maior. Roger Bongey, the 28. of October. Hugo de Albeneto Earl of Arundel died, and his inheritance was divided among four sisters Also Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent died at his Manor of Banstede, and was buried in the Church of the friars Preachers at London, unto the which Church he gave his noble Palace at Matthew Paris. Westminster, which afterwards the Archbishop of York bought of them, and made it his Inn, since commonly called York place, now White Hall. The Thamis overflowed the banks about Lambeth, and 1243 Great floods. drowned houses and fields, the space of six miles, and in the great Hall at Westminster men took their Horsebackes, because the waters ran over all. Anno reg. 28 Richard Earl of Cornwall married the third daughter of the Earl of Provence. Hugh Blunt: Adam Basing, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1244 Miserable death of Griffin. Matthew Paris. Ralph Ashnye Peperer, the 28. of October. Griffyne the eldest son of Leolin Prince of North-wales, which was kept prisoner in the Tower of London, devised subtly how to escape: wherefore one night having deceived the Watch, made of the hangings, sheeets, towels etc. a long line, and put himself down from the top of the Tower: but as he was sliding a good pace, with the weight of his body, being a very big man and a fat, the rope broke, and he fell on his neck, whose miserable carcase in the morning being found by the Tower wall, was a pitiful sight to the beholders, for his head and neck were driven into his breast between the shoulders, the King hearing thereof, punished the watchmen, and caused Griffins son th● was imprisoned with his Father to be more straightly kept. The King took of the Citizens of London 1500. Marks, for that they had received into their City again Walter bokerel, who had been banished twenty years, notwithstanding the Citizens had proved that before that time the said Walter and his brother Andrew by their suit to the King, had gotten him to be reconciled and restored to the King's favour. Robert Grosted Bishop of Lincoln, with other Robert Grosted. Anno reg. 29. Prelates, complained to the King of the waste made of the Church goods, by alien Bishops and clerk of this land, where upon they were shortly voided. Ralph Foster: Nicholas Bat, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1245 Anno reg. 30 Michael Tonny, the 28. of October. Queen Elinor brought forth a son named Edmond. The King enlarged the Church of Saint peter's in Westminster, pulling down the old walls and steeple, and caused them to be made more comely. Robert Ros being made a Templar, died, and was buried at London in the new Temple. Robert of Cornhill: Adam of Bentley, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. 1246 john Gisers Peperer, the 28 of October. In the Diocese of Lincoln, there was a woman of noble birth, well-favoured and beautiful, which was married to a rich man, and did bear him children, she also got another monstrous. Anno reg. 31 Gentlewoman with child, and begat three sons of her one after another, or ever it was known: the women's names were Havisia, and Lucia. Harold King of Man was made Knight at London. Simon Fitz Meger: Laurence Frowike, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. 1247 Queen Hive. Customs of London. john Gisers Peperer, the 28. of October. King Henry let to firm the Queenehive in London to john Gisers, than Mayor, and his successors and commonalty of London for ever, for the sum of fifty pound the year, to be paid at two payments, at Clarkenwell. Dated at Windesore the xxxj. of his reign. The Church of Saint Mildred in Canturburie, and a great Ger. Dorobor. part of that City was brent. A great Earthquake was in many places, especially at Earthquake. London about the banks of the Thamis. The Coin was so sore clipped, that it was thought good Coin base. to change the same, and make it base. A great plague was in England, so that in September, Pestilence. Matthew Pari●. there was every day nine or ten buried in the Churchyard of Saint Peter at Saint Albon. Elinor, Sister to Arthure Duke of Briteyne, was buried Anno reg. 32 W●l Wasion. Sheriffs. Maior. 1248 at Ambresburie, among the Nuns. john viel: Nicholas Bat, the 28. of September. Peter Fitz Alwyne, the 28. of October. By reason of the embasing of the Coin, a great penury followed. Robert Bacon preaching Friar, deceased at Oxford. The King required a great aid of money which was denied him, whereby (through counsel) he was forced to The King selleth his jev. vels. sell his plate and Jewels to the Citizens of London. The Town of Newcastle upon Tine, was burned, bridge Earthquake. and all. By a strange Earthquake, the tops of houses were Anno reg. 33 thrown down, walls did cleave, the heads of attorneys and Towers were shaken, but the bodies and foundations did not move. Nicholas Fitz josey: Ge●●rey Winchester, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. 1249 Matthew Paris. A Mart at Westminster. Michael Tonney, the 28. of October. The King devising how to exact money from the Citizens of London, made a mart at Westminster to last fifteen days, and commanded that all trade of Merchandise should cease in the City those fifteen days, which the Citizens were fain to redeem with two thousand pounds. Besides this, the King took victuals and wine, wherein could be found and paid nothing for it. Two Merchants of Brabant complained to the King at Matthew Paris. Strangers rob, and Pirates hanged. Winchester, that they had been rob by men of that Country, who had taken from them to the value of two hundred marks, which thieves they had seen in the Court, whereupon such as were suspected, were taken to be tried by the Country, but the Country purged them by oath, because they were for the most part all infected and given to thievery▪ but the merchants continuing their suit to the King, said, that if they could not have justice, they would stay so much of English merchants goods in Brabant. Then the King caused twelve men of Winchester to be chosen, who also did quit them that were accused, which thing when the King did see, he caused those twelve to be imprisoned, and swore, that in short space they should be hanged as thieves accessary and perjured, and caused other twelve to be empaneled, which last quest found and confessed all, and appeached many, especially of Hamshire, which were hanged. Great dissension arose in Cambridge betwixt the Scholars Discord at Cambridge. and Townsmen, so that houses were broken down and spoiled, and many men wounded and slain. In the month of June fell great reins, especially about Anno reg. 34 Abingdon, which carried away many trees, houses, beasts, mills, bridges, and one Chapel, not far from Abingdon. Richard Hardell: john Thollason, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1250 Matthew Paris. Roger Fitz Roger, the 28. of October. The Friars Augustine's began to inhabit at Wales at Wodhouse. Boniface Archbishop of Canturburie in his visitation Matthew Paris. came to the Priory of Saint Barthelmew in Smithfielde, where being received with Procession in most solemn wise, he said he passed not upon the honour, but came to visit them, unto whom the Canons answered, that they having a learned Bishop, ought not in contempt of him to Archbishop of Canturbury visiteth Saint Barthelmewes in Smithfield, beateth the Supprior and cannons. etc. be visited by any other, which answer so much misliked the Archbishop, that he forthwith fell on the Subprior, and smote him on the face with his fist, saying, indeed, indeed, doth it become you English Traitors so to answer me? Thus raging with oaths not to be recited, he rend in pieces the rich Cope of the Subprior, trod it under feet, and thrust him against a Pillar of the chancel, that he had almost killed him, but the Canons seeing, that their Subprior was almost dead, they ran and plucked off the Archbishop with such a violence, that they overthrew him backwards, whereby they might see that he was armed and prepared to fight. The Archbishop's men seeing their master down (being all Strangers, and their masters countrymen borne in Provence) fell upon the Canons, beat them, tore them, and trod them under their feet: at length the Canons getting away as well as they could, ran bloody and miry, rend and torn, to the Bishop of London, to complain, who bade them go to the King at Westminster, and tell him thereof: whereupon four of them went thither, the rest were not able they were so sore hurt: but when they came at Westminster, the King would neither hear nor see them, so they returned without redress. In the mean season the whole City was in an uproar, and ready to have rung the common bell, and to have hewed the Archbishop into small pieces, but he was secretly got away to Lambeth. The Friars of the order of Preachers through Christendom, and from Jerusalem, were by a common convocation assembled together at their house in Holborn by London, to entreat of their estate, to the number of four hundredth. The King taking inestimable sums of money of all the rich men in his Realm, took of one Aaron a Jew borne in York 14000. marks for himself, and 10000 marks for English jews. A mark of gold or of silver, was eight ounces. the Queen, and before he had taken of the same Jew so much as amounted altogether to 30000. marks of Silver, and two hundred marks of gold to the Queen. In October the Sea flowing twice without ebb, made Tempests. so horrible a noise, that it was heard a great way into the land. Besides this, in a dark night, the sea seemed to be on a light fire, and the waves to fight one with another, so that the Mariners were not able to save their Ships: and to omit to speak of other, in one Haven called Hureburne, besides small vessels, three noble and famous Ships were swallowed up of the waves. And at Winchelsea, besides cottages Winchelsea drowned. for salt, & fishermen's houses, bridges & mills, above 300. houses in that Town, with certain Churches, through the violent rising of the Sea, were drowned. A great Earthquake at Saint Albon on Saint Lucy's day. Anno reg. 35 Sheriffs. Maior. 1251 Mayor of London sworn. Anno reg. 36 Humphrey Bea: William Fitz Richard, the 28. of Septem. john Norman, the 28. of October. King Henry granted, that where before time the Citizens of London did present their Mayor before the King wheresoever he were, & so to be admitted, now he should come only before the Barons of the Exchequer, & they should admit him. Laurence Frowike: Nicholas Bat, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Adam Basing, the 28. of October. A great drought from Easter to Michaelmas, for from the first of March, till the Assumption of our Lady, there fell Nicho. Trivet. not so much as one drop of rain. The Shepherds of France & England took their journey towards the holy land, 1252 Shepherds assembled. W. Packington. Anno reg. 37 Sheriffs. Maior. 1253 john Taxtor. to the number of 30000. but their number vanished in short time. King Henry made Alexander King of Scots Knight at York, and gave him his daughter Margaret to wife. William Durham: Thomas Wymborne, the 28. of Sept. john Toloson Draper, the 28. of October. The King took 40. s. of every knights fee, to make his eldest son knight. He purchased the tenths of all spiritual livings at the Pope's hands for five years, as it had been in aid of the holy land, but in deed it was to make his son Edmond King of Naples and Sicill. The Liberties of London were seized by the means of Richard Earl of Cornewal, who charged the Mayor that he looked not to the Bakers for Liberties of London seized. their sises of bread, so that the City was forced to please the Earl with 600. marks, and were restored. The King imprisoned the Sheriffs of London in the Tower a month and more, and after deposed them of their office, because of the escape of john Offrom that was under their ward in Newgate, for the death of a Prior that was the King's ally. Ypodigma. A great Flood happened in Holland, Lindsey, and Holdernes, Great flood. Anno reg. 38 Countries of England, the tenth of October; which came unto Alnigham, where through, a great portion of land, with houses and people were drowned. Robert Grosted Bishop Robert Grostede. of Lincoln, in Greek, Latin, and other languages, did by an Epistle reprove Pope Innocent, affirming, that the Nicholas Trivet. W. Sheepeshed. Preaching Friars, & minorite Friars were infected with heresies. This Robert Grostede borne in Suffolk, this year deceased: he gave all his books to the friars Minors at Oxford▪ john Northampton: Richard Pickard, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. 1254 Edward prince of Wales. Richard Hardell Draper, the 28▪ of October. Edward that King's eldest son wedded the King's daughter of Spain Elinor: his father gave him the Earldom of Chester, and the governance of Guienne and Ireland. The Bishop of Hereford in the Court of Rome, feigning himself procurator for the Clergy of England, bound the small houses of Religion in 100 or 200. marks the piece, Rodul. de Diceto. the greater houses in 300. or 500 marks the piece. Saint Edmondsburie was bound in 700 marks, to be paid to certain Taxtor; Anno reg. 39 Merchant strangers, and all this money was collected to expulse Manfred out of Naples. Ralph Ashwye: Robert of Limon, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1255 Matthew Paris. Anno reg. 40 Sarazens hanged. Nicholas Trivet. Richard Hardell Draper, the 28. of October. Cxlij. Jews were brought to Westminster, which were accused of the crucifying of a child named Hugh at Lincoln, xviij. of them were drawn through the streets at Lincoln, and after hanged, the other remained long prisoners. The Earls & Barons of England, with assent of the Prelates, caused proclamation to be made through all England, that the Charters of liberties & forests should be kept: & at their instance, Boniface Archbishop of Canturbury accursed all those that should break them. Lewlin Prince of Wales, gathering a mighty ●and of men, invaded Cheshire, which the King had lately given to his son Edward, and destroyed all things with fire & sword, till he came to the gates of the City of Chester, to repress whose violence, a valiant & famous Knight called Stephen Bancan was sent of the K. with an army, who entering the lands of a noble man of Wales called Rise, surnamed Vaughan, the is, little, being circumvented & beset of his enemies in marish grounds, was slain, the remnant of his army likewise either slain, or taken alive, & put in bands, few excepted that escaped by flight. Stephen Do: Henry Walmond, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1256 Anno reg. 41 Richard Hardell Draper, the 28. of October. The Mayor and divers Aldermen of London, and the Sheriffs, were deprived of their offices, and the governance of the City committed to other. The new work of S. Paul's Church in London, was begun. Michael bokerel: john the Minor, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1257 Tpodigma. Richard Hardell Draper, the 28. of October. Hugh Bigot chief Justice of England, & Roger Thurkelby kept their Courts in the Guild Hall of London, and punished the Bakers upon the Tomberell, and did many other things against the laws of the City. Richard Earl of Cornwall went over into Almaigne, and was there Crowned King of Almaigne at Aquisgrayne. King of Almaigne. The sixth day of July fell such abundance of rain, that many houses, bridges, and trees were borne down. The Bridges borne down. Taxtor. Walls of London repaired. Anno reg. 42 Sheriffs. Maior. 1258 King caused the walls of the City of London, which were sore decayed, and destitute of Bulwarks, to be repaired in more seemly wise than afore they had been. Richard Owell: William Ashwye, the 28. of September. Richard Hardell Draper, the 28. of October. For so much as the King had oftentimes promised the restitution of certain ancient laws which he never performed, the Lords murmuring against him, held a Parliament at Oxford, which was after called the mad Parliament, because many things were there enacted, which turned Mad Parliament. Tpodigma. twelve Peers. to the death of many nobles. In confirmation of these acts were chosen twelve Peers, which had authority to correct the breakers of them, the King his brethren, the noble men and Barons, taking their oath to see the same observed. Shortly after, they banished William of Valence, Galfrede, Strangers banished. Gwydon, and Aylmer the elect of Winchester, all four brethren to the King on the mother's side, and other strangers. Great dearth followed the wet year passed. A Quarter Dearth of Corne. of Wheat was sold for fifteen Shillings, and twenty Shillings, but the worst was, there could be none found for money, wherethrough many poor people were constrained to eat Horse flesh, and barks of trees, but many starved Cro. ●ouesham. for want of food twenty thousand in London as it was said. A jew at Tewkesburie fell into a privy upon the Saturday, A jew drowned. and would not for reverence of his Sabbath be plucked out, wherefore Richard of Clare Earl of Gloucester, kept him there till Monday, at which time he was found Anno reg. 43 Ex record. Tho. W●ke●. dead. Richard Clare Earl of Gloucester died, and also his brother William by poison as was thought. Robert Cernehull: john Adrien, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1259 A ●u●ke more. Richard Hardell Draper, the 28. of October. The King commanded a general assembly at Paul's Cross in London, where he in proper person commanded the Mayor, that the next day following, he should cause to be sworn before the Aldermen, every stripling of twelve Oath to the King. years of age or upwards, to be true to the King and his heirs Kings of England, and that the Gates of the City should be kept with harnessed men. Two Romans striving for prebends in Paul's Church Anno reg. 44 at London, the one killed the other there. john Adrian: Robert Cornhill, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1260 john Gysors' Peperer▪ the 28. of October. john Duke of Briteine married Beatrice, King Henry the thirds daughter, and was made Knight, and with him Baldwine Earl of the Isle of Wight. This year was Sir Hugh Dispenser made chief Justice Hugh Bigot chief justice. Will Packington. of England, and Nicholas of Ely Chancellor to the King, and the Abbot of Peterborow treasurer of the Exchequer, by ordinance of the Barons. The King repenting that he had at Oxford granted such large Laws and Liberties to the Nobles and people of the Realm, by counsel of Edward his son, and Richard his brother, he sent to the Court of Rome to be absolved of his oath. The Barons and Nobles of the Realm, held a Parliament. Parliament at London in the new Temple, and the King held himself in the Tower of London. Reignold de Moun, Earl of Somerset & Lord of Dunstere Anno reg. 45 Newham. founded the Abbey of Newham in Devonshire. Adam Browning: Henry Coventry, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. 1261 King Henry absolved. William Fitz Richard, the 28. of October. King Henry published at Paul's Cross the Pope's abslution for him and all his that were sworn to maintain the articles made in the Parliament at Oxford, and then he with the Queen sailed into France, to make a final concord between him, and the King of France for Normandy, where the composition was, that Normandy should remain to the French King, paying to the King of England and his 3000. pound sterling. Anno. reg. 46 Sheriffs. Maior. 1262 The Barons in armour. heirs yearly thirty thousand pounds Turnoys, which is 3000. pound sterling. john Northampton: Richard Pickard, the 28. of Septem. William Fitz Richard, the 28. of October. The Barons of England (Simon de Mountfort being their chief) armed themselves against the King, & all this year hovered about London, and other places, without any notable act of Rebellion, saving that they rob aliens, and such other persons as they knew to be against their purpose, especially they slew the jews in all places. There was slain jews at London to the number of 700. the rest jews spoiled for Usury. were spoiled, & their synagogue defaced, because one jew would have forced a Christian man to have paid more than two pence for the Usury of twenty Shillings a week. Richard of Clare Earl of Gloucester, son of Gilbert of Clare, Wil Packington. Anno reg. 47 being with King Henry in France, deceased, & was buried at Tewkesburie, and Gilbert his son succeeded him. john Taylor: Richard Walbroke, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1263 Macy a French man Connestable of Gloucester. Robert of Glocest. Thomas Fitz Thomas, Fitz Richard, the 28. of October. Sir Macy de Bescile, a Frenchman, was by the King made Sheriff and Connestable of Gloucester, wherewith the Barons being offended, they chose to be Sheriff and placed there a Knight of that Country called Sir William Tracy, which Sir William keeping Court upon a day in the Town of Gloucester, Macy the Frenchman, with a number of armed men came suddenly upon him, drew him to the ground, and so to the castle, and cast him in prison, whereof when the Barons understood, they sent Roger Clifford, and Sir john Gifford with a great power to Gloucester, who besieging the Castle, Gloucester castle taken by the Barons. brent the bridge, and entered at the last, where they took the said Macy, with all his company, and for that a Carpenter from the Castle with a quarrel, had slain an Esquire of the Baron's party, Sir john Gifford made the same Carpenter to leap from the top of the Castle, wherethrough he was crushed to death, Sir Roger Clifford took the keeping of that Castle upon him, and sent Macy into the March, Sir john Gifford took all Macies goods at Sherestone, and elsewhere. Peter de Egblonuch a Frenchman, Bishop of Hereford, Bishop of Hereford a French man. was drawn out of his Cathedral Church by Thomas Turberuill, and other, and sent to the castle of Erdesley, where he and Sir Macy were both committed to safe ward: his treasure was spoiled, and his Canons sent to prison: and thus were Frenchmen served through the Land where they mought be found, by them that were on the Baron's part. Simon de Mountfort with the Barons, pitched their Tents in Istleworth Park. The Manor of Istleworth belonging Tho. Wikes. to Richard King of Almaigne, was burnt by th● Londoners. They also burned another house of his near to Westminster. In this mean while, the King and Queen remained The Queen chased. Nicho. Trivet. in the Tower of London, and when th● Queen would have gone by water unto Windesore, the Londoners getting them to the Bridge in great numbers, under the which she must pass, cried out on her, using many vile and reproachful words, threw dirt and stones at her, that she was constrained to return again to the Tower. The Citizens fortified the City with iron Chains, drawn overthwart their Streets of London chained. Annals of Hyde. streets, munited the City, and did marvelous things. There was a peace concluded betwixt the King, and the Barons, with these conditions, that Henry, son to the King of Almaigne, that took the Baron's part, and was in prison, should be delivered, that all the King's Castles through England should be put into the Baron's hands, that the provisions of Oxford should be kept, and that all Strangers within a certain time should departed the land, those except, whose abode the faithful persons of the Realm with one assent should accept: lastly, that the Englishmen borne, and such as were faithful men to the Kingdom, should order and rule the business of the land under the King. But this notwithstanding, certain Knights of the Kings part fortified the castle of Windesore with victuals and armour. Edward the King's son came to Bristol, where discord rose betwixt his Knights and the Townsmen, so that the Townsmen were minded to have besieged the Castle: which when Edward understood, he sent for Walter Bishop of Winchester that took the Baron's part, that in his company he might go to the Court of his father, promising to persuade his father to peace. Hereupon going forth with th● Bishop, till they came to Windsor, he entered the Castle, to the great misliking of the Bishop: but Edward shortly returned, and went to meet Simon Earl of Leicester, that he with his adherents were coming to besiege Windesore castle. Edward the King's son met with th● said Simon about Kingston, and offered means of peace: but Simon trusting to Bishop Welter's counsel, detained Edward with him, and would not suffer him to departed till the Castle was yielded, they that were within having liberty to depart whither they would, and the Strangers that minded to pass the Seas, had safeconducts granted them. Lewlin Prince of Wales confederate with Earl Simon, in the mean time, wasted the Country of Chester, and the Marches of the same, and overthrew to the ground the Castles of Diffard and Gannoke. After this, a Parliament was holden at London, in the which, many that had held with the Earl, went to the King's part, as Henry of Almain, son to Richard King of Romans, and other. The King's party being increased, he went to Dover, and endeavoured to have got that Castle out of the Earls Anno reg. 48 hands, but he traveled in vain. Robert Mountpiler: Osbert Suffolk, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1264 Thomas Fitz Thomas Fitz Richard the. 28. of October. Jews King of France, through procuring of Boniface Archbishop of Canturburie (who in politic Sermons at Paris, as well at the friars preachers, as Minors, declared the doings betwixt the King of England, and the Earl of Leicester) took upon him to make a peace betwixt them: whereupon the King of England, with his son Edward, and diverse other of the English nobility, came to Paris about the xxij. of Januarie, but the Earl of Leicester, fearing the French Kings displeasure for his mother's sake, or some other cause not known, stayed at home in England and proceeded in his business: wherefore Roger Mortimer began to destroy the possessions which the Earl of Leicester held, against whom the Prince of Wales went, and besieged the castle of Radnore, and brought it to yield. Edward the King's son, after his return from Paris, about Lent, took his journey toward the March, and passing The Scholars and Burgesses of Oxford the one spoil the other. by Oxford, the Burgesses shut up their gates against him, whereby he was forced to lie at the king's Hall without the town till the next morrow and then departed. The scholars of Oxford being shut within the Town, broke up the gate that leadeth toward Bea●monte, for which deed the Mayor sent some of them to prison: and not long after, while the Scholars were at dinner, the Mayor and Commons with banners displayed, thought to have spoiled the clerk ere they had been aware, but being espied, the Scholars ran together, and with bows and other weapons slew and wounded the Burgesses and Commons, broke up many houses, spoiling the goods, and set the houses of the Portrives (William Spicer and Geffrey Hencley) on Fire, on the South side of the town. Moreover, because the Mayor (Nicholas Kingston) was a Uintener, they broke up the Uintry, Clerks of Oxford banished. drank the Wines, and spoiled them, for the which fact the King caused the clerk and Scholars to be banished the University. Edward the king's son took the Castles of Hay & Huntingdon, belonging to the Earl of Hereforde, and the castle of Brecon being also rendered to him, he delivered to Roger Mortimer to keep, with the territory adjacent. Robert Ferrer Earl of Derby (who took part with Earl Simon) besieged Worcester besieged. Worcester, and entering by the old castle, spoiled the Citizens of their goods, and compelled the Jews to be christened. Gloucester besieged. The town of Gloucester, that before was taken by the Barons, was now assailed by Edward the king's son, who entered the castle by great force, & in the next morning by means of the Bishop of Worcester, and Reignald Abbot of Gloucester, a truce was taken betwixt the Barons in the town, and the King's son in the Castle: but shortly after, the Barons fled, and the Burgesses submitting themselves, were some of them hanged, the residue cast in prison, grievously ransomed, and the town destroyed, from whence the King's son departed, spoiling and wasting the Country (contrary to his oath made to the Barons) till he came to Oxford, where he lodged in the house of the Friar Prenchers, and joined his power with the King his Father, who was lately come thither to make his offering to Saint Friswide (not fearing the superstitious opinion, that if any King entered the town, the Virgin there would be avenged on him.) The King having now with him his brother Richard king of Almain, his son Edward, William de Valence his brother on the mother's siden, and john cumin of Scotland, with a multitude of Scottishmen, john de bailiol Lord of Galoway, Robert le Bruse lord of Anandale, Roger de Clifford, Philip de Marmion, john de Vallibus, Roger de Laborne, Henry Percy, Philip Basset, Roger de Mortimer, with an army went and besieged Northampton, Nothamton besieged. and the fourth of April breaking the Wall, took the town and in it fifteen Knights bearing Banners, Simon Mountfort the younger, William de Ferrer, Peter de Mountfort, Baldwine Wake, Adam de Newmarche, Roger Bartrandi, Simon Fitz Simon, Berengario de Wateruile, Hugh Cubion, Thomas Maunsell, Roger Bontevileyne, Nicholas Wake, Robert de Newenton, Philip de Derby, Grimbald de Paunsevent: of whom Simon the younger was sent to Winchester, the residue to other places to be safely kept. Other Knights of meaner degree were taken, to the number of. xl. and not a few Esquires: from thence the king went towards Nottingham, wasting with fire and sword the manner places of the Barons, and there he gathered his Lords and great men. Earl Simon went to London, and from thence to Rochester, Rochester besieged. which john Earl Warren defended, the bridge and first gate whereof when he had won, being informed that the king was coming towards London, he left the siege & went back to meet him: but the king turning his way from London took the castle of Kenington Kingston, which was castle at Kingston taken. the Earl of Glocesters', & then going to Rochester, chased away some that remained at the siege, but slew many more: from thence he went to Tonbridge, the castle whereof he took, and the Counties of Gloucester within it: leaving a garrison there, castle of Tonbridge taken. he went to Winchester, where he received them of the v. Ports to his peace▪ & passing further to jews, was received into the Priory, & his son into the castle, where whiles he remained, the Barons writ to him letters, as ye may read in Matthew Paris, & Nicholas Trivet but they taking no effect, the Barons in arms approached towards jews, invading the kings people Battle at Lewes. th● were gone forth for forage, whereof the king being warned, he goeth forth to meet them with his army divided into three sorts. The first was led by Edward the king's son, having with him William de Valence Earl of Penbroke, & john de Waren Earl of Surrey and Sussex. The second was guided by Richard K. of Almain, with his son Henry. The third the K. himself had in governing. The Baron's army was divided into four wards. The first led Henry de Mountfort with the Earl of Hereford. The second led Gilbert de Clare with john Fitz john & William de Mountchance. The third in which the Londoners were, Nicholas Segraue. The fourth Earl Simon himself led with Thomas de Pelueston. Edward the King's son with his battle broke on his enemies that he made them to give back, of whom many were drowned. The Londoners were put to flight, whom whilst the king's son pursued for the space of four miles, he made great slaughter, but being separate from the rest of the army, he weakened his part sore. In the mean time many of the King's battle were slain, and the King of Almain taken in a Windmill by Sir The King of Almain taken. john de Bevis, so was Robert le Bruis and john Commyne, which had brought the Scots King Henry also having his horse slain under him, yielded to the Earl of Gloucester, King Henry taken. who sent him prisoner to the Priory. Edward returning, is received with sharp battle, and the Earl Waren, William de Valence, Grey de Lesmute, the King's half brethren, Hugh Bigod with men of arms to the number of. 400. Haberions' got then the castle of Pemsey, and when many were slain on either side, the Lord Edward riding about the town, sound his father in the Priory. In the mean time an assault being given to the Castle, which was valiantly defended, the Barons withdrew them: whereupon the Lord Edward being greatly encouraged, and having gathered his people about him, would have made a new battle, so that the Barons sued for peace, which by the means of the friars Preachers and Minors, was brought to pass, that on the Friday following, the Lords, Edward & Henry, for their Fathers, of England and Almaigne kings, delivered themselves to Earl Simon, upon hope of quietness Edward the King's son taken and peace that might be concluded. On the saturday the king licensed them that were about him to departed to their houses, & writ unto them that were in Tonbridge castle, that they should not molest the Barons, as they returned homewards: but they notwithstanding being in arms, when they heard that the Londoners which were fled from the battle were received into Croyden they hasted 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 the king's son was delivered. There was slain in the battle at jews, (which was fought on the xij. of May,) about Robert of Glocest. Westchepe in London brent. 4500. men. About that time a great part of Westcheape in London was brent by treason. earl Simon led the K. & his son Edward about with him W. Pakenton. Chro. Glaston. till he had got all the strong Castles of the land into his hands, and then put Richard King of Almain in the tower of London, and Edward the King's son in Dover Castle. In the mean time, Roger Mortimer, james Audeley, Roger Leyborne, Roger Clifforde, Haymo Lestrange, Hugh de turbervile, with many other, rose against Simon, who to restrain their boldness, associating to him the Prince of Wales, entered the Castle of Hereforde, and caused Edward the King's son to be brought thither from Dover: after this he wan the Castle of hay, which belonged to the Earl of Hereforde, and took the castle of Ludlow, and after wasting the castle of Ludlow taken. lands of Roger Mortimer, goeth towards Mountgomerie, & there taking pledges of peace of the said nobles, he turneth to the south parts, to meet them power, which was said to come out of France to the king's aid. Pope Urban sent a Legate and Cardinal, the Bishop of Sabrine, into England, but they might not enter the realm, the five Ports prohibiting them: whereupon they called certain English Bishops first to Amience, and after to Boulogne, to whom he committed the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced against the City of London, the five Ports; and all those that troubled the King of England's peace: but the Bishops dissembled the matter. This year about the 20. of June a notable blazing star appeared, such a one as had not been seen in that age, which rising from the East with great brightness unto the midst of Blazing star. Nic. Trivet. Rober of Gloucester Anno reg. 49 Sheriffs. 〈…〉▪ the Semisperie drew his stream, it continued till after Michaelmas. Gregory Rokesley, Thomas of Deford, the 28. of Septem. 〈…〉 〈…〉 arose, for that Simond not only kept the king & other, as prisoners, The Earl of Gloucester forsook the Earl Leicester. but also took to himself the revenues of the kingdom, etc. which should have been equally divided amongst them, so th● Gilbert of Gloncester departing, joined to him in league the noble Knights of the Marches, whom Earl Simond had commanded to avoid the Realm, but john de Waren Earl of Surrey and Sussex, & William de Valemce earl of Penbroke, had brought a great power by sea in the West parts of Wales, and arriving at Penbroke, Earl Simon leading the king with him, went to Hereforde where he gathered a great power, to oppress the said knights: but while the Prelates laboured for peace, Edward the king's son being in the castle of Hereford is permitted to exercise himself on horseback Edward the king's son taken from his keepers in a meadow without the City by his keepers, where after he had wearied diverse horses, and mounting on a fresh appointed for that purpose, he road quite away, and passing the river of Wey, with two Knights and four Esquires, was followed hard by his keepers: but when they were advised of the standards of Roger Mortimere and Roger Clifford coming to his relief, they returned, & he escaped to Wigmore. And this chanced in the Whitsun week. Lord Edward being thus escaped, gathereth an army, confederateth and submitteth to him the Countries of Hereford, Worcester, Salop, & Chester, with the towns, Cities and Castles, he also winneth by force the City of Gloucester, which Earl Simon had lately fortified, the towns men ●led to the castle, who xv. days after yielded it, and departed. The Earl of Leicester won the Castle of Monmouth, and laid it flat with the ground, and entering into the land of the Earl of Gloucester called Glomorgan, meeting with the Prince of Wales castle of Monmouth razed. coming to his aid, they destroyed all with fire and sword. Edward the King's son hearing that many of Earl Simonds partakers were come to the castle of Kenilworthe, taking with him the Earl of Gloucester he departed from Worcester, and came upon them at a sudden, where he took the Earl of Oxford, sir William Mountchalsie, sir Adam Newmarch, sir Walter de Solenle and other: and Simon the son of Earl Simon hardly escaped in the Castle. The Earl of Leicester having the King with him, returned out of South-Wales, and on Lammas day came to Kemsey, a place of the Bishop of Worcester, and there tarried the next day, Edward the King's son returned from Kenelworth to Worcester, whose return being known, Earl Simon departing from Kemsey, by unhappy chance stayed in the town of Euesham, for on the morrow being the ij. of August, Edward the king's son departed from Worcester passing the river near to the town called clive, closed up the passage betwixt Earl Simon and Simon his son, who was at Killingworth. In the next morning Lord Edward approached near to Euesham on the one side, and Battle of Euesham. Gilbert Earl of Gloucester on the other side, and Roger Mortimer on the two other sides, whereby Earl Simon was so enclosed, that he must either fight or yield: on Friday therefore was the fifth day of August, their armies encountered each other in a large field without the town, where the Earl's part had the worst: the Earl was killed in the field, and Henry son to Earl Simon, Peter de Mountfort, Hugh Dispenser Justice of England, William de Mandevile, Ralph Basset, Walter Greping, William de York, Robert de Tregoze, Thomas de Hostile, john de Be●●ocampo, Guido de Baylolle, Roger de Roulens, with sir john de Saint john, sir William de Verence, sir john de Ind, sir William Trossel, sir Gilbert Einefielde, and other of meaner sort in great number, especially of Walshmen, for almost none of them escaped thence, but they were slain at Tewkesburie. Lords taken Lords taken. Liber Euesh. at Euesham, sir Vmfry de Boune, sir john saint john sir Simons son, sir Guy, sir Baudwin Wake, sir john Vessy, sir Henry Hastings, sir Nicholas Segraue, sir Perce & sir Roberte Mountfordes sons, & many other, Simon de Mountfort the son coming too late to meet his Father at Euesham, turned back again to Kenilworth castle, & the sixth of September, he released King of Almain▪ delivered. the King of Almain, his mother's brother, sir Reimond Fitz Pierce, and many other. A Parliament was holden at Winchester, where all the A Parliament at Winchester. statutes made at Oxford were disannulled, and all the goods of them that were against the king seized. London was in great danger to have been destroyed by the king, for displeasure he had conceived against the Citizens, but the Citizens wholly submitted both lives and goods unto him. Eight persons carrying the same submission toward Windsor, met Sir Roger Leyborne knight at Colbrooke, who turned them back again, and after they had discoursed the whole matter with, him, he willed them to deliver to him their submission, and he would move the King in it, which thing they did. After six days this Knight returned to the City, and said the king had received their writings, willing them first to take away all the chains that were in the streets of the City, and pull the posts out of the ground that the same were fixed in, and bring both chains and posts to the Tower of London: then the Mayor with forty Citizens should the next day following attend upon the king at Windsor to confirm their writing, and they should go and come safe: in witness whereof he delivered them the king's letter and seal, for the space of four days. The next day the Citizens being at Windsor, attended at the gate until the king came from hunting, at which time he would not once look on them. After the King was entered, they would have followed, but they were forbidden: shortly after they were called into the Castle, where they were locked up in a Tower with homely entertainment: the next day the king gave unto Prince Edward the Mayor and four Aldermen, the rest were committed to several prisons. Anno reg. 50 Sheriffs. Maior. 1266 Pierce Longtofe. Robert Brune. Edward Blund: Peter Aunger, the. 28. of September. Thomas Fitz Thomas Fitz Richard, the. 28. of October. King Henry came to Westminster, and there gave unto diverse of his household servants about the number of three score households and houses within the City, so that the owners were compelled to agree & redeem their houses and goods, or else to avoid them: then he made Custos of the City, sir Othon Constable of the Tower, who chose Bailiffs to be accountable to him, john Adrian, and Walter Haruy. After this the King took pledges of the best men's sons of the City, the which were put in the Tower of London, and there kept at the costs of their parents. By great labour and suit made, all the foresaid persons which were in Windsor castle, eight only except, were delivered, and the king agreed with the Citizens for twenty thousand marks to be paid, for the levying of which fine, were taxed as well servants as householders, and many refused the liberties of the City to be quit of the charge. The Castle of Dover was yielded to Edward the king's son, into the which he put Guy de Mountfort to be kept. The Countess of Leicester, wife to Simond Mountfort, yielded the castle of Pemsey to K. Henry her brother, who forthwith banished her the realm of England for ever. About Alhalowntide the Queen of England returned from beyond the Seas, with her came a Legate, named Othobone, who shortly after his coming, in counsel holden at Northampton, accursed all the Bishops and Priests that had aided Earl Simon against the King, especially he cursed by name, Walter of Worcester, Henry of London, & Stephen of Chichester: and the Bishop of Lincoln. Worcester shortly after deceased, the other ●. of Glocest. there three went to Rome and were assoiled. The Legate also published the Pope's Bull, for the tenths of Churches to be paid to the king for the next year. Sir Simond the younger fled from Kenilworth castle to the disherited Knights, who then were in the isle of Oxholme, where he remained not long, for through messengers with fair promises, and hostages given by Edward the king's son, he forsaking them, went to London to the king & his nobility, but being privily warned of their guile, he made an escape & got over into France. The keeper of Guy Mountfort about Easter being bribed, let him go, & went with him into France: this Guy went into Tuscan and served Earl Rufus, in whose war waxing famous, he obtained to have his daughter in marriage. Robert Ferters. Earl of Derby Henry Hastings, Baudewinde Battle of Chesterfielde. Wake▪ john Der●●le and other with their power being in the Town of Chesterfielde in Darbishire, there came against them john Earl Waren, sir Henry of Almain, sir Waren of Basingborne, and many other Knights, who on Whitsun even met without the town on hunting, sir Baudwyn Wake▪ sir Hen●y Hastings sir Gregory Caldwel, sir john Clinton, sir Roger Maundevil, sir Richard Caldwel, and to th● number of. xxij. Knights all under one spear, all which they chased and put to flight: whereof when sir john Danuil being in the town had understanding, he with a small company road out, pierced through the host, wounding many and escaped. earl Waren entering the town slew many a man, and took the Earl Ferrer, who was sick of the gout, and had that day been let blood: him they sent to the Tower of London, from whence but lately he had been delivered. Henry Hastings and his company coming to Kenilworth, found there sir john de Eynuile and many other valiant Knights. Sir William de la Knowe, and sir john de la Ware, had well stored the castle of all things necessary. King Henry hasting Kenilworth castle besieged. thither, began his siege the morrow after Midsummer day, which siege continued till Christmas after, for they within the Castle, not fearing his force which was great, set open their gates, and never closed them day nor night, come who so would, they came to their cost, so that many a man was slain on both sides, and many were taken and ransomed. At length the Legate, the Archbishop, & two other Bishops, came to make accord between the king and the disherited, and also them of the Castle: but the disherits, nor they of the castle would grant to the Kings will, wherefore the legate a coursed them and all that were of their accord: but they of the Castle, not regarding the Legate nor his cursing, in mockage thereof, clothed a priest their surgeon. Philip Porpeis, in a cope of white, & setting him on the castle wall, as a white Legate against the red, made him to accurse the K. the Legate, & all their partakers. Whiles this business lasted at Kenilworth, the disherites took the isle of Ely, & strengthened it in such wise that they held it long: they rob Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, they spoiled the City of Norwich, & ransomed the rich men at their pleasure. At Bartholomew-tide, th● K. held a Parliament at Killingworth wherein by his Barons were chosen. vj. persons, which being sworn, chose to them other vj. these. xij. to make an accord between the K. and the disherits: the first. vj. were, Walter Gefford Bishop of Bath, Nicholas of Ely Bi. of Worcester, & Walter B. of Excester, Roger de Sumerey, Roberte Walronde, & Alayne de la Souch Barons: these vj. chose to them Gilbert E. of Gloucester, Humphrey earl of Hereford, the B. of S. David's, sir john Bailiol, sir Philip Basset, and sir Warayn de Basingborne, if these xij. could not agree, the Legate, & Henry, son to Richard King of Almain, should be Umpiers, these met and agreed at the last. Anno reg. 51 Sheriffs. Maior. john Hind: john Walraven, the. 28. of September. William Richards, the. 28. of October. By the king's commandment, the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls, Barons & knights of the realm were assembled at Northampton on th● twesday next before Alhalownday, there to unstand and to confirm by statute what the forenamed twelve states had deeréed for the state of the kingdom, which was for th● Baron's, th● none should be disherit, but the Mountfort & the Ferrer, th● other should redeem their lands with money, at the hands of them who had th● same in possession of the King's gift, so th● none paid above seven. years value, nor under iij. years value, which was the jest, & this shall be assessed according to the quantity of their trespass. The siege of Kenilworth yet continuing, they within the castle began to be sore troubled with the flux, and also were without hope of succour to come to them, whereupon on S. Thomas day before Christmas they yielded Kenilworth castle ye elded. th● castle to the K. with condition to departed with life & limbs, without loss of goods, or imprisonment, and not to be disherited. Such of th● disherited persons, as liked not the ordinance of Kenilworth, whose Captain was john civil, after they had taken the City of Lincoln & spoiled the jews, they fled again to the isle of Ely, whose coming abroad when the King with a great army had stopped. Edward the king's son with bridges made of Hurdles and boards, in place convenient, as the inhabitants thereabout had instructed him, he entered upon the isle, some of them within yielded them to him, th● other being dispersed by flight. Whiles these things The Earl of Gloucester, took the City of London. were a doing a new trouble began, for the Earl of Gloucester taking part with the disherites, came with an army gathered in Wales, unto London, the seventh of April: therein he builded Bulwarks, cast ditches and trenches in diverse places. The king gathered an army at Windsor, & the v. of may, Annals of Hyde. he with an. 109. ensigns came towards London, he pitched his tents at Stratford, and tarried there the space of one month, where many entreated to make peace. The vj. of June the Earl of Gloucester, in peaceable manner rendered the City unto the King again, and then many that were disherited were reconciled, at the instance of the Legate and the said Earl. Four that bore the cognisance of the Earl of Derby were put in sacks and cast in the Thamis. Thomas Fitz Theobalde and Agnis his wife, sister of Thomas Mercors' chapel . Becket Archbishop of Canturburie gave to the master and brethren of the Hospital, called Saint Thomas of Acres beyond the seas, all the land with the appurtenances that sometime was Gilbert Beckets', father to Thomas Becket, in which land the said Thomas Becket was borne, to make there a Church. About Michaelmas th● king came to Shrewsburie, to pass Nicho. Triue●. into Wales, there to vanquish the prince of Wales Lewlyne, who had aided Simon Earl of Leicester▪ but he sending to the Peace with the prince of Wales. Anno reg. 52 king, granted him. xxxij. M. l. sterling to have his peace, & by the Legates means there was restored to the prince, th● land of 4 Cantredes, which by law of arms the K. had taken from him. john Adriant: Lucas Batecourt, the. 28. of September. Bailiffs. Custos. 1268 Alyn Souch, the. 28. of October. Othobone the Legate calling a counsel at London, ordained many things in reformation of the English Church. Uariance fell between the fellowship of Goldsmiths and A●yot in London. Tailors of London, causing great ruffling in the City, and many men to be slain, for which riot thirteen of the chief Captains were hanged. Parliament at Marleborowe. Anno reg. 53 Bailiffs. Custos. Sokenreure Liber trinitatis Great Frost. 1269 Nic. Trivet. The King held a Parliament at Marleborow, in the which were made the statutes of Marlebrige. Walter Harvey: William Duresme the. 28. of September. Sir Stephen Edesworth, the 28. of October. Thomas Wimborne. The river of Thamis was so hard frozen, from Saint andrew's tied to Candlemas, that men and beasts passed on foot from Lambeth to Westminster: the Merchandise was carried from Sandwich and other havens to London by land. The 8. day of April, Edmund the King's son married the daughter of William de Albemarle Earl of holderness, named Auelina, which was heir to her father and mother both, by reason whereof, he was to have with her the County of devonshire, and the Lordship of the isle of Wight, but he deceased before both father and mother, and lost all. Anno reg. 54 Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Basing: Robert Cornhill, the 28. of Septemb. Hugh Fitz Thomas the 28. of October. The Nobles of England, by the kings commandment, Anuals of hide Edmond Campion assembled at London, to treat of divers matters, amongst the which, one was, that all men should before the Justice's Tho. Wikes. 1270 show by what right they held their lands, which matter did much molest the people, until john Warren Earl of Surrey appeared, who being asked by what right he held his lands, he drew suddenly out his sword, and said, by this I hold my Grandfather's lands, and with this I will keep them. Upon multiplying of words, the Earl slew Allen de la Zouch, Lord chief Justice of Ireland, before the other Justices of the Bench. And shortly after the same john Earl of Surrey, by the oath of 25 Knights at Winchester, affirmed, that he did not commit that fact upon any pretenced malice, neither in contempt of the King, and so for the sum of 1200 marks was reconciled. Edward the king's son with his brother Edmund and Anno reg. 55 many other nobles sailing into Asia against the infidels, by his policy and manly Acts so demeaned himself, that oftentimes he put the Turks to great disworship, for despite whereof they suborned a Sarasine to wound him with a venomous dart, whereof he was long sick. Henry son to Richard King of Almaigne as he went through Tuscan, at Viterbe was slain by Guy de Mountfort. Walter Potter: Philip tailor, the, 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1271 W●. Rishanger. john Adrian Vintner, the. 28. of October. The steeple of Bow in Cheap fell down and slew many people, men and and women. The eight and twenty of Januarie Richard King of Almain and Earl of Gornewall, brother to King Henry deceased in the castle of Berchamsteede, & was buried at Hails an Abbey of his foundation. Anno reg. 56 Sheriffs. Maior. Gregory Rokesley: Henry Waleys, the. 28. of September. john Adrian 〈…〉, the. 28. of October. diverse ●ournes 〈…〉 break out of the hollow places Tho. de Wike. of the Earth, and overflowed a great part of Canturburie City, the stream whereof was so swift and violent, that it bore down buildings and houses, and drowned many people. In June began a great riot in the City of Norwiche, 1272 W. Rishanger. Riot at Norwich. Anno reg. 57 through the which the Monastery of the Trinity was burned, whereupon the King road down, and making inquiry for the chief doers thereof caused. thirty. of them to be condemnemned, drawn, hanged and brent. Richard Paris: john de Wodeley, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sat Water Haruy, the. 28. of October. King Henry being sick, called before him Gilberte ●iber trinitatis of Clare, earl of Gloucester, and caused him to be sworn to keep the peace of the land, to the be house of Edward his son, and then died the sixtéench of November, in the year. 1272. when he had reigned luj. years and xxviij. days, he was buried at Westminster, which Church he had newly builded; he left issue, Edward his eldest son, unto whom he had I. Treklon. given the Earldom of Chester, who succeeded him in the Kingdom, Edmund his second son unto whom he had given the Earldom of Lancaster, and also after the death of Simond Mountfort and Robert Ferrer, the earldoms of Leicester and Derby, and two daughters, Beatrice and Margaret. ¶ King Edward surnamed Longshanks. Edward the first after the Conquest, son to Henry the third, Anno reg. 1 surnamed Longshank, began his reign the sixtéenth day of November, in the year. 1272. being then in th● parts beyond the sea toward 1273 jerusalem. Of stature he was tall, and mighty of body, nothing gross: his eyes soméwhat black and in time of anger fierce, of such noble and valiant courage, that he never fainted in most dangerous enterprises: of excellent wit and great towardness: he was borne at Westminster. john Horn: Walter Potter, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 2. 1274 Sir Walter Haruy Knight, the. 28. of October. This year fell a great variance at Oxford, between the Northern and Irishmen, wherein many Irishmen were slain. The second day of August, King Edward came into England from the Holy Land, and on the fifteenth of August, he with Elinor his wife were Crowned at Westminster by Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canturburie. At this Coronation five hundred great Horses were turned lose, catch them who could. Alexander King of Scots did homage to King Edward. The King caused Leolin Prince of Wales to be summoned to his Parliament at Westminster, but he would not come, saying, he remembered the death of his father Griffen. Nicholas Winchester: Henry Coventry, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 3. Henry Welles, the 28. of October. On Saint Nicholas even was great Earthquakes, lightnings and thunder, with a huge Dragon, and a blazing Star, which made many men sore afraid. In a Parliament at Westminster, Usury was forbidden Usury forbidden. Io. Rouse. to the jews, and that they might be known, the King commanded them to wear a Tablet the breadth of a palm, upon their outmost garments. He also ordained that Baker's making bread lacking weight assigned after the price of Corn, should first be punished by loss of their bread: the second time by imprisonment: and thirdly by the Pillory: millers for stealing of corn, to be chastised by the Tumberel. A rich man of France brought into Northumberland a Spanish Ewe as big as a Calf of two years, which Ewe being 1275 First rot of Sheep. Hen. of Leycester. Tho. Walsing. rotten, infected so the Country, that it spread over all the Realm. This plague of murrain, continued xxviij. years ear it ended, and was the first rot that ever was in England. Lucas Batecourt: Henry Frowike, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Gregory Rokesley Goldsmith, chief master of the Kings Mints, the 28. of October. King Edward builded the Castle of Flint, strengthened Io. Rouse. Castle of Flint. Anno reg. 4. Bocland. the Castle of Rutland, and other, against the Welshmen. Amicia Countess of Devonshire, and Lady of the Isle, founded the Abbey of Bocland, for Gilbert of Clare Earl of Gloucester and Hereford her Father, Isabella her mother, and Baldwine Earl of Devonshire. The eleventh day of September, there was a general 1276 Earthquake, by force whereof, the Church of Saint Michael of the Mount without Glastonburie, fell to the ground, and pieces of many famous Churches in England fell, by force of the same Earthquake. Gregory Rokesley, and the Barons of London, granted Canter. Record. Ex Carta. Preaching Friars Church founded by Bainard's Castle, before which time, their Church was in Holborn. and gave to the Archbishop of Canturburie Robert Kilwarby, two lanes or ways next the Street of Baynard's Castle, and the Tower of Mountfichet to be destroyed, in the which place, the said Robert builded the late new Church of the Black Friars with the rest of the stones that▪ then were left of the said Tower, for the best and choice stones the Bishop of London had obtained of King William Conqueror, to re-edify the upper part of Saint Paul's Church, that was then by chance of fire decayed. john Horn: Ralph Blunt, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 5. 1277 john Euersden. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 6. 1278 Gregory Rokesley Goldsmith, the 28. of October. The Statute of Mortmain was enacted. Michael Tony was hanged, drawn and quartered for Treason. Robert de Arar: Ralph Feuto, the 28. of September. Gregory Rokesley, the 28. of October. King Edward gave unto David, brother to Leolin Prince of Wales, the Lordship of Fredisham, which David attended in the King's Court, and did him pleasant service, etc. Michaelmas term was kept at Shrewsburie. john Adrian: Walter Langley, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 7. 1279 Gregory Rokesley, the 28. of October. The King builded a strong Castle in West Wales, at Llhampaterne vaier. Reformation was made for clipping of the King's coin, jews executed. for which offence 267. Jews were put to execution. The worthy Soldier Roger Mortimer, at Killingworth, Round Table at Killingworth. Io. Rouse. appointed a Knightly game, which was called the Round Table, of an hundred Knights, and so many Ladies, to the which, for the exercise of arms, there came many warlike Knights from divers Kingdoms. Robert Basing: William Mazaliver, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 8. First half pence and farthings round. 1280 Pierce Longtofe. Gregory Rokesley, the 28. of October. Where as before this time, the penny was wont to have a double cross, with a crest, in such sort that the same might be easily broken in the midst, or into four quarters, and so to be made into half pence, or farthings, it was now ordained that pence, halfpences and farthings should be made round, whereupon was made these Verses following. Edward did smite round penny, halfpenny farthing, Robert Brune. The cross passes the bond of all throughout the ring. The King's side was his head, and his name written, The cross side, what City it was in, coined and smitten. To poor man, ne to priest, the penny frayses nothing, Men give God aye the least, they feast him with a farthing. A thousand two hundred, fourscore years and more, On this money men wondered, when it first began to go. At this time, twenty pence weighed an ounce of Troy Regist. of E●●ry. weight, whereby the penny, halfpenny, and farthing, were of good quantity. Thomas Box: Ralph de Lamere, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 9 Wilhel. Rishanger. Gregory Rokesley, the 28 of October. David, the brother of Lewlin Prince of Wales, rose against the King, and in the night season broke into the house of Roger Clifford, when he was in his bed a sleep, on Easter day at night, and sent him fettered in irons as a thief unto Snowdon, to his brother Lewlin. He also razed and laid flat on the ground, the Castle of Flint belonging to the King. 1281 Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 10 Great Frost and Snow. Liber Roffensis. Rochester Bridge, and five arches of London bridge borne down. William Farrendon: Nicholas Wi●ichester, the 28. of Sep. Gregory Rokesley, the 28. of October. From Christmas, till the purification of our Lady, there was such great Frost and Snow, as the old men could not remember the like, wherethrough, five arches of London Bridge, and all Rochester Bridge was borne down, and carried away, with many Bridges more. Men passed over the Thamis between Westminster and Lambeth, and likewise over the River of Medway, between Stroude and Rochester, drishod. Fishes in ponds, and birds in woods died for want of food. Pirates of Zealand and Holland about Yarmouth and Donwich, 1282 Io. Euersden. Yermouth and Donwich spoiled. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 11 Corn sold by weight. did spoil and rob whosoever they met, slew many men, and carried away not a few Ships with all the goods in them. William Mazelyver: Richard Chigwell, the 28. of Sept. Henry de Waleis, the 28. of October. This year the Bakers of London were first drawn upon Herdles, by Henry Waleis Maior, and Corn was then first sold by weight. This Henry Waleis Mayor of London, caused to be erected The Town in Cornhill. Radul. Baldoke. a certain house in one of the highest places of London, which house was called the Ton upon Cornhill, to be a prison for night walkers, and other suspicious persons. He also by the King's licence, caused to be builded an house called the Stocks, on the North side of Saint Mary Wolchurch in The Stocks market. Customs of Lon. London, to be a market for flesh and fish in the midst of the City, and certain houses near unto Paul's Church, the profits thereof to be received by the Masters of the Bridge of London, towards the maintenance of the same Bridge. The King entered Wales with an army, appointing his Wil Rishenger. Wil Packington. footmen to occupy the enemies in fight, whiles his horsemen in a wing set on the rear battle: himself with a power kept his place, where he pight his golden Dragon, unto the which as to a Castle, the wounded and weary might repair: but David fleeing, the King with his power followed, and as he passed by a wood, there issued out of the same a four thousand Welshmen, which invading the King's army, made great slaughter, but at length the King marching through, by strong hand entered the Castle of Ox, and took Anglesey, where he lost William de Awdley, Roger Clifford the younger, and twelve other of his chiefest Captains. john Peckham Archbishop of Canturburie sendeth commandment 1283 to the Bishop of London, to destroy all the Synagogues of the jews within his diocese. After the Archbishop The jews Synagogues destroyed. writeth to him to tolerate them to build one Church in some open place in the City of London, where the King should appoint, so they bestow no great cost, nor use their fond ceremonies. Ralph Blound: Anketin de Betevile, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 12 Tho. Walsing. 1284 Wil Rishang. Nic. Bromfild. Henry de Waleis, the 28. of October. Leolin Prince of Wales, came down from the Mountain of Snowdon, to Mountgomerie, and was at length taken at Bwelth castle, where using reproachful words against the Englishmen, Roger le Strange ran upon him with the Sword wherewith he was girt, and cut off his head, leaving his dead body on the ground. Sir Roger Mortimer caused the head of Lewlin to be set upon the Tower of London crowned with Yuy. King Edward founded the Abbey of Vale Royal in Cheshire. Histo. Auria. Io. Rouse. He also removed the Abbey of Aberconwey to another place, and there builded a strong Castle against the Welshmen. He gave divers Castles of the Welshmen, to English Chr. of Dun. Wil Pakenham. Lords, and after took David, Lewlins brother, with his wife, his two sons, and seven daughters, at Saint Moris, which David was drawn, hanged, and quartered at Shrewsburie. jordane Godchepe: Martin Box, the 28. of September. Henry Waleis, the 28. of October. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 13 Edward Prince of Wales, borne at Carnarvan in Wales. Laurence Ducket Goldsmith, and Citizen of London, grievously wounded one Ralph Crepin in West Cheap, and then fled into Bow Church: after that, certain evil disposed persons, friends to the said Ralph, entered the Cron. of Dunsta. Ducket hanged in bow Church 1285 Church in the night time, and slew the said Laurence lying in the Steeple, and then hanged him up, placing him so by the window, as if he had hanged himself: upon the which deed, inquiry being made: it was presented, that he had hanged himself, for the which being drawn by the feet, he was buried in a ditch without the City: but shortly after, by relation of a boy who lay with the said Laurence at the time of his death, and had hid him there for fear, the truth of the matter was known, for the which, Alice, a woman that was chief causer of the said mischief, and xuj. men Murderers hanged. Io. Euersden. with her, were then put in prison, and afterwards more, who all were drawn and hanged, save the woman, who was burnt: these were of the poorer sort, but the rich of that malicious company escaped for money. The Church was Bow Church interdicted. interdicted by the Archbishop, and the door with the window was stopped up with thorns, than the said Laurence was taken up, and buried in the Churchyard. The great Conduit in Cheap was begun to be builded. Stephen Cornhill: Robert Rokesley, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 14 Liberties of London seized. Gregory Rokesley, till the feast of Peter and Paul, and that day was the City seized into the King's hands, and Ralph Sandwich appointed Custos until Candlemas, and then was chosen john Briton until Saint Margaret's day▪ A Justes was proclaimed at Boston, in the fair time, 1286 whereof one part came in the habit of monks, the other in the suit of Canons, who had covenanted after the Justes Fair at Boston spoiled. Histo. Aurea. Tho. Walsing. to spoil the Fair. For the achieving of their purpose, they fired the Town in three places. It is said, that streams of Gold, Silver, and other metal melted, ran into the sea. The Captain of this confederacy was Robert Chamberlain Esquire, who was hanged, but would never confess his fellows. Wheat was sold for xuj. pence, & xij. pence the Quarter. Walter Blunt: john Wade, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 15 Yermouth, Donwich, and Ipswich perished. john Euersden. Ralph Sandwich. On newyear's day at night, as well through the vehemency of the wind, as violence of the Sea, many Churches were overthrown and destroyed, not only at Yarmouth, Donwich, and Ipswich, but also in divers other places of England, and other Regions adjoining to the Sea, especially in that part 1287 of England which is called Meris land. All the whole province was for the most part turned into a standing pool, so that intolerable multitude of men were overflowed, and destroyed with the water. By reason of wrongs done by Pain Tiptot, Rice ap Merideth rebelled in Wales, and did much hurt, against whom came Edmond the King's brother, and at the siege of Durselan castle, in undermining of walls, with the ruins were slain William Mounchensey, Gerard de Insula Banerers, Mounsire, Humphrey Hastings Bachelor, and divers other. Thomas Croshe: Walter Hauteyne, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 16 W. Packington. Ralph Sandwich. King Edward sailed to Bordeaux, and from thence road into France, where he was honourably received of Philip le Beaw King of France. He banished all the jews out of Gascoigne, and other his lands in France. The Summer was so exceeding hot, that many men died through the extremity thereof, and yet wheat was Hot former and cheap Corne. 1288 sold at London for three Shillings four pence the Quarter, and such cheapness of Beans and Peace, as the like had not been heard of. William Hereford: Thomas Stanes, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 17 1289 Ralph Sandwich. Great hail ●e● in England, and after ensued great rain that the year following, wheat was raised from three pence the bushel, to sixteen pence, and so increased yearly, till it was lastly sold for twenty Shillings the Quarter. The City of Carelile, the Abbey, with all the houses belonging to the friars Minors, was consumed with fire. William Betayne: john of Canterbury, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 18 Ralph Sandwich. Which Ralph before Candelmas was deposed from the Constableshippe of the Tower of London, and in his place was put Ralph de Barnevers Knight, who was again removed on the Custos of London, Constables of the Tower. Monday after Candlemas day, from the custody of the City, and in his place was Sir john de Briton. Rice ap Merideth was by the Earl of Cornwall in the 1290 King's absence taken, drawn, hanged & quartered at York. William de Breosa called the signior, deceased at Find●●, and was buried in the Monastery of Sele. Falke of S. Edmond: Solomon le Sotell, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 19 Sir john Briton. King Edward returning out of Gascoine, where he had remained three years, two months, and eleven days, was honourably received of the Londoners. King Edward held a Parliament at Westminster, where, in the transgressions of divers Justices was tried out, and justices punished. Adam Meri. Cro. Dun. Radul. Baldoke. Scala Croni. john Rouse. punished accordingly: some lost their goods, and then were banished: some, as well of the bench, as of the assizes, were sent to the Tower, which with great sums of money obtained liberty. Sir Thomas Weyland had all his goods, both movable and unmovable confiscate, and was banished: Sir Ralph Hengham, chief Justice of the higher bench, offered 7000. marks: Sir john Loveter Justice of the lower bench 3000. marks: Sir William Bromtone 1291 Justice 6000. marks. Of their clerk for their redemption: Of Robert Littelburie 1000 marks: Of Roger Leycester 1000 marks: Of Sir Solomon Rusx, chief Justice of Assizes, 4000 marks: Of Sir Richard Boylond 4000 marks: Of Sir Thomas Sodentone 2000 marks: Sir William Hopton 2000 marks: Of Robert Preston 1000 marks: Sir William Saham Justice 3000. marks: Of a certain Clerk of the Courts, called Adam de Stratton, 32000. marks of old money and new, beside jewels without number, and precious vessels of silver, which were found in his house, and a King's Crown, which men said was King john's. Moreover, the King constrained the Justices to swear, that from thenceforth they should take no pension, fee, or gift of any man, except only a breakfast, or such like present. He banished all the jews out of England, giving them to bear their charges, till they were out of his Realm, the number of jews then expulsed, were xv. M. lx. persons. The Scots by their Charter delivered to King Edward Records. the Kingdom of Scotland, with the Castles, rights and customs, the fourth day of June, that upon due discussing the matter, it might be known who was lawful heir thereunto. Thomas Roman: William de Liar, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 20 1292 john de Briton. Who was about Saint Margaret's day removed from the custody of London, and Sir Ralph de Bernovers was removed from the Constableship of the Tower, and in their places put again Ralph Sandwich, Custos of the City, and Connestable of the Tower. Roger Bacon was buried on the eleventh of June, in the grey friars Church in Oxford. The wool Staple was ordained to be kept at Sandwich. Ralph Blunt: Hamo Box, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 21 john Bay●●oll did homage for Scotland. Records. Ralph Sandwich. The eighteenth of November, King Edward sat in his tribunal seat at Berwick, and having heard the assertions of the competito●● of the Crown of Scotland, he adjudged john bailiol to be true heir of Scotland, and therefore to enjoy the same whole Kingdom, with the appurtenances, and assigned him to do him homage, which was performed at Worham the twentieth of November, and also on Saint Stephen's day following at Newcastle. Queen Elinor died at Herdeby, a Town near to Lincoln, 1293 Queen deceased. Walte. Hennig. Radul Baldoke. Charing Cross. Ghro. Dun. her bowels were buried at Lincoln, her body was brought to Westminster, and there buried: the King made at every place where she stayed, a costly Cross, with the queens image upon it, Charing Cross, the Cross in West Cheap of London, Dunstable, Saint Albon, Waltam Cross, and others. Great discord arose betwixt the Mariners of France, and The Sinque Ports against the French. them of Portesmouth and Yermouth, wherethrough the Englishmen sustained great loss, but they complaining to the King, obtained licence to revenge their own wrongs, and without aid either of Wales, Scotland, or Ireland, went to the Sea with six hundred Ships, and set upon their enemies, and took two hundredth and fifteen French Ships, and drove them to the isle of Gernesey, and after presented them to the King. The ninth of July, a great part of the Town of Cambridge, Cambridge brent. john Euersden. with the Church of our Lady, was consumed with fire. The goods as well Temporal, as spiritual of all religious people in England, were taxed, to pay the tenth part to the King. The Minories, a Nunnery without Aldgate of London, The Minories. Ex Carta. Radul. Baldoke. was founded by Edmond Earl of Leycester, brother to king Edward. The same year the same Edmond and his wife and all the Englishmen were banished out of the French kings dominion. Henry Bole: Elias russel, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 22. First Alderman in London. Ralph Sandwich. Nicholas Farrengdon was the first Alderman. Three men had their right hands cut off in West Cheap, for rescuing a Prisoner, rested by an Officer of the City of London. Gilbert Earl of Gloucester died, leaving issue three 1294 daughters, and one son within age, begotten of jane his wife. Robert Rokesley the young corder: Martin Ambresbery Sheriffs. Custos. Ralph Sandwich. (the 28. of Sep. The thirteenth of October, being Sunday, all the Clergy of England granted a subsidy of the one half of their fruits and revenues for one year to the King. In the quindene of S. Martin, the Justice's Itinerants sat Anno reg. 23 W. Packington. without London in the Bishop of Coventries' house, at th● stone Cross. Roger Pine esden Captain to the Welshmen, sp●●led & burned the Marches. Great snows & winds did great harm in England. The water of Thamis overflowed the 1295 banks, & a great breach at Rotherheath besides London, and the low ground about Bermondsey, and Tothill was overflowed. Henry Box: Richard Gloucester, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 24 castle of Bew marish. john Rouse. Ghro. Dun. Sir Ralph Sandwich. The King passing th● water of Conoway, and so forth into Wales with an army against the Welshmen, builded the Castle of Beawmarish, in the Isle of Anglesey. The Welshmen were consumed by famine: their woods were felled, and many Castles fortified, their Captain was taken, & brought to London, and so for that time the wars seized. The Frenchmen arrived at Dover, spoiled the Town, 1296 Dover spoiled. and brent a great part thereof, amongst other they slew Thomas of Dover, a Monk of great holiness. The King caused all the Monasteries in England to be Wil Paken. Monasteries searched. W. Sheepeshed. searched, and the money in them to be brought up to London. He also seized into his hands all their lay fees, because they refused to pay to him such a Tax as he demanded. Moreover, he caused the wool and leather to be stayed in England, and there followed great dearth of corn and wine. There rose a great discord at Oxford, between the Discord betwixt the clerk and Townsmen of Oxford. clerk and Lay men, and all because of two varlets of divers Countries, which fell out about a small matter, for upon that occasion, some took one part, and some another, and so all were divided into parts, in somuch that learned and lewd by flockmeale ran to the fight, and when the Scholars or clerk were gone out of their Hostles, the laity perceiving either none, or else very few to be remaining at home, entered the clerk lodgings, and carried away a great deal, & many kinds of stuff, to the great & unrecoverable damage of the Scholars. In this skirmish was slain Sir Fulke of Neyrmouth, parson of Pichelesthorne, and many other on either side. The King hearing thereof, sent Justiciaries to restore the peace, and to condemn the murderers, which when they came, forced the Townsmen to pay the Scholars two hundredth pounds for damages done to them. john of Dunstable: Adam de Halingbery, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 25. Sir john Breton. Was made Custos of London by the King, Ralph Sandwich being removed, and the morrow after Saint Barnabes day, all the Liberties were restored to the City of London, the Mairaltie excepted. john Balliol King of Scots contrary to his allegiance rebelled, Wil Packington. Tho. Walsing. wherefore King Edward hasted him thither, and won the Castles of Berwick, and Dunbarre: he slew of the Scots five and twenty thousand: he conquered Edinburgh, 1297 King Edward wined Berwick. Regalles' of Scotland. where he found the regal ensigns of Scotland, as Crown, Sceptre, and cloth of estate etc. In his return, he called a Parliament at Berwick, where he received the fealties of all the great men of Scotland, and their homages. Thomas of Suffolk: Adam of Fulham, the 28. of Septe. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 26. Sir john Breton. King Edward offered to Saint Edward at Westminster, the Chair, Sceptre, and Crown of Gold of the Scottish King. The King increased the tribute of the wools, talking for every Sack forty Shillings, where before that time they paid but half a mark. The Scots by the instigation of William waleis, rebelled, and put the Englishmen to much trouble, and loss of many men. King Edward sailed into Flanders, to rescue Guy their Earl, which was grievously overset by the French King, so 1298 that he had won much of his lands, but shortly after a peace was concluded for two years. The Exchequer and the King's Bench was removed from London to York. King Edward wan the battle of Fankirke in Scotland, upon Saint Mary magdalen's day, in which battle was Nicholas Trivet. Tho. Walsing. Scala Croni. Battle at Faulkirke in Scotland. slain more than twenty thousand Scots, and William waleis their Captain fled. Anthony Beke, Bishop of Duresme had at this battle such a retinue, that in his company were two and thirty Banners. At this time, the Town of Saint Andrew's was destroyed, no man there resisting. The Citizens of London hearing of the great victory Chro. Dun. obtained by the King of England against the Scots, made great and solemn triumph in their City, every one according to their craft, especially the Fishmongers, which with solemn Procession passed through the City, having amongst other Pageants and shows, four Sturgeons gilded, carried on four Horses: then four samon's of Silver on four Horses: and after six and forty Knights armed, riding on Horses, made like Luce's of the Sea: and then Saint Magnus with a thousand Horsemen: this they did on Saint Magnus' day, in honour of the King's great victory, and safe return. This year, the King paid to the Merchants of Gascoigne 150000. pounds sterling, for his brother's expenses there. Richard Reffeham: Thomas Sely, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Chro. Dun. Anno reg. 27 Henry Waleis, the 28. of October. King Edward held a great Parliament or counsel at Stepenheath by London, in the house of Henry Waleis Mayor of London. Certain persons of the City of London broke up the Ton in Cornhill, and took out certain prisoners, for the which nine of them were punished by long imprisonment and great fines. It cost the Citizens more than 1299 20000. marks to purchase the King's favour, and confirmation of their liberties. The xxix. of March, a vehement fire being kindled in the lesser hall of the Palace at Westminster, the flame thereof Westminster and the King's Palace consumed with fire. Radul. Baldoke. Saint Martin'S in the Vintrie new builded. being driven with wind, fired the Monastery adjoining, which with the Palace were both consumed. Saint Martin's Church in the Uintrie at London was new builded, by the executors of Matthew Columbers. The king went to York, and so into Scotland with a great power. A certain rich Citizen of London deceasing, a great number Io. Euersden. of poor people were assembled to receive his charitable dole, amongst whom suddenly rushed in the sons of 150. Beggars murdered at London. belial, coveting to snatch the money from the executor's hands, but missing of their purpose, they fell on the poor people, murdering 129. and drowned 30. of them, because one of them had bewrayed their former wicked purposes. This year was made an Act of common counsel for Price of Pulterie. prices of victuals to be sold at London, by consent of the King and Nobility, concerning the price of Powlterie. A fat Cock for three halfpences: two pullets for three halfpences: a fat Capon for two pence halfpenny: a Goose four pence: a Mallard three half pence: a Partridge for three half pence: a pheasant four pence: a Heron six pence: a Plover one penny: a Swan for three Shillings: a Crane for xij. pence: two Wodcocks for three half pence: a fat Lamb from Christmas to Shrovetide sixteen pence, and all the whole year after for four pence. john Armenter: Henry Fingrie, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 28. Elias russel, the 28. of October. The King made cruel war upon the Scots, and had of them a great victory, and then they yielded themselves to his mercy. This Realm was troubled with false money, which False Money. 1300 Wil Rishang. was called Crokden, and Pollard, coined in parts beyond the Seas, and uttered for sterling, so that many thereby were deceived, which upon Saint Stephen's day was cloven in two, and was accounted but half the value. On Easter even the same money was forbidden through all England, and after called in, and new coined, to the King's great advantage. A sudden fire enclosed the Monastery of Gloucester, the Rob. of Gloucester Cloister, Belfry, the great chamber, with other buildings was consumed. For the establishment of the peace between England and France, King Edward took to wife Margaret, sister to Philip Wil ●aking . le Bew then King of France: they were married at Canturburie. Lucas de Havering: Richard Champes, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 29. Elias russel, the 28. of October. King Edward made his voyage against the Scots, wherein he subdued a great part of the land, took the Castle of Estrevelin, with other, & made the Lords swear to him fealty and homage. In the mean while, the Queen was conveyed to London, against whom, the Citizens to the number of 600. road in one livery of red and white, with the cognisance 1301 of their mysteries brothered upon their sléenes, and received her four miles without the City, and so conveyed her to Westminster. Robert Caller: Peter de Bosenho, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 30 Sir john Blound, the 28. of October. The King gave to Edward his son, the Princedom of Wales, and joined thereunto the Dukedom of Cornwall, and the Earldom of Chester. He kept his Christmas in Scotland 1●02 with a great army, but at the instance of the French King, he granted truce and returned. About the feast of all Saints, the King sent a great power into Scotland. Hugh Pourt: Simon Paris, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 31 Tho. de la More. 1033 Ex Record. Sir john Blount, the 28. of October. The Scots rebelling against King Edward, made William Wales their leader, wherefore the King having his Army ready, passed by the Castle of Striueling, over the whole land, nonc offering them battle, but fleeing before the sword. This year, on the twelfth of March, before john Blound Mayor of London, William Leyre, Thomas Roman, William Robert Fitz Walter acknowledgeth his service done to the City of London. Biton, Walter Finchingfeld, Hen. Gloucester, Willi. Mazarar, Solomon Coteler, john Wengrave, john Darments, Nicholas Picote, Aldermen, Hugh Pourt, & Simon de Paris Sheriffs, & before vj. men of every ward of London, Roberte Fitz Walter acknowledged his service to the same City, and swore upon the Evangelists, that he would be true unto the liberties thereof, and maintain the same to his power, and the counsel of the same City to keep etc. The right that belonged to Robert Fitz Walter, Chastelein of London, Lord of Wedeham, were these: The said Robert and his heirs ought to be, and are chief Banerars of London in fee for the Chastelerie which he and his ancestors had by Castle Baynard in the said City. In time of war, the said Robert and his heirs ought to serve the City in manner as followeth: that is: The said Robert ought to come, he being the twentieth man of arms on horseback, covered with cloth or armour unto the great West door of Saint Paul, with his Banner displayed before him of his arms: and when he is come to the said door, mounted and appareled (as before is said) the Mayor with his Aldermen and Sheriffs, armed in their arms, shall come out of the said Church of Saint Paul unto the said door, with a banner in his hand, all on foot, which banner shall be Gueles, the Image of Saint Paul Gold: the face, hands, feet, and sword, of Silver: and assoon as the said Robert shall see the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs come on foot out of the Church armed with such a Banner, he shall alight from his Horse, and salute the Mayor, and say to him: Sir Maior, I am come to do my service which I own to the City, and the Mayor and Aldermen shall answer, we give to you as to our Banerar of fee in this City, this Banner of the City, to bear & govern to the honour and profit of the City to your power: and the said Roberte and his heirs shall receive the Banner and shall go on foot out of the gate with the Banner in his hands, and the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs shall follow to the door, and bring a Horse to the said Roberte worth twenty pounds, which Horse shall be saddled with a saddle of the arms of the said Robert, and shall be covered with sendal of the said arms. Also, they shall present to him xx. ●. sterling money, and deliver to the Chamberlain of the said Robert for his expenses that day. Then the said Robert shall mount upon the horse which the Maior presented to him, with the Banner in his hand, and assoon as he is up, he shall say to the Mayor, that he cause a Marshal to be chosen for the host, one of the City, which Marshal being chosen, th● said Robert shall command the Mayor and Burgesses of the City, to warn the commoners to assemble together, & they shall all go under the Banner of Saint Paul: and the said Robert shall bear it himself unto Aldegate, and there the said Robert and Maior shall deliver the said Banner of Saint Paul from thence, to whom they shall assent or think good. And if they must make any issue forth of the City, than the said Robert ought to choose two forth of every ward, the most sage personages, to foresee to the safe keeping of the City, after they be gone forth. And this Counsel shall be taken in the Priory of the Trinity near unto Aldegate. And before every town or castle which the host of London besiege, if the siege continue a whole year, the said Roberte shall have for every siege of the commonalty of London an hundred shillings for his travel and no more. These be the rights that the said Robert hath in the time of war. Rights belonging to Robert Fitz Walter, and to his heirs in the City of London, in the time of peace, are these (that is to say) the said Robert hath a Soken or ward in the City, that is, a wall of the Chanonrie of Saint Paul, as a man goeth down the street before the Brewhouse of Saint Paul, unto the Thamis, and so to the side of the Mill, which is in the water that cometh down from the fleet Bridge, and goeth so by London Walls, betwixt the friars preachers and Ludgate, and so returneth back by the house of the said Friars, unto the said common wall of the said Chanonry of Saint Paul, that is, all the parish of Saint Andrew, which is in the gift of his ancestors, by the said seniority: and so the said Robert hath appendent unto the said Soken all these things under written, that he ought to have a Soak man, & to place what Sokeman he will, so he be of the Sokemanrie (or the same ward) and if any of the Sokemanry be impleaded in the Guild Hall, of any thing that toucheth not the body of the Mayor th● for the time is, or that toucheth the body of no Sheriff, it is not lawful to the Sokeman of the Sokemanrie of the said Robert Fitz Walter to demand a Court of the said Robert, and the Mayor and his Citizens of London, aught to grant him to have a Court and in his Court he ought to bring his judgement as it is assented and agreed upon in the Guild Hal, that shall be given him. If any therefore be taken in his Sokenry, he ought to have his stocks and imprisonment in his Soken, and he shall be brought from thence to the Guild Hall before the Mayor, & there they shall provide him his judgement, that aught to be given of him: but his judgement shall not be published till he come into the Court of the said Robert and in his liberty. And the judgement shall be such, that if he have deserved death by treason, he be tied to a post in the Thamis at Woodwharfe, where boats are fastened, two ebbings and two flowings of the Water. And if he be condemned for a common thief, he ought to be led to the Elms, and there suffer his judgement as other thieves: and so the said Robert and his heirs hath a great honour that he holdeth a great Franches within the City, that the Mayor of the City and Citizens are bound to do him of right, that is to say, that when the Mayor will hold a great counsel, he ought to call the said Robert and his heirs to be with him in Counsel, and of counsel of the City, and the said Robert ought to be sworn be of counsel with the City against all people, saving the King and his heirs. And when the said Robert cometh to the Huysting in the Guild Hall of the City, the Mayor or his lieutenant ought to rise against him and set him down near unto him, and so long as he is in Guild Hall, all the judgement ought to be given by his mouth according to the Record of the Recorders of the said Guild Hall, and so many weifs as come so long as he is there, he ought to give them to the Bailiffs of the town, or to whom he will, by the Counsel of the Mayor of the City. These be the Franchises that belonged to Roberte Fitz Walter in London, in time of peace, which for the antiquity I have here noted out of an old Record. William Combmartin: john Burforde, the. 28. of Septem. Bailiffs. Custos. Anno reg. 32 Adam Meri. Gravesend Bishop of London. Sir john Blound the. 28. of October. Richard Gravesend Bishop of London deceased, who is reported by some to have purchased the Charters and Liberties for the City of London in the year of our Lord. 1●9●. in the sixtéenth year of King Richard the second. The untruth whereof I have thought good thus much in place to note. King Edward went into Scotland, and there besieged the castle of Striveline, which William Clifford kept the space of * 1304 Tho. de la More. . 90. days with sundry valiant assaults: but being able no longer to resist, they put off their shoes, and with haulters about their necks came forth of the castle and fell prostrate before the king, committing both lives and limbs to his mercy, whom the King pardoned of life, but sent them prisoners into England. The King returning out of scotland by the City of York, commanded the Courts of the king's Bench and the Exchequer, which had now remained at York seven. years, to be removed to their old places at London. Roger Pares: john de Lincoln, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 33 Draw thy staff Adam Meri. Sir john Blound, the. 28. of October. King Edward held his Christmas at Lincoln, where he ordained Justices of Traylebaston against intruders into other men's lands, truce breakers, extortioners, murderers, and such like offenders, by which means the King's treasure was marvelously increased. Roger Brabason and Robert de Rever sat at the Guild Hall in London to hear the complaints made concerning the foresaid Articles of Traylebaston. The Citizens of Norwiche made petition unto the Norwich walled. Parliament Records. 1305 King, that like as it had pleased him heretofore, to grant them his help and licence certain years for the walling about of their Town, which term was now expired, to grant them a longer time, the same being not yet finished: whereupon v. years were granted by him and his Parliament at Westminster. john Leyland writeth that a Merchant of Norwich, I. Leyland. (whom he nameth not) builded a great part, almost half of that Wall. Robert Fitz Walter requested the king that the Fries of Friars of the Sack. A synagogue of the Sarazens near Baynard's castle in London Parliament recor. the Sack (commonly called de Penitentia jesu) in London might assign to the said Robert one Chapel of old time called the synagogue of the jews, near adjoining to the place of the same Robert, which request was granted. These Friars lived altogether by begging, and had of late multiplied in number greatly, until the counsel at Lions, wherein it was decreed, that friars beggars should receive none into their order, except Grey and White Friars. They were also licenced to enter into religion of larger rule, from the which time forth all mendicant Friars began to decrease, and were in short time brought to nothing, except the Preaching Friars. William Wales which had ofttimes set Scotland in great W. Wales in Scotland. trouble, was taken and brought to London with great numbers of men and women wondering upon him: he was lodged Adam Merimo. in the house of William Delect a Citizen of London, in Fanchurche street. On the morrow being the even of saint Tho. Delamore . Bartholomew, he was brought on horseback to Westminster, john Segraue and Geffrey, Knights, the Mayor, Sheriffs & Aldermen of London, and many other, both on horsseback and on foot accompanying him, and in the great hall at Westminster, he being placed upon the South bench crowned with Laurel, for that he had said in times past the he ought to bear a Crown in that Hall (as it was commonly reported) and being appeached for a traitor, by sir Peter Mallorie the kings Justice, he answered that he was never traitor to the king of England, but for other crimes whereof he was accused, he confessed them, and was after headed and quartered. There was opened to the K. a conspiracy, wrought by the Archbishop of Canturburie and diverse Earls and Barons against him, at such time as he was in Flaunders. The Earl Marshal being examined of this, and being not able to purge himself, made the king his heir, and put him in possession of his lands to have his grace, and thus doing, the King gave him again. 1000 pound land by the year during his life. William cousin: Reignalde Thunderle. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Anno reg. 34 Sir john Blood, the. 28. of October. Robert Bruce an Englishman, presuming by the right of his wife to usurp the Kingdom of Scotland, called a Parliament of the nobles of Scotland within the Church of the friars 1306 Minors in Domfries, where he slew john Coming, because he would not agree to the treason, and shortly after, to wit in the feast of the Anunciation of our Lady, in the Abbay of Scone, he caused himself to be solemnly crowned king by the Bishops of Glasco, and Saint Andrew's first, and the third day after by the Countess of Bowan, because her brother the Earl of Fife to whom by right of inheritance that office belonged, was then absent in England. In the feast of Penticost king Edward honoured his eldest son, Edward of Carnarvan with the degree of Knighthood, and with him also more than a hundred noble young men, at Westminster. About the feast of the Nativity of our Lady, the king went again into Scotland, with a great army, having sent his son Edward with Ayner de Valence Earl of Penbroke, Roberte Clifforde, Henry Lacie, and many other noble knights and gentlemen, at Whitsuntide before, also he sent before him his Justices of trail Baston, two and two together into every City and place into which he would come, giving them power to kill traitors, draw and hang perjured persons, burn such as work deceit, destroy the wicked, and set Englishmen in their places, and there were taken by them in the space of two months by inquisition of Juries, Hundreds & Thousands, breakers of peace and conspirators, amongst the which Nigellus de Bruse, brother to Robert de Bruse, was drawn through Berwicke and hanged. Moreover Christopher and john Seyton brethren were hanged: th● Countess of Bowan was closed in a Cage, whose breadth, length, height, & depth, was eight foot, and hanged over the wa●● of Berwick▪ the Bishop of Saint Andrews and of Glasco, with the Abbot of Stone, were sent to several prisons in England. King Edward besieged Simon Frisell in Lilyscho, and took him and sent him to London Tower, where he found many Scottish Lords in fetters of iron, amongst whom was Thomas Morham with Herbert his son, and Thomas Roy▪ his Esquire, who were all beheaded: Simon Frisel was hanged drawn and quartered: Earl john de Athol because he was of the King's blood and an Englishman, was not drawn, but hanged and headed: Sir john waller's was sent to the Tower of London and after hanged and headed: Laurence de Megos Esquire was taken at Dover & there beheaded. The Earl of Stratherne yielded to king Edward, who condemned him to remain during his life in iron fetters in the castle of Rochester. At this time, and long after, King Edward had Scotland in such good obedience, as he gave of the lands thereof to his Ex charta regia. servants and subjects in England, with Markets, Fairs, and Warrens: amongst others I have seen under the broad seal of the said king Edward a Manor called Ketnes in the County of Ferfare in Scotland; and near the furthest part of the same nation Northward, given to john Evre and his Lord Evre. heirs, ancestor to the Lord Eyre that now is, for his service done in those parts, with market every Monday, fair for three days every year, at the feast of Saint Michael, and free Warren for the same, dated at Lavercost the. 20. day of October Anno regni. 34. Geffrey Cundute: Simon Bylet. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Custos. Sir john Blound, the. 28. of October. This year Margaret Queen, second wife to Edward the Registrum f●●●rum ●inor●m. Anno reg. 53 first began to build the choir of the Church of the Grey Friars in London, to the building whereof in her life she gave. 2000 marks, and. 100 marks by her Testament: john of Brytai● Earl of Richmond builded the body of the church: Lady Marie Countess of Penbroke, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester, Margaret Countess, Lady Elinor le Spencer, and Lady Elizabeth de Brugh sisters to the Gilbert de Clare, gave great sums of money towards the same: Richard Whitington, sometime Alderman and Mayor of London founded the Library there, in Anno. 1421. King Edward held his Christmas at Carlisle, with a great multitude of English people, & in the month of January next Parliament at Carlisle. 1307 following, he called a great Parliament to be holden at Carlisle upon the Octaves of S. Hilary, to treat of matters concerning the state of Scotland, whereunto were summoned many Lords both of the spirituality & Temporalty, who either appeared Parliament Records. in person or else by proxy. Myself have seen and read an ancient register of good authority, containing the names of lxxxvij. Earls and Barons, xx. Bishops, lxj. Abbots▪ & viij. Priors, besides many Deans, Archdeacon's & other inferior Clerks of the Convocation. The master of the Knights of the Temple, of every shire two Knights, of every City two Citizens, and of every borough two Burgesses, etc. Archbishop of York. Bishop's: Of Lincoln. London. Chichester. Excester. Hereford. Salisbury. Landaf. S. Assafe. Bangor. S. David's. Coventrie and Li●chfielde. Bath and Wels. Norwich. Rochester. Durham. Carlisle. Elie. Worcester. Abbots. Of S. Augustine in Canterbury. Of Saint Edmund. Saint Alban. Westminster. Waltham. Euesham. Saint Marie at York. Peterborow. Ramsey. Winchcomb. Gloucester. Bristol. Malmesburie. Glastonburie. Selby. Cyrcester. Reding. Furney. Sawley. Alnewike. Saint Osith. Barling. Tupholme. Byley. Dale. Newh●s. Croxton. Cokersande. Saint Radegound. Tichfield. Torre. Holmcolthram. Welbecke. Hales. New Monastery. jereval. Fountains. Bella Land. Melsa. Kyrkested. Rupe. Rughford. Valeden. Grendon. Stanley in Arden. Pipwel. Combe. Basing work. Crokesden. Croyland. Werdon. Wimondham. Waverley. Coertesey. Quarrera. Lotoley. Hyde. Wendon. Saint Agathe. Swineshede. Stanley in Wiltshire. Barons. Edward prince of Wales. Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln. Ralph Mounthermer Earl of Gloucester and of Hereford. Thomas Earl of Lancaster. Humphrey Bohum earl of Hereforde and Essex. john Warren Earl of Surrey. Edmund Earl of Arundale. john Britain Earl of Richemonde. Guy Bello Campo Earl of Warwick. Robert Vere Earl of Oxford. Gilberte Vmframvell Earl of Anegoes. Henry of Lancaster. Aymer of Valence. john Ferrer. Henry Percy. Hugh Spencer. Robert Fitz Walter. William Latimer. Robert Clifford. Robert mount Alto. john Hastings. john le Mare. john de Ripaurs. john de Mohun. Petrus de Malolacu. Rupart Fitz Pagani. Hugh Curtney. Edmund Deycourt. john Saint john of Lageham. Galfride of Geynual. Thomas Furnival. Robert Tony. Thomas Berkele. William de Bruse. Peter Corbet. William Martin. Thomas Multon. john ap Adam. john Kyme. john Segraue. Robert Fitz Roger. Hugh Veer. Walter Fauconbridge. Ralph Basset of Draiton. Roger lafoy War. john Paynel. Alexander Walliclo. Hugh Points. Roger Montnomere. William Rithre. Reignald Grey. Walter Muncy. Robert Scales. Adam Welles. Almarice de Amando. William Cantalupo. john Engaigne. Gilbert Pechy. john Glavering. William Leyburne. john Bello Campo of Somerset. William Grandstone. john Extuens. john de Insula. john Sudley. Simon Montacute. Walter Tey. Edmund Hastings. john Lancaster. john Saint john. Henry Treygoz. john Lovel of Tichmerch. Alan la Zusche. Henry Teyes. Nicholas Segraue, Fulco Fitz Waren. john Fitz Reignald. Geffrey Camuile. William Vavasor. William Ferrer. Robert Grendon. Edmund Baron of Stafford. Ralph Fitz William. Thomas de la Roche. Theobalde de Verdon the younger. William Tuchet. Henry Huslee. In this Parliament many complaints were made of th● oppression of Churches & Monasteries, by the Pope's Chaplain named William Testa Archdeacon of Araine in the Church of Coventrie. The same Clerk was forbidden to use any more such extortions, and diverse statutes were ordained touching religious people which had their principal houses in other Realms. There came to this parliament sent from the Pope, a Cardinal called Petrus Hispanus, to treat, a marriage betwixt Edward Prince of Wales, and the French The course of Fleet dike at London sore decayed, which sometime bare ships of small burden to Holborn bridge, to the great commodity of the City in that west part. king's daughter. And amongst many other suits made there, the Earl of Lincoln complained, that whereas in times past, the course of Water running at London, under Holborn bridge and Fleet bridge into the Thamis, had been of such large breadth and depth, that ten or twelve ships at once with Merchaundises were wont to come to the foresaid bridge of Fleet, and some of them to Holborn bridge, now th● same course (by filth of the Tamners and such other) was sore decayed. Also by raising up of Wharfes, but especially by turning of the Water, which they of the new Temple made to their mills without Baynard's castle, and diverse other perturbations, the said ships now could not enter as they were wont and as they ought, wherefore he desired, that the Mayor of London with the Sheriffs, and certain discrete Aldermen, might be be appointed to see the course of the said Water, and that by oath of honest men all the foresaid hindrances might be removed, and to be made as it was wont of old time, etc. Which was answered and recorded, that Roger le Brabazon, the Constable of the Tower, with the Mayor and Sheriffs are assigned, that taking with them other honest and discrete men, they make diligent search and inquiry, how the said river was in old time, and that they leave nothing that may hurt or stop it, and to keep it in the same state that it was wont to be. King Edward remaining all the Winter and Summer Tho. Walsing. at Carlisle, disposed many things of scotland at his pleasure: but in the mean time Robert de Bruis going about the Country, slew many that would not obey him, and he sent with part of his army two of his brethren, Thomas that was a knight, and Alexander a Priest, Deane of Glasco, into another part of the Country, that they might allure the people unto them by gentle persuasions; which (by coming of Englishmen, upon them, they) were taken, led to the justices, condemned, hanged, and headed at Carlisle. King EDWARD sent messengers into England, commanding all that ought him service to be ready at Carlisle, within three weeks after the feast of Saint john baptist▪ but himself being vexed with the bloody flix, he sent to his son that he should come with speed to hear his last words, whom among other things he counseled to be merciful, just, and constant in all his words and deeds: he commanuded him not to be too hasty to take on him the Crown of England, till he had revenged the injuries done by the Scots, but to stay in those parts, and to cause his Father's bones (being closed in a Cheaste) to be borne about with him, till he had gone thorough all scotland and overcome his adversaries. He also commanded him to honour his mother, and love his two brethren, THOMAS Earl Martial, and EDMUNDE Earl of Cornwall. Moreover he charged him on his curse, that he should not presume to call home Pierce of Glavaston, by common decree banished, without common favour: nor to spend. xxxij, M. ●. of silver, otherways than in the business of the Holy Land, for the which purpose he had prepared it, and willed his heart there to be buried. The king also called unto him Henry Lacie Earl of Wil Pakington. Lincoln, Guy Earl of Warwick, Aymerde Valence Earl of Penbroke, and Robert Clifford Baron, desiring them to be good to his son, and that they should not suffer Pierce of Gavaston to come again into England, to set his son in riot: & the seven. of July he departed this life at Brugh upon th● sands, in the year 1307. when he had reigned four and thirty years, seven months, and odd days. He was buried at Westminster. ¶ Edward of Carnarvan. Edward the second son Anno reg. ● to the first Edward, borne at Carnarvan, began his reign the seven. day of July, in the year of Christ 1307. he was fair of body, but unsteadfast of manners, and disposed Cro. Dun. to lightness, haunting the company of vile persons, and given wholly to the pleasure of the body, not regarding to govern his common weal by discretion and justice, which caused great variance between him and his Lords. He foke to be of his Counsel Patrick Earl of Lincoln, and Otho de Granson with other. He ordained Walter Reignald to be his Chancellor, and caused Walter Langton Bishop of Chester, to bring the King his father's body from Carlisle to Waltham Cross, and then to be arrested by the Constable of the Tower and sent to Walling ford, there to be shut up in prison, and his goods confiscate, because in his father's life time he had reproved him of his insolent life. etc. He also called out of exile Pierce of Gavaston a stranger borne, which lately in his Father's days, had for certain causes been banished this land. He gave to the said Pierce the Earldom of Cornewal, the Isle of Man, and the Lordship Cro. H●ntenpries W. Paking. Sheriffs. Maior. of Wallingforde, otherwise assigned to Queen Isabel. Nicholas Pigot: Nigellus Dru●y, the 28. of September. Sir john Blunt, the. 28. of October. A parliament was holden at Northampton, wherein it was ordained, that his Father's coin, which was counted base, should not be refused upon pain of life and limb, and that a fifteenth of the Clergy, & twentieth part of the goods of the laity should be given to the king. The. 27. of October King Edward the first was buried at Westminster, at the head of Henry the third his Father, unto the which Church he had given lands to the value of one hundred pound by year, twenty pound thereof yearly to be distributed to the poor, Anthony Beck Patriarch of jerusalem and bishop of Durham doing the exequys. After the Ephiphanie of our Lord, all the Templars Adam Merimo. Knights of the temple apprehended. Tho. de la More. in England were apprehended and committed to prison in diverse places. The King went over into France and married Isabel the French kings daughter at Bolloigne the. xxij. of Januarie. There were present at that marriage, Philip king of France, his son King of Navarre, the King of Almain, and the King of Cicile, with many other. And on the xxiv. day of Februarye, King Edward with his Queen were crowned at Westminster, by Henry Bishop of Winchester, being admitted so to do by Robert Archbishop of Canterbury. The King offered first a pound of Gold made like a King holding a ring in his hand, and after he offered a mark of Gold (which is eight ounces) made like a Pilgrim putting forth his hand to receive the ring. Sir john Bachavell knight was thrust to death at his Coronation. The King gave unto Pierce of Guaston all such gifts and Ghro. D●n. Jewels as had been given to him, with the Crowns of his Father, his ancestors treasure, and many other things, affirming that if he could, he should succeed him in the Kingdom, calling him brother, not granting any thing without his consent. The Lords therefore envying him, told the king, that the Father of this Pierce was a Traitor to the King of France, and was for the same executed, & that his mother was burned for a Witch, and that the said Pierce was banished for consenting to his mother's witchcraft, and that he had now bewitched the King himself. They besought the King to hear therefore their petitions, which should be both for his own Honour and for the wealth of his people. First, that he would confirm and use such ancient 1 Laws and customs, as are contained in the Charters of the Kings his predecessonrs: and for that they would grant him the twentieth part of their goods, and be his true subjects. Secondly, that he would take nothing of any man, but 2 at the price of the owner the same to be paid for to the uttermost. thirdly that what soever was alienated from the 3 Crown, since his Father's death, might be restored thereunto again. Fourthly, that he would observe the oath he made before 4 his Father, as of the revoking of Peter Gavaston, the prosecuting of the Scottish War, and that all that was amiss should be amended, least his enemies rejoice at it, etc. That justice and judgement might be done in the 5 Land, as well to the rich as to the poor, according to the ancient and old approved Laws and Customs of England, and that no man should be restrained by the Kings writ from prosecuting his right, or to defend himself by Law. Then the king taking counsel of Pierce, Hugh Spencer the Treasurer, th● Chancellor and others, he appointed to answer the Barons at the Parliament on Hocday. The Barons being departed out of London, the City gates were shut up and chained, great watch kept, and Hugh Spencer made Constable of London. The king with Peter of Gavaston went toward Wallingford castle with a great company of soldiers as well strangers as English, and Hugh Spencer tarried still at London. The Parliament on Hocday was kept, the King & Barons being there when they decreed the same Pierce should be banished the land to depart on the morrow after Midsummer day, never to return again. The King gave him two and thirty towns and so many Pierce of Gavastone banished. Castles in Gascotgne, and great sums of money out of his Earldom of Cornwall during his life: the king accompanied him to Bristol, sent him into Ireland, assigning him th● wholegovernment and revenues of that Country. The king sent William Lord Latimer with a hundred horsemen to fetch Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, but he being forewarned, kept himself in his Castle, and so prevented their purpose, only the Lord Latimer and he talked, and so departed. The king intended to give Gascoigne to the French King, Scotland to Robert Bruis, Ireland and Wales to others, hoping thereby to have aid against his Barons. Robert Archbishop of Canturburie returned from Rome, and was restored to all his goods. Anno reg. 2. Sheriffs. Maior. 1309 Tho. de la More. john Troklowe. Anno reg. 3. William Basing: james Botener, the. 28. of September. Nicholas Faringdon Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. The king sent for Pierce of Gavaston out of Ireland: he landed at Kerneruan, on the even of Saint john Baptist, he King met him at the castle of Flint with great joy: and gave to him the Earl of Glocesters' sister in marriage, they were married at Barkamsteed, which caused him again to rise in pride, scorning the Nobles of the Realm, and to abuse the King, as before he had done, in conveying the treasure of the Anno reg. 3. Realm into foreign countries, amongst the which treasure, he conveyed the table and trestles of gold from the treasury of Westminster, and delivered them to one Armery of Frisconband to be conveyed into Gascoigne. The Barons Cro. pet. college. therefore declared to the King, that except he would expel the said Pierce from his company, they would rise against him, as against a perjured Prince, whereupon, by the advice Chro. Dun. of Pierce of Gavaston, the King sent for aid into Gascoigne to the Earl of Foys, and th● Uicount of Henoy, and they came with three hundred horsemen through France, but Philip the French King imprisoned the chief, and slew and hanged the other. Also, the King of England had word from Robert Bruise of Scotland, & from Robert Fitz Thomas of Ireland, that they would not take part with the King against his Barons, whereupon the King being wroth, fortified Windsor castle, and began to build Towers and other strange things. The Abbot of Saint Denis in France, being sent Legate from the Pope to demand the legacy that King Edward's father gave to the holy land, did earnestly request King Edward to remove from him Peter Gavaston, with whose conversation all the world was as it were infected. Then the King appointed a parliament at Northhampton, determining from thence to pass into Scotland the Barons came to this Parliament well furnished, but the King sent them word he would not come there, yet at the last he came to Stony Stratford, whither were sent to him by the Barons, the Earls of Warwick and Clare, who requested him to come for his own profit, and the commodity of the Realm: at length he went in the habit of a Squire, and the Barons met him without armour, and in the end lovingly embraced, and were made friends, and the voyage to Scotland was reiourned till another time. After Michaelmas, the Parliament was holden at London, unto the which parliament came jews the French Kings brother, with the Bishop of Poytow from the King of France▪ to entrenie unity betwixt the King and his Lords: and there were divers get ordinances made. And once again, though sore against the King's mind, he caused Pierce to objure, with condition added by the Barons, that if he were found again in any land subject to the King's dominion, he should be taken as a common enemy, and condemned. This being done● he passed into Flanders, and from thence to other Countries, seeking rest, which he could not find. james of Saint Edmond: Roger Palmer, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. 1310 Anno reg. 4. Thomas Roman the 28. of October. Pierce of Gaveston conceiving a trust in the friendship of the King and the Earl of Gloucester▪ whose sister he had married, taking with him many▪ strangers, returned into▪ England▪ And a little before▪ Christmas he came to the kings presence, who fo● joy of his coming forgetting all oaths and promises, received him as a heavenly gift. The King kept his Christmas at Windsor, where Walter Langton Bishop of Chester, and the Bishop of Saint Andrews in Scotland, were released out of prison. The second day of September at night, an horrible tempest of thunder happened, so that Hedges and Trees lost their greenness, and the Church of Middleton in Dorcetsnire, with the Steeple, Bells, Ornaments, and all other monuments of that place, were consumed with the lightning, the Monks being at Matins. Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, and Constable of Chester, W. Shep. died at London, and was buried in the new work of Paul's. Simon de Co●pe: Peter Blackney the 28. of September Sheriffs. Maior. 10. Rouse. Richard R●●●am Mercer, the 28. of October. Bl●ckeney deceased, in whose place succeeded john ●● Combridge▪ A Provincial Counsel was holden at London against Templars condemned. Thomas deal. the Templars in England, upon Heresy and other articles, where of they were accused, who denied the fact, saving one or two of them ● notwithstanding all did confess, that they could not purge themselves, and therefore were condemned to perpetual penuance in several Monasteries, where they be haved themselves very well. At Paris in Frawoe liiij. of the Templars were brent, by 1311 judgement of the French King. Thomas who had married the daughter of Henry late Earl of Lancaster hell de in his hands the Earldoms of Lancaster, Lincoln, Salisbury, Leyoester, Ferra●s, the Liberty of Pickering, and the Honour of Cokermore, besides great lands in Wales, and in the Earldom of Arthoys in France. King Edward with Peter Gavaston his companion, went to York, where the King was lodged in the Palace of the archbishop, and Peter in the Castle: they caused the City to be fortified, and the walls to be repaired, and sent to Robert Bayliol of scotland for aid against his Lords, but Robert made answer, he would not forth of Scotland▪ neither would he disquiet any man: the like answer was made by the Welshmen. The Earls assembled at Bedford▪ Gilber Earl of Gloucester being one of them, they came to London, and ordained the Seas to be kept, least strangers should enter to aid the King. After Easter the brother of Pierce of Gavaston was taken with great treasure which he had conveyed out of the kings Treasury: his ship being tossed with tempest on the Sea, was driven where it was taken, and the treasure was brought to London in Carls. About this time King Edward for his recreation took the Sea, leaving Peter of Gavaston at York, where upon the Barous brought their power, & entered the city of York, but Peter fled to Scarborough: then the Barons besieged Scarborough, where they took him, and committed him to the custody of Aymerde Valence earl of Penbroke, who brought him to the Manor of Dedington which is betwixt Oxford & Warwick▪ ● there left him to be kept s●fer but the next day in th● morning Guy Earl of Warwick with a company of armed men, took▪ him from thence, and brought him to Warwick castle: after deliberation taken, the Earls of Lancaster, of Warwick, and john Treklow. Pierce of Gavaston beheaded. Anno reg. 5. of Hereford caused in their presence in a place called Gavesice or Black low, the nineteen. of June his head to be stricken off: his body by the Friar Preachers was conveyed to Oxford▪ and there kept more than two years, till the King caused the same to be translated to his manor of Langley, and there in the friars Church (which he had builded) to be buried. Simon Merwood: Richard Wilford, the 28. of Septemb▪ Sheriffs. Maior. 1312 Tho. de la More. The Roads won by the Christians. Sir john guysor's Peperer▪ the 28. of October. Queen Isabella was delivered of her first son named Edward at Windsor, the xiij. day of November. The Knights of the order of Saint john Baptist, called Saint john of Hierusdlem, put the Turks out of the Isle of roads, and after that won upon the said Turks daily for a long time after. This Religion was greatly preferred by the fall of the Templars, whose possession was given to them by a Counsel holden at Vienna. Anno reg. 6. Robert de Bruce goat again almost all Scotland, the Castles with munitions (the English Garrisons being cast out) he took again into his power. This year therefore Tho. de la More. Hugh Spencer the younger. by consent of the Prelates, and certain nobles, Hugh Spencer the son was appointed the King's Chamberlain in place of Peter of Gaveston, whom they the rather preferred, because they knew the King hated him: nevertheless, not long after, by his great diligence, he brought himself into the King's favour. The Father of this Hugh being old▪ was yet living▪ a Knight of great virtue, in counsel wi●e, in arms valiant, whose confusion and shameful end he wan unto himself by natural love though disordinate towards his son, who was in body very comely, in spirit proud, and in action most wicked, whose covetousness and ambition, by the disheriting of widows and strangers, wrought the death of the Nobles, the fall of the King; with the utter destruction of himself and his father, john Lambin: Richard Wilford, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1313 Tho. de la More. Sir john guysor's Peperer, the 28. of October. King Edward gathering a great power, marched towards Scotland, to break the siege of Striueling Castle, and lodged himself and his people there about in the field on the even of Saint john Baptist: never afore that time was Battle at Strivelin. seen the like preparation, pride and cost in the time of war, as affirmeth Robert Paston, a Carmelite friar, being present, Robert Paston. and taken of the Scots, which he sorrowfully bewailed in his Heroical Verse whiles he was prisoner. The first night (sayeth he) ye might have seen the Englishmen bathing themselves in Wine, and casting their gorges: there was crying, shouting, wassaling, and drinking, with other rioting far above measure. On the other side, ye might have seen the Scots quiet still, and close, fasting she even of Saint john Baptist, labouring in love of the liberty of their Country. On the morrow, the Scots having gotten the most convenient place in the field for victory, made ditches in the ground three foot deep, and she like in breadth, from the right wing of the army, unto the least, covering th● same with weak twigs or Herdles, and again over with Turf and Grass, which was not of strength to bear horsemen. The army of the Scots being divided into certain troops, stood not far off from this dike, which was betwixt them and the Englishmen. On the other side, the Army of the Englishmen coming out of the west, the sun rising, casting his beams on their golden Targets, bright helmets, and other armour, gave such a reflection, as was both wonderful and terrible to behold. In the first ward were the light horsemen, and heavy coursers. In the second were the archers, and other footmen, who were appointed for the chase of the adversaries. In the third was the King with his Bishops, and other religious, amongst whom was Hugh Spencer. The Horsemen of the first front making upon their enemies, foundered with their forefoots into the ditch, and lay ther● tumbling, abiding the cruelty of the Scots, who coming upon them, slew so●e, and took a great many richemen for ransom. There was slain Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, (whom the Scots would gladly have kept for ransom, if they had known him, but he had forgotten to put on his coat of Arms:) with him was slain Sir Edmond Manly, Sir Roberte Clifford, Sir Paine T●ptofte, Sir William Martial, Sir Giles Dargenton, and many other Knights and esquires. There was taken Humphrey de Bohun▪ earl of Hereford, john Segraue, john Claveringham, William Latimer, Sir Roger Northbroke, bearer of the King's Shield or Seal, but Sir Rauf Mounthermer that had married joane of Acres Countess of Gloucester, the King's sister, being taken, Anno reg. 7. found such favour, that his ransom was pardoned, and he returning into England, brought back with him the King's Shield or seals but Sir Edmond Manly the king's Steward, drowned himself in Banockesborne. Almost three hundredth men of arms were slain in that place, our archers killing many of them, who seeing the Scots cruelly bend upon our horsemennes fallen in the ditch, shot their arrows with a high compass, that they might fall betwixt the armour of their enemies, which was all in vain ● and when they sh●tte right forth they sle●● few of the Scots, ● by reason of their, armed ●eastes, but many of the englishmen, by reason of their naked 〈◊〉. The King with the Bishops and Hugh Spencer be▪ took themselves to flight ● in which danger of fleeing, the King ●●wed to God, that he would build unto the ●oor●● Earmelite ●riers an house, in the which he would place 〈◊〉 and twenty brethren, to be Students ●● Divinity, which he afterwards performed in Oxford. Ralphe Bald●●● bishop of London deceased, who in Cro. 〈◊〉. Wil Past●●. his life time gave two thousand Marks to the building of the new work of the Chapel on the south side of New work of Paul's Church in London. the Church of Saint Paul in London, and left much by his testament to the same work. In digging the foundation of this work, were found more than a hundredth heads of Oxen and Kine, which thing confirmed great lie the opinion of those which have reported, that of old time it had been called The Temple of jupiter, and that there was the Sacrifice of Beasts. Robert Gurdeine: Hugh Garron, the 28. of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sheriffs. Maior. 1314 victual prized. Nicholas Farendon Goldsmith, the 28. of October▪ 〈◊〉 The King caused his Writs to be published for prices of virtualles, that no Ox ●●alled 〈◊〉, be sold 〈◊〉 more than four and twenty shillings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anno reg. 8. Ox for more than sixteen shillings ●●● 〈◊〉 stalled Cow at twelve shillings: another Cow at ten shillings: a● fa●●e Mutton corn fed, or whose 〈◊〉 well grown, ●●●wentie pence: another fat Mutton shorn, at fourteen, pence: a fat Hog of two years old, at three shillings four pence: a fat Goose, at two pence halfpenny, in the City at three pence: a fat Capon at two pence, in the City two pence halfepeny●●● fat Hen at one penny, and in the City three halfpence●: two 〈◊〉 a penny, in the City three halfpences: four Pigeons for one penny, in the City three Pigeous for a penny ● sour and 〈◊〉, eggs a penny, in the City twenty eggs a penny, 〈◊〉. Stephen Abingdon: Hamond Chigwell, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Tho. Walsing. Sir john guysor's Peperer, the ●8. of October. notwithstanding the Statutes of the last Parliament, the King's Writs & ●●● things were sold dearer than before, ●● flesh could be had; Capons and Geese would not be found, Eggs were hard to come by, Sheep died of the victual dear. 1315 Chro. S. Alb●●●. rot, Swine were out of the way, a Quarter of Wheat, beans, and Pease, were sold for twenty Shillings, a Quarter of Malt for a Mark, a Quarter of Salt for 〈◊〉 and thirty Shillings etc. john Poydras, a Tanner's son of Excester, in divers A Tanner's son claimed to be King. places of England named himself the son of Edward the first, and said, that by a false nurse he was stolen out of his cradle, and Edward that now was King, put in his place: but shortly after he was convict of his untruth, and confessed that he did it by the motion of a familiar spirit which he had in his house in likeness of a Cat, whom he had served three years: for the which service he was hanged at North champion. The King in a Parliament at Lincoln, gave the rod and 〈◊〉 of Marshal unto Thomas of Brotherton Earl of Norfolk his brother. He also revoked the provisions before Wil Paston. Tho. Walsing. made for selling of victuals, and permitted all men to make the best of that they had: nevertheless, the dearth ●●creased through the abundance of rain that fell in Harvest, so that a Quarter of Wheat, or of Salt, was sold before Midsummer for thirty Shillings, and after forty Shillings. There followed this famine, a grievous mortality of Anno reg. 9 Mortality of men. people, so that the quirk might unneath bury the dead. The Beasts and cattle also by the corrupt gr●●● whereof they fed, died, whereby it came to pass, that the eating of flesh was suspected of all men, for flesh of Beasts not corrupted was hard to find▪ Horsseflesh was counted great delicates: the poor stolen fat Dogs to eat: some dogs flesh good meat. Children were eaten. (as it was said) compelled through famine, in hid places, did eat the flesh of their own children, and some stolen others which they deuoure●. thieves that were in prisons, thieves in prison devour one another. did pluck in pieces those that were newly brought amongst them, and greedily devoured them hal●e alive. A Gallon of small Ale was at two pence, of the better three pence, and the best four pence. The Londoners considering, that Wheat made in Malt Wheat forbidden to be made into Ma●● was much consumed, ordained, that from thenceforth it should be made of other grain, and also, that a Gallon of better Ale should be sold j ● ob. and of small Ale for j ● and not above. The King according to the Statute of London, sent his Writs through the Realm, commanding, that as well within the liberties as without, in Cities, Boroughs, Towns, and villages, a Gallon of Ale should be sold for j ●. and that from thenceforth no Wheat should be made into Malt: which, if he had not the sooner caused to be proclaimed, the greatest part of the people should have perished through famine. Earle Waren was excommunicate by the bishop of Cro. D●●●. Chichester for Adultery, whereupon the said Earl came to the Bishop with armed men, and four more hasty than the rest, threatened the Bishop, whereupon the bishops men fell on them, and took the Earl. Hamond Goodsheape: William Bodele: the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Tho. Walsing. 1316 Stephen Abindon, the. 28. of October. There arrived in England by the King's request Gaustelinus and Lucas de Flisco, two Cardinals, to make peace betwixt the Realms of England and Scotland, and to reconcile unto the King. Thomas Earl of Lancaster. They brought john Trocklow. Tho. de la More. Bulls from the Pope to excommunicate the Scots, except they returned unto peace with the King of England. These Cardinals went into the North parts, to install Lodowick Beomond, to whom the Pope (at the kings instance) had given the Bishopric of Durham: and when they came near unto the Town of Derlington, certain robbers breaking out of a valley, Gilbert Middleton and Walter Selby being their Captains, suddenly set upon the family of the Cardinals and of Lodowick Two Cardinals rob. on Wigelesden More, rob them of their treasure, and carried Lodowick bishop of Durham to Morpeth, where they constrained him to pay a great Ransom: they brought Henrye Beaumond to the Castle of R●ntforde, and there kept him till he had paid a great ransom: but the Cardinals came to Durham, where they tarried a few days for answer of the Scots, and so under the Kings conduct they returned to York, and left their business which they came for undone. Gilbert Middleton after many damages done Anno reg. 10. to the Priory of Rymuth and other, was taken in his own Castle of Nitforde, by William Felton, Thomas Hetton, and Robert Horneclife, carried to London. and there in the presence of the Cardinals drawn and hanged. The Cardinals under certain conditions, made peace betwixt the King and Thomas Earl of Lancaster, which conditions shortly after were unjustly broken. Sir Gosseline De●●uile and his brother Roberte, with thieves like Friars. two hundred in the habit of Friars did many notable robberies, they spoiled the bishop of Durhams' Palaces, leaving nothing in them but bare walls, for the which they were after hanged at York. William Cawston: Ralph Balancer, the 28. of September Sheriffs. Maior. john Wengrave, the 28. of October. Margaret daughter to Philip, son to jews King of France, wife to Edward the first, deceased the fourteenth of Februarye, and was buried in the middle of the Choir of the Grey friars Church at London. Edward de Bruis the King of Scots brother, who by joh. Trocklowe. Edward de Bruse beheaded the space of three years had assaulted Ireland, and had crowned himself King, was taken by englishmen that were the King of England's Subjects, and was beheaded at Dundalke. In that battle were slain nine and twenty Baronet's of scotland, and five thousand and eight hundredth other, the Primate of Armakh being chief captain for the King of England. This year was an early Harvest, so that all the corn Early Harvest cheap corn. was inned before Saint Giles day. A Bushel of Wheat Anno reg. 11. that was before sold for ten shillings, was sold for ten pence: and a Bushel of Oats that before was eight shillings, was sold for eight pence. Earl Warrin took the wife of the Earl of Lancaster, and shut her up in his Castle, for that he said she was betrothed to him before she was married: the Earls had either of them a wife, but neither of them cared for them. john Prior: William Furnace, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Barwike betrayed. john Wengrave, the 28. of October. About Midlent the Town of Berwicke was betrayed to the Scots, through the treason of Peter Spalding, and other englishmen, whom the King of Scots caused to be hanged for being Traitors to their Country. The Castle held out, till for want of victuals they within were constrained to deliver it into the Scottishmen'S hands, The Scots invaded England. Richard South. john ●●ucklowe. who wan also the same time, the Castles of Harbotel, Work, and Mydforde, so that they possessed the more part of all Northumberlande, even to Newecastell upon Tyne, saving certain Castles that were defended against them. In May they entered further into the land, brenning all before them, till they came to Rypon, which Town they spoiled, and tarrying three days, they received a thousand Marks of those that were got into the Church, because they should not put the Town to the fire, as they had done the Towns of Northallerton, and Borough Bridge, etc. In their returning back, they brent Knaresburghe, and Skipton in Craven, and all other afore them, carrying into scotland a marvelous multitude of cattle, besides prisoners, men and women. The Yorkeshiremen gathered together to the number of Tho. Walsing. ten thousand, & met with the Scots at the town of Mitton, ten miles by northester from York, where they lost three W. Packington. thousand, and were overcome by the Scots, which when the King heard tell of, he left the siege of Barwike, and hasted to meet the Scots, but they returned an other way. The Pope ordained, that Parsons should have but one Benefice the piece: whereupon patrons strait presented new Parsons to the residue. A great morreyne of Kine happened, which were so mortally infected, that Dogs and Ravens eating of the carrion A morreyne of kine. of the Kine, were poisoned and did swell to death, so that no man durst eat any Beef. john Pointell: john Dalling, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. The Scots bren the suburbs of York. 1319 Adam Meri. Herdsmen and women go toward jerusalem Anno reg. 13 john Wingrave, the 28. of October. The King being at York, the Scots entered England, came to York, and brent the Suburbs of the City, and took Sir john of Britain Earl of Richemonde prisoner, with many other. Many Herds men and certain women of England, and of other parts of the world, gathered themselves together, and would go seek the Holy land, to kill the enemies of Christ, as they said: but because they could not pass over the great Sea, they slew many jews in the parties of Tholose, and Gascoigne, wherefore many of them were taken, and put to death. Simon Abindon: john Preston, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Exchequer kept at York. Wil Paston. 1390 Hamond Chickwell Peperer, the 28. of October. The fifteenth of October the clerk of the Exchequer went towards York with the Book called Domes Day, and other records and provision that laded one and twenty Cartes, but within the space of half a year in the kalends of March they did return again to London. The same year the King's Justice's fate in the Tower 1320 of London, whereupon john guysor's late Mayor of London and many others fled the City, for things they had presumptuously done, and knew themselves guilty. And at this Chro. Dun. time the Citizens acknowledged the right which they ought to Robert Fitz Walter; and to his heirs, for the Castle of Baynard. The Earl of Hereforde bought of Sir William Bruis Knight, a portion of land in the Marches of Wales called gower's. Roger Mortimer the uncle, and Roger the nephew, not knowing of the foresaid bargain, had also bought the said ground of the said William Bruis. Also the Lord Mowbray, who had married the daughter and heir of the said William, claimed it by inheritance of his wife. Last of all, Hugh Spencer the younger, had bought that land, and put them all out, where through the foresaid Nobles were sore amoved, and Humphrey Earl of Hereforde complained to Thomas Earl of Lancaster, which two Earls alured almost all the other Earls and Barons to take their part. Thomas Earl of Lancaster being their Captain, The Baron's i● armour. they came to Sherborne, and from thence with banners displayed to Saint Albon: from thence they sent to the king being at London, requiring him to banish the two Hugh Spencer's, which were condemned by the commonalty in many articles: which when the King would not grant, Anno reg. 14 the Barons came to London, where at length, the King The elder Spencer banished. granted their petition, so that Hugh Spencer the elder was banished, but the younger Hugh fell to spoiling on the sea, taking out of two Dronionds about Sandwiche, goods to the value of 40000. pounds. Reignolde at Conduit: William Produn, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. jews and lepers poisoned waters. Conradus Memdember. Nicholas Farendon Goldsmith, the 28. of October. Certain Lepers, who had made covenant with the jews to poison all the Christians in Europe, laid poison in Welles, Springs and Pits, for the which there were many convict and brent. There died in Almain for this cause above twelve thousand jews. About the feast of Saint Michael Isabella the Queen T. de la More. came from Canterbury to the castle of Ledes in Kent, purposing to have lodged there that night, but she could not be permitted to enter. The King herewith being offended, as being done in Leedes castle besieged. contempt of him, calling to him the Commons of Essex and London, besieged the Castle, which belonged to Bartholomewe de Badelsmere, who, having left his wife and children therein, was gone with the rest of the noble men to the ransacking of the Spencer's goods. In the mean time they in Leedes Castle despairing of their safeguard, the noble men with their army came to Kyngston in the Uigill of Saint Simon and Jude, demanding (by the bishops of Canterbury and London, and the Earl of Penbroke, who were sent between them) that the King would give over his siege, promising, that they after the next Parliament would deliver the Castle into the kings hands, and become obedient unto him: but the King would not grant the noble men's petition, who being returned into other parts, the King with much labour obtained the Castle, and hanging six of the chief of those whom he found therein, he sent the wife and children of Badlesmere to the Tower of London. King Edward held his Christmas at Circister, and after Christmas leaning Gloucester and Wircester, he with his army went to Shrewsbury and Bridgenorth. Both the Mortimers meeting the King, reverently and peaceably submitted themselves unto him. But the King sent them Mortimer sent to the Tower. both to the Tower of London. Mawrice Barkeley, and Hugh Audley in like sort submitting themselves, he sent to Wallingforde castle. Humphrey Earl of Hereforde, Gilbert Talbot, Ralph Damary, and their adherents, fled into the North to the Earl of Lancaster. About the latter end of February the King gathered an host and went against the rebels, and at Burton upon Trent put them to flight. The King pursuing them the sixteenth of March, the hosts met again at Borowbridge, where Humphrey de Bohune (by a certain Welshman, who stood under the Bridge) being thrust into the fundament with a Spear, died. There were taken in the field Thomas Earl of Lancaster, with the Lords, Knights, and other to the number of 65. the 〈…〉 ●●uing themselves by flight. These by the judgement o● 〈…〉 e H●●●●el●● Earl of Carlisle, were condemned. On the 〈…〉 twentieth of March Thoma●● Lancaster The Earl of Lancaster beheaded. was b 〈…〉ed: Warin de Lile, William ●●ochet. Thomas conduit, Henry Bradebourne, William Fitz William the younger, and William de Cheyney ●●rons, hanged and quartered at Pontfracte: john Mowbray, Roger joh. Troklowe. W. Paking. Clifford● Goceline Deynvile, drawn and quartered at York. Bartholomewe Badlesmere at Caunturbury: Henry de Mountfort, Henry Willington at Bristol: john Clifforde, Roger Elinbrough at Gloucester: William Kerdyfe, Henry Chies at London: Francis de Aldham at Windsor: Thomas Culpeper at Winchelse: Hugh de Audley the younger, john de Wyllyngton, Roberte Talbot, john Maidut, Edmund Heclude, john de Sapy, Roberte de Wachevile, Philippe de Labeche, john de Beck, Henry de Laybourne, these ten, and three score and two Knights more, were bestowed in divers prisons. The Justiciers of Trailebaston in Essex sat upon all Cron. of Dunsta. justices of Trailebaston. complaints, except Assizes touching pleas of feed lands, and others, in the kings Bench to be pleaded, who did abstain their hands from all kinds of gifts. And they did not only refuse the gifts, but also would not be called to the feasts and banquets of any man. The third Week after Easter, a Parliament was Tho. de la M●●●. gathered at York, where Hugh Spencer the father was made Earl of Winchester, unto whom the King gave the Castle and Honour of Dunnington, which was parcel of the Earldom of Lincoln. About the feast of Saint james, the King with a great T. de la More. Hen. Elanforde. army entered Scotland, but the Scots having destroyed all a●ore, were retired beyond the Scottish Sea. So that the King being oppressed b●●●mine, returned into England, Addictions to Nich. Trivet. Anno reg. 15 whom the Scots fol 〈…〉 and in a place of the Forest of Blackamoor they ●et 〈…〉ng, so that he hardly escaped. There were taken the Earl of Richemond and the Lord of Silicico, the French King's Ambassador, and many other: where upon the Scots spoiling all the Cou●●●●, and brenning even to York, they brent Ripon, & slew many Priests of the College there: but in Beverley they hurt not a man, for the, Burgesses and Cannons did redeem the same with four hundredth pounds of sterling money. And so the Scots by reason of Winter made return, being laden with spoils. This year the King made Sir Andrew Herkley Earl of Carlisle, and gave him lands in the Marches of scotland. Richard Constantine: Richard Hackeney, the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Hamond Chickwell Peperer, the 28. of October. About the feast of the Purification of our Lady, Andrew de Herkeley late made Earl of Carlisle, under colour of peace, feigned, that he would marry Robert Bruis his sister. Whereupon the King reputing him a Traitor, caused him to be taken by his trusty friend Sir Anthony de Lucy, and after he was disgraded of the Earldom by the taking away from him the sword, & cutting off his spurs, 1322 & then hanged & quartered at Carlisle: also the third of March his head was sent to London, and his four quarters to four several parts of this land. The. thirty. of May Aymer de Valence Earl of Penbroke Hugh Spencer the younger, Robert Baldock Archdeacon of Midlesex, sir William Herle Knight, William de Aizewine Cannon of York, Galfride de Scrope, were for King Edward of England sent to Newcastel upon Ti●e, where they met with William Bishop of Saint Andrew's, Thomas Ra●●d● ●● Earl of Mourt, john de Mete●h, Robert de Lowther, the Father Knights, and master Walter de Tromant Clerk for the King of Scots, there to talk of a final peace: but when that would not be, they ●et to a truce, which they agreed upon for. xiij years, which was proclaimed about the xj: of June, dated at Anno reg. 16 Thorpe near unto York. This year Philip King of France died, and his brother Charles succeeded him. About the beginning of August king Edward being at Pikering, there came Ambassadors from the new French king, the Lord Benuille and sir Andrew de Florentia, to cite the King to come to do homage for ●●yon, Aquitaine, and other lands which he held of him: and though Hugh Spencer the son Lord chamberlain, and Roberte Baldock Lord Chancellor, had procured the said Ambassadors not to declare their message to the King yet when they should departed they did it, admonishing him to come. And the said sir Andrew de Florence being a Notary, made a public instrument of the said Citation and admonition. john Grantham: Richard of Ely, the. 28, of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Tho. de la More. Hamond Chickwel Peperer, the. 28. of October. The French King made a process against the King of England. And Charles de Valois uncle to king Charles of France a most deadly enemy to Englishmen, did sea●e on the Dukedom of Angue, and the County of Portowe unto the use of his nephew the King. At the length going forward to the town of Ryall, he found it well defended by Edmond of Woodstock Earl of Kent, betwixt whom a final truce being taken, to continue until such time as it could be determined between both the Kings as concerning peace, and the town being yielded up, both the armies departed home. The next Lent in a Parliament holden at London, Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereforde was accused of treason, but Henry Blanford. 1323 by the Archbishops of Canterbury, York, and Dubline, and their suffragan Bishops, he was taken from the Bar and had away: notwithstanding inquisition being made by lawful men of that Country, they found th● he had aided the Mortimers with horse and armour against the King, whereupon all his Temporalities were seized into the king's hands. In this Parliament the king granted at petition of th● Prelate, that all the bodies of the noble men that were hanged on gallows, should be taken down, and buried in ecclesiastical Anno reg. 17 sepulture. The King also asked a subsidy of the clergy and people, for the redeeming of john Britain, Earl of Richmonde. Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereford, being deprived of all his temporal goods, did hate the Spencer's deadly, so did Henry Burwashe of Lincoln and their friends, who withheld Tho. de la More. their hands only for reverence of the King. On Lammas day Roger Mortimer of Wigmore, by Henry Blanford. giving to his keepers a sleep drink, escaped out of the Tower, breaking▪ through the wall and coming into th● Kitchen near adjoining to the King's lodgings, and getting out of the top thereof, came to a Ward of the Tower, and so with cords knit ladder-wise, prepared afore hand by a friend of his, got to another Ward, and so with great fear got to the Thamis, and with his helper and two more of his counsel passed the river, and avoiding the high ways came to the sea, and there finding a ship, passed over into France. Adam of Salisbury: john of Oxford, the, 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. 1324 Tho. de la More. Anno reg. 18 Nicholas Farendon Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. The King sent Ambassadors to the French King, the bishops of Winchester and of Norwiche, with john of Britain Earl of Richmonde, to take order for the Dukedom of Britain, who after long debatings, took a certain form of peace with the King. King Edward sent the Queen his wife unto her brother The Queensēt● into France. the French King, to establish the peace, who went over with a small company. By her mediation a peace was fully finished, to wit, that the King of England; should give to his eldest son Edward, the Dukedom of Aquitaine, and the Earldom of Po●t●●e, and that the French King should receive homage of him: whereupon Edward the King's son, went over with a competent household about the feast of Saint matthew, and did homage under certain protestations, to his uncle the French King. Bennet of Fulham: john Cowson, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1325 Hamon Chickwel Peperer, the. 28. of October. Whiles the Queen with her son remained in France longer than the King's pleasure was, and would not come again without Roger Mortimer and other Nobles that were fled out of England, and especially for the hatred she bore to the two Hugh Spencer's, the King in displeasure banished them both, and all other that took their parts, whereupon many fled over the Seas to the Queen, amongst the which was one a subtle Knight, Sir Robert Walkefare, who slaying the Constable of Corfe castle, broke from them, where he had long line prisoner. Sir Oliver Ingham Knight, whom the young Duke Edward Oliver Ingham. had made keeper of Aquitaine, gathered a great army, and invaded the province of anjou, (which the French King contrary to covenants, did withhold) Anno reg. 19 and brought it wholby into the dominion of England. Moreover the king's Navy took a hundred ships of the Normans, and brought them into England, for which cause great hatred grew betwixt the two kings and their Realms. The Q. perceiving that the nobles of France, were corrupted with gifts sent out of England, so that she could trust none of them, secretly conveyed herself and her son to the Earl of Heynalde, desiring aid of him who received and entreated her very honourably so long as she remained there. Gilbert Mordon: john Cotto●, the. 28 of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1326 Richard Betaine Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. Isabel the Queen made a marriage betwixt her eldest son Edward, and Philip the Earl's daughter of Heynalde, and and then with her: son Edward, Edmund of Woodstock earl of Kent, the king's brother, Roger Mortimer, and many other noble men that were fled out of England, and john brother to the Earl of Heynalde being Captain, with stipedarie knights, out of Almain and Henalde, she took the seas with all her power, which were to the number of MM. DCC. LUII. men well armed, and arrived at Vrewel, or Orwel haven besides Harwich in Essex▪ about Michaelmas, whether immediately the Earl Marshal, the Earl of Leicester, the Bishops of Lincoln, Hereforde, Divelyn, & Ely▪ came, and being joined to the Queen, made a great army: Anno reg. 20. Queen Isabel returned. the other Bishops, specially of Canturburie, aided her with money. When she had refreshed her army at Saint Edmondesburie▪ she went forwards pursuing her enemies, whose goods she applied to her own use. The King requested aid of the Citizens of London, who made him answer, they would The King requested aid. with due obedience honour the King and Queen, and their son, who was lawful heir to the Realm, and that they would shut their gates against all foreign traitors of the Realm: but they would not go out of their City to fight, except they might (according to their liberties) return home again the same day before Sun set: which when the K. heard, he fortified the Tower of London, and left there his Proclamation by the king. younger son john of Eltham: he caused also to be proclaimed that every ●●● should resist them that were arrived, and to invade them to the uttermost of their powers (the Queen with her some Edward, and the Earl of Kent his brother only excepted) and wholoever could bring the head of Roger Mortimer, should have a thousand pound. On the other s●●● it was proclaimed in the queens behalf, that all men Proclamation by the Queen. should have good peace, except the disturbers of the Realm, to wit the Spencers th● father and the son, Robert Baldock bishop of Norwich the king's Chancellor, and their fautors: & whosoever did bring to the Queen the head of Hugh Spencer, should have a M. pound. The Citizens of London without respect of any, beheaded such as they took to be the queens enemies, among the which they beheaded one of their own Citizens named john Marshal, because he was familiar with Hugh Spencer the younger. They took also Master Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester, and on the. xv. day of Bishop of Excester beheaded. October beheaded him: the eight and twentieth of March next following he was buried at Excester, with great solemnity: and two of his servants, a squire and a yeoman named William Atwall, and john of Paddington, at the standard in Cheap, because (as the saying was) he had gathered a great army to withstand the Queen, they did also wrest the keys of the Tower of London out of the Constable's hands, and delivered all the prisoners. Richard Rothing: Roger Chaunteclere, the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Saint James. Richard Britain Goldsmith, the 28. of October, This Richard Rothing Sheriff, builded the Parish Church of Saint james at Garlic Hithe in London. The Queen besieged Bristol, which was soon rendered to The Queen besieged Bristol her, and the morrow after her coming, Hugh Spencer the elder was drawn & hanged in his armour, & then beheaded & Spencer the elder executed. Wil Pakington. his body hanged up again, and after four days cut all to pieces, and cast to the dogs to be eaten, but his head was sent to Winchester. The King, Hugh Spencer the younger, and Robert Baldock, determined to flee into the isle of Lunday, which is in the mouth of the river Severne, two miles in length every way, very fruitful, pleasant, and hard to conquer: but being in great danger on the Sea the space of a The King taken. Tho. de la More. Alexan. Netha●. week, at last arrived in Wales, where they were taken the sixteenth day of November, in the monastery of Neth. The King was committed to Henry Earl of Lancaster his kinsman, who brought him to Kellingworthe castle, The K. sent to Killingworth. Hugh Spencer, Robert Baldock, and Simon Readyn; were brought to the Queen at Hereforde: the Earl of Arundel john Daniel and Thomas Muchelden, by procurement of Roger Mortimer were beheaded before their coming. Hugh Spencer was condemned without answer at Hereforde, where he was drawn and hanged upon a Spencer the younger executed. Gallows thirty foot high, and then headed and quartered on the four and twentieth of November. Simon Reading was drawn and hanged on the same Gallows, but ten foot lower. Robert Baldock died in Newgate with many torments. These things being done, the Queen with her son Edward, Roger Mortimer and other, went to Wallingforde castle a little before Christmas, and before the twelfth day they came to London, where they were joyfully received. On the morrow after the said feast, they held a parliament, where by common decree, they elected Edward his eldest son, and then sent in the name of the whole Parliament three Bishops, john K. Edward the second deposed. Stratforde Bishop of Winchester, Adam Tarleton bishop of Hereforde, and Henry bishop of Lincoln, two Earls, two abbots, four Barons, and every County three Knights, etc. unto the King at Kenilworthe. Adam de Tarleton bishop of Hereforde, being the chief in malice, did the message, with many great threats, declaring unto him their election, and required him to renounce the Kingly dignity and Crown to his son: the King answered with tears, that he was very sorry that he had behaved himself so evil towards the people of his Kingdom, but seeing the matter was so unrecoverable, he prayed them all to forgive him, and thanked them that they had chosen his eldest son. The messengers renounce all homages and duties due to Edward of Carnarvan late King: and Thomas Blunt Knight, steward of household broke his rod, resigned his office, and showed that the Kings housholdehad free liberty to depart, and then returned with the King's answer, and made the people joyful. He was thus deposed, when he had reigned nintéene years, six months, and odd days. He was delivered to the custody of Henry Earl of Leicester, and one hundred marks the month allowed for his charges in Kellingworth castle. ¶ King Edward the third Edward the third borne at Windsor, abonte the age of. xiv. years, after the deposing of his Father, began his reign the Anno reg. 1 xxv. day of Januarie, in the year of our Lord. 1326. He was crowned at Westminster, on the first day of February, by Walter Reignalds Archbishop of Canturburie. This Prince was endued with passing beauty and favour, of wit provident, circumspect, and gentle of nature: of excellent modesty and temperance. He advanced such persons to dignities, as did most excel other in innocency of life. In feats ●. de la More. Gual. Baker of Swinbroke. of arms he was very expert, as the noble enterprises by him achieved do well declare. At the beginning of his reign, he was chiefly ordered by his mother Isabel, unto whom was assigned so great a Dowry, that the third part of the Kingdom did scantelye remain to her son. The inhabitants of the Town of Bury in Suffolk, Register of Bury. john Prigton. The Abbay of Bury spoiled. assembled themselves in warlike manner on Saint Luke's day last before passed in the twentieth year of Edward the second, and besieged the Abbey of Bury, brent the gates, bet & wounded th● Monks, bore out of the Abbey all the Gold, silver, ornaments, books, Charters, and other writings, with the assay of their coin stamps, and all other things pertaining to their mint, and all other goods, as Brass, Pewter, Iron, Lead. etc. They also brent many houses about the Abbey, and in the Town, pertaining to the Abbot, with his manors in Berton, Packenham, Rugham, Oldhaw, Hernigesburie, Newton, Whipsted, Westle, Riseby, Ingham, Ferneham, Redwel, Haberdon, and others, with all the corn in the same manors, and drove away the horses, oxen, kine, swine, sheep etc. They drew the monks out of their Abbey & put them in prisons, and after brought them again to their Chapter house, where they forced them to search Charters at their pleasure, etc. For the which facts the malefactors were this year by virtue of the King's commission directed to Thomas Earl of Norfolk, Commons of Bury executed. Martial of England, Thomas Bardolfe and others, apprehended and convicted: nintéene of them were hanged, and one pressed to death. After this the whole inhabitants of the Town, for that they had not stayed the malefactors of their enterprise in th● beginning (as they might have done) were amerced to pay the Abbot toward his damages. 140000. pound. Nevertheless the Abbot and Covent at the king's request, who was there present with his nobility, forgave and remitted to them. 122333. pound six shillings eight Bury amerced. perice of the sum, and for the rest used such favour, that if they truly paid 2000 marks in twenty years following, and observed their covenants for good order and quietness, they forgave them all the rest. About this time, the like stir was made against the Record. ecclesia Christi Cantu. Monks of Canterbury, whereof I find recorded as followeth. King Edward preparing an army into Scotland commanded the Bailiffs and Citizens of Canterbury, to furnish him twelve horsemen, and send them to Nowcastel, toward which charge, the Citizens required aid of the Monks, who answered them, that without the assent of the King and their Archbishop, they would not agree thereunto, for so much as the Kings of England had founded their church in free and perpetual alms. Whereupon, William Chilham Bailiff, and many commons of the City, assembled themselves in the Preaching Friars Churchyard, conspired and swore against the Monks as followeth. 1 That they would overthrow the pentises, windows, and milne, belonging to the Monks. 2 That no Citizen should dwell in any house belonging to the Monks. 3 That all rents belonging to the Monks of Canterbury should be gathered to the use of the commons. 4 That no man should send or sell to the Monks any victuals. 5 That they should sell all the horses and beasts th● came into the City with carriage to the Monks. 6 That all such Monks as came forth of their house should be spoiled of their garments. 7 That a trench should be cast, to stop all men from going in or coming out. 8 That every Pilgrim should at his entering, swear that he should make no offering. 9 Also that every of those commons aforesaid should wear on their finger, a ring of gold of those that belonged to Thomas Becket. Sir john the Earl's brother of Henalt came to help Cro. Pet. college. Edward the third against the Scots, with five hundred men of arms, which Henawders and the Englishmen fell out by chance on Trinity Sunday at York, where. 80. of the Lincolnshire men were slain, and buried under a stone in S. Clement's Churchyard in Fosegate. The King went against the Scots that were entered journey towards scotland England as far as Stanhope Park in Wardale, where they were besieged three days, but they escaped. james Douglas one night secretly entering the English camp, came near to the king's tent to have taken or slain him, but his chaplain being a bold man and well armed, with some other being slain, he with much ado got back unhurt. Isabel the Queen being persuaded that the Earl of Leicester too much favoured the old King her husband, Tho. de la More. Walter Barker of Swinebroke. through the subtle devise of her schoolmaster Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereforde, appointed that Thomas Gornay, and john Maltravers Knights, having received him into their custody, should carry him about whether they would, so that none of his well willers should have access unto him, or understand where he made any long abode. These brought him out by night from Kenilworth, and first he is brought to the Castle of Corfe, then to Bristol, where for a season he was kept shut up close in the castle, until such time as it was understood of by certain, Burgesses of the same Town, who for the deliverance of the said Edward, conveyed, themselves over Sea: whose determination being known to his keepers, in a certain dark night they conveyed him thence to Berkeley. These tormentors forced him to ride bareheaded: when he would sleep they would not suffer him: neither when he was hungry would they give him such meat as liked him, but such as he loathed. Every word he spoke was contraried by them, giving out most slanderously, that he was mad. And to conclude, in all matters that they could imagine, they were contrary to his will, that either by cold or watching, or unwholesome meats, or melancholy or other infirmity, he might languish and die. But contrariwise, this man being of a good disposition by nature, stout to suffer, and patient through God's grace to abide griefs, he endured all the wicked devices of his enemies. For as touching poisons which were ministered to him, by the benefit of nature he dispatched them away. These Champions (as I said) bring the old king towards Barkeley, being guarded with a rabble of Hellhounds, along by the graunges belonging to the Castle of Bristol, where that wicked man Gerney making a crown of hay, put it on his head, and the soldiers that were about him mocked him, saying, Tprut, avaunt sir King, making a kind of noise with their mouths, as though they had farted. These doubting to meet some of his friends, bend their journey over the Marish grounds, lying by the river of Severne. Moreover devising by all means to disfigure him that he might not be known, they determined to shave as well the hear off his head as also off his beard, wherefore coming by a little Water which ran in a ditch, they commanded him to alight from his horse to be shaven: to whom being set on a Molehill, a Barbour came with a Basin of cold Water taken out of the ditch, to whom Edward said, shall I have no warm water? the Barber answered, this will serve: quoth Edward, will ye or nil ye I will have warm water: and that he might keep his promise, he began to weep and to shed tears plentifully, (as it was reported by William Bishop, to sir Thomas de la More knight.) At length they came to Berkeley castle, where Edward was shut up close like an Ancher. Isabel his wife taking it grievously that her husband's life was thus prolonged, made complaint to Adam Bishop of Hereforde, feigning that she had certain dreams, the interpretation whereof she misliked. In like sort the Bishop being in his conscience guilty of treason, stood in fear the like fear also stoke the hearts of other for the same offence, whom the Diver had gathered together to that effect. Wherefore it seemed good to many of great dignity & blood, as well spiritual as temporal, that all such fear should be taken away by the death of Edward, whereupon letters were sent to his keepers, blaming them for suffering him to enjoy so much liberty, & nourishing him so delicately. Moreover there is a privy motion made to them, that Sophistical letter procuring the murder of the old king. the death of Edward would not be misliked unto them: and in this point, the great deceit of Sophisters stood in force, set down by the Bishop of Hereforde, who wrote thus: Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est: Kyl Edward do not fear it is a good thing. or thus: To seek to shed king Edward's blood, Refuse to fear I count it good. This saying is to be resolved into two propositions, whereof the first consisting of three words, to wit, Edwardum occidere nolite, and the second of other three, that is, Timere bonum est, do seem to persuade very subtly: but the receivers of the letters not being ignorant of the Sophistical writing, changed the meaning thereof to this sense, Edwardum occidere nolite timere, and afterward joined these words bonum est. Now when the old king was brought to the Castle aforesaid, he was very courteously received by Thomas Lord Barkeley, but after the tormentors had received letters concerning the government of the Castle, Thomas Lord of Berkley is commanded to depart from thence, wherefore taking his leave with sighs, he goeth to his other dwelling places. After this the old king was shut up in a close Chamber, where with the stink of the dead carcases laid in a cellar under him, he was miserably tormented many days, in such sort, that he was well nigh suffocated therewith: and that the pain was almost intolerable, it appeared by the complaint he made on a certain day at the Chamber window, certain Carpenters then working on the right side thereof hearing the same. But these tyrants perceiving that this would not force his death, one night being the xxij. of September, they came rushing in upon him, as he lay in his bed, with great heavy The old king murdered. ●eatherbeddes, as much in weight as xv. men could bear, wherewith they oppressed and smothered him, into whom also they thrust a plumbers iron, being made red hot up into his bowels, through a certain instrument like to the end of a Trumpet, or glister pipe, put in at his fundiment, burning thereby his inward parts, providing thereby lest any wound being found in the king's body, they might be caused to answer it. In this sort was this stout King oppressed, crying with a loud voice, so that many as well within the Castle as without heard it, perceiving it was the cry of one that suffered violente death, which caused many of Berkeley (as they affirmed) to take compassion thereof, and to pray for the soul of him that was then departing. Isabel and the Bishop, that their tyranny might be hid, outlawed and banished Thomas Gournay, The murderers fled. and john Maltravers. Thomas fleeing into Marcels, three years after being known was taken and brought towards England, and was beheaded on the Sea, lest he should accuse the chief doer. john Maltravers (repenting himself) lay long hid in Germany. This year died Charles king of France the third brother, which was brother to the Lady Isabel Queen of England, K. Edward's title to France. mother to King Edward the third, by whose death the succession of the Kingdom of France came to the said Edward: but it was usurped and possessed by Philip de Valois uncle to the said Charles; who did intrude himself by force. King Edward married Philip the Earl's daughter of Edward the third married. Heynalde, at York the five and twentieth of February: she was sisters daughter to Phillippe de Valois aforesaid. Henry Darcy: john Hauten the, 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Hamond Chikwel Grocer, the 28. of October. A Parliament was holden at Northampton, in which ● Anno reg. 2. Parliament at Northampton. 1228 Peace with the Scots. shameful peace was made betwixt the Englishmen and Scots; so that David, the son of Robert Bruis, scarce seven years old, married joan of the Tower king Edward's sister, at Berwick, the twelfth of July. Also the king made the Scots, charters, the tenor whereof was unknown to the Englishmen: but all was done as it pleased the old Queen, Roger Mortimer, and james Dowglas. The Scots made many tannting times against the Englishmen, for the fond disguised apparel by them at that time used, amongst the which was fastened upon the Church doors of Saint Peter towards Stangate, Long beards heartless, Scottish taunts. Painted hoods witless, Gay coats graceless, Makes England thriftless. Adam Tarleton was made Bishop of Worcester. In a Parliament at Salisbury, the K. made three Earls, Parliament at Satisburie. john of Eltam his brother Earl of Cornewal, Roger Mortimer Earl of the March, and james Butler of Ireland Earl of Ormond. From this Parliament the Earl of Lancaster, the Lord Wake, Henry Beamonde, Earl Marshal, and other noble men did absent themselves, not being far off from thence in armour, for the which the King was highly displeased: notwithstanding in Summer following they submitted themselves unto the kings mercy, seeking his favour. Simon Frances: Henry Combmartin, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. john Grantham, the. 28. of October. Certain men of this land, to th● intent to try what friends K. Edward the second bruited to be alive. they had in England, craftily devised that Edward the second king of England was alive in the Castle of Gorffe, but not to be seen in the day time, and therefore they used many nights to make shows and masking with dancing upon the towers and Walls of the castle, which being perceived by people of the country, it was thought there had been some great king unto whom they did these great solemnities: this rumour was spread over all England, to wit, that the old King was alive, whence it came to pass, that the Earl of Kent sent thither a Friar preacher, to try the truth of the matter, who (as it was thought) having corrupted the Porter of the Castle with rewards, is Anno reg. 3. let in, where he lay all the day in the Porters lodge very close, and when night was come, he was willed to put on th● habit of a lay man, and then was brought into the Hall, where he saw (as he thought) Edward the Father of the king sitting royally at supper with great majesty. This Friar being thus persuaded, returned again to the Earl of Kente, and reported as he thought, what he saw: whereupon th● earl said and affirmed with an oath, that he would endeaour by all the means he could to deliver his brother from prison. The same year at the earnest request of some, the king 1329 held a Parliament at Winchester, where by procurement of the old Queen, and Roger Mortimer, the said Earl of Parliament at Winchester. Kent, and many other noble men and religious persons, to wit, the provincials of the white Carmilit Friars, and of the black Preaching Friars, and Friar Richard Wliten were accused of conspiracy, touching (as it was said) the delivery of the King's Father, which matter although it were but devised fantasy and a mere lie, yet the said Earl for certain confessions which he made, and for certain letters which were found about him, was there beheaded. The other, to wit, th● provincials of the Predicants & earl of Kent the king's uncle beheaded at Winchester. Carmilites, were banished: but the Bishop of London, was set at liberty. Robert de Taunton Priest, and some certain Carmilite friars and predicants, were condemned to perpetual prison. The death of the said Earl was the less lamented, because his family and servants had above measure afflicted the commons, in taking up things (as they travailed,) at the King's price, paying nothing or very little for it. Richard lazar: William Gisours, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Swanland, the 28. of October. There was a Parliament holden at Nottingham, where Roger Mortimer was in such glory and honour, that it was without all comparison. No man durst name him any other than Earl of March: a greater rout of men waited at his heels, than on the King's person: he would suffer the King to rise to him, and would walk with th● King equally step by step, & cheek by cheek, never preferring th● King, but would go foremost himself with his Officers: he greatly rebuked the Earl of Lancaster, cousin to the King, for that without his consent he appointed certain lodgings for Noble men in the Town, demanding who made him so bold, to take up lodgings so nigh unto the Queen, with which words the Constable being greatly feared, appointed lodging for the Earl of Lancaster one mile out of the Town: and likewise were lodged the Earl of Hereforde, john de Bohune of Estsex, high Constable of England, and others. By which means a contention rose among the Noblemen, and great murmuring among the common people, who said, that Roger Mortimer the queens Paragon, and the kings Master, sought all the means he could to destroy the kings blood, and to usurp the Regal Majesty: which report troubled much the kings friends, to weet, William Montacute, and other, who for the safeguard of the King, swore themselves to be true to his person, and drew unto them Robert de holland, who had of long time been chief keeper of the Castle, unto whom all secret corners of the same were known. Then upon a certain night, the King lying without the castle, both he and his friends were brought by Torchlight through a secret way under ground, beginning far off from th● said Castle, till they came even to the queens Chamber, which they by chance found open: they therefore being armed with naked swords in their hands, went forwards, leaving the King also armed without the door of the Chamber, lest that his mother should espy him: they which entered in, slew Hugh Turpinton Knight, who resisted them, Master john Nevell of Horneby giving him his deadly wound. From thence, they went toward the Queen mother, whom they found with the Earl of March, ready to have gone to bed: and having taken the said Earl, they led him out into the Hall, after whom the Queen followed, crying Bele fits, bele fits, ayes pity de gentle Mortimer, Good son▪ good son, take pity upon gentle Mortimer, for she suspected that her son was there, though she saw him not. Then are the keys of the Castle sent for, and every place with all the furniture is yielded up into the King's hands, but in such secret wise, that none without the Castle, except the King's friends understood thereof. The next day in the morning very early, they bring Roger Mortimer, and other his friends taken with him, with an horrible shout and crying (the Earl of Lancaster then blind, being one of them that made the shout for joy) towards London, where he was committed to the Tower, and afterward condemned at Westminster, in presence of the whole Parliament on Saint Andrew's even next following, and then drawn to the Elms, and there hanged on the common gallows, whereon he hung two days and two nights by the King's commandment, and then was buried in the Grey friars Church. He was condemned by his Peers, and yet never was brought to answer before them, for it was not then the custom, after the death of the Earls of Lancaster, Winchester, Gloucester, and Kent, wherefore this Earl had that law himself, which he appointed for other. The causes of his death laid against him were these. First, that he was consenting to the murdering of the King's father. Secondly, for that he had received a great sum of money, whereby the King's honour was greatly abated at Stanhope Park, where he gave a sign unto the Scots that they should fly. Thirdly, for that he caused certain ancient deeds and Charters to be brent, wherein the King of Scots stood bound unto the King of England: and especially for that he had caused a contra●t to be made betwixt the King's sister, and David the son of Robert le Bruis. Fourthly, that he had unprofitably consumed a great deal of treasure which he found in the king's treasury, and in the treasury of the Earls of Winchester and Gloucester. Fiftly, for appropriating unto himself the wards and marriages of all England. Sixtly, for being an evil counsellor to the King, and to the Queen mother, and for being overmuch familiar No justice. with her. There died with him his friends Simon de Burford Knight, brother to Sir William Burford that was Justice, Anno reg. 4. & john Deverell Esquire, who was desirous to have made open confession of the King's fathers cruel death, but he could not be suffered. King Edward, the Bishop of Winchester, Wil Montacute, and very few others passed over 1●●0. Sea, like as they had been Merchants, having with him scarce xv. horsemen. He left john of Eltham his brother Protector of the Realm. He returned again about the beginning of April, and then held a great Turniament at Dertford in Kent. The xv. of June was borne unto king Edward, Turniament a● Dertford. Edward the black Prince borne. his first son at Wodstoke, who was after named Edward the black Prince. The K. took into his hands all the lands assigned to his mother, and only left her a 1000 pound the year. About Michaelmas there was very solemn justing of all the stout Earls, Barons, and Nobles, at London in Cheap, betwixt the great Cross, and the great Conduit Turniament in Cheap at London. Adam Meri. Ro. Auesbery. nigh Soper Lane, which lasted three days, where the Queen Philip, with many Ladies fell from a Stage, notwithstanding they were not hurt at all: wherefore the Queen took great care to save the Carpenters from punishment, and through her prayer (which she made an her knees) she pacified the King and Counsel, whereby she purchased great love of the people. Robert of Ely: Thomas Whorwode, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Saint Laurence Pultney. Sir john Pultney Draper, the 28. of October. This Sir john Pultney, builded the College in London, called Saint Laurence Pultney, and little All-hallows, a Parish Church in Thamis street, and also the Carmelite Regist. Carmil. Friars Church in Coventrie. Such a wet Summer, with exceeding rain was this Late Harvest. year, that the Corn in the field could not ripe, so that in many places they began not Harvest till Michaelmas. The house of Croxton got not in their Wheat till Hallontide, W. Sheepeshed. and their Pease not before S. Andrew's tide. The Monks on Alhallowen day, and Martelmas day, were served with Pease green in the cods, in stead of Pears and Apples. King Edward held a solemn Christmas at Welles, which Anno reg. 5. he continued till the feast of the Epiphany, where was many strange and sumptuous shows made. 1331 In the beginning of August, Edward bailiol, son and heir to john King of Scots, came into England, which Edward had been before that time banished out of Scotland. At his coming, he declared what right he had in the Kingdom. Henry Beawmont Earl of Bohune, Gilbert Vmfrevill Earl of Angus, David Earl of Athels, Richard Talbot, Ralph Baron of Stafford, Fulx Fitz Williams, with many other noble men, affirming they had right of inheritance in Scotland, desired licence and aid of the King of England, to recover the said Kingdom and lands due to them, but the King having regard of the peace lately made, and also for his sister's sake Queen of Scots, would not suffer them to lead an army through his land, wherefore the said Lords getting a Fleet of Ships, entered the Sea, and sailing toward Scotland, landed at Kinkehorne, where the Earl of Fife, and Robert Bruse, Bastard son to Robert Bruse, with ten thousand Scots resisted them near unto Dunfermeling, but the Englishmen put them to flight, and slew many. Afterward, to weet on Saint Laurence day, they had a sore conflict at Gledesmore, where two thousand Englishmen overcame forty thousand Scots. By reason of the great throng of the multitude amongst themselves, five Earls, and many other were thronged to death. On the morrow, the Englishmen took the Town of Saint john's, well furnished with victuals. The seven and twentieth of September, Edward Baylioll Edward Baylioll resigned the Crown of Scotland to King Edward of England. Sheriffs. Maior. Hospital at Leycester. was Crowned King of Scots, but afterward he resigned it to King Edward of England, and remained under his protection many years after. john Mocking: Andrew Aubury, the 28. of September. Sir john Poultney Draper, the 28. of October. Henry Earl of Lancaster and of Leycester, high Steward of England, founded the new Hospital by the Castle of Leycester, wherein were one hundred poor impotent people provided for with all things necessary. Edward Baylioll, and the foresaid Lords and Nobles Anno reg. 6. john Maundevill. continued the wars in Scotland, unto whom came many other noblemen of the Realm of England voluntarily, serving of their own charges, and besieged Berwick. The King of England gathered a great power, and besieged 1●●2 Berwick, which at length was yielded for want of victuals. During this siege, the Scots sought many ways to remove the same, levying a great army over all Scotland▪ but coming to the siege, they could not bring their purpose to effect, yet still provoking the King's army to battle, whereupon at length the two armies appointed to fight, and setting out upon Halidowne hill, there cometh forth of the Scots Camp a certain stout Champion of great stature, who for a fact by him done, was called Turnbull: he standing in the midst betwixt the two armies calling of Combat. challenged all the Englishmen, any one of them to fight with him a Combat: at length, one Robert Ven●●e Knight, a Nonffolke man, requesting licence of the King, being armed, with his sword drawn, marcheth toward the Champion, meeting by the way a certain black mastiff Dog, Turnbull a callenger overcome in combat. which waited on the Champion, whom with his sword he suddenly struck, and cut him off at his loins, at the sight whereof the master of the Dog slain, was much abashed, and in his battle more wary and fearful: whose left hand and head also afterward, this worthy Knight cut off. After this Combat, both the armies met, but they fight scarce half an hour, certain of the Scots being slain, they closed their army (which was in three) all into one battle, but at length fleeing, the King followed them, taking and chasing them into lakes and pits, for the space of five miles. There were slain of them eight Earls, 1300. Horsemen, and of common soldiers 35000. at a place by Berwick, called Bothull, near unto Halidon. In the mean season the Scots had besieged the Castle of Kambrugh, in which at that time the Queen was: but when they heard of the victory aforesaid, they left the siege and fled. The Townsmen of Berwick yielded to the King Edward wan Barwike. King of England both the Castle and the Town, who placing garrisons there, he sent Edward Baylioll, and other nobles to keep the Realm of Scotland. Earl Patritius, in the next Parliament holden at York made fealty, and did homage unto the King by oath, who received of the King for yielding up of Berwick unto him, many honours and preferments: notwithstanding this Earl returned again to Rebellion, who holding Dunbar against the King, was besieged by William Montacute Earl of Salisbury. This year, William Elsing Mercer of London (obtaining Rising Spittle. 1. Leyland. the King's licence) made a new Hospital of an old house of Nuns by Creeplegate, within the wall of London, ●iber trinitate. and placing Canons Regular there, he became their first Prior, endowing the same with Lands for the relief of the poor and impotent. Nicholas Pike: john Husband, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Preston Draper, the 28. of October. Adam Tarleton, first Bishop of Hereford, then of Worcester, Anno reg. 7. is now translated to Winchester. Edward Bayholl King of Scots held a parliament at 1333 Gallowey, to the which came the noble men of England, and made claim for their lands and possessions which they had in Scotland, and so returned peaceably into their Country. King Edward kept his Christmas at Wallingford. The Queen was delivered of a daughter named Isabella at Wodstoke. The King summoned a parliament to be holden at York, the same to begin on Monday the second week of Lent, to the which Parliament, the King of Scots, (called Conqueror) although he were warned to be there, yet he came not, but sent messengers to excuse him, to weet, Henry de Bellemount, and William Montacute Earls, & certain other Barons and Knights, who signified that the King of Scots Conqueror could not be there without great danger, for that certain Scots lay in the islands ready to do him damage. At the feast of Saint john Baptist, the said King of Scots King of Scots did homage. Conqueror did his homage to King Edward of England at Newcastle upon Tine, and not long after that King Edward took homage of the Duke of Briteine, for the Earldom of Richmont. In a Parliament at London it was told the King that the Scots had taken Richard Talbot, & six other knights, and had slain many footmen: wherefore the King took a fifteenth of the laity, and a tenth of the Clergy, to the intent the malice of the Scots mought be bridled. john Hamond: William Hausard, the 28▪ of September▪ Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Poultney Draper, the 28 of October. King Edward went toward the Marches of Scotland, and wintered in those coasts, but understanding that the Earl Dassels was traitorously turned to the Scots, & Henry Bellemount besieged by the Scots, he entered Scotland, and raised the siege, and then kept his Christmas at Roxborow▪ Anno reg. 8. Presently after the feast of the Epiphany, the French King sent messengers to King Edward, to weet, the Bishop of Aur enges, and certain Lords, to treat a peace for the Scots, who waited for an answer in England till Midlent, and then at Nottingham a truce was granted unto them until the feast of Saint john next coming, that in the mean time a Parliament might be holden of matters 1334 concerning peace, and the state of both the Kingdoms: in which Parliament holden at York, it was decreed that the King should pass with his army through scotland, beyond the Scottish Seas, the which thing was quickly performed and done: but the Scots desirous to fight a field, they feigned that they would have peace, to obtain the which, many came about the feast of Saint Michael, and chiefly the Earl of Dascels, whereupon it came to pass, that afterward the Earl of Morefe being taken prisoner at Edinburgh, was sent to be kept prisoner in England, and Richard Talbot was ransomed for two thousand five hundred Marks, but the Earl of Dascels willing to show that he was truly revolted to the King of England, road against the Scots at the siege of a certain Castle, and falling into the hands of his enemies, because he would not yield, he was slain with thirteen of his men. After the feast of Saint Michael, the King continuing still in the Marches of scotland, was daily entreated by messengers from the French King, concerning some peace to be made. About the feast of Saint Martin, Edward Bohune, a noble man, was drowned in the marches of Scotland, for as he was driving a booty of cattle over a River, he felt himself in danger, causing his guide to ride before him through the water, where through the smoothness of the stone whereon the water ran, his guide not being able to take sure footing fell down, with his master being armed, and before any help could come, they were drowned in the bottom of the Channel. john Archbishop of Canterbury went over the Sea to Philip de Valois King of France, requesting of him the continuance of peace and amity betwixt the two Kingdoms to be maintained. Secondly, that all Towns and Castles taken before time by his father, should be restored to the King of England. Thirdly, that the said French King should swear never to give aid to the Scots against the King of England: under which conditions, the two Kings of both Realms should prepare to travel towards the holy land, and to fight against the enemies of Christ. But the French King accounted the King of England not worthy of his friendship, so long as he continued wars against the Scots his friends, whom he said were just men. Unto the second petition he would not otherwise consent thereunto, than if all charges were repaid again which his father Charles de Valois laid out in the wars of Gascoigne. Thirdly, he said, that he was a friend and lover of justice and equity, which he would never serve from, neither for friendship, nor affinity, but he would by all means he could, molest and vex all breakers of the peace of the Kingdom of Scotland: for (saith he) there shall never be perfect peace and quietness among Christians, before the King of France sit in place of Judgement for the right of the Kingdoms of France, England, and Scotland. john Kingston: Walter Turk, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Reignald at Conduct Vintner, the 28. of October. Part of the University of Oxford went to Stamforde, Ro. de Auesbery. because of a variance▪ that fell between the Northern and Southern Scholars. Upon Saint Clement's night, through abundance of waters, Anno reg. 9 but specially in the Thamis, all the cattle and beasts near thereunto were drowned, and the land made 1335 unfruitful by salt waters. King Edward had a tenth of the Clergy, and also ●● the burgesses, and a fifteenth of the commons. About the feast of Pentecost, he held a Parliament at Parliament at Northampton. Tho. de la More. Northampton, where leaving the Prelates, states, and commons debating about matters, himself secretly road to Berwick, and there taking with him a few men of arms, he went to Saint john's Town, which he strengthened with trench and rampire, and sent his Earls, with the King Conqueror, to make an inroad upon the Country, and to see what Scots they could find would resist them: but Ro. de Auesbery. none durst abide their coming, but hid themselves in hills, woods, and marshes, and in the mean time many Earls and Barons came, and submitted themselves to King Edward, upon conditions as followeth. These be the points agreed betwixt the counsel of the Kings of England and Scotland on the one party, and Alexander Mowbrey, Geffrey Mowbrey, Godfrey de Roos, William Bulloke, and Eustace de Loreyne, having full power from David Stravulgi, Earl of Dassels, and Robert Steward of Scotland, to treat, accord, and affirm all points enterparled, and to be enterparled betwixt the said Kings, and the Earl, and Steward, as appeareth by their letters patents of either party. First it is accorded that the said Earl Dassels, the great men, and all other of the commonalty of scotland, which shall come in the same conditions, shall have life and member, lands and tenements, fees and offices within Scotland, which they ought to have by inheritance or right, those except, which shall be surprised by common assent. Item, that they shall be pardoned of imprisonment, and of all manner trespasses by them done in the Realms of England and Scotland from the beginning of the world, unto the date of these presents. Item, the Earl Dassels, and Alexander Mowbrey, shall have lands, tenements, possessions, and fees in England, which they had at their departure, after the homage done at Newcastle upon Tine. Item, that the franchises of the Church in scotland shall be maintained after the ancient usage of scotland. Item, that the laws of Scotland in Borough Towns, Shrivewikes, within the lands of the King of scotland, be used after the ancient usages and custom of Scotland, as they were used in the days of King Alexander. Item, that the offices of Scotland be ministered by people of the same Nation, yet notwithstanding, that always the king of Scotland may put such officers in as shall please him, of what nation soever they be. Item, that all those that within the conditions of the Earl Dassels have lands within the lands of the King of England in Scotland, shall have again the same lands, tenements, possessions, offices and fees, as they had them at their departure, after their homage done at Newcastle upon Tine, except those that shall be forprised by common assent. Item, that▪ if they be empleded for their lands and tenements aforesaid, that they have their defences and recoveries in Court where they ought to have. Item, as touching the demand which the Earl Dassels claimeth, that the King of England ought to acquit his lands in England▪ which he hath in gage for eight hundred marks, the King neither aught, nor will do it, but as touching the Manor of Byphingdone, which the said Earl laid to pledge for two hundred and fifty pounds, it is accorded that if the said Earl do come within one year, after the date of these presents, and will acquit the manor, the King shall cause that he have the same manor. Item, as touching the Castle and Lands of Chilham, it is accorded that the said▪ Earl be in the same point that he was before at his departure, and have his recovery by law, and the King promiseth in good faith that he will cause that he may have the land, without delaying either party. And touching the lands which the said Earl claimeth to have in Norfolk, of the which he hath Charters, it is accorded that his Charters being seen of the kings Counsel, he will do reason. ●●em, that in case any man surmise treason upon the said Earl, he may defend himself by his body, according to the laws and usages of Scotland, and on the march●●; and that all those that be within these conditions, have the like grant. Item, as to the pardon which William Ramsey Knight demandeth for the trespass by him done to William Lord Mountagew, to weet, for beating down his Castle of Haghtordone, the same William shall be ready to do according to that that shall be advised by the Kings of England and Scotland. Item, that the said Stacie de Lorraine have his lands and tenements which he ought to have within the Realm of Scotland, and if any man have trespassed towards him; he shall have his recovery by law. Written at S. john's Town in scotland the eighteenth of August, Anno 1335. Walter Mordon: Richard Vpton, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Nicholas Wutton, the 28. of October. Philip Queen of England did bear her second son named William, at Hatfielde, who shortly after died. About the feast of the Epiphany, the King and the Anno reg. 10 Archbishop returned out of Scotland, to the burial of john of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall, brother unto the King, who deceased at Berwick in the month of October, and was buried at Westminster. At which time, 1336 Parliament at London. Duke and Earls created. W. Sheepeshed. the King kept a parliament at London, which began on the Monday after Saint Matthies day: and on the first sunday in Lente, he made his eldest son Edward Earl of Chester, and Duke of Cornwall. Tho. de la More. He made also six other Earls, Henry of Lancaster (son to Henry Earl of Lancaster) Earl of Derby, Hugh Audley Earl of Gloucester, William Bohune Earl of Northhampton, William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon, Robert Vffurd Earl of Suffolk, to the which Robert he at that time gave the manor of Base court, in the parish of Saint Giles without Cripplegate of Ba●bican at London. London, commonly called to this day the Barbicane, because in old time the same had been a Burgekening, or watchtower for the City. The same day, the King made twenty Knights, to Wil Shepeshead. weet, Sir Edward Montacute, Thomas Somarton, Sir Isle, Sir Darcy Richard, Sir Damuory, Sir john Poultney, Sir de Mere, Roger Banant, Roger Hilary, Sir Bolingbroke, Sir Butterell, Sir Simon Swanland, William Scotte, William Basset, Robert Sodington, William Zoustes, Sir Cogshall, Roger Sangravile, Thomas de la More mine author, Tho. de la More. and john Strache. In the same Parliament it was enacted, that no wool growing within the Realm of England, should be transposed Wool forbidden to be conveyed over the Seas. out of the same, but that it should be made into cloth in England, and that all Fuller's, Weavers, and Clothworkers of every degree, being sufficiently instructed, and cunning Privileges given to Clothworkers. in their art, from what Country so ever they came into England▪ should receive and enjoy certain privileges, yea and moreover should live at the King's charges out of the Exchequer, until they had provided commodiously to live by their art. Although this Statute seemed at the beginning to be nothing profitable, yet in short time the art of clothing increased so much thereby, that it was twenty times more used than before. Also it was enacted, that no man should after that time buy any cloth that was made beyond the Sea, and that none should wear any Furs, but such as might dispend one hundred pound by year. john Clarke: William Curteis, the 28▪ of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Poultney Draper, the 28 of October▪ After the feast of Saint Michael, a Parliament was holden Tho. de la More. Anno reg. 11 1337 at London, and a Connocation was assembled by the Archbishop, wherein the Clergy granted a tenth for three years, and the commons a fifteenth, in consideration of the King's wars which was hot in scotland, and also to resist the French King, who made great brags, and showed great cruelty, for he outlawed, slew, and imprisoned all Englishmen, and confiscated the goods and Cattayles of all that were found in his Kingdom of France, threatening, that he would be revenged for his friends the Scots. Moreover, he left not so much as one Town or Castle in the Counties of Aquitaine, or of poitiers, that was not seized into his hands: whereupon King Edward sent into Brabant, to take up all the wools which Merchants had brought thither, and made sale thereof for ready money. He also wrote Letters to the French King, exhorting him, that he would continue his old amity. Sir Walter Many being the Ambassador for the King of England, and desirous to revenge the blood of two Englishmen that were slain coming a land for fresh water, in a certain Island, called the isle of Agnes, nigh unto Flanders, he caused all that he found in the said Island to be put to the sword, and took prisoner the Earl of Flanders brother, who was Captain of the isle. Certain of the Island men being fled into a Church, Tho. Wals●●g. were brent to the number of three thousand, with the Church and all, by the Welshmen. The wars b●eing thus as aforesaid begun betwixt the two Kingdoms, the rumour thereof came unto the Court of Rome, whereupon the Pope sent two Cardinals for the reformation and ordering of the peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, who coming to Westminster, declared before the King the cause of their coming, whereunto the King answered, that although without all reason they did seem to restrain him of right and equity, for that he ought to succeed into the Kingdom of his forefathers, the which his adversary Philip de Valois did deny him, expelling, murdering, and emprisoning his people, and taking away the Dukedom of Aquitaine, and Earldom of poitiers without cause, maintaining the Scots and other Rebels against him, yet these injuries notwithstanding, he was contented if they could take order for the quiet enjoying of Aquitaine and other fees belonging unto him, which his predecessors did enjoy. Moreover, for the dismissing of all aid that the French King should give unto the Scots at any time of Rebellion, for the which he offered his money, and also the marriage of his eldest son, and also to resign all such rites and interest that he had to the Kingdom of France. The Cardinals being greatly comforted with this answer, departed, hoping that all wars were now ended. They took with them john the Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Bishop of Durham, and Geffrey Lord Scrope, who altogether went on message with the Kings answer to the French King, having full authority to treat and conclude à peace. These being so reasonable offers, could not pacify the furious mind of the French King, who reposed great trust in the Scots, hoping by them, and through their means, quite to dispossess, and to disherit the King of England of all the title he had. Walter Neale: Nicholas Crane, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Henry Darcy, the 28. of October. The King caused to confiscate all the goods of the Lonibards, and also of the Monks of the order of Cluny, and Cisteaux through the whole Realm. The King took wool, to a certain number of Sacks, Anno reg. 12 at a low price in every Country: the number that was set upon Staffordshire, was six hundred sacks, price nine marks the sack of good wool: but nothing was paid. First the wool was universally taken. Secondly, for the half, in whose hands soever it were found, as well Merchants as other. And the third time the King took a fifteenth of the commonalty, to be paid in wool, price of every stone (containing fourteen pound) two shillings. The King appointed also all the Corn and glebe lands 1338 to serve for his wars. About Saint Margaret's day, King Edward, with Queen Ro. Auesbery. Philip his wife, and a great army passed the Seas with a Navy of 500 sail of Ships into Flanders, and ●● to Cullen. The fourth of October, fifty Galleys well manned and southhampton sacked and brent by the French pirates. furnished, came to Southampton about nine of the clock, and sacked the Town, the Townsmen running away for fear, by the break of the next day they which fled by help of the Country there about, came against the Pirates, and fought with them, in the which skirmish were slain to the number of three hundred Pirates, together with their Captain a young Souldioure the King of Sicils son. To this young man, the French King had given whatsoever he got in the Kingdom of England, but he being beaten down by a certain man of the Country, cried Rancon, notwithstanding the husbandman laid him on with his club, till he had slain him, speaking these words, yea (quoth he) I know well enough thou art a Fran●on, and therefore shalt thou die, for he understood not his speech, neither had he any skill to take gentlemen prisoners & to keep them for their ransom: wherefore the residue of those Gennowayes, after they had set the town a fire and brent it up quite, fled to their Galleys, and in their fleeing certain of them were drowned. After this the inhabitants of the town compassed it about with a strong and great Wal. The King still maintaining his wars in France on the even of the Annunciation of our Lady▪ ●j. galleys▪ approaching to the town of Harwich they cast fire therein, the force whereof by a contrary wind was stayed, so that no great harm was done thereby. Furthermore, in the same year about the feast of Pentecost, certain Pirates of Normandy and Geno●, shipped in Gallenes and Pinnaces, made a show on the sea about Southampton, as they would have come aland, and threatened sore to spoil the town again, but perceiving the townsmen ready to resist them, they returned to the isle of Wight, but entered not, being put back by the inhabitants, whereupon they sailed about the sea coasts, seeking to land in places less defended, and after came to Hastings, where they brent fisher's cottages with their boats, and slew many men. Also they made great shows many times against the isle of Thanet, Dover, and Fulkestone but in those places they did little harm, except to poor fishermen: thence they sailed about to the havens of Cornwall and Devonshire, doing in all places much harm to the fisher men, and such ships as they found unmamned they fired. At length they entered Plymouth Haven, where they brent certain great ships and a great part of the town: these were met by Hugh Curtney Earl of D●●onshire, a knight of four scour years old, being accompanied with many soldiers of his Country, who having lost at the first front a few of his men which were slain by the quarrels of the French, joined to fight with them hand to hand, and slaying many of the Pirates upon dry land, chased the residue which fled to take their Galleys, and being not able to come nigh them by wading, they ●●ere drowned in the ●ea to the number of five hundred New●s being brought to the King lying in Brabant, that divers Parts of England were spoiled with the Pirates, he declared to his friends, to wit the Marquis of Iult●cence, and a cer●●●●e Cardinal, what great causes he had to revenge himself upon them, and in the end, was answered by the Cardinal as followeth. The kingdom of Fr●●●● (said he) is compassed about with ● thr●ed of ●●lke, which can not be broken, by all the strength of the kingdom of England, wherefore my Lord king, you must stay for the coming of the Dutchmen, and other your friends and confederates, the greater part whereof you now ●a●l●●. The King raking great disdain hereat, staying nothing at al●, said, that he would ride into the land of France with Banner displayed, and th● ther he would l●ke for that mighty power of the French men, and that he would either win the same against any man that should with 〈…〉 〈…〉 or else honestly die in the field. 〈…〉 Po●●●●et Hugh M●betel▪ the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Hence Dar●●▪ the▪ ●8. of October. King Edward wintered at Antwerp where Queen Philip was delivered of her third son Lionel after earl of Vl●●er. The king took upon him to be lievetenawte of the King Edward made vicegerent of the Empire. Empire from the D●●● of Bavare, who held himself as Emperor. A sudden inundation of Water at Newcastle upon Tine Richard South. Newcastel drowned. 1339 bore down a piece of the Town Wall, a six perches in length near to a place called Walkenew, where. ●20▪ men & women were drowned. In the U●g●●●● Saint Matthy king Edward began to ride with Banner displayed, and twelve thousand men of arms, against the French King, burning Towns and Castles wheresoever he came. In the first night being very dark, Geffrey Lord Scrope one of the King's Justices, led one of the Cardinals, to wit Bertrand de Mount Fa●●ntyne, of the title of our Lady, up into an high Tower, showing him the whole land about toward France, for the compass of fifteen leagues, to be in every place on ●re, (saying these words,) sir, doth not this si●●en thread wherewith France is compassed, seem to you to be broken: the Cardinal answering nothing, fell down as dead for sorrow and fear. In this sort king Edward made ●ourneyes into France daily, continuing the space of five weeks, and caused ●y●▪ army to travel in such sort, that they destroyed the whole, Country of Cambray, Tourney, Vermode●, and Landenewe▪ excepting those Cities which were sword to him with churches and Castles. The inhabitants of the Country fled, neither was there any man that durst resist his enterprises, although the French King had gathered great armies within the Walled Cities, himself lying in the strong Town of Saint Quintines, what time the Brabanders had determined to return home again, and were entered into their journey, being forced there unto, partly by want of victuals, and partly by the coldness of Winter which▪ grew on fast. The French king understanding thereof, began to move himself with his army toward the camp of the king of England, who gladly looking for his coming, called back again the Brabanders, & having received letters from the French King, that he would join battle against him, he sent him word back again, that he would stay for him three days, wherefore on the fourth day the King looking for the French Kings coming, which would come no nearer them than two miles off, breaking bridges and felling of trees, that the King of England might not follow him, he fled to Paris, whereupon king Edward returned by Hanonia in Brabrant, where he continued almost the whole Winter. William Thorney: Roger Frosham, the. 28. of Septe●. Sheriffs. Maior. Andrew Awbury Grocer, the. 28. of October. In this Winter time king Edward grew into great friendship with the Flemings, who prepared themselves at all times to show their selves as good subjects unto him, swearing to do homage and fealty, upon condition that he would call himself King of France, and in token thereof would from thence forth give arms with Flouredeluces, for otherwise they durst not obey him, for fear of the Pope's curse, which was to be laid upon them, if at any time they rebelled against the King of France. Wherefore by the co●●●●ll of his friends, the Flemings, and consent of his noble men, he agreed there unto, and took upon him both the name and arms of the King of France. He also took Flaunders under his government, the people whereof long after in all matters were to him obedient, as unto the King of France Conqueror. As touching the title and and arms aforesaid, the French king said to certain Englishmen sent unto him, our cousin (quoth he) doth wrongfully bear quartered arms of England and France, which matter notwithstanding doth not much displease us, for th● he is descended from the weaker side of our kin, and therefore as being a Bachelor we would be content to grant him licence to bear part of our arms of France: but whereas in his seals and letters patents he nameth himself as well King of England, as of France, and doth set the first quarter of his arms with Leopards, before the quarter of Liles, it doth grieve us very much, making apparent to the beholders, that the little Island of England, is to be preferred, before the great kingdom of France. Unto whom sir john of Shoreditch knight made answer, that it was the custom of men in those days, to set the title and arms of their progenitors, before the arms and title of the right descending of their mother: and thus of duty and reason Anno reg. 14 (said he) doth my Lord the King of England prefer his arms. King Edward being thus busied, the Mariners of the Cinque Ports, embarked themselves in Pinnaces and small beats well appointed, who after the feast of S. Hilary arrived at Bononie upon the sea coast, the weather being so cloudy and dark that they could scarcely be perceived to be in the haven, they brent in the lower town nintéene galleys and four great ships, and twenty small boats with all their tackling, and all such houses as were situate nigh to the sea cost, amongst which was one great house full of dares, sails, weapons, and other necessaries, sufficient to furnish nineteen galleys, and men for them: at the length in a skirmish betwixt the towns men and the Englishmen, many of the land men were slain. About the beginning of February king Edward returned into England, came unto Gaunt, where the Queen lay john of Gaunt. Parliament a● Westminster. 1340 in childbed of her fourth son named john he held a Parliament at Westminster▪ wherein the Temporalty granted him every ninth fleece of Wool, every ninth lamb, and every ninth sheaf of all sorts of corn, and the clergy gave him a new tenth. Immediatety after Easter, the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk, being accompanied but with a few men, gave an assault to the Town of Lile in Flaunders, which Town was confederate with the French King, but they chase the French men too far within the gates, the Percolices being let fall, they were beset with a multitude of men of arms, and being taken, they were conveyed into France, fettered and shackled with iron, although they had ●●orne to be true prisoners: they were drawn in a Cart through the midst of every City, Town, village and Hamlet, with great shouts and cries, railing on them: and at length being brought to the presence of the French King, he would have most shamefully slain them, had he not been otherwise persuaded by the counsel of the King of Boemia. King Edward kept his Whitsuntide at Ipswich, for that he intended from thence to take his passage into Flaunders, but being certified that the French king had sent a great Navy of Spanish ships, and also the whole fleet of France, to stop his passage, he caused his ships of the Cinque Ports and other to be assembled, so that he had in his fleet great and small. 260. ships. Wherefore on the Thursday before the mativity of Saint john Baptist, having a prosperous wind, he began to sail, and the next day in the even of the said feast they escried the French Fleet lying in Swine Haven. Wherefore the King caused all his Fleet to come to Anchor. The next day being the feast of S. john Baptist, ●arly in the morning, the French Fleet divided themselves into three parts, and removed themselves as it were a mile, approaching towards the king's Fleet. Which when the king perceived, about nine of the clock having the wind and sun on his back, set forward and met his enemies as he would have wished, wherewithal the whole fleet gave a terrible shout, and a shower of arrows out of long wooden bows so powered down on the French men, that thousands were slain in that meeting, at length they closed and came to hand blows, with Pikes, paul ax●s, & sword, and some threw stones from the tops of ships wherewith many were brained. The greatness and height of the Spanish ships caused many English men to strike many a stroke in vain: but to be short, the French ships being overcome, and all the men spent of the first part, the Englishmen entered and took them. The French ships were chained together in such sort, that they could not be separated one from another, so that a few Englishmen kept that part of the Fleet: wherefore they set upon the second ward, and with great difficulty gave the charge, which being done, was sooner overcome than the first, for that the French men leaving their ships, many of them leapt over board. The Englishmen having thus overcome the first and second part of the Fleet, and now having night drawing on, partly for want of light, and partly for that they were weary, they determined to take some rest till the next morning, wherefore that night thirty. ships of the third crew fled away, and a great ship called the james of Deep thinking to have carried away a certain ship of Sandwiche, belonging to the Prior of Canterbury, was stayed: for the Sailors so stoutly defended themselves by the help of the Earl of Huntingdon that they saved themselves and their ship, from the Frenchmen. The fight continued all the night, and in the morning the Normans being overcome and taken, there were found in the ship above. 400, men slain. Moreover the king understanding that thirty. ships were fled, he sent forty ships well appointed to follow them, over the which he made john Crabe governor: but what good speed he had is not known. In the first company of ships that were taken they found these conquered ships, the Device, the George, the Christopher, and the black Cock, all which ships were taken by Erenchmen at Sluice, and carried into Normandy. The number of ships of war that were taken, was about. 200. and. 30. barges: the number of enemies slain and drowned were above five and twenty thousand and of Englishmen about four thousand, among whom were four Knights, sir Thomas Mortimer the King's cousin, sir Thomas Latimer his son, sir William Butteler of Seortkorne, and sir Thomas Poynings. About the same time the Scots came with a great power into England, burning and spoiling all the Marches by fire and sword, and when they were returning with a great booty of cattle, they were never withstood by the Nobility of the Marches, but the common people would not suffer them so to pass, set upon them, took their booty from them, and slew many of them, and took more than. 80. Scots of good reputation, whom they kept from ransom, for the which fact the Noble men of the Marches were highly displeased. About Lammas certain French Pirates gave an assault to the isle of Wight and suddenly entered it, but sir Peter Russel Knight, meeting them with the people of that I'll, put them back again, and made them to flee, staying many of them, in the which skirmish the said knight was wounded whereof he died. These Pirates sailed thence toward the coast of Devonshire, and coming to Teygnemouth, they set fire on the Town and brent it: from thence they sailed towards Plymouth, which town was so defended, that they could not hurt it, but burned the farms and fair places nigh adjoining, and took a knight prisoner, whom they carried with them. The same year king Edward besieged Turney, but upon entreaty made by the French, a truce was taken from Michaelmas till midsummer, wherefore the king coming to Gaunt in Flaunders, stayed there, looking for money out of England, which came not. Adam Lucas: Bartholomew Maris, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Andrew Auburie Grocer, the. 28▪ of October. King Edward with eight of his men, feigning that he would ride abroad for his pleasure, secretly came into zeland, where taking ship, after he had sailed three days and three nights, on Saint Andrew's day at night about the Cock crowing, he entered the Tower of London by water, being waited on by the Earl of Northampton, Nicholas Cantilopo, Reignalde Cobham, Giles de Bello Campo, john de Bello▪ Campo Knights, William Killesby and Phillippe Weston Priests: early in the morning, he sent for his chancellor, treasurer, and Justices then being at London, and the Bishop of Chichester being his Chancellor, and the Bishop of Coventrie his Treasurer, he put out of office, minding also to have sent them into Flaunders, to have been pledges for money he owed there: but the Bishop of Chichester declared unto him what danger might ensue to him, by the Canons of the Church: whereupon the King dismissed them out of the Tower: but as concerning the high Justices, to wit, john Lord Stoner, Robert Lord Willowby, William Lord Scharshel, and especially Nicholas Lord Bech, who before that time was Lieutenant of the Tower of London, and sir john Molens▪ Knight, with certain merchant men, as john Poultney, William Pole and Richard his brother, and the Chancellors' chief clerk, to wit, Master john de Saint Paul, Michael Wathe, Henry Stafforde, and certain of the Exchequer, as Master john Thorpe, with many other more, the king commanded to be imprisoned, some in one place, some in another, neither would he suffer them to be discharged thence, till he were throughly pacified of his anger conceived for not sending the money which should have served at the siege of Torney. This year about Christmas, Henry Bishop of Lincoln, and Geffrey Lord Scrope, chief Justiciar to the king and his chief Counsellor died at Gaunt. Anno reg. 15 King Edward kept his Christmas at Gildforde, and after that a great jousting at Reading. Also at Candlemas he kept a great justing at Langley, for the honour of the noble men of Vascon●a, which he trained up there in feats of war. He made Robert de Boursier Knight Lord Chancellor of England, and Robert Parnike Knight Treasurer, the one to succeed the other. Also he sent out Justiciars that justice of Tral● baston. should set in every shire, to inquire concerning the collectors of the tenths and fiftéenthes, and of wools, and to oversee all officers. And because the City of London would not suffer that any such officers should set as Justices within their City as inquisitors of such matters contrary to their liberties, the King provided that those Justices should hold their Sessions in the Tower of London, to make inquisition of the damages of the Londoners: but because the Londoners would not answer there, until their liberties were fully confirmed, neither any such confirmation could be had either of the King, or his Chancellor touching Writs and Charters in the Tower, there rose thereof such a great tumult, that the Justicies appointed there to sit, feigned that they would hold no session there, till after Easter. Whereupon the king being highly offended for the said tumult, and desirous to know the names of them that had raised it, could not understand but that they were certain mean persons, who claimed their liberties: whereupon the King being pacified of his troubled mind, forgave all the offences committed by the Londoners, the Justice's breaking up all their sitting touching the said place. 1●41 Parliament at London. This year within the quindene of Easter a parliament was holden at London wherein the Earls and nobles of the Realm, with the commons and others, amongst other things requested, that the Charter called Magna Carta, and Carta Foresta, with all other liberties béelonging to the Church and kingdom should be observed, and that the officers and chief Rulers of the King's house should be chosen by the Peers of the Realm, in the Parliament: but these petitions the king would not confirm, nor could not abide to hear talked off. About the beginning of the month of July, King Edward received letters from Lodowick Duke of bavarie, usurper of the Roman Empire, in the which pretending friendship betwixt him and Philip the French King, he signified that those wars which the King of England had begun in France, did greatly mislike him, and therefore desired that there should be concord and amity betwixt the Kings of both Realms, the which to be performed, he offered to bestow some labour, requesting King Edward's letters of authority thereof to treat and to conclude a truce for one year or twain, toward the end of which letter, he addeth these words: The deputation, and Lieutenauntship which we gave unto you, we do for divers and sundry causes revoke again. Dated at Frankfurt the fourteenth of June in the seven and twentieth of ●ure reign, and of our Empire the fourteenth. To the which letters, king Edward wrote an inscription, in sort as followeth. To the renowned Prince Lodowicke, by the grace of God Roman Emperor, always Augustus, Edward by the same grace king of France and England, and Lord of Ireland, etc. Richard de Barking: john de Rokesley, the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. john of Oxford Vintner, the. 28. of October. This year john Maluerne, fellow of Oriall College in Oxford, made and finished his book entitled The Visions of Pierce Ploughman. Tho. de la More. King Edward gave the Earldom of Cambridge to john Lord Henault, uncle to Queen Philip, and after kept Anno reg. 16 his feast of Saint Katherine at Newcastel, and his Christmas also. Until this time David king of Scots threatened to levy an army and to enter the land, whereupon king Edward entered Scotland, and followed after David, who fled before him beyond the Scottish sea, wasting and spoiling all as he went, except Castles and Marshes, in the which the Scots together with David their king hid themselves. And William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, having gotten 1342 a great fleet, entered an Island belonging to scotland, where most victoriously he conquered it, and the same Isle being called the isle of Man, the king gave it to the Conqueror franckelye and freely to be possessed, and caused him King of ma. to be called and crowned king of that I'll. Then King Edward returning towards the south parts, kept solemn torneymentes at Dunstable, being accompanied with 230. Knights. The same year was a parliament at Westminster, wherein the Archbishop of Canterbury was reconciled to the King, before whom the Archbishop swore that although the King by his counsel and consent had done homage to the French King for the Dukedom of Aquitaine, and the Earldom of Poytowe, yet he never consented thereto as to be any hurt or prejudice to the King, or that by his counsel he might incur favour, or seek to please the French King, but for that present time he thought it best to be done, both for the obtaining of peace and also for the profit of the King and Realm. After this Parliament the king commanded Florence's of gold to be made at the Tower of London, that is to say, the penny of the value of six shillings eight pence, the half penny of the value of three shillings four pence, a farthing worth twenty Florence's of gold. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 17 pence. john Lovekyn: Richard Rifling bury, the. 28. of Septem. Simon France's Mercer, the. 28. of October. In a Parliament at Westminster, in the month of May, the religious men that were possessors of Lands, granted to the king, towards the maintenance of his war, all their jewels and plate, as well silver as gold, horses, carts, & wagons, whereupon the king's treasure was notably enriched. The same year authority was given to the king's escheters, 1343 to inquire and certify the Counsel of all such persons, which held of the King any lands in Capite, or by any A general survey of the whole realm of England. other fee, to the value of one hundred shillings, and that the names of all such should be enroled and given up for record. Also certain other were put in authority to signify how many sufficient and able bowmen were in every shire: also what other sufficient men were able to bear armour for the defence of their Country, and to see them practised with such kind of weapon wherein they had best skill: and being thus assembled in all parts of the Realm, specially such as were of lawful age, commandment was given out, that they should be ready at the kings commandment to fight against their enemies. King Edward and his nobles perceiving the derogation Ro. de Auesbury, Gual. Homingford. that was done to the realm by such reservations, provisions and collations of benefices, as the Pope practised here in England, wrote to him, requiring him, that sith the Churches of England had been founded and endued by noble and worthy men, to the end the people might be instructed by people of their own language, and that he being so far off, could not understand the defaults, yet his predecessors and he, more than had been used, by diverse reservations, provisions, and collations made to diverse persons, some strangers, yea and some enemies to the Realm, whereby the money and profits were carried forth, their cures not provided for, according to the founder's minds, they therefore upon due considerations thereof signified to him, that they could not suffer such enormities any longer, and therefore besought him to revoke such reservations, provisions and collations wholly, to avoid such slanders, mischiefs, and harms, as might ensue, and that the cures might be committed to persons meet for the exercises of the same: beseeching him further, without delay to signify his intention, sith they meant to bestow their diligence to remedy the matter, and see that redress might be had. Given in full Parliament at Westminster, the xviij. of May in the year. 1343. john Steward: john Aylesham, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Hamonde, the. 28. of October. Many being called to aid the King against the Scots, but not being ready, they contributed their money, wherewith the king might hire soldiers in place of them that remained at home. King Edward caused to be called together a great many Anno reg. 18 Tho. Walsing. 1344 Round Table at Windsor. of Artificers, to the Castle of Windsor, and began to build an house which was called the Round Table, the flower whereof, from the Centre or mid point into the compass, was an hundred foot, and the whole Diameter. 200. foot & the Circunference thereof is. 600. foot and three quarters. The same time Philip de Valois king of France, builded Round Table in France. Scala Croni. a Round Table in his Country, to the end he might allure the men of War of Germany and Italy, and so to keep them from the King of England's Round Table. King Edward in succour of john Mountfort Duke of Th●. de la More. Britain, and of his wife and children, who then remained in the king's custody, sent the Earls of Northampton and of Oxford, Hugh Spencer and Richard Talbot Knights, and master William Kilesby Clerk, every one of them having under them many men of arms and archers, into Britain, who entered there-into, in despite of all their enemies which resisted them, making many conflicts. They took as well walled Towns as other, with diverse Fortresses and Castles, both by assault and surrender, by which means they had the whole Country under their subjection, conquering till they came to the Town of Morleis, where Charles de Bloys met them with a great army. Therefore in the Champion ground nigh unto Morleys' the Battle as Morleys'. two armies made great and most stout battle, wherein the worthiness of both sorts did full well appear: for they fought so stout on both sides, that in the first conflict it chanced as the like had not been seen: for the chief Captains, Charles de Bloys, to whom the French king had given the Dukedom of that Country, and William de Bohune Earl of Northampton, who for the defence of the right of john de Mountfort, natural heir and Duke of that land, the king of England had made a general over the army of the English men, who fought so long with hand strokes in the field that day, that no man but a liar could give more praise to the one than to the other. Three times that day they being wearied on both sides, withdrew themselves to take breath, and then fell to it again with Spear and shield, and sword and Targe, but in the end the right worthy and stout Charles de Bloys, his men fleeing away, was also forced to flee himself, whereupon after many slain on both sides, the victory fell to the Englishmen. Geffrey Wichingham: Thomas Legge, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. john Hamond, the. 28. of October. King Edward sent over Henry Earl of Derby, son to the Earl of Lancaster his cousin, with more than five hundred men of arms, amongst whom was the Earl of Ro. Auesbery▪ Anno reg. 19 Penbroke and Walter de Many, with many Archers, into Gascoigne, with Ralph Baron of Stafforde, Seneshal of Gascoigne, who being come thither, the said Earl made fifty Knights of his army, and after wan many walled Towns and Castles, making many worthy skirmishes, and at length won the town of Dagu●lown by assault, to the keeping whereof they appointed Ralph Stafford, afterward they appointed three journeys toward other towns, as especially to Brigerecke (so called for the strength thereof, and also called the Chamber of France) and also to the town of Saint john de Laruel, and to many other great and strong towns well fortified, which with great toils and diverse dangerous assaults they won: where the Earl of Derby and his soldiers undermining the Towers and Walls of the said town, were very sore assaulted by them which defended. Thus he Conquered Cities, Towns, Castles and Fortresses, to the number of one hundred and fifty, bringing a great part of Gascoigne under subjection, even to Tolouse, unto the which City he did no damage, neither to the inhabitants thereof, but that he made them wonderfully afraid: as certain of them told me, (sayeth my author,) their fear was such, that the religious people were constrained to bear armour, and the Prior of the Carmelite Tho. de la More. Friars of our Lady of Tolouse, having a Banner of our Lady in Gold set in a field of silver, displayed the same, provoking thereby many to take armour. About the second sunday in Lent, the Earls being fully fraught with booty, prisoners, gold and silver, they returned towards Bordeaux, where john de Valois eldest son to the French king, being accompanied with a great number of hired dutch soldiers, besieged the Town of Agnlowne, and the Captains thereof the Earl of Stafforde and other so entrenched the same Town, that without great danger, the Englishmen could have no access unto them: but the Earl of Derby bet away them that besieged the City, and e●t 'zounds new victualled the same, notwithstanding they were not able to raise the siege, because they had so entrenched themselves without the town, who refusing to fight in the field, would answer, that they came not to pitch a field, but to besiege a Town: wherefore they continued the same siege until the decollation of Saint john, but understanding then that the King of England chased his Father Philip very sore at Grecie, and fearing, that he should come very late to the aid of his Father, he gave up the siege, setting all his tents on fire, and fled in the dark, but the Earl of Stafforde with his power pursued them, cut off their tail, took a great many of their horses, and prisoners, and returned. After this certain bowmen are mustered in England, appointed to be sent over sea, who coming over, are laid in garrison fordefence of the Country. Also twenty thousand sacks of Wool are granted to the king. Moreover Geffrey de Harecourte a Norman, came to the King, requiring aid against the French king, who wrongfully withheld his lands from him: at his first coming he did fealty, and swore homage to king Edward, but afterward he revolted. Thomas of Hatfielde the King's Secretary, by means of Tho. Walsing. the kings letters to the Pope was admitted bishop of Durham, and when certain of the Cardinals said, that the said Thomas was a light person, and a lay man, the Pope answered, truly if the king of England at this time Answer of the Pope. had made his request for an Ass, he should have obtained it. The same year died Adam Tarleton, Bishop of Winchester, that had been long time blind, after whom succeeded William Edendon, treasurer of England. This man founded the Monastery of Edendon, the religious Liber Edendon. brethren whereof were called Bonhomes. The same year died Henry Earl of Lancaster, father to Henry Earl of Derby, and was buried at Leycester, in the Monastery of cannons, the King, and both the old and young queens being present, with Archbishops, Bishops, Earls and Barons, in manner of all the land, whose son was then in Gascoigne doing chivalrous acts. This year, the Scots to the number of thirty thousand, William Dowglas being their leader, entered into Westmoreland, and brent Carelile, Penreth, with many other Towns, wherefore the Bishop of Carelile, with Thomas Lucy, Robert Ogle, and a great number, compassed them in the night season, and with lights and noise so disquieted them, that they never durst go out for victuals, nor give their bodies to sleep, but at the last Alexander Stragan stoutly prepared to go out for victuals, whom the Bishop Scots overcome and Robert Ogle met, and with a spear thrust him through the body, so that the Scots were soon after overcome and slain. Edmond Hemenhall: john of Gloucester, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Laget, the 28▪ of October. This year was the first congregating, and first Custos or guardian of the fraternity of the Grocers in the City of London elected. The Earl of Northampton, and the other Lords in Briteine Anno reg. 20 committed certain Castles won by them in Briteine, to the safekéeping of faithful Captains and soldiers, and then returned into England. King Edward prepared to make a voyage into Normandy, 1346 his Navy being ready to transport him from Portesmonth King Edward sailed into Normandy. and Porchester, with the Earls of Northampton, Arundel, Warwick, Harecourt, Huntingdon; Oxenford, and Suffolk, the Bishop of Durham, and Master William Killesby Clerk, every one of these leading a great army of soldiers, well appointed, were embarked, and waited for the wind, from the first of June, to the fifth of July, and then Tho. de la More▪ Tho. Walsing. Ro. de A●esbury. having a good wind, they began to make Sail with the number of one thousand Ships of burden and Pinnaces, and on the thirteenth day of July, they landed at Hogs in Normandy, where on the shore of the Sea, King Edward made his eldest son Knight, and also Prince of Wales, and immediately the Prince made Knights, Mortimere, Montacute, Rose, and other. That night the King lodged in the Town of Hogs, and the next day the Town was brent by the Army. Hogs in Normandy brent. The night following, King Edward lodged in Mercels, where he stayed five days, during which time, all the Country, with the Town of Barbefleete, was by his men consumed with fire. From thence they departed to Veloygus, which they set a fire: then they went to Senet comb de Mount, which is nigh the Sea, and to Garantam, thence to Serius, and to Saint jews, passing along unto the Town of Turney, wasting all with fire, and that night the King lodged at Carmalin, then to Gerin, being a Religious house belonging unto Cane, leaving nothing behind them unspoiled. Afterward they made an assault, and entered the City Cane in Normandy besieged by Edward the third. of Cane, making their entrance by a Bridge which was strongly defended. There was slain an hundredth three and forty Knights, among the which was the Earls of Ewe, and Camberlin de Tankeruill, with divers other Captains, which were sent into England, and the Lady Abatesse of Cane: and of them of the City, were slain above one thousand three hundred. At this City the army remained six days, and the spoil thereof they sold to those Mariners which followed the coast as the King went. Then they went to the Monastery in the Town of Toward, a very strong thing, and well defended. afterward, they came unto Argons' by night, burning still as they went, till they came to the City of Licens, where they found the Cardinals of Clarimount, and of Naples, and one Archbishop, who offered the King a treaty of peace, and there the King continued three days, refusing to treat of peace. Then they went to Lestentnoland, and to the Town of Brive, and lodged at New Burge, and after at Selelefe upon Sayne, and there the Welchmen ●●amme through the water of Segan, and being resisted by the inhabitants, they slew many of them. Then they passed nigh to the Town and Castle of Pount Darch, being strong places, and not sautable. This night he lodged at Jury upon Segan, nigh unto the good Town of Lovars, which they did burn. After, they passed by the Town and Castle of Gaylon, which they took, and brent, and lodged at Lingevie, which is nigh the good Town and Castle of Vernon, which they touched not, and there they first entered into France, and the same night they brent the Castle of Roche Blanch, which standeth on the other side of Segan, and lodged at Fremble upon Segan. After that, they passed by the Town de Maunt, lodging that night at Oporne. On the next day they passed to Frigmas, and the next day to the good Town of Poecie, where being a Bridge to pass over the River of Segan, the French had spoiled it, but the King caused it to be re-edified: and the next day they came unto Amias, where were three great Armies appointed to keep the King from passing that way: but he making a great conflict with them, slew three hundredth of them at the first charge, put the residue to flight, and spoiled their Tents, burning three hundredth and two Cartes and▪ Wagons laden with Crossbows, Quarrels, Armour, & victuals: the King staying there two days, they went to Gresile nigh unto Pountoys, then to Antell: the next day they passed by the City of Wenneys, which they touched not, and so by Tr●solours at the water of Some where they lodged. The next day they won the Town of Boys, and brent the Castle. From thence they went to Aregnus, then to Achen, where they lodged. The next day they came to noel upon the Sea side: the Frenchmen of Dabuile and the Country came to the fords side to hinder their passage, with whom the King had a sore conflict, but the enemies were put to the worse, and more than two thousand slain, and the Town of Croytoy taken and brent, and above three hundred Germans slain. The next day they followed the King on the River of Some, and on the banks side where the King with his host were lodged, came traveling Philip de Valois the French king, Tho. de la More. with the Kings of Boheme and Malegre, leading an army of men innumerable, divided into eight great battles. King Edward sent to the French King, offering him free passage over the Ford, if he would come and choose a place apt to fight a field in: but this Philip would not fight, but went to another place of passage. On the morrow King Edward removed to Cresifield, where the army of the French King met him. The King therefore set his son the Prince of Wales to govern the vaward: The middle ward the Earl of Battle of Crecy. Northampton: The third he took to guide himself. The army of the Frenchmen were divided into nine troops. The vaward was committed to the King of Boheme. The French King commanded his banner called Oliflam The French Banner of oily flame signified no mercy more ●han fire in oil. to be set up, after which time it was not lawful under pain of death to take any man to save his life. This banner, that it might differ from his standard, had in it Lilies of gold very broad. On the other side, King Edward commanded his Banner to be erected of the Dragon, which signified fierceness, and cruelty to be turned against the Lilies. These armies being thus appointed, stood in the field from one of the clock, until the evening. About the Sun setting, after the armies had jousted, they began by sound of Trumpets to give sign of battle, but they themselves felt the force of the English Archers, and as for their Quarrels, they fell short a great way. Moreover, their footmen being placed among their own horsemen, were by them (when they were gaulled with the English shot of arrows) overrun and trodden upon, that a great outcry was made as it were to the Stars, and the whole form of the array was broken, and they fight with the English armed men, are beaten down with Pole-axes. In this so terrible a bickering, the Prince of Wales being then but sixteen years old, showed his wonderful towardness, laying on very hotly with Spear and Shield. This battle dured three parts of the night, in the which time the Frenchmen gave five great assaults against our men, but at the length they being conquered, ran away. On the morrow, there came four armies of fresh soldiers to the French side, and making semblant as though their part had suffered no harm, they come against the Englishmen, and gave them a fresh battle. On the other side, the Englishmen withstood them very stoutly, and after a sharp conflict they forced their foes to fly, and in chasing of them together with them that were slain in the conflict, they slew three thousand men in the said two days. There were slain in the battle of Crecy, the Kings of Boheme and of Maiorica, the Archbishop of Zanxinus, the Bishop of Noyone, the Dukes of Lorraine, and Bourbon, the Earls of Alencon, Harecourt, Awmarle, Savoy, Nois, Mountbilliard, Nivars, and of Flanders, with the grand Prior of the Hospital of France, and four thousand men of arms, beside common soldiers without number. The third day after, King Edward passed by the Abbey of Mounteney, and the next day they came to the Town of Mountney, and from thence to the Nunnery of Saint joce, and after they passed over a Ford, and came to Newcastle, where they stayed two days, and from thence they came to Caleis, which presently they entrenched to besiege, being King Edward besieged Caleis. the fourth day of September. john Croyden: William Clopton, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Geffrey Witchingham, the 28 of October. The French King in this mean time sent a number of Genoese, and other hired Soldiers, unto David King of Scots, earnestly requesting him that he would invade England with all his force: wherefore about the seventh of October, he with a mighty power entered England, passing along by Berwick, which was strongly defended by the Englishmen, and so ranging over the Forest of Alnewike, they won a certain Manor place called Luden, belonging to the Lord Walter Wake, who yielded himself on condition Sir Walter Wake and his sons cruelly slain by the Scots. to be ransomed, where Selby a Knight, being desirous by law of arms to save his life, he was taken, which when it was known to David, he commanded him to be slain: but Selby entreated for him, that he mought be brought alive to the presence of David, who having obtained his request, he falleth down before David, requesting his life for ransom, but he was again adjudged to die. The malice of the Tyrant was such, that he commanded two of the children of the poor Knight to be strangled in sight of their father, and afterward himself being almost mad for sorrow, was beheaded. From thence the Scots passed forward, wasting along the Country, wherein were many Farms belonging to the Monastery of Durham, and coming within two miles of Durham, they took certain of the Monks, which they kept prisoners for their ransom, making covenant with the residue for a certain sum of money and corn to redeem their Mannoures' from spoiling. The Englishmen of the Marches fleeing before the face of the enemy, William de la Zouch, Archbishop of York, Uizegerent to the King in the Marches, calling together the Bishop of Carelile, the Earl of Anguise, the Lord Mowbrey, the Lord Percy, the Lord Nevell, and other of the North, with all their aid, together with the Archers of Lancashire, went towards the army of the Scots, and on the even of Saint Luke, met them at a place called Bewre park, ●éere Nevil'S Cross. The Scottish Nation not accustomed to flee, withstood them stoutly, and having Headpéeces on their heads, and Targets on their arms, pressing sore upon the Englishmen, they abode the brunt of the Archers: but the men of arms which were in the forefronts, gave their enemies many deadly wounds. The Marshal of the Scots, Earl Patrick, who had the charge of the rearward, when he perceived his men to be beaten down, he fled away with other that were privy to his cowardliness: he being fled, the residue of the Scots continuing faithfully with their King, stood about him like a round Tower, keeping him in the middle, who so continued till there was scarce forty of them left alive, of the which not one of them could escape away. At length, David their King being taken prisoner by john Copland, the residue about him being taken or▪ slain, the Englishmen pursued the chase after them which were fled, slaying and taking them as far as Prudihow and Corbridge. In this great battle were taken King of Scots taken. David de Bruse King of Scots, the Earl of Mentife, the Earl of Fife, the Lord Maleolin Fleming, the Earl Wixton, William Dowglas, William de Lemingstone, Walter de haliburton, john Dowglas, David de Anade, john de Saint Clere, William Mowbray, David Fitz Robert, William de Ramsey, Adam Moygne, john Steward, Roger de Kirkpatrike, john Hume, & Wil Morrey knights, james Sudelflour, james Loren, Henry Delker Baronet's. There were slain in this battle the Earl of Morife, the Earl of Straterne▪ also Alex. Stragy, john de Haliburton, Hen▪ de Ramsey, Naso de Ram●ey, Adam Nilkenson, Thomas Boid, john Stiward, Allen Stiward, David Delahay, Edward Kethe, john Crawford, john de Kindesey, Philip de Maldrens, Hen. Ramsey, Alex. Morey, Hum. de Boys, Gil. Inchmarten, Robert Maltallent, and his brother Humphrey Kirkepatrike, john Strange, and Patrick Hearing Knights. There were many slain in the chase, but there were no more coat armours found in the main battle than we have reckoned. This battle was fought on the seventeenth of October. The prisoners were conveyed to London about Christmas, David le Bruce except, which might not travel by reason of two deadly wounds in his head with arrows, but the second of January he was brought up, and conveyed from Westminster to th● Tower of London, in sight of all the people, and there lodged in the black nouke of the said Tower, near to the Connestables' guard, there to be kept. While these things were done in England, the King was Anno reg. 21 Tho. de la More. busied at the siege of calais, which Town is situated in the marches of Artoys, being closed about with a double wall, and a double ditch, hard on the shore of the English caleis described. Sea, right over against the Castle of Dover. And there is longing to the same Town an Haven, wherein Ships may lie very safe without danger. This Town was sometime with the Castle thereof very strongly built by the force and valiantness of the Romans, for after that julius Caleys builded by the Romans. Caesar had brought all France under his subjection, he built calais in Artoys, and the Castle of Chipstowe in Venedocia, or South-Wales, and the castle of Dover in Kent, what time Castles of Chepstow in wales, and Dover in Kent, built by the Romans. he had conquered Britain. King Edward cast a ditch about his Camp, and laid his Navy of Ships against Caleis Haven, to the intent that the Frenchmen should make no invasions upon his soldiers, neither they within receive any victuals by water. The Norman Pirates at sundry times took fifteen of his Ships, whereof some of them they carried away for their own occupying, the other they brent, and Sir Thomas Haclut, with Sir William Borton Knights, as they were sailing into England, were taken prisoners on the Sea. King Edward having fortified the siege, lay without giving 1347 any assault, knowing that it was not possible to fight with his enemies without great loss of men, considering the depth of the ditches, and height of the walls: neither would he erect any engines against the Town, for there wanted firm ground where upon to place them. Besides that, if he should beat down the walls, yet were the ditches so deep, and full of salt water, let in on every side, that they were able to withstand all the world, with little strength and defence. On that side of the Town on which the Bolloners' were wont to victual Caleis, that is along on the Sea side, and especially when the Ships could not be suffered to pass by Sea, but alongst the shore with small boats, the Earl of Northampton made a Rampire, wherewith he kept away A Rampire builded at Caleis. and beat back such boats, and afterward when the Admiral of France had purposed to come with his Ships of war to fight against our English Ships that lay at the siege, thinking that in the mean time whilst they were a fight, the small Boats should pass to Caleis with victuals, the said Earl of Northampton meeting with him valiantly, put him to flight. This siege during in such sort, from the feast of the Nativity of our Lady, and all the whole winter, with a great part of the summer, and still waxing stronger and stronger, on Monday next before the feast of Saint james, the French King came to the Castle of Gysnes, with his eldest son john, The French King came to raise the siege of Caleis. and the King's son of Boheme, and a great power, to have removed the siege from Caleis. Also the Emperor (promising by oath, that he would remove the siege either by war or peace, or at the least, he would victual them that were besieged) came with his army towards the English Camp, and lodged scarce a mile from thence, requesting by messengers a treaty of peace. He sent the Duke of Detenes, and the Earls of Bulone and Darminake, who parleing with the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earls of Northampton and Huntingdon, touching a truce, could not obtain their consent, whereupon after they had exercised a little warlike justing, they returned to their Tents. The second day following, the French King offered the King of England a day of battle, The French King proffered battle. which the King on certain conditions accepted very gladly. In the mean season, they which were besieged, made known their state to the French King, by signs and tokens, for at his first coming, they within the Town set up his ancient on the chiefest Tower of the Castle, and also they set out Banners of the Dukes and Earls of France, and a little after the shutting in of the evening, they made a great light on the top of one of the highest Towers, which was towards the army of the Frenchmen, and therewithal they made a great shout and noise with Trumpets and drums: the second night they made the like, but somewhat less: the third night a very small fire, giving forth therewith a sorrowful voice, signifying thereby that their strength touching the keeping of the Town, was quite spent and done: and the same night they took in all their flags and ancients, except their standard. At the last, the day of battle drew on, against which time, there came out of England and Dutchland, toward the help of King Edward, seaventéene thousand fight men, whereupon the French King betimes in the morning of the The French King fleeth. second day of August, making fire in his Tents, he fled, whose tail the Duke of Lancaster, and Earl of Northampton Wil Norwell. cutting off, they slew and took many of them. When they of Caleis perceived this, they took their standard down, and with great sorrow cast it from the Tower down into the ditch, and on the Saturday following, john Caleis is yielded . de Vienna their Captain, a man very skilful in warlike affairs, opening the gates of the Town, came out to the The order how Caleis was yielded. King of England, sitting on a little nag, for that he being lame on his feet could not well go, with an halter about his neck, with the other burgesses and soldiers following on foot, bore headed, and bore footed, having halters about their necks. The Captain coming thus before the King, offered him a warlike sword, as unto the chiefest Prince of arms amongst all Christian Kings, and as one that had taken that Town from the mightiest Christian King by noble chivalry. Then he delivered to him the keys of the Town. Thirdly, he requesting of him pity, asked pardon, and delivered him the sword of peace, wherewith he should give right judgement, spare and forbear the humble and lowly, and chasten the proud hearted. The King receiving that which was offered him, sent the Captain with fifteen Knights, and as many burgesses into England, enriching them with large gifts. The common sort of people, and such as he found in the town, being somewhat refreshed with the King's alms, he commanded to be safe conducted to the Castle of Guisnes. Guisnes. After the taking of the Town of Caleis, the Soldiers at the Kings commandment took the Manor of Marks. Hoy. Marks, and of Hoy, and with great difficulty they built in them Forts, setting in order where walls wanted Hogsheads filled with stones against the enemies, whilst the walls were a building within. Immediately after the taking of Caleis, there began in those parts a general Bloody Flix. pestilence of the flux, coming from the East parts, into many other parts of the world, whereupon it came to pass, that a great multitude of people died. This pestilence gave occasion th● certain Cardinals were sent on the behalf of the French King, to crave a truce from that time, unto the feast of Saint Barnaby next following, which was agreed upon on the 28. of September. Adam Brapsen: Richard Bas, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Leggy Skinner, the 28. of October. The truce being taken as afore is said, K. Edward built a Castle at Risebanke builded. castle at Risbanke, betwixt the town of Caleis, and the havens mouth, to the intent to keep off all the enemies force of ships from the said town: and he made Captain of the town Sir john Mongomery, and thence conveying the Queen & his eldest son, with a great company of noble men, he took his journey towards England by water, and being on the Sea, he was beaten with such a Tempest, that he King Edward returned from Caleis into England, not without great danger of drowning. lost many of his Ships, and hardly escaped himself, notwithstanding he came on land the fourteenth of October, and came to London. This peace being made, it seemed through England as a new Summer had followed, because of the plenty of all Commodities of peace. things, for there was no woman of any name, but she had some of the prizes of Cane and Caleis, or of other Cities beyond Anno reg. 22 the Seas, whereof the matrons being proud, did brag in French matrons apparel. At the feast of Easter, james Dowglas, who was taken at Durham in the wars, and brought to London with the 1348 King of Scots, was licensed to depart home again, swearing to the King peace and fealty, who afterward living peaceably in the marches, and being requested by William Dowglas to ride a hunting with him, was by him coming behind his back most traitorously slain. After Easter, the King held a Counsel, wherein it was decreed that none of his servants should take up any victuals of any man against his will, nor but that he paid for it ready money, upon pain to be punished and banished the Court, Richard Talbot high Steward of the King's house being appointed to fee execution of that Proclamation. The Earl of Ments was racked, areigned, and convicted, for that contrary to his faith and homage sworn to the King of England, he did again bear arms against him, and for that fact he was drawn, hanged, and quartered. To this Counsel came two Earls and two clerk sent from the Prince's electors, signifying that their election was made to the King, for the dignity of the Kingdom of Almaigne. These messengers the King received King Edward elected King of Almaigne. with due honour, but answered them, that he would not take so great honour upon his shoulders, until he had the Crown of France, due unto him, in peaceable possession. A little after Easter, there were great Justings holden justing at Lincoln. at Lincoln by the Duke of Lancaster, where were present many Ladies, with the Countess, and also certain messengers sent from the King of Spain, for the Lady joane, daughter to the King, that should be married to their Master the King's son, whom her husband meeting, she died of the great Pestilence, so that he followed her to the grave. The same year, King Edward with his eldest son the Earl of Warwick, and the Bishop of Winchester went to Caleis, from whence the King sent the Duke of Lancaster to Denemere, to receive in his behalf fealty and homage of the Earl of Flanders ●hich thing was by the said Earl performed. Henry Picard: Simon Dolseby, the 23. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Tho. de la More. Great Pestilence. Tho. Wa●sing. john Loveken Fishmonger, the 28. of October. There began amongst the East Indians and Tartarians a certain Pestilence, which at length waxed so general, infecting the middle region of the air so greatly, that it destroyed the Saracens, Turks, Syrians, Palestinians, and the Grecians, with a wonderful, or rather incredible death, in so much that those people's being exceedingly dismayed with the terror thereof, consulted amongst themselves, and thought it good to receive the Christian Faith and Sacraments, for they had intelligence that the Christians which dwelt on this side the Greekish Sea, were not so greatly (more than common custom was) troubled with sickness and mortality. At length this terrible slaughter passed over into those Countries which are on this side the Alpes, and from thence to the parts of France which are called Hesperia, and so by order along into Germany and Dutchland. And the seventh year after it began, it came into England, and first began in the Towns and Ports joining on the Sea coasts, in Dorsetshire, where, even as in other countries, it made the Country quite void of inhabitants, so that there were almost none left alive. From thence it passed into Devonshire, and Somersetshire, even unto Bristol, and raged in such sort, that the Glocestershiremen would not suffer the Bristowmen to have any access unto them, or into their Country by any means: but at length it came to Gloce●●or, yea and to Oxford, and London, and finally it spread over all England and so wasted and spoiled the people, that scarce the tenth person of all sorts was left alive: when Church yards were not sufficient and large enough to bury their dead in, they chose certain Fields appointed for that purpose. Gualther Mayny, Lord of Mayny, borne in Cambray, who served in company of Henry Duke of Lancaster in his great Records of the Garter. acts of Gaseoyne and G●ien, after this time made Knight of the Garter in England, having a respect to the danger that might fall in time of this Pestilence then begun in England, if the Churches and Churchyards in London might not suffice to bury the multitude, he purchased a piece of ground called Spittle Croft (for that it belonged to the Master and brethren of Saint Barthelmewes' Spittle) containing Register of the Charterhouse. Ex Carta. thirteen acres and a rod, without the bars of West Smithfield and caused the same to be enclosed, and dedicated by Ralph Bishop of London, in the which place in the year Charterhouse Churchyard by London. following, was buried more than fifty thousand persons, as is affirmed by the King's Charters which I have seen, and also by an inscription fixed on a stone cross in the same place. And in memory thereof, the same Gualther Mayny caused upon the same ground a Chapel to be builded, Anno reg. 23. and after founded the same to be an house of Charterhouse Ro●de Auesburie. Charterhouse at London founded. Monks. Also about the same time, one john Cory, procured of Nicholas, Prior of the Church of the Holy Trinity near unto Al●gate, one tossed of ground near unto East Smithfield, for the burial of them that died, that it mought be called the Church yard of the Holy Trinity▪ which ground he caused to be enclosed, and dedicated by Nicholas Northbroke Bishop of London, in the which place▪ King Edward the third, by consent of the said Prior and Covent, founded the Abbey New Abbey by the Tower of London founded. Liber trinita Lond. Lib. Eastminster. of Saint Mary of Grace in the year 1359. placing therein an Abbot and Monk of the order of Cisteaux, which were white Monks, and named the place Eastminster. All suits and pleading in the King's Bench, and other places, for a season ceased. Very few noble men died, among whom departed john Mountgomery, and his Lady: the Lord Clisteles Captain 1349 of Caleis died at Caleis, and was buried in the white Friars at London. Of the common people, together with Religious and clerk, there died an innumerable sort, for no man but God only knew how many. There died from the first of January, to the first of July, in the City of Norwich 57374. persons, besides Ecclesiastical Mendicants Norwich. Regist. of Norwich An●●. ecclesi. ●●●. Yermouth. and Dominikes. There was buried in the Church and Churchyard of Yermouth, in one year 7052. men and women, before which time the parsonage there was worth 700. marks by year, and afterwards was scarce worth forty pound the year. This note was certified to King Henry the seventh, in the ●●. of his reign, and the same is written on the gates of the Church of Yermouth. This great Pestilence began at London about the feast of All Saints, in th● year 1348. What time this Pestilence had wasted all England, the Scots▪ greatly rejoicing, mocked & swore oft-times by the vile death of th● Englishmen, but th● sword of God's wrath departing from thence, slew & consumed the Scots in no less numbers, than it did the other. It also wasted the Welshmen, and within a while passed over into Ireland, where it destroyed a great number of English people that dwelled there, but such as were right Irishmen borne, th● dwelled in the hilly countries, it scarcely touched, so that few of them died thereof. This plague continued sometime in one place, sometime in another, until the year of our Lord 1357. The same year for a truce or final peace to be concluded, the B. of Norwich, the Earl of Northampton, the Earl of Stafford, Richard Talbot, Walter Mayny Knights, sailed over the Sea into France, whom th● Frenchmen met peaceably, but they would not agree to a ●●nall peace, unless that Caleis were restored to them again, which would not be granted: and the truce which was taken for a year was so continued. But the Earl of Flanders, who would not in any case receive conditions of peace, unless the French King were quite forsaken, notwithstanding his solemn oath, not long after entered into Flanders with a great power of Frenchmen, burning and killing where ever he came: but the people of the Country with a few Englishmen withstood him stoutly, and gave him a sore skirmish, in the which, beside that many Frenchmen were slain, the Earl himself was forced to fly, for the which worthy act, many Knights were made, amongst the which was john de Filebert, and English man. In the feast of the Nativity of Saint john, the Queen was purified at Windesore, where were solemn Iustes, and running at the Tilt, at the which, David King of Scots Iustes at Windsor. was present, and the Earl of Ewe, the Lord Tankeruill, Lord Charles de Valois, and many other Strangers captives, who by the King's licence were permitted to run also at the Tilt, at the which pastime the price of the field was adjudged to the Earl of Ewe. After in Summer season, these Strangers passed their time in hunting, in the company of the King, and other nobles of the Realm, at Claringdon in Wiltshire nigh Salisbury, and in divers other Forests. Whiles the King was thus occupied, the Frenchmen notwithstanding the truce, entered the marches of Britain, but the sons of Sabater, with a few other, who went out a foraging, took Thomas Dagworth Knight, a man of great experience, who but with a few men, to weet, sixtéene armed men, entered the wood against these robbers, and invaded them, slaying to the number of three hundred, but at the length being stricken five times in the face with Quarrels, Sir Thomas Dagworth slain. all his men being first slain, he himself was thrust through the body with a sword. Adam of Bury: Ralph of Linne, the. 28 of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Ro. Auesbery. Adam Mer●. William Turk Fishmonger, the. 28. of October. About the feast of Saint Michael, more than 120. persons of Sealande, and holland, coming through Flaunders unto London, sometime in the Church of Saint Paul, sometime in other places of the City, twice in the day, in the sight of all people, from the loins, unto the heels, covered in linen A bloody Procession of publicans. cloth, all the rest of their bodies being bare, having on their heads hats with red crosses before and behind, every one in their right hands a whip with three cords, each cord having a knot in the midst, beat themselves on their bare bloody bodies going in procession, four of them singing in their own language, all the other answering them. The same year the Earl of Lancaster, the Barons of Stafforde and Greystocke, also the heirs of the Lords Percy and Nevel, and the Lord Burnival, with Barthelmew Burwash, and diverse other, about the feast of Alsaintes, passed over sea into Gascoign, to delay the furious uproar that john de Valois son to the French king had made in that dukedom; greatly spoiling and wasting the same. Also the kings counsel ordained, that none of the king's Justices during the time of their offices, should receive any fee, gift, or reward of any man, except it were of the king himself. Also this year in the County of Oxford, nigh unto A Serpent with two heads in Oxfordshire. a town called Chippingnorton, there was found a Serpent having two heads, and faces like women, and being shaped after the new tire of that time: another after the manner of the old attire, and it had great wings, after the manner of a Flyndermouse or Bat. About the feast of Alsainctes, king Edward being accompanied K. Edward sailed towards Flaunders. with the Earl of Lancaster, and Southfolke, and diverse others, passed over the seas into Flaunders, and thence leading his army towards France, the French men made means unto him to renew their truce: and now the Earl of Flaunders submitted himself the third time unto the king's mercy and dominion. Then the king returning toward England, to solemnizate the translation of S. Thomas the Confessor and Bishop of Hereforde, did with his presence and nobility honour the same, to the great expenses of Nicholas Cantulupus Baron, and cousin to the said Saint Thomas: during which feast and solemnity, it was signified to the King by the Secretaries of Emericus of Padua, who was a feed man to the king of caleis like to have been betrayed. England, that on the fourteenth day of Januarie next coming, Geffrey Cherney Knight, and many other French men should be received into Caleis, unto whom the said town was sold by the said Emericus: but the Town being presently rescued by king Edward, the said Emericus of Padua with other Genoese continued in Caleis, being maintained there at the costs of the French king against the king of England, when he besieged it, who also after the yielding of it to the King of England, being pardoned both of life and limb, from thenceforth continued and dwelt as a feed man of the kings in the said Town for the defence thereof. At that time the said Geffrey was Lord of Matas, a man more skilful in warfare than any French man in France. Wherefore he was greatly esteemed, even to the time of his death. This crafty deviser endeavoured by his letters, wherein he made promise of large gifts of gold, and other sophistical perswasitions, quite to subvert the faith and loyalty of the said Emericus. Finally, this crafty deviser agreed with this false man, that for twenty thousand French crowns he should let in the French men to the Town, and as much as lay in him, deliver up to the French men both the Town and castle. This bargain being most traitorously, made by oath and breaking of the Sacrament betwixt them, yet all this notwithstanding, he wrote letters unto the King touching the state of the whole matter, but very privily, how that he was ready to show friendship to the French men, yet meaning to make frustrate their purpose, whereby they should be convicted of breaking the truce, and also many of them should be taken to be ransomed, wherefore king Edward speedily passed over, being accompanied with his eldest Son, the Earl of March, and a few other, coming before the time appointed for the yielding of the Town certain days. Therefore Anno reg. 24 he being come to Callayes, he said certain men of arms within the Uaultes which were betwixt the outer gate and the inner part of the Castle, building a thin and stender Wall before them newly set up, not made of Plaster, but of counter●ayte matter, which joined to the other Wal, craftily devised and made like the old work, so that no man would Judge that that any were enclosed therein. Also he caused the maynepostes of the draw bridge to be sawed almost in sunder, yet in such sort, that ●●me● horsemen might ride over it: and for the purpose he had a great stone, which was laid up in a hole made in form of an Arch, being in the forepart of the Tow●e hanging over the Bridge, in which he appointed a Faithful Soldier should be in the time to throw down▪ the said stone upon the Bridge, that with the fall thereof, the Bridge being half cut in two, should be broken in sunder, and so that hole where the stone was laid, should be wrought in such sort, that he within should perceive through the hole how many did enter in ●●●●●● were made privy to this practice, neither did many know of the king's presence or of the prince of Wales, who when they had wrought this feat, secretly conveyed themselves into the Town. The day before the time of delivery of this Town, Geffrey Cherney ●●●●● fifteen of his faithfullest men with the g●●a●●● part of the gold which was to be paid, who should also ●●y● the faith of Emericus, and the order of the Castle, who searching every where, in every Tower and corner which they could find open, could perceive nothing contrary to their liking, whereupon on the next day in the morning, they set up the French kings standard in the highest Tower of the Castle, and the auntientes also of Geffrey, and of other Lords upon other Towers and places. Then the people of the Town who kept common watch and ward, not knowing of this secret device, were greatly terrified therewith, in so much that they taking weapon in hand, began to give a charge against the Castle: by and by the French men who had entered the day before, took Thomas Kingston, then fleeing away, quite ignorant of that which was devised, and forcibly they set him in the stocks. Then certain of them being sent out to the French men their companions and masters, who lay without in ambushes showed them the ancients and standard set up, and all to be well, even as they would have it, hastening them forward to come to the defence of the Castle, against the towns men: wherefore they rising from their lorking places, advanced themselves in pride and bragging, and came by heaps in at the gates of the Castle. The towns men perceiving this, had much ado to forbear their hands from them, had not their chief leaders withdrawn them from it, lest some danger should have happened to them that lay hid: by and by those that lay hid closed under the Arches of the Walls, prepared themselves to break out upon their enemies. In like sort also he that with the great stone man shut up in the hole, after that he see so many entered in▪ ●●●éeming that his fellows were sufficient to overthrow the●, with that great stone put to his custody he broke the draw bridge, by the which the enemies had entered in, but being once in, could not go that way out again: when the stone was thus down, and had discharged the thing for the which it was laid up, & the French men deceived by that policy, they were enclosed safe enough. At the noise of this stone and the bridge that broke, these armed men of whom before I spoke, breaking down their counterfeit wall, behind the which all the deceit was hid, they presently set themselves in order to invade the French men, bidden to a bitter breakfast. The conflict was sharp for a good season, but at the length the enemies being overcome, yielded themselves to the pleasure of the conquerors. They which were without and had not entered, as soon as they perceived their companions to be deceived, fled, after whom the king with scarce sixteen men of arms and as many Archers followed a pace, the runaways not knowing what company would follow them: many in this chase were wearied, and many more slain, and in a small time the king overcame dangerous and great labours: but at length, when it was understood by them that fled, how few there were that chased them, fourscore armed men turned them against the king. I dare not ascribe this Tho. de la More. boldness of the king in chase of his enemies, to his wisdom, but only to the stoutness of his mind, the which is well known through God's grace to be brought to good effect by his means, though the danger were never so great: for when he perceived that the French men had turned themselves to withstand him, he cast away the scabbard of his sword, and comforting his men about him, setting them in good order, exhorted them to play the men lustily. The Archers being placed in the March against the sides of the enemies stood on dry Hills, which were compassed about with quag-myers and foggy places, that neither horsemen nor footmen might approach them, but they should rather be drowned in mud than come near to hurt them: these also did the king comfort, saying to them (do well you Archers) play the men lustily, and know that I am Edward of Windsor. Then the presence of the king, and necessity of the matter, stirred up their hearts to do well: the Archers uncovering their heads, stripping up their sleeves, bent themselves to bestow their arrows in such sort that they might not be lost: and as the French men drew towards them, they saluted them after with their arrows. The armed men of both parts stood in order to fight upon a long and narrow causewaye, the breadth whereof was not able to receive scarce twenty men of arms in a front, having on both sides thereof the marsh, in the which the Archers were placed, who gauled and wounded their enemies on the sides, fleeing as thick as hail. The king and his men before, with the Archers on the side, slew and took a great many: and many of them stood stoutly to it, till at the length by the coming of the Prince of Wales, the French were put to flight: after a long chase in pursuing the enemies, they returning back again to Caleis, numbered those which were fled, as well as those which were taken, and they found, that for the taking of the Castle (as the prisoners reported) there came a thousand men of arms, and six hundred armed men, but they which served, were above three thousand: among them which were taken, was Geffrey Charney and his son, Edward 1●50 de Renty, Robert Danquile, Otto de Gulo, the Baron of Martingham, Baldyne Saylly, Henry de Prees, Garinus Baylofe, Peter Renel, Peter Dargemole, Eustace de Riplemount and many other, Lords, Knights, and Baronet's, who were chased and ran away with their auntientes, as the Lord de Mountmarice, also Laundas, who married the Lady Saint Paul Countess of Penbroke in England▪ also the Lord Fenas, the Lord Planks, and another Eustace de Replemount. There were slain in the skirmish the Lord Henry de Boys, the Lord Archibalde, & many others, whose names the Conquerors were not able to certify. Thus by policy and devised treason the authors thereof came to death and destruction: neither Eustachius himself escaped scot free from the snares, for he within a while after being taken by the French men, was burned alive with a hot iron, and degraded from the order of Knighthood by the cutting off his heels, and depriving of his tongue by alsition: afterward, he was hanged up, and last of all beheaded and quartered, receiving just punishment for his treason and false forswearing. This year the Lord Fur●uall giving a rash enterprise upon his enemies, was taken prisoner in Gascoign. Not long after king Edward prepared to make a voyage into France, but the Earl of Lancaster, returning out of Gascoigne, signied that there was a truce taken by him, by reason whereof the passage prepared by the king was laid aside. This year on Saint George's day, the kiug held a great Tho. de la Mor●. Great feast at Windsor of Saint George. & solemn feast at his castle of Windsor, where he had augmented the Chapel which Henry the first and other his progenitors kings of England had before erected of eight Canons: he added to those eight Canons, a Dean, & fifteen Canons more, and. xxiv. poor and impotent Knights, with other ministers and servants, as appeareth in his Tho. Walsing. Ex charta regia. First founders of the noble order of the Garter. Records of the Garter. Charter, Dated the two and twentieth of his reign. Besides the king, there were other also that were contributors to the foundation of this College, as followeth. 1 The sovereign King Edward the third. 2 Edward his eldest son Prince of Wales. 3 Henry Duke of Lancaster. 4 The Earl of Warwick. 5 Captain de Bouch. 6 Ralph earl of Stafforde. 7 William Montacute Earl of Salisbury. 8 Roger Lord Mortimer earl of March. 9 Sir john de Lisle. 10 Sir Bartholomew Burwash. 11 Sir john Beauchampe. 12 Sir john de Mahune. 13 Sir Hugh Courtney. 14 Sir Thomas holland. 15 Sir john Grey. 16 Sir Richard Fitz Simon. 17 Sir Miles Stapleton. 18 Sir Thomas wall. 19 Sir Hugh Wrothesley. 20 Sir Nele Lering. 21 Sir john Chandos. 22 Sir james de Audley. 23 Sir Oaths holland. 24 Sir Henry Eme. 25 Sir Sechet Dabridgecourte. 26 Sir William panel. All these together with the King were clothed in gowns Tho. de la More. of Russet, powdered in gartiers blue, wearing the like garters also on their right legs, and mantles of blue, with First feast of Saint George. scutcheons of Saint George. In this sort of apparel they being bareheaded, heard Mass, which was celebrat by Simon Islipe Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops of Winchester and Excester, and afterwards they went to the feast, setting themselves orderly at the Table for the honour of the feast, which they named to be of Saint George the Martyr, and the choosing of the Knights of the Garter. In the Summer following, variance rising between the fleets of England and Spain, the Spaniards beset the Britain Sea, with four and forty great ships of war, with the which they sunk ten English ships coming from Gascoigne towards England after they had taken and spoiled them, & thus their former injuries being revenged, they entered into Sluice in Flaunders. King Edward understanding hereof, furnished his navy of fifty ships and Pinnaces, forecasting to meet with the Spaniards in their return, having in his company the Prince of Wales, the Earls of Lancaster, Northampton, Warwick, Salisbury, Arundale, Huntingdon, Gloucester, and other Barons and Knights with their servants and Archers, and upon the feast of the decolation of Saint johna, about Evensong Ro. de Auesbery. time, the Navies met at Winchelsea, where the great Spanish vessels surmounting our ships and foists, like as Castles to cottages, sharply assailed our men, the stone & quarrels flying from the the tops, sore & cruelly wounded our men, who no less busy to fight aloof with lance and sword, Battle on the Sea. & with the forward manfully defend themselves, at length our archers pierced their Arbalisters with a further retch than they could strike again, and thereby compelled them to forsake their place, and caused other fighting from the Hatches to shade themselves with tables of the ships, and compelled them that threw stones from the tops, so to hide them, that they durst not show their heads, but tumble down: then our men enfring the Spanish Uessels with swords & Halberds, killed those they met, within a while make void th● vessels & furnish them with English men, until they being beset with darkness of the night, could not decern the. xxvij. yet remaining untaken: our men cast anchor, studying of the hoped battle, supposing nothing finished, whilst any thing remained undone, dressing the wounded, throwing the miserable Spaniards into the Sea, refreshing themselves with victuals and sleep, yet committing the vigilant watch to the armed band. The night overpassed, the English men prepared (but in vain) to a new battle, but when the sun began to appear, they viewing the seas, could perceive no sign of resistance, for xxvij. ships fleeing away by night, left xvij. spoiled in the evening, to the kings pleasure, but against their wil The King returned into England with victory and triumph, the King preferred there. 80. noble imps to the order of Knighthood, greatly bewailing the loss of one, to wit sir Richard Goldesborough Knight. This year Phillippe de Valois French King, Philip the french king died. deceased, and his eldest Son john was crowned. john Notte: William Worcester, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Killingburie, the. 28. of October. Two hired soldiers of the King of Armenia, came into England, into the presence of the King, where they showed the letters of the aforesaid King of Armenia, wherein it was signified that the one of them, to wit, john de Viscount, a man borne in Cyprus, had slanderously charged the other, that is Thomas de la March, a French man borne, and bastard son to Phillippe late King of France, saying that the said Thomas should have received of the Turks a certain some of Gold, for the betraying the army of the Christians unto the Emperor of the Turks: and for the proof of this slander, this john challenged a combat with the said Thomas, to be tried by the judgement of Edward King of England, and that by him (as by a most worthy Prince,) all strife should be ended. For this therefore were these two worthy soldiers appointed to fight, which they performed within the lists of the King's Palace at Westminster, on monday next following after the feast of Saint Michael, where Thomas, in declaration of his innocency, in that he was accused of, overcame his enemy, but yet killed him not, for he could not, because he was not able to wound him being so armed▪ with any kind of piercing weapon, except it were in his face, which was bare. For after that they had run at the Tilt, and fought on foot, as they were striving together on the ground, with certain pricks both short and sharp, then called Gadlings, being closed in the joints of his right Gauntlet, the said▪ Thomas struck the said john in the face, and sore wounded him: but on the other side john had no such short kind of weapon, wherewith he might hurt Thomas face, and therefore cried out aloud most horribly, whereupon by the king's commandment the combat was ended, and the victory adjudged to Thomas, who gave the said john, being thus overcome, to the Prince of Wales for a Captive, and offered by his own armour to saint George, in Saint Paul's Church at London, with great devotion. These matters being thus finished, the Cypress▪ man is manumitted and fet at liberty as a free man again. And Thomas thinking boldly to go into the presence of his brother the French King, took his journey thither, and at his coming, found the said King and the nobility of France, greatly offended, and in indignation against him, for that he agreed that the combat should be tried before the King of England. Wherefore Thomas thinking secretly with himself how to win the false friendship of his brother, being desirous to show that therein he had done well, among all other things he greatly praised the nobility of Edward and his worthy fame spread over all the world, and also the justice which he used in judging, not accepting the person of the man of Cyprus, (yea though he loved the King himself very well) neither suffered him to be preferred before me, which am a French man, and brother, and friend to thee my Lord King of France▪ judge over the said King Edward my adversary. Also the Earl of Ewe highly praised the King of England, for that he had received great comfort and commodity at his hands during the time of his Captivity in England, showing also how far that good King had banished envy and hatred from his heart, who at a time of jousting, being in the field at that exercise, and the King also, was commanded by the King himself to bear away the price and prick from them all. These commendations did the French King envy at▪ and for indignation, he most wickedly commanded the setters forth of those praises to be beheaded. And for to colour the matter the better, he feigned that the Earl used too much familiarity with the Queen his wife, and that his brother was guilty of treason against the king of France, because he committed his cause and the combat to be tried by the judgement of the king of England. After he had thus murdered his brother, he tormented his wife to death by famine, who was daughter of the noble King of Boheme, lately slain in battle by Geffrey. William Edington Bishop of Winchester, and treasurer Groats and half groats. Anno reg. 25 Tho. Walsing. Histo. Au●●a. of England, a wise man, caused a new coin called a Groat, and half Groat to be coined, but these were of less weight than the pence, called Esterlings, by reason whereof victuals and merchandise became the dearer through the whole realm. After the Octaves of the Purification of our Lady, in a Parliament at Westminster. Parliament holden at Westminster, Henry Earl of Lancaster was created Earl of Lincoln, Leicester, Derby, Grosmount and Ferrer, and Duke of Lancaster, unto whom also was given great privileges, such as never any Earl had before his time. Also Lionel of Antwerp the king's son is made Earl of V●star in Ireland, john of gaunt his brother is made Earl of Richmonde, and Ralph Baron of Stafforde, is made Earl of Stafforde. In the Lent following Walter de Maine, and Roberte Herle Captain of Caleis, rod into France, making great praes and doing great damage, brought away great store of beasts, A fat Cow sixteen pence. 1351 sheep, and swine, so that at Caleis a fat Cow was scarcely sold for sixteen pence sterling. About Easter the Duke of Lancaster departing from Caleis marched alongst the Sea coasts of Artoys, and Picardy, brent the suburbs of Bulloign, but assaulting the Town he prevailed not, for that only the ladders were too short. Therefore he wasted the Cities of Tirwin, and the haven, also the Towns of Fauconbridge and Staples, and in the same havens he brent above. 120. ships of diverse moulds. After this brenning the Champion Country, he road unto Saint Omers, and winning by force many Fortresses, with a great prey and many prisoners he returned to Caleis. About the feast of Saint George things prospered well in Gascoine, for the Marshal of France, with a great number of armed men spoiled the Country about S. Dangel, where Edmond Rose a Norfolk man was Captain, who with the garrison, valiantly encountered the enemies, flew many of them, and took the said Marshal and many other nobles of France, chase above 400. Knights. The same year the Spanish ships by a treaty of peace came into England, where the last year they were restrained, but now a truce was taken for twenty years, betwixt England▪ and Spain, and a truce betwixt England and France for one year, which the French men broke, by reason of taking the castle of Guisnes, as in the next year shall be showed. john Wroth: Gilbert of Steineshorpe, the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Andrew Auberie Grocer, the. 28. of October. About this season the old coin of gold was changed into a new, the old Noble was worth much above the taxed rate of the new, and therefore the Merchants bought the old and conveyed them out of the Realm to the great loss of the king and kingdom, to the which there was a remedy provided, by the changing of the stamp. About the beginning of Januarie, the French men being occupied about th● repairing of the walls of Guisnes town, being afore that time destroyed by the English men, some men of arms of Caleis understanding their doings, devised how they might overthrow the work, & it was done in this sort. There was an Archer named john Dancaster, in prison in Anno reg. 26 the castle of Guisnes, before that time taken, who not having wherewith to pay his ransom, was let lose, with condition that he should work there amongst the French men. The getting of Guisnes by the English. This fellow chanced to lie with a Laundres, a strumpet, and learned of her where beyond in the principal ditch, from the bottom, there was a▪ Wall made of two foot broad stretching from the bottom to the brim of the ditch within forth, so that being covered with Water it could not be seen, but not so drowned, but that a man going aloft thereon, should not be wet passed the knees, it being made for the use of Fishers: and therefore in the midst it was discontinued for the space of two foot: and so the Archer (his Harlot showing it to him,) he measured the height of the Wall with a thread. These things thus known, one day slipping down from the Wal, he passed the ditch by that hidden Wall, and lying hid in the Marish till Evening, came in the night near unto Cale●●▪ where tarrying for the clear day, he then went into the Town (for else he might not:) here he instructed them that were greedy of pray and to scale the Castle, how they might enter the same▪ they caused ladders to be made to the length by the Archer appointed. Thirty men conspiring together, clothing themselves in black armour without any brightness, they went to the Castle by the guiding of the said john de Dancaster, and climbing the Wall with their ladders, they slew the watchmen, and threw them down headlong beside the Wall: after this, in the Hall they slew many whom they found unarmed, playing at the Chess and Hazard. Then they broke into the Chambers and Turrets upon the Ladies and Knights that lay there asleep, and so were made masters of all that was within: and shutting all their prisoners into a strong Chamber, being bereft of all their armour, they took out the English men that had been taken the year before and there kept in prison, and after they had relieved them well with meat and drink, they made them guardens over them that had them in custody: and so they wan all the Fortresses of the Castle, unknown to them that were in the Town, (appointed to oversee the repairing of the broken Walls) what had happened to them within the Castle. In the morning they commanded the workmen in the Town to cease from their works, who thereupon perceiving that the Castle was won, straight ways fled, and the new Castilians▪ suffered the Ladies to departed on horseback, with their apparel, writings, and muniments, where they ought to hold their fees: and the same day there came from Caleis to their aid such persons as they sent for, by whose aid they kept the Castle: and about three of the clock there came two Knights, sent from the Earl of Gu●snes, who demanding a truce, willed to know of them that were thus entered the castle, who they were, to whom they belonged, and by whose authority they kept the Castle so taken in the time of truce, whereunto they answered, that being intruded, they would not declare to any man their purpose, till they had tried a longer possession: and therefore on Saint Mawrice day, the Abbot (the King being busy in parliament,) the French men being sent from the said Earl of Guisnes, declared, how in prejudice of the truce, the said castle was taken, and therefore by right of mutual faith it ought to be restored unto them. The king answered, that without his knowledge that enterprise was made, and therefore he gave commandment to his subjects, that none of them should detain the Castle of Guisnes, but deliver it unto the lawful Lords thereof. The messengers being returned 1352 home, and reporting what they had done, the Earl of Guisnes cometh to the castle, demanding of them within, as at other times, in whose name they kept it. Who constantly affirming that they kept it in the name of john Dancaster, he required to know if the same john were the King of England's liegeman, or would obey him: who answering that he knew not what messengers had been in England, the Earl offered for the Castle, besides all the treasure found in it, many thousands of Crowns, or possessions for exchange, and a perpetual peace with the king of France. To this they answered, that before the taking of that castle they were English men by nation, but by their demerits banished for the peace of the king of England, wherefore the place which they thus held, they would willingly sell or exchange, but to none sooner than to their natural king of England, to whom they said, they would sell their castle, to obtain their peace: but if he would not buy it, than they would sell it to the King of France, or to whom soever would give most for it. The Earl being thus shifted of from them, the king of England bought it in deed, and so had that place which he greatly desired. This Fortress was wont to stop up the passage into the higher Country, giving to some great surety from the Foragers, that were to issue forth of Caleis. The Counsel of France therefore wishing to have that Castle again, or to build another of like utility, for the defence of the Country thereabouts, they sent for Geffrey Charney lately redeemed out of English Captivity, with authority to build and fortify as followeth. To them that travail from Guisnes to Caleis there was a place on the left hand strong, but decayed, having a Church, in which certain Nuns were resident, and it was called Lalbastie: this place was so near to Guisnes, Lalbastie fortified. that the English men standing without the gate of their fortress might shoot to it. This Monastery of Nuns might easily be made defensible, for it had high Walls like a Castle, and a high Tower, and very large for a steeple, and being situate in a marish ground, it might with small labour be compassed with a ditch. This place the English men had spared for devotion sake, until that the foresaid Geffrey, in breach of truce, with a mighty power besieged Guisnes, and removed the Nuns from the Church, making a Castle of the Church, and fensing the Walls with rampire and ditch: and this was about Pentecoste, in which season the Waters not impeaching him, his people might work in the marsh. They within the castle therefore being besieged, were uneath able to come abroad with their boats by the ditches that were full of Water, and by the Marish unpassable and also full of Water, neither they of Caleis could victual them by any manner of mean, by reason of the siege, and warding that was kept at Lalbastie. They that were thus besieged oft times sailed out and fought with them of Lalbastie, but slew very few, sometime with arrows, & sometime with other weapons: at length, upon a day appointed, the Calisians, with them of Oye & Marks on the one part, and they within Guisnes on the other, met, set on their enemies, slew many, and chased many away, and finally set fire and brent up Lalbastie, and Lalbastie brent and razed. dismanteling the walls, made all plain with the ground. This year, the Duke of Lancaster going into Spruce, by the advise and ordinance of the King, his daughter was dispousate in England to William Duke of Zealand, eldest son to jews Duke of Bavire, that intruded upon the Roman Empire. This year, about the fifteenth of August, Walter Bentley Walter Bentley, and Robert Knolles make a voyage into France. Captain, Robert Knolles, and other, in the marches of Briteine, valiantly encountered their enemies, where in a fight doubtful for a good while, were slain the principal Marshal of France, also the Lords of Quintin, of Cur●●noke, of Richmont, of Mount Albon, of Legenell, of Launey, of Montbech, of Vile Chastel de la March, and other Knights, in number 140. and Bachelors, to the number of five hundred, whose coatearmours were brought away: the number of commons were not counted. There were taken the Lord of Brusebeke, son of the Marshal Bertram, also Tristram de Maleis, also the Lord of Maletret, the Uicount of Comaine, Geffrey de Graves, William de la val, Charles Darchesill, john de Bause, and other Knights, with Bachelors, above 130. This army of the Frenchmen, under the conduct of the said Marshal, of purpose devised by him, was so beset on the backhalf, with the stéepenesse of a Mountain, that fly they could not, to the end that hope of flight being taken from them, their courage to fight might the more increase. There were many of those Knights surnamed of the Star, who Knights of the Sta●●e. in their profession had conspired never to turn their fearful backs to their enemies, of which number of Knights, there were among them slain and taken, numbered xlv. From that dangerous encounter few escaped unhurt, and among other, the foresaid Walter Bentley Captain was sore wounded, who commanded thirty archers to be condemned, for that in the greatest heat of the fight they fled. The Earl of Stafford also entered into Gascoigne, where encountering with a great army of the Frenchmen that were issued forth of the fortress of Gagent, he discomfited, took, and chased them: about the Nativity of our Lady there was taken that valiant Knight▪ ●ruse Gaude, and seven Knights of the Star. Shortly after, died john Dediaseles, and Thomas Wale, Knights of great valour. john Pe●che: john Stotley, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Adam Francis Mercer, the 28. of October. The same year, it being heard that Pirates troubled the Seas, there were seven Ships of war ordained, certain Pinesses attending upon them: over the which were admirals, Thomas Cook, and Richard Tottlesham Knights, who scoured the Seas about the coast of Picardy and Normandy, but before the feast of Saint George, they returned as they wished. Whilst these things were a doing by Sea and Land, Otto, son to the Duke of Brunswike, the French Kings feed Otto of Brunswike challengeth to combat with the Duke of Lancaster before the French King at Paris. man, sent letters to the Duke of Lancaster, being returned out of Spruce, by the tenor whereof he accused him, affirming, that as he returned out of Spruce by Colein, he maliciously informed the Coleners, that the said Otto went about by stealth to have taken him prisoner, and to have presented him to the French King, adding hereunto, that because he never meant any such taking of him, he was ready in declaration of his good name, by a singular Combat only in the French Kings Court, to prove the Duke of Lancaster a liar touching the said Article. The Letters were not sealed, and therefore, lest it might have been thought folly to have given credit to the letter, delivered by a servant, the Duke sent unto Otto two Knights to learn the cause of the challenge, and to demand thereof his letters patents, sealed with his seal of arms, which Knights accomplishing the effect of their journey, and returning with speed, the Duke sent to the French King for a safe conduct for himself and his men, and with much ado obtaining it, he went to Paris, where in the lists, in presence of the French King, the King of Navarre, and the Duke of Burgoigne, and many Peers, and other of the Realm of France, he mounted on his steed in seemly wise, ready in all signs, without default, to try the Combat, and so stayed till his adversary was ready, and the voice of the Herald and Canton to be had by their common oath, for the assurance of his word, and to obey the Law. On the contrary part, the said Otto scarcely was set on his Horse, & was not able decently to set on his helmet, nor to wield his Spear (or else he feigned) whose unableness being perceived by the French King, the King of Navarre, and other, the King took the quarrel into his hands, whereupon Otto was commanded first to depart the lists, and so went his way, but the Duke abode still within them. After this, by commandment of the French King, Otto swore that he should never after that day appeach the Duke of Lancaster of that Article: and so from thence the Duke returned home by Zealand. After the epiphany, a Parliament was holden at Westminster, Anno reg. 27 Parliament at Westminster. wherein, an ordinance was made at the instance of the Londoners, that no known where should wear from thenceforth any hood, except reyed or striped of divers colours, Apparel appointed to harlots. nor Fur, but garments reversed or turned the wrong side outward, upon pain to forfeit the same. This year, the dearth of Corn by them of Ireland, and the Irishmen that brought in Corn to sell unto divers Havens of the Realm, was a●waged, to the great relief of the people. King Edward altered the Chapel, which his progenitors before had founded of Saint Stephen at Westminster, into a College of twelve secular Canons, twelve Vicars, & other Ministers accordingly, and endued it with revenues, Saint Stephen's Chapel at Westminster. Ex Carta. 1353 to the sum of five hundred pound by year. The morrow after Saint Matthies day began a Parliament, wherein it was ordained that the Staple of wool before kept in Flanders at Bridges, should from thenceforth be holden in divers parts of England, Wales, and Ireland, as at Staples of Woll to be kept in England. Newcastle, York, Lincoln, Canterbury, Norwich, Westminster, Chichester, Winchester, Excester, Bristol, and Carmarden. The Earl of Northampton went into Scotland with a great company of armed men, and Archers, where he road through the marches, and enforced the castle of Loghmaban, and other fortresses to yield, and took the Scots that were laid in ambushes. He also held a treaty of peace with the Scots, who gladly would have redeemed their King, and made a perpetual peace with the Englishmen▪ but yet so as the King of Scots should not hold his land of the King of England. William Weld: john Little, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Adam Francis Mercer, the 28. of October. Innocent the 6. for the desire of peace, sent the Cardinal of Bononi to Caleis, to hear the treaty of the final peace betwixt Treaty of peace. the Kingdoms of England and France, to whom repaired the counsellors of both Realms, with full authority to treat and constitute the conditions of the same peace, and at length they agreed upon this point, that the King of England should resign all his right that he had to the Realm of France, and remit it to the French King, and should have therefore the Duchy of Aquitaine, and the Counties of Artoys and of Guisnes, for him and his successors Kings of England, without that he should hold the Counties. same of the French King in any manner of wise. To these conditions the King of England gave his consent, and for the assurance of the covenants, Ambassadors are sent to the Sea of Rome from either Realm. On the King of England's Anno reg. 28. behalf went the Bishop of Norwich, the Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of Arundel, and other knights, who going to Avignon, there came to them the Archbishop of Rohan, the Duke of Burgoigne, Geffrey Charney, and other of the French Kings Counsel: all these were received in great honour: many Cardinals and Bishops met the Duke of Lancaster, who brought him for the space of two miles unto Avignon, and to the Pope's Palace: at length in the Consistory of the Pope, he with the Cardinals and Ambassadors being present, the causes of their message was declared, and the Ambassadors of England requested to have the covenants confirmed, which had been concluded at Caleis: to whom the Frenchmen answered, that gladly they would have peace, but touching Aquitaine, and the foresaid Countries, as they said, the French King could not, nor they might give their assents that the same should be alienated from the entire body of the Kingdom, to the which, as well the King as they had taken an oath to maintain, but yet they could be contented that the profitable dominion of the said Duchy and Countries should be delivered, and come to the King of England, as his ancestors had Aquitaine, but so yet as the regality of the Crown of France should ever be reserved. The Englishmen requested that these said dominions should 1354 be absolutely, and without any condition restored to the King: answer also was made to the reason of the Frenchmen, touching the oath of their King and themselves, whereby they were bound to conserve the integrity of the honour of their Kingdom, to weet, that the Pope for the benefit of peace might assoil them from the said oath, and this as to certain articles premitted, it should be very well done: but yet nothing was done that might be offorce to the furthering of the peace. And so the Ambassadors without effect returned home, the Bishop of Norwich excepted, that deceased, and was buried there, to whom succeeded Thomas Percy. The King of Navarre through a brawl raised, slew Charles de Spain, Martial of France, whereupon to avoid the displeasure and punishment of the French King, he fled into his own Country, sending his Uncle unto the Duke of Lancaster with Letters, humbly beseeching him that he would come into Normandy to his aid and defence, and to receive an oath of fidelity and amity of him against all men. The Duke therefore getting licence of the King, assembled together a great Navy at Southampton, where when the Duke was ready to have made Sail, Knights that he had sent into Normandy, came back to view the truth of this business, by whom it was notified to the Duke, that the said King of Navarre his Cousin, was reconciled to the King, and so the Duke's voyage was stayed. The Friars Augustine's Church in London was re-edified by Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Estsex, whose friar Augustine's Church in London. Ro de Auesberie. Dissension at Oxford. ●isto. Auria. body was buried in the Choir of the same Church. A great dissension fell in Oxford, between a Scholar and a Vintner, for a quart of Wine, so that the Scholar poured the Wine on the Vintners head, & broke his head with the pot, by reason whereof, a great conflict was made betwixt the Scholars of the University, and the Lay men of the Town, in the which, many Lay men were wounded, and about twenty slain. These troubles continued the space of two days, and then the Religious men of the Town labouring to make peace, the Lay men pursued a Scholar, and wounded him to death, yet that day the tumult was appeased, but on the morrow, the people of the villages about Oxford, being confederate with the Lay men of the Town, came with great force, and erected a black Banner, whereupon, the Scholars fled to their Colleges, but the Lay men breaking up the doors, slew many of them, and threw them into their privies: they cut and rend their Books, and bare away what they listed. By this means the University was dissolved, the Scholars (saving of Marton College) went to their friends, & so continued more than a year. Many, both Scholars and Lay men were indited Citizens of Oxford indited. by th● King's Justices, amongst th● which, four burgesses th● had been Majors of Oxford, were sent to the Tower of London. William Totingham: Richard Smelled, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Leggy Skinner, the 28. of October. About the xx. of November, K. Edward held a Parliament Ro. Auesbery. at Westminster, in the which was granted towards the recovery of his title in France, fifty Shillings of every sack of wool to be transported over the Seas for the space of six years then next following, by means whereof, the King might daily dispend during the said six years, more than 1000 marks sterling, for by the common opinion, there were more than an 100000. sacks of wool yearly into foreign lands transported, so that during those six years, the said grant extended to fifteen hundred thousand pounds sterling. King Edward held a great jousting at Wodstoke, for honour Anno reg. 29 justing at Wodstock. of the Queen, who was then purified of her son Thomas. After Gaster, in a Parliament at Westminster, the King 1355 took the quarrel of Oxford into his hands, and saving every man's right, he forgave the Scholars all the whole trespass, Ro. de Auesburie. so that in the Summer following, the University began University of Oxford restored. again to flourish, and the King gave to the Chancellor of Oxford the only view of the assize of Bread, Ale, and Wine, and all other victuals, excluding the Mayor utterly from that office. The commonalty of the Town gave to the University 250. pounds for amends, saving unto them nevertheless the actions which they had unto every singular person of the Town. In this Parliament, the process of the judgement made against Roger Mortimer Earl of March, was revoked, so Ex Recordis. that the young Roger Mortimer, son to Edmond Mortimer, was restored to the title and possessions of the Earldom of March, as Cousin and heir to his Grandfather. King Edward being about Sandwich, on his journey towards King Edward● sailed into France. France, and the Prince of Wales at Sutton in Devonshire, on his voyage towards Aquitaine, looking for a prosperous wind, by the space of forty days or more, all things else being ready, the French King had his armie● divided in sundry places about in the havens of Normandy, and other parts, to impeach the landing of the King and Prince, and so long they lay there, that the Frenchmen with their hired soldiers did foully waste their own Country, and consumed so many thousands of Crowns out of the French Kings coffers vainly, that in the end he being needy, paid not his people, and so he was forsaken of them, that when King Edward wasted France, the French King had not men to encounter him, but fled before him, as he followed, brenning his own Towns, and destroying victuals, that the King should find neither harborough nor meat. After the month of August, the King of England, and the Duke of Lancaster, with seven thousand armed men, and their retinue, entered France, and by the space of nine days journey, as they went, wasting all by fire that came in their way, and returning to Caleis, the King heard that the Scots entered by stealth, and had taken the Town of Berwick, the Berwick taken by the Scots. Baron of Graystoke being in the army with the King, to whom the charge of that Town had been committed, whereupon the King hasted unto Berwick, and within fifteen days recovered the Town again, being delivered Berwick taken by the Englishmen. unto him, life and liberty to departed, being given unto them that were found therein. After this, he passed through scotland unto the Scottish Sea, but because victuals failed for his army, the King giving them licence, they all returned toward England. There followed on the tail of the army, by the space of twelve miles, Robert Herle, Almerike de saint Edmond, Robert de Hildesley, and other, whom the Scots in the night season found asleep and at rest, doubting nothing of any misadventure, wherefore they gave a cruel assault upon them, with an hideous noise and cry, where after long resistance, Robert de Hildesley, and john Brancester Knights were taken prisoners, Robert Herle and Almerike having much ado to escape, for the said Knights perceiving the Scots to be too strong for them, thought with themselves, that their Lords being Barons, of whom they held in fee, would redeem them, and so wily withdrawing, delivered them from the Scots captivity. The Duke of Lancaster being appointed chief Admiral of the English Navy, landed it at Hogs about the feast of Saint Barthelmew, and from thence, road towards Normandy, being accompanied with Philip, brother to the King of Navarre, who desired aid of the said Duke, and requested him to come to help him. At this season, the French King having the King of Navarre, Geffrey Harecourt, and divers other noble men in great suspection, touching the Realm and Kingdom, bid them all to a feast, where he took the said King of Navarre, and cast him in prison, and murdered the rest of the noble men, saving Geffrey Harecourt, whom he caused to be beheaded with an axe. The King of Navarre being thus imprisoned, his brother Philip seized many Castles and holds into his hands which were in Normandy and there about, strongly fortifying them with men and victuals, through the help of the Duke of Lancaster, being manned as well with Englishmen, as with the men of the same Country, to withstand the Frenchmen. Walter Forester: Thomas Brandon, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Simon Frances Mercer, the 28. of October. The same time, when the King passed over to Caleis and France, his eldest son Prince of Wales, having with him the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, and Oxford, took shipping in the beginning of October, at Sutton Haven in Devonshire, and luckily sailed, and landed at Bordeaux, where he was honourably received by the Bishop and Clergy, being accompanied with all the common people in the first Sunday of that month. The Monday following, the Prince going out, lodged two miles from Bordeaux, in the Castle of Vrnoun. On the next day, he passed through a straight wood, and so through the middle of the Town of Lougan, sometimes walled, but now defaced: and so passing on a long journey, he lost many Horses, and came at length to the strong castle of Dandert. On Thursday he came to the City of Besas, having in it a Cathedral Church, and a covent of friars Minors. On Friday Proclamation was made in the army, that every man should bear the arms of Saint George, and it was said that his enemies bore the same also. On Saturday he passed to the Castle of Nan, where stand three Castles of three Lords, whereof one showeth a far off. On Friday the twelfth of that month, his army passed the lands of Wordiux, which are belonging to the Earl of Flux, this days journey being long and tedious, he lost many of his Horses in the waste ground called the Lands. Two miles from the Town of Areule, he displayed his Banners, and divided his armies into divers troops. In the vaward, wherein was three thousand men of arms, were the Earl of Warwick high Connestable, Reignold Cobham, Lord Martial, Lord Beawchamp, a Somersetshire man, the Lord Clifford, and the Lord Thomas of Hampton, belonging to the Ancients, and with them seven Barons of Gascoigne. In the middleward, wherein were seven thousand men of arms, besides clerk and Pages, there was the Prince himself with a double Ancient, the Earl of Oxford, the Lord Barthelmew Burwash, the Lord john de Lile, the Lord Wilowby, the Lord Le Ware, the Lord Maurice Barkeley, son to Thomas Lord Barkeley then living, very old, the Lord john Boursers, Lord john Rose the elder of Bordeaux, Captain de la Busch, the Lord Camount, the Lord Mountferraunt, with their Ancients. In the rearward was four thousand men of arms, committed to the charge of the Earl of Suffolk, the Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord Nemers, who led the Bernences. In the whole army was of men of arms, clerk, Pages, Archers, Brigants, & other, above 60000. men, and this day was jenken Barefort, and divers other made Knights, and the village of Aurule, with three other villages (whereof Wil. Lord Raymond was Captain) were delivered up unto the Prince, wherein he lodged his army, & resting there two days, as many as would were suffered to go out, & took victuals, and burned their enemies country. On Tuesday, they lodged in the town of Mount Clere, where the castle belonging thereunto was given up to the Prince, & after he left it again to the Frenchmen, by the reason of fire which broke up in the town, whereupon, the Prince went out into the field, & lodged in his tents, ever after refusing to lie in any town. This day having taken three Towns, & brenning them, he made Knights Gilotus de Straton, and divers other. Also john de Lile stricken with a Quarrel at Austage, died. On Wednesday & Thursday he lay still, & on Friday he came before the strong town of Loegeron, where he lodged in his tents. On Saturday he came before Placence, a very fair town, & a strong, the inhabitants whereof fled away into the castle, where the Earl of Molesni, and many Knights were taken by Captain de la Bouch, and the Lord Mountferrant, & de Loachis, who was th● day made Knight. On Sunday S. Luke's day, they stayed at Ewant, & taking the fort of Galian by force, they set it on fire, & brent it. On Monday casting fire in the towns of Placence, they passed along, leaving the town of Beal Marchi on the right hand, & lodged before the Town of the Archbishop of Anfer, called Le Base. On this day, Richard Stafford, brother unto the Earl of Stafford, led his men with his Ancient towards the town, & on the next day being Tuesday, the town was yielded unto him, & because it belonged to the Church, the Prince would not suffer any man to enter into it, excepting certain persons appointed of purpose, for the delivering of victuals. On Wednesday they leaving the fair town of Escamount, on the left hand, they came before the noble town of Merand, belonging to the Earl of Commege, which was full of armed soldiers, & the Prince lodged in the great Monastery of barton's, in the which Abbey, there was not so much as one living creature found. On Thursday they lay still, doing no harm to the said Abbey. On Friday they went out of the fair and rich Country of Arminake, & entered the Country of Austerike, through the which, the passage was very hard & hilly, and lodging at Saxaunt a town, they set it on fire, contrary to the commandment of the Prince. All that day, and three days following, they passed alongst by the high hills of Arragon. On Saturday, they came to the town of S. More, where the rearward of the army lodged in a great Monastery of black Monks, which were all fled away: the middleward at Vilfrankes, and the vaward at Tremaine: these villages being very rich, and full of victuals, had no man in them, for all the inhabitants were fled. Sunday, the xxiv. of October, they passed a certain ford, and entered into the lands of the Earl of Comenge, which reached unto Tolouse, but these countries were wasted with fire & sword, and leaving on the left hand the Town called Sannetere in Austrike, they passed by the strong City of Winbers, where Pope john the 22. removing the black Monks, erected a Bishop's sea, and they were lodged in a great & rich town called Sotanco, belonging to the Earldom of Comenge, where was a covent of friars Minors: & burning this town, on Monday they passed through a goodly wide country, very plain, & so came to the towns of S. Foy, and S. Litz. On Tuesday they rested, and on Wednesday being the feast of Simon & Jude, the army passed through the River of Geround, being a water very fierce, stony, & terrible: & again the same day, through the River of Arage, much more dangerous, & came unto Tolouse: before that time, never durst any horseman pass over these waters, wherefore the people of this country being wonderfully made afeard, could not tell what to do, for being suddenly taken, they could not flee: that night, the Prince lodged at Falgard, a little town, one mile from Tolouse. On Tuesday, they came unto the fair & great town called Mount Gistard, being part of the inheritance of the Lord Almerike de la Fossad, the which Town the French King had taken from him, because he was the King of England's feed man. Fast by the said Town were twelve Windmills, the which they set on fire all at once. There were taken two espies, that certified the Prince that the Earl of Arminake was at Tolouse, and the Connestable of France at Mount Maban, four leagues from Tolouse. On Friday, they passed on towards Avignon, by the good town of Basige, and the town called Frank, and the whole army lodged at the great Town called Auion●t, and the middleward and rearward lay in one side of the suburbs, and the vaward lay on the other side of the Town, which the Townsmen perceiving, fled every one. There was about this Town twenty Windmills, which they set on fire. On Saturday the last of October, they lodged in the great Town called Clastalnannar, where a Church of Canons, a covent of friars Minors, and another of Carmelites, with an Hospital, and a village called Les mauns de Pucels, with a covent of Friars Augustine's, were all consumed with fire. On Sunday, the feast of All Saints, the army rested, out of the which army, certain going to take booties, they took a little town, the inhabitants whereof to be spared from spoiling, gave them x. M. florins of gold. On monday, they marched along by the Towns of S. Mathele Port, and the great Town called Vilkapinch, and from thence, they entered the Country of Carkason, and the Prince lodged at a little village called also. On Tuesday they came to Carkason, a fair town, rich and well built, bigger than London. Within the walls, betwixt the town of Senburge, and the City being double walled, there ran a goodly water, which passed under a fair stone Bridge, at the foot whereof, were four covents of Religions, of the which, the Friars ran not away, but the other fled into the City. The whole army was lodged in the town, which abounded with Muskadel, and all other delicate victuals: this day, the sons of the Lord Libret, and Master Basset, with Rowland Daues, and many other, were made Knights. On Wednesday & Thursday, the army lying still in the Town, and having made a truce, they parleyed with them of the City concerning a peace, the Citizens Carkason in France burned. offering for saving the Town from burning 250000. of golden Souses: the Prince answered, he came not for gold, but to take Cities and Towns, together with their inhabitants, and the next day commanded the Town to be brent. On Friday, the Town being brent, the army departed, leaving on the left hand the Castle of Botenake untouched, passing through the champion Country, burning Towns called La Rustican, and all the Country thereabout. On Saturday they travailed through a great wind and dust, leaving on the left hand a great pool of fresh water, being in compass about thirty leagues, and is called Casibon. They came to a Town called Silony, which was yielded to the Prince, and therefore never touched: and the Prince was lodged that night at a good Town called Canet. On Sunday the eight of November, they passed the water of Sandey, partly at the Ford called Chastel de Terre, and partly over a Bridge, and so travailed betwixt high hills, unto the great City of Narbon, whereof that Country taking his name, is called Gallia Narbonensis. This City was very strong, and well walled, having in it a great Cathedral Church: also, a notable Castle, belonging to the Bishop, and a very strong Tower for the Earl of the same Town. It had also a Suburb called a Borough, much bigger, and better built, than the Borough of Carkason. In the Borough, were four Covents of Religious persons. Betwixt the Borough and the City, there runneth a water called And, coming from Carkason, and runneth into the Greekish Sea. Betwixt the City and the Borough are two Bridges of stone, and the third of timber, built with storehouses for divers Merchandises. The Prince was lodged in the house of Carmelite friars. On Tuesday the Borough being set on fire, the army passing to the water side, went over it in divers places. From thence, they went and lodged at the Town and Castle of Ambion. On Wednesday they traveled an evil journey, and hurtful to the Horse for lack of water. On Thursday, Theodorike Dale, Porter of the Prince's Chamber, was made Knight: thence the Army passed by a good town called ulme's: the middleward passed unto the good Town of the Earl of Lile, called Arnile, where they lodged that night. The Prince lay at the friars Minors, where was great abundance of Muskadel, being provided for the Countess of the isle, which was all spoiled. This day also, the good Town of Pipions was destroyed, with the Castle thereof called Redote. On Friday, the army passing by a long stony way, lodged at Lamian. On Saturday, returning back toward Gascoigne, they left on their right hand the great pool of Esbone, and Carkason, and all the journey that they went before, and the rearward lodged at a good Town called Abier, and the middleward at Puch●iancies, where a Castle being defended, withstood them a season, but at length was won, and the Prince lay beyond the Bridge, by a fair running water, on both sides whereof, the Country was spoiled with fire, together with the good Town of Pesaunce, where the vaward was lodged th● night. On Sunday they traveled a▪ long journey, because the Prince should be lodged in the great Abbey of our Lady de Prolion, where in several Cloisters, did live 100▪ Predicants, whereunto, the Prince was devoutly received. In th● day, the army set on fire the town of Lemeins, where there was far greater Covents of Religions, than at Carkason. Also, they brent the fair Town called Falanges, unto which town belonged xxj. Windmills. They brent also the towns of Vnlard, & Serre, with all the whole Country lying thereabouts. On Monday the middleward lodged at the good town called Dealpuhbon, which long time was defended, but at length gotten by force, the Castle whereof yielded, unto the which Town and Castle, the Prince commanded that no harm should be done by fire. On Tuesday early passing over the river of Beseile, they entered into a country which was broad. About one aclocke, they came before a great Abbey called Bourgbon, where the Earl of Fluxens with great joy received the Prince, he being newly escaped out of prison from Paris, where he had lain by the space of two years: and the said Earl remained from that time faithful to the Prince. This day they road in the Lordships and signiories of the same Earl, by the Towns of Masell and Colmon, and on the right hand they passed by the great Town of Saint Canole, and the high castle called Hautripe: but on this day they brent nothing for reverence of the foresaid Earl and his Uineyards, but passed again over the water of Arage, leaving also Tolous as they did at the first: but then one mile on the left hand, and now four leagues on the right, and the middle ward was lodged in the great Town of Mermount, which together with the Castle was brent. On Wednesday, they passed by the Castle of the Earl of Flux▪ called Mounthane, at the foot whereof, all the horsemen passed over the great water of Geround, and there took the Town and Castle of North, then leaving the River of Gerond on the left hand, and so passed unto the town of Marconaw, which they took: then they returned over the River again, and took the strong Town of Carbone. On Thursday the army rested. On Friday word was brought to the Prince that the French were up, and had gathered a great force, which they had divided into five great battles, being in the field not far from them, whereupon our men set themselves in battle array, about one mile from the place where they lodged, and being now ready to fight, some one of the soldiers by chance start a Hare, whereupon a great shout was made, which the enemies hearing, they sent out forty light Horsemen, to see what was the cause thereof, who drawing nigh to the English army, and perceiving them to be set in battle array, returned back again, and declared what they had seen: whereupon presently the whole army of Frenchmen fled with great fear. The same day, Barthelmew Burwash, john Chandos, and james de Audley, with xxiv. light horsemen, were appointed scouts, & coming to th● tail of th● Frenchmen, they took prisoners xxxij. Knights & gentlemen, amongst whom, they took the Earl of Romeme, also they slew many Carters and Wagoners. The Prince lodged in the town of Muwose. On Saturday they marched to the Castle of Oradrie, in which Castle the Prince lodged, and in the morning they brent it. On Sunday the two and twentieth of November, about evening, they perceived that their enemies were on the other side of the great Hil hard by the great town of Gemount, so that the English men being be-nighted, sent out. lx. light horsemen, and certain bowmen unto the right hand of the town called Auremount, where finding. 400. men of arms of the Constable of France, they chased them out of the Town, and slew and took many: the middle Ward lodged at Auremount, and the Uawarde at Colimont. Early in the morning the Wagoners being commanded to remain in the Town of Auremount, all the residue being divided into troops, went into the field, waiting for the coming of their enemies, all in vain: for the Prince taking the Town of Gamount, was told that his enemies fled away at midnight. On Twesday the army lodged in the field, and for lack of Water, their horse were feign to drink Wine, whereof it came to pass, that the next day their horses were so drunk they could not go right forth, and many of them died. On Saint Katherine's day, with much a do they came to Water, and leaving the Town of Florence on their right hand, they passed to the great town called Silard, and the middle ward was lodged at a Town called Realmount, which they took by main force, and therefore brent it. On Thursday they rested. On Friday they travailed a long journey, by Walled towns and strong Castles, the middle ward lodged at Serde. On Saturday they passed over a certain Water with great difficulty, and through woods, till they came to a good Town called Mesin. On sunday the Prince rested, and took homage and oaths of the Townsmen. Monday saint Andrew's day traveling a long journey, they came to the Town of Tolows, where were three Castles. On Twesday the prince traveled to the castle of Melan, where he lodged. On Wednesday the Prince came to Regla, where his horses and Wagons passed through the river of Gerond. In this Anno reg. 30 town of Regla, the Prince appointed diverse Barons and such like to Winter in diverse places of the Marches, to the intent they should keep the inland parts of Gascoigne against the French men. The Prince of Wales touching these matters aforesaid, and for other considerations also, caused a new coin of gold to be made in Gascoigne, being busied himself about the repairing of such things as were decayed and thrown down. And in this season, there sprang up a foolish fantasy in the French men's heads, that the King of England was come into Normandy, the cause of which rumour rose up, for that the Duke of Lancaster, after that he had fortified the strong places belonging to the King of Navarre, which were in the isle of Constance and other places, did direct his journey towards Britain, whereof he was newly made chief Captain. Another cause was this, Phillippe brother to 1356 the King of Navarre, came into England, and earnestly craved aid of the King, against the French King, who kept his brother in prison, that he might by force of arms restore all such lands unto him as were wrongfully withholden from him, whereupon he offering to do homage and fealty, he had (of the King's appointment,) Miles Stapleton, a man of great integrity, and in martial affairs very skilful, him (I say) the king appointed to be his faithful fellow. These men with two thousand men well appointed traveling through Normandy, took towns and Fortresses, burning diverse of them, passing along till they came to a Castle nine leagues distant from the City of Paris: neither did they aslake their travail, until they had forced their enemies to enter into a yearly truce. By this means a great report and no less fear filled the hearts of all French men, which report at length came to the ears of the Prince lying at Regla, wherefore he gathering all the power he had with him in his Dukedom, to the intent to meet his Father, which he must do by traveling through France, he came at length to Brugetat, where he was certified that the Earl of Armenia, would after his departure have spoiled the Country, and for that intent had provided a great band of men: wherefore he sent back to the governor of Gascoigne, unto barnard de Libret, and other. From thence the prince went into France, through the coasts of Barny and Lemon, still encouraging his men against their enemies, sending before him john Chandos, james Dawdeley, and other complices, to try out the state of their enemies country, lest perhaps some crafty ambushment might suddenly assault our men, afore they were ware. He himself removing his camp every day, and now being entered into Pictavia, his espies brought word that the French king had gathered a great army, being now in Aurelian, who also knew of the Princes coming, for he sent out espies to discover our army, amongst whom Griffin Micco of Chambly, petty Captain of two hundred men, meeting with other espies, came to his coast: for our espies took thirty of them, and slew the residue, so that there was not one of them left to carry word what was become of their fellows. Our espies proceeded towards Romerentine, where meeting with the Lord Crone, and Lord Brisgande, they set upon them and slew them, their chief Captains being forced to flee to a castle, and having taken their lodging in a town, the prince commanded that on the morning a great assault should be given to them of the castle. The day following our men being all armed, passed through the ditches, & came unto the walls of the castle, some applied to scale the wall with ladders, some burn the gates, and entering, slew a great many of the chief men, but the Lords before named fled unto the principal tower of the castle: but the prince determined not to departed, till they that were besieged, were either taken or yielded: at length the Castle being undermined, the men besieged, with all humility yielded up the Castle. After this the spies declared that the French King was come down to Turon, to provide armies to go against the Prince, of the which tidings the Prince being glad, he pight his tents against the French King, but could not pass the river of Leger, by reason of great floods, and the French King had broken all the bridges, to the intent there should be no passage betwixt the Prince and the Duke of Lancaster, whose armies might well every night perceive each others fires in the Camps: but the Prince following alongst the river of Legers Eastward, he pight his tents near unto Turon, where looking for the French King four days, hoping to fight with him, for that he was distant but one league off, he understood that the French King was retired back to Blamia, ten leagues off: passing over by a Bridge the River of Legers at a place used betwixt two strong Towns, and so toward poitiers. This retiring of the French king certified, the Prince returned back, intending to have met him in his way, which he could not do: yet crossing over all, as he imagined the nearer way, he set upon the tail of his enemies, and cut from them the Earls of Inyni and winter's, and also the Marshal of Burgonie, these being taken, died, as was thought, through the great toil they had taken: night drawing on, our men gave themselves to rest in a wood, intending the next day to take their journey toward Poiteer, and by the way they were certified that the French King, with great provision prepared himself to battle, and drew nigh to our tents: The battle of poitiers. the Prince therefore committed the vaward of the army to the Earls of Warwick and Oxford, the middle ward was guided by the Prince, and the rearward was led by the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk. In all the whole army of the Prince there was not above four thousand men of arms, one thousand armed soldiers, and two thousand Archers. The pompous nobility of the French men drew nigh, greatly disdaining the small company of the English men, for they had in number eight thousand fight soldiers, they had also seven ancients. At this matter a great many of our men murmured, because of late, a great part of our army was sent to defend Gascoigne. There was among the French men a certain Scotte called William Douglas, a man of great force and practise in the Wars: this man did the French king make Knight, and because he knew he would be a deadly enemy to the English men, he gladly hearkened to his advices. This William was Captain over two hundred Scots: these men understood well that it was the custom of the English men in those days to fight on foot, in which point they followed the Scots, and the Scots also provoked the French king and other French men to fight in like manner. The French king obeying his foolish counsel, gladly agreed unto his sayings, whereupon he sent light horsemen into the City, that they should suffer no man to make any chase, but only. 500 horsemen well appointed to come out against the Archers, in the beginning of the conflict, and to run them over and to tread them under their horse feet: but these performed not that which was commanded them, as it appeared by the sequel thereof. The armies being set in a readiness on both sides for to fight early on Sunday in the morning, which was notable fair, behold there came the Cardinal of Petragoren, and charged the prince, in the name of God who was crucified, that it might please him to defer the war for a time, both for ecclesiastical peace, and also for the sparing of Christian blood, and to the end there might be a treaty had of peace, the which he promised should be performed with great honour on both sides. The Prince neither feared nor refused peace, but modestly agreed to the request of this Father. All this day now being appointed for the obtaining of peace, the army of the French men increased by the number of a thousand men of arms, and also of other. On the morrow after, the Cardinal came again from the French king, in his behalf to request a truce, which should endure for one whole year, the which the Prince denied, yet at the importunate suit of that Cardinal, he granted a truce to continue till Christmas next coming. Therefore the Cardinal returning to the French King, requested him of pledges for the truce, but the Marshal Dawdenam, Geffrey de Charney, & Douglas the Scot, persuaded him that by common reason it could not come to pass that the English men should at that time prevail, and especially, because they were but few, and in a strange Country, & wearied out miserably with their toil in travel, & therefore not ableto endure so great a number of the French men of France, who stood in defence of their own land. The Prince of Wales being certified, that the Captains of the French, would have no kind of peace, but such as they could get by force of arms, & calling his men together, he made to them an Oration first in general, and then to his Archers as followeth: your manhood (saith he) hath been always known to me, in great dangers, which showeth that you are not degenerate from true sons of English men, but to be descended from the blood of them which heretofore were under my father's dukedom, & his predecessors kings of England, unto whom no labour was painful, no place invincible, no ground unpassable, no Hil (were it never so high) inaccessible, no tower unscaleable, no army inpenitrable, no armed soldier, or whole hosts of men was formidable. Their lively courageousness tamed the French men, the Cyprian'S, the Siracusians, the Galabrians, & the Plestinis, and brought under the stiff necked Scots, and unruly Irish men, yea and the Welsh men also, which could well endure all labour. Occasion, time, and dangers, maketh of fearful, very strong and stout, and doth many times of dull witted men make witty: honour also, and love of the Country, and the desire of the rich spoil of the French men, doth stir you up to follow your father's steps▪ Wherefore follow your ancients, and wholly be intentive to follow the commandment of your Captains as well in mind as in body, that if victory come with life, we may still continue in firm friendship together, having always one will, and one mind: but if envious Fortune (which God forbid) should let us at this present, to run the race of all flesh, and that we end both life and labour together, be you sure that your names shall not want eternal fame and heavenly joy, and we also with these gentlemen our companions, will drink of the same cup, that you shall do, unto whom it shall be an eternal glory and name, to have won the nobility of France: but to overcome (as God forbidden) is not to be ascribed unto the danger of time, but to the courage of the men. Having spoken these words, he perceived that there was a Hill hard by, which was planted on the top with hedges and ditches, the inside whereof was very plain, and a pasture field on the one side thereof, with many rough bushes, and on the other side it was all planted with vines, and the residue was plain, in the top whereof he did imagine the army of the French to lie betwixt our men and the Hil. There was great and low valleys, and a piece of marish ground. One company of the Prince finding out a narrow passage, entered the valley and took the Hill, where among the bushes they hid themselves, taking the advantage of the place. The field wherein our men lay, to wit, the vaward and middle ward, was divided from the plain where the French army lay, with a long hedge and ditch, the one end whereof did reach down to the marsh aforesaid: that of the Hill next the marsh, the Earl of Warwick kept, Captain of the vaward. In the upper part of the hedge, toward the hanging of the Hil, there was a great gap, from the which a stones cast stood our rearward, over the which the Earl of Salisbury was Captain. Our enymies' perceiving our Princes ancient to be displayed, and oft-times to be removed from place to place, and by reason of the Hill to be some time quite out of sight, they judged that the Prince fled, yet Douglas the Scotte and Marshal de Clarimount, said that it was not so, but Marshal Dawdenam being deceived in his own opinion, thought otherwise, crying out still to follow and chase the Prince now fleeing, and with him also Douglas, to the intent to get preferment and a worthy name of his new warfare: but Clarimount to wash away the evil opinion which was conceived of him touching his fidelity, was the more vehement to persuade them forward, for unto them the charge of the vaward was deputed: before these went out, as the fashion was, certain to chase and to just, against whom certain that were under the Hill of our vaward came to meet Marshal Dawdenam, who staying to see the end of the justing, kept himself from encountering. In the mean time Clearimount thinking to come out by the gap in the hedge, and so to come at the back of our vaward, and to compass them in, met with the Earl of Salisbury, who perceiving his coming and purpose, suspected his whole intent, and so they which governed our rearward, making haste to take the gap, and keep the enemy from passing that way, sustained the first charge of the battle. Then began a terrible meeting betwixt the armed men, who laid on load with sword and spears, neither did the Archers slack their duty, but lying in safe trenches, start up above the ditch and shot over the hedge, prevailing more with their arrows, than they did that fought in arms: thus our rearward slaying the enemies, who came straggling to the gap, and the vaward which lay on the hanging of the Hil, toward the Marish, being governed by the Earl of Warwick, were always ready and met with the French men, beating them down. The Archers of the vaward were placed in the marsh, out of danger from the horsemen, yet for all that they did prevail there somewhat, for the horsemen were appointed to no other purpose but to overrun the Archers. The Earl of Oxford considering the discommodity that might ensue thereof, departed from the Prince's ward, and leading with him the Archers, set them on the one side of the French men, commanding them to shoot at that hinder parts of the horses, by means whereof the horses being galled and wounded, fell to tumbling with them that sat on their backs, or else turned back and ran upon them that followed after, making great slaughter upon their own masters. The horsemen being thus beaten back, the Archers retired towards the place from whence they came, shooting & galling the sides of the French men which fought right over against them: by this time the force and heat of the battle began to be in prime, when as the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, like fierce Lions endeavoured of purpose which of them should dung the land of poitiers most with French men's blood. Nether was the wise Counsellor Thomas Dassord of Suffolk idle at that season, who right worthylie in all his acts behaved himself, being expert and skilful in activity. For he continually running from ward to ward, and into all troops and companies, comforted & stirred them up with good words to do well, having a great regard that the youthful sort of lusty soldiers being to bold upon their good hearts and courage, should not without regard go out too far, and placed the Archers at sundry times to great advantages, and oftentimes as leisure would suffer him, he would encourage up the minds of the soldiers. Clarimount was slain, William Dowglas also being wounded fled, having with him a few Scots of his band, with Archebald Dowglas his brother: our men retiring, put themselves in good array, and our vaward and midle-warde joined themselves together, by and by there marcheth forth a new army of the French men, the which the eldest son of the French king, Dolphin of Vienna, brought forth. The order and array of this army was more terrible & fierce than the show of that which was last oppressed, yet for all that could not it make our men afraid, who were sharp set, and very desirous of honour, & also of revenge, both for themselves, & their fellows, which a little before were slain and wounded. And therefore boldly they go to it on both sides, making shouts and noises, crying out, Saint George to borrow, or Saint Denis be for us. Within a while they were come to fight man to man, & every man ready to die, fight now to save their lives, neither doth the Lion make the Wolf afraid, or the Tegre is more terrible to the simple beast, than our lusty gentlemen were to their enemies, who chased them, & slew them like as the Wolves chase & kill Sheep. And though that this battle withstood our men more than the first, yet, after they had lost a great many of their men, they had such a devise, that they saved many, and yet, not by running away, but by a fair retreat, which the Frenchmen are accustomed to use. But our men considering, that the victory of the field was doubtful, as long as the French King might be in presence with his army, who lay there half hid in a Ualley, they would not afterward, when they had chased any that fled, go out of the field, but the worthy man Maurice Barkley, son of Thomas Barkley, had no regard there unto, who for the space of two hours together with his men, never spared, but would be still in the forefront of the battle, invading his enemies with the first, This Maurice being in the midst of th● Dolphens' guard sowed blows among them, first with a spear, than with a sword, & at length he being all alone compassed with the multitude, & forely wounded, he was taken prisoner. In the mean time our men carried those which were wounded of their camp, & laid them under bushes & hedges out of th● way, other having spent their weapons took th● spears & swords from them whom they had overcome: & the Archers lacking arrows, made haste to draw them from poor wretches th● were but half dead: there was not one of them all, but either he was wounded or quite wearied with great labour, except. 400. men who keeping that chief standard, were appointed to meet th● French king. The Dolphin being thus put to flight, one came to th● French K. & said, my Lord K. the field is fallen to the English men, and your eldest son hath withdrawn himself: unto whom th● French King answered with an oath, th● he would not th● day forsake th● field unless he were taken or slain, & so by th● means carried away by force: wherefore the ancient bearers are commanded to march forwards, after whom followed two great companies of armed men into a wide field, showing themselves to our men, & struck a great fear into their hearts, in so much th● they were out of hope to conquer any more. The which thing a man of great wisdom standing by the prince signified with a howling voice, (saying alas we poor wretches are overcome,) but the prince having a great trust and saith in Christ, checked him, saying, thou liest thou dastardly fellow, for thou canst not say that we can be overcome as long as I live. Captain de la Buche, a noble man in all affairs, as soon as he perceived the arms of the French King, marching forth of their tents, ask licence of the Prince departed away with lx. soldiers, and a hundred Archers, whom many of our men thought to have fled away: wherefore our soldiers (excepting the chief Captains) being quite out of hope of victory, committed themselves wholly to the mercy of God. Then the Prince commanded his Ancient bearer sir Walter Woodland, to march forward toward his enemies, and with a●ew fresh men he joined battle with the great army of the French king: by & by they sound their trumpets, one giving answer to another, they made such a noise th● the Walls of poitiers sounded with the Echo thereof like a wood, in such sort th● a man would have thought th● the hills had bellowed out to the valleys, & that the clouds had given forth a most terrible thunder, to the which there wanted no cruel lightnings, whilst the air shone on the bright armour & spears dashing against shining harness. Then came on the cruel company of crosbowmen, making a darkness in th● s●ies with that multitude of quarrels which they shot, against whom came a worthy company of English bowmen: out flies also Darts of Ash which met with the enemy afar off: but the French army being full of divers troops, & many armed men defending their breasts with their shields, proceed forward against their enemies: wherefore our Archers having emptied their quivers in vain, being armed only with swords and Targets, are fain to encounter with them that were laden with armour. Then bestirreth himself the worthy Prince of Wales, cutting and hewing the French men with a sharp sword. In the mean time Captain de la Buch marcheth a compass about, under the hanging of the Hil, which he with the Prince a little before forsook, and privily compassing about the field, at the length cometh close under the place where the French Camp lay, from thence he ascended to the top of the Hill that way, which the French men had beaten with their travail, and so suddenly breaking forth unlooked for, and showing by the ensign of Saint George that he was our friend, the Prince with great courage giveth a fresh charge on the French army, being desirous to break their ranks, before the captain aforesaid, should set on the side of the battle. The Prince lustily encountering with his enemies goeth into the middle of the throng, and where he seeth most company there he layeth about him on every side. In the mean time on the other side, his friends which served with Captain de la Buche, were at the backs of the enemies, beating down and killing without pity, and the Archers also placed for the purpose shot so thick, wounding the backs and sides of the French men, in such sort, that the form of the battle was quite spoiled, neither could they put themselves in order or array any more. This was the courage of the Prince, who at the length thrusteth through the throngs of them, that guarded the French King, then should you see an ancient begin to nod and stumble, the bearers of them to fall down, the blood of slaves and Princes ran mingled together into the waters which were nigh. In like sort the Boar of Cornwall rageth, who seeketh to have none other way to the French Kings standard, than by blood only: but when they came there, they met with a company of stout men to withstand them, the English men fight, the French men also lay on, but at length Fortune making haste to turn her wheel, the Prince presseth forward on his enemies and like a fierce Lion beating down the proud, he came to yielding up of the French King. The French men being scattered abroad in the fields of Poycers perceiving that the standard with the floverdeluce was beaten down, fled with all speed towards the Town, which was not far off, the English men perceiving them to be fleeing, though themselves were either sore wounded or wearied, followed them in chase even to the gates of poitiers where in a great skirmish and very dangerous, they slew a great number of French men. At the last our men being called back by retreat with the sound of trumpet, & assembling together, there were diverse Pavilians and tents set up in the fields, and the whole company being throughly comforted with this victory, gave their whole endeavour to provide for them that were wounded, for the quiet rest of them that were wearied, for safe keeping of them that were taken prisoners, and for the refreshing of them that were almost famished, until they had full understanding who and how many were wanting, among them which were found half dead, was found the Lord james Dawdeley, by reason of his broad bucklet, and being carried in the arms of his soldiers, was brought to the Prince's lodging, and the Prince himself rise from his supper, and came to him, and caused him to be stripped and laid in a soft bed, and being somewhat better come to his remembrance, the Prince comforted him, swearing unto him that he had the French King yielded unto him, which news when the languishing Noble man heard, he straight ways revived. The Prince returning to the French King, willed him not to deny that to be an unworthy deed of his that rose from his supper to comfort him that was almost dead, who spared not his own blood to purchase victory. After that they having had some talk concerning the wars which james Dawdeley made, the French king said that amongst all other stout Champions, which valiantly that day behaved themselves, he did greatly wonder at the noble deeds of that knight, and he spoke not much more in all his supper, but what he spoke to the Prince, who comforted his noble pray. Such like words, it is said that the French king spoke: Although it be our chance to fall into an everlasting sorrow, yet for all that we thought it good to refrain from the same by a kind of measure, for though we be under subjection by law and right of war under our noble cousin, yet are we not as rascals, or faint hearted runaways, or taken lying hid close in a corner, but after the manner of the field by the end and success of war, where we were as ready to die as live for justice sake. And in the same field were many richmen taken, whose lives were reserved for ransom, the faint hearted and lewd chased away, but the worthiest and stoutest were spoiled of their lives. This battle of poitiers was fought on the ninetéenth day of September. The next day after the battle, all the prisoners were numbered, to wit the French king, also Philip his son, the Archbishop of Senon, the Earl of Pontue, the Earl of Longuile▪ the Earl of Ewe, the Earl of tankerville, the Earl Daunter, the Earl of Vendadour, the Earl of Slauncer, the Earl of Wademount, the Earl of Vandome, the Earl of juyny, the Earl Don Martin, the Earl of Selabruse, the Earl of Sasso, Viscount Nerbon, the Lord Daubeny, Marshal Dawdenam, the Lord Guinc●arde de Angle, Seneshal de Seintong, the Lord Mores Mawnimet, the Lord Leonard de Guilhoy, the Seneshal of poitiers, the Lord great Master, the chief master of the Hospital of spain, the Lord of Saint Tiger, the Lord Damboyd Seneshal of Annar, the Lord Tower, the Lord Dars, the Lord Durual, the Lord of the Town of Ernell, the Lord Maugeler, the Lord Plank, the Viscount de Belimount, and the Lord of Suly: there were also the bodies found of many that were slain, as the Duke of Bourbon, the Duke Dasines, the Constable of France, Marshal de Garimount, the Lord Geffrey de Charney, the Lord Pounce, th● Bishop of Chaloner, the Lord of Laundas, that Lord Ripemount▪ the Lord Chaneny, the Lord Io●e, the Lord Nele, the Lord Aunger, the Lord de Mount john, the Lord Dargenton, the Lord Groose, the Lord Ruas, the Lord Rochechicheward, the Lord de Vilem. The Prince bought all the prisoners & Captives of them that kept them, and carried them with him to Bordeaux, there to remain in safe custody, during his abode there. Richard Nottingham: Thomas Dossel, the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. ●● 1●57 Anno reg. 21 Henry Picarde Vintner, the. 28. of October. Edward Prince of Wales returning into England with john the French King, Philip his son and many other prisoners, arrived at Plymouth▪ on the fifth of May, and the. 24. of may entered London with them, where he was received with great honour of the Citizens, and so conveyed to the king's palace at Westminster, where the King sitting in his estate in Westminster Hall, received them, and after conveyed the French King to a lodging, where he lay a season: and after the said French King was lodged in the Savoy, (which then was a pleasant place belonging to the Duke of Lancaster.) In the Winter following were great and royal jousts holden in Smithfielde at London, where many knightly sights of arms were done, to the great honour of the king & realm, at the which were present the Kings of England, France, and scotland, with many noble estates of all those Kingdoms, whereof the more part of the strangers were prisoners. Henry Picarde Uintener, Mayor of London, in one day did sumptuously feast Edward King of England; john King of France, the King of Cyprus (then arrived in England) David king of Scots, Edward Prince of Wales, with many noble men and other, and after the said Henry Picarde kept his Hall against all comers who soever, that were willing to play at Dice and Hazard. In like manner the Lady Margaret his wife did also keep her Chamber, to the same intent. The King of Cyprus playing with Henry Picarde in his Hall, did win of him 50. marks, but Henry being very skilful in that art, altering his hand did after win of the same king, the same. 50. marks, and 50. marks more, which when the same king began to take in ill part, although he dissembled the same, Henrye said unto him, my Lord and King be not aggrieved, I covet not your gold but your play, for I have not bid you hither that I might grieve you, but that amongst other things I might try your play, and gave him his money again, plentifully bestowing of his own amongst the retinue: besides he gave many rich gifts to the King and other Nobles and Knights, which dined with him, to the great glory of the Citizens of London in these days. Stephen Candish: Barthelmew Frostling, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Stody Vintner, the. 28. of October. This sir john Stody gave unto the Uinteners' of London all the quadrant wherein the Uinteners' Hall now standeth with the tenements round about, from the lane yet called Studis Lane, where is founded thirteen houses for xiij. poor people which are there kept of charity rend free. About Halowntide, David le Bruce king of Scots was delivered from the long imprisonment of a. xj. years, in the castle of Oldiham, his ransom being set, a 100000. marks to be paid the next ten years following. Normandy and Britain were soar spoiled and wasted Tho. Walsing. Anno reg. 32 Rob. Knowles by Phillippe the King of Navers' brother, jacob de la Pipe, and Roberte Knowles, with many other English men which were Captains of that company, who raged in warlike sort in these Countries, the space of three years and more, contrary to the King of England's pleasure. This Roberte Knowles being a mean man of birth became Captain of many soldiers, and did many marvelous acts. Isabel daughter to Phillippe the fair, king of France 1358 now wife to King Edward the second, deceased, apnd risings Registrum fratrum minorum. juxta London, the. xxij. of August, and was buried in the Grey friars Choir at London, in a Tomb of Aliblaster. john Barnes: john Buris, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 33 john Lovekinstoke Fishmonger, the 28. of October. john of Gaunt the King's son (by dispensation) took to wife Blanch, dauhter of Henry Duke of Lancaster his kinswoman. The French King under colour of peace, offered to King Edward Flanders, Picardy, Aquitaine, and other lands, which the Englishmen had ranged through and spoiled, for the performance whereof, messengers were sent into France, but the Frenchmen would not perform the offer, wherefore King Edward being angry, with a Navy of Ships passed the Sea to Caleis, wherefore dividing his army into three parts, committed one company unto Henry Duke King Edward invaded Burgundy. of Lancaster, another to Prince Edward, and the third he reserved to himself, and so passed into Burgundy. In the mean season, the Normans with a small Navy 1359 Frenchmen arrived at Winchelsea. arrived at Winchelsey, and partly brent the Town, and slew such as did withstand them, wherefore the Prelates of England assembled from all parts in armour to withstand them, but when they had prepared themselves to battle, the French were gone. Simon of Benington: john of Chichester, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 34. 1360 Simon Dolseby Grocer, the 28. of October. King Edward with his power road through France, by Picardy, Artois, Rouen, Champain, and so to Briteine, destroying the Country before him. And here is to be noted, that the fourteenth day of April, and the morrow after Easter day, King Edward with his host lay before the City of Paris, which day was full dark of mist and hail, and so bitter cold, that many men died on their Horse backs with the cold, wherefore unto this day it hath been called the black Monday. The King of Navarre vexed sore the marches of Normandy. Thus was the Realm of France miserably beset on all sides. At the last, a final peace was concluded on Peace with France. this condition, that King Edward should have to his possession, the Countries of Gascoine, Gwyen, Poitiers, Limosin, Balevile, Exantes, Caleis, Gwisnes, and divers other Lordships, Castles, Towns, and all the Lands to them belonging, Tho. Walls. without knowledge of any sovereignty or subjection for the same. This peace being confirmed by writing and by oath, King Edward came into England, and so straight to the Tower to see the French King, where he appointed his ransom to be three millions of Florence's, and so delivered French King released. him of all imprisonment, and brought him with great honour to the Sea, who then▪ sailed over into France. john Denis: Walter Berney, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Wroth Fishmonger, the 28. of October. King Edward the 24. of Januarie began a Parliament at Westminster, where the form of the agreement was red, and allowed of all estates, where the King on the last of Januarie caused his Nobles to swear to hold and Anno reg. 35 1361 keep the said agreement, especially those as well Prelates as other that were not at Caleis, where he swore, and other that were there with him. A great dearth & pestilence happened in England, which was called the second pestilence, in which died Henry D. of Lancaster The second mortality. in March at London, and was buried at Leycester, in the colegiate Church which he had founded, with a Dean, twelve Canons, Prebendaries, as many Uickers, and other ministers accordingly. There died also Reginald Lord Cobham, and Walter Lib. Lichfield. Fitz Waren, valiant and famous Knights, and five Bishops, to weet, Reginald of Worcester, Michael of London, Thomas of E●lie, john of Lincoln, and Robert of Cicester. To Worcester was preferred john of Barnet: to London, Simon Sudburie: to Ely, Simon Langham: to Lincoln, john Bokingham: to Cicester, William Linlinere. leonel Earl of Hulster by his wife, and son to King Edward, went into Ireland to recounter the Irishmen that vexed the English. Edward Prince of Wales took to wife by dispensation the Countess of Kent, daughter unto Edmond Earl of Kent, brother to King Edward the second: she had been before wife unto Thomas Holland and before that, she was wife to the Earl of Salisbury, and divorced from him. A rout of the great company of the Englishmen were commanded to departed out of France, and they discomfited in Anuerne the Frenchmen, and took divers prisoners of the nobles of France that had been afore taken of the Englishmen, and there was slain jaques de Bourbon, and the County of Salbrig. Also a rout of Britons, part of the great company aforesaid, were discomfited in Limosin alias Garet, by Wil Felton knight, of England, & at that time Steward of the Country for K. Edward. William Holbech: james Tame, the 28 of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sore rempest of wind. john Peche Fishmonger, the 28. of October. The King held his Christmas at Windsor, and the xv. day following, a sore and vehement Southweast wind broke forth, so hideous, that it overthrew high Houses, Towers, Stéeples, and Trees, and so bowed them, that the residue which fell not, but remained standing, were the weaker. The first five days of May, at London in Smithfield, were Anno reg. 36 justing in Smithfield. Justes holden, the King and Queen being present, and the most part of the Chivalry of England and France, and of other Nations, to the which came Spaniards, Cipriets, and Armenians Knightly requesting the King of England's aid against the Pagans that had invaded their confines. The 1362 First Staple of wool at Caleis. staple of wools, notwithstanding the oath received of the King of England, and other great men of the land, is sent to Caleis. In the feast of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, King Edward at Westminster by his Charter, gave to the Abbot of Westminster, and Covent, two Stags of his Uenison, yearly to be taken in the Forest of Windsor. Edward Prince of Wales, about the feast of Saint Margaret, Edward the King's eldest son Prince of Aquitaine. at Westminster, in presence of the great men of the Realm, received of his father the principality of Aquitaine, fealty and homage first made to him, but yet he left not the principality of Wales, the Duchy of Cornwall, the Counties of Chester and Kent. Simon Islip, Archbishop of Canterbury did ordain, that Priests became thieves, for lack of living. ● more should not be given to Priests for their yearly stipend, than three pound, six shillings, eight pence, which caused many of them to steal. john of Saint Albon: james Andrew, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Stephen Candish Draper, the 28. of October. The sixteenth day of October, began a parliament at London, which continued till the feast of Saint Brice, the thirteenth Tho. Walsing. of November, on which day the King was borne, having now accomplished the 50. year of his age, whereupon, he pardoned such as were guilty of Treason to his person, released prisoners, revoked outlaws, and at the petition of the commons, he commanded pleas to be used in English, and not in French, as they had continued since the Conquest. He made leonel his son, Earl of Hulster, then being in Ireland, Duke of Clarence: and his son john, Earl of Richmond, he made Duke of Lancaster: and Edmond his son, he made Earl of Cambridge. In the said parliament was granted to the King for subsidy of wools. three years following, six and twenty shillings, eight pence, of every Sack of wool to be transported beyond the Seas. joane Queen of Scots, and wife to David Bruse, and sister to King Edward the third, died, and was buried in the grey friars Church at London by her mother. Sea. Cro. A Priest in London was murdered, and being cut in four quarters, was cast contemptuously in four parts of the City, th● doers whereof were not known what they were. Sir john Cobham Knight, founded the College of Cobham College. Anno reg. 37 1363 Three Kings came into England. The French King dieth. Cobham in Kent. The French King, the King of Cyprus, and the King of Scots, came all into England to speak with King Edward, who received them with great honour, and gave them great gifts, the Kings of Cyprus and of Scotland returned home shortly, but the French King fell sick at London, whereof he shortly after died. A Frost in England lasted from the midst of September, Great Frost. Adam Merim●. to the month of April. Richard Croyden: john Hiltoft, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Cro. col. reg▪ ●●x●. john Not Peperer, the 28. of October. This year, the Castle of Quinborough was builded by King Edward. The ninth day of April, died john King of France, at the Anno reg. 38 1364 Savoy beside Westminster, through grief of mind, that the Duke of Angiow one of his pledges had deceived him, and came not into England, according as he had promised and sworn. His corpse was honourably conveyed to Dover, and so to Saint Denis in France, where he was buried. john de Mitford: Simon de Mordon, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 39 1365 Sheriffs. Maior. Adam of Bury, Skinner, the 28 of October. Ingram, Lord of Cowsie, married Lady Isabella the King's daughter, at Windsor. john Bukulsworth: Thomas Ireland, the 28. of Septemb. john Loukin, Fishmonger. Adam of Bury Skinner. The 28. of January, john Lovekin Fishmonger, was elected Mayor, and Adam Bury removed by the King's commandment. The King commanded that Peter pence should no more Anno reg. 40 Peter pence forbid. be gathered nor paid to Rome. Saint Peter's pence is the King's alms, and all that had twenty penny worth of good, of one manner cattle in their house of their own proper, should give that penny at Lammas. The third day of April was borne at Bordeaux Richard, 1366 son to Edward the black Prince, who was after King of England, by the name of Richard the second. john Ward: Thomas at Lee, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Lovekin Fishmonger, the 28. of October. This john Lovekin Stockfishmonger, four times Mayor of London, twice by election, and twice by the King's appointment, john Leyland. for that he was borne in the Town of Kingston Hospital at Kingston upon Thamis. upon Thamis, he builded there a Chapel called Magdalen's, ●o the which he joined an Hospital, wherein was a Master, two Priests, and certain poor men: and for that the Saint Michael● Church in Crooked Lane builded. parish Church of Saint Michael by Crooked Lane of London, in which Parish he then dwelled, was a very small and homely thing (standing in part of that ground, where now of late the parsonage house is builded) and the ground thereabout a filthy plot, by reason of the Butchers in Eastcheap, who made the same their let haw, he on the same ground builded the fair new parish Church of Saint Michael, now standing, and was there buried in the middle of the Choir, under a fair Tomb of Stone, with the images of him and his wife graven in Alabaster upon the same Tomb. He also (as writeth john Leyland) founded a College to the same Church near thereunto adjoining. The said parish Church of Saint Michael, hath been since increased Eastward, with a new Quire, and side Chapels, by Sir William Walworth Fishmonger, and Mayor of London (as shall be showed in the fourth year of King Richard the second.) Also, the Tomb of john Lovekin was removed, and a ●lat stone of grey Marble, garnished with plates of Latin, and an Epitaph, was laid upon him, as it yet remaineth. Edward Prince of Wales, taking compassion upon Peter Tho. Wall. Anno reg. 41 The Bastard brother disheriteth the lawful. 1367 King of Spain, who was driven out of his Kingdom by Henry his Bastard brother, entered Spain with a great puissance, and in a battle at Nazers, the third of April, put to flight the foresaid Bastard, overcame his power, and slew six thousand of his men, where there was taken threescore persons of name, and two thousand of the common soldiers, which done, he restored the said Peter to his former dignity, and returned home with great triumph and victory, but not long after, Henry the Bastard, The Bastard brother; murdereth the lawful. whiles King Peter sat at a Table, suddenly thrust him thorough with a Spear, and invaded the Land by Treason, which by open war he could not do. john Tornegold: William Dikeman, the 28 of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. james Andrew Draper, the 28. of October. The Frenchmen▪ took divers Towns and Castles in Poytow, that belonged to the King of England, and to the end Anno reg. 42 they might the more effectually deceive the King of England, the French King sent him word, that he was ready to pay the residue of his father's ransom, and to perform the conditions of peace. Also, he sent him Wines out of 1368 Boheme, and other presents, in token of love, but it fortuned whiles the Ambassadors were in the King's presence, the lamentable news were brought of the forcible invasion of the Frenchmen in Poytow, which when the King heard, he subtlety of Frenchmen. commanded the Ambassadors to get them home with their deceitful presents, to their deceitful Lord, whose mocks he would not long leave unrevenged. The Ambassadors returning home, were met by the men of Caleis, who took their Wines, and other goods from them. Robert Girdler: Adam Wimondham, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 43 Third Pestilence. Dearth of Corne. 1369 Simon Mordin Stockfishmonger, the 28. of October. The third mortality or Pestilence was this year, whereof died Blanch, Duchess of Lancaster, and was buried in Paul's Church at London. This year was a great dearth of Corn, so that a Bushel of Wheat at London was sold for two shillings six pence, of Barley twenty pence, of Oats twelve pence. The xv. of August died Queen Philip, wife to Edward the third, and was buried at Westminster. Quenesborough, Kingston upon Hull, and Saint Botolphes, alias Bostowne, made Staples by Parliament. The King's son john Duke of Lancaster, and Humphrey Bohan Earl of Hereford, with a great Army went into France, where they little prevailed, because an huge Army of Frenchmen had pitched their Tents upon the top of Chalk hill, near unto Caleis, so strongly, that they could not be set on without great loss and damage, but shortly after, Thomas Beawchampe, Earl of Warwick, arrived at Caleis with a number of chosen Soldiers, at whose coming, the frenchmen leaving their tents and victuals, fled away, nevertheless, he passed forth, spoiling and wasting the Isle of Caws with fire and sword, but as he returned toward Caleis, he fell sick, whereof he died, and the other captains returned without honour. john Piel: Hugh Holditch, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 44 The King borrowed great sums. 1370 john Chichester Goldsmith, the 28. of October. King Edward borrowed of the Prelates and other, many great sums of money, saying, he would bestow the same in defence of the Church and Realm, but about Midsummer he sent a great army into France, whereof Sir Roberte Knowles was general, a man, who before time had fortunately handled the beyond sea wars, so long as they were ruled by his counsel, but toward Winter, the young Lords said they ought not to be subject to him who was not so noble of birth as they, and so dividing themselves into divers companies, Sir Robert Knowles departed into Briteine to his own Castles which he had conquered. The Lords being so divided, the Frenchmen set upon them, took prisoners whom they listed, and slew the residue. A great part of Gascoigne fell from the Prince, because of the strange exactions he laid upon them: also sickness increasing upon him, he returned into England with his wife and his son Richard, and resigning into his father's hands the government of Gascoigne. The Monastery of Abingdon, five miles from Oxford, was spoiled by them of Oxford, together with the Artificers Matthew Parker. of Abingdon. William Walworth: Robert Gayton, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. john Barnes Mercer, the 28. of October. This john Barnes gave a Chest with three locks, and a thousand Marks, to be lent to young men upon sufficient A Chest with three locks, and never a penny. Anno reg. 45 1371 gage, so that it passed not one hundred Marks: and for the occupying thereof, if he were learned, to say at his pleasure Deprofundis, for the soul of john Barnes: if he were not learned, to say Pater noster: but how so ever the money is lent, at this day the Chest standeth in the Chamber of London without money or pledges. In a Parliament at London, the King demanded of the Great subsidy. Adam Meri. Clergy and Commonalty, a subsidy of 50000. pounds, for the levying whereof, chantry Priests, and small benefited were taxed. Also, the Bishops were removed from the offices of chancellor, Treasurer, and Privis Seal, and Lay men put in their steed. Robert Hatfield: Adam Staple, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 46 1372 john Barnes Mercer, the 28. of October. john, Duke of Lancaster, and Edmond Earl of Cambridge, returning out of Gascoigne, brought with them two daughters of Peter late King of Spain, whom afterwards they took to be their wives: the Duke married the elder, and from that time wrote himself King of Castille. The Englishmen fought a battle on the Sea with the Battle on the Sea. Flemings, and took five and twenty ships laden with salt. The Frenchmen besieged Rochel, to the removing whereof, was sent the Earl of Penbroke, with a number of men of arms, upon whom fell the Spanish Navy in the Haven of Rochel, who slew and took the Englishmen, and burned their Navy. The Earl and many noble men were carried into Spain, together with the King's money. King Edward with a great Navy entered the Seas towards Rochel, to have rescued the same, but the wind being contrary, with heavy cheer he returned again, having spent in this preparation (as it was said) nine hundred thousand pound. john Philpot: Nicholas Brember, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 47 1373 john Piel Mercer, the 28. of October. john Duke of Lancaster entered France with a strong power, and passed through the Realm without battle, but in the Deserts and Mountains of Aluerne, for lack of victuals, many of his army died: from thence, he went to Bordeaux, and brought scantly forty horses back with him: it was commonly talked that he lost thirty thousand Horses in that unlucky voyage. It was a great misery ●bo. Walsing. to see the poor state of the men of war, such as were Knights of great wealth in their Country, having lost men and Horses, were glad to beg from door to door, and found no relief, for the Country was destroyed, and not manured, by reason whereof, such dearth was in that Country, that victuals could scant be gotten for any money. The Duke yet wintered. The tenth of April following, a day of battle was appointed betwixt him and the Duke of Anjou at Tholouse. In the mean time, truce was taken till the twentieth of May next following, but the King of England knew nothing of it. When the day came, a great power of armed men for the French appeared, the which the Duke of Anjou had assembled, but yet that day passed without battle, to the great shame and reproach of the English, for the Frenchmen said, they were ready in field the day appointed to look for their coming, that came not at all, wherefore they spoke many reproachful words against the Englishmen, calling them false cowards, and ha●● less. And such was the end of that journey. john Northwold Mercer of London, was slain at the Black heath, for whose sake, began great debate among the Crafts of London, at the White Friars in Fléetestréete, for him, and Sir William of Windsor. Lib. Mayor & vic. Lon. The Clergy granted to the King tenths, and th● laity a fifteenth. john Awbrey: john Fished, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 48 1374 Adam of Bury Skinner, the 28. of October. john Duke of Lancaster came again out of Gascoigne, after whose departure, almost all Gascoigne fell from their allegiance, which they had covenanted with the King ●● England, saving Bordeaux and Bayon. john Duke of Lancaster, William Earl of Salisbu●●●▪ Reignold Lord Cobham, with Simon Sudbery and other assembled at Brudges to treat a peace between th● Real●●● of England and France, where met with them the Duke ● Anjou, and many other Nobles of France. This treaty continued almost two years, and ended without conclusion of peace, but on a truce. Richard Lions: William Woodhouse, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 49 1●75 john Walworth Fishmonger, the 28. of October. The sixteenth of April died john Hastings, Earl of Penbroke, coming into England, after he had ransomed himself for a great mass of money, which he never paid. The Isle of Constantine was delivered to the French King, to the great detriment of England, for which cause afterward Sir john Ansley appeached Thomas Catrington of Trenson. A great heat was in England, so that many both A ho●e summer. men and women died thereof. john Hadle: William Newport, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg 50 Good Parliament. john Ward Grocer, the 28. of October. A Parliament, commonly called the good Parliament, was holden at Westminster, in the which▪ when a Subsidy was demanded, answer was made by Peter de la Mare, Prolocutor of the Parliament, that the King needed not the substance of his poor Subjects, if he were well and faithfully governed, which he offered to prove effectually, and promised that if it were found that the King had need, his subjects should be ready most gladly to help him according to their power. The Knights required to have the Lord Latimer with 1376 other, removed from about the King, whom they said did give him evil counsel, which being done, certain Prelates, Earls, and other, were ordained to govern the King, who then was an old man, but this endured not long. The commons also requested to have removed out of the King's house, a certain proud woman called Alice Perce, who by overmuch familiarity that she had with the King, was cause of much mischief in the Realm, she exceeding the manner of Women, sat by the King's Justices, and sometimes by the Doctors in the Consistories, persuading and dissuading in defence of matters, and requesting things contrary to law and honesty, to the great dishonour of the King. Also Richard Lious and Adam of Bury, Citizens of London, Adam Bury late Mayor. Richard Lions late Sheriff, a Goldsmith. were accused by the commons, of divers frauds and deceits, which they had done to the King: Richard Lions for money did wisely compound and escaped, the other conveyed himself into Flanders, but Sir Peter de la Mere, who told the troth, was at the instance of Alice Pierce condemned to perpetual prison at Nottingham. The eight day of June, Prince Edward departed out of Black Prince deceased. Adam Meri●o. this life, who was in his time the flower of Chivalry: he was buried at Canterbury, and then King Edward created Richard son of Prince Edward, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, and Prince of Wales, and because the King waxed feeble and sickly, he betook the rule of the land to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. The Earl of Warwick's men made a great spoil of the Euisham spoiled. Abbey of Euisham, and the tenements thereto belonging, beating and slaying many of the Abbot's men, but by the King an agreement was made betwixt them, but no full satisfaction. john Northampton: Robert Land, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Adam Staple Mercer, the 28. of October. In a Parliament at London, there was granted such a tax as never was heard of before, to wit, of every Lay person A great tax. both man & woman, above the age of fourteen years, four pence, and of even Religious person, both man and woman, that had any Ecclesiastical promotion, twelve pence, and of them that had no promotion, four pence, except the four orders of begging Friars: and also the Statutes of the good Parliament were disannulled, and the abjured persons restored. The Londoners at S. john's Inn of Ipres, being stirred up The Londoners meant to have slain the Duke of Lancaster. with fury, sought to kill the D. of Lancaster, for a certain proud word which he spoke against their Bishop, & they had brent his Manor of Swoy, if the B. had not stayed their rage: this was called the wood Saturday: the Duke fled to Kenington beside Lamheth, where Richard the Prince remained, he made lamentable complaints upon the Citizens, for The Mayor and Aldermen of London deposed. the which, the King caused Adam Staple Maior, to be put down, and in his place Nicholas Brember was elected on the 21. day of March. Also, the Aldermen were deposed, and other set in their places, & Sir john Minsterworth Knight, and other were drawn and hanged. About this time, rose up in Oxford a certain Northern Adam Meri. john Wicklefe. man called john Wickleffe, a Doctor of Divinity, who in Scholes, and elsewhere, held certain conclusions, contrary to the public state, especially against Monks, and other Religious men that had possessions: his companions dwelling together, were appareled in long garments down to the heels of russet, going barefooted etc. King Edward ended his life at his Manor of Shene, the King Edward deceased. New Abbey. john Rouse. xxj. day of June, in the year 1377. when he had reigned 50. years, four months, and odd days▪ whose body was buried at Westminster. He builded the Abbey of our Lady of Grace by the Tower of London. He newly builded S. Stephen's Chapel at Westminster: the Castle of Windsor, and the Nunnery of Dertford. He also founded a Masondieu for the poor in the Town of Caleis. ¶ Richard of Bordeaux. RIcharde the second, borne at Anno reg. 1. Bordeaux, the son of Prince Edward, being but eleven years old, began his reign the xxj. day of June, in the year of our Lord God 1377. and was Crowned at Westminster the sixtéenth day of July, by the hands of Simon Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury. Before his Coronation, he set agreement between the Duke of Lancaster, and the Citizens of London, and set at liberty Sir Peter de la Mere, who as is aforesaid, was by instigation of Alice Perce cast in prison. In beauty, bounty, and liberality, he far passed all his progenitors, but was overmuch given to rest and quietness, loving little deeds of arms, and for that he was young, was most ruled by young counsel, and regarded nothing the counsels of the sage and wise men of the Realm, which thing turned this Land to great trouble, and himself to extreme misery, as is by these Verses declared. When this King first began to reign, the Laws neglected were, Vox clamantis. john Gower. Wherefore good fortune him forsook, and th'earth did quake for fear. The people also whom he pollde, against him did rebel, The time doth yet bewail the woes, that Chronicles do tell. The foolish counsel of the lewd, and young he did receive, And grave advise of aged heads, he did reject and leave. And then for greedy thirst of Coin, some subjects he accused, To gain their goods into his hands, thus he the Realm abused. The King at his Coronation made four Earls, Thomas Earls created. of Woodstock, King Edward's youngest son, Earl of Buckingham & Northampton. To him he gave 1000 Marks yearly out of his Treasury, till he had provided him lands to that value. Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, Gifford Angolisme, a Gascoigne, Earl of Huntingdon, to whom he likewise gave 1000 Marks the year, out of his Treasury, till he had provided him Lands to that value: and Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. On S. Peter's day, the Frenchmen with 50. Ships arrived The Town of Rye spoiled. The I'll of Wight taken. at Rye, and spoiled the Town and brent it. The same time the Scots brent the Town of Rokesborow. In the kalends of September, the Frenchmen took the isle of Wight, saving the Castle, which Sir Hugh Tirell kept manfully. When the Frenchmen had spoiled the Country, they took 1000 Marks of the inhabitants, to spare their houses unbrent. After taking of the said I'll, the Frenchmen entering their The Frenchmen lie before Winchelsea. Galleys again, coasted the Sea strand, till they came over against the Town of Winchelsea, and understanding that the Abbot of Battle was come thither to defend it, they sent to him, that he should redeem the Town: the Abbot answered, that he needed not redeem the thing which he had not lost, the Frenchmen than requested there might be sent forth to fight man to man, or a more number, to try the matter in view of arms, but the Abbot answered, he was a Religious man, and therefore not lawful for him to admit any such petition, and that he came not thither to fight, but to defend the Town & Country. These things being heard, the Frenchmen supposing that the Abbot and his people wanted courage, they assailed the Town with such instruments of war as cast forth a far off, whereof they had plenty, not ceasing from noon till evening: but by the prowess of the Abbot, and such as were with him, the French prevailed nothing. In the mean time, whilst they were busy thus at Winchelsea, they sent part of their company unto The Town of Hastings brent by Frenchmen. Hastings, where finding the town almost empty, they brent it. The Frenchmen perceiving they could do no good at Winchelsea, departed from thence, and left it as they found it. Andrew Pikeman: Nicholas Twiford, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Nicholas Brembar Grocer, the 28. of October. The same year, the Frenchmen coming up at th● town of Rotingdon in Sussex, near to the Town of jews, where Tho. Walsing. the Prior of jews, with a small company met them, and by The Prior of Lewes taken by Frenchmen. a multitude of Frenchmen that came upon him, he was taken, and led to their Ships, with two Knights, to weet, Sir john Fallesley, and Sir Thomas Cheynie, and a Squire, called john Brokes. There died in this battle almost an hundred Englishmen: the Frenchmen therefore with all their Navy returned home, being 37. Galleys, eight Caruales of Spain, and certain Barks: straightways therefore as they came to land, some of them went unto the siege, that was about Arde, and by treason, which always is familiar to them, the keeper of that Castle being an Almaigne, to weet, the Lord of Gunney, delivering to them the Town, they straight got the Castle also, for the which the same keeper being taken by Sir Hugh Caluerley, keeper of Caleis, was sent into England, and committed to prison. A Parliament was holden at London, which ended about Saint Andrew's tide, in the which parliament, Alice Peres was banished the land, and all her movable goods Alice Peres banished. being forfeited to the King's use. There was granted to the King of the Clergy two Two tenths granted by the Clergy. tenths to be paid that year, with condition, that from thenceforth the King should not extort from his subjects by such petitions or demands but live of his own, and continue his war, for as it was answered there, his own goods pertaining to the crown, sufficed both to the finding 1378 of his house, and maintaining of his wars, of the same were bestowed by fit ministers, and for the keeping of the money, two Citizens of London were appointed, William Walworth, and john Philpot. The English men hearing of a number of Spanish ships to remain at sluice for want of wind, assembling a great company of armed men, and a great navy, meant to take the seas, their chief Captains were Thomas of Woodstock earl of Buckingham, the duke of Britain, the Lord Latimer, the Lord Robert Fitz Walter, sir Robert Knowles, and many other valiant personages, who being entered the Sea, tasted Fortune disfavourable, for by a tempestuous wind that rose, their ships were scattered in sunder, their masts are broken down, their sails rend, and many of the small vessels that were victuallers were drowned, at length, the ships got together again, and arrived in England, and being now rigged are eftsoons fraught with men, and to the Sea they go. About th● same time, sir Hugh Caluerley making a journey towards Bulloign, found a Barge in th● haven of the town, th● bare the name of the town, & another that was the French Kings & a xxuj. other vessels more and less, all the which with a great part of the suburbs of Boulogne, he caused to be despoiled, taking with him whatsoever was there to be desired, with certain prisoners: he drove afore him also a great booty of sheep and beasts, which he found pasturing near the town, which might well serve to victual Caleis for a great time: he recovered the same day the castle Mark, of which through negligence before had been lost. The English fleet whereof we spoke, returned without any great good success, they took an eight Spanish ships in the British coasts near to Breast, and more had taken if there business had been so well done, as was pretended: and therefore the fleet returned home, so tossed with storms and contrary weather, and after with intestine discord, that it seemed there wanted among them gods favour. The Lord Percy (this fleet remaining for the mending of his ships, whilst the other were abroad) went now to the sea, with a great ship and some smaller vessels, and meeting with fifty ships laden with French wares and merchandise, of which some were of Flaunders, some of Spain, he set on them all, who beholding his bold enterprise, and thinking that he had some aid at hand gave over to make resistance, and so xxviij. escaping by flight. xxij. yielded themselves to the said Thomas Lord Percy Sir Hugh Caluerley with a power secretly armed, went to the town of Staple, where the fair was then, to the which were come many Merchauntmen from Boulogne, Mutterel, Amience, and Paris, where he falling on them that were unarmed, slew many, took many to be put to their ransoms, sacked all the goods, and set fire in the town, so that it was wholly consumed, few places excepted. This done, he returned to Caleis with his men in safety, bringing from that fair wares which turned to the great profit of the Calisians many years after. The men of Winchelse and Rye, gathered a great number of people together, and embarked themselves towards Normandy, desirous to requite the losses which before they had received, and so in the night arriving in a Town called Peter's Haven, entered the same, slaying so many as they met, & those whom they think able to pay ransom, they carry to their ships: they spoiled the houses with the Churches, where they found many rich spoils which sometime had been by the French men fet from Ric, and especially the bells and such like, which they shipped, set the rest on fire, and then they land at Wilet, not far from thence, where they practised the like chevance, & so with their rich spoil returned home. About the same time john duke of Lancaster requested the the money granted to the K. by the clergy & laity; might be committed to his custody, affirming that he would keep the enemies of from the coasts of England, by the space of one year with that money, & moreover bring to pass some further great commodity, to whose importunate petition the Lords, although against their wills agreed. They appoint therefore the first day of March to meet in counsel, in which every of those should go forth on this journey: & lest the sea should in the mean time want those th● should keep it, there were. ix. ships hired of them of Baion, to defend the sea & land from incursions of the French & others. These ships being furnished with sufficient numbers of armed men, which a short time coasting the seas, met the navy & ambergris of the Spaniards, & entering battle with them, in short time take. xiv. of their ships laden with wines & other merchandise, & return to England joyfully: unto sir Robert Knowles captain of Breast, they give the first fruits of their prey, an C. tun of their best wines as they passed by him homewards. In the mean time Henry the bastard, calling himself King of Spain, hearing th● they of Baion, had done such harm unto his people, & that the D. of Lancaster had prepared a great number to enter the sea, he was sore afraid, thinking the he minded not only to defend the sea, but rather to seek his kingdom, which by right of his wife the lawful inheritor of Spain, he meant to challenge: wherefore the said Henry commanded a navy to be prepared of all his land that he might stay the said D. from entering his country, & if he might, to take him prisoner, which happily they had done, if the king of Portugal with almost an innumerable number had not entered the kingdom of Spain, the self same time that the bastard Henry prepared himself against the D. but the D. deferring his journey from day to day, they th● were appointed captains over the navy with certain men of war, got them to the sea, there to stay for the Duke's coming, esteeming it more glorious to live on the sea by prays taking from the enemies, than to live by spoil of their own countrymen at home. When they had certain days wa●ted up & down the Seas, the Spaniards met with them with an armed company of men, so that either part in hope of pray joined together in fight, but our men having the wind and weather contrary to them, lost the victory to their enemies, some escaping by flight, and some being taken, amongst the which sir Hugh Courtney a noble Knight was one. About the same time john Mercer a Scotte, gathering together no small number of French men, Scots, and Spaniards, set upon certain ships of Scaborow, took them and led them into scotland, this he did in revenge of his Father's injury, who was before taken by the English men, and kept prisoner in the castle of Scarborow. john Philpot a Citizen of London, a man of jolly wit, & very rich in substance, considering the want of the Duke of Lancaster and other Lords that ought to have defended the realm, Anno reg. 2. and lamenting the oppressions of the inhabitants, hired with his own money, to the number of a thousand soldiers, the which might take from the said john Mercer both his ships and goods, which he had by revenge taken, and defended the Realm of England from such incursions: and it came to pass within a small time, that his hired men took the said john Mercer with all his ships, which he had violently taken from Scarborow, and fifteen Spanish ships that were laden with much riches, and were with him in aid at that present. There was great joy made among the people, all men praising that worthy man's bountifulness and love towards the king. The Earls and Barons seeing so laudable an act, achieved by john Philpot, took it grievously, although they knew themselves guilty, first they secretly lie in await, to do him some displeasure, and after they spoke against him openly, saying it was not lawful for him to do such things without the counsel of the King and Realm, certain of the Lords but the chief being Hugh Earl of Stafforde that rehearsed these things thus against him, were answered by the same john Philpot, sir, know (saith he) that I neither sent my money nor men to the danger of the Seas, that I should take from you, or your fellows, the good renown of Chilualrie, and win it to me, but being sorrowful to see the people's misery, in my Country, which now through your slothfulness, of the most noble Lady of Nations, is brought to lie open to the spoiling of every vilest nation, when there is not one of you that doth put his hand to the defence thereof. I have therefore set forth myself and mine, for the saving of my nation and Country: the Earl had not to answer. The. xi. of August, certain wicked persons of the King's Murder in the Church of Westminster. though Walsing. house being armed, at high Mass time entered the Church of Westminster Abbay, and there set upon two valiant esquires, john Schakel and Robert Hawley, which had escaped out of the Tower of London, to the said Abbay, for refuge of Sanctuary: they slew the said Robert Hawley in the choir before the priors stall, and slew a Monk which entreated them to spare the said Robert in that place. Sir Ralph Ferreis▪ and sir Alan Buxule, Captain of the Tower (some say the Lord Latimer) were the captains of this mischief. The aforesaid two Esquires, Robert Hawley and john shackle, in the battle of Nazers in Spain took the Earl of Dene poisoner, who delivered unto him his some for a pledge: and because they would not present the said Earls son to the King, who would give them little or nothing for him, the foresaid Allen Buxule with other were sent to do this mischief, who slew the one, and cast the other in prison. john Boseham: Thomas Cornewalis, the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. john Philpot his charity. Sir john Philpot Grocer, the. 28. of October. This john Philpot Mayor of London, gave to the same City certain tenements, for the which the Chamberlain payeth yearly to xiij. poor people, every of them seven pence the week for ever, and as any of those thirteen persons dieth, the Mayor appointeth one, and the Recorder another. The Scots began to Rebel, and a Squire of theirs, 1379 Tho. Walsing. called Alexander Ramsey, with forty persons, in a night took the Castle of Berwicke, but the ninth day following, the Earl of Northumberland recovered it, and slew the Scots▪ that were therein. The Merchants of London wickedly slew a rich merchant of Genua, for that he would carry to a better market the spices that he had promised to bring into this Country, the doers whereof were after apprehended, and some for that fact executed, as after shall appear. So great a mortality of men happened in the North parts Pestilence in the North. Tho. Walls. of England, as never had been seen before, which the Scots seeing ranged: through and slew with the sword, them that were sick of the plague, and so pursued them that had not the plague, that they drove out of the Country almost all the able men. In a Parliament at London, it was decreed, that every Tax. Duke should pay ten marks to the King, the Archbishops the like, Earls, Bishops and mitered Abbots should give six marks, and every Monk. xl. pence, no religious person, man or woman, Parson, vicar, or Chaplain escaped this tax. john Mountfort Duke of Britain, returned to his country, where he was received with great honour. A bushel of Wheat was sold for six pence: a gallon of Anno reg. 3. Wheat and Wine cheap. white Wine six pence, and a gallon of red Wine for four pence. john Heylisdom: William Barret, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Tho. Walsing. S. john Arundale drowned. john Hadley Grocer, the. 28. of October. john of Arundale, brother to the Earl of Arundale, was sent to help the Duke of Britain, with many other noble knights and Esquires, who beginning their voyage with spoiling their own Country, ravishing wives, widows, and Virgins, and robbing of Churches, were by tempest driven on the rocks of a certain Island in Ireland, when they were all most miserably drowned, with their treasure and provisions which was of inestimable value. Sir T. Banister, Cro. Matoris Lon. sir Roger Trumpington, sir Nicholas K●riel, sir Thomas Dale, sir john Sentcler and six other knights perished there the sixtéenth of December. In a Parliament at London was granted to the King 1380 a tenth of the Ecclesiastical persons, and a fifteenth of the secular, upon condition that no other Parliament should be holden from the kalends of March till Michaelmas. A combat was fought at Westminster in the king's presence, A combat at Westminster. between john Ausley knight, and Thomas Catrington Esquire, whom the foresaid knight had appealed of treason, for selling the castle of Saint saviours, which the Lord Chandos had builded in the isle of Constantine in France, and the knight overcame the Esquire. Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, Thomas Percy, Hugh Caluerley, Robert Knowles, Lord Basset, sir john Harleston, William of Windsor, approved and tried Knights, were sent with a great power to aid the Duke of Britain, who were conveyed to Caleis, and from thence road about through France, spoiling the Country, and slaying the people to the borders of Britain, and entered the same without loss, either of man or beast. In this journey sir john Philpot, Citizen of London john Philpot his good service deserved great commendations, who hired ships for them of his own charges, and with his own money released the armour which the soldiers had gauged for their victuals, more than a thousand in number. The Scots entered Comberlande, Westmerlande, and the forest of Engelwood, slew the inhabitants, drove away the Cattle, and rob the Market and Town of Penreth, and whiles the Earl of Northumberland prepared to have been revenged, the king sent letters to the contrary. john Vian Anno reg. 4. French men took Winchelsey. knight with the French kings galyes took the town of Winchelsea, put the Abbot of Battle to flight and took one of his Monks. He also brent the Towns of Apledor and Rye about the least of Saint Laurence. The eight of September four Galeys of France came to Grauesende, and burned a great part of the Town. Walter Ducket: William Knighthood, the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Guns invented. Polidor. Sebastian Munster William Walworth Fishmonger, the. 28. of October. About this time the making of Guns was found, by a certain Almain, who having the powder of Brimstone in a Mortar which he had beaten for a medicine, and covered with a stone, as he struck fire, a spark chanced to fall into the ponder, whereby a flame out of the mortar raised the stone a great height, which after he had perceived, made a Pipe of iron, and tempered the ponder with other, and so finished that deadly engine, as reporteth Blondus, and R. Volaterianus, the first that used shot, to their behalf and profit, were the Venetians against the inhabitants of Genoa. During the Parliament at Northampton, beginning the first of November, was hanged john Kirby that slew the merchant of Genoa, whom he spoke of before. In this Parliament an exceeding great Tax was demanded, 1381 Great Tax. which afterwards was cause of great disturbance: Of all religious persons men and women six shillings eight pence, secular priests as much, and every person, man or woman, four pence to the King, which was paid. It was also ordained, that every couple wedded, should pay two shillings, for every foot of Beast, and also homegilde, but this was never asked. By means of which payment, in the summer following, the commons of Kent and Essex, suddenly rebelled, they being Commons rebelled. john Bal his Sermon. Tho. Walsing. animated thereunto by john Ball a seditious Priest, who in his sermons used to take for his Theme, When Adam dalfe and Eve span, who was then a Gentleman, etc. Affirming that all men were made a like by nature, and therefore aught to lay away the yoke of bondage, that they might enjoy the wished liberty, etc. too shameful, seditious, and damnable to be taught, which nevertheless so pleased the common people, that they cried he should be Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of England. This rebellion began at Dertford in Kent, in manner as Rebellion begun at Dertford. Cro. S. Albon. followeth. The Collectors appointed to gather the foresaid groats or pole money, coming into the house of john a Tiler, demanded the same for him, his wife, his daughter, & other his family: but the Tilers wife denied to pay for her daughter, saying she was under age. Then said that Collector, that shall I soon wit, and took the maid violently, and dishonestly searched whether she were of age or no, wherewith the mother made an outcry, her husband being in the town at work. When tidings came to him, he caught his lathing staff in his hand, and ran réeking home, where he reasoning with the collector who made him so bold, the collector being a proud fellow, let fly at the Tiler, but the Tiler voiding the stroke, smote the collector on the head with his lathing staff, that the brains fell out, where through great noises arose in the streets, and the poor people being glad, every man arrayed him to support this john Tyler. Thus the commons drew together and went to Maidstone, from thence back again to Black Heath, and so forth to London, and entered the City on Corpus Christ's day, where they destroyed many goodly places of the Rebels entered London. Savoy S. john's. Highburi brent nobles and other, as the Savoy, Saint john's by Smithfielde, the Manor of Highburie by Yseldon, and the Temple where the Prentices of law were lodged for the increase of their study. They set out of the Tower of London (where the King was then lodged) Simon Sudburie Archbishop of Canterbury, The Archb. of Canterbury. The prior of S john's a Friar & john Legge beheaded. Lord Chancellor of England, Robert halls Prior of Saint john's, and Treasurer of England, William Apelto● a Friar Minor the King's confessor, and john Leg a Sergeant of the Kings, and beheaded them on the Tower hill: they beheaded diverse other in many places, as sir john Cavendishe Lord chief Justice of England, the Prior of saint Edmundesburie, and other. Richard Lions a famous Lapidary of London, was drawn out of his house and beheaded in Cheap. They beheaded all men of Law, as well apprentices, and utter Baresters, as Justices, and all Jurers that they might get into their hands, they spared none whom they thought to be learns, were it never so little, especially if they found any to have pen and ink, they pulled of his hood, and all with one voice of trying out, as they had been so many Devils, hale him into the streets and cut of his head. They also beheaded all Flemings, not sparing any Flemmings beheaded. for reverence of the church or other place, where they found them: they set thirteen forth of the Friar Austin's Church, and seventeen out of another Church in London▪ they took two and thirty in the Vintrie, and many other here & there in the City and Southwark, all which if they could not plainly pronounce Bread and Cheese, but Brot and Caus, lost their heads▪ They spoiled all books of law, records, and monuments they could meet withal, and set all prisoners at liberty. The king to pacify their fury, offered them peace, on Essex men pacified. condition they would cease from burning of houses and slaughter of men, which the Essex men took, and returned home, but the kentish men remained burning and slaying as afore. Whereupon the King sent sir john Newton The K sent to Wat Tiler. Knight, to Wat Tiler their Captain, to entreat him to come and talk with him about his own demands: the Knight doing his message, Wat Tiler answered that he would come at his own pleasure, nevertheless he followed softly, and when he came near Smithfielde, where the king abode his coming, the same Knight was sent again to meet him, and to know his requests, but Wat Tiler seeing the knight come near unto him on horsseback, said it had become him better to be on foot in his presence: the Knight answered that it was no harm, ●ith himself was also on horseback, therewith Watte Tiler drew his dagger, and offering to strike, called the Knight The stoutness of Wat Tiler. traitor. The knight answered that he lied, and drew his dagger. The King seeing the Knight in danger, commanded him to alight one foot and to deliver his dagger unto Watte Tiler, and when his proud mind would not be pacified, but would needs run on the Knight, there came to the King the Mayor of London William Walworth, and many other Knights and Esquires, affirming it to be a shameful reproach if they should permit the knight to be murdered: Whereupon the King taking boldness upon him, commanded the Mayor to arreste the Rebel, which Mayor being a man of incomparable boldness, straight arrested him on the head, in such sort that he astonied him: and forthwith they which attended on the King environed the Rebel, and thrust him in, in diverse places of his body▪ with their weapons, and then drew him from among the people's feet, into the Hospital of Saint Bartholmewe, which when Wat Tiler arrested & slain. the commons perceived, they cried out that their Captain was traitorously slain, but the King road to them, and said, what mean you to do, I am your King, I will be your Captain, follow me into the field, there to have whatsoever ye will require. They therefore followed him into the fields without the suburbs towards Yseldon, and in the mean time the Mayor rod into the City, raised the Citizens, and shortly returned with a thousand well armed men, Sir Robert Knowles being their leader. The King & The Citizens of Lon. delivered the King. other in his company rejoicing of this unlooked for aid, suddenly compassed the multitude of the commons with fight men, which commons forthwith throwing down bows, bills, and all other their weapons, fell themselves to the ground, humbly craving pardon, which was granted, and Charters delivered to the Captains of every shire, who then departed home. The rude multitude being thus dispersed, the King made William Walworth Maior, Nicholas Brember, john Philpot and Robert Land Aldermen of London▪ Knights in Smithfield▪ and upon the said Hil were created the Earls Marshal and Penbroke. And a little after Nicholas Twiforde, and Adam 〈…〉 rmen of London were made Knights. jacke Straw being taken, when at London he should by The confessor of jacke Straw. judgement of the Mayor lose his head, confessed as followeth. The same time (saith he) that we came to Black Heath, when we sent for the King, we purposed to have murdered all the Knights, esquires and gentlemen that should have Conspira●ie of the Rebels. come with him, and to have led the king royally used, up and down, that with the sight of him, all men especially the common people might have come unto us the mor● boldly, and when we had got together an innumerable multitude, we would have suddenly put to death in every Country, the Lords and masters of the common people, in whom might appear to be either counsel or resistance against us: and specially we would have destroyed the Knights of Saint john's, lastly we would have killed the King himself, and all men that had ●in of any possession, Bishops, Monks, Canons, Parsons, to be brief, we would have dispatched: only begging Friars should have lived, that might have sufficed for ministering the Sacraments in the whole Realm, for we would have made Kings, Wat Tiler in Kente, and in every other shire one. But because this our purpose was hindered by the archbishop, we studied how to bring him shortly to his end. Against the same day that Wat Tyler was killed, we purposed that evening (because that the poor people of London seemed to favour us) to set fire in four corners of the City, so to have brent it, and to have divided the riches at our pleasures amongst us. He added that these things they purposed to have done, as God should help him at the end of his life. After this confession made, he was beheaded, and his head set on London Bridge by Wat Tilers and many other. The principal leaders of the commons were Wat Tiler▪ Principal Captains. the second jack Straw, the third john Kirkby, the fourth jacke Straw beheaded. Alē Threder, the fifth Thomas Scot, the sixth Ralph Rugge: these and many others were leaders of the kentish and Essex men. At Mildenhall and Bury in Suffolk, was Roberte Westbrom▪ that made himself king and was most famous after john Wraw, who being a priest would not set crown upon crown, but left the name of king and crown to the said Roberte. At Norwichen john Lercester a Dier exercised the name and power of a king, till he was taken and hanged for his pains. Here I think good to note some Epistles of john Ball and others, with some short notes of their Devilish demeanour, under the colour of zeal and conscience, and so to end this matter. IOhn Bal Saint Marie Priest, greeteth well all manner of men, Epistle of I. Bal● ye may read an other in Tho. of Wa●●ingham new in Print. and biddeth them in the name of the Trinity, Father, Son, and holy Ghost, stand manlike together in truth, and help truth, and truth shall help you: now reigneth pride in price, covetise is hold wise, lechery without shame, gluttony without blame: envy reigneth with treason, and sloth is taken in great season. God do boat, for now is time Amen. IAcke Milner asketh help to turn his Mil aright, he hath Epistle of jacke Milner. grounden small, small, the king's son of heaven he shall pay for all: look thy Mill go right with four sails, and the post stand in steadfastness, with right and might, with skill and with will, let might help right, and skill before will, and right before might, then goeth our Mill aright: and if might go before right, and will before skill, then is our Mill mis-dight. IAcke Trewman doth you to understand that falseness I leave out jack Carter, and this is jack Trewmans' Epistle. and guile hath reigned too long, and truth hath been set under a lock, and falseness reigneth in every flock, no man may come truth too, but he sings Si dedero: speak, spend, and speed, quoth john of Bathon, and therefore sin fareth as wild flood, true love is away that is so good, and clerk for wealth wurcheth them woe: God do boat, for now is time. When these rebels burned the Savoy, one of them took One of the rebels by his fellows, cast into the fire. a goodly silver piece and hide it in his bosom, but another had spied him and told his fellows, which hurled him & the piece of plate into the fire, saying: we be zealous of truth and justice, and not thieves and robbers. Two and thirty of them entering the seller of the Savoy, xxxij. of the rebels mured up. drunk so much of sweet Wines that they were not able to come out, but were shut in with wood and stones that mured up the door, they called and cried seven days, and were heard of many, but none came to help them and so they died there. After a number of them had sacked the new Temple, The end of the Rebels. what with labour, and what with wine, they lay down under the walls and housing, and were slain like swine, and one of them killed another for old grudge and hatred, and others also made quick dispatch of them. Watte Tiler being killed, jacke Strawe and other their principal Captains hanged, the hope and confidence of the commons decayed, but because the minds of the King and Nobles was yet wavering, seeing the people ready to mischief, they granted to them Charters of manumission and suffered them to depart, the which being done, the king caused an army to be assembled from London, and sent into all Countries that those who were his friends should make haste to come to him to London, furnished with horse and armour, and it came to pass that within three days he had a. xl. thousand horsemen about him in seemly sort armed, he mustered them on Black Heath, himself riding on a great courser, with his standard borne before him, when therefore so mighty an army was assembled, the King was advertised that the kentish men had eftsoons conspired, whereupon he forth with set forward, but by the mediation of the Nobles and great men of Kente that undertook for them, he was stayed and pacisied with them, and then first justices were sent to seek and inquire of malefactors, and that Country became quiet at the sight of them. Then the Mayor of London sitting in judgement, caused the malefactors to be tried, as well of the City as also of Kente, Essex, Southsex, Norfolk, and Suffolk and other Countries, that might be taken within the liberties of the City, and all those whom he found guilty of the foresaid Treason, he caused to hop headless, among the which were jacke Straw, john Kirkesty, allen Threder, etc. also john Starling of Essex, that gloried to have beheaded the Archbishop, was beheaded himself. The king remained now at London, now at Waltham, with a great army of armed men, considering what was to be done for the commodity of the realm. At length the Counsel thought good to send the King's commission into every shire, for the resisting of the disquieters of the peace of the kingdom. These commissions did much comfort the faithful subjects, and troubled the false, for they were now compelled to seek corners, that before took upon them to do all things abroad, lawyers now durst come forth of their dens, and those which before fled from the tyranny of the time, looked for th●se that now feared judgement and justice to be done on them. The commons being thus feared, but not in all places alike, they of Essex gathering a new multitude together at Byllarica, a village near to Hatfielde Peverell, decreed either to enjoy liberty gotten by force, or to die in fighting for the same, they sent to the King then being at Waltham messengers to know if he thought good to permit them to enjoy their permitted Anno reg. 5. liberty, like to their Lords, and that they should not be compelled to come to Courts but only to great Léetes twice in the year, unto the which the King answered thus. Oh miserable and hateful both to Land and Sea, not worthy to live: Do ye require to be equal to your Lords? ye were worthy to be put to most shameful death: But sith ye are come as Messengers, ye shall not die now, to the end ye may declare your answers to your fellows: declare to them therefore on the kings behalf, that as they were Husbandmen and bondmen, so shall they remain in bondage, not as before, but more vile, without comparison far, unto this. Whilst we live, and by God's sufferance shall govern the Kingdom with Wit, Strength, & goods, we will endeavour ourselves, to keep you under, so that the duty of your service, may be an example for posterity, and that your matches both present, and that shall succeed, may ever have before their eyes, and as it were in a Glass, your misery, and to you matter to curse, and fear to commit the like. When the Messengers were gone, there was sent straightways into Essex, Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, and sir Thomas Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberlande, to repress the boldness of the said commons. These Commons had fortified themselves with ditches and carriages: nevertheless, although there was a great number of them, with small business, they were scattered into the woods, where the Lords enclosed them, lest any of them might escape: & it came to pass, that v. C. of them were slain, & viij. C. of their horses taken, the other th● escaped this slaughter, being gotten together, hasted to Colchester, & began to stir the townsmen to a new tumult, and when they profited not there, they weut to Sudbury, but the Lord Fitz Walter & sir john Harlestone followed them, and slew as many of them as they list, & shut up the rest in prisons. The king came to his Manor of Havering at Bower, & after to Chelmesford, where he appointed sir R. Trisilian his justice to set & inquire of the malefactors, wherefore th● Essex men seeing the evils th● hung over their heads, there came above. 500 humbly to the King barefooted & bareheaded, beseeching him of pardon and mercy. To whom pardon was granted, with condition, to deliver the styrrers of the said trouble. It came therefore to pass, that many were committed to word, upon whom, the justice charged xxiv. men of their conscience to say the truth, and many being condemned, were put to execution, by drawing and hanging, nine or ten being hanged on one beam. The justices that before had sit in Essex, Kent, London, and other places, for all the multitude that were to be executed, used to head the commons, till now it seemed not a kind of death answerable to so many and manifest crimes. These things were done in Essex, the King being present: the like by his justices was done in other countries. john Ball Priest being taken at Coventrie, was brought john Ball hanged. to Saint Albon, and there before the King condemned, drawn and quartered, the fifteenth of july. He would not ask the King forgiveness, but utterly despised him. john Rote: john Hind, the 28 of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Northampton Draper, the 28. of October. About the feast of All Saints, a parliament was began, which endured long, to small purpose, by reason of contention among the Lords, especially the Duke of Lancaster, and the Earl of Northumberland, whose quarrel in the end was taken up by the King, and then the Lords proceeded to treat of the King's business and the Realms, but they lingered so long in vain, that nothing was brought to effect, for hearing of the new queens coming to Caleis, the Parliament was prorogued. There were divers of the Nobles sent to meet the Bride, and she was conveyed with all the glory of the world unto Dover, many both of her Country, and also of England, attending on her. After the feast of the Epiphany, all the Nobility of the 1382 Realm assembled at London, to be present at the King's marriage, and to do their service according to the custom of every one in ancient time used. This Virgin named The King married. Anne, the daughter of Veselaus King of Boheme, is at Westminster consecrate to the King's wife, and by the Archbishop of Canterbury is Crowned Queen. There were Iustes kept for the honour of such a solem●●●ation, certain days together, in which, both the Englishmen showed their force, and the queens Country men their pro●esse. In this queens days, began the detestable use of piked shoes, tied to their knees with chains of silver and gilt. Also, Piked shoes, high heads, and long tailed gowns, with women riding aside first used in England. noble women used high attire on their heads, piked like horns, with long trained Gowns, and road on side Saddles, after the example of the Queen who first brought that fashion into this Land, for before, women were used to ride astride like men. The solemnity of the marriage being ended, the Parliament is now begun again, in which, many articles are proponed and decreed, to weet, of admitting Strangers to sell personally their wares, without impeachment of the Merchants of England: of the abrogating of Fi●●res, and silver garnishing of girdles etc. of the price of Wines, that is, that the Ton should not exceed six Marks etc. William Vfford Earl of Suffolk, in this Parliament, ●●ing elected by the Knights of the Shires, to pronounce on their behalfs the business of the Realm, the very day and hour in which he should have executed the business he had taken in hand, as he was going up the stairs that led up into the Chamber where all the Nobility of the Realm sat, he suddenly fell down, and among his men's hands that were about to hold him, he yielded up the ghost, although being very merry, and feeling no evil, a little before, as even at that instant he had entered Westminster Hall, of whose sudden death, not only all the Nobles of the Realm were greatly amazed, but all the meaner sort, for in all his life time he had showed himself amiable to all men. After his death, the Parliament was ended, after the Merchants of England had granted to the King a subsidy, the Custom of wools. customs of wool for four years next ensuing; which the commons called Le M●●tot. In this Parliament, the Lords and commons requesting it, Sir Richard Scrope Knight was ordained as the man which in excellent knowledge and inflexible justice, had not his like for his calling in this realm. Sir Hugh Segraue Knight was made L. treasurer. Edmond Mortimer Earl of March, departed this life in Anno reg. 6. Ireland, after he had brought that land all in manner unto peace & quietness, having governed it most nobly & wisely. About the feast of S. john Ant port latin, all the nobles of the Realm were called to London, and other that of custom were wont to be called, although th● Lent before there had been another Parliament, as before we have showed, in which, by the petition of the Knights of the Shires, john john Wraw hanged . Wraw Priest, that was leader of them that did rise at Mildenha●e and Bury, was adjudged to hanging and drawing, though many believed that he would have been redeemed with money. The xxj. of May was a great Earthquake in Earthquake. England at nine of the clock, fearing the hearts of many, but in Kent it was most behement, where it sunk some Churches, and threw them down to the earth. There followed also Histo. Auri●. another Earthquake the xxiv. of May in the morning before the Sun rising, but not so terrible as the first. Sir Richard Scrope is deprived of the Chancellorship, which he had governed lawdably, & Rob. Braybroke B. of London, is made Chancellor. There arrived in a great tempest, a Ship called a Carike, at Sandwich, an huge vessel, and so fraught with riches, that she might have furnished the want of all the land, if the envy of the inhabitants would have permitted, but th● Merchant's of London having much old wares, as fruits, spices, oils, & such like, they compounded with the jenewayes to forsake th● Haven, & to pass over into Flanders, & so for th● covetousness of a few, th● wholeRealm sustained great hindrance. Adam balm: john Sely, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Northampton Draper, the 28. of October. About the feast of S. Thomas the Apostle, great rains and inundations of waters chanced, so that the water rose four times more in height than before, drowning up villages and cattle, destroying Bridges and Milles. The Fishmongers in London, through the counsel of john Northampton then Maior▪ William Ess●x, john More, and Stir against Fishmongers. Richard Northburie, were greatly troubled, hindered of their liberties, and almost destroyed, by congregations made against them: but in a Parliament at London, by the King's 1383 Charter patent, they were restored to their liberties. About the month of May, the Bishop of Norwich sailed over the Seas into Flanders with a great power, where he wan the Towns of graveling, Brugh, Dunkirk, and Newport. Whilst these things are thus doing in Flanders, the King of England and his Queen, with their Bohemians, visited the Abbeys of this Realm, to the which, their coming was very chargeable, for they came with an excessive number, all which came to take, but not to give. The Scots taking occasion of the time, for that a great Anno reg. 7. number were gone over with the Bishop of Norwich, entered into Northumberland, and did much hurt to the inhabitants, taking prays in every place, and leading away the people prisoners, and carrying them into Scotland: they took the Castle of Work upon the River of tweed, and brent it. Simon Winchcomb: john Moor, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Parliament at London. Sir Nicholas Brembar Grocer, the 28 of October. About the feast of All Saints, a Parliament was holden at London, in which, the half fifteenth was granted to the King by the laity, and shortly after the half of a tenth by the Clergy, a portion of which money, the Lords of the North demanded, because in this Parliament they were appointed to defend those parts against the eruptions of Scots, to whom, answer was made by Sir William Wikeham, Bishop of Winchester, that they were made for that cause, of poor men, rich men and Lords, that they might the more frankly keep the Scots, and that the King and Lords of the South parts should be the less troubled. And because the Scots came not to this Parliament, according to covenant, and beside that did displeasures unto the inhabitants of the North parts, it was decreed by this Parliament, that unto faithbreakers, faith should be broken again, and that a chosen power should be sent thither, forth of England, under the leading of Thomas of Woodstoke, to Thomas of Woodstock sent against the Scots. weet, a thousand Lances, and two thousand Archers, to restrain their attempts. These things being known, the Scots being afraid of themselves, in the end of the Parliament came, and were desirous to entreat of peace or truce, but the Englishmen having tried their falsehood so often times, would neither treat, nor compound with them, but commanded them to return home, and warned them to save their heads as well as they might, and to defend their rights. The Scots being returned, the Lords of the North took upon them to defend the Country, till Thomas of Woodstoke Earl of Buckingham were ready to come with a greater power. The King took the temporalities of the Bishop of Norwich Temporalties of the Bishop of Norwich seized. into his hands, because he was disobedient to his commandment when he sent to have stayed him from his journey into Flanders, and the Knights that were over with him were put in prison, till they were redeemed with gold. King Richard held his Christmas at his Manor of Eltham, and with him his Queen Anne. After Christmas, john Duke of Lancaster, which before Christmas went over into France to treat of peace betwixt the Realms, returned into England bringing with him an abstinence of war till the feast of Saint john Baptist, at 1384 what time he was to return to treat again, and to confirm the peace if it might be agreed upon betwixt the Kings. The night of the Purification of our Lady, great Lightning and Thunder happened, that put men in great fear: and shortly after john Northampton, otherwise called Combartowne, that had been the year before Mayor of London, that with his seditions had filled the City full of cumber, attempted new troubles, for in contempt of the Mayor that was elected for that year, Sir Nicholas Brembar Knight, he went up and down with a multitude of seditious people to guard him, not once, but oftentimes, to the terror of many, and when the said Brembar Maior would have withstanded his attempts, the favourers of the said john Combertowne were turned into such a fury, that a Cobbler, which in his own estimation seemed to be Mayor, required the voices of the communality, for which cause, by the counsel of Sir Robert Knowles Knight, he was drawn out of his house, and committed to prison, as a stirrer of insurrection, which act for that time staid the commotion of the commons, that were said to have conspired at that time to have murdered the elect Mayor, and many other worthy men. When Lente approached, john Duke of Lancaster, with his brother Thomas of Woodstoke, Earl of Buckingham, and an innumerable number of Knights, Esquires, and Archers, went toward Scotland, but stayed in the North till all the victuals in the Country were consumed: he did more hurt to the inhabitants, than the Scots had done before, at length, about the feast of Easter, he entered Scotland, but did little good. The custody of the Castle of Dover was vacant, by the death of Robert Ashtonwald, then was made Connestable thereof Simon Burley. After Easter, the Nobles came to a Parliament at Salisbury, Parliament at Salisbury. whither a certain Irish Friar, of the order of the Carmelites, or white Friars, a Bachelor of Divinity, named john Latimer, hasted, and accused the Duke of Lancaster, Duke of Lancaster accused. that he had devised the King's death, which Friar, was committed to Sir john Holland Knight, till a day that was assigned him to make proof of that he had said, but the night before the day given to the Friar, the said Sir john A Friar tormented to death . Holland, and Sir Henry green, Knights, put a cord about the friars neck, and with the same cord tying him by the stones, hanged him up from the ground, laying à stone of great weight upon his belly, till they by torment had made an end of his life. The morrow after, they ●a●sed the friars body to be drawn through the Town as a Traitor, that they might put away all suspection, that he were put to death wrongfully: but it is to be wondered at, that neither Esquire, Yeoman, nor Groom, or any other of mean estate, would harm the Friar, but the Knights did it themselves, they were Judges, Officers, and Executioners, and this was the fruit of this Parliament, except that the King asked and had of the laity half a fifteenth, and of the Clergy half a tenth. About this time, because the Scots ceased not to do divers Anno reg. 8. damages to the Northumber's, the Earl of Northumberland Henry Percy, prepareth to invade Scotland, and to requite damage for damage, which enterprise accomplished, the Earl was no sooner returned, and sent home his army, but that the Scots came again, and heaped up damage upon damage in the Country. This Summer, Sir john Philpot, Knight, and a most Sir john Philpot deceased. noble Citizen of London, that traveled for the commodity of the Realm more than all other, and both with expenses laid forth, and good affection borne, had oftentimes relieved the King, departed this life, leaving none behind him his like in good affections. About the beginning of August, the Duke of Lancaster went into France, to treat with the Frenchmen of peace, or else of truce to be had, the Duke with his company of noble men remaining long there, when it was thought that he should have brought glad and joyful news to his Country, he returned with knowledge of wars, to follow the beginning of the next Summer, the truce to endure but●●● the first day of May, and so he returned, after he had spent 500000. Marks of Silver. Many of the Nobles assembled at Reading, to repress the john Northampton convict, and committed to perpetual prison. seditious stirs of john Northampton, late Mayor of London, that attempted great and heinous enterprises, of the which he was convict, his own chaplain uttering many things that he went about and had devised as well to the hindrance and harm of the King, as of the City of London, and when sentence should have been pronounced against him, the King being present, the wicked man made exclamation, and maintained that such judgement ought not to pass in absence of his Lord the Duke of Lancaster, but yet the Justice used such words, john (saith he) the naughty deeds that are objected against thee, thou oughtest to refel by battle, or else by the laws of the land to be drawn, hanged, and quartered, and when he stood mute, nor would utter one word, it was déecréede that he should be committed to perpetual prison, and his goods to be confiscate to the King's use, and that he should not come within one hundred miles of London during his life, he was sent therefore to the Castle of Tintagell in the confines of Cornwall, and in the mean space the King's servants spoiled his goods, john More, Richard Northbery, and other, were likewise there convict, and condemned to perpetual prison, and their goods confiscate to the King, for certain congregations by them made against the Fishmongers in the City of London. Nicholas Exton: john French, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Nicholas Brembar Grocer, the 28. of October. About the feast of Saint Martin, a Parliament was holden at London, in the which nothing was done worth the memory, but that which still was in hand, and exacting of money of the Clergy and common people, to maintain the men of war. And besides this, there was a Combat fought in lists betwixt an Esquire of England, and one of A Combat fought. Navarre, that had accused the English Esquire, whose name was john Welch, of Treason to the King and Realm, but the effect was, that when he was Captain of Cherbrugh he forced the wife of this Navaroys, as the said Navaroys being afterward overcome, and being ready to suffer death, did openly confess, for the which cause, by the King's judgement, he was drawn and hanged, although the Queen and many other did make earnest intercession to have his life saved The Parliament was not yet ended when new ● came Berwick lost, and wo●●● again. out of the North of the taking of Berwick Castle by the Scots, the custody whereof, the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Henry Percy did possess, by right of his predecessors. The Scots by mediation of money, got entrance into that castle, by one that was put in trust with keeping of it. The Duke of Lancaster that loved not the Earl, was glad of this hap when he knew it. It came to pass therefore by the Duke's procurement, that the Earl was condemned by judgement of the Lords there present, the which execution was within a short while after released. The Earl of Northumberland, through the King's favour restored to his life and possessions, without any long delaye●, prepareth all furniture of war to besiege and win the said Castle of them that were within it, and after he had gathered a mighty army, he suddenly besieged it, and after he had lain about it a certain time, it was compounded betwixt them without, and them within, that they within should forsake the Castle, and have their lives and movable goods, and for surrendering the Castle, they should have of the Earl two thousand marks of English money, and by this means did the Earl recover the Castle forth of the Scottishmen'S hands. Through certain young men brought up with the King, Tho. Wal●. there arose great dissension betwixt him and the Duke of Lancast●r; who departed from the Court, and went to his Castle of Pomfret, which he had fortified, but by means of the King's mother, this discord was appeased for a time. The third of May was an Earthquake. 1●85 The King entered scotland. King Richard▪ with a great army entered scotland, but the enemies would not show themselves, wherefore he brent the Country and returned. The eighteenth of July there was an Earthquake. Sir john de Vienne that served the French King, was sent into Scotland with a great multitude of Ships and men of war, that joining with the Scots, they might in●e●t all England, and that whilst they might● draw the power of this Realm that way forth, the French King with his Navy and army, might the more at liberty enter other parts of the Realm, few or none being left at home to prohibit them their entry. The arrival of the said john being known in England, the King with all the Nobility prepared themselves to make a journey thither: The King maketh a journey into Scotland. there came flocking unto the King such a number of Knights, Esquires, and Archers, as the like had not been heard of in those days, in so much, as the number of Horses amounted to three hundred thousand, as they were judged. The King rejoiced hereat, as well he might, but the rejoicing was shortly darkened at York, by fierceness of Sir john Holland the King's brother, that slew the Lord Ralph Stafford, Ralph Stafforde ●ayne. son to the Earl of Stafford, in the way as he went to the Queen, whose servant of household he was, and greatly in fa●eur with her, and he was no less beloved of the King, as he that had been brought up with him, and been his playfellow from his tender age, where the King taking great indignation, determined to pursue the said Sir john Holland: he caused therefore his goods to be confiscate. But Sir john Holland fled to Beverley, there to enjoy the liberty of the Church. The Lady jane the King's mother, sent to entreat him for her other son, and his brother, but when the messengers were returned to Wallingforde, and that the mother could perceive no hope of grace to be gotten in that behalf of the King, she took it heavily, and fell sick, and Queen jane the King's mother died. within four or ●●ue days departed this life, her body being seared and closed in Lead, was kept at Wallingford, till the Kings return forth of Scotland, then to be buried at Stanford, in the Church of the friars Minors. In the month of August, the King of England with a mighty power entered Scotland, to whose force the Scots and Frenchmen perceiving themselves not able to match, they seek to get them into the woods & places where they might be out of the way. The English army then, the which there hath not been seen a fairer, stronger, or greater, rideth through the Country, that was destitute of inhabitants, ●●yd of cattle, & wanting victuals, for the land was left desolate (as our men confessed) that they saw not so much as a bird, Owls only excepted. They found green Corn on the ground, very fair and plentiful, which they either eat up with their Horses, or tread down with their feet, but the enemies fleeing battle, our men did nothing to be accounted of, but brent the Abbey of Melroys, and the Meltoys and Edinburgh brent. Town of Edinburgh, with such houses as they found by the way. When our army was come to Edinburgh, and that victuals failed them, many of them began to ware sick, and some to die for hunger, whereupon, the King returned with his army into England. While King Richard was in Scotland, the Scots and Frenchmen entered into England, brenning Towns, taking spoils, and leading away many prisoners, returned home into their Country. john Organ: john Churchman, the 28. of September, Sheriffs. Maior. Sir▪ Nicholas Brembar Grocer, the 28. of October. The Soldiers of Caleis went secretly forth into France, and got a booty of four thousand Sheep, and three hundred head of great beasts, which they draw to their holds. About the feast of Saint Martin, there was a Parliament at London, in which, the laity granted to the King a fifteenth and a half, with condition, that the Clergy should give a tenth and a half, William Courtney, Archbishop of Canterbury standing there against, said, the Church ought to befrée, and in no wise to be taxed by the laity, which answer A bill put against the Clergy for their temporalties. so moved the commons, that they forthwith presented to the King a bill against the Clergy of the Realm, moving him to take from them their temporalities, and thereby to abate their pride, but the King hearing the inordinate cryings out on this side, and the just answers of the other, he commanded that the Bill should be canceled, and such inordinate petitions to cease, saying, that he would preserve the Church during his time, in as good state as he found it, or in better. The Archbishop therefore having made the Clergy privy, went to the King, and declared to him that he with his Clergy of their whole consents and free wills, had provided for his uses a Tenth, which grant the King so thankfully received, that he openly affirmed, that he had rather have this free grant, than any other four times double, that were constrained. The eleventh of Noveinber, Robert Vere, Earl of Oxford, States created. was made marquess of Divelin in Ireland: Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester: and his brother Edmonde, Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York: Michael de la Poole Chancellor of England, was made Earl of Suffolk, and had given him by the King a thousand marks by the year. The Earl of March, Mortimer, was proclaimed heir apparent Lib. Peter. col. to the Crown. Also, King Richard at the earnest request of the Bishops, restored to the Bishop of Norwich his temporalities which he had holden from him many years. King Richard, with Queen Anne his wife, kept their Christmas at Eltham, whether came to him the King of Ermony, under pretence to reform peace betwixt the Kings of England, but what his coming profited, he only understood, for beside innumerable gifts that he received of the King and of the Nobles, the King granted to him a Charter of a thousand pounds by year during his life. He was (as he affirmed) chased out of his Realm by the Tartarians, and for that cause he got great gifts of the Christian 1386 Priuces. About the feast of Easter, john Duke of Lancaster, with a great company of Knights, Esquires, and Archers, prepareth to go into Spain, which was due to him by the inheritable right of his wife the Lady Constance, daughter sometime to Peter, King of Castille and Lion, so that now he meant to challenge it either with consent of the inhabitants, or by law of arms. He with a great power took the Seas, and landed in Spain, at the Haven of Greyne, on the even of Saint Laurence, with all his Navy in safety. At the suit of the King of Spain, King Richard released out of prison john Northampton, john More, and Richard Norburie. The Londoners fearing th● coming of the French K. ran to their walls, & pulled down houses near about the City. About Michaelmas, the Nobles came to the Parliament at London, with great numbers of armed men, to the end they might be ready to withstand the Frenchmen who were coming, but through contrary winds returned. The King created Robert Vere marquess of Ireland, Robert Vere Duke of Ireland Duke of Ireland. Not long after this, Michael de la Pole was by th● Knights of the Parliament deposed from his Chancellorship, and amerced to pay to the King 20000. Marks, but the King caused this to take small effect. William Stondon: William More, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Nicholas Exton Fishmonger, the 28. of October. Richard Earl of Arundel, and Tho. Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, went to the Sea, of the which, the first was made Admiral, & upon th● Uigill of our Lady the Annunciation, a great Navy of Flanders, France, & Spain, fraught with men of 1387 war, & divers engines, was discovered, with whom, the Earls encountered, and took of them 100 ships and more, the which contained nineteen. M. Tons of Wine, which they Rochel Wine taken. brought to divers parts of England, whereby Wine was then sold for thirteen shillings four pence the Ton. Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland forsook his wife, a young Lady noble & fair, borne of the Lady Isabella, daughter to the noble K. Edward, & married another that came with Queen Anne forth of Boheme: she was called in the vulgar tongue of her Country Lancecrona. The Lords took indignation herewith, especially the Duke of Gloucester, Uncle to the young Lady that was forsaken. The Duke of Ireland studied how to take the Duke of Gloucester out of the way. Easter was now past, the time, in which the Duke of Ireland should have transported into Ireland, but least there should be too much stir in the Realm among the Lords, the King as it were to bring him to the water side, goeth with him into Wales, as not to leave him, but there to keep him, that they might device how to take away the D. of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Derby, & Nottingham, with other. There were with than the Earl of Suffolk, Michael at Pole, Robert Tresilian Justice, & many other, which no more slowly than the D. of Ireland, conspired the death of the said noble men. After a great time was passed, the King, as if the Duke of Ireland's journey had been forgotten, returned with him and the other forth of Wales, to the Castle of Nottingham, there to treat of Anno reg. 11 the death of the said noble men: there therefore he sent for divers from London, whom he knew would be ready to which way soever they should be moved: he called thither also all the Sheriffs and Justices of the Realm, and there interdicted the Lords of many crimes which the King had imagined against them. In the mean time, the rumour of this doing came to the Lords ears, whereupon first of all the Kings Uncle, the D. of Gloucester, that he might mitigate the King's displeasure, before the Bishop of London, and many other Nobles, swearing upon the Evangelists, took it upon his oath, that he never had imagined any thing to the king's hindrance, or done any thing to his displeasure, except that he had not given good countenance to the D. of Ireland, nor would hereafter give him any, who had dishonested his kinswoman, the which he firmly had determined to revenge. William Venor: Hugh Forstalfe, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Nicholas Exton Fishmonger, the 28. of October. The D. of Gloucester calling together secretly the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, & Derby, that were in like danger of condemnation, if they provided not the more speedily, he discovereth to them the matter: they therefore gathering their armies together, determine to talk with the King upon the premises. Contraryly the King for his party did deliberate how he might take each of them by themselves out of the way, and first he sent to the Castle of Rigate, where the Earl of Arundel lay, the Earl of Northumberland with many other so arrest him, who perceiving a great number of men of war about him, fearing to do that he was commanded, departed without doing his errand for which he came, after whom, there were sent many that by night should have taken him, or have slain him, but a messenger sent from the D. of Gloucester, prevented their coming, that caused him to ride all night, so that in the morning he was come to Haringey, having passed with his army a thirty. miles, not without great travail, where he found assembled the D. of Gloucester, & the Earl of Warwick, with a great power of men. The K. being informed of this assembly in Harnesey wood, as is said, demanded of his familiars what was to be done in this case, but in th● end, by the mediation of them that came betwixt them, the matter was brought to this issue, that th● Lords should come to Westminster to receive answer before th● King of those things, the Bishop of Ely, with many other men of worthy credit, taking an oath for th● King's part, that no fraud, deceit, or peril, should be prepared. When the Lords had prepared themselves according to the covenant, the foresaid mediators for peace sent them word, that treason was devised by an ambush laid for them, in a place called the Mews, near to Charing Cross, & therefore willed them not to come, but with sure hand, whereupon they stayd there, & the K. demanding why the Lords kept not covenant, the B. of Ely answered, because (saith he) there is an ambush laid of a M. armed men or more, in such a place, contrary to the covenant, and therefore they neither come, nor repute you to be faithful: the King moved forthwith, swore he knew of no such thing, and therefore commanded the Sheriffs of London, that going to the Mews, they should kill, if they found any assembled there for that cause, but Thomas Trevit, and Nicholas Brembar Knights, had secretly sent away the armed men to London: the King therefore sent again to the Lords, who straightways came to Westminster with a strong power, against whose coming, the King adorning himself with Kingly robes, with Crown and Sceptre, entereth Westminster Hall, where the Bishop of Elie, Lord Chancellor, speaking for the King, demanded the cause of their assembling of such a power, whereunto the Lords answered, that it was done for the King's profit, and the Realms, to pluck from him the Traitors which he kept about him, whom they named to be Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland: Alexander Nevell Archbishop of York: Michael at Pole, Earl of Suffolk: Robert Trisilian, a false Justice: Nicholas Brembar, a false Knight of London: and thereupon they threw down their gloves, swearing that they would prosecute it by battle: nay saith the King, it shall not be so, but in the next Parliament which was appointed to be holden the morrow after the Purification of our Lady, all this was pacified for that time. A manner of exhalation in likeness of fire, appeared in th● Strange likeness of fire. john Leycester. night in many places of England, which went with men as they went, and stayed as they did, sometime like a Wheel, sometime like a Barrel, sometime like a Timberlogge, but when many went together, it appeared to be far off. The Lords departing from the K. notwithstanding kept together, which seemed great wisdom in them, for the D. of Ireland in the parts of Chester & Wales, had assembled a great number, whose Captain was the Connestable of Chester, Thomas Moleneux, a man of great wealth, & hardy. The D. of Ireland with such a multitude hasted towards London, that joining with the Londoners, he might make them both as it were an invincible army, but the D. of Ireland riding forth in stately & glorious array with the army, thinking none dared have encountered him, suddenly as he looked on the one side, he beheld where the host of the Lords was ready not far from them tarrying his coming, in the midst of the valley, with which sight, his heart straightways failed, and he said, friends, I must fly, for a greater puissance seemeth to be yonder, against you they have no quarrel, so the I being shifted away, ye shall escape well enough, & forthwith setting spurs to his horse, he fleeth away. There was then the foresaid Tho. Moleneux th● prepared himself to the battle, for the Lords were not yet all come to that place, who when he had fought a while, being awearied, entered the river which was there by. Among other sir Thomas Mortimer knight, exhorted him to come up, or else he would shoot him through in the river: if I do come up saith Thomas Moleneux, wilt thou save my life, I do make no such promise (sayeth he) but either come up or thou shalt state die for it. To whom (he answered) suffer me to come up and let me fight either with thee or some other, and die like a man. As he came up, the knight caught him by the Helmet, and plucked it off his head, and straight ways with his dagger struck him into the brains. The Duke of Ireland fleeing, came to the river of Thamis, and forced his horse to enter, in the which being made of an horsseman a swimmer, he got to the other side: his horse, Helmet, gauntlets and breast plate came to the share of the Lords, so that he was thought long after to be drowned▪ but he got over into Flaunders. The Archbishop of York fled, and Robert Tresilian, and Michael de la Pole got him to Caleis. The Lords being returned from the battle, which had been near to Burforde, fast by Bablack, made great joy for the overthrow of their enemies, but much lamented the escape of the Duke of Ireland. A head of Earth was made at Oxford by Art of necromancy, that at a time appointed, spoke these words, Caput decidetur, The head shall be cut off, Caput Elevabitur; The head shall be lift up: Pedes elevabuntur super caput, The feet shall be lift above the head. Dissension fell at Oxford between the Southern and Welsh men, on the one parts, and Northern Scholars on the other, where through many were slain, and the more part went to their Countries, wherefore the Chancellor was deprived, and Doctor Nicholas Brightwel Deane of Newerke in Leicester was made Chancellor. The Lords hasted to London, where the king kept his Christmas in the Tower of London, they having assembl● an army of near hand. 40000. the morrow after Christmas day came to London and mustered in the fields, where they might be seen of them in the Tower: the Londoners were then in greatfeare, weighing diverse perils as the King's displeasure, if they opened their gates to the Lords, and if they shut them forth, the indignation of the undiscrete multitude. The Duke of Gloucester with other entered the Tower, and having a little talk with the King, they recited the conspiracy, whereby they had been indicted, and they showed forth also th● letters, which he had sent to the Duke of Ireland, that he should assemble an army to their destruction. etc. in the end the King promised on the next morrow to come to Westminster, and there to entreat at large for reformation of all matters. In the morning the King came to Westminster, where after a little talk, the Nobles said that for his honour and commodity of his Kingdom it was behoveful, that the traitors, whisperers, flatterers, and unprofitable people were removed out of place, and that other might be placed in their rooms, which when the King had granted, they judged that Alexander Nevell Archbishop of York, john Ford Bishop of Durham, friar Thomas Rushoke the King's Confessor Bishop of Chichester, should be banished. They expulsed also the Lord Souch of Haringworth, Burnel and of Beaumont, Albery de Vere, Baldwine de Bereforde, Richard Aderburie, john Worth, Thomas Clifford, and john Lovel knights, not as altogether dismissed but to appear at the next Parliament: there were certain Ladies also expelled the Court, as unprofitable. They arrested Simon Burley, William Elmham, john Beauchamp of Holte steward of the king's house, john Salisbury, Thomas Trevet, james Barnes, Ni. Dagworth, and N. Brember Knights. They took also the Chaplains Richard Clifforde, john Lincoln, Richard Mitforde & Nicholas Slake Deane of th● king's Chapel, & john Blake an Aprentice of the law, all which was sent to diverse prisons. The third day of February a Parliament was begun at Westminster, to th● which the Lords came with a sufficient army, & this Parliament continued until the feast of Pentecost. 1388 The xj. of February was Robert Tresilian Justice of th● King's Bench, a Cornishman arrested at Westminster, where he had lain hid in sanctuary, and was the same day drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there, with a great ado was hanged: consequently by judgement of the Lords, Nicholas Brembar Knight, was put to the like execution. After which john Salisbury, & james Barnes knights were by judgement of the Parliament drawn and hanged, than john Beauchampe of Holt the King's steward, whom the King purposed to have made Baron of Bridgenorth, was drawn and hanged. john Blake Esquire was hanged and drawn, and john Uske a Sergeant at arms was drawn and hanged. Lastly on the fifth of May sir Simon Burley Lord chamberlain to the King, and Constable of Dover, was beheaded, although the Earl of Derby did what he could to save him, for the which great dissension rose betwixt him and the Duke of Gloucester. There was condemned also in the same Parliament these Justices, Roberte Belknape, john Holte, Roger Fulthorpe: and William Brough, john Locton, Richard gray, Justices, with the Lords before fled, were all banished. There was granted to the King, of the Clergy half a tenth and of the laity half a fifteenth, and of the merchants twelve pence of the pound, three shillings of the Tun, liij. shillings four pence of the sack of Wool. The Duke of Gloucester, and sir john Cobham, asked pardon of the Abbot of Westminster, for violence done in the sanctuary of Westminster, in the taking of the Justice Trisilian. The last save one of May there were delivered out of the Tower W. Elmhame, T. Trevet, and Nicholas Dagworth Knights. Also the first of June, john Holland the King's brother was created Erie of Huntingdon. The third of June, the king in the Church of Westminster renewed the oath, which he took when he was crowned, and all the Lords swore homage and fealty to him, and all the Bishops did excommunicate all those that would go about to hinder the statutes of this last Parliament, or th● Anno reg. 12 great Charter. After Whitsuntide Richard Earl of Arundale, with a company of valiant men went to the sea, and fought with certain ships of his enemies, taking drowning▪ or burning. lxxx. ships, he entered into the isle of Bea, which he spoiled, and brent. The same year the Scots prepared themselves that as soon as the truce was expired they might be ready to invade the North parts, and with a great army entered England, committing great slaughters of people and took booties in every place, and led away many prisoners, and burned▪ towns, and approached to Newcastel upon Tyne, and pitched their Tents not far from thence. There was then in the same Town sir Henry Percy the younger, and Sir Ralph his brother, both desirous of warlike renown, and sore enemies to the Scots. This sir Henry came upon them on the sudden, and assailed them in the camp, making great slaughter of them: William Douglas also chief Captain of the Scots, beholding the thing that a thousand times he had wished, that is, sir Henry Percy within his Camp, rideth against him, but was slain by the said Henry, and then cometh the Earl of Dunbar with an excessive number of Scots, and took the said Henry, with his brother Ralphe, slaying many English men in that place: but yet the Scots lost many of their best men. This battle was at Otterborne, the soarest fought that Battle at Otterborne. john Belandine. john Maior. ●. Frosert. ●●h. Rudborae. Parliament at Cambridge. ever was between English men and Scots (sayeth Froysert) The seventh of September a Parliament was holden at Cambridge, in which were new statutes ordained for servants wages, for beggars, for weapons not to be born, of plays or games none to be used but shooting, of the staple to be brought from Middleborow to Caleis, etc. and in the end a tenth of the Clergy and a fifteenth of the laity. Thomas Austin: Adam Carlehul, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Nicholas Twyforde Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. The sixth of October as sir john Trevet road with the King to the king's lodging, which was at Bernewel, as he forced his horse too much with the spurs, the horse falleth and breaketh the inner parts of the rider, who lived till the next day. King Richard discharged the old officers of his Court, 1389 and also his counsellors, appointing other at his pleasure: he took the Seal from Thomas Arundale Archbishop of York, and delivered it to William Wickam bishop of Winchester, and made him Chancellor: the Bishop of Excester his Treasurer: and Edmund Stafford Keeper of the privy Seal. A truce was granted for three years betwixt England and France. A fight among Gnats at the King's manner of Shine, where they were so thick gathered, that the air was darkened with them: they fought and made a great battle. Two parts of them being slain, fell down to the ground, the third part having got the victory flew away, no man knew whether. The number of the dead was such, that might be swept up with Besoms, and Bushels filled with Anno reg. 13 them. Michael at Pole sometime Earl of Suffolk, and Chancellor of England deceased at Paris. john Walcotte: john Loveney, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Vener, Grocer, the. 28. of October. In the month of November, john Duke of Lancaster came from the parties beyond the seas into England, after he had abidden in Spain and Gascoigne, three years space, who in Spain first tasted great misfortunes, yet in the end brought his matters to very good case, not with the force of men, but by the favour of God: for when he came first to that parts of Spain with an army sufficient enough, through want of victuals, they first died through hunger, and after through flux, so that 1000 famous knights of his army died miserably, the residue leaving the Duke, fled to the French army. King Richard with his Queen Anne held their Christmas at Woodstock, and the Duke of Lancaster in the Castle of Hertforde. The same time john Hastings Earl of Penbroke, as he was desirous to Just, he was strooken about the privy parts, by the Knight that ran against him, called 1390 sir john Saint john, where he died. In a Parliament at London it was ordained that none should purchase provisions at the Pope's hands: there was granted to the King xl. shillings of every sack of wool, and of the pound six pence. john Duke of Lancaster was made Duke of Aquitaine, by the Rood and Bonnet, which the King gave him, and Edward the Duke of York's son was made Earl of Rutland, to whom the king gave the Castle of Okam. Anno reg. 14 A great Pestilence in the North parts of England, so that in a little space a. 1100. were buried in the City of York. A Merchant of Dertmouth waged the Navy of ships, of the Ports, of his own charges, 34. ships laden with Wine, to the sum of. 1500. Tun. A woeful variance rose in Oxford, for the Welsh and Southern Scholars assaulted the Northern, whereby many murders were done on each side, and a field was appointed, but by help of the Duke of Gloucester it was appeased, and the Welsh men banished. john Francis: Thomas Vivent, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Adam balm Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. The. x. xj. and. xij. of October the King held a great Court at London, in the Bishop's Palace and a great insting in Smithfield, to the which Court came many strangers forth of France, Almain, Zealand, and many other parts, bringing with them horses and armour, in which pastimes there was given first the Badge of the White Heart with golden chains and crowns. And upon Saint Edward's day the King held his feast in his Regalibus, sitting crowned at mass with his Sceptre. etc. and likewise the Queen, and they sat likewise at the table at Kenington crowned, at which solemnity were present the Earl of saint Paul, and his wife, sister to the King of England, and the Earl of Ostrevaunt who was made knight of the Garter. The Duke of Gloucester took his journey toward Spruys, 1●91 but being tossed with infortunate storms, driven now hither, now thither, was so far distant of hope, that he despaired of life, and at length after he had passed the Barbarous coasts of Denmark, Norway and scotland, he arrived in Northumberlande, and came to the castle of Tinmouth where having refreshed himself certain days, he took his journey towards his manner of Plecy. Such a mortality increased in Norfolk, and many other Countries, that it was not unlike to the great pestilence, within York, there died a. xj. thousand persons. The Citizens of London took out of the Orphan's chest. Anno reg. 15 2000 marks to buy victuals, and the. xxiv. Aldermen each of them laid out twenty pound to like purpose of buying corn, which was bestowed in diverse places, where the poor might buy it at an appointed price, and such as lacked money to pay down, put in surety to pay in that year following. A Brewer that dwelled at the sign of the Cock in Westcheape by the little Conduit, near unto Paul's gate, was murdered in the night time by a thief that came in at a gutter window, as it was known long after by the confession of the same thief, when he was at the Gallows to be hanged for felony, but the Brewer's wife was first brent therefore, and three of his men drawn to Tyburn and there hanged wrongfully. john Chadworth; Henry Vamer, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Hind Draper, the. 28. of October. A Parliament began at London on the Friday next after the feast of All Saints, wherein half a tenth by the Ceargie, and half a fifteenth by the laity was granted to the king, which money should serve for the treaty to be had for peace with the French men, which treaty the Duke of Lancaster should prosecute. King Richard with Queen Anne his wife, four Bishops, as many Earls, the Duke of York, many Lords, and fifteen Ladies, held a royal Christmas at Langley near to Saint Albon. The same Christmas day a Dolphin came forth of the sea and played himself in the Thamis at London, to the Bridge, for showing happily the tempests that were to follow within a week after, the which being seen of the Citizens and followed, was with much difficulty intercepted, and brought again to London, showing a spectacle to many, of the height of his body, for he was ten foot in length. These Dolphins are fishes of the sea, that follow the voices of men, and rejoice in playing of instruments, and are wont to gather themselves at music. These when they play in rivers, with hasty springings or leapings, do signify Tempest to follow. The seas contain nothing more swift nor nimble, for oftentimes with their skips, they mount over the sails of ships. The King sent to the Londoners requesting to borrow of 1392 Tho. Walsing. them one thousand pound, which they stoutly denied, and also evil entreated, bet and near hand slew a certain Lombard that would have lent the King the said su●●me, which when the King heard he was marvelously angried, and calling together almost all the nobles of the land, he opened to them the maliciousness of the Londoners, and complained of their presumption, the which noble men gave counsel, that their insolency should with speed be oppressed, and their pride abated. By the King's judgement therefore was the Mayor of London and the Sheriffs, with other of the best Citizens arrested, the Mayor was sent to Windsor castle, and the other to other prisons, till the King with his counsel should determine, what should be done with them, and there it was determined, that from thenceforth the Londoners should not choose nor have any Mayor, but that the King should appoint one of his Knights to be ruler of the City: their privileges were revoked, their liberties annulled, and their laws abrogated. The king then appointed to be Warden of the City a certain Knight called sir Edward de Dalingrige, but he was quickly deposed by the King, because men said he favoured the Londoners, and Baldwin Radinton was constituted in his place. In the mean time, through suit of certain Knights, but Anno reg. 16 specially of the Duke of Gloucester, the King is somewhat pacified, and by little and little abateth the rigour of his purpose, calling to mind the diverse honours, and the great gifts he had received of the Londoners, whereupon he determineth to deal more mildly with them, and to call them to some hope of grace and pardon, he sendeth commandment to them to come to Windsor, there to show their privileges, liberties and laws, which being there showed some of them were ratified and some condemned, but they could not obtain the King's full favour, till they had satisfied the King of the injuries which was said they had done, the King at this assembly at Windsor, had got together almost all the Lords, and so great in army, that the Londoners had cause to be afraid thereof, about the which preparation he was at great charges, for the which it was sure that the Londoners must pay. They therefore not ignorant that the end of these things was a money matter, submitted themselves to the King's pleasure, offering ten thousand pound. They were yet dismissed home to return again, uncertain what satisfaction and sum they should pay. When the Citizens were returned, and that the nobles and other were gone home: the King hearing that the Londoners were in havens, and dismayed, he said to his men, I will go (saith he) to London, and comfort the Citizens, and will not that they any longer despair of my favour, which sentence was no sooner known in the City but all men were filled with incredible joy, so that every of them generally determined to meet him, and to be as liberal in gifts as they were at his coronation. The king therefore as he came from Shine in Surrey to London, with Queen Anne his wife. On the xxj. of August, the principal Citizens road to meet them at Wandesworth, and at saint George's Church in Southwark they were received with procession of Rob. Braybroke Bishop of London, and all his Clergy of the City, who conveyed him through London, the Citizens, men women and children in order meeting the King, and doing him honour, attended on him to Westminster. As he passed the City the streets were hanged with cloth of gold silver and silk. The Conduit in Cheap ran with red & white Wine, and by a child Angellike he was presented with a very costly crown of gold, and the Queen with another. A table of the Trinity of gold was given to the King, valued worth eight hundred pound, and another to the queen of Saint Anne▪ because her name was Anne, with diverse other gifts, as horses, trappers, plate of gold and silver, clothes of gold, silk, velvets, Basins and Ewers of gold, also gold in coin, precious stones, and jewels, so rich, excellent, and beautiful, that the value and price might not well be esteemed, and so the Citizens recovered their ancient customs and liberties, and then the king's Bench from York, and the Chancery from Nottingham, was returned to London. And it was granted to them that they might choose them a Mayor as before time they had done. The Londoners believed th● by these gifts they had escaped all danger, and that from thenceforth they should be quiet, but they were deceived, for they were compelled to give the K. after this 10000, pound, collected of the commons in great bitterness of mind, and so the troubles of th● Citizen's came to quietness, which trouble the Dolphin in Thamis at Christmas last passed did happily signify a far off. W. Caxton & Robert Fabian report these troubles to happen through a fray in Fleetstreet, about an horse loaf taken out of a Baker's basket, by a yeoman of the Bishop of Salisburies', and that the same troubles were pacified, and liberties again restored by means of Richard Gravesend Bishop of London, in reward whereof the Citizens repair to the place of burial in the middle I'll of Saint Paul's Church etc. but all that is untrue, for at this time Rob. Brabroke was Bishop of London, and Richard Gravesend had been Bishop, and deceased in the time of Edward the first, in Anno. 1303 almost 90. years before this time. Moreover the place of burial in Saint Paul's, whereunto the Mayor and Citizens of London have repaired, is of William, who was Bishop of London in the time of William Conqueror, who purchased the first Charter of the said king William, for the same City as I have before declared. Gilbert Maghfelde: Thomas Newington, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Stoudon Grocer, the. 28. of October. Albeit Vere was created Earl of Oxford, in a Parliament at Winchester, and William Scrope Uizechamberlaine, the same William Scrope bought of William Montacute Earl of Salisbury the Isle of Man, with the crown, for the Lord of this isle is called king, and it is lawful for him to be crowned 1393 with a crown of Gold: sir john Evers Knight Constable of Dover, and the King's steward died suddenly, and T. Percy brother to the E. of Northum. was made the king's steward in his place that was before the king's underchamberlaine. T. Beamond was made Constable of Dover. Certain Anno reg. 17 thieves broke into the Chapel of our Lady at the Pew at Westminster, & took out of it many jewels & much treasure. Also shortly after the same thieves broke into the Church of S. john of Clerkenwel. The dukes of Lanc. & Gloucester passed over into France, to make somewhat of the truce, or to conclude a final peace betwixt the kingdoms: but it was not so brought to pass, as it was wished, by reason of the French King's sickness. In September, lightnings and thunders, in many places of England did much hurt, but especially in Cambridgeshire, the same brent houses and corn near to Tolleworke, & in the town it brent terribly. Drew Barentine: Richard Whittington, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Hadley Grocer, the. 28. of October. Such abundance of water fell in October, that at Bury in Suffolk, the Church was full of Water, and at Newmarket it bore down walls of houses, so that men and women hardly escaped drowning. The same year Lord T. de Ros, 1394 as he returned forth of the Holy Land, in the City of Paphos in the isle of Cyprus, through intemperancy of the air departed this life there. In the Octaves of S. Hillerie, a Parliament was holden at London, in which a subsidy was demanded for the King that was minded to go into Ireland, wherefore the Clergy granted to him a full tenth if he would pass thither, and if he went not, they granted him but half a tenth. Certain Lords of scotland came into England to get worship by force of arms. The earl of Marre challenged the Earl of Nottingham, to just with him, and so they road together certain cources, but not the full challenge, for the Earl of Marre was cast both horse and man, and two of his ribs broken with the fall, so that he was borne out of Smithfielde, and conveyed toward scotland, but died by the way at York Sir William Darrel Knight, the Kings Bamner bearer of Scotland, challenged sir Pierce Courtney knight the king's Banner-bearer of England, and when they had run certain courses, they gave over without conclusion of victory. Then Cockborne Esquire of Scotland challenged sir Nicholas Hawberke Knight, & road v. courses, but Cockborn was borne over horse and man. The seventh of June Queen Anne died at Shine in Southerie, and was buried at Westminster. Anno reg. 18 The K. took her death so heavily, that besides cursing the place where she died, he did also for anger throw down the buildings, unto the which the former Kings being wearied of the City, were wont for pleasure to resort. About the month of August proclamation was made that all Irishmen should avoid the realm and get them home before the feast of the navitie of our Lady, on pain of life. William Bramstone: Thomas Knowles, the. 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Froysh Mercer, the. 28. of October. King Richard went over into Ireland, and the Duke of Gloucester with him, and the Earls of March, Nottingham and Rutland. The Irish men being afraid of such preparation as was made, durst not show themselves openly, but with secret assaultings they often troubled the King's army, yet when the Englishmen prevailed, many Lords of the land submitted themselves to the King, of which some the King held with him, least they should attempt some new stir. The King held his Christmas at Dublin in Ireland, & after that feast held a Parliament there: also the same time the Lord Warden of England called a Parliament at London, to the which came (being sent forth of Ireland) the Duke of Gloucester, the which before all the states showed the King's need, who had now spent his treasure amongst the Irishme so that a tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a fifteenth by the 1395 laity. This voyage being chargeable to the King, came to small effect, for after Easter he was forced to return again into England, to appease certain troubles, begun by sir richard Sturry, sir Thomas Latimer, sir jews Clifforde, sir john Montacute and other. This year England suffered great loss by Pirates, of the Queen of Donmarke, who spoiled Mariners & Merchants, Anno reg. 19 especially the men of Norfolk that assembled a multitude together, & took upon them to fight with them, but the enemies prevailing, many of them were slain, and very many taken prisoners, were reserved to grievous redemption, with loss of twenty thousand pounds, which they had a board with them to make their merchandise. Roger else: William Sherington, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William More Vintner, the. 28. of October. In the month of November King Richard caused the body of his dear friend Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland, to be brought from Louvain, & after to be buried in the Priory of Colne in Essex, with solemn funerals, which he honoured with his presence, & causing the Co●●en of Cipres, wherein his body being embalmed lay to be opened, th● he might behold his 1●●6 face, & touch him with his fingers openly showing the love to the dead carcase, which he ought to it being alive. john Duke of Lancaster, to whom the K. had given the Duchy of Aquitaine, when he now had laid forth an estimable sum Anno reg. 20 of treasure in those parts, to purchase the good wills of those Countrymen, & should have his desire, he was suddenly called home by the K. who returning into England came to Langley, where the K. held his Christmas, & was received of the K. with honour, after taking his leave of the Court he made haste to Lincoln, where he took to wife Katherine Swinford. This year according to the covenant before made & established betwixt the kings of England & France, the said Kings met at the place by Caleis which was appointed for them to talk in, where they concluded a peace, took a corporal oath, to perform the same. And K. Richard took to wife Isabel the little daughter of the French king, being but seven or eight years old. In a Parliament at Westminster, Robert Bolgnope, john Holt, William Brough Knights of the Bathe, were revoked out of Ireland and pardoned, these were men of law and Judges. Thomas Wilforde: William Parker, the, 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Adam balm Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. And Richard Whittington the sixth of June. The tenth of November, the K. was married at Caleis with great solemnity, & shortly after returned into England. The xiij. of November the queen came to London through Southwark, & such a multitude of people went to see her, that upon 1●97 Lon. bridge nine persons were crowded to death, of whom th● Prior of Tiptor in Essex was one, & a worshipful matron of Cornhill was another. After Christmas a Parliament was holden at Lond. in which the D. of Lancaster caused his issue which he had by Katherine Swinford, to be made legitimate. Also Thomas son of the D. of Lancaster & the said Katherine, was created E. of Somerset, the D. gave him to surname Bello Forty or Bewfort. There was granted to the K. half a tenth by the Clergy. This year when the realm of England seemed to enjoy the chiefest peace th● might be, by reason of the King's marriage, & the great riches th● were heaped up together by the same, & by the reason of th● truce of. 30. years established & the presence of so many noble men as th● like no foreign realm was able to show, suddenly all things were troubled and brought into a turmoil, whiles the King at Anno reg. 21 Plashy in Essex, upon a sudden took his uncle the D. of Glo. by force of arms, he suspecting no such thing, & caused him to be conveyed to Caleis, there to be kept in prison, and caused the Earl of Warwick to be arrested and imprisoned, the same day that he had bidden him to dinner, notwithstanding that he showed him very good countenance, and had promised him great friendship, beside that he deceived the E. of Arundale, with fair words, (who was well able to have defended himself, & to have delivered his friends, the D. of Gloucester & the E. of Warwick▪) who notwithstanding he yielded himself quietly, he sent him to the isle of Wight, there to be imprisoned until th● Parliament. And to th● end there should be no commotion among th● commons for the imprisoning of the nobles he caused to be proclaimed th● the apprehension of them, was not for any old displeasure, but for new transgressions committed against th● k. shortly after he caused th● said nobles to be indicted at Nottingham, & suborned such as should appeach them in the next Parliament, to wit Ed earl of Rutland, T. Moubery, E. Marshal, Tho. Holland E. of Kent, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, Tho. Bewford Earl of Somerset, I. Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and Thomas Spencer, & William Scrope, the King's Chamberlain. And in mean the season the King assembled together to guard his parson, many malefactors of the County of Chester which kept watch and ward both day and night about him. Then the K. caused a great and general Parliament to be summoned at Westminster, when he caused a great Hall to be builded in the midst of the Palace betwixt the Clock tower, and the door of the great Hall. This Parliament began about the fifteenth of September, at the beginning whereof Edward Stafforde Bishop of Excester L. chancellor, made a proposition or sermon, in the which he affirmed that the power of the K. was alone and perfect of itself, & those that impeached it were worthy to suffer pain of the law: to this Parliament all the Nobles came with their retinue in arms, for fear of the King: the prelocutours were Knights, in whom no goodness at all could be found, but a natural covetousness, unsatiable ambition, intolerable pride, and hatred of the truth, their names were john Bushy, William Bagot and Thomas Grene. These required Tho. Walls. chiefly to have the Charters of pardons revoked & dissanulled: and Bushy said to the K. because we are charged to say what they be that have committed any offence against your majesty, & regal authority, we say that Tho. duke of Gloucester & Richard E. of Arundale, in the. xviij. year of your reign, have traitorously compelled you, by mean of the new Archbishop of Canterbury then Lord Chancellor, to grant to them a commission to govern your Realm, and to dispose of the state thereof, to the prejudice of your majesty and royalty. The same day was that commission dissanulled with all Articles depending thereupon. Also the general pardon granted after the great Parliament by them procured, and one special pardon for the Earl of Arundale were revoked. Also there was a petition made by the commons, I. Bushy speaking for them, that the general pardon procured and got forth, the archbishop of Canterbury then Lord Chancellor procuring it should be disannulled, and he to be judged a Traitor for granting to it, whereupon the Archbishop rose and would have answered, but the King said, to morrow to morrow, but he came not into the Parliament house again: the King said, that he would deliberate of the commons petition. Also it was established, that any Traitor convicted, to stand against the King's regality, should be adjudged worthy to suffer punishment to be appointed for such offence. Also it was enacted, that criminal causes from thenceforth-should be determined in every Parliament, and then licence being had to departed, a great stir was made as is used, whereupon the King's Archers, in number four thousand, compassed the Parliament house, thinking there had been in the house some broil or fight, with their bows bend, their arrows set in them, and drawing, ready to shoot, to the terror of all that were there, but the King herewith coming, pacified them. On the next day, the Prelates were enjoined, upon pain of losing their temporalities, that they should the same day agree upon some procurator, to consent in their names to all things in that Parliament to be dispatched, and the King had these words: Sir john Bushy, because many desire that I would explain the fifty persons exempted in th● general pardon, I will briefly, that what man soever desireth this, is worthy of death: first, because he fleeth: secondly, because I have excepted those that are to be impeached in this Parliament: thirdly, because other of their associates hearing than oppressed, would be afraid where no fear is. On the next day, the Archbishop of Canterbury cometh to the palace to appear in the Parliament, but the King commanded him by the Bishop of Carelile, that he should return to his house, and from thenceforth he appeared not. The Prelates made Thomas Percy the King's Steward of household, their procurator, to consent in all things in this Parliament to be done. Also Sir john Bushy had these words, our sovereign Lord the King, because the second Article in the Parliament is for punishment to be appointed for such as violate the King's royal authority, I beseech your grace that you will authorize me by way of appealing, of accusing, or impeaching, with licence to make declaration from one to the rest so often and when to me and to my fellows it may seem expedient, and it was granted, than Bushy had these words: I accuse Thomas of Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, of threefold treason. first, of the commission in granting the regiment or government of the Realm to Thomas Duke of Gloucester, and to Richard Earl of Arundel at his instance, who rather because he was your Chancellor, should have refused it. Secondly, for that under pretext of that traitorous commission, they traitorously usurping the jurisdiction of your regality, or royal authority, held a solemn Parliament traitorously in prejudice of your regality. Thirdly, because that by the said traitorous usurping, Sir Simon de Burley, and Sir james Barnes Knights, and faithful lieges to you, were traitorously murdered, and put to death, of which things, we your commons demand judgement, worthy of so high treason, to be terribly pronounced by you, and because the Archbishop is a man of great consanguinity, affinity, power, and most politic wit, and cruel nature, for the preservation of your estate, and the whole Kingdoms, by the petition of this present Parliament, I require that he may be put into safecustodie, until the final execution of his judgement. The King hereunto answered, that for the excellence of his dignity he would take deliberation till the next morrow, and all other that were put into the same commission, he pronounced them to be his faithful liege people, and void from that treason, and especially Alexander Nevell, late Archbishop of York, and then Sir Edmond of Langley. Duke of York, Uncle to the King, and Sir William Wikeham Bishop of Winchester, that were put into the same commission, with tears fell down on the ground before the King, and gave him humble thanks for that grace and benefit bestowed on them. Also on Saint Mathewes day, the Earl of Rutland, the Earls of Kent, Huntingdon, Nottingham, Somerset, and Salisbury, with the Lords Spencer and Scrope, in a suit of red Gowns of Silk guarded, and bordered with white Silk, and embroidered with Letters of Gold, proponed the appeal by them to the King at Nottingham, before set forth, in the which, they accused Thomas Duke of Gloucester, Richard Earl of Arundel, Thomas Earl of Warwick, and Thomas de Mortimere, Knight of the premised treasons, and of an armed insurrection at Haringey Park, traitorously attempted against the King, and putting in sureties for the prosecuting of their appeal. Richard Earl of Arundel was arraigned in a red Gown, and a Scarlet hood, and forthwith the Duke of Lancaster said to the Lord Nevell, take from him his girdle and hood, and so it was done, and herewith the Articles of appeal being to the said Earl declared, with a valiant and a bold mind, he denied that he was a Traitor, and required the benefit of the pardon, protesting that he would not go from the favour of the King and his grace. The Duke of Lancaster said to him, thou Traitor, that pardon is revoked. The Earl answered, truly thou liest, I was never Traitor. Also, the Duke of Lancaster said, why didst thou purchase thy pardon, the Earl answered, to escape the tongues of mine enemies, of whom thou art one, and verily, as far forth as toucheth Treason, thou hast more need of pardon than I. The King said, make answer unto thine appeal. The Earl answered, I see well that these persons have accused me of Treason, showing the appealementes▪ but truly, they all lie, I was never Traitor, but I ask always the benefit of my pardon, the which your Grace granted to me within these six years now last passed, being of full age, and of your frank good will and proper motion. Then said the King, I did so grant it that it should not be against me: then said the Duke of Lancaster, than the grant availeth not. The Earl answered, truly of that pardon I know less than thyself, that was then on the further side the Seas. Then said Sir john Bushy, that pardon is revoked by the King, the Lords, and us his faithful people: the Earl answered, where be those faithful people? I know thee well and thy company how ye are gathered together, not to deal faithfully, for the faithful people of the Realm are not here, and therefore the people do lament for me, and well I know that thou hast been ever false. And then Bushy and his fellows cried out, Behold sovereign Lord and King, how this Traitor goeth about to raise sedition betwixt us, and those people that are at home. The Earl answered, ye lie, I am no Traitor. Then rose the Earl of Derby and said, didst not thou say thus to me at Huntingdon, where we were first assembled together to rise, that it was the best afore all things to take the King. The Earl said to the Earl of Derby, thou liest on thy head, I never thought of my sovereign▪ Lord the King, but that that was good, and for his honour. Then said the King, didst not thou say to me in time of thy Parliament, in the Bath behind the White Hall, that Sir Simon de Burley was worthy of death for many causes, and I answered, that I knew no cause of death in him, and yet thou and thy fellows didst traitorously put him to death, and then the Duke of Lancaster pronounced judgement against him in this manner: Richard, I john, Steward of England judge thee to be a Traitor, and I condemn thee to be drawn and hanged, to be beheaded and quartered, and thy lands, tailed and not tailed, from thee and from thine heirs of thy body descending, to be confilcate: then the King for reverence of his blood, commanded him only to be beheaded, and then was he led to the Tower hill, and there beheaded, and was buried at the Augustine Friars in London. Also the same day, the King appointed the Lord Cobham (accused by the commons) to be arraigned. Also upon the Saturday, Sir Thomas de Mortimer was summoned, upon pain to be banished as a Traitor, within six months to come to be tried in judgement: and then said the King, peradventure the Earl of March can not take him, and therefore I will so long stay for his certificate out of Ireland. Also, a declaration was made, that all benefices or gifts, granted or alienated by those that were already condemned, or after were to be condemned in this Parliament, and other whatsoever, granted sith the tenth year of this King's reign, should be revoked. Also, on Monday following, the certificate given in of the Earl of Nottingham, than Captain of Caleis, in whose custody the Duke of Gloucester was, that the same Duke might not be brought to be tried in judgement, because he was dead in his custody at Caleis: at the petition yet of the said appellents, the same sentence was pronounced against him, which had been pronounced erst against the Earl of Arundel. Also, the Archbishop of Canterbury, first his temporalities being confiscated, was banished the Realm. On the Tuesday, Rikell, on of the King's Justices, borne in Ireland, read certain confessions drawn in writing upon the said treasons put forth, affirming, that the same were the confessions of the said Duke, by him put forth or discovered, and written with his own hand. Also, the Earldom of Chester was advanced to the honour of a Duchy, by annexing thereto the Lands of the said Earl of Arundel confiscate. Also the same day, the Earl of Salisbury made request to have a Scire facias granted to him against the Earl of March, for the Lordship of Denbigh in Wales, and the King answered thereupon that he would take deliberation. Also on the Wednesday, it was ordained, that the Lands of the said Earl of Arundel, annexed to the Duchy of Chester, should enjoy the liberties of the same Duchy, excepted that to the Welshmen of those parts, their old Laws and customs should still remain, and be continued. Also, it was ordained, that such as gave either counsel, aid, or favour to the children of them that were condemned, or that should be condemned in this Parliament, should be punished as Traitors. On Friday, the King appointed a prefixed day to the Archbishop of Canterbury, to weet, the third of the sixth week, to departed the Realm. Also it was ordained, that all the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, should swear inviolably to observe whatsoever in this Parliament were enacted, and that the censures of the Church should be pronounced by the Prelates against all those that should go against the same. Also, the Earl of Warwick was arraigned, and his hood being taken off, and the appeal read, as he had been some miserable old woman, confessed all things contained in the appeal, weeping, wailing, and howling, to be done traitorously by him, and submitting himself to the King's grace in all things, sorrowing that ever he had been associate unto the appellants. Then the King demanded of him by whom he was alured to join with them, and he answered, by Thomas Duke of Gloucester, and the Abbot of Saint Albon, and a Monk recluse in Westminster, and ever besought the King of grace and mercy, and the King granted him life to be led in perpetual prison out of the Realm, his goods movable and unmovable to be confiscate, as the Earl of Arundels had been, and the King commanded that he should be had to the Tower of London, and after, to be conveyed ●uer to the Castle within the Isle of Man, under the wardship of William Scrope, than Lord of the said I'll, to remain there in perpetual prison, and on the morrow, the King granted to him & his wife five ●. Marks yearly during their lives. Also, the writ of Scire facias was granted to the Earl of Salisbury, against the Earl of March, for the said Lordship of Denbigh, fifteen days respite being given to put in an answer. Item, it was ordained, that those which ought money to Rochester Bridge, should be put in execution for the payment, to the use of the same Bridge. Also, Henry Bolenbroke Earl of Derby, son and heir of Dukes created. john of Gaunt D. of Lancaster, was created D. of Hereforde. Edward Earl of Rutland, was created Duke of Aumarle. Thomas Earl of Kent, Duke of Surrey, the Earl of Nottingham, Duke of Norfolk. john Earl of Huntingdon, Duke of Excester. john Earl of Somerset, marquis of Dorset. Thomas Lord Spencer, Earl of Gloucester. The Lord Nevell Earl of Westmoreland. Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester. William Scrope, L. treasurer, Earl of Wiltshire. Sir john Mountagew, Earl of Salisbury. The K. added the arms of K. Edward the Confessor to his, & bore them together part for pale, and then the Parliament was prorogued till the octaves of S. hilary, then to be holden at Shrewsburie. john Woodcock: William Askam, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Westminster Hall repaired. Sir Richard Whitington Mercer, the 28. of October. King Richard caused the great Hall at Westminster to be repaired, both the walls, windows, and ruff, with a marvelous work, and great costs, which he levied of Strangers banished out of their Countries, who obtained licence to remain in this Country, by the King's Charter which they had purchased with great sums of money. King Richard kept his Christmas at Lichfield, and then 1398 took his journey towards Shrewsburie, where the Parliament lately prorogued, began again, in the which it was ordained, that all Statutes ordained at Westminster in the xj. year of th● King's reign, should be revoked & disannulled, & all th● articles of the same, and the heirs of them that were adjudged in th● said Parliament, should be reconciled, and restored to all their lands, inheritances, & possessions: excepted, th● they should have no claim against the with-holders' of the profiles, and revenues of those lands in the mean time. On the morrow it was ordained that the heirs of them which were judged and convicted in the four Articles of high treason, should not enjoy the Lands, nor any possessions of their progenitors, but should be excluded from all and every action and claim for ever. The first Article of high treason was this, if any man, of what condition soever he were, did imagine the king's death. The second Article was, if any man should have an imagination to depose the King. The third, if any man did ride armed within the Realm of England, in manner of war against the King. The fourth was, if any man disclaimed th● king's homage. Also the same day, the Lord Cobham was arraigned, to make answer unto two Articles of high treason. The first was, that he the said Lord Cobham was in counsel to make one commission against the state of the King, and likewise, that he used the same commission in doing judgement against the Kings will, and to the prejudice of him. The second, that he sat in judgement to judge Sir Simon de Burley, and james Barnes, Knights of the kings, in his absence, and against his will: and upon this, he was convict and judged to perpetual prison within the isle of jersey. On the morrow, Henry Duke of Hereford accused Thomas The Duke of Hereford accuseth the Duke of Norfolk . Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, of certain words by him spoken, as they road between London and Brayneford, tending to the dishonour of the King's person, which the Duke of Norfolk utterly denayed to have spoken, where upon, a Combat was granted them by the King to be fought at A Combat is granted. Coventry, upon the seventeenth of September. A fifteenth and a half was granted, and the customs of wools, fifty Shillings of every Sack of every Englishman borne, and three pound of every Stranger. This Parliament ended, the King visited many places in the West part of England, as Worcester, Hereford, Bristol, and other places, to weet, Glastonbury, and Bath. After this also, the King caused a Theatre to be made at Anno reg. 22 Bristol, for a Combat to be fought betwixt two Scots, to weet, the one being an Esquire appellant, and the other a Knight defendant, and the appellant was overcome and hanged: but after this time, he made a great and marvelous strong Theatre at Coventrie for the Combat betwixt the Duke of Hereford, and the Duke of Norfolk, and gave them day for the fight, the sixteenth of September, to weet, the feast day of Saint Edith, at which day and place, a great concourse and assemble of people was there gathered out of all parts of England. When the said Champions appeared in the Lists, ready to fight, the King commanded them to be quiet and not to fight, and then the King sitting in his royal apparel within his Tent girt with his Sword, he commanded his decree to be proclaimed, and this was the King's decree, that Henry Duke of Hereforde, for his disobedience towards the King, Dukes ●anished. should be banished for ten years, and likewise the Duke of Norfolk to be banished for ever out of England, taking of his revenues a thousand Marks by year, till the Town of Caleis were repaired. john Wade: john Warner, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Drew Barrentine, Goldsmith, the 28. of October. At the feast of Saint Michael, the King caused seventeen Counties in East England to be indicted, and laid to their charges, that they had been against him, with the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel and Warwick, wherefore, he sent honourable men to induce the Lords, both Spiritual and Temporal, to make a submission by writing, sealed with their own hands, acknowledging themselves to be Traitors to the King, though they never offended him in word or deed. Moreover, he compelled all the Religious Gentlemen and commons, to set Blank Charters. their Seals to blanks, to the end he might as it pleased him oppress them severally, or all at once: some of the commons paid a thousand Marks, some a thousand pound etc. Also, he ordained through every Province in England, that all Gentlemen, and men of substance, should be sworn Unaccustomed oaths. firmly to maintain according to their possible power, all the Statutes, Articles, and Constitutions ordained in the last Parliament. On newyear's day, near unto bedford, a very deep water which ran betwixt the Towns of Swelstone, and Harleswode, stood suddenly still, and divided itself, so that by the space of three miles, the bottom remained dry, which wonder, many one thought, did signify the division of the people, and falling away from the King, which happened shortly after. Roger Mortimere Earl of March, and of Vlstar in Ireland, Earl of March slain in Ireland. Cro. Pet. college. W. l. Wilum. lying there in a castle of his, there came on him a great multitude of wild Irishmen to assail him, and he issuing out, fought manfully, till he was by them hewn to pieces, whose death the King determined to revenge. About Candlemas, died john of Gaunt D. of Lancaster, at the Bishop of Elyes Inn, in Holborn by London, and was Duke of Lancaster deceased. 1399 honourably buried in S. Paul's Church at London, his son Henry Duke of Hereford being then beyond the seas. About Whitsuntide, King Richard with a Navy of 100 Ships, sailed from Milford Haven, towards Ireland, and arrived King Richard sailed into Ireland. at Waterford on the last day of Maynfrem whence, he marched with his army of thirty thousand, to Kilkenny, fourscore miles within the Country, and there remained xiv. days, tarrying for Edward Duke of Aumarle. On Midsummer even he went from thence toward Mackmore, who Anno reg. 23 remained amongst the woods with 3000 men, right hardy, and such as seemed but little to fear the Englishmen. At the entering of the woods, the King commanded fires to be used, so that many a house, and many a village was brent, & there the King made the Duke of Hereford's son Knight, with ten other. 2500. pioneers were appointed to fell the woods, and make ways for the Englishmen. The Irishmen feared greatly the shot of the Englishmen, but yet with their Darts they assailed, and slew divers as they caught them at advantage. The Uncle of Mackmore came in and yielded himself The Uncle of Mackmore submitted to King Richard. to the King, with a withie about his neck, and many other naked and bare legged, did the like, all which, the King pardoned. After this, the King sent to Mackmore, promising him, that if he would come in as his Uncle had done, with the withie about his neck, he should be pardoned: but he utterly refusing, said, he would fight to death in defending his right, for he knew the Englishmen wanted victuals, and more than they had brought with them could not be bought for Gold or Silver. There was already such scarcity, that there were some four, some six, that had but a small loaf of bread to live by the day, and some that eat not a grain in five days together. The King therefore departed the 28. day of June, toward Divelin, at what time Mackmore sent a beggar, with notice to the King, that he would be his friend, and ask him mercy, or else, if it pleased him to treat of peace, to send some noble men to him: whereupon the Earl of Gloucester was sent, who led with him the rearguard whereof he was captain, being two C. Lances, & a M. Archers: betwixt two woods far from the Sea they met with the Irish. Mackmore himself road on a white Mackmore a good horseman. Horse, without saddle or other furniture, that cost him (as was said) four hundred Kowes, which Horse he ran down the hill, that the beholders reported they never had seen Hare nor Dear to have run so swiftly. In his right hand he bore a Dart great and long, which he threw exceeding well. He was a mighty strong man of parsonage. There the Earl and he talked a good while, about the murdering of the Earl of March, and after of other things, but agree they could not, and so departed. The Earl advertised the King what he had found, which was nothing, but that the enemy would cry mercy, so as he might be sure to have peace without other grief, otherwise, he would (so long as he lived) defend himself: wherefore, the King (in his wrath) not knowing what let might happen, swore, that he would never departed Ireland, till he had him either alive or dead. The host dislodged for lack of victuals, they were a thirty thousands at their coming over, that lay then at Divelin fifteen days, the King forthwith dividing his army into three parts, sent them out to seek Mackemore, promising an hundredth Marks to him that could bring him in, which offer was well harkened unto, for it sounded well, but he could not be caught: and the same day, Edward. Earl of Rutland, Duke of Aumarle, Connestable of England, arrived with an hundredth Sail, of whose coming, the King was very glad, though he indeed had tarried long, and might have come much sooner. They remained six weeks at Divelin, and heard no news out of England, the passage was so dangerous, the wind being contrary, and tempests so great, at length, came a Ship with heavy news, how the Duke of Hereforde, and now by the decease of his father Duke of Lancaster, was arrived in England at Ravenspore The Duke of Hereford returned into England. beside Wadlington, in Yorkshire, and had beheaded William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire, treasurer of England, john Bushy, Henry green, and other, and had caused Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, to preach against King Richard, who also showed a Bull procured from Rome, promising remission of sins to all those which should aid the said Henry, in conquering of his enemies, and after their death, to be placed in Paradise, which preaching, moved many to cleave to the Duke. Upon this news the King being persuaded to make haste over, the Duke of Aumarle said, it was better to stay till his Ships might be brought together, for there were but an hundredth ready to make Sail, whereupon, john Montacute Earl of Salisbury, was sent with a power, whilst the King going to Waterforde might gather his Fleet, who promised within six days to have followed him. The Earl of Salesburie landed at Conwey, where he was soon advertised, how the Duke had taken the more part of England, and that all the Lords were got to him, with more than threescore thousand men. The Earl of Salesburie caused to summon the Welshmen, and them of Cheshire, to come to him, so that (weening the King had been arrived at Conwey) within four days there were come together forty thousand men, ready to go against the Duke of Hereford, where they stayd fourteen days, but when they saw the King came not, they stealed away, and left the Earl of Salisbury in manner alone, so that unneath he had a C. men with him. The Duke of Hereford advanced towards the Earl of Salisbury, who withdrew him into Conwey. The King through evil counsel King Richard returned out of Ireland, and landed at Milford Haven. stayed after the Earl's departure eighteen days, and then arrived at Milford Haven, from whence, about midnight following, disguised like a Priest, for fear to be known, with thirteen persons only, who went to Conwey, thinking the Earl of Salisbury had there held the field. There were with him the Dukes of Excester and Surrey, and the Earl of Gloucester, that continued faithful unto the last hour. There were three Bishops also, of which, two did not like good men, the Bishop of Lincoln, and Saint David's, but the third continued faithful, that was, the Bishop of Carelile. He had also two Knights, Stephen Scrope, and William Fireby, and janico, a Gascoigne. The King road so warily, that he came to Conwey at the break of the day. Great sorrow and lamentation was made by the King and the Earl at their meeting, for that the Earl's host was dispersed and gone, some to the Duke, and some otherways. The Duke of Aumarle, Connestable, and chief governor of the King's army at Milford, immediately when the King's departure was known, he said to the Soldiers, let us shift for ourselves masters, for the King is fled, whereupon every man trussed, and away. Sir Thomas Percy Steward of household, talking with the Connestable, also departed, and took their way through Wales. The Welshmen seeing such disorder, assembled them together, and spoiled the Englishmen of all their goods, and sent them packing in their doublets, with white staves in their hands, for there road here ten, here twenty, here fifty, here an hundred, and so the Welshmen coming down the Mountains, the English lost that they had. The King had many Horses of beyond the Sea brood, and great riches in apparel and jewels, which was in the keeping of Sir Thomas Percy, who with the Connestable came to Duke Henry of Hereford, and more than five hundred of their company, all naked, whom the Welshmen had despoiled, and beaten well. The King being at Conwey in great discomfort, sent the Dukes of Excester and Surrey, to Henry Duke of Hereford and Lancaster, to know what his meaning was, himself remaining still at Conwey in great perplexity, and with him the Earl of Salisbury, the Bishop of Carelile, Sir William Ferebe Knight, Sir Stephen Scrope mine Author, and another Frenchman, in all but xuj. persons, than was news brought to the King how his Connestable had demeaned him, and likewise his Steward, that had caused his riches to be brought aland, and going through Wales with it, the Welshmen had taken it. The King then by the advise of the Earl of Salisbury departed from Conwey unto Beawmareis, a ten miles off, and from thence, he went to Carnarvan. Beawmaris was a strong Fortress if it had been manned and victualled. Carnarvan is a fair Town, and a strong Castle, but these were unprovided of all things, so that for five or six nights he lay very hard and base, and for victuals, there was none, wherefore he returned again to Conwey, where he sore lamented his estate. The Dukes of Excester and Surrey entering the City of Chester, which Duke Henry had taken, were brought straight to the Castle to the Duke, who was glad to see them, and forthwith asked the Duke of Excester what news, who told him from point to point, what shame and dishonour it would be to him, if he dealt so unjustly towards his Prince, and that through him he were deposed: he therefore demanded answer with speed: but the Duke of Lancaster was as slow to dispatch him, and told him he should not go for one week, and that the King was not well advised to send him and his fellow, being men of such calling, sith he had other enough of meaner estate to do the message: so they remained to their great discomfort. The Duke of Excester, Duke Henry still kept in his company, but the Duke of Surrey was committed to safekéeping within the Castle of Chester. There is a Castle six miles from Chester, called Beston Castle, builded on a Rock, very strong by situation, therein were an hundred men of arms, chosen and able men, but not diligent, for they delivered it to the Duke, where they might well enough have kept it, the ascending is so steep: it was victualled for six years. There was found within it Coin better than an hundred thousand Marks, beside other Jewels, which King Richard caused to be kept, to the value of two hundred thousand Marks, all which Duke Henry took with him, and returned to Chester, and there taking counsel of his friends what was best to be done, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, that sith the King was in Wales, which was a Country strong, by reason of the Mountains, so that it was impossible for an Army to pass with bag and baggage, he thought it best to send unto King Richard, and to make him believe that he sought nothing but peace, and a parliament to be made, wherein, those that had offended in putting to death his Uncle the Duke of Gloucester, should be punished, and so from thenceforth the King and the Duke to be good friends, and that it should be at the King's pleasure to appoint the day and place for this Parliament, for without this shift, it should be unpossible for the Duke to get him into his hands, for he might depart by Sea when he would, having retained at Conwey Ships for that purpose. All the other Lords assenting to this counsel, the Duke appointed the Earl of Northumberland to go to the King with four hundred Lances, and a thousand Archers, which Earl, when he came to Flint castle, had it delivered to his hands: from thence he hasted to Rudland, which was also given over to him: then laying under a rock two great embushments of his people, with commandment to keep that passage, he went with five other in his company by the Sea coast, till he came before the Town, and then he sent an Herald to the King for a safeconduct, to come to his presence, to declare his message from the Duke about an agreement, which safeconduct being granted, he passed the water, and entered the Castle of Conwey, where he found the King, and the Earl of Salisbury. he declared to them that peace would be made if he would be a good Judge and a true, and cause those that should be named, to be tried by justice at a certain day of Parliament at Westminster, which he and the Duke should hold together, and that the Duke might keep his place of high Judge as his father and other ancestors before him had done, for the space of one hundred years. Those that he would have to be tried by the Law, were the Duke of Excester, the Duke of Surrey, the Earl of Salisbury, the Bishop of Carelile, and Thomas Mark, which five, had given the King counsel to put his Uncle th● Duke of Gloucester to death, and then if it should please him to pardon the Duke his wrath, he would be ready to come to him on his knees to ask him mercy, and so they might go to London together, or the one one way, and the other another. The Earl offered to swear that all this should be performed, and that the Duke had assured him by oath to stand to it. The King liking that it should be at his liberty to go either in company with the Duke, or alone unto London, purposed to take the offer, and so to pretend some excuse for his going alone, after he should meet with the Duke, as lack of victuals, or such like, and so to take a byway through Wales, and there to raise a power, he accorded to go to the Duke, and then (Mass being celebrated) the Earl of Northumberlande swore upon the host, that the Duke should hold all that he had told the king. The Earl hasted the king forward to horseback, but the King prayed the Earl to go before unto Rutland, there to prepare dinner. The earl road a pace till he came where he might see his people under the mountain, whom he much commended for observing his commandment. The King passing the water road a four miles before he came to the Rock, where when he saw the ambushes was K. R. betraye●. sore abashed, knowing well he was betrayed by the Earl, for he was in such a place as he could not escape. The Sea beating on the one side, and the Rock keeping him in on the other, and if he should have fled back, they would have caught him, or he could have come to Conway, for he had not passed three and twenty in all of his company. The K. dissending the Rock, the Earl came and kneeling down excused the matter, saying▪ he had caused those people to come to guard his person, but the king told him, fewer would have served, and that it was contrary to his oath, for he had promised to have but six in his company, and said therefore that he would go back to Conway, but the Earl answered, that now sith he had him, he would lead him to the Duke as he had promised ten days since, and so he caused Bread and Wine to be brought and offered the king who durst not refuse it, and after leaping on horseback again they road to Rutland to dinner, and after to Flint, where they lay that night. The Morrow being the two and twenty day of August, the King got him to the Castle Walls, where he beheld the D. with all his host of an hundred thousand men coming by the sands. there came before that were departed from the army, the Archbishop of Canterbury, sir Thomas Percy and the Earl of Rutland from whom the Duke had taken the office of Constable, more for a colour, than for displeasure, for they bore the Duke's order, and not the Heart, which was the kings, the Archbishop entered first, and after the other with a great train, they went up to the dungeon, and then the King came down from the walls, unto whom they did reverence lowly on their knees, the King took them up, and drew the Archbishop apart, and they two talked long together, but the Earl of Rutland kept him aloof. They took horse again, and road towards the Duke that now approached near. The King went up again to the walls, lamenting sore when he saw the Duke's host within two bow shoots of the Castle, who compassed it round about down to the sea. The Earl of Northumberland went forth to the Duke, who after long talk, concluded that the duke should not enter the castle before the King had dined, for he was fasting: so the Earl returned, and the King was set to dinner, with whom sat his assured friends the Earl of Salisbury, and the Bishop of Carlisle, sir Steven Scrope, and Feribe, they sat long and eat little, for they had no haste to rise. After dinner the Duke entered the castle all armed, his Basenet excepted. King Richard came down to meet the Duke, who as soon as he saw the King, fell down on his knees, and coming near unto him, he kneeled the second time with his hat in his hand, and the king than put off his hood, and spoke first, fair cousin of Lancaster ye are right welcome. The Duke bowing low to the ground answered, my Lord, I am come before you sent for me, the reason why I will show you. The common fame among your people is such, that ye have for the space of twenty or two and twenty years, ruled them very rigorously, but if it please our Lord I will help you to govern better. The King answered, fair cousin of Lancaster, sith it pleaseth you, it pleaseth me well. The Duke spoke as ye have heard to the king, he spoke also to the Bishop of Carlisle, to sir Stephen Scrope, and to Feribe, but to the Earl of Salisbury he spoke not, whereby the Earl perceived that the Duke hated him deadly. The duke with an high sharp voice, bade bring forth the King's horses, and then two little nags not worth forty franks, were brought forth, the King was set on the one, and the Earl of Salisbury on the other: and thus the Duke brought the King from Flint to Chester, where he was delivered to the Duke of Glocesters' son, and to the Earl of Arundales son that loved him but a little, for he had put their fathers to death, who led him straight to the castle. The third day they went to Nantwich, and the next day to new Castle, and there the Earl of Warwick's son met them, and so journeying forth, the next day they came to Stafford, & after they departed to Lichfield, where the K. thought to have escaped, slypping down into a Gardaine out of a Window of a great Tower, but he was espied and thrust into the Tower again: from Liechfielde the Duke went to Coventrie, but before they could come thither the Welshmen did them much harm and slew many of them, and the Englishmen, when they by great chance could take any of the Welshmen, they tied them to their horse tails, and drew them after them, through ways full of stones, & caused them to die miserably. The Duke passed from Coventrie to Deintrie, the next day to Northampton, from thence to Dunstable, & then to Saint Albon, and a five or six miles before his coming to London, the Mayor and the Companies in their liveries, with great noise of Trumpets met the Duke, doing more reverence to him than to the King, rejoicing that God had sent them such a Prince, that had conquered the Realm within one months space. When the Duke came within two miles of the City, the duke caused the host to stay, and then said to the commons of the City. My masters behold here your King, consider what ye will do with him. They answered they would he should be led to Westminster, whereupon he was delivered unto them, and they led him to Westminster, and from thence by water to the Tower of London. The D. entered into London by the chief gate; & road through Cheap to saint Paul's, where he was after lodged in the Bishop's Palace five or six days, and after at Saint john's, without Smithfield, where he remained. xv. days, from thence he removed to Hertforde, where he abonde three weeks, and then came back to London, to hold the Parliament, that began the first Wednesday of October in Westminster Hall, which they had hung and trimmed sumptuously, and had caused to be set up a royal chair, in purpose to choose a new king, near to the which the Prelates were set, and on the other side sat the Lords, and after the commons in order, first sat the Duke of Lancaster, than the Duke of York, the Duke of Aumerle, the Duke of Surrey, the Duke of Excester, and a Marquis, then in order the Earls of Arundale, Norfolk, March, Stafford, Penbroke, Salisbury and Devonshire, the Earls of Northumberlande and Westmerlande sat not, but went up and down, and oftentimes kneeled as it fell in doing their offices. The Archbishop of Canterbury made a Sermon and took for his Theme▪ Habuit jacob benedictionem a prens suo, which sermon being ended in latin, a Doctor of the law, stood up and red an instrument, in the which was contained, that K. Richard had by his own confession disabled himself to be worthy to reign, and that he would resign the crown to such a one as was sufficient to rule, this instrument being red, the Archbishop persuaded them to proceed to the election of a new K. & perceiving they were all contented, for there were not passed four persons that were of king Richard's part (& they durst say nothing (he asked each of them whom they would have to their King, whether the Duke of York or not? and they answered no, he asked if they would have his eldest son the D. of Aumarle, and they said no? he asked if they would have his youngest son, and they said no? and so of diverse other, than staying a while, he asked if they would have the D. of Lancaster, and then they answered they would have none other. This Diamounde, being made thrice, they drew certain instruments and charters, and read them in presence of all that were there. Then the Archbishops coming to the Duke, fell on their knees declaring to him how he was chosen King, and willed him to take regard if he would consent thereto. them the D. being on his knees rose & declared th● he accepted the realm, sith it was ordained by God. Then the Archbishop red what that new K. was bound unto, & with certain ceremonies signed him with the cross, them he kissed the Achbishop, and they took the ring, with which the Kings be wedded to the realm, and bore it to the Lord Percy, that was Constable, who receiving it, showed it to all the assembly, and then put it on the king's finger, the King then kissed the Constable, and then the Archbishops led him to the 〈◊〉 Royal, and th● K. made his prayers on his knees before it, and after spoke unto them all, first to the Prelates & then to the Lords & all other, & so set him down in the seat, & thus he was invested, and K. Richard put down, he sat a good while & kept silence and so did all the rest for they were in prayer for his prosperity in his government, & when they had ended, where the offices were void, the K. created the Lord Percy Constable, and took him the staff. Then was chosen Ralph Earl of Westmoreland Marshal, john Skirley chancellor, sir Richard Clifforde keeper of the privy seal, & many other officers were newly confirmed. After this the Arcbishoppe spoke certain things in latin, praying for th● King's prosperity and the realms, and after spoke in English, exhorting all other there present to pray the like, and then every man sat down. Then the king rose & made his eldest son Prince of Wales, than the Lords were sworn to be true to the Prince, as before they had done to his Father: his second son was there made Duke of Lancaster. Thus was king Richard deposed when he had reigned two and twenty years, three months, and odd days. ¶ Henry of Bolengbroke HEnrie the fourth, son to john of G●unte Duke Anno reg. 1. of Lancaster, was ordained king of England, more by force than by lawful succession or election: he began his reign the 29. of September, in the year of our Lord God 1399. And was crowned at Westminster the xiij. of October, by Thomas Arundale Archbishop of Canterbury. The Dukes of York, Surrey, Aumarle, and the Earl of Gloucester bore the Canopy over him, sir Thomas Dimmocke was champion, and road three times about the Hall. This was a noble & valiant Prince, and after the Civil wars were appeased, showed himself loving to his subjects. He made Henry his son Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, earl of Chester, and heir apparent to the crown. William Waldren: William Hyde, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas Knowles Grocer, the. 28. of October. After the solemnity of the coronation, the Lords & commons straight proceeded to the Parliament. In which it was inquired out of the death of the Duke of Gloucester, & how he had been murdered at Caleis by the Duke of Norsfolke, upon th● King's commandment. King Hent●e created his eldest s●●ne Prince of Wales Duke of 〈…〉 and Earl of Chester, duke of Aquitaine. In this Parliament it was ordained that the statutes made in the Parliament holden in the, 21. year of king Richard at Westminster, and after prorogued unto Shrewesburie, with all the circumstances to be annulled, revoked, made void, and utterly blotted out. Also that the Parliament held at Westminster, in the xj. year of K. Richard be holden firm and stable. Also that the Lords & other people which were judged forth in the Parliament holden the 21. year of King Richard, & their heirs that be dead, should be wholly restored to their possessions without any ●uing liuèrie thereof to be made, excepted that the Lords and other shall have nothing of the issues received in the mean time. The ●. gave to the E. of Northumberland the isle of Man, to be held of the K. by service, to bear the sword with which he entered into England. And to the ●. of Westmoreland he gave the County of Richmond Also Judgement was given against the Appellauntes of the Duke of Gloucester in this manner: The Lords in this present Parliament by she King's assent, judge that the Dukes of A●●erle Surrey, and Excester now present and were appellantes, shall lo●e thryr names of Dukes, and honours from henceforth, together with the dignities of Dukes, & that the Marquis Dorset, that is present, lose his name of Macques, & the E. of Gloucester which is present, lose his name for him and his heirs, as the above named persons do theirs, & that al● the castles, possessions or manor's which they had of them that belonged to those whom they appelled from the day of th● arrest of the D. of Gloucester, & the other Lords, or after at any time, simply, & without favour or mercy, they shall lose them: & that all other castles, possessions, manors, Lordships, & liberties; which they held of the King's gift, that day or after sh●ld rest in the king grace from the h●●re, and that all letters patents and Charters, which they or any of them, had of th● said names, Castles, Dominions, possessions and liberties should be surrendered up, into the Chancery there to be canceled, and that they stand in state which they had in name and possession before the said day ●f the said arrest. The King to show to all men in all Countries about by what right and title he had taken upon him the crown and realm, sent Ambassadors to Rome, john Trenevant Bishop of Hereforde, john Cheyne Knight, and john Cheyne Esquire. Into France he sent Walter Tricklowe Bishop of Durham, Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, and William Heron. Into Spain john Trenor Bishop of Saint David's, and fir William P●t Knight: Into Almain the Bishop of Bangor with other. The Scots in time of the Parliament taking occasion by the absence of the Northern Lords, and because the same time the North parts were sore oppressed by a great Pestilence, entered as enemies into those parts, and took the Costell of Work, and kept the same a certain time, but at length spoiled and ●●terly ruinated it, and many other mischients they did in the Country. Thomas Manbery duke of Norfolk which was exiled, died at Venide, in his return from jerusalem. Also the Duchess of Gloucester died, and her son & heir● Humphrey died of the pestitence when he was sent for forth of Ireland. The King held his feast of Christmas in his castle of Windsor, where john Holland late Duke of Excester & Erie of Huntingdon, Thomas Holland late Duke of Surrey & Earl of Kente, Edward late Duke of Aumerle, and Earl of Rutland son to the Duke of York, john Montacute Eri● i● Sabsburie, Thomas Spencer, sir Ralph Lumley, sir Thomas Blunt, sir Benedict Cely Knights, with other that favours King Richard, conspired against King Henry, and appointed privily to murder him, under the colour of jousting and other pastimes pretended. And the time approaching of their purpose, they sent messengers to London with letters to the Duke of Aumerle, that he should not fail to come at the day appointed with his company, to help to do the feat whereunto he was sworn: but his mind being altered, he bore the letters straight to his Father the Duke of York, who caused a number of his men forthwith to carry his son to the King, where he showing his letters, the King would not believe them: but the same morning came the Mayor of London to the Court, and informed him of the matter, whereupon the King made no tarriance, but got him forth toward London, in company of the Mayor and other. But before the King could get London on his back, his enemies were come to Windesore, and entered the Castle with an armed band of. 400. men, on the fourth of Januarie at night, where understanding that the King was escaped their hands, being sore amazed, they withdrew from Windesore, unto Sunning, a certain manor near to Reading, where the Queen wife to King Richard then lay, where they persuaded her household, that King Richard was escaped out of Romfrete ●astel, and they would go to him: from thence they went to Walling ford, and after to Abingdon, moving the people to take arms upon them, and to go meet their King Richard. After this they came to Farindon, in the vale of White Horse in Berkshire, and the same day to Circester, on the xij. day late in the eneni●g, and there harboured, with a great number of men of ar●es and many Archers: there they bruited that K. Richard was escaped forth of prison, and that he was there with them, and to make their words ton have the more credit, they had got a Chaplain of King Richard's called Madeleine, so like to him in all proportion and favour, that one could uneath be discerned from the other: many times (saith mine author) I have seen him in Ireland ride with the King his Master, so fair a Priest and goodly a person, he had not lightly seen. They put him in armour with a Crown on his Helmet, so as all men might take him for King Richard. On the morrow being Wednesday, the people of that town misliking of their proceedings, fought against them, and at length took the chiefest of them and led them to the Abbay there, and put them in a fair chamber, under safe custody. And on the Thursday the said Lords fearing the people, imagined how to escape out of their hands, and caused some of their servants to set fire on certain houses in the Town, thinking that thereupon the people would depart from them, and seek to staunch the fire: but it chanced contrary, for the people turned into a marvelous rage against them, ran upon them with great violence, and drew them into the market place, and there they beheaded the Duke of Excester, the Duke of Surrey, and the Earl of Salisbury, the third day after the Epiphanie● their servants that were with them were by and by taken, and as prisoners bound and brought to Oxford, and on Monday following were beheaded in the Castle there, to the number of xxuj persons. Also sir Thomas Blount Knight, was beheaded with them. The week next following, was beheaded Thomas Spencer Earl of Gloucester at Bristol: and about the same time was beheaded john Holland Earl of Huntingdon brother to King Richard on the mother's side, at Plashy in Essex: not long after was sir barnard B●ocas beheaded at London, and a Priest named john Maudelen, that was like King Richard, and another Priest called William Feribe. The Bishop of Carlisle was impeached and condemned of conspiracy, but was pardoned. The sixth day of February King Henry caused the blank Charters, made to king Richard, to be brent, at the standert in Cheap of London. King Richard was imprisoned in Pomfrait castle, where xv. days and nights they vexed him with continual hunger, thirst and cold, and finally bereft his life, with such a kind of death as never before▪ that time was known in England. He died the xiv. day of February, whose body was brought to the tower of London, and so through the City to Paul's Church bore faced, where he stood three days for all beholders, and had service, where king Henry was present. From thence he was carried to Langley, and there buried in the church of the friars Preachers. Upon his death the famous and excellent Poet john Gower, wrote certain verses, which may be englished thus. O Mirror for the world meet, which shouldst in Gold be bet, By which all wise men, by foresight, their prudent wits may whet. Lo, God doth hate such rulers, as here viciously do live: And none ought rule, that by their life, do ill example give. And this King Richard witnesseth well, his end this plain doth show, For God allotted him such end, and sent him so great woe, As such a life deserved: as by the Chronicles thou mayst know. The King with a great army went into scotland, spoiled 1400 the Country and returned to York, where two Knights, the one a Frenchman, the other an Italian, challenged to fight within lists against sir john Cornwall, and james of Artois, which two strangers were overcome in battle, and Challenge of combat at York sir john Cornewal obtaining the King's favour, married the king's sister, that had been wife to sir john Holland Earl of Huntingdon. The Welshmen taking occasion by the King's absence The Welshmen rebel. when he was in scotland began to rebel, by the setting on of Owen Glendoverdew son to Griffyth Vichan an esquire of Wales, & so called Glendour, because his dwelling was in a place called Glendordwy, for Glyn in Welch is a vale, and Dor is water, because the place was in a dale, at the side of the water or River of Dew in the Parish of Corwrn, in the County of Mer●●neth in North-wales. He served King Richard, at the time of his oppression by Henry Duke of Lancaster, at Flint castle. The first cause of this stir was about a piece of land in controversy betwixt him and the Lord Reignolde Grey of Ruthive, for when he saw his cause not favoured, first he began to spoil the lands of the said Lord Gray, whereof the king being certified, went with an army into Wales: but the Welshmen fled to the mountains, the King brent the Country, slew the people with whom he met, and returned with a great pray of Cat-tail. john Wakel: William Ebot, the, 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 2. Geffrey Chawcer chief Poet of Britain. Sir john Francis Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. Geffrey Chawcer, the most excellent Poet of England, deceased the xxv. of October, who was buried at Westminster, where of late at the charges of one master Bridgeham, is made over him a fair monument, on the Southside of the Choir: his works for the most part are published in print by sir john Thin Knight, and somewhat increased by my travel in the last impression. Not long after deceased the like famous Poet, john Gower, john Gower a most excellent Poet of England who lieth buried in saint Marie Oueries Church in Southwark. He new builded a great part of that Church, and compiled three famous books. The first in Latin, Vox Clamantis. The second in French Speculum Meditantis: The third in English Confessio Amantis, which last book is in Print, the other hard to come by: of the first I have seen three very fair copies, but of the second I never saw any one. The Emperor of Constantinople, came into England, to requyrs' aid against the Turks, whom the King with sumptuous preparation met at Black Heath, upon Saint Thomas day the Apostle, and brought him to London, and paying for the charges of his lodging, presented him with gifts worthy for one of so high degree. Soon after came news, that the King of Leto had ●lain in battle Bassacke the son of the noble Balthazardan, ● destroyed jerusalem, and all the Country round about. And because he had by God's grace so overcome contrary to his opinion, he became christened and 60000. men of his sect. The Emperor of Constantinople, hearing this, was very 1401 The Emperor returned. glad, and departed out of England, being honoured by the King with precious gifts. The five and twentieth day of July, Isabel late wife to K. Isabel late wife to K. R. returned into France. Richard, not yet twelve years of age, departed from Dover towards Caleis, and so into France to her Father. Owen Glendoverdew with his Welshmen did much harm to the Englishmen and returned. There was found in the King's bed clothes, an iron K. H. escapeth ● great danger. with three sharp pikes, slender and round standing upright, laid there by some Traitor, that when the King should have laid him down, he might have thrust himself upon them. This time was used exceeding pride in garments, gowns with deep and broad sleeves, commonly called poke sleeves, the servants ware them as well as their Tho. Walls. Additions to polic. masters which might well have been called receptacles of the Devil, for what they stole, they hid in their sleeves, whereof some hung down to the feet, and at least to the knees, full of cuts and jags, whereupon were made these Anno reg 3. verses. Now hath this land little need of Brome's, To sweep away the filth out of the street: Th●. Hoc●li●●. Sen side sleeves of penniless grooms, will it up lick be it dry or weet. O England stand upright on thy feet, so foul a waste in so simple a degree Banish, or it shall ●ore repent thee. William Venor: john Framingham, the. 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Chadworth Mercer, the. 28. of October. The Conduit upon Cornhill in London was made, which before time had been a prison, called the Tun in Cornhill▪ whereunto, nightwalkers that were taken in suspicion of felony, or other trespasses, were committed. In the month of March appeared a blazing star, first betwixt the East and the North, and last of all putting fiery beams towards the North, foreshowing peradventure the effusion of blood, about the parts of Wales and Northumberlande. Owen Glendoverdew with his Welshmen, wasted th● lands 1402 of the Lord Reignalde Gray, took him prisoner, and slew many of his people. Certain men affirmed King Richard to be alive, and Conspiracy against K. Henry that he should shortly show himself openly, & reward them th● were faithful unto him. But after a certain priest was taken at Warwick, who had written the names of many, which were the authors of these troubles, both the hope and fear of this conspiracy vanished. The Priest was drawn hanged and quartered. Also Walter Waldocke late Prior of Land a Priory in Leicestershire, because he confessed he knew evil against the king and did conceal it, was likewise hanged and headed. Moreover certain grey Friars were taken, of the which one Richard Friseby, doctor of Divinity, being A stout Friar executed. asked what he would do if K. Richard were present, answered, that he would fight in his quarrel against any man, even to the death, wherefore he was condemned, drawn, and hanged in his religious habit and weed. At Daneburie in Essex, upon Corpus Christi day, the Devil appeared in likeness of a Grey Friar, who entering the Church, raged insolently, to the great fear of the Parishioners: and the same hour with a tempest of whyrlewinde and thunder, the top of the Steeple was broken down, and half the Chancel scattered abroad. Shortly after, sir Roger Claringdon Knight, a bastard son to Edward the black Prince, and with him a Squire and a yeomanne were beheaded, and eight gray Friars hanged and beheaded at London, and two at Leicester, all which had published King Richard to be alive. Owen Glendoverdew, with a company of Welshmen invaded all the shires that bordered near unto him, wherefore sir Edmund Mortimer with many Knights and esquires went out to encounter with Owen, stronger than he was of the Country: but when it came to martial affairs, their own Archers turned their hands against them, whom they should have defended. There were slain above eleven hundred of our men. Sir Edmund Mortimer was taken, and the Welchwomen, when the battle was done, using the dead carcases to shamefully to be spoken, would not suffer them to be buried without great ransom. The King went with a great power into Wales, to pursue Owen Glendoverdew, where he profited nothing, but lost much, for the Welshmen conveyed themselves into unknown places: wherefore the King constrained by necessity, returned into England, after he had spoiled & brent the Country. The same time the Scots cruelly entered into England, for they supposed all the Lords beyond Humber to be occupied in the parties of Wales, but the Earls of Northumberlande, Henry Percy, and his son Henry with the Earl of Dunbarre, (that a good while agone having forsaken the Scots, had sworn to be true to the King of England) with a number of armed men & plenty of archers, suddenly came to resist the Scots as they would have returned home, after they had spoiled and brent the Country, but now upon a sudden their way was forelayde, so that they must needs abide and take a place to fight upon: they chose therefore a mountain near to the Town of Wollor, called Halydowe Hill, in the which they place themselves with their armed men and Archers, which when our men beheld, leaving the way in which they stood against the Scots, they clynie the hill that stood over against the Scots, and without delay of time, our Archers placed in the valley, set their arrows against the Scots battle, that they might by some means force them to come down: on the other side, the Scottish Archers let fly at our men, who yet after they felt the grievous weight, and as it had been a shower or tempest of the arrows shot by the Englishmen, they fled. The Earl Dowglas perceiving his men so to flee, for he was their general leader, took his Spear, and manfully with a multitude came down the Hill, trusting doubtless in his armour and the armour of his complices that had been three years in making, and forced himself to run upon the Archers, which when the Archers saw, they stepped back, and shot so fiercely, that they pierced the armed men's bodies, stroke through their Helmets, rived their Spears, and rent their armour with light ado. Earl Dowglas himself was wounded in five places, the residue of the Scots that were not come beside the Hill, turning back from the arrows that flew, fled away, but their flight nothing availed them whilst the Archers followed them, but that they were compelled to yield themselves. Earl Dowglas also was taken, and many drowned in the River of Tweed, whilst they knew not the Fourdes, to the number of five hundred (as was said.) In this battle no Lord, no Knight, nor Squire, gave any stroke to the enemies, but only God gave the victory to the English Archers, the Lords and armed men being only lookers on. That day the flower of the Scottish Chi●alrye was taken, to wit, the Earl Dowglas, Murdake the eldest son of the Duke of Albany, that was heir apparent to the Realm of scotland: The Earls of Murrey, Angus, and Orkeney, the Lords of Mountgomorie, Erskin, and Gram, with many other Knights▪ to the number of fourscore, besides Esquires & Yeomen, whose number was not known. There were slain of Barons, the Lord Gordon, the Lord john of Swinton that was false to both the Realms etc. This battle was fought on the fourteenth of September. Richard Marlowe: Robert Chicheley, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 4. Sir john Walcot Draper, the 28. of October. Edmond Mortimere which before was taken by Owen Glendouer dew, now professed to take Owen's part against King Henry, and did contract marriage with the daughter of the said Owen. In a Parliament at London which began the morrow after Michaelmas day, and lasted seven weeks, there was granted to the King a tenth and a half of the Clergy, a tenth of the borough towns, and a fifteenth of the commons through the Realm. The messengers that had been sent for joane, late wife to john of Mountfort Duke of Briteyne, returned with her into England, and landed at Falmouth in Cornwall. The King met with her at Winchester the seventh of February, where they were married in the Church of Saint Swithen. The six and twentieth of February she was Crowned at Westminster. In the Summer following, by the Towns of bedford 1403 and of Broklesward, Monsters were seen oft-times mornings and evenings to come out of the woods, under divers colours, in the likeness and similitude of men of war, which met one with another, and seemed to fight cruel battles, which although they that were a far off might see, yet they that were near hand could not see nor find, which thing deceived▪ many that coveted to approach & come near. Henry Percy▪ the younger, did suddenly show himself to be the King's enemy, unto whom joined Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, Uncle to the said Henry: and to make their conspiracy excusable, they did write unto the Shires Battle at Shrewsbury. about, that they pretended nothing against the allegiance nor fidelity which they ought to the King, neither to gather to any other end an army, but only for the saving of their persons, and for the better government of the common wealth, because the payments and tasks granted to the King for the safe custody of the Realm, were put to such v●es as they ought not to be, and were unprofitably consumed and wasted. Moreover they complained, that because of the evil slanders which their enemies had made of them, they durst not personally appear in the King's presence, until the Prelates & Barons had entreated for them, that they might be permitted to purge themselves before the King, and be lawfully judged by their peers, so that many that saw these letters, did praise their diligence, & extol their fidelity towards the common wealth. But the King being disquieted with these doings, that he might appease the commonalty, he wrote to them, that he marveled much, that seeing the Earl of Northumberland, & Henry his son had received the most part of the payments & sums granted to him by the Clergy & commonalty, for th● defence of the Marches of Scotland, what occasion they had to make such manifest slanders etc. but the young Henry Percy putting his confidence in the aid of Owen Glendoverdew, and Edmond Mortimer Earl of March, with the Welshmen, and men of Cheshire, published that King Richard was alive, and was with them, whom if any man would see, they should without delay come in armour to th● castle of Leycester which declaration made divers variable motions in the hearts of many, & caused them to waver. King Henry considering all things wisely, gathered together as many as he could, and came suddenly into the parties where the Rebels kept their rage, and when Henry saw upon a sudden the King's banner, and was even ready to have scaled th● town of Shrewsburie he streightways Shrewsbury besieged. desisted from the assault of the town, and said to his men, we must now néedés turn our weapons upon them that come against us: ye see the Kings Standert: neither can we, though we would, seek any startinghole, stand to it manfully therefore, for this day shall either bring us all to promotion and honour, if we overcome, or else if we be overcome, it shall deliver us from the King's malice: for it is a more comely thing to die in battle for the common wealth, than after battle to die by the sentence of condemnation by the enemy: & with that, 14000. of the best men that were with Henry, made vow & promise to stand by him so long as breath would serve, & they took the field that was commodious for them, and the King & his men lay in the field right against them. The bowmen of Henry Percy began the battle, whose arrows fell not upon the ground, but upon the bodies of the King's soldiers, and the King's archers shot as fiercely against their enemies, so that on both sides many were slain, and many thousands fled, thinking the King had been slain: but the Earl of Dunbar withdrew the King from the place that he stood in, which was a good turn for him, for the foresaid Henry Percy, & Earl Dowglas the Scot (than whom was never man more stout) raged so, that the Kings Standert Tho. Wal● was overthrown, and those about it slain, among whom was slain Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Sir Walter Blunt the King's Standertbearer, Sir Nicholas Langford, Sir john Clifton, and the two brethren Genetels, with many other Knights & Gentlemen, and of the commons on both sides about 5000. slain. Henry the Prince was wounded in th● face Titus' 〈…〉. with an arrow. In the mean season Hen. Percy, whilst he went before his men in the battle, pressing upon his enemies, was suddenly slain, which being known, the King's enemies fled, but the Earl Dowglas was taken, and also Tho. Percy Earl of Worcester, with Sir Richard Vernon, and the Baron of Kinderton, and many other were taken. This battle was fought on Mary Magdalen even, near unto Shrewsburie, in a place called Old field, alias Bull field. On the Monday following, were condemned & beheaded at Shrewsburie th● Earl of Worcester, the Baron of Kindarton, and Sir Ri. Vernon. The body of Hen. Percy was delivered to the L. of Furnivale to be buried, but the King caused the same body to be taken by, and to be reposed between two Millstones in the Town of Shrewsburie, there to be kept with armed men, and afterward to be headed and quartered, commanding his head and quarters to be carried unto divers Cities of the Kingdom. The Earl of Northumberland with a strong power was coming towards his (as men thought) or at the least towards the King, but the Earl of Westmoreland, and Robert Warerton had gathered a great army, and had entered to meet him suddenly, but he taking none of them both to be his friends, returned unto the Castle of Werworth. When all things were set in a stay at Shrewsburie, the King went towards York, where, when he was settled, he sent to the Earl of Northumberland, commanding him to dismiss his company, and to come to him, and the Earl at the King's commandment came to him on the morrow after Saint Laurence day, but the King received him not friendly, but as one that sued for pardon, and pardoning him of his life, committed him to safe custody. The Britons Amorikes, the Lord of Cassels being their leader, Plymouth spoiled by the Britons. Anno reg. 5. invaded the Town of Plymouth, spoiled and brent it, and went their way free, but immediately the Western Navy, under the conduct of William Wilford Esquire, in the coast of Briton, took forty Ships laden with Iron, Oil, Soap, and Wine of Rochel, to the number of a thousand Ton, and in returning back again, he brent forty Ships, and at Penarch the said William arrived with his men, and burned Towns and Lordships the space of six leagues, and set the Town of Saint Matthew on fire, and their mills about the said Town. Thomas Falconer: Thomas Poole, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Frenchmen invade the Isle of Wight. Sir William Askham Fishmonger, the 28. of October. A little before Christmas, the Frenchmen came into the Isle of Wight, boasting that they would keep their Christmas there, and when a thousand of the Frenchmen were entered into the Island, and driving flocks of cattle toward the Sea, suddenly there came upon them a company of the Island men, that forced them to leave their prey behind them, and to get them gone (with shame enough) to their Ships, with no small loss of their men. In a Parliament holden at London after the Octaves of the Epiphany, the Earl of Northumberland was restored to his former estate and dignity. And in this Parliament was granted unto the King an unaccustomed task, very heavy and painful for the inhabitants, the manner of which task the grannters thereof would have to be kept secret for evermore: and under that condition only it was granted, that it should not be any example to them that should come after, and that there should remain no record thereof, but the same forthwith to be brent. The Frenchmen about that time came before the isle of 1404 Frenchmen come to the isle of Wight. Wight with a great▪ Navy, and sent certain of their men to demand in the name of King Richard, and of Queen Isabella, a tribute or subsidy of the inhabitants: who answered, that King Richard was dead, and the Queen, sometime his wife, was sent home to her parents, without condition of any tribute: but if the Frenchmens mind were to fight, they willed them to come up, and no man should let them for the space of six hours to refresh themselves, but when that time were expired, they should have battle given to them, which when the Frenchmen heard, they went away, and did nothing. The Lord of Cassels in Briteine, arrived at Black pool, two Dertmouth invaded by the French. mile out of Dertmouth with a great Navy, where of the rustical people, whom he ever despised, he was slain. There were taken that day three Lords, & twenty Knights of name, and the uplandish people presenting their captives to the King, returned with their purses full of gold. In the month of April, the Clergy granted unto the king a tenth. All the summer following, Owen Glendoverdewe Owen Glendoverdewe. and his Welshmen, rob, burn, and destroy the countries adjoining unto them: he took many captives, and slew many Englishmen: he laid flat certain Castles that he had taken, and some he kept for his own defence. The Flemings and Briteines took certain Ships of ours laden with Merchandizes, and slew or hanged all the mariners. The old Countess of Oxford, (mother to Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland, who as we said before died at Louvain) did cause such as were familiar with her, to brute throughout all the parts of Estsex, that King Richard was alive, and that he should shortly come and challenge his old estate and dignity. She caused many Hearts of Silver, and some of Gold, to be made for badges, such as King Richard was wont to bestow on his Knights, Esquires, & friends, that distributing them in the King's name, she might the sooner allure the Knights, and other valiant men of the Country, to be at her will and desire. Also, the fame and brute which daily was blazed abroad by one William Serle, sometimes of King Richard's Chamber, that the same King Richard was in Scotland, and tarried with a power of French and Scottishmen, caused many to believe that he was alive. This William Serle had forged a privy▪ Seal in the said King Richard's name, and had sent divers comfortable letters unto such as were familiar with King Richard, by which means, many gave the greater credit to the Countess, in so much, that some religious▪ Abbots of that Country did give credit unto her tales, who afterward were taken of the King's commandment, and imprisoned, because they did believe and give credit to the Countess in this behalf, and the Countess had all her goods confiscate, & was committed to close prison: and William Serle was drawn from Pomfret, through the chiefest Cities of England, & put to death at London. About the feast of S. john Baptist, at the King's commandment, the Earl of Northumberland came to Pomfret, & brought with him his Nephews, & nephews sons, by which doing he mitigated the minds of many, which thought that he had given the young men counsel to rebel. There came also with him William Clifford Knight, who brought with him that William Serle K. Richard's chamberlain, whom we spoke of before, who by a wile he had caught Anno reg. 6. and apprehended, by which doing, the King held him excused, and pardoned him, for that he had kept the Castle of Berwick against the Kings will and pleasure. William Louth: Stephen Spilman, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Hind Draper, the 28. of October. About the feast of Saint Faith, the King called a Parliament at Coventry, and sent process to the Sheriffs that they should choose no Knights nor burgesses that had any knowledge in the laws of the Realm, by reason whereof, it was called the Lay man's Parliament. These piked out Knights Lay man's Parliament. and Burgesses, could devise none other way to relieve the King's lack of money, but to deprive the Clergy of their temporal lands and goods: but Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury made answer, that the Clergy did always give the King as much as the Lay people did, considering that they did of●●er give the King tenths, than the laity gave fifteens: and moreover, that more of their Tenants did serve the King in his wars, than of the Tenants of the lay fee: and besides this, they prayed for the prosperity of the King, and of all them that faithfully served him. And when the speaker of the Parliament said with a loud voice, that he little regarded the prayers of the Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury answered: then (quoth he) I know to what end the fortune of the Realm will come, when the suffrages of the Church are not set by, wherewith the Godhead is wont to be appeased: surely that Kingdom never continueth stable th● is void of prayer & devotion: notwithstanding, think not that thou shalt without punishment take away the possessions of the Church, for if the Archbishop of Canterbury live, thou shalt have evil taking of any thing that is his. Then the Archbishop rose up, and kneeled down before the King, desiring him to consider how graciously, and by God's favour he had attained to the Kingdom▪ that he would consider his first promise, which was, that he would preserve unto every man their right and title so far as lay in him. He also willed him to remember the oath which he voluntarily made, which was, that he would honour and defend the Church, and Ministers thereof, wherefore he desired him to permit and suffer the Church to enjoy the privileges and liberties which in time of his predecessors it did enjoy, and to fear that King, by whom all Kings do reign. When the Archbishop had said these and like words, the King commanded him to go to his seat again, and said, that his intent and purpose was to leave the Church in as good state or better than he found it. And then the Archbishop speaking to the Knights and burgesses, said: you, and such like as you be, have given such counsel unto our King, and to his predecessors▪ to confiscate the goods of the In Edward the thirds time. Cells which the Frenchmen and Normans did possess in England, and said, that by them he should heap up great riches, as in deed they were worth many thousands of gold: notwithstanding it is most true that the King at this day is not the richer thereby of half a Mark, for you have extorted, or at the least begged them out of his hands, and have appropriated the said goods unto yourselves, so that it may be conjectured that your request to have our temporalities, is not for the King's profit, but for your own covetousness: for without doubt, if the King (as God forbidden he should) fulfil your wicked purpose, he should not be one farthing the richer the next year following: and surely, I will sooner let my head be cut off, than that the Church should be destitute of the least right that pertaineth to it etc. The Clergy granted a tenth and a half, and the commons two fifteens, on condition the Lord Furnival should receive it to spend in the King's wars. The same time such abundance of water broke suddenly over the banks in Kent, as was never seen the like in those parts, whereby were drowned Beasts and cattle without number: neither did England only bewail their losses, but also Zealand, Flanders, and Holland, sustained the like, by the great excess of waters. This year died William Wikeham Bishop of Winchester, College at Oxford. by whose charges and travel, the Clergy of England was much increased, for he builded a notable College in Oxford, for the increase of learning, where he placed the Warden and his company, to the number of lxx. besides children, servants, and ten Priests, to keep daily service, enduing the said company with sufficient lands. He began the foundation of a new College at Winchester, College at Winchester. and in six years finished the same, where he placed the like number of Scholars to learn their Grammar, and other principles, to be sent afterward to his other College at Oxford. These two Colleges are called the new Colleges, dedicated to our blessed Lady. He builded the great body of the Church of Saint Swithens in Winchester, where the Sermons are made, & where his body is interred, a very princely work: neither did he for all this diminish any thing of his ordinary household charges, and fed (as the writing engraved on his Sepulchre showeth) both rich and poor. He deceased at the age of fourscore years. He died rich, for beside that he gave to his kinsfolk and to the poor, he gave somewhat to every Church in his Diocese. He gave many things to the King, and to his own servants, and to his Colleges: neither do I doubt but that he that thus lived, is now with God, whom I beseech to raise up many like Bishops in England. john Leyland writeth (by the report of Doctor London) john Leyland. that this William Wikeham was borne at Wickham in Hampshire, and was son to one William Perot, parish clerk there, of which place he took his surname: and that one Master Wodale of Wickham brought him up at school, where he learned his Grammar, and to write fair. After this, the Connestable of Winchester castle, at that time a great ruler in Hampshire, goat Perot, alias Wickham of W●dall, and made him his Clerk. Edward the third coming to Winchester castle, liked Wickham, and took him to service, and understanding that he had mind to be a Priest, made him first Parson of Saint martin's in London, and then Deane of Saint martin's le Grand, and then Archdeacon of Buckingham. He made him also surveyor of his buildings, as of Windsor, Quinborow in Kent, and other buildings. After this, he preferred him to be bearer of the privy Sealt, master of the Wards and Forests, and Treafourer of the King's revenues in France, than Bishop of Winchester, Chancellor and treasurer of England, as it very manifestly (saith john Leyland) appeareth by writing. The black Prince scant favoured Wickham, wherefore Wickham procured to keep the Prince in battle out of the Realm, but at length john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and Alice Peers, Concubine to Edward the third, caused him to be banished the Realm, and then he dwelled in Normandy and Picardy seven years, Edward the third yet living, but he was restored about the second year of Richard the second, of whom he had a general pardon. About the feast of Saint Valentine, the sons of the Barle of Marches sons. Earl of March were taken out of the Castle of Windsor, and led away into Wales to Owen Glendoverdewe, but shortly after were recovered again. The Smith that made the keys, by the which they that conveyed them got into them, had first his hands, and then his head cut off. The Lady Spencer, Sister to the Duke of York, and widow of Thomas Lord Spencer, before executed at Brestow, being apprehended, and committed to prison, accused hit brother the Duke of York to be chief author, in stealing away of the Earl of Marches sons, wherefore the said Duke was kept by Sir john Pelham in the Castle of Pemsey till the next Parliament. After the feast of the Purification of our Lady, the King assembled his Barons at London, to treat of the government of the Realm, and to have aid of money to be given him, but the Nobles would not at that time obey his request. In the Lent following therefore, the King caused the Clergy and the Barons to assemble at Saint Albon for the matter aforesaid, but by reason the Nobles strove against him, there was nothing done, and so departed on Palm sunday. About the fifteenth of March, in a fight betwixt the Englishmen 1405 Conspiracy against King Henry by the Archbishop of York & other. and Welshmen, the son of Owen Glendoverdewe was taken, and fifteen hundred with him were taken or slain. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberlande, Richard Scrope Archbishop of York, Thomas Mowbray Earl Martial, Thomas Lord Bardolph, and other, conspiring against King Henry, assembled together the Citizens of York, and many other, to stand with them for the commodity of the Realm. And to animate the commons to be the readier unto this business, they set articles upon the doors of the Monasteries & Churches of the same City, written in English against the King, because he had put down King Richard, offering themselves for those articles to live and die, which caused great number of people to resort to them: but Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland that was not far off, together with john Duke of Lancaster the King's son, being informed of these things, gathered an army with speed to go against the Archbishop's company, but all was in vain, for the Archbishop's power was far greater than theirs, whereupon, the Earl of Westmoreland sent messengers, to inquire of the Archbishop the cause of so great an assembly in armour, contrary to the King's peace, whereunto the Archbishop answered, that he took nothing in hand against the King's peace, and he was in armour and munited with men, only for fear of the King, whom he could not safely come unto to speak, but his purpose (he said) was good and commodious both for the King & Realm, if happily they would know it: & then he showed a schedule, in which the articles were contained, which when the Earl of Westmoreland had read, he with word and countenance praised the Bishop's holy and virtuous intent, and promised, that he and his would prosecute the same with the Archbishop. The Archbishop being glad of this, believed the Earl's words, & persuaded the Earl Martial, being unwilling thereunto, to go with him to a place appointed to talk together, to whom they with like number came, and the writing with the Articles was read over: straightway the Earl and they that were with him gave their assent to these articles, than said the Earl being subtler than the rest, behold the labour that we have taken in hand is come to such end as we would have it, and the people hath now been long in armour, let some of your men bear word unto the people to go their way home, and to lay down their armour, and every man to fall to his occupation, and accustomed labour: in the mean season we, in token of concord will drink together, that the people on both sides shall see it, and without delay, after they had taken each other by the hands, a Knight was sent on the Archbishop's behalf, to bear word to the people that it was peace, and to command every man to lay down their armour, and to go to their own home. The people beholding signs of peace, & the Lords drinking together, being awéeried with the unaccustomed travel of war, turned the reins of their bridles homewards, and so it came to pass th● when the people of the Archbishops side went away, the number of the adversaries increased as before it was appointed, & the Archbishop did not perceive that he was betrayed, until such time as the Earl arrested him: he arrested the Marshal also, and many other with him, to all which it was promised that they should have no harm, but that promise was not kept, for both the Archbishop Archbishop of York beheaded. & the Earl Martial were beheaded when the King came to York the morrow after Whitsonday. After this, when the King had punished the men of York at his pleasure, he set forth with an army to pursue the Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas Lord Bardolph, and took all manner of munition with him, and an army of 37. thousand fight men. The Earl of Northumberland perceiving the King's intent, goat himself to Berwick with three hundred horse, and from thence into Scotland. The King being bend against the Earl of Northumberland, went to Berwick, from whence the Earl fled into Scotland, and the Lord Bardolph with him, whom David Lord Fleming the Scotte received into alliance. The King understanding that the Earl was fled, he commanded them in the Castle to render it unto him, which when they refused to do, the King caused a great Gun to be shot, which overthrew part of a Tower, whereupon they of the Castle gave over, and submitted themselves to the King, who caused some of them to be beheaded, and the residue to be sent to prisons. After this, the Castle of Alnewike, and the rest of the Earls Castles, were with small ado rendered to his hands, with which success, the King being encouraged, went straight into Wales, where contrariwise nothing prospered with him, wherefore he returned, losing Charets, Cartes, and Wagons to the number of 50. with his Treasure, so that coming back to Worcester, he sent for the Archbishop and Bishops, and declared to them his misfortune, desiring them to help him: to whom the Archbishop answered, that he would talk with the Clergy in that matter. In the mean season the Frenchmen came to secure the Welshmen with 140. Ships: they l●nded in Milford Haven, having lost almost all their horses for lack of fresh water. The Lord Barkley, and Henry Pay burnt fifteen of those Ships in the same Haven. These Frenchmen besieged the Town of Carmarden, and took it, granting to the inhabitants all their movable goods, and to go whether they would. The same time the foresaid Lord Barkley, Thomas Anno reg. 7. Swinborne, and Henry Pay, took fourteen Ships of the French, in the which they took the Steward of France, and right Captains more. The Town of Reystone in Hartfordshire was brent. Reyston brent. Henry Barton: William Groom, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Woodcock Mercer, the 28. of October. This year, all the Wears in Thamis from the Town Wears in the Thamis and Medway destroyed. of Stanes in the West, unto the water of Medway in the East, by the Mayor and commonalty of London, were destroyed, and the trunks brent, for the which, great plea and discord followed between Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, and other Lords and Knights of the one party, and the Mayor and commonalty on the other party, but the Citizens prevailed by virtue of their Charter and Statutes. A parliament began, which lasted nigh one Parliament. A great task. 1406 whole year, for after the Knights of the Parliament had long delayed to grant to the King a subsidy, yet in the end being overcome, they granted the task demanded. The Priests and the Friars that lived of alms, were forced every one to pay half a mark. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, & the L. Bardolfe, by the counsel of David Fleming, fled into Wales, for he had declared to them, that the Scots had conspired to deliver them unto their own King, in exchange for other prisoners, and for this doing of David Fleming, the traitorous Scots flew him, and raised such a civil war amongst themselves, that in the end they were constrained to request truce for a year, which when they had obtained, the Scots sent james, the son of Robert King of Scots, being but The King of Scots son and heir taken on the Sea. nine years old, towards France, there to be brought up, and to be instructed in the pleasant eloquence of the French tongue, whom certain mariners of Cley in Norfolk took on the Seas, and with him a Bishop, and the Earl of Orkney, to whom his Father had committed him: and they brought him into England, and delivered him to the King, who forth with burst out into a laughter, and said, surely the Scots might have sent him to me, for I can speak French. The Bishop escaped and fled, but the Earl of Orkeney, and the said james the young lad, was sent to the Tower of London, where he remained prisoner till the second year of Henry the sixth, which was above eighteen years. The Frenchmen came to help Owen Glendoverdew with 38. Ships, whereof 8. were taken, full of armed men, the rest escaped into Wales, but not long after were taken fifteen Ships laden with Wine and Wax. Whilst the Parliament yet continued, the Duke of York was restored to his old dignity, whom many men thought to have been dead in prison. Edmond Holland Earl of Kent, married the Duke of Anno reg. 8. Millaynes' daughter in the Priory of Saint Mary Ouery in Southwark. Nicholas Wootton: Geffrey Brooke the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Richard Whittington Mercer, the 28. of October. john Coventry, and jankin Carpenter, executors to this Whittington College founded. Richard Whittington, with his goods builded Whittington College in London, and a great part of the Hospital of Saint Barthelmew in Smithfielde. He builded the Library of the Grey Friars, and the East end of the Guild Hall in London, with divers small conduits, called Bosses, and the West Newgate builded. Gate of London called Newgate. Also jankin Carpenter, one of the executors to the Worshipful Knight Sir Richard Whittington aforenamed, of his own costs and charges, caused to be painted about the Cloister of Saint Paul's Church in London, a most excellent monument, or remembrance of Death, the original pattern whereof, was sometime devised by Machabre, a Doctor of France, and therefore called The Dance of Machabre, which Dance was richly painted about Saint Innocents Cloister in Paris, with Metres in French, signifying The Dance of Death, commonly called the Dance of Paul's. the speeches of Death to all estates, and their several answers again to Death, all which being translated into English by john Lidgate, Monk of Bury, was as afore said richly painted in the said Cloister of Saint Paul's Church, and therefore commonly called The Dance of Paul's. Henry Pay, and other with him of the five Ports, with Tho. Walls. fifteen Ships, took an hundred and twenty Ships, which lay at anchor in the Sea of Briteine, laden with Iron, Salt, Oil, and Rochel Wine. This Summer, through corruption of the air, so great a Plague was shed upon men's bodies, as was not seen the like in many years in this land, so that men might say The South winds warm did blow, with heat pestiferous, Pestilence. And Pestilence did bear great rule in Cities populous. For at London in short while it consumed above thirty thousand men and women, and in the Country towns great mortality fell among the husbandmen, so that great households died clean up, and the houses were emptied. About the fifteenth day of August deceased Sir Roberte Knowles Knight, at his Manor of Sconethorp in Norfolk, Sir Robert Knowles. john Leyland. he was brought to London, and there honourably buried in the white friars Church which he had newly re-edified and builded. This Sir Robert Knowles had been a most valiant Captain in the wars of France, during the reign of Edward the third, and Richard the second, whose force the Realm of France both felt and feared, so did the Dukedom of Briteine, Register of Bermondsey. and all the people from hence to Spain. Of him in his life were made Verses in Latin, which may be englished thus, O Robert Knowles, most worthy of fame, Verses. by thy prowess France was made tame: Thy manhood made the Frenchmen to yield, by dint of sword, in town and field. This Sir Robert Knowles founded in the Town of College and Hospital at Pontfract. Pontfract a College to the honour of the holy Trinity, with an Hospital joined thereunto. In the which College was placed a Master, and 6. or 7. Priests, and in the Hospital 13. poor men and women. He was once minded to have made this College at his Manor of Sconethorp, but at the request of Constance his wife (a woman of mean birth, and sometime of a dissolute life afore her marriage, he turned his purpose, and made it in the very place of Pontfraite, where she was borne, enduing the same with 180. pound land by year. He also builded the fair new great bridge at Rochester, over the river of Medeway, with a Chapel and a chantry at the East end thereof. In the which chapel was sometime a table hanging, wherein was noted the benefactors to that Bridge, as followeth. Sir Roberte Knoles founder of the Trinity Chapel at Rochester Bridge, constance wife to Knowles. Sir john Cobham Lord, principal benefactor to the making of Rochester Bridge: Margaret wife to Cobham. Thomas Boucher Cardinal. john Morton Archbishop. Henry Chicheley Archbishop. Thomas Langley Bishop of Durham. john Langedon Bishop of Rochester. Thomas Arundale Archbishop. Sir john Cornewal. Lord Fanhap. Richard Whittington. William Cromer. Geffrey Boleyne Mayor of London. john Derby Draper, Alderman of London. William Midleton Mercer of London. William Martin Justice. Sir Willlam Nottingham chief Baron of the Exchequer. William Wangforde. john Buckingham Bishop of Lincoln. john Kempe Bishop of London. Sir William Richal. Sir john at Pole. All these had given money or lands towards the building and repairing of the said Bridge. john Warner a Merchant of Rochester, made the new coping of Rochester Bridge: and William Warham Archbishop of Canter bury, made the iron pikes and bars about the same coaping. This summer Henry Prince of Wales besieged the castle of Abrustwich, but not long after Owen Glendoverdew Anno reg. 9 Sheriffs. Maior. entered into it, and placed new keepers. Henry Pontfract: Henry Halton, the. 28. of September. Sir William Stondon Grocer, the. 28. of October. In November a parliament being called at London, a tax of money was levied of the whole Realm. This year was a sore and sharp Winter, and such abundance of Snow, which continued, December, Januarie, February and March, so that almost all small Birds died through hunger and cold. Whiles the King held a great Counsel at London with the nobles of the Realm, Henry Earl of Northumberlande, and Thomas Lord Bardolfe came again into England, who after long journeying, when they came to the Town of Thriske, they caused to be proclaimed, that who so would have liberty, should take up armour and weapon and follow them, whereupon much people resorted to them: but sir Thomas Rockley Sheriff of Yorkshire, with other Knights of that Country went against them, and at Bramham Moor near to Hasewold, fought with them a great battle, and slew the Earl, whose head was straight ways cut off. The Lord Bardolph was sore wounded and taken alive, but died shortly after. This battle was fought on the xviij. day of February. The Earls head was put on a stake, and carried openly through the City 1408 of London, and set on London Bridge. The Bishop of Bangor was taken with the Lords, but pardoned of his life, because he was not found in armour. The King went to York, and there condemned such as transgressed, confiscated their goods, pacified the Country, hanged the Abbot of Hail, who had been in armour, and returned to the South parts again. Upon the seventh of September there were such floods of rain, as the old men of that age had never seen before. edmund holland Earl of Kent whilst he besieged the Castle of Briake in Britain, he was wounded with an arrow of a crossbow in the head, notwithstanding he took the castle and destroyed it to the ground, and not long after his brains rotten, and he died. Anno reg. 10 Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Duck: William Norton, the. 28. of September. Sir Drew Barentine Goldsmith, the. 28. of October. About the feast of All Saints the Cardinal of Burges came into England, being sent from the College of Cardinals, to inform the King and Clergy, of the unconstaunte dealing of Pope Gregory, as also he had informed the French King and his Clergy and realm, to the end that those two Kings might set to their helping hands, to induce the said Gregory to observe the oath he had made, and that by the magnificence of those two Kings, concord might be made in the Church, unto the which business the French King had gladly granted, and sent messengers unto Pope Gregory, who notwithstanding 1409 was obstinate. The King of England when he understood the cardinals message, he commanded that courtesy and gentle entertayment should be given him, and offered to bear his charges so long as he would abide in England. After the feast of the epiphany, the archbishop of Canterbury caused to assemble at London, all the clergy of the Realm to choose personages meet to go to the general counsel held at Pisa, where unto were chosen Roberte Holam Bishop of Salisbury, Henry Chiseley bishop of Saint David's, and Thomas Chillingdon Prior of Christ's Church in Canterbury, and the King had sent before john Coluile Knight, and master Nicholas Rixton clerk, with letters to be given to them. And in the letter to the Pope it was written, most holy father, etc. if the providence of the apostolic sea would vouchsafe to consider how great harm and danger is sprung up through out the whole world, under pretence of Schism, and chief the destruction of Christian people, which above the number as men say of 200000. are perished by the raging of diverse wars, that have risen in sundry parts of the world, and even now of late, to the number of thirty thousand, which (by reason of the dissension had upon the Bishopric of Leon's, betwixt two which do strive and contend the one in the authority of the true Pope, and the other by the authority of the Antipope) were in slaughter field (a lamentable thing to be spoken) slain and destroyed. Truly the apostolic sea would be in great heaviness of heart, and would rather forsake the honour of the Apostolical sea, than then to see from henceforth such wicked slaughter to be committed, and would take example of the true mother, who before King Solomon, rather chose to give place, than that the child should be cut in pieces, etc. thus much of the Epistle sent by the King of England to the foresaid Gregory. This year was a great play at the skinner's Well, near unto Clearkenwel besides London, which lasted viij. days, & was of matter from the creation of the world: there were to be the same, the most part of the nobles and gentles in England: and forthwith after began a royal justing in Smithfielde, between the Earl of Somerset and the Seneschal of Henalt, sir john Cornwall, sir Richard of Arundale, and the son of sir john Cheyne, against other Frenchmen. Anno reg. 11 Sheriffs. Maior. john Law: William Chicheley, the. 28. of September. Sir Richard Marlowe iron-monger, the. 28. of October. Thomas Beuforte earl of Surrey was made chancellor, and Henry Scrope was made Treasurer. In a Parliament holden at London, in the Lent season, 1410 the Knights and Burgesses presented to the King a Bill in this form: To the most excellent Lord the King, and all the Nobles in this present Parliament assembled, your faithful Commons humbly do show, that our sovereign Lord the king may have the Temporal possessions and lands, which by Th. Walls. the Bishops, Abbots, and Priors, are proudly spent and wasted in this Realm, which would suffice to find 150. Earls, 1500. Knights, 6200. esquires, and 100 Hospytals more than now be, etc. but when they went about to declare out of what places, those great sums were to be levied, whereby the foresaid states should be endued, they wanted in their account: wherefore the King commanded them that from thenceforth they should not presume to move any such matter. Upon the even of Saint john Baptist the king's son being in Eastcheap at supper, after midnight, betwixt two and three of the clock, a great debate happened between his men and men of the Court, lasting an hour, till the Mayor and Sheriffs with other Citizens ceased the same: for the which afterward the said Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, were sent for to appear before the King, to answer: at which the King with his sons, and diverse other Lords, were highly moved against the City, where through William Gascoigne chief Justice, inquired of the Mayor and Aldermen, for the Citizens, whether they would put them in the Kings grace, whereunto they answered, they had not offended the King nor his sons, but according to law staunched the debates: then the King seeing it would be none otherwise, forgave altogether, and they departed. King Henry founded a College at Battelfielde in Shropshire, where he overcame Anno. reg. 12 Battelfield founded. Sheriffs. Maior. 1411 Guild Hal in London builded. sir Henry Percy and other. john Penne: Thomas Pike, the. 28. of September. Sir Thomas Knowles Grocer, the. 28. October. About Easter the Guild Hall in London, was begun to be made new by the foresaid Mayor and Aldermen. The Custos or Guardian, with the brethren of the Grocers in London, purchased their Hall in Cunihope Lane, for 320. marks, and thē●aide the foundation thereof on the tenth of May. john Prendergest Knight, and William Long, kept the seas from Pirates and Rovers, so that the passage by Sea was quiet, but by the ill willers they were accused of theft & robbery themselves, whereupon the Knight took Sanctuary at Westminster, where he could not have an house or cottage to hide his head, for that the same was forbidden by the King, so that he was forced to lie in a Tent which he set up in the Church Porch, and to have men to watch him in the night season, for fear of his enemy: but his fellow William remained on the sea, until the Admiral had prepared ships ready, and went in person to fetch him, which he could not do, till he promised him by his fidelity, that he should have no harm, which promise notwithstanding, William was imprisoned in the tower of London. The Earl of Arundale, the Earl of Kime, sir Robert Vmfrevile, sir john Oldecastle Lord of Cobham, sir john Gray, and other warlike power, and a great number of Archers were sent into France to the aid of the Duke of Burgoine, against the Duke of orleans, which at Saint Elo beside Paris encountered with the enemies, upon whom they had a noble victory, wherefore they were bountifully rewarded by the Duke of Burgoine, and then returned into England. A Squire of Wales named Rice ap Dee, which had long time rebelled against the King, was brought to London, and there drawn, hanged and quartered. Anno reg. 13 john Raynwel: William Cotton, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Robert Chicheley Grocer, the. 28. of October. After the feast of All Saints a parliament was begun at London. The King caused a new kind of Nobles to be made 1412 which were of less value than the old by four pence in the noble. King Henry founded the College of Fodringhey in Northamptonshire: Henry the fifth gave it land of Priories of Monks aliens by him supressed. A Goldsmith and his man of Fleet in London were both murdered by night, in the Duke of York's place without Temple bar, and were cast into the river of Thamis. About the fifteenth of August the King by determination of the Counsel appointing to send help to the Duke of orleans, sent his second son Thomas Duke of Clarence, Edward Duke of York, and Thomas Earl of Dorset, and many valiant men, with a strong power to help to the Duke of orleans, against the Duke of Burgonie, or ever all th● other were returned, which a while ago went over with the earl of Arundale to aid the Duke of Burgonie, so that many men marveled of the sudden change, that in so small a time the Englishmen did aid and assist the two contrary parts: notwithstanding the foresaid Nobles went forwards and arrived in Normandy, where when the Duke of orleans did not meet them at the time appointed, they brent his towns, and spoiled his Country, and took many holds. At length, though late, the Dukes of Clarence and of Orleans, met and talked together. And the matter was so entreated of between them, that our men should desyste from ranging through the Country, and refrain from robbery, which when our men had granted, they departed into Aquitaine to Winter there, and the Duke of orleans went home to his Country. Anno reg. 14 Ralph Levenhynd: William Sevenocke, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Waldren Mercer, the. 28. of October. About this time the Lord Herle Marshal of France, with many other noble men and men of arms, to the number of four thousand, besieged a certain hold in Aquitaine, which was in the keeping of john Blunt Knight, who with three hundred that aided him, put to flight the whole army of the Frenchmen, and took twelve of their men of name, and other gentlemen to the number of 120. King Henry kept his Christmas at his manor of Eltham, being so sore sick, that sometime men thought that he had been dead: notwithstanding it pleased God that he recovered his strength again a little. After Christmas he called the Nobles of the realm together to a Parliament at London, but he lived not to the end thereof, for now after the great and fortunate chances happened Titus Livius to him, and being delivered of all Civil division, he was taken with sickness, of the which he languished till his appointed hour, during which sickness, some evil disposed people laboured to make dissension between the King and the Prince his son, by reason whereof, and by the act of youth, which he exercised more than meanly, and for the great recourse of people unto him, of whom his Court was at all times more abundant than the King his father, the King suspected that he would presume to usurp the crown, he being alive: which suspicious jealousy was occasion that he in part withdrew his affection and singular love from the Prince. But when this noble Prince was advertised of his father's jealousy, he disguised himself in a gown of blue ●atten, made full of small Eyelet holes, and at every Eyelet the néeble wherewith it was made hanging still by a thread of silk. And about his arm he ware a dogs collar set full of S S of gold, and the Tirets of the same also of fine gold. Thus appareled, with a great company of Lords and other noble men of his Court, he came to the king his father, who at that time lay at Westminster, where at his coming (by his own commandment) not one of high 〈…〉 panye advanced himself further than the fire in the Hall, notwithstanding that they were greatly and oft desired to the contrary, by the Lords and great estates of the King's Court: and that the Prince had commanded, to give the less occasion of mistrust to the King his father, but he himself only accompanied of the king's house, passed forth to the king his Father, to whom after due salutation) he desired to show the intent of his mind in secret manner. Then the King caused himself to be borne in his chair into his secret chamber (because he was diseased and might not go) where in the presence of three or four persons, in whom the King had most confidence, he commanded the Prince to show the effect of his mind: Then the Prince kneeling down before his Father, said to him these words, most redoubted Lord and Father, I am this time come to your presence, as your liegman, and as your son natural, in all things to obey your grace as my sovereign Lord and father. And whereas I understand ye have me suspect of my behaviour against your grace, and that ye fear I would usurp your Crown against the pleasure of your highness, of my conversation your grace knoweth that if ye were in fear of any man, of what estate soever he were, my duty were to the endangering of my life to punish that person, thereby to race that sore from your heart. And then how much rather ought I to suffer death to bring your grace from the fear that ye have of me that am your natural son, and your liegeman. And to that intent I have this day by confession and receiving the Sacrament, prepared myself, and therefore most redoubted Lord and Father, I beseech you in the honour of God, for the easing of your heart, heretofore your knees to slay me with this dagger, and at that word with all reverence he delivered to the king his dagger, saying my Lord and Father my life is not so desirous to me, that I would live one day that should be to you displeasure▪ nor I covet not so much my life as I do your pleasure and welfare, and in your thus doing, here in the presence of these Lords, and tofore God at the day of judgement I clearly forgive you my death. At these words of the Prince, the King taken with compassion of heart, cast from him the dagger, and embracing the Prince kissed him, and with effusion of tears said unto him, my right dear and heartily beloved son, it is of truth that I had you partly suspect, and as I now perceive, undeserved on your party: but seeing this your humility and faithfulness, I shall neither slay you, nor from henceforth have you any more in mistrust, for no report that shall be made unto me, and thereof I assure you upon mine honour. Thus by his great wisdom was the wrongful imagination of his Fathers hate utterly avoided, and himself restored to the King's former grace and favour. After this, as was reported by the Earl of Ormonde (to the translator of mine author Titus Livius) the king gave to his son the Prince, diverse notable doctrines, & insignments, among which eruditions, one is this: the King lying grievously diseased, called before him the Prince his son, & said unto him: My son, I fear me sor● after my departure from this life, some discord shall grow & arise between thee and thy brother Thomas Duke of Cla●ence, whereby the realm may be brought to destruction and misery, for I know you both to be of great stomach and courage▪ Wherefore I fear that he through his high mind will make some enterprise against thee, intending to usurp upon thee, which I know thy stomach may not abide tasily. And for dread hereof, as oft as it is in my remembrance, I soar repent me, that ever I charged myself with the Crown of this Realm. To these words of the King the Prince answered thus: Right redoubted Lord and Father to the pleasure of GOD your grace shall long continue with us, and rule us both: but if God have so provided that ever I shall succeed you in this Realm, I shall honour and love my brethre▪ above all men, as long as they be to me true, faithful and obedient, as to their sovereign Lord, but if any of them fortune to conspire or rebel against me, I assure you I shall as soon execute justice upon one of them, as I shall upon the worst and most simplest person within this your Realm. The King hearing this answer, was therewith marvelously rejoiced in his mind, and said: My dear and well beloved Son, with this answer thou haste delivered me of a great and ponderous agony: and I beseech thee, and upon my blessing charge thee, that like as thou haste said, so thou minister justice equally, and in no wise suffer not them that be oppressed long to call upon thee for Justice, but redress oppressions, and indifferently, and without delay, for no persuasion of flatterers, or of them that be partial, or such as use to have their hands replenished with gifts, defer not Justice until to morrow, if that thou mayst do justice this day, least (peradventure) GOD do Justice on thee in the mean time, and take from thee thine authority: remember, that the wealth of thy body and thy soul, and of thy Realm, resteth in the execution of Justice, and do not thy Justice, so that thou be called a Tyrant, but use thyself meanly betwixt Justice and mercy in those things that belong to thee. And between parties do justice truly and extremely to the consolation of thy poor subjects that suffer injuries, and to the punition of them that be extortioners and doers of oppressions, that other thereby may take example: & in thus doing, thou shalt obtain the favour of God, and the love and fear of thy subjects, and therefore also thou shalt have thy Realm more in tranquillity and rest, which shall be occasion of great prosperity within thy Realm, which Englishmen naturally do desire: for so long as they have wealth and riches, so long shalt thou have obeisance: and when they be poor, than they be always ready at every motion to make insurrections, and it causeth them to rebel against their sovereign LORD: for the nature of them is such, rather to fear losing of their goods and worldly substance, than the ieoparding of their lives. And if thou thus keep them in subjection mixed with love and fear, thou shalt have the most peaceable and fertile Country, and the most loving, faithful, and manly people of the World: which shall because of no small fear to thine adversaries. My son when it shall please God to call me to the way decreed for every Worldly creature, to thee (as my son and heir) I must leave my Crown and my Realm, which I advise thee not to take vainly▪ and as a man elate in pride, and rejoiced in Worldly honour, but think that thou art more oppressed with charge, to puruie for every Person within the Realm, than exalted in vain honour of the World. Thou shalt be exalted to the Crown, for the wealth and conservation of the Realm, and not for thy singular commodity and avail: my Son thou shalt be a minister to thy Realm to keep it in tranquillity and defend it. Like as the heart in the midst of the body is principal and chief thing in the body, and seruesh to covet and desire that thing that is most necessary to every of thy members, so (my Son) thou shalt be amongst thy people as chief and principal of them to minister, imagine and acquire those things that may be most beneficial for them. And then thy people shall be obedient to thee, to aid and succour thee, and in all things to accomplish thy commandments, like as thy members labour, every one of them in their office to acquire and get that thing that the heart desireth, and as thy heart is of no force and impotent without the aid of thy members so without thy people, thy reign is nothing. My son thou shalt fear and dread God above all things, and thou shalt love honour and worship him with all thy heart, thou shalt attribute and ascribe to him all things wherein thou seest thyself to be well Fortunate, ●ée it victory of thine enemies, love of thy friends, obedience of thy subjects, strength and activeness of body, honour, riches, or fruitful generations, or any other thing whatsoever it be, that chanceth to thy pleasure. Thou shalt not imagine that any such thing should fortune to thee, by thine act, nor by thy desert, but thou shalt think that all cometh only of the goodness of our Lord. Thus thou shalt with all thine heart, praise, honour, and thank God of all his benefits that he giveth unto thee. And in thyself eschew all vainglory and elation of heart, following the wholesome counsel of the Psalmist, (which sayeth) Non nobis Domine non nobis, sed nominituo daglorian (which is to say) Not unto us Lord, not unto us, but to thy holy name be given laud and praise. These & many other admonishments and doctrines this victorious king gave unto this noble prince his son: who with effect followed the same, after the death of his father: whereby he obtained grace of our Lord to attain to great victories and many glorious and incredible conquests, through the help and secure of our Lord, whereof he was never destitute. The king his father drawing to his end, after due thanks given, and supplications made to God, gave his benediction to the Prince his son, and so yielded to God his spirit, the. xx. day of March Anno. 1412. when he had reigned. xiij. years, six months and odd days. He was conveyed by water to Feversham, and from thence by land to Canterbury and there buried. (⸪) ¶ King Henry of Monmouth. HEnrie the fifth began his reign that xx. day of March Anno reg. 1. Titus Livius. in th● year. 1412. This Prince exceeded the mean stature of men, he was beautiful of visage, his neck long, body slender and lean, and his bones small: never the less he was of marvelous great strength, and passing swift in running, in so much that he with two other of his Lords without bow or other engine, would take a wild Buck or Do in a large Park: he delighted in songs & musical instruments, in so much th● in his chapel amongst other his private prayers, he used certain Psalms of David translated into heroical English meeter, by john Lydgate, Monk of Bury. Whilst his father lived, being accompanied with some of his young Lords & gentlemen, he would wait in disguised array for his own receivers, and distress them of their money: and sometimes at such enterprises both he and his company were surely beaten: and when his receivers made to him their complaints, how they were rob in their coming unto him, he would give them discharge of so much money as they had lost, and besides that, they should not departed from him without great rewards for their trouble and vexation, especially they should be rewarded that best had resisted him and his company, and of whom he had received the greatest & most strokes. But after the decease of his father, was never any youth, or wildness, that might have place in him, but all his acts were suddenly changed into gravity and discretion. To this noble Prince (by assent of the parliament) all 1413 the estates of the realm, after three days offered to do fealty before he was crowned, or had solemnized his oath, well and justly to govern the common weal, which offer, before was never found to be made to any Prince of England. The King gave them all generally thanks, for their good minds towards him, and therewith exhorted them to the zeal of the public prosperity and honour of the Realm. If any man had offended him, he pardoned their trespass, and desired hearty of GOD, that if he should rule and do all things well to the honour of GOD and the prosperous commodity of the Realm, that then God would suffer him to be Crowned. But if his fortune should be to do otherwise, that then GOD should take him to his mercy, and suffer him rather to be buried than to enterprise the charge of the Realm. The ninth day of April he was crowned at Westminster, by Thomas Arundel archbishop of Canterbury, after which Coronation, he called unto him all those young Lords and Gentlemen that were the followers of his young acts, to every one of whom he gave rich and bounteous gifts, and then commanded that as many as would change their manners as he intended to do, should abide with him in his Court, and to all that would persever in their former light conversation, he gave express commandment upon pain of their heads, never after that day to come in his presence. About this time Thomas Duke of Clarence, the King's brother, came from the coasts of Aquitaine, who (as we said before) was sent to aid the Duke of orleans, against the Duke of Burgoine. A great part of the City of Norwich was brent, with all Tho. Walls. the house of the Friar Preachers, and also two Friars of that order. Sir john Oldcastle, at that time Lord of Cobham, for diverse points touching the Sacrament, before the archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London, Winchester & other, was convict and committed to the Tower of London, out of the which he broke over the walls in the night and escaped, about the feast of Simon and jude. john Stutton: john Michael, the. 28. of September. Sherises. Maior. Sir William Cromer Draper, the. 28. of October. Richard the second, sometime king of England, which was at the first interred in the church of the preaching Friars of Langley, was taken up and royally buried at Westminster with no small charges to the King. The K. keeping his Christmas at his manor of Eltham (seven. miles from London) was warned th● certain had conspired against him, either to have taken, or suddenly slain him & his brethren on Twelfth day ●t night, whereupon the king sent word to the Mayor of London, that he should arrest all suspicious persons: whereupon the Mayor forthwith caused every Alderman in his ward to keep great watch, and about ten of the clock at night went himself with a strong power, to the sign of the Are without bishops Gate, where they apprehended the man of the house, called john Burgate Carpenter and seven. other, & sent them to Eltham, where they confessed before the King that they were confederate with Sir john Oldcastell to fight against him and his Lords in Saint Giles field above Holborn. On the morrow after the Twelfth day, the King King Henry kept the field by S. Giles without Holborn. revenued privily to Westminster, and with a great army kept the field of S●●●t G●les, for he was warned that Sir john Oldcastell▪ and Sir Roger▪ Acton, would be in the same field on the next day following with five and twenty thousand people▪ and the same night were taken more than fourscore men in armour of the same faction. Also the King being told of an ambushment gathered in Harengay Park, ●●nte thither certain Lords▪ who took many, among whom, was one William Murl● a rich maltman, or Brewer of Dunstaple, who had his two Horses trapped with Gold following him, and a pair of gilt Spurs in his bosom; for he thought to have been made Knight on the morrow by the handled Sir john Old●●stell. The twelfth of January, thrées●●r● and nine of them were condemned of treafo●● Many men hanged, and some brent in Ficket● field. at Westminster, and on the morrow after seven and thirty of th●● were dr●●●●● from the Tower of London to Newgate, and so to Saint G●●●●▪ and there in a place called Fickets field, were all hanged▪ and ●e●●ien of them brent Gallows and ●●. The nineteen. of January, were drawn and hanged Sir john Be●erley Priest, john B●●gate Carpenter, a Text writer in S●●●● john's street, and a Glover on London bridge, and shortly after, Sir Roger A●●on Knight was taken, who on the tenth of February, was drawn, hanged, and buried under the Gallows. The twentieth of February, deceased Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Conterburie. Anno reg. 2. The King taking compassion upon Henry Percy a young 1414 man (who by his Grandfather Henry Percy Earl of North●●●●erland, was carried into Scotland, after the death of his father, who was s●aine in the battle of Shrewsburie, when this young man was then but a child) commanded them that were of his kindred, and nearest friends, to solicit for his reclaiming home again out of Scotland, minding not only to honour him by calling him home again, but also to ●●●●● him Earl of Northumberland. In the month of May, a Parliament was begun at Leycester, Parliament at Leycester. Porter of the Tower executed. and there was a Porter of th● Tower of London drawn, hanged, and headed, whose head was sent to London, and set over the Tower gate, for consenting to one that broke out of the Tower, named▪ 〈◊〉. In this Parliament, john the King's brother was made Duke of Bedford, Humphrey Dukes created. his brother Duke of Gloucester, and Richard, brother to the Duke of York, was made Earl ●● Cambridge. To this Parliament came the Ambassadors of the French King, and also of the Duke of B●●g●●dy, but not with like in●●●te and purpose, for the D. of ●●●g●ndy desired aid against the ●. of Orleans, promising (as men laid) more than he was able to perform, wherefore the King of England ●●●● 〈◊〉 Ambassadors to them both, amongst whom were the Bishops of Durham and Norwich as chief 〈…〉 were oft times sent into France, and the French Kings Ambassadors were sent hither, with great cost on both ●●●●s, but no hope of peace to be had. On Marry magdalen's day, in London, john ●●●nser Esquire, with mine of his men, set upon and ●lew The Queen's Chancellor slain. john T●●bey Clerk, Archdeacon of Hun●●●g●● and Chancellor to Queen joane, late wife to Henry the fourth, for the which fact, the said Esquire, and four of his men fled to Saint Anne's Church within Aldersgai●, where they were mured up with board, and watched day and night till the xxj. of August, on the which day, they forswore the land, Men foresware the land. and passed through the City towards Caleis in their shirts and breeches, each of them having a Cross in his hand. This year died the ●oalours of Newgate and Ludgate Prisoners died. of London, and many prisoners in Newgate, to the number of threescore and four. The tenth of September, john Claydon Skinner; and A Skinner & a Baker brent. Richard Gurmonfrench Baker, in Lombardstree●e of London, were brent in Smithsield. john Michel●. Thomas Allin, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Mooregate first made in the wall of London. Thomas Fawconar Mercer, the 28. of October. This▪ Thomas Fawconar Maior, caused to break the wall of London, near to the end of Colmanstreete, and made there a Gate upon the moor side, where was none before. He also caused the ditches of the City to be cleansed, and a comm●● privy that was on the moor without the wall to be taken down▪ and another to be made within the City upon Walbrooke, into the which brook he caused the water of city to be turned by grates of iron in divers places. Our Ambassadors▪ the Bishops of Durham & Norwich, returning now the second time out of France, declared to the King, that the Frenchmen, did but use fraud and deceipts, wherefore the King being stirred up unto anger, determined to a●at● their ●●●rnin●●●▪ and to teach them to understand their folly▪ in ●●aking of a ●●éeping Dog: and forth with, the King commanded all the Prelate's, and Nobles of the Realm, to come to London, there to entreat of waight● affairs concerning th● Realm, at th● which time, the Archbishop of Canterbury held a great counsel, in th● which were chosen 〈◊〉 of the Clergy of England, to go to the general Counsel that should be holden at Constance, a City of Germ●● and so there were sent the Bishops of Salisbury, Bath, and Hereford, and with them the Abbot of Westminster, and the Prior of Worcester, and many other wise men, in co●●●●●● of the Earl of Warwick, whose presence did them much honour▪ This year, the order of Church service throughout Anno reg. 3. 1415 Order of Church service in England altered. England was changed, from the use of Saint Paul, to the use of Salisbury, which was to the great disliking of many men in those days. When King Henry perceived that the Frenchmen had with deceit entreated him with feigned promises, and fair words▪ he gathered his ●a●y together, appointed his bowmē● men of arms, prepared his engines, & all things necessary ●or th● wars, commanding all th● should go with him, to be ready against the feast of Saint john Baptist, and to m●e●e him at Hampton. The eighteenth day of ●●●e, King Henry with many Lords and others road from London toward southhampton▪ the Mayor, 〈◊〉▪ and Crafts of the C●tle 〈…〉▪ ing him on his ●●●y to ●he ●owne of Kingston upon Thamis, while●● the King 〈◊〉 ●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ where he abode for his reli●●●● and ●●●ffe ●●nging to the wars. On the last ●● July was discovered a great conspiracy Conspiracy disclosed. Tho. Walls. Regist. Maior. against him, by three 〈…〉 is 〈◊〉 of all the rest he pat greatest trust and confid●●●● 〈…〉 of them was Henry Scrope, Lord Treasours▪ the second, Richard ●a●●e of Cambridge, brother ●o Edward Duke of York, and Sir Thomas Grey, a Knight of the North▪ these had made Edmond Earl of Ma●●h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon a Book, not to d●●●●ose their counsel, and then ●●l●● him that they thought to 〈◊〉 the King▪ and to 〈◊〉 the said Ed●●ō●● King, the which ●● he refused to take upon him▪ they would ●●ey him: where upon, the Earl praise them to give him one house's spa●e to take advisement what was best to do, which being granted, the Earl went secretly and ●ol● the King's ther●●●, who caused them forthwith ●o be apprehended, and brought before him, where they confessed the ●●●ason, for the which, on the sixth of August they were arraigned in th● King's presence, and the same day all three beheaded. The Earl was buried head and all, bu● the other hea●● were ●e●●●, the one to York, the other to Newcastle upon Tine, and there se● up. On the eleventh of August, the King took shipping, and entered the Sea with a thousand Sail, Enguerant saith King Henry sailed into Normandy. Tho. W●●s. Titus Livius. Enguerant. 1600. Sails, and the third night after arrived at Kedeca●x in Normandy, which is betwixt Hereflete and ●imflete, of whose coming, all the Cities, and States of th●●● parts being advertised, were stricken with great fear. The King, the Dukes of Clarence and of Gloucester his brethren, the Duke of York his Uncle, the Earls▪ Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, and Soldiers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an●●●●▪ ● there, and took land without any resistance, and the King forthwith falling to the ground upon his knees, devoutly prayed to God that to his honour he would give him justice of his enemies. He had at his landing in his host▪ six thousand Spears, and xxiv. thousand footmen, besides Gunners, and other enginars, artificers, and labourers, of whom the King had great abundance. The King gave to divers Gentlemen the order of Titus Livius. Knighthood, and assigned the bearing of his standards and Banners to such men as he knew to be of great strength and prowess. All thing being set in good order and array, the King with all his host ascended to the top of an high hill there nigh, and there he rested the next day. On the sixtéenth day of August, the Duke of Clarence, leader of the forward, in good ordinance, entered his journey toward a Town called Herefleete, distant from Kedecamp scarcely three leagues, where he lodged his host in a field before the town. The King at his coming, lodged himself nigh to the first ward, not far from the Town. The Earl of Suffolk, Michael at Poole, Chiefetayne of the rearward, lodged on the other side before the Town. Other noble men that had the conduct of the two wings, lodged them, one on the right hand, the other on the left. Forthwith were sent to the Town, men of arms in great number, to see the situation thereof, who shortly returned with a great pray of cattle, and informed the King of all his demands. Hereflete is the key of the see of all Normandy, and is situate Enguerant. Description of Herefleete. upon the Sea side, by the River of Seen, betwixt two hills, and through the middle thereof runneth a River, which not far from the same Town entereth into the Scene, and from thence, both those Rivers in one descend into the Sea, where as a great and goodly Haven is, belonging to the same Town, which Haven, is garnished with the defence of two fair and strong Towers: and in the same Haven a right great Navy of Ships may ride in safety: and if the inhabitants of this Town enclose and képe within the Town the course of the foresaid River by their sluices, as they may right well do, than the River riseth without the Town so high, that it forecloseth all entries to the walls, so that no man may approach the town on that part. This Town is also defended with high and thick walls and towers, and is also environed with broad and deep ditches. To this Town also belongeth only two Gates for entries, the one called Calturances, the other Mostrovillier. In this Town, besides the inhabitants thereof, for the defence of the same, were four hundred men of arms deputed in Garrison, amongst whom, were these Lords, Lord Discoutevile, chief Captain of the Town, Lord Blanuile, Lord Haquevile, Lord Harmanuile, Lord Eancourt, Lord Gaillard Bos, and divers other Lords and men expert in war. The King commanding the Duke of Clarence to asséege the Town, he endeavoured Titus Livius. to convey his people over the River, in the passage whereof, he had a great skirmish with the inhabitants of the Town, but at the last his adversaries being put to flight, recoiled within the walls. The Duke conveyed over the River all his ward and company, and because the River divided the King's Camp from the Dukes, they ordained a ready and sure passage over the same River betwixt both the Camps, to the keeping whereof, certain Gentlemen were appointed, so that their enemies might not endamage them neither by Water nor Land. In this mean time befell a great misadventure to the Enguerant. Frenchmen that were besieged, for the Gonnepouder and shot that was sent unto them by the French King, was encountered upon the Sea by the Englishmen, and taken, to their great displeasure and damage. The King gave the charge of the field to his brother Titus Livius. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. On the same side the River that the King lay, was the Duke of York, high Connestable of England lodged with his band. When every man was placed, the Town was so straightly asséeged, that all entries and issues of the Town were stopped, so th● they of the town were in despair to have any succour from the Realm of France. Many engines were raised by the English, which in short time should have been the destruction of the walls, if they of the Town had not the sooner stopped the River of the same town within, whereby the water gathered & raised without the town betwixt the King and the D. of Clarence, to the semblance of a little Sea, which caused the Englishmen to withdraw their Gonnes, and other engines, whereby at that time the walls were saved. Then the King caused to Enguerant. be made under the water three great Mines unto the walls of the town, which in like manner had been the cause of their ruin, if the inhabitants had not countermined them, and letted their purpose. The inhabitants of the Town perceiving Titus Livius. themselves thus straightly asséeged, as well by Land as by Sea, conveyed all their Ships within their Haven, and bound them together with chains, and in the two towers that were made for the defence of the Haven, they put certain Garrisons, and armed men, who oftentimes attempted to invade the King's Navy, but at all times they were by his Ships beaten, and constrained to recoil still within their Haven: at the last, the Captains and inhabitants considering that by such skirmishes (as well upon the Land as upon the Sea) they gained nothing, took this appointment with the King, that if they were not rescued by the Frenchmen within certain days limited, they should then deliver into his hands the Town, with thirty persons of the greatest and most noble within the Town, such as the King would desire, to be ordered at the King's pleasure, and all the residue, as well men of War, as the inhabitants of the same Town, without armour, and leaving behind them their goods, should freely go where they would, for the surety of which appointment to be kept, they delivered unto the King twelve of their greatest personages for pledges. The Captains and inhabitants of the Town seeing their day of appointment to approach, and themselves utterly desperate of any succours of their people, ordained to perform their covenant at their day prefixed, which was the xxij. of September, on which day came Sir Lionel Braquemont, governor of the Town, unto the King, and kneeling before him, said: Most victorious Prince, behold here the keys of this Town, which after our promise I yield unto you, with the Town, myself, and my company. Then were brought to the King the Lord Cotevile, the Lord Gangcourt, and other, to the number of thirty, and all the residue, as well soldiers, as inhabitants, were suffered unarmed to departed. The King constitute Captain of the Town Sir Thomas Beawford Earl of Dorset his Uncle, to whom he also committed two thousand soldiers, chosen men of his host. Then considering that winter drew on, as also the loss of their men, by reason of the flux then reigning amongst them, by which infirmity, died Michael at Poole, Earl of Suffolk, the Bishop of Norwich, the Enguerat. Lord Beawmont, and others, and of the commons to the number of two thousand and above. King Henry created the son of Michael at Poole, Earl of Suffolk, who lived not long after. After King Henry had remained at Harefleete fifteen days, after the delivery of the Town, and of the Towers, he departed from thence towards Caleis, whereof, when his Titus Livius. enemies were advertised, and also by what way he intended to pass, all the people of the Country, Cities, and Towns, were marvelously oppressed with fear, wherefore they hasted them to defensible places, and other that were apt to war, took them to their horses, and assembled them together in great number, with no small company of footmen, and in all that they might they oppressed the Englishmen. The King's host kept an easy pace, without making any haste, and when they approached the Town of Ewe, their enemies assailed them in the fields with great force and noise, where on both parties it was fought sore and vigorously: Enguerant. but the Frenchmen recoiled to the Town, where they were in good surety. From thence the King departed, and came to a passage of the River of Some, which the Frenchmen call Blankhestoke, or Blanch▪ attach. This passage, at Titus Livius. the coming unto it, was fixed with sharp stakes by their enemies, so that they could not pass there, but were constrained to go farther seeking their passage, until they came directly to have the City of Amiens, and the Castle of Gorby on their left side, where they of the said City began with them a new fight: but they were soon forced by the English to return to their City again. The nineteen. of October the King passed the River of Some, at the passage of Vienna, and Bethew-court, and went then to lodge him at Mouche-legach, from whence, he advanced him towards the River of Miramont. In the mean time, the French King, and the Duke of Guienne his son, than Dolphin, purposing to resist the Englishmen, came to Roan, from whence, they sent three Heralds to the King of England, to give understanding that he should not escape without battle: unto whom the said King answered, All things be done at the pleasure of God, I will keep the right way towards Caleis: if our adversaries do attempt to disturb us in our journey, we think they shall not do it without their own great danger and peril. From thence, King Henry removed Enguerant. to a village called Forcevile, advancing his host towards the River of Miramont, and the next day they passed by the Cheve, and the King lodged that night at Bonyers lestaillon. The next day the King removed unto Bangy. The Titus Livius. next day late in the night the King came to a village named Agincourt, Enguerant sayeth Masencelles, where they lodged not distant from the French host the space of two hundred and fifty spaces. The Frenchmen fixed their Banners Enguerant. and Standerts with the Banner Royal, whereof the Connestable had the conduct, in the field by them devised and chosen, which was in the County of S. Paul, in th● ground of Agincourt, by which the day following, the Englishmen The Battle of Agincourt. Titus Livius. should pass to go to Caleis. The xxv. day of October, the King of England in the morning very early set forth his host in array. He commanded that his Horses and other carriages should be left in the village where he had lodged. The order of his field was thus: The middle battle whereof the King was conductor, was set in the midst of the field, directly against the middle battle of his adversaries. On the right side was the first battle, and therewith the right wing: and on the left side the last battle, and the left wing. And these battles joining nigh together, by the providence of God, proved unto this King a defensible place for his host, for the village wherein he was lodged before, defended his host from all invasions on the back, and the field wherein he was, was defended on both sides with two small Rivers. This noble King was armed with sure and right beautiful armour. On his head a bright Helmet, whereupon was set a Crown of Gold, replete with pearl and precious stones, marvelous rich. In his Shield he bore the arms both of England and France. And thus armed, he was mounted upon a goodly great Horse, and after him were led certain noble Horses, with their bridles and trappers of goldsmiths work, and upon them also were beaten the Arms of England and of France. Thus this victorious King prepared to battle, encouraged his people to the field that approached at hand. The night before this cruel battle, by the advise and counsel (as it is said) of the Duke of York, the King had given commandment through his host, that every man should purvey him a stake sharp at both ends, which the Englishmen fixed in the ground before them in the field, to defend them from the oppression of Horsemen. The Frenchmen had such confidence in the great multitude of their people, and in their great Horses, that many of their great Princes and Lords leaving behind them their Soldiers, Standerts, and other Ensigns, came towards the Englishmen in right great haste, as if they had been assured of victory. The battles of the Englishmen were as large as the Enguerant. field wherein they fought would suffer, which was greatly to their advantage, for by that means their enemies were letted to come upon them at the sides and backs of their host. The Frenchmen had ordained their battles with two sharp fronts, like unto two horns, which always backward was broader and broader: and these sharp battles set upon the Englishmens middle ward, intending to have run through the whole field, but the Frenchmen were slain and wounded by the English Archers, and by the help of the stakes which the Englishmen had fixed before them in the ground, whereby the Horsemen were constrained to return, or else to run upon the stakes, where many of them were overthrown and wounded, and many both Horses and men slain. The battle and fight increased marvelously by the space of three hours, in all which time no man was taken prisoner, but innumerable were slain, upon whose dead bodies they that followed were overthrown and slain. Thus after a long and cruel battle, there approached no man to battle, but to death, of whom, after that an innumerable company were slain, and that the victory remained to the Englishmen, they spared to slay and take prisoners of the Frenchmen. In this mortal battle, the noble King of England fought with his enemies as a famished Lion for his prey, receiving on his Helmet, and other armour, many and great strokes: at the last, the victory obtained, and the great host of the Frenchmen slain, taken, wounded, and vanquished, forthwith another host of Frenchmen, no less than the first, supposing the Englishmen now to be wearied, prepared themselves to begin again a new battle. The King of England seeing this second assemble of his adversaries, Titus Livius. sent his Heralds unto them, commanding them either forthwith to come to battle, or else immediately to departed: and if they delayed to depart, or if they came to battle, both those of theirs which were already taken prisoners, and also all those that after should be taken, without redemption should be put to death, which message when the Frenchmen had heard, fearing the strength of the Englishmen, and also the death of themselves, & of the prisoners taken, with heaviness they departed forthwith. Then the King of England being assured of the victory, gave the greatest laud and praise to God that might be. In this battle were slain on the French part, the Dukes of Alaunson, Barry, and Braban, and the Lord of hely, Enguerant. the Lord Labret chief Connestable of France, the Archbishop of Sans, eight Earls, an hundred and more Barons, fifteen hundred Knights, and above ten thousand of all estates, whereof scarcely fifteen hundred were Soldiers or labourers, the rest were of cote armour. At this battle were taken prisoners of the Frenchmen, Titus Livius. the Dukes of orleans, and of Bourbon, Arthure, brother to the Duke of Briteine, the Earls of Vandisme, of Ewe, and Enguerant. Richmount, and Sir Boumeycault, Martial of France, and Titus Livius. many other, to the number of fifteen hundred Knights and esquires. And of the English party were slain the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk, and to the number of an C. persons in the vanguard, and of all estates on the English Enguerant. party, were not found dead above vj. C. in the field. When night approached, the K. of England returned with his host into that village wherein they harboured the night before, where he found his Horses & other baggages & carriages the he left there before the field, stolen, & carried away by the Frenchmen. On the day next ensuing, the King with his people entered his journey toward Caleis. Titus Livius. William Cambridge: Allin Euerard, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Nicholas Wotton Draper, the 28 of October. The morrow after Saint Simon and Jude, early in the Regist. of Majors. morning, came tidings to London of this victory, for joy whereof, Te deum was song in all the Churches, and at nine of the clock, all the orders of Religious men of the City, went on Procession from Saint Paul's, unto Westminster, with the new Mayor, his Aldermen, and the Crafts, the Queen and her Lords and all her train, who all offered at Saint Edward's Shrine, and then the Mayor took his charge, and every man returned with great joy. The twenty-three. of November, King Henry arrived at Dover, King Henry returned. the Mayor of London, with the Aldermen and Crafts riding in red, with hoods red and white, met with the King on Black heath, coming from Eliam, and so brought him through London to Westminster, with all his prisoners of France. On the next morrow, the Mayor, Aldermen, and 200. of the commoners, presented the King with a thousand pound in two Basins of Gold worth 500 pound. In the feast of the Purification, seven Dolphins of the sea came up the River of Thamis, and played there whiles four of them were killed. In a Parliament begun the fifteenth of March at Westminster, the halfepens of janua (commonly called Galley halfepens) Halfepens of janua forbidden. were forbid to be used as lawful payment among the English people. The first of May the Emperor landed at Dover, and the Anno reg. 4. 1416. seventh of May, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Crafts of London receive him at Black heath, and the King with his Lords met him at Saint Thomas Waterings, and so brought him through London to Westminster. The Emperor returned out of England the sixteenth of August, after he had laboured, but could make no peace between England and France. john Benet Woolman who had in London scattered schedules though Walls. Woolman beheaded. full of sedition, was drawn, hanged, and beheaded on Michaelmas, day. The viij. day of October, was a Parchment maker of Trillmell street, drawn, hanged, and headed, for that he had harboured Sir john Oldcastell. Robert Widington: john Coventrie, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 5. Henry Barton Skinner, the 28. of October. In the Parliament at London, the Earl of Dorset was made Duke of Excester. The xxvij. of November, was a Beggar drawn and hanged for dismembering of young children, he was drawn in his own car from the Leaden Hall unto Tyburn. A Spicers wife of Saint Albon, and the Bailiffs wife of Vinesburie, were hanged at Tyburn, and shortly after, the bailie of Vinesburie himself was also hanged at Tyburn. On Easter day in the after noon, at a Sermon in Saint Dunston's in the East of London, a great fray happened in the 1417 A fray in Saint Dunston's Church. Church, wherethrough many people were sore wounded, and one Thomas Petwarden Fishmonger, dwelling at Sprats Key, was slain out of hand, wherefore the Church was suspended, and the beginners of the fray (which was the Lord Strange, and Sir john Tussell Knight, through the quarrel of their two wives) were brought to the Counter in the poultry: the Archbishop of Canterbury caused them to be excommunicate, Records of Caunt. The L. Strange & his wife doth penance. as well at Paul's Cross, as in all other Parish Churches of the City. The xxi. of April, the said Archbishop sat at S. Magnus, to inquire of the authors of that disorder, where he found the fault to be in the Lord Strange and his wife, who upon the first of May following, in Paul's Church before the Archbishop, the Mayor of London, and other, submitted themselves to penance, and swore to do the same, which was enjoined them, that immediately all their servants should in their shirts go before the Parson of S. Dunston's, from Paul's, to S. Dunston's▪ Church, and the Lord bore headed, with his Lady bore footed, Reignold Kenwood Archdeacon of London following them, and at the hallowing of the Church, the Lady should fill all the vessels with water, and also offer an ornament to the Altar of ten pound, and the Lord Strange should offer a Pixe of Silver of five pound. The xxix. of June, the Earl of Huntingdon, with his retinue fought with nine Carikes of jene, and took four of them to their patrons, and the Admiral of them all, that was called the Bastard of Bourbon, with all the treasure that they all should have been waged with for a quarter of a year. The thirtieth of July, King Henry with his host sailed into Normandy, and took the Castle of Tonke, and shortly after got Cane, Beyonx, and many other Towns and Castles. Henry Read: john Gedney, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Marlowe iron-monger, the 28. of October. Sir john Oldcastell was sent unto London by the Lord Tho. Walls. Powes out of Wales, which Sir john was convict by Parliament, drawn to Saint Giles field, where he was hanged by Tho. Walls. the neck in a chain of iron, and after consumed with fire. The 14. of December, King Henry continuing his Anno reg. 6. wars in France, held his Christmas in Normandy at Bayaux, about which time the Castle of Falase was yielded unto 1418 him, and the City of Aueraunce was also yielded. After Easter, Thomas Duke of Clarence was sent by the King to besiege the Monastery of Beck Helowin, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester was sent to besiege the Town Cherburghe, Richard Earl of Warwick was sent to besiege the Castle of Daunfrount, and the Earl of Kime was sent to besiege the Castle of Milly Levisque. About the feast of the holy Trinity, the King sent Thomas Duke of Excester▪ his Uncle into Normandy, with fifteen thousand men of arms. In the month of June, King Henry besieged the noble Town of Lovens, and compelled them within, to yield to him upon conditions, on the even of Saint john Baptist. Then the King on the xxij. of June, removed his army Titus Livius. towards Pount large, where he laid his siege on the one side of th● Town, by the middle whereof, the River of Seen hath his course, but could have no passage over the river to lay siege on the other side, for the bridge which was without the town was defended with a strong Tower, and a Garrison, but King Henry commanded to make Boats of wickers, and those to be closed in Beasts Skins, by which Boats, on the fifth of July, the Duke of Clarence with his company passed over secretly in great number, and then besieged the other side of the Town: but because the River of Seen divided his host, whereby if either part should have need of other, they could not come together for the River, the King caused to be made so many small square Boats of the wicker aforesaid, that being tied together, and cast into the River, he made of them a Bridge. When the inhabitants and Garrisons perceived them thus environed in all parts, they agreed with the King, that if within fifteen days they were not delivered from this siege, they should deliver to the King the Town and Castle, and when the day was come, they performed promise: and this was the first Bridge over the River of Seen that the King subdued to his power. After the King had thus obtained that Bridge over the River of Seen, and that there was none other River or flood might let his journey, with all the hast he might, he entered his journey towards Roan. The Citizens hearing the approach of their enemies, and fearing lest they should be lodged in the Suburbs which were much larger than the City was within the walls, and was also much replenished with Monasteries, Churches, and Towers, burned the same, and made all even with the ground. To this City on the thirtieth day of July this victorious King approached, against whom came the Citizens with their Garrisons and men of war, where the more part of all that day they continued in battle, and fought sore on both parts, but the French were forced to seek their succour within the walls of the City, whom in their recoil the King pursued still before the City, where he ordered his siege in this manner. First, the King with a noble company of young & hardy men lodged himself before the gate of Saint Hilary. The Duke of Clarence with his power was lodged before the gate of Caulx. The Duke of Excester, after he was c●me to the king was lodged with his people before the gate of the castle, called Beanuice. earl Marshal was lodged before the gate called Markevile. The Earl of Warwick, after he was come from the Castle of Donfrounte, was lodged upon the Hil, where the strong Monastery of Saint Katherie was: The Earls of Salisbury and Huntingdon, were lodging there upon the other side of the River of Seen: upon whom their enemies made many assaults: and because the River of Seen divided the English host in two parts, the King caused to be made a strong bridge of Timber over the same River, that when need should require, they might have free passage on foot and horse: and because their enemies should not approach unto it, with their ships or Galleys, the K. caused to be made a great chain to be drawn over the River, betwixt the city and the Bridge. At that time the King of Portugal co●● to the King of England, sent a navy of ships well manne● into the King's aid, whom the King commanded to lie betwixt the City and the sea, to enclose the City from all succours by Water. The town of Caudbeke fearing the danger of the time, covenanted with the King of England, that when the City of Roan were taken and delivered into the King's obeisant; they in like manner would yield them to him, without any assault, and under the same appointed according with the King. xiv. other defensible Towns and Castles that were nigh borderers unto Roan. After many cruel battles and assaults, the Citizens fearing at length to be famished, daily put out of the City great number of poor people and other, but the hunger increasing, they were forced to eat their horses, dogs, cats, rats and mice: and these and other like things were consumed & eaten. Then the plague of famine entered the City, so that the people for default of relief died, that the living might scarcely bury the dead, whereby that noble City was brought into so much misery, that it is not less marvel than pitiful to hear. In this mean time during this siege of Roan. The duke of Excester besieged the City of Eneroys, also about the xx. of August king Henry had three marvelous victories in Normandy. The first was that one hundred Englishmen take iij. great Lords at a place called Kilbuife, and put to flight three hundred and fourescoure persons besides. The second was, four hundred of his enemies entered within the suburbs of the Town of Ebroicens', and eleven Englishmen chased them away and took four of them, and slew twelve & took 40. of their horses. The third was, the enemies would indeed have taken the town which was called levers, but the Captain of the same with an hundred of our men went out against a thousand of them, and overcame them, & took 180. gentlemen of the enemies. About this time also Captain de la Bouche took the Town of Pontoys by Paris. The Parson of Wrotham in Norfolk, which haunted New market Heath and there rob and spoiled many, was with his Concubine brought to Newgate of London, where he died in prison. john Brian: Ralphe Barton, the. 28. of Sep. john Parnesse, Sheriffs. the. 28. of October. This john Brian Sheriff, as he came one a time from Wapping in the Woose, thinking to have eased himself beyond Saint Katherine's Mill, fell into the Thamis and was dragged up again by his men and the Miller, but died thereof within a seven-night, in whose place was chosen john Parnesse. William Sevenoke Grocer▪ the. 28. of October. Maior. This William Sevenoke, when he was a new borne babe, was found at a Town called Sevenoke in Kent, where by charitable people he was christened by the name of William, and for that his father or mother could not be known, they gave him to surname Sevenoke being by them brought up till he was able to serve, they then bound him prentice with a Citizen of London, where after his good service, God endued him with such wisdom and wealth, that he came to be Mayor of that City: who being not unthankful to God and the common wealth, among other his charitable works, founded in the Town of Sevenoke, where he had been nourished, a Free school and thirteen alms houses. When the Citizens of Roan, perceived themselves marvelously afflicted by famine, (as is before showed, and also to be in despair of succour, from the Frenchmen, now after half a years siege and more, upon certain conditions, they delivered to the king of England their City, castle, Tower, abbeys, Churches, houses, Citizens, Captains, Garrisons, and generally all, things that were within the City, whatsoever they were. The nineteen. day of Januarie, there had died within this City (as was said) for default of victuals during this siege more than thirty. thousand people. This Anno reg. 7. 1419 noble King the rather to relieve this oppressed City, ordained the same to be the chief Chamber of all Normandy, and ordained his exchequer, his Treasury, and his coinage to be kept in the same, he also edified a strong tower behind the Castle. Whilst the King ordered his business at Roan, he sent diverse Lords with strong puissance of people, to receive the Castles of Towns bordering upon Roan, amongst whom the Duke of Clarence, in short time redused to the King, the mighty Castle of Galiarde, the Town of Vernon, the Town of Naunte, the castal of Bandmounte, and many other strong places and holds. The Earl of Salisbury, with the Garrison to him assigned took the Town of Hounslowe, the Town of Moun●iour de Villers, the town of Ewe, the Town of Gurney, the new Castle, and generally all the places in that part. This year Queen jane the King's stepmother being defamed by certain persons, of some wicked practice by witch craft▪ or 〈…〉, that she had devised against the 〈…〉 the counsel of 〈…〉 dolph a Doctor of Divinity her Confessor▪ 〈…〉ing all her servants put from her, was committed to the custody of john Wellam, who appointed nine servants to attend her, brought her unto the Castle of Pemsey to be governed under his providence. Friar Randolph ●●● sent to the Tower, where at length, to weet, in Anno. 〈…〉. the fift of June, he was slain by the Parson of the Tower, falling out at words with him. And after, Queen joane was delivered. King Henry sent his brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, accompanied with the Earl Martial, and a great power of armed men to lay siege afore the Town and Castle of Ivory, which Town, after many assaults and battles, the Duke took by force: But the castle thereof was not yielded, till the thirteenth of May. The King also sent the Earl of Huntingdon with a power from Maunt, to the Town of Pontois, by which, if it were taken, he might have the more sure and easy passage to Paris. Those which were sent, at the entry of the night were come nigh unto Pontois, where, in a Wood they left their horses, and that done, in the darkness of the night, they went on foot to the ditches of the Town, which then were dry, where part of them lay on the banks of the ditches, with their Ladders in their hands ready to scale the walls when time should serve, and the residue hid them in the Uines, where they might be ready to enter the town at the opening of the gates. At the break of the day they of the town changed their Watch, at the which change, the ●●●●es were left without Watches for the time. But the Englishmen seeing time to accomplish their intent, raised their Ladders, and scaled the walls, and by that means, entered the Town: where, some of them forthwith broke the gate, and made entry for the rest of their company, which, when the garrisons of the Town perceived, as men amazed, they turned themselves to flight. But not long after, they armed them, and assailed their enemies, but to the Englishmens great avail, the Earl of Huntingdon with his company set spurs to their horses, and hasted them to the succour of their first company, whereby the Frenchmen as all discouraged and in despair to save the Town, at the sight of these new rescues that came to the Englishmen, leaving behind them all their riches and substance endeanoured themselves, to escape by flight, and so the town of Pointois, avoided of all frenchmen, was left free to the English, After these enterprises thus achieved, the king with all his company came to this Town of Pointois, where he abode a certain time, from whence he sent the Duke of Clarence with a chosen power of men to Paris, to view the situation and strength thereof, before which City, when he had tarried certain days and had seen all that him liked, and that none of the French men would issue out of the City, to fight with him, he returned to the King, and assertayned him of all that he had seen. On the. xviij. of August, King Henry with all his host departed from Pointois. And because the Castle of Bokinvillers Bokinvillers yielded. had done certain inhuman cruelties to the King's lands that bordered thereabout, to the intent to repress their malice, the King lodged himself not far from thence, and sent certain to assault the same Castle, where both the inhabitants and garrisons feared so much the King, that as men desperate of all succours they yielded both castle and goods. And then all the towns, Castles and holds within a great circuit, without abiding battle, yielded them to the King, but that strong and mighty town of Gysors, whereof the castle is much more defensible, than the Town, would not submit to the King, wherefore on the last day of August the King with all his host took his journey thither, and enclosed the Town with his pavilions and tents. Betwixt him and them of the Town, were many sharp battles and cruel assaults, but at all times the Englishmen put the Frenchmen to flight, wherefore the inhabitants and garrisons of the town and castle delivered the same to the King in the xxiv. of September. Richard Whitingham: john Butler, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Whitington Mercer, the. 28. of October. King Henry returned with his army to Maunt, where he divided his host into three battles, whereof he delivered the one to the Duke of Gloucester, whom he sent to subdue the Town of Saint Germans, which after many battles and assaults, in short time was yielded to him: the second battle he sent to the Castle of Mount Oye, which in like manner was yielded: with the third battle, the King in his own perfom went to besiege Mewlance, which above all other was most strong. The situation of this town was in a plenteous I'll betwixt two arms of the sea etc. notwithstanding when the inhabitants and Garrisons saw the great provision of the King they yielded the town; on the last day of October: from thence the King returned again to Maunt, and sent the Duke of Excester to besiege the Castle of Gueparde, which to him was yielded the xx▪ of December. King Henry kept his Christmas in the City of Roan, he sent the Earl of Salisbury, to take the Town of Fresvey▪ which in short time he took. The Earl Marshal and the Earl of Huntingdon, were sent by the King to subdue the Province of Shenon▪ where the Dolphin had deputed a Captain with a strong power, which Captain met the two Earls, and gave them battle, but the Englishmen remained conquerors. And thus those two Earls subdued the province of Shenon▪ without any other great resistance. Whilst these and many other victories were achieved, the King continuing in the City of Roan, the ambassadors of Charles the French King, & of the Duke of Burgoigne, came to the King to treat of peace, where of the King they were right honourably recoyved, and sent with him to the French King and the Duke of Burgoigne▪ his ambassadors, with full authority to conclude this long sought peace: the principal ambassador was the Earl of Warwick, in company of certain Bishops and other discrete men, accompanied with a strong power of armed men. These ambassadors were first brought to the Duke of Burgoigne, because he was next unto them, and after they took their journey until they came to the City of Troy's, where they found King Charles Anno reg. 8. 1420 of France with the Queen his wife, and that beautiful Lady Katherine their daughter. And entering into communication of peace with the King's counsel of France, the way of peace was found betwixt those two Kings by alliance, that is to say, by a marriage to be made betwixt th● most victorious K. of England▪ & the Lady Katherine daughter to th● King & Queen of France: but because they perceived that many things might not be done without the presence of the kings, as well for th● apposition of their seals for the ratifying of th● articles of this peace, as for the solemnisation of the matrimony, & also th● King Charles was a man of many years, they condescended th● the K. of England at a certain day amongst them limited should come to the foresaid City of Troy's▪ with as great an armed power as he would. At which day appointed, if he failed to be there, all his communication of peace should be as void. These things thus concluded & set down in writing, th● earl of Warwick with his company returned to th● K. of England, to whom they declared by order what they had done, who was content in all things to perform their appointments, & prepared for his journey. He called together knights, men of arms & archers to th● number of xuj. M. of them the more part were Archers: & when the time came that he would departed toward Troy's (as he was accustomed) he divided his people in three parts & battles, & two wings, and in that manner the. viij. day of May, he entered his journey toward Troy's in Campaine, where he was met by the Duke of Burgoigne accompanied with many noble men, two leagues without the town, whom he received with great honour & due observance. Then this most victorious king accompanied both of English and Frenchmen of every estate & degree, entered the 〈…〉 resaid City of Troy's, th● streets whereof without any abiding he passed until he came to the king's place, where K. Charles and the Queen▪ his wife abode his coming, of whom the was received goodly and after a Princely manner. When th● King of England was thus royally received, after the due resolutions on his part made to King Charles & the Queen, he departed from them, and by the Duke of Burgoine and other great estates as well of England as of France, he was conveyed to his lodges. The City was divided into two p●rts, whereof the one half was assigned to the Frenchmen, & Burgonians, and the other half to the Englishmen: and because that part assigned to the Englishmen, sufficed not to receive them all within the walls, but that a great part of them must be lodged in the suburbs, the King of England, because his people on that part should have free concourse together, he caused the wall on that part of the City where he was lodged, to be cast down to the ground. King Charles gave authority and power to Isabel his wife and Queen, to Philip Duke of Burgoigne, and to certain other of his Counsel plenarily to conclude the peace with King Henry, for him and for his realm of France, under such conditions as should be decreed, & also to prove, ratify, & confirm the same, by oath solemnized in the parson of K. Charles, without fraud, in all things to be observed unto the said K. Henry, his heirs▪ successors, by the said King Charles, his heirs and successors, etc. On the xxj. of May, in the xl. year of the reign of King Charles, in the Cathedral Church of Troy's, the King of England with the Duke of Clarence his brother and other Dukes, Earls, Bishops, Barons, Lords of estate, and other Prelates of England, and Isabel the Queen of France with the Duke of Burgoigne and other of the King's Counsel of France▪ and in that part his especial commissioners, for and in the name of the king of France, and also for themselves, & in their proper names, in a great assembly of the iij. estates of France, vulgarly called their▪ parliament, concluded a peace betwixt the two Realms of England & France, and the same ratified and approved with the conditions and Articles that in part shall follow, whereupon writings were made; sealed with the brao●e seal of the said king Charles. Then immediately Isabel the Queen and the Duke of Burgoigne, in the name of King Charles, made a solemn oath upon the holy Evangelists, that th● same Charles his heirs and successors should observe and keep without fraud the peace made betwixt the two Realms. And the same oath the Queen and the Duke of Burgoigne in their own names and for themselves their heirs & successors, made unto the King for him his heirs and successors, and after them as many as were there present both of the King's counsel, and also of the Parliament, as Bishops, Lords, Knights, and commons, made the same oath to the King. And the. twenty-three. and. xxiv. day of May the Chancellor of France, and many other Lords, Bishops, Prelates, and noble men gave the like faith and oath. The third of June, being present the Counsel of K. Charles, Isabel Queen of France, the Duke of Burgoigne, and the Parliament of France, and also the Duke of Clarence, with many Bishops, Lords, and Knights of England, with King Henry, the matrimony was solemnized betwixt the most victorious King Henry of England, and the excellent & glorious Lady Katherine, daughter to Charles of France and Isabel his Queen. The peace that was confirmed betwixt the said two kings and their realms was red as followeth. King Henry from nowforth during the life of King Charles shall not name or write himself King of France, nor shall not suffer himself of his people so to be named or written. After the death of king Charles, king Henry shall be king of France peaceably with his heirs and successors. And because King Charles by reason of his infirmity is unable to govern the common weal, king Henry during the life of Charles, shall rule and govern the realm of France, to the profit & honour of the same king Charles. King Charles in all his writings shall name the same King Henry our son and heir of France, during the life of the said king Charles. King Henry shall be written, Henry King of England, and heir and Regent of France, and in the like manner he shall write himself in all things that shall be authorized under his own seal. King Henry shall call King Charles his Father, and Queen Isabel his mother and shall honour them. Nor King Henry shall not prohibit, with hold, nor defraud King Charles his Father of the Crown of France, nor the issues or revenues thereof. And the Queen his mother at all times during hi● life he shall keep in due estate as belongeth to hi● majesty, etc. with diverse other Articles which for liberty I set not down in this place. After the final end and accomplishing of this marriage, covenants and conditions, ratified in all parts, King Henry, accompanied of King Charles and of his counsel, of the two Queens, Isabel and Katherine, and of the Duke of Burgoigne, departed from Troy's, and took his journey to Paris, and from Paris not many days after they all went to lay siege to the City of Sens, which was to them contrary, but before the whole host were settled in their places, the Captain Citizens and Garrisons submitted their bodies and City with all that they had to the King. Then they hasted to Monstrean, which Town they took by force. On the xv. of July they went to the City of Melune, and environed the same with a strong siege, for there were the Kings of England, of France, and scotland, the Duke of Burgoigne, Tho. Walls. Bavier, Clarence, bedford, and Excester, the Earls of March, Warwick, Huntingdon, and Somerset▪ etc. This siege continued. xiv. weeks and odd days, from the feast of Mary Magdalen▪ to the feast of All Saints, not without in a manner every day a conflict and sore skirmish, but at length for want of victuals the besieged, yielded themselves to the Kings of England and France, from whence the foresaid Kings with a great part of their army went to Paris. john Butler: john Wells, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William Cambridge Grocer, the. 28. of October. King Henry kept his Christmas in the City of Paris, in the Castle of Saint Anthony. And after he had holden a parliament there, he went to Roan, and therewith his Titus Livius. Normans, and Englishmen held a Parliament. And then when he had established sure guard for this Realm of France & Duchy of Normandy, he passed through Picardy to Caleis, and so to Dover, where with his Queen he landed on Candlemas day. The fourteenth of February Queen Katherine was Crowned at Westminster, unto whom the King assigned to her dowry. 10000 marks, also he consented to the delivery of the King of Scots, who had been long prisoner in England, with condition, that before his departure out of England, he shall take to wi●e the Duke of Somersets' sister, niece to the Cardinal of Winchester. Anno reg. 9 1421 The. xxij▪ of March the duke of Clarence▪ with many other Lords were slain beyond the Water of Leire in France, & many Lords were taken prisoners, of the which the Earl of Huntingdon and the Earl of Somerset were principal. In a Parliament at Westminster it was ordained that no man should proffer gold in payment, but if it held weight, wherefore was ordained Balances and weights. The king suppressed the French houses of religious Monks and Friars, and such like in England, because they thought ill of the Conquest over France, their▪ lands were given by him and Henry the sixth, to Monasteries and Colleges of learned men. In this Parliament was demanded subsidy. The Bishop of Winchester lent the king ●0000. pound to strain th● matter. The King having disposed all thing in order concerning the realm of England and the wars in Scotland▪ leaving in England his Queen, with a great power to the number (after Enguerant) of thirty thousand, returned into France, where, after he had visited the King and Queen of France at Paris, he took the Castle of D●wex▪ by assault. And when he heard, that his enemies prepared themselves to battle, he approached the flood of Loire, about which Titus Livius. flood it was said his enemies were: but against him came no man. Wherefore the King led his host to lay siege to the City of Sens, commonly called the King's new Town, which Town for lack of victuals yielded themselves and the Town to the King. john Mortimer broke forth of the Tower of London, and being afterwards taken, he was drawn and hanged. Richard Gosselin: William Weston, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Robert Chicheley Grocer, the 28. of October. This Sir Robert Chicheley, when he deceased in Anno 1439. willed in his Testament, that upon his mind▪ day, a competent dinner should be ordained for 2400. poor men, householders of the City, and twenty pound in money to be distributed amongst them, which was to every man two pence. He also with his brother William Chicheley Alderman of London gave liberally to the Alms houses founded by his brother Henry Chicheley archbishop of Canterbury, at Higham Ferrer in Nothamptonshire, in which Town they were borne. In the month of October, when King Henry had delivered Ti●us Livius. the City of Paris from all annoyaunces, he with his h●ste went to besiege the City of Meaulx in Brye, to which City nigh adjoining, is a place called th● Market of Meaulx, betwixt which two places floweth the river of Marne, which also environeth both the same places. This City was besieged all the Winter, wherein were so many, and so great storms and floods of rain, that the king's host was often annoyed with hunger & cold. The sixth of December, Lady Katherine Queen of England, brought forth her first begotten son in the Castle of Windsor, and his name was given him Henry: for there received him at the font, john Duke of Bedford his uncle Lord Warden of England, and Henry the King's uncle B. of Winchester, and jaquelyn duchess of Holland that remained then in England. Henry Archbishop of Canterbury, doing the office of Baptism. In the month of February the Knights that were in Garrison, and the principal of th● City of Mealx perceiving that the Summer coming should cause the siege to be more light, and less painful to the Englishmen, and difficil unto themselves, departed the City and went into that Anno reg. 10 1422 place, that is called the Market of Mealx, as to the more defensible hold▪ after whose departing the common people having none ability to resist the King's power, yielded themselves and the City to the King. After this in the month of May, when the King had sore beaten the foresaid Market of Meaulx, he constrained the Frenchmen that were besieged, to condescend unto certain covenants, and to deliver the place unto him: and shortly after were delivered to the King the town of Orepy in Valois, the Castle of Pier Pountmeralaw, Offemount and many others. After the rendering of these Towns and Castles the King returned to Paris. In the month of April Katherine Queen of England shipped at Hampton, and sailed over into France with a strong power, under the conduct of john Duke of bedford th● king's brother, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, being appointed Warden of England, in the Duke of Bedford'S place: when the coming of Queen Katherine was known to King Henry her husband, and to Charles king of France, both these Kings, and with them the Queen of France, accompanied with many great Lords and estates, as well of England as of France, went to meet her at Boys de Viscenne, where she was joyfully received of them, as if she had been an Angel sent from God. The. thirty. day of May the two Kings of England and France, with their Queens departed from Bois de Viscenne, and went to Paris: the king of England and his Queen were lodged in the Castle of Lower, and the King of France and his Queen were lodged in the palace of Saint Paul. King Henry hearing that the Dolphen with a great power besieged the Town of Guisney, he determined to go himself to the raising of the siege, and so came to the town of Corbeil, and so to Senlis, where he waxed so sick, that he was constrained to tarry and send his brother the Duke of bedford, to rescue them of Cosney: but the Dolphin raised his siege and departed thence. King Henry his disease increasing, he departed this life in the Castle called Boys de Visceme, not far from Paris, on the last of August, in the year 1422. when he had reigned nine years five months and odd days. There was present at his death King Charles of France, and the two Queens: but before his death this most prudent King disposed the guard of the young Prince his son, and the defence of the realm of England, to his brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, but the custody of the body of this young Prince the King, committed to his uncle the Duke of Excester: and the revenues of the Duchy of Normandy, he bequeathed to his brother john Duke of bedford, for the governance of the same Duchy and of the Realm of France. In his life time he re-edified his royal manor that then was called Shine, now Richmount: he founded two Monasteries upon the Thamis not far from Richmount, the one of Carthusians, which he named Bethlem, the other of religious men and women of Saint Bridget, and that he named Zion. He founded Gartar, principal King at arms of all Englishmen, and also the brotherhood of saint Gyles without cripple Gate of London. Shortly after his departing, his bowels were interred in the Church of saint More de Fosses, and his corpse well enbaulmed and seared, was closed in lead: and accompanied with all the Lords, Enguerant. estates, and commons of England, that were there present, with also many Lords and great estates, as well of France, Normandy, Burgundy, and Picardy, was brought with great honour to Paris, and set in the Church of our Lady, where were done for him right solemn exequys, with distribution of money and great alms to the poor. From thence he was brought to Roan, where he abode long. When all things necessary were prepared for the conveyance of the dead King into England, his body was laid in a Chariot, which was drawn by four great horses: and above the dead corpses they laid a figure made of boiled hides or leather, representing his person, as nigh to the semblance of him as could be devised, painted curiously to the similitude of a living creature: upon whose head was set an Imperial Diadem of gold and precious stones: and in his right hand he held a Sceptre royal, and in his left hand a ball of gold. And in this manner adorned was this figure laid in a bed in the said Chariot, with his unsage uncovered toward the heavens: and the coverture of his bed was of red silk beaten with gold: and besides that, when the body should pass through any good Town, a Canopy of marvelous great value, was borne over the Chariot, by men of great worship. In this manner accompanied of the King of Scots, and of all Princes, Lords, and Knights of his house, he was brought from Roan to Abevile, where the corpse was set in the Church of saint Offr●ne. From Abuile, he was brought to Hedin, and from thence to Menstreull, so to Boulogne, and to Caleis. In all this journey were many men about the Chariot clothed all in white, which bore in their hands torches burning, after whom followed all the household servants in black, and after them came the Princes, Lords, and estates of the kings blood, adorned in vestures of mourning: and after all this, from the said Corpse the distance of two English miles followed the Queen of England right honourably accompanied. In this manner they entered Caleis, from whence after a few days they departed, and continued their journeys by water and land until they came to London, where they arrived about the tenth of November, & so were conveyed by London bridge through Cheap to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul: upon the covering of the for most of the four horses that conveyed the Chariot, were embroidered the ancient arms of England: upon the coverture of the second horse were the arms of England and France, in one shield quarterly: upon the coverture of the third horse was embroidered the arms of France, without any manner of difference: and on the fourth horse were the arms of King Arthur. When his exequys were solemnized at Saint Paul's Church in London, he was brought from thence to be interred in the Abbay of Saint Peter at Westminster amongst his noble ancestors. Thus this most victorious and renowned King entered the way decreed for every creature, in the flower & most lusty time of his age, to wit but six and thirty years old. ⸪ ¶ King Henry of Windsor. HEnrie the sixth, being an infant of eight months old, began Anno reg. 1. Titus Livius. his reign the last of August, in the year 1422. Continuing the time of his youth, the governance of the Realm was committed to the Duke of Gloucester, and the guard of his person to the Duke of Excester: and to the Duke of Bedford was given the regiment of France, who right wisely and nobly ruled the same so long as he lived. This Henry was of wit and nature simple, gentle, and meek: he loved better peace than war, quietness of mind than business of the world: honesty than profit: rest and ●ase than trouble and care: all injuries that ever happened to him, which were many, he suffered patiently, and reputed them to be worthily sent of God for his offences. William Gastfield: Robert Tatarsale, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. William Walderne Mercer, the 28. of October. The xxj. of October, Charles King of France passed out of this world, and was buried at S. Denis in France after he ha● History of Joys Duke of Orleans. Charles le biew King of France died. been Crowned King 46. years. He was greatly beloved of his people all his life time, and therefore was called Le Roy Charle le biew ame: but yet he had a sickness the more part of his reign, that being out of his wit, he would strike all that came near him: it took him first in the City of Man's shortly after he had been in Flanders to reduce the Flemings to obedience. There was by reason hereof great trouble in France, because those that were near to him in lineage, sought every one to have the chief government in their hands. When he thus died, the Realm was left in miserable state, for people of each strange nation were governors in the Realm. First, the Englishmen had conquered a great part, and sought to have the rest: and the Duke of Burgoigne, with many other great Lords allied with him, sought to conquer all, for the young King Henry of England who claimed then to be King of France, and likewise in all Henry King of England and of France. the money that was coined, the Axmes of both Realms were quartered. The Crowns that were stamped in the time of Charles, and all other money more, were forbidden to be currant, and called to the Mint. King Henry caused a piece to be stamped called a Salus, worth two and twenty Shillings, and Blans of eyghtpence a piece, and so in no place of France where King Henry was obeyed, any other money was received, but such as had the Arms of France and England stamped on it. Charles Duke of Tourayne the Dolphin, son to King Charles le biew ame, claiming to be right inheritor to the Dolphin of France proclaimed King of France. Realm of France, by the ancient Edicts and customs of the said Realm as was alleged, proclaimed himself King after the decease of his father, notwithstanding, by the agreement made at the marriage of his Sister to the King of England, it was otherwise concluded (as before is recited) and so there were two Kings in France, Henry and Charles, both which striving for the Crown, the Realm Two Kings of France, Henry and Charles. was in way of perdition. A Parliament at London began the ninth of November, Parliament at London. wherein was granted to the King a subsidy for three years, five nobles of every sack of wool that should pass out of the land. This year, the West Gate of London (sometime called Newgate of London new builded. A●i. S. Paul. Lon. 1423 Chamberlain Gate) was begun to be new builded, by the executors of Sir Richard Whitington, late Mayor of London. King Charles of France began now to advance himself into the D. of Burgoignes lands, and the Connestable of Scotland, accompanied with many Lords, and men of war of K. Charles side, laid siege to the town of Carnens, but the Marshal of Burgoigne assembled men of war to raise the siege, with whom went the Earl of Salisbury, a valiant man, and The Earl of Salisbury wan divers holds in France, and razed them. now being come together, fought with their enemies, won the field, took the Connestable, whose son was slain in the field. Many of K. Charles men were slain and taken to the number of ten or twelve hundred good men of war. After which victory, the Earl of Salisbury laid siege to Montaguillon in Champeigne, and continued there an eight months before he could have it rendered, and then caused the same to be razed and thrown down. Then the Earl of Salisbury besieged the Castle of Monnes, which at length Anno reg. 2. was yielded to him: this Castle he also razed & bet down, which was the strongest place in all champaign, it was after repaired by King Charles. Nicholas james: Thomas Wanford, the 28. of Septemb▪ Sheriffs. Maior. Duke of Bedford married the Duke of Burgoignes daughter. William Crowmar Draper, the 28. of October. About the same time, the Duke of Burgoigne gave his sister the Lady Anne in marriage to the Duke of Bedford, and so the alliance was made more strong betwixt the English & the Burgonians. Philip de Comines writeth, that john D. of Bedford, was Phi. Comi. Regent in France for the Englishmen, his monthly allowance in that office amounting to 20000. Crowns at the least. Also, th● Duke's of Burgoigne, Bedford, & Britein, met in the town of Amiens, there was also the Earl of Richmont, brother to the Duke of Briteine, and many other great Lords, which Earl of Richmont had married the Duke of Briteines eldest sister Margaret, sometime wife to the Duke of Guienne, and Dolphin of France. These three Dukes were five or six days together in Amiens, in great friendship and reverence each to other, promising perpetual amity to continue. After this, the Duke of Briteine returned into his Country, the Duke of Bedford, (Regent of France,) to Paris, and the D. of Burgoigne, to Arras, but within a while after: the Earl of Richmont revolted to King Charles, upon some misliking he had conceived against the Duke of Bedford. King Charles received him joyfully, & made him Connestable of France. About the same time, the Duke of Bedford caused Crotoy to be besieged both by water and by land, which after four or five months siege, was both Town and castle delivered to the Duke, where he ordained Ralph Butler to be Captain. At that time, the Duke of Bedford was obeyed as Regent in all places through Vimeu, Pontieu, and Picardy, from Paris to Reins, Chalons, & Troy's, up to the water of Loire. About the feast of Saint Andrew, the Captains of King Charles assembled their forces about Le Fere, and Nelle, and took by night the Town of Campeigne, and spoiled the inhabitants of all their goods. Shortly after came the Duke of Bedford to Mondidier with twelve hundredth fight men, and requested the Lord of Sanenses to lay siege to Campeigne, and he would find him men and money to wage them, whereunto he granted, and after fifteen days siege, had the same delivered. In the month of February, james Steward, the young King of Scots, who was taken by the Englishmen in the King of Scots released of imprisonment. eight year of King Henry the fourth, and had remained in England prisoner till this time, was now delivered, and married in Saint Mary Oueryes Church in Southwark to the Lady jane, daughter to john Earl of Somerset, Cousin to King Henry. Sir john Mortimer Knight was drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged and quartered, but his body was buried in Saint john's Church at Clarkenwell. King Henry's people besieging the Castle of Dinry in 1424 the marches of Normandy, they within compounded to yield at a day assigned, if the Englishmen were not fought withal before the same day by the Frenchmen: whereupon as well King Charles, as the Duke of Bedford, made great levies of men to keep the day appointed, and herewith they drew both towards Yury: but when King Charles heard how the The Battle of Vernole in perch. Duke of Bedford was coming towards him with such a puissance, he was counseled to draw back, and so he did towards Vernole in perch, whom the Duke of Bedford followed, so that he found his army near to Vernole. And when either army was in sight of the other, they put themselves in order of battle, and the Englishmen made an hedge of their Horse behind their battle, because the French should not strike in among them on the backs: and the Frenchmen ordered themselves in battle array, making a great battle of footmen, in the which, they put the flower and chiefest men. They appointed their Horsemen to set on the Englishmen a traverse, the battles on foot came upon and joined, where was a sore fight betwixt them, continuing two hours together, that no man might judge which way the victory would incline: but at length, the men of King Charles began to break, and then the Englishmen began to thrust in among them, and did so much, that they discomfited their enemies. There were slain the Earl Dowglas, Duke of Turon, james Dowglas, Earl of Wighton, john Earl of Boughan, with the Uicount Nerbon, and many other, to the number of ten thousand (saith Fabian) four Robert Fabian. thousand sayeth mine Author (a Frenchman) who sayeth, that the Duke of Bedford bore himself most valiantly, fight with an axe so fiercely, as he had the praise of all other. The Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk governed themselves also right valiantly. The Lord of Torsy, and other Lords of Normandy, which before had taken part with the Englishmen, this day turned to the French, hoping that the Englishmen should have lost the battle. True it is, that the Frenchmen would never suffer their King Charles to be present in person at any battle, but when they thought to pitch a field, they sent him into some strong Town. By the loss of this battle fought on the seventeenth of August, before Vernole in Anno reg. 3. perch, King Charles was put to great hindrance, so that he was not able in puissance to give the Englishmen any battle, having enough to defend and keep his Towns and fortresses against them. The Duke of Bedford returned into Normandy, where he punished many that fled from him the day of the battle. Then went he to Paris, where he found the Duke of Burgoigne, who received him, and the Duchess of bedford The Duke of Burgoigne enamoured with the Countess of Salisbury, where of came great displeasure and loss to England, by the breach of amity betwixt the English, and the Burgonions. his wife, the said Duke of Burgoignes Sister, right joyfully, and made to them great feast, at which feast also were the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk, the old Queen of France, mother to King Charles, and many other great estates of divers nations, amongst the which, the Duchess of Bedford was holden for the most gallantest Lady of all other, and with her, the Countess of Salisbury, a very fair Lady. The Duke of Bedford that had never jousted before, jousted there. The Duke of Burgoigne was a very goodly & amiable man of parsonage, doing excellently well whatsoever he took in hand, and especially in dancing and justing he exceeded all other of his Country. At this feast, he became desirous of the Countess of Salisbury, and some messages passed betwixt them, which came to the Earl of Salisburies' ear, whereof he was nothing contented with the Duke, and therefore sought to do him displeasure afterward. This feast being ended, the Duke of Burgoigne went into his Country of Burgoigne, and there took to wife the Duchess of Nevers, which had been wife to his Uncle the Duke of Nevers▪ and had by her two Children. She was half sister to the Duke of Bourbon, but she lived not long with him. The D. of Burgoigne also gave his sister the youngest, named Agnes, The second cause of breach of amitle betwixt England and Burgoigne. in marriage unto Charles de Barbon, Earl of Clerimont, for the which, the Duke of Bedford, and other Englishm● were wroth, for that he made such alliance with the enemies without their accord. This year, the Frenchmen repaired the Castle of Mouns in champaign, which had been a little before destroyed by the Englishmen, and now it was well stuffed with victuals and men, which began to make sore war to the Country, but shortly after the Earl of Salisbury besieged them, and with him Messire john de Luxenburg, who did so much, that the Castle was yielded to him. The D. of Bedford, with his wife the Duchess, lay for the most part in Paris, leading there a pleasant life with the Lady whom he greatly loved, and was lodged in the house of the Tournels, ●éere to the castle Saint Anthony, where he made fair buildings, and his men still made sore wars against the French, towards the River of Loire, and other places, upon base Normandy, and toward the Duchy of Alencon. This year in England, Edmond Mortimere Earl of March, with many other Lords, & a great retinue were sent Earl of March sent into Ireland. into Ireland, where the said Earl of March ended his life. Simon Seman: Bythewater, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Michael Stockfish monger, the 28. of October. This year 1424. the wars began in Henault, by reason of jaqueline Duchess of Henault, daughter to Duke William jaqueline Duchess of Henault. of Henault, Uncle to Philip Duke of Burgoigne, and also daughter to Duke john of Burgoignes sister, wife to the forenamed William, and so double Cousin german to Phil●●p, Duke Philip now living. This jaqueline was married ●● john Duke of Brabant her Cousin german, & Cousin ger●●n also to Duke Philip of Burgoigne, and before that, she ●●s married to the Earl of Pontiove, son to King Charles le ●●●n aime, eldest Brother to King Charles now living, ●●t notwithstanding that she was thus married to the Duke of Brabant, yet was she conveyed by Sir Robersart Knight, and brought into England to the Duke of Gloucester, and there married to the said Duke of Gloucester: and so she jaqueline married to the D. of Gloucester. had two husbands alive at once, Brabant and Gloucester, ● thing thought unreasonable, both against God, the world, and the Church, for she had been four or five years in company with the Duke of Brabant, but there had fallen some variance betwixt them, and so she was come from him into Henault. About the last of April began a Parliament at Westminster, wherein was granted a subsidy of twelve in the Robert Fabian. Parliament at London. First subsidy paid. pound of all manner Merchandise coming in, or passing out of this Realm: three Shillings of a Tun of Wine for the term of three years to be holden. And furthermore it was enacted, that all Merchant strangers should be set to an English host within fifteen days of their coming to their port sale, and to make no sale of any Merchandise, ere All Strangers to be lodged within English hosts. they were so lodged: & then within forty days following, to make sale of all they brought: and if any remained unsold at the said forty days end, that then all such Merchandise unsold, to be forfeited. Also, that all Strangers that carried any wools out of this land, should pay. xliij. shillings four pence for a sack custom, where the English Merchants and Denizens paid but five nobles etc. After the marriage had been solemnized between the Duke of Gloucester, and jaqueline Duchess of Holland, as is aforesaid, The Duke of Gloucester goeth into Holland. within a month after the Duke of Gloucester assembled an army of twelve hundred fight men at the least, all Englishmen, and taking the Duchess with him in company, passed over to Caleis, and straight from thence to L●●● in Artois, and so into Henault, making no outrage as he passed through Duke philip's Countries. At their coming into Henault, many towns obeyed them, and other refused ●● to do: likewise were th● Nobles divided. The D. of Burgoigne hearing of this, was sore offended for the injury done to his Cousin of Brabant, the dishonour of his Cousin the Duch●● jaqueline, and the evil dealing of the Duke of Gloucester, A third cause of the amity to be broken betwixt England and Burgoigne, and the loss of many Towns in France. and therefore, to aid the Duke of Brabant, he appointed many of his Captains, with xij. C. fight men pickard's, to go against the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke of Brabant was a man but of weak complexion, and therefore by the Counsel of Brabant it was ordained, that his younger brother Philip, Earl of Saint Pol, should be chief Captain of the war, against the Duke of Gloucester. He had a great Army, as the more part of the Nobles of Brabant, of Henalt, and of Burgoigne, in all, 50000. Pier de Luxenburge, Earl of Conuarson; his near kinsman, had the leading of the Army, for himself was but young. The Duke of Burgoigne had put of his men in garrison within the town of Brain, in the County of Henault, who made sore war to the Country about, but the Earl of Saint Pol, and Conuarson, did come and besiege Brain, continuing afore it twelve days before they within yielded, compounding to depart with bodies and goods saved: these having won Brain, destroyed it utterly, and that done, took the Field with all puissance, which was great: and the Duke of Gloucester likewise came into the field, so that they approached near together, and the vauntcurrers skirmished, but the battle joined not. The Duke of Gloucester had sent his herald, and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester challengeth the Combat with Philip Duke of Burgoigne. written to the Duke of Burgoigne, calling him Traitor, and disloyal to the King of England and France, for that he had sent men in aid against him, and offered him the Combat, whereunto the Duke of Burgoine answered, that he would accept the Combat, denying that ever he had failed of his promise, but that the Duke of Gloucester had done great wrong to the Duke of Brabant, to have bereft him of his wife, contrary to the ordinance of God, and of holy Church, and for other words which the Duke had uttered against the Duke of Burgoignes honour, he gave him the lie, and so far the matter went in words betwixt them, that the day was appointed for the Combat, and the Duke of Burgoigne chose for judge of the Combat the Emperor of Almaigne, and the Duke of Burgoigne sent the Duke of Gloucester a safeconduct, to depart safely into England, to prepare himself of things necessary for the Combat, whereupon, both the Camps broke up: the Duke of Gloucester went to Mons in Henalt, to the Duchess his wife (so termed) & gave her to understand, that he was desirous to try the Combat with the Duke of Burgoigne: and many other things he told her, which he performed not, for within four days after, he took all his power with him, and returned into England, and left the Duchess in Mons, smally accompanied with the people of that Country. Shortly after his departure, the Duke of Burgoigne sent the Lord Lilladam to the Town of men's, to receive jaqueline the Duchess, who being delivered unto him, he conveyed her to Gaunt, where the Duke and she made great semblance of joy together, she promising to be governed always by his advise, but to go to her old husband the Duke of Brabant she would not: and when she espied her time, she stolen away into her Country of Holland, where she was well received of many Lords, and began forthwith to maintain war against Duke Philip of Burgoigne, and sent to the Duke of Gloucester for aid, who sent to her a thousand fight men, under the conduct of the Lord Fitzwaters. The Duke of Burgoigne fearing lest jaqueline would deliver the Country of Holland into the possession of the D. of Gloucester, he assembled his power, and went into Holland, to put the Country into obeisance. At his coming thither, jaqueline, accompanied with many Nobles of the Country, and the Lord Fitzwaters, would have defended his landing, but notwithstanding all the defence they could make, he entered upon them, & there, near to the Town of Brusseils, they joined in battle, the D. of Burgoigne & his people against the Englishmen & Hollanders, taking the Duchess jaquelines part: there was a fierce battle on all sides, but in the end, the Hollanders and Englishmen were all discomfited, and there died in that place above seven or eight hundred, besides those that were taken prisoners: the Lord Fitzwater hardly escaped. After this battle got by the Duke of Burgoigne, 1425 divers Towns of the Country revolted to him, against jaqueline the Duchess, as Dordrecht, Sericzee, and many other. Shortly after, the Duke of Burgoigne leaving garrisons in those Towns that obeyed him, to make resistance against the Duchess that lay in the Town of Gaunt, he returned into his Country of Flanders and Artois, there to prepare such habiliments as were necessary for him to use at the Combat appointed betwixt him and the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke of Gloucester likewise in England made his pronision of his habilimentes and furniture, but the Duke of bedford, brother to the Duke of Gloucester, took great pains to make them friends: and also the counsel of the young King of England, were nothing content with this variance, doubting lest it might be occasion that the Duke of Burgoigne might withdraw himself from their amity, whereby their business in France should be hindered. The Duke of Bedford therefore took his journey from Paris, to Caleis, and so into England, to the end to agree the said Anno reg. 4. Dukes: he took with him the Duchess his wife, and not past a four or five hundred men. About Michaelmas, the Prince of Portugal came into England, and was honourably received and feasted by the King's Uncles. William Mildred: john Brokell, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Rob. Fabian. john Coventry Mercer, the 28. of October. The morrow after Simon and judes day, when the Mayor of London had been at Westminster to take his charge, as Debate between the Duke of Gloucester, and the Bishop of Winchester. the custom is, at such time as he was holding his great dinner, he was by the Duke of Gloucester Lord Protector, sent for in speedy manner, & when he came to his presence, he gave to him commandment, to see the City were surely watched in the night following, and so it was done. On the next morrow, about ix. of the clock, certain servants of th● Bishop of Winchester, brother to the said Protector, would have entered the City by the Bridge, but the warders or keepers thereof, kept them out by force, as before they were commanded, wherewith they being grievously discontented, gathered to them a greater number of Archers, and men of arms, and assaulted the Gate with shot, and other means of war, in so much, that the commons of the City shut in their shops, and sped them thither in great number, so that great bloodshed would have followed, had not the wisdom of the Mayor and Aldermen stayed the matter in time. The Archbishop of Canterbury, with the Prince of Portugal, and other, took great labour upon them to pacify this variance betwixt the two brethren, the Protector and the Bishop, in so much, that they road between them eight times, ere they might bring them to any reasonable conformity, and lastly, they agreed to stand to the rule of the Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, or of such as he would assign, whereupon the City was set in more quiet, and the Bishop of Winchester wrote a Letter to the Duke of Bedford Lord Regent, as followeth. RIght high and mighty Prince, and right noble, and after one liefest earthly Lord, I recommend me unto your Grace with all my heart: and as ye desire the welfare of the King our sovereign Lord, and of his Realies of England and of France, and your own weal, with all yours, hast you hither, for by my troth, and ye tarry long, we shall put this Land in jeopardy with a Field, such a Brother ye have here, God make him a good man. For your wisdom knoweth well, that the profit of France standeth in the welfare of England. Written at London, the last of October. On the tenth day of January next ensuing, the said Duke of Bedford, with his wife, came unto London, & with them also came the said Bishop of Winchester, and the Mayor and Citizens received him at Merton, and conveyed him through the City unto Westminster, where he was lodged in the King's Palace, and the Bishop of Winchester was lodged within the Abbot's lodging. On the morrow following, the Mayor presented the regent with a pair of Basins of Silver, and overgilt, and in them a thousand Mark of gold. The xxj. of February, began a great Counsel at Saint Albon, which was after reiorned to Northampton, but for that no due conclusion might be made, on the 1426 Parliament at Leycester. xxv. of March was called a parliament at Leycester, the which endured till the xv. day of June. This was called the parliament of Bats, because men being forbidden to bring Swords or other weapons, brought great bats and staves on their necks, and when those weapons were inhibited them, they took stones and plomets of Lead. During this Parliament, the variance betwixt the two Lords was debated, in so much, that the Duke of Gloucester put a Bill of complaint against the Bishop, containing six Articles, all which Articles were by the Bishop sufficiently answered, and finally, by the counsel of the Lord Regent, all the matters of variance between the said two Lords, were put to the examination and judgement, with the assistance of the Lords of the Parliament, Henry Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Duke of Excester, john Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Bishop of Durham, Philip Bishop of Worcester, john Bishop of Bath, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Raulph Lord Cornewell, and Master William Alnewike, than keeper of the privy Seal, which Lords, made a decree and award, so that either party took other by the hand with friendly and loving words, none having amends of other. Upon Whitsonday following, was a solemn feast holden at Leycester aforesaid, where the regent dubbed King Henry Knight, and then forthwith the King dubbed Richard Duke of York, that after was father to King Edward the fourth, and other, to the number of forty. After the parliament, the King went to Killingworth castle. Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a College at Higham Ferrer, in Northamptonshire, of eight College and Hospital at Higham Ferrer fellows, four clerk, and six Choristers. He also founded there an Hospital for poor folk, with many preferments to the said Town, which house for the poor, his Anno reg. 5. brethren Robert and William Chichely Aidermen of London, augmented with goodly legacies. On Saturday, the even of Saint Michael the Archangel, john Audley. An Earthquake during two hours. in the morning before day, betwixt the hours of one and two of the clock, began a terrible Earthquake, with lightning and thunder, which continued the space of two hours, and was universal through the world, so that men had thought the world as then should have ended, and the general doom to have followed. The unreasonable Beasts roared and drew to the Towns with hideous noise. Also, the Fowls of the air likewise cried out: such was the work of God at that time to call his people to repentance. john Arnold: john Higham, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Wards in London discharged of fifteens. john Reynwell Fishmonger, the 28. of October. This john Reynwell, Maior of London, gave certain Lands or tenements to the City of London, for the which, the same City is bound to pay for ever all such fifteens as shall be granted to the King (so that it pass not three fifteens in one year) for three wards in London, to weet, Reignwels' Testament. Downegate ward, Billingsgate ward, and Aldgate ward. This year, the Tower at the Draw Bridge of London Tower on London Bridge. was begun by the same Mayor of London. On the newyear's day, Thomas Beawford, Duke of Excester deceased at Greenwich, and was buried at saint edmond's Bury in Suffolk. About the Purification of our Lady, the Duke of Bedford Regent of France, with his wife and family, passed the seas unto Caleis, and so through Picardy into France: but ere he departed from Caleis, to weet, upon the feast day of the Annunciation 1427 of our Lady, the Bishop of Winchester, within the Church of our Lady of Caleis, was created Cardinal, and after the solemnity done, the Regente took him on his right hand, and so conveyed him unto his lodging. This year, was unseasonable weathering, for it rained most part continually from Easter to Michaelmas. This year, the Duke of Alencon, that before was taken prisoner at the battle of Vernole in Perch, was delivered for a ransom of 200000. Scutteses of Gold, which was Rob. Gagwin. 50000. Marks sterling. This year also, the Earl of Salisbury accompanied with the Earl of Suffolk, the Lord Talbot, and other, laid Rob. Fabian. a strong siege unto the City of Orleans, and hold the citizens very straight, and maugre the Duke of Orleans, and the Marshal of France, the Englishmen wan from them divers strong holds, adjoining to the City, and forced them to burn a great part of their suburbs, but one day as the said Anno reg. 6. Earl of Salisbury, Thomas Mountagew rested him at a bay window, a Gun was leveled out of the City, which all tosquashed his face, whereof he died, after which mishap, the Englishmen lost rather than wan, so that by little and little, they lost all their possessions in France. This year, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester took to wife Duke of Gloucester married Elinor Cobham. Elinor Cobham, whom before he had wantonly kept. Henry Frowike: Robert Otley, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Parliament. Subsidy. john Gidney Draper, the 28. of October. In a Parliament at Westminster, was granted to the King a subsidy of every Tun of Wine three shillings, and of other Merchandise, except wool, fell, and cloth, xij. 1418 pence of the pound. Also, of every parish through the Realm, (excepted Cities and boroughs) the benefice being in value x. Mark, ten of that parish should pay vj. s. viij. d. every man viij. d. and of every benefice that were x. pound, x. parishners to pay xiij. s. iiij. d. and so rate and rate like of every benefice, from the lowest to the highest. And for the inhabitants of Cities and boroughs, every man being in value of xx. s. above his household stuff, & the apparel of him & his wife, should pay four pence, and so after that rate unto the richest. On Corpus Christi day, a Briton, that a good widow and honest woman had cherished and brought up of alms, Murder quit with murder. dwelling in White Chapel parish without Aldgate, murdered the said woman in a night sleeping in her bed, and after conveyed such jewels and stuff as he might carry, but he was so pursued upon, that for fear he took a Church, and there foresware the King's land, and the Connestables caused him to be brought to London, and so intended to have conveyed him Westward, but so soon as he was come into the parish where before he had committed the murder, the wives cast upon him so much filth and ordure of the street, Anno reg. 7. that notwithstanding the resistance made by the Connestables, they slew him there out of hand. On the first of September, the Cardinal of Winchester Cardinal of Winchester. being returned from beyond the Seas, was met by the Mayor and his brethren, and certain Citizens of London on horseback without the City, and so brought to his palace in Southwark. This year, was a great fire at Baynard's Castle in London. Fire at Baynard's Castle. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Duffehouse: john Abbot the 28. of September. Henry Barton Skinner, the 28. of October. The viij. of November, the Duke of Norfolk was like to have been drowned, passing through London bridge: his Duke of Norfolk escaped drowning. Barge being set upon the piles overwhelmed, so that to the number of thirty persons were drowned, and the Duke, with other that escaped, were drawn up with ropes. The xxj. of February, Ri. Nevil was made Earl of Salisb. 1429 The fifth day of June, friar Randolph, a Master of Divinity, that had been long prisoner in the Tower of London, 1. Trevise. was there slain by the Parson of the Tower. In the month of June, the Cardinal of Winchester with a warlike company passed the Sea, intending to have made war upon them that then inhabited the Country of prague, but for need of men that the Regente had in France, the Cardinal changed his purpose, and tarried there a season with the Regent. William Ruff: Ralph Holland, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William Castfielde Mercer, the. 28. of October. The sixth of November, King Henry being about the age of nintéene years was solemnly crowned in Saint Peter's Church of Westminster, at whose coronation were made xxxuj. Knights of the Bath, and after solemnisation in the Church finished, an honourable feast in the great Hall of Westminster was kept, whereof ye may read a large discourse in Robert Fabian. After which feast great preparation was made for the King's journey into France. The. xxiv. of Januarie a battle was done in Smithfielde 1430 within the lists before the King, between two men of Feversham in Kent, john Vpton appellaunte, and john Down defendant, when they had long fought, the King took up the matter and forgave both parties. The. xxvij. day of April the King took shipping at Dover, & landed the same day at Caleis, having in his company the Dukes of York and Norfolk, the Bishops of Bath, Ely, and Rochester, the Earls of Huntingdon, Stafforde, Warwick, Oxford, Devonshire, Mortaine of Ewe, and of Ormonde, and Barons, the Lord Boucher, Beaumond, Typtoft, Fitz Water, Roos, Arundale, Audley, Faulconbridge, Gray, Codner, Scrop, and Welles. Whilst the King remained at Caleis, many skirmishes were fought between the Englishmen and the French, in diverse parts of France, and the Frenchmen prevailed greatly by help of a Woman which they named The Maiden of God. So that lastly she with her company came to the Town of champaign, to the end to remove the siege laid thereunto by the Duke of Burgoigne and other of the English Captains, and the. twenty-three. of may, she gave battle to the Englishmen, and fought with them a long time, but in the end by the manhood of a Burgonian Knight named sir john Luxemborough, she was taken alive, and her company distressed, she was conveyed to the City of Roan, and there kept a season, where she feigned herself to be with child, but when the contrary was known, she was condemned & brent. After this King Henry by small journeys into France, came to Paris, where he was honourably received of the Citizens and taken for their sovereign Lord and King, whiles he Robert Gagwine. there remained, (sayeth Gagwine) the Frenchmen, won many holds of the Englishmen, and the Burgonians in the country of Bry. The third of August died the the Countess of Vrmonde, and was buried at Saint Thomas of Acres in London. Anno reg. 9 Sheriffs. Maior. Walter Chertesey: Robert Large, the. 28. of September. Nicholas Wotton Draper, the. 28. of October. Soon after Easter the Lord protector was warned of an assembly of certain lewd persons to be assembled at Abington, wherefore he sent thither certain persons, and also road thither himself, and there arrested the bailie of the Town named William Mandevil a Weaver, the which was appointed for a Captain, who had named himself jack Sharp of Wigmers' land in Wales, who being examined, confessed that he meant to have done many mischiefs, especially against Priests, so that he would have made their heads as cheap as sheep's heads (that is to say) three for a penny, or as some writ, ten for a penny: many of his complices were taken and sent to dyvarse prisons. Their Captain was drawn, hanged, and headed at Abingdon, and his head was sent to London, and set on the bridge: his other fautors were executed in diverse places and Countries to the terror of other. The. xiij. of July Richard Russel a Wooll-man, was drawn, hanged, and quartered, for that he would have made Dukes and Earls at his pleasure. Richard Robsert Lord Bourcher deceased, and was buried at Westminster. King Henry remaining still in France, the Earl of Arundale accompanied with two thousand Englishmen, sent a certain of his company unto a Town called Bealmount, to provoke she Frenchmen to issue out of the town, which small company when Boyssycant & Sentrales then Captains beheld, they with their soldiers sped them forth to take the said Englishmen, th● which by little & little gave back, till they had tolled the Frenchmen a good space from the Town, and then set upon them with a stout courage, and held them on hand, till the Earl with his company rescued them: then betwixt them was a cruel fight, but in the end the Frenchmen were chased, and the said Sentrayle with many footmen of the said Town were slain. john Aderle▪ Stephen Brown, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Wells Grocer, the. 28. of October. This JOHN WELLES Mayor of London caused the Conduit commonly called the Standard in Cheap to be builded. On the seventh day of December King Henry was Crowned in Paris, by the Cardinal of Winchester, at the which Coronation was present, the Duke of Burgoigne, the Duke of bedford Regente, and diverse other Nobles of France. After the solemnity of this feast was ended, the King departed from Paris, and so came to Roan, where he held his Christmas, and that done, he returned to Caleis, where when he had sojourned a season, he took shipping and returned into England, and landed at Dover, the eleventh of February, and then riding toward London, he was met on Barham down, betwixt Dover and Canterbury, by a great company of Gentles and Commons of Kent., all clad in a livery with red hoods, the which accompanied him till he came to Black Heath, which was on the one and twentieth day of February where he was met by the Mayor of London, who road in a gown of Crimson Velvet, his Aldermen in Scarlet, & the Citizens all in white gowns and red hoods, with diverse works or Cognisances broidered upon their sleeves after the faculty of their mysteries or crafts: & after due obeisance and saluting of the king, they road on before him towards the City. And when the King was come to the Bridge, there was devised a mighty Giant, standing with a sword drawn in his hand, having written certain speeches in metre of great rejoicing and welcoming of the King to the City, on the midst of the Bridge, and in diverse other places of the City, were diverse fair and sumptuous pageants replenished with goodly and beautiful personages, the order and speeches whereof, are set down by Robert Fabian in his chronicle. Thus being conveyed to his palace at Westminster, the Mayor with the Citizens returned to London, and on the xxiitj. day of February the Mayor and Aldermen yode to the King, and presented him with a Hampire of Gold and 1433 therein a thousand pound of nobles. This year by reason of the soldiers of Caleis, a restraint was made there of the wools, for they were not content of their wages, wherefore the regent of France, came down thither in Easter week, at which time many soldiers were arrested: and road again to Tirwine. And having not long buried the Lady. Anne his late wife, sister to the Duke of Burgoigne, he married there the Earl's daughter of Saint Paul, and shortly after returned to Caleis where he caused four of those soldiers to be beheaded, on the. xj. of June, and. 110. soldiers to be banished the town, besides. 120. that were banished before that tyme. And upon Midsummer even the Lord Regent with his new wedded spouse came to London, and remained there till the Anno reg. 11 Sheriffs. Maior. latter end of August. john Olney: john Peddesley, the. 28. of September. john Perneis Fishmonger, the. 28. of October. On the. xxv. day of November was the Lord Fitz Water drowned on the sea, and much other harms were done by tempest. 1433 Parliament. On the eight day of July, King Henry began his Parliament at Westminster, continued it till Lammas, and then adjourned it until Saint Edward's tide. This year in the Southweast appeared a blazing star. During the reign of this King Henry the sixth were lieutenants over the realm of Ireland, Edmond Earl of March and james Earl of Ormond his deputy: john Sutton Knight Lord of Dudley, and sir Thomas Strange his deputy: sir Thomas Stanley, and sir Christopher Planket his deputy: Lion Lord Welles, and the Earl of Ormonde his deputy: james Earl of Ormonde the King's lieutenant by himself: john earl of Shrewesburie and the Archbishop of Divelin, Lord Justice in his absence: Richard Plantagenet Anno reg. 12 Duke of York, Father to Edward the fourth and Earl of Vlstar, had the Office of Lieutenant by letters patents, during the space of ten years, who deputed under him at several times, the Baron of Divelin, Richard Fitz Eustace Knight, james Earl of Ormonde, and Thomas Fitz Moris' Earl of Kildare: to this Richard then resident in Divelin, was borne within the castle there, the second son George Duke of Clarence, afterward drowned in a Butt of malmsey. Thomas Chalton: john King, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Brokeley Draper, the. 28. of October. The ninth of November, the torment of the Earl of Saint Paul, Father to the Duchess of Bedford, was solemnly holden in Paul's Church of London, where the more part i● estates of this realm were present. The ninth of March the Lord Talbot with a goodly company passed through the City of London, towards France, where he wrought much woe to the Frenchmen. The 1434 Town of Saint Denis, which is within two English miles of Paris, was gotten by the practice of one john Notice a knight of Orleans, from Matthew Gouglye, and Thomas Kiriel Captains, they slew there many Englishmen, and took many prisoners, but soon after, the said Captains with strength taken from Paris, laid such a strong siege about Saint Denis, that finally they agreed to deliver the Town to the Englishmen. In this season also the earl of Arundale, which in Normandy, had manly born him, hearing that one Hirus, ● Fr●ch Captain, had fortified a strong Castle, named Gerborym, before destroyed of the Englishmen, took with him a certain number of soldiers, and belayed the castle with a strong siege, and assaulted it sundry times manfully: but Gagwine sayeth, the said Hirus with his company issued out of the Castle, and gave unto the said Earl a cruel skirmish, in the which the said Earl received a deadly wound and died shortly after. Anno reg. 13 Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Barnewel: Simon Eyre, the. 28. of September. Roger Otley Grocer, the. 28. of October. Through a great Frost, that lasted from the five and Great Frost. twentieth of November, unto the tenth of February, the Thamis was so frozen, that the Merchandise which came to the Thamis mouth, was there landed, and carried through Kent to London. When the Pope Eugeny the fourth, and his Cardinals 14●5 after long labour could make no peace betwixt King Henry of England and France, and Charles also named King of France, they at length made a peace betwixt the said Charles and Philip Duke of Burgoigne, whereby the said Duke of Burgoigne became utter enemy to the King of England, and soon after the said Duke began his order of the Lily, and the Golden fleece, and ordained certain Knights of that order, and made thereunto many Statutes, whereof some of them were like unto the Statutes of the Garter. On the fourteenth day of September at Rouen in Normandy died the noble Prince, john Duke of bedford, and Regent of France, and was after with great solemnity ●●ryed within the Church of Nomir Dame of the same ●itie. Anno reg. 14 Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Catworth: Robert Clopton, the. 28. of Septemb. Henry Frowike▪ Mercer, the, 28. of October. King Charles of France recovered the City of Paris▪ and at newyear's tide wan the Town of Harflewe, and 1436 Saint Denis, and many other Towns and holds, expelling and murdering the English people in great number. The nineteenth day of July the Duke of Burgoigne, with a great multitude of Burgonians and Flemings appeared Caleis besieged. before Caleis, and there pight his pavilions and tents, at which season was Lieutenant of Caleis Sir john Ratclife Knight, and of the Castle was Lieutenant the Baron of Dudley: this siege endured about three weeks, in which season many knightly acts were done & exercised on both parts. On the second day of August the Duke of Gloucester, protector Robert Fubbed. of England, with 500 sails, (as some writ,) landed at Caleis, and intended upon the third day following to have issued out of the Town▪ and to have given battle to the Flemings, (but as testifieth our English writers,) so soon as the Duke of Burgoigne was ware of the great power of the Lord Protector, he took with him of his ordinance that he might lightly carry, and the other that were cumberous he left behind. When the Duke with his host was thus fled, the Lord Protector with his people followed him into the Country by the space of eleven days, in which season he brent the two Towns of Poppering and Bell, and returned to Caleis and so into England. This year was the castle or Town of Rokesborough in scotland besieged by the King of Scots, but when he Anno. reg. ●●. heard that Sir Ralph gray knight was coming thither with a competent number to remove the siege, anon he departed leaving some part of his Ordinance behind him, to his great shame and dishonour. Thomas Norstede: William Gregory, the. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. john Michael Fishmonger, the. 28. of October. The second of Januarie Queen Katherine late wife to Henry the fifth, and mother to King Henry the sixth, died at Bermondsey, and was buried at Westminster, but being taken Part of London bridge fel. up again, in the reign of Henry the seventh, when he laid the foundation of his new Chapel there, she was never buried since, but lieth still above ground▪ in a Coffin of boards, behind the East end of the Friars. The. xiv. of Januarie at noon of the day, the gate on London bridge with the Tower upon it, next to Southwark, fell down, and two of the furthest Arches of the same bridge, and no man perished. Ralph Lord Cromwell, erected the College of Ta●eshall 1437 Ta●eshall College. in Lincolnshire. King Henry put down the Mayor of Norwich, sent the Aldermen, some to Linne, some to Canterbury, took their franchises into his hand, and appointed john Wells Alderman, sometime Mayor of London, to be Warden of Norwich, who so continued eight months, as I have red on his Monument, in Saint Antholines Church in London, which Monument is now amongst many other by lewd persons defaced. The ninth of July Queen jane wife to King Henry the fourth died at Havering a Bower, and was buried at Canterbury. All the Lions in the Tower of London died. Anno reg. 18 Sheriffs. Maior. William Hales: William Chapman, the. 28. of Septemb. William Eastfielde Mercer, the. 28. of October. This William Eastfield Maior, of his own costs caused to be builded the Water Conduit in Fleetstreet of London. On Easter day, john Gardener was taken conveying 1438 Gardene●brent the Sacrament from his mouth with a soul cloth▪ after he had received the same at the Priest's hand, in Saint Marie at the Axe Church of London, for the which he was brent in Smithfielde the xiv. of May. Owen Tewther ●ouly hurting his keeper, broke out of Newgate but was again taken afterward: this Owen had privily (as it was said) married Queen Katherine late wife to Henry the fifth, and had four children by her, which was not known, till she was dead and buried. On the Uigil of Mary Magdalen, the town of Nantwich, in the County of Chester was pitifully consumed with fire. A great dearth of corn, for wheat was in some places Dearth of corn Anno reg. 17 Sheriffs. Maior. sold for two shillings six pence the Bushel. Hugh Diker: Nicholas You, the. 28. of September. Stephen Browne Grocer, the. 28. of October. The five and twentieth of November a great wind did Great winds. much harm in many places. In London it bore much lead of the Grey friars Church, and almost blewe down the one side of the street called the Old Change, so that the same was feign to be underset with Timber. On New years day a stack of wood fell down at Baynard's Castle, and killed three men: many more were sore hurt. By fall of a stair at bedford, where the shire day was kept, eighteen persons were slain, and many more hurt. Richard Beauchampe Earl of Warwick died at Roan in Normandy, the last of May, and the fourth of October next following his corpse was honourably conveyed as well by water as by land from Roan unto Warwick, and there worshipfully buried in the College of our Lady Church founded by his noble ancestors. Wheat was sold at London for three shillings the bushel, Malt at thirtéen shillings th● quarter, & Oats at eight pence the bushel, which caused men to eat beans, pease, and barley, more than in a hundred years before. Anno reg. 18 Strumpets wore ray hoods. Many Stumpets were set on the Pyllerye, and banished the city, except they ware their Ray hoods. Philip Malpas: Robert Marshal, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. ●●ior. Robert Large Mercer, the. 28. of October. In a Parliament at Reading, it was ordained, that all Merchant strangers should go to host with Englishmen, and to make sale of their merchandises, and buy again what they would, within the space of six months, giving their host for every twenty shillings worth two pence, except the Esterlings. And that every householder that Order for strangers. was alien, should pay to the King xuj pence the year, and every servant alien vj. pence. Sir Richard Which, vicar of Hermetsworth in Essex, who 1440 had before abjured, was brent on the Tower Hil, the xvij. of June. After whose death was great murmur among the people, for some said he was a good man and an holy, and put to death by malice: and some said the contrary: so that many men and women went by night to the place where he was brent, and offered their money, Images of wax, and other things, making their prayers, kneeling, and kissing of the ground, bare away with them the Ashes of his body for holy relics. etc. This endured eight days, till the Mayor and Aldermen ordained men of arms, to restrain the people, who apprehended many, and sent them to prison, among whom was taken the vicar of Berking Church beside the Tower, in whose Parish all this was done, who had received the offering of the simple people. And to excite them to offer the more fervently to the fulfilling of his false covetousness, he had meddled Ashes with the powder of spices, and strewed them in the place where the Priest was brent, and so the simple people were deceived, weening the sweet savour had come of the Ashes of the dead Priest. All which the said vicar of Barking Church confessed in prison. This have I noted the more at large, because some have written the Vicar of Berking to be brent, which is false, for he was not brent, though he better deserved than the other. The eighteenth day of July the Postern gate of London by East Smithfielde, against the Tower of London sank by night, more than seven foot into the Earth. The twelfth of August, the Star in Breadstreet, an Inn of London, was fired by lightning, and about fifty load of Hey burnt. The Eagle in Cheap was also burnt. Anno reg. 19 The first of September, john Knight a soldier, prisoner of Newgate in London, as he was led by one of the Sheriffs Officers, from thence toward Guild Hall, five of his fellow soldiers with their daggers drawn, came suddenly out of the Pannier Alley, and bereft him from the Officer, thrusting him into Saint Martin's Lane, and so into that church, where they all claimed privilege of the Sanctuary, thinking to have remained there: but the same day Philip Malpas, and Richard Marshal Sheriffs, came with a number of other, and by force took them from thence fettered fast to the Counter, and from thence chained by the necks two together, sent them to Newgate, where they remained till the third of November following, at which time they were by the King's Justice restored again to the same Sanctuary of Saint Martin. john Sutton: William Wetinhall, the. 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. john Paddesley Goldsmith, the 28. of October. The Duke of York was made Regente of France, 1441 and the sixtéenth day of may the said Duke with the Earl of Oxford, the Earl of Ewe, sir Richard Wooduile, Sir james of Ormonde, the Lord Clinton, and many other, shipped at Portesmouth, and Sailed thence into Normandy. The six and twentieth day of November was a challenge in arms done before King Henry within lists in Smithfielde, between Sir Richard Woduile a Knight of England, and a Knight of Spain, but the King took the matter into his hands after the third stroke. Also a Combat was fought at Totehil between two thieves, the apealer and defendant, the apealer had the field of the defendant within three strokes. Roger Bolingbroke, a great Astronomer, with Thomas Southwell a canon of saint Stephen's Chapel at Westminster, were taken as conspirators of the king's death, for it was said, that the same Roger should labour to consume the kings person by way of necromancy, and the said Thomas should say Masses, in the lodge of Harnesey Park beside London, upon certain instruments, with the which the said Roger should use his craft of Negromancye, against the Faith, and was assenting to the said Roger in all his works. And the five and twentieth day of July being sunday, Roger Bolingbroke, with all his instruments of Negromancye, that is to say, a chair painted wherein he was wont to sit, upon the four corners of which Chair stood four sword, and upon every sword an Image of Copper hanging, with many other instruments: he stood on a high scaffold in Paul's Churchyard, before the Cross, holding a Sword in his right hand, and a Sceptre in his left, arrayed in a marvelous attire, and after the Sermon was ended by master Low bishop of Rochester, he abjured all Articles longing to the craft of Negromancye or missowning to the Faith. On the Twesday next following, Dame Elinor Cobham Elinor Cobham apprehended. Duchess of Gloucester fled by night into the Sanctuary at Westminster, which caused her to be suspected of treason. In the mean time Roger bolingbroking was examined before the kings Counsel, where he confessed that he wrought the said Negromancye at the stirring and procurement of the said Dame Elinor, to know what should be fall of her, and to what estate she should some, whereupon she was cited to appear before▪ henry Chicheley archbishop of Caunterburie, Henry Beauforte Bishop of Winchester Cardinal, john Kempe Archbishop of York Cardinal: William Ascothe bishop of Salisbury, and other in Saint Stephen's Chapel at Westminster, there to answer to certain Articles of necromancy, Witchcraft, Sorcery, Heresy, and Treason, where when she appeared, the foresaid Roger was brought forth to witness against her, and said, that she was cause and first stirred him to labour in the said Arte. Then she was committed to the ward of sir john Steward Knight, and john Stanley Esquire, and other, to be conveyed to the Castle of Ledes, there to remain till three weeks after Michaelmas. Shortly after a commission was directed to the Earls of Huntingdon, Stafforde, and Suffolk, and to certain judges of both Benches, to inquire of all manner of Treasons, Sorceries and other things that might be hurtful to the kings Person, before whom the said Roger, and Thomas Southwel, as principals, and dame Elinor as accessary, were indicted of Treason in the Guild Anno reg. 20. Hall of London. There was taken also Margery Gurdemaine a witch The Witch of Eye brent. of Eye in Suffolk, whose Sorcery and Witchcraft the said Elinor had long time used, and by her medicines and Drinks enforced the Duke of Gloucester to love her, and after to wed her, wherefore, and for cause of relapse, the same Witch was brent in Smithfield, on the seven & twentieth of October. The one and twentieth of October, in the Chapel beforesaid, before the Bishops, of London Robert Gylbart, of Lincoln William Alnewike, of Norwich Thomas Brouns, the said Elinor appeared, and Adam Molins' Clerk of the kings Counsel red certain Articles objected against her of sorcery and necromancy, whereof some she denied, and some she granted. The three and twentieth of October Dame Elinor appeared again, and witnesses were brought forth and examined, and she was convict of the said Articles: then was it asked if she would say any thing against the witnesses, whereunto she answered nay, but submitted her self. The seven and twentieth day of October she abjured the Articles, and was adjoined to appear again the ninth of November. In the mean time Thomas Southwel died in the Tower of London, as himself had prophesied that he should never die by Justice of the Law. William Combis: Richard rich, the. 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Elinor Cobham did penance. Robert Clopton Draper, the. 28. of October. The ninth of November Dame Elinor appeared before the Archbishop and other, in the said Chapel, and received her penance which she performed. On Monday the. xiij. of November, she came from Westminster, by water, and landed at the Temple Bridge, from whence with a taper of wax of two pound in her hand, she went through Fleetstreet, hoodlesse (save a kerchief) to Paul's, where she offered her Taper at the high Altar. On the Wednesday next she landed at the Swan in Thamis street, & then went through Bridgestreet, Grace Church Street, straight to Leaden Hall, and so to Christ Church by Aldegate. On Friday she landed at Queen Hive, and so went through Cheap to Saint Michel's in Cornhill, in form aforesaid: at all which times the Mayor, Sheriffs, and Crafts of London, received her and accompanied her. This being done, she was committed to the ward of sir Thomas Stanley, wherein she remained during her life in the castle of Chester, having yearly an hundred marks assigned for her finding, whose pride, false, covetise, and lechery, were cause of her confusion. The xviij. of November Roger Bolingbroke, with sir john Hum Priest, and William Woodham Esquire, was arraigned in the Guild Hall of London, where the said john and William had their Charters, but Roger Bolingbroke was condemned, & had judgement of sir john Hody, chief Justice of the King's Bench, and the same day he was drawn from the Tower to Tyburn & there hanged and quartered: & when the said Roger should suffer, he said that he was never guilty of any treason against the king's person, but he had presumed too far in his cunning, whereof he cried God mercy: and the Justice that gave on him judgement lived not long after. Henry Beauchampe succeeded in his father's inheritance, who being kept two years in the King's hands, was restored to all his livings with great glory, for he was crowned King of Wight, by the kings own hands, and nominated chief Earl of England. A challenge was done in Smithfield within lists, before 1442 A Combat in Smithfielde. the King, by the Lord Beawfe of Arragon, and john Ansley Esquire of the King's house, which Ansley had the field, and at the King's hand was made Knight: and the Anno. reg. 21 Lord Arragon offered his harness at Windsor. In the month of August was a great fray in Fleetstreet, between the young Students of the Inns of Court, and the inhabitants of the same street, which Fray began in the night, and so continued the assaults and bickeryngs till the next day, in which season much people of the City was thither gathered, and diverse men on both parts slain and many hurt, but lastly, by the presence of the Mayor and Sheriffs, this Fray was appeased, of which was chief occasioner one of Clifford's Inn named Herbotel. Thomas Beaumount: Richard Norden, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. john Athirle iron-monger, the. 28. of October. john Beaufort Earl of Somerset was made Duke of Somerset and Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewesburie. The steeple of Waltham Holy Cross in Essex, was brent with lightning on Candlemas day. The Citizens of Norwiche, rose against the Prior of 1443 Christ's Church, within the same City, and would have fired the priory, they kept the town by strength against the Duke of Norfolk, and all his power, wherefore the King sent thither the chief Judge john Fortescue, with the Earls of Stafforde and of Huntingdon, who indicted many Citizens, and the Prior also. The Liberties of the City were seized into the King's hand, and Sir john Clifton made Captain there, and many of the Citizens fled over the seas etc. Anno reg. 22. Sheriffs. Maior. Nicholas Wilforde: john Norman, the. 28. of September. Thomas Catworth Grocer, the. 28. of October. john Earl of Huntingdon at Windsor was made Duke of Excester. john Beauforde Duke of Somerset deceased, and was buried at Wimborne. The Earl of Stafforde was created Duke of Buckingham, Henry Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, Duke of Warwick, 1444 Cro. of ●ewx. unto whom the King gave the Castle of Bristol with all the appurtenances, which King john had kept in his hands, he gave unto him also the Isles of Garnsey and jarnsey. The Earl of Dorset was made Marquis of Dorset, and the Earl of Suffolk, Marquis of Suffolk. King Henry sent into France Ambassadors, William de la Pole Marquis of Suffolk, Adam Molens Bishop of Chichester and keeper of the privy seal, sir Roberte Roos and other, to treat of a marriage between King Henry, and Margaret the king's daughter of Scicil, which was concluded in the City of Towers in Touraine. Anno reg. 13 Sheriffs. Maior. Stephen Poster: Hugh Which, the. 28. of September. Henry Frowike Mercer, the 28. of October. In the month of November William de la Pole Marquis of Suffolk, with other went again into France for to conduct the said Lady Margaret into England. On Candlemas even in diverse places of England, was heard terrible thunders with lightning, whereby the church of Baldoke, in Hertfordshire, the Church of Walden in Essex, & diverse other, were sore shaken. And the steeple of Saint Paul's in London, about two of the clock in the after noon, was set on fire in the midst of the shaft, but by the labour of many well disposed people the same was quenched and no man perished. The steeple of Kingston was likewise fired by the same lightnings. Lady Margaret landing at Portchester, went from thence 1445 by water to Hampton, & rested there in a place called God's house, from thence she went to the Abbay of Tychfielde and Queen Margaret crowned. was there wedded to King Henry, the xxij. of April. She was received at the Blackeheath by the Citizens of London, riding on horseback, in blue gowns with broidered sleeves and red hoods the 28. of May, and on the 30. of May she was crowned at Westminster: her badge was the daisy. With the fall of Kingston steeple, one man was slain Kingston steeple fell. An.▪ reg. 24. Sheriffs. Maior. Leaden hall in Lon. builded. and many sore hurt. john Derby: Godfrey Filding, the 28. of September. Simon Eyre draper, the 28. of October. This Simon Eyre builded the Leaden hall in London (to be a store house for grain and fuel for the poor of the City,) & also a beautiful Chapel in the East end of the same, over the gate whereof he caused to be written, Dextera Domini A notable example. exaltavit me, that is to say, The Lords right hand hath exalted me: Whereby he doing so notable a work for the common weal, also left example to other Citizens coming 1446 Chronicle of Thewkesbury. john Rowse, Duke of warwik & King of wight died. after him, whom God likewise exalteth with such temporal blessings, that they be not unthankful to God, and their common weal, wherein they have received them. Henry Duke of Warwick, chief Earl of England, Lord Spencer and Aburgaveny, King of the Isle of Wight, Garnsey and jarnsey, and Lord of the Castle of Bristol, died without issue, and was buried at Tewksburie. john David appeached his master William Catur an Armourer Combat between a master & the servant. dwelling in S. Dunston's Parish in Fletestreete, of treason, and a day being assigned them to fight in Smithfield, the master being well beloved, was so cherished by his friends, and plied with wine, that being therewith overcome, was also unluckily slain by his servant. An. reg. 25. Bailiffs. Custos. Robert Horn: Godfrey Boleine the 28. of September. john Olney Mercer, the 28. of October. Pope Eugenius sent a golden Rose to the King of England, expressing the property and application of the same, with the ceremony that is yearly used on Palm Sunday, touching Record. Ecclesi. Canta. the same Rose, exhorting the King against the Turks. Which Rose Lodovicus Cordona Doctor of Divinity did present to the King in S. Stephen's Chapel at Westminster upon S. Andrew's day, in presence of the Dukes of York & Excester, Cardinal Kempe Archbishop of York & john Stafford Archbishop of Caunterburie Chancellor of England. The x. of February began a Parliament at Saint Edmondesburie Parliament at Bury. in Suffolk, at which time all the ways about the same Town were kept with armed men both day and night, so that many died with cold and waking. Humphrey The Duke of Gloucester arrested & soon after died. Duke of Gloucester being at the castle of the Vies in Wiltshire, came from thence to the Parliament, and was lodged in the Hospital, where shortly after he was arrested by john Lord Beaumount high Constable, the Duke of Buckingham, the Duke of Somerset and other, who appointed certain of the King's household to wait upon him: but on the. xxiv. 1447 day he died for sorrow, as some said, that he might not come to his answer: he was buried at Saint Albon. xxxij. of his principal servants were arrested and sent to divers prisons, and five of them were arraigned at London and condemned, v. ●●n hanged & after pardoned. whose names were, sir Roger Chamberlain knight Middleton, Herbert, Arteyse esquires, and Richard Nedam gentleman, which were all five drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn and there hanged, let down quick, stripped naked, marked with a knife for to be quartered, and then a charter showed for their lives: but the yeoman of the crown had their livelihood, and the hangman had their clothes. Henry Beauford Cardinal of Winchester deceased, & after him W. Wainflete Provost of Eaton, was made Bishop of Winchester. The v. of August died john Holland duke of Excester An. reg. 16. & was buried at S. Catherins' nigh the Tower of London. William Abraham: Thomas Scot, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Gidney Draper, the 28. of October. This year during th● peace between England & Fraunce ● knight of the English part, named sir Frances Aragonoyse, took a town named Fogars upon the borders of Normandy belonging 1448 to th● duke of Britain. For the which he complained him to th● French king, & he at the said dukes request sent unto th● king of England▪ to ask restitution of the harm. The which messengers were answered of the kings Counsel, that th● deed was right displeasant unto the king, & that sir Francis Arragon had enterprised th● feat of his own presumption. Whereupon it followed shortly after, that the French by like policy took th● town & castle of Pountallarche, & after that many other, so th● the taking of th● foresaid town of Fogiars by the English men, An. reg. 27. was th● occasion by the which the French after got all Normandy. William Catlow: William Marrow, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1449 Roan yield ● to the French. Steven Browne Grocer, the 28. of October. This year the Frenchmen got many towns in Normandy, out of the possession of the Englishmen. Also th● city of Roan was yielded to the French, with condition that the Captains & garrisons might departed with armour & goods, & not long after was rendered (with the like condition as of Roan) the towns of Harflewe, & Hounflewe. A knight of France called sir jews de Breyll, challenged an Esquire of England named Ralph Chalons of certain feats of War, the which to prove, a day to them was given to meet at a town in France named mance where th● French king at that day was present: But Chalons, can the French knight through the body with his An. reg. 28. spear, whereof the said jews died. William Hulin, Thomas canning's, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. B. of Chichester murdered. Thomas Chalton Mercer, the 28. of October. The 9 of Januarie Adam Molins' Bishop of Chichester, keeper of the kings privy seal, through th● procurement of Richard duke of York was by shipmen slain at Portesmouth. The 9 of February Thomas Thany, otherwise Blewberd Blewberd hanged. 1450 a Fuller, was taken beside Caunterburie for raising a rebellion, who was hanged and quartered. William Delapole duke of Suffolk was banished the land for v. Duke of Suffolk murdered. years, to appease the rumour of the commons of England, who taking ship at Ipswich the 3. of May, sailed toward France, but was met on the sea, by a ship of war named▪ Nicholas ●● the Tower, and beheaded, and his corpse was cast up at Dover and buried in the Charter house at Hull. This William de la pole Duke of Suffolk, and Alice his wife, daughter to Thomas Chawcer, son to Geffrey Chawcer the famous Poet, translated and increased the manner place of Eweline in Oxfordshire: they builded a new the parish Church of God's house at new Eweline in Oxfordshire. Eweline, a comely piece of work standing on a hill: and also hard adjoining to the West end of Eweline parish Church they founded a pretty Hospital or alms house for. ij. priests ●iber fundationis. and xiij. poor men to dwell and be sustained in for ever, one of the priests to be master of the alms house, the other priest a schoolmaster, freely to teach the children of the tenants of the said Lordship of Eweline and other Lordships pertaining to the said alms house their Grammar, & either of those. ij. priests to have. x. pound the year. One of the 13. poor men to be called minister, to present the faults of the other to the master, and to ring their common bell to service, and to have. xuj. pence the week, the other xij. poor m● to have every of them xiv. pence th● week. This house hath to name God's house, or the house of alms, unto the which he gave iij. Manors, Ramruge in Hampshire, Conocke in Wiltshire, and Mershe in Buckinghamshire, with their appurtenances, Hospital at Donington Castle. they also founded▪ the Hospital of Donnington Castle. In the month of May the commons of Kent in great jacke Cade Captain of the rebels in Kent. numbers assembled, having to their Captain jacke Cade, who named himself Mortimer, cousin to the Duke of York, or as he was named of some john amend all: this Captain brought a great number of people to the Blackcheath, & there kept the field more than a month, pilling the country about, to whom the City of London at that time was full favourable. And the said Captain (as I find recorded) sent for such Citizens of London as it pleased him to command to repair unto him, under letters of safe conduct, as followeth: The safeguard and sign manuel of the Captain of Kent, sent to Thomas Cock Draper of London, by the Captain of the great assemble in Kent. BY this our writing ensealed, we grant and will permit truly, that Thomas Cock of London Draper, shall come in good surety and in safeguard to our presence, without any hurt of his person, and so avoid from us again at his pleasure, with all other people assigned at his denomination with him coming in likewise. The commandment by the captain of Kent, sent unto Thomas Cock above said. FOr your instruction, first ye shall charge all Lombard's & strangers, being merchants, Ienewe●s, Venetians, Florentines, and other, this day to draw them together, and to ordain for us the Captain. xij. Harnises complete of the best fashion, xxiv. Brigandines, xij. battle Axes, xij. glaives, vj. Horses with saddle and bridle completely harnessed, and a thousand marks of ready money: and if this our demand be not observed and done, we shall have the heads of as many as we can get of them. What answer to this demand was returned I find not, but like it is the same was granted and performed, for I find not the said Captain and Kentishmen, at their being in the City, to have hurt any stranger. In the mean time the King sent notable men to the said Captain and his fellowship, to know their purpose and the cause of their insurrection: unto whom the Captain answered, that he and his company were assembled there to redress and reform the wrongs that were done in the Realm, and to withstand the malice of them that were destroyers of the common weal, and to amend the defaults of them that were chief counsellors to the King, and showed unto them the articles of complaints touching the misgovernment of the realm, wherein was nothing contained but seemed reasonable, whereof a copy was sent to the Parliament holden that time at Westminster, with also one other bill of requests by them made, of things to be reform, and to have answer thereof again, but he had none. The bill of Articles they entitled The complaint of the Commons of Kent, and causes of the assembly on the Blackheath. 1 Inprimis, it is openly noised that Kent should be destroyed with a Royal power, and made a wild forest, for the death of the Duke of Suffolk, of which the Commons of Kent thereof were never guilty. 2 Item the King is stirred to live only on his Commons, and other men to have the revenues of the Crown, the which hath caused poverty in his excellency, and great payments of the people, now late to the King granted in his Parliament. 3 Item that the Lords of his Royal blood been put from his daily presence, and other mean persons of lower nature exalted and made chief of his Privy Counsel, the which stoppeth matters of wrongs done in the Realm, from his excellent audience, and may not be redressed as law will, but if bribes and gifts be messengers to the hands of the said Counsel. 4 Item, the people of his Realm be not paid of debts owing for stuff and purveyance taken to the use of the King's household, in undoing of the said people, and the poor Commons of this Realm. 5 Item, the King's menial servants of household, and other persons, asken daily goods and lands, of impeached or indicted of treason, the which the King granteth anon, ere they so endangered be convict. The which causeth the receivers thereof to enforge labours and means applied to the death of such people, so appeached or indicted, by subtle means, for covetise of the said grants: & the people so impeached or indicted, though it be untrue, may not be committed to the Law for their deliverance, but held still in prison, to their uttermost undoing and destruction, for covetise of goods. 6 Item, though divers of the poor people and Commons of the Realm, have never so great right, truth and perfit title to their land, yet by untrue claim of enfeffement made unto divers States, Gentles, and the King's menial servants in maintenaunces against the right, the true owners dare not hold, claim, nor pursue their right. 7 Item, it is noised by common voices, that the King's lands in France been aliened and put away from the Crown, and his Lords and people there destroyed with untrue means of treason, of which it is desired, inquiries through all the Realm to be made how and by whom, and if such Traitors may be found guilty, them to have execution of Law without any pardon, in example of other. 8 Item, Collectors of the. xv. penny in Kent be greatly vexed and hurt in paying great sums of money, in the Eschequere to sue out a Writ called Quorum nomina for the allowance of the Barons of the Ports, which now is desired, that hereafter in the am of the Collectors the Barons aforesaid may sue it out for their ease at their own costs. 9 Item, the Sheriffs and Undersherifes, let to farm their offices and bailiwicks, taking great surety therefore, the which causeth extortions done by them & by their Bailiffs to the people. 10 Item, simple & poor people that use not hunting, be greatly oppressed by inditements feigned & done by the said Sheriffs, Undersherifes, Bailiffs, and other of their assent, to cause their increase for paying of their said Farm. 11 Item, they return in names of Inquests in writing into divers Courts of the Kings not summoned nor warned, where through the people daily lose great sums of money, wellnigh to the uttermost of their undoing: & make levy of amercementes called the Green Wax, more in sums of money than can be found due of record in the King's books. 12 Item, the ministers of the court of Dover in Kent vex and arrest divers people through all the Shire out of Castle ward passing their bands and liberty used of old time, by divers subtle and untrue means and actions falsely feigned, taking great see at their lust in great hurt of the people on all the Shire of Kent. 13 Item, the people of the said Shire of Kent, may not have their free election in the choosing Knights of the Shire, but letters been sent from divers estates to the great Rulers of all the Country, the which embraceth their tenants and other people by force to choose other persons than the common will is. 14 Item, where as Knights of the Shire should choose the king's collectors indifferently without any bribe taking, they have sent now late to divers persons, notifying them to be collectors, whereupon gifts and bribes be taken, and so the collectors office is bought and sold extortionously at the knights lust. 15 Item the people be sore vexed in costs and labour, called to the Sessions of peace in the said Shire, appearing from the farthest & uttermost part of the West unto the East, the which causeth to some men. v. days journey, where upon they desire the said appearance to be divided into two parts the which one part, to appear in one place, an other part, in an other place in relieving of the gréevaunce and intolerable labours and vexations of the said people. The requests by the Captain of the great assemble in Kent. INprimis, desireth the Captain of the commons, the welfare of our sovereign Lord the King, & all his true Lords spiritual and temporal, desiring of our said sovereign Lord, and of all the true Lords of his counsel, he to take in all his domains, that he may reign like a King royal, according as he is borne our true Christian King anointed, and who so will say the contrary, we all will live and die in the quarrel as his true liege men. Item desireth the said Captain, that he will avoid all the false progeny and affinity of the Duke of Suffolk, the which been openly known, and they to be punished after the custom and Law of this Land, & to take about his noble person the true Lords of his Royal blood of this his Realm, that is to say, the high and mighty Prince the duke of York late exiled from our said Sovereign Lords presence (by the motion and stirring of the traitorous and false disposed the Duke of Suffolk and his affinity) & the mighty Princes & Dukes of Excester, Buckingham, and Norfolk, and all the Earls and Barons of this land: and then shall he be the richest King christian. Item, desireth the said Captain & commons punishment upon the false traitors, the which contrived and imagined the death of the high & mightful excellent Prince the Duke of Gloucester, the which is too much to rehearse, the which duke was proclaimed as traitor. Upon the which quarrel, we purpose all to live and die upon that it is false. Item the Duke of Excester, our holy father the Cardinal, the noble Prince Duke of Warwick, and also the Realm of France, the Duchy of Normandy, Gascoigne, and Gwi●●, Anjoy and Maine, were delivered and lost, by the means of the said traitors, and our true Lords, Knights, and esquires, and many a good yeoman lost and sold ere they went, the which is great pity to hear, of the great and grievous loss to our Sovereign Lord and his Realm. Item, desireth the said Captain and Commons that all the extortions used daily among the Common people, might be laid down, that is to say, the Green Wax the which is falsely used, to the perpetual destruction of the kings true Commons of Kent. Also the king's Bench, the which is too gréefefull to the shire of Kent without provision of our Sovereign Lord and his true Counsel. And also in taking of Wheat and other grains, Beef, Mutton, and all other victual, the which is importable to the said Commons, without the brief provision of our said Sovereign Lord and his true Counsel, they may no longer bear it. And also unto the statute of labourers and the great extortioners the which is to say the false traitors, Slegge Crowmer, Isle, and Robert Este. These bills when the Counsel had well perused, they did not only disallow and condemn them & the authors, as proud and presumptuons, but also persuaded the King rather to suppress those rebels by force, than by fair promises. Whereupon the King removed from Westminster unto Greenewiche, from whence he would have sent certain Lords with a power to have distressed the Kentishmen, but the men said to their Lords they would not fight against them that labour to amend the common Weal: whereupon the Lords were driven to leave their purpose. And because the Kentishmen cried out against the Lord Say the King's Chamberlain, he was by the King committed to the Tower of London. Then went the King again to London, King Henry went against the Kentishmen with a great power. and within. ij. days after went against the Kentishmen with. xv. thousand men well prepared for the war, but the said Kentishmen fled the night before his coming into the wood country near unto Senocke, whereupon the King returned again to London, and sent sir Humphrey Stafforde▪ Knight with William Stafford his brother, and other Gentlemen, to follow the Kentishmen, who finding them at Senock, set upon the rebels, and fought with them a long time, but in the end both the Staffordes were slain with many other King Henry's power overcome. of their people. When jacke Cade had thus overcome the Staffordes, he forthwith appareled himself with the knights apparel, and after he had refreshed his people, he returned to the Blackeheath, and there pight again his field, and lay there from the. xxix. day of June, till the first day of July, in which season came unto him the Archbishop of Caunterburie, and the Duke of Buckingham, with whom they had a long communication, and found him right discrete in his answers. Howbeit they could not cause him to submit himself and lay down his people. In the mean while, the King and Queen hearing of the increasing of his rebels, and also the Lords fearing King Henry went to Killingworth. their own servants, lest they would take the captains part, removed from London to Killingworth, leaving the City without aid, except only the Lord Scales, which was left to keep the Tower, and with him a manly and warly man named matthew Gowghe. Then the Captain of Kent thus hovering at Blackeheath, to bring himself the more in fame, that he kept good Justice, beheaded there a petty Captain of his named Paris, for so much as he had offended against such ordinances as he had established in Captain of Kent & his K●ttishmen entered the City of London. his host: and hearing that the King and his Lords were thus departed, drew him near unto the City, so that upon the first of July, he entered the Borough of Southwark, then being Wednesday, and lodged him there at the Heart, for he might not be suffered to enter the City. And upon the same day, the Commons of Essex in great Robert Fabian. number pight them a field upon the plain of miles end. And upon the second day of the said month, the Rebels of Essex pight their field on the miles end. Mayor called a common Counsel at the Guild hall, to pur●ey for the withstanding of these rebels, in which assembly were divers men of sundry opinions, so that some thought good that the said rebels should be received into the City, and some otherwise. Among the which Robert Horn Stockefishe monger then being an Alderman, spoke sore against them that would have them enter. For the which, the Commons were so moved against him, that they ceased not till they had him committed to ward. And the same afternoon about. v. of the clock, the Captain with his people entered by the bridge, and cut the Ropes of the draw bridge a sunder with his sword, when he was passed into the City. He made in sundry places thereof Proclamations in the king's name, that no man in pain of death should rob or take any thing without paying therefore. By reason whereof he wan the hearts of the Commons, but all was done to beguile them, after as he came by London stone he struck it with his sword, and said: now is Mortimer Lord of this City, and then showing his mind to the Mayor for the ordering of his people, he returned into Southwark & there abode as he before had done, his people coming and going at lawful hours when they would. On the morrow the third of July, the said Captain again entered the City, and caused the Lord Say to be fet from the Tower to the Guild hall, where he was arraigned before the Mayor and other the King's Justices, and Robert Horn Alderman before named should have been likewise arraigned, but that his wife and other friends for. v. hundred marks got him restored to his liberty. The Lord Say desiring he might be tried by his Peers, was by the rebels forcibly taken from the officers, & brought to the Standard in Cheap, where they struck off his head, pight it on a pole, and bore it before them, and his body they caused to be drawn naked at a horse tail upon the pavement from Cheap into Southwark to the said captains Inn. Also a Squire called Crowmer that was then Sheriff of Kent, that had wedded the said Lord Says daughter, by commandment of the Captain was brought out of the Flete, that was committed thither for certain extortions that he had done in his office, and led to Mile end without London, & there without any judgement his head was smit off, & the Lord Says head and his were borne upon. tj. long poles unto London bridge and there set up, and the Lord Says body was quartered. The same day the Captain went unto th● house of Philip Malpas Draper & Alderman, & rob & spo●led his house, taking from thence great substance, & returned into Southwark: on the next morrow he again entered th● City, and dined that day in the Parish of Saint Margaret Patyns at one Cherstis house, and when he had dined, like an uncourteous guest he rob him, as the day before he had Malpas. For which two robberies, although the poor people drew to him and were partners in the spoil, yet the honest and wealthy commoners cast in their minds the sequel of this matter, and feared lest they should be dealt with in like manner. Then the Mayor and Aldermen with assistance of the Worshipful Commoners, in safeguard of themselves and of the City, took their Counsel how they might drive the Captain and his adherents from the City, for the performance whereof the Mayor sent unto the Lord Scales, and Matthew Gowghe, then having the Tower in their government, requiring their aid and assistance, which they promised. On the. v. of July the Captain being in Southwark, caused a man to be beheaded there, and that day entered not the City. When night was come, the Mayor and the Citizens, with Matthew Gowghe kept the passage of the Bridge, and defended the Kentishmen which made great force to re-enter the City. Then the Captain seeing this bickering, went to harness, & assembled his people, and set so fiercely upon the Citizens, that he drove them back from the stoops in Southwark, or Bridgefoote, unto the drawbridge, in defending whereof many a man was drowned and slain. Among the which was john Sutton Alderman, matthew Gowghe a Squire of Wales, and Roger Hóysand Citizen. This skirmish continued all night till nine of the clock on the morrow, so that sometime the Citizens had the better, and sometimes the other, but ever they kept them upon the bridge, so that the Citizens passed never much the Bulwark at the Bridge foot, nor the Kentishmen no farther than the draw Bridge. Thus continuing the cruel fight to the destruction of much people on both sides, lastly after the Kentishmen were put to the worst, a truce was agreed for certain hours, during which truce, the archbishop of Caunterburie, than Chancellor of England, sonte a general Captain, and rebels pardoned. pardon to the Captain for himself, and an other for his people, by reason whereof, he and his company withdrew them little and little, and their Captain put all his pillage and goods that he had rob, into a Barge, and sent it to Rochester by water, and himself went by land and would have entered into the Castle of Quinborow with a few men that were left about him: but he was there let of his purpose: wherefore he fled into the wood Country beside jews in Sussex. The Captain and his people being thus departed, not long after Proclamations were made in divers places of Kent, Sussex, and Southerey, that who might take the foresaid Captain alive or dead▪ should have a thousand marks for his travail. The Copy of the Writ and Proclamation by the King, for the taking of the said Cade and his fellowship. HENricus Dei gratia Rex Angliae & Franciae, & dominus Hibernia, universis & singulis custodibus▪ etc. For as much as one john Cade borne in Ireland, which calleth himself john Mortimer, and in some writing calleth himself Captain of Kent, the which john Cade the last year tofore his dwelling in Sussex with a Knight called sir Thomas Dagre, slew there a woman with child, and for that cause took the gréeth of the Church, and after for that cause for swore the King's land: The which john Cade also after this, was sworn to the French part, and dwelled with them, which hath now of late time, (to the intent to enrich himself by robbing and despoiling of the King's liege men, as it is▪ now openly known, to bring himself to great and high estate) falsely and untruly deceived many of the King's people, and under colour of holy and good intentes, made them to assemble with him against the King's Regality and his Laws, and nought setting by the King's Grace and pardons granted, not only to him but to all the King's subjects, the which by his deceit have assembled with him, the which he with great reverence received on Monday last passed, and so did all that were assembled with him: not withstanding all this, he laboureth now of new to assemble the King's people again, & to that intent beareth them on hand, that the King's letters of pardon granted to him and them, be not available nor of none effect without authority of Parliament: whereas the contrary is true, as it is openly known by that, that the King grants from time to time his Charters of Pardon to such as him list, of all manner of crimes and offences both general and special. The King therefore willeth and commandeth, that none of his subjects give faith nor credence to the said fals● Informations of the said false traylor, nor accompany with him in any wise, nor comfort nor sustain him nor his with victual, nor with any other things. But will whosoever of the King's subjects may take him, shall take him, and that who so ever taketh him and bringeth him quick or dead to the King or to his Counsel, shall have a thousand marks for his labour truly paid him without fail or delay by the provision of the King's Counsel. And who so ever taketh any of those that from this day forth accompany with him, shall have. v. mark for his reward, truly to be paid in manner and form above said. And over this, commanding all Constables, Ministers, & Officers of the said Shire, that none of them on pain of death take upon them to execute any commandment by word or writing sent or▪ made unto them by the said Cade, calling himself Mortimer & Captain, be it to rear any people or to any other intent: but to arrest and make to be arrested such as take upon them to bring any such commandment by writing or by word. Et hoc nullatenus omittatis Teste me ipso apud Westminster▪ x. die julij, anno regni. 28. After which Proclamation Captain of Kent taken and beheaded. thus published, a Gentleman of Kent named Alexander Eden awaited so his time, that he took the said Cade in a Garden in Snssex. And there he was slain at Hothfield▪ and brought to London in a cart, & there quartered, his head set on London bridge, and his quarters sent to divers places in Kent. This done, th● King sent his Commissioners into Kent, & road after himself, & caused inquiry to be made of this riot in Caunterbury, where for th● same. vitj. men were judged & executed, & in other towns of Kent, & Sussex was dane th● like execution. This year the Commons also in divers parts of England, and in Sussox, Salisbury, Wiltshire, and other places, did much harm to many persons, among the which, on the xxix. of June, William Ascoth Bishop of Salisbury, (after he had said Mass at Edington) was by his own tenants drawn from the Altar, in his Albe with his Stole about his neck to the top of an hill, and there by them shamefully murdered, and after spoiled to the naked skin: they renting Bishop of Salisbury murdered. his bloody shirt, took every man a piece, & made boast of their wickedness. The day before, his Chariot was rob, An. reg. 29. to the value of. x. thousand marks. john Middleton: William Dear, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Fray in London against the Mayor. Nicholas Wilforde Grocer, the 28. of October. Soldiers made a fray against the Mayor of London the same day he took his charge at Westminster, at night coming from Saint Thomas of Acres, after he had been at Paul's. The. vj. of November began a Parliament at Westminster, and the first of December the Duke of Somerset which was newly come out of Normandy, was put under arrest, 1451 and his goods by the Commons was foully despoiled and borne away from the Black Eryers. After which riot, on the next morrow, Proclamation was made through the City, that no man should spoil or rob, upon pain of death: and the same day at the Standard in Cheap was a man beheaded for doing contrary to the Proclamation. And thus began malice to spring between the Lords of the Land, and specially against the Duke of Somerset and other of the queens Counsel, for the léesing of Normandy, whereof the chief City of Roan was lost or given up by appointment the year proceeding (as witnesseth Gagwyne,) upon condition that the Duke of Somerset Robert Gagwyne. with his wife & English soldiers, should with such goods as they might carry, dep●rte freely from the City: For which free passage he should pay unto the French king luj. M. Scuds, which amount to fourtèene thousand marks sterling. And also he was bound to deliver into the French Kings possession, all Towns and Castles that at that day were in the possession of Englishmen, within the Duchy of Normandy: for performance of which covenants, the Lord Talbot was sent for one of the pledges, and so by one Floquet all the Towns and Castles were to the French Kings use received, Harfleete only excepted, whereof the Captain named Curson. with the assistance of sir Thomas Auringham, in despite of all the French Kings power laid both by Sea and land, held the same a full month or more, and then for lack of rescue gave it up by appointment. An. reg. 30. Matthew Philip: Christopher Warton, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. William Gregory Skinner, the 28. of October. The sixteenth of February, King Henry accompanied with the Duke of Somerset and many other Lords, took towards the Marches of Wales, for as much as he was credibly informed, that the Duke of York assisted with diverse other Lords and men of name, had in those parts gathered a strong power of people, and with them was entering the land, and so held on his journey toward him: but when the Duke had witting of the King's great power, he returned from the way which was taken by the King's host, and hasted towards London▪, and when he had received knowledge from the City, that he might not there be received, he went over Kingston Bridge, and so into Kent, and there upon Brent Heath near unto Dertforde, he pight his field, whereof the king having knowledge, sped him after, & lastly came unto Black Heath and there pight his field. When both the hosts were thus embattled, mediation of peace was made between them, for furtherance whereof, to the Duke were sent the Bishops of Winchester and of Ely, with the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick. To whom it was answered by the Duke, that he nor none of his company intended any hurt to the King's person, nor to any of his counsel, being lovers of the Common wealth▪ and of him and his land: but his intent and purpose was to remove from the King a few evil disposed persons, by whose means the common people was grievously oppressed, and the commonalty greatly impoverished, of whom he named the Duke of Somerset to be the principal etc. And further to understand of the Duke's meaning by this his forcible entering of the Realm, (as himself pretended) may appear by certain letters by him written to the King, and also the Kings answers, to the same, both which I think good here to set down as I find them recorded. PLease it your highness to conceive, that sith my departing Richard Duke of York his letter to King He●rie. out of this your Realm, by your commandment, and being in your service in your land of Ireland, I have been informed that diverse language hath been said of me to your most excellent estate, which should sound to my dishonour and reproach, and charge of my person: how be it that, I aye have been, and ever will be, your true liegeman and servant: and if there be any man that will or dare say the contrary, or charge me otherwise, I beseech your rightwiseness to call him before your high presence, and I will declare me for my discharge as a true Knight ought to do, and if I do not, as I doubt not but I shall, I beseech you to punish me as the poorest man of your land: And if he be found untrue in his suggestion and information, I béeséech you of your highness that he be punished after his desert, in example of all other. Please it your excellence to know, that as well before my departing out of this your Realm, for to go into your Land of Ireland, in your full noble service, as sith, certain persons have line in await for to hearken upon me, as Sir john Talbot Knight at the Castle of Holte: Sir Thomas Stanley Knight in Cheshire: Pulforde at Chester: Elton at Worcester: Brook at Gloucester: and Richard groom of your Chamber at Beaumarres: which had in charge (as I am informed,) for to take me and put me into your Castle of Conway, and to strike of the head off Sir William Oldehall Knight, and to have put in prison Sir William Devereux Knight, and Sir Edmond Malso knight, withouten enlarging, until the time that your highness had appointed their deliverance. Item, at such time as I was purposed for to have arrived at your haven of Beaumarres, for to have come to your noble presence to declare me your true man and subject, as my duty is, my landing was stopped and forbarred by Henry Norres, Thomas Norres, William Bulkeley, William Grust, and Bartholomew Bold, your officers in North-wales, that I should not land there, nor have victual nor refreshing for me and my fellowship, as I have written to your excellence here before, so far for the that Henry Norres deputy to the Chamberlain of North-wales, said unto me that he had in commandment that I should in no wise have landing, refreshing, nor lodging, for men nor for horse, nor other thing that might turn to my worship or ease, putting the blame upon William Say Usher of your Chamber, saying and affirming that I am against your intent, and as a traitor, as I am informed: and moreover, certain letters were made and delivered unto Chester, Shrewesburie, and to other places for to let mine entry into the same. Item above all wrongs and injuries abovesayde done unto me of malice, without any cause, I being in your land of Ireland, in your honourable service, certain commissions were made and direct unto diverse persons, which for the execution of the same, sat in certain places, and the Juries empaneled and charged, to the which injuries, certain persons laboured instantly to have me indited of treason, to the intent for to have undone me and mine issue, and corrupted my blood, as it is openly published: beseeching your Majesty Royal, of your righteousness, to do examine these matters, and thereupon to do such justice in his behalf as the cause requireth, for mine intent is fully to pursue to your highness for the conclusion of these matters. Cousin we have seen the bill that ye took us late, and Answer of King Henric to the Duke of York. also understand th● good humble obedience that ye in yourself show unto us, as well in word as in deed, wherefore our intent is, the more hastily to ease you of such things as were in your said Bil. How be it that at our more leisure we might answer you to your said Bill, yet we let you wit, that for the causes aforesaid, we will declare you now our intent in these matters: sith it is that a long time among the people hath been upon you many strange language, and in especial anon after your disordinate and unlawful slaying of the Bishop of Chester, diverse and many of the untrue shipmen and other▪ said in their manner, words against our estate, making menace to our own person by yoursaying, that ye should be fetched with many thousands, and ye should take upon you that, which ye neither ought, nor as we doubt not, ye will not attempt, so far forth that it was said to our person by diverses & especially we remember of one Wasnes which had like words to us. And also there was diverse of such false people, that went on & had like language in diverse of our towns of our land, which by our subjects were taken and duly executed: wherefore we sent to diverse of our Courts and places, to hearken and to take heed if any such manner coming were, and if there had been, for to resist it: but coming into our land our true subject as ye did, our intent was not that ye, nor less of estate of our subjects, nor none of your servants should not have been letted nor▪ warned, but in goodly wise received: how be it that peradventure your sudden coming, without certain warning, caused our servants to do as they did, considering the causes above said. And as to the inditement that ye spoke of, we think verily, and hold for certain warning, caused our servants to do as they did, considering the causes above said. And as to the enditement that ye spoke of, we think verily and hold for certain, that there was none such. And if ye may truly prove that any person was thereabouts, the matter shall be demeaned as the case shall require, so that he shall know it is to our great displeasure. Upon this for the easing of your heart in all such matters, we declare, repute, and adn●tte you as our true and faithful subject, and as your faithful Cousin. PLease it your highness tenderly to consider, that great Richard, Duke of York to K. Henry again. murmur & grudging, is universally in this your realm, in that justice is not duly ininistred to such as trespass & offend against your laws, and in especial of them that be indited of treason, and other being openly noised of th● same, whereby great inconveniences have fallen, and great is like to fall hereafter in your said Realm, which God defend, but if by your highness provision covenable be made for due reformation and punishment in this behalf. Wherefore I your humble subject & true leigeman, Richard Duke of York, willing as effectually as I can, and desiring the surety and prosperity of your most royal person, and the welfare of this your noble Realm, counsel and advertise your excellency for the conversation of good tranquillity and peaceable rule among all other subjects, for to ordain and provide, that true justice be had, against all such that so be indited, or openly named, wherein I offer myself, and will put my endeavour for to execute your commandment in the premises, for the punishing of such offenders, and redress of the said misrules, to my might and power. And for the hasty execution hereof, like it your highness to address these letters of privy seal and writs to your officers and ministers, to do, take, and arrest, all such persons so noised and indited, of what estate, degree, or condition, soever they be, and them to commit to the Tower of London and to other of your prisons, there to abide without Bail or main prize, until the time they be utterly tried, and determined termined after the course of your laws. Cousin as touching your Bill last put up to us, we understand Answer of K. Henry to the Duke of York well that ye of good heart, counsel and advertice us to th● setting up of Justice, and to the speedy punishing of some persons indited or noised, offering your service to be ready at commandment in the same, sith it is that for many causes moving us to have determined in our soul to stablish a sad, and a substantial counsel, giving them more ample authority and power than ever we did afore this, in the which we have appointed you to be one, but sith it is not accustomed sure, nor expedient, to take a conclusion and conduct by advise or counsel of one Person by himself for the conservation, it is observed that the greatest and the best, the rich and the poor, in liberty, Virtue, and effect, of your voices be equal, we have therefore determined within ourself to send for our Chancellor of England, and for other Lords of our Counsel, yea and all other, together within short time ripely to common these and other our great matters, in the which communication, such conclusion by the grace of God shall be taken, as shall sound to his pleasure, the Weal of us and our land, as well in these matters as in any other. At length it was agreed by the King, that the Duke of Somerset should be committed to ward, there to abide and answer such Articles as the Duke of York would lay against him, upon which promises so made by the King to the Duke, who saw that the people of Kent, and of other places, came not to him as they had promised, and that they were not strong enough, for the King's part was much more than his, he broke up his field on the first of March, and yielded himself to the King at Dertforde, where contrary to promise before made, he found the Duke of Somerset chief about the King. Then was the Duke of York sent before to London and holden, partly as prisoner, and straighter should have been kept, but it was noised that sir Edward Earl of March son to the said Duke of York was coming toward London with a strong power of Welshmen, which feared so the Queen and Counsel, that the Duke was set at full liberty. And on the tenth of March the said Richard Duke of York made his submission, and took his oath to be true, faithful, and obedient subject to King Henry the sixth, King of England, in Saint Paul's Church at London, there being present the King and most of his nobility, that is to say, the Dukes of Buckingham, Northampton, and Somerset: the Earls of Warwick, Arundale, Salisbury, Shropshire, Devonshire, Wiltshire, Northumberlande, Stafford and Dorset: viconnts of Beaumount and Welles, Barons Fitz Warren, Sainmounde, Cobham, Douglas, and others: Bishops, the Cardinal, archbishop of York, and Canterbury, Winchester, Ely, and London, in these words following. I Richard Duke of York, confess and beknow that I am and ought to be humble subject and liegeman to you my sovereign Lord King Henry the sixth, and own therefore to bear you Faith and truth, as to my sovereign liege Lord, and shall do all days unto my lives end, & shall not at any time will or assent that any thing attempted or done against your most noble person, but where so ever I shall have knowledge of any such thing imagined or purposed, I shall with all speed and diligence possible to me, make that your highness shall have knowledge thereof. And over that, do all that shall be possible to me, to the withstanding and let thereof, to the uttermost of my life: I shall not any thing take upon me against your royal estate or obeisance that is due thereto, nor suffer any other man to do, as far forth as it shall be in my power to let it: And also shall come at your commandment whensoever I shall be called by the same, in humble and obeisant wise, but if it be letted by any sickness of impotence of my person, or by such other cause as shall be thought by you my sovereign LORD reasonable. I shall never hereafter take upon me to gather any row●e, nor to make any assembly of your people, without your commandment or licence, or in my lawful defence, in interpretation or declaration of the which my lawful defence, I shall report me at all times to your highness, and if the case require, to my peers, nor any thing attempt against any of your subjects, of what estate▪ degree, or condition, the they be. But when soever I find myself wronged and aggrieved, I shall sue humbly for remedy to your highness, and proceed after the course of your laws, and in none otherwise, saving in mine own lawful defence in manner above said, and otherwise have to your highness as an humble and true subject ought to have him to his sovereign Lord. All these things above said I promise you truly to observe and keep, by the holy Evangelists contained in the book that I lay my hand here upon, and by the holy Cross I here touch, and by the blessed Sacrament of our lords body, that I shall now with his mercy receive. And over I agree me and will▪ that if I any time hereafter▪ as by the grace of our Lord God I never shall, any thing attempt by way of feat or otherwise against your royal Majesty and obeisance that I own thereto, or any thing take upon me otherwise than is above expressed, I from that time forth be unabled, held and taken, as an untrue and openly foresworn man, and unable to all manner of worship, estate, and degree, be it such as I now occupy, or any other that might in any wise grow unto me hereafter. And this I have here promised and sworn, proceedeth of mine own desire and free volunte, and by no constraining or coaction. In witness of all the which things above written, I Richard Duke of York above writ subscribe, with mine own hand and seal. This oath he also took at Westminster, and at Coventrey, at sundry times. Anno. reg. 31 Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Lee: Richard Alley, the 28. of September. Godfrey Filding Mercer, the 28. of October. On the Twelfth day after Christmas, the King holding a Robert Fabian. 1453 solemn feast at Westminster, made his two brethren on the mother's side Knights: he also made Edmund the elder, Earl of Richemonde, and jasper the younger, Earl of Pembroke. In the month of March (as witnesseth Gagwine,) was the Town of Harflewe won by the Frenchmen. And soon after the City of Bayons was given up by appointment, that the soldiers should leave their armour behind them. The one and twentieth of July john Talbot Earl of Shrewsburie with his son Lord Lisle, and Sir Edward Hull Knight, was slain besides Bordeaux: and the Lord Molins was taken prisoner, who was after delivered for a great ransom. On Bartholmewe day, at the Wrestling near unto Clearken well, a Gentleman belonging to the Prior of Saint john's, made a rumour or tumult, for the which, by the commandment of the Mayor, he was arrested by Richard Alley, one of the Sheriffs, and delivered to Paris a Sergeant: but such resistance was made by parts taking, that the Sheriff was feign to crave help of the Mayor, who with his brethren the Aldermen arose from the game, & strengthened the Sheriffs, and for the rescue of the said Gentleman, one named caleis, came out of Saint john's with a great strength of Archers, to resist the Mayor, in the which fray, a Yeoman of Saint john's was ●laine, and many other sore hurt: the Mayor himself escaped hardly, for his Cap was smitten from his head with an arrow: but the Mayor with his Citizens put the other to flight, sent the principal of them to Newgate, and then took his place again till the games were ended, by which time, the Citizens had gathèred themselves in great number, and fetched him home, never Mayor so strongly, nor so honourably. Anno reg 32. This year the King lay longsicke at Claringdon, & was in great danger to have ended his life. The thirteenth day of October, the Queen at Westminster was delivered of her first son, who was named Edward. john Waldren: Thomas Cock, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1454 john Norman Draper, the 28. of October. Before this time the Majors, Aldermen, and Commoners of the City of London, were wont all to ride to Westminster, when the Mayor should take his charge, but this Mayor was rowed thither by water: for the which the watermen made of him a song, row the boat Norman, etc. The ninth of March in the night, was a great fire next without Ludgate, in a cordwainers house, which cordwainer with his wife, three young men and a maid were all burnt, the prisoners of Ludgate were removed to Newgate, because they were almost smouldered. An reg. 35. Sheriffs. Maior. john Field: William Tailor, the 28. of September. Stephen Foster Fishmonger, the. 28. of October. A great Fray at London by the Sanctuary men of Saint martin's le grand, who issued forth and hurt diverse Citizens, but it was appeased by the Mayor and his brethren. The one and twentieth of May king Henry taking his journey 1455 from Westminster toward Saint Albon, to meet with the Duke of York, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury lodged that night at Wateforde or Wadeforde, on this side Saint Albon, and on the morning early he came to Saint Albon, with him assembled on his party the Dukes of Somerset, and of Buckingham, the. Earls of Penbroke, Northumberlande, Devonshire, Stafforde, Dorset, and Wiltshire, the Lords, Clifforde, Sudley, Barons, and Roos, with diverse Knights, esquires, Gentlemen, and Yeomen, to the number of. 2000 and more. And at the same time were there assembled Richard Duke of York, Richard Earl of Warwick, Richard Earl of Salisbury, with diverse Knights and esquires in the field called Keyfielde, beside Saint Albon. The King hearing of the dukes coming with the Lords aforesaid, pight his banner in a place called Goselowe, which place was sometimes called Sandforth in Saint Peter's street, & commanded in strong manner to keep the wards and Barriers of the same Town. The Duke of York knowing the strength made against him abiding in the field afore said, from seven of the clock in the morning until it was almost ten of the Clock without any stroke smitten on either part, by the advise of his Counsel, sent unto the King under these words following. Words in writing by the Duke of York to the King. PLease it unto your excellent grace, Richard Duke of York, to take him as your true liege man and humble subject, and to consider and tender at the reverence of God, and in the way of Charity, the true intent of my coming, and to be good and gracious Sovereign unto me, and all other your true liege men, which, that with all their power and might will be ready to live and die with you in your right, and to do all things as shall like your Majesty royal to command us, if it be to the worship of the Crown of England, and the welfare of this your noble Realm. Moreover, gracious Lord, please it unto your Majesty Royal, of your great goodness and rightewisenesse, to incline your will to hear and feel the rightwise part of us your true Subjects and Liege men. first, praying and beseeching to our Sovereign, Christ Jesus, of his high aod mighty power, to give the virtue of Prudence, and that through the prayer of the glorious Martyr Saint Albon give you very knowledge of our troths, and to know the intent of our assembling at this time: For God that is in Heaven knoweth, our intent is rightful and true. And therefore we pray unto that mighty LORD in these words: Domine sis clypeus defensionis nostrae: wherefore gracious Lord, please it your Majesty royal to deliver such as we will accuse, and they to have like as they have deserved. And this done, you to be honourably worshipped as most rightful King and our true governor. And if we should now at this time be promised, as afore this time is not unknown have been promises broken which have been full faithfully promised, and thereupon great oaths sworn, we will not now cease for no such promises, nor oath, till we have them which have deserved death, or else we to die therefore. The answer by the King to the Duke of York. I King Henry charge and command, that no manner person of what degree, estate, or condition soever he be, abide not, but that they avoid the field, and not be so hardy to make resistance against me in my own realm. For I shall know what traitor dare be so bold to arise any people in mine own land, where through I am in great disease and heaviness: by that Faith I own unto Saint Edward, and unto the Crown of England, I shall destroy them every mother's son, and eke they to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, that may be taken afterward of them, in example to make all such traitors to beware, for to make any rising of people within mine own land, and so traitorously to abide their king and governor. And for a conclusion, rather than they shall have any Lord that here is with me at this time, I shall this day for their sake in this quarrel myself live and die. The words of the Duke of York to all Gentlemen and other assembled with him. SIrs, the king our sovereign Lord will not be reform at our beseeching ne prayer, nor will not in no wise understand the intent wherefore we be here assembled & gathered at this time, but only is in full purpose to destroy us all and there upon a great oath hath made, that there is none other way but that he with all his power will pursue us, and if we be taken to give us a shameful death, loosing our livelodeand goods, and also our heirs shamed for ever. Therefore sirs, now sith it will none otherwise be, but that we shall utterly die, better it is to us to die in the field, than cowardly to be put to an utter rebuke and shameful death, for the right of England standeth in us. Considering also in what peril it standeth at this time, and for to redress the mischief thereof, let every man help to his power this day, and in that quarrel to quite us like men, to the crown of England, praying and beseeching unto that Lord the which is eternal, that reigneth in the glorious kingdom celestial, to keep and save us this day in our right, and through the gifts of his holy grace we may be made strong to withstand the great abominable and horrible malice of them, that purpose to destroy us and the realm of England, and put us to a shameful death: pray we therefore unto that Lord to be our comfort and our defender, saying these words, Domine sis clipeus defensionis nostri. And when these words were said, the Duke of York, and the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, with their host, between eleven and twelve at noon break in in three several places of the said street. The King them being in the place of Edmond Westby Hundreder of the said Town of Saint Albon, hearing of the said Dukes coming, commanded his host to slay all manner Lords, Knights, Squires, Gentlemen and yeomen, that might be taken on the party of the foresaid Duke of York. This done, the Lord Clifforde kept so strongly the barriers of the same Town, that the foresaid Duke of York might in no wise with all the power that he had enter, nor break into the said Town. The Earl of Warwick knowing thereof, took and gathered his men together with him, and broke in by the Garden side into the said Town, between the sign of the key, and the Exchequere in Holywel street: and anon as they were within the said Town they blew uppethe Trumpet and cried with an high voice a Warwick, a Warwick, that marvel it was to hear. And till that time the Duke of York might never have entry into the Town, and then with strong hand they broke up the Barriers, and fought a fierce▪ and cruel battle, in the which were slain, Lords of name, Edmonde Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberlande, the Lord Clifforde, sir Barton Entewsell Knight, William Souche, john Botreaux, Ralphe Balithorpe and his son, William Coruin, William Cotton receiver of the Duchy of Lancaster, Gilbert Faldinger, Reignalde Griffin, john Dawes, Ellis Wood, john Cytte, Robert Woodwarde, Gilbert Scarlocke, and Ralph Willowby Esquires, a Gentleman of the Court Roger Mercraft the queens messenger, Hawbin the King's Porter, Malener Paddington and William Butler Yeomen, and five and twenty more, whose names were not known, and of them that were slain, been buried at Saint Albon eight and forty persons. And at that battle were wounded Lords of name, the King was shot into the neck with an arrow. The Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Sudley, in the visages with arrows, the Earl of Stafforde in the right hand with an arrow, the Earl of Dorset was so sore hurt that he might not go, but was fain to be carried home in a cart, and Sir john Wenloke Knight in likewise hurt and carried from thence in a Chair, and diverse other Knights and esquires sore hurt, and the substance of the kings host despoiled of their harness, at their own request, made delivery to the Duke's host for salvation of their lives and fled. The Earl of Wiltshire, and Thorpe, with many other fled, and cast away their harness in ditches and woods. This done, the Duke of York, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, came unto the King where he was, and besought him on their knees, of grace and forgiveness of that they had done in his presence, & besought him of his highness to take them to grace, & as his true liege men. The king desired them to cease their people, that there should be no more hurt done, and to obey his commandment, did cause to be proclaimed in the King's name, that all manner of people should cease off their malice, and not to smite one stroke more, and so ceased the battle. And upon the day next after, the King and the Duke of York, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, came to London and were lodged in the bishops Palace of London, where they kept their Whitsuntide with great joy and solemnity, concluding there to hold a Parliament, the same to begin on the ninth of July next following. This year in the month of June appeared a comet or star, called Stella Cometa, betwixt the North and the East, extending his beams towards the South. In the Parliament begun the ninth of July as is afore said, Richard Duke of York was made protector of the realm. The Earl of Salisbury was made Lord Chancellor of England, and Richard Earl of Warwick was made Captain of Caleis. john Young: Thomas Owlgrave, the. 28. of September. Anno. reg. 34▪ Sheriffs. Maior. William Marrow Grocer, the 28. of October. This year by means of the Queen and the Lords of her Counsel, the Duke of York was discharged of the Protectourship, and the Earl of Salisbury of the Chauncellourship, and being called by privy seal to Coventrie, they were like to have been entrapped there, and hardly escaped. In the month of may, an Italians servant walking 1456 Robert Fabian. through Cheap of London, with a dagger hanging at his girdle, a merchants servant that before time had been in Italy and there blamed for wearing of the like weapon, challenged the stranger, how he durst be so bold to bear weapon, considering he was out of his native Country, knowing that in his Country no stranger was suffered to wear th● like. To the which question such answer was made by the stranger, that the Merter took from him his dagger and broke it upon his head, whereupon the stranger complained to the Mayor, who on the morrow sent for the young man to the Guild Hall: wherefore after his answer made unto the complaint, by agreement of a full Court of Aldermen, he was sent to ward, and after the Court was finished, the Mayor and Sheriffs walking homeward through Cheap, were there met by such a number of Mercer's servants and other, that they might not pass, for aught they could speak or do, till they had delivered the yonug man that before was by them sent to prison. And the same day in the afternoon suddenly was assembled a multitude of lewd and poor people of the City, which without head or guide ran unto certain Italians houses, and especially to the Florentines, Lukesses and Venetians, and there took and spoiled what they found, and did great hurt in sundry places, but most in four houses standing in Breadstreete ward, whereof three stood in Saint Bartholomew's Parish the little, and one in the Parish of Saint Beni●s Finke. The Mayor, Aldermen and worshipful Commoners of the City, with all their diligence resisted them what they could, and sent diverse of them to Newgate: and finally, not without shedding of blood and maiming of diverse Citizens, the rumour was appeased. The young man beginner of all this business, took Sanctuary at Westminster, and not long after the Duke of Buckingham with other noble men were sent from the King into the City, who there charged the Mayor by Virtue of a Commission, that inquiry should he made of this riot, and so called an Oyer determyner at the Guild Hall, where sat for Judges the Mayor, as the kings lieutenant, the Duke of Buckingham on his right hand, the chief Justice on the left hand, and many other men of name, where while they were enpaneling their inquests, the other Commons of the City many of them secretly put them in armour, and meant to have rung the common bell, so to have raised the whole force of the City, and so to have delivered such persons as before for the robbery were committed toward. But this matter was discreetly handled by the counsel and labour of some discrete Commoners, which appeased their neighbours in such wise, that all this fury was quenched: but when word was brought to the Duke of Buckingham, that the commonalty were in harness, he with the other Lords took leave of the Mayor and departed, and so ceased the inquiry for that day. Upon the morrow the Mayor commanded the common counsel with the Wardens of fellowships to appear at the Guild Hall, where by the Recorder in the King's name and the Majors, was commanded every 〈…〉 den, that in the afternoon either of them should assemble his whole fellowship at their common halls, and there to give strait commandment, that every man see the king's peace kept within the City. After which time the Citizens were brought to such quietness, that after that day, the inquiry was duly perused, and. iij. persons for the said riot put in execution and hanged at Tyburn, whereof ij▪ were Sanctuary men of Saint martin's le grand, the other Anno reg. 35 a shipman, for robbing of Anthony Mowricine and other Lombard's. john Steward: Ralph Verney, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Canings Grocer, the 28. of October. In the month of November, in the isle of Portland not far from the town of Weymouthe was seen a Cock coming out of the Sea, having a great crest upon his head, and a great red beard, and legs of half a yard long: he stood on the water and crew. iij. times, and every time turned 1457 him about, and beckoned with his head, toward the North, the South, and the West, and was of colour like a pheasant, Robert Fabian. and when he had crowed. iij. times he vanished away. And shortly after were taken at Erithe within. xij. miles of London, iiij. great and wonderful Fishes, whereof one was called Mors Marina, the second a Sword Fish, the other two were Whales. The. xxvitj. day of August Peter Brice Steward of Normandy; john Maior. with a fleet of Frenchmen landed at Sandwiche, and with fire and sword wasted the Town to ashes, and slew the inhabitants almost to the last man. Also Fowey in Devonshire was spoiled by Pirates in the month of August. In this year was a great fray in the north Country Robert Fabian. between the Lord Egremond and the Earl of Salisburies' sons, whereby many were maimed and slain, but in the end the Lord Egremonde was taken, who was by the King's Counsel found in great default, and therefore condemned in great sums of money, to be paid to the Earl of Salisbury, and in the mean time committed to Newgate. Not long after this sir Thomas Percy Lord Egremount, and sir. Richard Percy his brother being prisoners in Newgate condemned in a great sum to the Earl of Salisbury as is aforesaid, broke out of prison by night, and went to the King, the other prisoners took the leads of the gate and Register of Mayor. defended it a long while against the Shrives' and all their officers, in so much that they were forced to call more aid Anno reg. 36 Sheriffs. Maior. of the Citizens, whereby they lastly subdued them. William Edward's: Thomas Reyner, the 28. of September. Godfrey Boleyne Mercer, the 28. of October. Master Reginald Peacock Bishop of Chichester, a secular Doctor of Divinity, that had laboured many years to translate the holy Scripture into English, was accused to have passed the bonds of Divinity and of Christian belief in certain Articles, of the which he was convict before the archbishop of Counterburie, and other bishops and Clerks, and after utterly abjured, revoked, and renounced those Articles openly at Paul's Cross in his mother tongue on the fourth day of December, as followeth. In the name of the Trinity, Father, Son, and holy Ghost, I Reynold Peacock bishop of Chichester unworthy, of mine own power and will without any manner coercion or dread, confess and knowledge that I here before this time presuming of mine natural wit, and preferring my judgement and natural reason before the new and the old Testament, and the authority and determination of our mother holy Church, have held, written & taught otherwise than the holy Roman and Universal Church teacheth, preacheth, or observeth. And one is against the true Catholic and Apostles faith, I have written, taught, and published many and divers perilous doctrines, books, works and writings, containing Heresies and errors, contrary to the faith Catholic, and determination of holy Church: and especially these Heresies and errors following, that is to say. In primis quod non est de necessitate fidei credere quod dominus noster jesus Christus post mortem descendit ad inferos. Item, quod non est de necessitate salutis credere in sanctorum communionem. Item, quod Ecclesia universalis potest errare in hijs quae sunt fidei. Item, quod non est de necessitate salutis credere & tenere illud quod consilium generale & universalis Ecclesia statuit, approbat, seu determinat, in favorem fidei, & ad salutem animarum, est ab universis Christi fidelibus approbandum & tenendum. Wherefore I miserable sinner which here before long time have walked in darkness, & now by the mercy and infinite goodness of God reduced into th● right way, & light of truth, & considering myself grievously have sinned and wickedly have informed & enfected the people of God, return & come again to the unity of our mother holy Church, & all heresies & errors written & contained in my said books, works & writings, here solemnly & openly revoke & renounce, which heresies & errors & all other spices of heresies I have before this time before the most Reverend father in God, and my good Lord of Caunterbury in divers and lawful form judicially abjured, submitting myself, being then and also now at this time very contrite and penitent sinner, to the correction of the Church and of my said Lord of Caunterburie. And over this, exhorting and requiring in the name and virtue of almighty God, in the salvation of your Souls and mind, that no man hereafter give faith and credence to my said pernicious doctrines, heresies and errors, neither my said Books keep, hold, or read in any wise, but that they all such Books, works, and writings suspect of heresies, deliver in all goodly haste unto my said Lord of Caunterburie, or to his Commissioners and Deputies, in eschewing of many inconveniences & great perils of souls, the which else might be cause of the contrary. And over this declaration of my conversation and repentance, I here openly assent, that my said Books, works and writings, for declaration and cause above rehearsed, be deputed unto the fire, and openly brent in ensample and terror of all other, etc. After this, he was deprived of his Bishopric, having a certain pension assigned unto him for to live on in an Abbey, and soon after he died. His Books were entitled: 1. Of Christian Religion, and a Book pertaining thereunto. 2. Of Matrimony. 3. Just oppressing of holy Scripture, divided into three parts. 4. The Donet of Christian Religion. 5. The follower of the Donet. 6. The Book of Faith. 7. The Book filling the. 4. Tables. 8. The Book of Worshipping. 9 The Provoker of Christian men. 10. The Book of Council. In the month of Januarie died the Earl of Devonshire, in the Abbey of Abindon, poisoned (as men said) being there at that time with Queen Margaret, to appease the malice between the young Lords, whose fathers were slain at Saint Albon, and they that held with the Duke of York. A meeting was appointed by the King to be at London, in obeying whose commandment, the Duke of York came unto London on the. xxuj. day of Januarie, and was lodged at Baynard's Castle, and afore him, to wit the. xv. of Januarie came the Earl of Salisbury, and was lodged at his place called the Erber: shortly after came the Dukes of Somerset & Excester, who were lodged without Temple Bar, likewise the Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Egremond: & the young Lord Clyfford, were lodged in the Suburbs. And on the. xiv. day of February came the Earl of Warwick from caleis with a great band of men all arrayed in red Jaquets with white ragged staves upon them, who was lodged at the Grey Friars. And the. xvij. day of March the King & Queen with a great retinue came to London, and were lodged in the Bishop of London's Palace. And ye shall understand, that with these Lords came great companies of men, some had. 600. some. 500 and the least had. 400. Wherefore the Mayor had daily in harness. 5000. Citizens and road daily about the City and Suburbs of the same, to see the King's peace were kept, & nightly. 2000 men in harness, to give attendance upon. iij. Aldermen, which kept the night watch till. seven. of the clock in the morning, that the day watches were assembled, by reason whereof, good order and rule was kept, and no man so hardy once to attempt the breaking of the King's peace. During this watch, a great Counsel was holden by the Lords, and a feigned agreement was made, between the King, the Queen, and the Duke of York with 1458 his retinue: for joy whereof the. xxv. day of March a general Procession was made in Saint Paul's Church at London, where the King in Royal habit with his Diadem on his head kept the state, before whom went hand in hand th● duke of Somerset, the Earl of Salisbury, the Duke of Excester, the Earl of Warwick, and so one of the one faction, & an other of that other sort. And behind the King, the Duke of York led the Queen with great familiarity to all men's sights. The. xiij. of April there was a great fray in Fletestreete, The Queen's attorney slain. between men of Court and the inhabitants of the same street, in which fray the queens Attorney was slain. For this fact the King committed the principal governors of Furnivals', Clifforde and Barnardes' Inn to prison in the Castle of Hertforde, and William tailor, Alderman of that ward, with many other, were sent to Windsor Castle the seven. of May. On Thursday in Whitsun week, the Duke of Somerset justing in the Tower of London. with Anthony Rivers and other. iiij. kept Justes before the Queen in the Tower of London against three esquires of the Queens. And in like manner at Greenewiche the Sunday following. On the Trinity Sunday or Monday following, certain The Earl of Warwick took Spanish Ships. ships appertaining to the Earl of Warwick, met with a fleet of spaniards, and after long and cruel fight took vj. of their Ships laden with Iron and other merchandise, drowned and chased to the number of. xxuj. not without shedding of blood on both parts, for of the Englishmen were slain an hundred, and many more wounded Anno reg. 37 Sheriffs. Maior. and sore hurt. Ralph joseline: Richard Medtham, the 28. of September. Thomas Scot Draper, the 28. of October. The King and Queen being at Westminster the. ix. day of November fell a great debate between Richard Earl of Warwick and them of the King's house, in so much that they would have slain the Earl: and uneath he escaped to his Barge and went after to caleis, for he was not long before made Captain thereof by authority of the Parliament. Soon after, the young Duke of Somerset by stirring of them that hated the Earl of Warwick, was made Captain of caleis, and a Privy Seal direct to the Earl for to discharge him of the Captayneshyp: but the Earl for as much as he was made by Parliament, he would not obey the Privy Seal, but continued forth in the said office. The Noble Science of Printing was about this time 1459 Printing first invented. found in Germany at Magunce by one john Cuthembergus a Knight: One Conradus an Almain brought it into Rome: William Caxton of London Mercer brought it into England about the year a. 1471. And first practised the same in the Abbay of Saint Peter at Westminster, after which time it was likewise practised in the abbeys of Saint Augustine at Caunterburie, Saint Albon, and other Monasteries of England. In a little Town in Bedfordshire there fell a bloody It reigned blood. rain, whereof the red drops appeared in sheeets the which a woman had hanged out for to dry. In this time the Realm of England was out of good order, as it had been of long time: for the King being simple and pitiful, was led by covetous Counsel. The King grew in debt daily, but payment was not made. All the possessions and Lordships that pertained to the Crown, the King had given some to Lords and some to others, such as would beg them, so that himself had almost nothing left to live on, but such impositions as were put to the common people, as Taxes, Tallages, Quinzimes, all which was spent in vain, for he held no household, nor maintained no wars, for which misgovernance the hearts of the people were turned from them that had the Land in governance. The Queen with such as were of her affinity, ruled the Realm as her liked, gathering riches innumerable. The Officers of the Realm, especially the Earl of Wiltshire Treasurer of England, for to enrich himself, peeled the poor people, & disherited rightful heirs, and did many wrongs. The Queen was defamed and slandered that the young Prince was not her son but a Bastard gotten in adultery: wherefore she dreading that he should not succeed his father in the Crown of England, allied unto her all the Knights and esquires of Chestershire, for to have their favour: she held open household among them, and made her son the Prince to give a livery of Swans to all the Gentlemen of the Country, and to many other through the land, trusting through their strength to make her son King, making privy means to some of the Lords of England for to stir the King that he should resign the Crown to her son, but she could not bring their purpose about. The. xxj. day of September Richard Earl of Salisbury having An. reg. 38. gathered a well appointed army for dread of his enemies, especially of the Queen, took his way toward Ludlowe, where at that time the Duke of York lay, to the intent that they both together would have ridden to the King to Colshull in Staffordshire, to have excused them of certain articles laid against them by malice of their enemies as they said. Whereupon those that were about the King, and also the Queen, who lay at Eglishall, moved him to assemble a great power, whereof james Twichet Lord Awdley was made chief, and had the leading of them into the field called Bloreheath near unto Mucklestone, by the which the said Bloreheath field. Duke and the Earl must needs pass, & there both hosts met and fought a mortal battle, wherein the Lord Audley was slain with Hugh Venables of Kinderton, Thomas Dutton of Dutton, Richard Mollynes, William Trowtbek, john Legh deal Bothes, john Donne of Vtkinton, and john Edgerton of Edgerton Knights, Richard Donne of Croton, john Duttes esquires, and many other of Chestershire, that had received the Prince's livery of Swans: and there were taken prisoners the Earl of Salisburies'. ij. sons Thomas and john, and sir Thomas Harington, which were sent to Chester, but soon after delivered. After this discomfiture, the Earl of Salisbury passed forth to Duke Richard to Ludlowe, and thither came to them for caleis the Earl of Warwick, which all three written a letter unto King Henry, whereof the tenure is this. MOst Christian King, right high and mighty Prince, & our most dread Sovereign Lord, after as humble recommendations to your high excellency as will suffice. Our true intent to the prosperity & augmentation of your high estate, and to the common Weal of this Realm, hath be●●● showed unto your highness in such writing as we make thereof. And over that an Indenture signed by our hands in the Church Cathedral of Worcester, comprehending th● proof of the truth & duty that (God knoweth) we bear to your said estate, and to the pre-eminence and prerogative thereof, we sent unto your good Grace by the Prior of the said Church, and divers other Doctors, and among other, by M. William Lynwood Doctor of Divinity, which ministered unto us severally the blessed Sacrament of the body of Jesus, whereupon we and every of us deposed for our said truth and duty, according to the tenor of the said Indenture. And sith that time we have certified at large in writing and by mouth, by Garter King of Arms, not only to your said highness, but also to the good & worthy Lords being about your most Noble presence, the largeness of our said truth and duty, and our intent and disposition, to search all the motions that might serve conveniently to the affirmation thereof, and to our perfect sureties from such inconvenient and unreverent jeopardies as we have been put in divers times here before. Whereof we have cause to make, and aught to make such exclamation and complaint, not without reason, as is not unknown to all the said worthy Lords, and to all his land, and will offer us to your high presence, to the same intent, if we might so do without said surety, which only causeth us to keep such fellowship as we do in our leeful manner. And hereto we have forborn and avoided all things that might serve to the effusion of Christian blood, of the dread that we have of God, and of your Royal Majesty: and have also eschewed to approach your said most Noble presence, for the humble obeisance and reverence wherein we have, and during our life will have the same. And yet nevertheless we hear, that we be proclaimed and defamed in our name unrightfully, unlawfully, and saving your high reverence, untruly, and otherwise (as God knoweth) than we have given cause, knowing certainly, that the blessed and noble intent of your said good grace, and the righteousness thereof is, to take, repute and accept your true and lawful subjects, and that it accordeth neither with your said intent, nor with your will or pleasure, that we should be otherwise taken or reputed. And over that, our Lordships and tenants been of high violence rob and spoiled, against your peace and laws, and all righteousness. We therefore, as we suffice, beseech your said good Grace to take, repute, and receive thereunto our said truth and intent, which to God is known, as we show it by the said tenor of the same Indenture. And not apply your said blessedness ne the great righteousness and equity wherewith God hath ever endued your high nobility, to the importune impatience and violence of such persons as intend of extreme malice to proceed under the shadow of your high might and presence, to our destruction, for such inordinate covetise (whereof God is not pleased) as they have to our Lands, Offices, and goods, not letting or sparing therefore, to put such things in all lamentable and too sorrowful jeopardy, as might in all wise take effect, by the mystery of Gods will and power, nor not having regard to the effusion of Christian blood, ne any tenderness to the noble blood of this Land, such as serve to the tuition and defence thereof, ne not weighing the loss of your true liege men of your saydo Realm, that God defend, which knoweth our intent, and that we have avoided there from as far as we may with our sureties, not of any dread that we have of the said persons, but only of the dread of God & of your said highness, and will not use our said defence until the time that we be provoked of necessity, whereof we call heaven and earth unto witness and record, and therein beseech God to be our Judge, and to deliver us according to our said intent, and our said truth and duty to your said highness and to the said Common Weal. Most Christian King, right high and mighty Prince, and most dread Sovereign Lord, we beseech our blessed Lord to preserve your honour and estate in joy and felicity. Written at Ludlowe the. x. day of October: R. York, R. Warwick, R. Salisbury. After their excusation contained in this letter sent to the King, they withdrew them, and went into divers parts beyond the Seas, for the more surety of their persons. The Duke of York went into Ireland, where he was honourably received: the Earl of March, Salisbury, and Warwick, not without great jeopardy and peril, as well on the land as on the sea, went to caleis, and abode there. Then was a Parliament holden at Coventrie, wherein Parliament at Coventrie. were attaint of treason, Richard duke of York, Edward earl of March his son and heir, Richard Earl of Warwick, Edmond Earl of Rutland, Richard Earl of Salisbury, john Duke of York & other attaint. Lord Clifford, Lord Clinton, sir Thomas Harington, sir john Wenlocke, Thomas Nevil, john Nevil sons of the Earl of Salisbury, james Pickering, john Conyers, Thomas Par, William Oldhall, and Henry Ratforde Knights, john Bowser, Thomas Cook, john Day, Richard Gyton, Robert Browne, Edward Bowser, Thomas Vaughan, john Roger, Richard Grey, Walter, Devorux, Walter Hopton, Roger Kynderton, William Bowes, Foulke Stafforde, the Lord Powys, and Alice Countess of Salisbury, their goods and possessions escheated, and their heirs disherited unto the 9 degree, their tenants spoiled of their goods, bemaymed Ludlow spoiled. and slain, the town of Ludlowe longing to the Duke of York, was rob to the bare walls, and the Duchess of York spoiled of her goods. The Earl of Warwick having a great Navy, kept the Earl of Warwick fought with the Spa●●● ardes. narrow seas, and sought with the Spaniards, killed many of them, took their great vessels, with one Carrake of jene, and got in them great riches. john Plummer: john Stocker, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William Hulin Fishmonger, the 28. of October. In this month of October, Henry the young duke of Somerset, Henry Lord Roos, and Lord Audley, with men of Arms sailed toward caleis, to the intent the Duke should have been Captain there: but when he came to land, they Duke of Somerset fled to Gwynes. The Lord Audley taken into caleis. The lord Roos fled into Flaunders. of caleis would have taken him, so that he hardly escaped to the Castle of Gwines: his soldiers were stripped out of their harness and let go. The Lord Audley was taken into caleis, and the Lord Roos fled into Flaunders, and after returned into England. Not long after, Richard Lord Rivers was sent to Sandwich to keep the town and certain great ships which lay there at Anchor, but when the Earl of Warwick saw time convenient, The Lord Rivers and the Lord Woodvile by force carried from Sandwicke. he sent some of his men to Sandwich by night, the which took the Lord Rivers and Antony Wooduile his son in their beds, & led them over to caleis, with all the great ships save one called Grace de Dieu, the which might not be had away because she was broke in the bottom. Sir Baudwyne Fulford, undertook on pain of losing his head, that he would 1460 Sir Baudwin Fulford his enterprise. destroy that Earl of Warwick, but when he had spent the King a thousand marks in money, he returned again. Then was the Duke of Excester Admiral sent to the sea with a great The Duke of Excester sent to the Seas. Navy for to distress the Earl of Warwick and his Navy, he sailing from Sandwiche to Dertmouth, for lack of victuals and money his Soldiers forsook him there. And between Sandwiche and Dertmouth he met the Earl of Warwick coming out of Ireland that had been there for to speak with the Duke of York, and brought with him his mother that was fled thither for dread, and led her to caleis: but the Duke of Excester durst not set upon the Earl of Warwick, nor the Earl would not distress him, because he was Admiral and of the King's blood, but let him pass by. In the month of June. 500 men were sent to conduct the duke of Somerset from Gwynes into England, but abiding the wind in the port of Sandwich, the Earl of Warwikes men spoiled them of their harness, killed their captain Mounford & many other. The Earls at caleis, sent to the Archbishop of Caunterburie, Captain Mount sort slain. and at large to the commons of England certain Articles in writing, beginning thus: Worshipful sirs, we the Duke of Articles sent from the Duke of York, and the Barles, to the Archbishop of Caunterburie and to the commons. York, the Earls of March, Warwick, and Salisbury, sewed & offered to have come unto the King our Sovereign Lords most noble presence, to have declared there afore him for our duty to God & to his highness & to the prosperity and welfare of his noble estate, and to the Common Weal of all his Land as true liege men, the matters following, that is to say. In primis the great oppression, extortion, robbery, murder and other violences done to God's Church and to his ministers thereof, against Gods and man's law. 2 Item, the poverty & misery that to our great heaviness our Sovereign Lord standeth in, not having any livelihood of the Crown of England whereof he may keep his honourable household, which causeth the spoiling of his said liege men by the takers of his said household, which livelihood is in their hands that have been destroyers of his said estate, and of the said common Weal. 3 Item, how his Laws be partially and unrightfully guided, and that by them that should most love and tender his said Laws, the said oppression and extortion is most favoured and supported, and generally, that all righteousness and Justice is exiled out of the said land, and that no man dreadeth to offend against the said Laws. 4 Item, that it will please his said good Grace to live upon his own livelihood, whereupon his noble Progenitors have in days heretofore lived as honourably and as worthily as any Christian Princes, and not to suffer the destroyers of the said land, and of his true subjects, to live thereupon, and therefore to lack the sustenances that should be belonging to his said estate, and find his said household upon his poor commons, without payment, which neither accordeth with God's nor man's law. 5 Item, how oft the said commons have been greatly & marvelously charged with taxes & tallages to their great impoverishing, whereof little good hath either grown to the king or to the said land, and of the most substance thereof the King hath left to his part not half so much, and other Lords and persons, enemies to the said common Weal, have to their own use, suffering all the old possessions that the King had in France & Normandy, Anjou & Maine, Gascoyn & Gwiene, won & gotten by his father of most noble memory, & other his noble progenitors, to be shamefully lost or sold. 6 Item, how they can not cease therewith, but now begin a new charge of imposition and tallages upon the said people, which never afore was seen, that is to say, every town, ship to find men for the Kings Guard, taking ensample thereof, of our enemies & adversaries of France, which imposition and tallage, if it be continued to heir, heirs, and successors, will be the heaviest charge and worst ensample that ever grew in England, and the foresaid subjects, and the said heirs & successors, in such bondage as their ancestors were never charged with. 7. Item, where the King hath now no more livelihood out of his Realm of England, but only the Land of Ireland, and the town of caleis, and that no King Christened hath such a Land and a Town without his Realm, divers Lords have caused his highness to write letters under his Privy Seal, unto his Irish enemies, which never King of England did here tofore, whereby they may have comfort to enter into the conquest of the said Land, which letters the same Irish enemies sent unto me the said Duke of York, and marveled greatly that any such letters should be to them sent, speaking therein great shame and villainy of the said Realm. 8 Item, in like wise the King by excitation and labour of the same Lords, wrote other letters to his enemies and adversaries in other lands, that in no wise they should show any favour or good will to the town of caleis, whereby they had comfort enough to proceed to the winning thereof. Considered also, that it is ordained by the labour of the said Lords, that nowhere victual nor other thing of refreshing or defence should come out of England, to the succour or relief of the said town, to the intent that they would have it lost, as it may openly appear. 9 Item, it is deemed & ought greatly to be deemed, that after that the same Lords would put the same rule of England, if they might have their purpose and intent, into the hands and governance of the said enemies. 10 Item, how continually sith the piteous, shameful, and sorrowful murder to all England, of that Noble, worthy, and Christian Prince Humphrey Duke of Gloucester the King's true uncle, at Bury, it hath been laboured, studied, and conspired, to have destroyed and murdered the said Duke of York, and the issue that it pleased God to send me of the Royal blood, and also of us the said Earls of Warwick & Salisbury, for none other cause but for the true heart that God knoweth we ever have born, and bear to the profit of the King's estate, to the Common Weal of the same Realm, and defence thereof. 11. Item, how the Earls of Shrewsburie and Wiltshire, and the Lord Beaumount, our mortal and extreme enemies now and of long time past, having the guiding about the most Noble person of our said Sovereign Lord, whose highness they have restrained and kept from the liberty and freedom that belongeth to his said estate, and the supporters and favourers of all the premisses, would not suffer the Kings said good grace to receive and accept us, as he would have done if he might have had his own will, into his said presence, dreading the charge that would have been laid upon them, of the misery, destruction, and wretchedness of the said Realm, whereof they becauses and not the King, which is himself as noble, as virtuous, as righteous and blessed of disposition, as any Prince earthly. 12. Item, the Earls of Wiltshire and Shrewsburie, and the Lord Beaumount, not satisfied nor content with the King's possessions and his goods, stirred and excited his said highness to hold his Parliament at Coventrie, where an Act is made by their provocation and labour, against us the said Duke of York, my sons March and Rutland, and the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, and the Sons of the said Earl of Salisbury, and many other Knights and esquires, of divers matters falsely and untruly imagined, as they will answer afore almighty God in the day of Dome, the which the said Earls of Salisbury and Wiltshire, and the Lord Beaumount provoked to be made, to the intent of our destruction and of our issue, and that they might have our livelihood and goods, as they have openly rob and despoiled all our places and our tenements, and many other true men, and now proceed to hanging and drawing of men by tyranny, and will therein show the largeness of their violence and malice as vengeably as they can, if no remedy be provided at the King's highness, whose blessedness is neither assenting nor knowing thereof. We therefore seeing all the said mischiefs, hearing also that the French King maketh in his land great assembly of his people, which is greatly to be dread for many causes, purpose yet again with God's grace to offer us to come again to the said presence of our said sovereign Lord, to open and declare there unto him the mischiefs above declared, and in the name of the land to sue, in as reverent and lowly wise as we can, to his said good Grace, to have pity and compassion upon his said true subjects, and not to suffer the same mischiefs to reign upon them. Requiring you in God's behalf, and praying you in our own, therein to assist us, doing always the duty of liege men in our persons to our said Sovereign Lord, to his estate, prerogative, and pre-eminence, and to the surety of his most Noble person, whereunto we have ever been and will be as true as any of his subjects alive, whereof we call God, our Lady S. Marry, and all the Saints in heaven unto witness and record. In the mean time the Earl of Wiltshire treasurer of England, The Earl of Wiltshire and other spoiled Newbery. the Lord Scales and the Lord Hungerforde, went to Newberie, which longed to the Duke of York, and there made inquisition of all them that in any wise had favoured the said Duke, whereof some were found guilty, and were drawn, hanged, and quartered, and all the inhabitants of the Town were spoiled of their goods. From thence the Earl of Wiltshire went to Southampton, where under The Earl of Wiltshire stolen over the Seas. colour to take the Earl of Warwick, he armed five great Caraks of jene with soldiers, taking victuals of the King's price without payment, and put a great part of his treasure into the said Caraks, and after sailed about in the sea, and at last stale into Dutchlande, sending back again his soldiers into England. Then were the King's Privy seals for money. privy seals directed to all Bishops, Abbots, priors, and other states, to lend the King money, therewith to wage soldiers to keep the Sea coasts: but the commons of Kent dreading the like vengeance to be taken upon them, as was done upon them of Newberie, sent privily messengers to Caleis, The men of Kent sent to Galeis for the Earls. to the foresaid Earls, beseeching them in all haste possible to come to their succour, whereupon the said Earls sent over into Kent the lord Fawconbridge to know if their deeds would accord with their words, and anon the people of Kent and other shires adjoining, resorted to the said Lord Fawconbridge in great number. When the Earls knew the willing hearts of those people, they prepared to come into this land, against whose coming, a long Ballet was fixed upon the gates of Canterbury, made in favour of the Duke of York and the said Earls, beginning thus: In the day of fast and spiritual affliction, The celestial influence of bodies transitory, etc. The Earls of March, Warwick, and Salisbury, arrived at Sandwich, where met with them Thomas Bourcher, archbishop of Canterbury, The Earl entered into London. who with his cross borne before him, and a great number of other people, accompanied them to London, into the which City they entered on the second of July: with them came the Pope's legate, to treat of peace if need were. Th●n was a convocation of the Clergy holden in S. Paul's Church▪ where the said Earls being present, the Earl of Warwick recited the cause of their coming into the land, with the misgovernements thereof, and then made open oath upon the cross of Canterbury, that they had ever borne true faith and alegiaunce to King Henry. Then the Earls of March and Warwick, with the Lords Fauconbridge, Clinton, Borser Prior of Saint john's, Audley, Burgavennie, Say, and Scrope, the Archbishop, the Pope's legate, the Bishops of Excester, Ely, Salisbury, and Rochester, addressed them forth to the King at Northampton, leaving the Earl of Salisbury to be governor of the City in their absence. The Lord Scales and Hungerforde, that before the coming of the Earls, were in the City of London, and would have had the governance thereof, went to the Tower of London, and with them the Lords Vessy, Lovel, Delaware, Kendale a Gascoigne: Knights, sir Edmond Hampden, Thomas Brune Sheriff of Kent, john Bruyn of Kent, Geruayes Clyfton treasurer of the King house, Thomas Tyrel, the Duchess of Excestex, & many other. Then was the Tower of London besieged both by water and land, that no victuals might come to them. And they that were within the Tower cast wild fire into the City, and shot many small Guns, whereby they brent and slew men, women, and children, in the streets: also they of the City laid great Guns on the furtherside of the Thamis against the Tower, and broke the Walls in diverse places. The King lying in the Friars at Northampton, ordained a strong and mighty field in the Meadows beside the Nunnery, having the river at his back. The Earls with their power coming to Northampton, sent certain Bishops to the King, beseeching him to admit th● earl of Warwick to come to his presence, to declare their innocency, which request being denied by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls sent an Herald of Arms, desiring to have hostages for his safe coming and going, but he might not be heard. The third time the Earl of Warwick sent word to the King, that at two hours after noon he would speak with him, or die in th● field. The Bishop of Hereford, a white Friar the king's Confessor, encouraged the king's part to fight, wherefore after the battle he was committed to the Castelf of Warwick, where he was long prisoner. The tenth of July at two of th● clock after noo●re, th● Earls of March & Warwick let cry through the field th● no man should lay hand upon the King ●e on th● common people, but on the Lords, Knights & Espuiers: then both hosts encountered & fought half an hour, the Lord Grey that was the King's vaward break the field and came to the Earl's party, and was a great help to them in obtaining the victory: many on the king's side were slain, & many th● fled were drowned in the river, th● Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Shrowesburie, the Lord Beaumond & the Lord Egremont were slain by th● King's ●ent, with many Knights & Esquires: the kings ordinance of Guns might not be shot, there was so great rain that day: When the field was done, & the Earls had the victory, they came to the King, he being in his tent, & said in this wise. Most noble prince, displease you not though it have pleased God of his grace to grant us the victory of our mortal enemies, th● which by their venomous malice have untxuely stirred & moved your highness to exile us out of your land, & would have us put to final shame and confusion: we come not to th● intent for to unquiet ne grieve your said highness, but for to please your noble person, desiring tenderly the high welfare & prosperity thereof, & of all your realm, and to be your true liegemen while our lives shall endure. The King of these words was greatly recomforted, & anon was led to Northampton with procession, where he rested three days, & came to London the sixteenth of July, and was lodged in the bishops Palace. The nineteenth of July they that were in the Tower of London, for lack of victuals yielded and came forth, of the which afterward some were drawn and headed. The Lord Scales late in an evening entered a Wherry with three persons, and rowing toward Westminster, there to have taken Sanctuary, was descried by a woman, and anon the Wherry men fell on him, killed him, & cast him a land beside Saint Marie Oueries. When Queen Margaret heard that the king was taken, she with her son, and eight persons fled, to the castle of Hardlagh in Wales, and was rob by the way in Lancashire, of all her goods to the value of ten thousand marks: from thence she went into Scotland. The tenth of August james King of Scots besieging the Castle of Rockesborough, was slain with a Gun that broke in his Campe. The one and twentieth of September the Duke of Somerset came from Gwines into England. Anno. reg. 39 Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Fleming: john Lambert, the 28. of September. Richard Lee Grocer, the. 28 of October. The vitj. of October a Parliament was begun at Westminster, unto the which came Ri. duke of York, that a little before Parliament. was come out of Ireland, and being lodged in the Palace, the King being there, he broke up the doors of the kings Chamber, so that the King giving him place, took an other Chamber. Then the said Duke, as right heir by lineal descent from Richard the second, challenged the realm, purposing to have been crowned on Alhallown day next following, and hereupon sent to the Parliament in writing his said claim, title, and pedigrée. The which claim after diligent deliberation had and approved, by the said parliament, peace and concord between the king and Duke on the Uigil of Alhalow was established and concluded, as in Articles followeth. BLessed be john in whose hands and bounty refieth The Articles betwixt King Henry & the Duke of York and is the peace and unity betwixt Princes and the Weal of every Realm: I know by whose direction agreed it is appointed and accorded as followeth, betwixt the most high and most mightis Prince King Henry the sixth King of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland, on th● one party, and the right high and mighty Prince Richard Plantagenet Duke of York on that other party, upon certain matters of variance moved betwixt them, and especially upon the claim and title unto the Crowns of England and of France, and Royal power, estate and dignity appertaining to the same, and Lordship of Ireland, opened, showed, and declared, by the said Duke, afore all the Lords spiritual and Temporal, being in this present Parliament. First where the said Richard Duke of York hath declared and opened, as above is said, title and claim in manner as followeth: That the right noble and worthy Prince, Henry King of England the third, had issue and lawfully got Edward his first begotten son, borne at Westminster the xv. kalends of July, in the year of our Lord 12●9. and Edmond his second son, which was borne on Saint Marcels day, the year 1200. the which Edward after the death of King Henry his Father, entitled and called King Edward the first, had issue, Edward his first begotten son, called after the decease of his Father, King Edward the second, the which had issue, Edward the third: which Edward the third had issue, Edward Prince of Wales▪ William of Hatfield his second son: Leonel the third, Duke of Clarence: john of Gaun● fourth, Duke of Lancaster: Edmond of Langley fifth, Duke of York: Thomas of Woodstock the sixth, Duke of Gloucester: & W. of Windsor the seventh. The said Edward Prince of Wales, which died in the life time of his Father, had issue Richard, which succeeded Edward the third his grandsire: Richard died without issue: William of Hatfield the second son of Edward the third, died without issue: Leonel the third son of Edward the third, Duke of Clarence, had issue Philip his daughter and heir, which was coupled in matrimony unto Edmond Mortimer Earl of March, and had issue Roger Mortimer Earl of March her Son and heir, which Roger had issue of Edmond earl of March, Roger Mortimer, Anne, and Elinor: which Edmonde, Roger and Alianor died without issue. And the said Anne coupled in matrimony to Richard Earl of Cambridge, the son of Edmond of Langley, the fifth son of Henry the third, and had issue Richard Plantagenet, commonly called Duke of York: john of Gaunt, the fourth son of Edward, & the younger brother of the said Leonel, had issue Henry Earl of Derby, which incontinent, after that King Richard resigned the Crowns of the Realms and Lordship of Ireland, unrighteously entered upon the same, then being alive Edmonde Mortimer Earl of March, son to Roger Mortimer Earl of March, son and heir of the said Phillippe, daughter and heir of the said Leonel, the third son of the said King Edward the third, to the which Edmonde the right and title of the said Crowns and Lordship by law and custom belonged. To the which Richard Duke of York, as son to Anne daughter to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, son and heir of the said Philip, daughter and heir of the said leonel, the third son of King Edward the third, the right, title, dignity Royal, and estate of the Crowns of the Realms of England and France, and the Lordship of Ireland, pertaineth and belongeth a fore any issue of the said john of Gaunt, the fourth son of the same King Edward. The said title notwithstanding and without prejudice of the said Richard Duke of York, tenderly desiring the wealth, rest, and prosperity of this land, and to set apart all that might be trouble to the same, and considering the possession of the said King Hen the sixth, and that he hath for his time been named, taken, and reputed for King of England and of France, and LORD of Ireland, is contented, agreed, and consenteth, that he be had, reputed, and taken for King of England and France, with the Royal estate, dignity, and pre-eminence belonging thereunto, and Lord of, Ireland during his natural life. And for that time, the said Duke without hurt or prejudice of his said right and title, shall take, worship, and honour him, for his sovereign Lord. Item, the said Richard Duke of York, shall promise and bind him by his solemn oath, in manner and form as followeth In the name of God Amen: I Richard, Duke of York, The oath of Richard Duke of York. promise and swear by the faith and truth that I own to Almighty God, that I shall never consent, procure, or stir, directly or indirectly, in privy or apart, neither, (as much as in me is) shall suffer to be done, consented, procured, or stirred, any thing that may sound to the abridgement of the natural life of King Henry the sixth, or to th● hurt or diminishing of his reign or dignity royal, by violence or any otherwise, against his freedom or liberty: but if any person or persons would do or presume any thing to th● contrary, I shall with all my might & power withstand it, and make it to be withstood, as far as my power will stretch there●herevnto, so help me GOD and his holy Evangelists. Item, Edward Earl of March, and Edmund Earl of Rutland, sons of the said Duke of York, shall make like oath. Item, it is accorded, appointed, and agreed, that the said Richard Duke of York, shall be called & reputed from hence forth very and rightful heir to the crowns, royal estate, dignity and Lordship above said, and after the decease of the said King Henry, or when he will lay from him the said crowns, estate, dignity, and Lordship, the said Duke and his heirs shall immediately succeed to the said crowns, royal estate, dignity and Lordship. Item, the said Richard Duke of York, shall have by authority of this present Parliament, castles, manors, lands and tenements, with the wards, marriages, reliefs, services, fines, amercementes, offices, anowsions, fees, and other appurtenances to them belonging, what soever they be, to the yearly value of ten thousand marks over all charges and reprises, where of five thousand marks shall be to his own state, three thousand five hundred marks to Edward his first begotten son Earl of March for his estate, and one thousand pound to Edmond Earl of Rutland his second son, for his yearly sustentation, in such considerations and such intent as shall be declared by the Lords of the King's Counsel. Item if any person or persons imagine or compass the death of the said Duke, and thereof probably be attaint, of open deed done by folks of other condition, that it be deemed and adjudged high treason. Item, for the more establishing of the said accord, it is appointed and consented, that the Lords spiritual and Temporal, being in this present Parliament, shall make oaths to accept, take, worship, and repute the said Richard Duke of York, and his heirs, as above is rehearsed, and keep and observe, and strength in as much as appertaineth unto them, all the things abovesaid, and resist to their power, all them that would presume the contrary, according to their estates and degrees. Item, the said Richard Duke of York, Earls of March and Rutland, shall permit and make other to help, aid, and defend the said Lords, and every of them, against althose that will quarrel, or any thing attempt against the said Lords or any of them, by occasion of agreement or consenting to the said accord, or assistance giving to the Duke and Earls or any of them. Item, it is agreed and appointed, that this accord, and every Article thereof, be opened and notified by the king's letters patents, or otherwise, at such times and places, and in manner as it shall be thought expedient to the said richard Duke of York, with the advise of the Lords of the King's Counsel. The King understandeth certainly, the said title of the said Richard Duke of York, just, lawful, and sufficient, by the advise and assent of the Lords, spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons in this Parliament assembled, & by authority of th● same Parliament declareth, approveth, ratifyeth, confirmeth and accepteth the said title, just, good, lawful, and true, and thereunto giveth his assent and agreement of his free will and liberty. And over that, by the said advice and authority declareth, entitleth, calleth, stablisheth, affirmeth, and reputeth the said Richard Duke of York, very true and rightful heir to the Corones, Royal estate, and dignity of th● realms of England and of France, and of the Lordship of Ireland aforesaid, and that according to th● worship and reverence that thereto belongeth, he be taken, accepted and reputed, in worship and reverence, by all the states of the said Realm of England, and of all his subjects thereof, saving and ordaining by the same authority, the King to have th● said Corones, Realm, royal estate, dignity, and pre-eminence of the same, and the said Lordship of Ireland during his life natural. And furthermore by the same advice and authority will, consenteth and agreeth, that after his decease, or when it shall please his highness to lay from him the said Corones, estate, dignity, and Lordship, the said Richard Duke of York and his heirs, shall immediately succeed him in the said Corones, Royal estate, dignity, and worship, and them then have and enjoy, any act of Parliament, statute, or ordinance, or other thing to the contrary made, or interruption, or discontinuance of possession notwithstanding. And moreover, by the said advise and authority, stablisheth, granteth, confirmeth, approveth, ratifieth, and accepteth the said accord, and all things therein contained, and thereunto freely and absolutely assenteth agreeth, and by the same advice and authority ordaineth and establisheth, that if any person or persons imagine or compass the death of the said Duke, and probably be attaint of open deed done by folks of that conditions, that it be deemed and adjudged high Treason. And furthermore ordaineth and establisheth by the said advice and authority, that all statutes, ordinances and acts of Parliament, made in the time of the said King Henry the fourth, by the which he and the heirs of his body coming of Henry late King of England the fifth, the son and heir of the said King Henry the fourth, and the heirs of King Henry the fifth, were or be inheritable to the said Crowns and Realms, or to the heritage of the same, be annulled, repelled, dampened, canceled, void, and of none effect. And over this, the King by the said advice, assent & authority, ordaineth and establisheth, that all other acts and statutes made afore this time by act of parliament, not repelled or annulled by like authority, or otherwise void, be in such force, effect, and virtue, as they were afore the making of these ordinances, and that no letters patents royalx of record, nor acts Judicial, made or done afore this time not repelled reversed, ne otherwise void by law, be prejudiced or hurt by this present act. Also it was ordained by the same Parliament, that the said Richard Duke of York, should be called Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, and protector of England. In the month of December, the Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Devonshire, went into the north Country with eight hundred men, and anon after, the said Duke of York, the Earl of Rutland his son, and the Earls of Salisbury a little before Christmas with a few persons went into the north also for to repress the malice of the Northern men, the which loved not the Duke of York, ne the Earl of Salisbury, and were lodged at the Castle of Sandale, and at Wakefield. Then the Lord Nevil, brother to the Earl of Westmerlande, under a colour of Friendship, came to the Duke of York, requiring of him a commission for him to raise the people for to chastise the Rebels as he said, but when he had raised to the number of eight thousand men, he brought them to the Lords of that Country, that is to say, the Earl of Northumberlande, Lord Clifforde, and the Duke of Somerset, that were adversaries to the Duke of York, and on the last of December they fell on the said Duke Richard, killed him and his Son the Earl of Rutland, and many other knights and esquires, to wit the Lord Harington, Thomas Harington Knight, Sir Thomas Nevil son to the Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Henry Ratforde Knight, and other, to the number of 2200. The Earl of Salisbury was taken alive and led by the Duke of Somerset to the Castle of Pomfraite, and had grant of his life for a great sum of money, but the common people of the Country which loved him not, took him out of the castle by violence, and smote off his head. When the death of these Lords was known ●● the King, he commanded writs and commissions to be sent into the shires to the people, and to go against the Rebels into the north to suppress them, but they of the north came suddenly down to the Town of Dunstaple, robbing all the Country and people as they came, spoiling abbeys, Priories, and Parish Churches, bearing away Chalisses, books, ornaments and other, whatsoever was worth the carriage, as though they had been saracens and no Christians, against whom, the twelfth of February, the Duke of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earls of Warwick and Arundale, the Lord Bonuile and other, with the King, went out of London toward Saint Albon; and when they heard that they of the north were so nigh, they took a field beside a little Town called Sandriage not far from Saint Albon, on barnard Heath, in a place called No man's Land, where the King stood and saw his men slain on both sides, till at the last through the withdrawing many of the Kentishmen with their Captain Lovelace that was the vaward, King Henry's part lost the field, the Lords fled, and the King went to Queen Margaret that was come with the Northern men and her son Edward. The Earl of Warwick went toward the Earl of March that was coming toward London out of Wales. The Lord Bonuile would have withdrawn him, but the King assured him to have no bodily harm: nevertheless at the instance of the Queen, the Duke of Excester, and the Earl of Devonshire, he was beheaded at Saint Albon, and with him Sir Thomas Kyriell of Kente. This battle was fought on shrove Twesday the seventeenth of February, Exlibre Norwicensis. in the which was slain. 1916 persons. The same day Thomas Thorpe Baron of the Exchequer was beheaded at High Gate by the commons of Kent. Then the Citizens of London dreading the malice of the Queen and the Duke of Somerset, sent unto them the Duchess of Buckingham with other, to treat for to be benevolent to the City, for the which a sum of money was promised, and that they should come to the City with a certain number of persons, where upon certain spears and men of arms were sent to have entered the City before the Duke's coming, whereof some were slain, some sore hurt, and the remnant put to flight by the Commons, who took the Keys of the gates, and manfully defended the City until the coming of Edward Earl of March, where-throughe King Henry with Queen Margaret and the Northern men were forced to return again Northward. The third of February, Edward Earl of March fought with the Welshmen beside Wigmore in Wales, near unto Mortimer's Cross, whose Captains were the Earl of Penbroke, and the Earl of Wiltshire, where he put them to flight, and slew of the Welchemen about four thousand. Owen Tewther (whom john Leylande sayeth should be called Me●●dicke,) Father to the said Earl Penbroke, which Owen had married Katherine mother to King Henry the sixth, was there taken and beheaded, and afterward buried in the a Chapel of the Grey friars Church in Hereforde: the day before this battle, about ten of the clock before noon, were seen three Suns in the firmament, shining a like clear, which after closed together all in one. The eight and twentieth of February, Edward Earl of March, accompanied with the Earl of Warwick, & a mighty power of Marchmen, came up to London, where he was joyfully received, and on the second day of March being Sunday, all his host was mustered in Saint john's field, where was red among the people certain Articles and points that King Henry had offended in, and then it was demanded of them whether the said Henry were worthy to reign still, and the people cried nay, nay. Then was it asked if they would have the Earl of March to be their King, and they said yea, yea: then certain Captains were sent to earl of March elected King. the Earl of March, at Baynard's castle, and told the Earl that the people had chosen him King, whereof he thanked God and them, and by the advise of the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of Excester, and the Earl of Warwick with other, he took it upon him. The Duchess of York, mother to Edward Earl of March, fearing the fortune of the world, sent her two younger sons George and Richard over the seas, to the City of Vtricke in Almain, where they remained till their elder brother had got the Crown. Also Philip Malpas Alderman of London, Thomas Citizens of London fled. Vaughan Esquire, Master William Atclife, with many other, fearing the queens coming to London, shipped them in a ship of Antwerp, purposing to have sailed thither: but by the way they were taken by a French ship named the Colmapne, and at length delivered for great ransom. Edward Earl of March, being elected as is abovesaid, Edward Earl of March took on him the kingdom. on the next morrow went in procession at Paul's, and offered there, and after Te Deum being sung, he was with great royalty conveyed to Westminster, and there in the Hall set in the king's seat with Saint Edward's Sceptre in his hand, and then asked of the people if they would have him King, and they cried yea, yea. Then after certain homages by him received, he was with Procession conveyed into the Abbay there, and set in the Choir as King, while Te Deum was singing: that done, he offered at Saint Edward's Shrine, and then returned by water unto Saint Paul's and was there lodged within the Bishop's Palace. Thus took he possession of the Realm, upon a Tuisday being the fourth of March, and was proclaimed King of England, by the name of Edward the fourth when King Henry had reigned thirty years, eight months and odd days. ⸪ ¶ Edward Earl of March. Edward Earl of March borne at Roan, son and heir to Anno. reg. 1 10. Rouse. Richard Duke of York, about the age of eighteen years, began his reign the fourth day of March, by the name of Edward the fourth, in the year. 1460. he was a man of noble courage and great wit: but in his time was much trouble & unquietness in the realm. The twelfth of March, Walter Walker a Grocer that Walter Walker beheaded. dwelled in Cheap, for words spoken touching King Edward, was beheaded in Smithfield. This Grocer is he, whom Master Hal mistaketh to be Burdet, of whom ye shall find in the xvij. year of this King. The same xij. day of March in the afternoon: King Edward with great triumph road through the City of London 1461 to Bishop's Gate, and so took his journey toward the north, where between Shirburne in Elmet, and Todcaster, all the north party met him, and on Palm sunday the. xxix. of March fought a great battle between Towton and Saxton, in which were slain, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberlande, john Lord Clifforde, john Lord Nevil, Leo Lord Welles, Ranulph Lord Dacre, and many other on both parties, to the number of five and thirty thousand seven hundred and eleven persons, but King Edward got the field. Many of the Bones of these men were buried john Leyland. in the Churchyard of Saxton: they were first buried in five pits half a mile off by North in Saxton field, yet appearing. Towton village is a mile from Saxton, where a great Chapel was begun by Richard the third, but not finished, in which Chapel were buried also many of the men slain at Palmsonday field. This field was as much in Saxton Parish, as in Towton, yet it bore the name of Towton. The Duke of Excester, the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Roos, the Hungerford and many other, fled to York to king Henry, and then they with the King, Queen, and Prince, King Henry fled into scotland. fled toward scotland to Berwick, and so to Edinburgh. King Edward went to York, and then to Durham, and when he had quieted the Country, returned southward. Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, was taken and beheaded in York castle, james Butler Earl of Wiltshire was beheaded at Newcastle, the Lord Fitz Walter was drowned at Ferybridge. The town of Berwick was delivered to the Scots by king Henry the sixth on Saint Marks day. The. xxuj. of June the Mayor of London with the Aldermen in Scarlet, and the Commons in green, brought King Edward from Lambeth to the Tower of London, where he made eight and twenty Knights, and on the morrow he dubbed four more, and on the eight and twentieth of June he was crowned at Westminster with great solemnity of Bishops and other temporal Lords. And on the morrow after the King was crowned again in Westminster Abbay in the worship of God & Saint Peter and on the next morrow he went Crowned in Paul's Church of London, in the honour of God and Saint Paul, & there an Angel came down & censed him, at which time was so great a multitude of people in Paul's, as ever was seen in any days. And soon after his Coronation, the King made his States created. brother George Plantagenet Duke of Clarence and his other brother Richard, duke of Gloucester: William Stafford Esquire, Lord Stafford of Southwike: sir William Hebert, Lord Herbert, and after Earl of Penbroke: and the said Lord Stafford Earl of Devonshire. After this he made Edward Lord Grey of Ruthen's Earl of Kent: Henry Lord Bourcher Earl of Essex: john Lord of Buckingham, Lord of Mountioy: sir john Heyward, Lord Heyward▪ William Hastings, Lord Hastings, and after that great Chamberlain: Richard Woodvile Lord Rivers: Denham Esquire, Lord Denham, etc. Not long after john Davy had his hand stricken of in Cheap. the Coronation of King Edward, one john Davy had his hand stricken off, at the Standard in Cheap, because he smote a man before the Judges in Westminster Hall, contrary to the Law. George Ireland: john Lock, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Hugh Wiche Mercer, the 28. of October. The. iiij. of November began a Parliament at Westminster, wherein King Henry, his Queen, and his son, were disherited of the Crown: Henry Duke of Excester, Henry Duke of Somerset, Thomas Earl of Devonshire, etc. to the number of. 140. were attainted & disherited. Shortly the Earl Anno. reg. 2. of Oxford, and Awbrey his son, sir Thomas Tudenham Knight, William Tirrell, and john Mongomerie esquires, 1462 were detect and at several times beheaded at the Tower hill, and after that many other. The. xxvij. of March King Edward went Northward so far as Stamforde, where he was informed that King Henry had procured the Frenchmen and Scots to enter this land, in resisting whereof King Edward sent his Privy Seal through England, to move men to give him a certain sum of money, which they granted liberally. The Lord Fauconbridge Earl of Kent, was appointed to keep the Seas, with the Lord Audeley, Lord Clinton, Sir john Heyward, sir Richard Walgrave, and other, to the number of ten thousand, which landed in Britain, and wan the town of Conqnet, with the Isle of Reth, etc. In Michaelmas Term king Edward sat in the King's bench three days together in open court, to understand how his laws were executed. William Hampton: Barthelmew james, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Coke Draper, the 28. of October. Queen Margaret wife to Henry the sixth, landed in the North, where having but small succour and evil fortune, she was feign to take the Sea again, & by tempest of weather was driven to Berwick, where she landed, but lost her ships and goods. In December King Edward laid siege to the Castles of Bambrugh, Dunstonbrugh, & Alnewike. Henry Bowfort Duke of Somerset, sir Ralph Percy, and other yielded Bambrugh on Christmas even, and were taken to the King's favour. King Edward granted to the Duke of Somerset a. 1000 marks by the year, where of he was never paid, the Earl of Penbroke, sir Thomas Fyndern, and other, went into Scotland. On S. john's day Dunstonburgh was yielded. On th● Twelve even Peirs●e Brasile the great warrior of Normandy came to help the Queen Margaret with Frenchmen, &. xx. thousand Scots, to remove King Edward's men from Alnewike siege, and the residue of other Castles there. By whose coming King Edward's men were afeard of the Scots, as reculing from the siege, and the Scots afeard of Edward's men, lest they had recoiled to bring them into a trap. And Henry's men issuing out, of too much boldness, gave Edward's men opportunity to enter into the Castle: on the morrow after the Twelve day, the Earl of Warwick made xv. knights: Anno reg. 3. these. iij. Castles were committed▪ to the keeping of sir Ralph Grey, and after again King Henry with his Queen and 1463 their fellowship entered them and kept them. About Midsummer the Scots with many French & Englishmen, laid siege to the Castle of Norham, but were forced to leave it as they found it. The Earl of Warwick won the town of Barwike, where he made five Bannertes &▪ xxij. knights and went into Scotland, where he burned Lawghmaban, jedeworth, Galowey, and many other Towns, and returned to Barwike. The Minster of York, & the steeple of Christ's Church in Norwiche were brent. Robert Basset: Thomas Muschampe, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Matthew Philip Goldsmith, the 28▪ of October. In the month of April, King Edward made great Anno. reg. 4. 1464 preparation against King Henry, and on Saint Marks day Ralph Percy Lord Hungerforde, with a great power, purposing to have distressed sir john Nevil, Lord Montacute, was himself slain, with many other. The. xv. of May King Henry's power being at Hexham, the Lord Montacute with a power came thither, and enclosed them round about. There were taken & slain many Lords that were with King Henry, but he himself was fled iiij. days before into Lancashire, where he and other lived in caves full hardly unknown more than a year. On Trinity Sunday King Edward made the Lord Montacute Earl of Northumberland and warden of the Marches. The Earls of Warwick and Northumberlande took Bambrugh Castle and beheaded sir Ralph Grey, at Doncaster. The Earl of Warwick was sent into France, to conclude a marriage with the French Kings sister's daughter for K. Edward, which he did, K. Edward married. but in the mean while, on the first of May, King Edward took to wife Elizabeth Daughter to jaquet Duchess of bedford, sister to the Earl of Saint Paul, late wife to sir john Grey, slain at Courton field on King Henry's part, which marriage was kept secret almost half a year. King Edward took the Chauncellorship from the Bishop of Excester, brother to the Earl of Warwick, and gave it to the Bishop of Bathe. In the month of May, the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Roos, the Lord Molyns, Talbois Earl of Kyme, sir Philippe Wentworth, sir Thomas Finderne, gathered an host in the Duke of Somerset and other beheaded. North Country, & sir john Nevil Earl of Northumberland with. x. thousand men came upon them, whom the commons forsaking, their Captains were taken & beheaded. King Edward searing the Lord Montacute the Earl of Warwick, whom he had of late made Earl of Northumberland, he caused the men of the/ Country to desire the rightful heir Percy son to Henry th● was slain at York field: & so Percy Earl of Northumberland made Marquis Montacute. was restored, and Montacute was made a Marquis, & his son Duke of bedford, which should wed the King's eldest daughter; which by possibility should be King of England. About Michaelmas the King held a Counsel at Reading, where the Queen was showed openly and received as Coin enhanced Queen. After this wedding known, the Earl of Warwick and King Edward were never friends. The King changed the Coin both gold and silver, and ordained that the new Pestilence. Grote weighed scantly. iij. d. and that the Noble of. vj. s. viij. d. should go for. viij. s. iiij. d. etc. A great Pestilence, and the Thames over frozen. In Michaelmas Term were made sergeants at Law, Thomas Young, N. Geney, Richard sergeant feast. Register of majors Neale, Thomas Brian, Richard Pigot, I. Grenefield, I. Catesby and Gwy Fairfax, which held their feast in the Bishop of Eels place in Holborn to the which feast, the Mayor of London, with the Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons of divers Crafts being bidden, repaired: but when the Mayor looked to be set to keep the state in the Hall, as it had been used in all places of the City & liberties out of the King's presence (unknown to the sergeants and against their wills as they said) th● Lord Grey of Ruthin then Treasurer The Mayor of London departeth from the sergeant feast. of England was there placed, whereupon the Mayor, Aldermen and Commons departed home, and the Mayor made all the Aldermen to dine with him, howbeit he and all the Citizens was greatly displeased that he was so dealt with, and the new sergeants and other were right sorry therefore; and had leaver th●n much good it had not so happened. This was then (as my Record reporteth more at large) recorded to be a precedent in time to come. john Tate: john Stone, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. New coin, Anno. reg. 5. Ralph Iosseli● Draper, the 28▪ of October. A new Coin was made, a Rose Noble at. x. shillings, the half Noble five shillings, & the farthing two shillings sir pence, an Angelet six shillings eight pence, the half thereof three shillings four pence. On the. xxuj. of May Queen Elizabeth was Crowned at 1465 Westminster being Trinity Sunday, against the which time King Edward made. xxxix. Knights. King Henry was taken in Cletherwood, beside Bungerley King Henry taken. Hyppingstons' in Lancashire, by Thomas Talbot son & heir to sir Edward Talbot of Basshall, and john Talbot his cousin of Colebry, which deceived him being at his dinner at Wadington Hall, and brought him toward London, with his legs bound to the stirops, where he was met by the Earl of W●rwike, and arrested at Esyldon▪ Doctor Manning Deane of Windsor, Doctor Bedle and young Ellerton being in his company, with their feet bound under the horse bellies, were brought to the Tower of London. A licence was granted to convey certain Coteswold sheep Sheep transported ovet the seas. Long piked Shone forbid. into Spain, which have since greatly multiplied there. It was proclaynied throughout England, that the beaks or pikes of shone and Boötes should not pass. ij. inches, upon pain of cursing by the Clergy, and forfeting. xx. s. to be paid one Noble to the King, one other to the Cordewayners of London, and the third to the chamber of London: and for other Cities and Towns the like order was taken. Before this time and since the year of our Lord. 1282. the pikes of shoes & boots were of such length, that they were fain to be tied up to their knees with chains of silver and guilt, or at the least with silk laces. Henry Waver: William Constantine, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Ralph Verney Mercer, the 28. of October. The. xj. of February Queen Elizabeth was delivered at Westminster of a Daughter also named Elizabeth; who was long after married to King Henry the seventh; whose Christening was done in the Abbey with the most solemnity that might be, and the more, because the King was assured by his Physicians, that the Queen was conceived with a Prince, which proved otherwise as ye have heard. This year was the Lord Hungerford beheaded at Salisbury. Anno. reg. 6 1466 Also sir Thomas Hungerford Knight, son to the Lord Hungerford, and Henry Courteney of right Earl of Devonshire, were beheaded at Salisbury. The Lord Stafford of Southwike, procured the said Courteneys death, to be made Earl of Devonshire, as in deed he was shortly after. john Browne: Henry Brice, the 28. of September. Sir john Young Grocer, the 28. of October. Sheriffs. Maior. john Stocton, the 26. of june. The. iij. of June began a Parliament at Westminster, Anno. reg. 7. 1467 All the King's gifts revoked. wherein was resumed to the Kings honour all manner of gifts that had been given from the first day he took possession of th● Realm to that time, except certain things then named. On Thursday next after Corpus Christi, Antony Wooduile Iustes in Smithfielde. Lord Scales, jousted in Smithfield with the Earl of the Roche called the Bastard of Burgoygne, and had the victory of the field. The lists were of length. 120. tailors yards, and. 10. foot, and of breadth. 80. yards. 10. foot, double barred, v. foot between the bars. etc. divers persons jurors in Assizes falsely forsworn for rewards, were judged that they should ride from Newgate jurors on the Pillery. to the Pillory in Cornhill, with miters of paper on their heads, and there to stand on the Pillory the space of one hour, and then led again to Newgate. And this judgement was given by the Mayor. Thomas Stalbroke▪ Humfrey Heyford, the 28. of Sept. Maior. Sheriffs. Anno reg. 8▪ 1498 Thomas Olgrave Skinner, the 28. of October. The. viij. of May began a Parliament at Westminster, where was granted two fifteens and a demi. The xviij. of June Margaret sister to King Edward the Lady Margaret the King's sister married to the Duke of Burgoigne. fourth began her journey from the Wardrobe in London, toward her marriage with Charles Duke of Burgoigne: first she offered in the Church of S. Paul, & then road through the City, the Earl of Warwick riding before her, with Earls & Barons a great number, the Duchess of Norfolk, with other Ladies and Gentlewomen in great number. And at her entry into Cheap, the Mayor of London and his brethren the Aldermen, presented her with a pair of rich Basins, ● in them an. 100 ●. of gold, & that night she lodged at the Abbey of Stratford, where the King then lay: from thence she took her journey to Caunterbury. The King riding after to see her shipping, on the first of July, she took the sea at Margate, & there took leave of the King her brother, & departed. There returned back again with the King, the Duke of Clarence, the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Warwick, Shrewsburie, & Northumberland. And there abode with her in the ship, the Lord Scales, the Lord Dacres her Chamberlain, sir john Wodvile, sir john Heyward, and many other famous Knights & esquires: she was shipped in the new Ellen of London, and in her Navy the john of Newcastle, the Marie of Salisbury, and many other Royal ships, & the morrow landed at Sluice in Flaunders, & as soon as her ship & company of ships were entered into the Haven, there received her sir Simon de Leleyn and the water Bailie, in divers Boats & Barks appareled ready for her landing. The first estate th● received her was the Bishop of V●right well accompanied, & the Countess of shorn bastard daughter to Duke Philip of Burgoygne, & with her many Ladies & Gentlewomen, & so proceeding in at the gate of the town, the same town was presented to her, she to be Sovereign Lady thereof: also they gave her. xij. marks of gold Troy weight, the which was. 200. ● of English Money, and so she proceeded through the town to her lodging, every householder standing in the street with a torch in his hand burning. On the morrow the old Duchess of Burgoygne came to her, accompanied with many great Estates. On the. iij. of July came the▪ Duke of Borgoigne to Sluice with xx. persons secretly, and was there openly affianced to the Lady Margaret, by the Bishop of Salisbury and the Lord Scales, in presence of the Lord Dacre, the Duchess of Norfolk, the Lady Scales, and all the Knights, and esquires, Gentlewomen environing the Chamber. On the viij. of July being Saturday, by the Duke of Burgoignes appointment, the Lady Margaret removed by water to the Dame. And on the Sunday in the morning betwixt v. and. vj. of the clock, the marriage was solemnized betwixt them, by the Bishops of Salisbury and of Turney, there being present the old Duchess of Burgoigne, the Lord Scales, the Lord Dacre, with the Knights, esquires, Ladies and Gentlewomen that came out of England, the great triumphs, feastings, shows of Pageants, with other strange devices, and Justings, were such as I have not read the like, and would be over long in this place to set down. Sir Thomas Cook late Mayor of London, was by one named Robert Fabian. Sir Thomas Cook. Hawkins appeached of treason, for the which he was sent to the Tower, and his place within London seized by the Lord Rivers, and his wife and servants clearly put out thereof. The cause was this: The forenamed Hawkins came upon a season unto the said sir Thomas, requesting him to lend a thousand marks upon good surety, whereunto he answered, that first he would know for whom it should be, and for what intent, at length understanding it should be for the use of Queen Margaret, he answered he had no currant wares whereof any shifts might be made without too much loss, and therefore required Hawkins to move him no farther in that matter, for he intended not to deal withal: yet the said Hawkins exhorted him to remember, what benefits he had received by her when she was in prosperity, as by making him her Wardrober, and customer of Hampton, etc. but by no means the said Cook would grant goods nor money, although at the last the said Hawkins required but an hundredth pound, he was fain to departed without the value of a penny, and never came again to move him which so rested two or three years after till the said Hawkins was cast in the Tower, and at length brought to the brake, called the Duke of Excesters' daughter, by mean of which pain he showed many things, amongst the which the motion was one, that he had made to sir Thomas Coke and accused himself so far that he was put to death: by mean of which confession the said sir Thomas was troubled as before is showed. After the said sir Thomas had lain in the Tower from Whitsuntide fill about Michaelmas, in the which season many inquiries were made to find him guilty, and ever quit, till one jury by means of sir john Fog, indited him of treason, after which an other determine was set at the Guildhall, in the which sat with the Maior, the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Rivers, sir john Fog with other of the Kings counsel, to the which place the said Thomas was brought & there arraigned upon life & death, where he was acquitted of the said indictment, & had to the Counter in Breadstreet, & from thence to the King's bench. After a certain time that he was thus acquitted, his wife got again the possession of her house, the which she found in an evil plight, for such servants of th● Lord Rivers and sir john Fog, as were assigned to keep it, made havoc of what they listed. Also at his place in Essex named Guydy hall, were set an other sort to keep that place, the which destroyed his dear in his Park, his Coneys & his Fish without reason, and spared not Brass, Pewter, bedding and all that they might carry, for the which might never one penny be gotten in recompense, yet could not sir Tho. Cook be delivered till he had paid 8000. ●. to the▪ K. & 800. ●. to the Queen. In the end of August the Castle of Harlowe was won Harlow Cas●l● won. by the assault of the Lord Herberd, the which Castle was one of the strongest holds in Wales. This year many murmurous tales ran in the City, between the Earl of Warwick, and the queens blood, the which Earl was ever had in great favour of the Commons of this land, by reason of th● exceeding household which he daily kept in all Countries where ever he sojourned or lay, and when Earl of Warwick his house keeping. he came to London, he held such an house, that. vj. Oxen were eaten at a breakfast, and every Tavern was full of his meat, for who that had any acquaintance in that house, he should have had as much sudden and roast as he might carry upon a long Dagger. Simon Smith: William Hanot, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Cordwainer street discharged of fiftens. Anno reg. 19 William Tailor Grocer, the 28. of October. This W. Tailor gave to the City of London certain tenements, for the which the City is bound to pay for ever, at every fifteen granted to the King, for all such as shall dwell in Cordwainers street ward, seized at. xij. d. a piece or under. The Duke of Clarence went to caleis, & there wedded Isable one of the daughters to the Earl of Warwick. Sir john Coniers 1469 knight, Robert Hiltard, who named himself Robin of Ridsedale, & other, gathered an host of. 20000. men in the North, Robert of Ridsedale. against whom K. Edward sent W. Herbert late made Earl of Penbroke, with. 18000. Welsh men, and Humphrey Stafforde of Southroike, late made Earl of Devon with 6000. good archers, which ij. Earls falling out for lodging in the town of Bambery, Edgecote field. Humfrey▪ Stafford departed with his power, whereby W. Herbert & Richard Herbert his brother were overcome & taken by them of the North▪ &. 5000. (saith Hall) of the Welshmen slain in a plain called Danes more, near to the town of Edgecote, iij. miles from Ba●bery, th● 26. of July. The men of name slain of th● Welsh party, were sir Roger Vaughan knight, Henry ap Morgan, Tho. ap Richard Vaughan Esquire, W. Herbert of Brecknock Esquire, Watkin Thomas son to Roger Vaughan: Inan ap john ap Meridik, Davy ap jankin ap Limorik, Harrisdon ap Pikton, john Done of Kidwelly, Rice ap Morgan ap Viston, jankin Perot ap Scots Burg, john Euerard of Penbrokeshire, john Courtor of Hereford. The Northern men of name slain were, sir Henry Latimer son & heir to the Lord Latimer, sir Roger Pigot Knight, james Coniers son & heir to sir john Coniers Knight, Oliver Awdley Esquire, though▪ Wakes son & heir to W. Mallerie Esquire: Richard Woodvile Lord Rivers, with john his son, were taken in th● forest of Dene & brought to Northampton, where they with sir W. Herbert & Richard his brother were all▪ iiij. beheaded, by th● commandment of the duke of Clarence, & the Earl of Warwick. T. Herbert was slain at Bristol. Humphrey Stafford was by the commons taken at Bridgewater, and beheaded. King Edward was taken at V●nar, a village beside Northampton, by the archbishop of York, & brought to Warwick castle, & thence to York, from whence by fair promises he escaped, & came to London. Richard Gardiner, Robert Drop, the 28, of September, Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Lee Grocer, the 28. of October. The 29. of Sept. Humphrey Nevile Knight, and Charles his brother, were taken by the earl of Warwick, & beheaded at York, King Edward being present. In the month of Anno reg 1●. March the L. Willoughby, Rich. Lord Wells, sir Roberte his son, sir Tho. Delaband, sir Tho. Dimoke the King's Champion, drove out of Lincolnshire sir Tho. Burgh a Knight of the king's house, pulled down his place, and took all his goods & cattles, & with 30000 of the commons, cried, King Henry. K. Edward gave Lord Wells his pardon, & sent for him, & having him in custody, commanded him upon pain of death, to cause the Lincolnshire men i● lay down their host, and so he wrote, but all in vain: Whereupon the Lord Wells head was cut off. King Edward sprinkled the Lincolnshire men with his ordinance, and slew many of them. Sir Robert Wells, sir Thomas Delaband, & sir Thomas Dimoke were taken and beheaded beside Stamforde the 13. of March: and the 19 day the Lord Willoughbey was beheaded at Doncacter. The Duke of Clarence, and the Earl of Warwick fled into Fr●unce, where they made a marriage betwixt Prince Edward son to King Henry the sixth, and one of the Earl of Warwikes daughters. At this marriage was concluded, that King Henry should reign again, and Prince Edward after him, and for lack of their heirs, George Duke of Clarence, and his heirs, ●●. The. xiij. day of Sept. George Duke of Clarence, jasper Earl of Penbroke▪ Richard Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Oxford with the bastard Fawconbridge and many other arrived at Plymmouth▪ and an other sort at Dartmouth, of whom the Earl of Penbroke went into Wales, the other toward Excester, proclaiming in the name of King Henry that all men betwixt the ages of. xuj. and. lx. should be ready to assist the said Lords on the behalf of King Henry, against King Edward. Also on the Sunday next after the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, Doctor Goddard preaching at Doctor Goddard preached at Paul's Cross against King Edward. Paul's▪ cross, declared by the reading of byls and divers other arguments and proofs that Henry was true & lawful King of England, and not King Edward. Moreover the Marquis Montacute who had gathered a. vj. thousand men in King Edward's name, and was come near unto the said Edward, he told them how King Edward had served him: first, making him▪ Earl of Northumberland, and after giving the same earldom to T. Percy, made him Marquis Montacute, allowing him a Pies nest to maintain it▪ with all, wherefore he would leave to serve him and take part with the Earl of Warwick his brother. Whereof when King Edward understood, he fled from his host, besides Nottingham, King Edward fled beyond the Seas. and the. iij. day of October, he with the Lord, Rivers, Lord Hastings his Chamberlain, the Lord Say and other to the number of. seven. or. viij. Earls took shipping at Lynne, Phil. Kom●in●●. & sailed toward the duke of Burgoigne his brother in law. The Queen had before that, to wit, on th● first of October, The Queen took sanctuary at▪ Westm●ster. stolen secretly in the night out of the Tower of London, by water to Westminster & there taken Sanctuary. This time was great watch kept in the City of London▪ for the Kentishmen had Kentishmen rob the Flemings, & chased ●hem out of London. assembled themselves in great companies, & so had come to the outer part of the City as to Ratcliff, Saint Katherins, Southwark, and other the suburbs▪ and many of them were entered the City, where they rob the Flemings at Blanchapelto●, and other places, making▪ them to fly out of the City with sorrow enough. On Wednesday following the tower of London was yielded The tower of London yielded to the Mayor of London. to the Mayor, and his brethren the Aldermen, who forthwith entered the same, and delivered King Henry of his imprisonment, and lodged him in the Kings loading. On the Friday following came to London the archbishop of York, brother to the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Prior of Saint john's, and other to the number of 2000 men of arms. On the morrow following, came the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, the bastard Fawconbridge, with other to the number of four thousand men. On the. vj. day of October john Fortescue. the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Warwick, the Archbishop of York, the Lord of Saint john's, with other, entered the Tower of London, and King Henry being there prisoner K. H. restored. nigh the space of nine years, they elected him to be their lawful King, and forthwith road with him through London to the Bishop's Palace, where he rested till the. xiij. of October, on which day he went a procession Crowned in Paul's Church: the Earl of Warwick bore his train, and the Earl of Oxford his sword. etc. King Edward was proclaimed usurper of the Crown, and john Tiptoft Earl of Worcester was found in the top of an high tree, in the Forest▪ of Wabridge, in the County of Huntingdon, and brought to London and beheaded at the Tower hill, and was buried at the Black Friars, john Crosby: john Ward, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Stockton Mercer, the 28. of October. Sir john Crosby Knight, one of the late named Sheriffs of London for this year▪ deceased in Anno Domini. 1475 Sir john Crosby his gifts to the City. and was buried in the Parish Church of Saint Helen in bishops gate street, unto the repairing of which Parish Church he gave five hundred marks, and. thirty. pound to be distributed to poor householders in the ward of bishops gate: to the repairing of the Parish Church at Heneworth in Myddlesex forty pound: to the▪ repairing of London Wall one hundred pound: toward the making of a new Tower of stone at the South end of London bridge, if the same were begun by the Mayor and commonalty within. x. years next after his decease, one hundred pound: to the reparations of Rochester bridge. x. pound: to every the prisoners in and about London liberally. Also he gave to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Grocers in London two large pots of Silver chased half guilt, weighing. xitj. pound v. ounces of Troy weight, to be occupied in their common hall, and else where, at their discretions. Queen Elizabeth wife to Edward the fourth, being in the Sanctuary at Westminster, Prince Ed. born in the Sanctuary. was delivered of a Prince on the. iitj. of November, who was after King Edward the fifth. King Edward with the Lord Hastings, the Lord Say, ix. hundred Englishmen, & iij. hundred Flemings, would have landed in Essex, but there the Earl of Oxfordes' brother put them Anno reg. 11 off, and after he landed sore weather beaten at Ravenesporne, within Humber on holderness, and there rose on him holderness 1471 men, whose Captain was sir john Westerdale a Priest, after cast into the Marshalsea at London. As K. Edward passed the country he showed the earl of northumberlands letters and Seal, that sent for him, saying that he came to claim no title of the Crown, but only his Dukedom of York, nor would not have done afore, but at the exciting of the Earl of Warwick, and cried in every place K. Henry, and Prince Edward, wearing an Estriche Feather Prince Edward's livery. King Edward came to Nottingham where sir William Stanley, sir William Norres, and divers other brought him men; so that he had then 4000 or more. Then Edward marched toward Leicester where the Earl of Warwick and Marques Montacute had 4000 men, and would have fought with King Edward, but that he had received letters from the Duke of Clarence, that the should not fight until he came. Whereupon he keeping Leicester still, suffered Edward to march toward London. A 〈…〉 of Clarence with seven thousand 〈…〉 Edward, agreed to him, & broke all the promises made in France. King Edward coming to London, by Master Vrswike the Recorders means and others entered, into the bishop of London's Palace by a King Henry again sent to the Tower. Postern, and there took King Henry, and the Archbishop of York, and sent them both to the Tower on Maundye Thursday. The Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Excester, the Marquis Barnet field. Montacute, & the Earl of Oxford, with many Knights came with their host toward Barnet: Wherefore King Edward took King Henry with him, & preoccupied the town of Barnet all the night: the Earl of Warwick & his retinue remained on the plain without the town, shooting guns one at the other. And in the morning being Easter day and the xiitj. of April, they fought in a thick mist from. iitj. of the clock in the morning till. x. & divers times the Earl of Warwikes men supposed that they had got the victory of the field, but it happened that the Earl of Oxford's men had a star with streams both before & behind on their liveries, and King Edward's men had the sun with streams on their livery: whereupon the Earl of Warwikes men by reason of the mist not well decerning the badges so like, shot at the Earl of Oxfordes' men that were on their own part, and then the Earl of Oxford and his men cried treason, and fled with eight hundred men. The Marquis Montacute was privily agreed with King Edward, and had gotten on his livery, but one of his brothers the Earl of Warwikes men espying this fell upon him and killed him. The Earl of Warwick seeing all this, leapt on a horse to fly, and coming to a wood where was no passage, one of King Edward's men came to him, killed him, and spoiled him to the naked skin. Sir William Tirrell knight was killed on the Earl of Warwikes ●●rt. The Duke of Excester fought manfully and was diss●●yled, wounded, and left for dead from seven in the morning till. 4. of the clock in the afternoon, and then being brought to a servants house of his there by, called Ruthland, he had a Chirurgeon, and after was conveyed into Westminster Sanctuary. The Lord Cromwell son and heir to the Earl of Essex, the Lord Barnes son and heir, to the Lord Say, were slain on King Edward's party, and on both parts to the number of four thousand, which were buried on the same plain, where after a Chapel was builded. The morrow after Easter day, were the bodies of the Earl job. rastal. of Warwick, and the Marquis Montacute laid naked in Paul's Church in London, that all men might see them, King Henry with the Archbishop of York, were sent to the Tower of London. At this time Queen Margaret, and Prince Edward her son had line on the sea. xutj. days letted with foul weather, & on Easter day at even they landed with their French Battle at Tewkesburie. Navy at Weymouth, and so came to Excester, from thence to Tewkesburie, and pitched his field by Severne. Edward the fourth being come from London, fought with Prince Edward Liber Tewx. at Tewkesburie, on the fourth of May, took Queen Margaret prisoner with Prince Edward her son, whom cruelly he smote on the face with his gawntlet, and after his servants slew him. Edmond Duke of Somerset, and sir Hugh Courteney fled from Prince Edward and lost him the field. There was slain Courteney Earl of Devonshire, Lord john of Somerset, Lord Wenlocke, sir Edmond Flamdene, sir Robert Whittingham, sir William Vaus, sir Nicholas Harvey, sir john Deluis, sir William Filding, sir Thomas Fizhony, sir john Laukenor. King Edward entering a Church in Teweksburie with his sword drawn, a Priest brought the Sacrament against him, and would not let him enter until he had granted his pardon to these that follow: the Duke of Somerset, the Lord of Saint john's, sir Humphrey Audeley, sir Geruis of Clifton, sir William Crimeby, sir William Carie, sir Thomas Tresham, sir William Newbrough Knights, Henry Tresham, Walter Courteney, john Florie, jews miles, Robert jackson, james Gower, james Deluis, son and heir to sir john Deluis, all these where they might have escaped, tarried in the Church (trusting in the King's pardon,) from saturday till monday, when they were taken out and beheaded. About this time sir Walter Wroitile, and sir Geffrey Thomas the Bastard . Gates Knights, governors of Caleis, sent sir George Broke Knight from Caleis with. 300. soldiers to Thomas the Bastard Fauconbridge, Captain of the Earl of Warwick's Navy, willing him to raise the Country of Kente, and to go to London, there to take King Henry out of the Tower, and then to go against King Edward. The fourteenth day of May Thomas, the Bastard with a riotous company of shipmen, and other of Essex and Kent, came to London, where being denied passage through the City, he set upon Bishop's Gate, Aldegate, London bridge, etc. along the Thamis side, shooting arrows and Guns into the City, fired the Suburbs, and brent more than 60. houses, wan the Bulwarks at Aldegate and entered the City, but the Parcolise being let down, such as had entered were slain, and then the Citizens pursued the rest, as far as Stratforde and Black Wall, slaying many, and took many prisoners. Thomas the Bastard went from London Weastwarde, as far as Kingston upon Thamis, to prosecute King Edward, but the Lord Scales, with Nicholas Faunte Mayor of Canterbury, by fair words caused Fawconbridge to return to Black Heath in Kent, from whence in the night he stolen from the host with six hundred horsemen to Rochester, and so to Sandwiche, where he abode the Kings coming. The one and twentieth of May King Edward came to King Henry murdered. London with thirty thousand men, and the same night king Henry was murdered in the Tower of London: on the morrow he was brought to Saint Paul's Church in London, in an open Cophen bore faced, where he bled: thence he was carried to the Black Friars and there bled: and thence to Chersey Abbay in a boat, where he was then buried, but since removed to Windsor, where he resteth. Thus ended the King his transitory life, having enjoyed as great prosperity, as favourable fortune could afford, and as great troubles on the other side, as she frowning could pour out, yet in both states he was patient, and virtuous, that he may be a pattern of most perfect virtue, as he was a worthy example of Fortune's inconstancy, he was plain, upright, far from fraud, wholly given to prayer, reading of Scriptures, and almesdéedes, of such integrity of life, that the Bishop which had been his Confessor ten years, avouched that he had not all that time committed any mortal crime: So continente as suspicion of unchaste life never touched him: and having in Christmas a show of young women with their bare breasts laid out, presented before him he immediately departed, with these words, fie, fie, for shame, forsooth you be to blame: before his marriage he liked not that women should enter into his Court, and for this respect, he committed his two brethren by the mother's side, jasper and Edmonde, to most honest and virtuous Prelates, to be brought up, so far he was from covetousness, that when the executors of his uncle the Bishop of Winchester, surnamed the rich Cardinal, would have given to him 2000 pound, he plainly refused it, willing them to discharge the will of the departed, and would scarcely condescend at length to accept the same some of money toward the endowing of his Colleges in Cambridge and Eaton: he was religiously affected (as the time than was) that at principal holidays, he would were sackeclothe next his skin. Oath he used none, but in most earnest matters these words: forsooth and forsooth: he was so pitiful, that when he saw the quarter of a Traitor against his Crown over Cripple Gate, he willed it to be taken away, with these words: I will not have any Christian so cruelly handled for my sake: many great offences he willingly pardoned, and receiving at a time a great blow by a wicked man which compassed his death, he only said, forsooth, forsooth, ye do fowelye to smite a King anointed so: another also thrust him in the side with a sword when he was restored to his state and Kingdom: not long before his death, being demanded why he had so long held the Crown of England unjustly, he replied, my Father was King of England, quietly enjoying the Crown all his reign, and further my grandsire was King of England, and I even a child in my Cradle, was proclaimed and crowned King without any interruption, and so held forty years, well near all the states doing homage unto me, as to my antecessors: Wherefore I may say with King David: The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground, yea, I have a goodly heritage, my help is from the Lord which saveth the upright in heart. This good King, of himself always naturally inclined The King's College in Cambridge. to do good, and fearing lest he might seem unthankful to almighty GOD for his great benefits bestowed upon him since the time he first took upon him the regiment of the Realm, determined about the six and twentieth year of his reign, for his primer notable work (as by the words of his will I find expressed) to erect and found two famous Colleges in the honour and worship of his holy name, and for the increase of virtue, the dilation of cunning, and establishment of Christian Faith, whereof the one in Cambridge, to be called his College royal of our Lady and Saint Nicholas: And the other at Eaton beside Windsor, to be called his College of our blessed Lady. And for the performance of this his devout purpose, he enfeffed certain bishops with other Noble and worshipful personages by his letters patents with lands and possessions, parcel of his inheritance of the Duchy of Lancaster, to the clear value of well near xxxiiij. hundred pound by year, which letters patents he after confirmed by his Act of Parliament, declaring also by his will unto his said feoffées, his intent and meaning, how the same should be employed upon the edifications of his said two Colleges, whereof in my judgement the device is so excellent, and the buildings so princely and apt for that purpose, as I can not omit to set forth unto you the very plat of the whole College in Cambridge, even as I find mentioned, almost Verbatim, in his said will, supposing that if the rest of the house had proceeded according to the Chapel already finished (as his full intent & meaning was) the like College could scant have been found again in any Christian land. The words of the Will are thus. As touching The Chapel. the dimensions of the Church of my said College, of our Lady and Saint Nicholas of Cambridge, I have devised & appointed, that the same Church shall contain in length 288. foot of assize, without any Isles, & all of the wideness of xl. foot. And the length of the same Church from the West end unto the Altars at the Choir door, shall contain 120. foot. And from the provosts stall, unto the grease called Gradus Chori. 90 foot, for 36. stalls on either side of the same Quyre, aunscoering to lxx. fellows and ten Priests conduits, which must be de prima forma. And from the said stalls unto the East end of the said Church, lxij. foot of assize. Also a Reredosse bearing the Roodelofte, departing the Choir and the body of the Church, containing in length xl. foot, and in breadth xiv. foot. The walls of the same Church to be in height 90. foot imbattelled, vaulted and Charerooffed, sufficiently butteraced, and every Butterace fined with finials. And in the East end of the same Church shall be a Window of nine days, and betwixt every Buttrace a Window of five days. And betwixt every of the same Buttraces in the Body of the Church, on both sides of the same Church a Closet with an Altar therein, containing in length twenty foot, and in breadth ten foot, vaulted and finished under the soil of the isle windows. And the pavement of the Church to be enhanced 4. foot above the ground without. And the height of the pavement of the Choir one foot and a half above the pavement of the Church. And the pavement of the Altar three foot above that. And on the North side of the Quire a The Vestry. Uestry containing in length fifty foot, and in breadth. 22. foot, departed into two houses beneath, and two houses above, which shall contain in height 22. foot in all, with an entry from the Choir vaunted. And at the West end of the The Cloister. Church a Cloister square, the East pane containing in length. 175. foot and the West pane as much. The North pane two hundred foot, and the South pane as much of the which the Deambulatorien thirteen foot wide, and in height twenty foot, to the Corbill Table, with clear stories and Butteraces with finalles, vaulted and embattled. And the ground thereof, four foot lower than the The Steeple. Church ground. And in the middle of the West pane of the Cloister a strong Tower square, containing four and twentieth foot within the Walls. And in height one hundred and twenty foot, to the Corbill table. And four small Turrets, over that fined with pinnacles. And a door into the said Cloister inward, but outward noon. And as touching the dimensions of the housing of the said The base Cour● College, I have devised and appointed in the Southside of the said Church a Quadraunte, closing to both ends of the same Church, the East pane whereof shall contain 230. foot in length, and in bréedth within the Walls The East pane. two and twentieth foot. In the same panes middle a Tower for a Gatehouse containing in length thirty foot, and in breadth two and twentieth foot, and in height lx. foot with The great Gate in three Chambers over the Gate every one over the other. And on either side of the same gate four Chambers, every one containing in length five and twenty foot, and in breadth two and twenty feet. And over every of these Chambers, two Chambers above of the same measure or more, with two Towers outward, and two Towers inward. The south pane shall contain in length 238. foot, and The south pane in breadth two and twenty foot within, in which shall be seven Chambers, every one containing in length nine and twenty foot, and in breadth 22. with a Chamber parcel of the provosts lodging containing in length. 35. foot, & with a Chamber in the East corner of the same pane containing in length. 25. foot, and in breadth. xxij. foot. And over every of all these Chambers two Chambers, and with five Towers outward, and three towers inward. The West pane The west pane shall contain in length 230. foot, and in breadth within 24. foot, in which at the end toward the Church shall be a The Library. Library, containing in length 110. foot, and in bread the The disputation's house. 24. foot. And a large house for reading and disputations containing in length. xl. foot. And two Chambers under the same Library, each containing 29. foot in length and in breadth four and twenty foot. And over the said library a house of the same largeness, for diverse stuff of the The wardrobe said College. In the other end of the same pane a Hall, The Hall. containing in length 100 foot upon a vault of 12. foot high, ordained for the Cellor and Buttery: and the breadth of the Hall six and thirty foot. On every side thereof a Bay Window. And in the neither end of the same Hall toward the middle of the same pane a Pantrey and Buttery The pantry and Buttery. every of them in length twenty foot, and in breadth seaventéene foot, and over that two Chambers for Officers. And at the neither end of the Hall toward the West, a goodly The College kitchen. kitchen. And every corner of the same pane shall have inward two Towers, ordained for the ways into the Hall and Library. And in every corner of the said Quadraunt, shall be two corner towers, one inward, and one outward, more than the Towers above rehearsed. The provosts lodging. And at the upper end of the Hall, the Provosts lodgins, that is to wit, more than the Chambers for him above specified, a Parlour on the ground containing six and thirty foot in length, and two and twenty in breadth, and two chambers above of the same quantity. And westward closing thereto a Kitchen for him, a Larderhouse, Stables and other many housings and grounds. And westward The Bake house and Brewhouse beyond these houses, and the said Kitchen ordained for a Hall, a Bakehouse, a Brewhouse, and other houses of office, between which there is left a ground square of four scour foot in every pane, for wood and such stuff. The woodyarde. The water Conduit. And in the middle of the said large Quadraunt shall be a Conduit goodly devised for ease of the same College. And I will, that the edification proceed in large form of my said College clean and substantial, setting apart superfluity of too great curious works, of entail and busy moulding. And I have devised and appointed that the precinct The Precinct of the College. of my said College, as well on both sides of the garden from the College to the Water, as in all other places of the same precinct, be enclosed with a substantial Wall, of the height of fourteen foot, with a large Tower at the principal entry against the middle of the East pane, out of the high street. And in the same Tower a large Gate, The water Gate. and another Tower in the middle of the West end at the new bridge. And the same Wall to be creasted, embattled, and fortified with Towers, as many as shall be thought convenient thereunto. And I will that my said College be edified of the most substantial and best abiding stuff, of stone, lead, glass, and Iron, that may best be had and provided thereto. Thus much I have enlarged by occasion of reading this good Kings Will: the cunning devise whereof I leave to be considered by such as be expert in Architecture, heartily desiring almighty God to put into the heart of some notable Prince one day to make perfect this princely work so charitably begun. And now to return again to King Edward. At this his coming to London, at bishops Gate he made these Knights of Aldermen, Sir john Stocton, Sir Ralphe Verney, sir Richard Blee, sir john Young, sir William tailor, sir George Ireland, sir john Stokar, sir Matthew Philip, sir William Hampton, sir Thomas Stalbroke, sir john Crosby, sir Thomas Vrswike Recorder of London. The four and twentieth of May King Edward with his host road through Kent, to Canterbury, and so to Sandwiche, where Bastard Faulconbridge, submitted himself and all his to King Edward, and yielded to him luj. ships great and small which had been under his leading, whereupon King Edward pardoned him, made him Knight and v●zeadmiral of the sea. The L. Denhan & sir john Fog, with others were left in Kent, to sit in judgement of the rebels, whereof were a great number punished by the purse, Nicholas Faunt Mayor of Caunterburie, with other, were hanged, and headed there, the heads of Spicing and Quinton were set on Aldegate of London. The fourth of June George Nevil archbishop of York: and brother to the Earl of Warwick, was delivered out of the Tower of London. The first of July Edward the son of King Edward, was made Prince of Wales, Duke of Lancaster, and Earl of Cornwall. In September Thomas the Bastard of Fauconbridge was taken at Southampton, and beheaded at the Castle of Midleham in Yorkshire, his head was set on London bridge. john Allein: john Shelley, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William Edward Grocer, the. 28. of October. The xij. of November the Lady Anne the King's sister was divorced from the Duke of Excester, by her own suit. King Ed. on Christmas day was Crowned at Westminster, and the Queen also: likewise the twelfth day the King was again Crowned & went on Procession crowned, Anno. reg. 12 1472 but the Queen was not at that time crowned because she was great with child. This year were sent Ambassadors from King Edward to the Duke of Burgoigne, who landed at Bridges on the second of April, where they were honourably received without the Town, by the Lord Grantehuse. The names of the Ambassadors was, sir john Scot Knight Marshal of Caleis, Master William Hatclofe Secretary to the King, Master john Russel Doctor and Archdeacon, master Richard Marten Archdeacon of London, sir john Young Knight, and merchant of London, on the fourth of April they were conveyed on horseback to the Duke's lodging. etc. George Nevil archbishop of York, being at Windsor with King Edward on hunting, the King promised the archbishop to come to the More (a place in Hartfordeshire, which the archbishop had purchased and builded commodiously) there to hunt and make merry with him, whereupon the archbishop made great provision for the King, and sent for much plate that he had hid, ●at the time of Barnet and Tewkesburie fields, and besides this, borrowed much of his friends, this being done, the King suddenly sent for the Archbishop to come to Windsor; where he was arrested of Treason, that he should help the Earl of Oxford, and so was sent to Caleis and to Hames, where he continued long after prisoner. In this mean while sir William Parr Knight, and sir Thomas Vahan Esquire, and other were sent to the More to cease all his goods for the King, which came there to the samme of twenty thousand pound, King Edward at this time broke the Bishop's mitre, that had many rich stones and made thereof a Crown for himself. Also the Earl of Oxford that had withdrawn himself from Barnet field, first into Scotland, after into France, then getting much goods on the Sea, landed in the West Country, and entered Saint Michael's Mount with 397. men, the last of September, whereon he was, by the king's appointment, besieged by Bodrigan and other, but with such favour, that the Earl revictualled the Mount. Then was Fortescue sent thither to continue the siege, and King Edward sending pardons to the Earls men, so long practised with them, that at the last if the Earl had not submitted himself to King Edward, he had been taken of his own men, & so Fortestue entering th● Mount, the fifteenth of February, found victual enough there to have served them till Midsummer after▪ john Vere Earl of Oxford, the Lord Beaumonde, two brothers of the said Earl, and Thomas Clifforde were brought prisoners to the King. The Earl of Oxford was sent prisoner to Gwines, where he remained so long as this King reigned. In all which time the Lady his wife, might never come to him, or had any thing to live upon, but what people of their Charityes would give her, or what she got by her needle. In the month of September jews de Bruges Lord Grantehuse, came into England from Charles Duke of Burgoigne, and on the thirteenth of October was created Earl of Winchester openly in the Parliament Chamber. john Broune: Thomas Bledlow, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Hampton Fishmonger, the 28. of October. This Mayor above all other his predecessors, corrected Strumpets, and caused them to ride about the City with Rey hoods upon their heads, and after banished them the City for ever. He also caused a pair of stocks to be set in every ward of London. The sixth of October began a parliament at Westminster by authority, whereby an aid was granted to the King, towards the charge of his Wars, which was levied of men's lands, as well of Lords as of other. The Duke of Burgo●gne having great Wars with Anno. reg. 13 1473 the French King, sent Ambassadors into England to require King Edward his brother in Law to make War on the French King, unto the which request, King Edward easily granted, because he wished to be revenged on the French King, as of his enemy, for aiding the Earl of Warwick, Queen Margaret and her son Prince Edward and their complices: whereupon he promised and also determined in the beginning of the next year to bring a great army over to Caleis, and to invade the Kingdom of France. And forthwith with all diligence prepared all things ready for his journey, making many shifts for the provision of money to serus his turn. William Stocker: Robert Ballisdon, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Tate Mercer, the 28. of October. This year the Duke of Excester was found dead in the Sea between Dover and Caleis, but how he came there the certainty could not be known. King Edward having prepared his army, led the Anno reg. 14 1474 same to Dover from thence to cross the seas to Caleis. The force that passed with him at this present was the greatest that ever came into France, most of them being horsemen, all in very good order well armed. All the Nobles of the Realm were there, a few excepted, they were fifteen hundred men of arms very well mounted, and the most of them barded and richly trapped, after the manner of the French Wars, and well accompanied with horsemen of their retinue, they were at the least fifteen thousand Archers on horseback, and a great number of footmen and others, as well to pitch their Tents, whereof they were well furnished, as also to attend upon their Artyl●erye, and enclose their Camp, and in all their army they had not one pledge. Besides this, were thr●e thousand English men appointed to land in Britain. When King Edward came to Dover the Duke of Burgoigne to help his passage, sent. 500 boats of holland, and Seland, called Cuts, which are flat and low, built very commodiously for transporting of horses, but notwithstanding all this help they had from the Duke, and all the King of England could command himself: he was above three weeks in passing between Dover and Caleis, one ship of Ewe took two or three of his small passengers, before King Edward embarked, he sent from Dover to the King of France, one Heralte alone called Gartera Norman borne, who brought a letter of defiance from the King of England, in very good language and so excellently well penned, that mine Author was persuaded it was never English man's doing. The contents whereof were, that the King should yield unto him the Realm of France, being his inheritance, to the end he might restore the clergy and Nobility to their ancient liberty, ease them of the great charges they sustained and deliver them of the miseries they were in, which if he refused to do, he protested what great mischief should ensue thereof, in manner and form as in such cases is accustomed. The King read the letter softly to himself, and afterward all alone withdrew himself into a wardrobe, and commanded the Heralte to be brought to hyepresence, to whom he made this answer. first that he knew well that the King of England had not passed the seas of his own free motion, but by the persuasion of the Duke of Burgundy, and the commonalty of England. secondly that the Summer was now almost passed, and that the Du●● of Burgoigne, was returned from Nunz, as a man discomifited and utterly unfurnished of all things. thirdly as touching the Constable (of France) he knew well (he said) that the intelligence with the K. of England, because he had married his niece: but would deceive the King his Master as he ●ad him, notwithstanding all the great benefits that he had received of him, which he that rehearsed, adding thereunto that the said Constable meant to live in continual dissimulation, and entertain every man to make his profit of him. Last of all he alleged to the Heralte diverse reasons to persuade the King his Mastor to peace, and gave him with his own hand. 300. crowns, promising him. 1000 more if the peace were▪ concluded: further openly he gave him for a present a goodly piece of Crimson Velvet of thirty else. The Heralte answered that he would travail the best he could for peace, and thought the King his Master would easily be won thereunto: but he willed the King of France, to send an Haraulte to the English Camp to demand a safe-conduct for certain Ambassadors, that he would send to the King of England, and to direct his letters to the Lord hayward, or to the Lord Stanley, and to himself also to convene his Haralte. At one time in a ma●oure, both the King of England landed at Caleis, and the Duke of Burgoigne departed from before Nunz, who in great haste rid straight to Caleis, to the said King with a very small train, for he had sent his army to spoil the Country of Barroys and Lorraine. The King of England departed from Caleis in company of the Duke and passed through Bolloigne, and from thence marched to Peronne where the Duke gave the English men but cold entertainment, for he caused the Gates to be straightly kept, and would suffer but few to enter, so that the greatest part of them lodged in the fields. After they were come to Peronne the Constable of France sent to the Duke of Burgoigndie one of his servants, by whom he ●●●used himself for the wythholding of S. Quintin's, alleging that if he had restored it he could have stood him in ●● stée●e in the Realm of France, for he should utterly have lost his credit and intelligence, but now seeing the King of England was come over in person, he promised to do hereafter all that the Duke should command him, whereof the better to assure him, he sent him a letter of credit to the declaration of the Duke. Further he gave the Duke his Faith in writing, to serve and succour him, his friends and confederates, as well the King of England as others, against all men none excepted. The Duke delivered the King of England his letter, and all the matter of credit, adding somewhat thereto of his own head: for he assured the King, that the Constable would deliver into his hands both Saint Quintines, and all his other places, which the King easily believed, partly because he had married the Constable's Nie●e, and partly because he saw him in so great fear of the King of France, that he thought he durst not fail his promise made to the Duke and him: and the Duke believed i● also. But the Constable meant nothing less, for the fear he was in of the French King was not so great that it could force him thus 〈…〉, but he used s●yl his wont dissimulation. The King of England rejoicing at this message sent by the Constable, departed from Peronn●, with the Duke of Burgoigne, toward Saint Quintin's, whereunto when he approached, a great band of English men ran before, thinking that the bells should have been rung at their coming, and that the Citizens would have received them with Cross and Holy Water, but when they drew near to the Town, the Artill●●●e shot, and the Soldiers ●●●ed for the 〈…〉 he 〈…〉 she both on hors●e back and on foot, so that two or three English men were slain, and some taken ● and in this state returned they in great rage to their Camp, 〈…〉 against the Constable. The next morning the Duke of 〈…〉 would have taken his leave of the King of England to depart to his army in Barrays, promising to do marvels in his favour. The French King sent a servant of the LORD halls in the likeness of an herald, with a coat made of a Trumpets Banner, to the English Camp, where when he came, he was brought to a Tent, and after dinner talked with the King: his message was chielely grounded upon the great desire the King had of long time to be in peace with the King of England, saying further, that since he was Crowned King of France he never had attempted any thing against the King of England or his realm. Secondly he excused himself, for the receiving in times passed the Earl of Warwick into his Dominions, saying, that he did it only against the Duke of Burgoigne and not him. Further, he declared that the said Duke of Burgoigne had for none other cause called him into France, but that by the occasion of his coming, he might conclude a bett●r peace for himself with the King: And if happily any other furthered the matter, it was only to amend the broken estate of their own affairs, and for their own private commodity: but as touching the King of England's good success, they were altogether careless thereof. He put him also in mind of the time of the year, alleging that Winter approached, & likewise the great charges he sustained. lastly he said, that notwithstanding a great number in England desired War with France, yet if the King o● England incline to peace, the King for his part would condescend to such conditions as he doubted not but he and his Realm would allow of: finally he demanded a sa●e conduit for certain Ambassadors, to come well informed of his masters pleasure. The King of England and part of his Nobles liking these overtures very well, granted to the Harrault of France as large a safe conduct as he demanded, and gave him four Nobles of gold in reward. He also sent an English Harrault, with him to bring the like safe conduct. And in the next morning in a village near to Amience, the Commissioners of both Princes met being these. For, the King of France, the bastard of Bourdon Adm●ral of France, the Lord of Saint Pierre, and the Bishop of Eureux, called Heberge: And for the King of England, the Lord Howard, one Challenger, and Doctor Morton Many articles of peace were treated of, but the last resolutions were these, That the French King should pay to the King of England, presently before his departure out of France, 72. thousand crowns, that the Dolphin should marry King Edward's eldest daughter, and that she should have the Duchy of Guien, for her maintenance, or 5000. crowns yearly to be paid in the Tower of London the space of nine years, which term expired, the Dolphin should peaceably enjoy the revenues of the whole Duchy of Gnien, and then the King of France to be clearly discharged of all payments to the King of England. Further it was decreed, that the two Primes should meet together, and be sworn to the treaty, which meeting was observed in a town called Picquigny on the 29. of August. The King of England upon receipt of his money, departed toward Cal●is in great haste, fearing the Duke of Burgoignes malice, and his subjects. At his departure he left for hostages with the King of France, till his return into England, the Lord Howard, and the Master of his horse called sir john Cheyney. King Edward took shipping at Calais, and landed at Dover, and was received on the Blackheath by the Mayor of London and his brethren in Scarlet, and 500 commoners, all clad in Murrey, and so conveyed to London through the City to Westminster, on the 28. of September. This year was one john surnamed Goose, brent on she Tower hill in the month of August. Edmond shaw. Thomas Hill, the 28. of September. Maior. Sheriffs. Robert Drop Draper, the 28. of October. This Robert Drop Mayor of London, enlarged the Condite upon Cornhill, making an East end thereunto. The. xvi●j. of April, were enhanced to the honour of Anno reg. 15 1475 Knights made by the King. Knighth and after the custom of England, in the time of peace his eldest son Edward Prince of Wales, Duke of Connewall and Earl of Chester, his second son the Duke of York, and with them the Earl of Lincoln's son and heir, the Duke of Suffolk, the Lord Thomas Grey▪ the queens son, & Richard his brother: the Earl of Shrewsburie▪ the Earl of Wiltshire, Master Edward Woduile: the Lord Neuib●: the Lord Barkleys' son and heir: the Lord Awdeleys son and heir: the Lord Saint Ainand: the Lord Stanleys' son and heir: the Lord Sturtons' son and heir: the Lord Hastings son & heir: the Lord Ferrors of Chartleys' son and heir: Master Harbert brother to the Earl of Penbroke, Master, Vaughon Brian chief Judge: Litilton one of the Little 〈…〉. Judges of the Common place, Master Bodringham, Master Brian Stapleton, Knevit, Pilkinton, Ludlow, Charleton, etc. The same day the King created the Lord Thomas Marquis Dorset before dinner, and so in the habit of a Marquis above the habit of his Knighthood, he began the table of Knights in Saint Edward's Chamber. At that time he ordained that the King's Chamberlain should go with the ancient and well nurtured Knight to advertise and teach the order of Knighthood to the esquires being in the bain. The King himself came in person and did honour to all the company with his noble Counsel and his hands. Hugh Brite: Robert Colwitch, the 28. of Sept. Robert Basset Salter, the 28. of October. Sheriffs. Maior. This Mayor did sharp correction upon Bakers, for making Anno. reg. 16. 1476 of light bread, he caused divers of them to be set on the Pillory in Cornhill. And also one Agnes Dainty a Butterwife for felling of butter new and old mingled together, Agnes Dainty set on the pillory. being first trapped with butterdishes, was then set on the pilery. The Countess of Oxford, deceased and was buried at Windsor. Richard Rawson: William Horn the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. This Richard Rawson one of the Sheriffs of London, caused to be builded one house in the Church yard of S. Marry Hospitle without Byshopsgate of London, where the Mayor of that City and his brethren the Aldermen use to sit and hear the Sermons in the Easter holidays, as in times past appeared by an inscription on the front of the same house, now by wethering defaced, which I have red in these words: Pray for the souls of Richard Rawson late Mercer and Alderman of London, and Isabel his wife, of whose goods this work was made and founded. Anno Domi. 1488. Ralph Io●celine Draper, the 28. of October. Maior. By the diligence of this Mayor the Wall about London was new made betwixt Aldgate and Creplegate the caused Part of London w●●● new builded. the Moor field to be searched for Clay, & the Brick ●o be made & burnt there: he also caused Chalk to be brought out of Kent, and in the same Moor field to be brent into john Rouse. lime, for the furtherance of that work. The Mayor with his company of the Drapers, made all that part betwixt bishops gate and Athalowes Church in the same Wall. And bishops gate itself new builded by the Merchants Almains bishops gate new builded. of the Stillyard, and from All-hallows Church toward Mooregate a great part of the same was builded of the goods, and by the executors of sir john Crosseby late Alderman of London, as may appear by his arms in two places fixed. Anno reg. 17. 1477 The company of skinners made that part of the wait between Aldgate and Buries Marks, towards bishops gate, as may appear by their arms in three places fixed: the other companies of the City made the other deal of the said Wall, which was a great work to be done in one year. Thomas Burdet an Esquire of Arrow in Warwikeshire, Burdet for a word spoken beheaded. son to sir Nicholas Burdet who was great butler of Normandy in Henry th● sixth days) was beheaded for a word spoken in this sort: K. Edward in his progress hunted in Tho. Engwarant . Burdets' park at Arrow, & flew many of his dear, amongst the which one was a white buck, whereof though▪ Burdet made great account, & therefore when he understood thereof, he wished Register of the Grey Friars. the bucks head in his belly th● moved the King to kill it. Which tale being told to the King, Burdet was apprehended & accused of treason, for wishing the bucks head horns & all in the King's belly: he was condemned, drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there beheaded, & then buried in the grey friars Church at London. Henry Collet: john Stocker, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Humphrey Heyford Goldsmith, the 28. of October. The. xv. day of Januarie K. Edward the fourth solemnized the Matrimonial feast of his son the Duke of York, and Lady A●●e daughter & sole heir to john Duke of Norfolk. The. xuj. day of Januarie began a Parliament at Westminster Duke of Clarence murdered Anno reg. 18 where George Duke of Clarence K. Edward's brother was attainted of treason: and the. xj. of March after he had offered his own Mass penny in th● Tower of London, made his end in a vessel of Maluesey, & after buried at Tewkesburie, by his wife sometime daughter to th● earl of Warwick, which being with child died of poison but a little before him. Margaret Duchess of Burgoygne, sent to her brother King 1478 Edward of England for aid against the French King, which he would in no case grant to do but sent Ambassadors to th● French King with le●ing letters, requiring him to grow to ●●●e reasonable agreement with the said Lady of Burgoygne. Robert H●●ding: Robert Byfield, the 18. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno. reg. 19 1479 Richard Gardiner Mercer, the 28. of October. This year was a great mortality & death of th● pest not on●●●● London, but in divers parts of th● Realm, which begun in the ●●tter end ●●●●pt. in the year la●● before a passed, & continued all this year till the beginning of Nove ●●her, which was about. xiv. months, in the which space died innumerable of people in the sa●d City and else where. This year the Mayor of London being in Paul's, kneeling in his devotions at Saint Erkenwaldes shrine, Robert Byfield one of the Sheriffs unadvisedly, kneeled down nigh unto the Mayor, whereof afterward the Mayor charged him to have done more than becomed him, but the Sheriff answering rudely and stubbornly, would not acknowledge to have committed any offence, for the which he was afterward by a court of Aldermen fyned at fifty pound to be paid toward the reparations of the Condites in London, which was truly paid. Thomas Ilam, john Ward, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Bartholomew james Draper, the 28. of October. This Thomas Ilam one of the Sheriffs last before named, newly builded the great Condite in Cheap, of his own charges. This year King Edward began his Christmas at Waking, and at five days end removed to Greenwich, where he kept out the other part of his Christmas with great Royalty. The. xxij. day of February, were five notable thieves put to death, for robbing the Church called S. Martin's le grand Anno reg. 20 1480 in London, and other places, three of them were drawn to the Tower hill hanged and brent, the other two were pressed to death. Thomas Daniel: William Bacon, the 28. of Sept. john Browne Mercer, the 28. of October. King Edward required great sums of money to be tent him, the Citizens of London granted him 5000. marks Anno. reg. 21 1481 which was sessed of the. xxv. wards, which 5000. marks was truly repaid again in the next year following. This year on Whitsonday King Edward the fourth created the Lord Barkeley, Uicount Barkeley, at Grenewiche. An house on London bridge called the common siege, or privy, fell down into the Thames, where through it five persons ●ala tempo. were then drowned. Robert Tate: William Wiking, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Chawrie, the first of February. William Harriot Draper, the 28. of October. This year King Edward with his Queen kept a Royal Christmas at Windsor. About the end of Januarie deceased William Wiking, one of the Sheriffs of London. In whose place was chosen Richard Chawrie, on the first of February. King Edward so greatly favoured this Mayor that he Anno reg. 22 1482 took him, with certain of his brethren the Aldermen, and commons of the City of London into the Forest of Waltham, where was ordained for them a pleasant lodge of green vowghes, in the which lodge they dined, with great cheer, and the King would not go to dinner till he saw them served. After dinner they went a hunting, with the King, and slew many dear as well red, as fallow, whereof the King gave unto the Mayor and his company good plenty, & sent K. E. banqueted the Mayor & aldermen of Lon. unto the Lady Maires & her sisters the Alderman's wives, ij. Hearts. vj. Bucks, and a tun of wine to make them merry with, which was eaten in the Draper's hall. The Scots began to stir, against whom the King sent the Duke of Gloucester and many other, which returned again without any notable battle. William White, john matthew, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Creplegate builded. Edmond Shaw Goldsmith, the 28. of October. This Edmond Shaw, new builded Creplegate of London, from the foundation, which gate in old time had been a prison, whereunto such citizens and other as were arrested for debt, or like trespasses were committed, as they be now to the Counters, as may appear by a writ of King Edward the second: in these words. Rex vic' London salutem ex gravi querela capri ex detenti in Records. prisona nostra de Creplegate pro. x, li▪ quas coram Radulfo Sandwico, tune custode Civitatis nostre London, & I. de Blackewell cuius recognum debitorum, etc. King Edward held his Christmas at Eltham and kept his estate all the whole feast in his great Chamber, and the Queen in her Chamber, where were daily more than 2000, persons. The same year on Candlemas day, he with his Queen went on procession from Saint Stephen's Chapel into Westminster hall, accompanied with the Earl of Angwyse, the Lord Grey, and sir james liddal Ambassadors from Scotland, and at his proceeding out of his Chamber he made sir john Anno reg. 23 1483 Wood under Treasurer of England, and sir William Catesby one of the Justices of the common place Knights. After King Edward had been long time in quiet in his Realm, and had received yearly 50000. Crowns paid him in the Tower of London, and was grown so rich that richer he could not be (saith mine Author) having a marvelous great desire to accomplish the marriage of his daughter with Charles Dolphin of France, according to the Articles of truce taken as is afore showed, was now by the Lord Heyward (returned out of France▪) certified that the Dolphin had already joined himself in marriage with the Lady Margaret of ostrich, daughter to Maximilian, son to Fredrick the Emperor. Which news so highly offended King Edward, now seeing how he had been abused with the unjust and double dealing of the French King, that he forth with took counsel how to be revenged, and preparing his power to make wars in France, through melancholy (as was thought) fell sick, and ended his life at Westminster the ix. day of April, Anno Domini 1483. when he had reigned 22. years, one month and odd days. He was honourably buried at Windsor: he left issue, Edward the Prince, and Richard Duke of York, and fine Daughters, Elizabeth that after was Queen, Cicely, Anne Katherine and Bridget. ⸪ ¶ King Edward the fifth. Whose History was written by sir Thomas Moor. KIng Edward of that name the fourth, after that he had lived fifty and three 1483 years, seven months and six days, and thereof reigned two & twenty years, one month, & eight days, died at Westminster the ninth day of April, the year of our redemption a thousand four hundredth four score & three, leaving much fair issue, that is to wit, Edward the Prince, of thirten years of age: Richard Duke of York, two year younger: Elizabeth, whose fortune and grace was after to be Queen, wife unto King Henry the seventh, and mother unto the eight: Cicelie not so for tunate as fair: Bridget which representing the virtue of her, whose name she bore, professed and observed a Religious life in Dertforde, an house of close Nuns: Anne, that was after honourably married unto Thomas, than Lord Heyward and after Earl of Surrey: And Katherine, which long time tossed in either fortune, sometime in wealth, oft in adversity, at the last, if this be the last, for yet she liveth, is by the benignity of her Nephew King Henry the eight, in very prosperous estate, and worthy her birth and virtue. This noble Prince deceased at his Palace of Westminster, The love of the people. and with great funeral honour and heaviness of his people from thence conveyed, was entered at Windsor. A King of such governance and behaviour, in time of peace (for in war each part must needs be others enemy) that there was never any Prince of this land, attaining the Crown by battle so heartily beloved with the substance of the people: nor he himself so specially in any part of his life, as at the time of his death. Which favour and affection, yet after his decease by the cruelty, mischief, and trouble of the tempestuous world that followed, highly toward him more increased. At such time as he died, the displeasure of those that bore him grudge, for King Henry's sake the sixth, whom he deposed, was well assuaged, and in effect quenched, in that, that many of them were dead in more than twenty years of his reign, a great part of a long life: And many of them in the mean season grown into his favour, of which he was never strange. He was a goodly Description of Edward the fourth. parsonage, Princely to behold, of heart courageous, politic in counsel in adversity nothing abashed, in prosperity rather joyful than proud, in peace just and merciful, in war sharp and fierce, in the field bold and hardy, and nevertheless no further than wisdom would adventurous, whose wars who so well consider, he shall no less commend his wisdom where he voided, than his manhood where he vanquished. He was of visage lovely, of body mighty, strong, and clean made: Howbeit in his latter days with over liberal diet, somewhat corpulent and boorely, and nevertheless not comely; he was of youth greatly given to f●eshely wantonness: from which health of body in great prosperity and fortune, without a special grace hardly refraineth. This fault not greatly grieved the people: for neither could any one man's pleasure, stretch and extend to the displeasure of very many, and was without violence, and over that in his latter days lessed and well left. In which time of his latter days, this Realm was in quiet and prosperous estate, no fear of outward enemies, no war in hand, nor none toward, but such as no man looked for: the people toward the Prince, not in a constrained fear, but in a willing and loving obedience: among themselves, the commons in good peace. The Lords whom he knew at variance, himself in his death bed appeased: he had left all gathering of money (which is the only thing that withdraweth the hearts of Englishmen from the Prince) nor any thing intended he to take in hand, by which he should be driven thereto for: his tribute out of France he had before obtained: Tribute. and the year foregoing his death, he had obtained Barwike. And albeit that all the time of his reign he was with his people, so benign, courteous, and so familiar, that no part of his virtues was more esteemed: yet the condition, in the end of his days (in which many Princes by a long continued sovereignty, decline into a proud port from debonair behaviour of their beginning) marvelously in him grew & increased: so far forth, that in Summer the last th● ever he saw, his highness being at Windsor in hunting, sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of London, to him for none other errand, but to have them hunt & be merry with him, where he made them not so stately, but so friendly and so familiar there, and sent venison from thence so freely into the City, that no one thing in many days before, got him either ●o hearts or more hearty favour amongst the common people, which oftentimes more esteem and take for greater kindness, a little courtesy, than a great benefit. So deceased (as I have said) this noble King, in that time, in which his life was most desired. Whose love of his people, and their entire affection toward him, had been to his noble children, (having in themselves also as many gifts of nature, as many Princely virtues, as much goodly towardness as their age could receive) a marvelous fortress and sure armour, if division & dissension of their friends had not unarmed them, & left them destitute, & the execrable desire of sovereignty provoked him to their destruction, which if either kind or kindness had holden place, must needs have been their chief defence. For Richard the duke of Gloucester, by nature their uncle, by office their Protector, to their father beholden, to themselves by oath & allegiance bounden, all bands broken that binden man & man together, without any respect of God or the world, unnaturally contrived to bereave them, not only their dignity, but also their lives. But for as much as this Duke's demeanour ministereth in effect all the whole matter whereof this book shall entreat, it is therefore convenient, somewhat to show you ere we farther go, what manner of man this was, that could find in his heart so much mischief to conceive. Richard Duke of York▪ a noble man & a mighty, began not by war, but by law so challenge the Crown, putting Richard Duke of York. his claim into the Parliament, where his cause was either for right or favour so far forth advanced, that King Henry his blood (albeit he had a goodly Prince) utterly rejected, the Crown was by authority of parliament entailed unto the Duke of York and his issue male in remainder, immediately after the death of King Henry. But the duke not enduring so long to tarry, but intending under pretext of dissension and debate arising in the Realm, to prevent his time, and to take upon him the rule in King Henry his life, was with many nobles of the Realm at Wakefield slain, leaving three sons, Edward, George and Richard. All three as they were great states of birth, so were they great and stately of stomach, greedy & ambitious of authority, and impatient of partners. Edward revenging his Edward. father's death, deprived▪ King Henry, & attained the Crown▪ George Duke of Clarence, was a goodly noble Prince and at George Duke Clarence. all points fortunate, if either his own ambition had not set him against his brother, or the envy of his enemies his brother against him. For were it by the Queen and Lords of her blood which highly maligned the King's kindred (as women commonly not of malice, but of nature hate them whom their husbands love,) or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himself, intending to be King: at the least wise heinous treason was there laid to his charge, and finally, were he faulty, were he faultless, attainted was he by Parliament, and judged to the death, and thereupon hastily drowned in a butt of Malmsey, whose death King Edward (albeit he commanded it) when he wist it was done, piteously bewailed and sorrowfully repent. Richard the third son, of whom we now entreat, The description▪ of Richard the third. was in wit and courage equal with either of them, in body & prows far under them both, little of stature, ill featured of limbs, crook backed, his left shoulder much higher than his right, hard favoured of visage, & such as is in states called warlye, in other men otherwise: he was malicious, wrathful, envious, & from afore his birth ever froward. It is for truth reported, that the Duchess his mother had so much a do in her travail, that she could not be delivered of him uncut, & that he came into the world with the feet forward, as men be borne outward, & (as the fame runneth) also not untoothed, whether men of hatred report above the truth, or else th● nature changed her course in his beginning, which in the course of his life many things unnaturally committed. None evil captain was he in the war, as to which his dispotion was more meetly than for peace. Sundry victories had he, & sometimes overthrows, but never in default as for his own person, either of hardiness or politic order: free was he called of dispense, & somewhat above his power liberal: with large gifts he got him unsteadfast friendship, for which he was feign to pill & spoil in other places, & get him steadfast hatred. He was close & secret, a deep dissimuler, lowly of countenance, arrogant of heart, outwardly coumpinable where he inwardly hated, not letting to kiss whom he thought to kill: dispiteous & cruel, not for evil will always, but ofter for ambition, & either for the fuertie or increase of his estate. Friend & foe was much what indifferent, where his advantage grew, he spared no man's death, whose life withstood his purpose. He slew with his own hands King Henry the sixth, being prisoner in the Tower, as men The death of King Henry the sixth. constantly said, & that without commandment or knowledge of the King, which would undoubtedly, if he had intended that thing, have appointed that butcherly office to some other, than his own born brother. Some wise men also wéen, that his drift covertly conveyed, lacked not in helping forth his brother of Clarence to his death: which he resisted openly, howbeit somewhat (as men deemed) more faintly, than he that were heartily minded to his wealth. And they th● thus deem, think that he long time in K. Edward's life, forethought to be King, in case that the King his brother (whose life he looked that evil diet should shorten) should happen to decease (as in deed he did) while his children were young. And they deem, that for this intent he was glad of his brother's death the Duke of Clarence, whose life must needs have hindered him so intending, whether the same duke of Clarence had kept him true to his Nephew the young King, or enterprised to be King himself. But of all this point, is there no certainty, and who so deuineth upon conjectures, may aswell shoot to far as to short. Howbeit this have I by credible information learned, that the self night, in which King Edward died, one Mistlebrooke long ere morning, came in great haste to the house of one Pottier dwelling in Redcrosse street without Creplegate in Loxdon: and when he was with hasty rapping quickly let in, he showed unto Pottier that King Edward was departed. By my truth man quoth Pottier, then will my Master the Duke of Gloucester be King. What cause he had so to think hard it is to say, whether he being toward him, any thing knew that he had such thing purposed, or otherwise had any inkling thereof: for he was not likely to speak it of nought. But now to return to the course of this history. Were it that the Duke of Gloucester had of old foreminded this conclusion, and was now at erst thereunto moved, and put in hope by the occasion of the tender age of the young Princes, his Nephews, (as opportunity and likelihood of speed, putteth a man in courage of that he never intended) certain is it, that he contrived their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon himself. And, forasmuch as, he well wist, and holp to maintain, a long continued grudge and heart-burning between the queens kindred, and the King's blood, either party envying others authority, he now thought their division should be (as it was indeed) a furtherly beginning to the pursuit of his intent, and a sure ground for the foundation of all his building, if he might first, under the pretext of revenging old displeasure, abuse the anger and ignorance of the one party, to the destruction of the other, and then win to his purpose as many as he could, and those that could not be won, might be lost ere they looked therefore: For of one thing was he certain, that if his intent were perceived, he should soon have made peace between the both parties with his own blood. King Edward in his life, albeit that this dissension between his friends somewhat irked him: yet in his good health he somewhat the less regarded it, because he thought whatsoever business should fall between them, himself should always be able to rule both the parties. But in his last sickness, when he perceived his natural strength so sore enfeebled, that he despaired all recovery, than he considering the youth of his children, albeit he nothing less mistrusted than that that happened, yet well foreseeing that many harms might grow by their debate, while the youth of his children should lack discretion of themselves, & good counsel of their friends, of which either party should counsel for their own commodity & rather by pleasant advise to win themselves favour, than by profitable advertisement to do their children good, he called some of them before him that were at variance, and in especial the Lord marquis Dorset the queens son by her first husband, & William the Lord Hastings a noble man then Lord Chamberlain, again whom the Queen specially grudged, for the great favour the King bore him: & also for that the thought him secretly familiar with the King in wanton company. Her kindred also bore him sore, aswell for that th● King had made▪ him Captain of caleis, which office the Lord rivers brother to th● Queen claimed of th● king's former promise, as for divers other great gifts which he received, th● they looked for. When these Lords with divers of both the parties were come in presence, the King lifting up himself & underset with pyllows, as it is reported, on this wise said unto them. My Lords, my dear kinsmen & allies, in what plight I lie you The Oration of the King in his death bed. see, & I fée●e. By which the less while I look to lo live with you, the more deeply am I moved to care in what case I leave you, for such as I leave you, such be my children like to find you. Which if they should (that God forbidden) find you at variance, might hap to fall themselves at war, ere their discretion would serve to set you at peace: ye see their youth, of which I reckon th● only surety to rest in your concord. For it sufficeth not th● all you love them, if each of you hate other. If they were men, your faithfulness happily would suffice: but childhood must be maintained by men's authority, & slipper youth underpropped with elder counsel, which neither they can have, but ye give it▪ nor ye give it, if ye 'gree not. For where each laboureth to break that the other maketh, and for hatred of each of others person, impugneth each others counsel, there must it needs be long ere any good conclusion go forward. And also while either party laboureth to be chief, flattery shall have more place than plain & faithful advise, of which must needs ensue the evil bringing up of th● Prince, whose mind in tender youth infect, shall readily fall to mischief & riot, & draw down with his noble Realm to ruin, but if grace turn him to wisdom: which if God send, than they th● by evil means before pleased him best, shall after fall furthest out of favour, so th● ever at length evil drifts draw to nought and good plain ways prosper. Great variance hath there long been between you, not always for great causes. Sometime a thing right well intended, our misconstruction turneth unto worse, or a small displeasure done us, either our own affection or evil tongues agréeveth. But this wots I well, ye never had so great cause of hatred, as ye have of love. That we be all men, that we be Christian men, this shall I leave for preachers to tell you (& yet I wots near whether any preachers words aught more to move you, than his that is by and by going to the place that they all preach of.) But this shall I desire you to remember, th● the one part of you is of my blood the other of mine allies, & each of you with other either of kindred or affinity, which spiritual kindred of affinity, if the Sacraments of Christ's Church bear that weight with us, th● would God they did, should no less move us to charity, than the respect of fleshly consanguinity. Our Lord forbidden, th● you love together the worse for the self cause the you ought to love the better. And yet th● happeneth, & no where find we so deadly debate, as among them, which by nature & law most ought to agree together. Such a pestilent Serpent is ambition, Ambition. & desire of vain glory & sovereignty, which among states where he once entereth, creepeth forth so far, till with division & variance he turneth all to mischief, first longing to be next the best, afterward equal with the best, & at last chief & above th● best. Of which immoderate appetite of worship, & thereby of debate & dissension, what loss, what sorrow, what trouble hath with in these few years grown in this Realm, I pray God aswell forget, as we well remember. Which things if I could aswell have foreséen, as I have with my more pain than pleasure proved, by gods blessed Lady (th● was ever his oath) I would never have won th● courtesy of men's knees, with th● loss of so many heads. But sithen things passed cannot be gainecalled, much aught we the more beware, by what occasion we have taken so great hurt afore, that we eft 'zounds fall not in that occasion again. Now be those griefs passed, and all is (God be thanked quiet) & likely right well to prosper in wealthful pear under your cousins my children, if God send them life and you love. Of which two things, the less loss were they, by whom though God did his pleasure, yet should the Realm always find Kings, and peradventure as good Kings. But if you among yourselves in a child's reign fall at debate, many a good man shall perish, and haply he to and ye to, ere this land find peace again. Wherefore in these last words that ever I look to speak with you, I exhort you and require you all, for the love that you have ever borne to me: for the love that I have ever borne unto you: for the love that our Lord beareth to us all, from this time forward all griefs forgotten, each of you love other. Which I verily trust you will, if ye any thing earthly regard, either God or your King, affinity or kindred, this Realm your own country, or your own surety. And therewithal the King no longer enduring to sit up, laid him down on his right side, his face toward them: and none was there present that could refrain from weeping. But the Lords recomforting him with as good words as they could, and answering for the time as they thought to stand with his pleasure, there in his presence, as by their words appeared, each forgave other, and joined their hands together, when (as it after appeared by their deeds) their hearts were far a sunder. As soon as the King was departed, the noble Prince his son drew toward London, which at the time of his decease kept his household at Ludlowe in Wales, which country being far off from the law and recourse to Justice, was begun to be far out of good will, and waxed wild robbers and reverses; walking at liberty uncorrected. And for this encheason the Prince was in the life of his father sent thither, to th● eude th● the authority of his presence, should refrain evil disposed persons fro the boldness of their former outrages. To the governance and ordering of this young prince at his sending thither, was there appointed sir Anthony Wood●ile Lord Rivers, and brother unto Lord Rivers. the Queen, a right honourable man, as valiant of hand as politic in Counsel. Adjoined were there unto him other of the same party, and in effect every one as he was nearest of kin unto the Queen, so was planted next about the Prince. That drift by the Queen not unwisely devised, whereby her blood might of youth be rooted in the Prince's favour, the Duke of Gloucester turned unto their destruction, and upon that ground set the foundation of all his unhappy building. For, whom soever he perceived either at variance with them, or bearing himself their favour, he broke unto them, some by mouth, some by writing and secret messengers, that it was neither reason nor in any wise to be suffered, that the young King their Master and kinsman, should be in the hands and custody of his mother's kindred, sequestered in manner from their company▪ and attendance, of which every one ought him as faithful service as they, and many of them far more honourable part of kin than his mother's side. Whose blood (quoth he) saving the King's pleasure, was full unméetelye to be matched with his: which now to be as who say removed from the King, and the less noble to be left about him, is (quoth he) neither honourable to his majesty nor unto us, and also to his grace no surety, to have the mightiest of his friends from him, and unto us no little jeopardy, to suffer our well proved evil willers to grow in over great authority with the Prince in youth, namely which is light of belief and soon persuaded. ye remember I trow King Edward himself, albeit he was a man of age and discretion, yet was he in many things ruled by the bend, more than stood either with his honour, or our profit, or with the commodity of any man else, except only the immoderate advancement of themselves. Which whether they sort thirsted after their own weal, or our woe, it were hard I ween to guess. And if some folks friendship had not holden better place with the King, than any respect of kindred, they might peradventure easily have betrapped and brought to confusion some of us ere this. Why not as easily as they have done some other already, as near of his royal blood as we? But our Lord hath wrought his will, and thanks be to his grace that peril is past. Howbeit as great is growing, if we suffer this young king in our enemy's hand, which without his witting might abuse the name of his commandment, to any of our undoing, which thing God and good provision forbid. Of which good provision none of us hath any thing the less need, for the late made atonement, in which th● King's pleasure had more place than the parties wills. Nor none of us, I believe, is so unwise, oversoon to trust a new friend made of an old foe, or to think that an hourly kindness, suddenly contract in one hour, continued yet scant a fortnight, should be deeper settled in their stomach, than a long accustomed malice many years rooted. With these words and writings and such other, the Duke of Gloucester soon set a fire them that were of themselves eath to kindle, and in especial twain, Edward Duke of Bu●kingham, and william Lord Hastings and Chamberlain, both men of honour and of great power. The tone by long succession from his ancestry: the t'other by his office, and the King's favour. These two not bearing each to other so much lone as hatred, both unto the queens part, in this point accorded together with the Duke of Gloucester, that they would utterly amove from the King's company all his mother's friends, under the name of their enemies. Upon this concluded, the Duke of Gloucester understanding, that the Lords which at that time were about the King, intended to bring him up to his coronation, accompanied with such power of their friends, that it should be hard for him to bring his purpose to pass, without the gathering a great assemble of people, and in manner of open war, whereof the end he wist was doubtful, and in which the King being on their side, his part should have the face and name of a rebellion: he secretly therefore, by divers means caused the Queen to be persuaded and brought in the mind, that it neither were need, and also should be jeopardous, the King to come up strong. For, whereas now every Lord loved other, and none other thing studied upon, but about the Coronation and honour of the King: if the Lords of her kindred should assemble in the King's name much people, they should give the Lords at wixte whom and them had been sometime debate, to fear and suspect, least they should gather this people, not for the King's safeguard, whom no man impugned, but for their destruction, having more regard to their old variance, than their new atonement: for which cause they should assemble on the other party much people again for their defence, whose power she wist well far stretched. And thus should all the Realm fall on a ●ore. And of all the hurt that thereof should ensue, which was likely not to be little, and the most harm there like to fall where she least would, all the world would put her and her kindred in the wight, and say that they had unwisely and untruly also broken the amity & peace, that the King her husband so prudently made, between his kin and hers in his death bed, and which the other party faithfully observed. The Queen being in this wise persuaded, such word sent unto her son, and unto her brother being about the King, and over that the Duke of Gloucester himself and other Lords the chief of his bend, wrote unto the King so reverently, and to the queens friends there so lovingly, that they nothing earthly mistrusting, brought the King up in great haste, not in good speed, with a sober company. Now was the King in his way to London gone from Northampton, when the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham came thither, where remained behind the Lord Rivers the King's uncle, intending on the morrow to follow the King, and be with him at Stony Stratforde, xij. miles thence, early or he departed. So was there made that night much friendly cheer between these two Dukes and the Lord Rivers a great while. But incontinent after that they were openly with great courtesy departed, and the Lord Rivers lodged, the Dukes secretly with a few of their most privy friends, set them down in counsel, wherein they spent a great part of the night. And at their rising in the dawning of the day, they sent out privily to their servants in their Inns and lodgings about, giving them commandment, to make themselves shortly ready, for their Lords were to horssebackewarde. Upon which messages, many of their folk were attendant, when many of the Lord rivers servants were unready. Now had these Dukes taken also into their custody the Keys of the Inn, that none should pass forth without their licence. And over this, in the high way, toward Stony Stratforde, where the King lay, they had bestowed certain of their folk, that should send back again, and compel to return, any man that were gotten out of Northampton, toward Stony Stratforde, till they should give other licence. For as much as the Dukes themselves intended for the show of their diligence, to be the first that should that day attend upon the King's highness out of that Town: thus bore they folk in hand. But when the Lord Rivers understood the Gates closed, and the ways on every side beset, neither his servants nor himself suffered to go out, perceiving well so great a thing without his knowledge not begun for naught, comparing this manner present, with his last night's cheer, in so few hours so great a change, marvelously misliked. Howbeit, sith he could not get away, and keep himself close he would not, lest he should seem to hide himself for some secret fear of his own fault, whereof he saw no such cause in himself. He determined upon the surety of his own conscience, to go boldly to them, and inquire what this matter might mean, whom as s●one as they saw, they began to quarrel with him and say, that he intended to set distance between the King and them, and to bring them to confusion, but it should not lie in his power. And when he began (as he was a very well spoken man) in goodly wise to excuse himself, they tarried not the end of his answer, but shortly took him, The L. Rivers put in ward. and put him in ward, and that done, forthwith went to horseback, and took the way to Stony Stratforde, where they found the King with his company, ready to leap on horseback, and departed forward to leave that lodging for them, because it was to straight for both companies. And as soon as they came in his presence, they light adown with all their company about them. To whom the Duke of Buckingham said, go afore Gentlemen, and yeomen keep your rooms. And thus in goodly array, they came to the King, and on their knees in very humble wise salved his grace, which received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing earthly knowing nor mistrusting as yet. But even by and by in his presence, they picked a quarrel to the Lord richard The Lord▪ Grey. Gray▪ the Kings other brother by his mother, saying, that he with the Lord Marques his brother, and the Lord Rivers his Uncle, had compassed to rule the King and the Realm, and to set variance among the states, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the Realm. Toward the accomplishing whereof they said, that the Lord Marques had entered into the Tower of London, and thence taken out the kings Treasure, and sent men to the Sea. All which things these Dukes witted well, were done for good purposes and necessary, by the whole counsel at London, saving that somewhat they must say. Unto which words the King answered. What my brother Marquis hath done I cannot say: But in good faith I dare well answer for mine uncle Rivers and my brother here, that they be innocent of any such matter. Yea my liege quoth the Duke of Buckingham, they have kept their dealing in these matters far fro the knowledge of your good grace. And forthwith they arrested the Lord Richard and sir Th. Vaughan Knight, in the King's presence, and brought the king and all back unto Northampton, where they took again further Counsel. And there they sent away from the King, whom it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as liked better than than him. At which dealing he wept, and was nothing content, but it booted not. And at dinner, the Duke of Gloucester sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers, praying him to be of good cheer, all should be well enough. And he thanked the Duke, and prayed the messenger to bear it to his nephew the Lord Richard, with the same message for his comfort, as one to whom such adversity was strange, but himself had been all his days in ure therewith, & therefore could bear it the better. But for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers, & the The death of the L. Rivers and others. Lord Richard, with sir Thomas Vaughan into the north Country, into diverse places to prison, and afterward all to Pomfraite, where they were in conclusion beheaded. In this wise, the Duke of Gloucester took upon himself the order and governance of the young King, whom with much honour and humble reverence, he conveyed upward toward the City. But anon, the tidings of this matter came hastily to the Queen a little before the midnight following, and that in the sorest wise, that the King her son was taken, her brother, her son, and other friends arrested, and sent no man witted whether, to be done with God wots what. With which tidings, the Queen in great flight and heaviness, bewailing her child's reign, her friends mischance, and her own infortune, damning the time that ever she dissuaded the gathering of power about the King, got her self in all the haste possible with her younger Son and her daughters, out of the Palace of Westminster, in which she then lay, into the Sanctuary, The Qu. taketh Sanctuary. lodging her self and her company there in the Abbot's place. Now came there one likewise not long after midnight from the Lord chamberlain, unto the Archbishop of York, than Chancellor of England, to his place not far from Westminster. And for that he showed his servants that he had tidings of so great importance, that his master gave him in charge, not to forbear his rest, they letted not to wake him, nor he to admit this messenger into his bed side. Of whom he heard that these Dukes were gone back with the King's grace from Stony Stratforde unto Northampton. notwithstanding Sir (quoth he) my Lord sendeth your Lordship word, that there is no fear: for he assureth you that all shall be well. I assure him quoth the archbishop, be it as well as it will, it will never be so well as we have seen it: And thereupon, by and by after the messenger departed, he caused in all the haste all his servants to be called up, and so with his own household about him, and every man weaponed, he took the great seal with him, and came yet before day unto the Queen. About whom he found much heaviness, rumble, haste and business, carriage and conveyance of her stuff into Sanctuary, chests, coffers, packs, farthels, trussed all on men's backs, no man unoccupied, some lading, some going, some discharging, some coming for more, some breaking down the walls to bring in the next way, and some yet drew to them to help to carry a wrong way. The Queen herself sat alone allow on the rushes all desolate and dismayed, whom the archbishop comforted in the best manner he could, showing her that he trusted, the matter was nothing so sore as she took it for, and that he was put in good hope and out of fear by the message sent him from the Lord Chamberlain: Ah woe worth him (quoth she) for he is one of them that laboureth to destroy me and my blood. Madam (quoth he) be ye of good cheer, for I assure you, if they Crown any other King than your son, whom they now have with them, we shall on the morrow Crown his brother, whom you have here with you. And here is the great seal, which in likewise as that noble Prince your husband delivered it unto me, so here I deliver it unto you, to the use and behoof of your son, and therewith he betook her the great seal, and departed home again, yet in the dawning of the day. By which time, he might in his chamber window, see all the Thamis full of boats of the Duke of Glocesters' servants, watching that no man should go to Sanctuary, nor none could pass unsearched. Then was there great commotion and murmur, as well in other places about, as specially in the City, the people diversly divining upon this deling. And some Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, either for favour of the Queen, or for fear of themselves, assembled in sundry companies, and went flockmeale in harness: and many also, for that they reckoned this demeanour attempted, not so specially against the other Lords, as against the King himself in the disturbance of his Coronation. But then by and by the Lords assembled together, toward which meeting, the Archbishop of York fearing that it would be ascribed (as it was indeed) to his overmuch lightness, that he so suddenly had yielded up the great seal to the Queen to whom the custody thereof nothing pertained, without special commandment of the King secretly sent for the seal again, and brought it with him after the customable manner. And at this meeting, the Lord Hasting, whose troth toward the king, no man doubted nor needed to doubt, persuaded the Lords to believe, that the Duke of Gloucester was sure and fastly faithful to his Prince, & that the Lord Rivers and Lord Richard, with the other Knights, were for matters attempted by them against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham, put under arrest for their surety, not for the King's jeopardy: and that they were also in safeguard, and there no longer should remain than till the matter were, not by the Duke's only, but also by all the other Lords of the Kings counsel indifferently examined, & by other discretions ordered, and either judged or appeased. But one thing he advised them beware, that they judged not the matter too far forth, ere they knew the truth, nor turning their private grudges into the common hurt, yrking and provoking men unto anger, and disturbing the King's coronation, toward which the Dukes were coming up, that they might peradventure bring the matter so far out of joint, that it should never be brought in frame again. Which strife if it should hap, as it were likely, to come to a field, though both parties were in all things equal, yet should the authority be on that side where the King is himself. With these persuasions of the Lord Hastings, whereof part himself believed, of part he witted the contrary, these commotions were somewhat appeased, but specially by that, that the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham were so near, and came so shortly on with the king, in none other manner, with none other voice or semblance than to his coronation, causing the fame to be blown about, that these Lords and Knights which were taken, had contrived the destruction of the dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham, and of other the noble blood of the Realm, to the end that themselves would alone demean and govern the King at their pleasure. And for the colourable proof thereof, such of the Duke's servants as road with the carts of their stuff that were taken (among which stuff no marvel though some were harness, which at the breaking up of the household, must needs either be brought away, or cast away) they showed unto the people all the ways as they went, lo here be the ●●rels of harness that these Traitors had privily conveyed in their carriage to destroy the noble LORDS withal. This devise albeit that it made the matter to wise men more unlikely, well perceiving that the intendours of such a purpose would rather have had their harness on their backs than to have bound them up in barrels, yet much part of the common people were therewith very well satisfied, and said it were almose to hang them. When the King approached near to the City, Edmonde Shaa Goldsmith, than Mayor, with William White, & john Matthew Sheriffs, and all the other Aldermen in Scarlet, with five hundred Horse of the Citizens in violet, received him reverently at Harnesey, and riding from thence, accompanied The Kings coming to London. him into the City, which he entered the fourth day of may, the first and last year of his reign. But the Duke of Gloucester bore him in open sight so reverently to the Prince, with all semblance of lowliness, that from the great obloquy in which he was so late before, he was suddenly fallen in so great trust, the at the counsel next assembled, he was made the only man, chose and thought most meet, to be Protector of the King and his Realm, so (that The protector made. were it destiny, or were it folly) the Lamb was betaken to the Wolf to keep. At which Counsel also, the Archbishop of York, Chancellor of England, which had delivered up the great Seal to the Queen, was thereof greatly reproved, and the Seal taken from him, and delivered to Doctor russel bishop of Lincoln, a wise The Bishop of Lincoln made Lord Chancellor. man and a good, and of much experience, and one of the best learned men undoubtedly that England had in his time. divers Lords and Knights were appointed unto divers rooms. The Lord Chamberlain and some other kept still their offices that they had before. Now all were it, so that that the Protector so sore thirsted for the finishing of that he had begun, that thought every day a year, till it were achieved, yet durst he no further attempt, as long as he had but half his prey in his hand: well witting, that if he deposed the one brother, all the Realm would fall to the other, if he either remaynèd in Sanctuary, or should happily be shortly conveyed to his father's liberty. Wherefore, incontinent at the next meeting of the Lords at the Counsel, he proposed unto them, that it was a heinous deed of the Queen, The protectors oration. and proceeding of great malice toward the kings Counsellors, that she should keep in Sanctuary the King's brother from him, whose special pleasure and comfort were to have his brother with him. And that by her done to none other intent, but to bring all the Lords in obloquy, and murmur of the people. As though they were not to be trusted with the King's brother, that by the assent of the Nobles of the land, were appointed as the King's nearest friends, to the tuition of his own royal person. The prosperity whereof standeth (quoth he) not all in keeping from enemies, or ill vyande, but partly also in recreation, and moderate pleasure, which he cannot in his tenuer youth, take in the company of ancient persons, but in the familiar conversation of those that be neither far under, nor far above his age, and natheless of estate convenient to accompany his noble Majesty, wherefore, with whom rather, than with his own brother? And if any man think this consideration (which I think no man thinketh that loveth the King) let him consider, that sometime without small things, greater cannot stand. And verily, it redoundeth greatly to the dishonour both of the King's highness, and of all us that been about his grace, to have it run in every man's mouth, not in this realm only, but also in other lands (as evil words walk far) the the king's brother should be fain to keep Sanctuary. For every man will ween, the no man will so do for nought. And such evil opinion once fastened in men's hearts, hard it is to wrest out, & may grow to more grief than any man can here divine. Wherefore me thinketh it were not worst to send unto th● Q. for the redress of this matter, some honourable trusty man, such as both tendereth the kings weal, and the honour of his counsel, and is also in favour and credence with her. For all which considerations, none seemeth me more meetly, than our reverend Father here present, my Lord Cardinal, who may in this matter do most good of any man, if it please him to take the pain, which I doubt not of his goodness he will not refuse for the King's sake and ours, and wealth of the young Duke himself, the kings most honourable brother, and after my sovereign Lord himself, my most dear nephew, considered that thereby shall be ceased the slanderous rumour and obloquy now going, and the hurts avoided that thereof might ensue, and much rest and quiet grow to all the Realm. And if she be percase so obstinate, and so precisely set upon her own will, that neither his wise and faithful advertisement, can not move her, nor any man's reason content her: then shall we by mine advise, by the King's authority, fetch him out of that prison, and bring him to his noble presence, in whose continual company he shall be so well chéerished, and so honourably entreated, that all the world shall to our honour and her reproach perceive, that it was only malice, frowardness, or folly, that caused her to keep him there: this is my mind in this matter for this time, except any of your Lordships any thing perceive to the contrary, for never shall I by God's grace so wed myself to mine own will, but that I shall be ready to change it upon your better advises. When the protector had said, all the Counsel affirmed, that the motion was good and reasonable, and to the King and the Duke his brother, honourable, and a thing that should cease great murmur in the Realm, if the mother might be by good means induced to deliver him. Which thing the Archbishop of York, whom they all agreed also to be thereto most convenient, took upon him to move her, and therein to do his uttermost devoir. Howbeit, if she could be in no wise entreated with her good will to▪ deliver him, than thought he, and such other as were of the spirituality present, that it were not in any wise to be attempted to take him out against her wil For it would be Sanctuary. a thing that should turn to the great grudge of all men, and high displeasure of God, if the privilege of that holy place should now be broken, which had so many years been kept, which both Kings and Popes so good had granted, so many had confirmed, and which holy ground was more than five hundred years ago by Saint Peter in his own person in spirit accompanied with great multitude of Angels by night so specially hallowed, and dedicate to God (for the proof whereof, they have yet in the Abbay S. Peter's Cope to show) that from that time hitherward, was there never so undevout a king, that durst that sacred place violate, or so holy a Bishop, that durst it presume to consecrate. And therefore (quoth the Archbishop of York) God forbidden that any man should for any thing earthly enterprise to break the immunity and liberty of the sacred Sanctuary, that hath been the safeguard of so many a good man's life▪ And I trust (quoth he) with God's grace, we shall not need it. But for any manner need, I would not we should do it. I trust that she shall be with reason contented, and all things in good manner obtained. And if it happen that I bring it not so to pass, yet shall I toward it so far forth do my best, that ye shall all well perceive, that no lack of my denoire, but the mother's dread and womanishe fear, shall be the let. Womanishe fear, nay womanish frowardness (quoth the Duke of Buckingham,) for I dare take it upon my soul, she well knoweth she needeth no such thing to fear, either for her son or for herself. For as for her, here is no man that will be at war with women. Would God some of the men of her kin, were women too, and then should all be soon in rest. howbeit, there is none of her kin the less loved, for that they be her kin, but for their own evil deserving. And nevertheless, if we loved neither her nor her kin, yet were there no cause to think that we should hate the king's noble brother, to whose Grace, we ourselves be of kin: whose honour, if she as much desired, as our dishonour, and as much regard took to his wealth, as to her own will, she would be as loath to suffer him from the king as any of us be. For, if she have wit, (as would God she had as good will as she hath 〈…〉 de wit) she reckoneth herself no wiser, than she thinketh some that be here, of whose faithful mind she nothing doubteth, but verily believeth and knoweth, that they would be as sorry of his harm, as herself, and yet would have him from her, if she bide there: And we all (I think) content, that both be with her, if she come thence, and bide in such place, where they may with their honour be. Now then, if she refuse in the deliverance of him, to follow th● counsel of them, whose wisdom she knoweth, whose truth she well trusteth: it is ethe to perceive, th● frowardness letteth her, & not fear. But go to, suppose th● she fear (as who may let her to fear her own shadow) the more she feareth to dely▪ ner him, the more ought we fear to leave him in her hands. For, if she cast such fond doubts, that she fear his hurt: then will she fear, that he shall be fetched thence. For▪ she will soon think, that if men were set (which God forbidden) upon so great a mischief, the Sanctuary would little let them: which good men might (as me thinketh) without sin, somewhat less regard than they do. Now then, if she doubt, least he might be fetched from her, is it not likely enough that she shall send him some where out of the Realm? verily, I look for none other. And I doubt not, but she now as sore mindeth it, as we the let thereof. And if she might happen to bring that to pass, (as it were no great mastery, we letting her alone) all the world would say, that we were a wise sort of Counfailours about a King, that let his brother be cast away under our noses. And therefore, I ensure you faithfully for my mind, I will rather maugre her mind, fetch him away, than leave him there, till her frowardness and fond fear convey him away. And yet will I break no Sanctuary therefore. For verily, sith th● privileges of that place & other like, have been of long continued, I am not he th● would be about to break them. And in good faith, if they were now to begin, I would not be he that should be about to make them. Yet will I not say nay, but that it is a deed of pity, that such men as the sea, or their evil debtors have brought in poverty, should have some place of liberty, to keep their bodies out of the danger of their cruel creditors. And also, if the Crown happen (as it hath done) to come in question, while either part taketh other as Traitors, I will well there be some places of refuge for both. But as for thieves, of which, these places be full, and which never fall from the craft, after they once fall thereto, it is pity the Sanctuary should serve them. And much more, manquellers, whom God bade to take from the Altar and kill them, if their murder were wilful. And where it is otherwise, there need we not the Sanctuaries th● God appointed in the old law. For if either necessity, his own defence, or misfortune draweth him to that deed, a pardon serveth, which either the law granteth of course, or the King of pity may. Then look me now how few Sanctuary men there be, whom any favourable necessity compelled to go thither: And then see on the other side, what a sort, there be commonly therein of them, whom wilful unthriftiness hath brought to nought. What a rabble of thieves, murderers, and malicious heinous Traitors, and that in two places specially. The tone at the elbow of the City, the t'other in the very bowels. Westminst●●▪ and Saint Martin●. I dare well avow it, weigh the good that they do, with the hurt that cometh of them, and ye shall find it much better to lack both, than have both. And this I say, although they were not abused as they now be, and so long have been, that I fear me ever they will be, while men be afraid to set their hands to the mendment, as though God and Saint Peter, were the patrons of ungracious living. Now unthrifts riot, and run in debt, upon the boldness The abuse of Sanctuaries. of these places, yea, and rich men run thither with poor men's goods, there they build, there they spend, and bid their creditors go whistle them. men's wives run thither with their husbands plate, and say, they dare not abide with their husbands for beating. thieves bring thither their stolen goods, and there live thereon. There devise they new robberies, nightly they steal out, they rob, and reave, and kill, and come in again, as though those places gave them not only a safeguard for the harm they have done, but a licence also to do more. Howbeit, much of this mischief, if wise men would set their hands to it, might be amended, with great thanks of God, and no breach of the privilege. The residue, sith so long ago I wot near what Pope, and what Prince more piteous than politic, hath granted it, and other men since, of a certain religious fear, have not broken it, let us take a pain therewith, and let it a God's name stand in force, as far forth as reason will, which is not fully so far forth, as may serve to let us of the fetching forth of this noble man, to his honour and wealth, out of that place, in which he neither is, nor can be a Sanctuary man. A Sanctuary serveth always to defend the body of that man that standeth in danger abroad, not of great hurt only, but also of lawful hurt▪ for against unlawful harms, never Pope nor King intended to privilege any one place, for that privilege hath every place: knoweth any man, any place, wherein it is lawful one man to do an other wrong? That no man unlawfully take hurt, that liberty, the K. the law, & very nature, forbiddeth in every place, & maketh to that regard, for every man every place a Sanctuary. But where a man is by lawful means in peril, there needeth he the tuition of some special privilege, which is the only ground and cause of all Sanctuaries: from which necessity, this noble Prince is far, whose love to his King, nature and kindred proveth, whose innocency to all the world, his tender youth proveth, and so Sanctuary, as for him, neither none he needeth, nor also none can have. Men come not to Sanctuary, as they come to Baptism, to require it by their Godfathers, he must ask it himself, that must have it, and reason, sith no man hath cause to have it, but whose conscience of his own fault maketh him feign, need to require it: what will then hath yonder babe? which and if he had discretion to require it, if need were, I dare say would now be right angry with them that keep him there: and I would think without any scruple of conscience, without any breach of privilege, to be somewhat more homely with them that be there Sanctuary men in deed. For if one go to Sanctuary with an others man's goods, why should not the King▪ leaving his body at liberty, satisfy the party of his goods, even within the Sanctuary? for neither King nor Pope can give any place such a privilege, that it shall discharge a man of his debts, being able to pay: and with that, divers of the Clergy that were present, whither they said it for his pleasure, or as they thought agreed plainly, that by the law of God and of the Church, the goods of a Sanctuary man should be delivered in payment of his debts, and stolen goods to the owner, & only liberty reserved him to get his living with the labour of his hands, verily (quoth the Duke) I think you say very truth, and what if a man's wife will take Sanctuary, because she list to run from her husband? I would ween if she could allege none other cause, he may lawfully without any displeasure to Saint Peter, take her out of Saint Peter's Church by the arm. And if no body may be taken out of Sanctuary, that saith he will bide there, then if a child will take Sanctuary, because he feareth to go to School, his master must let him alone. And as simple as that sample is, yet is there less reason in our case than in that, for therein, though it be a childish fear, yet is there, at the leastwise some fear, and herein is there none at all. And verily, I have often heard of Sanctuary men, but I never heard erst of Sanctuary children. And therefore, as for the conclusion of my mind, who so may have deserved to need it, if they think it for their surety, let them keep it. But he can be no Sanctuary man, that neither hath wisdom to desire it, nor malice to deserve it, whose life or liberty, can by no lawful process stand in jeopardy. And he that taketh one out of Sanctuary to do him good, I say plainly, that he breaketh no Sanctuary. When the Duke had done, the Temporal men whole, and a good part of the spiritual also, thinking no hurt earthly, meant toward the young babe, condescended in effect, that if he were not delivered, he should be fetched. Howbeit, they thought it all best, in the avoiding of all manner of rumour, that the Lord Cardinal should first assay to get him with her good will. And thereupon, all the Counsel came unto the Star Chamber at Westminster, and the Lord Cardinal, leaving the Protector with the Counsel in the Star Chamber, departed into the Sanctuary to the Queen, with divers other Lords with him, were it for the respect of his honour, or that she should by presence of so many perceive that this errand was not one man's mind: or were it, for that the Protector intended not in this matter, to trust any one man alone, or else, that if she finally were determined to keep him, some of that company, had happily secret instruction incontinent, maugre her mind, to take him, and to leave her no respite to convey him, which she was likely to mind after this matter broken to her, if her time would in any wise serve her. When the Queen, and these Lords were come together in presence, the Lord Cardinal showed unto her, that it was thought unto the Protector, and unto the whole Counsel, that her keeping of the King's brother in that place, was the thing, which highly sounded, not only to the great rumour of the people and their obloquy, but also to the importable grief and displeasure of the King's royal Majesty, to whose grace it were as singular comfort to have his natural brother in company, as it was their both dishonour, and all theirs and hers also, to suffer him in Sanctuary, as though the one brother stood in danger and peril of the other. And he showed her, that the Counsel therefore had sent him unto her, to require her the delivery of him, that he might be brought unto the kings presence at his liberty, out of that place, which they reckoned as a prison, and there should he be demeaned, according to his estate, and she in this doing, should both do great good to the Realm, pleasure to the Counsel, and profit to herself, succour to her friends that were in distress, and ●uer that (which he wist well she specially tendered,) not only great comfort and honour to the King, but also to the young Duke himself, whose both great wealth it were to be together, as well for many greater causes, as also for their both disport, and recreation: which thing, the Lord esteemed no sleight, though it seem light, Protector. well pondering, that their youth without recreation and play, cannot endure, nor any stranger, for the conjecture of their both ages and estates, so meetly in that point for any of them, as either of them for other. My Lord (quoth the Queen) I say not nay, but th● it were The Queen●● aunswer●. ●ery convenient, th● this Gentleman whom ye require were in company of the King his brother: and in good faith, me thinketh it were as great commodity to them both, as for yet a while, to bein the custody of their mother, the tender age considered of th● elder of them both, but specially th● younger, which besides his infancy, that also needeth good looking to, hath a while been so sore diseased, vexed with sickness, and is so newly rather a little amended, than well recovered, that I dare put no person earthly in trust with his keeping, but myself only, considering that there is (as Physicians say) and as we also find, double the peril in the recidivation, that was in the first sickness, with which disease, Nature being sore laboured, forewéeried and weakened, wa●eth the less able to bear out and sustain a new surfeit. And albeit there might be found other that would happily do their best unto him, yet is there none that either knoweth better how to order him, than I that so long have kept him: or is more tenderly like to cherish him, than his own mother that bore him. No man denieth, good Madame, (quoth the Cardinal) but that your grace were of all folk most necessary about your children: & so would all the Counsel not only be content, but glad that ye were, if it might stand with your pleasure to be in such place as might stand with their honour. But if you do appoint yourself to tarry here, then think they it more convenient that the Duke of York were with the King honourably at his liberty to the comfort of them both: than here as a Sanctuary man, to their both dishonour and obloquy, sith there is not always so great necessity to have the Child to be with the Mother: but that occasion may sometime be such, th● it should be more expedient to keep him elsewhere, which in this well appeareth, that at such time as your dearest son than Prince, and now King, should for his honour, and good order of the Country, keep household in Wales, far out of your company: your grace was well content there with yourself. Not very well content quoth the Queen: And yet the case is not like, for the one was then in health, and the other is now sick: In which case, I marvel greatly, that my Lord Protector is so desirous to have him in his keeping, where if the child in his sickness miscarry by nature, yet might he run into slander and suspicion of fraud. And where they call it a thing so sore against my child's honour, and theirs also, that he bideth in this place: it is all their honours thereto suffer him bide, where no man doubteth he shall be best kept, and that is here, while I am here, which as yet intend not to come forth, and jeopard myself after other of my friends, which would God were rather here in surety with me, than I were there in jeopardy with them. Why Madame (quoth an other Lord) know you any thing why they should be in jeopardy? Nay verily sir quoth she, nor why they should be in prison neither, as they now be. But it is I trow, no great marvel though I fear, lest those that have not letted to put them in duresse without colour, will let as little to procure their destruction without cause. The Cardinal made a countenance to the other Lord, that he should harp no more upon that string, & then said he to the Queen, that he nothing doubted, but that those Lords of her honourable kin, which as yet remained under arrest, should upon the matter examined, do well enough: and as toward her noble person, neither was, nor could be any manner jeopardy. Whereby should I trust that (quoth the Queen) in that I am guiltless? as though they were guilty, in that I am with their enemies better loved than they? when they hate them for my sake, in that I am so ●éere of kin to the King? and how far they be of, if that would help, as God send grace it hu●● not, and therefore as for me, I purpose not as yet, to departed hence. And as for this Gentleman my son, I mind that he shall be where I am, till I see further: for I assure you, for that I see some men so greedy, without any substantial cause to have him, this maketh me much the more fearder to deliver him. Truly Madame, quoth he, and the fearder that you be to deliver him, the feader been other men to suffer you to keep him, lest your causeless fear might cause you farther to convey him: and many be there that think he can have no privilege in this place, which neither can have will to ask it, nor malice to deserve it, and therefore, they reckon no privilege broken, though they fetch him out, which if ye finally refuse to deliver him, I verily think they will. So much dread hath my Lord his Uncle, for the ●ender love he beareth him, lest your grace should hap to send him away. A Sir (quoth the Queen) hath the Protector so tender The Queen. zeal, that he feareth nothing but least he should escape him? Thinketh he that I would send him hence, which neither is in the plight to send out, and in what place could I reckon him sure, if he be not sure in the Sanctuary? whereof was there never Tyrant yet so devilish that durst presume to break. And I trust God is as strong now to withstand his adversaries, as ever he was. But my son can deserve no Sanctuary, and therefore he can not have it. Forsooth he hath found a goodly gloze, by which that place that may defend a Thief, may not save an Innocent. But he is in no jeopardy, nor hath no need thereof: would God he had not. Troth the Protector (I pray God he may prove a Protector) troweth he that I perceive not where unto his painted process draweth? It is not honourable that the Duke bide here: It were comfortable for them both, that he were with his brother, because the King lacketh a playfellowe be ye sure. I pray God send them both better play-fellows than him that maketh so high a matter upon such a trifling pretext: As though there could none be found to play with the King, but if his brother that hath no lust to play for sickness, come out of Sanctuary out of his safeguard to play with him. As though Princes as young as they he, could not play but ●●rth their Peers, or children could not play but with their kindred, with whom for the more part they agree much worse than with strangers. But the child can not require the privilege: who told him so? He shall hear him ask it, and he will. Howbeit this is a ga● matter, suppose he could not ask it, suppose he would not ask it▪ suppose he would ask to go out, if I say he shall not, if I ask the privilege but for myself, I say he that against my will taketh him out, breaketh the Sanctuary. Serveth this liberty for my person only, or for my goods to? Ye may not hence take my horse from me: & may you take my child fro me? He is also my ward: for as my learned counsel showeth me, sith he hath nothing by descent holden by knights service, the law maketh his mother his gardaine. Then may no man I suppose take my ward from me out of Sanctuary, without the breach of Sanctuary. And if my privilege could not serve him, nor he ask it for himself, yet sith the law committeth to me the custody of him, I may require it for him, except the law give a child a gardaine only for his goods and lands, discharging him of the ●●e & safekéeping of his body, for which only both lands and goods serve. ¶ And if examples be sufficient to obtain privilege for This that is here between this mark ¶ and this mark * was not written by him in englith but is translated out of this History which he wrote in Latin. my child, I need not far to seek. For in this place in which now be (& which is now in question whether my child may take benefit of it) mine other son (now king) was borne, & kept in his cradle, & preserved to a more prosperous fortune, which I pray God long to continue. And as all you know, this is not the first time that I have taken Sanctuary. For when my Lord my husband was banished, and thrust out of his Kingdom, I fled hither, being great with child, and here I bore the Prince. And when my Lord my husband returned safe again, and had the victory, than went I hence to welcome him home, and from hence I brought my babe the Prince unto his father, when he first took him in his arms. And I pray God that my sons palace may be as great safeguard unto him now reigning, as this place was sometime to the kings enemy. In which place I intent to keep his brother sith. etc. * Wherefore here intent I to keep him, since man's law serveth the gardaine to keep the infant. The law of nature will the mother keep her child, God's law privilegeth th● Sanctuary, & the Sanctuary my son, sith I I fear to put him in the Protectors hands that hath his brother already, & were (if both failed) inheritor to the Crown. The cause of my fear hath no man to do to examine. And yet fear I no farther than the law feareth, which as learned men tell me, forbiddeth every man the custody of them, by whose death he may inherit less land than a kingdom. I can no more, but whosoever he be the breaketh this holy Sactuarie, I pray God shortly send him need of Sanctuary, when he may not come to it. For taken out of Sanctuary would I not my mortal enemy were. The Lord Cardinal perceiving that the Queen warred ever the longer the further off, and also that she began to kindle and chafe, and speak more biting words against the Protector, and such as he neither believed, & was also loath to hear, he said to her for a final conclusion, that he would no longer dispute the matter, but if she were content to deliver the Duke to him, and to the other Lords present, he durst lay his own body and soul both in pledge, not only for his surety, but also for his estate. And if she would give them a resolute answer to the contrary, he would forthwith departed there with all, and shift who so would with this business afterwards, for he never intended more to move her in that matter, in which she thought that he and all other also save hirself lacked either wit or truth. Wit, if they were so dull that they could nothing perceive what the Protector intended: truth, if they should procure her son to be delivered into his hands, in whom they should perceive toward the child any evil intended. The Queen with these words stood a good while in a great study. And forasmuch as her seemed the Cardinal ready to depart than some of the remnant, and the Protector himself ready at hand, so that she verily thought she could not keep him there, but that he should incontinent be taken thence, and to convey him elsewhere, neither had she time to serve her, nor place determined, nor persons appointed, all things unready, this message came on her s● suddenly, nothing less looking for, than to have him fetched out of Sanctuary, which she thought to be now beset i● such places about, th● he could not be conveyed out untaken, and partly (as she thought) it might fortune, her fear to be false, so well she wist it was either peerless or bootlesse● wherefore, if she should needs go from him, she deemed it best to deliver him. And over that, of the Cardinal's faith she nothing doubted, nor of some other Lords neither, whom she there saw. Which as she feared lest they might be deceived: so was she well assured they would not be corrupted: them thought she it should yet make them the more warily to look to him, & the more circumspectly to see to his surety, if she with her own hands betook him to them of trust. And at the last she took the young Duke by the hand, & said unto the Lords: My Lords (quoth she) & all my Lords, I neither am so unwise to mistrust your wits, nor so suspicious to mistrust your truths: Of which thing I purpose to make you such a proof, as if either of both lacked in you, might turn both me to great sorrow, the Realm to much harm, & you to great reproach. For lo, here is (quoth she) this Gentleman, whom I doubt not but I could here keep safe, if I would, whatsoever any man say: & I doubt not also, but there be some abroad so deadly enemies unto my blood, th● if they witted where any of it lay in their own body, they would let it out. We have also experience the the desire of a kingdom knoweth no kindred. The brother hath been the brothers bane: & may th● nephews be sure of their uncle? Each of these children is the others defence while they be a sunder, & each of their lives lieth in the others body. Keep one safe & both be sure, & nothing for them both more perilous, than to be both in one place. For what wise Merchant adventureth all his goods in one ship? All this notwithstanding, here I deliver him, & his brother in him, to keep, into your hands, of whom I shall ask them both afore god & the world. Faithful ye be the wot I well, & I know well you be wise. Power & strength to keep him if you list, neither lack ye of yourself, nor can lack help in this case. And if ye can not else where, then may you leave him here. But only one thing I beseech you, for the trust which his father put in you ever, & for the trust the I put in you now, th● as far as ye think th● I fear too much, be you well ware that you fear not as far too little. And therewithal the said unto the child, farewell mine own sweet son▪ God send you good keeping: let me kiss you yet once ere you go, for God knoweth when we shall kiss together again. And therewith she kissed him, & blessed him, turned her back & wept, & went her way, leaving the child weeping as fast. When th● Lord Cardinal, & those other Lords with him, had received this young duke, they brought him into th● star Chamber, where th● Protector took him in his arms, & kissed him, with these words: now welcome my Lord even with all my very heart. And he said in th● of O dissimulation. likelihood as he thought. Thereupon forthwith they brought him unto the King his brother, into the Bishop's Palace at Paul's, and from thence through the city honourably into the Tower, out of the which after th● day they never came abroad. ¶ When the Protector had both th● children in his hands, This that is here between this mark ¶ and this mark * was not written by him in english but is translated out of this History which he written in Latin. he opened himself more boldly, both to certain other men, & also chief to th● Duke of Buckingham. Although I know th● many thought th● this Duke was privy to all th● Protectors counsel, even from the beginning, & some of the Protectors friends said, th● the duke was the first mover of the Protector to this matter, sending a privy messenger unto him, strait after K. Edward's death. But other again which knew better the subtle wit of th● Protector, deny th● he ever opened his enterprise to th● duke, until he had brought to pass th● things before rehearsed. But when he had imprisoned th● queens kinsfolks, & gotten both her sons into his own hands, than he opened the rest of his purpose with less fear to them whom he thought meet for th● matter, & specially to the Duke, who being won to his purpose, he thought his strength more than half increased. The matter was broken unto the duke by subtle folks, & such as were their craft's masters in the handling of such wicked devices: who declared unto him that the young king was offended with him for his kinsfolks sake, & if he were ever able he would revenge them. Who would prick him forward thereunto if they escaped (for they would remember their imprisonment) or else if they were put to death, without doubt the young King would be careful for their deaths, whose imprisonment was grievous unto him. And that with repenting the Duke should nothing avail, for there was no way left to redeem his offence by benefits, but he should sooner destroy himself than save the king, who with his brother and his kinsfolks he saw in such places imprisoned, as the Protector might with a beck destroy them all: and that it were no doubt but he would do it in deed, if there were any new enterprise attempted. And that it was likely, that as the Protector had provided privy guard for himself, so had he spyalles for the Duke, and trains to catch him, if he should be against him, and that peradventure from them, whom he least suspected. For the state of things and the dispositions of men were then such, that a man could not well tell whom he might trust, or whom he might fear. * These things and such like, being beaten into the Duke's mind, brought him to that point, that where he had repent the way that he had entered, yet would he go forth in the same, and since he had once begun, he would stoutly go through. And therefore to this wicked enterprise which he believed could not be voided, he bent himself, and went through and determined, that since the common mischief could not be amended, he would turn it as much as he might to his own commodity. Then it was agreed, that the Protector should have the Duke's aid to make him King, and that the Protectors only lawful son should marry the Duke's daughter, & that the Protector should grant him the quiet possession of the ●ledome of Hertford, which he claimed as his inheritance, and could never obtain it in King Edwardes tyme. Besides these requests of th● duke, th● Protector of his own mind promised him a great quantity of the king's treasure, and of his household stuff. And when they were thus at a point between themselves, they went about to prepare for th● Coronation of the young king as they would have it seem. And that they might turn both the eyes and minds of men from perceiving of their drifts other where, the Lords being sent for from all parts of th● Realm, came thick to th● solemnity. But the Protector, & the duke after that, that they had sent th● Lord Cardinal, the Archbishop of York then Lord Chancellor, th● Bishop of Elie, th● Lord Stanley, & the lord Hastings then Lord Chamberlain, with many other noble men* to common & devise about the coronation in one place, as fast were they in another place, contriving the contrary, and to make the Protector King. To which Council, albeit there were adhibited very few, & they were secret: yet began there here & there about, some manner of muttering among th● people, as though all should not long be well, though they neither wist what they feared, nor wherefore, were it that before such great things men's hearts of a secret instinct of nature misgive them. As the sea without wind swelleth of himself sometime before a tempest: or were it that some one man happily somewhat perceiving, filled many men with suspicion, though he showed few men what he knew. Howbeit somewhat the dealing itself made men to muse on the matter, though the Council were close. For by little and little, all folk withdrew from the Tower, & drew to Crosbies' in Bishops gate street. where the Protector kept his household. The Protector had the resort, the King in manner desolate. While some for their business made suit to them that had the doing, some were by their friends secretly warned, that it might happily turn them to no good, to be too much attendant about the King without the Protectors appointment, which removed also divers of the Princes old servants from him, and set new about him. Thus many things coming together, partly by chance, partly of purpose, caused at length not common people only, th● wound with the wind, but wise men also, & some Lords eke to mark the matter, & muse thereon, so far forth, that the Lord Stanley that was after Earl of Derby, wisely mistrusted it, and said unto the Lord Hastings, that he much misliked these two several Counsels. For while we (quoth he) talk of one matter in the one place, little wot we whereof they talk in the other place. My Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings) of my life never doubt you: for while one man is there, which is never thence, never can there be thing once moved, that should sound amiss toward me, but it should be in mine ears ere it were well out of their mouths. This meant he by Catesby, which was of his near secret Catesby. counsel, and whom he very familiarly used, and in his most weighty matters put no man in so special trust, reckoning himself to no man so lief, sith he well wist there was no man so much to him beholden as was this Catesby, which was a man well learned in the laws of this land, and by the special favour of the Lord Chamberlain, in good authority, and much rule bare in all the County of Leycester, where the Lord Chamberleynes power chiefly lay. But surely great pity was it, that he had not had either more truth or less wit. For his dissimulation only, kept all that mischief up. In whom if the Lord Hastings, had not put so special trust, the Lord Stanley and he had departed with divers other Lords, and broken all the dance, for many ill signs that he saw, which he now construes all to the best. So surely thought he, that there could be no harm toward him in that Council intended, where Catesby was. And of truth the Protector, and the Duke of Buckingham. made very good semblance unto the Lord Hastings, and kept him much in company. And undoubtedly, the Protector loved him well, and loath was to have lost him, saving for fear lest his life should have quaiied their purpose. For which cause he moved Catesby to prove with some words cast out a far off, whether he could think it possible to win the Lord Hastings unto their part. But Catesby whether he assayed him, or assayed him not, reported unto them, that he found him so fast, and heard him speak so terrible words, that he durst no further break. And of truth the Lord chamberlain of very trust showed unto Catesby the distrust that other began to have in the matter. And therefore he fearing lest their motion might with the Lord Hastings minish his credence, whereunto only all the matter leaned, procured the Protector hastily to rid him. And much the rather, for that he trusted by his death to obtain much of the rule that the Lord Hastings bore in his Country: the only desire whereof, was the allective that induced him to be partner and one special contriver of all this horrible treason. Whereupon soon after, that is to wit, on the Friday the thirteenth day of June, many Lords assembled in the Tower, and there sat in Council, devising the honourable solemnity of the King's Coronation, of which the time appointed then so near approached, that the pageants and subtiltyes were in making day and night at Westminster, and much victual killed therefore, that afterward was cast away. These Lords so sitting together communing of this matter, the Protector came in amongst them first about. ix. of the clock, saluting them courteously, and excusing himself that he had been from them so long, saying merrily that he had been a sléeper that day. And after a little talking with them, he said unto the Bishop of Elie: My Lord you have very good Strawberries at your Garden in Holborn; I require you let us have a mess of them. Gladly my Lord (quoth he) would God I had some better thing as ready to your pleasure as that. And therewith in all the hast he sent his servant for a mess of Strawberries. The Protector set the Lords fast in communing, & thereupon praying them to spare him for a little while, departed thence. And soon after one hour, between x. and xj. he returned into the Chamber among them all, changed with a wonderful sour angry countenance, knitting the brows, frowning & fretting, & gnawing on his lips, & so sat him down in his place, all the Lords much dismayed and sore marveling of this manner of sudden change, & what thing should him ail. Then, when he had sitten still a while, thus he began: What were they worthy to have that compass and imagine the destruction of me, being so near of blood unto the King, and Protector of his Royal person and his Realm? At this question, all the Lords sat sore astonied, musing much by whom this question should be meant, of which every man wist himself clear. Then the Lord Chamberlain, as he that for the love between them thought he might be boldest with him, answered and said, that they were worthy to be punished as heinous traitors, whatsoever they were. And all the other affirmed the same. That is (quoth he) yonder sorceress my brother's wife, and other with her, meaning the Queen. At these words many of the other Lords were greatly abashed, th● favoured her. But the Lord Hastings was in his mind better content, th● it was moved by her, than by any other whom he loved better: Albeit his heart somewhat grudged, that he was not afore made of counsel in this matter, as he was of the taking of her kindred, & of their putting to death, which were by his assent before, devised to be beheaded at Pomfret this self same day, in which he was not ware that it was by other devised, that himself should be beheaded the same day at London. Then said the Protector, ye shall all see in what wise that sorceress, and that other Witch of her counsel Shore's wife with their affinity, have by their sorcery and witchcraft wasted my body. And therewith he plucked up his doublet sleeve to his elbow upon his left arm, where he showed a werish withered arm, and small, as it was never other. And thereupon every man's mind sore misgave them, well perceiving th● this matter was but a quarrel. For they well witted th● the Queen was too wise to go about any such folly. And also if she would, yet would she of all folk least make Shore's wife of counsel, whom of all women she most hated, as that Concubine whom the King her husband had most loved. And also, no man was there present but well knew that his arm was ever such since his birth. natheless the Lord chamberlain (which from the death of King Edward kept Shore's wife, on whom he somewhat doted in the King's life, saving (as it is said) he, that while forbore her of reverence toward the K. or else of a certain kind of fidelitic to his friend) answered and said: certainly my Lord, if they have so heinously done, they be worthy heinous punishment. What (quoth the Protector) thou servest me I ween with iffes and with andes, I tell thee they have so done, and that I will make good on thy body traitor: and therewith as in a great anger, he clapped his fist upon the board a great rap. At which token given, one cried treason without the Chamber. Therewith a door clapped, and in come there rushing men in harness, as many as the Chamber might hold. And anon the Protector said to the Lord Hastings, I arrest thee Traitor: What me my Lord? (quoth he) yea thee traitor quoth the Protector. And another let fly at the Lord Stanley, which shrunk at the stroke, and fell The Lord Stanley wounded. under the table, or else his head had been cleft to the teeth: for as shortly as he shrank, yet came the blood about his ears. Then were they all quickly bestowed in divers Chambers, except the Lord Chamberlain, whom the Protector bad speed and shrive him apace, for by Saint Paul (quoth he) I will not to dinner till I see thy head off. It booted him not to ask why, but heavily took a Priest at adventure, and made a short shrift, for a longer would not be suffered, the Protector made so much haste to dinner, which he might not go to, till this were done, for saving of his oath. So was he brought forth into the green beside the Chapel within the Tower, and his head laid down upon a long log of Timber, and there stricken off, and afterward his body with the head interred at Windsor beside the body of King Edward. A marvelous case is it to hear either the warnings of that he should have boyded, or the tokens of that he could not void, for the self night next before his death, the Lord Stanley sent a trusty secret messenger unto him at midnight in all the haste, requiring him to rise and ride away with him, for he was disposed utterly no longer to bide, he The Lord Stanleys' dream. had so fearful a dream, in which him thought that a Boar with his tusks so razed them both by the heads, that the blood ran about both their shoulders. And for as much as the Protector gave the Boar for his cognisance, this dream made so fearful an impression in his heart, that he was thoroughly determined no longer to tarry, but had his horse ready, if the Lord Hastings would go with him to ride yet so far the same night, that they should be out of danger ere day. Ha good Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings to this messenger) leaneth my Lord thy master so much to such trifles, and hath such faith in dreams, which either his own fear fantasieth, or do rise in the nights rest by reason of his day thoughts? Tell him it is plain witchcraft to believe in such dreams, which if they were tokens of things to come, why thinketh he not th● we might be as likely to make them true by our going, if we were caught and brought back (as friends fail fléers) for them had the Boar a cause likely to raze us with his Tusks, as folk th● fled for some falsehood, wherefore either is there no peril, nor none there is in deed: or if any be, it is rather in going than biding. And if we should needs cost fall in peril one way or other, yet had I lieffer th● men should see that it were by other men's falsehood, than think it were either by our own fault, or faint heart. And therefore go to thy master man and commend me to him, and pray him to be merry and have no fear: for I ensure him I am as sure of the man that he woteth of, as I am of mine own hand. GOD send grace sir, quoth the messenger, and went his way. Certain is it also, that in riding towards the Tower the same morning in which he was beheaded, his Horse twice or thrice stumbled with him, almost to the falling, which thing albeit each man wot well daily happeneth to them to whom no such mischance is toward, yet hath it been of an old rite and custom, observed as a token oftentimes notably foregoing some great misfortune. Now this that followeth, was no warning but an envious scorn. The same morning ere he was up, came a Knight unto him, as it were of courtesy, to accompany him to the Counsel, but of truth sent by the Protector to hast him thitherwards, with whom he was of secret confederacy in that purpose, a mean man at that time, and now of great authority. This Knight when it happened the Lord chamberlain by the way to stay his horse, and commune a while with a Priest whom he met in the Tower street, broke his tale, and said merrily to him, what my Lord I pray you come on, whereto talk you so long with that Priest, you have no need of a Priest yet: and therewith he laughed upon him, as though he would say, ye shall have soon. But so little witted the t'other what he mente, and so little mistrusted, that he was never merrier, nor never so full of good hope in his life, which self thing is often seen a sign of change. But I shall rather let any thing pass me, than th● vain surety of man's mind so near his death. Upon the very Tower Wharfe, so near the place where his head was off soon after, there met he with one Hastings a pursuivant of his own name. And of their meeting in that place, he was put in remembrance of another time, in which it had happened them before to meet in like manner together in the same place. At which other time the Lord Chamberlain had been accused unto King Edward by the Lord Rivers the queens brother, in such wise as he was for the while (but it lasted not long) far fallen into the Kings indignation, and stood in great fear of himself. And for as much as he now met this pursuivant in the same place that jeopardy so well passed, it gave him great pleasure to talk with him thereof, with whom he had before talked thereof in the same place, while he was therein. And therefore he said: Ah Hastings art thou remembered when I met thee here once with an heavy heart? Yea my Lord (quoth he) that remember I well, and thanked be God, they got no good, nor you no harm thereby. Thou wouldst say so (quoth he) if thou kn●west as much as I know, which few know else as yet, and more shall shortly. That meant he by the Lords of the queens kindred that were taken before and should that day be beheaded at Ponfraite● which he well witted, but nothing ware that the Are hung over his own head. In faith man (quoth he) I was never so sorry, nor never stood in so great dread in my life, as I did when thou and I met here. And lo how the world is turned, now stand mine enemies in the danger (as thou mayest hap to hear more hereafter) and I never in my life so merry, nor never in so great surety. O good God the blindness of our mortal nature, when he most feared, he was in good surety, when he reckoned himself surest, he lost his life, & that within two hours after. Thus ended this honourable man, a good Knight and a The description of the Lord Hastings. gentle, of great authority with his Prince, of living somewhat dissolute, plain and open to his enemy, and secret to his friend, easy to beguile, as he that of good heart and courage forestudied no perils: a loving man and passing well beloved: very faithful and trusty enough, trusting too much. Now flew the fame of this Lord's death swiftly through the City, and so forth further about like a wind in every man's ear. But the Protector immediately after dinner, intending to set some colour upon the matter, sent in all haste for many substantial men out of the City into the Tower. And at their coming, himself with the Duke of Buckingham, stood harnessed in old ill faring Briganders, such as no man should ween that they would vouchsafe to have put upon their backs, except that some sudden necessity had constrained them. And then the Protector showed them, that the Lord Chamberlain and other of his conspiracy had contrived to have suddenly destroyed him, and the Duke, there the same day in the Counsel. And what they intended further was as yet not well known. Of which their Treason he never had knowledge before ten of the clock the same forenoon, which sudden fear drove them to put on for their defence such harness as came next to hand. And so had God helped them, that the mischief turned upon them that would have done it. And this he required them to report. Every man answered him fair, as though no man mistrusted the matter, which of troth no man believed. Yet for the further appeasing of the people's mind, he sent immediately after dinner in all haste, an Herald of arms, with a Proclamation to be made through the City in the The Protectors proclamation. kings name, containing, that the Lord Hastings with diverse other of his traitorous purpose, had before conspired the same day, to have slain the Lord Protector, and the Duke of Buckingham, sitting in the Counsel, and after to have taken upon them to rule the King, and the realm, at their pleasure, and thereby to pill and spoil whom they list uncontrolled. And much matter there was in that proclamation, devised to the slander of the Lord chamberlain, as that he was an evil. counsellor to the King's father, enticing him to many things highly redounding to the minishing of his honour, and to the universal hurt of his Realm by his evil company, sinister procuring, and ungracious ensample, as well in many other things, as in the dicious living and inordinate abusion of his body, both with many other, and also specially with Shore's wise, which was one also of his most secret counsel of this heynons treason, with whom he lay nightly, and namely the night last passed next before his death, so that it was the less marvel, if ungracious living brought him to an unhappy ending, which he was now put unto, by the most dread commandment of the King's highness, and of his honourable and faithful counsel, both for his demerits, being so openly taken in his falsely conceived treason, and also least the delaying of his execution, might have encouraged other mischievous persons partners of his conspiracy, to gather and assemble themselves together, in making some great commotion for his deliverance: whose hope being now by his well deserved death politicly repressed, all the realm should by god's grace, rest in good quiet and peace. Now was this proclamation made within two hours after that he was beheaded, and it was so curiously indicted, and so fair written in parchment, in so well a set hand, and therewith of itself so long a process, that every child might well perceive that it was prepared before. For all the time between his death and the proclaiming, could scant have sufficed unto the bare writing alone, all had it been but in Paper, and scribbled forth in haste at adventure. So that upon the proclaiming thereof, one that was schoolmaster of Paul's, of chance standing by, and comparing the shortness of the time with the length of the matter, said unto them that stood about him, here is a gay goodly cast, foul cast away for haste: and a Merchant answered him, that it was written by prophecy. Now then by & by, as it were for anger, not for covetise, the Protector sent into the house of Shore's wife (for her husband dwelled not with her) and spoiled her of all that ever she had, above the value of two or three thousand mark, and sent her body to prison. And when he had a while laid unto her (for the manner sake) that she went about to bewitch him, and that she was of counsel with the Lord Chamberlain to destroy him: in conclusion when that no colour could fasten upon these matters, than he laid heinously to her charge, th● thing that herself could not deny, that all the world witted was true, and that natheless every man laughed at, to hear it then so suddenly, so highly taken, that she was nought of her body. And for this cause (as a good continent Prince, clean and faultless of himself, sent out of heaven into this vicious world for the amendment of men's manners) he caused the Bishop of London to put her to open penance, going before the Cross in Procession, upon a Sunday, with a Taper in her hand. In which she went in countenance and place demure so womanly, and albeit she were out of all array save her kirtle only, yet went she so fair and lovely, namely while the wondering of the people cast a comely rudde in her cheeks (of which she before had most miss,) that her great shame wan her much praise, among those that were more amorous of her body, than curious of her soul. And many good folk also that hated her living, and glad were to see sin corrected: yet pitied they more her penance, ethan rejoiced therein, when they considered that the Protector procured it, more of a corrupt intent, than any virtuous affection. This woman was borne in London, worshipfully friended, The description of Shore's wife. honestly brought up, and very well married, saving somewhat too soon, her husband an honest Citizen▪ young & godly, and of good substance. But for as much as they were coupled ere she were well ripe, she not very fervently loved, for whom she never longed, which was happily the thing that the more easily made her incline unto the King's appetite, when he required her. Howbeit the respect of his royalty, the hope of gay apparel, ease, pleasure, and other wanton wealth, was able soon to pierce a soft tender heart. But when the king had abused her, anon her husband (as he was an honest man, & one th● could his good, not presuming to touch a King's Concubine) left her up to him altogether. When the King died, the Lord Chamberlain took her, which in the King's days, albeit he was sore enamoured upon her, yet he forebare her, either for reverence, or for a certain friendly faithfulness. Proper she was and fair: nothing in her body that you would have changed, but if you would have wished her somewhat higher. Thus say they that knew her in her youth. Albeit some that now see her (for yet she liveth) deem her never to have been well visaged, whose judgement seemeth me somewhat like, as though men should guess the beauty of one long before departed, by her scalp taken out of the charnel house: for now is she old, lean, withered, and dried up, nothing left but riveled skin and hard bone. And yet being even such: who so well advise her visage, might guess and devise, which parts how filled would make it a fair face. Yet delighted not men so much in her beauty as in her pleasant behaviour. For a proper wit had she, and could both read well and write, merry in company, ready and quick of answer, neither mute nor full of babble, sometime taunting without displeasure, and not without disport. The King would say that he had three Concubines, which King Edward's three concubines. in three diverse properties diversly excelled. One the merriest, another the wyliest, the third the holiest harlot in his Realm, as one whom no man could get out of the Church lightly to any place, but it were to his bed. The other two were somewhat greater personages, and nevertheless of their humility content to be nameless, & to forbear the praise of those properties. But the merriest was this Shors' wife, in whom the King therefore took special pleasure. For many he had, but her he loved, whose favour to say the troth (for sin it were to bely the Devil) she never abused to any man's hurt, but to many a man's comfort and relief: where the King took displeasure she would mitigate and appease his mind: where men were out of favour she would bring them in his grace. For many that had highly offended she obtained pardon. Of great forfeitures she got men remission. And finally, in many weighty suits she stood many men in great stead, either for none or very small rewards, and those rather gay than rich: either for that she was content with the deed self well done, or for that she delighted to be sued unto, and to show what she was able to do with the King, or for that wanton women and wealthy be not all ways covetous. I doubt not some shall think this woman to slight a thing to be written of, and set among the remembrances of great matters: which they shall specially think, that happily shall esteem her only by that they now see her. But me seemeth the chance so much the more worthy to be remembered, in how much she is now in the more beggarly condition, unfriended and worn out of acquaintance, after good substance, after as great favour with the Prince, after as great suit and seeking to with all those that those days had business to speed, as many other men were in their times, which be now famous only by the infamy of their ill deeds. Her doings were not much less albeit they be much less remembered because they were not so evil. For men use if they have an evil turn, to write it in Marble: & who so doth us a good turn, we writ it in dust, which is not worst proved by her: for at this day she beggeth of many at this day living, th● at this day had begged if she had not been. Now was it so devised by the Protector and his counsel, that the self day in which the Lord chamberlain was beheaded in the Tower of London, and about the self same hour, was there (not without his assent) beheaded at Ponfraite, the foreremembred Lords and Knights that were taken from the King at Northampton and stony Stratforde. Which thing was done in the presence, and by the order of sir Richard Ratcliff Knight, whose service the Protector Sir Richard Ratclife. specially used in that counsel, and in the execution of such lawless enterprises, as a man that had been long secret with him, having experience of the world, and a shrewd wit, short and rude in speech, rough and boisterous of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pity as from all fear of God. This Knight bringing them out of the prison to the scaffold, and showing to the people about that they were traitors, not suffering them to declare & speak their innocency, lest their words might have inclined men to pity them and to The Lord Rivers and other beheaded. hate the Protector and his part: caused them hastily without judgement, process, or manner of order, to be beheaded, & without other earthly gilt, but only that they were good men, too true to the King, and too nigh to the Queen. Now when the Lord Chamberlain and these other Lords and Knights were thus beheaded and rid out of the way: then thought the Protector, that while men mused what the matter ment, while the Lords of the Realm were about him out of their own strengths, while no man wist what to think, nor whom to trust, ere ever they should have space to dispute and digest the matter and make parties, it were best hastily to pursue his purpose, and put himself in possession of the Crown, ere men could have time to devise any way to resist. But now was all the study by what mean this matter being of itself so heinous, might be first broken to the people, in such wise that it might be well taken. To this Council they took diverse, such as they thought méetlye to be trusted, likely to be induced to that part, and able to stand them in stead either by power or policy. Among whom they made of Co●nlaile Edmonde Shaa Edmond Shaa Mayor of London Knight then Mayor of London, which upon trust of his own advancement, whereof he was of a proud heart highly desirous, should frame the City to their appetite. Of Spiritual men they took such as had wit, and were in authority among the people for opinion of their learning, and had ●● scrupulous conscience. Among these had they john Shaa Clerk, brother to Doctor Shaa, friar Penker. the Mayor, and Friar Penker; pro●inciall of the Augustine Friars, both Doctors of divinity, both great Preachers, both of more learning than virtue, of more fame than learning. For they were before greatly esteemed among the people: but after that never. Of these two the tone had a Sermon in praise of the Protecte●● before the coronation, the t'other after, both so full of tedious flattery, that no m●● ears could abide them. Penker in his sermon so lost his voice, that he was fain to leave off and come down in the midst: Doctor Shaa by his sermon lost his honesty, and soon after his life, for ●erys shame of the world, into which he durst never after come abroad. But the Friar forced for no shame, and so it harmed him the less. How be it some doubt & many think, that Penker was not of counsel of the matter before the coronation, but after the common manner, fell to flattery after: namely sith his Sermon was not incontinent upon it, but at Saint Marie Hospital at the Easter after. But certain it is, that Doctor Shaa was of counsel in the beginning, so far forth, that they determined that he should first break the matter in a. Sermon at Paul's Cross, in which he should by the authority of his preaching, incline the people to the Protectors ghostly purpose. But now was all the labour and study, in the devise of some convenient pretext, for which the people should be content to depose the Prince, and accept the Protector for King▪ In which diverse things they devised. But the thie● thing and the weight of all that invention, rested in this, that they should allege Bastardy▪ either in king▪ Edward himself, or in his children, or both. So that he should seem disabled to inherit the Crown, by the Dyke of York, and the prince by him. To lay Burstardie in King Edward founded openly to the rebuke of the Protectors own mother, which was mother to them both: for in that point could be none other colour but to protende that his own mother was an adulteress, which notwithstanding, to further this purpose he letted not: but na● the less, he would that point should be loss and more favourably handled, not even fully plain and directly, but that the matter should be touched aslope craftily, as thou 〈…〉 spared in that 〈…〉 t to speak all the troth, for fear of his displeasure. But the other point concerning the Bastardy that they devised to surmise in King Edward's children, that would he should be openly declared, and enforced to the uttermost. The colour and pretext whereof, cannot be well perceived, but if we first repeat you some things long before done about King Edward's marriage. After that King Edward the fourth had deposed King Henry the sixth, and was in peaceable possession of th● realm, determining himself to marry, as it was requisite both for himself and for the Realm, he sent over in Ambassade the Earl of Warwick, with other noble men in his company unto Spain, to entreat and conclude a marriage between King Edward and the King's daughter of Spain. In which thing the Earl of Warwick found the parties so toward and willing, that he spéedilyé according to his instructions without any difficulty, brought the matter to very good conclusion. Now happened it, that in the mean season there came to make suit by petition to the king Dame Elizabeth Gray, which was after his. Queen, at that time a Widow, borne Dame Elizabeth Gray. of noble blood, specially by her mother, which was Duchess of bedford, ere she married the Lord Woodfielde her Father. Howbeit this Dame Elizabeth herself, being in service with Queen Margaret, wife unto King Henry the sixth, was married unto one john Gray an Esquire, whom King Henry made Knight, upon the field that he had on Bernet Heath by Saint Albon against King Edward. And little while enjoyed he that Knighthood, for he was at the same field slain. After which done, and the Earl of Warwick being in his Ambassade about the afore remembered marriage, this peer Lady made humble suit unto the King, that she might be restored unto such small lands as her late husband had given her in jointure. Whom when the King beheld, and heard her speak, as she was both fair and of a goodly favour, moderate of stature, well made, and very wise: he not only pitied her, but also waxed enamoured of her. And taking her after secretly aside, began to enter in talking more familiarly. Whose appetite when she perceived, she virtuously denied him. But that did she so wisely, & with so good manner, and words so well set, that she rather kindled his desire than quenched it. And finally, after many a meeting, much wooing, and many great promises, she well espied the King's affection toward her so greatly increased, that she durst somewhat the more boldly say her mind, as to him whose heart she perceyned more fervently set, than to fall off for a word. And in conclusion, she showed him plain, that as she wist her self to simple to be his wife, so thought she herself too good to be his Concubine. The King much marveling at her constancy, as he that had not been wont else where to be so stiffelye said nay, so much esteemed her continency and chastity, that he set her virtue in the stead of possession and riches, and thus taking Counsel of his desire, determined in all possible haste i● marry her. And after he was thus appointed, and had between them twain insured her: then asked he Counsel of his other friends, and that in such manner, as they might then perceive, it booted not greatly to say nay. Notwithstanding the Duchess of York his mother was so sore moved their with, the she dissuaded the marriage as much as she possible might, The King's Mother. alleging the it was his honour, profit and surety also, to marry in a noble progeny out of his Realm, whereupon depended great strength to his estate, by the affinity, and great possibility of increase of his possession. And that he could not well otherwise do, standing that the Earl of Warwick had so far moved already, which were not likely to take it well, i● all his voyage were in such wise frustrate, & his appointments deluded. And she said also, that it was not Princely to marry own subject, no great occasion leading thereunto, no possessions, or other commodity depending thereupon, but only as it were a rich man that would marry his maid, only for a little wanton votage upon her person. In which marriage many more commend the maidens fortune than the masters wisdom. And yet therein she said there was more honesty than honour in this marriage. For as much as there is between no merchant and his own maid so great difference, as between the King and this widow. In whose person, albeit there was nothing to be misliked, yet was there (she said) nothing so excellent but that it might be found in diverse other that were more méetly (quoth she) for your estate, and maidens also, whereas the only widowhood of Elizabeth Gray, though she were in all other things convenient for you, should yet suffice as me seemeth to refrain you from her marriage, sith it is an unfitting thing, and a very blemish and high disparagement to the sacred majesty of a Prince, that aught as nigh to approach priesthood in cleanness as he doth in dignity, to be defouled with Bigamy in his first marriage. The King when his mother had said, made her answer, The King's answer to his mother. part in earnest, part in play merrily, as he that wist himself out of her rule. And albeit he would gladly that she should take it well, yet was at a point in his own mind, took she it well or otherwise. Howbeit somewhat to satisfy her, he said, that albeit marriage being a Spiritual thing, ought rather to be made for the respect of God, where his grace inclineth the parties to love togtiher, as he trusted it was in his, than for the regard of any Temporal advantage: yet natheless, him seemed that this marriage even worldly considered, was not unprofitable. For he reckoned the amity of no earthly Nation so necessary for him, as the friendship of his own, which he thought likely to bear him so much the more hearty favour, in that he disdained not to marry with one of his own land. And yet if outward alliance were thought so requisite, he would find the means to enter thereunto, much better by other of his kin, where all the parties could be contented, than to mary himself whom he should happily never love, and for the possibility of more possessions, lease the fruit and pleasure of this that he had already. For small pleasure taketh a man in all that ever he hath beside, if he be wived against his appetite. And I doubt not (quoth he) but there be as ye say other, that be in every point comparable with her. And therefore I let not them that like them to wed them. No more is it reason, that it mislike any man, th● I marry where it liketh me. And I am sure that my cousin of Warwick neither loveth me so little, to grudge at th● I love, nor is so unreasonable to look that I should in choice of a wife, rather be ruled by his eye, than by mine own: as though I were a ward th● were bound to marry by the appointment of a Gardaine. I would not bea K. with th● condition, to forbear mine own liberty in choice of mine own marriage. As for possibility of more inheritance by new affinity in strange lands, is oft the occasion of more trouble than profit. And we have already title by that means, to so much as sufficeth to get and keep well in one man's days. That she is a Widow, and hath already children, by God's blessed Lady, I am a Bachelor & have some to, and so each of us hath a proof that nether of us is like to be barren. And therefore (Madame) I pray you be content, I trust in God she shall bring forth a young Prince that shall please you. And as for the Bigamy, let the Bishop hardly lay it in my way when I come to take orders. For I understand it is forbidden a Priest, but I never witted it yet, that it was forbidden a prince. The Duchess with these words nothing appeased, and seeing the King so set thereon, that she could not pull him back, so highly she disdained it, that under pretext of her duty to Godward, she devised to disturb this marriage, and rather to help th● he should marry one Dame Elizabeth Lucy, whom the King had also not long before gotten with child. Wherefore the King's mother openly objected against his marriage, as it were in discharge of her conscience, that the King was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband Elizabeth Lucy before God. By reason of which words, such obstacle was made in the matter, that either the Bishops durst not, or the K. would not proceed to the solemnisation of this wedding, till these same were clearly purged, & the troth well and openly testified. Whereupon dame Eliz. Lucy was sent for. And albeit that she was by the King's mother and many other put in good comfort, to affirm that she was insured unto the King: yet when she was solemnly sworn to say the troth, she confessed that they were never insured. Howbeit she said his grace spoke so loving words unto her, that she verily hoped he would have married her. And that if it had not been for such kind words, she would never have showed such kindness to him, to let him so kindly get her with child. This examination solemnly taken, when it was clearly The king's marriage. perceived that there was none impediment: the King with great feast and honourable solemnity, married dame Elizabeth Gray and her crowned Queen that was his enemies wife, & many time had prayed full heartily for his loss, in which God loved her better than to grant her her bone. But when the Earl of Warwick understood of this marriage, he took it so highly that his Ambassade was deluded, that for very anger and disdain, he at his returning assembled a great puissance against the King, & came so fast upon him or he could be able to resist, that he was fain to void the realm, and flee into holland for succour, where he remained The king fled. for the space of two years, leaving his new wife in The prince borne. Westminster in Sanctuary, where she was delivered of Ed. the Prince, of whom we before have spoken. In which mean time the Earl of Warwick took out of prison, and set up K. Henry the sixth set up. again King Henry the sixth, which was before by King Edward deposed, & that much what by the power of the Earl of Warwick which was a wise man, and a courageous warrior, Of the Earl of Warwick. & of such strength, what for his lands, his alliance, & favour with all people, that he made Kings, and put down kings almost at his pleasure, & not impossible to have attained it himself, if he had not reckoned it a greater thing to make a King than to be a King. But nothing lasteth always: for in conclusion King Edward returned, and with much less number than he had at Barnet on the Easter-Day field, s●ue The Earl of Warwick ●laine. the Earl of Warwick, with many other great estates of that party, and so stablie attained the Crown again, that he peaceably enjoyed it until his dying day: and in such plight left it, that it could not be lost, but by the discord of his very friends, or falsehood of his feigned friends. I have rehearsed this business about this marriage somewhat the more at length, because it might thereby the better appear upon how slipperss a ground the Protector builded his colour, by which he pretended King Edward's children to be Bastards. But that invention simple as it was, it liked them to whom it sufficed to have somewhat to say, while they were sure to be compelled to no larger proof than themselves list to make. Now then (as I began to show you) it was by the Protector Doctor Shaa● Sermon. and his counsel concluded, that this Doctor Shaa should in a sermon at Paul's cross signify to the people, th● neither king Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence, were lawfully begotten, nor were not the very children of the duke of York, but begotten unlawfully by other people, by adultery of the Duchess their mother. And that also dame Elizabeth Lucy was verily the wife of King Edward, and so the Prince and all his children Bastards, that were begotten upon the Queen. According to this devise Doctor Shaa th● Sunday after, at Paul's Cross in a great audience (as always assembled great number to his preaching) he took for his Theme Spuria vitulamina non agent radices alt as. That is to say: Bastard slips shall never take deep root. Thereupon when he had showed the great grace that God giveth & secretly infundeth in right generation after th● laws of matrimony, them declared he th● commonly those children lacked th● grace, & for the punishment of their parents were for the more part unhappy, which were gotten in base, & specially in adultery. Of which though some by the ignorance of the world and the truth hid from knowledge inherited for the season other men's lands, yet God always so provideth, that it continueth not in their blood long, but the truth coming to light, the rightful inheritors be restored, and the bastard slip pulled up ere it can be rooted deep. And when he had laid for the proof and confirmation of this sentence certain ensamples taken out of the old Testament, and other ancient histories, than began he to descend into the praise of the Lord Richard late Duke of York, calling him father to the Lord Protector, and declared the title of his heirs unto the Crown, to whom it was after the death of King Henry the sixth entailed by authority of Parliament. Then showed he that his very right heir of his body lawfully begotten was only the Lord Protector. For he declared then, that King Edward was never lawfully married unto the Queen, but was before God, husband unto Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and so his children bastards. And besides that, neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence, among those that were secret in the household, were reckoned very surely for the children of the noble Duke, as those that by their favours more resembled other known men than him. From whose virtuous conditions he said also that King Edward was far off. But the Lord Protector he said, the very noble Prince, the special pattern of Knightly prows, as well in all Princely behaviour as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, represented the very face of the noble Duke his father. This is, quoth he, the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure undoubted Image, the plain express likeness of that noble Duke. Now was it before devised, that in the speaking of these words, the Protector should have come in among the people to the Sermon ward, to the end that those words meeting with his presence, might have been taken among the hearers, as though the holy ghost had put them in the preachers mouth, and should have moved the people even there to cry, King Richard, King Richard, that it might have been after said, that he was specially chosen by God and in manner by miracle. But this devise quailed, either by the Protectors negligence or the Preachers overmuch diligence. For while the Protector found by the way tarrying, lest he should prevent those words, and the Doctor fearing that he should come ere his Sermon could come to these words, hasted his matter thereto, who was come to them, and passed them, and entered into other matters ere the Protector came. Whom when he beheld coming, he suddenly left the matter with which he was in hand, and without any deduction thereunto, out of all order and out of all frame began to repeat those words again: this is the very noble Prince, the special patron of Knightly prows, which as well in all Princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his usage, representeth the very face of the noble Duke of York his father: this is the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure undoubted Image, the plain express likeness of the Noble Duke, whose remembrance can never die while he liveth. While these words were in speaking, the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, went through the people into the place where the Doctors commonly stand in the upper story, where he stood to hearken the Sermon. But the people were so far from crying King Richard, that they stood as they had been turned into stones, for wonder of this shameful Sermon. After which once ended, the Preacher got him home, and Preacher. never after durst look out for shame, but kept him out of sight like an Owl. And when he once asked one that had been his old friend what the people talked of him, all were it that his own conscience well showed him that they talked no good, yet when the other answered him, that there was in every man's mouth spoken of him much shame, it so struck him to the heart, that within few days after he withered and consumed away. Then on the Tuesday following this sermon, there came into the Guild hall in London the Duke of Buckingham, accompanied with diverse Lords and Knights, more than happily knew the message that they brought. And there in the East end of the hall, where the Maior keepeth the Hustings, the Mayor and all the Aldermen being assembled about him, all the Commons of the City gathered before them: after silence commanded upon great pain in the Protectors name: the Duke stood up, and (as he was neither unlearned, and of nature marvelously well spoken) he said unto the people with a clear and a loud voice in this manner of wise. Friends, for the zeal and hearty favour that we bear The Duke of Buckingham's Oration. you, we be come to break unto you, of a matter right great and weighty, and no less weighty than pleasing to God, and profitable to all the Ream: nor to no part of the Realm more profitable, than to you the Citizens of this noble City. For why, that thing that we wot well ye have long time lacked, and sore longed for, that ye would have given great good for, that ye would have gone far to fetch, that thing we be come hither to bring you without your labour, pain, cost, adventure or jeopardy. What thing is that: Certes the surety of your own bodies, the quiet of your wines and your daughters, the safeguard of your goods: of all which things in times passed ye stood ever more in doubt. For who was there of you all, that would reckon himself Lord of his own good among so many grens and traps as was set therefore, among so much pilling & polling, among so many taxes & tallages, of which there was never end, & oftentimes no need: or if any were, it rather grew of riot, & unreasonable waist, than any necessary or honourable charge. So that there was daily peeled from good men and honest, great substance of gods to be lashed out among unthrifts, so far forth that fifteens sufficed not, nor any usual manner of known taxes: but under an easy name of benevolence and good will, the Commissioners so much of every man took, as no man could with his good will have given. As though that name of benevolence, had signified that every man should pay not what himself of his own good will list to grant, but what the King of his good will list to take. Which never asked little, but every thing was haunsed above the measure, amerciaments turned into fines, fines into ransoms, small trespasses in misprision, misprision into treason. Whereof I think no man looketh that we should remember you of examples by name, as though Burdet were forgotten, that was for a word spoken in haste cruelly beheaded, by the misconstruing of the laws of this Realm, for the Prince's pleasure: with no less honour to Markam then chief Justice, that left his office rather than he would assent to that judgement, than to the dishonesty of those, that either for fear or flattery gave that judgement. What Cook your own worshipful neighbour, Alderman and Mayor of this noble City, who is of you either so negligent that he knoweth not, or so forgetful that he remembreth not, or so hard hearted that he pitieth not that worshipful man's loss? what speak we of loss? his utter spoil and undeserved destruction, only for that it happened those to favour him whom the Prince favoured not. We need not I suppose to rehearse of these any more by name, sith there be (I doubt not) many here present, that either in themselves, or in their nigh friends have known as well their goods as their persons greatly endangered, either by feigned quarrels, or small matters aggrieved with heinous names. And also there was no crime so great, of which there could lack a pretext. For sith the King preventing the time of his inheritance attained the Crown by battle: it sufficed in a rich man for a pretext of treason, to have been of kindred or alliance, near familiarity or longer acquaintance with any of those that were at any time the King's enemies, which was at one time and other, more than half the Realm. Thus were neither your goods in surety, and yet they brought your bodies in jeopardy, beside the common adventure of open war, which albeit Open war. that it is ever the will and occasion of much mischief, yet is it never so mischievous as where any people fall at distance among themselves, nor in none earthly nation so deadly and so pestilent, as when it happeneth among us: and among us never so long continued dissension, nor so many battles in that season, nor so cruel and so deadly fought, as was in that King's days that dead is, God forgive it his soul. In whose time, and by whose occasion, what about the getting of the garland, keeping it, leasing, and winning again, it hath cost more English blood, than hath twice the winning of France. In which inward war among Civil war. ourselves, hath been so great effusion of the ancient noble blood of this Realm, that scarcely the half remaineth, to the great enféebling of this noble land, beside many a good town ransacked and spoiled by them, that hath been going to the field or coming from thence. And peace long after not much surer than war. So that no time was there, in which rich men for their money, and great men for their lands, or some other for some fear, or some displeasure were not out of peril. For whom trusted he that mistrusted his own brother? whom spared he that killed his own brother? or who could perfectly love him, if his own brother could not? What manner of folk he most favoured we shall for his honour spare to speak of, howbeit, this wot you well all, that who so was best, bore always least rule, & more suit was in his days unto Shore's wife, a vile and an abominable strumpet, than to all the Lords in England, except unto those that made her their protector: which simple woman was well named and honest, till the King for his wanton lust and sinful affection bereft her from her husband, a right honest substantial young man among you. And in that point, which in good faith I am sorry to speak of, saving that it is in vain to keep in counsel that thing that all men know, the King's greedy appetite was insatiable, and every where over all the Realm intolerable. For no woman was there any where, young or old, ●iche or poor, whom he set his eye upon, in whom he any thing liked, either person or favour, speech, pace, or countenance, but without any fear of God, or respect of his honour, murmur or grudge of the world, he would importunely pursue his appetite, & have her, to the great destruction of many a good woman▪ and great dolour to their husband and their other friends, which being honest people of themselves, so much regard the cleanness of their house, the chastity of their wives, and their children, that them were leaver to lease all that they have beside, than to have such a villainy done them. And all were it that with this and other importable dealings, the Realm was in every part annoyed: yet specially ye here the Citizens of this noble City, as well for that amongst, you is most plenty of all such things as minister matter to such injuries, as for that you were nearest at hand, sith that near here about was commonly his most abiding. And yet be ye the people whom he had as singular cause well and kindly to entreat, as any part of his Realm, not only for that the Prince by this noble City, as his especial Chamber, and the special well renowned City of London the King's especial Chamber. his Realm, much honourable fame receiveth among all other nations: but also for that ye not without your great cost, and sundry perils and jeopardies in all his wars, hare even your special ●auour to his part, which you● kind minds borne to the house of York, sith he hath nothing worthily acquitted, there is of that house that now by God's grace better shall, which thing to show you, is the whole sum and effect of this our present errand. It shall not I wot well, need that I rehearse you again, that ye have already heard, of him that can better tell it, and of whom I am sure ye will better believe it. And reason is that it so be. I am not so proud to look therefore that ye should reckon my words of as great authority as the Preachers of the word of God, namely a man so cunning and so wise, that no man better woteth what he should say, and thereto so good and virtuous, that he would not say the thing which he wist he should not say▪ in the Pulpit, namely, into the which no houest man cometh to lie, which honourable Preacher ye well remember substantially declared unto you at Paul's▪ Crosse● on Sunday last passed, the right & title, that the most excellent Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester, now Protector of this Realm hath unto the Crown and Kingdom of the same. For as the worshipful man groundlye made open unto you, the children of King Edward the fourth, were never lawfully begotten, for as much as the King (leaving his very wife Dame Elizabeth Lucy) was never lawfully married unto the Queen their mother, whose blood saving that he set his voluptuous pleasure before his honour, was full umnéetly to be matched with his, and the mingling of whose blood together, hath been the effusion of great part of the● noble blood of this Realm. Whereby it may well seem the marriage not well made, of which there is so much mischief grown. For lack of which lawful accouplling, and also of other things which the said worshipful Doctor rather signified▪ than fully explained, and which things shall not be spoken ●●r me; as the thing wherein every man forbeareth to say that he knoweth ●● avoiding displeasure of my noble Lord Protector, bearing as nature requireth a filial ●●●●re●●● to the Duchess his mother, for these causes I s●y before remembered▪ that is to wit, for lack of other is●●● lawfully coming of the late noble Prince Richard Duke of York, to whose moral blood the Crown of England and of Fraunce ●● is by the high authority of Parliament entailed, the right and title of the same, is by the iust course of inheritance according to the common laws of this Land, deu●lute and comen unto the most excellent Prince the Lord Protector, as to the very lawfully▪ ●●●●tten son of the forere membered noble D●●● of York. Which thing well considered▪ and the great knightly prows pondered, with manifold virtues which in his noble person singularly abound, the Nobles and Commons also of this Realm, and specially of the North part, not willing any bastard blood to have the rule of the land, nor the abustons before in the same used any longer to continue, have condescended and fully determined to make humble petition to the most puissant Prince the Lord Protector, that it may like his grace at our humble request, to take upon him the guiding and governance of this Realm, to the wealth and increase of the ●ame▪ according to his very right and just title. Which thing I wot it well, he will be loath to take upon him, as he whose wisdom well perceiveth the labour and study both of mind and body, that shall come therewith, to whomsoever so will occupy the room, as I dare say he will if he take it. Which room I warn you well is no child's ●●●●e. And that the great wise man well perceived, when he ●ayd● V●●●g●o cuiu● rex puer est: Woe is that Realm that hath a child to their King. Wherefore so much the more cause have we to thank God, that this Noble parsonage which is so righteously entitled thereunto, is of so sad age, and thereunto so great wisdom joined with so great experience, which albeithe will be loath (as I have said) to take it upon him, yet shall he to our petition in that behalf the more graciously in●l●●●, if ye the worshipful Citizens of this the chief City of this Realm, join with us the nobles in our said request. Which for your own weal we doubt not but ye will: and nevertheless I har●●ly pray you so to do, whereby you shall do great profit to all this Realm beside, in choosing them so good a King, and unto yourself special commodity, to whom his Majesty shall ever after bear so much the more tender favour, in how much he shall perceive you the ●●ore prove and beneu●lently minded toward his election. Wherein dear friends what mind you have, ●●● requi●e you plainly to show us. When the Duke had said, and looked that the people whom he hoped that the Mayor had framed before, should after this proposition made, have cried King Richard, King Richard, all was hushed and mute, and not one word answered thereunto: wherewith the Duke was marvelously abashed, and taking the Mayor nearer to him, with other that were about him privy to that matter, said unto them softly, what meaneth this, that this people be so still? Sir (quoth the Mayor percase they perceive you not well. That shall we mend (quoth he) if that will) help. And by and by somewhat louder he rehearsed them the same matter again in other order and other words so well and ornately, and natheless so evidently and plain, with voice, gesture, and countenance so comely, and so convenient, that every man much marveled that heard him, and thought that they never had in their lives heard so evil a tale so well told. But were it for wonder or fear, or that each looked that other should speak first: not one word was there answered of all the people that stood before, but all was as still as the midnight, not so much as rowning amongst them, by which they might seem to commune what was best to do. When the Mayor saw this, he with other partners of that Council drew about the Duke, and said that the people had not been accustomed there to be spoken unto, but by the Recorder, which is the mouth of the City, and happily to him they will answer. With that the Recorder called Fitz William, a sad man, and an honest, Fitz William Recorder. which was so new come into that office, that he never had spoken to the people before, and loath was with that matter to begin, notwithstanding, thereunto commanded by the Mayor, made rehearsal to the Commons of th● the Duke had twice rehearsed them to himself. But the Recorder so tempered his tale, that he showed every thing as the Duke's words, and no part of his own. But all this noting, no change made in the people, which always after one, stood as they had been men amazed, whereupon the Duke rouned unto the Mayor and said: this is a marvelous obstinate silence, and there with he turned unto the people again with these words: Dear friends we come to move you to that thing which peradventure we not so greatly needed, but that the Lords of this Realm, and the commons of other parties might have sufficed: saving that we sache love bear you, and so much set by you, that we would not gladly do without you, that thing in which to be partners is your weal and honour, which as it seemeth, either you see not, or weigh not. Wherefore we require you give us answer one or other whether ye be ininded as all th● Nobles of the Realm be, to have this Noble Prince now Protector to be your King or not. At these words the people began to whisper among themselves secretly, that the voice was neither loud nor distinct, but as it were the sound of a swarm of Bees, till at the last in the neither end of the Hall, a ambushment of the Duke's servants and Nashfieldes, and other longing to the Protector, with some prentices and lads that thrust into the Hall among the press, began suddenly at men's backs to cry out as loud as their throats would gyue● King Richard, King Richard, and threw up their caps in token of joy. And they that stood before cast back their heads marveling thereof, but nothing they said. And when the Duke and the Mayor saw this manner, they wisely turned it to their purpose, and said it was a goodly cry, and a joyful to hear, every man with one voice, no man saying nay. Wherefore friends (quoth the Duke) since that we perceive it is all your whole minds to have this Noble man for your K. whereof we shall make his grace so effectual report, that we doubt not but it shall redound unto your great wenale and commodity: we require ye that ye to morrow go with us, and we with you unto his Noble graced, to make our humble request▪ unto him in manner before remembered. And there with the Lords came dow●e, and the company dissolved and departed, the more part all sad; some with glad femblance that were not very merry, and▪ some of those that came thither with the Duke not able to dissemble their sorrow, were feign at his bark to turn their face to the wall, while the dolour of their heart burst out of their eyes. Then on the morrow after, the Mayor with all the Aldermen The majors coming to Baynard's Castle. and chief commoners of the city in their best manner appareled, assembling themselves together, resorted unto Baynard's Castle where the Protector lay. To which place repaired also according to their appointment, the Duke of Buckingham, with diverse Noble men with him, beside many Knights and other Gentlemen. And thereupon the Duke sent word unto the Lord Protector of the being there of a great and honourable company; to move a great matter unto his grace. Whereupon the Protector made difficulty to come out unto them, but if he first knew some part of their errand, as though he doubted, and partly disinherited the coming of a number unto him so suddenly, without any warning or knowledge whether they came for good or harm. Then the duke when he had showed this unto the Mayor & other, that they might thereby see how little the Protector looked for this matter, they sent unto him by the Messenger such loving message again, and there with so humbly besought him to vouchsafe, that they might resort to his presence, to purpose their intent, of which they would unto none other person part disclose, that at the last he came forth of his Chamber, and yet not down unto them, but stood above in a Gallery over them, where they might see him, and speak to him, as though be would not yet come too near them till he will what they meant. And there upon the Duke of Buckingham, first made humble position unto him on the behalf of them all, that his grace ●ould pardon them, and licence them to purpose unto his ●●●●● the intent of ●o●●, coming, without his displeasure, without which pardon obtained, they durst not be bold to move him of that matter. In which albeit they meant as much honour to his grace, as wealth to all the Realm beside, yet were they not sure how his grace would take it, whom they would in no wise offend. Then the Protector (as he was very gentle of himself, and also longed sore to wit what they meant) gave him leave to purpose what him liked, verily trusting for the good mind that he bore them all, none of them any thing would intend unto him ward, wherewith he ought to be grieved. When the Duke had this leave and pardon to speak, than waxed he bold to show him their intent and purpose, with all the causes moving them thereunto as ye before have heard, and finally to beseech his grace, that it would like him of his accustomed goodness & zeal unto the realm now with his eye of pity, to behold the long continued distress and decay of the same, and to set his gracious hands to redress and amendment thereof, by taking upon him the Crown and governance of this Realm, according to his right and title lawfully descended unto him, and to the laud of God, profit of the Land, and unto his grace so much the more honour, and less pain, in that that never Prince reigned upon any people, that were so glad to live under his obeisance, as the people of this Realm under his. When the Protector had heard the proposition, he looked very strangely thereat, & answered: that albeit it were the he partly knew the things by them alleged to be true, yet such entire love he bore unto King Ed. and his children, th● so much more he regarded his honour in other realms, about than the Crown of any one of which he was never desirous, th● he could not find in his heart in this point to incline to their desire. For in all other Nations where the truth were not well known, it should peradventure be thought, that it were his own ambitious mind and devise, to depose the Prince, and take himself the Crown, with which infamy he would not have his honour stained for any Crown, in which he had ever perceived much more labour and pain, than pleasure to him that would so use it, as he that would not, were not worthy to have it. Notwithstanding he not only pardoned them the motion that they made him, but also thanked them for the love and hearty favour they bore him, praying them for his sake to give and bear the same to the Prince, under whom he was, and would be content to live, and with his labour and counsel, as far as should like the King to use him, he would do his uttermost devoir to set the Realm in good state, which was already in this little while of his Protectorshippe (the praise given to God) well begun, in that the malice of such as were before occasion of the contrary, and of new intended to be, were now partly by good policy, partly more by God's special providence, than man's provision repressed. Upon this answer given, the Duke by the Protectors licence, a little rouned, aswell with other Noble men about him, as with the Mayor and Recorder of London. And after that upon like pardon desired and obtained, he showed aloud unto the Protector, that for a final conclusion, that the Realm was appointed King Edward's line should not any longer reign upon them, both for that they had so far gone, that it was now no surety to retreat, as for that they thought it for the weal universal to take that way, although they had not yet begun it. Wherefore if it would like his grace to take the Crown upon him, they would humbly beseech him thereunto. If he would give them a resolute answer to the contrary, which they would be loath to hear, then must they needs seek and should not fail to find some other noble man that would. These words much moved the Protector, which else as every man may wit, would never of likelihood have inclined thereunto. But when he saw there was none other way, but that either he must take it, or else he and his both go from it, he said unto the Lords and Commons: Sith we perceive well that all the Realm is so set, whereof we be very sorry that they will not suffer in any wise King Edward's line to govern them, whom no man earthly can govern against their wills, and we well also perceive, that no man is there, to whom the Crown can by just title appertain, as to ourself, as very right heir lawfully begotten of the body of our most dear father Richard late Duke of York, to which title is now joined your election, the Nobles and Commons of this Realm, which we of all titles possible take for most effectual: We be content and agree favourably to incline to your petition and request, and according to the same, here The Protector taketh upon him to be king. we take upon us the royal estate, pre-eminence and kingdom of the two noble Realms, England and France, the one from this day forward, by us and our heirs to rule, govern, and defend: the other by God's grace, and your good help, to get again and subdue, and establish for ever in due obedience unto this Realm of England, the advancement whereof we never ask of God longer to live; than we intent to procure. With this there was a great shout, crying King Richard, King Richard. And then the Lords went up to the King (for so was he from that time called) and the people departed, talking diversely of the matter, every man as his fantafie gave him. But much they talked and marveled of the manner of this dealing, that the matter was on both parts made so strange, as though neither had ever communed with other thereof before, when that themselves wist there was no man so dull that heard them, but he perceived well enough, that all the matter was made between them. Howbeit some excused that again, and said all must be done in good order? And men must sometime for the manners sake, not be acknown what they know. For at the consecration of a Bishop, every man woteth well by the paying for his Bulls, that he purposeth to be one, and though he pay for nothing else. And yet must he be twice asked whether he will be Bishop or no, and he must twice say nay, and at the third time take it, as compelled thereunto by his own will. And in a stage play, the people know right well, that he that playeth the Sowdaine, is percase a souter, yet if one should know so little good, to show out of season what acquaintance he hath with him, and call him by his own name while he standeth in his Majesty, one of his tormentors might hap to break his head, and worthy for marring of the play. And so they said, that these matters be Kings games, as it were stage plays, and for the more part, played upon scaffolds. In which poor men be but the lookers on. And they th● wise be will meddle no further. For they that sometime step up, and play with them, when they cannot play their parts, they disorder the play, and do themselves no good. (⸪) ¶ King Richard the third THe next day, the Protector with a great train, went to 1483 Anno reg. 1. This that is here between this mark and this mark *▪ was not written by master Moor in this History written by him in english, but is translated out of this history which he written in Latin. Westminster Hall, and there when he had placed himself in the Court of the King's Bench, declared to the audience, that he would take upon him the Crown in that place there, where the King himself sitteth and ministereth the law, because he considered that it was the chiefest duty of a King to minister the laws. Then with as pleasant an Oration as he could, he went about to win unto him the nobles, the merchants, the artificers, and in conclusion all kind of men but especially the Lawyers of this Realm. And finally to the intent that no man should hate him for fear, and that his deceitful clemency might get him the good will of the people, when he had declared the discommodity of discord, and the commodities of concord and unity, he made an open proclamation, that he did put out of his mind all enmities, and that he there did openly pardon all offences committed against him. And to the intent that he might show a proof thereof, he commanded that one Fog, whom he had long deadly hated, should be brought then before him, who being brought out of the Sanctaurie (for thither had h● fled for fear of him) in the sight of the people, he took him by the hand. Which thing the Common people rejoiced at, and praised, but wise men took it for a vanity. In his return homeward, whom soever he met, he saluted. For a mind that knoweth itself guilty, is in a manner dejected to a servile flattery. When he had begun his reign in June, after this mockishe election, than was he Crowned the sixth day of the same month. And that solemnity was furnished for the most part, with the self same provision that was appointed for the coronation of his nephew. * Now fell there mischiefs thick. And as the thing evil Sir Thomas More again. gotten is never well kept, through all the time of his reign never ceased their cruel death and slaughter, till his own destruction ended it. But as he finished his time with the best death and the most righteous, that is to wit, his own, so began he with the most piteous and wicked, I mean the lamentable murder of his innocent nephews, the young King and his tender brother: whose death and final infortune hath nevertheless comen so far in question, that some remain yet in doubt, whether they were in his days destroyed or no. Not for that only that Perkyn Werbecke Perkyn Werbecke. by many folks malice, and more folks folly, so long space abusing the world, was as well with Princes as the poorer people, reputed and taken for the younger of these two, but for that also that all things were in late days so covertly demeaned, one thing pretended, and another meant, that there was nothing so plain & openly proved, but that yet for the common custom of close & covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly suspect: as many well counterfeited Jewels make the true mistrusted. Howbeit concerning the opinion, with the occasions moving either party, we shall have place more at large to entreat, if we hereafter happen to write the time of the late noble Prince of famous memory King Henry the seventh, or percase that History of Perkin in any compendious process by itself. But in the mean time for this present matter, I shall rehearse you the dolorous end of those babes, not after every way that I have heard but by such men and by such means as me thinketh it were hard, but it should be true. King Richard after his Coronation, taking his way to Gloucester to visit in his new honour, the Town of which he bore the name of his old, devised as he road, to fulfil the thing which he before had intended. And for as much as his mind gave him, that his nephews living, men would not reckon that he could have right to the Realm, he thought therefore without delay to rid them, as though the kill of his kinsmen could amend his cause, and make him a kindly King. Whereupon, he sent one john green, whom he specially trusted unto Sir Robert Brakenburie, Constable john Greene.. Robert Brakemburie Constable of the Tower. of the tower, with a letter and credence also, that the same sir Robert should in any wise put the two children to death. This john green did his errand unto Brakenburie, kneeling before our Lady in the Tower, who plainly answered, that he would never put them to death to die therefore: with which answer, john green returning, recoumpted the same to King Richard at Warwick yet in his way. Wherewith he took such displeasure and thought, that the same night he said unto a secret page of his: Ah whom shall a man trust? those that I have brought upmy self, those that I had weaned would most surely serve me, even those fail me, and at my commandment, will do nothing for me. Sir (quoth his page) there lieth one on your pallet without, that I dare well say, to do your grace pleasure, the thing were right hard that he would refuse, meaning this by sir james Tirell, which was a man of right goodly Sir james Tirel. parsonage, and for nature's gifts worthy to have served a much better Prince, if he had well served God, & by grace obtained as much troth and good will as he had strength and wit. The man had an high heart, and sore longed upward, Authority loveth no partners. not rising yet so fast as he had hoped, being hindered & kept under by the means of Sir Richard Ratclife, and sir Wil Cates by, which longing for no more partiners of the Prince's favour, and namely not for him, whose pride they witted would bear no peer, kéepte him by secret drifts out of all secret trust, which thing, this Page well had marked and known: wherefore this occasion offered, of very special friendship he took his time to put him forward, & by such wise to do him good, that all the enemies he had, except the Devil, could never have done him so much hurt. For upon this pages words King Richard arose (For this communication had he sitting at the draft, a convenient Carpet for such a counsel) and came out into a Pallet Chamber, on which he found in bed sir james & sir Thomas Tirels, of person like and brethren of blood, but nothing of kin in conditions. Then said the K. merrily to them, what sirs be ye in bed so soon? and calling up sir james, broke to him secretly his mind in this mischievous▪ matter. In which he found him nothing strange. Wherefore on the morrow he sent him to Brakenburie with a letter, by which was commanded to deliver sir james all the Keys of the Tower for one night, to the end he might there accomplish the King's pleasure, in such things as he had given him commandment. After which letter delivered, and the keys received, sir james appointed the night next ensuing to destroy them, devising before and preparing the means. The prince as soon as the protector left the name, and took himself as king, had it showed unto him▪ that he should not reign, but his uncle should have the crown. At which word, the Prince sore abashed, began to sigh & said: Alas, I would my uncle would let me have my life yet, though I lose my Kingdom. Then he that told him the tale, used him with good words, and put him in the best comfort he could. But forthwith was the Prince and his brother both shut up, and all other removed from them, only one called Black Will, or William Slaughter except, set to serve them and see them sure. After which time the prince never tied his points, nor aught roughte of himself, but with that young babe his brother, lingered with thought and heaviness, till this traitorous death delivered them of that wretchedness. For Sir james Tyrell devised th● they should be murdered in their beds. To the execution whereof, he appointed miles Forrest, one of the four that kept them, a fellow fleshed in murder before time. To him he joined one john Dighton his own horssekéeper, a big, broad▪ square, strong knave. Then all the other being removed from them, this Miles The young king and his brother murdered . Forest, and john Dighton, about midnight (the silly children lying in their beds) came into the Chamber, and suddenly lapped them up among the clothes, so to bewrapped them and entangled them, keeping down by force the featherbed and pillows hard unto their mouths, that within a while, smothered and stifled, their breath failing, they gave up to God their innocent souls into the joys of Heaven, leaning to the tormentors their bodies dead in the bed. Which after that the wretches perceived, first by the struggling with the pains of death, and after long lying still, to be thoroughly dead, they laid their bodies naked out upon the bed, and fetched Sir james to see them, which upon the sight of them, caused those murderers to bury them at the stair foot, méetly deep in the ground, under a great heap of stones. Then road Sir james in great haste to King Richard, and showed him all the manner of the murder, who gave him great thanks, & (as some say) there made him knight▪ But he allowed not as I have heard, the burying in so vile a corner, saying, that he would have them buried in a better place, because they were a King's sons. Lo the honourable courage of a King. Whereupon they say, that a Priest of S. Roberte Brakenburie took up the bodies again, and secretly enteried them in such place, as by the occasion of his death, which only knew it, could never since come to light. very troth is it, and well known, that at such time as Sir james Tyrel was in the Tower, for Treason committed against the most famous Prince King Henry the seventh, both Dighton and he were examined, and confessed the murder in manner above written, but whether the bodies were removed, they could nothing tell. And thus as I have learned of them that much knew, and little cause had to lie were these two noble princes, these innocent tender children, borne of most royal blood, brought up in great wealth, likely long to live, reign, and rule in the Realm, by traitorous tyranny taken, deprived of their estate, shortly shut up in prison, and privily slain and murdered, their bodies cast God wots where, by the cruel ambition of their unnatural uncle and his dispiteous tormentors. Which things on every part well pondered, God never gave this world a more notable example, neither in what unsurety standeth this worldly weanle, or what mischief worketh the proud enterprise of an high heart, or finally, what wretched end ensueth such dispiteous cruelty. For first to begin with the Ministers, Miles Forrest, at Saint Martin's peacemeale rotten away. Dighton indeed yef walketh on alive in good possibility to be hanged er● he die. But Sir james Tyrell died at the Tower Hil beheaded for treason. King Richard himself, as ye shall hereafter hear, ●laine in the field, hacked and hewed of his enemies hands; carried on Horsseback dead, his hear in despite torn and tagged like a cur dog. And the mischief that he took, was within less than three years of the mischief that he did. And yet all the mean time, spent in much pain and trouble outward, much fear, anguish and sorrow within. For I have heard by credible report of such as were secret with his Chamberlain, that after this abominable deed done, he never had quiet in his mind. He never thought himself sure. Where he went abroad, his eyen whirled about, his body painely fen●ed, his hand ever upon his dag●er▪ his countenance and manner like one, always ready to strike again, he took ill rest a nights, lay long waking and musing, so●e wearied with care and watch, rather slumbered than slept, troubled with fearful dreams, suddenly sometime start up leapt out of his bed, and ran about the Chamber, so was his restless heart continually tossed and tumbled with the tedious impression and stormy remembrance of his abominable deed. Thomas Norland: William Martin, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Robert Bylisdon Haberdasher; the 28 of October. Now had he outward no long time in rest. For hereupon, soon after, began the conspiracy, or rather good confederation, between the Duke of Buckingham, and many other Gentlemen against him. The occasion where upon the King and the Duke fell out, is o● diverse folk diverse wise pretended. This Duke (as I have for certain ben informed) as soon as the Duke of Gloucester, upon the death of King Edward, came to York, and there had solemn funeral service, for King▪ Edward, sent thither in the most secret wise he could, one Persall▪ his trusty servant, who came to john Warde▪ a Chamberer of like secret trust with the Duke of Gloucester, desiring, that in the most close and covert manner, he might be admitted to the presence and speech of his master. And the Duke of Gloucester, advertised of his desire, caused him in the dead of the night▪ after all other folk avoided, to be brought unto him in his secret Chamber, whe●● Persall▪ after his masters recommendation, showed him, that he had secretly sent to show him in his new world, he would take such partas he would; and way●e upon him with ● thousand good fellows, i● need were. The messenger sent back with thanks, and some secret instruction of the Protectors mind: yet met him again with farther from the D. his Master, within few days after at Nottingham: whither the Protector from York, with many Gentlemen of the north Country, to the number of six hundred horses, was come on his way to London ward, and after secret meeting and communication had, ●eftsoone departed. Whence upon at Northampton, the Duke met with the Protector, himself with three hundred Horses, and from thence still continued with him partner of all his devices, till th● after his Coronation, they departed as it seemed very great friends at Gloucester. From whence, assoon as the Duke came home, he so lightly turned from him, and so highly conspired against him, that a man would marvel whereof the change grew. And surely, the occasion of their variance is of divers men diversly reported. Some ha●e said I (heard say) that the Duke a little before the Coronation, among other things, required of the Protector the Duke of Hertford● lands, to the which he pretended himself just inheritor. And forasmuch as the title which he claimed by inheritance, was somewhat interlaced with the title to the Crown, by the line of King Henry before deprived, the Protector conceived such indignation, that he rejected the Duke's request with many spiteful and minatory words, which so wounded his heart with hatred and mistrust, that he never after told endure to look a right on King Richard, but ever feared his own life, so far forth▪ that when the Protector road through London toward his Coronation, he feigned himself sick, because he would not ride with him. And the other taking it in evil part, sent him word to rise, and come ride, or he would make him be carried. Whereupon, he road on with evil will, and that notwithstanding on the morrow, rose from the feast; feigning himself sick, & King Richard said, it was done in hatred and despite of him. And they said, that ever after continually, ●ch of them lived in such hatred & distrust of other, that the Duke v●tily looked to have been murdered at Gloucester. From which nevertheless, he in fair manner departed. But surely some right secret at that day deny this: and many right wise men think it unlikely, (the deep dissembling nature of those both men considered, and what need in that green world the Protector had of the Duke▪ and in what peril the Duke stood, if he fell once in suspicion of the Tyrant) that either the Protector would give the Duke occasion of displeasure or the Duke the Protector occasion of mistrust. And verily, men think, that if King Richard had any such opinion conceived, he would never have suffered him to escape his hands. Very troth it is, the Duke was an high minded man, and evil could bear the glory of an other, so that I have heard of some that say they saw it, that the Duke at such time as the Crown was first set upon the Protectors head, his eye could not abide the sight thereof, but wried his head another way. But men say, that he was of troth not well at ease, and that both to King Richard well known, and not ill taken, nor any demand of the Dukes uncourteously rejected, but he both with great gifts and high behests, in most loving and trusty manner, departed at Gloucester. But soon after his coming home to Brecknock, having there in custody by the commandment of King Richard Doctor Morton, bishop of Ely, who (as ye before heard) was taken in the Counsel at the tower, waxed with him familiar: whose wisdom abused his pride to his own deliverance and the Duke's destruction. The Bishop was a man of great natural wit, very well learned, and honourable in behaviour, lacking no wise ways to win favour. He had been fast upon the part of King Henry, while that part was in wealth, and natheless, left it not nor forsook it in woe, but fled the Realm with the Queen and the Prince, while King▪ Edward had the King in prison, never came home, but to the field. After which lost, and that part utterly subdued, the ●other for his fast faith and wisdom, not only was content to receive him, but also wooed him to come, and had him from thenceforth both in secret trust, and very special favour, which he nothing deceived. For he being (as ye have heard) after King Edward's death first taken by the tyrant, for his truth to the King, found the mean to set this Duke in his top, joined Gentlemen together in aid of king Henry, devising first the marriage between him and King Edward's daughter, by which his faith, he declared the good service to both his masters at once, with infinite benefit to the realm by the conjunction of those two bloods in one, whose several titles had long enquieted the land, he fled the realm, went to Rome, never minding more to meddle wit the world, till the noble Prince King Henry the seventh gate him home again, made him archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of England, whereunto the Pope joined the honour of Cardinal. Thus, living many days in as much honour as one man might well wish, ended them so godly, that his death with God's mercy well changed his life. This man therefore, as I was about to tell you, by the long and often alternate proof, as well of prosperity, as adverse fortune, had gotten by great experience the very mother and mistress of Wisdom, a deep insight in politic worldly drifts. Whereby, perceiving now this Duke glad to commune with him, fed him with fair words, and many pleasant praises. And perceiving by the process of their communication, the Duke's pride, now and then baulk out a little bred of envy, toward the glory of the King, and thereby feeling him easy to fall out if the matter were well handled: he craftily sought the ways to prick him forward, taking always the occasion of his coming, & so keeping himself so close within his bounds, that he rather seemed to follow him, then to lead him. For, when the Duke first began to praise and boast the king, and show how much profit the Realm should take by his reign: my Lord Morton answered: Surely my Lord, ●ollie it were for me to lie, for if I would swear the contrary, your Lordship would not I ween believe, but that if th● world would have gone as I would have wished, K. Henry's son had had the Crown, & not King Ed. But after that God had ordered him to lose it, and King Edward to reign, I was never so mad that I would with a dead man strive against the quick. So was I to King Edward a faithful Chaplain, and glad would have been that his child had succeeded him. Howbeit, if the secret judgement of God have otherwise provided, I purpose not to spur against a prick, nor labour to set up that God pulleth down. And as for the late Protector and now King. And even there he left, saying th● he had already meddled to much with the world, and would from that day meddle with his Book and his beads, and no further. Then longed the D. sore to hear what he would have said, because he ended with the King, and there so suddenly stopped, and exhorted him so familiarly between them twain, to be bold to say whatsoever he thought, whereof he faithfully promised, there should never come hurt, and peradventure more good than he would ween, and that himself intended to use his faithful secret advise and counsel, which he said was the only cause for which he procured of the King to have him in his custody, where he might reckon himself at home, and else had he been put in the hands of them with whom he should not have found the like favour. The Bishop right humbly thanked him, and said in good faith my Lord, I love not to talk much of Princes, as a thing not all out of peril, though the word be without fault, for as much as it shall not be taken as the party mean it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Esop's tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed, that on pain of death, there should none horned beast abide in that wood: one that had in his forehead a bunch of flesh, ●led away a great pace. The Fox that saw him run so fast, asked him whether he made all that haste? And he answered, In faith I never wot, nor reck, so I were once hence, because of this proclamation made of horned beasts. What fool quoth the Fox, thou mayst abide well enough, the Lion meant not by thee, for it is none horn that is in thine head. No marry (quoth he) that wot I well enough. But what and he call it an horn, where am I then? The Duke laughed merrily at the tale, and said, My L. I warrant you, neither the Lion nor the Boar shall pike any matter at any thing here spoken, for it shall never come to their ears. In good faith Sir said the Bishop if it did, the thing that I was about to say, taken as well (as afore God, I meant) it could deserve but thanks. And yet taken as I ween it would, might happen to turn me to little good, and you to lesser. Then longed the Duke yet much more to wit what it was, whereupon the Bishop said, in good faith my Lord, as for the late Protector, sith he is now King in possession, I purpose not to dispute his title, but for the weal of this Realm, whereof his grace hath now the governance, and whereof I am myself one poor member, I was about to wish, that to those good abilities whereof he hath already right many, little néeding my praise: it might yet have pleased God, for the better store, to have given him some of such other excellent virtues, meet for the rule of a realm, as our Lord hath planted in the person of your grace: and there left again. The Duke somewhat marveling at his sudden This that followeth is abridged out of Edward Hall. pauses, said my Lord I note your often breathing and sudden stopping in your communication, so that to my intelligence, your words neither come to any perfect sentence, whereby either I might have knowledge what your intent is now toward the King, or what affection you bear toward me. For the comparison of good qualities ascribed to us both, maketh me not a little to muse thinking th● you have some other privy imagination, imprinted in your heart, which you be abashed to disclose, and especially to me, which on my honour do assure you to be as secret in this case as the deaf and doom. The Bishop being somewhat bolder, considering the Duke's promise, but most of all animated, because he knew the Duke desirous to be magnified, and also he perceived the inward hatred which he bore toward King Richard, he opened his stomach to the bottom, and said, my singular good Lord, sith the time of my capti●itie, which being in your Grace's custody, I may rather call it a liberty, than a strait imprisonment, in avoiding of idleness mother of all vices, in reading Books and ancient Pamphlets, I have found this sentence written▪ that no man is borne free and at liberty of himself only, for one part of duty he oweth to his parents, an other part to his friends and kinsfolks: but the native country, in the which he first tasted this pleasant and flattering world, demandeth a debt not to be forgotten, which saying causeth me to consider in what case this realm my native country now standeth, and in what estate and assurance before this time it hath continued: what governor we now have, and what ruler we might have, for I plainly perceive (the Realm being in this case) must needs decay, & be brought to confusion: but one hope I have, that is, when I consider your noble parsonage, your justice and indifferency, your fervent zeal and ardent love toward your natural country, & in like manner the love of your country toward you, the great learning, pregnant wit, & eloquence, which so much doth abound in your person, I must needs think this realm fortunate, which hath such a Prince in store, meet and apt to be governor. But on the other side, when I call to memory the good qualities of the late Protector, and now called King, so violated by tyranny, so altered by usurped authority, so clouded by blind ambition, I must needs say, that he is neither meet to be King of so noble a realm, nor so famous a realm meet to be governed by such a tyrant: Was not his first enterprise to obtain the Crown begun, by the murder of divers noble personages? Did he not secondarily proceed against his own natural mother, declaring her openly to be a woman given to carnal affection, and dissoulute living, declaring furthermore his two brethren, and two nephews, to be Bastards, and to be borne in aduo●trey, yet not contented, after he had obtained the Garland he caused the two poor innocents his nephews committed to him, to be shamefully murdered, the blood of which little babes daily cry to God, from the earth for vengeance, what surety shall be in this realm to any person, either for life or goods under such a cruel Prince, which regardeth not the destruction of his own blood, & then the less, the loss of other: but now to conclude what▪ I mean toward your noble person, I say, & affirm, if you love God, your lineage, or your native country, you must yourself take upon you th● Crown of this Realm, both for the maintenance of the honour of the same, as also for the deliverance of your natural Countrymen from the bondage of such a Tyrant. And if yourself will refuse to take upon you the Crown of this Realm. Then I adjure you by the faith th● you own to God, to devise some way how this realm may be brought to some convenient regiment, under some good governor, when the B▪ had ended his saying, the D. sighed, & spoke not of a great while, so th● night they commoned 〈…〉 over. The next day the Duke sent for the B. unto whom he said, my L. of Ely▪ I must needs in heart think, and with mouth confess, that you be a sure friend, a trusty counsaylour and a very lover of your Country. And sith at our last communication, you have disclosed the secrets of your heart, touching the new usurper of the Crown, and also have a little touched the ●●auncement of the two noble families of York and Lancaster, I shall likewise declare unto you my privy intents and secret cogitations, and to begin, when King Edward▪ was deceased; I than began to study and with deliberation to ponder in what manner this realm should be governed. I persuaded with myself to take part with the Duke of Gloucester, whom I thought to be as clean without dissimulation, as tractable without injury, and so by my means he was made Protector both of the king and realm, which avathoritie being once gotten, he never ceased printly to require me & other Lords, as well spiritual as temporal, that he might take upon him the Crown, till the Prince came to the age of xxiv. years, and were able to govern the realm as a sufficient king, which thing, when he saw me somewhat stick at; he then brought in instruments, authentic Doctors, Proctors, and notaries of the law, with depositions of divers witnesses, testifying King Edward's children to be bastards, which depositions then I thought to be as true, as now I know them to be feigned. When the said depositions were before us read and diligently heard, he stood up bare headed, saying: Well my Lords, even as I and you would, that my nephews should have no wrong: so I pray you do me nothing but right, for these witnesses and sayings of famous Doctors be true: for I am only the undubitate heir to RICHARD PLANTAGENET Duke of York, adjudged to be the very heir to the Crown of this realm, by authority of Parliament. Which things, so by learned men for verity to us declared, caused me and other to take him for our lawful & undoubted Prince and Sovereign Lord: so again by my aid, he of a Protector was made a King, but when he was once crowned King, and in full possession of the realm, he cast away his old conditions. For, when I myself sued to him for my part of the Earl of Hereford's lands, which his brother King Edward wrongfully detained from me, and also required to have the office of the high Conestableship of England, as divers of my noble ancestors before this time have had, and in long descent continued, in this my first suit, he did not only first delay me, and afterward deny me, but gave me such unkind words, as though I had never furthered him: all which I suffered patiently, but when I was informed of the death of the two young innocentes, O Lord my heart inwardly grudged, in so much that I abhorred the sight of him. I took my leave of the Court, and returned to Brecknock to you, but in the journey as I returned, I had diverse imaginations how to deprive this unnatural uncle. first I santi●ed th● if I list to take upon me the Crown, now was the way made plain, and occasion given. For I saw he was disdained of the Lords temporal, and accursed, of the Lords spiritual. After diverse cogitations of this matter, As I road between Worcester and Bridgenorth▪ I encountered with the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmonde, now wife to the Lord Stanley, which is the very daughter and sole heir, to john Duke of Somerset my grandfathers elder brother: so that she and her son the Garle of Richmond, be both between me & the gate, to enter into the Majesty royal, and getting of the Crown: and when we had a little commoned, concerning her son; and were departed: I than began to dispute with myself, whether I were best to take upon me, by the election of the nobility and commonalty or to take it by power. thus standing in the wavering ambiguity, I considered first, th● office, duty, and pain of a King, which surely I think that no mortal men can justly, and truly observe, except he ●ée elected by GOD as King David was: but further I remembered that if I once took on me the governance of the Realm: the daughters of King Edward and their Allies, being both for his sake much helpned, and also for the great injury done to them much pitied, would never cease to bark at the one side of me. Sen●b●abye my cousin the Earl of Richemonde his aids, and kinsfolk, will surely attempt either to ●yte or to pierce me on the other side, so that my life and rule should ever hang unquiet in ●pubte of death or deposition. And if the said two ly●ages of York and Lancaster, should join in one against me, than were I surely matched. Wherefore I have clearly determined utterly to relinquish all imaginations concerning the obtaining of the Crown: For as I told you, the Countess of Richmond, in my return from the new named King, meeting me in the high way, prayed me first for kindred sake, secondly for the love I bore to my grandfather Duke Humphrey; which was sworn brother to her father, to move the King to be good to her son, Hencie Earl of Richmonde, and to licence him with his favour to return again into England, and if it were his pleasure so to do, she promised that the Earl her son should marry one of king Edward's daughters at the appointment of the King, without any thing demanded for the said espousalles, but only the King's favour, which request I s●●ne over passed and departed, but after service I called to memory more of that matter, I am bent, that the Earl of Richmonde heir of the house of Lancaster, shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to K. Edward, by the which marriage both the houses of York and Lancaster, may be unite in one: when the Duke had said, the Bishop Morton, which favoured ever the house of Lancaster, ●●s wondrous joyful, for all his imagination tended to this effect, and lest the Duke's courage should suage o● his mind alter, he said to the Duke my Lord of Buckingham, sith by God● provision, and your incomparable wisdom, this noble conjunction is first moved, it is necessary to consider what persons we shall first make pri●●e of this politic conclusion, by my troth quoth the Duke, we will begin with my Lady of Richmonde the Earl's mother, which knoweth where he is in Britain, sith you will begin that way (said the bishop) I have an old friend with the Countess called Reignalde Bray, for whom I shall send if it be iyoc●● pleasure▪ so the bishop wrode for him to come to Brecke●●●ke, who straight came back with the messenger▪ where the Dirke and Bishop declared what they had devised for the prefermente of the Earl of Richmonde son to his▪ Lady land Mistress: willing her first to compass how to obtain the good will of Queen Elizabeth, and also of her eldest daughter: and after secretly to send to her son into Britain to declare what high honour, was prepared for him, if he would swear to marry the Lady Elizabeth as soon as he was King of the Realm. Reynold Bray with a glad heart returned to the Countess his Lady. When Bray was gone, the bishop told the Duke that if he were in his Isle of Elie he could make many friends to further their enterprise. The Duke knew this to be true, but yet loath to lose the company of such a counsellor, gave the bishop fair words, saying he should shortly depart well accompanied for fear of enemies, but the Bishop or the Duke's company were assembled, secretly disguised, in a night departed, and came to Elie, where he found money and friends, and so sailed into Flaunders, where he did the Earl of Richmond good service, when Reynold Bray, had declared his message to the Countess no marvel if she were glad, wherefore she devised a means hold to break this matter to Queen Elazabeth then being in Sanctuary at Westminster, And having in her family a certain Wel●hman called jews learned in Physic, now having opportunity to break her mind unto him, declared that the time was come that her son should be joined in marriage with Lady Elizabeth daughter and heir to King Edward: and that King Richard, should out of all honour and estate be detected: and required him to go to Queen Elizabeth, not as a messenger, but as one▪ that came friendly to visit her, and as time and place should serve, to make her privy of this devise. This Physician with good diligence repaired to the Queen, and when he saw time convenient, he said unto her: Madame although my imagination be very simple, yet for the entire affection I bear to you and to your children, I am so bold to utter unto you a secret conceit that I have compassed in my brain. When I remember the great loss that you have sustained by the death of your loving husband, and the great sorrow that you have suffered by the cruel murder of your innocent children I can no less do than daily study how to bring your heart to comfort, and also to revenge the quarrel of you and your children on that cruel tyrant King Richard. And first consider what battle and what mischief hath risen by the distension between the two houses of York and Lancaster, which two families if they may be joined in one, I doubt not but th● your line shall be again restored, to your great joy and comfort. You know Madame that of the house of Lancaster, the Earl of Richmond is next of blood, and to the house of York your daughters now are heirs. If ye could invent the mean how to couple your eldest daughter with the Earl of Richemond in Matrimony, no doubt but the usurper should be shortly deposed, and your heir again to her right restored. When the Queen had heard this friendly motion, she instantly besought him that as he had been the first inventor of so good an enterprise, that now he would not desist to follow the same, requrring him further, that he would resort to the Countesie of Richemond mother to the Earl Henry, and to declare to her on the Quéenee behalf, that all the friends of King Edward▪ her husband, should assist and take part with the Earl of Richemond her son, so that he would take an oath that after the Kingdom obtained, to espouse the Lady Elizabeth her daughter, etc. After jews so sped his business that he made a final●en● of this business between the two mothers: so the Lady Margaret Countess of Richemond brought to a good hope of the preferment of her son, made Reynold Bray chief solicitor of this conspiraoie, giving him in charge secretly to inveigle such persons of Nobility to join with her and take her part as he knew to be faithful. This Reynold Bray within few days brought to his lure, sir Gyles Daubeney, sir john Ch●nie, Richard Guildford and Thomas Rame esquires & others. In the mean season the Countess of Richemond seat Christopher Vrfwike into Britain to the Earl of Richmond, to declare to him all agréementes between her & the Queen agreed: but she rementbring that the Duke of Buckingham, was one of the first inventors of this enterprise sent Hugh Conway Esquire into Britain with a great sum of money to her son, giving him in charge to declare to the Earl the great love that the most part of the nobility of the Realm bore toward him, willing him not to neglect so good an occasion offered, but with all speed to fettle his mind how to return into England, giving him Counsel to take land in Wales. When the Earl had received this joyful message, he broke to the Duke of Britain all his secrets, advertising him that he was entered into a sure and steadfast hope to obtain the Crown of England, desiring him of help toward the achieving of his enterprise, which the Duke promised and after performed. Whereupon the Earl sent into England Hugh Conway, and Thomas Ram, to declare his coming shortly into England. In the mean season the chief of the conspiracy in England began many enterprises, which being never so privily handled, yet knowledge thereof came to King Richard, and because he knew the Duke of Buckingham to be the chief head and aid of this commination, he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part, where upon he addressed his loving letters to the Duke to exhort the Duke to come to the Court: but the Duke required the King to pardon him, excusing himself that he was not well. King Richard not content with this excuse, directed to the Duke other letters with checking words commanding him without delay to repair to his presence. The Duke made to the messenger a determinate answer, that he would not come to his mortal enemy: and immediately prepared war against him, and by this means, Thomas Marquis Dorset came out of Sanctuary, gathered a great band of men in York shire, sir Edward Courtney and Peter his brother bishop of Excester, raised an other army in Devonshire and Cornwall. In Kent ●ir Richard Calfortle and other gentlemen raises a comparrie. But King Richard in the mean time had gotten together a great strength, with whom he removed from London toward Salisbury, to the intent he might set on the Duke's army, the King was starce two days tourney from Salisbury▪ when the Duke of Buckingham accompanied with a great power of wild Welshmen which in the end forsook him. The Duke with his power marched through the forest of Dene intending to have passed the river of Severne at Gloucester, and there to have joined in army with the Courtneys & other Western men, which if he had done no doubt but King Richard had been in great jeopardy: But before he could attain to Severne side, by force of continual rain the river rose so high that it overflowed all the country adjoining, which rage of water lasted. x. days, by which inundacie, the passages were so closed that neither the Duke could come over Severne to his complices, nor they to him, d●wing which time the Welshmen lingering idle and without money or victual, suddenly scaled and departed. The Duke thus left almost alone, was of necessity compelled to fly, and conveyed himself into the house of Humphrey Banister his seruaht beside Shrewesburie, whom he had tenderly brought up, which when it was known to his adherents, every man shifted for himself and fled. And some of them sailed into Britain, among the which, were Peter Courtney Bishop of Excester, and sir Edward Courtney his brother, Thomas Marquis Dorset, john Lord Welles, sir john Bourchier, sir Edmond Woodvile brother to Queen Elizabeth, sir Robert Willoughby, sir Gyles Daubney, sir Thomas Arundale, sir john Cheynie and his two: brethren, sir William Barkerley, sir William Brandon and Thomas his brother, sir Richard Edgecombe, and john Halwell, Edward Pownyngs; etc. Proclamation was made and a thousand pound promised to who so could bring out the Duke of Buckingham, where upon Humphrey Banister bewrayed his guest and Humphrey Banister betrayeth his master. master to john Mitton then Sheriff of Shropshire, which with a strong power apprehended the Duke in a little grove adjoining to the manors of Humphrey Banister, and in great haste conveyed him to the City of Salisbury, where King Richard than kept his household. This Banister after Banister that betrayed his master miserably plagued, let the like traitors look for the like or worse to them and theirs, without speedy repentance. he had betrayed his master, his son and heir waxed mad and died in a Boar's sty, his eldest daughter was suddenly stricken with a foul leperie, his second son marvelously deformed of his limbs and made lame, his younger son in a small puddle was drowned, and he himself being of extreme age arraigned and found guilty of a murder and by his clergy saved. And as for his thousand pound▪ King Richard gave him not one farthing, saying that he which would be untrue to so good a master, would be false to all other. The Duke after he had confessed all the whole conspiracy Duke of Buckingham beheaded. upon the second of November without arraignment or judgement was at Salisbury beheaded. Whilst these things were thus handled in England, Henry Earl of Richmond prepared an army of five thousand Britons, and forty well furnished ships. When all things were prepared, and the day of setting forward was appointed, which was the. xij. of October, the whole army hoist up sails and took the sea, but toward night the wind turned and so huge a tempest arose that the ships were dispersed a sunder: some driven into Normandy, some again into Britain. In the morning after when the tempest was assuaged, the Earl approached to the South part of England, at the mouth of the Haven of Pole in Dorcet, where he might see all the banks full of men of war, appointed to defend his arrival, wherefore he gave charge that no man should land, until such time as the whole Navy were assembled, but after that he perceived none of his ships to appear, he hoist up Ankers and away, where he arrived safe in Normandy, and returned by land into Britain, where he was soon advertised that the Duke of Buckingham had lost his head, and that the Marquis Dorcet and a great number of Noble men of England had a little before inquired for him there. In the mean season King Richard apprehended in divers parts of this Realm certain Gentlemen of the Earl of Richmondes' faction, amongst whom sir George Browne sir Roger Clifford, and, iiij. other were put to death at London th● iij. of December. Sir Thomas Sentlegar which had married the Duchess of Excester the Kings own sister and T. Rame with divers other were executed at Excester. The. thirty. of December was a great fire at Leaden hall in Fire at Leaden hall in London. London, where through was brent much housing and all the stocks for guns & other like provision belonging to the city. After this King Richard called a Parliament, in th● which 1484 he attainted the Earl of Richemond, and all other persons, which were ●led out of the Realm for fear, or any other cause as enemies to him and to their natural country, and all their lands and goods was confiscate to the King's use, and yet notwithstanding he laid on the people a great tax. In this troublesome season, nothing was more marveled Anno. reg. 2. at than that the Lord Stanley had not been taken, considering the working of the Lady Margaret his wife mother▪ to the Earl of Richemond, but for as much as the enterprise of a woman was of him reputed of no regard, or estimation, and that the Lord Stanley, her husband had purged himself to be innocent of all attempts by her committed, it was given him in charge to keep her in some secret place at home, without having any servant or company, so that from thence forth she should never send letter to her son or to any of his friends, by the which the King might be molested, which commandment was a while put in execution. This year King Richard began the high tower at Westminster, which remaineth yet unfinished. Also he caused the K. Henry the sixth removed to Windso●. body of King Henry the sixth to be removed from Chertesey Abbey in Surrey and to be buried at Windsor, where he now resteth, on the. xij. of August. Richard Chester: Thomas Britain the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Ralph Austry the 6. of February. Tho. Hill Grocer the 28. of October. W. Stocker draper the Majors. 24. of Sep. in anno. 1485. john ward grocer the 29. of Sep. William Collingborne made a Rhyme of. iij. of King Colingborne executed. Richard's Counsellors, the Lord Lovel, sir Richard Ratclife, and sir William Catesby which was: The Rat the Cat and Lovel our dog, Rule all England under the hog. For the which he was drawn from Westmin. to the Tower of London and there on th● hill hanged, headed & quartered. King Richard considering th● amity's concluded between Princes are the cause that their Realms are fortified with a double power, that is to say, with their own strength, & the aid of their friends, practised a league with the King of Scots, which not long before had made divers incursions & roads into the Realm of England, and therefore sued to have a truce or peace concluded. Wherefore Commissioners were appointed which met at Nottingham, & there in the end concluded for. iij. years on certain articles. xv. in number. Truce with Scotland for three years. This peace thus concluded, King Richard now doubting his own people, was continually vexed with fear of the return of the Earl of Richmond and his complices. Wherefore, nothing was for his purpose more than once again with price & prayer, to attempt the duke of Britain in whose territory th● earl than abode, to deliver him into his hands, wherefore incontinent he sent certain Ambassadors to the Duke of Britain, which took upon them that King Richard should yearly pay and answer the Duke of Britain of all the revenues, rents and profits of the lands & possessions as well belonging to the Earl of Richmond, as to any other noble or gentleman which then were in the Earls company, if he after that time would keep them in continual prison and restrain them from liberty. The orators furnished with these & other instructions arrived in Britain but could not speak with the duke, by reason th● he being weakened by a long and daily infirmity, began to wax idle of his remembrance, for which cause Peter Landoyse his chief Treasurer, ruled all things at his pleasure, unto whom the English Ambassadors moved to him their message, offering to him the same rewards and lands that they should have offered the Duke. This Peter faithfully promised to accomplish King Richard's request, so that he kept promise with him, but fortune was so favourable to the public Weal of England, that this deadly compact took none effect, for john Morton Bishop of Elie sojourning then in Flaunders, was of all this crafty devise certified: wherefore he sent Christopher Vrswike, to declare to the Earl of Richemond all the deceit, giving him charge in all hast possible with his company to retire out of Britain into France. When these news came to the Earl, he incontinent sent to Charles the French king requiring that he and his might safely pass into France, which desire was granted, and the Earl with the rest dispatched as privily as mought be into France, no man susspecting their departure. After this, the Earl took his journey to Charles the French King, to whom after great thanks given, he disclosed the occasion of his access to his person. After that he required of him help and succour, to the intent he might return to the Nobility of his Realm, of whom he was generally called to take upon him the Crown. King Charles promised him aid, and bade him be of good comfort, for he assured him that he would gladly show to 1485 him his bountiful liberality. Whiles the Earl of Richemond thus attended on the French Court, john Vere Earl of Oxford so persuaded james Blonte Captain of Hames Castle, and sir john Forteskewe Porter of the Town of caleis that he himself was not only set at liberty, but they also leaving their fruitful offices condescended to go with him into France to the Earl of Richemond. In the mean season King Richard was credibly advertised what promises and oaths the Earl and his confederates had made and sworn, and how by the Earls means, all the English men were passed out of Britain into France. Wherefore being in manner desperate, imagining how to infringe the Earl's purpose by an other mean, so that by the marriage of Lady Elizabeth his niece, he should pretend no claim to the Crown, there came to his mind a thing not only detestable, but much more cruel to be put in execution, for he clearly determined to reconcile to his favour his brother wife Queen Elizabeth, and so by that means the Earl of Richemond, of the affinity of his Nice should be utterly defrauded, and if no ingenious remedy could be otherwise invented, if it should happen Queen Anne his wife to depart out of this world, than he himself would rather take to wife his cousin and Nice the Lady Elizabeth, than for lack of that affinity the whole Realm should run to ruin. Wherefore he sent to the Queen being in Sanctuary, divers and often messengers which should excuse him of all things before against her attempted, and after should so largely promise promotions, not only to her but to her son Thomas Marques Dorset, that they should bring her (if it were possible) into some wanhope. The Messengers so persuaded the Queen, that she began somewhat to re●ent, in so much that she faithfully promised to yield herself to the Kings will and pleasure. And so she first delivered unto King Richard's hands her five daughters. afterward she sent letters to the Marquis her son being then at Paris with the Earl of Richemond, willing him in any wise to repair into England, where for him were provided great honours, assertayning him that all offences on both parties were forgiven and forgotten: After that King Richard had thus pleased the mutable mind of Queen Elizabeth, he caused all her daughters to be conveyed into his Palace with solemn receiving. Now nothing was contrary to his purpose, ●ut that his mansion was not void of a wife: and first 〈…〉 abstained both from the bed and company of his wife: after, he complained to many of the infortunate barrenness of his wife. After this, he procured a common rumour to be published among the common people, that the Queen was dead. When the Queen heard tell that so horrible a rumour of her death was sprung amongst the commonalty, she sore suspected the world to be almost at an end with her, and not long after, howsoever it fortuned, the Queen departed out of this life, and was with due solemnity buried at Westminster. The King thus loosed out of the bonds of Matrimony, began to cast a fancy to Lady Elizabeth his niece, making much suit to have her joined with him in lawful Matrimony: but because all men, and the Maiden herself most of all detested this unlawful copulation, he determined to defer the matter till he were in a more quiet case, for all this season he was oppressed with weighty affairs on every side, considering that daily part of the Nobility sailed into France, other privily favoured the Earl of Richmond, amongst the noble men whom he most suspected, these were the principal, Thomas▪ Lord Stanley, Sir William Stanley his brother, Gilbert Talbot, and six hundred other, of whose purpose, though King Richard were ignorant, yet he gave no credence to any one of them, and least of all to the Lord Stanley, because he was joined in Matrimony with the Lady Margaret, mother to the Earl of Richmond, for when the said▪ Lord Stanley would have departed into his Country, the King in no wise would suffer him to depart, before he had left as in hostage Anno reg. 3. in the Court George Stanley, Lord Strange, his first begotten son and heir. While King Richard was thus troubled, suddenly he heard news that the Castle of Hames was delivered into the hands of the Earl of Richmonde, by the means of the Earl of Oxford, and that not only he, but also james Blunt, Captain of the Castle, were fled into France, to aid the Earl of Richmond. Henry Earl of Richmond obtaining of King Charles a small crew of men, and borrowing certain sums of money of him, and of divers other his private friends, he departed from the French Court, and came to the City of Roan. While he tarried there, making provision at Harefleete, in the mouth of the River of Seyne, for all things necessary for his navy, tidings were brought to him, that King Richard being without Children, and a Widower, intended shortly to marry with Lady Elizabeth, his brother's daughter, which news, he took of no small moment, for this thing only took away from all his companyous, their hope to obtain an happy enterprise, by reason whereof, he judged that all his friends in England would shrink from him, yet notwithstanding, Earl Henry of Richmonde, because he would no longer linger and weary his friends, living between hope and fear, determined in all hast convenient to set forward, and carried to his Ships armour, weapons, vitiayle, and all other ordinances expedient for war, which being done, only accompanied with two thousand men, and a small number of ships, weighed up his anchors, and in the kalends of August, he sailed from Harefleete with so prosperous a wind, that the seventh day after Henry Earl of Richmond, landed at Milford Haven. he arrived in Wales in the evening, at a Port called Milford Haven, and incontinente took land, and came to a place called Dale, and at the Sun rising, removed to Hereford West, where he was received of the people with great joy. From thence, he removed to Cardigan, five mile from Hereford West, whether came to the Earl Richard Griffith with all his men and power. After him the same day came john Morgan, with his men. Then the Earl advanced forward, making no abode in any place, and suddenly he was ascertained that Sir Walter Harbert, and Rice appe Thomas, were in harness before him, ready to encounter with his Army, and to stop their passage, Wherefore he first determined to set upon them, and either to destroy or to take them into his favour, and after with all his power to give battle to King Richard. But to the intent his friends should know with what dexterity he attempted his enterprise forward, he sent messengers with letters and instructions to the Lady Margaret his mother, to the Lord Stanley and his brother, to Talbot and to other, declaring to them, that he holp with the aid of his friends, intended to pass over the river of Severne at Shrewsburie, and so to pass directly to the City of London, requiring them as his special trust was in the hope of their fidelity, that they would meet him by the way with all diligent preparation. When these messengers were departed, he marched forward towards Shrewsburie, & in his passage there met and saluted him Rice ap Thomas with a goodly band of Welshmen, which submitted himself whole to his order and commandment. In the mean time the messengers laden with rewards returned to him the same day that he entered into Shrewsburie, and made relation to him that his friends were ready in all points to do all things for him which they might do. The Earl Henry continued his journey and came to a little town called Newporte, and pitched his camp on a little hill adjoining, reposing himself there that night. In the Evening of the same day came to him sir George Talbot with the whole power of the young Earl of Shrewsburie, then being in ward, which were accounted. ij. thousand men. And thus his power increasing he arrived at the Town of Stafforde, and there paused. To whom came sir William Stanley accompanied with a few persons. After that the Earl departed from thence to Lytchfield and lay without the walls in camp all that night. The next morning he entered the town and was like a Prince received. A day or two before the Lord Stanley having in his band almost five thousand men, lodged in the same town, but hearing the the Earl of Richemond was marching thetherward, gave to him place, dislodging him and his, and repaired to a town called Adrestone, there abiding the coming of the Earl, and this he did to avoid all suspicion, being afraid lest if he should be seen openly to be a fawtor or aider to the Earl his son in law before the day of batiayle, that King Richard which yet did not utterly put in him mistrust, would put to some cruel death his son & heir apparent George Lord Strange, whom King Richard had in hostage. King Richard at this season keeping his house in the Castle of Nottingham was informed that the Earl of Richmond with such banished men as were fled out of England to him, were arrived in Wales, and that all things necessary to his enterprise were unpurveyed and very weak, nothing meet to withstand the power of such as the King had appointed to resist him, yet notwithstanding he sent to john Duke of Norfolk, Henry Earl of Northumberlande, Thomas Earl of Surrey, and to other of his trusty friends, willing them to muster and view all their servants and tenants, and to elect the most courageous and active persons of the whole number, and with them to repair to his presence with all speed. Also he wrote to Robert Brakenburie Lieutenant of the Tower, commanding him with his power to come to his army & to bring with him his fellows in arms T. Bouchier, and sir Walter Hungerford and divers other Knights & esquires in whom he had cast no small suspicion. While he was thus ordering his affairs, tidings came that the Earl of Richmond was passed Severne, and come to Shrewsburie with out any detriment or encumbrance. At which message he was sore moved, and cried out on them that contrary to their oath had deceived him, and in all haste sent out to view what way his enemies kept and passed: it was declared to the king, that the Earl was encamped at the town of Litchfield. Whereof, when he had perfect knowledge, he having continual repair of his subjects to him, he incontinently made his battles to set forward toward the way where his enemies (as was to him reported,) intended to pass, and keeping his array, he with great pomp entered th● town of Leycester after the Sun set. The Earl of Richmond raised his Camp from Lichfield to Tomworth, and in the mid way passing, there saluted him Sir Walter Hungerford, and Sir Thomas Bourchier Knights, and divers others, which submitted themselves to his pleasure. divers other noble personages likewise resorted to him withal their power. There happened in this progression to the Earl of Richmond a strange chance, for he was not a little afraid, because he could not be assured of his father in law Thomas Lord Stanley, which as yet inclined to neither party, wherefore the Earl, accompanied with twenty light horsemen, lingering in his journey behind his host, in the mean while, the whole army came before the Town of Tomworth▪ and when he for darkness could not perceive the steps of them that passed on before, and had wandered hither and thither seeking after his company, he abode in a little village, about three miles from his army, where he tarried all night. The next morning in the dawning, he returned, and by good fortune came to his Army, excusing himself, not to have gone out of his way by ignorance, but of purpose: this excuse made, he privily departed again to the down of Aderstone, where the Lord Stanley, and Sir William his brother, with their bands, were abiding: then the Earl came to his father in law, in a little Close, where he saluted him and Sir William his brother, and after consulted how to give battle to King Richard, if he would abide, whom they knew, not to be far off with an huge army. In the evening of the same day▪ Sir john Savage, Sir Brian San●ord, Sir▪ Simon Digby, and many other, leaving King Richard, turned, and came to the Earl of Richmond with an elect company of men. In the mean season, King Richard marched to a place meet for two battles to encounter, Battle at Bosworth. by a village called Bosworth, not far from Leycester, and there he pitched his field, refreshed his Army, and took his rest. The next day after, King Richard being furnished with men, and all habiliments of war, bringing all his men out of their Camp into the plain, ordered his forward in a marvelous length, in which he appointed both horsemen and footmen, and in the forefront he placed the Archers. Over this battle was Captain john Duke of Norfolk, with whom was Thomas Earl of Surrey his son. After this long vanguard followed King Richard with a strong company of approved men of war, having horsemen for wings on both sides of his battle. After that the Earl of Richmond was returned from the communication with his friends, he with all diligence pitched his Field just by the Camp of his Enemies, and there he lodged that night. In the morning betime▪ he caused his men to put on their armour, and apparel themselves to fight and give battle, and sent to the Lord Stanley, requiring him with his men to approach near to his army, and to help to set the Soldiers in array: he answered, the Earl should set his own men in good order, while he would come to him in time convenient. The Earl made his forewarde somewhat single and slender, according to the small number of his people. In the front he placed the Archers, of whom he made Captain john Earl of Oxford. To the right wing of the Battle he appointed Sir Gilbert Talbot to be the leader. To the left wing he assigned Sir john savage, and he with the aid of the Lord Stanley, accompanied with the Earl of Pembroke, having a good company of horsemen, and a small number of footmen, for all his whole number exceeded not five thousand men, beside the power of the Stanleys', whereof three thousand were in the field under Sir William Stanley. The kings number was double so much, or more. When both these Armies were thus ordered, and all men ready to set forward, King Richard called his chieftains together, persuading them to be valiant, etc. But his people were to him unfaithful in his end, as he was to his Nephews, untrue and unnatural in his beginning. When the Earl of Richmond knew that the King was so near embattled, he road about his army giving comfortable words to all men, after the which he made to them a pithy Oration, persuading them to have the victory, for that they were to fight in a just quarrel, he had scantly finished his saying, but the one army espied the other: between both armies there was a great marish which the Earl left on his right hand, and so doing, he had the Sun at his back, and in the face of his enemies. When the King saw the Earl's company was passed the marish, he commanded with all haste to set upon them: the terrible shot on both sides passed, the armies joined and came to hand strokes, at which encounter the Lord Stanley joined with the Earl. The Earl of Oxford in the mean season fearing lest while his company was fight, they should be compassed of the enemies, gave commandment that no man should go above. x. foot from the Standard, which commandment once known, they kni● themselves together & ceased a little from fight: the enemies suddenly abashed at the matter & mistrusting some fraud, began also to pause. The Earl of Oxford bringing all his band together on the one part, set on his enemies freshly: again the adversaries perceiving that, placed their men slender and thin before, and thick and broad behind, beginning again the battle. While the two fore wards thus mortally fought, King Richard was admonished that the Earl of Richmond accompanied with a small number of men of arms was not far of, and as he approached to him, he perfectly knew his parsonage, and being inflamed with ire, he put his spurs to his horse and road out of the side of the range of his battle, leaving the vauntgardes fight, and with ●earein wrest ran toward him. The Earl perceived well the King furiou●lye coming toward him, and because the whole hope of his wealth and purpose was to be determined by battle, ●e gladly pr●fere●●● encounter with him body to body and man to man, King Richard set on so sharply at the first brunt, that he overthrew the Earl's standard, and slew sir William Brandon his standerdbearer▪ and matched hand to hand with sir john Cheny, a man of great force and strength▪ which would have re●●s●ed him, and the said john was by him man fully overthrown, and so he making open passage by dint of sword as he went forward, the Earl of Richmonde withstood his violence and kept him at the swords point longer than his companions thought, which being almost in despair of victory were suddenly recomforted by sir William Stanley, which came to secure with 3000. tall men, at which very instant, King Richard's men were driven back and fled, and he himself manfully fighting in the middle of his enemies was slain. In the mean season the Earl of Oxford, with the aid of the Lord Stanley after no long fight discō●ited the foreward of King Richard, whereof a great number were slain in the chase, but the greatest number that came to the field never gave stroke. In this battle died few above the number of a M. persons, and of the Nobility were slain john Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord▪ Ferrer of Chartley, sir Richard Ratclife, and Robert Brakenburie, lieutenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more, sir William Catesby, learned in the laws of the Realm, and one of the thief counsellors to the late King, with diverse other were two days after beheaded at Leicester. Amongst them that ran away were▪ Sir Francis Viscount Lovel and Humphrey Stafforde with Thomas Stafford his brother, which took Sanctuary in Saint john's at Gloucester. On the Earl of Richmond's part were slain scarce 100 persons, amongst whom the principal was sir William Brandon his standardbearer. This battle was fought at Bosworth in Lecestershire, the 22. of August, in the year of our Lord. 1485. the whole conflict ●●udured little above two hours. When the Earl had thus obtained the victory, he rendered thanks to God, and after in his soldiers for their mollitie: then the people cried King Henry, King Henry. When the Lord Stanley sa●● the good will of the people, he took the Crown of King Richard, which was found amongst the spoil in the field, and set it on the Earl's head, as though he had been elected King by the voice of the people. After this, the whole camp removed to the Town of Leicester, where he rested two days. In the mean season, the dead corpse of King Richard was as shamefully carried to the town of Leicester, as he gorgeously the day before with pomp departed out of the same town: for his body● was naked to the skin, not so much as one clout about him; and was trussed behind a Pursuivant of arms, like a hog or calf, the head and arms hanging on the one side of the horse, and the legs on the other side, and all sprinkled with mire and blood, was brought to the Grey friars Church within the town, and there homely buried, when he had reigned two years, two months, and one day. ¶ Henry, earl of Richmonde HEnry the seventh, borne in Anno reg. 1. Pembroke castle, began his reign the xxij. of August, in the year of our Lord God. 1485. He was a Prince of marvelous wisdom, policy, justice, temperance, and gravity, and notwithstanding many and great occasions of trouble and war, he kept his realm in right good order, for the which he was greatly reverenced of foreign Princes. On the forenamed xxij. of August, was a great fire Parson of Saint Mildred's bren●. in Breadstreet of London, in the which fire, was brent the Parson of Saint Mildred's, and one other man in the Parsonage there. King Henry, before his departure from Leicester, sent sir Robert Willoughbey knight, to the Manor of Sherenton in York, for Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, son and heir to George Duke of Clarence, then being of the age of fifteen years, and sent him up to the Tower of London, where he was put under sure custody. In the mean season the King removed towards London, and when he had approached the City, on the 27. of August, the Mayor, magistrates, and companies, all clothed in violet, met him at Shoreditch▪ and with great pomp conveyed him through the City to Saint Paul's Church, where he offered his three standards, one of Saint George, the second a red Dragon, the third a dun Cowe●after his prayers said and Te Deum sung, he departed to the bishops Palace, where he sojourned a season. The Sweeting began the one and twentieth of September, and continued till the end of October: of the which sickness, a wonderful number died, and in London besides other, died Thomas Mayor, in whose place was chosen William Stocker, who likewise deceased about seven days after, in which space departed other four Aldermen, Thomas Ilam, Richard Ramson, Thomas Norland, and john Stocker, and then was chosen Mayor, john Warde, who continued till the feast of Simon and jude. john Tate: john Swan, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Hugh Brice Goldsmith, the 28. of October. On the even of saint Simon and Jude king Henry came from Kenington his house, unto Lambeth, and there dined with Thomas Bourcher Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal of Saint Ciria in Thermis. And after dinner with a goodly company of the estates of this Realm both spiritual and temporal, from thence went to the Tower of London by land, & over London bridge, his nobles riding after the guise of France, upon small Hackneys, two and two upon a Horse, and at London Bridge end the Mayor of London with his brethren and the Crafts, met and received the King, and the King proceeded to Grace Church corner, and so to the Tower. On the morrow being the feast day of Simon and Jude, King Henry created Thomas Lord Stanley Earl of Derby, Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, and jasper Earl of Penbroke, was created Duke of bedford, all at one time in the Tower of London. On the thirtieth of October King Henry was Crowned at Westminster, and ordained a number of chosen Archers, being strong and hardy persons, to give daily attendance on his Parson, whom he named Yeomen of the Guard. The seventh of November began a parliament at Westmi●ster, for the establishing of all things, in the which he caused to be proclaimed, that all men were pardoned of all offences, and should be restored to their lands and goods, which would submit themselves to his clemency. After this he began to remember his especial friends, of whom some he advannced to honour and dignity, and some he enriched with possessions and goods: and to begin, the Lord Chandew of Britain, he made Earl of Bath: sir Gyles Dawbeney was made Lord Dawbeny: sir Robert Willoughby Lord Broke: and Edward Stafford eldest son to Henry late D. of Buckingham, he restored to his dignity and possessions. The Parliament being dissolved, the King redeemed the Marquis Dorset, and sir john Bourcher, whom he had left as pledges at Paris, for money there before borrowed. And sent also into Flaunders for john Morton Bishop of Ely. The eighteenth day of januarie King Henry married the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter to Edward the fourth, by which means the two families of York and Lancaster, which had long been at great division, were united & made one. King Henry sent the Lord Treasurer with Master Bray and other unto the Lord Maior of London, requiring 1486 Loane to the King. him and the Citizens of a Pressed of 6000. marks, wherefore the Mayor with his brethren and Commons granted a priest of two thousand pound, which was levied of the companies and not of the wards, which priest was repaired again in the year next following. Anno. reg. 2. Wheat was sold for iij. shillings the Bushel and Bay salt at the like price. In the month of September Queen Elizabeth was delivered of her first son, named Arthur, at Winchester. john percival: Hugh Clopton, the 28. of Septemb. Sir Henry Collet Mercer, the 28. of Octob. The beautiful Cross in Cheap was new builded, toward the building whereof Thomas Fisher Mercer, gave 600. marks. Sir Richard Simon, a wily Priest, came to gerald earl of Kildare, and Deputy of Ireland, and presented to him a lad his Scholar named Lambert, whom he feigned to be the son of George, duke of Clarence, lately escaped the Tower of London. And the child had learned of the Priest, such Princely behaviour, that he lightly moved the Earl, and many Nobles of Ireland, tendering the blood royal of richard Plantagenet, and George his son, as also maligning the advancement of the house of Lancaster in Henry the seventh, either to think or make the world ween, they thought verily this child to be Edward Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Clarence lawful son. And although King Henry more than half marred their sport, in showing the right Earl thorough all the streets of London, yet the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgoigne, sister to Edward the fourth, john de la Poole her nephew, the Lord Lovel, sir Thomas Broughton Knight, and other Captains of this conspiracy, devised to abuse the colour of this young Earl's name for preferring their purpose, which, if it came to good, they agreed to depose Lambert, and to erect the very Earl in deed, now prisoner in the Tower: for whose quarrel, had they pretended to fight, they deemed it likely, he should have been made away: wherefore it was blazed in Ireland, that the King, to mock his subjects, had schooled a boy to take upon him the Earl of Warwick's name, and had showed him about in London, to blind the eyes of simple folk and to defeat the lawful inheritor of the Duke of Clarence their Countryman and Protector during his life, to whose lineage they also divided a title of the Crown. In all the hast they assemble at Diveline, and there in Christ's Church, they crowned this Idol, honouring him with titles imperial, feasting and triumphing, rearing mighty shouts and cries, carrying him thence to the Kings castle upon tall men's shoulders, that he might be seen and noted, as he was surely an honourable boy to look upon. In this mean time, the Earl of Lincoln, and the lord Edward Hall. Lovel, had gotten by the aid of the said Margaret, about 2000 Almains with Martin Swart a german, and in martial acts very expert, to be their captain, and so sailing into Ireland, and at the City of Divelin, caused young Lambert to be proclaimed King of England, and so with a great multitude of Irishmen, of whom Thomas Gerardine was captain, they sailed into England with the new king, and landed at Fowdrey within a little of Lancaster, trusting there to be aided with money by sir Thomas Broughton, one of the chiefest of this conspiracy. King Henry not sleeping in his matters, when he had gathered his host together, over the which, the Duke of bedford, and the Earl of Oxford were chief Captains, he went to Coventrie, where he being certified, that the Earl of Lincoln was landed at Lancaster with his new King, he removed to Nottingham, to whom shortly after came George Talbot Earl of Shrewsburie, the Lord Strange, sir john Cheyney, with many other. In this space the Earl of Lincoln being entered into Yorkshire, directed his way to Newarke upon Trent, and at a little village called Stoke, three or four miles from Newark, nigh to the King and his army planted his Campe. The next day following, the king divided his number into three battles, and after approached nigh the town of Stoke, where both the armies joined and fought egrelye on both parts: but at the length the kings forward set upon the adversaries, with such a violence, that they slew many, and put the rest to flight. For there their chief Captains, the Earl of Lincoln, and the Lord Lovel, s●r Thomas Broughton, Martin Swart, and the lord Grardin, (or (after Champion) Morris Fitz Thomas) Captain of the Irishmen, were slain, and other above four thousand. This battle was fought on the sixteenth of June: Lambert, and the priest were both taken, to the no small grief of Margaret Duchess of Burgoine. Anno. reg. 3 Sheriffs. Maior. john Fenkell: William Remington, the 28. of Septem. Sir William Horn Salter, the 28. of October. The xxv. of November, Queen Elizabeth was Crowned at Westminster. In the month of July was a pressed for the King made 1488 in the City of London, of four thousand pound, and shortly after was an other priest of two thousand pound, which were both repaid again in the next year following. These sums of money, and many more were levied to aid the archduke of Burgoigne, against the Duke of Britain. Anno reg. 4. Sheriffs. Maior. William Isaac: Ralph Tinley, the 28. of September. Robert Tate Mercer, the 28. of October. A task of the tenth penny of all men's goods and lands was granted to King Henry, to aid the Duke of Britain against the French King, through which tax sir john Egremount, and john a Chamber, with the commons of the North, john Skelton. 1489 made an insurrection, and slew the Earl of Northumberlande and certain of his household servants, in a place called Coke-lodge, by Thurske, eighteen miles from York, on the eight and twentieth of Apryll. Wherefore john Achamber was hanged at York upon a Gibbet set upon a four square Gallows, and the other his accomplices were hanged on the Gallows round about him, but sir john Egremount fled into Flaunders to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgundy. It was ordained by Parliament, the Mayor of London to Anno reg. 5. have conservation of the river of Thamis, from the bridge of Stanes, unto the Waters of Yendale, and Medway. William capel: john Brooke, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William White Draper, the 28. of October. Roger Shaveloke a Tailor, within Ludgate of London, 1420 being a man of great wealth, slew himself, for whose goods was great business and strife between the King's Almoner and the Sheriffs of London: but in the end, the Anno. reg. 6 Almoner prevailed, and gave to the widow her goods again, upon condition, that she should marry with one of his servants named William Flower. Henry Coote: Robert Revel, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Hugh Pemberton, the 1. of February. john Matthew Mercer, the 28. of October. Maior. 1491 The twelfth of March, Sir Robert Chamberlain knight, was arraigned and adjudged at Stratforde of the Langthorne, and after beheaded on the Tower hill. King Henry required a benevolence, which was granted toward his journey into France. The Citizens of London gave toward this journey. 9682. l. 17. s. 4. d. to the which sum many Aldermen gave 200. l. the piece, and some of the meaner sort 100 l. the rest the common people supplied. Henry the King's second son, was borne at Greenwich, Henry the king's son borne. Anno. reg. 7. Conduit in Grace-streete: Dearth of corn. the two and twentieth of June. The Conduit in Grace-streete, was begun to be builded by the executors of sir Thomas Hill Grocer, late Mayor of London, of his goods. Wheat was sold at London for twenty pence the bushel, which was accounted a great dearth. Thomas Wood: William Browne, the▪ 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Hugh Clopton Mercer and Bachelor, the 28. of Octob. This Hugh Clopton Mayor of London, and of the Staple, a Gentleman, borne at Clopton village, half a mile from Stratforde upon Aven by north, continued during his life 〈…〉 Bachelor: he builded the great and sumptuous Bridge 1492 〈…〉 Stratforde upon Aven, at the Easté end of the Town: 〈…〉 is Bridge hath fourteen great arches, and a long causey, with smaller Arches, all made of stone, new walled on each side at the west end of the bridge, he builded a fair large Chapel toward the south end of that town, and near unto the same a preatye house of Brick and Timber, where he lay, and ended his life. He glazed the Chancel of the parish Church in that town, and made away of four miles long, three miles from Alesburie towards London, and one mile beyond Alesburie, The sixth day of April the Mayor of London, his brethren the Aldermen, and the Crafts in their Liveries, assembled in Paul's Church, where Doctor Morton chancellor made to them an Oration, declaring, how the King of Spain had won the great and rich City and country of Granade from the Turks: for joy whereof, Te Deum was sung with great solemnity. In the month of May following, was holden a great and valiant justing within the King's Palace of Shine Anno. reg. 8. now named Richmonde, the which endured by the space of a month, sometime within the said Palace, and sometime without, upon the Green before the Gate of the said Palace. In which Justes, sir james Parker Knight, running against a Gentleman named Hugh Vaughan, by casualty was so sore hurt and bruised, that he died thereof. The ninth of September, King Henry took his voyage into France with a great army to aid the Britons against the French King, where he besieged Bolloine till a truce was taken. William Purchas: William Welbecke, the▪ 28▪ of Sept: Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Martin Skinner, the 28. of October. King Henry returned into England the seventeenth of December. Two Pardoners were set on the Pillory in Cornhill three market days, for forging of false pardons, wherewith they had deceived the people and goat much money: and for that one of them had sayned himself to be a Priest, he was sent to Newgate, where he died: the other was driven out of London with shame enough. The ninth of October was a ryo● made▪ upon the Easterlings 149● Fray against the Stiliard men. Anno reg. 9 or Stiliarde men, by Mercer's servants, and other of the City of London, for the which many of them were sore punished. Robert Fabian: john Winger, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. This Robert Fabian Sheriff aforenamed and Alderman, made a Chronicle of England and of France, beginning at the creation of the world, and ending in the third year of the reign of King Henry the eight, which book is imprinted to the end of Richard the third. Sir Ralph Austry Fishemonger, the 28. of October. Maior. This sir Ralph Austry roofed with timber, and covered with Lead the Parish Church of Saint Martin in the Vintrie of London, and also glazed the same Church very beautifully, as partly appeareth. The two and twentieth of February, were arraigned in the Guild hall of London four persons, Thomas Bagnall, john Scot, john Heth, & john Kenington, the which were Sanctuary men of Saint martin's le Grand in London, and lately before were taken out of the said Sanctuary, for forging o● seditious bills, to the slander of the King, and some his Counsel, for the which, three of them were judged to die, and the fourth named Bagnall, pleaded to be restored to Sanctuary: by reason whereof he was reprieved to the Tower till the next Term: and on the six and twentieth of February, the other three with a Fleming and a Yeoman of the Crown, were all five executed at Tyburn. The eight and twentieth of April jone Boughton widow, 1494 was brent in Smithfielde, for holding certain opinions of john Wicklife. Wheat was sold at London at six pence the bushel, Anno reg. 10 Bay Salt for three pence half penny the Bushel, Na●●wiche Salt was sold for two pence the Bushel, white hearing nine shillings the barrel, red hearing at three shillings the cade, red sprats six pence the cade, and Gascoine wine▪ for six pounds the tun. Nicholas Alwine: john Warner, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Richard Chawry, Salter, the 28. of October. Sir Robert Clifford bearing favour to the house of York, had long since sailed over to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgoigne, by whom he was there persuaded and brought in belief, that one Perken Werbecke, a Fleming born, was the very son of King Edward the fourth: but afterward, being sent for by King Henry, and pardon promised him, he returned into England, and coming to the King's presence in the Tower of London, he, on his knees most humbly cr●●ed pardon, which shortly he obtained, and after accused many, amongst whom he accused sir William Stanley, whom the King had made his chief Chamberlain, and one of his privy Counsel. The report is, that this was his offence. When communication was had between him and Sir Robert Clifforde, as concerning Perken Werbecke, sir William Stanley affirmed there, th● he would never fight nor bear armour against the young man, if he know of a truth, that he was the undoubted son of King Edward the fourth. For this offence sir William Stanley was apprehended, arraigned, and on the xuj. day of February beheaded on the Tower hill. This sir William Stanley was the chiefest helper of King Henrye to the Crown at Bosworth field against King Richard the third. He was a man of great power in his Country, and also of great wealth, insomuch, as the common fame ran that there was in his Castle of Hol●e, found in ready coin, plate, and Jewels, to the value of forty thousand marks or more, and his land and fees extended to three thousand pounds by year. In Lent white hearing being good, were sold for. iij. ● 1495 iiij. ● the barrel at London. Sir W Capel Alderman of London. was condemned to the king in xxvij. C. and xliij. pound sterling, Chronicle of Lond. for the breaking of certain statutes, made before times, for the which he made his end with the King for. xuj. C. and fifteen pound six shillings eight pence. Pierce or Perken Werbecke, which by the counsel of Margaret Duchess of Burgoigne named himself Richard of York, King Edward's second son, arrived at Deal in Kent, the third day of July, where when he and his company saw they could have no comfort of the Country, they withdrew to their ships again, at which so withdrawing, the Mayor of Sandwich with certain commons of the country bickered with the residue that were upon land, & took alive of them an hundred three score and nine persons, among the which were five captains, Mountford, Corbert, Anno reg. 11 Whitbelt, Quintine and Gem●●e. And the xij. of July john Peche Esquire, Shrive of Kent, brought unto London bridge thos● 169. prisoners, where the Shrives' of London received them and conveyed them in carts and long ropes unto the Tower of London, and to Newgate, who were shortly after to the number of 150. hanged in Kent, Essex, Sussex, and Norfolk, the residue were executed at Tyburn & Wapping, in the Whose besides London. Thomas Kneisworth, Henry Summer, the. 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Henry Colet Mercer, the. 28. of October. The. xuj. of November was holden the sergeant feast at the Bishop's place of Ely in Holborn, where dined the King, Queen▪ and all the chief lords of England. The new sergeant names were master Mordant, Higham, Kingsmill, Conisby, Butler, Yakesley, Frowicke, Oxenbridge, and Constable. In digging for to lay a new foundation in the Church of S. Marry hill in London, the body of Alice Hackeney, which had been buried in the Church the space of. 175. years, was ●●●ud whole of skin, and the joints of her arms pliable: which corpse was kept above ground four days without annoyance, and then buried again. In April was concluded an amity and entrecourse between this land, and the Country of Flaunders, etc. In September, the Scots entered England, by the setting on of Perkin Werbecke, and did much harm to the borders: but when they heard of the Lord Nevil'S coming against them, they sped them away. john shaw: Richard Haddon, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Tate Mercer, the 28. of October. This john Tate newly builded and enlarged Saint Anthony's Church in London, a goodly foundation, with a Frées●hoole, and certain alms houses for poor men. jasper Duke of bedford, uncle to King Henry the seventh, died the eighteenth day of December, and was buried at Kensham. By means of a payment that was granted to the king, 1497 a new commotion was made by the commons of Cornewal, which under the leading of james Tuchet of Audley, Lord Audley, with Michael joseph, a horse farrer or Blacksmith of Bodman and other, came to Blackeheath, where the King met with them, and discomfited the rebels, and took their Captains the two and twentieth of June, where were slain of the rebels about 300. and taken about. 1500. the King gave to them that took them, their goods. The Lord Audley was beheaded on the Tower hill the xxviij. of June. The black Smith and Flamoke a lawyer, were hanged, headed, and quartered at Tyburn. In July the King sent an army into Scotland, under the guiding of the Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Nevell, which made sharp war upon the Scots. At Bartholomew-tide, in Bedfordshire, at the Town of Hail stones hightene inches about. Saint Needs, fell hail stones that were measured eighteen inches about. Perkin, or Pierce Werbecke, landed at Whitsondbay, in Anno reg. 13 Cornwall, the seventh of September, having in his company not passed a hundred and twenty persons, he went to Bodman, where being accompanied with a three or four thousand rascals, and almost naked men, he proclaimed himself King Richard the fourth, second son to Edward the fourth: from thence he went to Excester, and besieged it, which City was valiantly defended by the inhabitants, the Earl of Devonshire being their General, who himself was hurt in the arm with an arrow of the rebels, but many of the rebels being slain, they withdrew them to Taunton: but sir Giles Dawbeney Lord Chamberlain approaching with an army, the people fled, and Perkin got him to Beudley, where he took Sanctuary, but upon covenants offered, he came to the King, and was pardoned his life. Bartholomewe Rede: Thomas Windought. 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. William Purchas Mercer, the 28. of October. The eight and twentieth of November, Perkin Werbeck Perkin Werbecke brought up to London. was conveyed upon horse back through Cheap and Cornhill unto the Tower of London, and from thence back again through Candleweeke street to Westminster, with many a curse, and much wondering. The one and twentieth of December, at nine of the Sheen burnt. clock at night suddenly began a great fire within the King's lodgings, then being at his Manor of Sheen, which continued till midnight, by violence whereof much and a great part of the old building of that place was brent, with hangings, beds, apparel, plate, and many other jewels. Perkin Werbecke endeavouring to steal secretly out 1498 Perkin Werbecke taken. of the land, was taken again by his keepers, and by the King's commandment cast in the Tower of London, and after he was showed in Westminster, and in Cheap, stocked on Anno reg. 14 scaffolds to the great wonderment of many people. This year all the Gardens which had been continued time out of mind without More gate of London, were destroyed, and of them was made a plain field for Archers to shoot in. The English Merchants were received into Antwerp, with general procession, after they had been long absent from thence. This year was a great drought, by reason whereof a load of Hay which was before time sold at London for five shillings, was this year sold for ten shillings or twelve shillings more. This year one Sebastian Gabato a Genoa's son, borne in Bristol, professing himself to be expert in knowledge of the circute of the world and Islands of the same, as by his Charts and other reasonable demonstrations he showed, caused the King to man and victual a ship at Bristol to search for an Island which he knew to be replenished with rich commodities: in the ship diverse merchants of London adventured small stocks, and in the company of this ship, sailed also out of Bristol three or four small ships fraught with slight and gross wares, as course cloth, Caps, Laces, points, and such other, sir Humphrey Gilbert knight, in his book entitled a discovery for a new passage to Cataia, writeth thus, Sebastian Gabato, by his personal experience and travail, hath set forth and described this passage in his charts, which are yet to be seen in the queens Majesties privy Gallery, at White Hall, who was sent to make this discovery by King Henry the seventh, and entered the same fret, affirming, th● he sailed very far Westward, with a quarter of the North, on the Northside of Terrade Labrador, the eleventh of June, until he came to the septentrial latitude of 67½ degrees, and finding the seas still open, said, th● he might, & would have gone to Cataia, if the iminitie of the Master and Mariners, had not been. Thomas Bradburie, Stephen jennins, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. A Shoemakers son feigned to be the Earleof Warwick. Sir john percival Tailor, the 28. of October. A Shoemakers son borne in Byshopsgate street of London, was hanged at Saint Thomas waterings on shrove Tuesday, for naming himself to be Edward Earl of Warwick, son to George Duke of Clarence, which Edward Earl of Warwick was then (and had been all the reign of this King) kept se●ret prisoner in the Tower of London. The four and twentieth of February, the King's third 1499 Anno reg. 15 son was Christened within the friars Church at Greenwich, by the name of Edward. The Gasgoyne Wine was sold at London for forty shillings Wine, salt and wheat cheap. the Tun, and much left to the Shipmen for freight, the plenty was so great. A quarter of Wheat four shillings, and bay salt four pence the bushel. This year was the Brewer's house called the Swan, adjoining to Saint Antony's, taken down, for the enlarging of the said Church, which was after new builded at the costs of Sir john Tate late Mayor. james Wilford Tailor: Richard Brond, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Perkin werbeck hanged. Nicholas Alwin Mercer, the 28. of October. The xuj. of November, was arraigned Perkin Warbeck, and three other, the which Perkin, and john a Water, Maior of Corfe, were executed at Tyburn, the twenty-three. of November. The xxvitj. of November Edward Plantagenet Earl of The Earl of Warwick beheaded. Warwick, son to George Duke of Clarence, being about the age of xxiitj. years, was beheaded at Tower hill, and buried at Birsam by his ancestors Shortly after, Walter Blewet and Thomas Astwoode, were hanged at Tyburn. In the beginning of May, the King and Queen sailed to 1500 The King and Queen sailed to caleis. Caleis, where they met with the Duke of Burgoigne, they returned again in June. In July, the Town of Babram in Norfolk was brent. Edward the King's third son died, at a place of the Bishop of Eely, called Hatfield in Hartfordshire, and was buried at Westminster. This year was a great death in London, and other parts Anno. reg. 16 of this Realm. john Hawes: William Stead, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. William Remington Fishmonger, the 28. of October. The thirty. day of January, was brought unto the Grey Friars the corpse of the Lord Denham, Treasurer of England, and was there buried in the South side of the queer. In the month of May, was a royal Tourney of Lords and Knights within the Tower of London before the King. The King builded new his Manor at Sheen, and named Arnold. Smart. 1501 Richmond and Baynard's Castle. Anno reg. 17. it Richmond, for that so many notable and rich Jewels were there brent, and the same cost no small sums the building new. He also new builded Baynard's Castle in London, and repaired Greenwich. Edmond de la Poole Duke of Suffolk, and Richard his brother, shipped at Harwich, & departed secretly into France. The fourth of October, Katherine, daughter to the King of Spain, landed at Plymouth. Laurence Ailmer: Henry Heed, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Shaw Goldsmith, the 28. of October. This john Shaw caused his brethren the Aldermen to ride from the Guildhall unto the water side when he went to Westminster to be presented in th● Exchequer. He also caused the kitchens and other houses of office to be builded at th● Guildhall, where since that time the majors feasts hath The majors feast first kept at the Guild hall. been kept, which before had been in th● Grocer's or Tailor's hall. The xiv of November, Prince Arthur was married in Prince Arthur married. S. Paul's Church at London, unto Katherine, daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain, which Arthur the second of April Prince Arthur deceased. 1502 deceased at Ludlow, and was buried at Worcester. About Easter, all the Grey Friars in England changed their habit, for where of long time before they had used to Woollen cloth two shillings the brodyarde. wear brown Russet of four shillings, six shillings, and eight shillings the yard, now they were compelled to wear Russet of two shillings the yard, and not above, which was brought to pass by the Friars of Greenwich. This year, the dike called Turnemill brook, with all the Dikes of London cleansed. course of Fleet dike, were so scoured down to the Thames, that boats with fish and fuel were rowed up to Holborn Bridge, as they of old time had been accustomed, which was a great commodity to all the inhabitants in that part of London. Also the Tower near to the black Friars was taken down by the commandment of the Mayor. The sixth of May, Sir james Tirell Knight, Lieutenant of Guisnes castle, and Sir john Windham Knight, were beheaded on the Tower hill, and a Shipman was hanged and quartered at Tyburn, all for aiding Edmond de la Poole Earl of Suffolk. This year, were brought unto the King three men taken Men brought from the new found islands. in the new found islands, by Sebastian Gabato, before named in Anno 1468. these men were clothed in Beasts Skins, and eat raw Flesh, but spoke such a language, Anno reg. 18. as no man could understand them, of the which three men, two of them were seen in the King's Court at Westminster two years after, clothed like Englishmen, and could not be discerned from Englishmen. Henry Keble: Nicholas Nine, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Bartholomew Rede Goldsmith, the 28. of October. The Chapel of our Lady, above the East end of the high Aultare of Westminster Church, with a Tavern called King Henry the seavenths' Chapel at Westminster. the white Rose near adjoining, was taken down▪ in which place, a most beautiful Chapel was then forthwith begun to be builded by King Henrye the seventh, the charges whereof (as I have been credibly informed) amounted to the sum of fourteen thousand pounds. Elizabeth Queen of England, wife to King Henry the Queen Elizabeth deceased. seventh, died of Childbed in the Tower of London on the twelfth of February, and was solemnly buried at Westminster. King Henry the seventh being himself a brother of the Six Kings of England brethren with the tailors Company in London, before they were entitled Merchant Tailors. 1503 tailors company in London, as divers other his predecessors Kings before him had been (to weet, Richard the third, Edward the fourth, Henry the sixth, Henry the fifth, Henry the fourth, and Richard the second. Also of Dukes, eleven, Earls xxviij. and Lords xiviij.) he now gave to them the name and title of Merchant Tailors, as a name of worship to endure for ever. This year, about the later end of March, the prior of the Prior of Shene murdered. Charterhouse of Shene was murdered in a cell of his own house, by means of one Goodwin, a Monk of the same Cloister, and his adherents artificers of London. On the xxv. of June at the Bishop of Salisburies' place in Fléetestréete, was the noble Prince Henry the second, son of King Henry the seventh, assured in matrimony to the Lady Katherine, late the wife of that excellent Prince Arthure. The fifth of August deceased Sir Reginald Bray Knight, Treasurer of the King's wars, and was buried at Windesore. The eight of August, the King of Scots married Margaret, Margaret the King's daughter married. the eldest daughter of King Henry the seventh. A dry Summer, having no notable rain from Whitsuntide, Anno reg. 9 to the later Lady day in harvest. Christopher Hawes: Robert Wits, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Thomas Granger, the 11. of November. Sir William capel Draper, the 28. of October. Maior. The xiij. of November, was holden within the palace Sergeant's feast. of the Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth, the Sergeant's feast, where dined the King and all his nobles, and upon the same day, Thomas Granger, newly chosen Sheriff of London, was presented before the Barons of the King's Exchequer, there to take his oath, and after went with the Mayor unto the same feast, which saved him money in his purse, for if that day that feast had not been kept, he must have feasted the Mayor, Aldermen, and others Worshipful of the City. This Feast was kept at the charge of ten learned men, newly admitted to be Sergeants to the King's law, whose names were, Robert Bridnell, William Grevill, Thomas Marrow, George Edgore, john Moor, john Cutler, Thomas Elyot, jews Pollard, Guy Palmis, William Fayrefax. On the xxj. day of November, at night, began a perilous Fire on London Bridge. fire at the sign of the Pannier upon London Bridge, near to Saint Magnus' Church, where six tenements were brent ere the same could be quenched. The seventh of January, were certain houses consumed Fire. with fire against Saint Butolphes Church in Thamis street. The xxv of January, began a Parliament at Westminster, Parliament. of the which was chosen speaker for the commons Master Edmond Dudley. The xxvij. of March, was an house brent against saint 1504 martin's le grand in London. A new Coin was by Parliament appointed, that is New Coin. to say, Grote, and half Groat, which bore but half faces: the same time also was coined a Groat, which was in value twelve pence, but of those were but few coined. This year, Alum, which many years had been sold for Alum dear. six shillings an hundred, and lower, arose to five Nobles an hundred, and after to four Marks etc. The forenamed Sir William capel, Maior of London, caused in every ward of London a Cage with a pair of Stocks, Anno reg. 20 Cages and Stocks ordained. Hunsditch paved. Sheriffs. Maior. therein to punish vagabonds. Also, he caused all Hunsditch to be overpaved, the which many years before lay full noyously and perilously for all travelers that way. Roger Acheley: William Browne, the 28. of Septemb. john Winger Grocer, the 28. of October. About Christmas, the more part of the prisoners of the Marshalsey in Southwark broke out, and many of them being Prisoners of the Marshalsey broke out. shortly after taken, were put to execution, specially those which had lain for Felovie or Treason. The xv. of April, a money maker, one of the Coiners of 1505 the Tower, was drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged. There was great strife in the Guild hall about choosing Anno reg. 21. of the Sheriff, for the Tailors would have had Master Fitz William's Tailor, and the other commons chose Roger Grove Grocer. Richard Shore: Roger Grove, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Kniesworth Fishmonger, the 28. of October. This Thomas Kneisworth, of his own goods, builded the Conduit at Bishopsgate. He gave to the Fishmongers Conduit at Bishopsgate builded. certain tenements, for the which they be bound to find four Scholars that study Art, two at Oxford, and two at Cambridge, every of them four pound the year. They be bound also to give to twelve aged poor people of their company, to every one of them at Barthelmewtide a winter garment for ever. Also to give to the prisoners of Ludgate and Newgate, every year forty shillings etc. The fifth of January in the night, the King's Chamber Richmond on fire. was fired at Richmond, the which might not be quenched, till many curteyns, carpets, rich beds, and much other stuff was consumed. Through great tempest of wind being at th● south-west, The King of Castille landed in England. which began the xv. of January, and continued till the sire and twenty of th● same, Philip King of Castille, and his wife, were weather driven, and landed at Falmouth in England, as Francis Guicciar. they were passing on the. xuj. of January out of Flanders toward Spain, who were honourably received by the Earl of Arundel at th● King's appointment, with three C. horses, all by torch light. This tempest was strange to many men, because th● Weather cock of Paul's blown down. violence thereof had blown down the Eagle of brass from the spire of Paul's Church in London, and in the falling, the same Eagle broke and battered the black Eagle, which hung for a sign in Paul's Churchyard, that time being but low houses, where now is the School of Paul's. About the end of March, Edmond de la Poole was taken in Flanders, and conneyed through the City to the Tower of London, and there left prisoner. In the beginning of July, a Galory new builded at Gallery at Richmont fell. Anno reg. 22. Richmond wherein the King and the Prince his son had walked not one hour before, it fell suddenly down about midnight, but no christian man perished thereby. William Copingar: Thomas johnson, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. These Sheriffs being on the morrow after Michaelmas day by the Mayor and Aldermen presented before the Barons of the Exchequer, only William Copingar was admitted and sworn, but Thomas johnson they would not admit, till they knew farther of the King's pleasure. The x. of October, a commandment was brought from the King to the Lord Maior, that he should cause an election to be made for a new Sheriff, at which day, came into the Guild Hall Master Edmond Dudley, the King's Precedent, and there showed the King's letters, that the commons should name for the King's pleasure, William Fitz William to be Sheriff for the year ensuing, which with much difficulty, at length was granted, which William Fitz Williams kept his feast the sixtéenth day of October. Richard Haddon Mercer by the Kings commandment, Maior. the 28. of October. On S. Thomas day at night, afore Christmas, was a Baker's house in Warwick Lane brent, with the Mistress of th● house, ij. women servants, & iij. other. In Lent, the King delivered all Prisoners in London 1057 Anno reg. 23. Sheriffs. which lay for the debt of forty shillings, or under. William Butler: Thomas Kirkeby Merchant Taylor, the 28. of September. William Brown Mercer, the 28. of Octo. Who deceased, Maior. and forthwith Sir Laurence Aylmer Draper was chosen & sworn, and went home in a grey cloak, with th● sword borne afore him, on the xxvij. day of March. Item, he took his oath at th● Tower, & kept no feast. William capel was put in suit 1508 William Capel sued by the K. Thomas knesworth imprisoned. by the King for things by him done in his majoralty. Also Tho. Kneisworth that had been Mayor of London, and his Sheriffs, were sent to the King's Bench till they were put to their fine of fourteen hundred pound. In the month of June, the City of Norwich was sore perished, and near consumed Norwich on ●●re. Anno reg. 24. with fire, that began in a Frenchman's house named Peter johnson, a Surgeon, in the Parish of Saint George. Thomas Exmew: Richard Smith, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Stephen Genings Merchant tailor, the 28. of October. This Stephen Genings Mayor of London, founded a free Grammar School at Wlfrunehampton in Staffordshire, with Freeschoole at Wlfrunehampton. convenient lodgings for the Master and Usher in the same place where he was borne. He gave Lands sufficient for the maintenance, leaving the oversight thereof to the Merchant Tailors in London, who have hitherto justly dealt in that matter, and also augmented the building there. Master Nichols, who married the only daughter and heir of the aforesaid Stephen Genings, gave Lands to maintain the pavements of that Town. Also, john Leneson Esquire, about Anno 1556. gave Lands, where of four pound should be dealt every year, on good Friday, to the poor people of Wilfrunehampton, and six and twenty Shillings eight pence yearly, towards the reparation of the Church there. Moreover, about Anno 1566. Sir john Lighe a Priest, john Ligh of Wlfrunehampton, his rare example of Charity. which had served in that. Church there, the space of threescore years, for five pounds, six Shillings eight pence the year, without any other augmentation of his living, who would never take any Benefice, or other preferment, gave twenty pounds, to purchase twenty Shillings the year Lands, the same to be given yearly for ever to the poor of Wlfrunehampton upon good Friday, and twelve pounds thirteen Shillings fourpence, to purchase a Mark a year Land, the same to be given to the poor of Chifnall, in the County of Salope, where the said Lighe was borne. This man lived nigh one hundred years. He bestowed besides his own labour which was great (in bearing of stone etc.) above twenty pound on the high ways about that Town of Wlfrunehampton. This Town of Wlfrunehampton, is now corruptly called 〈◊〉, for in Anno 996. in King Etheldreds' time, Wlfrunehampton, corruptly called Wolnerhampton. who wrote himself Rex Angl●rum & princops Northumbrerum Olimpiade tertia regni sui, for so he wrote the count of his reign then, which was the fifteenth year) it was then Ex Carta Regia. ●alled Hampton, as appeareth by an old Charter written by the Notary of the said King Etheldred, which Charter I have seen and read: and for that a noble woman named Wlfrune a Widow, sometime wife to Althelme Duke of Northampton, did obtain of the said King to give Lands unto the Church there which she had founded, the said Town took the addition of the same Wlfrune, for that Charter so nameth her Wlfrune, and the Town Hampton. Sir Laurence Aylmer and his two Sheriffs were put Sir Laurence Aylmer, and his Sheriffs. to their fine to the King of a thousand pound. This year, was finished the goodly Hospital of the Savoy 1509 Smart. Hospital of the Savoy. near unto Charing Cross, which was a notable foundation for the poor, done by King Henry the seventh, unto the which he purchased and gave Lands for the relieving of one hundred poor people. This was first named Savoy place, by Peter Earl of Savoy, Rec. of Canterbury Church. Father to Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, about the nine and twentieth year of King Henry the third, who made the said Peter Earl of Richmond. This house belonged since to the Duke of Lancaster, and at this time was converted to an Hospital, still retaining the first name of Savoy. King Henry also builded three houses of Franciscane Friars, which are called observants, at Richmond, Greenwich, and Newarke, and three other of that family of Franciscane Friars which are called conventuals, at Canterbury, Newcastle, and Southampton. This noble Prince King Henry died at Richmond the Smart. Henry the seven. deceased. ●●ij. of April, when he had reigned three and twenty years and eight months, and was buried at Westminster in the 〈◊〉 Chapel which he had caused to be builded, on the eleventh of May. He left issue Henry Prince of Wales, which succeeded in the Kingdom, Lady Margaret Queen of Scots, and Lady Mary promised to Charles King of Castille. The Altar and Sepulture of the same King Henry the Sepulture of Henry the seventh. seventh, wherein he now resteth, in his new Chapel at Westminster was made and finished in the year of ours Lord 1519. by one Peter T. a Painter of the City of Florence, for the which he received one thousand pound sterling for the whole stu●●e and workmanship, at the hands of the King's exequetors, Richard Bishop of Winchester, Richard Exequetors to Henry the seventh. Fitz james, Bishop of London, Thomas Bishop of Duresme, john Bishop of Rochester, Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Treasurer of England, Edward Earl of Worcester the King's Chamberlain, john F. Knight, chief Justice of the King's Bench, Robert R. Knight, chief Justice of the Common Place etc. King Henry the eight. HEnry the eight, at the age Anno. reg. 1. of eighteen years, begun his reign the xxij. of April, Anno. 15●9. Of parsonage he was▪ tall and mighty, in wit and memory excellent, of such majesty with humanity, as was comely in such a Prince. The The King married. The King and Queen crowned. third of June, he married Lady Katherine his first wife, who had been late the wife of Prince Arthur deceased. The sixth of June▪ john Darby ●owyer▪ john Smith Carpenter, john S●mpson ●ulle●●●ingleaders of false ●nes●es in London r●de about the City with their faces to the Horse taytes, and papers on their heads, and were set ●● the Pillory in Cor●ehill▪ and after brought again to ●awgate, where they died all within seven days after for very shame. On Midsummer day, the King and Queen were crowned ●● Westminster. The nine and twentieth of June, the most noble and verrtuous Princess Margaret▪ Countess of Richmond ● Darbye▪ mother to King Henry the seventh, and Grandmother to King Henry the eight, died at Westminster, whose noble Acts and most charitable deeds all her life executed, can not be expressed in a small volume. The seventeenth of July, Edmond Dudley was arraigned at the Guild Hall of London, and after Michaelmas, Sir Richard Empson was arraigned and condemned at Northhampton, and sent again to the Tower of London. George Monex, john Doget Mere Taylor▪ the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Thomas Bradbury Mercer, the 28. of October. Sir William capel Draper, the 12▪ of january. Majors. The one and twentieth of January, began a Parliament at Westminster. In February was a great fire in Thames street, near unto Wool Key, which began in a Flax wives house, and did much harine. The xx. of April, a peace was proclaimed betwixt England and France, during the ●●ues of Henry the eight King of England, and jews the French King, but it lasted not lo●●▪ Doctor Colet Deane of Paul's, erected a free School in 1510 Paul's Church yard in London, and committed the oversight thereof to the Master and Wardens of the Mercers, Paul's School. Anno. reg. 2. because himself was ●o●●e in▪ London▪ and was son to Henry Colet Mercer, sometime Mayor of London. On Midsummer ●igh● the King came pe●●●ly into Cheap in one of the ●oates of his 〈◊〉, and on Saint Peter's night, the King and Queen came riding royally to the King's head in Cheap, there to behold the watch of the City▪ o● Sir Richard Empson Knight, and Edmond Dudley ●●●uier, Empson and Dudley beheaded. Edward Hall. who had been gr●●●● C●●●●ay 〈◊〉 ●● the late King Henry the seventh, were beheaded at the Tower hill the seventh of August, Richard Empson was buried at the White Friars, and Edmonde Dudley at the Black, whose attacheme●●●● was thought ●● 〈◊〉 procured by the malice of the 〈◊〉 therewith they 〈◊〉 ●●●e were offended, or else to shift the noise of the straight execution of penal Statutes in the late King's days. This Edmond Dudley, in the time of his imprisonment in the Tower of London, compiled one notable Book, which he entitled, The Tree of common wealth, a copy whereof The tree of common wealth a Book. I have given to the right honourable Earl of Leycester now living. The xx●. of September, William Fitz Williams, Merchant Election of a Sheriff. Tailor, was again the second time chosen Sheriff for the year following, whereof the said William having knowledge, absented himself, and would not be found, whereupon, the time drawing near that presentation must be made of the new Sheriffs, they in a full Court of the Mayor and Aldermen, with assent of the common Counsel being present, in solemn and due form, caused him to be thrice called, and commanded to appear upon pain that should fall thereof, but he would in no wise appear, nor any other for him, wherefore in avoiding the jeopardy of forfeiture of their liberties if they should not prepare an able man of themselves to be Sheriff with that other which the Mayor yearly chooseth, they called a new assemble of the commons, and then chose john Rest Alderman, New election of a Sheriff. and Grocer, for the other Sheriff, the which, with john Milborne his fellow before chosen by the Mayor, was presented before the Barons of the King's Exchequer, and there admitted, and shortly after, for so much as the said William Fitz William would not submit himself to the authority of the City, he was disfranchised, and dismissed of William Fitz William's disfranchised. his Aldermanship, and ●ined at a thousand Marks to be le●yed of his goods and Cattayles within the City. john Milborne: john Rest, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Henry Kebell Grocer, the 28. of October. The eighteenth of November, was holden the Sergeant's feast at the Bishop of Elyes in Oldborne, the new Sergeants Sergeants' Feast. were Master Newport, Newdigate, Fitzherbert, john Brooke, Pigot, Cariell, Brook of Bristol, Palm Senior, and Master roe. Henry the King's first son was borne on New years Prince borne. day, but died on Saint Mathies day next following. In the months of June and July, the Scots made sundry 1511 Anno reg. 3. entries upon the borderes of England, with Ships well manned and victualled, who kept the narrow Seas (against the Portugese's as they said) whereupon, Sir Edward Haward Lord Admiral of England, and Lord Thomas Haward, son and heir to the Earl of Surrey, went to Andrew Barton, a Scottish Pirate. the Seas by the King of England's commandment, with certain Ships, who about the end of July, met with the said Scots, and gave unto them a sharp battle, wounded their Captain Andrew Barton, whereof he died, slew many of his men, and took many prisoners, with two Ships, the one called the Lion, the other a Bark, called jenny Perwine, which Ships were brought to Ships taken from the Scots. Black Wall the second of August, and the Scots to London, where they were kept as prisoners in the Bishop of York's Place, and after sent into Scotland. Nicholas Shelton: Thomas Mirfine, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Roger Acheley Draper, the 28. of October. The fifteenth of January, began the parliament at Westminster, Sir Robert Sheffeld Knight, sometime Recorder Parliament. of London, was speaker for the Commons. During this parliament, in the month of March, a Yeoman of the Crown, one of the King's Guard, named Newbolt hanged. Newbolt, slew within the Palace of Westminster a sernant of Master Willoughbyes', for the which offence, the King 1512 commanded to be set up a new pair of Gallows in the same place where the said servant left his life, and upon the same, the said Newbold was hanged, and there remained on the Gallows by the space of two days. King Henry sent the Lord Darcy with a goodly company Anno. reg. 4. of men into Spain, to aid the King his Father in law against the moors, but ere he arrived, a peace was concluded between them. In August, Sir Edward Poynings, accompanied with the Lord C●nton, and divers other, was sent into Gelderland with fifteen hundred Archers, to aid the Prince of Castle, at the request of Margaret, Duchess of Savoy, and Regent of Flanders. Edward Haward Lord Admiral of England, through his too much hardiness, was slain before Breast, in Britain, after whom, his brother Thomas Haward was made Admiral. About the month of August, the navies of England and France meeting at Briteine Bay, fought a cruel battle, in the which, the Regent, or Sovereign of England, and a Carike of Breast in France, being crappeled together, were burned, and their Captains with their men all drowned, the English Captain was Sir Thomas Kneuet, who had with him Sir john Carew, and seven hundred men. In the French Carrike was Sir Piers Morgan, with nine hundred men, which were all brent or drowned. Robert Holdernes, Robert Fenrother, the 28 of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. William Copinger Fishmonger, the 28. of October. Richard Hadden, Mercer. The Steeple and Lantarne of Bow Church in Cheap, Bow Steeple builded. was this year finished. By Friars this year, a great part of the King's Palace King's Palace at Westminsier brent. Sca. Tempo. of Westminster, and the Chapel in the Tower of London, and many other places in England were brent. In a Parliament at Westminster, was granted to the king two fifteens, and four demies, and head money of every 1513 Duke ten Marks, an Earl five pound, a Lord four pound, a Knight four Mark, and every man valued at Great subsidy. eight hundred pound in goods, to pay four Marks, and so after that rate, till him that was valued at forty shillings, paid twelve pence, and every man that took forty shillings wages xij. d. & every man & woman at xv. years or upward 4. d. In April, the King sent a great Navy of twelve thousand men to the Sea. On May even, Edmond de la Poole was beheaded on the Tower hill, his brother Richard was after slain in France. King Henry having sent over a great and puissant Army King Henry beseegeth Turwyne. into France to besiege the City of Turwine, himself accompanied with many noble men, and vj. C. Archers of his Guard, all in white gabberdines, took his Ship at Dover on the last of June in the morning. When the King was shipped and made Sail, all his army followed, to the number of four hundred Ships, and the wind was so, that they were brought the same night into Caleis Haven. On the next morrow, being the first of July, Thomas Lord Howard, Admiral of England, landed at Whitsandbay, and entered, spoiled, and brent the Town, and returned to his Ships. The xxj. of July, the King passed out of the Town of Caleis in goodly array of battle, and took the field, and notwithstanding that the forward of the King's great Army were before Turwine, yet the King of his own battle made three battles: the Lord Lisle Marshal of the host, was Captain of the forewarde, and under him three thousand men: Sir Richard Carew with three hundred men, was the right hand wing to the forward, and the Lord Darcy with three C. men, wing on the left hand. The scourers and fore-riders of this battle, were the Northumberland men on light geldings. The Earl of Essex was Lieutenant General of the Spears, and Sir john Pechy was vicegovernour of the Horsemen. Before the King, went viij. C. Almains all in a plump: after them, came the Standert with the red Dragon, next the Banner of our Lady, and next of the Trinity, under the which were all the King's household. Then went the Banner of the Arms of England, borne by Sir Henry Guildford, under which Banner was the King himself, with divers noble men, and other, to the number of three thousand men. The Duke of Buckingham, with vj. C. men; was on the Kings left hand. On the right hand was Sir Edw. Poynings, with other vj. C. men equal with the Almains. The L. of Burgainie with viij. C. men, was wing on the right hand: sir William Compton with the retinue of the bishop of Winchester Fox, and Master Thomas Wolsey, afterward Cardinal, of eight hundred, was in manner of a rearward: sir Anthony Oughtred and sir john Nevell with the King's spears that followed, were four hundred, and so the whole army was eleven thousand and three hundred men. The Master of the ordinance set forth the King's artillery, as Falcons, slings, Bombards, powder, stones, bows, arrows, and such other things necessary for the field, the whole number of the carriages were thirteen hundred, the leaders and drivers of the same were nineteen hundred men. The King lay the first night betwixt Calkewell and Freydon: the next night before the castle of Gwisnes at Bocarde: the next night he lay beside Arde a good way without the English pale, & when he was a little beyond Dernome, there came a great host of French men, that purposed to have set upon him: but the King with his host kept their ground, and shot their great ordinance, wherewith the array of the French men▪ was broken. The fourth of August, the King in good order of battle came before the City of Turwine, and planted his siege in warlike wise. The eleventh day of August, Maximilian the Emperor came to King Henrye, who was received with great triumph, between Air and the camp. The Emperor and all his servants were retained with the King of England in wages by the day, every person according to his degree, and the Emperor as the kings souldioure ware a Cross of Saint George with a Rose, and so he and all his train came to the King's Camp the thirteenth of August, and there was received with great magnificence. The three and twentieth of August the town of Turwine Turwine yielded to K. Henry was given over unto the King of England, with condition, that all men in the Town might safely pass with horse and harness, and so on the four and twentieth of August there came out of the town four thou●and men of war and moewell appointed, whereof six hundred were well horsed, their standards borne before them. The six and twentieth of August, the King removed to Singate, and there it was agreed, that the walls, gates, bulwarks, and towers of Turwine should be defaced, razed and cast down: of which conclusion, the Emperor Turwive razed and brent. sent word to Saint Omers and to Air. which being joyous of that tidings, sent thither pioneers, and so they and the English pioneers broke down the walls, gates, and towers, and filled the ditch, and fired the town, except the Cathedral Church and the Palace, and all the ordinance was by the King sent to Air to be kept to his use. After this, it was concluded, that the King in person should lay his siege to the City of Turney, wherefore he sent forward three goodly battles: the first was conducted by the Earl of Shrewsburie: the second battle led the King himself, with whom was the Emperor: The rearward was conducted by the Lord Harbert, and so the first night they lay in camp beside Air. The fourteenth of September the King and his army came to Beatwin, and on the morrow passed forward, and came to a strait, where was a Ford, which with great difficulty they passed: and the next day they passed a bridge called Fount Anandiew, etc. The one and twentieth day of September the King removed his Camp toward Tourney, and lodged within three miles of the City, the which night came to him the Emperor and the Palsgrave, the people about King Henry besieged Turney. Tourney were with their gòodes fled to the City and yet the City had no men of war to defend it, but with multitude of Inhabitants the City was well replenished. The King came in array of battle before Tourney, planted his ordinance round abonte the City, divers frenches were cast and rampires made, so that no Citizens could issue out, nor no aid come to them. Whereupon at length, to weet, on the nine and twentieth of September the City was yielded. Then the King appointed the Lord ●isle, the Lord Burgeyny and the Lord Willoughby to take possession, which with six thousand men entered the City and took the market place and the walls, and then Master Thomas Wolsey the King's Almoner called before him all the Citizens, and swore them to the King of England, the number of which Citizens were four score thousand. On the second day of October the King entered the city of Turney, and there ordained sir Edward Poynings, Knight of the order of the Garter, to be his lieutenant, with Captains, horsemen, archers, and artillery convenient: he made his Almoner Thomas Wolsey bishop of Tourney, and then returned to Callaice, and sailed Thomas Woolsey Bishop of Turney. from thence to Dover on the four and twentyth of October. In this mean time james King of Scots, notwithstanding he was sworn to keep the peace, invaded this land with a mighty army, but by the good diligence of the Queen, with the policy and manhood of the Earl of Surrey, the King's Lievetenannt, he himself was slain at Bramstone upon Piperd hill, with three bishops, two Abbots, twelve Earls, seventeen Lords, besides Knights, and Gentlemen, and seventeen thousand Scots, and all the ordinances and stuff taken, the ninth of September: there were slain of the English men about five thousand. The dead body of the King of Scots, was brought up to London, and so conveyed to Sheen, where I have seen the same lapped in Lead, lie in an old house unburied. john Dawes. john Bridges, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Roger Bafford. William Brown Mercer, the 28. of October. john Tate Maior. Mercer. On Candlemas day the King made Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, Duke of Norfolk: Thomas Lord Howard Earl of Surrey: Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk: Charles Somerset Earl of Worcester, at Lambeth in the Archbishop of Canterbury's palace, and not long after, he maoe sir Edward Stanley Lord Mountegle. In March following, Thomas Wolsey the King's Almoner, 1514 T. Wolsey B. of Lincoln. Anno reg. 6 Hedges plucked up, & ditches filled. and Bishop of Tourney was consecrate bishop of Lincoln, as successor to William Smith late deceased. All the hedges within one mile and more, every way about London were pulled down, and the ditches filled up in a morning, by a number of young men, Citizens of London, because those enclosures had been hindrance to their shooting. The ninetinth of May was received into London a Cap of Maintenance, and a sword sent from Pope julie the second, which was presented to the King on the Sunday next with great solemnity in Saint Paul's Church. The seventh day of August, a peace was proclaimed betwixt the Kings of England and of France, during their lives. In October, a marriage was made between Lewis the twelfth King of France, and Lady Mary the kings sister of England. james Yarford▪ john Mundy, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. George Monox Draper, the 28. of October. This George Monox Mayor of London, of his godly disposition re-edified the decayed steeple of the parish Church of Waltham Stowe, in the County of Essex, adding thereunto a side I'll with a Chapel, where he lieth buried. And on the North side of the Churchyard there, he founded a fair large Almose house for an Almose Priest or Schoolemaywomenster, and thirteen poor alms folk, eight men, and five women, appointing to the said alms Priest or Schoolmaster for his yearly wages, 6. l. 13. s. 4. d. and to every one of the alms folk 7. d. a week, & 5 l. to be bestowed yearly 1515 among them in coals. And ordained, that the said alms Priest should on Sundays and festival days be helping & assistant to the vicar or Curate there in the celebration of Anno reg. 7. divine service, and on the week days freely to apply and teach young children of the said parish, to the number of Free School at Waltham Stow. thirty in a schoolhouse, by him there builded for that purpose. Moreover, he gave to the parish Clerk there for the time being, a yearly stipend of 26. s. 8. d. for ever, & a Chamber by the said Alms house, to the intent he should help the said Schoolmaster to teach the said children. And hath given fair lands and tenements in the City of London, for the perpetual maintenance of the premises to God's glory forever. He also for the great commodity of travelers on ●●●e, made a continual causey of Timber over the mar●●●s from Waltamstow, to Lock bridge towards London. The seven. of August, a peace was proclaimed betwixt the Marry sister to King Henry married to the French King. Kingdoms of England and of France. And on the ninth day ●● October, King jews of France married the Lady Mary, sister to King Henry the eight, in the great Church of Abvile. Richard Hun hauged in Low lards Tower. Richard Hun, a Merchant Taylor of London, dwelling ●● the Parish of Saint Margaret in Bridgestreate, who (for de●●ing to give a mortuary, such as was demanded by the Parson for his child being buried) had been put in the Low●●ds Tower about the end of October last before passed, was ●●we the fift of December found hanged with his own ●ir●le of silk, in the said Tower, and after he was burned ●● Smithfield. This year died at Rome the Archbishop of York & Cardinal, called Doctor Banbredge, which was the King's Ambassador there. And King Henry gave the said Archbishop●●ke to Thomas Wolsey then Bishop of Lincoln, who ●●rtly after gate to be Cardinal and Lord Chancellor. On newyear's even died the French King jews the 1515 twelfth: and the ninth of April a new peace was concluded between the King of England, and Francis the new King of Anno reg. 7. France. In the month of May, Charles Duke of Suffolk wedded Duke of Suffolk married he King's sister. the Lady Mary the King's sister, late Queen of France. And here I think good to set down some part of the proceedings of this so oft named Thomas Wolsey Archbishop, his ascending unto honorious estate, and sodeive falling again from the same, as I have been informed by persons of good credit. This Thomas Wolsey was a poor man's son of Ipswich, The ascending of Thomas Wolsey. 1516 in the County of Suffolk, and there borne, and being but a child, very apt to be learned, by the means of his parents he was conveyed to the University of Oxford, where he shortly prospered so in learning, as he was made Bachelor Anno reg. 8. bachelor of Art xv. years old. of Art, when he passed not fifteen years of age, and was called most commonly through the University the boy bachelor. Thus prospering in learning, he was made fellow of Maudlin College, and afterward appointed to be Schoolmaster of Maudlin School, at which time, the Lord Marques Dorcet had three of his sons there a● School, committing unto him as well their education, a● Schoolmaster to the Marquis Dorcets' Children. their instruction. It pleased the said Lord marquess a▪ 'gainst a Christmas season to send as well for the Schoolmaster, as for his children home to his house for their re● creation, in that pleasant and honourable feast. Then being there, the Lord their father perceiving them to 〈…〉 right well employed in learning for their time, he having a Benefice in his gift, being at that time void, gave th● same to the Schoolmaster in reward of his diligence at his Thomas Wolsey gate a Benefice. departure after Christmas to the University, and having the presentation thereof, repaired to the Ordinary for hy● induction, and being furnished of his instruments, mad● speed to the Benefice to take possession, and being there fo● that intent, one Sir james Paulet Knight dwelling there about, took occasion against him, and set the Schoolmaster Thomas Wolsey set in the stocks by Sir james Paulet. by the heels during his pleasure, which after was neither forgotten nor forgiven: for when the Schoolmaster mounted the dignity to be Chancellor of England, he sent for Master Paulet, and after many sharp words, enjoined him to attend until he were dismissed, and not to departed out of London without licence obtained, so that he continued therewith Wolsey's imprisonment revenged. in the middle Temple the space of five or six years, who lay then in the Gate house next the street, which he re-edified very sumptuously, garnishing the same all over Gatehouse of the middle Temple new builded. the outside with the Cardinal's Arms, with his hat, cognisances, and other devices in so glorious a sort, that he thought thereby to have appeased his old displeasure. Now after the decease of the Lord marquess, this Schoolmaster considering with himself to be but a simple beneficed man, and to have lost his fellowship in the College, which was much to his relief, thought not long to be unprogided of some other help, and in his travel thereabout, he fell in acquaintance with one Sir john Naphant, Sir john Naphant Treasurer of Caleis, Thomas Wolsey his chaplain. a very grave and ancient Knight, who had a great ●●me in Caleis under King Henry the seventh, this Knight he served, and behaved himself so discreetly, that he obtained the especial favour of his Master, in so much, that he committed all the charge of his office unto his chaplain, and as I understand, the office was the Treasureship of Caleis, who was in consideration of his great age discharged of his room, and returned again into England, and through his instant labour, his chaplain Thomas Wolsey was chaplain to Henry the seven. was promoted to be the Kings chaplain, and when he had once cast Anchor in the port of promotion, how he wrought, I shall somewhat declare. He having there a ●ust occasion to be in the sight of the King daily, by reason he said Mass before him in his Closet, and that bée●ng done, he spent not the day in idleness, but would attend upon those whom he thought to bear most rule in the Counsel, the which at that time was Doctor Fox, Bishop of Winchester, Secretary, and Lord of the privy seal: & also Sir Thomas Lovel Knight, a sage Counsellor, Master of the Wards, and Connestable of the Tower: these grave Counsellors in process of time perceived this chaplain to have a very fine wit, and thought him a meet person to be preferred to witty affairs. It chanced at a certain season that the King had an urgent occasion to send an Ambassador unto the Emperor Maximilian, who lay at that present in the low Country of Flanders, not far from Caleis. The Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Thomas Lovel, whom the King counseled and debated with upon this Embassage, saw they had a convenient occasion to prefer the Kings chaplain, whose wit, eloquence, and learning, they highly commended to the King, the King commanded them to bring his chaplain before his presence, with whom, he fell in communication of great matters, and perceiving his wit to be very fine, thought him sufficient, commanding him thereupon to prepare himself to his journey, and having his depeach, took his leave of the King at Richmond about noon, and so came to London about four of the Clock, where the Barge of graves end was ready to launch forth, both with a prosperous Thomas Wolsey Ambassador to the Emperor. tide and wind, without any abode he entered the Barge, and so passed forth with such speed, that he arrived at graves end within little more than three hours, where he tarried no longer than his post Horses were providing, and then travailed so speedily, that he came to Dover the next morning, whereas the passengers were ready under Sail to Caleis, into the which passenger, without tarrying, he entered, and sailed forth with them, that long before noon he arrived at caleis, and having post Horses, departed from thence with such speed, that he was that night with the Emperor, & disclosed the whole sum of his Embassage to th● Emperor, of whom he required speedy expedition, the which was granted him by the Emperor, so that the next day he was clearly dispatched with all the King's requests fully accomplished, at which time he made no longer delay, but took post Horses that night, and road toward Caleis, conducted thither with such persons as the Emperor had appointed, and at the opening of the Gates of Caleis, he came thither, where the passengers were as ready to return into England, as they were before at his journey forward, in so much, that he arrived at Dover by ten of the clock before noon, and having post Horses, came to the Court at Richmond the same night, where he taking some rest until the morning, repaired to the King at his first coming from his bedchamber to this closet, whom, when the King saw, he checked him, for that he was not on his journey: Sir (quoth he) if it may please your Highness, I have already been with the Emperor, and dispatched your affairs, I trust to your Grace's contentation, and with that presented the King his Letters of credence from the Emperor. The King being in a great confuse and wonder of his speedy return and proceedings, dissembled all his wonder, and demanded of him whether he encountered not his Pursuivant the which he sent unto him, supposing him not to be out of London, with Letters concerning a very necessary matter neglected in their consultation, yes forsooth quoth the chaplain, I met with him yesterday by the way, and having no understanding by your Grace's letters of your pleasure, have not withstanding been so bold upon mine own discretion (perceiving that matter to be very necessary in that behalf) to dispatch the same, and forasmuch as I have exceeded your Grace's commission, I most humbly require your Grace's pardon: the King rejoicing not a little, said, we▪ do not only pardon you thereof, but also give you our Princely thanks, both for the proceeding therein, and also for your good and speedy exploit, commanding him for that time to take his rest, and repair again after Dinner, for the further relation of his Ambassade. The Ambassador when he saw time, repaired before the King and Counsel, where he declared the effect of all his affairs so exactly, with such gravity and eloquence, that all the Counsel that heard him, commended him, esteeming his expedition to be almost beyond the capacity of man. The King gave him at that time the deanery of Lincoln. From thence Thomas Wolsey Deane of Lincoln. forward he grew more and more into estimation and authority, and after, was promoted by the King to be his Almoner. After the death of King Henry the seventh, and Thomas Wolsey the King's Almoner. in the flourishing youth of King Henry the eight, this Almoner handled himself so politicly, that he soon found the means to be made one of the King's Counsel, Thomas Wolsey of the privy Counsel with King Henry the eight. and to grow in favour with the King, to whom, the King gave an house at Bridewell in Fleet street, sometime Sir Richard Empsons', where he kept house for his family, and so daily attended upon the King, and in his especial favour, who had great suit made unto him. His sentences, and witty persuasions in the Counsel Chamber, were always so pithy, that the Counsel as occasion moved them, continually assigned him to be the expositor to the King in all their proceedings, in whom, the King received such a leaning fantasy, for that he was most earnest and readiest of all the Counsel to advance the Kings will and pleasure: the King therefore esteemed him so highly, that all the other Counsellors were put from the great favour that they before were in, in so much, that the King committed all his will unto his disposition, which the Almoner perceiving, took upon him therefore to discharge the King of the weighty and troublesome business, persuading the King that he should not need to spare any time of his pleasure for any business that should happen in the Counsel: and whereas the other counsellors would divers times persuade the King to have sometime recourse into the Counsel Chamber, there to hear what was done, the Almoner would persuade him to the contrary, which delighted him much: and thus the Almoner ruled all them that were before him, such did his policy and wit bring to pass. Who was now in high favour but Master Almoner? and who ruled all under the King, but Master Almover? thus he persevered in favour, until at last in came presents, gifts, and rewards so plentifully, that he lacked nothing that might either please his fantasy, or enrich his coffers. And thus proceeding in fortune's blissfulness, it chanced the wars between the Realms of England and France to be open, in so much, as the King being fully persuaded in his most royal person to invade his foreign enemies with a puissant Army, wherefore it was necessary that this royal enterprise should be speedily provided and furnished in every degree of things apt and convenient for the same, the expedition whereof, the King thought no man's wit so meet for policy and painful travail, as was his Almoner, to whom therefore he committed his whole trust therein, and he took upon him the whole charge of all the business, and brought all things to good pass in a decent order, as all manner of victuals, provisions, and other necessaries convenient for so noble a voyage and Army. All things being by him perfected, the King advanced to his royal enterprise, passed the Seas, and marched forward in good order of battle, until he came to the strong Town of Turwyne, to the which he laid his siege, and assailed it very strongly continually with such vehement assaults, that within short space it was yielded unto his Majesty, unto the which place, the Emperor Maximilian repaired unto the King with a great Army like a mighty Prince, taking of the King his Grace's wages, which is a rare thing, and but seldom seen, an Emperor to fight under a King's Banner. Thus after the King, had obtained this puissant Fort, and taken the possession thereof, and set all things there in due order, for the defence and preservation thereof to his use, he departed thence, and marched toward the City of Turney, and there laid his siege in like manner, to the which, he gave so fierce and sharp assault, that they were constrained of fine force to render the Town unto his victorious Majesty, at which time, the King gave the Almoner the Bishopric of the same Sea, Thomas Wolsey Bishop of Turney. towards his pains and diligence sustained in that journey, and when the King had established all things agreeable to his will and pleasure, and furnished the same with noble Captains and men of war for the safeguard of the Town, he returned again into England, taking with him divers noble personages of France being prisoners, as the Duke of Longuile, and Uicount Clarimont, with other, which were taken there in a Skirmish: after whose return, immediately the Sea of Lincoln fell void by the death of Doctor Smith late Bishop there, the which Benefice his Grace gave to his Almoner, late Bishop of Turney elect, who was not negligent to take possession thereof, and Thomas Wolsey Bishop of Lincoln. made all the speed he could for his consecration: the solemnisation whereof ended, he found the means that he gate the possession of all his predecessors goods into his hands. It was not long after that Doctor Bambridge Archbishop of York died at Rome, being there the King's Ambassador, unto the which Sea, the King immediately presented his late and new Bishop of Lincoln, so that he had three bishoprics in his hands in one year given him: then prepared he for his translation from the Sea of Lincoln, unto Thomas Wolsey Archbishop of York. the Sea of York, after which solemnisation done, he being then an Archbishop Primas Angliae, thought himself sufficient to compare with Canterbury, and thereupon erected his Cross in the Court, and every other place, as well within the precinct and jurisdiction of Canterbury, as in any other place. And for as much as Canterbury claimeth a superiority over York, as over all other bishoprics within England, and for that cause claimeth as a knowledge of an ancient obedience of York, to abate the advancing of his Cross, in presence of the Cross of Canterbury: notwithstanding, York nothing minding to desist from bearing thereof in manner as I said before, caused his Cross to be advanced, as well in the presence of Canterbury as elsewhere: wherefore Canterbury being moved therewith, gave unto York a certain check for his presumption, by reason whereof, there engendered some grudge between York and Caunterburie. York intending to provide some such means, that he would be rather superior in dignity to Canterbury, than to be either obedient or equal to him, wherefore he obtained to be made Priest Cardinal, and Legatus de Latere: unto whom the Pope sent a Cardinal's Hat with Thomas Wolsey Cardinal. certain Bulls for his authority in that behalf. Yet you shall understand, that the Pope sent him this worthy Hat of dignity, as a jewel of his honour and authority, the which was conveyed in a varlet's budget, who seemed to all men to be but a person of small estimation. Wherefore York being advertised of the baseness of this messenger, and of the people's opinion, thought it meet for his honour, that this jewel should not be conveyed by so simple a person, & therefore caused him to be stopped by the way immediately after his arrivalin England, where he was newly furnished in all manner of apparel, with all kind of costly silks, which seemed decent for such an high Ambassador, and that done, he was encountered upon Black heath, and there received with a great assembly of Prelates, and lusty gallant Gentlemen, and from thence conducted through London with great triumph. Then was great and speedy preparation made in Westminster Abbey, for the confirmation and acceptance of this high order and dignity, the which was executed by all the bishops and Abbots about or nigh London, with their rich miters and Copes, and other ornaments, which was done in so solemn a wise, as had not been seen the like, unless it had been at the Coronation of a mighty Prince or King obtaining this dignity. He thought himself meet to bear authority among the temporal power, as among the spiritual jurisdiction: wherefore, remembering as well the tawntes sustained of Canterbury, as having a respect to the advancement of worldly honour and promotion, found the means with the King, that he was made Lord Chancellor Thomas Wolsey lord Chancellor. of England, and Canterbury which was Chanceloure dismissed, who had continued in that room since long before the decease of Henry the seventh. Now being in possession of the Chancelorshippe, and endued with the promotions of the archbishop, and Cardinal de Latere, having power to correct Canterbury, and all other Bishops and spiritual persons, to assemble his Convocation when he would assign, he took upon him the correction of matters in all their jurisdictions, and visited all the spiritual houses, having in every Diocese all manner of Spiritual Ministers, as Commissaries, Scribes, Apparators, and all other officers to furnish his Courts, and presented by prevention whom he pleased unto all benefices throughout all this Realm. And to the advancing further of his legantine, jurisdiction and honour, he had Masters of his Faculties, Masters Ceremontarum, and such other, to the glorifying of his dignity. Then had he his two great Crosses of Silver, the one of his Archebyshopricke, the other of his Legacy, borne before him whither so ever he went or road, by two of the tallest Priests that he could get within the realm: And to increase his gains, he had also the Bishopric of Durham, and the Abbey of Saint Albon in commendation: And after, when Doctor Fox Bishop Thomas Wolsey bishop of Winchester. of Winchester died, he surrendered Durham into the rings hands, and took to him Winchester. Then had he in his hand (as it were in Firm) the bishoprics of Bathe, Worcester, and Hereforde, sorasmuch as the Incumbents of them were strangers, and made their abode continually beyond the Seas in their own Countries, or else at Rome, from whence they were sent in Legation to this Realm unto the King, and for their reward at their departure, King Henry the seventh gave those bishoprics: and they being strangers, thought it more meet for the assurance to suffer the Cardinal to have their benefices for a convenient sum of money paid them yearly, where they remained, than either to be troubled with the charges of the same, or to be yearly burdened with the conveyance of their revenues unto them, so that all the spiritual and presentations of these bishoprics were fully in his disposition, to prefer whom he listed. He had also a great number daily attending upon him, both of Noble men and worthy Gentlemen, with no small number of the tallest Yeomen that he could get in all the Realm, insomuch, that well was that Nobleman and Gentleman, that could prefer a tall Yeoman to his service. Ye shall understand, that he had in his Hall The order of the Cardinalies' house. continually three boards, kept with three several principal officers, that is to say, a Steward which was always a Priest: a treasurer a Knight: and a controller an Esquire: also a Cofferer being a Doctor: three marshals: three yeomen Ushers in the Hall, besides two grooms, and Almoners. Then in the Hal Kitchen, two Clerks of the kitchen: a Clerk controller: a Surveyor of the Dressor: a Clerk of the Spicery, the which together kept also a continual mess in the Hal. Also in his Hall kitchen he had of Master Cooks two, and of other Cooks, labourers, and children of the kitchen, twelve persons: four yeomen of the Scullery: and four yeomen of the silver Scullery: two yeomen of the Pastry, with two other Pastelers under the yeomen. Then in his privy Kitchen a Master Cook, who went daily in Velvet or in Satin, with a Chain of Gold, with two other yeomen and a groom: In the Scalding house a yeoman and two grooms: In the Pantery two persons: In the Buttery two yeomen, two Grooms, and two Pages: And in the Yewrye likewise: In the Seller three yeomen and three pages: In his Chaundrey two: In the Wafarie two: In the Wardrobe of Beds, the Master of the Wardrobe and ● other persons: In the Laundry, a yeoman, a groom, thirty pages, two yeomen purveyors, and one groom: In the Bake house a yeoman and two grooms: In the Wood yard a yeoman and a groom: In the Barn one: In the Garden a yeoman and two grooms: Porters at the Gate two yeomen and two grooms: a yeoman of his Barge: & a master of his horse: a Clerk of the Stable, a yeoman of the same: the Saddler: the Farrier: a yeoman of his Chariot: a Sumpter man: a yeoman of his Stirrup: a Muleteer: sixetéene grooms of his Stable, every of them kept four Geldings: In the Almorie a yeoman, and a groom: In Thomas Wolsey's Chapel. his Chapel he had a Dean, a great Divine, and a man of excellent learning: a Subdeane: a Repeater of the Choir: a gospeler: a Pistler: of singing Priests ten: a master of the Children: Seculars of the Chapel singing men twelve: singing children ten, with one servant to await upon the children: In the Revestry a yeoman, and two grooms, over & besides divers retainers, that came thither at principal feasts. For the furniture of his Chapel, passeth my capacity to declare, the number of costly ornaments and rich jewels that were to be occupied in the same continually: there hath been seen in Procession, about the Hall, 44. very rich Copes of one suit worn, besides the rich Crosses and Candlesticks, and other ornaments to the furniture of the same: He had two crossebearers, and two Pillar bearers, in his great Chamber: and in his privy Chamber these persons: first the chief Chamberlain, and Uizchamberlaine: of Gentlemen Ushers, besides one in his privy Chamber, he had twelve daily waiters, and of Gentlemen waiters in his privy Chamber he had six, and of Lords nine or ten, who had each of them two men allowed them to attend upon them, except the Earl of Derby, who had allowed five men: then had he of Gentlemen, of Cup bearers, Carvers, and Sewers beth of the privy Chamber, and of the great chamber with Gentlemen daily waiters there forty persons: Ofyeomen Ushers six, of grooms in his Chamber eight, of yeomen in his Chamber five and forty daily: he had also Almose men sometime more in number than other sometime. There was attending on his board of Doctors and chaplains, besides them of his Chapel sixetéene daily: a Clerk of his Closet: Secretaries two: and two clerk of his Signet: and four counsellors learned in the Law: And for asmuch, as it was necessary to have divers officers of the Chancery to attend upon him, that is to say, the Clerk of the Crown: a riding Clerk: a Clerk of the Hamper: and a chaffer of the Wax: then a Clerk of the Check, as well upon the Chapleins', as of the Yeomen of his Chamber: he had also four footmen which were garnished in rich running coats, when so ever he road in any journey: then had he an Harraulte of Arms: and a Sergeant of Arms: a Physician: a apothecary: four Minstrels: a keeper of his Tents: an Armourer: an instructor of his wards: two yeomen of his Wardrobe of his Robes: and a keeper of his Chamber continually in the Court: he had also in his house the Surveyor of York, and a Clerk of the green Cloth. All these were daily attending, down lying and uprising, and at meals: he kept in his great Chamber a continual board for the Chamberers and Gentlemen officers, having with them a mess of the young Lords, and an other of Gentlemen: and besides all these, there was never an officer, Gentleman, or worthy person, but he was allowed in the house, some three, some two, and all other one at the least, which grew to a great number of persons. Thus far●ute of the chequer roll, besides other officers, servants, ●●teyners, and futers, that most commoulye dined in the Hall. Thomas Wolsey twice Ambassador to the Emperor Charles. After that he was thus furnished, he was sent twice in ambassade to the Emperor Charles the fifth, for divers urgent causes touching the King's Majesty, it was thought, that so noble a Prince (the Cardinal) was most meet to be sent: wherefore, being ready to take upon him the charge thereof, was furnished in all degrees and purposes, most like a great Prince: for first he proceeded forth furnished like a Cardinal: his Gentlemen being very many in number, were clothed in livery coats of Crimosin Velvet of the best, with chains of Gold about their necks, and his yeomen and mean officers, in coats of fine Scarlet, guarded with black Velvet a hand broad. Thus furnished, he was twice sent into Flaunders to the Emperor then lying in Bruges, whom he did most highly, entertain discharging all his charges & his men's. There was no house within the town of Bruges, wherein any Gentleman of the Cardinals were lodged, or had recourse, but that the owners were commanded by the Emperors officers, that they, upon pain of their lives, should take no money for any thing that the cardinals servants diode take of any kind of victual, no although they were disposed to make any costly banquets: commanding furthermore their said hosts, to see th● they lacked no such things as they honestly required for their honesty & pleasure. Also the Emperor's officers every night went through the town from house to house, whereas any English Gentlemen did repast or lodged, & served their liveries for all night, which was done in this manner. First, the Officers brought into the house a cast of fine Manchet, & of silver two great pots with white wine, and Sugar to the weight of a pound: white lights and yellow lights of Ware: a bowl of silver with a Goblet to drink in, and every night a staff▪ torch: This was the order of the liveries every night: and in the morning, when the same officers came to fetch away their stuff, then would they account with the hosts for the gentlemen's costs spent in the day before. Thus the Emperor entertained the Cardinal and all his train for the time of his Embassage there. And that done, he returned into England with great triumph. Now of his order in going to Westminster hall daily in the Term. first, ere he came out of his privy Chamber, he heard service in his Closet, and there said his service with his Chaplain: Then going again to his privy Chamber, he would demand, if his servants were in a readiness, and furnished his Chamber of Presence, and wayghting Chamber, being thereof then advertised, came out of his privy Chamber about eight of the clock, appareled all in red, that is to say, his upper garment either of fine Scarlet, or else fine Crimosin Taffeta, but most commonly of fine Crimosin Satin engrayned, his pillion of fine Scarlet, with a neck set in the inner side with black Velvet, and a Tippet of Sables about his neck, holding in his hand an Orange, whereof the substance within was taken out, and filled up again with the part of a Sponge, wherein was Vinegar and other Confections against the pestilent airs, the which he most commonly held to his nose when he came among any press, or else that he was pestered with many suitors: and before him was borne first the broad Seal of England, and his Cardinals' Hat, by a Lord, or some gentleman of Worship, right solemnly: and as soon as he was once entered into his Chamber of Presence, his two great Crosses were there attending to be borne before him: then cried the Gentlemen Ushers, going before him bore headed, and said: On before, my Lords and Masters, on before, make way for my lords Grace. Thus went he down through the Hall with a Sergeant of Arms before him, bearing a great Mace of Silver, and two Gentlemen carrying two great Pillars of Silver, and when he came at the Hall door, there was his Mule, being trapped all in Crimo●n Velvet with a Saddle of the same, and guilt styrrops. When was there attending upponhym, when he was mounted, his two Crossebearers: and his Pillar bearers in like case upon great horses, trapped all in fine Scarlet. Then marched he forward with a train of noble men and Gentlemen, having his footmen four in number about him, bearing each of them a guilt Polare in their hands: and thus passed he forth until he came to Westminster hall door, and there lighted, and went up after this manner into the Chancery, or into the Star Chamber: howbeit, most commonly he would go into the Chancery, and stay a while at a bar made for him beneath the Chancery on the right hand, and there commune sometime with the Judges, and some▪ time with other persons: and that done, he would repair into the Chancery, and sitting there until eleven of the clock, hearing of suits, and determining of other matters, from thence he would divers times go into the Star Chamber as occasion served. There he neither spared high ne low, but judged every state according to his merits and desert. He used also every sunday to resort to the Court, then being for the most part of all the year at Greenewiche, with his former triumphs, taking his Barge at his own stairs, furnished with Yeomen standing upon the Bails, and his Gentlemen being within about him, and landed again at the three Cranes in the Vintr●e: and from thence he road upon his Mule with his Cross, his Pillars, his Hat and broad Seal carried afore him on horseback through Thamis street▪ until he came to Billingsgate, and there took his Barge again, and so was rowed to Greenewiche, where he was received of the Lords and chief officers of the King's house, as the Treasurer, controller, and other, and so convyed unto the King's Chamber: then the Court was wonderfully furnished with Noble men and Gentlemen: and after dinner among the Lords, having some consultation with the King, or with the Council, he would depart homeward with the like triumph. Thus in great honour, triumph, and glory, he reigned a long season ruling all things within the Realm appertaining unto the King. His house was always resorted to with noblemen and Gentlemen, feasting and banqueting Ambassadors divers times, and all other right nobly: and when it pleased the King for his recreation, to repair to the cardinals house, as he did divers times in the year: there wanted no preparations, or furniture: Banquets were set forth with Masks and Mummeries, in so gorgeous a sort, and costly manner, that it was an heaven to behold. There wanted no Dames or Damoisels, meet or apt to dance with the Maskers, or to garnish the place for the time: then was there all kind of music, and harmony, with fine voices both of men and children. One time the King came suddenly thither in a Mask A Mask and a Banquet. with a dozen Maskers all in garments like Shepherds, made of fine cloth of Gold, and Crimosin Satin paned, and Caps of the same, with Uisars of good phisnomy, their hairs and beards, either of fine Goldewyre silk, or black silk, having sixetéene Torchbearers, besides their Drums and other persons with Uisars, all clothed in Satin of the same colour: and before his entering into the Hall, he came by water to the water gate, without any noise, where were laid divers Chambers and Guns charged with Shot, & at his landing they were shot off, which made such a tumble in the Air, that it was like thunder: It made all the Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, to ●use what it should mean, coming so suddenly, they ●itting quiet at a solemn banquet, under this sort: First ye shall understand, that the Tables were set in the Chamber of Presence just covered, and the Lord Cardinal sitting under the cloth of Estate, there having all his service alone: and then was there set a Lady with a Nobleman, or a Gentleman and a Gentlewoman throughout all the Tables in the Chamber on the one side, which were made and joined as it were but one Table, all which order and device was done by the Lord Sands than Lord Chamberlain to the King, and by Sir Henry Gilforde controller of the kings majesties house. Then immediately after the great Chamberlain, and the said controller, sent to look what it should mean, (as though they knew nothing of the matter,) they looking out of the Windows into the Thamis, returned again and showed him, that it seemed they were Noblemen and Strangers, arrived at his bridge, coming as Ambassadors from some foreign Prince: with that quoth the Cardinal, I desire you, because you can speak French▪ to take the pains to go into the Hall, there to receive them according to their estates, and to conduct them into this Chamber, where they shall see us, and all these Noble Personages, being merry at our banquet, desiring them to sit down with us, and to take part of our fare. Then went he incontinent down into the Hall, whereas they received them with twenty new Torches, and conveyed them up into the Chamber, with such a noise of Drums and flewtes, as seldom had been heard the like. At their entering into the Chamber two and two together, they went directly before the Cardinal where he sat, and saluted him reverently, to whom the Lord Chamberlain for them said: Sir, for as much as they be Strangers, and can not speak English, they have desired me to declare unto you, that they having understanding of this your triumphant banquet, where was assembled such a number of excellent Dames, they could do no less under support of your Grace, but to repair hither, to view as well their incomparable beauty, as for to accompany them at Mumme chance, and then to dance with them: and sir, they require of your Grace licence to accomplish the said cause of their coming. To whom the Cardinal said he was very well content they should so do. Then went the Maskers, and first saluted all the Dames, and returned to the most worthiest, and there opened their great cup of Gold filled with Crowns, and other pieces of Gold, to whom they set certain pieces of Gold to cast at. Thus perusing all the Ladies and Gentlewomen, to some they lost, and of some they won: and perusing after this manner all the Ladies, they returned to the Cardinal with great reverence, pouring down all their Gold so left in their Cup, which was above two hundred crowns: At all (quoth the Cardinal) and so cast the Dice and won them, whereat was made a great noise and joy. Thenquoth the Cardinal to the Lord Chamberlain, I pray you (quoth he) that you would show them, that me seemeth there should be a Nobleman amongst them, who is more meet to occupy this seat and place than I am, to whom I would most gladly surrender the same according to my duty, if I knew him. Then spoke the Lord Chamberlain to them in French, and they rownding him in the ear, the Lord Chamberlain said to my Lord Cardinal: Sir, (quoth he) they confess, that among them there is such a Noble parsonage, whom, if your Grace can appoint him out from the rest, he is content to disclose himself, and to accept your place: with that the Cardinal taking good advisement among them, at the last quoth he, me seems the Gentleman with the black Beard should be even he: and with that he arose out of his Chair, and offered the same to the Gentleman in the black Beard, with his cap in his hand. The person to whom he offered the Chair was Sir Edward Nevil, a comely Knight, that much more resembled the King's person in that Mask than any other. The King perceiving the Cardinal so deceived, could not forbear laughing, but pulled down his visar and Master Nevil'S also, and dashed out such a pleasant countenance and cheer, that all the noble estates there assembled perceiving the King to be there among them, rejoiced very much. The Cardinal eft 'zounds desired his Highness to take the place of Estate: to whom the King answered, that he would go first and shift his apparel, and so departed into my Lord cardinals Chamber, and there new appareled him: in which time, the dishes of the banquet were clean taken up, and the Tables spread again with new clean perfumed clothes, every man and woman sitting still, until the King with all his Maskers came among them again all new appareled: then the King took his seat under the cloth of Estate, commanding every person to sit still as they did before: In came a new banquet before the King, and to all the rest throughout all the Tables, wherein were served two hundred divers dishes, of costly devices and suttilties. Thus passed they forth the night with banqueting, dancing, and other triumphs, to the great comfort of the King, and pleasant regard of the Nobility there assembled. Thus passed this Cardinal his time from day to day, and year to year, in such great wealth, joy, triumph, and glory, having always on his side the King's especial favour, until Fortune envied his prosperous estate, as is to the world well known, and shall be partly touched hereafter. This year in the month of May, were sent out of England xij. C. Masons and Carpenters, and three hundred labourers Castle of Turney builded to the City of Tourney, to build a Castle there, to chastise the City if it chanced to rebel, and to diminish the garrison that then lay there to the King's great charge. Henry Worley: Rich. Gray, the 28. of Sep. William Bayly. Sheriffs. Maior. Lady Mary the King's daughter borne. 1516 Sir William Butler Grocer, the 28. of October. Lady Mary King Henry's daughter was borne at Greenewiche on the eleventh of February. Margaret Queen of Scots, King Henry's eldest sister, who had after the death of her first husband (james King of Scots The Queen of Scots fled into England. slain at Bosworth) married Archibald Douglas, Earl of Auguise, fled into England, and lay at Harbottle, where she was delivered of a child called Margaret. But shortly after Archibalde Douglas her husband went home again into scotland without leave taking: wherefore the King sent for her to London, where she was roally received and lodged at Baynard's Castle, and there she tarried a whole year ere she returned. Thomas Seimer: Rich. Thurstone, Broderer, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Great frost. 1517 Anno reg. 9 Evil May day. john Rest Grocer, the 28. of October. The Thamis was frozen, that men with horse and Carts might pass betwixt Westminster and Lambeth. On May even was an insurrection of young persons and Apprentices of London against Aliens: for the which fact, ten pair of Gallows were made with wheels to be removed from street to street, and from door to door, whereupon divers young men were hanged, with their Captain john Lincoln a Broker: the residue, to the number of four hundred men, and eleven women, tied in ropes all along one after an other in their shirts came to Westminster hall, with halters about their necks, and were pardoned. Margaret Queen of Scots returned into Scotland to the Queen of Scots returned. Earl of Anguise her husband. Thomas Baldry: Richard Simonds, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1518 Sweeting sickness. Anno reg. 10 Sir Thomas Exmew Goldsmith, the 28. of October. Many died in England of the sweeting sickness, in especially about London, wherefore Trinity Term was one day at Oxford, and then adjourned to Westminster. In the month of July Cardinal Campeius came into England from the Pope, to exhort king Henry to make war on the Turks. After long suit made of the French King, and his council, Cardinal Campeius. it was agreed, that the City of Tourney should be delivered to the French King, he paying six hundred thousand Crowns for the City, and four hundred thousand Crowns for the Castle the which the King had builded, (which was not fully performed) and also he should pay three and twenty thousand pound Tournois, the which sometime the Citizens of Tourney aught to the King of England, for their liberties and franchises. It was further agreed, that the young Dolphin son and heir to the French King, should marry with the Lady Mary King Henry's daughter of England, if they both so liked each other when they came to age. And then the Earl of Worcester, with the Bishop of Ely and other, were sent into France, to make delivery of the said City of Tourney, which was done on the tenth of February. john Allen: james Spencer, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Mirfin Skinner, the 28. of October. The sixetéenth of March landed at caleis sir Nicholas Vaux, sir Edward Belknape, sir William Sands, Knights of the Garter, Commissioners to over see the making of a Palace before the Castle of Guisnes, wherefore there was sent the King's Master Mason, Master Carpenter, and three hundred Masons, and five hundred Carpenters, one hundred joiners, many Painters, Glaziers, Tylours, Smiths, and other Artificers, both out of England and Flaunders, to the number in all of two thousand and more. The said Palace was begun the ninetéenth of March, for the which, timber was bought in Holland, which timber was so long, that the same was bounden together and brought to caleis without any ship, for no ship might receive it, the other timber and board was conveyed out of 1519 England. And thus was there builded the goodliest Palace of timber that ever was wrought, and so curiously garnished within and without. Then was provision made in England and in Flaunders for victual, wine, and all other things necessary for the furniture of feasting and banqueting. Then came into England, orleans King of Arms in France, made Proclamation at the Court, that the King of England and the French King, in camp between Arde and Guisnes with eighteen aids, in June next ensuing, should abide all comers being Gentlemen, at the tilt, & tourney, and at barriers. And the like Proclamation was made in the Court ●f France, by Clarencius King of Arms of England: also in the Court of Burgoigne, in Almain, and Italy. For the furnishing of those Justes, there was devised a tilt and all things necessary for that enterprise, in a goodly plain between Guisnes and Arde. King Henry being informed, that his realm of Ireland was out of order, discharged the Earl of kildare of his office of deputy, and thereunto was appointed the Earl of Surrey Thomas Howard Lord Admiral: wherefore the said Earl in the beginning of April, took leave of the King, and the Duke of Norfolk his father, and passed into Anno reg. 11. Ireland with divers Gentlemen or that had been of the garrison of Tourney, and had with him one hundred Yeomen of the King's Guard, and other to the number of one thousand men, and there he continued two years and more, in which space he had many battles and skirmishes, with the wild Irish. john Wilkinson: Nicholas Partridge, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. 1520 Anno reg. 12. Sir james Yarforde Mercer, the 28. of October. As King Henry was at Canterbury with the Queen, in readiness to have passed the Sea, he heard of the Emperor Charles his coming, who arrived at Hith in Kent, but landed at Dover on the six and twentieth of May, where he was met by the Lord Cardinal Wolsey, who conducted him from the shore of Dover, to the castle there, where he was lodged: On the next morning King Henry came riding from Canterbury, to the castle of Dover, where he saluted the Emperor. And on Whitsonday early in the morning these two noble Princes took their horses and road to the City of Caunterburie, not only to solempnise the feast of Pentecoste, but also to see the Queen his aunt. The noble personages of the realm of England, and the Queen with her train of Ladies received and welcomed the Emperor to Caunterburie, where he remained till the Thursday next following, which was the last of may: then he took his leave of the King, and of all the Ladies, and so road to Sandwich, where he took his Ships, and sailed into Flaunders. And the same day the King made sail from the port of Dover, and landed at Caleis about eleven of the clock, and with him the Queen and Ladies, and many Nobles of the Realm. The number of persons on the King and queens side were 4334. and of horses, 1637. besides the persons on the French Queens and Duke of Suffolk her husbands, and of the Cardinals. On the fourth of June, the King with all his Nobles, as well the Queen with her train of Ladies as other, with the whole number of Nobles removed from caleis, to Guisnes, into the most noble and royal lodging before seen, for it was a Palace made quadrant, and every quadrant was 328. foot long, which was in compass 1312. foot about. The seventh of June, the Kings of England and France met at the camp between Guisnes and Arde, with both their sword drawn and borne before them. The tenth of June, the King of England dined with the French Queen in the town of Arde: and the French King dined the same day with the Queen of England, in the new Palace made before the castle of Guisnes, which house was the most sumptuous and costly of Riches, that hath been seen. And after this, these two Kings met every day after at Camp, with divers Lords, and there jousted and turneyed fourteen days: and the two Queens met at Guisnes and at Arde divers times. The four and twentieth of June these two Kings and queens with their retinues, met at Camp where the Justs were kept, & there they banqueted & danced with maskings and disguisings, that the like had not been lightly seen, almost all the night following, and then took their leave and departed: and on the xxv. of June, the King of England and the Queen, and all the Court, removed from Guisnes to the Town of Caleis, where they rested. On the tenth of July, the King with a goodly company road to the Town of Gravelin in Flanders, and there met with Charles the Emperor, and on the next morrow, the Emperor, and the Lady Margaret, the emperors Aunt Duchess of Savoy, with many other great Estates, came with the King of England to the Town of Caleis, whereby all the Lords and states of England were displaced of their lodgings: and for solace against their coming, was builded Banqueting house in the Town of Caleis. Richard Turpin. a Banqueting house eight hundred foot compass, like a Theatre, after a goodly devise, builded in such manner, as I think was never seen, with sixteen principals made of great Masts, betwixt every Mast four and twenty foot, and all the outsides closed with board and canvas. Over it, and within round about by the sides, were made three Scaffolds or lofts one above another for men and women to stand upon, and in the midst of the same Banqueting house was set up a great pillar of Timber made of eight great Masts, bound together with iron bands, for to hold them together, for it was an hundred and four and thirty ●ote of length, and cost six pound thirteen shillings four pence to set it upright. The Banqueting house was covered ●uer with Canvas, fastened with ropes and iron as fast as might be devised. And within the said house was painted the Heavens, with Stars, Sun, Moon, and Clouds, with divers other things made above over men's heads: and there were great Images of wickers covered, and made like great men of divers strange Nations, and divers reasons were written by them of the Countries that they were likened to be off, and the Arms of those countries hanging by them. Also, there was made as it were many ships under sail, and Windmills going, and about the high pillar of timber that stood upright in the midst, was made Stages of Timber for Organs, and other instruments to stand on, & men to play on them, and for other Musicians and Pageants to be played, when the King of England and the Emperor should be at their Banquet, but in the morning of the same day, the wind began to rise, and at night blew off all the Canvas, and all the elements, with Banqueting house defaced by tempest. the Stars, Sun, Moon, and Clouds, and the wind blew out above a thousand Torches, and other lights of wax that were prepared to give light to the Banquet, and all the King's seats that were made with great riches, besides all other things, were all dashed and lost. The same night, the King with fifteen persons more, were richly appareled, and in a Mask went to the emperors lodging, and in the Chamber of presence danced and reveled, and then departed. On the twelfth of July the Emperor and the Lady Margaret supped with the King and the Queen at the chequer, where the same night were eight companies of Maskers, and every company twelve persons, all in Gold, Silver, and Velvet richly appareled. The fourteenth of July, the Emperor departed from Caleis toward Gravelin. The eyghtéenth of July, the King of England with the Queen departed from Caleis towards Calbais. john Skevington Mer. Taylor: john Kyeme, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Bruges Draper, the 28. of October. King Henry kept his Christmas at his Manor of Greenwich, with much nobleness, and open Court, and the tenth day of February in his own person jousted with all comers. In this time Edward▪ Duke of Buckingham was accused Duke of Buckingham accused. 1521 of high Treason, wherefore the King directed his letters to the said Duke, being at his Manor of Thornebury in Glocestershire, that incontinent he should come to his presence, which commandment the Duke obeyed, and came upto Anno reg. 13 London, where he was straightways arrested by Sir Henry Merney, Captain of the Guard, and conveyed to the Tower of London on the sixteenth of April, before which time, the Duke's Chancellor was taken, which had confessed matter of high Treason concerning the King's person. There was also attached a Monk of the order of the Carthusians being of Henton Priory, and john Delaker the Duke's Confessor: all these were prisoners in the Tower. Shortly after, the Duke was arraigned at Westminster, the Duke of Norfolk sitting as chief Judge. There were brought forth against him witnesses, Sir Gilbert perk his Chancellor, john de la Court his confessor, Charles Kneuet Esquire, and a Monk Prior of Henton, which had divers times said to the Duke that he should be King of England. divers presumptions were laid to him by Charles Kneuet, which he would fain have covered, but in the end he was found guilty, and had judgement to be drawn, hanged, and quartered, and on the seventeenth day of May, about eleven of the clock, the said Edward Duke of Duke of Buckingham beheaded. Buckingham; Earl of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, was beheaded on the Tower hill, and his body buried in the Friars Augustine's Church: such is the end of ambition, the credit of false prophecies, and of evil life. This Duke had begun a great and sumptuous building at his Manor of Thornebury, but left the same unfinished. He made a fair Park hard by the same building, for the which, he took in much fair and fruitful ground. Also, another Park at East wood, one mile off; he enlarged at two times, to the compass of six miles, for the which deed, and such like, he had many a curse of the poor tenants. john Leyland. The second day of August, Cardinal Wolsey passed Thomas Wolsey Cardinal went Ambassador. over from Dover to Caleis, to treat a peace betwixt the French King, and the Emperor, and returned again to Caleis in the latter end of November, and from thence took his journey to Blechingly, where the King welcomed him, and gave him thanks for his great pains. King Henry wrote a Book against Luther in Germany, King Henry written against Luther. and therefore the Bishop of Rome, Leo the tenth, named him defender of the faith, to which Book, Luther answered very sharply, nothing sparing his authority or majesty. This year was a pestilence in this land, especially at Pestilence. London, and a dearth of Corn, for wheat was at London sold for twenty Shillings the quarter. john Britain merchant Taylor: Th. Pargiter, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Milborne Draper, the 28. of October. This Sir john Milborne builded certain alms houses adjoining to the Crossed Friars in London, wherein he placed thirteen aged poor people, who have their dwelling ●entfrée, and two shillings six pence the piece the first day of every month for ever. The sixth of March, the French King attached all Englishmens Frenchmen attached. goods at Bordeaux, and detained the King's tribute, and the French queens dower. Also, all Frenchmens bodies and goods were attached at London. This year between Easter and Michaelmas, was made a general proscription of all the Realm of England●. The twentieth of May, Cardinal Wolsey road through London to Dover, there to meet with the Emperor, being 1522 accompanied with two Earls, six and thirty Knights, an hundred Gentlemen, eight Bishops, ten Abbots, Anno reg. 14. Cardinal Wolsey. thirty Chapleins', all in Velvet & Satin, and 700. yeomen. Charles the fifth, Emperor, came into England, and was honourably received into London by the Mayor, Aldermen, The Emperor came to London. and Commons of the City the sixth of June, the King accompanying him: xj. Pageants were made in the City, and the Cross in Cheap new gilt. From thence, he went to Windsor, and sat in the Stall of the Garter. After great feasts, jousts, and honourable entertainment, he departed to Hampton, and sailed from thence into Spain. During this time, the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral, brent Morles in Briteine, and then returned: not long after, he passed over to Caleis, entered Picardy, and brent divers Towns and Castles. He besieged Hesding, but because Winter was near, he raised his siege, and returned. The Duke of Albany in Scotland began to enter this land john Skelton. with a great Army, but hearing that the Earl of Shrewsburie was coming, he took a truce for six months. john Rudstone: john Champneis, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Mundy Goldsmith, the 28. of October. john Champneis was Secretary of the Counter. The Lord Rosse, and Lord Dacres of the North, burned the Town of Kelsey in Scotland, with fourscore villages, and overthrew eighteen Towers of stone. The Emperor Charles, King Henry, and Ferdinando Duke of ostrich, the Pope, the City of Venice, and divers other in Italy, were confederate against the Frenchmen. The Turks besieged the Isle of Rhodes, and on Christmas The Turks took the Rhodes. day took it, to the great shame and rebuke of all Christendom. The twentieth of February, the Lady Alice Hungerford Register of the grey friars. Lady Hungerford hanged. a knights wife, for murdering her husband, was led from the Tower of London to Holborn, and there put in a Cart with one of her servants, and so carried to Tyburn, and both hanged: she was buried in the grey Friars Church at London. The Earl of Surrey burned xxxutj. villages in Scotland, despoiled the Country from the East marches to the West, and overthrew divers holds. Sir Henry Marney was created Baron Marney at Richmond. The fifteenth of April began a Parliament at the Black 1523 Friars in London, and on the nine and twentieth of April, the Cardinal, with divers Lords spiritual and temporal, Parliament at the black●friers. anno reg. 15. A great subsidy. declared in the common house, that for divers causes the King required a Subsidy of 800000. pound, to be raised on goods and Lands, four shillings of every pound, against the which demand, many objections were made by the commons, one was, that the King had already by way of loan two shillings of the pound, which was 400000. pound, and now to demand four shillings the proved, it should amount in the whole to 1200000. pound, and the third part There was not then 10000 parishes in England as I have proved by search of Records. of every man's goods, which in coin could not be had within the Realm etc. Among other arguments for the King, it was said, that there were in England more than 40000. parishes, and if every parish should pay such a sum as was there named, it could be no great matter. But it was by the Commons answered and proved, that there was not in England thirteen thousand parishes. After long debating, the Commons granted two shillings of the pound of every man's goods and lands that were worth twenty pound, or might dispend twenty pound by year, and so upward, and from forty shillings to twenty pound, twelve pence of the pound, and under forty shillings of every head sixteen years and upward four pence to be paid in two years. This Parliament the xxj. of May was adjourned to Westminster among the black Monks, and ended in the King's Palace at Westminster the fourteenth of August, at nine of the clock in the night. Christerne King of Denmark, and his Queen, arriving The K. and Qu. of Denmark arrived in England. at the Downs besides Dover the xv. of June, came to London on the xxij. of June, and were lodged in the Bishop of Baths place. The fifth of July, they returned again to Caleis. The Duke of Suffolk with many other Lords & Knights were sent into France with an army of 10000 men, who passing the water of Some without battle, took divers towns and Castles, destroying the Country before them. Michael English: Nicholas jennings, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. George Monex was chosen Mayor, but would not take Maior elected. it upon him, wherefore he was condemned in a thousand Mark for a fine, in discharge whereof, he gave unto the City a water Mill by the Horse down in Southwark, to grind the corn for the Bridgehouse. Sir Thomas Baldrie Mercer, the 28. of October. Maior. This year, the Kippiers of Rye and other places, sold their fresh fish in Leaden hall Market at London. In December, at the City of Coventry, Francis Philip, Conspiracy a● Coventrie. School master to the King's Henxmen, Christopher Pickering Clerk of the King's Larder, and Anthony Manvile Gentleman, intended to have taken the King's treasure of his subsidy, as the Collectors of the same came toward London, therewith to have raised men, and to have taken the Castle of Killingworth, and then to have made battle against the King, for the which, they were drawn, hanged, and quartered at Tyburn the eleventh of February: the other of their conspiracy were executed at Coventry. The Earl of Surrey brent jedworth in scotland, and 1524 took divers holds. The Duke of Albany besieged the Castle of Work, and had in a readiness a great Army to invade Anno reg. 1● England, but when he heard the Earl of Surrey was coming, he fled into Scotland. The five and twentieth of May, deceased Sir Thomas Lovel, Knight of the Garter, at Endfield, and the same month deceased Thomas Lord Howard, Duke of Norfolk. The soldiers of Guisnes took a great booty at a fair in the Town of Morguison, and Sir Robert jernegan with certain dimilances of Caleis, took divers French prisoners. The first of September, Doctor Hanyball, Master of A golden Rose sent from Rome. E. Hall. the Rolls, was received into London as Ambassador from Clement the seventh Pope, which brought with him a Rose of Gold for a token to the King, which was presented to him at Windsor. This Tree was forged of fine Gold, and wrought with branches, leaves, and flowers, resembling Roses, set in a pot of Gold, which pot had three feet of A●tike fashion, of measure half a pint. In the uppermost Rose was a fair sapphire leap pierced the bigness of an acorn. The Tree was of height half an English yard, and in breadth a foot. Ralph Dodmer: William Roche, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Bayly Draper, the 28. of October. It chanced in the year passed, a grudge to break out between the French King, and the Duke of Bourbon, in so much, that the Duke for the safeguard of his life, fled out of the French Kings Dominions, whereof the Cardinal Wolsey having intelligence, comprised in his head, that if the King our sovereign Lord could obtain him to be his General in the war against the French King, and considering further that the Duke of Bourbon was fled unto the Emperor to invite him to a like purpose, wherefore he having this imagination in his head, thought it good to move A policy of Cardinal Wolsey, that in the end turned against himself. the King in the matter, and after the King was once advertised hereof, and conceiving the Cardinal's invention, at last it came to a consultation among the Counsel; so that it was concluded that an ambassade should be sent to the Emperor about the matter, with whom he was, that the King and the Emperor should join in those wars against the French King, and that the Duke of Bourbon should The Duke of Bourbon Champion for the K. of England against the King of France. be our King's Champion and General in the field, who had a great number of good Soldiers, over and besides the emperors army, which was not small: and that the King should pay unto the Duke monthly wages, both for himself, and his retinue, in so much, as Sir john russel Sir john Russel. lay continually beyond the Seas in a secret place, both to receive money of the King, and to pay the same monthly to the Duke, so that the Duke began the wars with the French King in his own territory and Dukedom, which the King had confisked in his own hands, being not perfectly known unto the Duke's enemies that he had any aid out of England, and thus he wrought the French King much displeasure, in so much, as the French King was constrained 1525 to prepare a puissant Army, and in his own person to resist the Duke's power, and with force the King drove him to take Pavy, a strong Town in Italy, with his host, for their security, whereas the King encamped him wondrously strong, intending to enclose the Duke, that he should not issue forth, yet notwithstanding, the Duke did many times issue forth, and skirmished with the King. Now let us return again to the Cardinal Wolsey, who seemed to be suddenly altered, and to be more French Anno reg. 17 than Imperial, howsoever it came so to pass: but the French King lying in his Camp, sent secretly into England a privy person, a very witty man, to treat a peace betwixt the French King, and our King: this person was named john jokin, who was kept as secretly as might be, for he was no Frenchman borne, but an Italian a man of no great estimation in France, and for his subtle wit, elected to entreat of such ambassade as the French King had given him in commission. This jokin was secretly conveyed unto Richmond, and there remained, until the Cardinal resorted john jokin messenger from the French King. thither unto him, where after Easter term ended, he kept the feast of Whitsuntide very solemnly, in which season, the Cardinal caused divers times this jokin to dine with him. Thus continued this jokin in England long after, until at the last, as it should, he brought to pass the matter that he had in commission. After this, there was sent out immediately a restraint to Sir john russel, into those parts where he made his abiding beyond the Seas, that he should retain that months wages still in his ●ands, until the King's pleasure were to him known, which should have been paid to the Duke of Bourbon, bée●ng then with his retinue encamped within the Town ●●●●●●, for want whereof, at his day, the Duke and his ●●n were sore dismayed, when they saw there was not ●●●ey brought as it was wont to be, and being in so dangerous a case, and where victuals began to be s●ant ●nd very dear, they imagined many ways what should ●● the let, some said this, and some said that, so that they mistrusted nothing less than the very cause thereof, in so much as at the last, what for want of victuals, and other necessaries, the Souldyoures and Captains began to grudge and mutter, and at last, for lack of victuals, were like all to perish. The soldiers being in this extremity, came before their Captain th● Duke of Bourbon, and said, Sir, we must be of very force and necessity constrained to yield us up to our enemies, and better it were for us so to do, than to starve like Dogs. When the Duke saw their extremity, he said unto them with weeping eyes, Sirs (quoth he) ye are both valiant men, and of noble hearts, who have served me here right worthily, and for your necessity (whereof I am perticipant) I do not a little lament▪ but I shall desire you, as you are noble in heart and courage, so to take patience for a day or twain, and if succour come not then from the King of England, as I doubt nothing that he will deceive us, I will well agree that we shall all put ourselves and our lives unto the mercy of our Lord, wherewith they were all agreeable: and tarrying the coming of the King's money until the term of two days were passed, the Duke seeing no remedy, called his noble Captains and Souldyoures before him, and weeping said: ye noble men and Captains, I see no remedy in this necessity, but either we must yield us unto our enemies, or else famish, and to yield the Town and ourselves, I know not the mercy of our enemies, as for my part, I pass● not for their cruelties, for I know very well that ● shall suffer death most cruelly if I come in their hand●● it is not for myself therefore that I do lament, 〈…〉 it is for your sakes, it is for your lives, and safeguard of your persons, for so that ye might escape the dang●● of our enemies hands, I would most gladly 〈…〉 death, therefore good companions, and most noble Souldyoures, I shall require you all to consider the dangerous misery and calamity that we stand in, to sell o 〈…〉 lives most dearly, rather than to be murdered like Beasts: if ye will be agreeable, we will take upon us this night to give our enemies an assault, and by that means we may either escape, or else give them an overthrow, and thus it were better to die in the Field like men, than live prisoners in captivitle and misery, to the which they all agreed, then quoth the Duke, ye perceive that our enemies Camp is strong, and that there is no way to enter upon them but one, and that is so planted with Ordinance and strength of men, that it is not possible to attain to our Enemies that ways to fight with them in Campe. And also, now of late you perceive they have had but small doubt of us, in so much that they have kept but very slender watch, therefore, my device shall be thus: There shall issue out of the Town about the dead of the night from us a number of you that be of the most delyverest to assault their Camp, and they shall give the assault right secretly, even directly against the place of the entry which is very strong and invincible, your fierce and valiant assault shall be to them of the Camp so doubtful, that they will turn their strength of the entry that lieth over against your assault, to beat you from your purpose, then will I issue out of the postern, and come to the place of their strength newly turned, and there or they be ware will I enter, and fight with them in their Camp, and win their Ordinance which they have newly burned, and beat them with their own ●●ces, and then pleased them wondrous well. Then ●●●pared they all that day for the purposed devise, ●● kept them secret and close without any noise, or ●●tte off pieces within the Town, which gave their Enemies the less ●eare of the assault, but delight went to their Tents, and couched 〈…〉, nothing mistrusting that afterward immediately happened unto them. When the time came that all men were at rest, the assailants issued out of the Town, and there according to their appointment, they gave so cruel and fierce assault, that they in the Camp had as much to do as was possible to resist them▪ and even as the Duke declared before to his Soldiers, they within were compelled to turn their shot that lay at the entry, against the assailants. With that issued the Duke, and with him about fifteen or sixteen thousand men, or more, secretly in the night, his enemies being not privy of his coming, until he was entered the field, and at his entry, he took all the Ordinance that lay there, and slew the Gunners, than he charged the pieces against his enemies, and slew them wonderfully, he cut down the Tents and Pavilions, and murdered many within them, ere they were ware of his coming, so that he wan the field or ever the King French King taken. could arise to the rescue, in so much as the King was taken in his lodging or ever he were harnessed, his Tents were rob and spoiled which were wondrous rith: and in the spoil and search of the King's coffers, the Duke of Bourbon found the league under the great Seal of England, newly made between the King of England, and the French King, which once perceived by him, began to smell the impediment of his money which should have come unto him from the King, having upon due search intelligence that all the matter was devised by the Cardinal of England. The Duke conceived such an indignation hereupon against the Cardinal, that incontinente he went unto Rome, and there intended to sack the Town, and to have taken the Pope, where at the first assault of the walls, the Duke was the first man that was stain, yet notwithstanding; his captains continued their assault, and at the sast wan the Town, and the Pope fled Rome sacked, the people fled. unto Castle Saint Angel, where he continued long in calamity. All this notwithstanding, which ye have hear●▪ when news was brought into England of the taking of the French King, great triumph was made for joy thereof on the ninth of March. About such time as Cardinal Wolsey was determined Cardinal Wolsey suppresseth Priories to build his Colleges in Oxford and in Ipswich. to erect his new Colleges in Oxford and Ipswich, he obtained licence and authority of Pope Clement the seventh, to suppress about the number of forty Monasteries of good same, and bountiful hospitality, wherein the King bearing with all his doings, neither Bishop, nor temporal Lord in this Realm durst say any word to the contrary. In the executing of this business, five persons were his chief instruments, who on a time made a demand to the Prior and Covent of the Monastery of daintry, for occupying of certain of their grounds, but the Monks refusing to satisfy their requests, straightway they picked a quarrel against the house, and gave information to the Cardinal against them, who taking a small occasion, commanded the house to be dissolved, and to be converted to his new College, but of this irreligious robbery, done of no conscience, but to patch up pride, which private wealth could not furnish, what punishment hath since ensued at God's hand (sayeth mine Author) partly ourselves have seen, for of those five persons, two fell at discord between themselves, and the one slew the other, for the which, the survivor was hanged: the third drowned himself in a well: the fourth being well known, and valued worth two hundredth pound, became in three years so poor, that he begged to his dying day: and the fifth called Doctor Allane, being thief executor of these doings, was cruelly maimed in Ireland, even at such time as he was a Bishop: the Cardinal falling after into the King's grievous displeasure, was deposed, and died miserably: the Colleges which he meant to have made so glorious a building, came never to good effect: and Pope Clement himself, by whose authority, these houses were thrown down to the ground, was after enclosed in a dangerous siege within the Castle of Saint Angel in Rome by the imperials, the City of Rome was pitifully sacked, and himself narrowly escaped with his life. The Tower at Greenwich was this year builded. Greenwich tower builded. Creations at Bridewell. On the eyghtéenth of June, Henry Fitz Roy, which King▪ Henry the eight had by Elizabeth, Creations at Bridewell. daughter to Sir john Blunt Knight, was created Earl of Nottingham, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Lieutenant General from Trent Northwards, Warden of the East, middle, and West marches, fore aneinst scotland. Henry Earl of Devonshire, was created marquess of Exeter. Henry Earl of Lincoln, Thomas Earl of Rutland, Henry Earl of Cumberland, were likewise created. Robert Ratcliffe Lord Fitzwater, created Uicount Egremunt. Thomas Bolleyne Knight, treasurer of the King's house, was created Uicount Rochfort. Great murmuring was in all parts of the Realm for payment of money, and Suffolk men to the number of four thousand, rose in a tumult, against whom, was sent the Duke of Norfolk, and other commissioners, by whose wisdom they were appeased, and divers executed. john Caunton: Christopher Askew, the 28. of Septemb. Sir john Allen Mercer, the 28. of October. Sheriffs. Maior. The eleventh of February, four Merchants of the Stilyard did penance at Paul's Cross, and an Augustine Friar, called Doctor Barnes, bore a Faggot: there was present the Lord Cardinal, with eleven Bishops, john Fisher, Bishop of Rochester made the Sermon, which was against Martin Luther of Germany, and his doctrine. A truce was taken between England and France for a certain space, and Ambassadors were sent into Denmark, 1526 for restoring of their King, but the Danes would grant nothing thereunto; they did so deadly hate him for his cruelty. The xxviij. of April, came to the Court to Greenewiche Anno reg. 18 Peace with France. Mounsire Briond, Precedent of Roan, and john jokin, which Precedent, before the King and his Nobles, made in the Latin tongue a solemn Oration, the effect whereof was, how dreadful the wars had been between the Realms of England and France. He declared further of what power the King of England was, and what conquest he might have made in France, the French King being prisoner, whereof he humbly thanked him of his pity and compassion that he had on them in their necessity, that he would consent to peace: to the which Oration, Sir Thomas Moor, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, made answer, saying: that it much rejoiced the King, that they first considered, how by his power he might have oppressed, and how by his pity he had relieved them, wherefore he would here after, that for kindness they should show him none unkindness, but inviolably keep that league which was concluded. In the month of May, was proclamation made against Proclamation against unlawful g●●es. all unlawful games, and commissions awarded into every Shire, for the execution of the same, so that in all places, Tables, Dice, Cards, and Bowls, were taken and brent, but when young men were restrained of these games and pastimes, some fell to drinking, some to ferreting of other men's conies, and stealing of Dear in Parks, and other unthriftiness. The sixth of September, was proclamation for Gold, Gold ennaunced the French Crown four shillings six pence, the Angelet seven shillings and six pence, the Rial xj. s. iij. d. etc. Stephen Peacock: Nicholas Lambart, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas Semer Mercer, the 28. of October. In the months of November, December, and Januarie, Great rains and land waters. fell such rain, that thereof ensued great floods, which destroyed Corn fields, Pastures, and Beasts, than was it dry till the twelfth of, April▪ and from that time it rained every day and night till the third of June, whereby Corn failed sore in the year following. After the delivery of the French King out of the emperors 1527 bondage, and his sons received in hostage for the Emperors and the King of England's security, of all Anno reg. 19 such demands and requests as should be demanded of the French King. The Cardinal Wolsey lamenting the French Kings calamity, and the Pope's great adversity, who yet remained in the Castle Angel, traveled all that he could with the King and his Counsel, to take some order for the quietness of them both. At last, it was thought good that the said Cardinal should take upon him the King's commission, to travel beyond the Seas in this matter, Cardinal sent Ambassador into France. and by his wit, to compass a perfect peace among those potentates: whereupon, he was commanded to prepare himself to this journey, which he took upon him. He had with him the Earl of Derby: the Bishop of London Lord privy seal: Sir Henry Gilfort, Knight of the Garter, controller of the King's house: the Lord Sands, Knight of the Garter, Lord chamberlain of the King's house: Doctor Taylor, Master of the Rolls: Sir Thomas Moor, Knight, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster▪ the Bishop of Develin: the Lord Mountegle: the Lord Harrenden: Sir john Dudley Knight: Master Ratclife: Master Willowby: Master Parker: Master Sturton: Uicounts' and Baro●● sons and heirs, Sir Francis Brian, Sir Edward Semer▪ Sir Robert Gernigam, Doctor Stephen Gardener Secretary, Doctor Peter Vannes Secretary: Of the privy Chamber, Master Hennege, Master Arundel, Master Kneuet▪ Master Alford: Physicians, Doctor Frances, Doctor Smith: Gentlemen Ushers of the privy Chamber, Master Walgrave, Master else, Sir Thomas Denis high Chamberlain, Master Sent●lere Uizchamberlaine: Gentlemen Ushers, M. Wentworth, M. Hansard, M. Pemercy, M. Constable, M. Werren: Of household, M. Cade Steward, sir Wil Gascoigne Treasurer, M. Gostike controller, M. Broughton Master of the Horse Doctor Allen, Doctor Benet, Doctor Duke, Deane of the Chapel, Doctor Capon Almoner, th● Archdea●● of Canterbury: the archdeacon of Carleile: sir john Sent-Iohn, sir Richard Sands Knights, etc. in all to the number of 900. horses. Then marched he forward from his own house at The pompous riding of the Card●●a●. Westminster, through London over London bridge, having before him all the Gentlemen, three in a rank in Velvet coats, and the most of them great chains of Gold about their necks, and all his Yeomen followed him with noblemen's and gentlemen's servants, all in Orange tawny coats, with the cardinals Hat, and a T. ●. for Thomas Cardinal embroidered upon all the Coats, aswell of his own servants, as of all the rest of gentlemen's servants: and his Sumpter Mules which were twenty or more, with all his carriage of Cartes, and other of his train, were passed before. He road like a Cardinal very sumptuously on his Mule, with his spare Mule and spare horse trapped in Crimosin Velvet upon velvet, and stirrups guilt following him: And before him he had his two great Crosses of silver, his two great Pillars of silver, the King's broad Seal of England, and his Cardinal's Hat, and a gentleman carrying his Ualence, otherwise called his Cloak▪ bag, which was made of fine Scarlet altogether embroidered very richly with Gold, having in it a cloak. Thus passed he forth through London, and all the way every day in his journey he was thus furnished, having his Harbingers in every place before, which prepared lodging for his train. The first journey that he made, was two miles beyond Dertford in Kent, unto sir Thomas Wiltshires' house, and the rest of his train were lodged in Dertford, and in the country thereabouts. The next day he marched to Roches●●●, where he was lodged in the bishops Palace, and the rest of his train in the City & in Strowde. The third day he road to Feversham, and there was lodged in the Abbey, & his train in the town there, and some in the Country thereabouts. The fourth day he road to Caunterburie, where he encountered with the worshipful of the town and Country, and lodged in the Priory of Christ-Church, and all his train in the City, where he continued three days, in which season there was a great fair in the Town, by reason it was the feast of Thomas of Canterbury. At which day there was a solemn Procession, wherein the Cardinal then went appareled in his Legantine Ornaments, with his Hat on his head, who commanded the Monks and the queer to sing the Litany after this sort, Sancta Maria, or a pro Papa nostra Clement, the Cardinal kneeling at a Stool before the Quéere door all the while the Monks and their queer stood in the body of the church singing the Litany. The eleventh of July the Cardinal arrived at caleis, who was received with all the Officers and Counsel of the Town, the Mayor of the Town, and the Mayor of the Staple in Procession, and in the Lauterne Gate, he kneeled and made his prayers: that done, they passed on before until he came to Saint Mary's Church, from whence he repaired with a great number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, being Peers of the Town unto a place called the chequer, where he was lodged, and kept his house as long as he abode in the Town. When all his train and carriage was landed, and every thing prepared for his journey, he called all his Noblemen & Gentlemen, being servants unto him into his privy Chamber, where they being all assembled before him he said: I have called you hither to the intent to declare unto you, that I consider the duty you bear me, and the good will that I semblably bear to you, seeing your intendment to further the authority that I have by Commission, which your diligent service I will remember hereafter, and therefore I mean to declare the same directly to the King. Secondly, to show you the nature of the French men: And thirdly, to instruct you how and with what reverence ye shall use me for the honour of the King's Majesty, and then to inform you how ye shall entertain and accompany the French men when ye shall meet at any time. The first point ye shall understand, that the King's Majesty for certain weighty affairs, of his Graces hath for more advancement of his royal dignity assigned me to be in this journey his lieutenant, and what reverence belongeth to the same I will tell you, for my part I must by virtue of my Commission and Lievetenantship assume and take upon me to be esteemed in all honour and degrees of service, as to his highness presence is meet and due, and that by me nothing to be neglected, that to his royal estate is due and appertinent. And for my part ye shall see me, that I will not omit one jot thereof. Therefore because that ye shall not be ignorant of your duty in this case, as one of the chief causes of this your assembly, willing you as you will have my favour, and also charge you in the king's name, that ye do not forget the same in time and place, but that every one of you do observe your duty unto me accordingly as ye w●● at your return avoid the king's ●●●●gnation▪ or obtain and deserve his highness thanks, the which I will set forth, as each of you shall deserve. Now to the second point, the nature of the French men is such, that at the first meeting they will be as familiar with you as they had been acquainted with you long before, and commune with you in their French tongue, as though ye understood every word, therefore use them in like manner, and be as familiar with them as they be with you. If they speak in their natural tongue, speak you again unto▪ them in the English tongue: For, if you understand not them, no more shall they understand you: and speaking merrily to one of the Gentlemen there, being a Welsh man, said, Rice (quoth he) speak you Welsh to them: I doubt not but that thy speech shall be more defuse to him, than his French shall be to thee. And thus quoth he again to them all, let all your entertainment and behaviour be according to the order of all gentleness and humility, that it may be reported after your departure from thence, that ye be Gentlemen of right good behaviour, and of much gentleness, and that ye are men, who know your duties to your Sovereign Lord, and to your Master, esteeming much your great reverence. Thus shall ye not only obtain to yourselves great commendation and praise for the same, but also advance the honour of your Prince and Country: Now go your ways, being admonished of all these points, and prepare yourselves against to morrow, for than we intend (God willing) to set forward. The next morrow, being Mary magdalen's day, all things being furnished, the Cardinal advanced out of caleis, with such a number of black Velvet Coats, as hath been seldom seen with an Ambassador, all the Peers of caleis and Guisnes, with all other Gentlemen besides his train, being garnished in black Velvet Coats and Chains of Gold. Thus passed he forward with his train of Gentlemen before him three in a rank, which by supposal endured three quarters of a mile or more in length, having his Crosses and all other his accustomed and glorious furniture carried before him, as I have before rehearsed, except the broad Seal, the which he left in caleis with Doctor tailor, than Master of the Rolls, until his return. Passing thus on his way, and being scantly ridden a mile, it began to rain so vehemently, as lightly had not been seen the like, which endured until they came to Boloinge, and ere they came to Sandingfielde, the Cardinal of Lorraine, a goodly young Gentleman, encountered the Cardinal of England, and received him with great joy and reverence▪ and so passed forth with the Cardinal in communication until they came nigh unto the said Sandingfielde, which was a place of Religion, standing between the Englishe-Frenche, and the emperors dominions, being a Neuter, holding of neither of them. There awaited for him Le County Brian, captain of Pycardie, with a great number of S●radiates or Albenois, standing in array in a great piece of green Oats, all in harness upon high horses, passing on with the Cardinal in a wing unto Bolongne, and so after through Picardy▪ ●●● the Cardinal doubted somewhat the Emperor, that he should lay some ambush to betray him, for which cause the French King commanded them to attend upon him for the assurance of his person. Thus road he until he came within one English mile of Bolongne, where encountered him the Worshipful Citizens of the Town of Bolongne, having a learned man that made unto him an Oration in Latin, unto the which the Cardinal semblably made answer: And that done, Monsieur de Bees captain of Bolongne with the retinue there of Gentlemen, met with him on horseback, and then with all this assembly he road into the town lighting at the Abbey gate, and from thence conveyed with Procession into the Abbey Church there offered, then went he into the Abbey to his lodging, and all his train were lodged in the high and base towns. The next morning after he road to Mutterell sir Lemere, where he was in like case encountered with the Worshipful of the Town all in one livery, having a learned man to make an Oration unto them in Latin, whom he answered also again in Latin. And as he entered in at the Gates, there was a Canopy made ready of silk, embroidered with letters & Hat even as his men had on their Coats, and when that he was lighted, his footmen had the same as a Fee due to the office. Now was there made divers Pageants for the joy of his coming, who was called in the French tongue there, and in all other places through the Realm where he road or came, Le Cardinal pacific. The next day he took his journey towards Abvile, where he was encountered with divers Gentlemen of the Town and Country, and so received into the town with Pageants, as he road through the town, having a like Canopy borne over him, but more richer, and so brought to his lodging in this Town, he remained more than eight days, where resorted to him daily divers of the French King's Counsel sitting with him in counsel every day, and continually feasting him and other. When the time came of his departing out of the Town, he road to the Castle beyond the water of Some, called Le channel de Picqiny adjoining to the said watch upon a Rock, within the which there was a College of Priests, the situation whereof was much like unto the castle of Windsor, and there he was received with solemnne Procession, and lodged that night. The next morning the Cardinal road toward Amiens, and passing on his way, he was encountered with noble personages, who made to him divers Orations, which he answered extempore. afterward the French King with a goodly company met with the Cardinal, embraced each other: The press was so thick, that divers had their legs hurt with horses. Then the King and the Cardinal on his right hand road forth towards Amiens, every English Gentleman accompanied with an other of France. The train of these two● Princes endured two long English miles, they were nobly received into the Town of Amiens with shot of Guns and costly Pageants, until the King had brought the Cardinal to his lodging, and then departed for that night, the King being lodged in the bishops Palace. The next day after dinner the Cardinal road to the Court to the King, at which time the king kept his bed: yet nevertheless, the Cardinal came into his bed▪ chamber, where, on the one side of the bed sat the King's mother, and on the other side the Cardinal of Lorraine, accompanied with divers other Noblemen of France, and after a short communication, and drinking of a cup of Wine, he departed to his own lodging. Thus continued the Cardinal and the king in Amiens, the space of a fortnight and more, consulting and feasting each other divers times. Then the King and the Cardinal removed to a City called Champain, which was more than. xx. English miles from Amiens, they were both lodged in the great castle of th● town, whereof th● Cardinal had the one half assigned him for his lodging▪ & the king the other half. And like wise they denided a long Gallery béetwéen them, where was made in the midst a strong wall, with a window & a door. The King & the Cardinal would many times meet at the same window & talk: and divers times they would go into the other at the said door. Then came there to my lord Cardinal th● Lord Chancellor of France, with all the king's counsellors, where they took great pains daily in consultation, insomuch that th● Cardinal of England fell out with the Chancellor of France, laying to his charge, that he went about to hinder the league which before his coming was concluded, insomuch, that Madam Regent herself & many Nobles of France, with much labour & travel could scarcely bring the Cardinal to his former state of communitation, he was in such a wroth against the Chancellor: by these means, he brought other things to pass, that before he could not attain, which was more for fear than for any affection to the matter, he had the heads of the Counsel so under his girdle. The next morning after this conflict he rose early about four of the clock, and sat him down to write letters, into England unto the King, commanding me of his chaplains to prepare him ready to say Mass, insomuch, that the Chaplain stood in his vestures until four of the clock in the afternoon: all which season the Cardinal never rose to eat or drink, nor to make water, but continually wrote, and about the hour of four in the afternoon he made an end, commanding Christopher Gunner the King's servant, without delay to ride Post into England with those letters, whom he dispatched away or ever he drank, and then went to Mass, and said his service with his Chaplain, and after went both to dinner and supper all at once. The next night after the Cardinal made a great Suppe● for Madam Regent, for the Queen of Navarre and other ●●●ate estates of Ladies and noble women, and at the midst of the said banquet▪ the Kings of France and of Ni●●●●▪ came so day selye in unlooked for, and took their place in the lowest part of the banquet▪ The supper and banquet being finished, the Ladies and Gentlemen fell to dancing, and so passed away the most of the night ere they departed. Shortly after the King caused a wild Boar to be lodged for him in the For rest of champaign, and thither the Cardinal road with him to see him hunt▪ where the Lady Regent with a number of Ladies and Damoisels were standing in Chariots, looking on the toil on the out side, which was pitched there for that purpose: among whom stood the Cardinal to regard the hunting in Madam Regent's Chariot, and within the Toil was the King with divers minion Gentlemen of France ready furnished to this high and dangerous enteprice of the hunting, the King being in his doublet and hozen all of sheeps colour cloth, having in his ●●ippe a brace of great white greyhounds, who were armed as the manner there is: and the rest of the King's Gentlemen being appointed to hunt this Boar, were likewise in their doublets and hoss▪ holding each of them in their hands very sharp Boar spears. Then the King commanded the Keepers to uncouche the Boar, and that every person being within the Toil should go to a standing, among whom were divers Gentlemen and Yeomen of England▪ and incontinent the Boar issued out of his den, and followed with an hound, came into plain, where being scaled a while, and gazing upon the people, and incontinent pierced by the hound, he spied a little bush standing behind a bank over a ditch (under the which lay two French Gentlemen) and thither fled, trusting there to have defended himself, who thrust his head snuffing into the same bush, which caused the two Gentlemen to fly from thence, as from the danger of death. Then was the Boar by pursuit of Hunters and the hound, driven from thence, who ran straight to one of the cardinals foot▪ men, a very ta●● young Yeoman, who had in his hands a ●●●●line, with the which he was feign to defend himself from the Boar a great while, the Boar continually ●oyning at him with his tusks, so that he was feign at last to pitch his javelin in the ground between him and the Boar: the which the Boar broke with the force of his foining, and with that the yeoman drew his sword, and stood at defence, and therewith the Hunters came to the rescue, and put him once again to flight, with that he fled to an other young Gentleman of England called Master Henry Ratcliff, who was son and heir to the Lord Fitz Walter, who had borrowed by chance of a French▪ Gentleman a very fine and sharp Boar spear, where with he thrust the Boar in the mouth, and so into the throat. whereupon the pastime was ended. The Cardinal passing divers days in consultation, & in other matters, expecting the return of Christopher Gunner, at the last he returned with letters again, upon receipt whereof the Cardinal intended to remove: being then at Mass in his Closet, he consecrated the chancellor of France Cardinal, and put upon him his Habit, his Hat, and Cap of Scarlet, and then took his journey, returning again into England, making such necessary expedition, that he came to Guis●es, where he was nobly received by the Lord Sands than captain there, with all the retinue of the same. And from thence he road to caleis, where he tarried the shipping of his stuff, horses, and ●●aine. And in the mean time, he established there a Mart ●or all nations. These things and other for the weal of the Town and Garrison by him perfect, he took shipping & ●●●●ued at Dover the xxiv. of September, from whence he ●●de to the Court, the King being in his Progress at s●● Henry Wiat's house in Kent, he went immediately to him with whom he had long talk, and continued two or three days there in the Court, and then returned to his house at Westminster. Such scarcity of bread was in London, and all England, that Scarcity of breads. many died for default thereof: the King of his goodness sent to the City of his own provision 600. quarters, or else for one week there had been little bread. The bread carts coming from Stratford toward London were met at th● mile ●nd by the Citizens, so that the Mayor and Sheriffs were forced to go and rescue the same Eartes, and to fee them brought to the Markets appointed. Wheat was then at fifteen shillings the quarter: but shortly after the Merchants of the Stiliarde brought from Dansk s●●he store of Wheat and Rye, that the same was better cheap to be sold in London than in any other part of the Realm besides. john hardy: William Hollis the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir james Spencer, Vintner, the 28. of October After the beginning of the Term, the Cardinal caused to be assembled in the Star Chamber, all the Noblemen, judges and justices of Peace that were in Westminster hall at that time present, and there made to them a long Oration, Cardinal Wolsey in the Star Chamber declareth what an honourable peace he had concluded. declaring the cause of his ambassade into France, and of his proceedings there: among the which he said he had concluded such an amity, as never was heard in the realm before, as well between the Emperor and us, as between the King our Sovereign and the French King, with a perpetual peace, the which should be confirmed in writing, sealed in fine Gold: affirming further, that the King of England should receive yearly his tribute by that name out of the Duchy of Normandy, with all the costs which he had sustained in the wars: And also, where there was a restraint made in France of the French queens Dowry, (whom the Duke of Suffolk had married) for divers years during the wars, it was concluded, that she should not only receive it again, but also the arrearages that were repaid. This peace thus concluded, there should be such an amity between the Gentlemen of each realm and intercourse of Merchants, that it should seem to all men both territories to be but one Monarchy, etc. The twentieth of October were received into London certain Ambassadors out of France, about eight in number, of the most noble and worthy Gentlemen in all France they were lodged in the Bishop's Palace in Paul's Churchyard▪ to whom di●ers Noblemen resorted, and gave them divers presents, especially the Mayor of the City of London. Then they resorted unto the Court, being at Greenewiche, where they were received by the King. They had Commission to establish the King in the order of France, for whom they brought, for that intent, a collar of fine Gold, with the Michael hanging thereat, and Robes to the same order appertenant, the which was of blue Velvet richly embroidered. And the King to gratify the French ●yng with the semblable, he sent a noble man of the order here in England, with Garter the Harrault into France, to establish the French King in the order of the Garter, with tremblable collar, with a Garter and Robes according to the same. The Ambassadors remaining here until their return, ●● things being concluded concerning the perpetual peace upon solemn ceremonies and oaths contained in certain Instruments touching the same, which was confirmed by receiving of the Sacrament in Paul's Church of London by the King, and the Grand Master of France, who represented the King his Master, and there the instruments were se●led with Gold, and the King put his hand thereunto, and the Grand Master did the like: between whom the Cardinal divided the Sacrament: And that done, they de●●rted, the King road with the Cardinal to Westminster, and there dined with all the French men, passing a● the day after with consultation of weighty matters touching the conclusion of the said article of the perpetual peace. The King then departed again by water to Greenwich, at whose departing it was concluded by the King's device, that all the French men should resort to Richemonde, and hunt in every one of the Parks there: and from thence to Hampton Court, and there to hunt, and the Cardinal to make there a supper or banquet, or both to them. And from thence they should ride to Windsor, and there to hunt: And after to return to London, & so to Greenwich, & there to banquet with the King. Then was there made preparation of all things for this great assembly at Hampton Court: the Cardinal called before him his principal Officers, as steward, Treasurer, controller, and Clerk of his Kitchen to whom he declared his mind, touching the entertainment of the French men at Hampton Court: his pleasure to them known, they sent out Caters, purveyors and other, the Cooks wrought both night & day in subtleties, the Yeomen and Grooms of the Wardrobes were busied in hanging of the Chambers, and furnishing the same with beds of silk and other furniture▪ there were provided 280. beds furnished with all manner of furniture to them belonging. The day was come to the French men assigned, and 1526 they ready assembled before the hour of their appointment, wherefore the officers caused them to ride to Ha●▪orth, a place and a Park of the Kings within three miles, there to hunt & spen● the day until night, at with time they returned again to Hampton Court, & every of them conveyed to their several Chambers, having in them great ●●ers and wi●e for their comfort, remaining there until the Supper was ready. The Chambers where they supped and banqueted, were ordered in this sort: First, the great waiting Chamber was hanged with rich Arras, as none were A●●oreg. 20 better than other, and furnished with tall yeomen to serve. There were set Tables round about the Chamber banquet wise covered, a Cupboard was there garnished with white silver Plate, having also in the same Chamber to give the more light, four plates of silver set with great lights, and a great fire of wood and coals. The next Chamber, being the Chamber of Presence, was hanged with very rich arras, and a sumptuous cloth of estate furnished with many goodly Gentlemen to serve the Tables ordered in manner as the other Chamber was, saving that the high Table was removed beneath the cloth of Estate toward the midst of the Chamber covered. Then was there a Cupboard, being in length as broad as the Chamber, with six Desks of height, garnished with guilt Plate, ●auing with lights one pair of Candlesticks of Silver and guylte, being curiously wrought, which cost three hundred Marks, and standing upon the same two lights of Wax burning as big as Torches to set it forth. This Cupboard was barred round about, that no man could come nigh it, for there was none of all this Plate touched in this banquet, for there was sufficient besides. The Plates that hung on the walls to give light were of silver and guilt, having in them great pearchers of Wax burning, a great fire in the Chimney, ●nd all other things necessary for the furniture of so noble a feast. Now was all things in a readiness. The Trumpets were blown to warn to supper. The Officers discreetly conducted these Noblemen from their Chambers into the Chamber where they should sup, and caused them there to set down, and that done, their service came up in such abundance both costly and full of subtleties, and with such a pleasant noise of instruments of Music, that the French men (as it seemed) were rapt into a heavenly Paradise. The Cardinal was not yet come, but they were merry and pleasant. Before the second course, the Cardinal came in booted and spurred, all suddenly amongst them, and bade them Proface, at whose coming there was great joy, with rising every man from his place. The Cardinal caused them to sit still and keep their rooms, and being in his apparel as he road, called for a chair and sat in the midst of the high Table. Anon came up the second course, with so many dishes, subtleties, and devices, above a hundred in number, which were of so goodly proportion and costly, that I think the French men never saw the like, the wonder was no less than it was worthy indeed. There were Castles with Images, in the same Paul's Church, for the quantity, as we● counterfeited, as the Painter should have painted it on a cloth or wall. There were beasts birds, and personages, most likely made and counterfeited, some fighting with sword, some with Guns, and Crossbows, some vaughting and leaping, some dancing with Ladies, some on horses in complete harness, jousting with long & sharp Spears, with many more devices. Among all other was a chess board made of spiced Plate, with men there of the fame: and for the good proportion, and because the French meune be very expert in that play, my Lord Cardinal gave the same to a Gentleman of France, commanding there should be made a goodly case for the preservation thereof in all haste, that he might convey the same into his Country. Then took my Lord a bowl of Gold filled with Ipocrase, and putting off his Cap, said: I drink to the King my Sovereign Lord, and next unto the King your Master, & therewith drank a good draft: and when he had done, he desired the Grand Master to pledge him Cup and all, the which was well worth five hundred Marks, and so caused all the boards to pledge these two royal Princes: then went the Cups so merrily about, that many of the French men were feign to be led to their beds. Then rose up the Cardinal, and went into his privit Chamber, to pull off his Boots, and to shift him, and then went he to supper in his privy Chamber▪ and making a very short supper, returned into the Chamber of Presence among the French men, using them so lovingly and familiarly, that they could not commend him too much: and whilst they were in communication and other pastimes, all their liveries were served to their Chambers, every Chamber had a Basin and an Ewer of silver, a great livery pot of silver, & some guilt, yea and some chamber had two livery pots with Wine and Beer: a silver Candlestick, both white and plain, having in it two cizes, and a staff torch of Ware, a fine Manchet and a chete loaf. Thus was every Chamber furnished through all the house: And yet the Cupboards in the two banqueting Chambers not once touched. Thus, when it was more than time convenient, they were conveyed to their lodgings, where they rested that night. In the morning they dined with the Cardinal, and so departed to Windsor. After the return of the strangers from Windsor, which place with the order thereof they much commended. The day approached that they were by the king invited to the Court, where first they dined, and after daunting and other pastimes by them done, the time of supper came on. Then was the Banqueting Chamber in the tilt yard at Greenewiche, to the which place these strangers were conducted by the noblest personages in the court, where they did both sup and banquet, the strange and wonderful devices of dishes and subtleties whereof, as far passed the banquet at Hampton Court, as Gold doth Silver in value of weight for weight. In the midst of this banquet, there was ●ourneying at the barrier's with lusty Gentlemen in complete harness very gorgeous on foot. Then was there the like on horseback. And after all this was the most goodliest disguysing or Enter lude made in Latin, the Players being so rich, and of so strange devices, that it passeth all comparison. This done, there came such a number of the fairest Ladies and Gentlewomen that bore any brute of beauty in all the Realm in most richest apparel that might be devised, with whom the Gentlemen of France danced, until a gorgeous Mask came in of Gentlemen, who danced and masked with these Ladies. This done, came in a Mask of Ladies: these Ladies took each of them one of the French men to dance and to mask: these women Maskers spoke good French to the French men, which delighted them very much. Thus was this night consumed, from five of the clock until three of the clock after midnight, and then every man departed to their lodgings. After all this solempue cheer, at a day appointed, they resorted to the Court to take their leave of the King and other noblemen: then came they to Westminster unto the Cardinal, of whom they received the King's rewards, the which were these: every man of honour and estimation had Plate, some to the value of three or four hundred pound, and some more and some less, besides other great gifts received before of the King, as gowns of Velvet with rich Furs, great chains of Gold, and goodly horses, with divers other gifts, and the least of them had a sum of crowns of Gold: the worst Page amongst them had twenty Crowns for his part: and being thus nobly rewarded, they departed. A French Craer, of thirty Tun, being manned with eight and thirty Feenche men, and a Flemish Craer of seven and twenty Tun, and four and twenty Flemings, meeting at Margate, the one chased the other along the river of Thamis to the Tower Wharf of London, where sir Edmond Walsingham lieutenant of the Tower, stayed them both, and took both their Captains and men. The xvij. of June, the Term was adjourned to Mihelmasse, because of the sweeting sickness that then reigned in the City of London, and there was no such watch at Midsummer, as before time had been accustomed. Ralph Waren: john Long, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Legate from Rome. Sir john Rudston Draper, the 28. of October. The seventh of October, came to London a Legate from Rome, called Laurence Campaius Cardinal, and by the King's gift, Bishop of Salisbury, who was lodged at Bath Place without Temple bar. A prisoner broke from the Session's hall at Newgate when A prisoner broke from the Session's house. the Sessions was done, which prisoner was brought down out of Newgate in a Basket, he seemed so weak, but now in the end of the Sessions he broke through the people to the Grey friars Church, and there was kept six or seven days Register of the Grey Friars. ere the Sheriffs could speak with him, and then because he would not abjure and ask a Crowner, with violence they took him thence, and cast him again in prison, but the law served not to hang him. Commissioners were sent some to Oxford, some to Cambridge, some to Louayne, Paris, Orleans, Bonony, Padua, etc. to know the opinions of the learned in those Universities, concerning the marriage betwixt King Henry and Queen Katherine sometime his brother's wife, which marriage seemed to them to be unlawful, as was affirmed under the particular seal of every Universititie. In the months of April, May, June, and July, Cardinal 1527 Campeius the Legate, with Cardinal Wolsey, sat at the Black Friars in London, where before them was brought Anno reg. 21 in question the King's marriage with Queen Katherine, as to be unlawful, where these two Legates sat as Judges, The King's marriage with Queen Katherine called in question at the Black Friars. before whom, the King and Queen were assited and summoned to appear. The Court was plaited in tables and benches in manner of a Consistory, one seat raised higher for the Judges to sit in, then as it were in the midst of the said Judges all oft above them three degrees high, was a cloth of Estate hanged, with a Chair royal under the same, wherein sat the King, and besides him, some distance from him sat the Queen, and under the Judge's feet sat the Scribes, and other officers: the chief Scribe was Doctor Stephens, and the caller of the Court was one Cook of Winchester. Then before the King and the Judges within the Court sat the Archbishop of Canterbury Warham, and all the other Bishops. Then stood at both ends within, the counsellors learned in the Spiritual Laws, as well the Kings as the Queens. The Doctors of Law for the King, were Doctor Simpson, Doctor Bell, and divers other, and Proctors on the same side were Doctor Peter, Doctor Tregon●ll, with others. On the other side for the Queen, were Doctor Fisher, Doctor Standish, and Doctor Ridley. Thus was the Court furnished. The Judges commanded silence whilst their commisson was red, both to the Court, and to the people assembled. That done, the Scribes commanded the Crier to call the King by the name of King Henry of England, come into the Court, etc. with that the King answered, and said here: then called he the Queen by the name of Katherine Queen of England, come into the Court, etc. who made no answer, but rose out of her Chair, and because she could not come to the King directly, for the distance severed between them, she went about by the Court, and came to the King, kneeling down at his feet, to whom she said in effect as followeth: Sir (quoth she) I desire you to do me justice and right, and take some pity upon me, for I am a poor woman▪ and a Stranger, borne out of your Dominion, having here no indifferent Counsel, and less assurance of Friendship: Alas Sir, what have I offended you, or what occasion of displeasure have I showed you, intending thus to put me from you after this sort? I take God to my Judge, I have been to you a true and humble wife, ever confirmable to your will and pleasure, that never contraryed or gainsaid any thing thereof, and being always contented with all things wherein you had any delight, whether little or much, without grudge or displeasure: I loved for your sake all them whom you loved, whether they were my friends or enemies. I have been your wife these twenty years and more, and you have had by me divers Children, if there be any just cause that you can allege against me, either of dishonesty, or matter lawful to put me from you, I am content to depart to my shame and rebuke, and if there be none, than I pray you to let me have Justice at your hand. The King your father was in his time of excellent wit, and the King of Spain my Father Ferdinando was reckoned one of the wisest Princes that reigned in Spain many years before: it is not to be doubted, but that they had gathered as wise counsellors unto them of every Realm, as to their wisdoms they thought meet, who thought the marriage between you and me good and lawful, etc. wherefore, I humbly desire you to spare me, until I may know what council my friends in Spain will advertise me to take, and if you will not, than your pleasure be fulfilled: and with that, she arose up, making a low courtesy to the King, and departed from thence. The King being advertised that she was ready to go out of the house, commanded the Crier to call her again, who called her by these words, Katherine Queen of England, come into the Court, with that quoth Master Griffith, Madame, you be called again, on on (quoth she) it maketh no matter, I will not tarry, go on your ways: and thus she departed, without any further answer at that time, or any other, and never would appear after in any Court. The King perceiving she was departed, said these words in effect: For as much (quoth he) as the Queen is gone, I will in her absence declare onto you all. She hath been to me as true, as obedient, and as confirmable a wife, as I would wish or desire, she hath all the virtuous qualities that ought to be in a woman of her dignity, or in any other of a base estate, she is also surely a noble woman borne, her conditions will well declare the same: with that quoth the Cardinal Wolsey, Sir, I most humbly require your highness, to declare before all this audience, whether I have been the chief and first mover of this matter unto your Majesty or no, for I am greatly suspected herein. My Lord Cardinal (quoth the King) I can well excuse you in this matter, marry (quoth he) ye have been rather against me, in the tempting hereof, than a setter forward or mover of the same: the special cause that moved me unto this matter, was a certain scrupulosity that pricked my conscience, upon certain words spoken at a time when it was, by the Bishop of Bayon the French Ambassador, who had been hither sent upon the debating of a marriage to be concluded between our daughter the Lady Mary, and the Duke of Orleans; second son to the King of France, and upon the resolution and determination of the same, he desired respect to advertise the King his master thereof, whether our daughter Mary should be legitimate in respect of this my marriage with this woman, being sometime my brother's wife, which worde● once conceived within the secret bottom of my conscience, engendered such a scrupulous doubt, that my conscience was incontiently accumbered, vexed and disquieted, whereby I thought myself to be greatly in danger of God's indignation, which appeared to be (as me seemed) the rather, for that he sent us no issue male, and all such issues male as my said wife had by me, died incontient after they came into the world, so that I doubted the great displeasure of God in that behalf, thus my conscience being tossed in the waves of a scrupulous conscience, and partly in despair to have any other issue than I had already by this Lady now my wife, it behoved me further to consider the state of this Realm, and the danger that it stood in for lack of a Prince to succeed me, I thought it good in release of the weighty burthou of my ●●ake conscience, and also the quiet estate of this worthy Realm, to attempt the law therein, whether I may, lawfully take another wi●e more lawfully by whom God may send me more issue, in case this my first copulation was not good, without any carnal concupiscence, and not for and displeasure or misliking of the queens person and age, with whom I would be as well contented to continue, if our marriage may stand with the Laws of God, as with any woman alive, in which point▪ consisteth all this doubt that we go about now to try, by the learning, wisdom, and judgement of you our Prelates and pastors of all this our Realm and domini●● now here assembled for that purpose, to whose conscience 〈…〉 learning I have committed the charge and judgement, according to the which, I will (God willing) be right well content to submit my 〈…〉, and for my part obey the same, wherein, after that I perceived my ●●●sc●ence so d●●●tfull, I moved it in confession to you ●●● 〈…〉 ●● 〈…〉 then Ghostly Father, and ●●● as much as ●he● 〈…〉 〈…〉 self were in some doubt, you ●●ued me to 〈…〉 the counsel of all you my Lords, whereupon, I moved you my Lord of Canterbury, first to have your ●●ence, in as much as you were Metropolitan, to put this matter in question, and so I of all you my Lords, to which you granted under your Seals, here to be showed: that is truth quoth the Archbishop of Canterbury. After that, the King rose up, and the Court was adjourned until another day. The next Court day, the Cardinals sat again, at which time, the Counsel on both sides were there 〈…〉 to answer: the King's Counsel alleged the Matrimony not to be lawful at the beginning, because of the ●●●nall copulation had between Prince Arthure and the Queen. This matter being very vehemently touched on that side, and to prove it, they alleged many reasons and similitudes of truth, and being answered negatively again in the other side, it seemed that all their former allegations were doubtful to be tried, and that no man knew the truth. And thus this Court passed from Sessions to Sessions, and day to day, that at certain of their Sessions the King sent the two Cardinals to the Queen (who was then in Bridewell) to persuade with her by their wisdoms, and to advise her to surrender the whole matter into the King's hands by her own consent and will, which should be much better to her honour, than to stand to the trial of Law, and thereby to be condemned, which should seem much to her dishonour. The Cardinals being in the Queen's Chamber of presence, the Gentleman Usher advertised the Queen, that the Cardinals were come to speak with her ● with that the rose up, and with a Skeyne of white thread about her ●●●ke, came into her▪ Chamber of presence, where the Cardinals were attending, at whose coming, quoth sh●, what is your pleasure with me: if it please your Grace (quoth Cardinal Wolsey) to go into your privy Chamber, we will show you the cause of our coming: my Lord (quoth she) if ye have any thing to say, speak it openly before all these f●●ke, for I fear nothing that ye can say against me, but that I would all the world should hear and see it, and therefore speak your mind. Then began the Cardinal to speak to her in Latin, nay good my Lord (quoth she) speak to me in English fors●th (quoth the Cardinal) good Madame, if it please you, we come both to know your mind how you are disposed to do in this matter between the King and you, and also to declare secretly our opinions and council unto you, which we do only for very zeal and obedience we bear unto your Grace. My Lord (quoth she) I thank you for your god will, but to make you answer in your request, I can not so suddenly, for I was set among my Maids at work, thinking full little of any such matter, wherein there needeth a longer deliberation, and a better head than mine to make answer, fo● I need of council in this case which toucheth me so near: and for my council or friendship that I can find in England, they are not for my profit: what think you my Lords, will any Englishman council me, or be friendly to me against the King's pleasure, that is his subject? nay fors●th, & as for my Counsel in whom I will put my trust, they be not here, they be in Spain in mine own Country: and my Lords, I am a poor woman lacking wit to answer to any such noble persons of wisdom as you be, in so weighty a matter, therefore I pray you be good unto me poor woman, destitute of friends here in a foreign region, and your counsel also I will be glad to hear: and therewith she took the Cardinal by the hand, and lendde him into her privy Chamber with the other Cardinal, where they tarried a season talking with the Queen, which communication ended, they departed to the King, making to him relation of her talk. Thus this case went forward from Court to Court, till it came to Judgement, so that every men expected the iundgement would be given the next day, at which day the King came thither, and set him down in a Chair within a door, in the end of th● Gallery (which opened directly against the judgement seat) to hear the judgement given, at which time, all their proceedings were openly red in Latin. That done, the King's Counsel at th● bar called for judgement, with th● (quoth Cardinal Campeius) I will not give judgement till I have made relation to th● Pope of all our proceedings, whose council & commandment in this ●●se I will observe: the case is very doubtful, & also the party defendant will make no answer here, but doth rather appeal from us, supposing th● we be not indifferent, wherefore I will ●●●ourne this Court for this time, according to the order of th● Court of Rome, and with th● the Court was dissolved, & no more done. This protracting of the conclusion of the matter, ● Henry took very displeasantly. Cardinal Campeius took his leave of the K. and Nobility, & returned towards Rome. Ralph Rowlet Goldsmith was chosen Sheriff of London by ● commons, but th● King wrote for him, & he was for th● year 〈…〉 ged, & then was chosen Walter Champion Draper. Michael Dorman: Walter Champion, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Raulph Dodmere Mercer, the 28. of October. The ●●i● day of October, the Dukes of Suffolk and of Nonffolke come to the Cardinal then being at Westminster, to whom then declared that the King's pleasure was that he should surrender up the great Seal into their hands, and to departed simply unto Asher, which was an house situate nigh unto Hampton Court, belonging to the Bishopric of Winchester. The Cardinal demanded of them their commission that gave them such, authority, who answered again that they were sufficient commissioners, and had authority to do no less by the King's mouth, notwithstanding, he would in no wise agree in that behalf, without further▪ knowledge of their authority, saying, that the great Seal was delivered him by the King's person, to enjoy the ministration ●hereof, with the room of the Chancellor, for the term of his life, whereof for his surety, he had the King's letters patents: which matter was greatly debated between them, with many great words, in so much, that the Dukes were sayne to departed again without their purpose, and r●de to Windesore to the King, and made report accordingly, but the next day they returned again, bringing with them the King's letters. Then the Cardinal delivered Cardinal discharged of the great Seal. unto them the great Seal, and was content to depart simply, taking with him nothing but only certain provision for his house ● and after long talk between him and the Dukes they departed with the great Seal of England, and brought the same to the King. Then the Cardinal called all his Officers before him, and took account of them for all such stuff whereof they had charge, and in his Galrey were f●● divers Tables, whereupon lay a great number of goodly rich stuff as whole pieces of Silk of all colours, ●el●et, Satin, Damask, Taffeta, Grograine, & other things. Also, there lay a thousand pieces of fine Holland cloth. There was laid on every Table, Books, reporting the contents of the same, and so was there inventories of all things it order against the Kings coming. He caused to be hanged the walls of the Gallery on the one side, with cloth of Gold, cloth of Tissue, cloth of Silver, and rich cloth of Bodken of divers colours. On the other side were hanged the richest suit of Copes of his own provision made for his Colleges of Oxford and Ipswich, that ever was seen in England. Then had he two Chambers adjoining to the gallery, the one most commonly called the gilt Chamber, and the other the Counsel Chamber, wherein were set up two broad and long Tables upon trestles, whereupon was set such a number of plate of all sorts, as was almost incredible. In the gilt Chamber were set out upon the Table nothing but gilt plate, and upon a Cupboard and in a window was set no plate but Gold, very rich: and in the Counsel chamber was all white and parcel gilt plate, and under the Table in baskets was all old broken Silver plate, and Books set by them, purporting every kind of plate, and every parcel, with the contents of the ounces thereof. Thus was all things prepared, giving charge of all the said stuff, with all other remaining in every Office, to be delivered to the King, to make answer to their charge: for the order was such, that every Officer was charged with the receipt of the stuff belonging to his Office by Indenture. To Sir William Gascoine being his Treasurer, he gave the charge of the delivery of the said goods, and therewithal, with his train of Gentlemen and yeomen, he took his Barge at the privy stairs, and so went by water unto Putney, where, when he was arrived, he took his Moil, and every man took their Horses, and road straight to Ashere, where he and his family continued the space of three or four weeks, without either beds, sheeets, table clothes, or dishes to eat their meat in, or wherewith to buy any: the Cardinal was forced to borrow of the Bishop of Carelile, plate and dishes etc. The xxuj. of October, Sir Thomas Moor was made Sir Thomas Moor made Chancellor. Chancellor of England. William tindal, after he had translated the new Testament into English, he caused the same to be printed beyond New Testament printed in English. the Seas. A peace was agreed between the Emperor, and the Kings of England, France, Boheme, and Hungary. In the month of October, the King came to his Place of Bridewell, where he and his Nobles put on their Robes, and went to the Black Friars, and began there a Parliament, Parliament at the Black friars. in the which, the Cardinal was condemned in the Praemunire. The eight of December, was created Thomas Uiscount Rochfort Earl of Wiltshire: Robert Uiscount Fitz Water Earl of Sussex: and George Lord Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon, at York Place by Westminster. The thirteenth of January, a great fire was in the Uintrie at London. Cardinal Wolsey after great suit made to the King, was licensed to remove from Ashere to Richmond, which place, he had a little before repaired with great costs, for the King had made an exchange thereof with him for Hampton Court. The Cardinal having licence of the King to repair to Richmond, made haste thither, and lodged there in the Lodge of the great Park, which was a very pretty house, there he lay until the beginning of Lent, than he removed into the Charterhouse of Richmond, where he lay in a lodging which Doctor Collet made for himself, until he removed Northward, which was in the Passion week after, and every day he resorted to the Charterhouse there, and would sit with one of the most ancient fathers, who persuaded him to despise the vain glory of the world. Then prepared the Cardinal for his journey into the North, and sent to London for livery clothes for his servants, and so road from Richmond to Hendon, from thence, to a place called the Rye, the next day to Raystone, where he lodged in the Priory, the next day to Huntingdon, and there lodged in the Abbey, the next day to Peterborow, and there lodged in the Abbey, where he abode all the next week, where he kept his Easter, his train was in number 160. persons: upon Maundie Thursday he made his Maundy, there having 59 poor men, whose feet he washed, & gave every one xij. d. in money, iij. else of good Canvas, a pair of shoes, a cast of red hearings, and iij. white hearings, and one of them had ij. s. On Thursday next after Easter, he removed to Master Fitz Williams, sometime a Merchant Taylor of London, and then of the King's Council: the next week he removed to Stamford, the next day to Grantham, the next day to Newarke, and lodged in the Castle that night, and the next day also: from thence, he road to Southwell, where he continued most part of all that Summer, until the latter end of grass time, and then he road to Scroby, where he continued until Michaelmas, and then to Cawood castle, within seven miles of York, whereof we will speak more hereafter. The xuj. of May, a man was hanged in chains in Finsbury 1530 field, for murdering Doctor Miles, vicar of S. Brides. The xxv. of May, K. Henry commanded the Bishops to call in Anno reg. 22 Tindals' translation of the new Testament, and to see another truly translated to be set forth. K. Henry upon occasion of Suit to the Court of Rome forbidden. delay made by the Pope in his controversy of divorcement, and through displeasure of such reports as he heard had been made of him to the Court of Rome, thirdly, pricked forward by some counsellors to follow the example of the Germans, caused proclamation to be made the nineteen. of September, forbidding all his subjects to purchase any manner of thing from the Court of Rome. This year, Ralph Rowlet was again chosen Election of the Sheriff. Sheriff for the commons, and he would not take it upon him, but went to Saint Albon: then on Michaelmas even, was chosen Robert Amadas Goldsmith, and the King wrote for him, so that he was excused. On the morrow, which was Michaelmas day, was chosen Richard Choppin Tallow Sheriff elected on Michael▪ mass day. Chandler, who was forthwith sworn in the Guild hall, and changed into a Gown and Cloak of Scarlet, with a theine of Gold about his neck, and a Horse being prepared for him ready at the Guild Hall Gate, he road to Westminster. William Dauntsey: Richard Choppin, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Pergeter Salter, the 28. of October. The iiij. and v. of November, was a great wind th● blew down many houses and trees, after the which wind followed so high a tide, that it drowned the marshes on Essex side and Kent, with the isle of Thanet, and other places, destroying much cattle. Cardinal Wolsey lying at Cawood, held there an honourable and plentiful house for all comers, and also built and repaired the Castle, which was greatly in decay, having artificers and labourers above 300. persons daily in wages: and at length being thereunto persuaded by the Doctors of the Church of York, he determined to be stauled there at York Minster, the next Monday after Alhallowen day, against which time due preparation was made for the same, but not in such sumptuous wise, as his predecessors before him had used. The day being once known unto the worshipful Gentlemen of the Country, and other, as Abbots, & Priors, having notice of his staulation, they sent in such provision of victual, that it is almost incredible, all which was unknown to the Cardinal, for as much as he was prevented and disappointed of his purpose, by the reason that he was arrested of high Treason, as ye shall hereafter hear, so that most part of this former provision that I spoke of, was sent unto York the same day of his arrest, and the next day following: for his arrest was kept as close as could be, the order of his arrest was thus. It was appointed by the King and Counsel, that Sir Walter Walsh Knight, one of the King's privy Chamber, should be sent down with a Commission into the North unto the Earl of Northumberland (who was sometime brought up in house with the Cardinal) and they twain being jointly in commission to arrest the Cardinal of high Treason, Master Walsh took his Horse at the Court gate, about noon, upon Alhallowen day, toward the Earl of Northumberland. And now have I occasion to declare what happened about the same time, which peradventure signified the troubles following to the Cardinal. The Cardinal sitting at Dinner upon Alhallowen day, having at his boards end divers chaplains sitting at dinner, ye shall understand that the cardinals great cross stood in a corner at the table's end, leaning against the hanging, and when the boards end was taken up, and a convenient time for the Chaplains to arise, one Doctor Augustine a Venetian, and Physician to the Cardinal, rising from the table with the other, having upon him a great gown of boisterous Velvet, overthrew the Cross, which grailing down along the tappet, with the point of one of the Crosses, broke Doctor Bonars head, that Doctor Bonars head broke. the blood ran down, the company there standing, greatly astonished with the chance. The Cardinal perceiving the same, demanded what the matter meant of their sudden amaze, and they showed him of the fall of his Cross upon Doctor Bonars head: hath it (quoth he) drawn any blood, yea forsooth my Lord (quoth they) with that he cast his head aside, and said shaking his head, Malum omen, and therewith said Grace, and rose from the Table, & went to his Chamber. Now mark the signification how the Cardinal expounded this matter at Pomfret after his fall. First, ye shall understand that the Cross which he bore as Archbishop of York, signified himself, and Augustine the Physician who overthrew the Cross, was only he that accused the Cardinal, whereby his enemies caught an occasion to overthrow him: it fell upon Doctor Bonars head, who was Master of the Cardinal's faculties and spiritual jurisdictions, & was then damnified by the overthrow of the Cross: yea, & moreover, drawing blood of him, betokened death, which shortly after did ensue. About which time of this mischance, the same very day and season Master Walsh took his Horse at the Court as nigh as could be judged. Now the appointed time drew near of his staulation, and sitting at Dinner upon the Friday next before the Monday, on the which day he intended to be stauled at York, the Earl of Northumberland and Master W●●s●, with a great company of Gentlemen of the Earl's house, and of the Country, whom he had gathered together in the King's name, came into the Hall a● Cawod, the Officers being at Dinner, and the Cardinal not fully dined, being then in his fruits. The first thing that the Earl did after he had set order in the hall, he commanded Cardinal arrested. the Porter at the Gates to deliver him the keys thereof, who would in no wise obey his commandment, although he were roughly threatened, & straightly commanded in the Kings name to make delivery of them to one of the Earls servants: Sir (quoth he) seeing that ye do but intend to set one of your servants in my place to keep the Gates, I know no servant that ye have, but I am as able as he to do it, and keep the Gates to your purpose (whatsoever it be) and also the keys were delivered me by my Lord and Master, wherefore I pray you to pardon me, for whatsoever ye shall command me to do in the ministration of mine office, I shall do it with good will: with that (quoth the Earl) hold him a Book, & commanded him to lay his hand thereon: thou shalt ●weare (quoth he) that thou shalt well and truly keep the Gates to the King's use, and to do all such things as we shall command, and that ye shall let pass neither in nor out at these Gates, but such as ye be commanded by us, and with this oath he received the keys at the Earl's hands. Of all these doings knew the Cardinal nothing, for they stopped the steire, so that none went up to the Cardinal's Chamber, and they that came down, could no more go up again: at the last, one escaped, who showed the Cardinal that the Earl was in the Hall, whereat the Cardinal marveled, & would not believe him, but commanded a Gentleman to bring him the truth, who going down the stairs, saw the Earl of Northumberland, and returned, and said it was very he: then (quoth the Cardinal) I am for● that we have dined, for I fear our Officers be not provided of any store of good fish to make him some honourable cheer, let the Table stand (quoth he) with that he rose up, and going down th● stairs, he encountered the Earl coming up with all his tail, and as soon as the Cardinal espied th● Earl, he put off his ●ay, & said, my Lord; ye be most heartily welcome, & so embraced each other: then the Cardinal took the Earl by the hand, ●●● had him up into the Chamber, whom followed all the number of the Earls servants. From thence, he led him into his bedchamber, and they being there all alone, the Earl said unto the Cardinal with a soft voice, laying his hand upon his arm, my Lord, I arrest you of high▪ Treason: with which words the Cardinal being marvelously astonished, standing both still a good space, at the last (quoth the Cardinal) what authority have you to arrest me: forsooth my L. (quoth ● Earl) I have a commission so to do: where is your commission (quoth he) that I may see it, nay sir that you may not said the Earl: well then (quoth the Cardinal) I will not obey your rest. But as they were debating this matter between them in the Chamber, so busy was M. Walsh in arresting Doctor Augustine at the door in the palace, saying unto him, go in Traitor or I shall make thee. At the last, M. Walsh being entered the Cardinal's Chamber, began to pluck off his hood, and after kneeled down to the Cardinal, unto whom the Cardinal said, come hither gentleman and let me speak with you, Sir, here my Lord of Northumberland hath arrested me, but by whose authority he showeth not, if ye be joined with him, I pray you show me Indeed my Lord (quoth M. Walsh) he showeth you the truth: well then (quoth the Cardinal) I pray you let me see it. Sir, I beseech you (quoth M. Walsh) hold us excused: there is annexed to our commission certain instructions, which you may not see: well (quoth the Cardinal) I trow ye are one of the King's privy Chamber, your name is Walsh, I am content to yield to you, but not to my Lord of Northumberland without I see his commission: the worst in the King's privy Chamber is sufficient to arrest the greatest peer of the Realm by the King's commandment, without any commission, therefore put your commission and authority in execution, spare not, I will obey the Kings will. I take God to Judge, I never offended the King in word nor deed. Then the Earl called into the Chamber divers Gentlemen of his own servants, and after they had taken the cardinals keys from him, they put him in custody of the Earls Gentlemen, & then they went about the house to set all things in an order: them sent they Doctor Augustine▪ away to London with as much speed as they could, who was boon unto the Horse like a Traitor, but it was Sunday toward night ere the Cardinal was conveyed from Cawod, & lodged that night in the Abbey of Pomfret. The next day he removed toward Daneaster, and was there lodged at the black) Friars. The next day he was removed to Shefilde Park, where the Earl of Shrewsburie with his Lady, and a train of Gentlemen and Gentlewomen received him with much honour, than departed all the great number of Gentlemen that conducted him thither: and the Cardinal being thus with th● Earl of Shrewsburie, continued there xviij. days after, upon whom, the Earl appointed divers Gentlemen to attend continually, to see that he should lack nothing, being served in his own Chamber, as honourably as he had in his own house, and once every day the Earl would repair unto him, & commune with him. After the Cardinal had thus remained with the Earl of Shrewsburie about a fortnight, it came to pass at a certain time as he sat at his dinner in his own chamber, having at his boards end a mess of Gentlemen and Chaplains to keep him company, toward th● end of his dinner, when he was come to eating his fruits, his colour was perceived often to change, whereby he was judged▪ not to be in good health, where upon, one of The Cardinal licknesse. his Gentlemen said, Sir, me seems you are not well at ease, to whom he answered with a loud voice, forsooth no more I am, for I am (quoth he) taken sod●inly with a thing about my stomach, that lieth there along, as cold as a whetstone, which is no more but wind, I pray you go to the Pothecary, and inquire of him ●● he have any thing that will break wind upward. Then went he to the Earl, and showed him what estate the Cardinal was in, and what he desired: with that, the Earl caused the apothecary to be called before him, and demanded of him if he had any thing that would break wind upward in a man's body, & he answered he had such gear. Then quoth the Earl fetch me some, them th● Apoticary fetched a white confection in a fair paper, & showed & to th● earl; who commanded one to give the assay thereof before him, & then th● same to be brought to the Cardinal, who received it up all at once into his mouth: but immediately after surely, he avoided much wind upward: ●o (quoth he) ye may see that it was but wind, & now I am well eased, I thank God, & so rose from the Table, & went to his prayers: & that done, there came on him such a looseness, that it caused him ●● go to his stool: & not long after the earl of Shrewsburie came into th● Gallery to him, with whom the Cardinal met: & then sitting down upon a bench, the earl asked him how he did, & he most lamentably answered him, & thanked him for his gentle entertainment: Sir (quoth the earl) if ye remember, ye have often wished to come before the king, to make your answer▪ & I have written to the King in th● behalf, making him privy of your lamentation that ye inwardly have received for his displeasure, who accepteth all your doings therein, as friends be accustoined to do in such cases, wherefore I would advise you to pluck up your heart, and be not aghast of your enemies, I doubt not but this your journey to his highness shall be much to your advancement. The king hath sent for you that worshipful knight Master Kingston, & with him 24. of your old servants, now of the Guard, to the intent ye may safely come to his Majesty: sir (quoth the Cardinal) I trow Master Kingston is Constable of the Tower, ●ea, what of that quoth th● earl, I assure you he is elected by the king for one of your friends: Well quoth the Cardinal, as God will, so be it, I am subject to fortune, being a true man, ready to accept such chances as shall follow, & there an end. I pray you where is Master Kingston, quoth the earl I will send for him, I pray you so do, ●●●th the Cardinal, at whose message he came, & as soon as the Cardinal espied him, he made haste to encounter him, & at his coming he kneeled to him, & saluted him in the king's behalf, whom the Cardinal barehaded offered to take up, & said: I pray you stand up, kneel not to me, I am but a wretch replete with misery, not esteeming myself but as a vile ab●ecte, utterly cast away without desert as God knoweth. 〈◊〉 said Master Kingston with humble reverence, Sir, th● King hath him commonded unto you: I thank his highness quot● the Cardinal, I trust he be in health, yea quoth Master Kingston, & he commanded me to say to you, that you should assure yourself that he beareth you as much good will as ever he did, & willeth you to be of good cheer. And where report hath been made▪ th● ye should commit against him certain heinous crimes, which he thinketh to be untrue, yet he can do no less than to send for you to your trial, & to take your journey to him at your own pleasure, commanding me to be attendant upon you▪ Therefore sir I pray you when it shall be your own pleasure to take your journey, I shall be ready to gi●e attendance: Master Kingston quoth he, I thank you for your news, & sir, if I were as lusty as I have been but of late▪ I would ride with you in post, but I am diseased with a flux that maketh me very weak, but I shall with all speed make me ready to ride with you to morrow. When night came, the Cardinal waxed very sick with the lask, the which caused him continually to go to the stool all that night▪ insomuch, that he had that night 50▪ stools: therefore in consideration of his infirmity, they caused him to tarry all that day: and the next day he took his journey with Master Kingston and them of the Guard, till he came to an house of the Earl of Shrewsburies' called Hardwike hall, where he lay all night very evil at ease▪ The next day he road to Nottingham, ●●d there lodged that night more sick: and the next day he road to Leicester Abbey, and by the way waxed so sick, that he was almost fallen from his Mule, so that it was night before he came to the Abbey of Leicester, where at his coming in at the Gates, the Abbot with all his convent met him with divers Torch's light, whom they honourably received and welcomed: To whom the Cardinal said: Father Abbot, I am come hither to lay my bones among you, riding so still until he came to the stairss of the Chamber, where he alighted from his Mule, and Master Kingston led him up the stairs, and as soon as he was in his Chamber he went to bed▪ This was on the Saturday at night, and then increased sicker and sicker, until Monday, that all men thought he would have died: So on Tuisday Saint Andrew's even, Master Kingston came to him and bade him good morrow, for it was about ●i●e of the clock, and asked him how he did: Sir, quoth he, I tarry but the pleasure of God, to render up my poor soul into his hands: not so ●●r, quoth Master Kingston, with the grace of God, ye shall live and do very well, if ye will be of good cheer: nay in good sooth Master Kingston, my disease is such, that I can not live: for I have had some experience in Physic. Thus it is, I have a flux with a continual Fever, the nature whereof is, that if there be no alteration of the same within eight days, either must ensue excorrition of the entra●les, or ●ra●sie, or else present death▪ and the best of them is death, and as I suppose this is the eight day, and if ye see no alteration in me, there is no remedy, save, though I may live a day or twain after, but death must ensue: Sir, quoth Master Kingston, you be in such pensiveness, doubting that thing, that in good faith ye need not. Well, well, Master Kingston quoth the Cardinal, I see the matter how it is framed: but if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my grey hairs: but this is the just reward that I must receive for the diligent pains and study that I have had to do him service, not regarding my service to God, but only to satisfy his pleasure: I pray you have me most humbly commended unto his Royal Majesty, and beseech him in my behalf to call to his Prince ●●e remembrance, all matters proceeding between him▪ and me from the beginning of the world, and the progress of the same, etc., Master Kingston farewell, I can no more say, but I wish all things to have good success, my time draweth on fast, and even with that he began to draw his speech at length, and his tongue to fail, his eyes being set▪ whose sight failed him, then did they put him in remembrance of christ his Passion, ●●●sed ●he Yeomen of y ●●●ard ●o stand by to see him die, and to 〈◊〉 of his wor●● at his departure: and incontinent the clock struck eight, and then he gave up the Ghost, and departed this present life, which caused some to call to remembrance how he said the day before, that at ●●ght of the clock they should lose their Master. Here is the end and fall of Pride & arrogancy of men Example of pride and arrogancy. exalted by fortune to dignities: for in his time he was the haughtiest man in all his proceedings alive, having more respect to the honour of his person, than he had to his spiritual profession, wherein should be showed all meekness, 〈◊〉▪ a●● charity. The Clergy of England▪ being judged by the King's The Clergy condemned in the Praemunire. learned Council to be in the praemunire, for maintaining th● power Legantine of the Cardinal, were called by pro●e●● into the King's Bench to answer, wherefore in their convocation they concluded a submission, where in they called the King Supreme head of the Church of England, and were contented to give the King▪ 100000. pounds, to pardon King Henry supreme head. their offences, touching th● praemunire, by act of Parliament. The fift of April one Richard Rose a Cook was boiled 1531 A Cook boiled. in Smithfielde, for poisoning of divers persons at the Bishop of Rochester's place. King Henry purchased the Hospital of Saint ●ames, ●éere to Charing Cross, and all the meadows to the same adjoining, Anno reg. 23 The King's house at Saint James. giving the sisters of the house pensions during their lives, and then builded thereof a goodly Mansion, with a Park, which he caused to be walle● about with Brick. The 〈◊〉 of August▪ Thomas Bilney, a Bachelor T. Bylney burned. of Law 〈…〉 Norwich. Richard Gresham: 〈◊〉 Alth●●●●h● 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Rice Griffyn executed. Sir Nicholas Lambard G●●cer, the 28. of October. The fourth of December, sir Rice Gryffyn was beheaded at the Tower hill, and buried at the Crossed Friars, & john Hewes▪ his man 〈◊〉 to Tybor●● hanged and quartered. The 17. of May deceased Robert thorn Bachelor and Merchant tailor of London, who gave by his Testament, (his debts first being paid) is to be distributed in the city Robert Thom his charity in the City of London. of London 500 l. to poor householders: in the xxv. Wards, 20. l. in every ward: To relieve prisoners in the Counters 50. l. To poor maids marriages 50. l. To the four prisons about London, Newgate, Ludgate, King's bench, Marshalsea, 100 l. To Aldermarie Church in London, 10. l. Sum. 710. pounds. In the City of Bristol, to the making up of the Free Robert Thorn● his charity in the town of Bristol. school of Saint Bartholomew 300. l. to be divided in the parishes among the poor householders 300. l. to the redemption of the free farm of prisage there 200. l. to the Alms houses there 100 l. to Thomas Moffit Master of the Grammar School 25. l. and to Robert his son 10. l. to the poor prisoners in Bristol 50. l. to poor maids Marriages there 50. l. toward making of a place for Merchants for the street in Bristol 100 l. to the repairing of high ways from Camer March to Bristol, at the discretion of his executors as need required, and to the other high ways about Bristol 100 l. to Saint Nicholas Church in Bristol 20. l. to the four orders of Friars there, every order 20. l. more to the prisoners of Bristol 100 l. to the Chamber of Bristol 300. l. for the provision of corn and wood: more to the Chamber 500 l. to the relief of young men that practise Clothing: to the poor people of Bristol 500 l. And over and besides all this, to be distributed in deeds of Charity, at the discretion of his executors 1000 l. Sum. 3735. pounds. Legacies to his sister's children & other kindred amounted to 5142. l. 6. s. 8. d. His debts forgiven were 83. l. 5. s. 10. d. The residue of his goods he gave to his brother Nicholas thorn. The 28. of May Friar Forrest was put in prison for contrarying Friar Forrest. the Preacher before the King. The oath which the Clergy had used to make to the Bishop Clergy swor●e to the King. of Rome was made void by statute, & a new oath confirmed, wherein they confessed the king to be Supreme head. The fifteenth of May sir Thomas Moor after great suit Si● Thomas Moor. made by him, was discharged of the Chancelorship. The fourth of June the King dubbed Thomas Audeley Lord Audley made Lord chancellor. Knight, made him keeper of the great Seal, and not long after Lord Chancellor. The fifteenth of June, five men were hanged and quartered Coiners and clippers executed. Christ's Church suppressed. at Tower hill, for coining and clipping. In the month of July, the King suppressed the Priory of Christ church in London, he sent the Canons of that house to other Priories, and gave their Church, plate, and lands, to sir Thomas Audley. The three and twentieth of August, William Warham archbishop of Canterbury deceased. The King repaired the Tower of London. The first of September the Lady Anne Bolleine was marchioness of Pembroke. made marchioness of Pembroke at Windsor, and then was given her by the King, one thousand pound by year. The eleventh of October King Henry landed at caleis, with the Duke of Richemonde his bastard son, the Duke of Norfolk Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke of Suffolk, the marquess of Excester, the Earls of Derby, Arundale, Oxford, Surrey and Rutland, the Viscount Lisle King Edward the fourth his bastard son, the Lord Matravers, the Lord Sands Lord Chamberlain of the King's house, the Lord William hayward, the Lord Bray, the Lord Montague, the Lord Cobham, the Lord Mordant, the Lord Dawbney, the Lord Grey, the Lord Clinton, the Lord Vaux, the Lord Mountegle, the Lord Rocheford, with divers other Lords: the Bishops of Winchester, London, Lincoln, and Bathe: sir William Fitz William treasurer of the king's house, sir William Pawlet controller, sir William Kingston captain of the Guard, sir john Page, sir james Boleine, sir Anthony Browne, sir Edward Nevell, sir Thomas Cheyney▪ sir john russel, sir Richard Page, sir Ralph Eldercare, sir Edward Baynton, sir Edward Santener, sir Griffyth Deene, sir john Dudley, sir john Femer, sir Henry Long▪ sir Anthony Hungerforde, sir john Brudges, sir Arthur Hopton, sir Anthony Wingfielde, sir William Paston, sir Edmonde Bedingfielde, sir Thomas Strange, sir William Hawte, sir Edward Wotton, sir William Askewe, sir john Marleant, sir William Barington, sir William Essex, sir Giles Strangweis, sir Edward Chamberlain, sir Giles Caple, sir john Sent-Iohn, sir Walter Hungerforde, sir William Gascoine, sir Lionel Norrice, sir Edward Boloine, sir Thomas Lisle, sir john Ashton, sir Thomas Palmer, sir William Boloine, sir William finch, sir William Pellam, sir Thomas Rotherham, sir john Norton, sir Richard Sands, sir john Nevell, and thirty esquires, with many Gentlemen, and all their trains. The town of caleis had at this season xxiv. C. beds, and stabling for two thousand horses, besides the villages about. The xxj. of October, King Henry road toward Boulogne, and was by the way at Sandingfielde met by the French King, and many Nobles of France, who road all to Boulogne, and were there lodged. On the xxv. of October King Henry returned again to caleis, accompanied with the French King, the King of Navarre, the Cardinal of Lorraine, and many other Dukes, bishops and great estates of France, Gas●oine, Britain, and Normandy: And the xxviij. of October, King Henry made the King of Navarre Knight of the Garter: and the next day the French King with the King of Navarre, and all the great Lords of France, road again to Boulogne, and King Henry of England road with them to Sandingfielde, where he made to the French King a costly banquet, and there the three Kings departed like loving brethren in great amity: & the xiv. of November King Henry landed at Dover. Richard Reynold: Nicholas Pinchon, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. john Martin Butcher. Sir Stephen Peacock Haberdasher, the 28. of October. Maior. King Henry kept his Christmas at Greenewiche, and after Christmas sir Thomas Audeley Lord Keeper of the great Seal, was made Lord Chancellor of England, and then began a Parliament, in the which it was enacted, that no person should appeal for any cause out of this Realm, to the Court of Rome: and also, that Queen Katherine should from thenceforth be no more called Queen, but Princess Dowager of Prince Arthur. The twelfth of April being Easter even, the Lady 1533 Anno reg. 25 Anne Bolleine, who had been privily married to King Henry, went to her Closet openly as Queen, and was proclaimed Queen of England. The six and twentieth of April, Arthure Plantagenet son illegitime of King Edward the fourth, was created Viscount Lisle at Bridewell. The twelfth of May Pavier, town Clerk of London, hung himself. The King's highness addressed his letters to the Mayor and Commonalty of London, signifying unto them, that his pleasure was to solemnize the Coronation of his most dear and well-beloved wife Queen Anne at Westminster on Whitsonday next ensuing, willing them to make preparation as well to fetch her Grace from Greenewiche to the Tower by water, as to see the City garnished with Pageants in places accustomed, for the honour of her Grace, when she should be conveyed from the Tower to Westminster. Whereupon a common Counsel was called, and commandment given to the Haberdashers, of which Craft the Mayor was, that they should prepare a Barge for the Bachelors, with a Wafter, and a foist, garnished with Banners, like as they use when the Mayor is presented at Westminster, on the morrow after the feast of Saint Simon & jude. Also all other Crafts were commanded to prepare Barges, and to garnish them, not only with their Banners accustomed, but also to deck them with Targets by the sides of the Barges, and to set up all such seemly Banners and Bannerets, as they had in their hal●es, or could get to furnish their said Barges, and every Barge to have Minstrels, according to which commandment great preparation was made for all things necessary for such a noble triumph. The nine and twentieth day of May being Thursday▪ the Mayor and his brethren all in Scarlet, and such as were knights had collars of Esses, and the residue having great Chains, and the Counsel of the City assembled with them at Saint Marie hill. And at one of the clock descended to the new steire to their Barge, which was garnished with many goodly banners and streamers and richly covered, in which Barge was Shawms, Shagebushes▪ and divers other Instruments of Music, which played continually. After that the Mayor and his brethren were in their barge, seeing, that the companies to the number of fifty barges were ready to wait upon them▪ they gave commandment to the companies, that no barge should row nearer to another, than twice the length of the barge, and to see the order kept, there were three Whirries prepared, and in every one of them two officers to call on them to keep their order. After which commandment given, they set forth in order, as hereafter is described. first, before the majors Barge was a Foiste, for a wafter full of Ordinance, in which foist was a great redd● Dragon continually ●●●●ng and casting wild fire, and round about the said foist stood terrible monstrous and wild men casting fire,▪ and making hideous noise: next after the foist a good distance came the majors Barge: on whose right hand ●●● the Bachelors Barge, in the which were Trum 〈…〉, and divers other melodious Instruments: the 〈…〉 of the said Barge and sail yards and the top ●●●●elles were hanged with rich cloth of Gold and 〈…〉: at the Foreship and the Stern were two great banners rich beaten with the arms of the King and the Queen: and on the sop castle also was a long streamer newly beaten with the said arms: the sides of the Barge was set full of Flags and Banners of the devices of the companies of Haberdashers and Merchant Adventurers, and the lasserers or cords were hanged with innumerable Pencils, having little Bells at the ends, which made a goodly noise, and was a goodly sight, wavering with the wind: on the out side of the barge were three dozen Scutcheons in metal, of the Armos of the King and Queen which were beaten upon square Buckram divided, so that the right side had the King▪ colours, and the left side the Queens, which Scutcheons were fastened on the clothes of Gold and silver, hauging on the decks: on the left hand of the Mayor was an other foist, in the which was a mount, and on the mount stood a white Falcon crowned upon a root of Gold, environed with white Roses and red, which was the queens device: about which mount sat Virgins singing and playing melodiously: Next after the Mayor followed his Fellowship the Haberdashers: next after them the Mercers: then the Grocers, and so every company in his order, and last of all the Majors & sheriffs officers, every company having melody in their Barge by themselves, and goodly garnished with Banners, and some covered with Silk, and some with Arras or such like, which was a goodly sight to behold: and in thy ● or ●er they rowed by Greenewiche to the point beyende Greenwiche, and there they turned backward in an other order▪ that is to● weet, the Majors and Sheriffs officers first, and the meanest Craft next, and so ascencending to the upper moste Craft in order, and the Mayor last, as thy go to Paul's at Christmas, and in that order they to wed down ward to Greenewiche town▪ and there cast anchor, making great melody. At three of the clock, the Queen appareled in rich cloth of Gold, entered into her Barge, accompanied with divers Ladies and Gentlewomen, and incontinent the Citizens set forward in their order, their Minstrels continually playing: and th● Bachelors barge going on the queens right hand, which she took great pleasure to behold. About the queens barge were many noble men, as the Duke of Suffolk, the Marquis Dorcet, the Earl of Wiltshire her father, the Earls of Arundale, Derby, Rutland, Worcester, Huntingdon, Sussex, Oxford, and many Bishops and Noble men, every one in his Barge, which was a goodly sight to behold: she thus being accompanied rowed towards the Tower: and in the mean way the Ships which were commanded to lie on the shore for letting of the Barges, shot divers peals of Guns, and ere she landed, there was a marvelous shot out of the Tower, I never heard the like: and at her landing, there met with her the Lord Chamberlain with the officers of Arms, and brought her to the King, which received her with loving countenance at the Postern by the water side, and kissed her, and then she turned back again, and thanked the Mayor and the Citizens with many goodly words, and so entered into the Tower. After which entry the Citizens all this while hovered before the Tower, making great melody, & went not aland, for none were assigned to land but the Mayor, the Recorder, and two Aldermen: but to speak of the people that stood on every shore to behold this sight, he that sa●e it not will not believe it. On Friday at dinner served the King all such as were appointed by his highness to be Knights of the Bathe, which after dinner were brought to their Chambers, and that night were bathed, and shriven according to the old usage of England's, and the next day in the morning the King dubbed them according to the ceremonies thereto belonging, whose names here after ensue nineteen in number. The Marquis Dorcet. The Earl of Derby. The Lord Clifford, son and heir to the Earl of Comberland. The Lord Fitz Walter son and heir to the Earl of Huntingdon. The Lord Montague. The Lord Vaux. Sir Henry Parker son and heir to the Lord Merle. Sir William Winsore son and heir to the Lord Winsore. Sir john Mordant son and heir to the Lord Mordant. Sir Francis Weston. Sir Thomas Arondale. Sir john Hudlestone. Sir Thomas Poynings. Sir Henry Savell. Sir George Fitz William of Lincolnshire. Sir john Tindale. Sir Tomas jerney. On Saturday the one and thirtieth of May, the Queen The conveying of Queen Anne through the City to Westm. was conveyed through London in order as followeth. To the intent, that the horses should not slide on the pavement, nor that the people should be hurt by horses, and the high streets, where▪ through the Queen should pass, were all graveled from the Tower unto Temple bar, and railed on each side, within which rail stood the Crafts along in their order from Grace Church, where the merchants of the Stiliarde stood until the little Conduit in Cheap, where the Aldermen stood, and on the other side of the street stood the Constable's of the city, appareled in Velvet and Silk with great staves in their hands, to cause the people to give room, and keep good order: and when the streets were somewhat ordered, the Mayor in a gown of Crimosin velvet, and a rich collar of Esses, with two footmen clothed in white and red damask, road to the Tower, to give his attendance on the Queen, on whom the Sheriffs with their officers did await till they came to the Tower hill, where they taking their leave road down the high streets, commanding the Constable's to see room and good order kept, and so went and stood by the Aldermen in Cheap, and before the Queen with her train should come, Grace-streete and Cornhill were hanged with fine Scarlet, Crimosin, and other grained clothes, and in some places with rich Arras, and the most part of Cheap was hanged with cloth of Tisshew, Gold, Velvet, and many rich hangings which made a goodly show, and all the windows, were replenished with Ladies and Gentlewomen, to behold the Queen and her train, as they should pass by. The first of the queens company that set forward, were twelve French men belonging to the French ambassador, clothed in contes of blue Velvet, with sleeves of yellow and blue Velvet, their horses trapped with close trappers of blue sarsenet powdered with white Crosses: After them marched Gentlemen, esquires, Knights, two and two: after them the judges: after them the Knights of the Bathe in violet gowns with hoods purfled with Miniver, like Doctors: after them Abbots: then Barons: after them Bishops: the Earls and the Marquesses: then the Lord Chanceloure of England: after him, the archbishop of York, and the ambassador of Venice: after them the archbishop of Caunterburie, and the Ambassador of France: after road two esquires of honour with robes of estate rolled and worn Bauldrike-wise about their necks, with Caps of estate, representing the Dukes of Normandy and Aquitaine: after them road the Mayor of London with his Mace, and Garter in his Coat of Arms, which bore also his Mace of Westminster hall: after them road the Lord William Howard with the Marshals rod deputy to his brother the Duke of Norfolk, Martial of England, which was ambassador then in France, and on his right hand road Charles Duke of Suffolk for that day high Constable of England, bearing the warder of silver appertaining to the office of Conestableshippe, and all the Lords for the most part were clothed in Crimosin Velvet, and all the queens servants or officers of Arms in Scarlet: next before the Queen road her Chancellor bore headed: the sergeants and Officers at Arms road on both the sides of the Lords: then came the Queen in a white Litter of white cloth of Gold, not covered nor bailled, which was led by two Palfreys clad in white Damask down to the ground, head and all, led by her footmen: she had on a Kertle of white cloth of Tissue, and a Mantle of the same surred with Ermyn, her hair hanging down: but on her head, she had a coy●e with a Circlet about it full of rich stones: over her was borne a Canopy of Cloth of Gold with four guylte staves, and four silver Bells: for bearing of the which Canopy, were appointed sixetéene Knights, four to bear it one space on foot, and four an other space, according to their own appointment: next after the Queen road the Lord Browghe her Chamberlain: next after him William Coffim, master of her horses, leading a spare horse with a side saddle, trapped down with cloth of Tissewe: after him road seven Ladies in Crimosin Velvet, turned up with Cloth of Gold and of Tissewe, and their horses trapped with Gold: after them two Chariots covered with red cloth of Gold, in the first Chariot were two Ladies, which were the old Duchess of Norfolk, and the old marchioness of Dorcet: in the second Chariot were four Ladies all in Crimosin Velvet: after them road seven Ladies in the same suit, their horses trapped and all: after them came the third Chariot all in white, with six Ladies in Crimosin Velvet: next to them came the fourth Chariot all red with eight Ladies also in Crimosin: after whom followed thirty Gentlewomen all in Velvet and Silk, in the livery of their Ladies, on whom they gave their attendance: after them followed the Guard in coats of Goldesmyths work, in which order they road forth till they came to Fanchurche, where was made a pageant, all of children appareled like Merchants, which welcomed her to the City, with two proper propositions both in French and in English: and from thence she road unto Grace Church corner, where was a costly and marvelous cunning pageant made by the Merchants of the Stiliarde, therein was the mount Parnassus with the fountain of Helicon, which was of white Marble, and four streams without pipe did rise an Ell high and met together in a little cup above the fountain, which fountain ran abundantly with rack Reynishe Wine till night, on the mountain sat Apollo, and at his feet sat Calliope: and on every side of the Mountain sat four Muses playing on several sweet Instruments, and at their feet Epigrams and Poesies were written in golden Letters, in the which every Muse according to her property praised the Queen. From thence the Queen with her train passed to Leaden hall, where was a goodly Pageant with a type and heavenly Rose, and under the tip was a goodly root of Gold, set on a little mountain environed with red Roses and white, out of the tip came down a Falcon all white, and set upon the root, and incontinent came down an Angel with great melody, and set a close Crown of Gold on the falcons head: and in the same Pageant sat Saint Anne with all her issue beneath her: and under Mary Cleophe sat her four children, of the which children, one made a goodly Oration to the Queen of the fruitfulness of Saint Anne, and of her generation, trusting, that like fruit should come of her. Then she passed to the Conduit in Cornhill, where were the three Grace's se●te in a Throne, afore whom was the spring of Grace, continually running wine: afore the fountain sat a Poet, declaring the property of every Grace, that done, every Lady by hirself according to her property, gave to the Queen a several gift of Grace. That done, she passed by the great Conduit in Cheap, which was newly painted with arms and devices, out of the which Couduite, by a goodly fountain set at the end, ran continually Wine both white and Claret all that afternoon: and so she road to the Standard, which was richly painted with Images of Kings and Queens, and hanged with banners of Arms, and in the top was marvelous sweet harmony both of Songs and Instruments. Then she went forward by the Cross, which was newly guilt, till she came where the Aldermen stood, and then Master Baker the Recorder, came to her with low reverence, making a proper and brief proposition, and gave to her, in the name of the City, a thousand Mark in Gold in a purse of Gold, which she thankfully accepted with many good words, and so road to the little Conduit, where was a rich pageant full of melody and Songs, in which Pageant were Pallas, juno, and Venus, and afore them stood Mercury, which in the name of the three Goddesses, gave to her a Ball of Gold divided in three, signifying three gifts which these three Goddesses gave to her, that is to say, Wisdom, Riches, and felicity. As she entered into Paul's Gate, there was a pretty Pageant, in which sat three Ladies richly clothed, and in a circle on their head was written Regina Anna, prosper, proceed, and reign. The Lady in the midst had a Tablet, in the which was written Veni amica, coronaberis, and under the Table sat an Angel with a close Crown. And the Lady sitting on the right hand had a Tablet of Silver, in which was written Domine dirige gressus meos. And the third Lady had a Tablet of Gold, with letters of Azure written Confido in domino, and under their feet was written Regina Anna paris regis de sanguine natam, Et paries populis aurea saecla tuis. And these Ladies cast down Wafers, on the which the ●ayd two Verses were written. From thence, she passed to the East end of Paul's Church against the School, where stood a scaffold, and Children well appareled, which said to her divers goodly Verses of Poets translated into English, to the honour of the King and her, which she highly commended. And then ●he came to Ludgate, which Gate was new garnished with Gold and Bise, and on the Leads of Saint Martin's Church stood a goodly queer of singing men and children, which sang new Ballets made in praise of her grace. After that she was past Ludgate, she proceeded toward Fléetestréete, where the Conduit was newly painted, and all the Arms and angles refreshed, and the Shawms melodiously sounding. Upon the Conduit was made a Tower with four turrets, and in every turret stood one of the cardinal virtues with their tokens and properties, which had several speeches, promising the Queen never to leave her, but to be aiding and comforting her: and in the midst of the Tower closely was such several solemn instruments, that it seemed to be a heavenly noise, and was much regarded and praised, and besides this, the Conduit ran Wine, claret and red all the after noon, so she with all her company, and the Mayor, road forth to Temple Bar, which was newly painted and repaired, where stood also divers singing men and Children, till she came to Westminster Hall, which was richly hanged with cloth of Arras, and newly glazed, and in the midst of the Hall she was taken out of her Litter, and so led up to the high Desk under the cloth of estate, on whose left hand was a Cupboard of ten stages high marvelous rich and beautiful to behold, and within a little season was brought to the Queen with a solemn service in great standing spice plates, a void of spice, and sutteltyes, with Ipocrase, and other wines, which she sent down to her Ladies, and when the Ladies had drunk, she gave hearty thanks to the Lords and Ladies, and to the Mayor, and other that had given their attendance on her, and so withdrew herself with a few Ladies, to the White Hall, and so to her Chamber, and there shifted her, and after went in her Barge secretly to the King to his Manor of Westminster, where she rested that night. On Whitsonday, the first of June, the Mayor clad in Crimson Velvet, with his collar, and all the Aldermen Coronation of Queen Anne. and Sheriffs in Scarlet, and the Counsel of the City, took their Barge at the Crane by seven of the clock, and came to Westminster, where they were welcomed, and brought into the Hall by Master Treasurer, and other of the King's house, and so gave their attendance, till the Queen should come forth: between eight and nine of the Clock she came into the Hall, and stood under the cloth of estate, and then came in the King's Chapel, and the Monks of Westminster, all in rich Copes, and many Bishops and Abbots in Copes and Mitres, which went into the midst of the Hall, and there stood a season, than was there a ray clothe spread from the queens standing in the Hall, through the Palace and Sanctuary, which was railed on both sides, to the high Altar of Westminster, after that the ray cloth was cast, the Officers of Arms appointed the order accustomed. First went Gentlemen, than Esquires, than Knights, than Aldermen of London in their Cloaks of Scarlet, cast over their Gowns of Scarlet. After them, the Judges in their Mantles of Scarlet, and Coifs: then followed the Knights of the Bath, being no Lords, every man having a white lace on his left sleeve: then followed Barons and Uicountes in their Parliament Robes of Scarlet: after them, came Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes in their Robes of Estate, of Crimson Velvet, furred with Ermine, powdered according to their degrees. After them, came the Lord Chancellor in a Robe of Scarlet, open before, bordered with Lettuce. After him, came the King's Chapel, and the Monks solemnly singing, with procession. Then came Abbots and Bishops mitered, than Sergeants and Officers of Arms, than the Mayor of London with his Mace, and Garter in his Coat of Arms, than the marquess Dorcet in his Robe of Estate, which bore the Sceptre of Gold, and the Earl of Arundel, which bore the rod of ivory with the Dove both together, then alone the Earl of Oxford, high Chamberlain of England, which bore the Crown. After him, the Duke of Suffolk in his Robe of Estate, for that day being high Steward of England, having a long white rod in his hand, and the Lord William Haward with the rod of the Marshalship, and every Knight of the Garter had on his collar of the order. Then proceeded forth the Queen in a Circote and Robe of purple Velvet, furred with Ermine in her hear, coif, and circlet, as she had the Saturday, and over her was borne the Canopy, by four of the Cinque Portes, all in Crimson, with points of blue & red hanging on their sleeves, and the Bishops of London and Winchester bore up the laps of the queens rob, and her train which was very long, was borne by the old Duchess of Norfolk. After her, followed Ladies being Lords wives, which had circotes of Scarlet, with narrow sleeves, the breast all Letice, with bars of powders according to their degrees, and over that, they had mantles of Scarlet furred, and every mantle had Letice about the neck like a neckerchefe, likewise powdered, so that by the poudering, their degrees might be known. Then followed Ladies being Knights wives, in gowns of Scarlet, with narrow sleeves without trains, only edged with Lettuce, likewise had all the queens Gentlewomen. When she was thus brought to the high place made in the midst of the Church between the queer and the high Altar, she was set in a rich Chair, and after that she had rested a while, she descended down to the high Altar, and there prostrated herself, while the Bishop of Canterbury said certain Collects over her. Then she rose, and the Bishop anointed her on the head and on the breast, and then she was led up again to her Chair, where after divers orisons said, the Archbishop set the Crown of Saint Edward on her head, and then delivered her the Sceptre of gold in her right hand, and the rod of Ivory with the Dove in that left hand, and then all the choir song Te Deum etc.▪ which done, the Bishop took off the Crown of Saint Edward being heavy, and set on her head the▪ Crown made for her, and so went to mass, and when the offering was begun, she descended down and offered being crowned, and so ascended up again and sat in her Chair till Agnus, and then she went down, and kneeled before the high Altar, where she received of the Archbishop the holy Sacrament, and then went up to the place again. After that Mass was done, she went to Saint Edward's Shrine, and there offered. After which offering done, she withdrew her into a little place made for that purpose on the one side of the queer: now in the mean season every Duchess put on her Bonnet a colonel of Gold wrought with flowers, and every marchioness put on a demi colonel of Gold, and every Countess a plain circle of Gold without flowers, and every King at Arms put on a Crown of Copper and gilt, all which were worn till night. When the Queen had a little reposed her, the company returned in the same order that they set forth, and th● Queen went Crowned, and so did the ladies aforesaid: her right hand was sustained by the Earl of Wiltshire her father, and her left hand by the Lord Talbot, Deputy for the Earl of Shrewsburie, and Lord Furnival his Father: and when she was out of the Sanctuary within the Palace, the Trumpets played marvelous freshly, and so she was brought to Westminster Hall, and so to her withdrawing Chamber, during which time, the Lords, Judges, Mayor and Aldermen, put off their robes, mantles, and cloaks, and took their hoods from their necks, and cast them about their shoulders, and the Lords sat only in their Circotes, and the Judges and Aldermen in their Gowns, and all the Lords that served that day, served in their Circotes, and their hoods about their shoulders. Also, divers officers of the King's house being no Lords, had Circotes and hoods of Scarlet, edged with Miniver, as Treasurer, controller, and Master of the Jewel house, but their Circotes were not gilded. While the Queen was in her Chamber, every Lord The setting at dinner of Qu. Anne. and other that ought to do service at the Coronation, did prepare them according to their duty, as the Duke of Suffolk, high Steward of England, which was richly appareled, his Doublet and Jacket set with orient Pearl, his Gown Crimson Velvet embrothered, his Courser trapped with a close trapper, head and all to the ground of Crimson Velvet, set full of letters of Gold of Goldsmith's work, having a long white rod in his hand. On his left 〈◊〉 road the Lord William, Deputy for his brother, as Earl Martial with the Marshal's rod, whose Gown was Crimson Velvet, and his Horse trapper purple Velvet, cut on white Satin, einbrothered with white Lions. The Earl of Oxford was high chamberlain, the Earl of Essex Carver, the Earl of Sussex Sewer, the Earl of Arundel chief Butler, on whom, twelve Citizens of London did give their attendance at the Cupboard: the Earl of Derby Cupbearer, the Uicount Lisle Panter, the Lord Burgeyny chief Larder, the Lord Bray Almover for him and his copartners, and the Mayor of Oxford kept the Buttery bar, and Thomas Wyatt was chosen Ewerer for Sir Henry Wyatt his Father. When all things was ready and ordered, the Queen under her Canapye came into the Hall and washed, and sat down in the midst of the Table under her cloth of Estate. On the right side of her Chair, stood the Countess of Oxford Widow, and on her left hand stood the Countess of Worcester all the dinner season, which divers times in the dinner time did hold a fine cloth before the queens face when she list to spit, or do otherwise at her pleasure: and at the Tables end sat the Archbishop of Canterbury on the right hand of the Queen, and in the midst, between the Archbishop and the Countess of Oxford, stood the Earl of Oxford, with a white staff all dinner time, and at the queens feet under the Table sat two Gentlewomen all Dinner tyme. When all these things were thus ordered, came in the Duke of Suffolk, and the Lord William Howard on horseback, and the sergeant of Arms before them, and after them the Sewer, and then the Knights of the Bath, bringing in the first course, which was eight and twenty dishes, beside sutelties, and Ships made of Wax, marvelous gorgeous to behold, all which time of service, the Trumpets standing in the window, at the neither end of the Hall played. When she was served of two dishes, than the Archbishop's service was set down, whose Sewer came equal with the third dish of the queens service on his left hand. After that the Queen and the Archbishop were served, the Barons of the Ports began the Table on the right hand next the wall, then at the Table sat the Masters and Clerks of the Chancery, and beneath them other Doctors and Gentlemen. The Table next the wall on the left hand by the Cupboard, was begun by the Mayor and Aldermen, the Chamberlain, and Counsel of the City of London, and beneath them sat substantial Merchants, and so downward other Worshipful persons. At the Table on the right hand in the midst of the Hall sat the Lord Chancellor, and other Temporal Lords: on the right side of the Table in their Circotes, and on the left side of the same Table sat Bishops and Abbots in their parliament Robes: beneath them, sat the Judges, sergeant, and the King's Counsel: beneath them, the Knights of the Bathe. At the Table on the left hand in the middle part, sat Dutcheses', marquesses, Counteses, Baronesses in their Robes, and other Ladies in Circotes, and Gentlewomen in Gowns, all which Gentlewomen and Ladies sat on the left side of the Table along, and none on the right side, and when all were thus set, they were incontinent ●er●●d so quickly, that it was marvelous, for the servitors gave so good attendance, that meat, nor drink, nor any thing else needed to be called for, which in so great a multitude was marvel. As touching the fare, there could be devised no more costly dishes, nor subtleties The Mayor of London was served with four and thirty dishes at two hearses, and so were all his brethren▪ and such as sat a● his Table. The Queen had at her second course four and twenty dishes, and thirty at the third course, and between the last courses, the Kings of Arms Crowned, 〈…〉 Officers of Arms 〈…〉 ●arges in three parts ●● the Hall, and after stood in their place, which was in the bekens of the King's ●●n●h: and on the right hand out of the Clayste● of Saint Stephons Chapel was made a little close●, in which, the King with divers Ambassadors stood to behold the service, the Duke of Suffolk, and the Lord William, road oftentimes about the Hal, chéering the Lords, Ladies, & Mayor, & his brethren. After they in the Hall had dined, they had Wafers and Ipocrase, and then they washed; and were commanded to rise and stand still in their places before the tables or on the forms till the Queen had washed. When she had taken Wafers and Ipocrase, the Table was taken up, and the Earl of Rutland brought up the surnape, and laid it at the boards end, which immediately was drawn and cast by Master read, Martial of the Hall, and the Queen washed, and after the Archbishop, and after, the surnape was withdrawn: then she rose, and stood in the midst of the hall place, to whom, the Earl of Sussex in a goodly spice Plate, brought a void of spice and confections. After him, the Mayor of London brought a standing cup of Gold, set in a cup of Assay of Gold, and after that she had drunk, she gave the Mayor the cup, with the cup of Assey, because there was no cover, according to the claim of the City, thanking him and all his brethren of their pain. Then she under her Canopy departed to her Chamber, and at the entry of her Chamber, she gave the Canopy with bells and all to the Barons of the Ports according to their claim, with great thanks: then the Mayor of London bearing his cup in his hand, with his brethren, went through the Hall to their Barge, and so did all other Noblemen and Gentlemen, for it was sire of the Clock. On monday, were the Justes at the Tilt before the justing. King's Gate, where the Mayor and his brethren had a godly standing, but there were sew Spears broken, by reaso● the Horses would not cope. On Wednesday, the King sent for the Mayor and ●●● brethren to Westminster, and there he himself gave 〈…〉 them hearty thanks, with many▪ goodly words. On Midsummer even deceased Mary the French Queen, Marry King Henry's sister deceased. ●●●er to King Henry the eight, and wife to Charles Duke of Suffolk, and she was buried at Saint Edmondsburie. The fifth of July, Queen Katherine was proclaimed Prince Arthures widow. The seventh of July two Merchants were murdered on the Thamis by one Wolf and his wife. It was this year enacted, that Butchers should sell Beef and Mutton sold by weight. their Beef and Mutton by weight: Beef for a half penny the younde, and Mutton for three far things, which being devised for the great commodity of the realm, (as it was thought) hath proved far otherwise, for at that time fat ●ren were sold for six and twenty shillings and eight ●●●ce the piece, fat Wethers for three shillings and four pence the piece, fat Calves of the like price, a fat Lamb for twelve pence. The Butchers of London sold penny pieces of Beef for the relief▪ of the poor, every piece two pound and a half, sometime three pound for a penny: and thirteen, sometime fourteen of these pieces for twelve pence: Mutton eight pence the quarter, and an hundred weight of beef ●● four shillings and eight pence: what price it hath grown to sense, it needeth not to be set down. At this time also, and not before, were foreign Butchers permitted to ●●ll their flesh in Leaden hall market of London. The seventh of September, being sunday, between Birth of Lady Elizabeth and her christening. agree and four of the clock at afternoon, the Queen was delivered of a fair Lady, for whose good deliverauncen Te 〈…〉 was sung incontinently, and great preparation was ●●de for the Christening. The Mayor and his brethren and ●●●tie of the chief Citizens were commanded to be at the christening the Wednesday following: Upon which day ●●e Mayor sir Stephen Peacock in a gown of Criniosin Velvet, with his collar of Esses, and all the Aldermen in Scar●●● with collars and chains, and all the Counsel of the Ci 〈…〉 with them took their Barge at one of the clock, and the 〈…〉 had another Barge, and so rowed to Greenewiche, where were many lords Knights, and Gentlemen assembled: all the walls between the King's palace and the Friars, were hanged with Arras, and all the way strewed with grieve rushes. The friars Church was also hanged with rich Arras: the Font was of silver▪ and stood in the midst of the Church three steps high, which was covered with a fine cloth: and divers Gentlemen with apro●●● and towels about their necks gave attendance about it, that no filth should come to the font: over it hung a square Canopy of Crimosin Satin friuged with Gold, about it was a rail covered with red Say between the queer & body of the Church was a close place with a pan of fyr● to make the child ready in: when all these things were ●●dered, the child was brought to the Hall, and then euery● man set forward: first the Citizens two and two, than Gentlemen, esquires, and Champlaines, next after them the Aldermen and the Mayor alone, and next the King●● Council, than the King's Chapel in Copes, than Barons, Bishops, Earls, the Earl of Essex bearing the covered Basins guilt, after him the marquess of Excest●● with a Taper of Virgin Ware, next him the marquess Dercet bearing the Salt, behind him the Lady Mary of Norfolk, bearing the Criso●e, which was very ●●●he of Pearl and Stone. The old Duchess of No●ffolke 〈…〉 the child in a Mantle of purple Uel●e● with a long train surred with Ermine. The D. of Norfolk with his Marshal's rod went on the right hand of the said Duchess, & the Du●●● of Suffolk on the left hand▪ and before them went officers of Arms, the Countess of K●●● bore the long train of th● child's Mantle, and mean between the child & the Countess of Kent went the Earl of 〈…〉 & the Earl of Derby on either side, supporting the said train in the midst: over the child was borne a rich Canapieby the Lord Rochforde, the Lord Husse, the Lord William, Howard, & the Lord Thomas Howard the elder. After the child followed many La●y●s ● Gentlewomen▪ When the child was come to the Church door, the Bishop of London met it with divers Bishops & Abbots mytered, & began the observances of the Sacrament. The Godfather▪ was Lord Tho● Archbishop of Canterbury, the Godmothers were the old Duchess of Norfolk, & the old marchioness of Dorcet widows, and the child was named Elizabeth, and after that all things were done at the Church door, the child was brought to the Font and Christened, & that done, Garter chief King of Arms cried aloud, God of his infinite goodness send prosperous life and long to the high & mighty Princess of England Elizabeth, and then the Trumpets blewe, then the child was brought up to the Altar, & the Gospel said over it. After that immediately the archbishop of Canterbury confirmed it, the marchioness of Excester being Godmother, than the Bishop of Canterbury gave unto the Princess a standing Cup of Gold, the Duchess of Norfolk gave to her a standing Cup of Gold fretted with Pearl, the marchioness of Dorcet gave 3. guilt bowls pounsed, with a cover, & the marchioness of Excester gave 3. standing bowls graven all guilt with a cover. Then was brought in Waffers, Confects, & I pocrase, in such plenty, th● every man had as much as he would desire: then they set forward the Trumpets afore, going in the same order toward the king's palace, as they did when they came thitherward, saving that the gifts that the Godfather & Godmothers gave, were borne before the child by 4. persons, that is to say, first sir john Dudley bore the gift of the Lady of Excester, the L. Thomas Howard the younger, bore the gift of the Lady Dorcet, the Lord Fitz Walter bore the gift of the Lady of Norfolk, and the Lord of Worcester bore the gift of the archbishop of Canterbury: and all the one side (as they went) was full of staffe-torches, to the number of five hundredth borne by the Guard, and other of the King's servants: and about the child were many other proper Torches borne by Gentlemen. And in this order they brought the Princess to the queens Chamber door, and then departed. The mayor went to the King's Chamber, and tarried there a while with his brethren the Aldermen, and at the last, the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk came out from the King, and reported to the Mayor and his brethren, that the King thanked them heartily, and commanded them to give them thanks in his name, and from thence they were had to the Seller and drank, and so went to their Barge. The twenty-three. of November being Sunday, on a scaffold Holy Maid of Kent. before the Cross at Paul's, there stood a Nun professed in the Priory of Saint Sepulchre in Caunterburie, named Elizabeth Barton, with sundry other persons, and the Bishop of Bangor, late Abbot of Hyde, there preaching, showed their offences, from whence they were committed to the Tower of London. The xxviij. of Januarye, a great fish was taken at Black wall, called a Whale, which was brought to Westminster to the King, and so back to Broken Wharfe, and there cut out. The first of April, Wolf and his wife were hanged 1534 Wolf and his wife hanged. on two Gibbets, at the turning tree in Lambeth Marsh, for murdering the two Merchant strangers aforesaid. The xx. of April Elizabeeh Barton a Nun professed at The holy Maid of Kent and other hanged and headed. Saint Sepulchres in Canterbury, Edward Bocking, & john Deering, two Monks of Christ's Church in Canterbury, Hugh rich, warden of the friars observants in Canterbury, and Richard Risbe and another of his fellows of the same house. Richard Master Parson of Aldington in Kent, and Henry Gold priest, were drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, & there hanged & headed, etc. for sundry conspiracies in the matter of divorce between the Kings Majesty and Queen Katherine. At which time were also attainted of misprision by act of Parliament for the same matter, john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, & john Adeson his Chaplain, Tho. Abel Priest, Thomas Gold Gentleman, and Thomas Laurence, Anno reg. 26 Register to the Archdeacon of Canterbury. The ninth of July, Lord Dacres of the North was arraigned Lord Dacres of the North arraigned. at Westminster, of high treason, where he so wittily confuted his accusers, that to their great shame he was found not guilty. The eleventh of August, was all the places of the Observant friars houses suppressed. Friars, as Greenwich, Canterbury, Richmont, Newarke, and Newcastle put down, and Austen Friars set in their places, and the observants were put in places of the Grey Friars. The fourteenth of August was a great fire at Temple Bar Fire at Temple Bar. and certain persons burned. The sixetéenth of August, was burned the King's Stable The King's Stable brent. at Charing Cross called the Mews, wherein was burned many great horses, and great store of hay. The one and twentieth of September, Doctor tailor Thomas Cro●well Master of the Rolls. Master of the Rolls, was discharged of that office, and Thomas Cromwell sworn in his place the ix. of October. The Earl of Kildare died prisoner in the Tower of London, and his son Thomas Fitz Garet rebelled in Ireland, slew Doctor Allen Bishop of Develing, and took the king's Ordinance, wherefore the King sent thither sir William Skevington with a company of soldiers. Nicolas Leveson: William Denham, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. The Pope's authority abrogated. Sir john Champneis Skinner, the 28. of October. In November, was held a Parliament at Westminster, wherein the Pope with all his authority was clean banished this Realm, and order taken, that he should no more be called Pope but bishop of Rome, and the King to be reputed and taken as supreme head of the Church of England, having full authority to reform all errors, heresies first fruits & tenths given to the King. 1535 Anno reg. 27 Charter house Monks. and abuses of the same. Also the first fruits and tenths of all spiritual dignities and promotions, were granted the king, with a subsidy of the laity of twelve pence in th● pound, with a fifteenth and a tenth. The nine and twentieth of April, the Prior in the Charter house at London, the Prior of Bevall, the Prior of Exham, Reynoldes a brother of Zion, and john Hail vicar of Thistleworth, were all condemned of Treason, who were drawn, hanged and quartered at Tyburn the fourth of May, their heads and quarters set on the gates of the City all save one quarter which was set on the Charterhouse at London. The eight of May, the King commanded all about his Polled heads. commanded. Court to poll their heads, and to give them example, he caused his own head to be polled, and from thence forth his beard to be knotted, and no more shaven. Hollanders condemned for heretics. The five and twentieth day of may was in Saint Paul's Church at London examined nineteen men and six women borne in Holland, whose opinions were, first, that in Christ is not two natures, God and Man: secondly, that Christ took neither flesh nor blood of the Virgin Mary: thirdly, that children borne of Infidels shall be saved: four, that baptism of Children is to none effect: fifthly, that the Sacrament of Christ's body is but bread only: sixtly, that he who after his Baptism sinneth wittingly, sinneth deadly, and cannot be saved. Fourteen of them were condemned, a man and a woman of them were burned in Smithfielde, the other twelve were sent to other towns there to be brent. Charter house Monks executed. The eighteenth of June, three Monks of the Charterhouse at London, named Exmew, Middlemore, and Nidigate were drawn to Tyburn and there hanged and quartered. bishop of Rochester beheaded. The two and twentieth of June, Doctor john Fisher bishop of Rochester was beheaded on the Tower hill, his head was set on London Bridge, and his body buried within Barking Curchyard. The sixth of July, sir Thomas Moor was beheaded on Sir Thomas Moor beheaded. the Tower hill, for denial of the kings Supremacy: and then the body of Doctor Fisher bishop of Rochester was taken up and buried with sir Thomas Moor in the Tower. Doctor Fox the kings Almoner was made Bishop of Hereforde: and Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester, the black Friar of Bristol, was made bishop of Rochester. In August the Lord Thomas Gerard son to the earl of Kildare, was taken in Ireland, and sent to the Tower of London▪ In October the King sent Doctor Lee and other to visit Abbeys▪ visited. the Abbeys, Priories and Nunneries in England, who put forth all religious persons that would go, and all that were under the age of four and twenty years, and closed up the residue that would remain, and took order, that no man should come to the houses of women, nor women to the houses of men, but only to hear their service: all religious men that departed, the Abbot or Prior to give them for their habit a priests gown, and forty shillings of money: the Nuns to have such apparel as Secular women wear, and to go where they would. He took out of Monasteries and Abbeys, their relics and chiefest Jewels. Humphrey Monmouth: john Cotes, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. These Sheriffs in the beginning of their year put away twelve Sergeants and twelve Yeomen, till they were forced by a Court of common Council to take them again. Sir john Allen being one of the kings Council, was at the King's request, chosen Mayor of London. Sir john Allen Mercer, the 28. of October. Maior. This sir john Allen when he deceased in Anno 1544. Charitable deeds of sir john Allen. and had been twice Mayor of London, and of Council with the King, as is aforesaid, he gave to the City of London a rich collar of Gold, to be worn by the Mayor, which Collar was first worn by sir William Laxton on Saint Edward's day, to the election of the new Mayor, who gave to every Ward in London twenty pound to be distributed to the poor householders, besides to one hundredth and twenty persons, three score men every of them a gown of broad cloth, and a black cap, and threescore women, to every of them a gown of the like cloth, and a white kerchief. The eleventh of November, was a great Procession Procession. at London of all the religious men, three Bishops, and four Abbots mytered, which was for joy the French King was recovered of his health. In the month of December, the names of all chantries Names of chantries. were taken, and who had the gift of them. The eight of Januarie died Lady Katherine Dowager Katherine Dowager deceased. at Kimbalton, and was buried at Peterborowe. The nine and twentieth of January Queen Anne was delivered of a child before her time, which was borne dead. In a Parliament begun in the month of Februarye, Aparliament. was granted to the King and his heirs all religious houses Small houses suppressed. 1536 Anno reg. 28 in the Realm of England, of the value of two hundred pound and under, with all lands & goods to them belonging: the number of these houses then suppressed, were 376. the value of their lands then 32000▪ pound, and more by year, the movable goods (as they were sold, Robin Hoods pennyworths) 10000 pound, the religious were turned out to the world more than 10000 On May day was a great justing at Greenwich, where were Challengers, the Lord Rocheford and other, and defenders, Iustes at Grenewiche. Henry Norice and other. From this Iustes King Henry suddenly departed to Westminster, having only with him six persons, of which sudden departure many men marveled. On the next morrow, the Lord Rocheford, brother to the Queen, and Henry Norrice, were brought to the Tower of London prisoners. Also the same day, about five of the clock in the afternoon, Queen Anne Bolleine was brought to the Tower of London, by sir Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Cromwell Secretary, and sir William Kingston Constable of the Tower, and when she came to the Tower gate, entering in, she fell on her knees before the said Lords, beseeching God to help her as she was not guilty of that whereof she was accused, and then desired the said Lords to beseech the King's Grace to be good unto her, and so they left her there prisoner. On the xv. of May Queen Anne was arraigned in the Tower of London on a Scaffold for th● purpose made in th● king's Hall, before the Duke of Norfolk, who sat under the cloth of Estate as high Steward of England, with the Lord Chancellor on his right hand, the Duke of Suffolk on his left hand, with Marquesses and Lords, etc. and the Earl of Surrey sat before the Duke of Norfolk his father, as Earl Martial of England. The King's commission being red, the Connestable of the Tower, & the Lieutenant, brought the Queen to the bar, where was made a Chair for her to sit down in, and there her indictment was red, whereunto she made so wise and discrete answers, that she seemed fully to clear herself of all matters laid to her charge: but being tried by her Peers, whereof the Duke of Suffolk was chief, she was by them found guilty, and had judgement pronounced by the Duke of Norfolk: and immediately, the Lord Rochfort the queens brother was likewise arraigned and condemned: the Mayor of London, his bréethernes the Aldermen, the Wardens, and four persons more of every the twelve principal companies being present. The xvij. of May, the Lord Richford, brother to the Queen, Henry Norris, Mark Smeton, William Brierton, and Francis Weston, all of the King's privy Chamber, about matters touching the Queen, were beheaded on the Tower hill, the Lord Rochfords' body with the head was buried in the Chapel of the Tower, the other four in the Churchyard there. On the nineteen. of May Queen Anne was on a Scaffold (made for that purpose) upon the green within the Tower of London, beheaded with the sword of Caleis, by the hands of the hangman of that Town: her body with the head was buried in the queer of the Chapel in the Tower. The xx. of May, the King married Lady jane, daughter King Henry married Lady jane. to Sir john Seymour Knight, which at Whitsuntide was openly showed as Queen, and on Tuesday in the Whitsun week, Sir Edward Seymour was created Uicount Beauchamp, and Sir Walter Hungerford made Lord Hungerford. The eight of June began a parliament, and the Articles of Religion devised by the King. Clergy held a Convocation in Paul's Church, where after much disputing, and debating of matters, they published a Book of Religion, entitled, Articles devised by the King's highness. On Saint Peter's night, the King & Queen stood at the Mercer's Hall, and saw the watch. The xxix. of June, the King held a great justing & triumph at Westminster, where were ordained two Lighters made Triumph at Westminster. like Ships to fight upon the water, one of the which braced in the midst, whereby one Gates Gentleman, a servant of Master Knevits, was drowned in his harness. In the other, a Gun braced her Chamber, & maimed two of the mariners. Thomas Cromwell, Secretary to the King, and Master of the Rolls, was made Lord Keeper of the privy Seal. The ix. of July, the Lord Fitzwaren was created Earl of Bath, and the morrow after, Thomas Cromwell was made Lord Cromwell. The xviij. of July, Lord Thomas Cromwell Thomas Cromwell Lord privy Seal, vicar general. was made Knight, and high vicar general over the Spiritualty under the King, and sat divers times in the Convocation among the Bishops, as head over them. The xxij. of July, Henry Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Henry Duke of Richmount. Earl of Northampton, a Bastard son of King Henry, borne of the Lady Taileboise, that time called Elizabeth Blunt, died at Saint james, and was buried at Thetford in Norfolk. This month of July, Lord Thomas Howard, Lord Thomas Howard sent to the Tower. youngest brother to the Duke of Norfolk, was sent to the Tower of London, for making a privy contract of Matrimony with the Lady Margaret Dowglas, daughter to the Queen of Scots, by the Earl of Anguish, and niece to King Henry of England: the said Lord Thomas was attaint by Parliament, and also the said Lady Margaret Dowglas was after committed to the Tower for the same. In September, Thomas Cromwell Lord privy Seal, and Uizgerent, sent out under the King's Spiritual Seal, certain Injunctions to the Prelates and Clergy of the Realm, charging Curates to preach and to teach their parishners, the Pater noster, ave, and Creed, the Commandments, Pater noster creed and commandments. & articles of the faith in English, with other articles. In the beginning of October, at a Sise for the King's Commotion in Lincolnshire. Subsidy kept in Lincolnshire, the people made an insurrection, and gathered nigh twenty thousand persons, who took certain Lords and Gentlemen of the Country, causing them to be sworn to them upon certain Articles which they had devised, and such as refused to swear, they kept prisoners, and beheaded a Priest, who was the Bishop of Lincoln's Chancellor. Against those, the King did send the Commotion appeased. Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Shrewshurie, and the Earl of Rutland, with a strong power, whereof when the Rebels heard, they desired pardon, broke up their army, and departed home, but their Captains were apprehended and executed. The ix. of October, a Priest and a Butcher were hanged A Priest and a Butcher executed. at Windsor, for words speaking in the behalf of the Lincolneshiremen, the Butcher wished the good fellows (as he termed them) in Lincolnshire, to have the flesh on his stall, rather than to sell it at such price as he was offered: the Priest standing by, likewise wished them to have it, for he said they had need of it. The men of Lincolnshire being pacified, within six days Commotion in Yorkshire. after began an insurrection in Yorkshire for the same causes: there people gathered to the number of forty thousand, who took the Archbishop of York, and the Lord Darcy, and caused them to be sworn to their party. Against those Rebels, the King sent the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Shrewshurie, and the marquess of Excester with a great Army, with whom a Battle was appointed to have been fought on the even of Saint Simon and Jude, but as God would, there fell such rain the night before, that the two Armies could not meet, whereupon, they desired the Duke of Norfolk to sue unto the kings Majesty for their pardon, and that they might have their liberties, etc. which the Duke promised, and road post to the King then lying at Windesore, to know his pleasure, and so appeased them. Sir Robert Ask, Commotion appeased. that was chief of this Rebellion, came to London, and was not only pardoned, but rewarded with great gifts. Sir Ralph Evers kept Skarbrow castle in the North, being Sir Ralph Evers his good service in the North. six weeks besieged by the Rebels, twenty days whereof, he and all his company (which were his only friends servants and tenants, and served for good will to him) were forced to sustain themselves with bread and water, and yet kept the same safe to the end of the said Rebellion, and so delivered it to King Henry, who sent him soon after to serve in the bordures against Scotland, where in great credit he continued his service, keeping the Scots without doing hurt to England, and with such obedience of them, as within twenty miles of the bordures of scotland fore against him, there was not a Scotte but at his commandment, and so continued till he was killed in Anno 1545. Robert Paget Mer. Taylor: William Bowyer, the 28. of Se. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Ralph Warreine Mercer, the 28. of October. The xij. of November, Sir Thomas Newman Priest, bore a faggot at Paul's Cross, for singing Mass with good ale. Penance at Paul's cross. The xiij. of November, Master Robert Pagington a Mercer of London, was slain with a gun, as he was going to Robert Pagington murdered. morrow Mass to Saint Thomas of Akers, now called the Mercer's Chapel, but the murderer was never openly known, till by his own confession made when he came to the Gallows at Banbery, where he was hanged for felony. The 22. of December, the Thames being frozen, the king and Queen jane road through London to Greenwich. The third of February, was Thomas Fitzgarret, son The Barle of Kildare and fine of his uncles executed. and heir to the Earl of Kildare, beheaded, and fi●e of his Uncles drawn, hanged, and quartered at▪ Tyburn for Treason. In the same month, Nicholas Musgrave, Thomas Gilby, and other, stirred a new Rebellion, and besieged the A new commotion in Yorkshire. Another conspiracy. City of Carelile, from whence they were driven, and many of them taken and put to death. Also the same month, Sir Francis Bigot, Sir Robert Constable, and other, beganne● conspiracy, and for the same were attainted. The xxix. of March, were twelve men of Lincoln drawn 1537 to Tyburn, and there hanged & quartered, five were priests, and sea●en were lay men, one was an Abbot, a Suffragan, Lincolneshir● men executed. Doctor Mackerel, another was the vicar of Louthe in Lincolnshire, and two Priests. In April, through certain commissions sent into Sommersetshire Anno reg. 29 A commotion in Sommersetshire. to take up Corn, the people began to make an insurrection, which was by Master Pawlet and other allayed, the beginners to the number of threescore were condemned, whereof fourteen were hanged and quartered, one of them was a woman. In June, the Lord Darcy, the Lord Hussey, Sir Robert Constable, Sir Thomas Percy, Sir Francis Bigot, Sir Stephen Hamelton, Sir john Bulmer and his wife, William Lomley, Nicholas Tempest Esquire, Robert Ask, William thirst Abbot of Fountains, Adam Sodbury Abbot of Ger●ax, the Abbot of Rivers, William Wold Prior of Birlington, were all put to death: Sir Robert Constable at Hull, over the gate called Beverley gate: Ask, hanged in chains on a Tower at York: Margaret Cheyny, otherwise Lady Boulmer, burned in Smithfield: Lord Darcy beheaded at Tower hill: Lord Hussey at Lincoln, and the other, six in number, suffered at Tyburn. The xxuj. of August, the Lord Cromwell, Lord privy Seal, was made Knight of the Garter. The xij. of October, about two of the clock in the morning, Prince Edward borne. was borne at Hampton Court Prince Edward, and Queen jane his mother left her life the xiv. of October. The xviij. of October, the Prince was made Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester. Edward Seymour Lord Beauchamp, the queens brother, was made Earl of Hertford, and Sir William Fitz William Lord Admiral, was made Earl of Hampton, and Master Pawlet was made Uiztreasurer, Sir john russel controller of the king's house, Master Henedge, Master Long, Master Kneuet of the King's privy Chamber, Knights, Master Coffin▪ Master Listar, and Master Seimour the queens brother, Knights. john Gresham: Thomas Lewen, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Richard Gresham Mercer, the 28. of October. The xviij. of October, Edward Uiscount Beauchamp was created Earl of Hertford, and Sir William Fitz william States created. Lord Admiral, was created Earl of Southampton, at Hampton Court. The same day, and in the same place, were made these Knights, Sir Thomas Hennedge, Sir Thomas Seymer, Sir Richard Long, Sir William Coffin, Sir Michael Listar, and Sir Henry Kneuet. On Alhallowen even, Lord Thomas Howard, brother to Lord Thomas Howard deceased. the Duke of Norfolk, died prisoner in the Tower of London, and was buried at Thetford, and then the Lady Margaret Dowglas was pardoned, and released out of the Tower. The xij. of November, the corpse of Queen jane was with great solemnity conveyed from Hampton Court toward Windsor, and there buried. The xxiv. of February, being Sunday, the Rood of Rood of grace showed at Powles. Boxley in Kent, called the Rood of Grace, made with divers vices, to move the eyes and lips, was showed at Paul's Cross by the Preacher, which was Bishop of Rochester, and there it was broken, and plucked in pieces. The xxv. of February, Sir john Allen Priest, and also an Irish Gentleman of the Garrets, were hanged and quartered at Tyburn. The second of March, the Image of the Rood called Saint Saviour at Bermondsey Abbey in Southwark, was taken down Saint Saviour in Southwark. by the King's commandment. The xxj. of March, Henry Harfam Customer of P●●m●●●●●, & Thomas Ewell, were hanged & quartered at Tyburn. The xxij. of May, friar Forest was hanged by the middle in a chain of Iron, and then brent in Smithfield, for denying 1538 Anno reg. 30 Friar Forest brent. the King to be supreme head of the Church etc. with him was brent the Image of Daruell Gatherine of Wales, and the next night following, the Rood at Saint Margaret Paitins by Tower street, was broken all to p●eces, with his Tabernacle that he stood in. The xxvij. of May, was a great fire in Saint Margaret Fire in R●●d● Lane. Patins Parish among the Basketmakers, where were brent and perished in three hours, above a dozen houses, and nine persons clean brent to death. Battle Abbey, Martin Abboy, Stra●ford Abbey, Lewis, and Abbeys suppressed. other, were suppressed to the King's use. The Images of our Lady of Walsingham and Ipswich were brought up to London, with all the jewels that hung about them, and divers other Images both in England and Wales, whereunto any common Pilgrimage was used, for annoying of Idolatry, all which were brent at Chelsey by the Lord privy seal. The ix. of August, Edmond Conisby, one of the grooms of the King's Chamber, was executed at Tyburn, for counterfeiting the King's Seal manuel. The first of September being Sunday, one Gratnell, Hangman hanged. Hangman of London, and two other, were hanged at the Wrestling place by Clarken well, for robbing a Booth in Bartholomew Fair. The second of September, Edward Clifford Gentleman, was executed at Tyburn, for counterfeiting the King's privy Signet. This month of September, Thomas Cromwell Lord privy Seal, Uizgerent to the King's highness, sent forth The Bible in every Church to be red. injunctions to all Bishops and Curates through the Realm, charging them to see that in every parish Church, the Bible of the largest volume, printed in English, were placed, for all men to read on: and that a Book of Register were also Register book in every Church to be kept. provided and kept in every parish Church, wherein shall be written every Wedding, christening, and Burying within the same parish forever. Saint Austi●● Abbey at Ca●terbury was suppressed, and the shrive and goods taken to the Kings it ●easurie▪ as also the Shrine of Thomas Becket in the Priory of Christ Church, Thomas Becket ●●ent. was likewise taken to the King's use, and his bones skull and all, which was there found, with a piece broken out by the wound of his death, were all brent in the same Church by the Lord Cromwell. The Monks there were commanded to change their habits etc. The xxj. of October, the Church of Thomas Becket in London called the Hospital of Saint Thomas of Akers, was suppressed. William Wilkinson: Nicholas Gibson, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Forman Haberdasher, the 28. of October. This Nicholas Gibson Grocer, Sheriff of London, builded a free School at Radcliffe, near unto London, appointing Free School and Alms houses at Radcliffe. to the same for the instruction of threescore poor men's children, a Schoolmaster and Usher, with a stipend of ten pound by the year to the Master, and six ●. xiij ●. iiij ●. to the Usher. He also builded there certain Alms houses for fourteen poor and aged persons, who quarterly▪ receive six shillings eight pence the piece for ever. The fifth of November, were Henry marquess of Excester Earl of Devonshire, and Sir Henry Poole Knight, Lord Mo●ntacute, and Sir Edward Nevil, sent to the Tower, who were indited, for devising to maintain promote, and advance one Reignald Poole late Deane of Excester▪ enemy to the King, beyond the sea, and to deprive the King. The xuj. of November, the black Friars in London was suppressed, the next day the white Friars, the grey Friars, Friars suppressed. and the Monks of the Charterhouse, and so all the other immediately. The xxij. of November, john Lambert was brent in Lambart brent. Smithfield. The xxiv. of November, the Bishop of Rochester preached at Paul's Cross, and there showed the blood of Blood of Hales showed at Paul's Cross. Hales, and affirmed the same to be no blood, but Honey clarified, and coloured with saffron, as it had been evidently proved before the King and his Counsel. Also, ●●ur● anabaptists, three men, and one woman, all Dutch, bare anabaptists. ●aggots at Paul's Cross the same day. The xxix. of November, a man and a woman Dutch anabaptists, were brent in Smithfield. The ninth of January, were Henry marquess of Excester Earl of Devonshire executed. Earl of Devonshire, and the Lord Montacute, and Sir Edward Nevil, beheaded on the Tower hill. Two Priests, Croftes and Colins, and Holland a Mariner, were hanged and quartered at Tyburn. Sir Geffrey Poole was pardoned. On ash wednesday, were john joanes, john Potter, and Execution in Paul's Churchyard. William Mannering, hanged in Paul's Churchyard, for killing of Roger Cholmeley Esquire in the same place. The third of March, Sir Nicholas Carew of Bedington in Sur●ey, Knight of the Garter, and master of the King's Horse, was beheaded at the Tower hill, for being of counsel with Henry Marquis of Excester, and Henry Poole Lord Montacute. The ix. of March, the King created Sir William States created▪ Pawlet Knight, Treasurer of household, Lord Saint john▪ and Sir john russel controller of his household, Lord russel▪ Sir William Parr, Lord Parr. The new Abbey of white Monks at the Tower hill, and the Minories, Nuns without Aldgate, were suppressed, ●n the last of March. The xxviij. of April, began a parliament, in the 1539 which, Margaret Countess of Salisbury, Gertrude, wife to the marquess of Excester, Reignold Poole, Sir Adrian Anno reg. 31 Fortescue, and Thomas Dingley, Knight of Saint john's, and divers other were attainted: and all the Religious houses in England suppressed, and not suppressed, were granted to the King for ever. The viij. of May, the Citizens of London mustered at the Great muster a● London. Miles end all in bright harness, with coats of white silk, ●● cloth, and chains of gold, in three great Battles, the number was fifteen thousand, beside wyfflers, and other awayters, who in goodly order passed through London to Westminster, and so through the Sanctuary, and round about the Park of S. james, and returned home through Holborn. No watch at Midsummer. Doctor Shakston Bishop of Salisbury, and Doctor Latimer Bishop of Worcester, resigned their bishoprics into the King's hand the first of July. The viij. of July, Griffith Clerk, vicar of Wandsworth, Vicar of Wandsworth and other executed. with his Chaplain and his servant, and Friar Waire, were all four hanged and quartered at Saint Thomas Waterings. The tenth of July, Sir Adrian Fortescue, and Thomas Dingley were beheaded. The ninth of September, the Nunnery of Clarkenwell Clarkenwell and other suppressed. was suppressed. The xij. of October, the Nunnery of Halywell, and forthwith the Priory of Saint Mary Oueries in Southwark, and Saint Barthelmewes' in Smithfield were suppressed, and all their lands and goods taken to the King's use. The seventh of September, deceased Doctor Stokesley Bishop of London, and was buried in Paul's Church. john Feire: Thomas Huntlow, the 28▪ of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Thomas Huntlow his charity. Sir William Holleys Mercer, the 28 of October. This Thomas Huntlow Sheriff, gave to the Haberdashers certain tenements, for the which, they be bound to give to ten poor alms people of the same company, every one of them eight pence every Friday for ever. And also at every quarter dinner kept by the masters, to be given to every one of those ten poor people a penny loa●e, a pottle of Ale, a piece of beef worth four pence in a platter, with porridge, and four penc● in money. The xiv. of November, Hugh Ferringdon Abbot of Abbots of Reading & Glastonb●●y executed. Reading, and two Priests, named Ruge and Onion, for denying the King's Supremacy, were hanged and quartered at Reading. The same day, was Richard Whiting Abbot of Glastonburie, hanged and quartered on Torre hill beside his Monastery, for the same cause. The first of December, john Beach Abbot of Colchester, was likewise executed. In December, were appointed to wait on the King's Pencioners appointed. highness person, fifty Gentlemen called Pencioners or Spears, unto whom was appointed fifty pound the piece pearly. The third of January, was the Lady Anne of Cleeve received King Henry married Lady Anne of Cleve. at Black heath, and brought to Greenwich with great triumph: and the sixth day of the same month she was married to King Henry. After Christmas, the Priory Church of Saint Mary Ouery Saint Mary Oueryes made a parish Church. in Southwark, was purchased of the King by the inhabitants of the Borrow, Doctor Gardener Bishop of Winchester putting to his helping hand: they made thereof a parish church, and the little Church of Mary Megdalen joining to the same Priory, was made all one Church, and Saint Margaret's in Southwark a parish, was admitted to the same parish. The xij. of March, Henry Bowrcher Earl of Essex riding Earl of Essex deceased. a young Horse, was cast, and broke his neck, at his Manor in Essex. He was the eldest Earl in England. The nineteen. of March, john Vere Earl of Oxford, high Earl of Oxford deceased. chamberlain of England, deceased at his Manor in Essex. Ther. of April, Sir William Peterson Priest, late commissary 1540 of Caleis, and Sir William Richardson, Priest of Saint mary's in Caleis, were both there drawn, hanged, Priests at Caleis executed. and quartered in the Market place for the Supremacy. The 18. of April, Sir Thomas Cromwell, Lord privy Cromwell Earl of Essex. Seal, was created Earl of Essex, and high Chamberlain of England. Also Gregory his son was made Lord Cromwell. In a Parliament which began the xviij. of April, was Subsedie and four fifteens. granted to the King a subsidy of two shillings the pound Lands, and twelve pence goods, and four fifteens. The xxiv. of April, Thomas Lord Audley, & Chancellor Anno reg. 32 of England, with Sir Anthony Browne, Master of the King's Lord Audley Knight of the Garter. Horse, were made Knights of the Garter. On May day, was a great triumph of jousting at Westminster, which Justes, had been proclaimed in France, Flaunders, justing of challengers. Scotland, and Spain, for all comers that would, against the challengers of England, which were, Sir john Dudley, Sir Thomas Seymer, Sir Thomas Poynings, Sir George Carew Knights, Anthony Kingston, and Richard Cromwell esquires, which said challengers came into the lists that day richly appareled, and their Horses trapped all in white Velvet, with certain Knights and Gentlemen riding afore them, appareled all in white Velvet, and white Sarsenet, and all their servants in white doublets, and hozen cut after the Burgonion fashion: and there came to Just against them the said day, of defendants, xluj. the Earl of Surrey being the foremost, Lord William Heyward, Lord Clinton, and Lord Cromwell, son and heir to Thomas Cromwell Earl of Essex, and Chamberlain of England, with other, which were all richly appareled. And that day, Sir john Dudley was overthrown in the field, by mischance of his Horse, by one Master Breme defendant, nevertheless, he broke divers Spears valiantly after that: and after the said Justes were done, the said challengers road to Durham place, where they kept open household, and feasted the King and Queen, with her Ladies, and all the Court. The second of May, Anthony Kingston, and Richard Cromwell, were made Knights at the said place. The third of May, the said challengers did tourney on Tournying. horseback with swords, and against them came xxix. defendants, Sir john Dudley, and the Earl of Surrey running first, which the first course lost both their gauntlets, and that day, Sir Richard Cromwell overthrew Master Palmer in the field off his Horse, to the great honour of the challengers. The v. of May, she said challengers fought on foot at the Barriers, & against them, came thirty. defendants, which ●ought Barriers. valiantly, but Sir Richard Cromwell overthrew that day at the Barrier's Master Culpeper in the field, and the sixth of May, the said challengers broke up their household. The seven. of May, Sir William Weston Knight, Lord Saint john's in Smithfield suppressed. Prior of Saint john's without Smithfield, died, and the King took all the Lands that belonged to that order into his hands, to the augmentation of his Crown, and gave unto every of the Challengers above written for a reward of their valiantness, a hundred Marks, and a house to dwell in of yearly revenues out of the said lands for ever. The 26. of May, was sent to the Tower Doctor Wilson, and Doctor Samson Bishop of Chichester, for relieving certain prisoners which denied the King's Supremacy, for the same offence Richard Farmer Grocer of London a rich Richard Farmer in the Praemunire. and wealthy man, was committed to the Marshalsea, and after arraigned, and attainted in the Praemunire, and lost all his goods. Also, the keeper of Newgate was sent to the Marshalsea, for giving liberty to Doctor powel and Doctor Abel his prisoners. The ninth of July, Thomas Lord Cromwell Earl of Thomas Lord Cromwell beheaded. Essex being in the Counsel Chamber, was suddenly apprehended, and committed to the Tower of London. The ninetéenth, he was attainted by Parliament, of heresy and high Treason, and the xxviij. of July, he was beheaded on the Tower hill with the Lord Walter Hungerford of Heitisburie. In this month of July, King Henry by authority of King Henry divorced from Lady Anne of Cleeve. Parliament, and Convocation, was divorced from Lady Anne of Cleeve. The thirty. of July Robert Barnes, Thomas Gerrard, William Six Priests, three brent, three hanged. Jerome Priests, were burned in Smithfield. The same day, Thomas Abel, Edward powel, and Richard Fetherstone, all three Doctors, were hanged and quartered, for denying the King's supremacy of the Church. The fourth of August, were drawn to Tyburn six persons, Seven executed at Tyburn. and one led, Laurence Cook, Prior of Dancalfe, William Horn, a lay brother of the Charterhouse, Giles Horn Gentleman, Clement Philpot, Edmond Bromham Derby Kenham, Robert Bird, jaruis Carrow, all put to death for Treason. The Ditches about London were cleansed. The eight of August, Lady Katherine Haward, daughter to Edmond Lord Haward, was showed openly as Queen King Henry married. at Hampton Court. The xj. of September, was hanged in Moor field a Stranger, Harlot's cause many murders. named james Rinatian, who had slain his Master one Capon a Florentine in a Garden, for his Harlot. The later end of this year was a great drought and a Dry summer. great death of hot burning agues and flixes. The salt water flowed above London bridge. William Laxton: Martin Bowes, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Roche Draper, the 28. of October. The xxij. of December, Ralph Egerton, and Thomas Harman, servant to Master Flightwood, were executed for counterfeiting the King's great Seal in lead, wherewith they had sealed divers Patents counterfeited and antedatedd, making Strangers Denizens, under the names of divers clerk of the Chancery, one Tuckefield being of their faction, rob the Lord Audlyes' Chapel and fled, who being afterward apprehended at Caleis, which Town he would have betrayed, he slew himself with a Dagger. In April, certain persons began a new Rebellion in 1541 Anno reg. 33 A new commotion in Yorkshire. Yorkshire, which were shortly after taken, & put to execution in divers places, of which, Leigh a Gentleman, Tatarsal a Clothyer, and Thorneton a yeoman, were put to death at London, Sir john Nevell Knight, a ten persons or more, were put to death at York. The seven and twentieth of May, the Countess of Salisbury Countess of Salisbury beheaded. Damport and Chapman hanged. was beheaded in the Tower of London. The ninth of June, Damport and Chapman, two of the King's Guard, were hanged at Greenwich for robbery. The tenth of June, Sir Edmond Kneuet, Knight, of Norfolk, was arraigned before the King's Justices (sitting Sir Edmond Kneue● arraigned, for striking in the Court. in the great Hall at Greenwich) Master Gage, controller of the King's household, Master Suthwell, Sir Anthony Browne, Sir Anthony Winkefield, Master Wrisley, and Edmond Pecham, Cofferer of the King's household, for striking of one Master Clere of Norfolk, servant with them Earl of Surrey, within the King's house in the Tennis Court. There was first chosen to go upon the said Edmond, a Quest of Gentlemen, and a Quest of Yeomen, to inquire of the said stripe, by the which inquests, he was found guilty, and had judgement to lose his right hand, whereupon, was called to do the execution, first the Sergeant Chirurgeon with his instruments appertaining to his Office: the Sergeant of the Woodyard with the Mallet and a Block whereupon the hand should lie: the Master Cook for the King with the knife: the Sergeant of the Larder to set the knife right on the joint: the Sergeant Farrer with his searing irons to sear the veins: the Sergeant of the Poultry, with a Cock, which Cock should have his head smitten off upon the same block, and with the same knife: the yeomen of the Chaundrie with sear clothes: the yeomen of the Skolerie with a pan of fire to heat the irons: a chaffer of water to cool the ends of the irons: and two forms for all Officers to set their stuff on: the Sergeant of the Cellar with Wine, Ale, and Beer: the yeomen of the Ewrie in the sergeants steed who was absent, with Basin, Ewer, and Towels. Thus every man in his Office ready to do the execution, there was called forth Sir William Pickering Knight Martial, to bring in the said Edmonde Kneuet, and when he was brought to the Bar, the chief Justice declared to him his trespass, and the said Kneuet confessing himself to be guilty, humbly submitted him to the King's mercy: for this offence he was not only judged to lose his hand, but also his body to remain in prison, and his Lands and goods at the King's pleasure. Then the said Sir Edmund Kneuet desired that the King of his benign grace would pardon him of his right hand, and take the left, for (quoth he) if my right hand be spared, I may hereafter do such good service to his grace, as shall please him to appoint. Of this submission and request, the Justices forthwith informed the King, who of his goodness, considering the gentle heart of the said Edmund, and the good report of Lords and Ladies, granted him pardon, that he should lose neither hand, land, nor goods, but should go free at liberty. The Lord Leonard Gray, being indited of certain points of Treason by him committed, as was alleged against him, during the season that he was the King's Lieutenant in Ireland, to wit, for delivering his nephew Girald Fitz Garard, brother to Thomas Fitz Garard before executed, and also, for that he caused certain Irishmen to invade the lands of the King's friends, whom he favoured not: the five and twentieth of June, he was arraigned at Westminster in the King's bench, and appointed to be tried by Knights, because he was a Lord by name, and no Lord of the Parliament, but he discharged the Jury, and confessed the inditement, whereupon, he had judgement, & on the xxvitj. of June, being S peter's even, he was beheaded at Tower hill, where he The Lord Leonard Grey beheaded. ended his life very quietly and godly. This noble man, as he was come of high lineage, so was he a right valiant and hardy parsonage, having in his time done his Prince and Country good service, both in Ireland, France, and other places, greatly to his commendation, although now his hap was thus to lose his head. The same day that he suffered, there were executed at Saint Thomas Waterings three Gentlemen, john mantel, john Frowdes, and George Roydon. They died for a murder committed in Sussex (as their indictment imported) in company of Thomas Fines, Lord Dacres of the South. The troth whereof was thus: the Lord Dacres of the South arraigned. said Lord Dacres, through the lewd persuasion of some of them, as hath been reported, meaning to bunt in the Park of Nicholas Pelham Esquire at Laughton, in the same County of Sussex, being accompanied with the said mantle, Frowdes and Roydon, john Cheyney, and Thomas Isley, Gentlemen, and Richard Middleton, and john Goldwell Yeomen, passed from his house of Hurstmonseux, the last of April, in the night season, toward the same Park, where they intended so to hunt, and coming into a place called Pikehay in the parish of Hillingley, they found one john Busbrigge, james Busbrigge, and Richard Somener, standing there together: and as it fell out through quarreling, there ensued a fray betwixt the said Lord Dacres and his company on the one part, and the said john and james Busbrig, and Richard Somener on the other, in so much, that the said john Busbrigge received such hurt, that he died thereof the second of May next ensuing: whereupon as well the said Lord Dacres, as those that were there with him, and divers other likewise that were appointed to go another way to meet them at the said Park, were indicted of murder, and the seven and twentieth of June, the Lord Dacres himself was arraigned before the Lord Audley of Walden, than Lord Chancellor, sitting that day as high Steward of England, with other Peers of the Realm about him, who then and there condemned the said Lord Dacres to die for that transgression, and afterwards, the nine and twentieth of June, being Saint Peter's day, at eleven of the clock in the forenoon, the Sheriffs of London, accordingly as they were appointed, were ready at the Tower to have received the said prisoner, and him to have led to execution on the Tower hill, but as the prisoner should come forth of the Tower, on Heir a Gentleman of the Lord chancellors house came, and in the King's name commanded to stay the execution till two of the clock in the afternoon, which caused many to think, that the King would have granted his pardon. But nevertheless, at three of the clock in the same afternoon, he was brought forth of the Tower, and delivered to the Sheriffs, who led him on foot betwixt them unto Tyburn, where he died. His body was buried in the Church of Saint Sepulchres: he was not passed four and twenty years of age, when he came thus through great mishap to his end, for whom many sore lamented, and likewise for the other three Gentlemen, mantel, Frowdes, and Roydon, but for the said young Lord, being a right towardly Gentleman, and such a one, as many had conceived great hope of better proof, no small moan and lamentation was made, the more indeed, for that it was thought he was induced to attempt such follis, which occasioned his death, by some light heads that were then about him. The first of July, a Welshman a Minstrel, was hanged and quartered for singing of songs, which were interpreted to be prophesying against the King. In the month of August, the King took his Progress Progress to York. toward York. About this time Westminster and Bristol were made Bishopric ●. Rowland Hill▪ Henry Sucley, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Michael Dormer Mercer, the 28. of October. On Christmas even at seven of the clock at night, began a great fire in the house of sir johu William's Master of the King's Jewels, where many of those Jewels were brent, & more embezzled. The Lady Katherine Haward whom the King had married, for her unchaste living committed with Thomas Culpeper and Francis Derham, was by Parliament attainted, Culpeper and Derham were put to death at Tyburn, the tenth day of December. The twenty-three. of January the King was proclaimed King of King Henry K. of Ireland. Queen Katherine beheaded. Ireland. The 1●. of February the Lady Haward, otherwise called Queen Katherine, and the Lady jane Rocheforde, for being of her Council with Thomas Culpeper, were both beheaded within the Tower of London. The twel●th of March, john Dudley was created Viscount Lisle, by the right of his mother Lady Elizabeth sister and heir to sir john Grey, Viscount Lisle, who was late wife to Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lisle late deceased. The seventeenth of March Margaret Davy a Maid, was A Maid boiled in Smithfielde. boiled in Smithfielde, for poisoning three households that she had dwelled in. The eight and twentieth of March, the Parliament sitting, 1542 George Feres Burgess for the Town of Plymouth, was arrested in London upon a condemnation, whereupon the Sergeant at arms of the Common house, was sent to the Counter in Bredstrete to fetch him, but the Clerks would not deliver him, till the Sheriffs came themselves, who in the end delivered him: howbeit, this matter was so taken in the Common house, that the Sheriffs, the Clerks, and five officers, with the party plaintiff, were sent to the Tower, The Sheriffs of London sent to the Tower. Anno reg. 34 and there lay two days, and were then delivered by the Speaker and common house: the Sheriffs were delivered from all charges, except twenty pound for their fees. In may the King took a loan of money, of all such as were valued worth fifty pound or upward. In the month of August, james earl of Desmond in Ireland, The Earl of Desmoude. came and submitted himself to the King, and so returned. The first of October, the great Oneale of Ireland was The great Oneale. created Earl of Tiron, and his base son Matthew Oneale Baron of Donmagan, for Shane Oneale the only son of his body lawfully begotten, was then little esteemed. The Duke of Norfolk entered Scotland the one and twentieth Duke of Norfolk entered scotland. of October, burning and wasting all the Marches, and there tarried without any battle proffered by the King of Scots, until the midst of November. Henry Hoblethorne: Henry Hancots, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Coates Salter, the 28. of October. After the departure of our army from scotland, the King of Scots made a road into England, and did much harm, but at the last sir Thomas Wharton, and sir William Scots overthrown . Musgrave, with a few of the bordurers, met the Scots, where they being in number 15000. were overthrown, in which conflict was taken the Lord Maxwell, the Earls of Glencarne and Sassilles, with all the Captains of the army to the number of one and twenty, and on Saint Thomas even the Apostle, they were brought to the Tower of London, where they lay that night: the next day they were by the Kings charge appareled in silk, and road through the City to Westminster, where they were sworn to be true prisoners, and then were delivered to the custody of divers noble men, which honourably entertained them. At newyears tide they were sent home again, agreeing to certain articles. The 9, of February a proclamation was made, whereby White meat licensed to be eaten in Lent. the people were licensed to eat white meats in Lent, but straightly forbidden the eating of flesh. Whereupon, shortly after the Earl of Surrey with divers Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, were imprisoned for eating of flesh in the same Lent, contrary to the said Proclamation. The 8. of May one Leche sometime Bayly of Lowth, who 1543 Anno reg. 35 Somerset▪ an Herald killed. had killed Somerset one of our Herraults of Arms at Dunbarre in scotland, was drawn to Tyburn and there hanged and quartered. And the twelfth of June, Edward Leche his brother, and with him a Priest, for the same fact, were likewise executed at Tyburn. This year the first cast pieces of iron that ever were first iron pieces cast. made in England, were made at Buckestede in Sussex, by Ralph Hodge and Peter Bawd. The third of June, the Obrine a Lord in Ireland, and divers of the wild Irish, submitted them to King Henry. In July the said Obrine was created Earl of Clawricarde. The 12 of July King Henry married Lady Katherine King Henrye married Lady Katherine Par. Parr, late wife to the Lord Latimer, and sister to the marquess of Northampton at Hampton Court. King Henry sent over 6000. men to 〈…〉, whether An army sent to Landersey. also came the Emperou● with a great army, ●●● 〈…〉 after came down the French King with a great army and, offered to give battle to the Emperor, by reason whereof the siege was raised: then the French men victualled the Town, and on the morrow being ready to give battle, the French men made great show, but dallied out the day, and in the night departed. The eight and twentieth of July, Anthony Parson, Robert Testwood, and Henry Filmer were brent at Windsor. A great death of the pestilence was at London: and therefore Michaelmas Term was adjourned to Saint Albon. john Tolous: Richard Dobbes, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Sir William Bower Draper, the 28. of October. Sir Ralph Warren, the 13. of April. Maior. At Alhallowntide, a road was made into scotland, by the garrison there, who burned 60. villages, and took great prays. The eighteen of December the archbishop of Canterbury's Palace at Canterbury was brent, and therein was brent his brother in law, and other men. The four and twentieth of December, William Lord Parr, was created Earl of Essex, and sir William Parr was created Baron Parr of Horton at Hampton Court. And on the 〈…〉 of January sir Thomas Wriothesley was created Ba●●n of Wriothesley at Hampton Court. This year chanced four Eclipses, one of the Sunnne she fourteenth of Januarie, and three of the Moon. Four Eclipses. In the beginning of Lent, Lord Edward Seymer Earl of H●reforde; was made lieutenant of the North, and sent th●ther with an army. The seventh of March, Germaine Gardner, and german Gardner and others executed. Lark Parson of Chelfea were executed at Tyburn, for denying the King's Supremacy, with them was executed, for other offences one Singleton. And shortly after, Ashbey was likewise executed for the Supremacy. The x●j. of Ma●●●sir Io●● Dudley, Lord Lisle, Lord Ad 〈…〉 1●44. with a great na●● de 〈…〉 towards scotland. o●●●●●● The 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 Gun powder house, called the House blown up with gunpowder. Black 〈…〉 in 〈…〉 Smithfielde, was blown up and therein burned five men, a boy, and a woman. On May even, died Lord Thomas Audley▪ Lord Chacelour of England After whom succeeded Lord Thomas Wriothesley. The iij. of May sir john Dudley Viscount Lisle high Admiral An army sent into Scotland. of Englande ●rryued with his fleet of 200. sail in the Frith of scotland, where he landed divers of his men, and took there divers vessels. The iiij. of May he landed the residue of his men at Lieth, & from thence marched forward in three great battles, whereof the said Lord Admiral led the vaward, the Earl of Shrewsburie the rearward, and Edward Seimer Earl of Hertforde Lieutenant General of the battle. Here they found the Scots to the number of 6000, horsemen besides many footmen ready to stop their passage, who at the first, made as they would have set on the vaward, but after certain shot on both sides, they ●●dainely, leaving their artillery behind them, fled toward Edinburgh, the foremost in fleeing, was the Cardinal of Saint Androws, the Earl of Huntley Governor, Murrey and Bothwell, and then the Englishmen entered the town of 〈…〉 Lieth taken and spoiled. where they found such riches, as they thought had not 〈…〉 in any town of Scotland. The nerte day our army went towards Edinburgh: and when they approached near, the Provost of the town with other proffered to have delivered the same, upon condition, that the people might depart with bag and baggage, & the town to be safe from fire. Where unto our Lieutenant answered, that he was sent thither to take vengeance upon them for their defestable falsehood, and that unless they would yield up the town simply without condition, and cause man, woman and child, to depart into the fialdes, submitting them to his pleasure, he would put them to the sword, and their town to the fire. The proudst answered, that it were better for them 〈…〉 to their defence, and so departed and forth with the Lord Lieutenant caused the vaward to march towards the Town, which they did so courageously, with help of the English gunner's, that then kept the Scots from their Ordinance, and so entered Canie Ga●●, and there saw a great number of the Scots, Edinburgh brent. and set fire on the town, which continued three 〈…〉 after ●arning. Shortly after came to the lord Lieutenant by and, William Lord Every Warden of the East March of England & governor of Barwike, with his son si● Ralph Eurie, who also brought with them 1500. light horsemen, inhabiters of those two Marches, which after they were come, did such good service, that the army sent away their ships laden with spoil, and dislodged their camp out of Lieth, setting fire in every house, and returned home by land, spoiling every village and Fortress as they passed. The xuj. of May proclamation was made for the enhanring of Gold to xlviij. ●. and Silver to iiij. s. the ounce. Also the king caused to be coined base moneys, which was since Base moneys coined. that time called down, the fifth year of Edwasde the sixth, and called in the second of Queen Elizabeth. On the xx. day of May passed through the City of London in warlike manner, to the number of 700. Irishmen, having for their 〈…〉, Darts, and Hand guns, with Bag pipes 〈…〉 them: & in Saint Iar●es Park besides Westminster, they 〈…〉 before the King. In the month of June, the Litany or Procession was Procession in English. ●● forth in English with commandment by the King to be generally used in Parish Churches. The thirteenth of July King Henry with a goodly come 〈…〉 passed into France and encamped on the North fide of King Henrye went to Bol. joingne. 〈…〉, after whose coming the Town was so sore bat 〈…〉 with Gun shot, and certain Towers under 〈…〉, and so shaken with Gun powder, that after amoneths' siege, the Captain sent word to the King, that 〈…〉 e the 〈…〉, that all 〈…〉 within might depart ●yth bag and 〈…〉 King Henry granted, and the Bello●ners departed to the 〈…〉 r of 4▪ 454. The five and 〈…〉 of September, the King with his nobility ●●tred into high B●l●ingne, and after returned from thence, ●●●ded at 〈…〉 the first of October. The ninth of October in the night, the French men came unwares upon the English men in base Boulogne, and slew of them a great number, howbeit, they were shortly after chased from thence, and the base Town holden after in good quiet. john Wilford Merchant tailor: Andrew jud, the 28. of S. Sheriffs. Maior. Prizes taken. Sir William Laxton Grocer, the 28. of October. This year was taken by the King's ships of the West Country, and of the English coast the number of 300 French ships and more, so that the Grey friars Church in London was laid full of Wine, the Austen Friars and Black Friars, were laid full of Hearing and other fish that was taken going into France. The King demanded a benevolence of all his subjects, A benevolence demanded. Spiritual and Temporal towards his wars in France and Scotland. And the twelfth of January the Lord chancellor, the Duke of Suffolk, and other of the King's Council began to sit at Baynard's Castle, where they first called before them the Mayor and Alderman, etc. And because Richard Read Alderman would not agree to pay as they set him: he was commanded upon pain to serve the King in his wars of scotland, who departed from London the three and twentieth of January. Also sir William Ro●●● Alderman, for words ●● displeasure taken by the King's Council, was by them sent Sir William Roche sent to the Fleet. to the Fleet, where he remained till Passion sunday. The six and twentieth of January, there camped on the West side of Boulogne beyond the Haven, an army of French to the number of eighteen thousand, where they lay ten days, and the sixth of February, were put to flight, by the Earl of Hartford, and sir john Dudley Lord Admiral, then being Deputy of Boulogne▪ The thirteenth of February, a Priest was set on the Pillory in Cheap, & burnt in both cheeks with the letters F & A. & a paper on his head, wherein was written For false accusing, which judgement was given by the Lord Chancellor in the Star Chamber, a notable example of Justice: great cause have I to wish the like, to the like accuser, who never yet repent, but contrariwise sweareth and forsweareth that he never did any such act against his brother. In the beginning of March a road was made into scotland toward Gedworth by the englishmen, who at the first goat great praise, but they were so greedy, and went so far, that a great army of Scots beset them with three battles, where the englishmen for the most part were slain and taken at Pannier Howghe, among whom sir Ralph Ewer Lord Alderman of London taken prisoner. Eure, and Warden of the East Marches was slain, and Richard Read Alderman of London, with other taken prisoners by the Scots. Trinity Term was adjourned because of the wars. 1545 Anno reg. 37 About the xxv. of June was great tempest of wind in Darbishire, where through trees were overturned, and divers Churches, Chapels and houses, were uncovered. Also in Hailstones figured like men● heads. Lancashire, there fell hailstones as big as men's fists, which had divers prints in them, some like men's faces, some like Gun holes, etc. The ninetéenth of July, the French kings navy coming frenchmen arrived in Susse●. out of Newhaven and Deep, arrived on the coast of England in Sussex, afore Bright Hamsteade, where they set certain of their soldiers aland to burn, but the Beacons were fyted, and the men came down so thick, that the French men fled and did little hurt. The nineteen. of July, by misfortune of shooting a Gun in one of Men brent in the 〈…〉. th● Hedgehogs a ship, afore Westminster, a birken of gun-poul●●● fired & slew 7. men, and the eight leapt into the Thamis, and was drowned. The xx. of July the king being at Portsmouth, a goodly ship Marry Rose was drowned. of England, called the Mary Rose, with sir George Carrowe the Captain, and many other Gentlemen were drowned in the midst of the Haven, by great negligence. The xxj. of July, the French Galleys & navy came afore Frenchmen landed in the isle of Wight. Portsmouth Haven, and landed certain of their army in the isle of Wight, at Saint Helen's Point, & there burned & encamped about two thousand men, but they were soon driven away with loss of their Captain & many soldiers. Within few days after, the whole fleet remoi●ed from the Wight Frenchmen landed at Newhaven in Sussex. to a place in Sussex, called Newhaven, four miles from jews, and there landed many Captains & soldiers, who by the valiantness of the Gentlemen and Yeomen of Sussex, were slain and drowned in the Haven a great number of them, & the rest hardly recovered their ships and Galleys. In the month of August deceased at Guilforde, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk; and Lord great Master of the King's household, who was honourably buried at Windsor. In August the Earl of Hereforde was sent into Scotland, earl of Herford sent into Scotl. with an army of 12000. men, where he destroyed divers Towns, and greatly enda●uaged the Scots. The ninth of September sir john Dudley, Lord Lisle, Lord Admiral burn Treyport Lord Adinirall of England landed with 6000. men at Treyport in Normandy, and there brent the Town and Abbey with other houses about it, and thir●●e ships with a Bark that lay in the Haven, with loss of fourteen Englishmennes, and so returned. The twelfth of September, the Church of Saint Giles S. Giles church brent. without Cripplegate of London was brent. The eighteenth of October the Procession was first begun in Paul's Church to be sung in English, and so commanded by Injunction through the whole realm. George Barnes: Ralphe Allen, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Martin Bowes Goldsmith, the 28. of October. The xxliij. of November began a Parliament, wherein was granted to the King a subsidy of two shillings eight Chauntres, Colleges, and hospitals given unto the King. pence of the pound in goods, & four shillings of the pound in lands: Also at Colleges, chantries, and Hospitals, were committed to the King's order, to alter and transpose, which he promised to do to the glory of God, and the common profit of the Realm. In the latter ends of March, the stew in Southwark was put down by the King's commandment. In May the king's 1546 The Stews put down. Anno reg. 38 William Foxley slept more than fourteen days, and as many nights. without waking. ships took one of the French Kings Galleys with great riches. The xxvij. of April, being Tuisday in Easter week William Foxley Pot maker for the Mint in the Tower of London, fell asleep, and so continued sleeping and could not be wakened with pricking, cramping or otherwise burning whatsoever, till the first day of the next Term, which was full fourteen days, and as many nights or more, for that Easter Term beginneth not afore seventeen days after Easter. The cause of his thus sleeping could not be known, though the same were diligently searched for by the King's Physicians and other learned men, yea the King himself examining the said William Foxley, who was in all points found at his wakening to be as if he had slept but one night, and is yet living in the Tower of London, this present year of our Lord God. 1579. The thirteenth of June being Whitsonday, a peace was proclaimed between the Kings of England and France, with a general Procession in London. The seven and twentieth of June Doctor Crome recanted at Paul's Cross. The xuj. of July, were burned in Smithfied for the Sacrament, Anne Askewe and other brent. Anne Askew, alias Keime, john Lassels, Nicholas O 〈…〉 tle● Priest, john Adlam Tailor, and Doctor Shaxton 〈…〉 time Bishop of Salisbury preached at the same fire, and 〈…〉 erecanted, persuading them to do the like, but they ●oulde not. The xxj. of August came into England claud de Honne 〈…〉 high Admiral of France, who brought with him the Sacre of Deep, and twelve Galleys, he landed at the Tower Admiral of France came to London. Wharf, where he was honourably received, and brought to the Bishop of London's Palace, where he lodged two nights and then ●ode to Hampton Court where the King lay. By the way Prince Edward received him with a company of 500 coats of Velvet with one sleeve of cloth of Gold, and half the coat embroidered with Gold: there was in all to the number of 800. horses. In September, the water of Finsbury was brought to the conduit in Loth bury. Conduit at London wall, Saint Stephens in Colmanstreete, and Saint Margaret's in Lothburie. Richard jaruis. Thomas Curteyse, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Duke of Norf. folk, and Earl of Surrey sent to the Tower. Henry Hobrethorne Merchant tailor, the 28. of Octob. The twelfth of December Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Henry Earl of Surrey his son, was sent to the Tower of London, the one by water, the other by land. The third of Januarye, the Church of the late Grey Friars in London was opened, & Mass sung there: and that day preached at Paul's Cross the Bishop of Rochester, who declared the King's gift to the City of London, for the relieving King Henry his gift to the City of London. of the poor people, which was by Patent under his great Seal. Saint bartholomew Spittle, the Church of the Grey Friars, & two Parish Churches, the one of S. Nicholas in the Shambles, the other Saint Ewine in Newgate Market, all to be made one Parish Church of the Grey friars Church, & in lands he gave for the maintenance of the same 500 mark by year for ever, and this Church to be named Christ-Church, founded by King Henry the eight. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey, was beheaded on the Tower Eatle of Surrey beheaded. hill the nineteen. of Januarie. The xxviij. of January, king Henry deceased, appointing King Henry deceased. his first son Prince Edward the second Lady Marry his daughter by Queen Katherine: and the third, Lady Elizabeth ●● Queen Anne Bolloine. He deceased when he had raign●● 37. years, 9 months, and odd days, and was buried ●● Windsor. ¶ Edward the sixth. Edward the sixth began his Anno reg. 1. reign the eight and twentieth of Januarie, Anno 1546. when he was but 9 years old. King Henry his father by his will had appointed for his privy council, Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Wriothesly Lord chance celour, Cuthbert Tonstall Bishop of Durham with other to the number of sixetéene. The first of February, the Earl of Hertford was nominate, Earl of Heart ford made L. Protector. elected and chosen, by all the executors, to be protector and chief Governor of the King's person. The sixth of February the Earl of Hertford Lord Protector King Edward made Knight. in the Tower of London, endued King Edward with the order of Knighthood, and then immediately the King standing up, Henry Hoblethorne Lord Mayor of London was called, who kneeling down, the king took the Sword of the Lord Mayor of London made Knight. Lord Protector, and made him Knight, which was the first that ever he made. The fourteenth of February the corpse of King Henry the eight, was with great solemnity and honour conveyed towards Windsor, and there buried in the College. The seventeenth of February sir Edward Seimer Earl Duke and Lords created. of Hertforde and Lord Protector, was created Duke of Somerset, the Lord Parr Earl of Essex, was created Marquis of Northampton, sir john Dudley Lord Lisle, Lord Admiral, was created Earl of Warwick, and Lord Chamberlain of England, sir Thomas Wriothesley and Lord chancellor, was created Earl of Southampton, sir Thomas Seymer was made Lord of Sudley, and high Admiral, sir Richard rich, was made Lord Rich, sir William Willoughbey was made Lord Willoughbey of Parham, sir Edmond Sheffeld was made Lord Sheffielde of Buterwike. King Ed. road through the city of London towards Westminster, and as he passed on the South side of Paul's churchyard, an Argosine came from the Battlements of the Steeple of Paul's Church upon a Cable, being made fast to an Paul's steeple lay at anchor. Anchor by the Deans gate, lying on his breast, aiding himself neither with hand nor foot, and after ascended to the midst of the Cable, where he tumbled and played many preasie toys, where at the King and the nobles had good pastime. He was crowned at Westminster, on the xx. of February. King Edward crowned. The sixth of March, the great Seal of England was taken 1547 from sir Thomas Wriothesley, and on the morrow the same was delivered to the Lord Sent-Iohn Lord great Master. The fifteenth of May Doctor Smith recanted at Paul's Doctor Smith recanted. Cross. The Lord Protector and the rest of the Council sent Images forbidden Commissioners into all parts of the realm, willing them to take all Images out of their Churches, for the avoiding of Idolatry, with them were sent divers Preachers to persuade the people from their beads, and such like ceremonies, and at that time the going in Procession was forbidden Procession forbidden. to be used: & the Gospel and Epistle were read in English. In the month of August, Edward Duke of Somerset, Lord, Protector as General, and john Dudley Earl of Warwick, Lord Lieutenant with a noble army were sent into scotland, and near to Edinburgh, at a place called Musclboroughe field. Williom Patyn. Muuscleborough the englishmen and Scots met, where between them the tenth of Septeptember was fought a cruel battle. The victory whereof fell to the Englishmen and of the Scots were slain fourteen thousand, and taken prisoners, fifteen hundred, whereof many were Gentlemen, and not above three score Eeglishmen slain. The xxiv. of October, Richard Lord rich was made Lord Rich L. Channcelor. Lord Chancellor. Thomas Whit Robert Chersey, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Free school at Holt. Sir john Gresham Mercer, the 28. of October. This sir john Gresham founded a Fréeschoole at Holt, a Market town in Norfolk. Also at his decease which was in Anno 1556. on the twenty-three. of October, he gave to every ward in London ten pound to be distributed to the poor. And to 60. poor men & women, every one of them three yards of broad cloth of eight or nine shillings the yard, to be made in gowns ready to their backs: He gave also to maids marriages and to the Hospitals in London, above two hundred pounds in ready money. The fourth of November, the Parliament began at Hestminster, in the which was granted to the King all Chantries, chantries and Chapels given to the King. free Chapels, and brotherhoods: and an act was made for the receiving of the Sacrament, in both kinds of Bread and Wine. There seven▪ of November was pulled down the Rood in Paul's Church, with Marie and john, & all other Images in the Church: then the li●e was done in all Churches in England. Also Easter following began the Communion and confession in English, but no man constrained thereto except Anno reg. 2. 1548 they would: but after Easter began the Service in English in divers Parish Churches, and at Whitsuntide at Paul's, by the commandment of the Dean. Barking Chapel nigh the Tower of London, and Saint Martin'S Le Grand nigh the Shambles were pulled down. Also the parish Churches, of Saint Nicholas in the Shambles, and Saint Ewyns within Newgate, were pulled down, and the Parishioners, appointed to the late dissolved Grey friars Church, which is now named Christ's Church, founded by King Henry the eight. The watch which had been accustomed in London at Midsummer of long time laid down, was now again used, both on the even of Saint john and of Saint Peter, in as comely order as it had been accustomed, which watch was greatly beautified by the number of more than three hundred dimilances and light horsemen, that were prepared by the Citizens to be sent into scotland for the rescue of the Town of Hadington, and other kept by Englishmen in Scotland. On Saint Peter's even, Monsieur Dassey, Lieutenant to The siege of Hadington. the French King, and the Reingrave of France, with the number of x. thousand French and Almains besides Scots, besieged the Town of Hadington in scotland, defended by the Englishmen, unto whose aid shortly after came from Barwike iij. E. horsemen, which were 700. men of arms and Dimitances, the Captains whereof were sir▪ Robert Bows, and sir Thomas Palmer, which horsemen not long after by the Frenchmen were enclosed, and the most part either slain or taken with their Captains before named: nevertheless, our Englishmen defended the Town, often skirmishing with the French, and putting them to the worse, until the twentieth day of August, and then came an army out of England of sixetéene thousand, of the which four thousand were Almains, the kings Lieutenant was the Earl of Shrewsburie, the General of the Almains was Captain Courtney. At the coming of this army, the frenchmen and Scots in peaceable manner departed from before Hadington, giving our Captains and Soldiers great commendation for their service. Francis Earl of S●r●wshurie after he had seen the Town victualled and stored with fresh Soldiers and munitions, departed into England, and our men kept the Town of Hadington, oftentimes skirmishing with the Frenchmen and Scots, till the twentieth day of September, Hadington razed by English men. and then came with the Earl of Rutland with three thousand Almains, and as many Borderers, who caused the To●ne to be razed, and so brought their Ordinance and carriage to Berwick, and returned without battle. On Saint Peter's day, Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, Bishop of Winchester sent to the Tower. preached at Westminster in the Court before the King, for the which Sermon, he was on the morrow after sent to the Tower of London. The seven. of July, a Priest was hanged and quartered in A Priest of Cornwall executed. Smithfield, for that he and other in Cornwall had slain Master Body, one of the King's Commissioners, the others of his society, were put to death in divers other parts of the Realm. This year, a great mortality by the pestilence, was in Great Pestileuce in London. London, wherefore, commandment was given to all Curates and other having to do therewith, that no corpse should be buried before six of the clock in the morning, nor after six of the clock at night, and that there should at the burial of every corpse, be rung one bell at the least, by the space of three quarters of an hour. In September, died Queen Katherine, late ●●●s to King Queen Katherine died. Henry, and after married to Sir▪ Thomas Seymer Lord Admiral. William Locke▪ john A●li●e, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Henry Abbot's Fishmonger, the 28. of October. The xuj. of November, Saint Anne's Church within Aldersgate Saint Anne's Church brent. Anno reg. 3. Lord Thomas Seymer beheaded. of London was brent. The xuj. of January, Thomas Seymer Lord Admiral, and brother to the Lord Protector, was sent to the Tower of London, & the xx. of March, he was beheaded on the Tower hill. The ●●●th o● 〈◊〉 Proclamation was made for the 1549 ●●●●e to be put down through the whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tenth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the ●loysten of Paul's Church in 〈◊〉▪ ●al●●● Pardon Churchyard, with the Dance of Death▪ commonly called the Dance of Paul's about the Dance of Paul's pulled dow●●e. same Cloister, costly and cunningly wrought, and the Chapel in the midst of the same Churchyard, were all began to be pulled down. Also▪ the Chernill house of Paul's, with the Chapel Charnill house of Paul's. there (after the Tombs and other Monuments of the dead were pulled down, and the dead men's bones buried in the fields) were converted into dwelling houses & shops. About the same time, the Steeple, and most part of the Church of Saint john by Smithfield blown up. Church of Saint john of Jerusalem near unto Smithfield, was undermined, and overthrown with Gun powder, the stone whereof was applied in the building of the Lord Protectors house at the Strand. The twenty-three. of April▪ six houses at Broken Wharf were Fire at Broken Wharf. brent. In the month of May, by means of a Proclamation for enclosures▪ the Commons of Somersetshire and Lincolnshire made a Commotion, and broke up certain Parks Commotion in Sommersetshire and Lincolnshire. of Sir William Herberds▪ and Lord Sturtons'▪ but Sir William Herberd ●lew and executed many of those Rebels. In July, the Commons of Essex and Kent▪ Su●●●ke, and Norfolk, rose against enclosures▪ and pulled down divers Parks 〈◊〉. Also, the Commons of Cornwall and Devonshire, rose against Commotion in Cornwall and Devonshire the Nobles and Gentlemen, and required not only that the enclosures might be disparked, bu●● also to have their old Religion, and Act of six Articles restored: these ●●sée god the City of Excester, which was valiantly defended. Against these Rebels was sent john Lord russel, Lord privy Seal, with a number of Soldiers, who entered the City of Excester the fifth of August, where they ●lew and ●ooke prisoners of the ●●e●●●s more than four thousand, and Rebels subdued after hanged divers of them in the Town and Country about. The Lord Gray was also sent with a number of Strangers, horsemen, who in divers conflicts s●ew many people, and spoiled the Country. The last of July, William▪ Lord Marquis of Northhampton, Commotion at Norwich. Lord Sheffield slain. Martial Law. entered the City of Norwich and on the next morning, the Rebels also entered the Town, burned part thereof, put the Lord Marquis to flight, and show the Lord Sheffeld. In this mean time, divers persons were apprehended as aiders of the foresaid Rebels, of the which, one was hanged within Aldgate, and another at the Bridge foot toward Southwark, both on Mary magdalen's day. In the beginning of August, the French King determining to take the Isles of Garnesea and jersea, did set there suddenly The French Kings Galleys invaded Garnesea and jersea. upon our Ships with a great number of Galeis, but they were so manfully encountered by the King's Navy, that with the loss of a thousand men, and great spoil of their Galleys, they were forced to retire into France, and de●i●t from their purpose. The xuj. of August, a man was hanged without Bishopsgate of London, and one other sent to Waltham, and there executed, and divers other in many places. The viij. of August, the French Ambassadors gave a Frenchmen apprehended. defiance to the Lord Protector, whereupon, all Frenchmen with their goods being no Denizens, were apprehended. The Rebels in Norfolk and Suffolk encamped themselves at Mount Surrey, in a wood called Saint Nicholas wood, near unto Norwich▪ against whom▪ Sir john Dudley Earl of Warwick went with ●n Army, where both he and a great number of Gentlemen meeting with the Rebels were in such danger, as they had thought all to have died in that place, but God that confoundeth the purpose of all Rebels, brought it so to pass, that as well there as in all other places, they were partly by power constrained, partly by promise of their ●ar●●n, persuaded to submit themselves to their Prince the Earl of Warwick entered the City of Norwich the xxvij. of August, when he had ●●aine The Earl of Warwick went against the Rebels at Norwich. above five thousand of the Rebels, and taken their chief Captain Robert Ket of Windham ●anner, which might dispend in Lands fifty pound by year, and was worth in movables, above a thousand Marks, when he had put to execution divers of the Rebels in divers places about Norwich and returned. The xxviij. of August, tidings was brought to King Edward Newhaven by Boleyne wined by the French. and the Lord Protector, that the Frenchmen had taken Blackness, Hamiltew, and Newhaven by Boleyne, and had slain all the Englishmen, and taken the King's Ordinance and victuals, which was reported to be begun by one Sturton, a Bastard son of the Lord Sturtons', which had betrayed Newhaven, and went himself to the French Kings service: here upon, the Captain of Bulleyne Bark, for fear of the French Army, conveyed all the Ordinance, Uictualles, goods, and men of that Fort, to the high Town of Bulleyne, and after their departing, with Gunpowder blew up the Fort. About this time also, a Commotion began at Semer in Commotion in Yorkshire. the North riding of Yorkshire, and continued in the East riding, and there ended: the principal raysers whereof, were William Ombler of Easthes●e●●on yeoman, Thomas Dale, parish Clarke of Semer, and Stevenson of Semer: being prevented by the Lord Precedent from rising at Wintringham, they drew to a place at Semer by the Sea coast, and there by night road to the beacon at Stax●o●, and set it on fire, and so gathered a rude rout: then they went to Master Whites house, and took him, and Clopton his wides' brother, Savage & Merchant of York, and Bery, servant to Sir Walter Mildmay, which four they murdered a mile from Semer, and there left them naked: their number increased to three thousand. On the xxj. of August, the King's pardon was offered, which Ombler and other refused, who were shortly after taken, and brought to York, where Thomas Dale and other Rebels executed at York. were executed the xxj. of September. The first of September, Edmond Bonar Bishop of London, preached a Sermon at Paul's Cross, for the which, he was accused unto the Counsel by William Latimer, Parson of Saint Laurence Pountney, and john Hoper, sometime a white Monk, and so convented before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other Commissioners at Lambheath, on the twentieth day of that same month, and sent to the Marshalsea: on the first of October, he was deprived of his Bishopric, for disobeying the King's order in Religion. Richard Turk: john York, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. The viij. of October, after a common Counsel in the Guild hall at London, whether all the Lords of the Counsel came, the Lord Chancellor and other declared divers abuses of the Lord Protector, desiring the Citizens to be aiding and assisting with them, for the preserving of the King's majesties person, which they greatly feared, being in his adversaries hands. The Lords dined with Master Proclamation against the Lord Protector. York, one of the Sheriffs, and in the afternoon, Proclamation was made in divers places of the City, with trumpets, Heralts, and Kings at Arms, wherein was contained divers Articles, touching the evil government of the Lord Protector. The tenth of October, by a common Counsel at the Guild hall, was granted five hundred men of the City (one hundred to be horsemen) to be ready on the next morrow: and this day, the Lords dined with Master Turk the other Sheriff. The xj. of October, the Lords sitting at the Lord great masters, Sir Anthony Wingfield Captain of the Guard, was sent to the King at Windsor, and severed the Lord Protector from his person, and caused the Guard to watch him fi●● the Lords coming. On the morrow, the Lord Chancellor with the rest of the Counsel, road to Windsor to the King, and that night, the Lord Protector was put in ward into Beau●champs Tower in the Castle of Windsor. The xiv. of October in the afternoon, the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector brought to the Tower. was brought from Windesore, riding through Oldbor●e in at Newga●e▪ and so to the Tower of London, accompanied with divers Lords and Gentlemen with three hundred horse: the Lord Maior, Sir Ralph Warren, Sir john Gressham, Master Recorder, Sir William Locke, and both the Sheriffs, and other Knights, sitting on their Horses against Soper La●e, with all the Officers with Halberds, and from Holbur●e bridge to the Tower, certain Aldermen, or their deputies on horseback in every street, with a number of householders standing with bills as he passed. There was with him committed to the Tower, Sir Michael Stanhope, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir john Thin▪ Knights, Wolf of the privy Chamber, and Grey of Reading. The xvij. of October, King Edward came from Hampton Court to his place in Southwark, and there dined, and after King Edward road through London. dinner, he made Master York one of the sheriffs Knight, and then road through the City to Westminster. Sir Rowland Hill Mercer, the 28. of October. Maior. This Sir Rowland Hill caused to be made a Causey, Charitable deeds of Sir Rowland Hill. commonly called Ouerlane pavement in the high way from Stone to Nantwich, in length four miles, for horse and man, with divers Lanes on both sides the same Causey. He caused likewise a Causey to be made from Dunchurch to Bransen in Warwickshire, more than two miles of length, and gave twenty pound in money toward the making of Roytton bridge, three miles from Coventrie. He made the high way to K●lborne near to London. He made four Bridges, two of them of stone, containing eighteen Arches in them both, the one over the ●i●er of Severne, called A●●●● bridge▪ the other turn bridge, for that the water of Terne runneth under it, the other two of Timber at Stoke, and built a good part of Stoke Church. He builded one notable Fréeschoole at Drayton in Shropshire, Freeschoole at Drayton in Shropshire. with Master and ●●●●er, and sufficient stipends for them both, besides convenient Lodgings for the same. He also purchased a free▪ Fair to the said Town, with a free market weekly, and a free market for cattle every fourteen days. He gave to the Hospital of Christ's Church in London in Gift to Christ's hospital. his life time five hundred pound in ready money, and a hundred pound at his decease. The xxix. of November, Robert Kete, and William Kete Robert Kete and William Kete hanged. his brother were delivered out of the Tower of London, to Sir Edmond Windham Knight, and Sheriff of Norfolk, to be conveyed to Norwich, where Robert Kete was hanged in theynes on the top of Norwich castle, and William Kete likewise hanged on the top of Windam Steeple. In December, the Scots took Burticragge in Scotland, and Holds in Scotland lost. other holds, then possessed by Englishmen, where they slew man, woman, and child, except Sir john Lutterell the Captain, whom they took prisoner. The nineteen. of January, Sir john russel Lord privy Seal, States created. was created Earl of Bedford: and Lord Saint john Lord great Master, was created Earl of Wiltshire: and Sir William Paget, controller of the King's house, was made Lord Paget. The same day at night, were murdered by Saint Pulchers Peter Gamba and another Captain murdered. Church against the King's head without Newgate of London two Captains that had served the King at Boulogne and else▪ where, the one was Sir Peter Gamba, the other Filicirga, which murder was committed by Charles Gavaro a Fleming, who came post from Berwick to do that act: on the morrow, he with three of his company was taken in Smithfield by the Lord Paget, and sent to Newgate, and the four and twentieth of January, they were all four, Charles Gavaro and other hanged. Gavaro, Balthasar Gavaro, Nicholas Disalueron, and Francis Devalasco, had in a Cart to Smithfield, and by the way, at the place where the murder was done, Charles Gavaro had his right hand stricken off on the Cart wheel, and then all hanged in Smithfield. The xxij. of January, john Earl of B●●ford▪ William 〈…〉 Paget 〈…〉 William Peter Knight, one of the King's Secretaries, and Sir john Mason Knight, chief Cleark● of the Counsel, were sent into France, Ambassadors to the French King. The xxvij. of January, Humphrey Arundel Esquire, Thomas Anno reg. 4. Rebels executed. Holmes, Winslow, and Bery, Captains of the Rebels in Devonshire, were hanged and quartered at Tyburn. On Candlemas day, William Lord Saint john Earl New Officers. of Wiltshire, Lord great master, and precedent of the Counsel, was made Lord Treasurer. john Dudley Earl of Warwick, Lord great Chamberlain, was made Lord great master. William Parr, Marquis of Northampton, was made Lord great chamberlain. Lord Wentworth was made Lord Chamberlain of household. Sir Anthony Wing▪ field Captain of the Guard, was made controller of the King's house: and Sir Thomas Darcy Knight, was made Uizchamberlayne, and Captain of the Guard: and the Earl of Arundel late Lord Chamberlain, with the Earl of Southampton, were put off the Council, and commanded to keep their houses in London. The vj. of February, the Duke of Somerset was delivered out of the Tower, and that night he supped at Sir john Duke of Somerset delivered . York's one of the Sheriffs of London. The x. of February, one Bell, a Suffolk man, was hanged and quartered at Tyburn, for moving a new Rebellion in Suffolk and Essex. The last of March, a general peace was proclaimed between 1550 Peace proclaimed. The liberties of Southwark purchased. the Kings of England & France, the Emperor, & the Scots. This time, the Lord Mayor of London, and the Aldermen, purchased all the liberties of Southwark which was in the King's hands. The xij. of April, Doctor Nicholas Ridley, late Bishop of Rochester, was installed Bishop of London at Paul's. Boulogne yielded to the French. The xxv. of April, the Town of Boulogne was yielded ●● the French ●ing. The second of May, joan Knell, alias Butcher, or joan of joan ●utcher brent. Kent, was brent in Smithfield for Heresy, that Christ took no flesh of the virgin Mary. Richard Lion, Goddard Gorran, and Richard Ireland, Rebels of Kent executed. were executed the xiv. of May, for attempting a new Rebellion in Kent. On Wednesday in Whitsun week, at a Court of Aldermen kept at the Guild hall, Sir john Aliffe Knight, and master Alderman of Southwark. of Backewell hall▪ was sworn Alderman of the Bridgewarde without, to have the jurisdiction of the Bourow of Southwark, and thus was he the first Alderman that ever was there, who made up the number of xxuj. Aldermen of London, whereas before that time had been but xxv. Trinity Term was adjourned till Michaelmas, for Term adjourned. that the Gentlemen should keep the Commons from commotion. The third of June, the Lord Lisle, son and heir to the Earl of Warwick, was married to the Duke of Somersets' A marriage. ●aughter at Sheen, the King Majesty being there present. The xj. of June, being Saint Barnabyes' day, was kept Saint Barnaby kept holy. holiday all London over, and the same day at night, the high ●●●tare in Paul's Church was pulled down, and a table High Aultare in Paul's pulled down. ●●● where the Aultare stood, with a veil drawn beneath the steps; and ●n the Sunday next, a Communion was 〈…〉 at the same table, and shortly after, all the Altars in London were taken down, & tables placed in their 〈…〉. This year was no such watch at Midsummer as had been No watch at Midsummer. 〈…〉. The thirty. of July, Thomas Lord Wriothsley Earl of Earl of southhampton deceased. ●●uth-hampton, Knight of the Garter, and one of the execu 〈…〉 to King Henry the eight, deceased at Lincoln place in 〈…〉 orne, and was buried in Saint Andrew's Church 〈…〉. Augustine Hind: john Lion, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Andrew jud Skinner, the 28. of October. This Sir Andrew Iud erected one notable Fréeschoole Freeschoole at Tonbridge. at Tonbridge in Kent, wherein be brought up and nourished in learning, great store of youth, as well bred in that Shire, as brought from other countries adjoining, a noble act, and correspondent to those that have been done by like worshipful men and other in old time within the same City of London. He also builded Alms houses for six poor alms Alms houses. people, nigh to the parish Church of Saint Helen within Bishopsgate of London, and gave Lands to the company of the Skinners in the same City, amounting to the value of threescore pound three Shillings eyghtpence the year, for the which, they be bound to pay twenty pound to the Schoolmaster, and eight pound to the Usher of his free School at Tonbridge yearly for ever, and four Shillings the week to the six poor alms people at Saint Anno reg. 5. Helen's aforesaid, eyghtpence the piece weekly, and five and twenty Shillings fourpence the year in Coals amongst them for ever. On Saint Valentine's day, at Feversham in Kente, ●n● Arden a Gentleman was murdered by procurement Arden murdered. of his own wife, for the which fact, she was the fourteenth of March brent at Canterbury▪ Michael Master Arden's man was hanged in chains at Feuersha●, and a maiden breast▪ Mosby and his sister were hanged in Smithfielde at London▪ Green which had fled, came again certain years after, and was hanged in chains in the high way against Feversham, and Black Will the Ruffian that was hired to do that act, after his first ●scap●▪ ●a● apprehended, an●●●rente on a Scaffold all Flis●ing i● Z●la●d. The fourteenth of February, Stephen Gardener Bishop Bishop of Winchester deprived. of Winchester, was deprived of his Bishopric, and committed to the Tower again: into his place was ●●anslated Doctor Poynet, who before was Bishop of Rochester. The fifth April, Sir Thomas Darcey ●i●●ham●ertaine, 155● and Captain of the ●ard, was created Lord Darcey at Greenwich▪ The four and twenty of April, George of Paris a Dutchman An Arian brent. was brent in Smithfield for an Arian. The five and twenty of May, about noon, was an Earthquake Earthquake. at Blechingly, Godstone, T●tser, Rig●te, Croyden, B●n●ng●●●● Al●erie▪ and divers other places in Sout●ery. The ninth of July, the base moneys (coined in the time First fall of the base moneys. of King Henry the eight, and King Edward the sixth) was proclaimed the Shilling to go for nine pence, the great for three pence, which took▪ effect immediately after the Proclamation was made. The fifteenth of April, the infections sweeting sickness Sweeting sickness. began at Shrewsburie, which ended not in the North part of England until the end of September. In this space what number died, it can not be well accounted, but certain it is that in London in few days nine hundred and john Cai●s. sixty gave up the ghost: it began in London the ninth of July, and the twelfth of July it was most vehement, which was so terrible, that people being in best health, were suddenly taken, and dead in four and twenty hours, and twelve, or less, for lack of skill in guiding them in their sweat. And it is to be noted, that this mortality fell chiefly or rather on men, and those also of the best age, as between thirty and forty years: also, it followed Englishmen as well within the Realm, as in strange countries: wherefore this Nation was much afeard of it, and for the time began to repent and remember GOD, but as the disease relented, the devotion decayed. The first week died in London eight hundred persons. The seventeenth of August, the Shilling which of late Second fall of the base moneys was called down to nineyence▪ was called down to six pence, the groat to two pence, the half groat to one penny, the penny to an half penny. john Lambert▪ john Cowper, the 28▪ of September. Sheriffs. The ●●. of October, at Hampton Court, Lord Marques Duke● and E●r●es created . Dorset was created Duke of Suffolk: the Earl of Warwick was created Duke of Northumberland: the Earl of Wiltshire was created Marquis of Winchester: Sir William Harbert, master of the hor●●e, was made Lord of Karmarden, and created Earl of Pembroke. He also made William Cicill his Secretary▪ Knight, Master john Check, one of his School masters Knight, Master Henry Dudley Knight, Master Henry Devil Knight. The ●●●. of October, Edward Seymer Duke of Somerset, Duke of Somerset brought to the Tower. the Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Ralph Vane, Sir Thomas Palmer, Sir Miles Partridge, Sir Michael Sta●hope, Sir Thomas Arundel Knights, and divers other Gentlemen, were brought to the ●ower of London. The next morrow, the Duchess of Somerset was also brought to the Tower. The liberties Liberties of the Stilyard seized. Maior. New Coin. of the Stiliard were seized into the King's hands. Sir Richard Dobbes Skinner, the 28. of October▪ The xx●. of October, was proclaimed a new coin both of Silver and Gold, So●e●●●es of thirty Shillings, Angels of ●e●ne Shillings etc. The vj. of November, the old Queen of Scots road through London towards Scotland with a great company of Queen of Scots road through London. Englishmen way●ing upon hi●, after she had lain four days in the Bishop of London's p●●●ace. The first of December, the Duke of Somerset▪ was arraigned▪ Duke of Somerset arraigned. at Westminster, and there acquitted of trea●o●▪ but condemned of ●el●nie▪ The seven. of December, was a muster of Horsemen before the King at Saint James. The xx. of Muster of horsemen. December, the gre●e Sea●e was taken from the Lord Rich, and ●●●●●ere● to D. G●●●●●e●e Bishop of E●ly▪ Doctor Dunstall Bishop of Durham, was sent ●o th● Tower of London. The xx●●. of January, Edward Duke of Somerset was beheaded on Duke of Somerset beheaded. the Tower hect. The ●ame morning early the Constables of every ward in London (according to a precept directed from the Counsel to the Mayor) straight ●h●●●ged every household of the same ●●●●e not to departed any of them out of their houses before ten of the clock of that day, meaning thereby to restrain the great number of people, that otherwise were like to have been at the said execution: notwithstanding by seven a clock the Tower hill was covered with a great multitude, repairing from all parts of the City, as well as out of the suburbs, and before eight of the clock the Duke was brought to the Scaffold, enclosed with the King's Guard, the sheriffs Officers, the Warders of the Tower, and other with halberds: the Duke being ready to have been executed, suddenly the people were driven into a Great fear with small cause. great fear, few or none knowing the cause, wherefore I think it good to write what I saw concerning that matter. The people of a certain Hamlet, which were warned to be there by seven of the clock to give their attendance on the Lieutenant, now came through the postern, and perceiving the Duke to be already on the Scaffold, the for●●st began to run, crying to their fellows to follow fast after, which ●odelnesse of these men being weaponed with bills and halber●s thus running, caused the people which ●●●●● saw them, to think some power had come to have rescued the Duke from execution and therefore to cry away away, whereupon the people ran some one way, some another, many fell into the Tower Ditch, and they which ●arried, thought some pardon had been brought, some said it thundered, some that the ground moved, but there was no such matter. The xvij. of February, on which day was received the Books of the relief of all the wards of London, towards the new Hospitals, by the King's commissioners, the Counsel dined a● Master Cowpers the Sheriff, and after dinner, Master Thomas Curteys' Alderman came thither to speak with the Lord Chancellor for a matter he had depending afore him in the Chancery, but for his misdemeanour in words, and ●●gnes to the Lord Chancellor at that time, the said Master courteous was committed to ward in the Fleet. The six and twentieth of February, Sir Ralph●a Vane, Anno reg. 6. Sir Ralpha Vane and other executed. and Sir Miles Partridge, were hanged on the Tower hill, Sir Michael Stanhope, with Sir Thomas Arundel, were beheaded there. The last of April, through negligence of the Gunnepowlder 1552 makers, a certain hou●e near to the Tower of London, with three Last of Powder, was blown up and House blown up with Gunpowlder. brent, the Gunpowlder makers being fifteen in number, were all slain. The xuj. of May, was a goodly muster of Horsemen made before the King in the Park at Greenwich▪ Under the King's Banner, his band of Pencioners, in Muster of Horsemen. number. 15●. every Pencioner two great Horses, and a Gelding, the Lord Bray their lieutenant. The Lord Marquis of Winchester high Treasurer▪ under his Banner the 〈…〉▪ one C▪ men. The Duke of North●●berlande, great▪ master of the King's honshold, under the white Lion and the ragged staff, fifty. The Duke of Suffolk, under the Unicorn in the Star. C. x. The Earl of ●●●for●● Lord privy Seal under the Goat, C. The Marquis of Northumpton high chamberlain, under the Maiden head. C. The Earl of Warwick master of the King's horses, under the white▪ Lion▪ fifty. The Earl of Huntingdon under his Banner, fifty. The Earl of Ru●la●d under the Peacock, fifty. The Earl of Pembroke under the green Dragon, fifty. The Lord Darcy under the maidens body, fifty. The Lord Cobham under the Sarizens' head, fifty. The Lord Clinton Lord Admiral under the Anchor, fifty. The Lord W●rden of the five Ports, under the Rose in the Sun b●●●●es. ●▪ The xxuj. of July, began the preparing of the Grey friars Grey Fri●●● in London a● Hospitals. house in London, for the poor father ●esse Children: and also, in the later end of the same month, began the repairing of Saint Thomas Hospital in Southwark, for poor impotent and lame persons. The i●j. of August, at Middleton, xj. miles from Oxford, a A Monster. woman brought f●●th achild, which had two perfect bodies from the na●ell upward, and were so joined together at the na●ell, that when they were laid in length, the one head & body was Eastward, and the other West: the legs for both the bodies grew out at the midst where the bodies joined, and had but one issue for the excrements of both bodies, they lived xvi●j. days, and were women children. The vi●j. of August, were taken at Queeneborough i●●. great Great Fishes. Fishes called Dolphins: and the ●éeke following at Black Wall, were vj. more taken, and brought to London, the least of them was more than any▪ Hor●●e. This month of August, began the great proviunon for the poor in London, towards the which, every man was contributory, and gave certain money in hand, and covenanted to give a certain weekly. The commons of the City of London being assembled in Four electione for one Sheriff. their Guild hall on the first of August, elected john Grimes Clothworker to be Sheriff for the year following, who refused, and paid his fine of two hundred pound. The vj. of August, the commons chose Thomas Clayton▪ Baker, who likewise refused, and paid his fine. The xv. of August, the commons chose john Brown Mercer, who also refused, and paid his fine. The nineteen. of August, the commons chose john Maynard Mercer, who took the same in good part, and served. William Garrard: john Maynard, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Great Fishe● taken. The seventh of October, were three great Fishes called Whirlpools taken at Gravesend, which were drawn up to the King's Bridge at Westminster. In this month of October, the King demanded of the Merchant Adventurers by way of priest of every broad cloth then shipped to balms ●art, twenty Shillings sterling to A pre●t by the Merchant Adventurers. be paid at Antwerp for certain debt there, and they to have the King's band for the repayment thereof, which did at that time amount to more than. xlviiij. thousand pound. The xvij. of October, the Sergeant's feast was kept at Sergeant's feast. Greys' Inn by Oldborne, Master Robert Brooke Recorder of London being the principal of the new Sergeants, and six more besides him, the Lord Maior and Aldermen being bidden to the said feast, road from the Lord majors house up Friday street through Cheap, and out at Newga●e, all in their Scarlet Gowns to the said Greys Inn. Sir George Barn Habe● dasher, the 28. of October. Maior. This Sir George Barn gave a Windmill in Fins●●r is Charitable deeds of Sir George Barn. Field to the Haberdashery of London, the profits thereof to be distributed to the poor Al●es people of the same company. Also, to the par●●● Church of S. Barthelmew the little, certain tenements, for the which the Parson and Churchwardens be bound to distribute to the poor people of the same Parish xvi●j. pence in bread every Sunday for ever. The first of November, being the feast of All Saints, Book of common Prayer. the new Service Book called Of common Prayer, begun in Paul's Church, and the like through the whole City, the Bishop of London Doctor Ridley executing the service in Paul's Church in the fore●●●ne in his Rochet only, without cope or Uestment, preached in the Choir, and at after n●●ne he preached at Paul's Cross, the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and Crafts, in their best Liveries being present, which Sermon, tending to the setting forth the said late made Book of common Prayer, continued till almost five of the clock at night, so that the Mayor, Aldermen, and companies entered not into Paul's Church as had been accustomed, but departed home by Torchlight. By this Book of common Prayer, all Copes and Uestments were forbidden through England, and Prebends of Paul's left off their hoods, the Bishops left their Crosses, etc. as by an Act of Parliament more at large is set out. After the feast of all Saints, the upper queer in Saint Paul's Church in London where the high A●ltare stood, was broken down, and all the queer thereabout: and the table of the Communion was set in the lower queer, where the Priests sing. The three and twentieth of November, the children were First children in Christ's hospital taken into the hospital at the Grey Friars called Christ's Hospital, to the number of almost four hundred. And also s●eke and poor people into the Hospital of Saint Thomas in Southwark, in which two places, the children and poor people should have meat, drink, lodging, and cloth of the alms of the City. On Christmas day in the afternoon, when the Lord first show of the children in Christ's hospital. Maior and Aldermen road to Paul's, all the children of Christ's Hospital, stood in array from Saint Laurence Lane in Cheap toward Paul's, all in on livery of Russet Cotten, the men children with red Caps, the women children kerchiefs on their heads, all the Masters of the Hospital foremost: next them the Physicians and four Surgeons, and between every twenty children one woman keeper, which children were in number 340. The King kept his Christmas with open household at Lord of merry disports. Greenewiche, George Ferrer Gentleman of Lincoln's Inn, being Lord of the merry disports all the twelve days, who displeasantly and wisely behaved himself, that the King had great delight in his pastimes. On Monday the fourth of January, the said Lord of The Sheriffs ●. of Misrul●. merry disports came by water to London and landed at the Tower Wharf, entered the Tower, and then road through Tower street, where he was received by Vawce Lord of Misrule to john Maina●d one of the Sheriffs of London, and so conducted through the City with a great company of young Lords and Gentlemen to the house of sir George Barn Lord Mayor, where he with the chief of his company dined, and after had a great banquet, and at his departure, the Lord Mayor gave him a standing Cup with a cover of silver and guilt, of the vale ●●● of ten pound, for a reward, and also, set a Hogshead of 〈…〉, and a Barrel of Beer at his Gate, for his train that followed▪ him, the residue of his Gentlemen and s●rn aunts dined▪ at other Alderman's houses, and with the Sheriffs, and so departed to the Tower Wharf again, and to the Court by water, to the great commendation of the Mayor and Aldermen, and highly accepted of the King and Counaell. In the month of January, the King fell sick of a cough Anno reg. 7. at Whitehall, which grievously increased, and at the last, ended in a Consumption of the Lights. The first of March began a Parliament at Westminster, A Parliament. and all the Lords Spiritual and temporal assembled that day in the Whitehall in their Robes▪ where a Sermon was preached in the King's Chapel, by Doctor Ridley Bishop of of London, and his Majesty with divers Lords received the Communion▪ Which being done, the King with the Lords in order, went into the King's great Chamber 1553 on the King's side, which that day was prepared for the lords house: the King sitting under his clo●h of Estate, and all the Lords in their degrees, the Bishop of Ely Doctor Godrike Lord Chauncollor, made a Proposition for the king, which being ended, the Lords departed. This was done, because the King was sickly. The 〈…〉 after, the Burgesses sat in the Common house at Westminster, and chose for their Speaker, Maist●● Diar▪ one of the late made Sergeants at the law. The ●1. of March, being good Friday, the Parliament broke up, and was clearly dissolved at the kings Palace of White hall, at seven of the clock at night. The third of April▪ being Monday after Easter day, the children of Christ's Hospital in London▪ came from thence through the City to the Sermon kept at Saint Marie Spittle, all clothed in plonket coats, and red Caps, and the maiden children in the same livery, with kerchefs on their heads, all which with their matron and other 〈…〉 were there placed on a scaffold of eight Stages, and there sat the same time, which was a goodly show. The tenth of April the Lord Mayor of London was sent Bridewell given to the City of London. for to the Court at White hall, and there at that time, the King's Majesty gave to him for to be a w●rk● house for the ●●re and idle persons of the City of London▪ ●●●● 〈…〉 of Bridewell, and seven hundred mark land of the Savoy rents, with all the beds and bedding of the Hospital of the Savoy, towards the maintenance of the said workhouse of Bridewell. The eleventh of April the Lord Maior was presented to the King in his Palace of White hall at Westminster, and was made knight by his Majesty, and the same day the king removed in the afternoon to Greenewiche. In this month of April, and in May, commissions were jewels and Church plate called into the King's hands. directed through England's, for all the Church goods remaining in Cathedral and parish Churches, that is to say, Jewels of Gold and Silver, Crosses▪ Candlesticks, Sen●●●●, Chalices, and all other such like, with their ready money, to be delivered to the Master of the King's Jewels in the Tower of London, all Copes and Uestmentes of cloth of Gold, cloth of Tissewe, and Silver, to the Master of the king's Wardrobe in London, the other Coaps, Uestments, and ornaments to be sold, and the money to be delivered to the King's Treasurer, reserving to every Church, one Chalice or Cup, with Table clothes for the Communion board, at the discretion of the Commissioners. The twentieth of May, by the encouragement of one Sebastian Voyage to Moscovy . Cabotte, three great ships well furnished were set ●●●th for the adventure of the unknown voyage to Musco●●●, and other east parts by the North Seas, divers Merchants and other, being free of that voyage, yielded towards the charges of the some five and twenty pounds' apéece. ●●● George Barnes & 〈…〉 William Garrard being th● principal 〈…〉 there in. About the same time two other ships were sent seek adventures Southwards. Whiles King Edward lay dangerously sick, Lord Gilforde Three notable marriages at D●rham place. the Duke of northumberlands fourth son, married Lady lane the Duke of Suffolk's daughter, whose mother being then ali●e, was daughter to Mary King Henry's sister, which was first married to the French King, and after to Charles Duke of Suffolk. Also the Earl of Pembroke's eldest son married Lady Katherine, the said Duke's second daughter, and the Earl of Huntington's son, called Lord Hastings, married the Duke's youngest daughter. King Edward being about the age of sixetéene years ended King Edward deceased. his life at Greenwich on the sixth of July, when he had reigned six years five months, and odd days, and was buried at Westminster. He was in this his youth a Prince of such towardness, in virtue, learning, and all godly gifts, as seldom hath been see the like. The eight of July, the Lord Maior of London was sent King Edward's death opened. for to the Court, then at Greenwich, and to bring with him fi●e Aldermen, as many merchants of the Staple, an 〈…〉 many Merchant Adventurers, unto whom by the Council was se●●da●●y declared the death of King Edward, and also ho●e he had ordained for the succession of the Crown by his letters Patents, to the which they were sworn, and charged to keep it secret. The tenth of July, in the afternoon about three of th● Lady jane proclaimed Queen clock, Lady jane daughter to Francis Duchess of Suffolk, (〈…〉 Ian● was ma●●●●● to the Lord Gilford Dudley, fourth ●●nne to the Duke of Northumberlande) was con●●eyed by water to the Tower of London, and there received as Queen. After five of the clock the same afternoon, was proclamation made of the death of King Edward the ●●●th, and how he had ordained by his letters Patents, bearing ba●● the 〈…〉 and twentieth of June last passed, that the 〈…〉 jane, (as is afore said) should be heir to the Crown of England, and the heir males of her body, etc. The eleventh of July, Gilbert Pot, Drawer to Ninion Gilbert Pot punished in Cheap . Saunders Vintner, dwelling at Saint john's head within Ludgate, who was accused by the said Saunders his Master, was set on the Pillory in Cheap, with both his ears nailed, and clean cut off, for words speaking at time of the proclamation of Lady jane, at which execution was a Trumpet blown, and a Harrault read his offence, in presence of one of the Sheriffs, etc. About five of the clock the same day in the afternoon, Men drowned at Lon. bridge. Ninion Saunders, Master to the said Gilbert Pot, and john Owen a Gunner, coming from the Tower of London by water in a Whirrie, and shooting London bridge, towards the Black Friars, were drowned at Saint Mary Locke, and the Whirrie men saved by their Oars. The twelfth of July, word was brought to the Council, being then in the Tower with the Lady jane, that the Lady Marie, eldest daughter to King Henry the eight was at Keninghall Castle in Norfolk, and with her, the Earl of Bathe, sir Thomas Cornwallis and other, and also, that the Earl of Sussex, and Master Henry Ratcliff his son were ●●mmyng towards her: whereupon, by speedy Council it was there concluded, that the Duke of Suffolk with certain other Noblemen, should go towards the Lady Mary, to ●●●che her up to the Tower: this was first determined: but by night of the same day, the said voyage of the Duke of Suffolk was clean dissolved, by the special means of the Lady jane his daughter, who taking the matter heavily, with weeping tears, made request to the whole Council, that her father might ●arry at home in her company. whereupon the Council persuaded with the Duke of Northumberlande, to take that voyage upon him, saying, that no man 〈…〉 so ●●t therefore, because that he had achieved the victory in Norfolk once already, and was therefore so feared, 〈…〉 none durst once li●●e up their weapon against him: be 〈…〉 that, he was the best man of war in the Realm, as well for the ordering of his Camps and Souldicures; both in battle and in their tents, as also by experience, knowledge and wisdom, he could both animate his army with witty persuasions, and also pacify and allay his enemies pride with his stout courage, or else to dissuade them if need were from their enterprise▪ Finally, said they, this is the short and long, the Queen will in no wise grant, that her father shall take it upon him: wherefore (quoth they) we think it good, if it may please your Grace, it lieth in you to remedy the matter. Well quoth the Duke then, since ye think it good, I and mine will go, not doubting of your fidelity to the queens Majesty, which now I leave in your custody: so that night he sent for both Lords, Knights, and other that should go with him, and caused all things to be prepared accordingly: then went the Council in to the Lady jane, and told her of their conclusion, who humbly thanked the Duke for reserving her father at home, and beseeched him to use his diligence, whereto he answered, that he would do what in him lay. The morrow following, great preparation was made, the Duke early in the morning called for his own harness, and saw it made ready at Durham place, where he appointed all his retinue to meet. The same day Cartes were laden with Munition and Artillery, and field pieces were set forward. The same forenoon the Duke moved eft 'zounds the Counsel to send their powers after him, as it was before determined, the same to meet with him at New Market, and they promised they would. He said further to some of them: My Lords, I and these other noble Personages, with the whole army that now go forth, as well for the behalf of you and yours, as for the establishing of the queens highness, shall not only adventure our bodies and lives amongst the bloody strokes and cruel 〈◊〉 of our adversaries in the open fields, but also we do leave the conservation of ourselves, children, & families at home here with you, as altogether committed to your truth and fidelities, whom, if we thought ye would through malice, conspiracy, or dissension leave us your friends in the Briars and betray us, we could as well sundry ways foresee and provide for our own safeguards, ●● any of you, by betraying us, can do for yours. But now upon the only trust and faithfulness of your honours, whereof we think ourselves most assured, we do hazard our lives, which trust and promise if ye shall violate, hoping thereby of life and promotion, yet shall not God count you innocent of our bloods, neither acquit you of the sacred and holy oath of allegiance made freely by you to this virtuous Lady the queens highness, who by your and our enficement is rather of force placed there●●, than by her ownséeking and request. Consider also, that God's cause, which is the preferment of his word, and ●●a●e of Papists entrance, hath been (as ye have here before always laid) the original ground whereupon ye ●●en at the first motion granted your goodwills and con●●●ts thereunto, as by your hands writing appeareth, and ●●inke not the contrary, but if ye mean deceit, thoughts not forthwith, yet hereafter God will revenge the same. I can say no more, but in this trouble some time wish you to use constant hearts, abandoning all malice, envy, and private affections: and therewithal the first course for the Lords came up, wherefore the Duke shut up his talk with these words, I ha●e not spoken to you in this sort ●ppon any mistrust I have of your trueth●, of which always I have ever hitherto conceived a trusty confidence, but I have put you in remembrance thereof what chance of variance so ever might grow amongst you in mine absence, and this I pray you, wish me not worse good speed in this journey, than ye would have to yourselves. My Lord, saith one of them, if ye mistrust any of us in this matter, your Grace is far deceived, for which of us can wash his hands clean thereof? and if we should shrink from you as from one that were culpable, which of us can excuse himself to be guiltless? therefore herein your doubt is too far cast. I pray God it be (quoth the Duke:) let us go to dinner: and so they sat down. After dinner the Duke went in to the Queen, where his Commission was by that time sealed, for his Lieutenantshippe of the army, and then took his leave of her, and so did certain other Lords also. Then as the Duke came through the Council Chamber, he took his leave of the Earl of Arundale, who prayed God be with his Grace, saying, he was sorry it was not his chance to go with him and bear him company, in whose presence he could find in his heart to spend his blood even at his feet: then the Earl of Arundale took Thomas Lovel the Duke's boy by the hand, and said, farewell gentle Thomas with all my heart. Then the Duke, with the L. Marquis of Northampton, the Lord Grey, and divers other, took their Barge, and went to Dirham place, and t● White hall, where that night they mustered their men: and the next day in the morning the Duke departed with the number of 600. men, or there abouts. And as they road through Shordi●che, saith the Duke to the Lord Grey, the people press to see us, but not one sayeth God speed us. The same day sir john Gates and other went out a●●●● the Duke. By this time word was brought to the Tower, that the Lady Mariae was ●●ed to Framing●a● Castle in Suffolk▪ where the people of the Country almost wholly resorted to h●●: ● that ●●● Edmond Pec●am, sir Edward Hastings, and the Lor● Windsor, with other●; were 〈◊〉 Queen Marie ●● B●ckinghamshire, sir john Williams in Oxfordshire etc. About this time, six ships well manned, that were apppointed to lie before Yarmouth, and to have taken the Lady Mary if she had fled that way, were by force of weather driven into the Haven, where one Master jernigham was raising power on the Lady Maries behalf, who hearing thereof, came thither, whereupon the Captains took a boat and went to the Ships, but the Sailors and soldiers asked Master jernigham what he would have, and whether he would have their Captains or no, and he said yea, Marry said they, ye shall have them or we will throw them into the bottom of the Sea, but the Captains said forthwith, that they would serve Queen Mary willingly, and so brought forth their men, and conveyed with them their great ordinance: Of the coming of these Ships the Lady Mary was wonderful joyous, and afterward doubted little the Duke's puissance: but when news thereof was brought to the Tower, each man there began to draw backward, and over that, word of a greater mischief was brought to the Tower, that is to say, that the noblemen's tenants refused to serve their Lords against Queen Marie. The Duke thought long for his succours, and wrote somewhat sharply to the council at the Tower, in that behalf, as well for lack of men as of munition, but a slender answer had he again: And from that time forward, certain of the Council, to weet, the Earl of Pembroke, and sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden, and other, sought to get out of the Tower to consult in London, but could not yet. The sixetéenth of july, being Sunday, Doctor Ridley Bishop of London, by commandment of the Council, preached at Paul's Cross, where he vehemently persuaded the people in the title of the Lady jane, late proclaimed Queen, ●nd inveighed earnestly against the title of Lady Mary, etc. The same sixetéenth of july, the Lord Treasurer was ●●ne out of the Tower to his house in London at night, and ●●rthwith about seven of the clock the Gates of the Tower upon a sudden were shut up, and the keys borne up to the Lady jane, which was for fear of some packing in the Lord Treasurer, but he was fetched again to the Tower, about twelve of the clock in the night. The xviij. day, the Duke perceiving, that the succours promised came not to him, and also, receiving from some of the Council Letters of discomfort, he returned from Bury back again to Cambridge. The ninetéenth of July, the Counsel, partly moved with the right of the Lady Maries cause, partly considering, that the most of the realm, was wholly bend on her side, changed their minds and assembled themselves at Bainard● castle, where they communed with the Earl of Pembroke, and immediately with the Mayor of London, certain Aldermen, the Sheriffs, Garter King at Arms, and a Trumpet, came into Cheap, where they proclaimed the Lady Mary daughter to King Henry the eight, and Queen Katherine, Queen of England, France and Ireland Dofendor of the Faith, etc. and the same night the Earl of Arundele & the Lord Paget road in post to Queen Mary. The xx. of July, john D. of Northumberlande, having sure knowledge, th● the Lady Mary was by the nobility & others of the Council remaining at London proclaimed Queen: about five of the clock the same night, he with such other of the Nobility as were in his company, came to the Market Cross, and calling for an Harrault, himself proclaimed Queen Mary, and among other he threw up hy● own Cap, and within an hour after he had Letters from the Council (as he said) that he should forthwith dismiss his army, and not to come within ten miles of London▪ fo● if he did, they would fight with him, the rumour where was no sooner abroad, but every man departed. And shortly after, the Duke was arrested in the King's College 〈…〉 one Master Slegge Sergeant at Arms. At the last, letters were brought from the Council at London, that all 〈…〉 should go each his way: Whereupon the Duke said 〈…〉 them that kept him, ye do me wrong to withdraw my liberty, see you not the Counsels letters without exception, that all men should go whither they would. At which words, they that kept him and the other Noblemen, seat them at liberty, and so continued they for that night, insomuch, that the Earl of Warwick was ready in the morning to have road away, but then came the Earl of Arundel from the Queen to the Duke into his Chamber, who went out to meet him, & as soon as he saw the Earl of Arundale, he fell on his knees, & desired him to be good to him for the love of God, consider (saith he) I have done nothing but by the consents of you and all the whole Council: My Lord (quoth the Earl of Arundale) I am sent hither by the queens Majesty, and in her name I do arreast you, and I obey it my Lord (quoth he) I beseech you my Lord of Arundale (quoth the Duke) use mercy towards me, knowing the case as it is, my Lord (quoth the Earl) ye should have sought for mercy sooner, I must do according to my commandment, and therewith he committed the charge of him, and of other to the Guard and Gentlemen that stood by. The xxv. of July, the Duke with other were brought up to the Tower of London, under the conduct of Henry Earl of Arundale, and thus was the matter ended without bloodshed, which men feared would have brought the death of many thousands. ¶ Queen Mary. portrait of Queen Mary Marry, the eldest daughter of King Henry the eight, began Anno reg. 1. her reign the sixth of July, in the year 1553. when she dissolved her camp at Framingham, which was to the number of thirty thousand men, the Earl of Sussex being Lieutenant of the army, victuals were of such plenty, that a Barrel of Beer was sold for six pence with the Cask, and four great loaves of bread for a penny. afterward, being accompanied with a goodly band of Noblemennes, Gentlemen and Commoners, gathered out of all parts of the Realm, she came to London and entered the City through Aldgate, up to Leaden hall, then down Grass street, Fenchurche street, mart Lane, Tower street, and so into the Tower the third day of August, where Thomas Duke of Norfolk, doctor Gardener late bishop Prisoners pardoned. of Winchester, and Edward Courtney son and heir to Henry Marque● of Excester▪ prisoners in the 〈…〉, kneeling ●●● the hill within the sa●● ●ower▪ were pardoned and discharged. The fifth of August, Edmond Bonner late bishop of London▪ prisoner in the Marshalsea, and Cutbe●t Townhall the old Bishop of Durham prisoner in the King's bench, had their pardons▪ and were restored to their Seas. shortly after all the Bishops which had been deprived in the time of king Edward the sixth, were restored to their bishoprics, and the other which were placed in King Edward's time, removed: Bishops restored and other displaced. also all beneficed men that were married, or would not forsake their opinion, were put out of their livings, and other known to be ●● the contrary part, were set in th● same, especially if any were alive▪ that had of late been put out of the same, as Bishop Day of Chichester, Heath of Worcest: etc. The 9 of August in the afternoon, the Queen held an Obsequy in the Tower for King Edward, the Dirge being sung in Latin, & on the morrow a Mass of Requiem, whereal Burial of King Edward. the Queen with her Ladies offered. The same day the corpse of King Edward was buried at Westminster, the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Pembroke, and the Earl of Shrewsburie being chief Mourners, with divers other Noblemen and other. Doctor Day▪ Bishop of Chichester preached at the said burial, and all the service with a Communion was in English. The 11. of August certain Gentlemen minding to pass Men drowne● at London bridge. under London bridge in a Whyrrie, were there overturned, and seven of them drowned, one was Master T. Bridges ●onne. The 13. of August Master Bourne a canon of Paul's, preaching at Paul's Cross▪ not only prayed for the dead, but also declared, that Doctor Bonner bishop of London (late restored, and therein presence) for a Sermon by him 〈…〉 in the same place, upon the same Gospel, was about four years ●●uce, unjustly cast into the vile prison of the Marshalsea, and there kept during the reign of King Edward, which saying so offended some of the audience, that they breaking silence, said the Bishop had preached abomination, other some cried (meaning of the Preacher) pull him out, pull him out, and some being near the Pulpit, began to climb, wherewith the Preacher stepped back, and one Master Bradforde, a Preacher of King Edward's time, stepped into his place, and gently persuaded the audience to quietness and obedience, alleging Saint Paul to the Romans: Let every soul submit himself to the authority of the higher powers, etc. nevertheless Master Bourne standing by Master Bradford, one threw a Dagger at him, which hit a side post of the Pulpit, and A Dagger thrown at the Preacher. rebounded back again a great way, where upon Master Bradford broke off his speech, and forced himself with the help of john Rogers, an other Preacher, to convey Master Bourne out of the audience, which with great labour they brought into Paul's School. The xviij. of August john Dudley Duke of Northumberlande, William Parr Marquis of Northampton, and the Earl of Warwick son and heir to the Duke, were arraigned at Westminster hall before Thomas Duke of Norfolk, high Steward of England, where the Duke of Northumberland with great reverence towards the Judges, protested his faith and allegiance to the Queen, whom he confessed grievously to have offended, and said, that he meant not to speak any thing in defence of his tact, but requested to understand the opinion of the Court in two points: First▪ whether ● man doing any act by authority of the Prince's Council, and by warrant of the great Seal of England, and doing nothing without the same, might be charged with Treason for any thing which he might do by warrant thereof: Secondly, whether any such persons as were equally culpable in that crime, and those, by whose letters and commandments he was directed in all his doings, might be his Judges, or pass upon his trial as his Peers. Whereunto was answered, that as conncerning the first, the great Seat, (which he laid for his warrant)▪ was not the Séale of the lawful Queen of the Realm) nor passed by authority, but the Seal of an Usurper, and therefore could be no warrant to him. As to the second, it was alleged, that if any were as deeply to be touched in that case as himself, yet so long as no attainder were of record against them, they were never the less persons able in Law to pass upon any trial, and not to be challenged therefore, but at the Prince's pleasure. After which answer, the Duke used few words, but confessed the indictment, by whose example▪ the other prisoners arraigned with him did the like, and thereupon had judgement. And when judgement was given▪ the Duke said, I beseech you my Lords all to be humble futers to the queens Majesty, and to grant me four requests, which are these▪ ●yr●●● that I may have that death which Noble 〈…〉 have had in times passed, and not the other▪ Secondartly, that her Majesty will be gracious to my children, which may hereafter do good service, considering, that they went by my commandment, who am their father, and not of their own tree wills. thirdly, that I may have appointed to me some learned man for the instruction and quiet of my conscience. And fourthly, that she will send two of the Council, to commune with me, to whom I will declare such matters as shall be expedient for her, and the common weal: and thus I beseech you all to pray for me. On the ninetéenth of August were arraigned at Westminster, sir john Gates, sir Henry Gates, sir Andrew Dudley, and sir Thomas Palmer, where, without any Quest they pleaded guilty, & submitted themselves to the queens mercy, and so had judgement. There of August Doctdure Watson Chaplain to the Bishop of Winchester preached at Paul's Cross, by the Quéen● appointment, and for fear of the like ●un●●lie, as had been the Sunday last paste, certain Lords of the Counsel repaired to the Sermon, as the Lord treasurer, the Lord privy Seal, the Earl of bedford the Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Bliche, and sir Honrie Ge●o●g●● captain of the Guard, with two hundred of the Guard, which food about the Preacher with Halberds. Also the Mayor ●●d warned the Companies of the City's Preacher at Paul's Cross guarded. be present in their Ly●●eries▪ which was well accepted of the queens Counc●●l, and the Sermon▪ was quietly ended. The xxij. of August john Duke of Northumberlande was beheaded on the Tower hill, whose body with the head was buried in the 〈…〉▪ by the body of Edward late Duke of Somerset, ●o that there lieth before the high Aultare ●w● Dukes between two Queens, to wéere▪ the Duke of 〈…〉, and the Duke of Northumberlande, between Queen Anne, and Queen Katherine, all four beheaded▪ At the same time and place also, was likewise beheaded sir john Gates, Sir john Gates and sir Thomas Palmer beheaded. and sir Thomas Palmer, which sir john Gates in that place used few words, but laid down his hea● without an●● kerchef, and had the same st●●●en off at three blows. Sir Thomas Palmer, as loon as he came to the Staffolde, took every man by the hand, and desired them to pray for him: then putting off his gown, he leaned upon the east rail, and said these words in effect: My Masters (quoth he) God save 〈…〉▪ it is ●ot 〈…〉 ●●●o you wherefore I come hither, which I have worthily well defecated at God's hands, for I know it to be h●● divine ordinance, by this means to call me to his mercy, and to teach me to know mys●tre, what I am, and whereunto we are all subject: I thanks his merciful goodness, for he hath caused me to learn more in one little dark corne● 〈…〉 〈…〉▪ than ever I learned by any travel in so many places as I have been, for there (I say) I have seen God, what he is, and how unsearchable his wondrous works are, and how infinite his mercies be: I have seen there myself thoroughly, and what I am, nothing but a lump of sin, earth, dust, and of all vileness most vilest: I have seen there and know what the world is, how deign, deceitful, transitory, and short it is, how wicked and loathsome the works thereof are in the sight of God's Majesty, how he neither regardeth she man●ees of the proud men and mighty ones, neither despiseth the humbleness of the poor and lowly which are i● the same world: Finally, I have seen there what death is, how near hanging over every man's head, and yet how uncertain the time, and how unknown to all men, and how little it is to be feared: and should I fear death? or be sad therefore? have I not seen two dye before mine eyes? yea, and within the hearing of mine ears? no, neither the sprinkling of the blood, or the shedding thereof, nor the bloody Axe itself shall make me afraid: and now taking my leave to the same, I pray you all to pray for me: come on good fellow (quoth he) art thou he that must do the deed? I forgive thee with all my heart, and then kneeled down, laying his head on the block, said, I will see how meet the 〈…〉 is for my neck, I pray thee strike not yet, for I have a few prayers to say, and that done, strike on God's name, good leave have thou: his Prayers ended, and desiring each man to pray for him, he laid down his head again, and so the executioner took it from him at one stroke. The twenty-three. of August, the Queen delivered the great New Lord Chancellor. Seal to Doctor Gardener Bishop of Winchester, and made him Lord Chancellor. The xxvij. of August, the service began in Latin to be Latin service. song in Paul's Church in London. The xxuj. of August in the evening, the notablest Ship Great Harry a Ship brent. in England called the great Harry, was brent at Wolwich by negligence of the Mariners, she was of burden a M. tun. The ●● of September, the Queen demanded a priest of ● priest to the Queen. City of London of twenty M. pound, to be repaid again within fourteen days after Michaelmas next following, which sum was levied of the Aldermen, & 120. commoners. The third of September, Edward Courtney was created Earl of Devonshire created. Earl of Devonshire at Richmond. The iiij. of September, was proclaimed certain new coins of gold and silver, a Sovereign of gold of thirty. s, the New Coins. half Sovereign xv. s, an Angel of x. s, the half Angel v. s. Of silner the groat, half groat, and penny. All base coins to be currant as before. Also the same day by Proclamation, was pardoned the Subsidy of iiij. s. the pound Landes, Subsedie pardoned. and two shillings eyghtpence the pound of movable goods, granted in the last Parliament of King Edward the sixth. The fourteenth and fifteenth of September, Master Latimer and Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, were sent to the Tower of London. Thomas Offeley: William Huette, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. The xxvij. of September, Q. Mary came to the Tower by water, accompanied with that Lady Elizabeth her sister, & other Ladies, before whose arrival was shot a great peal of guns. The last of September, Queen Mary road through the City of London towards Westminster, sitting in a Charryot▪ Coronation. of cloth of Tissue, drawn with six Horses, all trapped with the like cloth of Tissue. She sat in a gown of purple▪ Velvet, furred with poweered Grmin, having on her head a call of cloth of tinsel, beset with pearl and stone, & above the same upon her head, a round circlet of gold, beset so richly with precious stones, that the value there of was inestimable, the same call and circle being so massy & p●derous, that she was fain to bear up her head with her hand, and the Canapy was borne over her Chariot. Before her road a number of Gentlemen & Knights, than Judges, than Doctors, than Bishops, th' Lords, then the Counsel; after whom followed th● knights of the Bath in their robes, the Bishop of Winchester ●. Chancellor, & the Marquis of Winchester L. high Treasurer, next came the D. of Norfolk, and after him the Earl of Oxford, who bare the sword before her, the Mayor of London in a gown of Crimson Velvet bore the Sceptre of gold etc. after the queens Chariot, Sir Ed. Hastings led her horse in his hand: then came another Chariot, having a covering all of cloth of silver all white, & vj. horses trapped with she like, therein sat the Lady Elizabeth, and the Lady Anne of Cleve, than Ladies & Gentlewomen riding on horses trapped with red velvet, and their gowns and kirs●es likewise of red velvet: after them followed two other Chariots covered with red satin, and the horses betrapped with the same, & certain Gentlewomen between every of the said Chariots riding in Crimson satin, their horses betrapped with the same, the number of the Gentlewomen so riding were xluj. besides them in the Chariots. At Fenchurch was a costly Pageant made by the Genewayes: at Grassechurch corner there was another Pageant made by the Easterlings. At the upper end of Grassestr●ete there was another Pageant made by the Florentines very high, on the top whereof there stood iiij. pictures, and in she midst of them and most highest, there stood an Angel all in green, with a Trumpet in his hand, and when the trumpeter who stood secretly in the pageant did sound his tromp, the Angel did put his tr●mp to his mouth as though it had been the same that had sounded, to the great marveling of many ignorant persons: this Pageant was made with iij. thorough fairs or gates etc. The Conduit in Cornhill ran wine, and beneath th● Conduit a Pageant made at the charges of the City, and another at the great Conduit in Cheap, and a fountain by it running wine. The Standard in Cheap new painted, with the Waits of the City aloft thereof playing. The Cross in Cheap new washed & burnished. One other Pageant at the little Conduit in Cheap next to Paul's made by the City, where the Aldermen stood, and when the Queen came against them, the Recorder made a short proposition to her, and then the Chamberlain presented to her in the name of the Mayor and the City, a ●●r●● of cloth of gold, and ● thousand marlies of ●●l●in it: then she road forth, and in Paul's Churchyard against the School, one Master Heywod sat in a Pageant under a vine, and made to her an Oration in Latin and English. Then was there one Peter a Dutchman stood on the weathercock of Paul's steeple, holding a streamer in his hand of five yards long, and waning thereof, stood sometime on the one foot, and shook the other, and then kneeled on his knees, to the great marvel of all people. He had made two Scaffolds under him, one above the cross, having torches and streamers set on it, and one other over the bowl of the cross, likewise set with streamers and torches, which could not burn, the wind was so great: the said Peter had sixteen pound thirteen shillings fourpence given him by the City for his costs and pains, and all his stuff. Then was there a Pageant made against the Dean of Paul's gate, where the Choristers of Paul's played on Uials, and song. Ludgate was newly repaired, painted, and richly hanged, with minstrels, playing and singing there▪ then was there another Pageant at the Conduit in Fléetestréete, and the Temple bar was newly painted and hanged. And thus she passed to White hall at Westminster, where she took her leave of the Lord Maior, giving him great thanks for his pains, and the City for their cost, On the morrow, which was the first day of October, the Queen went by water to the old Palace, and there remained till about eleven of the clock, and then went on foot upon blue cloth, being railed on either side, unto Saint Peter's Church, where she was solemnly crowned and a▪ nointed by the Bishop of Winchester, which Coronation and other ceremonies and solemnities than used according to the old custom, was not fully ended till it was nigh four of the clock at night that she returned from the Church, before whom was then borne three swords sheathed, and one naked. The great service that day done in Westminster hall at dinner by divers noblemen, would ask long time to write. The Lord Maior. of London and twelve Citizens kept the high Cupboard of plate as Butlers, and the Quéen● gave to the Mayor for his fee a cup of gold with a cover weighing seventeen ounces. The fifth of October, the Parliament began at Westminster. Parliament. The five and twenty day of October, the Barge of graves end, a Catch running upon her, was overturned, and fourteen graves end Barge overturned. persons drowned, and sixteen saved by swimming. Sir Thomas White Merchant Taylor, the 28. of October. Maior. This Sir Thomas White, a worthy patron and protector of poor Scholars and learning, renewed or rather erected a Charitable deeds of Sir Tho. White. College in Oxford, now called Saint john's College, before Bernard College. He also erected Schools at Bristol and Reading. Moreover, this worshipful Citizen in his life time gave to the City of Bristol two thousand pounds of ready money to purchase lands to the yearly value of 120. pound, for the which it is decreed, that the Mayor, burgesses and commonalty of Bristol, in Anno. 1567. and so yearly during the term of ten years then next ensuing, should cause to be paid at Bristol, one hundred pound of lawful money. The first 800. pound to be lent to sixteen poor young men Clothiers, and free men of the same Town, for the space of ten years, fifty pound the piece of them, putting sufficient sureties for the same, and at the end of ten years, to be lent to other sixteen, at the discretion of the Mayor, Aldermen, and four of the common Counsel of the said City. The other two hundred pound to be employed in the provision of Corn, for the relief of the poor of the same City, for their ready money, without gain to be taken. And after the end of ten years on the feast day of Saint Barthelmew, which shall be in Anno. 1577. at the Merchant tailors Hall in London, unto the Mayor and commonalty of the City of York, or to their Attorney authorized, an hundred and four pound, to be lent unto four young men of the said City of York, fréemen and inhabitants, (Clothiers always to be preferred,) viz. to every of them five and twenty pound, to have and occupy the same for the term of ten years, without paying any thing for the loan, the four pound overplus of the 104. pound, at the pleasure of the Mayor and commonalty for their pains to be taken about the rescepts and payments of the said 100 pound. The like order in all points is taken for the delivery of 104. pound in the year 1578. to the City of Canterbury. In the year 1579. to Reading 1580. to the company of the Merchant tailors 1581. to Gloucester 1582. to Worcester, 1583. to Excester, 1584. to Sal●sburie, 1585. to Westchester, 1586. to Norwich, 1587. to southhampton, 1588. to Lincoln, 1589. to Winchester, 1590. to Oxford, 1591. to Heriford East 1592. to Cambridge, 1593. to Shrewsburie, 1594. to Lin, 1595. to Bathe, 1596. to Derby, 1597. to Ipswich, 1598. to Colchester, 1599 to Newcastle. And then to begin again at Bristol one 140. pound, the next year to the City of York, and so forth to every of the said Cities and Towns, in the like order as afore, and thus to continue for ever, as in the indentures tripartite, more plainly may appear. Cardinal Poole, who had long time been forth from this Cardinal Poole. Realm, and now in great estimation in the Court of Rome, was sent for by Queen Mary to return into his Country of England. The third of November, the weathercock of Paul's was set up, which cock weighed forty pound, his length Weathercock of Paul's. from the bill to the tail was four foot, and his breadth over the wings three foot and a half, the which cock being of copper, was over gilt. The thirteenth of November, Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Lady jane that was before proclaimed Queen, and the Lord Guildford her husband, were arraigned at the Guild hall of London, and condemned of Treason. The Parliament was dissolved on the sixth of December. And on the one and twentieth of December, began Latin service in the Church. throughout England the Church service to be done in Latin, as was enacted by the last parliament, and as the same had been left in the last year of King Henry the eight. In the beginning of the month of January, the Emperor sent a noble man called Ecmondane, and certain other Ambassadors into England, to conclude a marriage between King Philip his son, and Queen Mary of England. The fourteenth of January, D. Stephen Gardener Bishop of Winchester, Lord Chancellor of England, in the Chamber of presence at Westminster, made to the Lords, Nobility, and Gentlemen, an Oration very eloquent, wherein he declared that the queens Majesty, partly for amity, and other weighty considerations had, after much suit on the Emperors and Prince of Spain's behalf made, determined by the consent of the Counsel and Nobility, to match herself with the said Prince in most godly and lawful matrimony, and declared further, that she should have for her jointer thirty thousand Ducats by the year, with all the low Country of Flanders, and that the issue (if there happened any) between them two lawfully begotten, should be heir as well to the Kingdom of Spain, as also to the said low Country. He said therefore that they were all bound to thank GOD that so noble, worthy, and famous a Prince would vouchsafe so to humble himself as in this marriage to take upon him rather as a Subject, than otherwise, for the Queen and her Counsel should rule all things as ●●e did before, and that there should be of the Counsel no Stranger, neither to have the custody of any Forts or Castles etc. nor bear any rule or office in ●he queens house, or elsewhere in all England, with ●yuers other Articles there by him rehearsed, where●●e he said the queens pleasure and request was, ●●at like good Subjects for her sake, they would most ●●●inglye receive him with reverence, joy, and honour. The next day, the Lord Mayor of London, with his brethren the Aldermen, were sent for to the Court, and to bring with them forty of the head commoners of the City, unto whom before the Counsel, the Lord Chancellor made the like Oration, desiring them to behave themselves like good subjects with all humbleness and rejoicing. The purpose of this marriage was so grievously taken of divers men, that for this and for Religion, they in such Conspiracy. sort conspired against the Queen, that if the matter had not broken out before the time by them appointed; men thought it would have brought much trouble and danger. The xxv. of January, Sir john Gage, Lord chamberlain, certified the Lord Mayor of London, that Sir Thomas Commotion in Kent by Sir Thomas Wiat Wyatt with certain other Rebels were up in Kent about Maydestone, whereupon, great watch was kept, and that night the Lord Maior road about to peruse the same, and every night after two Aldermen did the like: in the day time the gates of the City were warded by substantial Citizens. The xxvij. of January, the Lord Treasurer came to the Guild hall from the Counsel, to request the Citizens to prepare five hundred footmen well harnessed, to go against Wyatt, which was granted, and made ready the same night, and on the morrow were delivered to their Captains, and sent to Gravesend by water. The xxix. of January, the Duke of Norfolk, with the Captain of the Guard, and other soldiers, The Duke of Norfolk sent against Wyatt. and the Captain and Soldiers that were sent from London, minded to assault Rochester castle, where Wyatt and his people lay, but before the setting forward of these Wyatt strengthened with the Queen's Ordinance. men, the Duke sent Master Nory an Herald unto Rochester with the queens Proclamation of pardon to all such as would desist from their purpose, who coming to the bridge, would have gone through into the City, but they that kept the bridge would not suffer him till that the Captain came, who at the last granted the same to be read ●● the City, but holding a Dag against him, cried speak●● softly, or else they would shoot him thorough, so that they would not suffer the people to hear the Proclamation, which being ended, each man cried they had done nothing wherefore they should need any pardon, and in that quarrel which they had taken in hand, they would live and die: nevertheless at the last Sir George Harper received the pardon outwardly, and being received under the Duke of Norffolkes' protection, came on forward against the Kentishmen, and even as the company were set in a readiness, and marched forward toward the Bridge, Brette being Captain of the five hundred Londoners, of which, the more part were in the forward, turned himself about, and drawing out his sword, said these or like words: Masters, we go about to fight against our native Countrymen of England and our friends, in a quarrel unrightful, and partly wicked, for they considering the great and manifold miseries which are like to fall upon us, if we shall be under the rule of the proud Spaniards, are here assembled to make resistance of their coming, for the avoiding of so great mischiefs and inconveniences likely to light, not only upon themselves, but on every of us and the whole Realm, wherefore I think no English heart ought to say against them, much less by fight to withstand them, and therefore I and others (meaning such as were in that rank with him) will spend our blood in the quarrel of this worthy Captain Master Wyatt, and other Gentlemen here assembled: which words once pronounced, each man turned their Ordinance against their followers, and thereupon cried a Wyatt a Wyatt, of which sudden noise, the Duke, the Captain of the Guard, and other being abashed, fled forthwith: immediately came in Master Wyatt and his company on horseback, rushing in amongst as well the Guard as the Londoners, and said, so many as will come and tarry with us, shall be welcome, and so many as will depart, good leave have they, and so ●ll the Londoners, part of the Guard, and more than three ●artes of the retinue, went to the Camp of the Kentishmen, where they still remained. At this discomfiture, the Duke lost eight pieces of brass, with all other munition and Ordinance, and himself with few other hardly escaped. The last of January, Wyatt and his company came to Dertforde, and the next day they came full and whole to Greenwich and Depeford, where they remained Thursday, Friday, and the foorenone of Saturday. On the Friday which was Candlemas day, the most part of the householders of London, with the Mayor and Aldermen were in harness, yea this day and other days the Justices, Sergeants at the Law, and other Lawyers, pleaded in harness. In this mean time, Henry Duke of Suffolk, Father to the Lady jane, fleeing into Leycestershire and Warwikeshire with a small company, in divers places as he went made Proclamation against the queens marriage with the Prince of Spain etc. but the people inclined not to him. The first of February, Proclamation was made at London, that the Duke of Suffolk was discomfited, and fled with his two brethren. And also, that Sir Peter Carow, with his uncle Sir Gavin Carow and Gibbes, were fled into France, and further, that the Queen did pardon the whole Camp of the Kentishmen except Wyatt, Harper, Rudstone, and Iseley, and that who soever could take Sir Thomas Wyatt, except the said four persons, should have an hundred pound Lands to him and his heirs for ever. The same day in the afternoon being Candlemas even, the commons of the City assembled in their Liveries at the Guild hall, whether the Queen with her Lords and Ladies came Queen Mary came to the Guild hall in London. riding from Westminster, and there after vehement words against Wyatt, declared that she meant not otherwise to marry, than the Counsel should think both honourable and commodious to the Realm, and that she could continue unmarried, as she had done the greatest part of her age, and therefore willed them truly to assist her in repressing such as contrary to their duties rebelled. When she had done, understanding that many in London did favour Wyat's part, she appointed Lord William Howard Lieutenant of Lord William Howard Lieutenant of the City. the City, and the Earl of Pembroke General of the Field, which both prepared all things necessary for their purpose. In the mean season, to weet, the third day of February, Wyatt came into Southwark. about three of the clock in the after noon, Sir Thomas Wyatt and the Kentishmen marched forward from Depeford towards London with five Ancients, being by estimation about two thousand, which their coming so soon as it was perceived, there was shot off out of the white Tower six or eight shot, but miss them, sometime shooting over, and sometime short. After knowledge thereof once had in London, forth with the Draw Bridge was cut down, and the Bridge Gates shut. The Mayor and Sheriffs harnessed, commanded each man to shut in their shops and windows, and to be ready harnessed at their doors, what chance soever might happen. By this time was Wyatt entered into Kentstreete, and so by Saint George's Church into Southwark. Himself and part of his company came in good array down Barmondsey street, and they were suffered peaceably to enter Southwark without repulse, or any stroke stricken, either by the inhabitants, or of any other: yet was there many men of the Country in the Inns, raised and brought thither by the Lord William and other, to have gone against the said Wyatt, but they all joined themselves to the Kentishmen, and the inhabitants with their best entertained them. Immediately upon the said Wyat's coming, he made Proclamation that no soldier should take any thing, but that he should pay for it, and that his coming was to resist the Spanish King. etc. At the Bridge foot he laid two pieces of Ordinance, and began a great trench between the Bridge and him. He laid one other piece of Ordinance of saint Georges, and one going into Bermondsey street, and one other toward the Bishop of Winchester's house. On shrove Tuesday the sixth of February, Sir Thomas Wyatt removed out of Southwark, toward Kingston Bridge, which was done upon this occasion. The night before his departing out of Southwark, by chance as one Wyatt removed out of Southwark. of the Lieutenant's men of the Tower named Thomas Menchen rowed with a Sculler over against the Bishop of Winchester's place, there was a waterman of the Tower stair, desired the said Lieutenant's man to take him in, who did so, which being espied of Wyat's men, seven of them with Harguebusses, called to them to land again, but they would not, whereupon, each man discharged their piece, and killed the said waterman, which forthwith falling down dead, the Sculler with much pain rowed through the Bridge to the Tower wharf with the Lieutenant's man, and the dead man in his boat, which thing was no sooner known to the Lieutenant, but that even the same night, and the next morning, he bent seven great pieces of Ordinance Euluerings, and Demi-Canons, full against the foot of the Bridge, and against Southwark, and the two Stéeples of Saint Olives, and Saint Mary Oueryes, besides all the pieces on the white Tower, one culvering on Diveling Tower, and three Fauconets over the Water gate, which so soon as the inhabitants of Southwark understood, certain both men and women came to Wyatt in most lamentable wise, saying, Sir, we are all like to be utterly undone and destroyed for your sake, our houses shall by and by be thrown down upon our heads, to the utter spoil of this Borough, with the shot of the Tower, all ready bent and charged towards us, for the love of God therefore take pity upon us: at which words he being partly abashed, stayed awhile, and then said: I pray you my friends be content a while, and I will soon ease you of this mischief, for God forbidden that you or the least here should be killed or hurt in my behalf. And so in most speedy manner he marched away. As he marched towards Kingston, he met by chance a Merchant Wiat marched towards Kingston. named Christopher dorel, whom he called, saying, cozen dorel I pray you commend me unto your Citizens the Londoners, and say unto them from me, that when liberty and freedom was offered them, they would not receive it, neither would they admit me to enter within their Gates, who for their freedom, and the disburdening of their griefs, and oppression by Strangers, would have frankly spent my blond in that their cause and quarrel, but now well appeareth their unthankfulness to us their friends which meaneth them so much good, and therefore they are the less to be moaned hereafter, when the miserable tyranny of Strangers shall oppress them, and so he went forward. This day by night he came to Kingston, where the Bridge was broken, and kept on the other side by two hundredth men, wherefore Wyatt caused a two pieces of Ordinance to be laid on the end of the Bridge, which so feared them on the other side, that they durst not abide, than caused he three or four of his Soldiers to leap into the Thamis, and to swim to the other side, who lewsed the Western Barges which there lay tied, and so brought them over, and by that means he passed the water: it was wonderful what pains he took himself coming on foot amongst them, neither did they stay any whit all that night, but came almost to Brayneforde or ever they were descried by the queens scouts, who there by chance meeting Brette and his company, Brette said to the scout, back villain, if thou go farther to discover any thing here, thou shalt die out of hand, the scout returned in great haste. The same day in the afternoon, were two men hanged Execution in Paul's Churchyard. on a Gibbet in Paul's Church yard by Martial law, the one being servant to the Duke of Suffolk, and late Sheriff of Leycester, the other a Baker, one of the white coats sent out of the City against Wyatt, and the same day came tidings that the Duke with his brethren were taken. The same day towards night, there was laden ten or twelve Cartes with Ordinance, as Bills, Pikes, Spears, bows, arrows, powder, shot, shovels, mattocks, baskets, and other munitions, two Cul●erings, one Sacre, three Falcons, and a Fawconet, all which stuff stayed in Paul's Church yard. The same night also about fy●e of the clock, a trumpeter went about, and warned all horsemen and men of arms to be at Saint james field, and all footmen also to be there by six of the clock in the next morning. The queens scout upon his return to the Court, declared Wyat's being at Brayneforde, which sudden news, made all in the Court wonderfully afraid, drums went through London at four of the clock, commanding all Soldiers to armour, and so to Charing cross. Wyatt hearing that the Earl of Pembroke was come into the fields, he stayed at knights bridge until day, where his men being very weary with travel of that night, and the day before, and also partly feebled and faint, having received small sustenance since their coming out of Southwark restless. There was no small ado in London, and likewise the Tower made great preparation of defence. By ten of the cloak the Earl of Pembroke had set his troop of horsemen on the hill in the high way above the new bridge, over against Saint james: his footmen were set in two battles, somewhat lower, and nearer Charing Cross, at the lane turning down by the brick wall from Islington ward, where he had set also certain other horsemen, and he had planted his Ordinance upon the hill side. In the mean season, Wyatt and his company planted his Ordinance upon Wyatt in Saint james field. a hill beyond Saint james, almost over against the Park corner, and himself after a few words spoken to his Soldiers, came down the old lane on foot, hard by the Court gate at Saint james, with four or five ancients, his men marching in good array. Cuthbert Vaughan and a two ancients turned down toward Westminster. The Earl of Pembroke's horsemen hovered all this while without moving, until all was passed by saving the tail, upon which they did set, and cut off: the other marched forward in array, and never stayed or returned to the aid of their tail: the great Ordinance shot off freshly on both sides: Wyat's Ordinance overshot the troop of Horsemen. The queens Ordinance, one piece struck three of Wyat's company in a rank upon the heads, and slaying them, struck through the wall into the Park: more harm was not done by the great shot of neither party. The queens whole battle of footmen standing still, Wyatt passed along by the wall towards Charing Cross, where the said Horsemen that were there, set upon part of them, but was soon forced back. At Charing Cross there stood Sir john Gage Lord chamberlain with the Guard, and a number of other, being almost a thousand, the which upon Wyat's coming, shot at his company, but at the last fled to the Court gates, which certain pursued, and forced with shot to shut the Court gates against them. In this repulse, the said Lord chamberlain and others were so amazed, that many cried Treason in the Court, and had thought that the Earl of Pembroke, who was assaulting the tail of his Enemies, had gone to Wyatt, taking his part against the Queen: there was running and trying out of Ladies and Gentlewomen, shutting of doors and windows, and such a shrieking and noise, as was wonderful to hear. Wyatt with his men marched still forward all along to Temple Bar, and so through Fleetstreet, till he came to the Bell Savage, an Inn nigh unto Ludgate, without resistance, his men going not in any good order or array. It is said, that at Strand, certain of the Lord Treasurer's hand, to the number of three hundredth men, whereof, the Lord Chidioke Powlet his son was Captain, met them, and so going on the one side, passed by them going on the other side, without any thing saying to them. Also this is more strange, the said Wyatt and his company passed along by a great company of harnessed men which stood on both sides the streets, without any withstanding them. And as he marched forward through Fléetestréete most with their swords drawn, some cried Queen Mary hath granted our request, and given us pardon, other said, the Queen hath pardoned us, thus some of Wyat's men came even to Ludgate and knocked, calling to come in, saying there was Wyatt, whom the Queen had granted to have their requests, but the Lord William Howard stood at the Gate, and said avant Traitor, thou shalt not come in here. Wyatt a while stayed, and rested him upon a stall over against the Bell Savage Gate, and at the last seeing he could not get in to the City, and being deceived of the aid he hoped for, returned back again in array towards Charing Cross, and was never stopped, till he came at Temple bar, where certain Horsemen which came from the field met them in the face, and then began the fight again, till Clarensus an herald came and said to Master Wyatt, Sir, you were best by my counsel to yield, you see this day is gone against Wyatt taken. you, and in resisting, you can get no good, but be the death of all these your soldiers, to your great peril of Soul: perchance you may find the Queen merciful, and the rather, if ye stint so great bloodshed as is like here to be. Wyatt héerewyth being somewhat astonied (although he saw his men bent to fight) said well, if I shall needs yield, I will yield me to a Gentleman, to whom, Sir Mawrice Barkeley came straight, and bade him leap up behind him, and another took Thomas Cobham and William Kneuet, & so carried them behind them upon their horses to the Court than was taking of men on all sides. It is said, that in this conflict one Pikeman setting his back to the wall at Saint james, kept seventeen horsemen off him a great time, and at the last was slain. The whole number on both sides slain at this battle passed not forty persons, as far as could be learned by them that viewed the field, but there were many sore hurt. The noise of women and children, when the conflict was at Charing Cross, was so great, that it was heard to the top of the white Tower, and also the great shot was well discerned there out of Saint james field, there stood upon the Leads, the Marquis of Northampton, sir Nicholas Poines, sir Thomas Pope, Master john Seimer and other. About five of the clock, Thomas Wyatt, William Kneuet, Thomas Cobham, two brethren name Mantles, and Alexander Wiat scent to the Tower. Bret were brought by sir Henry jerningham by water to the Tower prisoners, where sir Philip Deny received them at the Bulwark, and as Wyatt passed by he said, go Traitor, there was never such a Traitor in England, to whom sir Thomas Wyatt turned and said, I am no Traitor, I would thou shouldest well know, thou art more Traitor than I, it is not the point of an honest man to call me so, and so went forth, when he came to the Tower Gate, sir Thomas Bridges Lieutenant took in through the Wicket, first Mantele, and said: Ah thou Traitor, what hast thou and thy company wrought? but he holding down his head said nothing: Then came Thomas Kneuet, whom Master Chamberlain Gentleman Porter of the Tower took in: Then came Alexander Bret, whom sir Thomas Pope took by the bosom saying: oh Traitoure, how couldst thou find in thy heart to work such a villainy, as to take wages, and being trusted over a band of men, to fall to her enemies, returning against her in battle: Bret answered yea, I have offended in that case: Then came Thomas Cobham, whom sir Thomas Poines took in, and said, alas Master Cobham, what wind headed you to work such treason, and he answered, oh sir I was seduced. Then came in sir Thomas Wyatt, whom sir john Bridges took by the collar and said, oh thou villain and unhappy traitor, how couldst thou find in thy heart to work such detestable treason to the queens Majesty, who gave thee thy life and living once already, although thou didst before this time bear arms in the field against her, and now to yield her battle etc. if it were not (saith he) but that the law must pass upon thee, I would stick thee through with my Dagger, to the which, Wyatt holding his arms under his side, and looking grievously with a grim look upon the Lieutenant, said, it is no mastery now, and so passed on. Thomas Wyatt had on a shirt of Mail, with sleeves very fair, thereon a Velvet Cassock, and a yellow Lace, with the windlass of his Dag hanging thereon, and a pair of Boötes on his legs, and on his head a fair Hat of Velvet, with broad bone-worke Lace about it. William Kneuet, Thomas Cobham, & Bret, were the like appareled. On the morrow and the next day following, were brought into the Tower prisoners, George Cobham, sir William Cobham, Anthony Kneuet, Hugh Booth, Thomas Vain, Robert Rudstone, sir George Harper, Edward Wyatt, Edward Fog, George Moor, and Cuthbert Vaughan. The tenth of February, the Earl of Huntingdon and other Gentlemen, and to the number of three hundred horsemen, brought into the Tower as prisoner the Duke of Suffolk, and the Lord john Grey his brother from Coventrie, where the Duke had remained three days after his taking in the house and custody of Christopher Warren Alderman there. The eleventh day sir Henry Isley who had fled, was brought into the Tower prisoner in an old freeze coat, and old pair of hosen, all his apparel not worth four shillings: the same day came in two of the Culpepers', one Cromar, & Thomas Rampton the Duke of Suffolk's secretary. The twelfth of February, being Monday, about ten of the clock, there went out of the Tower to the Scaffold on the Tower hill, the Lord Guilforde Dudley, son to the Duke of Northumberlande, husband to the Lady jane Grey daughter to the Duke of Suffolk: and without the Bulwark gate Master Thomas Offley one of the Sheriffs of London, received him and brought him to the scaffold, where after a small declaration, he kneeled down and said his prayers, then holding up his eyes and hands to Heaven with tears, at the last he desired the people to pray for him, and after was beheaded: his body being laid in a Car, and his head in a cloth, was brought into the Chapel within the Tower, where the Lady jane, whose lodging was in Master Partridges house, did see his dead carcase taken out of the Car, as well as she did see him before alive going to his death, a sight to her worse than death. By this time was there a scaffold made upon the Green over against the white Tower, for the Lady jane to die upon, who being nothing at all abashed neither with fear of her own death, which then approached, neither with the sight of the dead carcase of her husband when he was brought into the Chapel, came forth, the lieutenant leading her, with countenance nothing abashed, neither her eyes any thing moistened with tears, with a Book in her hand, wherein she prayed until she came to the said scaffold, whereon when she was mounted, she was beheaded: whose deaths were the more hastened for fear of further troubles and stir for her Title, like as her father had attempted. The fourteenth and fifteenth of February, about the number of fifty of Wyat's faction, were hanged, on twenty pair of Gallows made for that purpose in divers places about the City▪ The xvij. of Februarye, was proclamation made, that all Strangers should avoid the Realm within xxiv. days next ensuing, upon pain of their goods to be confiscate, (all Free denizens, Merchants, and Ambassadors excepted.) The xviij. of February, Bright, one of the Captains of the Londoners that fled to Wyatt, and two and twenty persons more of the Kentishmen, were delivered to the Sheriff of Kent, to be executed in divers places of Kent, but for the Kentishmen pardoned. most part, they were all pardoned. The xxij. of February, certain of Wiat's faction, to the number of four hundred and more, were led to Westminster, coupled together with halters about their necks, and there in the Tilt yard, the Queen (who looked forth of her Gallery) pardoned them. Duke of Suffolk beheaded. The twenty-three. of February, Henry Grey Duke of Suffolk, was beheaded on the Tower hill. The xj. of March William Lord Howard Admiral of England, was created Baron Howard of Effingham, at Westminster. earl of Devonshire sent to the Tower. The xv. of March, the Earl of Devonshire was apprehended and committed to the Tower for suspicion to have consented to Wiat's conspiracy. The xviij. of March, being Palmsonday, the Lady Elizabeth, the queens sister, was by the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Sussex, conveyed to the Tower of London, from Parliament. Westminster by water. The tj. of April, the Parliament began at Westminster, which was appointed to have been kept at Oxford. Barons created. The v. of April, sir john Williams was created Baron of Tame and Saint James. The seven. of April, sir Edward North, was created Baron of Chartlege at Saint James. The viij. of April sir john a Bridges was created Baron Chondoys of Sudley Saint James. Cat hanged in Cheap. The same viij. of April, then being Sunday, a Cat with her head shorn, and the likeness of a Uestment cast over her, with her fore téete tied together, and a round piece of paper like a singing Cake betwixt them, was hanged on a Gallows in Cheap, near to the Cross, in the Parish of Saint Matthew, which Cat being taken down, was carried to the Bishop of London, and he caused the same to be showed at Paul's Cross, by the preacher Doctor Pendleton. The x. of April, Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Disputation at Oxford. Doctor Ridley bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer once Bishop of Worcester, were conveyed prisoners from the Tower of London to Windsor, and after from thence to Oxford, there to dispute with the Divines and learned men of the contrary opinion. The xj. of April, sir Thomas Wyatt was beheaded on the Thomas Wiat beheaded. Tower hill, and after quartered, his quarters were set up in divers places, and his head on the Gallows at Hay hill near Hyde Park, from whence it was shortly after stolen & conveyed away. The xxutj. of April, Lord Thomas Grey, brother to the late Duke of Suffolk, was beheaded. The xiv. of May, Gerrard Fitz Garret was created Earl of kildare, and Baron of Ophelley for him and his heirs, at Saint James. William Thomas Gentleman, and other, were apprehended, for conspiring Queen Mary's death, the same William Thomas for the matter, was drawn to Tyburn, and hanged and quartered the xviij. of May. The nineteen. of May, Lady Elizabeth was conveyed from the Tower of London by water to Richemonde, from thence to Windsor, and so by the Lord Williams to Ricot in Oxfordshire, and from thence to Woodstock. The xxv. of May, Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, The Earl of Devonshire sent to Fodringaye. was delivered out of the Tower by sir Ralph Chamberlain of Suffolk, and sir Thomas Tresham Knights, who conveyed him to Fodringay castle in Northamptonshire, there to remain under their custody. The x. of June, doctor Pendleton preached at Paul's A Gun shot at the preacher. Cross, at whom a Gun was shot, the pellet whereof went very near him, and light on the Church wall. But the shooter could not be found. The xxtj. of June, was Proclamation made, forbidding the shooting in handgunnes, and bearing of weapons. The fifteenth of July, Elizabeth Croft a wench abo●●● Anno reg. 2. A Spirit in a wall. the age of eighteen years, stood upon a scaffold at Paul's Cross all the Sermon time, where she confessed, that she being moved by divers lewd persons thereunto, had upon the fourteenth of March last before passed counterfeited certain speeches in an house without Aldersgate of London, through the which, the people of the whole City were wonderfully molested, for that all men might hear the voice but not see her person. Some said it was an Angel and a voice from Heaven, some the holy Ghost, etc. This was called the Spirit in the Wall: she had lain whistling in a strange whistle made for that purpose, which was given her by one Drakes: then were there divers companions confederate with her, which putting themselves among the press, took upon them to interpret what the Spirit said, expressing certain seditious words against the Queen, the prince of Spain, the Mass, and Confession, etc. The nineteen. of July, the prince of Spain arrived at Southampton, the fourth day after he came to Winchester in the evening, and there going to Church was honourably received of the bishop, and a great number of Nobles: the next day he met with the Queen, with whom he had long familiar talk. On Saint James day, the marriage was solemnized between him and Queen Mary, at which time the The marriage of King Philip and Queen Mary. Emperor's Ambassador being present, pronounced, that in consideration of the marriage, the Emperor had given unto his son the Kingdom of Naples. The solemnity of this marriage being ended, the King of Harraults proclai●●ed their Title as followeth: Philip and Marie by the grace of The King's stile. God, King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, and Ireland, defenders of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, Archdukes of Ostrich Dukes of Milan, Burgundy and Brabant, Counties of Aspurge, Flaunders, and Tyrroll: which being ended, the Trumpets blewe, the King and Queen came forth hand in hand, and two Swords borne before them. Shortly after King Philip and Queen Marie removed from Winchester to Basing, from thence to Windsor, then to Richemont, from thence by water to Southwark, acompanyed with the Noble men & Ladies, the King in one barge, the Quéeni● an other, and landed at the Bishop of Winchester's stairs near to S. Mary Oueries Church, & so passed through that place and park, into Suffolk place, where they rested that night. And the next day being the xviij. of August, they road through Southwark over the Bridge, and so through London, where they were with great provision received of the A man sliding from Paul's steeple. citizens, & passing through Paul's Churchyard, a man came ●lydyng, as it were flying, upon a rope, from Paul's Steeple. The second of September, sir Anthony Browne Master of the Horse, was put by, and made Marquis Montague, for him and his heirs Males, with the gift of xx. marks the year of Surrey, at Hampton Court. David Woodroffe: William Chester, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Lion Grocer, the 28. of October. The xxuj. h● October, a Spaniard was hanged at Charing Cross, for killing of an Englishman, there was offered A Spaniard hanged. for his life by other strangers 500 Crowns, but all that would not stay Justice. The xij. of November, the parliament began at Westminster. The xxiv. of November, Cardinal Poole came out of Brabant into England, and was received with much honour: he was by Parliament restored to his old dignity, that he was put from by King Henry, and shortly after came into the Parliament house, where the King, Queen, and other states were present. Then he declared the cause of his Legacy, first exhorting them to return to the Communion of the Church, and restore to the Pope his due authority. Secondly, he advertised them to give thanks to God that had sent them so blessed a King and Queen. Finally, he signified, for so much as they had with great gentleness restored him to his honour & dignity, that he most earnestly desired to ●ee them restored to the heavenly court, & unity of the church. The next day the whole Court of Parliament drew out the form of a supplication, the sum whereof was, that they greatly repented them of that Schism that they had lived in, and therefore desired the King, Queen, and Cardinal, that by their means they might be restored to the bosom of the Church, and obedience of the Sea of Rome. The next day the King, Queen, and Cardinal, being present, the Lord Chancellor declared what the Parliament had determined concerning the cardinals request, and offered to the King and Queen, the Supplication before mentioned, which being read, the Cardinal in a large Oration, declared how acceptable Repentance was in the sight of God, etc. And immediately, making prayer unto God by authority to him committed, absolved them. When all this was done, they went all unto the Chapel, and there singing Te Deum, with great solemnity declared the joy, that for this reconciliation was pretended. The xxviij. of November, the Lord Maior of London, The Queen bruited to be with child. with the Aldermen in Scarlet, and the Commons in their liveries, assembled in Paul's Church at nine of the clock in the forenoon, where doctor Chadsey one of the Prebends preached in the queer, in presence of the Bishop of London, and nine other Bishops, and read a Letter sent from the queens Counsel, the tenor whereof was, that the bishop of London should cause Te Deum to be sung in all the Churches of his Diocese, with continual prayers for the queens Majesty, which was conceived and quick with child: the Letter being read, he began his Sermon with this Antitheme: Ne timeas Maria, invenisti ●nim gratiam apud Deum: His Sermon being ended, Te Deum was sung, and solemn Procession was made of Salue festa dies, all the circuit of the Church. The second of December, Cardinal Poole came from Lambeth by water, and landed at Paul's Wharf, and from thence to Paul's Church, with a Cross, two Pillars, and two Pole-axes of silver borne before him. He was there received by the Lord Chancellor with Procession, where he tarried till the King came from Westminster by land at eleven of the clock, and then the Lord Chancellor entered Paul's Cross and preached a Sermon, taking for his Theme these words: Fratres, scientes quia hora est iam nos de somno surgere, etc. In the which Sermon he declared, that the King and Queen had restored the Pope to his supremacy, and the three estates assembled in the Parliament, representing the whole body of the Realm, had submitted themselves to the same. The sermon being ended, the king departed towards Westminster, and with him the Lord Cardinal, with the Cross only borne before him. The xxvij. of December, Emanuel Philibert Prince of Prince of Piamount. Piamont, and Duke of Savoy, with other Lords, were received at Grauesende by the Lord privy Seal and other, and so conveyed along the river of Thamis under London bridge to Westminster. The ninth of Januarye, the Prince of Orange being received at Gravesend, was conveyed along the River of Thamis, and landed at the Duke of Suffolk's place. The xij. of January, the said Prince of Orange, with other Prince of Orange. Lords, was conducted by the Lord Chamberlain to the Tower of London, where was showed unto him the ordinance, artillery, munitions, and armoury, with the mint etc. and so was brought into the white Tower, from whence, as he returned through the long gallary, all the prisoners saluted him, unto whom the Prince said, he was sorry for their captivity, and trusted the King and Queen would be good unto them: at his departing from the Tower, he gave the Gunners ten pieces of Flemish Gold at v. s. the piece, and the warders other ten pieces, as a reward. The xviij. of January, the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Shrewsburie, the controller of the queens house, Secretary Bourne, and sir Richard Southwell Master of the Ordinance and armory, came to the Tower of London, and there sitting in commission, discharged prisoners as followeth: the Archbishop of York, sir joh. Rogers, sir james Crofts, sir Nicholas Throck. Prisoners discharged. morton, sir Nicholas arnold, sir Edward Warner, sir George Harper, sir William Sentlow, sir Andrew Dudley, sir Gavin Carrewe Knights, William Gibs esquire, Cuthbert Vaughan, Harington, Tremaile and others. The fourth of February, john Rogers vicar of Saint Sepulchres, john Rogers brent. was brent in Smithfielde. The seventh of February, the Lord Strange being married juogo de Can. to the Earl of Comberlands daughter at the Court, the same day at night was a goodly pastime of juogo de Can by Cresset light. The xviij. of February Thomas Thurlebe Bishop of Ely, Ambassadors sent to Rome. 1558 Earl of devonshire delivered. and Anthony Lord Montacute with other, took their journey towards Rome, Ambassadors from the King and Queen. Against Easter, the Lord Courtney Earl of Devonshire, came again to the Court, and about ten days after, the Lady Elizabeth came likewise to the Queen, both at Hampton Court, where the Queen had taken her Chamber, to be delivered of child, but all proved contrary, for she neither had child nor great hope to have any. On Easter day a Priest sometime a Monk at Biciter William Flower brent at Westminster. named William Branch alias Flower, with a Wood knife wounded an other Priest as he was ministering the Sacrament to the people in▪ Saint Margaret's Church at Westminster, for the which fact, the said William Flower the xxiv. of April had his right hand smitten off, & for opinions in matters of religion was burned in the Sanctuary nigh to Saint Margaret's Churchyard. In May, Cardinal Poole, the Lord Chancellor, the Ambassadors sent over to calais. Earl of Arundale, and the Lord Paget went over Sea to calais, and near unto Mark treated with the Emperors & French Kings commissioners, for a peace to be had between the said Princes, Cardinal Poole being precedent there, who returned again into England, about the midst of June, without any agreement making. The x. of May, William Conestable alias Fetharstone, a Miller's son about the age ●● eighteen years, who had published King Edward the sixth A Miller's son feigned to be K. Edward the ●ixte. to be alive, and sometime named himself to be King Edward the sixth, was taken at Eltham in Kent, and conveyed to Hampton Court, where being examined by the Counsel, he required pardon, and said he wist not what he did, but as he was persuaded by many: from thence he was sent to the Marshalsea, and the xxij. of May he was carried in a Cart through London to Westminster with a paper on his head, wherein was written, that he had named himself to be King Edward. After he had been carried about Westminster ball before the Judges, he was whipped about the Palace, and then through Westminster into Smithfielde, and then banished into the North, in which Country he was borne, and had been sometime Lackey to sir Peter Mewtas. The first of July, john Bradford was burned in Smithfielde, Bradford brent. Anno reg. 3. this Bradford was a man of very sober and honest life, and therefore the Bishops would gladly have had him recant and abjure his opinions. The xij. of August, was a terrible fight on the sea between the Dutchmen and Frenchmen, near to Romney Marsh, whereas xj. ships were brent and sunk. In this month of August, in Suffolk, at a place by the Sea side, all of hard stone and pebble, called in those parts a Shelf, lying between the towns of Orford and Alborough, where never grew Grass, nor any earth was ever seen, there chanced in this barren place, suddenly to spring up without any tillage or sowing, great abundance of Peason, whereof the poor gathered (as men judged) above The necessity of the poor by God relieved. an hundred quarters, yet remained some ripe, and some blossoming, as many as ever there were before, to the which place road the Bishop of Norwich, & the Lord Willoughbey with others in great number, who found nothing but hard rockey stone the space of three yards, under the roots of those Peason, which roots were great and long, and ●erye sweet, etc. On Bartholomew even, after the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London, had ridden about Saint Bartholomews' Disputation at Christ's Hospital, as had been accustomed at S. Bartholomews' in Smithfielde. fair, they came to Christ's Hospital within Newgate, where they heard a disputation between the Scholars of Paul's School, Saint Anthony's School, and the Scholars of the said Hospital, for whom was provided three games, which was three Pens, the best Pen of silver and guilt, valued at v. s. won by a Scholar of Saint Anthony's School, & the Master of that School had vj. s. viij. d. the second, a Pen of silver parcel guilt, valued at iiij. s. won by a Scholar of Paul's School, and his Master had v. s. in money: the third a Pen of silver, valued at iij. s. won by a Scholar of the said Hospital, and his Master had iiij. s. and there were two Priests Masters of Art appointed for Judges, which had each of them a silver Rule for their pains, valued at vj. s. viij. d. the piece. The disputation being ended, the Mayor and Aldermen entered the Hall where the children of the Hospital use to dine, and had fruit and wine, and so departed. King Philip went over seas, and landed at calais on King Philip went over into Flaunders. the fourth of September, where he was honourably received by the Lord deputy, and the Mayor of the Staple of calais, an Alderman of London named sir Andrew judde, who presented his Majesty with a Purse and a M. Marks of Gold in it: that night the King was lodged in Staple Inn: and on the morrow he departed from calais towards Brussels in Brabant, to visit the Emperor his father: he gave at his departing among the soldiers of the town of calais, M. crowns of gold, and there accompanied him in his journey of English Lords, the Earl of Arundale, Lord Steward of the queens house, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Huntingdon, and others. On Michaelmas even, the prisoners that lay in the New Counter in Woodstrete Counter in Breadstreet, were removed to a new Counter made in Woodstreet of the City's purchase and building, the which removing was confirmed by a common counsel assembled at the Guild hall for that purpose. On the last of September, by occasion of great wind Great land waters. and rain that had fallen, was such great floods, that that morning the King's Palace at Westminster, and Westminster hall was overflown with water, unto the stair foot, going to the Chancery and King's Bench, so that when the Lord Mayor of London should come to present the Sheriffs to the Barons of the Exchequer, all Westminster hall was full of water, and by report there, that morning, a Whirrie man rowed with his Boat over Westminster Bridge, into the Palace Court, and so through the Staple gate, and all the Wool Staple into the King's street: & all the Marshes on Lambeth side, were so overflown, that the people from Newington Church could not pass on foot, but were carried by boat from the said Church to the Pinfold, near to Saint George's in Southwark. Thomas Leigh: john Machil, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Ridley and Latimer brent. The xuj. of October Doctor Ridley, and Master Latimer were brent at Oxford. Sir William Garrard Haberdasher, the 28. of October. Maior. First fruits and tenths restored to the Clergy. In October and November a Parliament was holden, in the which the Queen yielded up unto the Spiritual men, the first fruits and tenths of all bishoprics, Benefices, & Ecclesiastical livings. In this Parliament was granted A subsidy. to the King and Queen a subsidy of the Laity from v. l. to x. l. viij. d. of the pound, from x. l. to xx. l. xij. d. of the pound, and from xx. l. upward xuj. d. of the pound, and all strangers double, and the Clergy granted vj. s. of the pound. Doctor Story and other were appointed by the Cardinal, to visit every Parish Church in London and Middlesex, to see their Relics repaired, and the Images of the Cruci●●●▪ with Mary and john thereon to be fixed. Stephen Gardener bishop of Winchester, Chancellor Doctor Gardner deceased. ●● England died the ix. of November, and was buried at Winchester. On Newyeres day the Queen gave the great Seal to Doctor Nitholas Heath archbishop of York, and made him Lord Chancellor, she likewise gave the privy seal to the Lord Paget, and made him Lord privy Seal, these were both Londoners borne. In this month of February, the Lord Mayor of London, and the Aldermen entered into Bridewell, and took possession thereof, according to the gift of King Edward, now confirmed by Queen Marie. The xxuj. of February, William Conestable alias Fetharston, The Miller's son feigning to be King Edw. was arraigned in the Guild hall of London, who had caused letters to be cast abroad, that King Edward was alive, and to some he showed himself to be King Edward, so that many persons both men and women were troubled by him, for the which sedition the said William had been onte whipped, and delivered, as is aforesaid: But now he was condemned, and the thirteenth of March, he was drawn, hanged and quartered at Tyburn. A Blazing Star was seen at all times of the night, the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth of March. The xxj. of March, Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Doctor Cranmer brent. was burned at Oxfolde: and the same day Cardinal Poole sang his first Mass at Greenewiche in the friars Church: on Sunday next he was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury. The xxv. of March, being the feast of the Annunciation Cardinal Poole archbishop. 1556 Newgate set on fire. of our Lady▪ Cardinal Pool received the Pall with that then used ceremonies & solemnities at Bow church in Cheap. The xxviij. of March, at ten of the clock before noon, a part of Newgate called Manningshal was brent to the ground, & no prisoners lost. A conspiracy was made by certain persons, Conspiracy. whose purpose was to have rob the queens Exchequer, called the receipt of the Exchoquer, in the which there was of the queens treasure above 50000. ●. the save time to the intent they might be able to maintain was against 〈…〉 the Queen. This matter was v●●or●t● by one of the conspiracy, whereby Udall, Throckmorton, Peckham, john Dani 〈…〉 fled ●● into 〈…〉 Sir 〈…〉 Kingdoms was apprehended▪ & 〈…〉 by the way coming toward London. The xxviij. of April, john Thro●kmorton and Richard Thro●kmorton and other executed . V●dall were ●awne to Ty●orne, and there hanged and quartered. The nineteen. of May, William Stanton was likewise executed. The viij. of June, William Rossey, john Redike, and john Bedell were executed at Tyburn. The xviij. of June, one Sands a younger son to the Lord Sands hanged for robbery. Snnds, was hanged at Saint Thomas of Waterings for a robbery that he & other had committed on Whitsonday last, of four thousand pound. The xxvij. of June, thirteen persons were brent at Stratford thirteen brent at Stratforde. Anno reg. 4. Daniel and Peckham. the Bow. The viij. of July, Henry Peckham & john Daniel were hanged and headed on the Tower hill, and their bodies buried in Barking Church. Conspiracy. About this time one Clober, which sometime kept a school at Dys in Norfolk, with three brethren, whose names were Lincoln, pretended an insurrection, and would have gathered the people at a marriage, unto the which the brethren promised either of them to bring an hundred horse with men▪ at which time by them appointed, the said Clober gave charge to a servant of his, to watch in a Lane nigh to the Church where they should meet, and as soon as he saw any horse●a● coming thitherward, to give him warning with all speed. So it chanced (by the will of God) that certain men riding through that Lane, to some other place about their business, came about such an hour as Clober had appointed, upon fight of which men, his said seruauntre turned to his Master, and told him that his friends were come: and immediately the said Clober stood up in the Parish Church of Yaxsle, and read a traitorous proclamation of purpose prepared, which being ended, & seeing his part was too weak, for that his mates were not come, began to flee, but one Master▪ Shireman pursued and took him at a Town called Eye in Suffolk, and was kept in prison until the next Sessions at Saint Edmondsburie, and his three mates being brought to him, were there all together drawn, hanged and quartered. In the last year began the hot burning Fevers, Seven Aldermen deceased in London. whereof died many old persons, so that in London there died seven Aldermen in the space of ten months, whose names were Henry Herdson, who deceased the two and twentieth of December, 1555. sir Richard Dobs late Mayor, sir William Laxton late Mayor, sir Henry Hoblethorne late Mayor, sir john Champneis' blind, late Mayor, sir john Ayleffe late Sheriff, and sir john Gresham late Mayor, who deceased the three and twentieth of October Anno 1556. William Harper: john White, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas Offeley Merchant Taylor, the 28. of October. The one and twentieth of November, john Fecknam late Abbot of Westminster. Deane of Paul's in London, was made Abbot of Westminster, was stalled, and took possession of the same: and fourteen Monks more received the habit with him that day of the order of Saint Benet. The said one and twentieth of November, a man was False accuser set on the Pillory and brent in both cheeks: would to God all such accusers were so well marked. brought from Westminster hall riding with his face to the horse tail, and a paper on his head, to the Standard in Cheap, and there set on the Pillory, and then burned with an hot iron on both his cheeks, with two letters F and A. for False Accusing one of the Court of the Common place in Westminster at Treason: the like justice I once wished, to the like accuser of his Master and eldest brother, but it was answered, that in such case could be no remedy, though the accuser himself were in the same fact found the principal offender: where through it followeth, the accuser never showed sign of shame (the way to Repentance) but terribly curseth, and blasphemously sweareth he never committed any such act, though the same be registered before the honourable, the queens majesties high Commissioners, and what horrible slanders, with threats of murder he daily bruteth, the knower of all secrets, God I mean, knoweth, unto whom I refer the cause, being comforted with this sentence of the Prophet David: Fret not thyself with these Psalm. ●7. cursed harmful men, neither envy angrily these workers of wickedness, for like grass anon shall they be cut down, and like the green fresh bent of the flower shall they whither away etc. The xuj. of December, Gregory Carpenter Smith, and A Stranger would have murdered the keeper of Newgate. a Frenchman borne, was arraigned for making counterfeit keys, wherewith to have opened the locks of Newgate, to have slain the keeper, and let forth the prisoners, at which time of his arraignment, having conveyed a knife into his sleeve, he thrust it into the side of William Whitrents his fellow prisoner, who had given witness against him, so that he was in great peril of death thereby, for the which fact, he was immediately taken from the bar into she street before the Justice hall, where his hand being first stricken off, he was hanged on a Gibbet set up for that purpose: the keeper of Newgate was arraigned and indicted, for that the said prisoner had weapon about him, and his hands loose which should have been bound. The fourth of January, a Ship before Greenwich (the Gun shot into the Court at Greenwich. Court being there) shot off her Ordinance, one piece being charged with a bullet of stone, which passed through the walls of the Court, and did no more hurt. The xxvij. of February, an Ambassador came to London Ambassador from Muscous. from the Emperor of Muskovy and Rusland, who was reteived at Tottenham by the Merchants Adventurers of London, riding in velvet coats, and chains of gold: the Lord Mountagew with the queens Pencioners met him at Iseldonne towns end: and at Smithfield bars, the Lord Maior and Aldermen in Scarlet received him, and conveyed him through the City unto Master Dimockes house in Fanchurch street, where he lodged until the twelfth of May, and then returned to Muscovy. The Lord Sturton and his men cruelly murdered Master Argile and his so 〈…〉: he caused them to be stricken Lord Sturton executed. down with clubs, than their throats to be cut, and after to be buried in his own house fifteen foot deep▪ for the which, he was arraigned and condemned at Westminster, and after conveyed from the Tower of London through the City, and so to Salisbury, and there hanged, with four of his men servants the sixth of March. King Philip returned into England, and the twenty-three. of March King Philip returned into England. passed through London with the Queen and Nobles of the Realm. The xxiv. of April, Thomas Stafford, and other Englishmen 1557 Thomas Stafford took Scarborough castle. to the number of xxxij▪ persons, coming out of France, took the Castle of Scarborough in the Country of York, which they enjoyed two days, and then were taken by the Earl of Westmoreland, and brought to London. The last of April, Thomas Percy Esquire, was made Baron Percy at Westminster and on the next morrow which Percy Earl of Northumberlande. was the first of May, he was created Earl of Northumberland▪ and the Queen, gave him all the Lands which had been his ancestors remaynig● in her hands. The eight and twentyth day of May, Thomas Stafford was beheaded on the Tower-hill, and on the morrow▪ three of Thomas Stafford beheaded. his company, to weet, straightly or Stretchley, Bradforde, and Proctor, were drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged and quartered. The seventh of June, open war was proclaimed against Wario with France. the French King. The sixth of July, the King passed over to Caleis, and so into Flanders, where he made great▪ provision for war against Englishmen sent to Saint Quintin's. the French King. The same month, the Queen sent over an Army of one thousand horsemen, four thousand footmen, and two thousand pioneers, to aid King Philip, whereof the Earl of Pembroke was General. The Lord Robert Dudley master of the Ordinance. The xv. of July, died the Lady Anne of Cleeve at Chelsey, and was buried at Westminster. The tenth of Augu●●, were taken of France the chiefest Anno reg. Captains, the Duke of Mou●●●morency Connestable of France, and his son Monsieur de Merne, the Duke of Monpencier, Noble men ● France taken prisoners. the Duke of Long●lile, the Marshal of Saint Andrew, the Reinegr●●e ●●●●uell of the Al●day●●s, 〈…〉, the Cou●● de Ro●●●foucaust, the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, the Baron of Cur●●●, the Prince of Man●●●, besides many Gentlemen and Captains. The xvi●. of Augu●●, the Town of Saint Quintin's was taken by King Philip, with the help of Englishmen; at the siege whereof, the Lord Henry Dudley, yongest● son to john late Duke of Northumberland, was slain with a Gun. This year before harvest, wheat was sold for sour Dearth and plenty. Mark the quarter, malt at four and forty shillings th● quarter, beans and rye at forty shillings the quarter, and pease at six and forty shillings eyghtpence, but after harvest, wheat was sold for five shillings the quarter, malt at six shillings eyghtpence, ●ye at three shillings and four pence, so that the penny wheat lo●●e that weighed in London the last year but eleven ounces Troy, weighed now six and fifty ounces Troy. In the Country, wheat was ●olde for four shillings the quarter, of malt ●ou●● shillings eight pen●●, and in so me place a ●●shell ●●●ie 〈◊〉 p●o●nd of Candles which was four pence. The seventh of September, at seven of the clock at john Caiu●. night, in a black rainy cloud in the West was ●●ene a rainbow the Moon in the East risen one hour before, and ●aire shilling, ●●● a 〈…〉 before. Richard 〈…〉 A●●ham, the 2●. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas 〈…〉, the 28. of October. The thirtieth of November, Sir Thomas Tressham knight, received the order of the Cross, and was made Lord of saint john's of Jerusalem in England. The first of 〈…〉 the Frenchne ●●ame ●● ●a●●is with a great Army, and within four days were masters thereof▪ Caleis lost by the Englishmen. and shortly after won all the péece●●n that side the Sea, To many it seemed strange, that such a Town which so many years had been fortified with all munitions that could be devised, should now in so short space be taken of our enemies. The Counsel of England raised great power to have gone to the defence of that Town, but such tempest of wind arose, as the like in many years had not been seen, whereby no Ship could brook the Sea, till it was too late for that matter. The xviij. of January, Edward Hastings Knight of the Garter, Lord Chamber lain to the Queen, was created Baron Hastings of Lowghborough at Westminster. The xx. of January, began a Parliament at Westminster. A Parliament. In the month of March, a priest was granted to the Queen by the Citizens of London, of twenty thousand A priest to the Queen. pound, which was levied of the companies, for the which sum to be repaid again, the Queen bond certain 1558 Lands, and also allowed for interest of the money twelve pound of every hundredth for a year. The French, King invaded Flanders, spoiled and brent Dunkirks before King Philip could come to rescue, but before Dunkirk in Flanders brent. the Frenchmen returned out of Flanders, the Flemings and the English Ships meeting with them upon the sands between Dunkirk and Grauelin●, slew of them a great number. The x●. of July, within a mile of Nottingham, was a marvelous Anno reg. 6. tempest of thunder, which as it came through two Towns, beat▪ down all the 〈◊〉 and Churches, the bells were cast to the out side of the Church yards, and some webs of lead four hundredth f●●te into the field, writhe like a pair of gloves. The River of Trent ●●●ing between the two Towns, the water with the mud in the bottom was carried a quarter of a mile and cast against the trees, the trees were pulled up by the roots, and cast twelve score off. Also, a child was taken forth of a man's hands two Spears length high, and carried a hundred foot, and then let fall, wherewith his arm was broke, and so died. Five or six men there about were slain, and neither flesh nor skin perished: there fell some hailstones that were fifteen inches about etc. This year in harvest time, the quartern agues continued in like manner, or more vehemently, than they had done the last year passed, where through died many old people, and specially Pri●●●es, so that a great number of parishes were unserved, and no Curates to be gotten, and much Corn was lost in the field for lack of workmen and labourers. john Halse: Richard Campion, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas Leigh Mercer, the 28. of October. In the beginning of this majors year, Corn rose to fourteen shillings the quarter, and wood waxed scant in London, and was sold for thirteen and fourteen shillings the thousand of ●illets, and coals at tenpences the sack, by reason of the great death and sickness the last Summer for lack of henlp and carriage. King Philip being absent out of the Realm, and Queen Mary being dangerously sick, ended her life at her Manor of Saint james by Charing cross the xvij. of November, in the year 1558. when she had reigned five years, four months, and odd days. The same day, deceased Cardinal Pool at Lambheath, and a little before, two of her Physicians, besides divers Bishops and noble men. Queen Mary was buried at Westminster, and Cardinal Poole at Canterbury. ¶ Queen Elizabeth. ELizabeth our most gracious Anno reg. 1. and sovereign Lady, second daughter to King Henry the viij. to the great comfort of England, was with full consent proclaimed Queen of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith etc. on the xvij. of November, in the year of our Lord God. 1558. Forthwith, the Ports and Havens were stopped, and none suffered to pass out of the Realm without licence. Proclamation was made, forbidding all men to Preach, save such as should be appointed: also, to alter any rites or Ceremonies used in the Church save as it was in her grace's Chapel. The twenty-three. of November, Queen Elizabeth came from The Queen cometh from Hatfild. Bishops Hatfield in Hertfordshire, unto the Lord North's house in the late Charterhouse of London, the Sheriffs of London meeting her Grace at the farther end of Barnet Town within the Shere of Middlesex, and so road before her, till the came to the Charterhouse Gate next Aldersgate, where her Grace remained. On Monday, the eight and twentieth of November, about The Queen removeth to the Tower. two of the clock in the after noon, Queen Elizabeth road from the Lord North's house, along by the Barbycane, in at Creeplegate, then along by the wall to Bishopsgate, which Gate was richly hanged, where the Waits of the City played, and over against the King's head Tavern, a Scholar of Paul's School made a short Oration to her Majesty in Latin Verses, the company of the Mercers standing in their rails next the Scholar, and so all the other Companies of the City in order from thence to Mart Lane end, next unto Barking Church in Tower street, the Lord Maior of London riding with Master Garter King at Arms, bearing a Sceptre before her Majesty, which Lord Maior met her at the Charterhouse Gate next Aldersgate, where Master Recorder saluted her Grace in the name of the Lord Maior and the whole City, and so with Lords, Knights, and Gentlewomen richly appareled, brought her to the Tower of London: but when her Grace entered at Mart Lane, a peal of Guns began to be shot off at the Tower, which continued almost half an hour. The fifth of December, the Queen removed by water from the Tower to Somerset place near to the Strand. The xiij. of December, the corpse of Queen Mary was honourably conveyed from Saint james to the Abbey of Queen Mary buried. Westminster, and there placed under a rich Hearse decked with pennons, banners, and Schutchions of the Arms of England and France, where she remained that night, and on the morrow, after the Mass of Requiem, and a Sermon preached by Doctor White Bishop of Winchester was ended▪ she was buried in the Chapel of King Henry the seventh on the North side. The xxiv. of December, was solemn obsequy kept in Obsequy for Charles the Emperor. the Abbey of Westminster for Charles the fifth late Emperor, which deceased in Spain in the month of September last passed, Queen mary's hearse yet standing, altered with the Arms of the Emperor, and richly hanged with a rich pall-cloth of gold lying on the hearse, the emperors Ambassador being chief mourner, with other Peers and Lords of England assistant with him etc. The first of January, the Lord Maior and Aldermen gave in commandment to every ward in London, that the Procession, Epistle, and Gospel in English. Parson or Curate in every Parish Church in London, should read the Epistle and Gospel of the day in the English tongue in the Mass time, and the English Procession then used in the queens Chapel, according to a Proclamation sent from her Majesty and privy Counsel, proclaimed in the City of London the thirty. of December, which commandment was that day observed in most parish Churches of the Citis. The ninth of January in the morning, the Image of Thomas Becket which stood over the door of the Mercer's Image of Thomas Becket thrown down. Chapel in London toward the street, was found broken and cast down, and a bill set on the Church door depraving the setters up thereof. The xij. of January, the queens Majesty removed from her place of White hall to the Tower by water, the Lord Maior of London, and his brethren the Aldermen, in their Barge, and all the Crafts of the City in their Barges richly decked with targets and banners of every mystery. The Bachelors of the majors company in their Barge, with a Foist, having three tops, trimmed and richly decked to wait on them, which shot off guns all the way: all these awaited on her Majesty, who took her Barge about two of the clock in the after noon, the Lord Maior following after, and every company in order, with great melody of musical instruments, till her grace was through London bridge, and landed at her privy stair of the Tower Wharf, and then the Mayor, after leave taken, and thanks of the Queen, returned through the Bridge with the flood, and landed at the Three Cranes Wharf in the Uintrie. The xiv. of January, at which time the Londoners had made sumptuous provision, the queens Majesty passed through the City of London to her Palace at Westminster: Coronation. the next day she was Crowned by Doctor Oglethorp Bishop of Carelile. The xxv. of January, began a Parliament at Westminster, Parliament. before the States whereof, Doctor Cox, late come from beyond the Seas, and sometime Schoolmaster to King Edward the sixth, made a learned Sermon. In this Parliament, the first fruits and tenths were granted to the Crown, and also the supreme government over the state Ecclesiastical. Likewise, the Book of common Prayer, and administration of the Sacraments in our vulgar tongue was restored, to be done as in the time of King Edward the sixth. In the Easter Holidays preached at the Spittle Doctor Bill the queens Almoner, Doctor Cox, and Doctor Horn, the two last came lately from beyond the seas. On Lowsonday the second of April, Master Samson made the rehearsal Sermon at Paul's Cross. The iij. of April, the queens Majesty appointed a conference or disputation to be had at Westminster Church, between 1559 the old Bishops, and certain learned men late A conference at Westminster. come from beyond the Seas, concerning matters of Religion, but the matter came to small effect. The seventh of April was a peace proclaimed betwixt England and France. And the like between her Majesty, and the King and Queen of Scotland. The nineteen. of April, was kept the sergeant feast in the ●●ner Temple, and nine sergeant were there made, Mai●●er Reignald Chamley Recorder of London being one of th● ix. A Subsidy of ij. s. viij. d. the pound of movable goods was Subsidy granted granted, and the Parliament dissolved the seven. of May. The second of July, the Citizens of London had a muster The Citizens of London mustered at Greenwich. afore the queens Majesty at Greenwich in the Park of fourteen hundred men, whereof eight hundred were Pikemen, all in fine Corselets, four hundred Haquebuts in shirts of mail with morions, and two hundred Halberters in almanrivets, which were furnished and set forth by the companies of the City of London: they had to every hundred two wiffelers, richly appareled, and twelve wardens of the best companies riding in coats of black Velvet to conduct them with drums and mischiefs, and six Ensigns, all in Jerkins of white Bridge's Satin, cut and lined with black Sarsenet, with caps, hosen, and scarves according: the captains Robert Constable, and Master Saunders, brought them in battle ray afore the Queen, even as they should have fought, which made a goodly show before her Majesty, the Emperors and French Kings Ambassadors being present. In the month of July, the old Bishops of England then living, were called and examined by certain of the queens Bishops deprived. Majesties Counsel, where the Bishops of York, Ely, and London with other to the number of thirteen or fourteen, for refusing to take the oath touching the queens supremacy and other Articles, were deprived from their bishoprics. And likewise, were divers Deans, Archdeacon's, Parsons, and Vicars, deprived from their Benefices, and some committed to prison in the Tower, Fleet, Marshalsea, and King's bench. Commissioners were likewise appointed for the establishing Commissioners. of Religion through the whole Realm. For London were appointed Sir Richard Sackuile Knight, Doctor Horn a Divine, Doctor. Huicke a Civilian, and Master Salvage, who called before them divers persons of every parish, and swore them to inquire and present upon certain injunctions. Injunctions. Also, the houses of Religion, erected by Queen Mary, Houses suppressed. as the Monks of Westminster, Nuns and brothers of Zion and Sheen, the black Friars in Smithfielde, and the Friars of Greenwich were all suppressed. On the even of Saint Barthelmew, the day and the Church images burned. merrow after etc. were burned in Paul's Church yard, Cheap, and divers other places of the City of London, all the roods and other Images of Churches, in some places the Copes, Uestments, Altar clothes, Books, Banners, sepulchres, and Rood lofts were burned. The fifth of September about midnight, fell a great tempest at London, in the end whereof, a great lightning, with a terrible clap of thunder struck the Spire (being stone) of the Steeple of All-hallows Church in Breadstreet, Churches in London stricken and broken by tempest. about a ten foot beneath the top, out of the which fell a stone that slew a Dog, and overthrew a man playing with the same Dog, and the Spire of the Steeple was so perished, that not long after the same was taken down with less charges to the Parish, than the repairing would have cost. And at the same instant, by the same tempest, one of the South doors of Saint Dionise Church in Fenchurch street, with the door of the revestry of the same Church, were both stricken through and broken. The eight and ninth of September, a solemn Obsequy Obsequy for the French King. was kept in Paul's Church at London, for Henry the French King departed, who died of a wound given by the County Mountgomerie, at a triumph, justing in the City of Paris, whereof he died about the tenth day of July. About the last of September, john Duke of Finland, second Ambassador from Swethen. son to Gustabus King of Swethen, was sent by his father to treat a marriage for his eldest brother Ericus, with the queens Majesty of England: he arrived at Harwich in Essex, and was there honourably received & entertained by the Earl of Oxford, which said Earl, & the Lord Robert Dudley, with a goodly bawd of Gentlemen and yeomen, conveyed him to London, where he was received of divers Knights and Gentlemen of the Court, on the fifth of October, and was with his train of about the number of fifty persons well horsed, conveyed to the Bishop of Winchester's place in Southwark, where he was lodged during his abode here, and removed from thence two days before Easter homeward, and sped on his message as may appear by that which followeth, taken out of johannes Lewenclaij comment. de bellis Moscorum. Ericus King of Sweden, son of Gustabus late King of the said Kingdom, having committed to prison his brother john Duke of Finlande, whom a little before he had employed into England on an Embassage to the queens Majesty, whom he sued to for marriage, and had his suit rejected, again the second time solicited her Majesty in the same suit, notwithstanding (to his great dishonour, and (as it fell out) his just disgrace) he attempted the same matter with the youngest daughter of Philip Landgrave Vanhessen, at whose hand (having the second time been rejected of her Majesty here) the matter being known there, he also not only received a denial, but the Lady was by her Father bestowed upon Adolfe Duke Van Holst, Uncle johannes Lewenalaij. of Fredrick King of Denmark, than enemy of the said Erice. Thus far johannes Lewenclaij. Thomas Lodge: Roger Martin, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 2. Sir William Hewet Clothworker, the 28. of October. About this time, many men of war were conveyed out of France into scotland, and there placed in Towns and Fortresses, as in the Town of Leeth, Dunbarre, Inskith, and other, whereby it was to be suspected that they would suddenly invade this Realm, whereupon, the queens Majesty sent the Duke of Norfolk towards Duke of Norfolk sent into Scotland. Scotland as General with an army, who remained at Berwick. In the month of April, the Lord Grey Wilton entered 1560 Scotland with an army of ten thousand, and besieged the town of L●th, where between the French and the English Lord Grey besieged Lieth. were often skirmishes, and many slain on both sides, for few were taken prisoners. In May, a noble man of France, by licence of the queens Majesty, passed through England into Scotland, to talk with the Queen Dowager and the Frenchmen, for the appeasing of this matter, who at his return again into England, obtained of the queens Majesty to send Sir William Civil Knight, her majesties principal Secretary, with Master Doctor Wootton, to treat with the Frenchmen, who by their wisdoms; so well ordered the matter, that they agreed upon a peace, which was concluded in thirteen Articles, the Frenchmen to departed, to the great quietness and safety both of England and Scotland, and thereupon, her Majesty revoked her army, after the forts there were razed, without any seizure or holding of any piece within Scotland. The fifth of July, through shooting of a gun which broke in the house of one Adrian Arten a Dutchman, in Crooked Lane, and setting fire on a Firken and Barrel of Gunpowder, four houses were blown up, and divers other Houses blown up. sore scattered, nine men and women slain, and divers other sore bruised. On Michaelmas even before noon, was published by The third fall of the base money. Proclamation, that the Testone coined for twelve pence, and in the reign of King Edward the sixth, called down to six pence, should now forthwith (of the best sort, marked with the Portculeys) be taken for four pence halfpenny, the second, marked with the Greyhound, for two pence farthing, the third and worst sort not market as afore, not to be taken for any value: the groat should be taken for two pence, the two penny piece for a penny etc. And shortly after, New coin offine silver. her grace restored to her subjects fine sterling money, for their corrupt and base coin, calling the same to her majesties mints according to the rate before mentioned. Christopher Draper: Thomas row, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 3. Sir William Chester Draper, the 28. of October. The queens Majesty made great preparation of armour, niunition, and powder, to be in a readiness to defend her Realm, if need should happen. The xxj. of March, a notable Grammar School was founded by the Master, Wardens, and assistants of the worshipful The merchant Tailors free School. company of the Merchant Tailors of London, in the parish of Saint Laurence Pountney in the same City, the worshipful Emanuel Lucar, Robert Rose, William Mericke, john Spark, and Robert Duckington then being Master and Wardens of that company. The tenth of April, was one William Geoffrey whipped 1561 from the Marshal sea in Southwark, to Bethlem without Bishopsgate of London, for that he professed one john Moor to be Christ our saviour: on his head was set a paper, wherein was written as followeth, William Geoffrey a most blasphemous Heretic, denving Christ our saviour in Heaven. William Geffrey whipped. The said Geoffrey being stayed at Bethlem gate, john Moor was brought forth, before whom, William Geoffrey was whipped till he confessed Christ to be in Heaven. Then the said john Moor being examined, and answering overthwartly, A false Christ whipped. was commanded to put off his coat, doublet, and shirt, which he seemed to do very willingly, and after being tied to the Cart was whipped an arrows shoot from Bedlam, where at the last he also confessed Christ to be in Heaven, and himself to be a sinful man: then was john Moor sent again unto Bedlam, and William Geoffrey to the Marshalsea, where they had lain prisoners nigh a a year and a half, the one for professing himself to be Christ, the other a Disciple of the same Christ. On Wednesday the fourth of June, between four Panles Steeple on fire. and five of the clock in the after noon, the Steeple of Paul's in London being fired by lightning, braced forth (as it seemed to the beholders) two or three yards beneath the foot of the Cross, and from thence, brent down the Sphere to the stoneworke and bells, so terribly, that within the space of four hours, the same Steeple, with the roofs of the Church so much as was timber or otherways combustible, were consumed, which was a lamentable sight, and pitiful remembrance to the beholders thereof. The length of Paul's Church in London is 2690. foot. The breadth thereof is 100L. foot. The height of the Steeple was 520▪ foot, whereof the stone work is 260. foot. And the Spear which now is burnt, was likewise 260. foot. Alexander Auenon: Humphrey Baskeruild, the 28. of Sep. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir William Harper merchant Taylor, the 28. of October. This Sir William Harper founded a free School in the Town of Bedford (where he was borne, and lieth buried) Free School at Bedford. and hath given a competent living for a Schoolmaster there to teach and instruct children in virtue and learning unto the worlds end. The fifteenth of November, the queens Majesty published New coins. a Proclamation, wherein she restored to the Realm divers small pieces of Silver money, as the piece of six pence, four pence, three pence, two pence, and a penny, three half pence, and three farthings. And also, forbade all foreign Coins to be currant within the same Realm, as well Gold as Silver, calling them into her majesties Mints, except two sorts of Crowns of Gold, the one the French Crown, the other the Flemish Crown. The xxuj. of December, Sir Ambrose Sutton, alias Dudley Knight, called Lord Ambrose Dudley was created Baron Lisle, and afterward the same day Earl of Warwick at Westminster. This year in England were many monstrous births. In March, a Mare brought forth a foal with one body and Anno reg. 4. two heads, and as it were a long tail growing out between the two heads. Also, a Sow farowed a Pig Monstrous births. with four legs like to the arms of a man child, with hands and fingers etc. In April, a Sow farrowed a Pig with two bodies, eight feet, and but one head, many Calves and Lambs were monstrous, some with collars of skin growing about their necks, like to the double ruffs of shirts and nekercheffes then used. The xxiv. of May, a man child was borne at Chichester in Sussex, the hea●▪ arms, and legs whereof, were like a Notamy, the breast and belly monstrous big from the navel, as it were a long string hanging: about the neck a great collar of flesh and skin growing like to the ruff of a shirt or nekerchefe, coming up above the ears pleyting and folding etc. The queens Majesty in September, addressed a band of her Subjects to the Town of Newhaven in Normandy: Going to Newhaven. who were embarked at Portesmouth, because that Haven is most apt for transportation to that place, upon whose arrival, the Townsmen and inhabitants joyfully surrendered themselves and their Town into the possession of the queens majesty, which was kept by Englishmen from September 1562. to the 29. of July than next following, which was in the year 1563. The governor of which band was the right honourable the Earl of Warwick, who with the captains serving there (which were of great experience) and Soldiers trained by them to knowledge of service, together with part of the old approved garrison of Barwike, did at that time both manfully defend the piece, and valiantly encountered by sundry skirmishes and conflicts with the County reingrave and his band, the most part whereof were happily achieved, to the ●●●eats over throw of the adversaries part, and singular commendation of ours. William Allin: Richard Chamberlain, the 28. of Sept. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 5. Tempest at Leycester. Sir Thomas Lodge Grocer, the 28 of October. On Saturday the xuj. of January, a great tempest of wind and thunder happened in the Town of Leycester, which uncovered 411. bays of houses, and overturned many. The ix. x. and xj. of February, Westminster hall was overslowen 1563 with water, and Holland in Lincolnshire was drowned by rage of wind and water. When the frenchmen with huge armies assembled out john Cai●●. of all parts of France, to recover the place of passage, the stopping whereof by our power was the double woe of their common wealth there bred through the season of the year and putrefaction of the air, a miserable & infortunate plague among our men, which marvelously increased, with the death of divers of the best captains & soldiers, where withal there followed a cruel and quick siege, whereat was present the young King himself, the Queen his mother, the best tried number of warlike soldiers within the whole Country, besides an other sort of young and old that cared not for life or land, so their adventure might win again the cause of their distress: with this general aid, the marshes were made passable and firm ground, which by men of great experience was thought impossible: and with common help the Cannons were placed, the Castle and walls were battered, and sundry breaches made beyond expectation, howbeit they were rewarded by our Gunners, and made to taste the bitter fruit of their desperate approach, to their great terror and annoyance, the Earl of Warwick with the remnant of our Captains and soldiers in courageous order standing at the several breaches ready to defend their assaults, which perceived by the enemy, they caused their Trumpets to sound the blast of Emparle, that composition of either part might be made, to avoid the imminent slaughter, and effusion of blood. This offer seemed not unmeet, both parties concluded, the Town was delivered the nine and twentieth of July, with condition, that the englishmen should depart. When the town in this sort was surrendered to the French, and the greatest part of our garrison shipped, many sick persons were left behind, impotent and unable to help themselves The misery whereof Edward Randolfe Esquire high Marshal of the Town (who was appointed to tarry and see the uttermost of our composition accomplished) perceiving, moaned with natural pity of his Countrymen relinquished without comfort, caused the said sick persons to be carried aboard, not sparing his own shoulders (at that time feeble and full of the plague) himself and his men still bearing and helping the poor creatures on Shipboard, a rare fact, worthy reward, and no doubt in remembrance with God, the true recorder of merciful deserts. As ye have heard, the plague of pestilence being in the Pestilence. Town of Newhaven, through the number of soldiers that returned into England the infection thereof spread into divers parts of this Realm, but especially the City of London was so infected, that in the same whole year, that is to say, from the first of January 156●. till the last of December. 1563. there died in the City and Liberties thereof, containing 108. parishes of all diseases, xx. M. iij. C. lxxij. and of the 108. parishes in London, besides ●●▪ in the suburbs plague, (being part of the number aforesaid) xvij. M. ii●j. C. ii●j. persons. And in the out parishes adjoining to th● same City, being xj. parishes, died of all diseases in the whole year itj. M. tj. C. lxxx. and vitj. persons▪ and of them, of the plague tj. M. utj. C. xxxtj. persons, so that the whole number of all that died of all diseases, as well within the City and Liberties, as in the out parishes, was xxitj. M. vj. C. & and lx. & of them, there died of the plague, xx. M. one hundred thirty and six. The eight of July in the morning, happened a great tempest Tempest at London. of lightning and thunder, where through a woman & three kine were slain in the Covent▪ Garden near to Charing Cross: At the same time in Essex a man was torn to peers as he was carrying hay, his barn was borne down, and his hay brent, both stones and trees were rend in many places. The Counsel of King Philip at Brussels, commanded proclamation to be made in Antwerp and other places, that no English ship with any clothes should come into any places of their low Countries: their colour was (as they said) the danger of the plague which was that time in London, and other places of England: notwithstanding, they would gladly have gotten our wools, but the queens Majesty, through suit of our Merchant Adventurers, caused the Wool fleet to be discharged, and our Cloth fleet was sent to Emden in East Friselande about Easter next following in Anno 1564. forsomuch as the plague of Pestilence was so hot in Threefold plague to the poor Citizens of London. the City of London, there was no Term kept at Michaelmas: to be short, the poor Citizens of London, were this year plagued with a three fold plague, pestilence, searcity of money, and dearth of victuals: the misery whereof, were too long here to write, no doubt the poor remember it, the rich by flight into the Countries made shift for themselves, etc. An earthquake was in the month of September in divers Earthquake. places of this realm, specially in Lincoln and Northamptonshires'. Edward Banks: rowland hayward, the 28. of Septem. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john White Grocer, the 28. of October. After the election of this Mayor, by the Counsels letters, the queens majesties pleasure was signified to Sir Thomas Lodge, than Mayor, that forsomuch as the plague was to great in the City, the new Mayor elected should keep no feast at the Guild hall, for doubt, that through bringing together such a multitude, the infection might increase, for that week there died within the City and out Parishes, more than two thousand: wherefore this sir john White took his oath at the outermost Gate of the Tower of London. From the first day of December, till the twelfth, was Anno reg. 6. Lightning and▪ thunder. sache continual lightning and thunder especially the same twelfth day at night, that th● like had not been seen nor heard by any man then living. In the month of December, was driven on the ●hore ●● Grims●●e in Lincolnshire, a monstrous fish, in length nynetéene yards, his tail fifteen foot broad, and six yards between his eyes, twelve men stood upright in his mouth to get the oil. For that the plague was not fully ceased in London, Term kept at Hertforde. Hillarye Term was kept at Hertforde Castle besides Waer. This year an honourable and joyful peace was concluded, 1564 betwixt the queens Majesty and the French King, their Realms, Dominions and Subjects, which peace was proclaimed with sound of Trumpet, at her Castle of Windsor, and▪ also at London on the thyrtéenth day of April. The plague (thanks be to God) being clean ceased in London, both Easter and Midsummer Term were kept at Westminster. Through the earnest suit of the Armourers there was on the vigil of Saint Peter a Watch in the City of London, Watch on S. Peter's even. which did only stand in the highest streets▪ as Cheap, Cornhill, and so forth to Aldgate, which Watch was to the commons of the City as chargeable, as when in times past it had been commendably done. The fifth of August, the queens Majesty in her Progress Abrah. Hartwell. The Queen's Progress through Cambridge. came to the University of Cambridge, and was of all the Students (being invested according to their degrees taken in the Schools) honourably and joyfully received in the King's College, where she did lie during her continuance in Cambridge▪ The days of her abode were passed in Scholastical exercises of Philosophy, Physic and Divinity, the nights in Comedies and Tragedies, set for the partly by the whole University, and partly by the Students of the kings College. At the breaking up of the Divinity act, being on Wednesday, the ninth of August, (on the which day sh●e road through the Town, and viewed the Colleges, those goodly and ancient monuments of Kings of England, her Noble Predecessors) she made within Saint Macies▪ Church a notable Oration in Latin, in the presence of the whole learned University, to the Students great comfort. The ●erte day she went forward on her Pregresse to Fihchingbrooke by▪ Huntingdon. The thyrtith day of August, was enacted by a common Out crier and Bellman for the day. Council of the City of London▪ that all such Citizens as from thenceforth should be ●instrained 〈…〉 their household ●●u●●e, leaves of houses or such like, should first cause the same to be cried through the City by a man with a Bell, and then to be sold by the common out crier appointed for that purpose, and he to retain one farthing of the shilling for his pains. The xx. day of September arose great floods in the riner Great ●●onds in the Thamis. of Thamis, wherethrough the Marshes near adjoining were overflowed, and many cattle drowned. The creation of sir Robert Sutton alias Dudley Knight of Creation of a Baron. the Garter, and Master of the Horse, to the queens Majesty, who was created Baron of Denbigh, and after Earl of Leicester on Michaelmas day at Saint james, with the gift of the Manor of Killingworth▪ and other things there to him and his heirs, to the yearly value of four and twenty pound and better. first, the said Lord attended on the queens highness, to the Chapel, and from the Chapel to service, and when he was returned to the Chamber of Presence, the said Lord with other departed to the Lord Chamberlains Chamber, and shifted them, the said Lord Robert in his Surcote with the Hood, his mantle borne before him by the Lord Hunsdon, and led by the Lord Clinton Lord Admiral by the right hand, and the Lord Strange on the left hand, in their Parliament Robes, Garter bearing the Patent, and before him the Officers of Arms, and so proceeded into the Chamber of Presence, where the queens Highness sat under the cloth of Estate with the Noble men on each side of her, the Ambassador of France was also present with another stranger an Italian, and when the fai●●● Lord with the other came in the queens sight, they made their obeisance three times, the said Lord knéeled 〈…〉, after the which Gatter presented▪ the Letters patents to the Lord Chamberlain, and he presented the same to the queens Highness, who gave it to sir William Cecil Secretary, who read the same with a loud voice, and at the words of Creduimus, the Lord of Hunsdon presented the Mantle to the 〈…〉 Majesty, who put on the same, whereby he was treated Baron of Denbigh for him and his heirs: then the patent was read out to the end, after the which he delivered it to the Queen again, & her Highness gave it to the said Lord, who gave her Majesty most humble thanks, and he rose up and departed to the Chamber than came from, the Trumpets sounding before him. Then be shifted him of those Robes, and put on the Robes Creation of an Earl. of Estate of an Earl, and being led by the Earl of Sussex on the right hand, and the Earl of Huntingdon, on his left hand, the Earl of Warwick bearing his Sword the pommel upward, and the girdle, about the same, all in their Robes of Estate, the Lord Clinton Lord Admiral in his Parliament robes, bearing his Cap with the Coronal, Garter▪ before him hearing his Patent, and the other officers of Arms before him, they proceed as afore into the Chamber of Presence, where, after they had made their obeisance, the said Earl ●néeled down, and Garter delivered his patent to the Lord Chamberlain, who gave the same to the queens Majesty, and her highness gave the same to sir william Cecil Secretary to read, who read the same, and at the words, Cincturam Glady the Earl of Warwick presented the Sword to the queens Highness, who girt the same about the neck of the said new Earl, putting the point under his left army, and after her Majesty put on his Cap with the coronal, than his Patent was read out to the end, and then the said Secretary delivered it again to the Queen; and her Highness gave it to the said new Earl of Leicester, who gave her humble thanks for the same, and then he arose and went into the Council Chamber to dinner, the Trumpets sounding before, and at dinner he sat in his kirtle, and there accompanied him the foresaid Ambassador of France, and the said Italian, with divers other Earls and Lords, and after the second course, Garter with the other Officers of Arms, proclaimed the queens majesties Style, and after, the Style of the said Earl, for the which they had fifteen pound, to ●éete, for his Barony f●ue pound, and for his ●arledoms ten pound, and Garter had his Gown of black ●elnet guarded with three guards of the same, laid on with Lace, fyned through with black Taffeta, and guarded on the inner side with the same, and on the sleeves xxxvitj. pair of Aglets of Gold. Du●resnoble & puissant seigneur Robert Cante de Leycest●e Baron de Denbighe, Chevalier du tresnoble Ordre de la jarretierrè, & Grand Esquire de la Royne nostre Sowereigne. Edward jackeman: leonel Ducket, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Obsequy for the Emperor. The second of October in the afternoon, and the morrow in the forenoon, a solemn obsequy was holden in Saint Paul's Church at London, for Ferdinando late Emperor departed. The seventh of October at eight of the clock at night, Anno reg. 7. the North parts of the Element seemed to be covered with flames offyre, proceeding towards the middle of the firmament, where, after it had stayed nigh one hour, it descended West, and all the same night (being the next after the change of the Moon) seemed as light as it had been day. Sir Richard Mallery Mercer, the 28. of October. Maior. The twentieth of November in the morning, through negligence of a Maiden with a Candle, the snuff falling in an hundred pound weight of gun powder, three houses in Bucklerslourie; werefore shaken, and the Maid died two days after. The d●e and twentieth of December begas●e a Fro●e, The Thani●●●rosen over. which ●●● 〈…〉 so extremely, that on Newyears' even, people went over and along the Thamis on the Ice from London bridge to Westminister, some played at foot ball as boldly there, as if it had been on the dry land, divers of the Court being then at Westminster, shot daily at pricks set upon the Thamis ●, And the people both men and women went on the Thamis in greater number, than in any street of the City of London: On the third day of January at night it began to thaw, and on the fifth day was no Ice to be seen between London bridge and Lambeth, which caused great ●loudes and high waters, that bore down Bridges and houses, and drowned many people in England, especially Owes' bridge borne down. in Yorkshire, Owes bridge was borne away with other. The third day of February, Henry Stuarte Lord Darlo●●, Henry Stuarte married the Queen of Scots about the age of nineteen years, eldest son of Matthew Earl of Leunex, (who went into scotland at Whitsuntide before) having obtained licence of the queens Majesty, took his journey toward Scotland, accompanied with ●iue of his father's men, where, when he came, was honourably received, and lodged in the King's lodgings, and in the Summer following, married Marie Queen of scotland. About this time for the queens Majesty were chosen and sent commissioners to Bruges, the Lord Montacute Knight of the honourable order of the Garter, Doctor Wotton one of his majesties honourable Counsel, Doctor Haddōon●●● the Masters of 〈…〉 to her highness with other: 1565 Master Doctor Aubrey was for the Merchant Adventurers of England. They came to Bruges in Lent, Anno. 1565. & continued there till Michaelmas following, and then was the diet prolonged till March, in 1566: and the Commissioners returned into England. The two and twentieth of April, the Lady Margaret Lady Liunex sent to the Tower. Countess of Liunex, was commanded to keep her Chamber at the White hall, where she remained till the xxtj. of June, & then conveyed by sir Francis Knolles, & the Guard to the Tower of London by water. On Midsummer day Donell Mac Cartie More, was created Baron of Valencia, and afterward the same day Earl of Glankerre at White hall. On S. Peter's even at night, was the like standing watch Watch at Midso●uer. in London, as had been on the same night twelve months. The xuj. of July, about nine of the clock at night, began Tempest at Chel●●forde. a tempest of lightning and thunder, with showers of hail, which continued till three of the clock the next morning so terrible, that at Chelmsforde in Essex 500 acres of corn were destroyed, the Glass windows on the East side of the Town, and of the West and South sides of the church were beaten down, with also the tiles of their houses, beside divers Barns, attorneys, and the battlements of the Church which were overthrown. The like harm was done in many other places, as at Leedes, Cranebrooke, Dover, etc. Christopher Prince and Margrave of Baden, with Cicelie Margrave and Marques of Baden. his wife sister to the King of Swethlande, after a long and dangerous journey, wherein they had traveled almost xj. months, sailing from Stokeholme, crossing the Seas over into Lifeland, from whence by land they came about by Polland, Pruscy, Pomerland, Meckeburge, Friesland, and so to Ant●arpe in Brabant, then to calais; at the last in September 〈…〉 at Dover, and the xj. day of the same they came to London, and were lodged at the Earl of Bedford'S place, near unto ivy bridge, where, within four days after, that is to ●aye, the xv. of September, she traveled in child bed, and was delivered of a man child, which child the last of September was christened in the queens majesties chapel of White hall at Westminster, the queens Majesty in 〈…〉 own person being Godmother, the archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Norfolk Godfathers: at the christling the Queen gave the child to name Edwardus Fortunatus, for that God had so graciously assisted his mother, in so long and dangerous a journey, and brought her so safe to land in that place which she most desired, and that in so short time before her deliverance. john Rivers: james Hawes, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Marriage of the Earl of Warwick. Sir Richard Champion ●rape●, the 28. of October. The eleventh of November, the right honourable Ambrose Earl of Warwick, married Anne elder daughter to the Earl of B●dforde: for the honour and celebration of which noble marriage, a goodly challenge was made, and observed a● ●estminster at the T●●●, with each one six courses▪ at the Tourney twelve strokes with the Sword, three bushes with the punchion staste: and twelve blows with the Sword at Bar●iars, or twenty if any were so disposed. At ten of the clock the same day, a valiant serui●eable Robert Thomas slain. man, called Roberte Thomas, Master Gunner of England, desirous also to honour the fea●● and marriage day in consideration the said Earl of Warwick was General of the Ordinance within her majesties Realms and Dominions, made three trains of great Chambers, which terribly yielded forth the nature of their voice, to the great astonishment of divers, who at the firing of the second, was unhappily stain by a piece of one of the Chambers, to the great sorrow and lamentation of many. The four and twentieth of December, in the morning Anno reg. 8. there rose a great storm and tempest of wind, by whose rage the Thames and Seas overwhelmed many persons, and the great Gates ●● the Weaste end of Paul's Church in London, (between the which standeth the Brazen Pillar) Paul's Gate blown open. were, through the force of the wind, then in the weasterne part of the world ●lo●en open. In January, M●ns●eur Ra●buley ● Knight of the Order Order of saint Michael. in France, was sent over into England, by the French King Charles the ninth of that na●●e, with the Order, who ●● Windsor, was stalled in the behalf of the said French King with the Knighthood of the most honourable order of the Garter: and the four and twentieth of January, in the Chapel of her majesties Palace of White ●all, the said Monsieur Rambuley invested Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Robert Earl of Leicester, with the said order of Saint M●chaell. The Mar●u●s of Baden, and the Lady Cecilie his wife, 1566 ●●● Ma●q●es of Baden returneth. ●●ster to the King of Swethen, who came into this land in the meaneth of September last paste, as before is declared, being then by the Qéenes' especial appointment at their arrival honourably received by the Lord Cobham, an honourable Baron of this Realm, and the Lady his wife one of the queens majesties privy Chamber, now in the month of April, Anno. 1569. departed the same again, the Marquis a few days before his wife, being both cenducted by a like parsonage the Lord of Aburgaveny to Dover. Certain houses in Cornhill, being first purchased by the The Burse in Cornhill. Citizens of London, were in the month of February cried by the Bell man, and afterward sold to such persons as should take them down and carry them from thence, which was so done in the months of April and May next following. And then the ground being made plain at the charges also of the City, possession thereof was by certain Aldermen, in name of the whole Citizens, given to the right worshipful sir Tho. Gresham Knight, Agent to the queens Highness, there to build a place for Merchants to assemble in, at his own proper charges, who on the seventh of June laid the first stone of the foundation (being Brick) and forthwith the workmen followed upon the same with such diligence, that by the month of November, in the year of our Lord ●●67▪ the same was covered with Slate. The commissioners before named appointed for the matters of Flaunders, keeping their diet at Bruges, agreed to refer the whole matter to the Princes on both sides, and if they could not agree, than the Merchants to have forty days to repair home with their merchandise, and in the mean t●●●, all things to stand as they were then. Dure C●●●●issioners departed from Bruges about the xxuj. of June. The xxxj. of August the Queens Majesty in her progress The Queen's progress to Oxford. came to the University of Oxford, and was of all the Students, which had looked for her coming thither two years, so honourably and joyfully received, as either their l●ya●n●●●e towards the queens Majesty, or the expectation of their friends did require. Concerning orders in disputation's, and other Academical exercises, they agreed much with those, which the University of Cambridge had used two years before. Comedies also and Tragedies were played in Christ's Church, where the queens Highness ●●dged. Among the which, the Comedy entitled Palemon Misfortune at Oxford. and Arcet, made by Master Edward's of the queens Chapel, had such tragical success as was lamentable: For at that time by the fall of a wall and a pair of stairs, & great press of the multitude, three men were slain. The fifth of September after disputations, the Queen at the humble suit of certain of her Nobility, and the King of Spa●●es Ambassador, made a brief Oration in Latin to the University, but so wise and pithy, as England may rejoice, that it hath so learned a Prince, and the University may triumph, that they have so noble a Patroness. The uj▪ of September after dinner, her Grace coming from Christ's Church over Carfox, and so to Saint Maries, the Scholars standing in order according to their degrees, even to the East gate, certain Doctors of the University did ride before in their Scarlet gowns and hoods, & Masters of Art in black●●●wn● and hoods. The Mayor also with certain of his drethrens did ride before her in Scarlet to the end of Magdalene ●●●dge, where their liberties ended: but the Doctors and Masters went forward still to Sho●ouer, a mile and more out of Oxford, dicause their Liberties extended so far, and there after Orations made, her Highness' with thanks to the whols University, dead them farewell, and road to Rycote. Richard Lambert: Ambrose Nicholas, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. john Langley, the 4. of April. Sir Christopher Draper Iremonger, the 28. of October Maior. Soldiers transported into Ireland. The valiant Captain Edward Randolfe Esquire, lieutenant of the Ordinance, and Colonel of a thousand footmen, in September last paste, was with his band embarked at Bristol, and within few days after, landed at Knocfergus in the North parts of Ireland, and went thence by water to a place called Derry, by which passeth the river of Longfoile, there the said Colonel in short space fortified, to the great annoyance of john Oneale, and by great foresight and experience, guarded himself and his charge, till the said Oneale (to hinder and disturb his abode there) th●●▪ of November arrived with a great army of Kerne Galawgl●ss●s and horsemen, with whom the said Captain Randolfe encountered, and him there so discomfited, as after that conflict he durst never approach the queens power, and to his perpetual fame, the said Captain by reason of his bold and hardy onset that day lost his life. Charles james, the sixth of that name, son to Henry Young Prince of Scots christened. Anno reg. 9 Stuarte Lord of Darnley, and Marie King and Queen of Scots was borne in Edenberough castle the ninetéenth of June last passed: and the eighteenth of December, this year solemnly Christened at Striueling, whose Godfathers at the Christening were, Charles King of France, and Philibert Duke of Savoy, and the queens Majesty of England was the Godmother, who gave a Font of Gold curiously wrought and enamelled, weighing 333. ounces, amounting in value to the sum of 1043. ●. 19 s. The tenth of February in the morning, Henry Stuarte King of Scots murdered. Lord of Darneley before named King of Scots, by Scots in scotland, was shamefully murdered the revenge whereof remaineth in the mighty hand of God. The xxij. of February the Lady Margaret Douglas countess of Leunex, mother to the said King of Scots, was discharged out of the Tower of London. Within the space of ten months last paste died seven Seven Aldermen deceased in London. Aldermen of London, the first Edward Banks deceased the ninth of July, Anna 1566. R. Chamberlain late Sheriff, sir Martin Bowes, sir R Malory, sir William Hewet, & sir Thomas White late Majors, than Richard Lambart one of the Sheriffs for that year, the 4. of April, Anno 1567. The xxij. of April, by great misfortune of fire in the 1567. The Town of Ossestry brent thrice in thirty years. Town of Ossestrie in Wales twelve miles from Shrewsburie, to the number of 200. houses, to say, seven scores within the walls, and three score without in the Suburbs, besides cloth, corn, cattle, etc. were consumed, which fire began at two of the clock in the forenoon, and ended at f●●●, to the great marveling of many, that so great a spoil in foe short time should happen. Two long streets▪ with great riches of that town were brent in Anno. 1542. And likewise or worse in Anno. 1544. The xxiv. of April, the Sergeant's feast was kept at Greis Inn near unto Holborn, and there were at that time Sergeant's feast made seven new Sergeants of the law. The xxvij. of May in the town of Milnal in Suffolk eight Milnal in Suffolk brent. mile from Newmarket, 37. houses, besides barns, stables, & such like were consumed with fire in the space of two hours. Shane Oneale, who had most traitorously rebelled against Shane Oneale discomfited. Statuta Regni Hiberniae. Edmond Campion▪ the queens Majesty in Ireland, & had done many great outrages in the parts of V●ster, was this year▪ with his great loss manfully repelled from the siege of Dundalke by the garrison thereof, and afterward through the great valiancy of sir Henry Sidney Knight of the order, & Lord Deputy of Ireland, he was so discomfited in sundry conflicts, with the loss of 3500. of his men, that now foreseeing his declination to be iminant, he determined to put a colle● about his neck, & disguising himself, to repair to the Lord Deputy, & patiently to require his pardon to have his life▪ But Neil Ma●keuer his Secretary, who had incited him to this rebellion, persuaded him first to try and treat the friendship of certain wild Scots that then say 〈…〉 in Clan Ibon▪ under the conducting of Alexander Oge, and Mec Gilliam Busk, whose father and uncle Shane Oneale had lately killed, in an overthrow given by the Scots: nevertheless, he well liking this persuasion, went to the said camp the second of June▪ where after a dissembled entertainment, and quaffing of Wine, Gilliam Busk▪ burning with desire of revenge of his fathers and uncles death, and ministering Shane o'neill slain. quarreling talk, issued out of the Tent, and made a feay upon O-Neal's▪ men, and then gathering together his Scots in a throng, suddenly entered the Tent again, who there, with their slaughter▪ sword, hewed in pieces Shane Oneale, his Secretary, and all his company, except a very few which escaped by flight. The 8. of June sir Thomas Sackuile Knight, was created Baron of Buckhurst, at Westminster in the queens Palace. On Saint john's even at night, was the like standing Watch at Midsummer. watch in London, as had been on Saint Peter's even in the year before passed. The xxix. of July, Charles james the young Prince of Creation in scotland. scotland, after a Sermon made by john Knokes, was crowned King of Scots at Sterling Church, where were read certain Commissions, with the queens privy seal at them for the establishing of the same. The first for her resignation of the Crown, and government of the young Prince her son. The second, to authorize the Earl of Murrey, to be Regent during his minority. The third, to give authority and power to seven other, joining with the said Earl of Murrey, in case he should refuse to exercise the same alone, that is to say, the Duke of Cha●●leroy, the Earls of Leunex, Argyle, Athelmorto▪ ●lencarne and Mar: the commissions being ended, the bishop of Akelley, with two Superintendents, proceeded to the Coronation, the Earl Morton and Lord Hume took ●the for the King, that he should rule in the faith, fear, and love of God, to maintain the Religion then preached in scotland, and persecute all adversaries to the same, etc. The whole ceremony of the coronation was done in their mother tongue, and at that time the Queen of Scots was prisoner at Loughleven. Thomas Ramsey: William bond, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Roger Martin Mercer, the 28. of October. After a dry Summer followed a sharp Winter, with such a scarcity of Fodder and Hay, that in divers places the same was sold by weight, as in Yorkshire, and in the Peake, hay was sold for five pence the stone: there followed also a great death of cattle, especially of horse & sheep. In the month of January, the queens Majesty sent into the narrow seas three of her ships, named the Antelope, the Swallow, and the Aid, and one Bark named the Phoenix, the which were manned with v. C. men: and her Highness appointed the charge of those ships and men, to Master William Holstoke Esquire, controller of her highness ships, who had commandment to stay the subjects of King Philip, and according to his duty and charge▪ he used such diligence, that on the eleventh of March next following, he met with eleven sail of flemish▪ Hoys, upon Bolongne, which came from Roan●, and in them four hundred and odd Tuunes of Gascoigne and French Wines, which they intended to have conveyed into Flaunders, but William Holstoke stayed all the said Hoys, & sent them to London, where they made their discharge, and the Flemings disappointed. Moreover, on the eight and twentieth of March▪ the said William Holstoke serving in the Antelope at that present Admiral, in his company being William Winter the younger, (at that time Uizadmirall) serving in the Aid, and ●. Basing captain of the S●●llowe, and Thomas Generley Captain of the Phoenix, me●te in the narrow Seas with fourteen sail of great Hulks, which were come out of Portugal, and bound to Flaunders, their chief lading being Portugal▪ Salt, and yet had good store of Spanish Rialles of Plate, and also great store of Spices, the which fourteen Hulks did maintain their fight for the space of two hours, and after that they did perceive that they could not prevail, the said W. Holstoke and his company took eight of the same Hulks, whereof six were sent into the River of Thamis, and the Admiral and Uizadmirall of the said Hulks, being two great Ships, which W. Holstoke himself did take, were conveyed to Harwich, and there discharged. The xxviij. of March, through vehement rage and tempest Great winds. of winds, many vessels in the Thamis, with two Tiltebeates before Gravesend were sunk and drowned. The xxuj. of June, deceased Thomas Young Archbishop Archbishop of York deceased. of York, at his manor of Shefield, and was honourably buried at York. This year, Car●●nall Odet Chastilion fleeth out of Peter Ram●●. France into England, where he remained till the year of our Lord 1570▪ and then died at Canterbury, and was there buried in Christ's Church. john Oleph: Robert Harding, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. The xj. of October, were taken in Suffolk at Downam bridge ●éere unto Ipswich, eighteen monstrous fishes, some Monstrous fishes. of them containing xxvij. foot in length, the other xxiv. or xxj. foot a piece at the least. Sir Thomas Roe merchant Taylor, the 28. of October. Maior. Sheriff. james Bacon, the 26. of November. At the costs and charges of the Citizens of London, a new Conduit was builded at Walbrooke corner, near to New Conduit at Walbroke. Anno reg. 11 Downegate, which was finished in the month of October, the water whereof is conveyed out of the Thamis. The xvij. of January, Philip Mestrell a Frenchman, and A Frenchman executed. two Englishmen, were drawn from Newgate to Tyburn, and there hanged, the Frenchman quartered, who had coined gold counterfeit, the Englishmen, the one had clipped silver, the other cast Testons of Tin. The xxviij. of March, the Pencioners well appointed 1569 Muster of Pensioners. in armour on horseback, mustered before the queens Majesty in Hide Park beside Westminster. A great L●tt●m being holden at London in Paul's Churchyard A Lottary at London. at the We 〈…〉 over, ●●●●ego● to be drawn the eleventh of January, and continued day and night, till the sixth of May, wherein the said drawing was fully ended. Sir Thomas Roe Lord Mayor of London, caused to be enclosed Burial for dead prepared. with a wall of brick, nigh one acre of ground, near unto Bedlam without Bishopsgate, to be a place of burial for the dead, of such parishes in London as lacked convenient ground within their said parishes. A standing watch on Saint john's even at Midsummer, and Sir john White Alderman road the circuit, as the Lord Maior should have done. The xxvij. of August, Andrew Gregorevich savin, Ambassador from Muscovy, lauded at the Tower Wharf, and Ambassador from Muscovy. was there received by the Lord Mayor of London, the Aldermen, and Sheriffs in Scarlet, with the merchant's adventurers in coats of black velvet all on horseback, who conveyed him riding through the City to the: Muscovy house in Siding Lane there to be lodged. The plague of pestilence some what reigning in the City Term adjourned. of London, Michaelmas Term was first adjourned unto the third of November, and after unto Hilary Term next following. Henry Bechar: William Danne, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. The xj. of October, Thomas Haward Duke of Norfolk, was brought from Burnam beside Windsor by land to Westminster, Duke of Norfolk sent to the Tower. and from thence by water to the Tower of London prisoner, Sir Henry Nevil being his keeper. Sir Alexander Auenon Irnemonger, the 28. of October. Maior. No majors feast. This Mayor went by water to Westminster, and there took his oath as hath been accustomed, but kept no feast at the Guild hall, lest through coming together of so great multitude, infection of the pestilence might have increased. That week, from the one and twentieth unto the eight and twentieth of October, there died in the City and out parishes of all diseases 152. of the which 51. were accounted to die of the plague. On Monday the fourteenth of November, Thomas Percy The Earls of Northumberland & Westmoreland rebelled. Earl of Northumberland being at Topclife, received the queens majesties letters to repair to the Court, and the same day at night, certain conspirators perceiving the said Earl to be wavering and unconstant of promise made to them, caused a servant of his, called Bekewith, (after he was laid in his bed) to bustle in, and to knock at his chamber door, willing him in haste to arise and shift for himself, for that his enemies (whom he termed to be Sir Osweld Vlstrop, and Master Vaughan) were about the Park, and had beset him with numbers of men, whereupon he arose, and conveyed himself away to his keepers house: in the same instant, they caused the Bells of the Town to be rung backward, and so raised as many as they could to that purpose▪ The next night, the Earl departed thence to Branspith, where he met with Charles Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, and other their confederates, after which time, by sundry Proclamations, they abusing the queens subjects, commanded them in her highness name to repair to them in warlike manner, for the defence and surety of her Maiestles person, sometimes affirming their doings to be with the advise and consent of the Nobility of the Realm, who in deed were wholly bent (as manifestly appeared) to spend their lives in dutiful obedience, against them and all other Traitors, sometimes pretending for conscience sake to seek to reform Religion, sometimes declaring that they were driven to take this matter in hand, lest otherwise for reign Princes might take it upon them, to the great peril of this Realm. The xuj. day, they came to Durham, and forthwith went Rebels rend the Bible. to the Minster, where they tore the Bible, Communion Books, and other such as therewere. The same night they went again to Branspith, and on the morrow to Darington, where they had holy-water, but no Mass, for want of vestments. From thence, they sent their Horsemen to gather together such numbers of men as they could. The xviij. the Earl of Northumberland went to Richmond, then to Northalarton, after to Borrow bridge, and on Sunday, the twentieth Anno reg. 12 of November, he with his Lady Countess of Northumberland, met again with the Earl of Westmoreland at Ripon, and there had Mass, where (to get the more credit among the favourers of the old Romish Religion) they had a cross with a banner of the five wounds borne before them by Richard Norton, and that night they went to Borrow bridge, and on the Monday to Wether●ie, on which day at night some bands of them entered T●dcaster, and took a two hundred footmen, chasing their Captains which were leading them towards York to the Earl of Sussex. On Tuesday, they mustered on Clifford moor, nigh unto Bramham moor, where they were a sixteen hundred horsemen, and a four thousand footmen, which was the greatest number that ever they were. From thence, they intended to have The number of the Rebels. marched toward York, but their minds being suddenly altered, by report they heard that Sir George Bowes had mustered within the Bishopric, and Richmondshire, and levied great bands, on the Wednesday they returned again to Wetherby, on Thursday to Northalerton, on Friday to Richmond, on Saturday Westmoreland went to Rabyes' his own house, on Sunday at night the Earl of Northumberland came to him there. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, they mustered in all Richmondshire and the Bishopric, bestowing their footmen in bands under Captains leading: and the same day, which was the last of November, they besieged Barnard or Barn castle upon Tese, builded by Bernard's castle besieged. Barnard Bayllioll about Anno domini 1174. which castle was valiantly defended by Sir George Bowes and Roberte Bows his brother the space of eleven days. In the mean space, the Earl of Westmoreland and his Lady went to Durham with seven or eight hundred horse, where they remained till the thirteenth of December, in which space, to weet the seventh day of December, Sir john Foster, Warden Skirmish with the Rebels. of the middle marches, accompanied with Sir Henry Percy, did give to the said Earl a great skirmish. The sixth of December, Sir George Bows put forth of the Castle two hundred horsemen, whereof two persons were slain, and thirty taken by the Rebels. The tenth of December, Sir Barnard's castle delivered to the Rebels. George Bows delivered the said Castle, under composition to departed with armour, munition, bag and baggage, and forthwith marched with his garrison towards York. In this mean time, to weet, on the xxiv. of November, the queens Majesty had caused the said Earls of Northumberland The Earls of Northumberland & Westmoreland proclaimed Traitors. and Westmoreland to be proclaimed Traitors, with all their adherents and favourers, and forthwith prepared an army to be sent out of the South for their suppression. The Lord Scrope, warden of the West marches, had called unto him the Earl of Cumberland, and other Gentlemen of the Country, and they kept the City of Carelile. The Earl of Sussex the queens majesties Lieutenant general The Earl of Sussex the Queen's Lieutenant general in the North against the Rebels. in the North, had on the xvij. of November there published the like Proclamation (in effect) as after was published by her▪ Majesty against the said Rebels, and also sent out to all such Gentlemen as he knew to be her majesties loving subjects under his rule, who came unto him with such number of their friends, as he was able in five days to make above five thousand horsemen and footmen, and so being accompanied with the Earl of Rutland his Lieutenant, the Lord Hunsdon general of his horsemen, William Lord Ewer, who had the leading of the rearward of the footmen, and Sir Ralph Sadler Treasurer, who all came to York with their servants, on Sunday the xj. of December, they marched from York towards Topclife, the x●j. they tarried at Sezay, where Sir George Bows with his power coming from Barnard's Castle (as is a foresaid) met him, and was made Marshal of the Army: then they went to Northalarton, to S●icto●, to Croftbridge, and so to Actay, on the which day, the Rebels fled from Durham (having called their company Christopher Nevil frent Hertlepoole; who were fortifying there) to Exham, where they abode three days. The Earl of S●●ssex Lieutenant with his power, went from Actay to Durham, then to Newcastle, and the twentieth of December to Exham, from whence, the Rebels were gone the night before to Naworth, where counselling with Edward Dacres concerning their own weakness, as also how they were pursued by the Earl of Sussex and his power of seven thousand, even almost at their heels: and moreover, that the Earl of Warwick, the The Earl of Warwick sent against the Rebels. Lord Clinton, Lord Admiral of England, and the Lord Ferrer; Uiscount Hereford, with afar greater army of twelve thousand out of the South, whereof the said Earl of Warwick was General, was not far behind them at Borowbridge. The next night, the two Earls of Northumberlande and Westmerlande, with sundry of their principal Gentlemen, The Earls of Northumberland & Westmoreland fled. unknown to their associates, fled to Herlaw in scotland: the other Rebels were shortly after taken by the Earl of Sussex and his power, without any resistance. The fourth and fifth of January, did suffer at Durham Rebels executed at Durham. to the number of threescore and six Constables and other, amongst whom, an Alderman of the Town, and a Priest called Parson Plom●ree were the most notable: then ●●●r Gro●●● Bowes Martial, finding many to be faultors in the foresaid Rebellion's, did see them executed in every Market Town and other places, betwiete Nowcastell and Wetherby, about threescore miles in length, and forty miles in breadth. The one and twentieth of January, a Prentice was hanged on a gibbet at the North end of Finke Lane in London, (to the ensample of other) for that he th● thirteenth of December had stricken his master with a knife, whereof he died. The two and twentieth of February, Leonard Dacre of Leonard Dacr●●●edde into Scotland. Harlsey, in the County of York Esquire, having raised a number of people, the Lord Hunsdon and other setting on him with a company of valiant Soldiers, flew many of his people, and forced him to flee into scotland. On good Friday the seven and twentieth of March, Simon 1570 Digby of Askewe, john Fulthorp of Isilbecke in the County of York Esquires, Robert Peneman of Stokesley, Rebels executed at York. Thomas Bishop the younger of Poklinton in the same County of York Gentlemen, were drawn from the Castle of York, to the place of execution called Knavestmire, half a mile without the City of York, and there hanged, headed, and quartered, their four heads were set on the four principal gates of the City, with four of their quarters, the other quarters were set in divers places of the Country: Oscolph Clesbe was with them drawn to the gallows, and returned again to the Castle. William Earl of Pembroke, Baron of Cardiff, Knight The Earl of Pembroke deceased. of the Garter, one of the privy Counsel, and Lord Steward of the queens majesties household, deceased the eyghtéenth of April, and was buried in Saint Paul's Church at London. The seventeenth of April, the Earl of Sussex Lieutenant The Earl of Sussex made a journey into Scotland. general in the North, with the Lord Hunsdon, Lord governor of Barwike, & Warden of the East Marches, and master William Drewry high Marshal of Barwike, with all the garrison and power of the fame, began a journey into scotland, and the same night came to Work, twelve miles from Barwike, and so the next morrow entered into Tividale, and marching in warlike order, they brent, overthrew, razed & spoiled all the Castles, Towns, & villages of their enemies, till they came to the Castle of Moss standing in a strong marish belonging to the L. of Bucklugh, which likewise was razed, overthrown and brent, and so marched forward and brent the whole Country before them, till they came to Craling. The same day, Sir john Foster Warden of the Sir john Foster with a garrison entered Scotland. middle marches, with the garrison and force of the same, entered likewise into Tividale upon Expes gate, sixteen mile from Work, where in like order they brent, razed, and spoiled the Country before them, till they came to a strong Castle called Craling, in the possession of the mother of the Lord Ferniherst, which likewise they overthrew, razed, and brent. There both the Armies met, and so marched by the River of Tivite, rasing, burning, and spoiling Castles and piles along the River, till they came to Gedworth, where they both lodged, and were courteously received. The next day the Lord Ses●ord, Warden of the middle Marches of scotland, came in with all the principal men of his kindred to the Lord Lieutenant, and did submit themselves, and were assured, for that they had not received the English Rebels, aiding or assisting them, neither had made any invasion into England. The ninetéenth, the Army divided into two parts, the one part whereof passed the River of Tevite, and brent the Castle of Ferniherst, and all other Castles and Towns belonging to the Lord of Ferniherst, Huntill and Bedrell, and so passed to Mint, where both the Armies met again, and so brent on both sides the River, till they came to a great Town called Hawicke, where they intended to have lodged, but the Scots had unthatched the houses, and brent the thatch in the streets, and themselves fled with most part of their goods, but by the industry of the Englishmen, the timber was also burned with the thatch, saving one little house of stone of Dunlamrickes, wherein my Lord lay that night. The twentieth day, the Army marched forwards to a house of the Lord of Bucklugh, which they overthrew with powder, and then marched Northward to the River of Tivet, where they brent and spoiled such Castles, piles, and Towns, as belonged to the Lord of Fernihurst and Bucklogh, their kinsmen and adherents, and that night returned to Gedworth. The one and twentieth day, part of the army went to the River of Bowbent, under the leading of the said Marshal, where master George Heron, Réeper of Tividale and Ridsdale, with them of that Country, met with him, and joining together, road on, burning and spoiling all on both sides of the River, and the other part marched to the River of Trile, where they wasted and brent all on both sides the River, and returned to Kilsey, where the Lord Lieutenant lodged of purpose to besiege Hewme castle in the night, and the Lord Governor with his company went to Work, to bring the ordinance from thence in the morning, which was disappointed by the negligence of such as were put in trust for those matters, who suffered the carriage Horses to return to Barwike the day before, which should have drawn the same, she lack whereof, caused the Lord Lieutenant, with the whole army, to return to Barwike the two and twentieth of April, in all which time, there was never any show by the Scots made, to resist or defend their Country. The Lord Scrope Warden of the West marches, entered The Lord Scrope entered Scotland. Scotland the eyghtéenth of April, brent and spoiled those parts almost to Domfrees, he had divers conflicts, gave sundry overthrows, took many prisoners, and returned safely. During all these invasions, the marches of England in all places were so guarded by the Lord Evers, Sir George Bowes, and other of the Bishopric, as the Scots durst not once offer to enter into England, so that not one house was burned, nor one Cow taken out of England. There were razed, overthrown, and brent in this journey, above fifty strong Castles and piles, and above three hundred Towns and villages, so that there be very few in the Country, that either have received our English Rebels, or invaded England, that either have Castle, ●yle, or house for themselves or their tenants, besides the loss of their goods. The xxuj. the Lord Lieutenant accompanied with the Lord Governor, the Marshal, and divers lusty Gentlemen, Captains, and Soldiers, to the number of three thousand, set forward to Work, and so to Hewme castle, which Castle they besieged till the same was yielded, the Lord Governor, the Marshal, and divers other, took possession for our sovereign Lady the queens Majesty, and expelled the Scortes that were therein, to the number of 168. persons, in their apparel on their backs only, without armour, weapon, bag or baggage, among whom there were two Englishmen, one Hiliard the Earl of Northumberlands man, and a vagrant person named William Godswher, which both were carried to Barwike Rebels executed at Barwike and there executed the xxtiij. of May. The Lord Lieutenant placed in the Cast●●l Captain Wood, and Captain Pikeman, with two hundred Soldiers, and so returned to Barwike the xxix. of April, where he rested very evil at ease, having in the travail taken overmuch cold, wherewith he was driven into an extreme ague. The fourth of May, he sent master Drewry Martial with the number of two thousand, to take Faust castle, which at the first coming was delivered to the Marshal, who expelled the Scots in number ten, and placed fourteen of our Englishmen against all Scotland, it is so strong a place, and so returned to Barwike. The eleventh of May, the Lord Lieutenant made four Knights, viz. Sir William Drewry, Knights made by the Earl of Sussex. Sir Thomas Manners, Sir George Care, sir Robert Constable. And the same day, Sir William Drewry being General, set forward toward Edinburgh with divers foot bands with shot armed▪ p●●es and pieces of great Ordinance, to join with the Earls of Leunox, Murton, Glencarne, and Mar, and other of the King's power of Scotland, in pursuing of the English Rebels, and such of the Scots as supported them, as the Duke Hamelton and other, who were in arms at Lithcoe, twelve miles from, Edinburgh, to defend their cause. The ●ort said new Knights with their bands came to Edinburgh the thirteenth of May, and there rested three nights, and departed from thence to Lithcoe, where the Regent was slain. The xvij. the footmen marched to Faukirke, six miles from Sterling, and Sir William Drewry with the horsemen, marched to Sterling to see the King, whom they found so perfect in all things as age and nature could permit. The xviij. they departed to the footebands, and so together marched to Glascoy, where the Lord Hamelton had besieged a house of the Kings, but hearing of their coming, he fled with dishonour, and the loss of 29. of his men. The nineteen. the general with other horsemen and some shot, passed to Dunbarton, to view the straits of the Castle there, being kept by the Lord Fleming, the Bishop of Saint Andrew's, and other his adherents, to the Queen of Scots use. Our general sent his Trumpeter to require a parley with assurance safely to return, whereunto the Lord Fleming subtly consented, and minding so to wind him into his danger, conveyed certain shot, and armed men into a secret place, so that our General coming alone to have parlyed, his Trumpeter not returned, they shot at him, meaning to have slain him, but he bestowed his Pistolettes as freely at them as they at him, and returned to his company and so to Glasco, from whence, Sir George Care being marvelously offended with the subtle dealing of the Lord Fleming, wrote a letter of challenge to combat with him body for body, which the Lord Fleming by his letter of answer refused, whereupon Sir George Care wrote a sharp and pithy reply etc. The one and twentieth day, our General accompanied with the Gentlemen and horsemen, went to Dunbritton again to parley with the Lord Fleming, upon his promise that he should meet him three miles from the said Castle, but the place of parley being viewed, was found to be subject to the shot of the Castle, and therefore our General required another place, which would not be granted by the Lord Fleming. The. xxij. the Lord of Lenox, the Lord Glencarne, and the Lord Simple, with their friends and tenants, came to our General, and mustered before Glasco, to the number of four thousand horsemen and footmen. The. twenty-three. our General with the whole army marched toward the Castle of Hamelton, and there had parley with the Captain, whose name was Arthur Hamelton, but he would not deliver the Castle, whereupon, our Ordinance being placed, was shot very sor●, but did no great harm, for that they were field pieces. The. xxiv. our General gave summons to the said Castle which would not yield, whereupon, he sent to Starling for bigger Ordinance for the battery, and so went from thence, accompanied with the Earls of Lenox and Mortayne, with the horsemen and certain shot, marched in the Country to a fair house of the Abbots of Kelwing near adjoining, whose name was Gavin Hamelton, which house they burned, and utterly spoiled, with seventeen houses more of good countenance of that name, whereof one was the Lord Lanhappes, which had married with the sister of james Hamelton of Bedwilhough which slew the Regent. There was burned seven other fair houses thereabouts, not of that name, but of alley: besides those, there were divers of their kindred and alley, that came in with humble submission, and assured themselves, promising their obedience to their King etc. The. xxv. of May in the morning, was found hanging at the Bishop of London's palace gate in Paul's Churchyard, a A Bull from Rome, hanged on the Bishop of London's gate. Bull which lately had been sent from Rome, containing divers horrible treasons against the queens majesty, for the which, one john Felton was shortly after apprehended, and committed to the Tower of London. The. xxutj. of May, Thomas Norton, and Christopher, of Yorkshire, being both condemned of high treason, for the late The Nortons' executed. Rebellion in the North, were drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there hanged, headed, and quartered. The xxutj. of May, the Castle of Hamelton was yielded Hamelton in Scotland yielded to the English. to Sir William Drewry, general of our Army, and by him presently spoiled and brent, there was in the house 34. men. The xxviij. Sir George Care with the horsemen came to Lithco, where the whole army met. This day, a very fair house, with the whole Town of Hamelton was brent. The xxix. they brent an house of the Dukes called Kemyell, and another at Lithco: the whole Town, and divers other fair houses was yielded to our general, who returned to Edinburgh and so to Barwike the third day of June. A conspiracy was made by certain Gentlemen and other Conspiracy in Norfolk. in the Country of Norfolk, whose purpose was on Midsummer day, at Harlestone fair, with sound of Trumpet and Drum, to have raised a number, and then to proclaim their devilish pretence against Strangers and other. This matter was uttered by Thomas Kete one of the conspiracy, unto john Kensey, who forthwith sent the same Kete with a Constable to the next Justice, before whom, and other Justices, he opened the whole matter, whereupon, master Drewgh Drewry immediately apprehended john Throgmorton, and after him, many Gentlemen of the City of Norwich, and the County of Norfolk, who were all committed to prison, and (at the next Sessions of gail delivery at the Castle of Norwich, the seventeenth of July, before Sir Robert Ca●●● Knight, Lord chief Justice, Gilbert Gerrard the queens Attorney general, and other Justices) ten of them were indicted of high Treason, and some others of contempt, divers of them were condemned, and had judgement the one and twentieth of August, and afterward three of them were hanged, bowelled, and quartered, which were john Throgmorton of Norwich Gentleman, who stood mute at his arraignment, but at the gallows confessed himself to be the chief conspirator, and that none had deserved to die but he, for that he had procured them: with him was executed Thomas Brook of Rolsbye Gentleman the thirtieth of August, and George Redman ●● Cn●●geleford Gentleman was likewise executed the second of September. The fourth of August, the Duke of Norfolk was remomoved The Duke of Norfolk removed. from the Tower of London to the Charterhouse near unto Smithfield. The same day was arraigned at the Guild hall of London Felton arraigned. john Felton, for hanging a B●ll at the gate of the Bishop of London's palace, and also two young men for coining and clipping of coin, who all were found guilty of high Treason, and had judgement to be drawn, hanged, and quartered. The eight of August, john Felton was drawn from Newgate into Paul's Churchyard, and there hanged on a gallows Felton and others executed. new set up that morning before the Bishop's palace gate, and being cut down alive, he was bowelled and quartered. After this, the same morning, the Sheriffs returned to Newgate, and so to Tyburn with two young men which were there executed for coining and clipping, as is aforesaid. The two and twentieth of August, the Earl of Sussex A journey into Scotland by the Earl of Sussex. Lord Lieutenant general for the queens Majesty in the North, and the Lord Scrope, warden of the West marches, with divers other, marched from C●relile with the queens army, and force of the North, as well of Horsemen as footmen into Scotland, passing over the Rivers of Eske, Levin, and Sarke, which River of Sarke parteth England and Scotland, and so to Dornocke wood, belonging to Edward Vrone the Lord of Bonshow, and then to Anno●na, a strong house of the Lord Harris, which they razed and overthrew with other there abouts: from thence to Hodhim, which they brent and blue up: from thence to Kennel, a Town belonging to the Lord dowhill, which they brent: from thence to Domfries, which they sacked and spoiled of such paltry as the fugitives had left, and also razed and overthrew a sumptuous house belonging to the Queen of Scots, in the keeping of the Lord Harris: then passing the 〈…〉 of Longher, they brent and spoiled Cowhilles and Pow●racke, and returned to D●m●●●●s, and so to the Town of Bankend▪ which they brent, with another house pertaining to William Maxwell of the Isles, and so to the Castle of Carlavoracke, standing in a marish just to an arm of the Sea, which parteth Aunerdall and Gallaway, which Castle they blew up, and returned homeward, transporting their Ordinance over quicksands and bogs, where never the like was done before, and so came to Darnoke wood. The eight and twentieth of August, they marched towards Garelile, where by the way they brent and overthrew two houses, the one being Arthur Greames, alias Carelile, the other Rich George, two notable thieves. The same day at night after the Lords coming to Carlisle, he made Knights, Sir Edward Hastings, Sir Frances russel, Sir Knights made by the Earl of Sussex. Valentine Browne, Sir William Hilton, Sir Robert Stapleton, Sir Henry Curwen, Sir Simon Musgrave. France's Bar●ame William Box the 28. of September. Sheriffs. The 〈…〉 of On other ●t night, happened a terrible tempest of wind and rain, both on the Sea and Land, by High waters which drowned many. means whereof▪ many Ships and other vessels were drowned, about midnight, the water's overflowing, drowned many meadows, pastures, towns, villages, cattle, houses, and goods, to the utter undoing of a great number of subjects of this Realm: besides the loss of many men, women, and children, some drowned in their beds, some in the ways traveling etc. As you may read more at large in a Book thereof made by Thomas Knell Minister. Sir Rowland Haward Clothworker, the 28. of October. Maior. Anno reg. 13 The twenty-three. of January, the queens Majesty accompanied with her Nobility, came from her house at the Strand, called Somerset place, and entered▪ the City of London by Temple Bar, Fleetstreet, Cheap, and so by the North side of the Burse, to Sir Thomas Gresshams in bishops gate street, where she dined. After Dinner, her grace returning through Cornhill, entered the ●●rsse on the Southside, and after her highness had viewed every part thereof, above ground, especially the Pawn, which was richly furnished with all sorts of the finest wares in Royal Exchange. the City, she caused the same Burse, by an Herald and a Trumpet to be proclaimed The Royal Exchange, so to be called from thenceforth, and not otherways. The seaventéeuth of February, at a place called Kynnaston, A strange kind p●●arthmouing. near Marclech hill, in the County of Hereforde, was seen the ground to open, and certain rocks with a piece of ground, removed and went forward the space of four days, making at the first a terrible noise as it went on the earth▪ it removed itself between six of the ●●o●ke in the evening, and seven the next morrow forty paces, carrying great trees and Shéepecoates, some Shéepecoates with threescore Sheep in them, some trees fell into the chinks, other that grew on the same ground, grow now as firmly on a hill, and some that stood East, stand West▪ and those that stood West stan● East▪ The depth of the hol● where it first brake●●●, is thirty foot, the breadth of the breach is eight score yards, and in length above twenty score yards. It overthrew Kinastone Chapel. Also, two high ways be removed nigh one hundred yards, with the tr●●● of the hedge rows. The ground in all is sire and twenty acres, and where tillage ground was, there is pasture left in place, and where was pasture, there is tillage ground gone upon it. The ground as it removed, drove the earth before it, and at the lower part overwhelmed the ground, so that it is grown to a greathyll of twelve fathom high. It rempued from Saturday till Monday at night following, and so stayed. The second of April, a Parliament began at Westminster, 1571 wherein was granted to the queens majesty▪ (toward her great charges, in repressing the late Rebellion Parliament. in the North, and pursuing the ●a●de▪ Rebels and their faultors, which were fled into scotland) by the Clergy▪ a subsidy of six shillings in the pound, and by the Tempora●ties two fiftéens, with a subsidy of two shillings and eight pence in the pound. The first, second & third of May, was holden at Westminster Iustes at Westminster. before th● queens Majesty, a solemn Just, at the Tilt, Turney, and Barriars. The Challengers were Edward Carl of Oxford▪ Charles hayward, sir Henry Lee, and Christophér Hatton Esquire, who all did very valiantly, but the chief honour was given to the Earl of Oxford. The first of June, john Story a Doctor of the Cannon Doctor Story executed. Law, who before had been condemned of high treason, was drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there hanged, bowelled and quartered, his head set on London bridge, and his quarters on the gates of the City. The eighteenth of June, in Trinity Term, there A Combat appointed at Tu●hill. was a combat appointed to have been fought for a certain Manor and demain lands belonging thereunto, in the Isle of Hearty, adjoining to the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, Simon Lowe and john Kyme were Plaintiffs, and had brought a Writ of right against Thomas Paramore, who affered to defend his right by battle, whereupon the Plaintiffs aforesaid, accepted to answer his challenge, offering likewise to defend their right to the same Manor and lands, and to prove by battle, that Paramore had no right nor good title to have the same Manor and lands. He●●●ppon the said Thomas Paramore brought before the Judges of the common pleas at Westminster, one George thorn, a big, broad, strong set fellow: and the Plaintiffs brought Henry Nailor Master of Defence, and servant to the right Honourable Earl of Leicester, a proper slender man, and not so ●all as the other: Thorn cast down a Gauntlet, which Naylor took up. Upon the sunday before the battle should be tried on the next morrow, the matter was stayed, and the parties agreed, that Paramore being in possession should have the land, and was vounde ●● 500 ●. to consider the Plaintiffs, as upon hearing the matter, the Judges should award. The 〈◊〉 Majesty was the The quarrel of combat stayed take● up of the matter, in this wi●● It was thought good, th● for Paramores' assurance, the order should be kept touching the combat, and that the Plaintiffs Low & Kyme, should make default of appearance, but that yet such as were sureties for Naylor, their Champion's appearance, should bring him in, and likewise those that were sureties for Thorn, should bring in the same Thorn, in discharge of their hand, and that the Court should sit in Tuthil fields, where was prepared one plot of ground one and twenty yards square, double railed for the combat, without the west square, a stage being set up for the Judges, representing the court of the common pleas. All the compass without the lists, was set with Scaffolds one above another, for people to stand and behold. There were behind the square where the Judges sat, two tents, the one for Naylor, the other for Thorn thorn was there in the morning timely, Naylor about seven of the clock came through London, ap●● parelled in a doublet and galeygascoigne breeches, all of Crimosin Satin cut and razed, a Hat of black Velvet with a red feather and band, before him Drums and mischiefs playing: the Gauntlet that was cast down by George Thorn, was borne before the said Naylor upon a sword's point, and his Baston (a staff of an elle long, made Taper wise tip● with Home,) with his shield of hard Leather, was borne▪ after him, by A●kam a Yeoman of the Queen ● Guard: he came into the Palace at Westminster, and staying not long before the Hall door, came back into the King's street, and so along through the Sanctuary, & Tuthil street, into the field, where he stayed till past ix. of the clock, & then sir Jerome Bows brought him to his tent. thorn being in the Tent with sir Henry Cheiney long before. About x. of the clock, the court of common pleas removed, & came to the place prepared: when the Lord chief Justice with two other his associates were set, then Low was called solem●●ly to come in, or else he to lose his Writ of right. Then after a certain time the sureties of Henry Naylor were called to bring in the said Naylor, Champion for Simon Lowe, & shortly thereupon, sir Jerome Bows leading Nailor by the hand, entereth with him the lists, bringing him down that square, by which he entered, being on the left hand of the Judges, & so about till he came to the next square just against the Judges, & there making courtesy, first with one leg, & then with the other, passed forth till be came to the middle of the place, & then made the like obeisance, & so passing till they came to the Bar, there he made the like courtesy, and his shield was held up aloft over his head: Nailor put off his nether stocks, & so bare foot and bare legged, save his silk S●auilonions to the ankles, & his doublet sleeves tied up above the elbow, & bareheaded, came in as is aforesaid. Then were the sureties of George thorn called to bring in the same Thorn, & immediately sir Henry Cheyney entering at the upper end on the right hand of the Judges, used the like order in coming about by his side, as Naylor had before on that other side, & so coming to the Bar with like obeisance, held up his shield. Proclamation was made, that none should touch the Bars, nor presume to come within the same, except such as were appointed. After all this solemn order was finished, the L●chiefe Justice rehearsing the manner of bringing the Writ of right by Simon Low, of the answer made thereunto by Paramour, of the proceeding therein, and how Paramore had challenged to defend his right to the land by battle, by his Champion Thomas thorn, and of the accepting the, trial that was by Lowe, with his Champion Henry Naylor, & then for default in appearance in Lowe, he adjudged the land to Paramore, & dismissed the Champions, acquitting the sureties of their band●. He also willed Henry Naylor, to render again to George thorn his Gauntlet, whereunto the said Naylor answered, that his lordship might command him any thing, but willingly he would not render the said Gauntlet to Thorn except he could win it and further he challenged the said Thorn to play with him half a score blows, to show some pastime to the Lord chief Justice and the other there assembled, but Thorn answered, that he came to fight, and would not play. Then the Lordo chief Justice commending Naylor for his valiant courage, commanded them both quietly te depart the field, etc. The sixetéenth of July Rebecca Chamber, late wife to A woman brent at Maydstone. Thomas Chamber of Herieitesham, was found culpable of poisoning the said Thomas Chamber her husband, at the assizes holden at Maidstone in the County of Kent. For the which far (having well deserved) she was there brent on the next morrow. The seventh of September, the Duke of Norfolk was Duke of Norfolk sent to the Tower. removed from the Charterhouse, to the Tower of London prisoner. The two and twentieth of September deceased john jewel Bishop of Salisbury deceased. bishop of S●lisburie, in his life a most eloquent and diligent Preacher, but a far more painful and studious Writer, as his works remaining bear witness, whereby his fame shall never die. Henry mills: john Branch, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. The Christians victory against the Turks Sir William Allin Mercer, the 28. of October. The ninth of November, great rejoicing was made at London with hanquetting and bonefyres, for joy of the late come news, of a marvelous victory obtained by the christian army by sea, against the Turks the sixth of October last passed, wherein were taken and sunk of the Turks Galleys and Brygantines, two hundred and thirty, there were slain of the Turks more than thirty thousand, besides a great number of prisoners taken, and about twelve thousand Christians▪ that had been slaves with the Turks, were set at liberty. The Christians lost seven Galleys, and Anno reg. 14 were slain about six or seven thousand. The thyrtith of December reynold Grey was by the Earl of Kent. queens Majesty restored Earl of Kent. The thyrtéenth of January deceased Sir William Peter Sir William Peter deceased Knight, who for his judgement and pregnant wit, had been Secretary and of privy Council to four Kings and Queens of this Realm, and seven times Lord Ambassador abroad in foreign lands: he augmented Exeter College in Oxford, with lands to the value of an hundred pound by year: and also builded ●enne Alms houses in the parish of Ingerstone for twenty poor people, ten within the house, and ten without the house, having every one two pence the day, a winter gown, and two load of wood, and among them, feeding for six Ky●e Winter and Summer, and a Chaplain to say them service daily. The sixetéenth of January, the Lord Thomas hayward Duke of Norfolk arraigned. Duke of Norfolk was arraigned in Westminster hall, before George Lord Talbot Earl of Shrewsburie, high Steward of England for that day, and there by his Peers found guilty of high treason, and had judgement accordingly. The eleventh of February, Kenelm Barney, and Edmonde Mather, Barney and Roli● executed . Mather, were drawn from the Tower of London: and Henry Rolfe from the Marshalsea in Southwark, all three to Tyburn, and there hanged, bowelled, and quartered for treason: Barney and Mather for conspiracy, and Rolfe for counterfeiting the queens majesties hand. The queens Majesty hearing credibly by report, that Conueyers of Bells, Led & other church goods, are to be punished to the example of their too many followers. certain lewd persons, under pretence of executing Commissions for inquiries to be made, for lands concealed, contrary to her majesties meaning challenging lands, ●●ocks of money, Plate, etc. letting not also to make pretence to the Bells, Led and other such things belonging to Parish Churches or Chapels. Her Majesty meaning speedily to withstand such manner of unlawful practices, commanded, that all Commissions then extant, and not determined▪ for inquisition of any manner of concealementes, should be by Supersidias, out of her Exchequer revoked. ●●d also appointed speedy remedy to be had against such 〈◊〉, as more a● large app●●●●th by a Proclamation, ●●is 〈…〉 〈◊〉 ●● 〈◊〉 ●● have some special ●●r●▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉, but▪ also to the reforming ●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and injurious attempts, of divers that of late time by other colour th● for her▪ Majesties use, had taken away the lead of Churches and Chapels▪ yea and Bells also out of Stéeples▪ and other common g●●d●● belonging to parishes, an example not to be suffered unpunished, nor unreformed. And so her Majesty e●t●●●●es chargeth her Justices of her Assize to provide severe remedy, both for punishment and reformation thereof. Dated at Westminster the thirteenth day of February, the fourteenth years of her reign. The tenth of March deceased sir William Pawlet knight, Sir William Pawlet Lord treasurer deceased. Lord Sent-Iohn Earl of Wiltshire, Marquis of Winchester, Knight of the Honourable order of the Garter, one of the queens majesties privy Counsel▪ and Lord high Treasurer of England, at his Manor of Basing. This worthy man was borne in the year of our Lord 148●. the first year of King Richard the third, and lived about the age of 87. years▪ in six Kings and queens days. He served five Kings and Queens, Henry the seventh▪ Henry the eight, Edward the sixth, queens Marie, and Queen Elizabeth. All these he served faithfully, and of them was greatly favoured. Himself did see the children of his children's children, grown ●o the ●●●ber of ●03. A●●●● blessing given by God to men of his ●●●●ing. The xxv. and xxuj. of March, by the commandment of the queens Majesty, her Council▪ the Citizens of London assembling at their ●●●●●all halls, the Masters chose out ●he mo●●e 〈◊〉 ●●● 〈◊〉 persons of every their companies, to 〈…〉 e● of three thousand, whom they appointed to be Pikemen and 〈◊〉▪ ●h● Pikemen were forthwith armed in ●a●●●●●r●e●● and ●●●●r furniture, according there unto▪ the Gunners had every of them his Callyver, with the furniture, and 〈◊〉 on their hea●es▪ To these were appointed divers valiant Captains, who to ●●aine them up in warlike ●ea●●, 〈◊〉 them ●●r●ce every week▪ sometimes in the Artillery yard, teaching the Gunners to handle their pieces, sometime at the Miles end▪ and in Saint George's field, teaching them to skirmish. In the which skirmish with Miles end the tenth of April, one of the 〈◊〉 of the Goldsmith's company▪ was shot in the 〈◊〉 with a piece of a scouring stick left in one of the calivers whereof he died, and was buried the twelfth of April in S. Paul's, churchyard, all the Gunners marching from the Miles end in battle ray, shot off their calivers at his grave. On May day they mustered at Greenwich before the queens Majesty▪ where they showed many warlike feats, but were hindered by the weather, which was all day showering▪ they returned that night to London, and were discharged on the next morrow. The fourth of May Walter Deveroux, Lord Ferrer of Earls of Essex and Lincoln created. Chartley, and Viscount of Her●fonde was created Earl of Essex: And Edward Fines Lord Clinton, and Say, high Admiral of England, was created Earl of Lincoln. The eight of May, the Parliament began at Westminster, Barons made. and that same day in the Parliament by the queens Majesties writs, sir Henry Compton Knight, Lord of Compt●n in the Hole, sir Henry Cheyney Knight, Lord of Tudington, sir William Pawlet Knight of Basing, and sir Henry Norrice Knight, Lord of Rycote, were called Barons into the higher house. In this Parliament, for so much as the whole Realm of England was exceedingly pestered with Rogues, Uagabonds, and sturdy beggars, by means whereof, daily happened divers horrible murders, thefts, and other great outrages, it was enacted, that all persons above the age of fourteen years, being taken begging, vagrant, and Rogues brent through the ●are. wandering misorderly, should be apprehended, whipped, & brent through the gri●●le of the right ear, with a hot iron of one inch compass for the first time so taken. The four and twentieth of May, Martin Bulloke was hanged on a Gibbet by the Well with two Buckets in bishops gate street of London, for robbing and most shamefully murdering of a Merchant named Arthure Hall, in the parsonage of Saint Martin by the said Well. This Martin had procured the said Arthure Hall▪ to come to the said parsonage, to buy of him certain Plate, but after the said Arthure had well viewed the same, he said, this is none of your Plate, it hath Doctor Gardeners mark, & I know it to be his: that is true, said Martin Bullock, but he hath appointed me to sell it, etc. After this talk, whiles the said Arthure was weighing the Plate, the same Martin fetched out of the Kitchen a thick washing Bée●le, and coming behind him▪ struck the said Arthure on the head, that he felled him with the first stroke, and then struck him again, and after took the said Arthures' Dagger, and sticked him, and with his knife cut his throat, and after would have trussed him in a Dansk chest, but the same was too short: whereupon he tumbled him down a pair of stairs, and after thinking to have buried him in the Seller, his legs being broken with the first fall, and stiff, he could not draw him down the Seller stairs being winding, wherefore he cut off his legs with an Hatchet, and in the end trussed him with Straw in a dry▪ fat, and saying it was his apparel and Books, caused the same to be carried to the water side, and so shipped to Rye. The six and twentieth of May, the right honourable Earl of Lincoln, departed from London towards France Ambassador, being accompanied with the Lords Dacres, the Lord rich▪ the Lord Talbot, the Lord Sands, and the Lord Clinton, sir Arthure Chambernowne, sir Jerome Bowes, and sir Edward Hastings▪ Knights, with divers other Gentlemen, who taking ship at Dever▪ cut over to Bolongne, where they were very honourably received, & from thence conveyed by journeys to Paris, where they were lodged in a house of the kings named Le Chasteau de Louvre, being attended on by the King's Officers. Five days after, they went to the King at a house called Madril, where the King with his two brethren, the Admiral, and the most part of the Nobles of France met them a distance from the place, and brought them into the house, where they dined, and remained till sunday followwing, from whence the King and his nobles, with the nobles of England, came to Paris, the King, his two brethren, and our Ambassador riding in one Coach together, and the Nobles of England and France being so placed, also in Coaches, came to the said Castle of Louvre, and there dined. After dinner, the King, our Ambassador, with the Nobibilitie of both Realms, went to a Church named Saint German, where the French King, his brethren and Nobility heard Evensong, the Noble men of England, withdrawing them into a Chapel, till Evensong was done, were then fetched thence by the Nobles of France, to the King and his brethren that awaited their coming, where was League with France confirmed in France. confirmed the league, (which had been concluded at Blois the ninetéenth of April,) deputies being there for the French party, Francis Momorencie, Reignold Virago, Sebastian de Lanbespine, and Paul de Foix. And for the Queen of England sir Thomas Smith, and Master Walsingham Ambassadors.) This being done, they departed without the walls of Paris, to a Garden of pleasure, where they supped, after supper the King departed to his place of Madrill, and the nobles of England to the Castle of Louvre. On Monday the Admiral feasted the Nobles of England. On Tuisday the Duke of Anjou the King's brother, and on Wednesday the Duke of Alencon his younger brother, and so passed in banqueting and feasting, with rich gifts on both parts. On friday, the Nobles of England took leave of the King, and on Sunday came to Saint Dennis, and after to Bolongne, where they took ship, and returned into England the fourth of July. The second of June in the morning, between the hours of seven and eight, Thomas hayward Duke of Norfolk, was beheaded on a scaffold set upon the Tower hill. The Duke of Norfolk beheaded. About the ninth of June, Francis Duke of Momorencie, French Ambassadors. chief Marshal of France, Governor and Lieutenant of the Isle of France, General to Charles the ninth King of France, and Paul de Foix of the privy Council to the said King, and Bertrande de Saligners, Lord de la Mothefenalon, Knights of the order of Saint Michael, Ambassadors for the same King, arrived at Dover. The fourteenth day they shot London bridge towards Somerset house at the Strande, where they were lodged. The fifteenth day being sunday, the said Ambassadors League with France confirmed at Westminster. repaired to the White hall, where they were honourably received of the queens Majesty, with her Nobility, and there in her Grace's Chapel, about one of the clock in the afternoon, the Articles of treaty, league or confederacy and sure friendship (concluded at Blois the ninetéenth of April, as is afore showed) betwixt the queens Majesty, and the French King, being read, the same was by his Majesty and his Ambassadors confirmed, to be observed and kept, without innovation or violation, etc. The rest of that day with great part of the night following was spent in great triumph, with sumptuous banquets. The eighteenth of June the feast of Saint George was holden at Windsor, where the French Ambassadors were royally feasted, and Francis Duke of Momorencie, was S George's feast at Windsor. stalled Knight of the most honourable order of the Garter. The eight and twentieth day of June, the afore named Ambassadors departed from London towards France. The fourteenth of June, Thomas Lord Wharton deceased in his house of canon row at Westminster. The thyrtéenth day of July, the Qu 〈…〉 Majesty at Lord Treasurer, Lord privy Seal L. Chamberlain with other officers. White hall made sir William Cecil Lord oh 〈…〉 〈…〉 hley, Lord high Treasurer of England: Lord Willi 〈…〉 〈…〉 award late Lord Chamberlain, Lord privy▪ Seal 〈…〉 The Earl of Sussex, Lord Chamberlain: sir Thomas Smith principal Secretary: and Christopher Hatton Esquire, Captain of the Guard, etc. The two and twentieth of August, Thomas Percy Earl Earl of Northumberland beheaded. of Northumberlande, late of Topcliffe, who had been before attainted by Parliament of high Treason, as being one of the principal conspirators in the late rebellion, and now brought out of scotland, whether he had fled, was beheaded at York, about two of the clock in the afternoon, on a new scaffold set up for that purpose in the Market place. In this month of August, sir Thomas Smith one of the Englishmen scent to Vlstar in Ireland. queens majesties privy Council, carefully tending the reformation of Ireland, sent his son Thomas Smith Esquire thither, with a Colony of englishmen, to inhabit the Ardes in Ulster. Richard Pipe: Nicholas Woodroffe, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Lionel Ducket Mercer, the 28. of October. The eyghtéenth of November in the morning, was Anno reg. 15 A strange Star appeared. seen a Star Northward very bright and clear in the Constellation of Cassiopeia, at the back of her Chair, which with three chief fixed Stars of the said Constellation, made a Geometrical figure losing wise, of the learned men called Rombus: this Star in bigness at the first appearing seemed bigger than jupiter, and not much less than Venus when she seemeth greatest: also the said Star never changing his place, was carried about with the daily motion of Heaven, as all fixed Stars commonly are, and so continued (by little and little, to the eye appearing less) for the space of almost sixetéene Months, at what time it was so small, that rather thought by exercise of oft viewing might imagine the place, than any eye could judge the presence of the same: and one thing is herein chiefly to be noted, that by the learned skill and consent of the best and most expect Mathematicians, which observed the state, property and other circumstances, belonging to the same Star) it was found to have been in place Celestial far above the Moon, otherwise than ever any Comet hath been seen, or naturally can appear. Therefore it is supposed, that the signification thereof is directed purposely and specially to some matter not natural, but celestial or rather supercelestial, so strange as from the beginning of the world never was the like. The four and twentieth of November, Edward Earl of Earl of Derby deceased. Derby, Lord Stanley, and Strange, of Knocking, Lord and Governor of the Isle of Man, Knight of the noble order of the Garter, and one of the queens majesties privy Council, deceased at his house called Latham in Lancashire. His life and death deserving commendation, and craving memory to be imitated, was such as followeth. His fidelity unto two Kings, and two Queens in dangerous times, and great rebellions, in which time, and always, (as cause served.) He was lieutenant of Lancashire and Cheshire, and lately offered ten thousand men to the queens Majesty of his own charge for the suppression of the last rebellion. His godly disposition to his tenants, never forcing any service at their hands, but due payment of their rent. His liberality to strangers, and such as showed themselves grateful to him. His famous house keeping, 220. in checkroll never discontinuing the space of xlij. year. His feeding especially of aged people twice a day lx. & odd, besides all comers thrice a week appointed for his dealing days, and every Good Friday these xxxv. years one with another, 2700. with meat, drink, money, and money worth. There was never Gentleman or other that waited in his service, but had allowance from him to have as well wages as otherwise for horse and man. His yearly portion for the dispenses of his house 4000 l. His cunning in setting bones dis-jointed or broke. His delivery of his George and Seal to the Lord Strange, with exhortation, that he might keep it so unspotted in fidelity to his Prince as he had, and his joy that he died in the queens favour, his joyful parting this world, his taking leave of all his servants by shaking of hands, and his remembrance to the last day. The eight and twentieth of November, john Hall Gentleman, Hall and Wilkinson executed and Oswald Wilkinson, late of York, and Gailour of York castle, (being before arraigned and condemned of treason) were drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there hanged, bowelled and quartered. This year a great and sharp frost almost continually Great frost & a sharp winter. lasted, from before the feast of all Saints, till after the feast of Epiphany of our Lord, with sometimes great and deep snows, and sometimes rains, which fréezed as fast as the same fell to the ground, wherethrough at Wrotham in Kent, and many other places, the arms & boughs of trees, being overcharged with Ice, broke off, and fell from the stocks of the same trees, also the wind continued north and east, till after the Ascension day, with sharp frosts, and snows, whereby followed a late Spring. The twelfth of Januarye, William Lord Haward Baron Lord privy Seal deceased of Effingham, Lord privy Seal, Knight of the noble order of the Garter, and one of the privy Council, deceased at Hampton Court. The eyghtéenth of January, William Lord Somerset, Earl of Worcester sent into France. Earl of Worcester, began his journey towards France, to the christening of the King's daughter there, in stead of the queens Majesty of England, who sent with him a Font of Gold for that purpose, weighing 326. ounces. The said Earl with many of his company were rob Earl of Worcester rob on the Sea. upon the Sea by Pirates, of much of their baggage, and three or four of their men slain. In France he and his train were honourably received. At the christening he gave the child to name Elizabeth, and returned into England the seven and twentieth of Februarye. In the month of February, through sundry heinous complaints brought to the queens Majesty and her Counsel of Pirates that kept the narrow seas, doing many robberies, as also the robbing of the Earl of Worcester, (as is aforesaid) her Highness, by the advice of her honourable counsel, took order with the Lord Admiral of England, that he should send to the Seas ships and men to scour the narrow Seas, and to apprehend so many Pirates ships, as might be met with: and for the better doing thereof, it pleased her Majesty to send one of her own ships named the Swallow, to be the Admiral, under the charge of William Holstocke of London Esquire, controller of her highness ships, who had with him the Gyllian, the Bark Garet, and the Bark of Yarmouth, and 360. able marrivers, gunner's & soldiers in the said three ships, and and one Bark which scoured the narrow seas, from the North Forelande as far Weastwardes as Falmouth in Pirates on the West Seat. Cornwall, and took twenty ships and Barks of sundry nations, viz. English, French and Flemings, (but all Pirates) and in fashion of war. He apprehended in those ships and Barks to the number of 900. men of all nations, and sent them to ward to Sandwiche, Dover, Wighte and Portesmouth, (whereof three of them that rob the Earl of Worcester, were shortly after executed at Wight) also the said Pirates executed William Holstocke, did rescue and take from the abovesaid Pirates ships fifteen other Merchant ships, laden with Merchandise, that were their prizes, being of sundry nations, and set at liberty the said fifteen Merchant ships and goods, which done, he returned to Portsmouth, and there ended his voyage in March. Peter Ramus in his Commentaries of the wars of France, Peter Ramus. writeth thus. The Earl of Worcester passing into France, certain frenchmen and Flemings set upon him, took from him one of his ships and killed certain of his men, whereupon the Queen of England taking displeasure, sent the Lord Admiral (saith he) wherein he mistook the matter, for Master William Holstocke was sent (as is aforesaid) who set upon all the ships French and Flemings, took and carried away what so came to hand, so that xx. of Mongomeries' ships were lost, who was going to Rochel, with the number of fifty ships well furnished out of England, with money there borrowed, (but never repaid:) thus his navy being diminished of those twenty ships, when he saw the king's navy near to Rochel, he directed his course an other way, landed at Bel Isle, and took both the Isle and castle. The fourth of March, a man was hanged in chains in A man hanged in Saint George's field. Saint George's field beyond Southwark of London, for murdethe the Jailer of Horsham in the same field. The seventeenth of March deceased Reinolde Grey of Earl of Kent deceased. Ruthen, Earl of Kent, at Hernesey, and was buried at Saint Giles without Creeplegate. About the same time died Edmonde Lord Chandos. The five and twentieth of March, being Wednesday in 1573 George Saunders murdered at Shooter's hill. Easter week, and the feast of the Annunciation of our Lady, George Browne cruelly murdered two honest men near unto Shooter's hill in Kent, the one of them was a wealthy Merchant of London, named George Saunders, the other john Bean of Wolwich, which murder was committed in manner as followeth. On Tuisdaye in Easter week (the four and twentieth of March) the said George Browne receiving secret intelligence by letter from Mistress Anne Drewrie, that master Saunders should lodge the same night at the house of one Master Barns in Woolwiche, and from thence go on foot to Saint Mary Cray the next morning, lay in wait for him by the way, a little from Shooter's hill, and there slew both him and john Bean, servant to Master Barnes●: but john Bean having senne or eleven wounds, and being left for dead, by God's providence revived again, and creeping away on all four, was found by an old man and his maiden, and conveyed to Woolwiche, where he gave evident marks of the murderer. immediately upon the deed doing, Browne sent Mistress Drewrie word thereof by Roger Clement, (among them called Trusty Roger) he himself repaired forthwith to the Court at Greenewiche, and anon after him came thither the report of the murder also. Then departed he thence unto London, and came to the house of Mistress Drewrie, where, though he spoke not personally with her, after conference had with her servant Trusty Roger, she provided him twenty pound that same day, for the which she laid certain Plate of her own, and of Mistress Saunders to guage. On the next morrow being Thursday (having intelligence, that Browne was sought for) they sent him six pounds more by the same Roger, warning him to shift for himself by flight, which thing he forflowed not to do: nevertheless the Lords of the queens majesties Council, caused speedy and narrow search to be made for him, that upon the eight and twentieth of the same month, he was apprehended in a man's house of his own name at Rochester, and being brought back again to the Court, was examined by the Council, to whom he confessed the deed as you have heard, and that he had often times before pretended & sought to do the same, by the instigation of the said Mistress Drewrie, who had promised to make a marriage between him & Mistress Saunders, (whom he seemed to love excessively) nevertheless he protested (though untruely) that Mistress Saunders was not privy nor consenting thereunto. Upon his confession he was arraigned at th● King's Bench in Westminster hall the xviij. of April, where he acknowledged himself guilty, & was condemned as principal of the murder, according to which sentence, he was excuted in Smithfield on Monday the xx. of April, at which time also untruly (as she herself confessed afterward) he laboured George Brown hanged in Smith field. by all means to clear Mistress Saunders of committing evil of her body with him, & then fling himself besides the Ladder: he was after hanged up in chains near unto the place where he had done the fact. In the mean time mistress Drewry & her man being examined, as well by their own confessions, as by falling out of the matter, (and also by Brown's appeachment thought culpable) were committed to ward. And after mistress Saunders being delivered of child, and churched (for at the time of her husband's death she looked presently to lie down) was upon mistress Drewryes man's confession, and other great likelihoods, likewise committed to the Tower, and on Wednesday the sixth of May, arraigned with mistress Drewry at the Guild hall, the effect of whose indictment was, that they by a letter written, had been procurers of the said murder, and knowing the murder done, had by money and otherwise relieved the murderer, whereunto they pleaded not guilty, howbeit, they were both condemned as accessaries to Master Saunders death, and executed in Anne Sanders, Anne Drewry, & trusty Roger hanged. Smithfield the thirteenth of May, being Wednesday in the Whitsun week, at which time they both confessed themselves guilty of the fact. Trusty Roger, mistress Drewryes man was arraigned on Friday the eight of May, and being there condemned as accessary, was executed with his mistress, at the time and place aforesaid. Not long after, Anthony Browne hanged at York. Anthony Browne, brother to th● forenamed George Browne, was for notable felonies conveyed from Newgate to York, and there hanged. The tenth of April, seven Pirates, which (among other) had been taken on the North Seas, were led from Pirates hanged at Wapping. Southwark to Wapping, and five of them were there hanged, the other two had their pardon at the gallows. The seventeenth of April, a Chandler's wife without Aldreds' gate of London, who had practised her husband's death Four women on the Pillory. by poisoning and other ways, was set on the Pillory in Cheap, with three other women, who had been of her counsel, two of them were with her there whipped. This year, the queens majesty of England being moved Aid sent into Scotland against the Castle of Edinburgh. by the Regent of scotland, in the behalf of the young King of Scots her Cousin, sent a power of 1500. Englishmen, to the siege of Edinburgh castle, Sir William Drewry Knight, Martial of Barwike▪ to be General of her forces there, with Captains as followeth, Sir Francis russel Knight, Captain Read of Barwike, as these following also, Captain Yaxley, Captain Wood, Captain Brickwell, Captain Pikeman, Captain Gamme, Captain Case, Captain Carew, Captain Erington Provost Martial, Captain Astoll, Captain Sterlee Captain of the pioneers, and Captain Barton also of the pioneers. divers other Gentlemen also went thither to serve of their own free wills, as Sir George Carie Knight, Sir Henry Lee Knight, Master Thomas Cecil, Master Michael Carie, Master Henry Carie, Master William Knolles, Master Thomas Sutton, Master Cotton, Master Kelway, Master Dier, Master Tilney, Master William Killigrew, Master Wlliam Selby, and other. Sir William Drewry with the Captains, Gentlemen, & number of soldiers before mentioned, passed from Barwike to Lieth, from whence, on the xxv. day of April, they marched on to Edinburgh, entered the town, & the same day summoned▪ th● castle in form as followeth: Tho. Churchyard. Sir William Kirkandie, sometime of grange Knight, for as much as the queens Majesty my sovereign Lady, upon the earnest request of her dear cousin th● King of Sots, your sovereign Lord, made to her highness by his regent nobility, and states of this realm, after all good means used to have reduced you to dutiful obedience of his authority by treaty, which hither to you have not duly harkened unto, to the only hindrance of the universal peace in this realm, by withholding that his highness Castle, meaning as it seemeth, to reserve the same for a receptacle of foreign forces, to the manifest dangers both of this realm, and of my sovereigness, and therefore necessary to remove so perilous a danger to both the realms, for which consideration her Majesty hath sent her aid and succours of men, ordinance and munition, under my charge and leading, for the repugnation and recovery of the said castle, to the said Kings use and behalf, and therefore according to her majesties commandment and commission, this shall be in due manner to warn, require and summon you, that you render and deliver the said Cascell, with the whole ordinance, artillery, munitions, Jewels, household stuff and such other implements within the same, to me and the use and behalf of the King your sovereign, and his regent in his name, immediately after this my letter of Summons, or knowledge of the same, shall come to you, which if you obey, as of duty you ought, then shall I in her majesties name enterpone myself to travail with the regent, counsel, and nobility here, for the safety of your lives etc. Otherwise if you continue in your former obstinacy, abiding the Canon, then no further to look for grace or favour, but you and the rest within that Castle to be pursued to the uttermost, and holden as enemies to her majesty, your own sovereign & Country▪ Given at Edinburgh by me sir William Drury Knight, general of her majesties forces now in Scotland, this xxv. of April. 1573. The Lord Grange Captain of the castle, notwithstanding this somonance, refused utterly to yield th● castle, who thereupon received such answer from the general, as stood not to his contentation. Hereupon were the pioneers set in hand to cast trenches, and to raise mounts in places convenient, to plant the ordinance upon. And then began the siege of the Castle in five places, where were erected 5. mounts. The first was for the regent called the King mount. The second for sir William Drury general there. The third was governed by sir George Carie. The fourth by sir Henry Lee. The fifth by Master Thomas Sutton Master of the ordinance in the north part of England. There was at this siege as is reported 1500. Englishmen▪ and of Scots five hundred, there was also one with another pieces of Artillery 30. six Canons, nine half Canous, ix Culuerings, six Sakers. They within spared not to bestow such as they had, as well at the pioneers as soldiers, in so much the diverse were hurt, and some s●ayne, before the trenches and mounts might be brought to perfection, but they within escaped not free, especially after that the trenches and mounts were brought in state to defend the assailants, who watching and warding in the trenches, answered them within the Castle very roughly. On the xvij. of May, began the battery of the Castle, so that there were thirty. Canon's shot off against the same, and so well bestowed at David's Tower, that by the ruins thereof then and after, the force of the English Canons were east to be seen. The xviij. nineteen. and xx. of May, the Canons and Demy Canons were not idle, but the xxj. the whole battery began on each side the Castle, from the trenches and mounts very hotly, and still they within ceased not to make answer again with their artillery, killing and hurting divers both English and Scots, but such was the diligence of the English Gunners, that they displaced the Ordinance in the Castle, and struck one of their chief Canons just in the mouth, whereby the same was broken in pieces. The xxuj. of May, the assault was given at scaven of the clock in the morning to the Spur, which by the hardy manhood of the assailants was won, and was no sooner entered by the Englishmen, but that the General's Ensign was showed, and spread upon the front and top thereof, to the great discomfort of them within the Castle. In the mean time, whilst these were appointed to give the assault thus to the Spur, there were certain Englishmen and Scots commanded to make a countenance of an assault at the West side of the Castle, whereby those that assaulted the Spur, might the more easily obtain their purpose, but they rashly adventuring farther than they had in commandment, were beaten back and repulsed, with xxviij. or thirty. of their company slain and hurt. The same day toward night, they within the Castle by a Drum demanded parley, which being granted, with assurance of all hostility from that hour unto the xxviij. of May, the Lord Peterroc was let down by a rope from the Castle, and afterward the Lord grange himself Captain of the Castle, and Robert Meluin came likewise down to talk with the General, and such other as were appointed to accompany him: hereupon at length, to weet the said xxviij day of May, the Castle was surrendered into the hands of Sir William Edinburgh castle yielded to the Englishmen . Drewry, and so it rested in his possession for the time, and his Ensign was set up and spread during the same time, in sundry places of the Castle, and afterwards to the great honour of England, by him it was delivered unto the use of the King of Scots, and part of the spoil of the Castle was given to the Soldiers, the Canons and Artillery, with certain other instruments, left to the King. If the Englishmen by force had taken it, it was decreed that they should have had the whole spoil except the Artillery, and so should have enjoyed it by the space of three days. Causes of delivery of the Castle were these: 1 Lack of water: the well within the castle was stopped and defiled by the ruins of the Castle: the other well without the Castle could not serve them, for that there was a mount made to hinder them. Another water there was which was unknown to them which were without, and was taken from them when the Spur of the Castle was taken, out of the which they were wont to have a pint a day for every Soldier. 2 divers sick. 3 divers hurt. 4 Not many to maintain the castle, which had no space to take any test, they were so plied and overwéeryed. 5 divers divided in opinion. 6 Some were no Soldiers. 7 No aid was to be looked for. The xvi. of June, the prisoners were delivered by the said Sir William Drewry, in presence of sundry Scots and Englishmen, unto the Regent, and that done, the same day, the said Sir William Drewry with his power departed toward Barwike. The names of the prisoners were these, Sir William Kerkandie lard of grange, and Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh. The Lord Hume. The Lord Ledington Secretary. The Lord of Peterroe Conestable of the castle. The Countess of Arguile. The Lady of Ledington. The Lady of grange, with others. The seven. of June between the hours of one and two of Hail in Northamptonshire. the clock in the afternoon, a great tempest of hail and rain happened at Tocester in Northamptonshire, where-throughe six houses in that Town were borne down, and xiv. more sore perished with the waters which rose of that tempest, the hail stones were square and six inches about: one child was there drowned, and many sheep and other cattle, which when the Water was fallen, many of them were lying on the high hedges, where the waters had left them. The xuj. of June Thomas Woodhouse, a priest of Lincolnshire, Tho. Woodhouse. who had lain long prisoner in the Fleet, was arraigned in the Guild Hall of London, and there condemned of high treason, who had judgement to be hanged and quartered, and was executed at Tyburn the ninetéenth of June. The xuj. of August, Walter Earl of Essex, accompanied Earl of Essex and the L. Rich with other sailed into Ireland. with the Lord Rich, and diverse other gentlemen, embarked themselves in several ships at Leirpoole, and the wind sitting very well, took their voyage towards Ireland. The Earl after many and great dangers on the sea, at length wan Copemans' islands, from whence in a Pinise of captain Perces he was brought safe to Knock fergus. The Lord rich with the like dangers landed at castle Kilclife, where being met by Captain Malby, Master Smith, and Master Moor Pensioners, was conducted to Inch Abbey Master Malbis house, where he had in a readiness on the morrow morning a hundred and fifty horsemen for their safeguarde to Knockefergus, beside fifty Kerns which went a foot through the Woods: there was amongst these a thirty bows with a Baggepipe, the rest had Darts. Sir Brian Makephelin had prayed the Country, and taken away what was to be carried or driven, but on the sixth of September he came to Knockefergus to the Earl of Essex, and there made his submission: the number of kine were esteemed thirty thousand, beside sheep and swine. After him Ferdoroughe Macgillastike, the blind Scots son, Roze, Oge, Macwilline did the like, and diverse other sent their messengers to the Earl, to signify that they were at his Lordship's disposition, as the Baron of Dongarrow, Condenel, Odonel, and the Captain of Kylulto. The Earl of Essex having the Country of Clanyboy and other. The queens Majesty of England directed her letters to Earl of Essex captain general of Vlstar in Ireland. the Lord deputy of Ireland, willing him to make by commission the Earl of Essex Captain general of the Irish nation in the province of Ulster, and to divide the country won, Clenyboy and elsewhere etc. james Haruy: Thomas Pullison▪ the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. john Rivers Grocer, the 28. of October. The xj. of October Peter Burchet gentleman (of the middle Temple) with his dagger, suddenly assailed, cruelly wounded, and meant to have murdered a serviceable Gentleman named john Hawkins Esquire, as he with sir William Peter Boucher wounded master Hawkens . Winter, and another gentleman, road towards Westminster, in the high street near to the Strande, beyond the Temple bar of London, for which fact the said Burchet being apprehended and committed to the Tower, was after examined concerning the fact, who answered that he took the said Master Hawkins for another Gentleman, and being further examined, he was found to hold certain erroneous Peter Burchet found to be an Heretic. opinions, for the which he was sent to the Lollardes' Tower, from thence being called into the consistory of Paul's Church, before the right reverend father Edwin B. of London, & other, & by them examined, he stood in his opinions, till the sentence of death, as an heretic was ready to have been pronounced against him on the fourth of November, but through the earnest persuasions of divers learned men, who took great pains in that matter, he renounced, forswore, and abjured his opinions for erroneous and damnable, promising never to return to them, and also willingly Peter Burchet abjured his heresy, and submitted himself to do penance. to do and perform all such penance as the Bishop his ordinary should enjoin him. The ix. of November the said Peter Burchet was removed from the Lowlards' Tower to the Tower of London, where on the next morrow about noon, whilst one that had kept him company was gone down, and locked the door after him, leaving another with him called Hugh Longworth, who stood at the window reading in the Bible, the said Burchet walking up and down in the chamber, took a billets end out of the fire, and knocked the said Longworth on the head, and left not till he had Peter Burchet killeth his keeper. stricken him stark dead, for the which on the next morrow, he was arraigned and condemned at Westminster, and then returned to Somerset house, where he remained that night, and on the next morrow, being the twelfth of November, he was brought to the gibbet, where after his right hand being stricken off, and nailed to the gibbet, he was hanged Peter Burchet hanged. nigh the place where he wounded master Hawkins. This year about Lammas, wheat was sold at London Anno reg. 16 for three shillings the bushel, but shortly after it was raised to four shillings, five shillings, six shillings, and before Christmas to a noble and seven shillings, which so continued long after: beef was sold for twenty pence, and two Dearth without scarcity. and twenty pence the stone, and all other flesh and white meats at an excessive price, all kind of salt fish very dear, as five hearings two pence etc. yet great plenty of fresh fish, and oft times the same very cheap: pease at four Shillings the bushel, oatmeal at four Shillings eight pence: bay salt at three Shillings the bushel etc. All this dearth notwithstanding (thanks be given to God) there was no want of any thing to him that wanted not money. The fourth of April being Palm Sunday, there was 1574 taken saying of Mass in the Lord Morleis house within Aldgate of London, one Albon Dolman Priest, and the Lady Priests saying Mass apprehended. Morley with her children and divers others, were also taken hearing of the said Mass. There was also taken the same day and hour for saying Mass at the Lady Gilfordes in Trinity Lane, one Oliver Heywood Priest, and for hearing of the said Mass, the said Lady Gilford, with divers other Gentlewomen. There was also taken at the same instant in the Lady Brownes house in Cow Lane for saying Mass, one Thomas Heywood Priest, and one john Couper Priest, with the Lady Browne: and divers other, were likewise taken, being hearers of the said Mass. All which persons were for the same offences indicted, convicted, and had the law according to the Statute in that case provided. There was also found in their several Chapels, divers latin Books, Beads, Images, Palms, Chalices, Crosses, Uestments, Pires, Pares, and such like. County Mongomery was taken in Normandy in the Peter Ramus. Castle of Donfro, on the xxvij. of May. The ix. of July, at six of the clock at night, in the Jste of Thanet besides Ramesgate in the Parish of Saint Peter under the Clift, a monstrous fish or Whale of the Sea did A monstrous fish, but not so monstrous as some reported, for his eyes being great, were in his head, and not in his baeke shoot himself on shore, where for want of water, beating himself on the sands, he died about six of the clock in the next morning, before which time he roared, and was heard more than a mile on the land. The length of this Fish was two and twenty yards, the nether jaw twelve foot the opening, one of his eyes being taken out of his head, was more than six horse in a cart could draw, a man stood upright in the place from whence the eye was taken, the thickness from the back whereon he lay, to the top of his belly (which was upward) was fourteen foot, his tail of the same breadth, between his eyes twelve foot, three men stood upright in his mouth, some of the ribs were xuj. foot long, his tongue was xv. foot long, his liver two cart load, into his nostrils any man might have crept: the oil being boiled out of the head was Parmasitie, the oil of his body was whitish, and sweet of taste. The seventh of August, a solemn Obsequy was kept Obsequy at Paul's for the French King. Peter Ramus. in Saint Paul's Church at London for Charles the ninth King of France, who being poisoned, deceased on the thyrtith of May last before passed. The fifteenth of August, being Sunday, Agnes Bridges Agnis Bridges & Rachel Pinder at Paul's Cross for counterfeiting to be possessed. a maid about the age of xx. years, & Rachel Pinder a wench about the age of xj. or xij▪ years old, who both of them had counterfeited to be possessed by the devil (whereby they had not only marvelously deluded many people, both men and women, but also divers such persons, as otherwise seemed to be of good wit and understanding) stood before the Preacher at Paul's Cross, where they acknowledged their hypocritical counterfeiting, with penitent behavioures, requiring forgiveness of God and the world, and the people to pray for them. Also their several examinations and confessions were there openly read by the Preacher, and afterwards published in Print, for the further posterity hereafter to beware of the like deceivers. The fourth of September in the afternoon, such a storm A lad of 1●. years old drowned in a Channel at London. of rain happened at London, as the like of long time could not be remembered, wherethrough the Channels of the City suddenly rising, ran with such forcible course towards the common shores, that a lad of the age of eighteen years, minding to have leapt over the Channel near unto Downgate, was borne over with the stream, and by the same carried from the Conduit there, towards the Thamis, with such a swiftness, that no man with staves or other ways could stay him, till he came against a Cart wheel that stood in the water gate, afore which time he was drowned and stark dead. Thomas Blank: Anthony Gammage, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. james Hawes Clothworker, the 28. of October. This Mayor went by water to Westminster, and there took his oath, as hath been accustomed: he kept no feast at No majors feast at Guild hall. the guilded hall, although great provision had been made for that purpose, but dined at his own house, with his brethren the Aldermen: the Companies dined at their several halls. This was done by appointment of the queens majesties Council, to avoid infection of the plague, like to have increased by coming together of such a multitude. This week from the two and twentieth to the eight and twentieth of October, deceased in the City and Liberties containing 108. parishes of all diseases 166. of the which number 75. were accounted to die of the plague. Michaelmas Term, which had been adjourned Term adjourned. by Proclamation, began at Westminster on the sixth of November. The same sixth day in the morning, there happened two great Tides at London in the Thamis, the first by Two tides in one hour. course, the other within one hour after, which overflowed the Marshes, with many vaults & sellers near adjoining. The fourteenth of November, being sunday, about midnight following, divers strange impressions of fire and smoke were seen in the air, to proceed forth of a black Cloud in the North towards the South, which so continued till the next morning that it was day light. The next night following, the Heavens from all parts did seem to burn marvelous ragingly, and over our heads, the flames from the Horizon round about rising did meet, and there double and roll one in an other, as if it had been in a clear Furnace. The eighteenth day at night were very stormy & tempestuous Anno reg. 17 of winds out of the South (I have not known the like out of that quarter) especially after midnight, till the next morning that it was day light. These are to be received as tokens of God's wrath ready bent against the world for sin now abounding, and also of his great mercy, who doth but only show the rod wherewith we daily deserve to be beaten. This year at London after harvest, the price of Wheat began by little and little to fall, from seven Shillings to three Shillings the bushel, at which price it stayed (little or nothing rising or falling) all the year after, but bay salt was raised from three shillings to four shillings, five shillings, Bay salt dear. and six shillings the bushel, the like whereof had never been seen or heard within this Realm. The four and twentieth of February, the feast of Saint Mathie, Flies in February, the number strange. on which day, the fair was kept at Tewkesburie, a strange thing happened there, for after a flood, which was not great, but such as thereby the meadows near adjoining were covered with water, in the afternoon there came down the River of Severne great numbers of flies and béetels, such as in Summer evenings use to strike men in the face, in great heaps, a foot thick above the water, so that to credible men's judgement, there were seen within a pair of butt lengths of those flies above a hundred quarters. The mills thereabouts were damned up with them for the space of four days after, and then were cleansed by digging them out with shovels: from whence they came is yet unknown, but the day was cold and a hard frost. The xxuj. of February, between four and six of the Earthquake. clock in the afternoon, great Earthquakes happened in the Cities of York, Woorcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Hereford and in the countries about, which caused the people to run out of their houses, for fear they should have fallen on their heads. In Tewkesburie, Bredon, and other places, the dishes fell from the cupboards, and the Books in men's studies from the shelves. In Norton chapel, the people being on their knees at evening prayer, the ground moving, caused them to run away, in great fear that the dead bodies would have risen, or the Chapel to have fallen: part of Rythen Castle fell down, with certain brick attorneys in gentlemen's houses. The bell in the Shire hall of Denbigh was caused to toll twice by shaking of the hall etc. On Easter day, which was the third of April, about ix. of the clock in the forenoon, was disclosed a congregation 1575. of anabaptists Dutchmen, in a house without the bars of Aldgate at London, whereof xxvij▪ were taken and sent to Annabaptistes bare faggots at Paul's Cross. prison, and four of them bearing faggots recanted at Paul's Cross on the xv▪ day of May in form as followeth. WHereas I. I. T. R. H. being seduced by the Devil the spirit of error, and by false teachers his Ministers, have fallen into certain most detestable and damnable heresies, namely: 1 That Christ took not flesh of the substance of the blessed virgin Mary. 2 That infants of the faithful ought not to be baptised. 3 That a Christian man may not be a Magistrate, or bear the sword or office of authority. 4 That it is not lawful for a Christian to take an oath. Now by the grace of God, and through conference with good and learned Ministers of Christ his Church, I do understand and acknowledge the same to be most damnable, and detestable heresies, and do ask God, here before his Church, mercy for my said former errors, and do forsake them, recant and renounce them, and abjure them from the bottom of my heart, professing that I certainly believe 1 That Christ took flesh of the substance of the blessed virgin Mary. 2 That infants of the faithful aught to be baptised. 3 That a Christian man may be a Magistrate, or bear the sword and office of authority. 4 That it is lawful for a Christian to take an oath. And further I confess, that the whole Doctrine and Religion established and published in this Realm of England, as also that which is received and preached in the Dutch Church here in this City, is sound, true, & according to the word of God, whereunto in all things I submit myself, and will most gladly be a member of the said Dutch church, from henceforth utterly abandoning and forsaking all and every anabaptistical error. This is my faith now in the which I do purpose and trust to stand firm, and steadfast unto the end, & that I may so do, I beseech you all to pray with me and for me, to God the heavenly father in the name of his son our saviour Jesus Christ. The like recantation was made by them afterwards in the Dutch Church. The xvij. day of May, about midnight following, th● right Archbishop of Canterbury deceased. reverend Father in God Matthew Parker, Doctor of divinity, Archbishop of Canterbury deceased at Lambeth, and was there honourably buried, on whose Tomb being of black Marble, is written this Epitaph, made by Doctor Walter Haddon. Sobrius & prudens, studiis excultus & usu, Integer & verae religionis amans, Walter Haddon. Matthaeus vixit Parkerus, foverat illum, Aula virum 〈…〉 nem, fovit & aula senem. Ordine r●● g●ss●●, recti defensor & ●●●●. Vixerat ille ●● mortuus ille re● est. This reverend Father examined thoroughly the English translation of the holy Bibles, wherein he partly used the help of his brethren Bishops, and other Doctors, and caused the same to be newly printed▪ in the largest volume, for the furniture of many churches then wanting. Also making diligent search for the antiquities of the Brytons, and English Saxons, to the end those monuments might be carefully kept, he caused them to be well bound and trimly covered, and such whereof he knew very few examples to be extant (among the which was Matthew Paris, Matthew Florilegus and Thomas Wallingham) he caused to be printed. The famous Palace of his sea at Canterbury by long continuance decayed and consumed with fire, he renewed, builded, & fully restored with the charges of more than xiv▪ C. li. He founded a Grammar school in Rachdale in the County of Lancaster. To Corpus Christi College in Cambridge he procured 13 Scholarships, and bore the charges in making and furnishing two Chambers for scholars, and the inward Library of the same College. Item he gave to th● outward & inward Library of th● said College a goodly company of printed books, & a great number of written books of great antiquity & much value. Item he procured to th● said College, th● patronage of S. Marie Abchurch in London. Item he hath founded two fellowships in the said College, & procured one Charter of Mortmain to the sum of C. li. by year●. Item he hath given to th● same College of silver plate double guilt 309. ounces 3 quarters, & surrendered to them a lease with the improvement of xiv. pound viij. shillings yearly for xvij. years. Item 100 l. to th● maintenance of a fire in th● Hall from Halamas to Candlemas, & by his last will & testament 500 l. Item to diverse scholars chambers within th● said college, divers bedstéeds, with sufficient bedding & books to remain for ever. Item he hath founded for ever v. Sermons to be preached in diverse places of Norfolk every year in rogation week, & xl. shillings to be divided at Norwich to th● poor and other. Item to the City of Norwich one Basin & Ewer of silver and double guilt. 175. ounces. Item to th● town of Ma●sal in Norfolk for ever an annuity of 50. shillings to be divided to the poor, with a Sermon in Rogation week. Item to Gu●●● and Caius college an● scholership, with a standing ●up & a pot of silver double guilt 55. ounces three quarters, and one nest of goblets with a cover silver & gilt, with a number of good books to their Library. Item to Trinity Hall one scholership, a standing cup and a pot of silver and guilt, 53. ounces, a nest of goblet's silver and gilt with a cover, and books to their library. Item to the University library fifty old ancient written books, and fifty printed books. The xxj. of May being Whitsoneven, one man and ten Annabaptistes banished. women Anabaptists Dutch, were in the consistory of Paul's condemned to be brent in Smithfield, but after great pains taking with them, only one woman was converted, the other were banished the land. On the first of June, the nine women being led by the sheriffs officers, the man was tied to a Cart and whipped, and so all conveyed from Newgate to the waters side, where they were shipped away never to return again. The xij. of June, stood at Paul's Cross five persons Englishmen, Five persons of the family of love stood at Paul's Cross. of the sect termed The family of love, who there confessed themselves utterly to detest as well the author of that sect H. N. as all his damnable errors and Heresies. The xxij. of July, two Dutchmen Anabaptists, were brent in Smithfield, who died in great horror with rearing Annabaptistes brent. and crying. The thirty. of July in the afternoon was a great tempest Thunder and hail. of lightning and thunder, where through both men and beasts in divers places were stricken▪ dead. Also▪ at that time sell great abundance of hail, whereof the stones in many places were found to be six or seven inches about. The fourth of September, being Sunday about seven of the clock in the morning, a certain Glass house which The glass house brent. sometime had ●●● the Crossed friars hall, near to the Tower of London, braced out on a terrible fire, whereunto, the Lord Maior, Aldermen and Sheriffs with all expedition repaired, and practised there all means possible, by water, buckets, hooks, and otherwise to have quenched it, all which notwithstanding, whereas the same house in a small time before had consumed great quantity of wood by making of fine drinking glasses, now itself having within it near forty thousand billets of wood was all consumed to the stone walls, which walls greatly defended the fire from spreading farther, and doing any more harm. The xxuj. of September, a Pulters' wife in the parish of Four children at one burden. Christ's church within Newgate of London, was delivered & brought to bed of iiij. children at one burden, all females, or maiden children, which were Christened by the names Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, and Dorothy, and the same day month the mother was buried, but all the four children living and in good liking were borne to church after her. Edward Osburne, Wolston Dixsey, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Ambrose Nicholas Salter, the 28. of October. This Mayor went by water to Westminster and there took his oath as hath been accustomed, he kept no feast in the Gildhall, but dined at his own house with his brethren the Aldermen and other. The Companies dined at their several halls, etc. This was done as in the year last before passed, to avoid the infection of the plague, which might have increased by coming together of greater number. That week from the two and twentieth unto the eight and twentieth of October, deceased in the City and Liberties, of all diseases 132. of the which number 36. were accounted to die of the plague. The next week following ending the third of November (thanks be given to God therefore) there deceased of all diseases but 110. and of them of the plague but 26. The eleventh of February, Anne Aueries widow, forswearing Anno reg. 18 God punisheth perjury. herself for a little money that she should have paid for six pound of Tow, at a shop in Woodstreet of London, fell immediately down speechless, casting up at her mouth in great abundance, and with horrible stink, the same matter, which by nature's course should have been voided downwards, till she died: a terrible example of God's just judgement upon such as make no conscience of swearing against their brother. The fifteenth of February, Edmond Grindale sometime Archbishop elected. Bishop of London, late Archbishop of York, was in the Charterhouse of Saint Paul's Church at London, elected. archbishop of Canterbury. The ●●●h of March in the night, through a great ●●●● T●●●●e bone drowned. of wind, then in the Northweaste, a Ty●re ●●●●● with about the number of one and thirty persons, men and women coming from Gravesend toward London, were all drowned, one boy excepted. The thirty. of May, Tho. Green Goldsmith was drawn from Newgate of London to Tyburn, & there hanged, he●ded, 1576 green hanged. and quartered, for clipping of eoyne both gold and silver. The fifteenth of June Martin Frobisher, being furnished of Adventurers, with two small Barks and one Pinnace Frobishers' first voyage for the discovery of Cataya. departed from Black wall, upon his voyage for the bescone●e of a passage to Cataya, by the northester Seas. Upon the first of July he had sight (as he judged) of Freeslande, but durst not approach the same, by reason of the great Ice that lay alongst the coast: not far from thence, he lost his Pinnace, and one of his Barks, who mistrusting the danger of tempests, returned home, with report, that thoyr General Martin Probisher was cast away, which worthy Captain notwithstanding continued his course North west beyond any man that hath heretoford discovered, and the twentieth of July had sight of a high land, which he named Queen Elizabeth's Forelande, and after that another Forelande with à great passage, dividing (as it were) the two main lands asunder, 8 〈…〉. this place he named Frabishers straits. After he had passed sixty leagues further, he went ashore, found the same to be in habited with savage people caught one of them into his Bark, and returning, arrived in England in the month of August following: one of his company brought from thence a piece of a black stone, much like to a Sea coal in colour, which being brought to certain Goldfiners in London, to make a say thereof, found it to hold Gold, and that very richly for the quantity. The nineteen. of July, a woman was brent at Tunbridge in Kent, for poisoning of her husband: And two days before, a man named Oxley, was hanged at Maidstone for being accessary to the same fact. The tenth of August, a strange piece of work, & almost incredible, was brought to pass by an Englishman, born within the City of London▪ & a Clerk of the Charcerie, named Peter Bales, who by his industry and practise of his pen contrived & writ within the compass of a penny, in Latin, the Lords prayer, the creed, the ten Commandments, a prayer to God, a prayer for the Queen, his Post, his name, th● day of the month, the year of our Lord, & the reign of the Queen: And upon the seventeenth of August next following at Hampton Court he presented the same to the queens Majesty in the head of a King of Gold, covered with a Crystal, and presented therewith an excellent Spectacle by him devised for the easier reading thereof, wherewith her Majesty read all that was written therein, with great admiration, & commended the same to the Lords of the Council, and the Ambassadors, & did wear the same many times upon her finger. The month of August, many complaints being brought to the queens Majesty and her Council upon the Flushingers for great spoils and robberies by them daily committed upon her highness Subjects, her Majesty gave order to put four good Ships, and two Barks of her own to the Seas, under the charge of Master William Holstocke Esquire, controller of all her highness ships, with eleven hundred men, victualled for six weeks, in which time was by them taken eight Flushingers. Ships, and Barks, prices, and two hundred and twenty Sea rovers in them, who were sent aland to sundry prisons. Walter Deveroux, Earl of Essex, and earl Marshal of Ireland, Knight of the order of the Garter, falling sick of a lask on the one and twentieth of August was grievously formented by the space of two and twenty days, & deceased on the twelfth of September at Divelin in Ireland. William Kempton: George Barn, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir john Langley, the 28. of October. The x. of November, in the City of Worcester, a cruel & unnatural brother (as an other Cain) murdered his own Murderer of his brother hanged. natural and loving brother, 〈…〉 out his wames with an axe, then cut his throat, and after buried him under the Hearth of a Chimney, thinking thereby (though wrongfully) yet quietly to have enjoyed his brother's goods, long before in his possession, but not long after this secret murder coming to light, the murderer was rewarded according to his deserts. The seventeenth of March, through a strange tempest Anno reg. 19 which happened in the North near to a town called Richmonde, not only Cottages, Trees, Barnes, and Haystackes, Patrick Brumton overturned. but also the most part of a Church called Patrick Brumton, was overthrown, with most strange fights in the air both terrible and tearful. The six and twentieth of March, the new Conduit near unto Oldborne, and a standard with one C●●●e at Oldborne 1577 Charitable acts of Master Lamb▪ Oldborne Conduit builded. bridge, were begun to be founded by William Lamb, sometime Gentleman of the Chapel to King Henry the eight, now Citizen and Clothworker of London▪ the water whereof is conveyed in Pipes of Lead from divers springs to one head▪ and from thence to the said Conduit and Standarte more than two thousand yards in length, all which of his own costs and charges, amounting to the sum of fifteen hundred pound, was fully finished the four and twentieth of August in the same year. Moreover, the said William Lamb hath given to the worshipful Company of the Stationers in London, a legacy of six pound thyrtéene shillings and four pence the year for ever, to the end, that those Stationers shall in the Parish Church of Saint Faith under Paul's Church, distribute to twelve poor people every Friday twelve pence in money, and twelve pence in bread, which hath been truly put in bre these seventeen or eighteen years before this present year. 1580. Item, to Christ's Hospital in London, yearly for ever after his decease six pound, and one C. pound in money to purchase lands for the said Hospital, besides many other costly deeds there done as may appear. Item to Saint Thomas Hospital in Southwark four pound yearly after his decease. Item, to the Hospital called the Savoy, sounded by King Henry the seventh, he minded to have given one hundred pound in money, to purchase lands for the same Hospital, but because such agréementes could not be concluded upon as he reasonably required, his contribution that way ceased, sore against his will, as manifestly appeareth by his charitable gifts to the said Hospital sometime ten pound at once to buy bedding with. Item, to the Company of Clothworkers in London, four pounds the year for ever. Also more to the same Clothworkers, he hath given his own dwelling house with other lands and tenements to the value of thirty pound the year, to the intent they shall hire a Minister to say divine service every sunday, wednesday, and Friday, and that four Sermons every year after his decease be preached in the Chapel or Church to the said house béelonging, called Saint james in the Wall by Cripplegate, and also to give to twelve poor men yearly, on the first of October, to every one a gown of good Freeze ready made, a shirt of good Locoram, and a pair of strong shoes, and twelve poor women twelve Gowns of the like freeze, twelve smocks, and twelve pair of shoes for ever. Item, he hath erected a Fréeschoole & six Alms houses Freeschole and Alms houses at Sutton in Kent. adjoining at Sutton Valence in Kent, where he was borne, and hath appointed for the Master twenty pound, and the Ʋsher, ten pound yearly for ever, and to the six alms houses ten pound yearly, with an Orchard and Gardens. Item, toward the maintenance of a Frée-schoole at Maidstone in Kent, tenn● pound yearly, after his decease. Item, to set poor Clothiers awork in the County of Suffolk, one hundred pound in ready money. Item, to the Towns of Ludlow and Bridgenorth, to each of them one hundred pound in ready money to set poor men on work. In the month of April, the decayed stone house, called Tower on London bridge taken down. the Tower upon London bridge, was begun to be taken down, and the heads of Traitors being removed thence, were set on the Gate at the Bridge foot, toward Southwark. The seventeenth of May, Richard Robinson Goldsmith, Robinson hanged was drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there hanged for clipping of Gold. The one and thyrtith of May, Martin Frobisher with one second voyage to Cataya. ship and two Barks furnished for that purpose, sailed from Harwiche in Essex, towards Cataya by the northester Seas, and entered his straits, beyond Queen Elizabeth's foreland, about thirty leagues, where he went on shore, and finding store of Gold over, fraught his Ship and Bark, caught a man, woman, and child of that Country, & then on the four and twentieth of August returning from thence, arrived at M●forde Haven in Wales, on the twentieth of September next following The twentieth of June, William Lumley a poor man in Necessity of the poor relieved. the parish of Elmeley in the County of Worcester, being kept in prison by a wealthy Widow, he having a Mare of xxij. years old with foal, within three days after his Mare did foal a Mare colt, the which immediately had an Udder, out of the which was milked that same day a pint of Milk, and every day after gave above three Pints, to the great sustentation of the said poor man's wife and children, the which Colt continued in that sort long time after, as hath been seen of many thousands. The 4. 5. and 6. days of July, was the Assizes holden at Strange sickness at Oxford. Oxford, where were arraigned and condemned one rowland jenkes, for his seditious tongue, at which time there arose amidst the people such a damp, that almost all were smothered, very few escaped that were not taken at that instant: the Jurors died presently. Shortly after died sir Robert Bel Lord chief Baron, sir Robert de Olie, sir William Babington, Master Weneman, Master de Olie high Sheriff, Master Davers, Master Harcurt, Master Kirle, Master Pheteplace, Master Greenewoode, Master Foster, Master Nashe, Sergeant Baram, Master Steuens, etc. there died in Oxford 300. persons, and sickened there, but died in other places 200. and odd, from the 6. of July to the 12. of August, after which day died not one of that sickness, for one of them infected not another, nor any one woman or child died thereof. On Sunday the 4. of August between the hours of 9 & 10. Tempest in Norfolk. of the clock in the forenoon, whilst the Minister was reading of the second lesson in the parish Church of Bliborough, a town in Suffolk, a strange and terrible tempest of lightning and thunder struck through the wall of the same church into the ground almost a yard deep, drove down all the people on that side, above xx. persons, then renting the wall up to the revestry, cleft the door, & returning to the Steeple, rend the Timber, broke the Chimes, and fled toward Bongey 6. miles off. The people that were stricken down, were found groveling more than half an hour after, whereof a man more than xl. years, & a boy of xv. years old were found stark dead, the other were scorched. The like flash of lightning and cracks of thunder, rend the parish Church of Bongey 9 miles from Norwich, wrong in sunder the wires and wheels of the clock, slew two men which sat in the Belfry when other were at Procession, and scorched an other which hardly escaped. The Tower upon London bridge, being taken down, & The tower on London bridge new builded. a new foundation drawn, sir john Langley, Lord Mayor of the City of London laid the first stone the xxviij. of August, in presence of the sheriffs of London, and the two Bridge Masters, Thomas Bats, and Robert Ask. Nicholas Backhouse: Francis Bowyer, the 28. of Septemb. Sheriffs. Maior. Sir Thomas Ramsey Grocer, the 28. of October. The ninetéenth of November, the new sergeants at Anno reg. 20 Sergeants feast the Law, seven in number, held their feast in the Temple at London. The thyrtith of November, Cuthbert Maine was drawn, Cuthbert Maine executed. hanged, and quartered at Lawnceston in Cornwall, for preferring Roman power. The seventeenth of Januarye, one Simon Pembroke Example of Sorcerers. dwelling in Saint George's parish in Southwark, being vehemently suspected to be a conjuror, by commandment of the ordinary Judge for those parts, appeared in the parish Church of Saint Saviour, at a Court holden there, which Simon being busied in entertaining a Proctor, and having money in his hand, leaned his head upon a Pew, wherein the Proctor stood: which after he had done a certain space, the Proctor began to lift up his head, to see what he ailed, and found him departing out of life, and straightway the said Simon fell down, rattling a little in the throat, and never spoke word after: this was done even as the Judge came into the Church, who said it was the just judgement of God towards those that used Sorcery, and a great example to admonish other to fear the justice of God. After his clothes being opened, there were found about him five devilish Books of Conjuration and most abominable practices, with a picture of Tin of a man having three Dice in his hand, with this writing, Chance Dice fortunately, and divers papers of such like matters, as he had dealt in for men, such as are mentioned in Leviticus the twentieth Chapter and sixth verse: If any soul turn himself after such as work with spirits, and after soothsayers, to go a whoring after them (saith the Lord) I will put my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among my people. The third of February, early in the morning john Nelson, Nelson executed. for denying the queens Supremacy, and such other traitorous words against her Majesty, was drawn from Newgate to Tyburn, and there hanged, bowelled and quartered. The seventh of February, one named Sherewood was Sherewood executed. drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburn, and there haged, bowelled and quartered for the like treason. The ninth of March, seven Pirates were hanged at Pirates hanged. Wapping. The fifteenth of February, john de Ley a Frenchman, & five English Gentlemen, were conveyed from the Tower of London toward Norwiche, there to be arraigned and executed, for coining of money counterfeit. The tenth of March deceased the Lady Margaret Countess 1578 of Leunex, and was buried at Westminster the third of April. The one and thyrtith of may, Martin Frobisher with Frobishers' third voyage. fifteen sail of good Ships, manned, victualled, and other ways well appointed, departed from Harwich in Essex, on his third voyage towards Cataya. The one and thyrtith of July, after many attempts, and sundry times being put back by Islands of Ice in his straits, he recovered his long wished port, and came to Anchor in the Islands, newly by her Majesty named Meta Incognita, where (as in the year before) they fraught their ships with Gold over out of the Mines, and then on the last of August returning thence, arrived safely in England about the first of October. George Bond: Thomas Starkie, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Maior. Anno reg. 21 Cassimere received. Sir Richard Pipe Draper, the 28. of October. The two and twentieth of Januarie, about seven of the clock at night, john Cassimere Count Palatine of Rhine, Duke of Bavare, landing at the Tower of London, was there by divers Noblemen and others honourably received, and conveyed by Cresset light and Torch light to sir Thomas Gresham's house in Bishop's gate street, where he was feasted and lodged till Sunday next that he was by the Nobility fetched to the Court at Westminster, and after lodged in Somerset house. On the eight of February, he was made Knight of the Garter, and on the fourteenth of February, departed from London homewards, with great rewards given by the queens Majesty, the Nobility, men of honour, the Mayor of London and the Citizens. The fourth of February, and in the night following, fell Deep Snow. such abundance of Snow, that on the fifth in the morning, the same was found at London to lie two foot deep in the shallowest, and otherwise, being driven by the wind, very boisterous in the North-east, on Banks, an ell, or yard and half deep, in the which drifts of Snow in the Countries, many cattle, and some men and women were overwhelmed and lost, it snowed till the eight day, and fréezed till the tenth. Then followed a thaw with continual rain a long time after, which caused such high floods, that the Great land water floods. Marshes and low grounds being drowned for the time, th● water rose so high in Westminster hall, that after the fall thereof, some fishes were found there to remain. The seventeenth of February, a young man was hanged One hanged at Miles end. in chains, on the miles end by London, for murdering of a man in a Garden of Spep●n heath parish. The twentieth of February, deceased sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper deceased. Lord keeper of the great Seal of England, who was honourably buried under a sumptuous Monument or Tomb, (by him in his life time erected) in Paul's Church of London the ix. of March. He also in his life time gave for six Scholars, to be found in Benet College at Cambridge, to each of them three pound six shillings and eight pence the year for ever. The four and twentieth of April, fell such a snow betwixt 1579 the hours of four of the clock in the morning, and nine of the clock before noon, that at London some was found to lie almost one foot deep. The five and twentieth of April, sir Thomas Bromley Knight, was made Lord Chancellor of England. Matthew Hamont of Hetherset, by his trade a Plough Wright, three miles from Norwiche, was convented before An Heretic brent at Norwich. the Bishop of Norwiche, for that he denied Christ ●●t the time of his appearance it was objected, that he had published these Heresies following. That the new Testament and Gospel of Christ are but mere foolishness, a story of men, or rathera mere fable. Item, that man is restored to grace by the mere mercy of God, without the mean of Christ's blood, death, and passion. Item, that Christ is not God, nor the Saviour of the world, but a mere man, a sinful man, and an abominable Idol. Item, that all they that worship him are abominable Idolaters: And, that Christ did not rise again from death to life by the power of his Godhead, neither, that he did ascend into Heaven. Item, that the holy Ghost is not God, neither, that there is any such holy Ghost. Item, that Baptism is not necessary in the Church of God, neither the use of the sacrament of the body & blood of Christ. For the which heresies, he was condemned in the Consistory, and sentence was read against him by the Bishop of Norwich, the fourteenth of April, and thereupon delivered to the Sheriffs of Norwich, and because he spoke words of blasphemy against the queens Majesty, and others of her Counsel, he was by the Recorder Master Sergeant Windham, and the Mayor sir Robert Wood of Norwich, condemned to lose both his ears, which were cut off the thyrtéenth of may in the market place of Norwiche. And afterwards, the twentieth of may he was brent in the Castle ditch of Norwiche. This year in the month of May, Mark Scaliot Black A lock, & kany, weighed but one wheat corn. smith, Citizen of London, borne in the parish of Saint Clement's without Temple Bar, for ●yall of Workmanship, made one hanging Lock of Iron, Steel, and Brass, of eleven several pieces, a pipe Kay, fyled three square, with a Pot upon the shot and the bow with two Esses, all clean wrought, which weighed but one Grain of Gold, or Wheat corn: he also at the same time made a Chain of Gold of 43. Links, to the which Chain the Lock and Kay being fastened, and put about a flies neck, she drew the same with ease, all which Lock and Kay, Chain and Fly weighed but one Grain and half, a thing almost incredible, but that myself amongst other have seen it. The first of June, deceased Robert Horn doctor of Bishop of Winifrid chester deceased Divinity, bishop of Winchester, and Prelate of the most honourable order of the Garter, at Winchester place in Southwark, and was buried at Winchester. The seventeenth day of July, the queens most excellent Traitorous fact of T. Appletree. Majesty, being on th● river of Thamis, betwixt her highness Manor of Greenewiche and Detteforde, in her privy Barge, accompanied with monsieur Schemere the French Ambassador, the Earl of Lincoln, and Master Uizchamberlaine, etc. with whom she entered discourse about weighty affairs: it chanced, that one Thomas Appletree a young man and servant to Master Henry Carie, with two or three children of her majesties Chapel, and one other named Barnard Acton, being in a Boat on the Thamis, rowing up and down betwixt the places afore named, the foresaid Thomas Appletree had a Caly●er or arqebus, which he had three or four times discharged with Bullet, shooting at random very rashly, who by great misfortune shot one of the Watermen, being the second man next unto the Bales of the said Barge, labouring with his Oar, (which sat within six foot of her Highness) clean through both his arms: the blows was so great and grievous, that it moved him out of his place, and forced him to cry and scrit●he out piteously, supposing himself to be slain, and saying, he was shot through the body. The man bleeding abundantly, as though he had had 100 Daggers thrust into him, the queens Majesty showed such noble courage as is most wonderful to be heard and spoken of, for beholding him so maimed, and bleeding in such sort, she never bashed thereat, but showed effectually a prudent and magnanimous heart, and most courteously comforting the poor man, she had him be of good cheer, and said, he should want nothing that might be for his ease, commanding him to be covered till such time as he came to the shore, till which time he lay bathing in his own blood, which might have been an occasion to have terrified the eyes of the beholders. But such, and so great was the courage and magnanimity of our dread and sovereign Lady, that it never quailed. To be short, Thomas Appletree and the rest were apprehended and brought before her honourable Counsel, who with great gravity and wisdom employed their times very carefully, and with great diligence examined the said Appletree and his companions, and finding the case most heinous and wicked, justly pronounced against him the sentence of Death, and commit Thomas Appletree should have suffered death on the 21 of july. him to the Marshalsea in Southwark, from whence the Tuisday following he was brought through the City with the Knight marshals men, led up to the Tower Hill, and so to Radcliffe up to Black wall, and so down to the water side, where was a Gibbet: set up, directly placed béetwixte Dertforde and Greenewiche, for the execution of this male factor, who in deed very pitifully bewailed the offence he had committed, and as well in prison as by the way prepared himself very penitently and willingly to offer his body to the death. Thus very godly he purposed to finish his miserable and wretched life, and so prepared himself to ascend and go up the Ladder, and being on the same, he turned himself, and spoke to the people as followeth: Good people, I am come hither to die, but God is my judge, I never in my life intended hurt to the queens most excellent Majesty, nor meant the harm of any creature, but I pray to God with all my heart, long to prosper and keep her Highness in health, who bless and defend her from all perils and dangers, who prosper her in all her affairs, and bless her most Honourable Counsel, giving them grace to do all things to the glory of God, and the benefit of this realm: But of all things, I am most sorry for my offence, and woefully bewail the same: and more, I am penitent and sorry for my good Master, Master Henry Carie, who hath been so grieved for my fault, suffering rebuke for the same: I would to god I had never been borne that have so grievously offended him. And with that the tears gushed out of his eyes very fast. This said, he persuaded all men to serve God, and to take an example by him, and every night and morning moved them devoutly to say the Lords prayer. And as the executioner had put the rope about his neck, the people cried, stay, stay, stay, and with that came the right Honourable sir Christopher Hatton Uizchamberlaine to her highness, who inquired what he had confessed, and being certified, as is before expressed, he veiled his bonnet, and declared, that the queens Majesty had sent him thither both to make the cause open to them how heinous and grievous the offence of the said Thomas Appletree was, and further to signify to him her gracious pleasure: and so continued his message, as ye may read it printed by itself, and annexed to this discourse. Which, when he had declared, the Hangman was commanded to take the rope from his neck. Appletree being come down from the Ladder, received his pardon, and gave God and the Prince praise, for so great a benefit as he had by her most gracious bounty received. This done, Master Uizchamberlaine said: Good people pray for the queens Majesty, and then was this prayer said, which is usually read (for the preservation of her Majesty) in the Church: O Almighty and everliving God, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, which dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers of the earth, most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, etc. Whereunto all the people joyfully accorded to say, Amen, trying. God save the Queen, casting up their Caps. Thus was the dead man restored to life, and brought back to the Marshalsea again, even as he was led thence to the place of execution, where he by the way most joyfully prayed for the security of the queens Majesty. The merciful message of the queens Majesty, sent by the right Honourable Sir Christopher Hatton, to the place where Thomas Appletree should have suffered for his traitorlike action, set down word for word so near as could be gathered. Master Carie, her most excellent Majesty is pleased to send me to deliver her commandment The people doubted of a pardon at his first speech. to you touching this man now here presently to die. And first, I think it not out of purpose to notify his offence to these good people, whereby he is not only worthy this punishment: but in judgement of foreign nations, and by censure of foreign laws, should be delivered to the tormentors, to endure such torture, as the quality of his offence in so high a case by good pollieie should condignly deserve. And to speak of this fact, such it was, and so fearful, The people marvelous attē● tive to hear. as my heart quaketh, and my eyes can not refrain tears, to repeat it again amongst you. (God for his mercy's sake shield and defend her most excellent Majesty, that most mightily hath digested the notable danger.) And so I will tell you of this tragedy in course as it fell out. It liked her Highness, in respect of the great heat, to take the air of the water, where in grave and weighty negotiation, she passed the time in discourse with the French Ambassador by th● space of an hour or two. In her return it The cause is declared why her Majesty took water. pleased her to take divers pauses, and the rather, because she earnestly read a Book, wherein it seemed for recreations sake she took some delight. By means whereof, (even as it pleased God with his holy hand, as it were, to direct her safety) she commanded the Bargemen to slack their labour, Only God's providence in saving her Majesty from the shot. and slowly to pass on, where, if they had hasted but two strokes more, they had brought her Royal person to the shot itself. These words were scarcely spoken out by her Majesty, but this caitive moste unhappily (I must say most devilishly) discharged his Arquebuze, strongly charged with Bullet, into the Barge where her Majesty was. (God that hath defended her, thou most mighty God ever vouchsafe to keep her.) With this blow the second man to the bails of the A strange and horrible terror never heard nor seen the like in England before Barge, within six foot of her Royal person, was stricken down from his seat, and wounded through both his arms, which her Majesty beheld, and kingly handled this cause, as even strait I will tell you. My Lords of her majesties Counsel dispersed abroad The sudden great fear of the Lords of the Counsel at the hearing of these terrible news. in their affairs, hearing of this most perilous aceidente, returned to Court, with such speed, as the weight of such a cause might move them to do, and there with fearful and loving applausure toward her Majesty, did most holily thank our God for his singular help in the preservation of our most dear and righteous Sovereign. That done according, with their loves, and duties of service to God, her Majesty, and this whole estate: after deliberate and most grave consultation of the cause, they all most humbly on their knees besought the Queen, that The Counsel most desious to punish this fact this slave might suffer, not this death, but ten thousand deaths, (if so it were possible in nature to do) for his so rash and fearful offence. such, in deed, might the offence have been, which God for his mercy's sake hath most favourably forbidden, that it might have wrought up to Heaven, and should most miserably not only have plagued this her own land, but all the true servants of God dispersed It was strange to see the people staring in M. Vischamberlaines face, some weeping, some trembling at the speaking of these words. through Christendom: our Religion, and true faith in Jesus Christ, which we enjoy with unspeakable comfort of free conscience, might hereby have suffered confusion, and persecution of blood, and vengeance amongst us. Our peace, and secure estates, increased with exceeding wealths, and nourished with most sweet quietness of life by this her most happy government, and reign of twenty years, might hereby have been turned to blouty wars, the fruits whereof is burning and spoiling of houses and goods, ravishing and destroying of wives and children. And what vengeance soever the world can bring forth, the same should have fallen on us, I say on us, than the most miserable men in the world. And therefore hear me I pray you▪ Let us acknowledge before God with all humble Here they lift up both hands and eyes to heaven, saying: God bless her Majesty, God bless her Majesty. etc. thankfulness these unspeakable benefits, which we have enjoyed, and still shall do, while God upholdeth her blessed life and state amongst us: The loss and lack of whom, can not but bring on us all these calamities, and ten thousand more; which I cannot foresee. If then by these, and all other benefits, which you possess, feel, and taste of, you Here the people with tears showed themsesues most sorrowful of these tragical speeches. find how inestimable and precious a Jewel this our dear Sovereign is for us, and amongst us, what plague, forment, or punishment, could suffice you for revenge on him, that by any means should deprive you of such heavenly and worldly felicities, as daily by her holy hand are ministered amongst you? But I will meddle no further with these matters. I know you thank God for them, and with true and faithful obedient hearts, will ever serve her most excellent Majesty, whom he hath made his Minister to distribute all these blessings into your bosoms. And now, if it please you, you may with marvel hear This sudden strange pardon amazed the people. the Message I come of. I bring mercy to this man, the gracious pardon of our most dear Soneraigne, who with her merciful eye, beholding the clearness of this man's heart, free from evil thought, and consequently from prepension of any malicious fact against her perston, vouchsafeth The greatness of her majesties mercy seemed such, as the people between joys and sorrows were a●●●sed. to put him from the Gallows. A notable action of compassion proceeding from a heavenly mind, and so far different from the common nature of man, forced into a fearful jealousy of lisse of life, as hath never been read nor heard of. If casually a man suffer hurt in the fields by an arrow shot by chance at roving marks, how revengefully th● party A true description of man's frail nature in seeking revenge, confirmed with examples. offended will follow his process of felony, I have oft seen, and the law doth well allow it. If in the Court the meanest saruing man strike his fellow with his fist so that he bleed, he is to lose the same hand. Many other examples may be given you, both touching the casuality in this man's fact, & touching the place, and presence, wherein it chanced to be done. But our Queen looketh neither on her prerogative, on th● power of her laws, nor on the peril of her person, but Here he noteth the heavenly disposition of her Majesty, far different from the nature of man, in pardoning so great an offence against law and nature. with the nobility of her heart, the danger only done to herself, doth as you hear, freely pardon it. And in the sacred word of her kingly estate I protest it unto you, she hath firmly avowed that she had rather have suffered, the wounds the Bargeman now hath, ten fold, than the meanest of us all, or of any subjects, should suffer the slander of so tyrannous or traitorous a fact, yea▪ or of the prepension, or forethought of so horrible a treason toward hit, though it were in fact See the exceeding love of a prince toward her subjects, in excusing all accidents without any suspicion of ill meaning. Here all the people shouted out Amen, Amen. never executed. Wherein to all our singular comforts, it pleased her with most princely affection and earnestness, graciously to affirm, that never Prince had better, nor more kind true subieas. God for his mercy direct us ever to be so, & with our due gratefulness to sacrifice at her kingly feet our blood and lives for her service sake, when occasion shall call us thereto. M. Carie was master to this ●ude Appletree, and Knight Marshal for that day appointed. One other thing I find her Majesty troubled with, th● is, the sorrow this noble young Gentleman, M. Henry Carie hath suffered in continual grieft of his heart for the offence of his man, who through the vain jealousy of some evil disposed persons, hath likewise borne some slander of the cause. But it sufficeth to clear him, that no intent of malice, nor forethought of this fact▪ is found in the party himself. M. carries commendation. His conversation besides with exceeding faith and diligence in her highness service, will ever deliver him, as a most acceptable Gentleman free from this and all other evil in the sight of her Majesty and all the world. I shall not need therefore to speak of him, for his cause needeth none excuse. Here may you behold the rare goodness of our great and He reciteth the Queen's virtues, and most worthsly commendeth her rare courage in such a perilous chance. gracious Mistress, full of religion and piety, Justice and mercy, Temperance and magnanimity (and that I cannot but tell you) of the most constant and noble courage that ever lived: the proof whereof (the cause heard, whereat I was present) I leave to your judgements. Her Majesty taking prospect out of the vales of her Behold her princely stoutness nothing dismayed at their sudden terror, but with such care to this poor wounded man, and with such countenance to the Ambassador, that she seemed a mother to the one, & a Queen to the other. Barge, at the very instant did see the man stricken, and beheld his fall, and heard as it were, his deadly scr●tch, whom she immediately commanded to be taken up, and then beholding him all imbrued with blood, commanded his wounds to be lapped up with a scarf of her own, and so with her most constant and amiable countenance, continued her entertainment of the ambassador, as though there had been no such matter. Afterwards the man began to faint, her highness then commanded a cloak to be put on his body, with other such necessary reliefs as were there presently to be had, without alteration of countenance. Behold this kingly heart, and courage of rar● magnanimity, Her highness magnanimity mingled with mercy, the one most comfortable to her subjects, and the other most terrible to her foes. seeing, as it were, the present death of the next to her, neither feared her own life, nor was dismayed with this treasonable chance. An action more than marvelous in her sex. Hereof how much we may rejoice, I want wit to tell you. But in one word, her highness, that with her singular wisdom and policy hath preserved her Empire these twenty years in most joyful peace, with this courage & magnanimity will (no doubt) as mightily defend us in the most cruel wars. God therefore ever bless her, and let us with our hands stretched up to Heaven, and our eyes fixed on the seat of God, pray for her long life, and most prosperous reign over us. Thomas An earnest exhortation to pray . Appletree▪ receive thy life from her most excellent Majesty, and pray to God on thy knees for her all thy days to come. Here Master Vizchamberlaine kneeled on his knees with all the people, pray sing God for her majesties safe delivery. And so the people being moved to prayer for her majesties most happy escape, and for the blessing of God to lengthen her days for many any many years, he fell on his knees with great devotion amongst them, and so departed with exceeding joy to the people, and a thousand blessings on himself. A Ship called the three half Moons, manned with xxxviij. men, and well fenced with munitions, set from john Fox delivered 269. Christians ou●e of captivity of the Turks. Portesmouth, toward Civil a City in Spain, but falling into the straits, were taken by the Turks, put in their Galleys, their clothes torn from their backs, and then set to the Oars▪ where their fare was scant of bread, unwholesome water, and plenty of stripes. Nigh to the City of Alexandr●a▪ being a Haven Town, under the dominion of the Turks, there is a Ro●●e very fencible, where into the Turks do customably bring their Galleys on shore every year in the Winter, and there do trim them against the Spring time. In which road there is a prison, wherein the Captives and such prisoners as serve in the Galleys are put for all that time, until the Seas be calm and passable for the Galleys, every prisoner laden with irons on their legs. Into which prison these Christians were put, and fast warded all the Winter season, but ere it was long, the Master and the owner, by means offriendes were redeemed: the rest abiding while they were all through their ill usage and worse fare: miserably starved, saving one john Fox, who being somewhat skilful in the Craft of a Barber, by reason thereof made great shift in helping his fare now and then with a good meal, till at the last God sent him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, so that he had leave to go in and out to the Road at his pleasure, paying a tertayne stipend unto the keeper, and wearing a lock about his leg, which liberty likewise six more had upon like sufferance, who, not being suspected to start aside, had liberty to go in and out at the said Road, and to return again at night. In the year of our Lord 1577. in the Winter season, the Galleys coming to their accustomed harborough, and being discharged of all their Masts, Sails, and other such furnitures, and all the masters and mariners of them being lodged in their own homes, there remained in the prison of the said Road 268. Christian prisoners, who had been taken by the Turks force, and were of sixteen sundry Nations, among the which, there were three Englishmen, whereof, one was named john Fox of Wodbridge, another William Wickney of Portesmouth, and the third Robert Moor of Harwich, which john Fox having been thirteen or fourteen years under their gentle entreatance, minding his escape, took good heart unto him. Not far from the Road, at one side of the City, there was a certain victualling house which one Peter Unticaro a Spaniard had hired, this Peter had been prisoner above 30. years, & never practised any means to escape, but kept himself quiet, until now that this john Fox using much thither, broke one to another their minds concerning the restraint of their liberty, so that this john Fox opening unto this Unticaro the device which he minded to practise, made privy one more to their intent, which three debated of this matter at such time as they could meet together, in so much, that at seven weeks end they had concluded how the matter should be done, who making five more privy to their devise, determined in three nights after to accomplish their purpose, whereupon the same john Fox, and Peter Unticaro, and the other six, appointed to met altogether in the prison the last day of December, where this I. Fox certified the rest of the prisoners of their intent, & delivered unto them a sort of files, which he had gathered for that purpose, charging them to be ready discharged of their prons by eight of the clock on the next day at night. On the next day at night this Fox & his other six companions came all to the house of Peter Unticaro, and when it was time to put in practise their device, sent the said Peter to the Master of the Road▪ in the name of one of the masters of the City, who desired him to meet him there, promising him, that he could bring him back again, whereupon the keeper agreed to go with him, willing the warders not to bar the gate, saying he would turn again with all speed. In the mean season the other seven had provided them of such weapons as they could. The keeper now being come unto the house, and perceiving no light, nor hearing any noise, suspected the matter and returned backward, but Fox standing behind a corner of the house, stepped forth to him: who perceiving it to be I. Fox (said ● Fox) what have I deserved of thee, that thou shouldest seek my death? thou villain (quoth Fox) hast been a succour of many Christians blood, and therewith he lift up his sword and stroke him so main a blow, as therewithal he clave his head, so that he fell dead to the ground: then Peter and the rest came forth, and went toward the road, wherinto they entered softly: where were six warder● whom one of them asked, who was there, quoth. Fox and his company all friends, which when they were within, fell on the six men and dispatched them quickly. They Fox barred the gate, and planted a Canon against it, and entering into the Gaylers' lodge, they found the Keys of the prison by his bed's side, and there they had better weapons than before. In this Chamber was a Chest, wherein was much treasure all in Ducats, which Peter and two more opening, stuffed themselves so full as they could, between their shirts and their skin, which Fox would not touch, but said he sought for his and their liberty, and not for money. Now these eight being armed with such weapons as they liked, & coming to the prison, Fox opened the gates & doors & called forth all the prisoners, whom he set, some to ramming up the gate, some to the dressing up of a Galley, the best in the road, called the Captain of Alexandria▪ where into some carried masts, Sails, Oars & other furniture. At the prison were certain warders, whom Fox and his company slew, in the kill of whom, there were eight Turks, which got them to the top of the prison, unto whom Fox & his company were fain to ascend by ladders, where they found a hot skirmish, for some of them were slain & some wounded: Peter Unticaro & the other two that had armed than with the Ducats were slain, as not able to weld themselves, being pestered with the weight of the treasure. Amongst the Turks was one thrust through, who fell of from the top of the prison wall, & made such a noise, that the inhabitants there about, came and dawed him, so that they understood th● case, how the prisoners were occupied, wherewith they raised both Alexandrîa, which lay on the West side of the road, and a Castle which was at the City's end next the road, & also one other fortress which lay on the North side, so th● now they had no way to escape but one▪ which by man's reason might seem impossible to be a way for them. But to be short, the said Galley being trimmed up, whereinto every man leapt, they hoist up sails & yield themselves to the mercy of God, in whose hand is both wind and weather: & now being on float and out of th● safety of th● road, the two Castles have full power upon the same, but such was the work of God for their deliverance, th● no one of them was touched with xlv. shot which came thundering about their ears, & thus sailing are soon out of the Canon's reach, the Turks having no Galleys trimmed to make after them. When the Christians were safe out of the enemy's coast, john Fox willed them all to be thankful unto almighty God for their delivery, and most humbly to fall upon their knees, beseeching him to aid them unto their friends land, etc. After which prayers made to God, they felt to labour with the oar, striving to come to some Christian land, but the winds were divers▪ and victuals failed them, so that eight of them died by famine, to the astonishment of all the rest: but it fell out that upon the xxix. day after they set from Alexandrî●, they fell on the Il● of Canadie, and landed at Gallipoly, where they were well cherished by the Abbot and Monks there, who caused them to stay while they were well refreshed and eased. When they thought good, having leave to departed from thence, they sailed along the coast till they arrived at Tanento, where they sold their Galley, and divided the price, ●uery man having a part thereof. The Turks pursued the Christians, and scoured the Seas where they could imagine that they bent their course, and the Christians had departed from thence on the one day in the morning, when seven Galleys of the Turks came thither that night, as it was certified by those who f●llowed Fox and his company fearing lest they should have been met with. And then they came a foot to Naples, where they departed asunder, every man taking him to his next way home, from whence Fox took his journey unto Rome, where he was well entertained of an Englisheman, who presented his worthy deed to the Pope who rewarded him liberally, and gave him letters to the King of Spain, where he was well entertained of him, who for his worthy enterprise, gave him in fee twenty pence a day: from whence being desirous to come into his own Country, he came thither at such time as he conveniently could which was in the year of our Lord. 1579. and being come into England, went unto the Court, & showed all his travail unto the Counsel: who considering that he had spent a great part of his youth in shraldome and bondage, ex●ended to him their liberality to maintain him in his age, to their great honours, and encouragement of all true hearted Christians. This year in the month of September was finished the Tower on London bridge finished. new and most beautiful Tower on London bridge, the foundation whereof was laid in the month of August, Anno. 1577. as more at large is showed. In the month of September & October, fell great winds ●ouds. and raging floods in sundry places of this Realm, where through many men, cattle and houses we drowned. In the town of Newport the cottages were borne down, the corn lost, pasture ground overwhelmed, and cattle drowned. In the town of Bedford the water came up to the Market place, where Cupboards, Chests, stools and forme● swum about the houses, their fuel, corn and hay was wracked & borne away. Also the town of Saint Edes in Huntingtonshire was overflown suddenly in the night, when all men were at rest, the waters broke in with such a force, that the town was almost all defaced, the swans swum down the Market place, & all the town about the boats did float. Gormanchester was suddenly suppressed, their houses flown full of water when men were at their rest, their cat-tail were destroyed about the 14. of October. The sea did swell, the Merchants lost their goods, many were drowned, which were after found both on sand and land in great numbers. Martin Caltrope: john Hart Sheriffs. the, 28. of September. Sir Nicholas Woodroofe Habardasher, the 28. of Octob. Maior. On Saturday the 21. of November, Anno reg. 20 Sir T, Gresham deveased. sir T. Gresham knight Agent to the Q. highness (who had in his life time builded the Royal Exchange in London, as is afore showed) deceased at his house in Bishop's Gate street of London, and was buried in the Parish Church of Saint Elen the▪ On the xxviij. day of March, one Francis, alias Marmaduke 1580 One hanged in Cheap for murdering of Sergeant Grace. Glo●●r was hanged on a gibbet set up for that purpose by the Sta●●●rd in Cheap, for wilfully murdering Sergeant Grace, after he was by him arrested. Also on the next morrow being the nine and twentieth day of March, one Richard Tod, that should have be●e hanged in Eastsmithfielde by the Tower, for murdering of Mistress Skinner a widow there, was hanged at Tyburn. The sixth of April being Wednesdays in Easter week Earthquake. about six of the clock toward evening, a sudden Earthquake happening in London, & almost generally through out England, caused such amazedness of the people as was wonderful for the time, and caused them to make their earnest prayers unto Almighty God. The great clock bell in the Palace at Westminster stroke of itself against the hammer with shaking, as diverse clocks and Bells in the City and elsewhere did the like the Gentlemen of the Temple being at Supper, ran from the Tables and out of their Hall with their knives in their hands, a piece of the Temple Church fell down, some stones fell from Paul's Church. And at Christ's Church in the Sermon while a stone fell from the top of the Church which killed out of hand one Thomas Grey an Apprentice, & an other stone also bruised his fellow servant named Mabel Eueret, so that she lived but four days after: diverse other were sore hurt with running out of the Church: diverse chimneys in the City part of them fell down the houses were so shaken. This Earthquake continued in or about London not passing one minute of an hour, and was no more felt: but Eastward in Kent and on the sea coast it was felt three times. As at Sandwich at six of the clock, the land not only quaked, but the sea so foamed, that the ships tottered. At Dover also at the same hour was the like, so that a piece of the Cliff fell into the sea with also a piece of the Castle wall there. A piece of Saltwood Castle in Kent fell down, and in the Church of Hide the Bells were hard to sound. A piece of Sutton Church in Kent fell down, the Earthquake being there both hear● and felt. And in all these places and other in East Kent, the same was felt three times to move, to wit at vj. at ix. ● xj. of the clock. The ninetéenth of April, the Ferry at Lambeth was Fe●ry at Lambeth drowned. drowned, with five men and four horses, other two men and five horses swum to land and were saved. The first day of May, after xij. of the clock in the night, Earthquake i● Kent. was an Earthquake felt in divers places of Kent, namely at Ashforde, Great Chart, etc. which made the people there, to rise out of their beds, and run to the Churches, where they called upon God, by earnest prayers to be merciful unto them. The xviij. day of May about one hour before Sun setting diverse Gentlemen of worship, & good credit, riding from Castles & Ships seen in the air Bodman in Cornewal towards Foy, there appeared to their seeming in th● north-east, a very great mistor fog, much like unto the sea: and the form of a cloud in the fashion of some great castle, with flags, & streams thereon, as it were standing in the Sea, which presently vanished away. In whose steed, and in near the same place, appeared another cloud which altered into the likeness of a great Argosy, furnished with Masts, and other necessaries, & her sails seeming full of wind, made her way on the Southweast of the castle, having streamers and flags very warlike, with two boats at either stern. There incontinent appeared again the form of a castle, and behind the same came following on the Southweast side, another great Argosy, furnished as the first. This being past, there appeared three or four Galeis with their Masts and flags in warlike sort, having boats at their sternes, and thereby appeared other small clouds to the number of xij. which altered into the proportion of the said Castles, and one following another, as soon as any of them vanished other came in their rooms, & this continued the space of an hour. Shortly after the sights T. Churchyard. Wonders in Wiltshire, and Somersetshire. in the air aforesaid a worthy Gentleman in the Country writ to a right good gentleman in the Court, th● there was seen upon a down called Brodwels down, in Somersetshire, lx. personages all clothed in black, a furlong in distance from those the beheld them, & after their appearing, and a little while tarrying, they vanished away, but immediately, another strange company in like manner colour and number appeared in the self same place, and they encountered one another, and so vanished away. And the third time, appeared that number again all in bright armour and encountered one another. & so vanished away: iiij. honest men which saw it, reporting the same abroad, were examined thereof, before sir George Norton, to whom they 〈…〉, that those things they had seen were true, as here before is rehearsed: Moreover it is credibly told of many honest men, that five miles from Blonsdon in Wiltshire, a cry of hounds was heard in the air, the self same day that the ●●●ste Earthquake was, and the noise was so great that was ●●de, that they seemed three or four score couple, where ●● 〈…〉 ●se ●●ke the●● greyhounds, thinking some gentlemen had b●n hunting in the chase, and thought to court: yet so●● of ●●ose that went out of their houses, seeing nothing below abroad, looked upwards to the skies, and there espied in the air five or six hounds perfectly to be diserned: Now (saith mine author) I doubt not but thousands hold this newe● for ●●bles innented for pleasure, but I protest before God & man, I can believe a great deal more stranger matter than this, in this strange world: for the people so estrange themselves from God by using many strange fashions, & clapping on new conditions & natures, the except he show some miracles, his godhead would quickly be forgotten on Earth, and men would believe there were no other world but this. Thus far Thomas churchyard. The xiij. of June about six of the clock in the morning at Shipwesh, within Bothel Barony in Northumberland, there happened a tempest of lightning & thunder, after the which, of a sudden came a great shower of hail stones, amongst the which were stones of divers shapes, marvelous to behold. The xvij. day of June last passed, in the parish of Blamsdon, in Yorkshire, after a great tempest of lightning and thunder, a woman of four stoure years old named Alice Perin, was A monstrous child. delivered of a strange and hideous Monster, whose head was like unto a 〈…〉 or head piece, the face like unto a man's face except 〈…〉 which was found and small, like to the mo●th of a 〈…〉, the ●orepa●t of the body like unto a man, having ●ight legs, not one like unto an other, and a tail half a yard long. Which Monster brought into the world no other news, but an admiration of the divine works of God. The xxij. of September, at Fennestanton in Huntingtonshire, Child monstruous. one Agnes wife to William Linsey, was delivered of an ugly & strange Monster, which had a face all black, the neck red, the mouth & eyes like a Lion, over the forehead a roll of flesh, which might be turned up with one's finger, on the hinder part of the head a lump of flesh proportioned like a feather and hollow, with one ear growing upon the lowest part of the cheek, the belly big and hard, the arms big, having five fingers & a thumb on either hand, and in place of toes on the left foot, five fingers & a thumb, on the right foot a thumb and seven fingers, in the place of the privities the shape both of male and female, etc. Ralph Woodcock: john Alat, the 28. of September. Sheriffs. Blazing Star. On the x. of October (some saith on the seventh) appeared a blazing Star in the South, bushing toward the East, which was nightly seen diminishing of his brightness until the one and twentieth of the same month. The xvij. day of October were made 8. Serieante at law, sergeant feast. to wit first William Fleetewood Recorder of London, the second Edward Flowerdew, the third Thomas Snag, the fourth W. Peryam, the fifth Robert Halton, the sixth john Clench, the seventh john Puckering, the eight Thomas Warmesley, master Snag was sick, and therefore had a writ directed to two masters of the Chancery to take his oath, and so was sworn in his Chamber at Greys jane, the other seven were sworn at Westminster, and held their feast in the new Temple at London. The queens Majesty being informed that in sundry Proclamation against the family of love. places of the realm, certain persons secréetly teach damnable heresies, contrary to diverse principal Articles of our belief and Christian faith, who to colour their sect, name themselves The family of Love, and then as many as shall be allowed by them to be of that family, to be elect and saved, and all others of what Church soever they be, to be rejected and damned: And for that upon conventing of some of them before the Bishops and ordinaries, it is found th● the ground of their sect is maintained by certain lewd, Heritical, and seditious books, first made in the dutch tongue, and lastly translated into English, and printed beyond the Seas, and secretly brought over into the Realm, the author whereof they name H. N. etc. And considering also it is found, that these sectaries hold opinion, that they may before any Magistrate ecclesiastical or Temporal, or any other person not being professed to be of their sect, by oath or otherwise deny any thing for their advantage, so as though many of them are well known to be teachers & spreaders abroad of these dangerous and damnable sects, yet by their own confession they cannot be condemned. Therefore her Majesty being very sorry to see so great an evil by malice of the Devil, to be brought into this her realm, & by her Bishops and ordinaries, she understandeth it very requisite, not only to have these dangerous Heretics & sectaries to be severely punished, but that also all other means be used by her majesties royal authority, which is given her of God to defend Christ's Church, to root them out from further infecting of her realm, she hath thought meet and convenient, and so by her proclamation, commandeth that all her officers and ministers Temporal, shall in all their several vocations, assist the Bishops of her Realm, and all other persons ecclesiastical, to search out all persons duly suspected to be either teachers, or professors of the foresaid damnable sects, and by all good means to proceed senerelye against them, being found culpable, by order of the laws either ecclesiastical or Temporal, and that also search be made in all places suspected, for the books and writings maintaining the says Heresies and sects, and them to destroy and bunrne, etc. as more at large appeareth by the said proclamation, given at Richmond the third of October, and proclaimed at London on the nineteenth of October. john Branch Draper, the 28. of October. Maior. The conclusion. Thus good reder, I have collected these my Chronicles of England from the first coming of Brute into this Island, of whom it took the name of Britain, until this present year of Christ our sovereign. 1580. and the. 23. year of our sovereign Lady Flizabeth by the grace of God, Queen of England France and Ireland, defender of the Faith, etc. whom I pray God long and many years to prosper over us to his glory, and desire the to take these my travel in good part, like as I have painfully (to my great costs and charges) out of many old hidden Histories and Records of antiquity, brought the same to light, and freely for thy great commodity bestowed them upon thee. The seven ages of the World. THe first age from the creation of Adam to the flood of Noah, which continued years 1659. 2 The second from Noah to Abraham. 292 3 The third from the birth of Abraham till the departing of Israel out of Egypt. 503 4 The fourth from the departing of Israel out of Egypt, till the building of the Temple. 482 5 The fift from the building of the Temple till the Captivity of Babylon. 414 6 The sixth from the captivity of Babylon, till the birth of our Saviour jesus Christ. 614 7 The seventh beginning at the birth of our Saviour jesus Christ, hath continued till this present year of our Lord 1580, and shall last to the world's end. ❧ The age of the World at the birth of our Saviour Christ was 3962. The age of the world this present year of our Lord. 1580. is 5542. ¶ Of the universities in England, and Colleges in the same, with the founders, and principal benefactors. I Have before time rejoiced (sayeth Erasmus Rotterdam) that England was so well furnished with so many men of excellent learning, but now I begin to envy her felicity, for that she so flourisheth with all kind of literature, that by taking the commendation thereof from the other Regions, she doth as it were marvelously obscure them. And yet this commendation is not as now first due to England, in the which (it is well known) have been of long time, men of great learning. The universities prove this to be true, which have for their antiquities and worthiness, contended with the most ancient, and worthy universities in the world. Cambridge (as some learned writers do affirm) was Cambridge. first frequented with Philosophers and Astronomers, procured from Athens by Cantaber a spaniard, in the time of Gurguntius, who was King of Britain, before the birth of Christ, years. 375 Peter College was erected of two ancient Hostelles Peter College. (sometime belonging unto the brethren de paenitentia jesu Christi) by Hugh Balesame, sometime prior of Elye. Anno. 1256 This Hugh was afterward the tenth Bishop of Elye, and finished this College in Anno. 1284 Clare Hall, was first builded by Richard Badowe then Clare Hall. Chancellor of the students there, and the same was called University Hall. 1326 It was since that enlarged by Gualther Thacsteede Master of the said Hall, who with consent of the said Richard Badow, resigned the foundation thereof to Elizabeth Lady of Clare, third daughter of Gilbert, and sister and one of the heirs of the last Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, who was first married to john Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland, after to Theobald of Verdon, and thirdly, to sir Roger Damarie, and had issue by them all, she I say named it Clare Hall. Pembroke hall was founded by Marie of Valentia, daughter Pembroke hall to Guydo Earl of Saint Paul in France, wife to Adomare de Valentia, Earl of Pembroke, she obtained of King Edward the third, whose cousin she was, to found this College in her own ground, with purchasing two or three tenements there by, and named it Aulade Valence Mariae. Anno. 1343. Corpus Christi College was first begun to be builded Corpus Christi College. by the Alderman and brethren of Corpus Christi Guild. This College was brought so far forth, the rather by the help of Saint Mary's Guild and fraternity, newly adjoined to the other Guild. 1344. In the year 1353. they did elect Henry Earl of Derby and Lancaster, who should obtain them favour for the purchasing of Mortmain, for such lands and tenements, as after many did sell them. This Earl of Derby in the eight and twentieth year of Edward the third, was created the first Duke of Lancaster, and then they elected him their Alderman, who recognized their statutes, not by the Duke's Seal, but by the Seal of the Aldermen of that Guild. Trinity hall, was first an hostel, purchased by john Cranden Trinity hall, sometime Prior of Ely, who procured it for his brethren the Monks of that house, to be Students there, in th● time of Edward the third, which hostel was afterward purchased by William Bateman Bishop of Norwich, who builded this College of Trinity hall upon the said ground being the first Founder thereof, he deceased in the year of Christ. 1354. Gunuile and Caius College, was first founded by Edmund Gunuile and Caius College▪ Gunuile, sometime Parson of Terington in Norfolk, he gave it to name Gunuile hall, as appeareth by his statute. 1348. At his decease, he leaving a good mass of money, commended the further finishing of the same Hall to William Bateman Bishop of Norwiche, who with the assent of the Aldermen and brethren of the Guilds of Corpus Christi & our Lady, changed with them the said house, with their house called the Stone hall, where now Gunuile and Caius College standeth. 1353. john Caius doctor in Physic, sometime fellow, and late Master of the said College, hath enlarged the house, and now made a second foundation, with giving certain Manors and lands to the same. 1557. King's College was first founded by King Henry the sixth, King's College in the year of Christ. 1441. The same King altered the form of his first foundation in the year of Christ. 1443. Edward the fourth, in displeasure of the first foundation, withdrew from the College so much land as the first Founder had given them, but afterwards he restored them to the inheritance of five hundredth marks. ●●● After him Henry the seventh finished that notable Chapel, begun by Henry the sixth, to the glazing, stalls, and paving with Marble, which was done by king Henry the eight. Queen's College. Queen's College was begun by Lady Margaret, wife to King Henry the sixth. 1446. She procured Mortmain of an hundred pound by year. Anno. 1448. At the intercession of Andrew Ducket, sometime principal of barnard hostel, (which hostel he gave to the said College.) He was Parson of Saint Buttolph's in Cambridge, who by his own money and help of others, purchased certain tenements, and builded his College, being the first Precedent of the same, who gave as well by his life, as by his Testament divers sums and parcels of land, and also procured certain gifts of the Duke of Clarence, of Cicelie Duchess of York, of Richard Duke of Gloucester, of Anne Duchess of the same, of Edward Earl of Salisbury, Maude Countess of Oxford, and Marmaduke Lumley Bishop of Lincoln, with divers other. Elizabeth wife to King Edward the fourth finished that which Queen Margaret had begun in the year 1465. Katherine hall was founded by Robert Woodlarke Doctor Katherine hall. of Divinity, and Provost of the King's College, & Chancellor to the University, as is testified by the Charter of K. Henry the sixth, bearing date the 37. year of his reign, which was the year of Christ 1459. jesus College was founded by john Alcocke, the 29. Bishop jesus College. of Ely, who did convert the Monastery of Saint Ra●●gond, (the Abbess living a dissolute life, the Monastery then destitute of government, the edyfices fallen in ruin, and in conclusion the Nuns, departing thence leaving it desolate) into a College of Chaplains and Scholars, the year of Christ 1446. This john Alcocke was borne in Kingston upon Hull, and therefore builded there a Fréeschoole. The rents of jesus College hath been more amplified by sir Robert Read Knight, Doctor Eleston, Doctor Royston and Doctor Fuller. Christ's College was founded by King Henry the sixth, Christ's college who named it God's House, as it was sometime a great hostel so called: King Henry the seventh granted his Charter to Lady Margaret his mother, Countess of Richemont & Derby, to increase the Students there, translating it at her disposition, so that from thenceforth it should be called Christ's College. 1505. Saint john's College, being first an hostel of religious Canons, was erected by Nigellus the second Bishop of Ely, treasurer to King Henry the first, the year of Christ 1134. Those Canons lived by the name of the Hospital and brethren of Saint john, until the year of Christ 1510. though at that time so far decayed, that there was but a Prior, & two brethren, and by the dilapidations of their goods movable and unmovable, they abased their revenues within the space of ten years last paste, from the sum of an hundred and forty pound, to thirty pound, etc. Whereupon King Henry the eight, Richard Bishop of Winchester, john Bishop of Rochester, Charles Somerset Lord of Herbert, Thomas Lovel, Henry Marne, & john Sent-Iohn Knights, Henry Horneby and Hugh Ashton Clerks, executors of the testament of Lady Margaret Countess of Richmont & Derby, grandmother to King Henry the eight, & mother to King Henry the seventh, upon the suppression of the said priory, she being prevented by death, leaving behind her sufficient goods, and committing the same to those her friends and executors, they erected the said College. Magalene College was first an hostel or Hall inhabited Magdalene College. by divers Monks of sundry Monasteries: Edward Duke of Buckingham translated the same to a College, naming it Buckingham College, who builded up the Hall in the year of Christ. 1519. After him Thomas Audley of Walden sometime Chancellor of England, took on him to be Founder of the said College, and going about to establish the same, was prevented by death, so that what he had begun, he left unperfect, and altogether unfinished. Trinity College was founded by King Henry the eight, Trinity College. in the year of Christ. 1546. This College was builded in the plot where sometime Edward the third builded his house, called the King's hall, in the year of Christ. 1334. There was joined unto this Hall a College called Michael house, with an hostel called Physic hostel, and after the building there (being made of three) King Henry the eight named it Trinity College. Michael house was first founded by Harnious de Stanton Priest, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Edward the second, of whom he obtained licence to erect the said College in the year of our saviour Christ 1324. ¶ And thus far of the University of Cambridge, with the Colleges and halls in the same. ¶ The University of Oxford was instituted by King Alfred a Saxon, after the birth of Christ. 873. years: And hath Colleges. University College, founded in the time of King University College. Alfred, by sir William Archdeacon of Duresme in the year▪ 873. The University Church, alias Saint Marie Church, was begun to be re-edified in the time of Doctor Fitz-Iames after Bishop of London: he procured much money towards the building of it. The battlements of it were full of Pinnacles, but by tempest were most of them thrown down in one night. Balliol college Balliol Clledge was founded in the time of Edward the first, by john Balliol K. of Scotland in the year of Christ. 1263. Merton College was founded in the time of Edward the Merton College. first, by Walter Merton bishop of Rochester, the year of Christ 1276. Excester College, was founded in the time of Edward the Excester College. second, by Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester. 1316. And augmented in the time of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth, by sir William Peter Knight, in the year of Christ Anno. 156●. Oriall College, was founded in the time of Edward the Oriall College second, by sir Adam Browne, Almoner of the said King, the year of Christ 13●3. Queen's College was founded in the time of Edward the Queen's College. third, by Robert Eglishfielde, in his own ground, and by him called the Queen's hall, he was Chaplain to the Lady Philip, wife to the same Edward, the year of Christ▪ 1340. New College, was founded in the time of King Richard New College the second, by William Wickham bishop of Winchester, the year of Christ 1375. Lincoln College was founded in th● time of Henry the fifth, Lincoln College. by Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln 1430. and augmented in Richard the thirds time, by Thomas Rotheram Bishop of Lincoln in the year 1479. Alsoule College was founded in the time of King Henry th● Alsoule College. sixth, by Henry michery Archbi. of Canterbury in th● year 1437. He also founded Barnard College in Oxford, since suppressed by K. Henry the eight, & now re-edified by sir Thomas White, and by him called Saint john's College. Divinity School was founded in the time of King Henry Divinity school. the sixth, by Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. 1447. Magdalen College was founded in the time of king Henry Magdalen College. the sixth, by William Wainflet Bish. of Winchester. 1459. He builded a good part of Eaton College, begun by Henry th● sixth: he builded a Fréeschoole at Wamflet. Brazen nose College was founded in th● reign of King Henry Brase nose College. the seventh, by Wil Smith B. of Lincoln, in the year 1513. The same William Smith sometime Bishop of Lichfielde, ordained an Hospital there for poor folks, and a Grammar School for poor folks children: Also at Farneworth, where he and his parents had their original, he bestowed x. pound the year forever, to one that should teach a Grammar school. Corpus Christi College was founded in the reign of Henry Corpus Christi College. the seventh, by Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, himself being a Fellow in Pembroke hall in Cambridge: he endowed the same College with 40. ● 8. s. 11. d. of yearly rend for ever, the year 1516. Christ's Church was founded in the time of Henry the Christ's church. eight, by Thomas Wolsey Cardinal, & archbishop of York, in the year of Christ 1539. And finished by the same K. Henry the eight, in the year 1546. Trinity College was founded in the time of Queen Mary, Trinity College. by sir Thomas Pope Knight. 1556. Saint john Baptists College was founded in the time of Saint john's College. Queen Mary, by sir Thomas White Knight, late Mayor of London in the year of Christ 1557. Oxford hath halls. Brodegate hall, Harte Hall, Magdalen hall, Alborne hall. Saint Marry hall, White hall, Walter Stap●ton. William Wainflet. New Inn, Edmond hall. IN the Universities of England (saith Erasmus Roterodame) there be certain Colleges, in the which there is so much Religion, so strait discipline, in such integrity of life, that if you did see it, you would neglect in comparison of them, all Monkish rules and orders. All the Cities in England, many Market towns, and some villages, have free Grammar Schools erected in them for the further increase of learning and virtue. Virtuous men have to the perpetual registering of their good names done these good deeds, learned men have not been all the doers. Some therefore for the supply in other, of that which wanted in themselves, have done wisely, all to this purpose, that virtue and learning united and knit together, might in this our age make a learned virtuous world, have done godly. It were much (they are so many) in a small room to comprehend them, but the chief and worthy patrons of the rest are. Eaton School, Henry the the sixth 1443. Westminster. Queen Elizabeth. Winchester. William Wickham Bish. of Win. Paul's School in London. john Collet 1510. Saint Anthony's in London by john Tat. Merchant tailors School in London, by the Merchant tailors 1560. FINIS. ¶ A Table of the principal matters contained in this Chronicle. ABbot of Westminster put to his shifts. Pag. 256 Abbot of Glastenburie commitied a filthy act. Pag. 165 Abbot of Saint Albon his policy. Pag. 152 abbeys visited. Pag. 1005. suppressed. Pag. 1013 Aberconway builded. Pag. 301 Abingdon spoiled. Pag. 464 Acres of land in England numbered. Pag. 165 Aduoultry punished by death amongst the Infidels. Pag. 103 Adrian an Englishman Pope. Pag. 207 Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereford accused of treason and deprived of his temporalties. Pag. 346. his sophistical letter Pag. 357. made Bysh. of Worcester. Pag. 359. Bishop of Winchester. Pag. 367. died. Pag. 393 Admiral of France came to London. Pag. 1034 Albon first Martyr. Pag. 65 Albertus Emperor. Pag. 66 Albon Church founded. Pag. 105 Almesburie builded. Pag. 134 Alfred King of West Saxons. Pag. 122 Albe first King of South Saxons. Pag. 94 Aldermen in London. Pag. 268 Alice Perce. Pag. 467 Alice Hackney being long buried was taken up again. Pag. 869 Alms houses founded at the Crossed Friars. Pag. 930 Alderman of London sent into Scotland taken prisoner. Pag. 1031. Alderman of Southwark first. Pag. 2047 Ambassadors sent to Rome. Pag. 1096. to Caleis. Pag. 1069. from Sweden. Pag. 1113. from moscovy. Pag. 1103 Amphabel Martyr. Pag. 65 Antonius Gordianus. Pag. 64 Antonius Emperor. Pag. 64 Antonius Philosophus. Pag. 54 Androgius King. Pag. 30 Andrew's Church in Rochester founded. Pag. 92 Andreds Cester. Pag. 94 Andreds walled. Pag. 117. in Sussex and Hamshiere. Pag. 125 Anger a castle in Essex founded. Pag. 212 Anthony's Church in London builded. Pag. 870 Agnes Dainty on the Pillory. Pag. 745 anabaptists bare Faggots. Pag. 1015. anabaptists brent. ibid. anabaptists bare faggots at Paul's cross. Pag. 1181. banished. Pag. 1184. brent. ibi. Anne of Cleave died at Chelsey. Pag. 1104 Anne marchioness of Pembroke. Pag. 980 Answer of a Pope. Pag. 395 Anthony's Church in London built. Pag. 870 Anne Sanders, Anne Drury, and trusty Roger hanged. Pag. 1169 Anth. Broune Knight of the Garter. Pag. 1018 Anne's Church in London brent. Pag. 1039 Anne Askew with others brent. Pag. 1033 Apollo's Temple at Delphos. Pag. 25 Apuldore in Kent. Pag. 125 Apostata brent. Pag. 255 Apparel appointed to Harlots. Pag. 427 Archbishops of London. Pag. 56 Archemalus King. Pag. 5● Archegallo King deprived. Pag. 29 Archeflamins. iij. Pag. 27 Archbishop of London reproveth Vortiger and is by him slain. Pag. 81 Arthur King. Pag. 84 Archbishop of York with his Cross cast out of the Kings Chaple. Pag. 184 Archbishop of York plucked from his seat, thrown to the ground & beaten. Pag. 211 Archbishop of York drawn from the Altar to prison. Pag. 220 Archbishop of York covetous. Pag. 264 Archbishop of Canterbury beateth & woundeth the Prior and Canons of Saint Bartholomew in Smithfielde. Page. 272 archbishop of York George Nevil imprisoned at Hames, and his goods confiscate. Pag. 733 An army sent to Landersey. Pag. 1027 archbishops Palace at Canterbury brent. Pag. 1027 Articles of religion devised by the king. Page. 1007 Arden murdered. Pag. 1048 An Arian brent. Pag. 1049 An army sent into scotland. Pag. 1028 Arthure first son to King Henry the seventh borne. Pag. 861 An army sent into scotland. Pag. 870 Archbishop of Canterbury deceased. Page. 1182. Archbishop newly elected of Canterbury. Pag. 1185 Arthure of Britain murdered. Pag. 233 Asclepiodatus. Pag. 67 Aurelius Probus. Pag. 64 Aurelianus. Pag. 64 Austin the Monk came into Britain. Page. 91 Augustine's Church at Canterbury founded. Pag. 91 Ancient laws of England remain in Kent only. ●52 Augustine's in Bristol builded. Pag. 213 Augustine Friars Church in London. Page. 430 Aubrey de Ver created Earl of Oxford. Page. 515 Audley made Lord Chancellor Pag. 980 Knight of the Garter. Pag. 1058 Aid sent into scotland against Edemborough castle. Pag. 1169 B. BAse moneys coined. Pag. 1029 Bailiffs of London. Pag. 219 Bathe Abbey founded. Pag. 105 bachelor Mayor of London. Pag. 865 Bath a Bishop's sea. Pag. 172 Barons created. Pag. 1090 Basianus Emperor. Pag. 64 Basing. Pag. 121 Bastard brother disheriteth the lawful, and after murdereth him. Pag. 462 Bamburgh builded. Pag. 20 Bangor builded. Pag. 23 Bathe builded. Pag. 22 Barons of the Britaines murdered. Pag. 82 Britons state miserable. Pag. 83 Banqueting house built in calais. Pag. 927 defaced by tempest. Pag. 928 Barnardes' Castle builded by Barnard Bayllioll. Pag. 209 besieged. Pag. 1138 Baynard Lord of Dunmow builded Baynard's Castle in London. Pag. 178. thrown down. Pag. 242. new builded. Pag. 874 Barons in armour against King john. Pag. 245 excommunicate by the Pope. Pag. 246. Pag. 248 they sent for Lodowick. Pag. 248 Barons in armour against King Henry the third. Pag. 278 against King Edward the second. Pag. 341 Bathe burned. Pag. 189 Battle of the Danes at Ashendune. Pag. 120 Battle at Hasting. Pag. 147. against the Welsh. Pag. 188. of the Standard. Pag. 190. at jews in Sussex. Pag. 283. at Eusham. Pag. 287. at Fankirke in Scotl. Pag. 306. at Striueling. Pag. 333. at Morleys'. Pag. 390. of Crecie. Pag. 396. on the sea. Pag. 417. at poitiers. Pag. 444. on the sea. Pag. 465. at Shresburie. Pag. 553. at Bramham Moor Pag. 570. of Agincourt Pag. 593. at Vernole in perch. Pag. 621. at S. Albon. Pag. 674. at Northampton. Pag. 699 Wakefield. Pag. 707. at Mortimer's cross. Pag. 708. at Towton. Pag. 712. at Barnet. Pag. 727. at Thewkesburie. Pag. 728. at Stoke. Pag. 863. at Blackeheath. Pag. 870 Battle Abbey builded. Pag. 166 Battle of Gnats. Pag. 509 ●arwike won by Edward the first. Pag. 306. betrayed. Pag. 339. delivered to the Scots. Pag. 712. won by the Earl of Warwick▪ Pag. 715. won by the Scots and recovered again by the Earl of Northumberland. Pag. 477. & 497 Barbican of London. Pag. 373 Bay salt dear. Pag. 1180 Bedford town. Pag. 105. Pag. 114. besieged. Pag. 189 bedford Castle besieged. Pag. 259 Benet a Monk brought glazing into this land. Pag. 111 Beda famous. Pag. 111 Bewly built. Pag. 251 Beaufleete in Essex. Pag. 125 Beverley brent. Pag. 215 Beranbridge. Pag. 114 Bewmarise castle builded. Pag. 307 Beggars murdered. Pag. 310 Beef and Mutton first sold by weight. Page. 999 Berking in Essex founded. Pag. 100 Belin's gate in London. Pag. 27 Belinus and Brennus' king. Pag. 24 Beston castle builded. Pag. 254 Bermonsey founded. Pag. 165 Bensinto●. Pag. 114 bishoprics in England. Pag. 2 bishoprics in Wales. Pag. 11 Bishop of Excester drawn out of his Church. Pag. 279 Bishop of Chichester murdered. Pag. 651 Bishop of Salisbury murdered. Pag. 664 Bishop of Durham murdered. Pag. 164 Bishop of Ely put to his shifts. Pag. 222 Bishop's gate of London builded. Pag. 746 Bishop of Rochester beheaded. Pag. 1004 Bishops deprived. Pag. 1112 Bishop of Winchester sent to the Tower. Pag. 1039. deprived. Pag. 1048 Bishops restored & other displaced. Pag. 1067 Bible commanded to be had in every Church in English. Pag. 1013 Bilney burned. Pag. 978 Bladud king. Pag. 22 Blazing stars. Pag. 116. Pag. 179. blazing star. Pag. 179 285. 297. 636. 550. 3679. 1100. Black Heath field. Pag. 688▪ 870 Black Friars in Holborn. Pag. 273 in London. Pag. 298 Blank charters burned. Pag. 546 Blazing star. Pag. 182 Bledgabredus king. Pag. 31 Bluebeard hanged. Pag. 651 Blood rained Pag. 23. Pag. 117. Pag. 211. sprang out of the Earth. Pag. 174. blood of Hales. Pag. 1014 Boniface his Epistle to Ethelbald. Pag. 102 Bones of men monstrous. Pag. 167 Bones of Arthur found. Pag. 221 Bosten spoiled and brent. Pag. 302 Bow Church suspended. Pag. 302 Bow steeple builded. Pag. 897 Book written against Luther by King Henry the eight. Pag. 930 Book of Common prayer set forth. Page. 1054 Bokeland. Pag. 297 Boulogne yielded to the French. Pag. 1046 Bonars head broken. Pag. 271 Bridge at London. Pag. 3 Brute arrived in Britain. Pag. 17 Brutaine so named of Brute. Pag. 17 Brutaine divided into three. Pag. 18 Brother slew brother. Pag. 24 Britain tributary to the Britons. Pag. 34 Britain's barbarous. Pag. 34 Brazen Image of Cadwaline cast down▪ Page. 118 Brakenburie Constable of the Tower. Page. 826 Bridge of London new made. Pag. 204 Bridge of stone begun at London. Pag. 211 finished. Pag. 238 Bridge at Stratford upon Aven. Pag. 865 Bridges borne down▪ Pag. 299 Brimsburie with the bridge builded. Page. 130 Bristol castle built. Pag. 181. besieged. Pag. 189 Britain's house in Holland. Pag. 37 Britain's bodies painted. Pag. 59 Brentford. Pag. 137 Bretan received the Faith. Pag. 55 Bruit Greneshilde King. Pag. 20 Bradford brent. Pag. 1097 Bridwel given to the City of London. Page. 1057 Browne hanged in Smithfield. Pag. 1168 Burse begun in Cornhill. Pag. 1129 Burton upon Trent. Pag. 135 Burgundy invaded by the English. Page. 457 Boundwica a woman of Britain. Pag. 40. 41. 42. 43. Britain's had all things common. Pag. 41 Bury Abbey spoiled and brent. Pag. 353 Burial forbidden to W. Conqueror. Pag. 167 Buckingham castle builded. Pag. 129 Bul hanged on the Bishops of London's gate. Pag. 1146 Burdet beheaded. Pag. 747 Burial of King Edward the sixth. Pag. 1067 P. Burchet wounded Master Hawkins Pag. 1175. found an Heretic. ibid. killeth his keeper. Pag. 1176. hanged. ibid. C. CArliele builded. Pag. 21 Caratacus. Pag. 38 Caligula his expedition into Britain. Pag. 36 Caius. Pag. 65 Canterbury builded. Pag. 21. castle builded. Pag. 34 Canterbury defaced by fire. Pag. 270 Canterbury province divided into Parishes. Pag. 92 Canterbury brent. Pag. 209 Canterbury overflowed, by breaking out of bornes. Pag. 294 Caporus King. Pag. 31 Cassibelanus King. Pag. 34 Cambridge builded. Pag. 29 Cairleon upon uske builded. Pag. 27 Capenus King. Pag. 31 Carausius usurped Britain. Pag. 65 Careticus King. Pag. 88 Cadwalin King. Pag. 88 Cadwallader King. Pag. 89 Cadwine king. Pag. 88 Catellus King hung up oppressors. Pag. 3● Castles at Nottingham, York and Lincoln builded. Pag. 161 Cardife Castle builded. Pag. 181 Carliele repaired and the Castle builded. Pag. 172 Carlisle a Bishops Sea. Pag. 185 Canutus the Dane King of England. Pag. 139 King of four kingdoms. Pag. 140 Cardinals rob. Pag. 337 Cambridge sore perished by fire. Pag. 306 Cane in Normandy spoiled by. E. Pag. 3. 394 Carliele consumed by fire. Pag. 303 Caleice besieged by E. Pag. 3. Pag. 398. described and builded. Pag. 400. yielded. Pag. 402 Caleice like to have been betrayed. Pag. 410 Caleice besieged by the Duke of B. Pag. 639 Caleice lost by the Englishmen. Pag. 1106 Castle at Ethelingey builded. Pag. 123. Monastery builded. Pag. 127 Carcason in France burned by the English. Pag. 438 Caple Alderman of London. Pag. 868 Cardinal Wolsey the story of his life & uprising described. Pag. 904 Cardinal Campeius came into Eng. Pag. 923 Cardinal Poole came into England. Pag. 1093 castle at Tourney built. Pag. 922 Cat hanged in Cheap. Pag. 1090 Cecilius King. Pag. 28 Caesar julius his first voyage into britain Pag. 31. his second & third voyage. Pag. 32. subdued Britain. Pag. 33. slain. Pag. 34. London yielded to Caesar. Pag. 33 Cerdike first King of the West Saxons. Pag. 113 Cerdikes Shore. Pag. 113 Cerdikes Ford. Pag. 113 Chester a City. Pag. 21 Chess a game devised. Pag. 23 Chartsey in Surrey founded. Pag. 100 Chartley Castle builded. Pag. 254 Christians first in Britain. Pag. 5● Chester repaired. Pag. 129 Churchyards appointed to Bury. Pag. 117 Chastity before beauty to be preferred Page. 121 Charing Cross. Pag. 305 Children were eaten of their parents. Page. 336 Chichester brent. Pag. 182 Christ's Church in London founded. Pag. 180 Children of King Henry drowned. Pag. 183 Chester Abbey. Pag. 172 Christ was borne. Pag. 35 Children of Englishmen sold in common markets. Pag. 107 Chipenham. Pag. 121 Chichester builded. Pag. 34. &. 94 Chipingham in Wiltshire. Pag. 123 Chichester brent. Pag. 214 Chrisanthus deputy in Britain. Pag. 77 Chirinus King. Pag. 30 Chester repaired. Pag. 54 Christ counterfeit. Pag. 255 Charterhouse of London founded. Pag. 406 Chicheley his testament. Pag. 612 Church service altered. Pag. 587 Chest in the Guild Hal of London. Pag. 464 Chapel at Westminster for Henry the seventh. Pag. 875 Christ Church suppressed. Pag. 908 Charterhouse Monks executed. Pag. 1003. 1004. Charitable deeds of sir john Allen. Pag. 1005 Charity of Thomas Huntlowe. Pag. 1016 Churches pulled down. Pag. 1038 Church of saint john by Smithfielde blown up. Pag. 1040 Charnel house of Paul's converted to dwellings. Pag. 1040 Charitable deeds of sir Rowland Hill. Page. 1044 Charitable deeds of George Barnes. Pag. 1054 Charitable deeds of sir Thomas White. Page. 1075 Church Images brent. Pag. 1113 Churches in London stricken and broken by Tempest. Pag. 1113 Charitable acts of Master William Lamb. Pag. 1188 Cilicester a City. Pag. 84 Cicester brent. Pag. 88 Cirencester. Pag. 114 Citizens of Canterbury against the Monks of Christ's Church. Pag. 354 Citizens of Norwich against the Prior. Page. 647 Claudius a Roman. Pag. 37. 39 Clearkenwel. Pag. 177 clerk of Oxford banished. Pag. 281. discord betwixt the clerk and lay men. Pag. 307 Clergies lands required. Pag. 499 Clopton Mayor of London. Pag. 865 Clergy condemned in praemunire. Pag. 978 Clergy sworn to the King. Pag. 979 Counties or shires in England. Pag. 1 Cornewal described. Pag. 12 Cordila Queen. Pag. 22 Crown of gold first worn in Eng. Pag. 24 Conspiracy in Ireland against King Herie the sixth. Pag. 862 Coronation of Q. Anne Bulloyne. Pag. 916 Coilus King. Pag. 30 Coilus King. Pag. 54 Colchester builded. Pag. 54. besieged & spoiled, repaired again. Pag. 129. besieged. Pag. 248 Comodus Emperor. Pag. 57 Coil King. Pag. 67 Constantius Emperor. Pag. 67. died at York. Pag. 68 Constantine the great. Pag. 68 Constantinus Emperor. Pag. 69 Constance. Pag. 70 Constantius. Pag. 70 Constantine King. Pag. 86 Comet appeared. Pag. 135. 180 Coventrie privileged. Pag. 146 Comen Earl of Northumberland slain. Page. 161 Conspiracy against William Conqueror. Page. 165 Cogshall in Essex. Pag. 199 Constable of Colchester lost his own life, to save the King's life. Pag. 205 College at Lambeth. Pag. 229 Corn full of vermin. Pag. 264 Corn dear. Pag. 234. 276. 300. 641 Corn cheap. Pag. 867 Constantine hanged. Pag. 257 Coin base. Pag. 271 Converts their house founded. Pag. 863 College of Saint Laurence Poultney founded. Pag. 364 commodities of peace. Pag. 404 Cobham College. Pag. 460 Counsellors banished the Court. Pag. 506 Counsel of Constance. Pag. 5 College and Hospital at Higham Ferres. Pag. 630 Conspiracy disclosed. Pag. 588 Conspiracy of Abingdon. Pag. 634. at Coventrie. Pag. 933 College at Tateshal. Pag. 640 Cook Mayor of London. Pag. 720 Coin enhanced. Pag. 716. new. Pag. 717. 877. Colingborne beheaded. Pag. 847 Combat for the kingdom. Pag. 138 Combat at Reading. Pag. 204. between two Dukes. Pag. 528. at Westminster. Pag. 479 Combat fought at Westminster betwixt john de Viscount born at Cyprus and Thomas Delamarch bastard son to Philip king of France, before king Edward the third. Pag. 428 Combat. Pag. 496. in Smithfielde. Pag. 633. 643. at Tothil. Pag. 644. in Smithfield. Pag. 647. & 649. at Tothill. Pag. 1151 A Cook boiled in Smithfielde. Pag. 978 Coiners and clippers executed. Pag. 980 Conduit in Lothburie. Pag. 1034 Commotion in Somerset and Lincoln shires. Pag. 1040. in Cornwall and Devonshire. Pag. 1040. in Yorkshire. Pag. 1042 in Somersetshire and other places. Pag. 1009. 1110. &. 1111. Coronation of Queen Marie. Pag. 1072 Counter removed into Woodstreet first. Pag. 1098 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Pag. 1111 Conference of religion at Westminster. Page. 1111 Creda first King of Mertians. Pag. 101 Criklade a town. Pag. 128 Cripples gate of London. Pag. 166 Crockard and Pollard false moneys. Pag. 310 Creation of Dukes and Earls. Pag. 500 527. degraded. Pag. 543 Crosby Sheriff of London, his gift to the City. Pag. 725 Cripples gate of London builded. Pag. 749 Cross in Cheap builded. Pag. 862 Creations at Bridewell. Pag. 940. of the Earl of Leicester. Pag. 1123 Croomewell master of the Rolls. beheaded. Pag. 1003 1019 Cranmer brent. Pag. 1100 Cunobelinus King. Pag. 35 Cups of brass by the high ways. Pag. 109 Custos of London Constable of the Tower. Pag. 303. 305 Conduit in Cheap builded. Pag. 302 Conduit in Cornhill builded. Pag. 550 Conduit in Cheap builded. Pag. 748 Conduit in Fleetstreet builded. Pag. 640 Conduit in Grassestreete builded. Pag. 865 Conduit at Bishop's gate builded. Pag. 878 D. Dance of Paul's. Pag. 567 Daunsey in Essex. Pag. 99 Danes arrived in England. Pag. 117. at Lindsfarne. Pag. 118. Portland an Isle. Pag. 117 Danes spoiled London. Pag. 119 Danes spoiled Winchester. Pag. 120 Danes had a victory at Reading. Pag. 120 Danes in England murdered. Pag. 135 Danes destroyed Canterbury and murdered their Archbishop. Pag. 135. their tyranny. Pag. 136 Danes possess all England. Pag. 139 Dane guilt. Pag. 142 Danes Church without Temple bar. Pag. 142 Darkness in Paul's Church. Pag. 262 David king of Scots taken. Pag. 399 Dampot and Chapman two of the Guard hanged. Pag. 1020 Dakers of the North arraigned. Pag. 1022 Dance of Paul's pulled down. Pag. 1040 Dagger thrown at a Preacher. Pag. 1060 Denmark contributory to britain. Page. 27. 28 Dedantius king. Pag. 30 Detonus king. Pag. 30 Decius. Pag. 64 Deorham. Pag. 114 Dearth in England that men's flesh was eaten. Pag. 162 Delacrase Abbey. Pag. 254 Delapoole Duke of Suffolk murdered. Page. 651 Death in London. Pag. 874 Dearth without scarcity. Pag. 1176 Disputation at Christ's Hospital. Pag. 1098 Disputation at Oxford. Pag. 1091 Description of England. Pag. 1 Dinellus king. Pag. 31 Ditch about London. Pag. 137. Pag. 244. cleansed Page. 875 Ditch about the Tower of London. Page. 220 Dissension at Oxford, the Citizens indicted. Pag. 430. 505. 510 Devil in likeness of a Friar. Pag. 550 Domitianus Emperor. Pag. 54 Doncaster. Pag. 19 Dover castle builded. Pag. 34. besieged. Pag. 250 spoiled by Frenchmen. Pag. 307 Dorchester a Bishop Sea. Pag. 114 Donemouth. Pag. 117 Downmowin Essex. Pag. 178 Donwich spoiled. Pag. 300. by Tempest. Pag. 302. dogs flesh good meat. Pag. 336 Dragons seen. Pag. 263. 297 Durham a Bishops Sea. Pag. 135 Ducat hanged in Bow Church. Pag. 301 Dukes banished. Pag. 529 Duke of Burgoigne enamoured on the Countess of Salisbury. Pag. 622 Dry summer. Pag. 1020 Duke of Buckingham accused of Treason. Pag. 928. beheaded. Pag. 929 Duke of Norfolk sent into Scotland. Page. 1114 Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Surrey sent to the Tower. Pag. 1034 Duke of Somerset brought to the Tower Pag. 1044 arained. Pag. 1050. beheaded. Pag. 1052 Duke of Northumberlande and others beheaded. Pag. 1070 Duke of Suffolk beheaded. Pag. 1090 Duke of Norfolk sent to the Tower, Pag. 1154. arraigned, Pag. 1155. beheaded. Pag. 1162 E. EBranke king. Pag. 19 East Saxons. Pag. 88 98 East Angles. Pag. 84. 96 Earthquake. Pag. 133. 165. 169. 180. 182. 185. 202. 205. 212. 214. 270. 271. 274. 297. 491. 497. 630. 1049. 1121. 1210. Earle Waren excommunicate for adultery, Pag. 337 Earl of Northumberland slain by the commons there. Pag. 864 Earl of Devonshire created. Pag. 1072 Earl of Warwick's marriage. Pag. 1128 Earl of Warwick sent against the Rebels. Pag. 1140 Earls of Northumberlande and Westmoreland fled. Pag. 1140 Earl of Devonshire executed. Pag. 1015 Earl of Surrey beheaded. Pag. 1034 Earl of Hertforde made Lord Protector. Pag. 1035 Earl of Devonshire to the Tower. sent to Fodringay. Pag. 1090 1071 Earl of Kent restored. Pag. 1154 Earl of Derby deceased. Pag. 1164 Earl of Northumberland beheaded. Pag. 1165 Earl of Worcester sent into France & rob on the Sea. Pag. 1163 Earl of Essex with others sailed into Ireland. Pag. 1174. Captain general. Pag. 1175 Ebb Abbess of Coldingham. Pag. 121 Edenbourgh builded. Pag. 20. yielded to the Englishmen. Pag. 1173. brent. Pag. 1029. Edmond King of Eastangles martyred by the Danes. Pag. 97 Edmond Ironside king. Pag. 137 Edrike of Statun the Traitor. Pag. 137. 138 Edwine of the West Saxons a vicious king deprived. Pag. 132 Edgar K. crowned at Bath. Pag. 132. restored Monasteries. Pag. 133. eight kings rowed him. Pag. 133 Edward son to Edgar murdered by his stepmother. Pag. 134 edmond's Bury builded. Pag. 140 Edward Confessor. Pag. 142 edmond's Bury brent. Pag. 245 Edward the first king. Pag. 296 Edward the second king. Pag. 325. imprisoned Pag. 349. deposed. Pag. 350. murdered. Pag. 357. Edwardle Bruise beheaded. Pag. 338 Edward the third king. Pag. 352. elected King of Almain. Pag. 404. died. Pag. 469 Edward the second bruited to be alive. Page. 359 Edendon founded. Pag. 393 Edward Earl of March. Pag. 711. crowned. Pag. 712 martyred. Pag. 715. taken prisoner. Pag. 723. escaped. ibid. fled. Pag. 724. returned. Pag. 726. made knights at London. Pag. 735. banqueted the Mayor of London. Pag. 749. ended his life. Pag. 750. his description. Pag. 752. Oration at his death. Pag. 758. his Concubines. Pag. 799 Edward Lord Grey made Earl of Kent. Page. 713 Edward the sixth borne. Pag. 1011. began to reign. Pag. 1035. made knight. ibid. decesed. Pag. 1058 Eguesham. Pag. 114 Egelburge. Pag. 114 Egbrightstone. Pag. 123 Elanius king. Pag. 28 Elidurus king. Pag. 29 Eldrea king. Pag. 30 Eliud king. Pag. 30 Elye minster founded. Pag. 97. Pag. 111. a Bishop's sea. Pag. 180 Elder brother seeketh favour of the younger brother, but it would not be obtained. Pag. 179 Elsing spittle founded. Pag. 366 Elinor Cobham apprehended. Pag. 644. indicted of treason. Pag. 645. did penance. Pag. 646 Elizabeth now Queen of England her birth, Pag. 999. her christening. Pag. 1000 Lady Elizabeth sent to the tower. Pag. 1090 Emerianus king. Pag. 30 Emperor came to London. Pag. 930 England first so called. Pag. 118 Ensign of the Danes. Pag. 123 Englishmen besieged the castle of Argilla in Barbary. Pag. 128 England divided. Pag. 138 England conquered by wooden bows. Pag. 46 England interdicted. Pag. 236. released. 244 English ships overcome by Spaniar. Pag. 475 Intercourse with Flaunders. Pag. 870 Englishmen sent to Saint Quint. Pag. 1104 Englishmen sent to Vlstar in Ireland. Pag. 1163 Epistle of Elutherius. Pag. 55 Epistle of Boniface to king Ethelbald. Pag. 102 Erchenwine first king of East Saxons. Pag. 98. Essendune in Essexe. Pag. 138 Exchequer at Northampton. Pag. 237 Exchequer at York. Pag. 306 Exchequer at York. Pag. 340 Ethelbert king of Kent. Pag. 90. christened. Pag. 91 Ethelburge poisoned her husband Butricus king of West Saxons. Pag. 118. her miserable end. ibid. Ethelingey, the noble Island. Pag. 123 Etheldred king of West Saxons, Pag. 134 Euesham founded. Pag. 102 Excester builded. Pag. 34 Excester the Danes wintered there. Pag. 122 Excester a Bishops Sea. Pag. 135 Excester besieged. Pag. 160. &. 188 Execution in Paul's churchyard. Pag. 1015. 1083 F. FAmine. Pag. 166. 172 Falls accuser of his elder brother hanged. Pag. 227 Farendon founded. Pag. 251 Fat Cow. xuj. pence. Pag. 420 Fall of money. Pag. 1049. second fall of money. ibid. &. Pag. 1115 False Christ whipped. Pag. 1116▪ Faelix Bishop of Donwich. Pag. 96▪ Fernehame in Southsex. Pag. 125 Feversham in Kent founded. Pag. 195 Feet and hands of many men cut of. Pag. 257 Feast of Saint George at Winds●r. Pag. 415 Free School at Bedford founded. Pag. 1117 Felton arraigned and executed. Pag. 1148 Fire-light forbidden to the English. Pag. 153 Fish like a man. Pag. 214. like armed knights Pag. 245. monstrous. Pag. 268 Fikets field. Pag. 585 Fire at Baynard's Castle. Pag. 652 Fitz Water drowned. Pag. 636 Fire nigh Ludgate of London. Pag. 674 Fire at Leaden Hal. Pag. 846. in Breadstreete Pag. 859. in Rood lane. Pag. 1013. at Temple bar. Pag. 1003. at Broken wharf. Pag. 1040 Friste fruits and tenths given to the King. Pag. 1003. restored to the Clergy. Page. 1099 First show of children in Christ's Hospital. Pag. 1055 fifteens granted at a Parliament. Pag. 1017 Five persons of the family of love stood at Paul's Cross. Pag. 1184 Flies venomous. Pag. 23 Florianus. Pag. 64 Flavius. Pag. 64 Flemings sent into Wales. Pag. 180 Floods of water. Pag. 269. 272. 274. 1123. 276 Flint Castle builded. Pag. 297. razed to the ground. Pag. 299 Fleet dike at London which sometime bare ships sore decayed. Pag. 322 Florence's of Gold. Pag. 388 Flemings rob by the kentishmen. Page. 724 Ferrex and Porrex kings. Pag. 24 Forest in Hampshire. Pag. 166 Fodringhey College founded. Pag. 574 Four Eclipses. Pag. 1027 Foxley of the Tower Potmaker slept. Pag. 14. days and as many nights without waking. Pag. 10●3 Frawe a river. Pag. 122 Frost great. Pag. 172. Pag. 234. Pag. 293. Pag. 299. Pag. 194. Pag. 638. Page. 923 Free School and alms houses at Ratcliff. Pag. 1014 friar Forrest brent. Pag. 1012 Free School at Drayton in Shropshire. Page. 1032 Free School at Tonbridge. Pag. 1048 Frenchmen landed in the isle of Wight. Pag. 1032. at Newhaven in Sussex. ibid. Frenchmen attached. Pag. 930 Frenchmen arrived in Sussex. Pag. 1031 Friars houses suppressed. Pag. 1003. again. Page. 1014 Free School at Walthamstow. Pag. 903 Fray in Saint Dunstan's Church of London. Pag. 568 Friar tormented to death. Pag. 494 Friars of the sack. Pag. 316 French navy taken. Pag. 501 Fray against the stilyarde men. Pag. 867 Fire at the star in Breadstreete. Pag. 643. on London bridge. Pag. 877 friar Randulph slain. Pag. 632 French men land in Wales. Pag. 565 France. Pag. 390 friar Randulph sent to the Tower. Pag. 604 Fray at Wrestling. Pag. 673 Fulgen king. Pag. 30 Fullenham or Fulham. Pag. 124 Four children borne at one burden. Pag. 1183 Flies in February in great number. Page. 1180 Frobishers first voyage to Cataya. Pag. 1186 Frost and a sharp winter. Pag. 1165 G. GAlley halfpences forbidden. Pag. 597 Gardiner hrent. Pag. 640 Gascoigne wine sold for forty shillings the tun. Pag. 873 Garnodo won from the Turk. Pag. 866 Gardens about Londo stroyed to make Rome for Archers. Pag. 872 Gatehouse of the middle Temple new built. Pag. 905 Gamba and another Captain murdedered. Pag. 1045 Germany took the name. Pag. 20 Gernucius king. Pag. 30 Germanus and Lupus Bishops. Pag. 77 Gerend on gourded. Pag. 206 Geffrey Chaucer. Pag. 548 George Plontagenet made Duke of Clarence. ●13 Geffrey whipped for heresy. Pag. 1116 Gifford Angolisme created Earl of Huntingdon. Pag. 471 Gilbert Pot punished in Cheap. Pag. 1059 Glamorgan. Pag. 23 Glastenburie. Pag. 58 Gloucester founded. Pag. 102 Gloucester. Pag. 114. brent. Pag. 177. burned. Pag. 183 Gloucester Castle take by the Baros Pag. 279 Gloucester Church brent Pag. 310 Gloucester besieged. Pag. 282 Glamorgan and Morganocke won. Pag. 170 Glastenburie builded. Pag. 116 Glastenburie brent. Pag. 213 Gorbodug king. Pag. 24 Gorbomanus king. Pag. 29 Gorbonian king. Pag. 30 Gospel preached in England. Pag. 57 Godwin Sands. Pag. 173 Good Parliament. Pag. 467. evil Parliament Pag. 519. lay man's Parliament. Pag. 559 Golden Rose sent from Rome. Pag. 933 Gold enhanced. Pag. 941 Grantham builded. Pag. 29 Grantbridge or Cambridge Pag. 122 Grey Friars in England. Pag. 259 Grifithe of Wales broke his neck out of the Tower of London. Pag. 269 Gravesend Bishop of London. Pag. 315 Groats & half groats coined. Pag. 420 Grey Friars in London an Hospital Pag. 1053 Great and wonderful tempests. Pag. 1106 Gardner made Lord Chancellor. Pag. 1071 deceased. Pag. 1099 Great Harry a slip brent. Pag. 1071 Great seal taken from the Lord rich. page, Pag. 1050 Greenwich Town builded. Pag. 240 Giles Church brent. Pag. 1032 Great floods. Pag. 1099 Great fishes. Pag. 1053 Great muster in London. Pag. 1015 Gwindolen Queen. Pag. 19 Gurgustus king. Pag. 23 Gurgustius King. Pag. 28 Guinthelinus king. Pag. 28 Gurguinus king. Pag. 30 Guinover wife to Arthur. Pag. 81 Gurmondchester builded. Pag. 88 Guy Earl of Warwick slew Colbronde. Page. 131 Guisnes gotten by the English. Pag. 421 Guns muented. Pag. 480 Guild Hall in London builded. Pag. 573 Gun shot at the Preacher. Pag. 1091 H. HAdrianus a Roman. Pag. 54 Hadley in Essex. Pag. 124 Harold a Dane King. Pag. 141 Hardicanutus king. Pag. 142 Harold king. Pag. 146. slain. Pag. 147 Hearts leapt into the Sea. Pag. 240 Hales Owen re-edified. Pag. 251 Halfpences and farthings round. Pag. 299 Hands of men cut of for rescuing of a prisoner. Pag. 306 Hastings brent▪ Pag. 472 Harlow castle won. Pag. 721 hail stones. Pag. 18. inches about. Pag. 870 Hail in Northamptonshire did much harm. Pag. 1174 Hailstones figured like men heads. Pag. 103 Hangman hanged Pag. 1013 Helius king. Pag. 31 Helen mother to Constantine. Pag. 69 Hengest Saxon. Pag. 80. king of Kent. Pag. 83 Hengest first king of Kent. Pag. 190 Hereforde bishops Sea founded. Pag. 106 Hereford brent. Pag. 164 Hen●ie the first. Pag. 176 Hereford brent. Pag. 189 Henry the second king Pag. 200, wenteagainst the Welshmen. Pag. 201 Hergelius Patriarch. Pag. 214 Hedges burned. Pag. 237 Henry the third King. Pag. 252 Herdesmen go toward jerusalem. Pag. 340 Hugh Spencer executed. Pag. 349, 350 Henry Percy created Earl of Northumberland. Pag. 471 Henry bastard of Spain. Pag. 475 Herfleete besieged. Pag. 589 Henry son to john of Gaunt created Duke of Hereforde. Pag. 527▪ accufeth the Duke of Norfolk Pag. 528, banished Pag. 529 returneth into England Pag. 532. chosen king. Pag. 540 crowned ●42 conspiracy against him. Pag. 544. entereth scotland. Pag. 547. in great danger. Pag. 549, marrieth the duchess of Britain Pag. 553. conspiracy against him. Pag. 563. writeth to the Pope. Pag. 571. ended his life. Pag. 576 Henry Beauchamp created duke of Warwick. Pag. 648 Henry Lord Bourcher made Earl of Essex. Pag. 713 Henry son to Henry the seventh borne Page. 865 Henry son to Henry the fourth made prince of Wales. Pag. 541. his demean of at his father's death. Pag. 576. crowned king Pag. 583. entereth Normandy. Pag. 588. Pag. 599. returneth home Pag. 597. deceased. Pag. 614 Henry the sixth borne at Windsor. Pag. 612 King of England and of France. Pag. 618 crowned. Pag. 633. at Paris. Pag. 635. fled into scotland Pag. 712. disherited. Pag. 713 taken Pag. 717 restored. Pag. 725. sent to the Tower prisoner. Pag. 727. murdered. Pag. 729. his commendation. Pag. 730 his College. Pag. 731. his death. Pag. 756. buried at Windsor. Pag. 84● Edward Prince borne in Sanctuary: Pag. 726 Pag. 807. King of England. Pag. 7●●. his answer to his mother▪ Pag. 805 murdered. Page. 828 Henry Earl of Richmonde landed at Mylford haven. Pag. 851. proclaimed king Pag. 858, drowned Pag. 861. besieged Buloigne Pag. 866▪ builded a Chapel at Westminster. Pag. 875. Hospital of the Savoy. Pag. 891. deceased ibidem. his sepulchre. Pag. 892 Hingwer the Dane slain. Pag. 123 Honorius Emperor. Pag. 73 Hokenorton a town. Pag. 129 Houndsdich. Pag. 139 Hofen a pair for a king three shillings Page. 168 Houses blown down in Cheap. Pag. 170 Hospital of Saint Leonard at York founded. Pag. 175 Hospital of Saint Giles. Pag. 183 Hospital of Saint Cross builded. Pag. 185 Hospital of s. Thomas in Southwark. Pag. 244 Hospital at Oxford. Pag. 263 Hospital of Saint Marie at London. Pag. 265 Hospital at Leicester founded. Pag. 365 Hogs in Normandy brent by Edward the third. Pag. 394 Hospital at Kingston founded. Pag. 461 Housekeeping of the Earl of Warwick Page. 722 House at London bridge fell into the Thames. Pag. 748 Humber a River. Pag. 18 Humphrey Duke of Gloucester challengeth to combat with Philip D. of Burgoign Pag. 625. marrieth Elinor Cobham. Pag. 631. died at Bury. Pag. 650. debate between the D. of Glo. and the Bi. of Winchester. Pag. 627 I. I Ago King. Pag. 23 Saint james in Bristol builded. Pag. 181 james Church at Garlic Hithe builded. Pag. 349 jaqueline Duchess of Henalt. Pag. 623 married to the Duke of Gloucester. Pag. 624 james son to the King of Scots taken. Pag. 567. released of his imprisonment. Pag. 629 jacke Cade a rebel. Pag. 652. Pag. 653 entered London. Pag. 659. pardoned. Pag. 661. beheaded. Page. 663 james house purchased by the king Pag. 798 Ida first King of the Northumber's. Pag. 107 jewels hanged and left in the high ways not touched but of the owners. Pag. 127 jews rob. Pag. 220. imprisoned. Pag. 238. spoiled. Pag. 246. their Synagogue. Pag. 262 jews borne in England. Pag. 273. hanged Page. 275 jew drowned. Pag. 277. Jews spoiled. Pag. 278 jews executed. Pag. 298. their Synagogues destroyed. Pag. 301. banished. Pag. 304 jews and Lepers poisoned waters. Pag. 341 jedworth in Scotland brent. Pag. 933 jewels and Church Plate called into the King's hand. Pag. 10●7 joseph of Aramath. ●7 john the King's son made Lord of Ireland. Pag. 294 john the King's brother rebelled. Pag. 221. 223 john King. Pag. 230. divorced. Pag. 231. summoned to the French Court. Pag. 232. resigned the Crown and absolved. Pag. 243. crossed to Jerusalem. Pag. 245. fled. Pag. 249. his treasure drowned. Pag. 250 john Ewer held lands in scotland. Pag. 319 john Kirby hanged. Pag. 480 john Ball hanged. Pag. 489 john Wraw hanged. Pag. 491 john Philpots' worthiness Pag. 476. Pag. 479. deceased. Pag. 495 Murder in Westminster Church. Pag. 477 john Northamptons' sedition. Pag. 493 john Holland created Earl of Huntingdon. Page. 507 john Duke of Lancaster entereth Spain. Pag. 500 made Duke of Aquitaine. Pag. 510 marrieth Katherine Swinford. Pag. 518. dieth. Pag. 530 john Gower. Pag. 548 Sir I. Oldeastel convict. Pag. 584. executed Pag. 599 john Beaufort made Duke of Somerset. Page. 647 john Davy lost his hand in Cheap. Page. 713 john Duke of Bedford regent of France married Anne daughter to the Duke of Burgoigne. Pag. 619 Saint johns in Smithfielde suppressed. Page. 1019 jone Butcher brent. Pag. 1047 Isle of Shepey. Pag. 115 Isle of Wight first christened. Pag. 115 Isle of Ely besieged. Pag. 247 Ipswiche besieged. Pag. 198 Iron guns first cast. Pag. 1026 Ireland inhabited. Pag. 28 Issue of William Conqueror Pag. 167 Istleworth by the Thamis. Pag. 279 Isabel the Queen sent into France returned and made an army against the King her husband. Pag. 348. she besieged Bristol. Pag. 347 Ithancester, a City in East Sax. Pag. 99 Ival King. Pag. 30 julius Frontinus a Roman. Pag. 45 julius Agricola a Roman. Pag. 45 julius Severus a Roman. Pag. 54 julius Amilianus. Pag. 64 julius Maximus. Pag. 64 julius Philippus. Pag. 64 julianus Apostata. Pag. 71 justices punished. Pag. 304 Iustes at Lincoln. Pag. 405. at Windsor. Pag. 408. at Woodstock. Pag. 431. in Smithfielde. Pag. 459 Iustes in Smithfielde. Pag. 718. at Richmont. Pag. 866. in the Tower of London. Pag. 874 jurors on the Pillory. Pag. 718 justing of Challengers. Pag. 1018 Iustes at Greenwich. Pag. 1006 Iustes at Westminster. Pag. 1151 justices condemned. Pag. 507 Insurrection in the North. Pag. 864 Ill May day. Pag. 923 juogo de Can a pastime at Court. Pag. 1096 Images brent at Chersie. Pag. 1013 Images forbidden. Pag. 1036 Image of Thomas Becket defaced etc. Pag. 1110 K. KInimacus king. Pag. 23 Kymarus king. Pag. 28 Kingdom of Northumberland. Pag. 87 Kentish Saxons. Pag. 89 Kings evil healed. Pag. 145 Kensham builded. Pag. 181 Kenelworth Priory & castle built. Pag. 181 Kenelworth castle besieged. Pag. 290. yielded. Pag. 291 Knighten guild. Pag. 102 Knarisborow. Pag. 251 Kenington or Kingston Castle. Pag. 283 King of ma. Pag. 387 Kings a Prince and other. Pag. 455 King Castle. Pag. 465 King and Queen of Denmark arrived in England. Pag. 932 King Henry's marriage with Queen Katherine called in question. Pag. 959 King Henry supreme head of the church Page. 978 King Henry the eight besieged Turwine. Pag. 898 King's stable brent. Pag. 1003 King Henry married Lady jane. Pag. 1007 King Henry his gift to the City of London. Pag. 1034 Sir Edmund Kneuet arraigned for striking one in the Court. Pag. 1021 King Henry married Lady Anne of Cleave. Pag. 1017 King Henry Pag. 8. went to Boulogne. Pag. 1029 Knights made by the Earl of Sussex. Page. 1144 L. LAncaster builded. Pag. 28 Lanthony founded. Pag. 178 Late harvest. Pag. 364 Labastie in France brent by the Eng. Pag. 425 Lambert brent. Pag. 1014 Lambeth Ferry drowned. Pag. 1010 Leil King. Pag. 21 Legion of the Romans. Pag. 21 Leicester built. Pag. 22. repaired. Pag. 130. Monastery. Pag. 206 Legetoun or Lutone in Hertfordshire. Page. 129 Leedes Castle in Kent built. Pag. 163. besieged Page. 342 jews in Sussex. Pag. 172 Lesnes in Kent founded. Pag. 212 jews arrived in England. Pag. 249. returned into France. Pag. 253 Legate put to his shifts. Pag. 266 Leaden Hall builded. Pag. 649 jews de Bruges Lord Grantehuse made Earl of Winchester. Pag. 738 Legate from Rome. Pag. 959 Litany in English. Pag. 1029 Llhanpatren Vaier castle builded. Pag. 298 Licinius Valerianus. Pag. 64 Licinius Gallicinus. Pag. 64 Lichfielde an Archbish. Sea. Pag. 105. 110. 130 Lincoln Minster founded. Pag. 109. a Bishops Sea. Pag. 166. burned. Pag. 183. besieged. Page. 191 Lincoln College in Oxford. Pag. 1217 Library at York. Pag. 112 Liganburge. Pag. 114 Limen a River. Pag. 124 Lieth taken and spoiled. Pag. 1028. besieged Page. 1115 Lincolnshire men executed. Pag. 1011 Liberties in Southwark purchased. Pag. 1046 Liberties of the Stilyarde seized. Pag. 1050 Lightning and thunder. Pag. 1121 London builded. Pag. 18. took name of Lud. Pag. 31. repaired and made habitable. Pag. 124 impaired by fire. Pag. 134. brent. Pag. 166. Pag. 185. Pag. 187. bridge brent. Pag. 241 Liberties of London seized. Pag. 274. taken and held by the Earl of Gloucester. Pag. 292. uncourteous to the King. Pag. 512 Liberties seized. Pag. 513 London the King's especial Chamber▪ Page. 814 Locrine King. Pag. 18 Lollius Vrbicus a Roman. Pag. 54 Lombard's goods confiscate. Pag. 376 Lord Cassels slain. Pag. 557▪ Love to King Henry the seven. Pag. 861. 864 Lord Dacres of the North arraigned▪ Page. 1003 Loan of money to the King. Pag. 861. 864 Lord of merry disports. Pag. 1055 Lord of misrule. Pag. 1055 Locke and key weighed but one wheat corn. Pag. 1195 Lud King repaired London. Pag. 31 Ludgate builded. Pag. 31 Lucius King. Pag. 54. baptized. Pag. 55 Ludlow castle taken. Pag. 285. town spoiled. Pag. 691 M. MAdan King devoured. Pag. 19 Marcus Antonius. Pag. 64 Macrinus Emperor. Pag. 64 Maximius a Roman. Pag. 66 Maximus Emperor. Pag. 71 Malgo King. Pag. 87 Maldune in Estsex. Pag. 99 129 Martin's Church at Dover founded. Pag. 93. by Ludgate. Pag. 88 Malmesbury builded. Pag. 115 Marius King. Pag. 58. ●●ew Roderike King of Pictes. Pag. 54 Manchester repaired. Pag. 130 Mayor of London repaireth to Paul's wherefore. Pag. 158. Pag. 219. yearly chosen. Pag. 237▪ rowed to Westminster. Pag. 674. conserver of the Thamis and Medway two Rivers. Pag. 864. feast kept at the Guild hall. Pag. 874 Mawde the Empress. Pag. 190. obtained the crown. Pag. 191. fled. Pag. 192. besieged. Pag. 194. flieth. Pag. 194. Walingford besieged. Pag. 190. Pag. 195 Marleborough castle besieged. Pag. 224▪ Mart at Westminster. Pag. 271 Mad Parliament. Pag. 276. at the new Temple. Pag. 277 Martin's Church in the Vintrey new builded. Pag. 309▪ Margaret daughter to Edward the fourth married to the Duke of Burgoigne▪ Page. 719 Martin Swart. Pag. 863 Merchants of England received with procession. Pag. 872 Merchant Tailors. Pag. 876 Maltot. Pag. 490 Maid boiled in Smithfield. Pag. 102 Margrave and marquess of Baden landed at Dover. Pag. 1127. returneth out of England. Pag. 1129 Memprisius King devoured. Pag. 19 Merianus King. Pag. 31 Mercians or middle▪ England. Pag. 88▪ 100 Medeshamsted now Peterborough. Pag. 101 Medway a River. Pag. 124. dry. Pag. 181 Measures reform. Pag. 176 Men brought from new found Islands. Page. 875 Men drowned at London bridge. Pag. 1059. again. Pag. 1067 Mercer's Chapel in London. Pag. 292 Midleton or Milton in Kent. Pag. 125 Min●s or coining places. Pag. 130. in Ireland. Page. 239 Michelney. Pag. 131 Minories without Aldgate founded. Pag. 306 Middleton in Dorsetshire brent. Pag. 330 Michael's Church in Crooked lane builded. Pag. 462 Morgen King. Pag. 22 Mortality. Pag. 23. Pag. 336. more of kine. Pag. 340 Mother slew her son. Pag. 24 Morindus King devoured by a monster. Pag. 28 Morgan King. Pag. 30 Mordred the Traitor slain. Pag. 86. his children slain. Pag. 87 Monks. Pag. 1200. slain. Pag. 108 Monastery at Winchester founded. Pag. 127 Monster. Pag. 235. 270 Monsters appear. Pag. 553. Monster. Pag. 1053 Monstrous births. Pag. 1117 Montgomery castle founded. Pag. 258 Monasteries rifled. Pag. 162. 307 Monmouth castle razed. Pag. 286 Mortimer escaped out of the tower. Pag. 346 Mortimer beheaded. Pag. 362 Maiden of God. Pag. 633. brent. Pag. 634 Moving of the earth. Pag. 1150 Monks goods confiscate. Pag. 376 Mooregate of London builded. Pag. 587 Mercer's prentices of London against the Pag. 8●▪ strangers. Pag. 679 ●. Monox his alms deeds. Pag. 902 Mulmucius King. Pag. 24 Muster of horsemen. Pag. 1050. again. Pag. 1052 Muster at Greenwich by Londoners. Page. 1112 Merchant tailors freeschoole founded. Page. 1116 Mary Rose a Ship drowned. Pag. 1032 Men brent in the Hedgehog a Ship. Pag. 1031 Matthew Hamont an Heretic brent. Pag. 1195 Marmaduke Glover hanged in Cheap. Page. 1209 Monstrous child. Pag. 1212. 1213 Magdalen college in Cambridge. Pag. 1220 Merton College in Oxford. Pag. 1221 Magdalen College in Oxford. Pag. 1217 Magdalen Hall in Oxford. Pag. 1223 Marry Hall in Oxford. Pag. 1223 Michael house in Cambridge. Pag. 1220 N. NOble men that came with William Conqueror. Pag. 153 Names of Chantries taken. Pag. 1006 Nero a Roman. Pag. 3● Newcastle upon Tine founded. Pag. 172. the town drowned. Pag. 378 New Abbey by the Tower of London founded. Pag. 407 Newgate of London builded. Pag. 619. on fire. Pag. 1100 New Testament first printed in english. Page. 967 Newman priest bore a faggot at Paul's Cross for singing Mass with good Ale. Pag. 1010 New Coin. Pag. 1072▪ again. Pag. 1115. again. Page. 1117 Newhaven by Bolleine won by the French. Pag. 1042 Nightwalkers in London did murder all they met. Pag. 209 Night as light as the day. Pag. 1125 Norwich a Bishops see. Pag. 173. brent. Pag. 208. Pag. 294. city walled. Pag. 315. steeple brent. Pag. 715. brent. Pag. 890 Nottingham brent. Pag. 191. besieged. Pag. 198 Nun Eaten founded. Pag. 206 Northampton besieged. Pag. 282 Noble of gold. Pag. 574 Newelme hospital. Pag. 652 Nuns burnt in their Abbey. Pag. 121 Nelson executed. Pag. 1192 Newport town overflowed. Pag. 1209 New College in Oxford. Pag. 1217 New Inn in Oxford. Pag. 1223 O. OCT avius Augustus a Roman. Pag. 34 Order of the Garter founded at Windsor. Pag. 415 Ocation made by the D. of Buckingham. Pag. 811. the same Duke of Buckingham beheaded. Pag. 845 Otto of Bromswike challengeth combat with john Duke of Lancaster. Pag. 426 Owen Glendoverdew. Pag. 551. Pag. 557. his son taken. Pag. 563 Owen Tewther broke out of Newgate. Pag. 640. beheaded. Pag. 709 Oxford builded. Pag. 20. an University. Pag. 127. castle builded. Pag. 163. forsaken. Pag. 237. Orial College in Oxford. Pag. 1221 Outcrier and Bell man for the day. Pag. 1123 Owes bridge borne down. Pag. 1126 P. Parks. Pag. 4 Policletus a Roman. Pag. 43 P●te a river in Eastsex. Pag. 99 Parliament at Winchester. Pag. 288. at Marleborow. Pag. 293. at Westminster. Pag. 297. at Berwick. Pag. 306. at Stepen●eth. Pag. 309. at Carelile. Pag. 319. at Northampton. Pag. 326. at York. Pag. 343. at Northampton. Pag. 358. at Salisbury. Pag. 359. at Winchester. Pag. 360. at Nottingham. Pag. 361. at York. Pag. 367. at Northampton. Pag. 370. at London. Pag. 372▪ Pag. 374. at Westminster. Pag. 381. at London. Pag. 386. at Westminster. Pag. 387. Pag. 420. Pag. 427. Pag. 431. Pag. 458. Pag. 611. at London. Pag. 619. Pag. 624. of Bats at Leycester. Pag. 629. at Westminster. Pag. 631. Pag. 636. at Bury. Pag. 650. at Westminster. Pag. 664. at London. Pag. 679. at Coventrie. Pag. 691. at Westminster. Pag. 700. Pag. 713. Pag. 718. Pag. 738. Pag. 861. Pag. 86●▪ ●●t the blackfriars. Pag. 932. 968 Paul's Church in London founded. Pag. 92. brent. Pag. 166. repaired ibidem, new work. Pag. 276. Pag. 335. weathercock blown down Pag. 878. new School. Pag. 894. steeple brent. Pag. 1116. gates blown open. Pag. 1128. Parson of Saint Mildred's brent. Pag. 859 Poultry prized. Pag. 310 Pageants new made in London. Pag. 930 Parishes in England. Pag. 932. in London. Page. 1120 Paginton slain with a gone. Pag. 1016 Palace at Westminster brent. Pag. 897 Patrike-Brumpton overturned. Pag. 1188 Penisellus King. Pag. 31 Petronius a Roman. Pag. 44 Pertinax Emperor. Pag. 58 Peter's Church in Cornhill a Bishops see. Pag. 56 pelagius a Britain. Pag. 73. an heretic. Pag. 7●▪ confuted. Pag. 78 Peterborow founded. Pag. 101 Peterpence paid to Rome. Pag. 116 Pestilence great in England. Pag. 405 Pestilence. Pag. 568 Saint Petro●us at Bodmin in Cornwall. Pag. 131 Pestilence. Pag. 271. Pag. 478 Pag. 510. Pag. 747. Pag. 166. Pag. 172 Peterborow burned. Pag. 182 Peter of Pomfret. Pag. 241. hanged. Pag. 243 Peter College. Pag. 1216 Pierce Ploughman his visions. Pag. 387 Peterpence forbidden to be paid. Pag. 461 Penbroke hall. Pag. 1217 Peacock Bishop of Chichester abjured. Page. 682 Perkin Werbecke. Pag. 825. Pag. 868. Pag. 869. Pag. 871. hanged. Pag. 873 Philip king of Castille landed in England. Pag. 878 Pictes first inhabit the marches. Pag. 28 Pickering builded. Pag. 30 Pirthus king. Pag. 31 Pilton priory. Pag. 131 Piked shoes forbidden. Pag. 717 Pirates hanged. Pag. 271 Privileges unto Saint Edmondsbury. Page. 131 Priests married removed. Pag. 163 Priest at Mass slain with thunder. Pag. 208 Priests became thieves. Pag. 460 Prisoners in Newgate and Ludgate died. Page. 586 Porchester builded. Pag. 28 Porrex king. Pag. 30 Portgreves of London. Pag. 218 Porter of the Tower headed. Pag. 586 Postern by the Tower of London fell. Page. 642 Prodigious signs. Pag. 31 Portesmouth. Pag. 84 Pope's authority abrogated. Pag. 1003 Pulled heads commanded. Pag. 1004 Provosts of London. Pag. 218 Provincial counsel at Oxford. Pag. 255 Proclamation against the family of love. Pag. 1213 Prince of Wales the king's eldest son. Pag. 311 Privilege to Clothworkers. Pag. 373 Priory and hospital of Saint Bartholomew in Smithfield founded. Pag. 178 Printing first. Pag. 687 Preached at Paul's Cross Doctor Goddard. Pag. 724 Prisoners of the Marshalsea broke out. Pag. 877 Priests saying Mass apprehended. Pag. 1177 Priories suppressed by Cardinal Wolsey. Pag. 939 Prince Arthur married. Pag. 874. deceased. ibidem. Prisoner broke from the session's house. Pag. 959 Prince of Piamont came into England. Page. 1095 Prince of Orange conducted to the Tower of London. Pag. 1095 Publicans whipped. Pag. 203 Publicans with their bloody procession. Pag. 409 Plymouth spoiled. Pag. 556 Q. QVatbridge or Catwarbridge in Essex. Pag. 126 Quaffing and drunkenness punished. Pag. 133 Queeneheth in London. Pag. 270 Queen's Attorney slain. Pag. 685 Queeneborough castle builded. Pag. 461 Queen took Sanctuary. Pag. 724. 767 Queen of England chased. Pag. 279 Queen's College in Cambridge. Pag. 1217 Queen's College in Oxford. Pag. 1221 R. RAmsey founded. Pag. 133 Rampire builded at Caleis. Pag. 401 Ralph Stafford slain. Pag. 498 Redargius King. Pag. 31 Rebellion in Kent and Essex. Pag. 480 Recorder of London Fitz William. Pag. 817 Register book in every Church to be kept. Pag. 113 Religious houses granted to the king. Page. 1015 Rimo King. Pag. 30 Richborough. Pag. 36 Riot and evil life the destruction of the Britain's. Pag. 79 Ripendun or Ripon. Pag. 122 Richard the first King. Pag. 216. took his voyage to Jerusalem. Pag. 220. taken prisoner. Pag. 222. builded the walls of Vienna. Pag. 223 Riot in London. Pag. 292 Risebanke Castle builded. Pag. 403 Rye spoiled. Pag. 471 Richard Scrope Archbishop of York rebelleth. Pag. 563 beheaded. Pag. 564 Richard the second made prince of Wales. Pag. 468. crowned King. Pag. 470. married. Pag. 489. Pag. 518. entereth Scotland. Pag. 497. Pag. 498. arriveth in Ireland. Pag. 517. Pag. 530. returneth again. Pag. 533. betrayed and taken. Pag. 537. brought to the Tower. Pag. 539. murdered ●●6. buried. Pag. 584 Richard Which brent. Pag. 642 Richard D. of York wrote to Henry the sixth. Pag. 666. sworn to H. the Pag. 6. Pag. 672. attainted. Pag. 691. his articles. Pag. 693. slain. Pag. 707 Richard Plantagenet made Duke of Gloucester. Pag. 713 Richard Duke of Gloucester described. Pag. 755. made Protector. Pag. 770. his oration. Pag. 771. his proclamation. Pag. 796. taketh on him to be King. Pag. 822. crowned. Pag. 825. slain at Bosworth field. Pag. 857. buried at Leycester. Pag. 858 Rivallo King. Pag. 23 Ripendune a Town. Pag. 105 Richmond builded. Pag. 874 Rodianus King. Pag. 31 Rochester castle builded. Pag. 34. besieged. Pag. 124. brent. Pag. 185. Pag. 188. Pag. 212. besieged. Pag. 246 Pag. 283. bridge of stone builded. Pag. 569 Rome builded. Pag. 23. spoiled by the Goths 76. sacked. Pag. 938 Round table. Pag. 81 Robert Duke of Normandy went to Jerusalem. Pag. 173. had tribute of King Henry. Pag. 177 Rosamond concubine to Henry the second. Pag. 212 Robert Fitz Stephen entered Ireland. Pag. 206 ransomed. Pag. 224. wounded to death. Pag. 229 Robert hood. Pag. 217 Robert Fitz Water valiant. Pag. 242 Roger Bacon. Pag. 263 Robert Grosted. Pag. 270. 275 Rot of Sheep. Pag. 297 Round table at Killingworth. Pag. 298 Robert Fitz Water Banner bearer of London. Pag. 311 Roads won by the Christians. Pag. 332 Round table at Windesore. Pag. 389 Robert Knolles. Pag. 425. 456. 464 Robert Vere created Duke of Ireland. Pag. 501. flieth. Pag. 504. buried. Pag. 518 Sir Robert Knolles dieth. Pag. 568 Roan besieged. Pag. 600 Roger Bolingbroke abjured at Paul's Cross. Pag. 644. indited of treason. Pag. 645. executed. Pag. 646 Rose of gold. Pag. 650 Robin of Ridsdale. Pag. 722 Roger Shaveloke slew himself. Pag. 865 Rood of Grace showed at Paul's. Pag. 1012 Royalexchange when so first named. Pag. 1150 john Rogers brent. Pag. 1096 Rudhudibras King. Pag. 21 Runcorne town and castle builded. Pag. 130 S. SAmulius King. Pag. 31 Saxons sent for by the Britons. Pag. 80. described. Pag. 147 Salisbury the old builded. Pag. 34. Pag. 114. the new Town & Church. Pag. 262. brent. Pag. 264 Sanctuary men fet out of Saint martin's, Sanctuary men frayed with the Londoners. Pag. 674. by the Sheriffs of London. Pag. 643 Sandwich spoiled. Pag. 682 Sermons at Saint Mary Spittle, the Mayor of London with his breethrea placed there. Pag. 746 sergeant feast. Pag. 716. Pag. 869. Pag. 876. Pag. 895. Pag. 1054. Pag. 1192. Pag. 1213 Sanctuary abused. Pag. 776. Sanctuary men executed. Pag. 867 Sanders murdered. Pag. 1167 Scotland described. Pag. 4 School of Englishmen at Rome. Pag. 119 Scholars of Oxford did penance. Pag. 266. against the burgesses. Pag. 281. went to Stamford. Pag. 369 Scholars of Cambridge against the townsmen. Pag. 272 Scots did homage. Pag. 170. Pag. 177. Pag. 231. Pag. 367. deliver Scotland to King Edward the first. Pag. 305. brent the suburbs of York. Pag. 340. resigned the crown of Scotland to King Edward the third. Pag. 365. enter Northumberland. Pag. 492. Pag. 499. Pag. 508. Pag. 551. overthrown. Pag. 1026. their King murdered. Pag. 1131 Scarcity of bread. Pag. 952 Severne a River. Pag. 19 Severus Emperor. Pag. 58. died in Britain. Pag. 60 Severus Alexander. Pag. 64 Selbey a Bishops see. Pag. 95 Sebba of a King became a Monk in Paul's Church, and was there buried. Page. 100 Serpent with two heads. Pag. 409 Sevenoke Mayor of London a fondling. Pag. 602 Sebastion Gabbato his voyage. Pag. 872. brought men from the new llands. Pag. 875 Shaftesburie builded. Pag. 21. Monastery founded. Pag. 127 Shrewsbury repaired. Pag. 130 Shepherds assembled. Pag. 274 Sheep transposed. Pag. 717 Shore's wife her description. Pag. 798 Shaw Mayor of London, and his brother a Doctor. Pag. 801. his sermon. Pag. 808 Shine brent. Pag. 871. builded. Pag. 874. brent. Pag. 878. Gallery fell. Pag. 879 Sheriffs of London sent to the Tower. Pag. 1025 Silvius King. Pag. 31 Siege of Hadington. Pag. 1038 Small houses suppressed. Pag. 1006 South Saxons. Pag. 84. 93 Sons appeared five in number. Pag. 263 Southampton. Pag. 36. sacked and brent by the french. Pag. 376 Stamford builded. Pag. 22. an University. Pag. 22. besieged. Pag. 198 Somerset an Herald killed. Pag. 1026 Stafford repaired. Pag. 130 Stephen King. Pag. 187. taken. Pag. 191. delivered. Pag. 193. fled. Pag. 194 Standard in Cheap. Pag. 635 Stephen Langton. Pag. 236 Stortford castle overthrown. Pag. 239 Story executed. Pag. 1151 Strangers drowned. Pag. 247. rob. Pag. 271. lodged within English hosts. Pag. 624. and. Pag. 642 Strange Star appeared. Pag. 1163. blazing Star. Pag. 1213 Statutes of Marton. Pag. 266 States crea. Pag. 1012. 1015. 1036. 1045. 1050 Streets of London chained. Pag. 279 Steeeple of Bow in Cheap fell down. Page. 294 Stocks market in London. Pag. 300 stonehenge. Pag. 84 Steeple at Waltham brent. Pag. 647 Steeple of Paul's in London, of Baldoke in Hartfordshire, & of Walden in Essex, & Kingston in Surrey on sire. Pag. 648 Strumpets set on the Pillory. Pag. 641. banished. Pag. 738 Stoke field. Pag. 863 Stews in Southwark put down. Page. 1033 Suetonius a Roman. Pag. 39 Sudbury in Suffolk. Pag. 125 Swanescoupe or Swanescombe in Kent. Page. 150 Survey of all England. Pag. 388 Subsidy. Pag. 465. 624. 631 Sweeting sickness. Pag. 860. 923. 1049 Saint Germans in Cornwall a Bishops see. Pag. 131. 132 Saint Nicholas at Excester founded. Page. 166 Saint martin's le grand founded. Pag. 166 Saint johns in Colchester founded. Page. 179 Saint Andrew in Northampton founded. Pag. 179 Saint johns in Smithfield. Pag. 177 Saint Stephen's Chapel at Westminster. Pag. 428 Saint Nicholas Mount kept by the Earl of Oxford. Pag. 738 Soldiers transported into Ireland. Page. 1131 Spirit in a wall. Pag. 1092 saint john's College in Oxford. Page. 1223 Spaniard hanged. Pag. 1093 Snow deep. Pag. 1194 Stranger would have murdered the keeper of Newgate. Pag. 1103 Saint Mary Hall in Oxford. Pag. 1223 Ship chased to the Tower Wharf of London. Sherewood executed. Pag. 1193 Suit to the Court of Rome forbidden. Pag. 969 T. TAcitus. Pag. 64 Tamworth repaired. Pag. 130 Tax great. Pag. 165. 478 480. 557 Tax of the tenth penny granted to the King. Pag. 864 Tanner's son claimed the Crown. Page. 336 tenths given too the Church. Page. 119 Templars Knights. Pag. 183 Temple new in London. Pag. 214 Templars apprehended. Pag. 326. condemned. Pag. 330. brent. Pag. 331 Term kept at Harford. Pag. 1122 Thamis a River described. Pag. 3. dried. Pag. 181. Pag. 202. frozen. Pag. 1126 Theomantius King. Pag. 34 Theodotius Emperor. Pag. 76 Thewkesbury founded. Pag. 102 Thilwall built. Pag. 130 Thetford a Bishops see. Pag. 166 Thomas Becket Chancellor. Pag. 201. took his oath to the King, and was made Chancellor. Pag. 203 fled. Pag. 204. murdered. Pag. 207 thieves in prison devoured one the other. Pag. 336 thieves like unto friars. Pag. 338 Thomas Earl of Lancaster beheaded. Pag. 343 Thomas of Woodstoke created Earl of Buckingham. Pag. 471 Thomas the bastard. Pag. 729. beheaded. Pag. 736. Thomas Wolsey Bachelor of Art at fifteen years of age. Pag. 904. Schoolmaster to the Marquis Dorsets' children. ibid. got a benefice. ibid. set in the stocks by Sir james Paulet. Pag. 905. revenged his imprisonment. ibid. Chaplain to Sir john Naphant. ibid. Chaplain to King Henry the seven. ibid. ambassador to the Emperor. Pag. 906. Deane of Lincoln. Pag. 908. King's Almoner. ibid. of the privy Counsel to King Henry the etght. ibid. bishop of Turney. Pag. 901. Bishop of Lincoln. ibid. Archbishop of York. ibid. Cardinal. Pag. 911. Lord Chancellor. Pag. 912. Bishop of Winchester. ibid. Ambassador the second time. Pag. 916. rideth to meet the Emperor. Pag. 390. suppressed priories to build his Colleges in Oxford and in Ipswich. Pag. 939. scent Ambassadoure the third time. Pag. 929. his pompous riding. Pag. 943. declareth in the Star Chamber what honourable peace he had concluded. Pag. 932. discharged of the great Seal Pag. 966. arrested. Pag. 972. sickneth. Pag. 974. deceaseth at Leicester. Pag. 978 S. Thomas Moor made Chancellor. Pag. 967 discharged of the Chancellership. Pag. 980 beheaded. Pag. 1004 R. Thorn his charity in London. Pag. 979. in the town of Bristol. ibid. Thomas Mowbrey created Earl of Nottingham. Pag. 471 Thomas Mawbrey created Duke of Norfolk. Pag. 527. banished. Pag. 529. dieth. Pag. 544. threefold plague to the citizens of L. Pag. 1121 Tilbery in Essex. Pag. 99 Title of Edw. the third to France. Pag. 358 Tower of London built. Pag. 27. Pag. 34. fortified Pag. 267. bulwarks fell down. Pag. 268. yielded to the Mayor of London. Pag. 725 Toceter repaired. Pag. 129 Toads devour a man. Pag. 213 Tower on London Bridge. Pag. 630. fell. Pag. 640 Tourney within the tower of London. Pag. 874 Trebonianus. Pag. 64 Trent a River. Pag. 122. dried up. Pag. 180 Triumph at London for the victory against the Scots. Pag. 309 Traitor to his master miserably ended. Page. 845 Tree of common wealth a book, by whom compiled. Pag. 895 Traitorous fact of Tho. Appletree. Pag. 1196 Tweed a River. Pag. 4. 5 Teukesbury builded. Pag. 165 Tun in Cornhill. Pag. 300. 309 Turnbull challengeth the combat. Pag. 365. and is overcome. Pag. 266 Turneament at Dertford, and in Cheap of London. Pag. 363 Turwin yielded to King Henry the viij. Pag. 899. razed and burnt. Pag. 900 Turney besieged by K. H. the viij. Pag. 900 Thomas Gressham Knight deceased. Page. 1209 Trinity Hall in Cambridge. Pag. 1217. College. Pag. 1220 V. VIgenius and Peridurus kings. Pag. 30 Vrianus king. Pag. 30 Vespasian a Roman. Pag. 37. 45 Vectius Volanus a Roman. Pag. 44 Valerius. Pag. 65 Verolamium a City. Pag. 65 Valerius Maximus. Pag. 66 Valentinian Emperor▪ Pag. 71 Ursula the Virgin. Pag. 72 Vortiger king. Pag. 77 Viher Pondragon king. Pag. 84 Vortiporus king. Pag. 87 Vffa first king of Eastangles. Pag. 96 Vulfrune Hampton in Staffordshiere. Pag. 128 Vale royal founded. Pag. 301 Victuals prized. Pag. 335 Vicar of Wandsworth and others executed. Pag. 1016 Voyage to moscovy. Pag. 1056 W. WAles described. Pag. 16 Ways four begun Pag. 24. finished. Pag. 27 Warwick builded. Pag. 28. repaired. Pag. 130. Warwick town, Castle, College. Pag. 183 Castle new builded. Pag. 206 Walebrooke. Pag. 67 Walls about Colchester builded. Pag. 69 Walls about London builded. Pag. 69. repaired. Pag. 246. 276. 746. Wall of Adrine. Pag. 54. of turf. Pag. 59, Pag. 75. of stone. Pag. 76 Walls of Vienna built by King Richard the first. Pag. 223 Wales invaded by William Rufus. Pag. 173. Waltham in Essex. Pag. 147 Watrisburie repaired. Pag. 130 Warham Castle. Pag. 122 Warwel builded. Pag. 134 Ware in Hartfordshire builded by the Danes. Pag. 126 Water Dome. Pag. 210 Warren and Toll free to the Citizens of London. Pag. 250 Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester beheaded. Pag. 349 Wards in London discharged of fifteen. Pag. 630. 722 Water flood. Pag. 166. 306. 370 Watch at Midsummer again used. Pag. 1038. on Saint Peter's even. Pag. 1122 Warwick Earl went against the Rebels at Norwich. Pag. 1042 War with France. Pag. 1104 Westminster founded. Pag. 98. re-edified. Pag. 254 enlarged. Pag. 270. Church and Palace brent. Pag. 309 Worcester a Bishops Sea. Pag. 102 Westminster Hall builded. Pag. 174. repaired. Pag. 527. overflowed with water. Pag. 1119 Westminster and Bristol made bishoprics. Pag. 1024 West Saxons. Pag. 113 West Cheap in London brent. Pag. 285 Welshmen rebel. Pag. 547 Wells a College founded. Pag. 116. Cathedral Church builded. Pag. 117 Whitington a place so called. Pag. 121 Winburne. Pag. 121 Wheat at twelve pence a quarter. Pag. 302 Wheat forbidden to be made in malt. Page. 337 Whit meats allowed to be eaten in Lent. Page. 1026 Hot Summer, corn cheap. Pag. 303 Winchester builded. Pag. 21 Wilfride Bishop. Pag. 94 Winchelcombe founded. Pag. 106 Wibandune. Pag. 114 Winchester a Bishops Sea. Pag. 115. College builded. Pag. 561 Wigmore repaired. Pag. 129 Wilton in Wiltshire. Pag. 122 Wily a river. Pag. 122 Witham in Essex. Pag. 129 Winchester brent. Pag. 177. 192 William Rufus king. Pag. 168. slain. Pag. 174. Winchelsey drowned. Pag. 273 William Bishop of London. Pag. 159 Wight taken Pag. 471. invaded. Pag. 557 William with the beard. Pag. 226 William Searle executed. Pag. 558 Waters overflow. Pag. 560 Wines prized. Pag. 231. 501 William Wikham Bishop of Winchester. Page. 561 Wiclife. Pag. 469 William Fitz. Wil being elected Sheriff of London and absenting himself disfranchised. Pag. 895 William Stafford made Earl of Devonshire. Pag. 713 Will Herbert made Earl of Pembroke. Pag. 713 Wiat's commotion in Kent. Pag. 1078. came into Southwark. Pag. 1081. removed out of Southwark. Pag. 1082. taken. Pag. 1086. sent to the Tower. Pag. 1087. beheaded. Pag. 1071 W. Wales of Scotland brought to London, and executed to death. Pag. 316 Winds great. Pag. 641 Which of Ey brent. Pag. 645 Wlfrunhampton. Pag. 890 Worcester restored. Pag. 133. brent. Pag. 181 Worcester defaced by fire. Pag. 185. Pag. 190. besieged. Pag. 196. &. Pag. 282 Woodnesfielde in Staffordshire. Pag. 128 Wolves destroyed in England. Pag. 133 Wolf and his wife hanged. Pag. 1002 Wool staple at Sandwich. Pag. 305 Wool forbidden to be conveyed over the Seas. Pag. 373 Wool staple in England. Pag. 428. 463 Wool staple at calais. Pag. 459 Woman brent at Maydstone for poisoning her husband. Pag. 1154 Wonders in Wiltshire. Pag. 1211 Wrestling at London. Pag. 256 Y. YOrke builded. Pag. 20. Minster founded. Page. 109 York taken by the Danes and Normans. Pag. 125. brent. Pag. 161 York sore perished by fire. Pag. 188. brent. Page. 212 York Minster brent. Pag. 715 Younger brother beguileth the elder. Pag. 178 Younger brother imprisoneth the elder and putteth out his eyes. Pag. 179 Younger brother falsely accuseth his elder brother. Pag. 227 FINIS. Faults escaped in the Printing▪ Page. line. Faults. Corrections. 18 11 of a vertidian vert a Diana 18 12 fichule fechel 18 13 Archivis Architremio 20 16. 17 now called omit (now) 20 23 namely now ●6 6 Brutus Brennus 32 30 Saeva Scava 32 35 Saeva Scava 35 9 filthyly fealty 36 9 Monrigus Menrigus 56 30 Clauus Eluanus 56 32 Erwydes Drewydes 64 36 stangled strangled 98 33 Eucius Lucius 102 23 Verche Vtriche 255 3 Oswards oswald 272 21 at Wales in Wales 280 14 Winchester Worcester 371 28 Biphingdon Biphingdon 406 37 Nicholas Michael 490 36 ordained as ordained Chancellor as 515 21 Albeit Aubrey 515 26 Euers Deverois 540 35 Diamond demand 562 10 wards woods 604 4 Wellam Pellam 633 6 nineteen nine 636 19 long buried long since buried 640 7 Friars Quire 734 14 xi. xl. 749 32 Capriex Captiet 817 33 them to to them 859 16 Sherenton Sherehuttun 860 13 Thomas Maior Thomas Hill Maior 865 14 Stratford of th● Langthorne Stratford Langthorne 867 22 & some his and some of his 867 25 reprieved repried 932 8 Seretarie Secondary 935 21 should, he should seem, he 937 28 burned▪ turned. 1033 15 as many xv. 1090 28 Sudley Saint Sudley at Saint 1●99 30 Relianes Rodeloftes 1185 35 Charterhouse Chapterhouse 110● 7 Redike Dedike 1188 19 now sense 1101 18 Clober Cleber 1215 1 sovereign saviour