A Catalogue of the Bishops of Excester, with the description of the antiquity and first foundation of the Cathedral Church of the same.  
Collected by john Vowel alias Hoker, Gentleman.  Ezec. 3. Act. 20. 
I have made thee watchman over the house of Israel, to give them warning from me. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to the flock whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overseers.  
Imprinted at London by Henry Denham. 1584.   


POST MORTEM VITA    

To the Right Honourable and Reverend Father in God, John by the sufferance of God Bishop of Excester, and to the Right worshipful and Reverend the Dean and Chapter of the same; john Vowel alias Hoker, wisheth grace mercy and peace.  
ABout a few years past, right Honourable, reverend and worshipful, I was requested to give out the description of the city of Excester, some one (then living) pretending and minding after the order of Ministers, to set forth a general description of the whole realm of England, and also a topographical and a particular discourse of every province, city, and town, in the same. This request tending to so good an end, liked me so well, that albeit I were and am very unfit, and of small knowledge, to wade into such a matter: yet when I saw no man would take it in hand, I was contented to yield thereunto. And finding no such thing before done, my pains were the greater, and I driven to make the more diligent search and inquiry, for such old and ancient precedents, records and writings, as might be found and had for my best furtherance herein. In which my travels, it was my hap among other things, to have the sight of a certain table within your Cathedral church, which chiefly contained a certain Catalogue of a few Bishops thereof. I did not so much rejoice at the sight thereof, at the first, but when I had throughly perused and considered the same, I was sorry, that no one man, in the course of many years, had continued it. At length, considering with myself, that there is such a sympathy and affinity, between this city and the church, both which are enclosed and environed within one wall, and be as it were one body, though in certain privileges distinguished; and that in the search for the one, I might the better do the like in the other, I did resolve myself, to bestow my travels in both alike, and yet greatly was I herein discouraged, for being an earnest suitor to some of your own company, for some help out of your ancient records, I had small furtherance; some being more suspicious than needed; some if I may speak it, under your patience, not unlike Aesop's dog, who would neither eat hay himself, nor yet suffer the ox to do it, by means whereof, I was driven to pick out else where what I could, which I do persuade myself to be so much the more imperfect. Well, what I have done for the city, I have presented it to the Mayor and magistrates of the same; and what I have done concerning your church, I do here most humbly offer unto you, the effect whereof is; The antiquity and first foundation of your cathedral church, when and by whom the same was done, and then the Catalogue of all the Bishops that I can find, which have been of this province, as well before as sithence the sea was established in this church and city. And for as much as the Bishops were always accounted to be the fathers of God's people, for the direction of them in all holiness, virtue and religion, I will by way of a little introduction, set down the beginning of christian religion, within this realm, and of the first placing and appointing of Bishops over this province and country of Devon and Cornwall. It is recorded in sundry histories, that immediately upon the death of Christ, the Gospel was preached in this land of England. Some writ, that Simon zealots, one of the apostles was here and preached; some writ that S. Paul was here, and did the like; some say that joseph of Arimathia, did come into this land, when king arviragus reigned, & did both preach and baptise the king and his people; some say that it was some one of the apostles, but they name him not; but whosoever was the preacher, true it is, that Christ was preached, and his Gospel received, even with the first: notwithstanding, the seed was cast among the thorns and high ways, and brought forth no fruit, but as a candle under the bushel, and as fire raked up in the embers, it seemed to be hidden and buried, until the time of king Lucius the son of king Coyleo, who about the year of the Lord 187. was by the goodness of God called to the knowledge of the Gospel; and he forthwith expelled all the Archiflamines and Flamines, and constituted in their places, Archbishops and Bishops, which were in number three of the one, and xxviij. of the other; and at this time the provinces of Devon and Cornwall were under the Archbishop of London, for of any other particular Bishop, there is no mention made. And notwithstanding, the Gospel had his free passage for the time, yet clouds covered the sun, and through persecutions, the godly were put to silence, and the true religion seemed to be extinguished, for almost about four hundred years, until the time of king Vlphus, than king of West sex, or West Saxony, who about the year of our Lord 636. was converted unto christian religion, by the good and godly man Birinus, and the sea for West sex was appointed to be at Dorchester, and then under the same were the provinces of Devon and Cornwall about twenty years, until the time of Kinwalchus, who builded the church of Winchester, about the year 654. and he removed the sea from Dorchester unto Winchester, and thenceforth was all Devon and Cornwall under the Bishop of Winchester, for and about fifty years, until the time of king jewe. In whose time about the year of our Lord 705. there was a synod or a provincial council, holden under Brithewaldus Archbishop of Canturburie, in which it was ordained, that the Bishopric of Winchester, should be divided into two bishoprics or dioceses: that is Winchester, and Shereborne, and then under the Bishop of Shereborne, and in his Diocese was Devon and Cornwall, and so thenceforth did this constitution hold and continue about two hundred years, until the time of king Edward the elder, the son of king Alphred, who making a progress through out his kingdom of Westsex, came to this city of Excester, and found both it, and the whole country clean destituted of Bishop or preacher, and so had been for sundry years, whereupon by the advise of Pleymundus Archbishop of Canturburie, a synod or a provincial council was kept in Westsex: and therein it was ordained and concluded, that in every particular province or shire, within Westsex, there should be a particular Bishop: and then one Bishop was appointed for Devonshire, and an other for Cornwall. Werstanus was consecrated Bishop of Devon, and his sea was then at Tawton, now named Bishops Tawton, and from thence shortly after removed to Kirton, and after many years, from thence to Excester. Herstanus was consecrated Bishop of Cornwall, and his sea was first at S. Petrokes in Bodmin, and after removed unto S. Germines, and at length was united unto Crediton, and in the end both were removed unto Excester. And for as much as I have not yet found any thing of the Bishops of Cornwall, worthy memory, I will deal and set down only the Catalogue of the Bishops of Devon and of Excester, and what I find done by them or in their time worthy the observation. I know that for want of knowledge in me, there be many imperfections herein. But among so many wise godly and learned men, as you are, I hope that some one good man or other, and having access unto your evidences and records, will either reform what they find amiss, or impart it unto me, that I may so do it, when time and opportunity shall serve thereunto. And thus much concerning the first receiving of the true and christian religion, and appointing of Bishops in this province of Devon. And for as much as this pamphlet done and written a few years past, came upon some occasion to my hands, to be revived at this present time; being the end of the year past, and the beginning of the new now come, in which it hath been an old usage and custom among good friends, and especially of the younger to their elders, and of the inferior to their superiors, to offer some small present, each one to the other, congratulating thereby the good success of the year past, and wishing the like to come, and considering also, that you which do labour in the word and in doctrine, do daily beget us through the Gospel in Christ jesus, and are his ministers to our salvation, and therefore the more worthy of double honour; and for as much as I myself am (his name be praised) by these means made partaker of his heavenly blessings, and daily confirmed, do think myself most bounden to be thankful and grateful unto you all herein. Wherefore these my travels, so much as concern your church, I thought it good, by way of a strene, to offer and present unto you, praying you, that though it be somewhat imperfect, yet such as it is you will accept and take in good part, not respecting the slenderness of the thing offered, but the good will and benevolence of the offerer. And herewith also I am to pray you to call to your remembrance, that as the old year is past, and the new is come; so that every one do cast away the old man, which is corrupt, and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness, and that you be renewed in knowledge after the image of God, which created us, and to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, walking honestly as in the day time, not biting nor devouring one the other, lest we be consumed one with another: but walk in love, and peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, which are the fruits of the spirit, crucifying the flesh and the affections and lusts thereof; and thus having purged away the old leaven, and being freed from sin, and made the servants of God, and prepared to good works through Christ, you may have your fruits in holiness, and in the end to enter into the joy of our Lord, and life everlasting. And thus commending you unto the eternal and everliving God in Christ jesus, I do most dutifully take my leave. Exon the last of the old year, and the beginning of the new. 1583.  
Yours in the Lord jesus, john Hoker.   

The antiquity, foundation, and building of the Cathedral Church, of S. Peter's, in the City of Excester.  
AFter that false and superstitious religion, was crept and received into the Church of God: and the people grown very devout therein, they began the erecting and building of religious houses, and monasteries, in every place: (which after the manner of the most part of Christendom) as it was done universally within this realm, so also there wanted not the like in this city after the rate and portion thereof. For this humour being now entered, and the people misled therein, so prone and forward was each man to continue the thing begun and received: that the more busy, forward, and liberal he was therein, the better man he was reported, and taken to be. There were therefore in this city from time to time, as opportunity served, divers religious houses, and monasteries, founded and erected: whereof appeareth that three were within the site, circuit, and place, which is now called the close of S. Peter's: and which, in time, accrued and were united into one. The first was a house of women, called Moniales or Nuns, which is now the calenderhaie and the Deans house of the Cathedral Church. The other was of monks, and supposed to be builded about the year of the Lord 868. by King Etheldred, the third son of King Ethelmophus: and these two were by Bishop Leophricus added and united to the Cathedral Church. The third was a house of Monks of the order of S. Benet, and founded by K. Athelstane, Anno 932. And this is that part of the Cathedral Church, now called the Lady chapel. For the said King, having driven out of this city, the Britons (who then dwelled therein) and minding to make a full conquest of them, and of such as then inhabited in Devon or in Cornwall followed and pursued them, whom in the end he conquered; and having exploited his wit, and gotten the victory, returned to this city, and here staying and sojourning for a time, did re-edify the city, as also yielding himself thankful to God for his good success, builded the said monastery for Monks, for thus is it so written of him, Hanc urbem primus Rex Athelstanus in potestatem Anglorum effugatis Brytonibus redactam, turribus munivit, & muro ex quadratis lapidibus ●inxit: ac antiquitùs vocatum Munketon, nunc Exeter vocari voluit: ac ibi sedens mansum quoddam dedit ad fundandum monasterium pro monachis deo & sancto Petro famidantibus. And besides the great charges he was at, in the building, he gave also sufficient lands & revenues for their living, whereof Morkshut and Thresaurers bear, be yet remaining & are appertaining to the treasurer of the said Church. But after the time of K. Athelstane, the Danes with great hostility, & cruelty having overrun this land, this city and Church was much infected and troubled, for with no less cruelty, did the Danes pursue the English men, and Saxons, than did the Saxons before pursue the Britons. And then the Monks not able to endure the same, fled and forsook their house, seeking places of refuge, and better safety: and so was this monastery left destitute, and forsaken for sundry years, until the time of K. Edgar, for he making a progress into those west parts, to visit his father in law Ordogarus (whose daughter he had married) than Earl of Devon, and founder of the abbey of Tavestocke, came to this city, Anno, 986. and he pitying the distressed state of the said Church, caused the Monks to be sought out, and to be assembled together; whom he then restored to their house and liveliehoods, and appointed Sydemannus (who afterwards was Bishop) to be their Abbot.  
And thenceforth, they continued together (although in great troubles) until the time of K. Swanus the Dane, for he with a great troup and army of his Danes, came to this city, anno, 1019. who besieged it, and at length, having taken the same, he spoilt, destroyed, and burnt, both city, and monastery, but yet shortly after it was again restored, for K. Cahutus or Canutus, being advertised of the great cruelties done by his father Swanus, did at the request of one of his dukes named Atheldredus, make restitution unto Atheluoldus then Abbot, both of lands, livings, and privileges, as appeareth by his chapter dated, anno, 1019.  
After this, near about thirty. years, K. Edward the confessor came to the city, and he by the advise and counsel of Leophricus, then Bishop of Crediton and sometimes Lord Chancellor of England, and of the privy Council, with the said King; partly for the better safety of the Bishop, and his successors, and partly to provide a more apt place for the Monks, did remove the Bishop's sea, from Crediton to this city, and sent the Monks to westmonaster; and did himself in his own person, together with Queen Edeth his wife, place and install Bishop Leophricus in possession of his new Church and sea. The Bishop then thus removed from the old, and placed in the new, indoweth his new sea and Church, with the lands, and liveliehoods of his former Church, and to make his sanctuary to his mind, pulleth down the two monasteries, near adjoining, the one of Nuns, the other of Monks, and addeth them to his own Church: and then having thus brought his devise to effect, maketh ordinances, laws, and orders, for the good government of his Church and clergy.  
After Leophricus death, his successors following his example did every of them, for the most part, procure the augmentation & increase of their church, some in liveliehoods, some in liberties, and privileges, and some in buildings, and some in one thing or other.  
William Warewest, the third Bishop after the conquest, being sometimes chaplain to the conqueror, and to William and Henry his sons, obtained of the conqueror such grace and favour, that he gave to this Church▪ Plimton, Brampton, and S. Steevens in Excester, which his gift, his foresaid two s●nnes by their charters did also confirm: and then the said Bishop, having the ordering and distribution thereof, giveth Plimton to the regular Cannons, for whom he had erected a monastery there, and where he himself shortly after, leaving his Bishopric became a Cannon; Bramton was reserved to the Cathedral Church, and afterwards was annexed to the deanery, but S. Steevens, with the fee to the same, he reserved to himself, and to his successors, whereby they are Barons and Lords in the parliament.  
Anno 1112 the said Bishop Warewest began to enlarge his Cathedral Church, which at that time was no bigger than that part which is now the Lady chapel, and laid the foundation, of that which is now the chore or quire.  
Anno 1235. or there about▪ William Brewer Bishop, established and made a Deans chapter of xxiv. prebendaries: for the Dean (whom he then appointed, and whose name was Serlo) and for his successors, he appropriated & gave Brampton, and Coliton Raleigh, for the prebendaries he purchased lands, allotting to every of them, the like portion of four pound, by the year.  
Anno 1284. Peter Quiuill Bishop, finding the chancel of his Church to be builded and finished to his hands, beginneth and foundeth the lower part, or body of his church, from the quéere westwards; he also appointed a chanter, and a subdean in the Church, to the one he impropriated Painton, and Chudleigh, and to the other, the parsonage of Egloshale in Cornwall, he also impropriated the parsonage of S. Newlin in Cornwall, & of the Stokegabrill in Devon, to the Chancellor of the Church for reading of a Divinity lecture in his Cathedral Church.  
Anno 1340. john Grandisson Bishop, did increase the length of his Church, from the foot, westwards; he vaulted the roof of the whole Church, and fully ended and absolved the same; and albeit, from the time of K. Athelstan, the first founder, anno 932. until the death of this Grandisson, which was anno 1369. there were 437. years distant, and in the mean time, this Church builded by sundry and diverse men, yet so uniformly the same is compact, as though it were builded at one instant.  
Anno 1456. George Nevil then Bishop of this Church, but shortly after Archbishop of York, began to build the chapter house, which was ended, finished, and absolved, by his next successor, Bishop Edmond Lacie, but the cloister, and library, was builded by the Dean and chapter. And thus much concerning the first foundation and building of this Church, and the full ending of the same, and now to the Catalogue of the Bishops, and of so many as I can find, who have been particular Bishops in this province of Devon, sithence the time of Edward the elder, the son of K. Alphred.   

A Catalogue of the Bishops of Excester.  
WErstanus, at a provincial synod, holden in west sex, anno. 905. was consecrated Bishop of Devon, and had his sea at Bishops Tawton: and in the year following 906. he died and was buried in his own church.  
PVtta, after the death of Werstanus, was elected and consecrated Bishop, and had his sea at Tawton, and taking his journey towards Crediton, to see and visit the king (or as some say, Vffa the king's lieutenant) was by the said Vffas' men slain, and then upon his death the sea was removed to Crediton.  
EAdulphus, brother to Alpsius duke of Devon, and Cornwall, and founder of Launceston, was consecrated Bishop of Devon, but installed at Crediton, where he had his sea, and continued Bishop xxij. years, and then dying about the year 932. he was buried in his own church.  
EThelgarus, anno. 932. succeeded Eadulphus. and in his time king Athelstane subdued the Cornish people, re-edified this city, and compassed the same with a stone wall: he founded the monastery of S. Peter's, for monks of S. Benet's order. This Ethelgarus after he had been Bishop ten years died, and was buried in his own church.  
ALgarus, anno. 942. after Ethelgarus was constituted and installed Bishop at Crediton, and having been Bishop about ten years, died and was buried in his own church.  
ALfwoldus, as Matthew of Westminster writeth, was next Bishop after Algarus, and consecrated by the advise of Dunstane, anno 952. In this time Odogarus Earl of Devon, and father in law to king Edger, builded the Abbey of Tavestoke, and king Edgar calleth home all the Monks of S. peter's which were dispersed, and without any Abbot, and made Sydemanuus Abbot, who was afterwards Bishop. This Alfwoldus after sixteen years that he was consecrated, died and was buried in his own church.  
ALwolfus, as Dicetus affirmeth, was consecrated Bishop, anno 969. and after nine years died, and was buried in his own church.  
SYdemannus, of an Abbot was made a Bishop, anno. 978. in this man's time the Danes overran and spoiled the whole countries of Devon and Cornwall, burned the town of Bodmen, and the cathedral church of S. Petrokes, with the Bishop's house. Whereupon the Bishop's sea was removed from thence to S. Germans, where the same continued until the removing and uniting thereof unto Crediton. Sydemannus in the twelve year after his consecration died, and was buried at Crediton in his own church. 990.  
ALphredus, whom Dicetus calleth Alfricus Abbot of Malmesburie, was consecrated Bishop, and installed at Crediton, he was taken for a learned man, because he wrote two books, the one entitled De rebus coenobij sui, and the other De rerum naturis. In this Bishop's time, king Etheldred endowed the Bishopric of S. Germans, with lands, liberties and privileges. The Danes made a fresh invasion, in and upon all Devon and Cornwall, burned and spoiled the Abbey of Ordolphus at Tavestoke: they besieged Excester, and being removed from thence, were fought withal at Pinneho, about three miles from the city, and overthrown. Alphredus, after he had been Bishop about nine years, died anno. 999. and was buried in his own church.  
ALwolfus, as Dicetus writeth, was the next Bishop. In his time Sweno king of Denmark, by enticement of one Hue, than Earl of Devon, came with a great host and besieged the city of Excester, took it and burned it, and with great cruelty used the people, until in the end Almarus then Earl of Devon, and the gentlemen did yield and submit themselves, and so obtained peace. This Alwolfus about the fifteenth year of his Bishopric, anno. 1014. died, and was buried in his own church.  
ALnoldus, by the report of the Archdeacon of London, succeeded Alwolfus, and was installed at Crediton. In this man's time king Canutus gave to Athelwode Abbot of S. Peter's of this city, great gifts and sundry privileges, in recompense of his father's great injuries. Arnoldus in the fifteen year of his Bishopric 1030. died, and was buried in his own church.  
LEuigus or Levingus, Abbot of Tavistoke, and nephew to Brythewaldus Bishop of Cornwall, was chosen the next Bishop,, and according to the orders then used, consecrated and installed. He was in great favour and credit with king Canutus, upon whom he attended in pilgrimage unto Rome. And after his uncle the Bishop of S. Germans being dead, obtained of the king that the Bishop's sea was removed from S. Germans unto Crediton, and both were thereby reduced and united into one Bishopric, and so hath ever sithence continued: he was after the death of Brythegus Bishop of Worcester, removed to that church, and there died and was buried as some suppose: but some affirm, that in the time of Hardicamitus the king, at the accusation of Alfredus then Archbishop of York, for that he should be consenting to the death of Alfredus the son of Etheldred, that he should be deposed of his Bishopric there, and so did return unto Tavestoke, where be died: but Dicetus affirmeth that he purged himself of this crime, and by that means was restored both to the favour of the king and to his Bishopric again, and died Bishop of Worcester. It is recorded that he was Bishop of Crediton fifteen years.  
LEofricus, a man descended of the blood and line of Brutus, but brought up in the land of Lothoringia or Lorraine, was so well commended for his nobility, wisdom and learning, that king Edward the confessor had him in great favour, and made him first one of his privy Council; and then Lord Chamberlain of all England: and lastly the Bishopric of this province being void, he was made, consecrated, and installed, Bishop of the same. By him and by his means, the Bishop's sea was removed from Crediton, to this city of Excester, for at his request, king Edward together with Queen Edith his wife, came to Excester, and removing the monks from hence to Westminster, did also remove the Bishop's sea from Crediton to his city, and did put the Bishop in the possession: for he conducting the Bishop on the right hand, and the Queen on the left hand, brought him to the high altar of his new church, and there placed him in a seat appointed for him. He suppressed sundry houses or cells of religion within his sanctuary, and appropriated and united them to his own church, as also by the good liberality of the king, obtained great revenues, possessions, privileges, and liberties, to be given unto the church. In this man's time, William Duke of Normandy, made a conquest of this whole realm, as also in the year 1068. besieged this city of Excester, which after by composition he restored to his former estate again. Also in his time Richard de Brion, a noble man of Normandy, the son of Baldwin of Brion, and of Albred the niece to the conqueror, was made Baron of Okehampton, warden of the castle of Excester, and Viscount of Devon. This Leofricus after that he had well and worthily ruled his church and Diocese, by the space of twenty-three. years, he ended his days in peace, and died anno 1073. and was buried in the cemitorie or churchyard of his own church, under a simple and a broken Marble stone, which place by the sithence enlarging of his church, is now within the south tower of the same, where of late, anno 1568. a new monument was erected in the memory of so good, worthy, and noble a parsonage, by the industry of the writer hereof, but at the charges of the Dean and chapter.  
OSbertus or Osbernus, a Normaine borne, and brother to an Earl named William, was preferred to this Bishopric, and in the year 1074. was consecrated and installed to the same. Polydorus writeth, that one Galfrid who joined with Odo Earl of Kent and Bishop of Boion, against William Rufus, should be Bishop of Exon: but it was not nor could not so be. In this man's time William the conqueror, and William Rufus his son died. This Osbertus or Osbernus, after he had been Bishop thirty years, was blind, and died, and lieth buried in his own church.  
WIlliam Warewest, a Normaine borne, and chaplain both to the conqueror and his two sons, William and Henry, was a very grave and a wiseman, and for the same was preferred by Henry the king to this Bishopric, anno 1107. and was consecrated by Anselmus Archbishop of Canturburie, in the month of August, the same year. He first began to enlarge his church, which at that time was no bigger than that which is now called the Lady chapel. He founded and builded the monastery of Plimpton, and placed therein regular Canons: in his latter days he waxed and became blind; and yet notwithstanding for his wisdom the king sent him in embassage unto Pope Paschalis the second, wherein he so wisely dealt, and so discreetly behaved himself in his message, that he made a reconciliation between the Pope and the King, and returned with great praise and commendation. Not long after his return, and having small joy of the world, he gave over his Bishopric, and became one of the religious canons in his own house of Plimpton, where he died and was buried, he was Bishop about twenty years.  
RObert Chichester, Deane of Sarisburie, was consecrated Bishop under Anselmus Archbishop of Canrtuburie, anno. 1128. and the xxviij. year of king Henry the first, he was a Gentleman borne, and therefore esteemed for his zeal in religion, wherein he was very devout according to those days, and thinking his labours to be best employed that way, did eftsoons go in pilgrimage, sometime to Rome, sometime to one place, sometime to an other; and ever he would bring with him some one relic or other. He was a liberal contributor to the buildings of his church. In his time was founded and builded the Monastery of S. Stephens in Launceston, and furthered by Reynold Earl of Cornwall, but unto it this Bishop was an adversary; not for misliking the work, but for fear of an intrusion upon his liberties. Likewise at this time was builded the Priory of S. Nicholas in Excester, by the Abbot of Battle, unto which Abbey, this Priory was a cell. In this man's time also, king Henry made William Rideverse a Normaine, and his kinsman Earl of Devon; and therewith the Lordship of Twifordtone, and the honour of Plimpton, together with the third penny of his revenues in Devon, which in the whole was then thirty. marks, whereof this Earl had ten. Also in this man's time, king Henry died, and king Stephen entered, and took upon him the crown, whereof ensued great wars. This Bishop after that he had occupied the place xxij. years, died and was buried in his own church. But the monk of Westminster writeth that he should be Bishop xxvij. years, and died in the year 1155. but he never saw the records of this church which are to the contrary.  
RObert Warewest, Nephew to William the Bishop of this church, Deane of Sarisburie, was consecrated Bishop by Theobaldus Archbishop of Canturburie, anno 1150. he nothing degenerate from the steps of his predecessors, but was altogether of the same bent and disposition. In his time king Stephen died, and Henry the second was crowned king. This Robert after that he had occupied this sea nine years or there about, died and was buried at Plimpton by his uncle.  
BArtholomeus Iscanus, otherwise Bartholomew of Excester was consecrated Bishop of Excester under Theoldbald Archbishop of Canturburie, anno. 1159. he was called Iscanus of Isca, which is one of the ancientest names of this city. He was a mean citizens son, but being very apt unto learning, his parents and friends kept him to school, and he so well profited therein, that he came and proved to be a very well learned man, and being Bishop he wrote sundry books, as of Predestination, free-will, Penence, and others: of all men he could not brook nor favour Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canturburie, for his contempt and disobedience against the king, for the which he sharply improved, rebuked, and inveighed against him openly, in the parliament house holden at Northampton; and with such effectual reasons and pithy arguments, he did so temper the same, that the whole parliament relied unto his judgement and opinion herein, against Thomas Becket. And after his death, such was the gravity, modesty, and wisdom of the man, that he was specially chosen to be Ambassador for the king unto Pope Alexander the third, and so wisely and with such discretion used the same, that notwithstanding his cause and message had many adversaries, yet he reconciled the Pope, and the king, obtained the good will and favour of the Pope, and brought his message to good effect. This Bishop was in great familiarity and acquaintance with Baldwin of Excester his countryman, now Archbishop of Canturburie, who was a poor man's son in this city; but for his learning advanced to this estate. In this Bishop's time, about the year of our Lord 1168. William Fytzralph a citizen of this city, founded a cell for monks within this city, and dedicated the same to S. Alexius, which not long after was united to S. john's within the East gate of the same city. In his time also Reynold of Courtney, a nobleman of Normandy, the son of Elorus the son of jews, named jews le gross, king of France, came into this land, and married Hawise, daughter and heir to Maud the daughter and heir to Adelis, sister and heir to Richard de Briono the first, viscount of Devon, and in her right was viscount of Devon. This Bartholomew after he had been Bishop about xiiii. years, anno. 1184. died, but where he died and where he was buried, it doth not appear. In this Bishop's time about the year 1170. one johannes Corinienses a Cornish man borne, was a famous learned divine, he was a Student at Rome and other places in Italy, and by that means grew into great acquaintance with Pope Alexander the third, he wrote divers books, and namely one De incarnatione Christi, against Peter Lombard, who affirmed, Quòd Christus secundum quod homo est, aliquid non est; and this he dedicated to Pope Alexander.  
IOhn, the chanter of the cathedral church of this city, was consecrated and installed Bishop of this church, anno. 1184. he was well reported for his liberality, in continuing the buildings of this church, wherein he was nothing inferior to his predecessors. In his time king Henry Fytzemprise died, and he himself having been Bishop about six years, died anno. 1191.  
HEnrie Martial, Archdeacon of Stafford, the brother to Walter the Earl Martial of England, was consecrated Bishop by Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, anno. 1191. he finished the building of his church, according to the plat and foundation which his predecessors had laid, and that done, he purchased the patronage and Lordship of Woodburie of one Albemarlie, which he gave and impropriated unto the vicar's coral of his church. In this man's time anno. 1201. one Simon Thurnaius, a Cornish man borne, brought up in learning, did by diligence and study so prosper therein, that he became excellent in all the liberal sciences, and in his days none thought to be like him: he left Oxenford, where he had been a student, and went to Paris, and there became a priest, and studied divinity, and therein became so excellent and of so deep a judgement, that he was made chief of the Sorbonistes; at length he became so proud of his learning, and glorified so much therein, that he would be singular, and thought himself to be another Aristotle, and so much he was therein blinded, and waxed so far in love with Aristotle, that he preferred him before Moses and Christ. And behold Gods just judgement, for suddenly his memory failed him, and he waxed so forgetful, that he could neither call to remembrance any thing that he had done, neither could he discern, read or know a letter of the book. This Henry, after that he had spent and lived twelve years in his Bishopric, he died, and lieth buried in the North side of the Chancel of his church, in a very fair tomb of Marble, anno. 1206.  
SImon de Apulia, anno. 1206. was installed Bishop of this sea, of him there remaineth no memorial at all. In his time were famous joseph Iscanius, and Alexander Neckam; the one was very well learned in the Latin and Greek tongue, and in the liberal sciences; the other was Prior of S. Nicholas, and was an universal man, being a profound philosopher, an eloquent orator, a pleasant Poet, and a deep divine. In this Bishop's time, the doctrine of elevation, adoration, reservation, and praying for the dead, being established by Pope Honorius the third, the parish churches within this city were limited, anno. 1222. In this man's time, anno. 1212. one johannes Devonius, so surnamed because he was borne in Devon, being well bend to good studies, was much commended for his learning and modesty. He was familiar and of great acquaintance with Baldwin Bishop of Canturburie, and being made Abbot of Ford, was in such favour with king john, that he chose him to be his confessor and chaplain, he was a writer, and compiled divers books which were then accounted of. Being dead he was buried in his Abbey, the people much lamenting the want of so good a man. This Bishop having spent xviij. years, died anno. 1224. and was buried in his own church.  
WIlliam Brewer, very shortly after the death of the foresaid Simon, was elected Bishop, and consecrated by Stephan Langton, Archbishop of Canturburie, anno. 1224. he was borne and descended of a noble house and parentage, being brother to Sir William Brewer knight, the husband of the eldest daughter and one of the heirs to William de Verona, Earl of Devon; and who also was founder of the Abbeys of Tor and of Hartland, and of other Monasteries. This Bishop so wisely and so discreetly behaved himself, that he was had in great reputation among all men, and in special favour with the king: for king Henry, having given his sister Lady Isabella, to wife unto Fredrick the emperor, did commend and betake her to this Bishop, to be conveyed and conducted to the emperor. And such was the fame and good report spread of him, that as he passed through the countries, they were from place to place received with great honour, and being come to the city of Coleine, the Archbishop there did not only very honourably receive and entertain them, but also accompanied them unto the city of Worms, where the marriage was solemnised. When this Bishop had seen the marriage, & allthings performed, he took his leave and was dismissed with great presents, and honourably accompanied homewards by the Archbishop and others. At his return he was joyfully received of all the noblemen about the king, and most thankfully by the king himself, and whom the king used as his special and most trusty councillor in all his weighty causes. This Bishop being come home to his own house, and minding as his predecessors had done, to leave some good memorial behind him, he made a Dean, and constituted xxiv. prebendaries within his church, to the one he impropriated Brampton, & Coliton Rawley: for the others he purchased so much land, as out whereof he assigned to every prebendary iiij. pound by the year, & of these he ordained his chapter. Also in this man's time, anno 1240. Gilbert Long, and Robert his brother, citizens of this city, builded and founded the hospital of S. john's, within the East gate of this city, for the sustenance of certain poor folks, called afterwards the poor children of S. john's, & gave all their lands, & tenements to the same, which was sufficient. The year following the cell of S. Alexus was removed and adjoined to S. john's, and then the founders being dead, the charge and government of that house was by those founders commended to the Mayor of this city, and they thenceforth were founders & patrons thereof. Anno 1244. there grew a contention, concerning the poor. lazar, sick people of the Magdalen without the south gate of this city, whose manner and usage was then, with a clapdish upon every market day, to resort and come to the markets, and there to beg every man's devotion: but by reason of their sickness, which was loathsome and abhorred, the people's devotion waxed short and scant against them, as also every man murmured against their going and begging at large, whereupon the matter being brought into question, between the Bishop and this city, it was concluded, that a permutation should be made, and that therefore, the Bishops should be patrons, and have the government of S. john's, and the Mayor and his successors to be guardians and founders of the hospital of the Magdalen, with a proviso that the proctor of the Magdalen, should on one day in every month, come with his box to S. Peter's Church, at the time of service; and there receive and gather the devotion of the canons, which is used at these presents. This poor house remaineth still, but the other for want of good friends, was suppressed and dissolved. This Bishop after that he had continued in his Church, about nineteen, years he died, anno 1244. and lieth buried in the middle of his own Church, under a plain Marble stone.  
RIchard Blondie, 1245. was consecrated and installed: Bishop Bonifacius, then being Archbishop of Canturburie. This Richard was a man of a mild spirit, but very stout against such as in his time, did offer any injury to the church, and in his old years being but a weak man, he was much carried and ruled by such as were his officers, and about him; who taking the opportunity of the time, used all the means they might, to enrich themselves, his chiefest officers were one Lodesewell his chancellor, Sutton his register, Fitzherbert his official, and Ermestow the keeper of his seal. These with other of the chief servants of the household, compacted amongst themselves, that whilst the Bishop was yet living, who then lay sick and very weak in his bed, to make and convey unto themselves, conveyances of such livelihoods, as then lay in the Bishop's disposition; and accordingly made out advowsons and other such conveyances, as to them seemed best, all which were forthwith sealed and delivered, according to the orders among them concluded, but these their subtle dealings, were not so closely conveyed, but that the next Bishop following, bolted and found the same out, and did not only reverse all their doings, but also did excommunicate them, and who were not absolved until they had done their penance for the same. Which was done at S. Peter's Church, openly upon Palm sunday, being the nineteen, of March, 1267. This Bishop Richard in the twelve year of his Bishopric died, and was buried in his own Church.  
WAlter Bronescome, Archdeacon of Surreie, was consecrated Bishop of Canturburie, upon passion sunday, anno 1286 under Bonifacius, than Archbishop, he was borne in this city of Exon, and was the son of poor parents, but he being of a very towardness and good disposition, and very apt to learning, they partly of themselves, and partly by help of their friends, did put him to school, and kept him to his book▪ wherein he proved and prospered so well, that he was very well learned. At the time of his election, he was no priest, and therefore not capable of any such dignity, but immediately he took that order upon him, and forthwith was consecrated Bishop, all which being done within fifteen days, it was counted as for a miracle, namely, that he should be elected Bishop, than made priest, and at last to be consecrated within that space. For so many dignities as they termed it, to be cast upon one man in so short a time, had not been lightly seen. He founded the college of Glascin, in Perin in Cornwall, and endowed the same with fair possessions and revenues. He purchased the the Barton of Rokesdone, and Clist; and gave it to the hospital of S. john's, within the Eastgate of the city of Excester. He instituted in his own Church, the feast called Gabrils feast; and gave a piece of land for the maintenance thereof, he also did by a policy, purchase the Lordship and house of Clist Sachisfield, and by a devise did enlarge the Barton thereof, by gaining of Cornish wood, from his Dean and chapter: and builded then a very fair and a sumptuous house, and called it Bishop's Clist, which he left to his successors. Likewise he got the patronage of Clist Fomeson, now called Sowton, and annexed the same to his new Lordship, which as it was said was in this order. He had a friar to be his chaplain and confessor, which died in his said house of Clist, and should have been buried at the parish church of Faringdon, because the said house was and is in that parish: but because the parish church was somewhat far of, the ways foul, and the weather rainy, or for some other causes; the Bishop willed and commanded the corpse to be carried to the parish church of Sowton, then called Clist Fomeson, which is very near, and bordereth upon the Bishop's Lordship: the two parishes there being divided by a little lake called Clist. At this time one Fomeson a Gentleman, was Lord and patron of Clist Fomeson, and he being advertised of such a burial towards in his parish, and a leech way to be made over his land, without his leave or consent required therein; calleth his tenants together, and goeth to the bridge over the lake, between the Bishop's land and his, and there meeteth the Bishop's men, bringing the said corpse, and forbiddeth them to come over the water. But the Bishop's men nothing regarding the same, do press forthwards to come over the water: and the others do withstand and fall at strife about the matter, so long, that in the end my Lord's Friar is fallen into the water. The Bishop taketh this matter in such grief, that a holy Friar, a religious man, and his own chaplain and confessor, should so unreverently be cast into the water, that he falleth out with the Gentleman, and upon what occasion I know not, he sueth him in the law, and so vexeth and tormenteth him, that in the end he was feign to yield himself to the Bishop's devotion, and seeketh all ways he could to curry the Bishop's good will, which he could not obtain, until for his redemption, he had given and surrendered up his patronage of Sowton, with a piece of land, all which the said Bishop annexeth to his new Lordship. Thus by policy he purchased the manor of Bishops Clist, by a devise gaineth Cornish wood, and by power wresteth the patronage of Sowton. This Bishop after he had occupied this sea about twenty-three. years, died and was buried in his own church, in a sumptuous tomb of Alabaster.  
PEter Quiuill, anno. 1281. was consecrated Bishop of this church, under john Archbishop of Canturburie. He first instituted a chanter and a Subdeane in his church. To the one he impropriated Painton and Chidleigh, & to the other the rectory of Egloschaile in Cornwall, he was a liberal and a special benefactor to the hospital of S. john's in Excester, as well in goods as in livelihoods; he first began to enlarge and increase his church from the chancel downwards, and laid the foundation thereof. In his time anno. 1285. Walter Lichelade the first chanter, was slain in a morning as he came from the morning service, than called the Matins, which was then wont to be said shortly after midnight. Upon which occasion the king came unto this city, and kept his christmas in the same, and thereupon a composition was made between the Bishop and the city, for enclosing of the churchyard, and building of certain gates there, as appeareth by the said composition, bearing date in Festo annunciationis beatae Mariae 1286. The king at the suit of the Earl of Hereford, who at his being here, was lodged in the house of the Grey Friars, which then was near the house of S. Nicholas, obtained of the Bishop, that they should be removed from thence to a more wholesome place, which was to the place without Southgate: whereof after the king's departure grew some controversy, because the Bishop refused to perform his promise made to the king. This man also impropriated the parish of S. Newleine, and the parish of Stoke Gabrell, and united the same to the office of the Chancellor of the Cathedral church, and under condition that the said chancellor should continually read a lecture within the said city, of divinity, or of the decretals: and if he should fail to do this, that then it might and should be lawful to the Bishop to resign the said parsonages impropriated, and to bestow it at his pleasure, as appeareth by the said grant, under the seals of the said Bishop, Deane and Chapter, dated the twelve of the Calends of May. 1283. This Bishop not long after, and in the eleventh year of his Bishopric, died being choked in drinking of a syrup, anno. 1292. and was buried in his own church. The Franciscans or Gray Friars of this city, imputed his death to his hard dealing with them: for whereas he had promised the king to provide a convenient place for them to build their house in, and had willed their warden, named Deoditus, to seek out and make inquiry for the same: yet notwithstanding, when he had so done, because the same was in his fee, he did serve from his said promise, and did utterly deny to perform the same, by the persuasion of one Peter Kenefeld, a Dominican or a black Friar, and confessor unto the said Bishop: for he envying the good success of the franciscans, persuadeth with the Bishop, that in no wise he should permit them to enjoy the place which they had gotten, nor to build therein, because it was within his fee; for saith he, as under colour of simplicity, they creep in to the hearts of the people, and hinder us poor preachers from our gains and livings: so be ye sure, that if the canons put foot within your liberties, they will in time so encroach upon the same, as that they will be clean exempted from out of your liberty and jurisdiction. The Bishop being soon persuaded and contented contrary to his promise to yield thereunto, denieth the Franciscans; and utterly forbiddeth them to build or to do any thing within his fee or liberty. About two years after, the Bishop kept a great feast, upon the sunday next before Saint Francis day, and among others was present with him one Walter Winborne, one of the kings chief justices of the bench, and who was present when the Bishop at the request of the king, made promise to further and to help the Franciscans, and who in their behalf, did now put the Bishop in mind thereof, and requested him to have consideration both of his own promise, and of their distress. The Bishop misliking these speeches, waxed somewhat warm and offended: and in open terms, did not only deny to yield hereunto, but wished himself to be choked, what day so ever he did consent or yield unto it. It fortuned that the same week, and upon the day of S. Francis Eve, the Bishop took a certain syrup to drink, and in too hasty swallowing thereof, his breath was stopped, and he forthwith died. The Franciscans hearing thereof, made no little a do about this matter, but blazed it abroad, that S. Francis wrought this miracle upon the Bishop, because he was so hard against them.  
THomas Bitton, the year following was elected Bishop, and the sea of Canturburie was void, he was consecrated by john Roman Archbishop of York, he left no memorial of any great things done by him, saving that he continued in the building of his church, as also was a favourer of such learned men as were in his Diocese: in his time, namely, Robert Plimton a regular Canon of Plimpton, and a professor of divinity, and who wrote two books, Walter of Exon a Franciscane, Friar of Carocus in Cornwall, who at the request of one Baldwin of Excester, wrote the history of Guy of Warwick, William of Excester, Doctor of divinity, and warden of the Franciscan Friars in this city, Godfrey, surnamed Cornwall, a subtle schoolman, and a reader of divinity sometimes in Paris. This Bishop after xiv. years that he had occupied this sea died, anno. 1306. and was buried in his own church.  
WAlter Stapledon, anno. 1507. being elected Bishop of this city, was consecrated, by Robert Wincelsey, Archbishop of Canturburie, he descended of a most noble parentage, which joined with his learning, wisdom, & politic head, did get him great credit & favour with the King, who had him not only one of his privy counsel, but also made him Lord Treasurer of England. At his inthronization or installing, he kept a solemn observation. For being come first to the city, immediately after his consecration, as soon as he came to the Eastgate, he alighted from his horse, and went in on foot, all the street being covered and laid with black cloth; he was led on both sides, with two men of worship, and Sir Hue courtney Knight, who claimed to be steward of his feast, went next before him. The feast itself was very sumptuous, and liberal, a controversy was between him and the said Sir Hue courtney, concerning his challenge, to be his steward, but it was compounded and ended. This Bishop as he grew and increased in wealth, so he was careful in the well disposing of part thereof; for the increase of learning he builded & erected two houses in Oxford, the one named Stabledons inn, but sithence Excester college, the other Harthall, he was also a special benefactor unto the hospital of S. john's in Excester; unto the which, for the relieving of certain poor children therein, he impropriated the rectory or parsonage of Ernescome. In the controversy between his master King Edward the second, and Charles the French king, he was sent Ambassador, to the French king and joined in commission with the Queen, for the treaty of a peace and reconciliation: which though it were obtained, yet he joining with the Spensers, who favoured not the Queen, he returned into England; leaving the Queen behind him. And whereas they practised what they could, to put enmity between the King and her; and to set her besides the cushion, they themselves fell into the same snares, which they had laid for others. For not long after the Queen, by the help of the Earl of Henaulde, and of S. john his brother, came into England with a great army, whereof the King and the Spensers, being afraid, departed from London to Bristol, leaving this Bishop at London, and made him custos of the same, who requiring the keys of the gates of the city, of the Mayor, the commoners took him and beheaded him, as also his brother Sir Richard Stapledon, in cheapeside, and carried his body to his house without templebarre, and there buried it in a sandhill; namely, the xv. of October, anno 1329. But the Queen forgetting all discourtesies, and reverencing his calling, commanded his corpse to some more honourable burial, whereupon the same was taken up, and brought to this city, and with great solemnity, was buried in his own church, upon the 28. of March; where his epitaph by the writer thereof is set. Thus after that he had been Bishop about xx, years, he ended his days.  
IAmes Barkeleie, upon the xxuj. of March, anno. 1327. before the burial of his predecessor in his own Church, was consecrated Bishop of this city, he descended of the noble house of the Lord Barkeleie, and albeit he were reputed to be a very godly and a wise man, yet he had no time to yield the trial thereof. For he died in the fourth month after his consecration, upon the xxiv. of julie, anno, 1327. and was buried in his own church as some say, but some think he never came hither at all.  
IOhn Grandesson, being in Italy, with Pope john, the xxij. after the death of james Barkeleie; the King presented him unto the Pope, who accepted the presentation, and consecrated him Bishop of this diocese, the eight of October, anno 1327. he was borne and descended of the ancient house of the Grandessons, Dukes of Burgundy, his father was named Gilbert, the brother of Otho the great Lord Grandesson, which Gilbert coming into this land, was well entertained by the king and nobility: and had a good liking of the country, that by means of Henry Earl of Lancaster, with whom he came into England, he married lady Sibyl, daughier and one of the heirs to john Tregos, Lord of the castle of Ewas, near Hereford east, and by her had issue five sons, and four daughters; of which this Bishop was one, and was borne in the parish of Asheperton, in the diocese of Hereford. He was from his childhood very well affected to learning, and became a good scholar and a professor of Divinity, of which method he wrote two books, the one entitled Pontificales maiores, & the other Pontificales minores. He was also very grave, wise, and politic, and thereby grew into such credit with Pope john the xxij. that he was not only of his privy counsel, but also Nuntius apostolicae sedis. And in all matters of weight, and importance, an ambassador for him, to the emperor, to the kings of Hispaine, of France, of England, and all other, the mightiest princes of Christendom, and being on a time sent on in an embassage to K. Edward the third, he did with such wisdom and gravity behave himself, that the king was ravished in love with him; and did so tenderly love and favour him, that he never ceased until he had procured him from the Pope, and then he gave him the Archdeaconry of Nottingham, and bestowed great livings upon him. He made him one of his privy counsel, and in the end preferred him to this Bishopric. After this, there being some disliking between Pope Clement the sixth, and the king, he for his approved wisdom was sent in an ambassage to the Pope, anno. 1343. for an entreaty of a peace, and an amity between them to be had; and with such wisdom he did his message, that he obtained his purpose, and made a reconciliation. After his return home to his Bishopric, he was altogether given in doing some good things, he builded and founded the college of S. Marry Otrey, and endowed the same with great and goodly liveliehoods. He was a liberal benefactor to the Vicar's Choral of his own church, as also to the college of Glasney in Perrin; he builded the two last arches in the West end of his church, vaulted the roof of all the church, and fully performed and ended the buildings of the same, and then enriched his said church, with plate, ornaments, and great riches, he also builded a very fair house in his sanctuary at Bishops Taington, which he gave and lest full furnished unto his successors, and did impropriate unto the same the parsonage of Radwaie, to the end as he setteth down in his testament, Vt haberent locum undè caput suum reclinarent, si fortè in manum regis eorum temporalia caperentur: and which his halsening in the end came partly to effect. For not only the most part of the temporalities of this Bishopric, but this new builded house and impropriation are come to be the possessions and inheritances of temporal men. This Bishop waxed old, and feeling in himself a decay of nature, made his last will and testament, wherein he made such large and bounteous legacies to the Pope, Emperor, King, Queen, Archbishop, Bishops, colleges, churches, and to sundry persons of high estates and callings, that a man would marvel, considering his great and chargeable buildings and works otherwise, how and by what means he could have attained to such a mass of wealth and riches; but his wisdom and policy considered, it was easy. For first he sequestrateth from himself and out of his house the troup of many men and horses, retaining and keeping no more than to serve his reasonable estate, his diet was frugal, his receipts great, his expenses no more than necessary. Moreover he had taken and set an order with all the ecclesiastial persons of his Diocese, that at the time of their deaths, they should leave & bequeath all their goods to him or to some other in trust, In pios usus, and towards his chargeable buildings; & so well he was beloved, & his doings liked, that they all accepted this his order: by means whereof he grew within the course of xl. years to infinite wealth and riches. He was in all his life time a plain man, and void of all vain glory and pomp, and preventing that none should be used at his burial, commanded the same to be done plainly and simply. And that none of his executors, Chaplains, servants, nor none of his house should wear any morning black clothes at the same, but only their accustomable and common apparel, which then was commonly grey coloured clothes. This Bishop was no more grave and wise, than stout and of courage, if occasion so did require. And among other things, this is reported of him; that about the year of our Lord 1331. Simon Mepham, than Archbishop of Canturburie, sent his mandatum unto this Bishop, that he would visit his church and diocese upon monday next after Ascension day then following. This Bishop (upon what occasion it is not written) did refuse this mandatum, and appealed from the same, advertising the Archbishop that he should not visit his church nor diocese. Notwithstanding, the Archbishop at the time appointed, came to this city and went to S. Peter's church, nothing thinking that any durst to withstand him. But the Bishop knowing of his coming, goeth to the church door and meeteth the Archbishop, and forbiddeth him to enter into his church; and the Archbishop pressing forward, as with force to enter, the Bishop being then well guarded, denieth and resisteth him: whereupon the Archbishop departed, and after at a provincial council holden at London, the Archbishop complained hereof, but by means of the like discord between him and his suffragans, he prevailed not. In this Bishop's time one William of Excester, a very well learned man, was a Canon of this church, and he joining himself with Nicholas de Cesena, Okeham, Walsingham, and others, did openly preach, that Christ and his apostles were but poor men, and had no temporal possessions: neither was any Emperor or lay man subject to the Pope, but only in matters of religion. But when he heard that Pope john the twenty-three. had excommunicated, and would condemn them all for heretics; this William to save his livings, secretly shrunk away from his old companions, and changed his copy, and writeth certain conclusions against them, and his own preachings. Also in this Bishop's time about the year of our Lord 1340. one john of Bampton, so named, because he was borne at Bampton, in this diocese, and a monk of the order of the Carmelites, was a very good scholar, and first did openly read Aristotle in the university of Cambridge: where he was a scholar, and afterwards he studied divinity, and was made Doctor, he wrote certain books, which are not extant. This Bishop after that he had occupied this church, about xlij. years, he died upon S. Swithins day 1369. and was buried in a chapel, which he builded in the west wall of his own church.  
THomas Brentingham, after the death of this john Grandisson, was at one instant chosen Bishop of Excester and Bishop of Hereford, who refusing the one took the other, and was consecrated Bishop of Excester, upon the tenth of March 1370. being the feast day of Nereus and Achilles, William of Worcester then Archbishop of Canturburie. This Thomas, was a man very well learned, and experted both in ecclesiastical matters, and in politic government, and in both these respects, greatly reverenced and esteemed; and for that cause, at the parliament holden at Westminster, in the tenth year of K. Richard the second, he was chosen to be one of the twelve peers of the realm under the King, he was a benefactor to the Calenderhaie, of the vicar's choral, of his own church, and performed and supplied in buildings; and otherwise what his predecessors had left undone, and having been Bishop xxiv. years, he died the third of December, anno 1394. and was buried in the North side of the body of his own church.  
EDmond Stafford, upon the xx. day of june, anno 1395. was consecrated at Lambhith by William Courtwaie, Archbishop of Canturburie, he was borne and descended of noble parentage, being brother to Ralph Lord Stafford, created Earl of Stafford, by K. Edward the third; he was both wise and learned, for his wisdom, he grew into great credit with the king, and was both of his privy counsel, as also Lord Chancellor of England. At the parliament holden at westminster, the xxj. year of K. Richard the second, he being then speaker of the higher house, made a very learned and pithy oration, to prove the absolute authority of a King: his theme was, Rex unus erit omnibus, and having discoursed at large of the authority of a king, did conclude; Quod potestas regis esset sibi sola unita annexa & solida, and whosoever did by any means impeach the same, Paena legis meritò esset plectendus. And for the furtherance of good letters, he did increase two fellowships in the college of stapledon's inn in Oxford, reform the statutes of the house, and altered the name of it, and called it Excester college. After that he had continued Bishop in much honour, about twenty-three. years, he died the fourth of September, being the seventh year of King Henry the fift, and lieth buried in his own church, in a very air tomb of Alabaster.  
IAmes Carry, Bishop of Chester, being at Florence when news was brought to Pope Martin the fift, of Bishop Staffords death, was then and there made Bishop of this church, anno 1419. and also consecrated, but long he enjoyed not his office, for there he died, and was buried.  
EDmond Lacie, Bishop of Hereford, was translated from thence unto this church, in the feast of Easter, and in the eight year of king Henry the fift, anno 1420. he was a man very devout, and religious, but subject to flatterers, who carried him to their pleasure; he was a liberal benefactor to the vicar of Calenderhaie, great contentions were between him and the city, for liberties, which by arbitrament were compounded, he founded the chapter house, in his own church. He was a professor of divinity, and very well learned; for in the second year of his Bishopric being the ix. year of the king's reign, there was a parliament holden at Westminster, in which great complaints were made against the lose and dissolute life of the religious men, and especial the black monks. And this matter being brought to the convocation house, this Bishop as chief prolocutor of that assembly, did make a very learned and a pithy oration, before the king then of purpose present, and the whole clergy, much lamenting that the religious men were so far strayed from the rules of their professions, and the holiness of their predecessors. And when he had at large discoursed the same, he delivered up certain articles in writing, praying for reformation: which his speeches were so effectually uttered, and his articles so effectually penned, that both the king and the clergy, did not only with great liking and allowance praise and commend the same, but also took order that there should be a provincial Council called out of hand for a reformation, which was then promised, but not performed, by reason of the king's death, which not long after followed: but yet in the way of good speed it was then concluded and agreed that every third benefice, being of the gift of any of the prelates, or of any monastery, should from thenceforth, for seven years be given to some scholar of Oxenford or Cambridge. This Bishop after he had lived xxxv. years in this Bishopric, died and was buried in the North wall of the quire in his own church. After whose death many miracles were said and devised to be done at his tomb, whereupon great pilgrimages were made by the common people to the same.  
GEorge Nevell, succeeded Edmond Lacie, and was consecrated in the feast of S. Katherine, anno, 1455. he was of a noble parentage, being the second son of Richard Nevell Earl of Sarisburie, he finished and ended the chapter house which his predecessor had begun. And after that he had been Bishop about ten years, he was removed to York, and made Archbishop there, anno. 1465.  
IOhn Both, after the translation of George Nevell to York, was consecrated Bishop under Thomas Burscher, Archbishop of Canturburie, upon the xxij. of February anno. 1466. He was by profession a civilian, and a Bachelor of the same, he governed his church very well, and builded, as some suppose, the Bishop's sea in the quire, but being weary of the great troubles which were in this country, between king Edward the fourth, and the Earl of Warwick, he removed from hence to his house of Horsleigh in Hamshire, where in the twelve year of his Bishopric he died upon the fift day of April, anno. 1478. and lieth buried at S. Clement's in London.  
PEter Courtnaie, immediately after the death of Both, was presented to this Bishopric, and consecrated by Thomas Archbishop of Canturburie, in November anno. 1477. at S. Stephens in Westminster; he was the son of Sir Philip Courtnaie of Powderham, his mother was named Elizabeth, daughter to Walter Lord Hungerford, he for his wisdom and good behaviour was in great credit and favour with king Henry the seventh, by whose means he was translated from this church unto Winchester, in the ninth year of his being Bishop here, and in the fift year of his being there, he died upon the xx. of December, anno. 1491. and lieth buried in his own church. He finished the North tower of S. Peter's, and gave the clock bell which is in the same, and which beareth the name Peter.  
RIchard Fox, upon the removing of Peter Courtnaie, was consecrated Bishop of this church, under Thomas Archbishop of Canturburie 1466. he was a very wise man, and in great credit and estimation with king Henry the seventh, unto whom he was a faithful counsellor, and of his privy Council; with whom he acquainted himself at Paris, when he was there a student. For king Henry then Earl of Richemond, being at Venice, and advertised how the nobility of England was bend to have him to be their King, came from thence to Paris, and sought unto Charles then king of France for aid and help: in which the Earl his suits, this Fox was a special traveler and counsellor; and in the end, God giving the success, the Earl obtained the crown, and having had the trial of the fidelity, wisdom, and trust of this Bishop, he made him Lord privy seal; and kept and used him, and his advise in all his weighty matters, as well at home as abroad. He being Ambassador sundry times, to the K. of France and Scotland, and of a very hearty good will and love, the King made him godfather to his second son K. Henry the eight. There was a kind of emulation, between this Bishop and the Earl of Surreie: both of them being very wise and of great service to the King and commonwealth. Howbeit, in some diversity of respects, the one having no issue, to care for, did deal without any private affection, or singular gain; and the other having issue, was desirous to advance his house and honour. These affections did breed some dislike between them two, yet the king finding a faith unto himself and a commodity to the commonwealth; misliked it not, if the same exceeded his measure: and they more warm than commendable for their calling & estates. The king then or the council would deal between them for the appeasing and pacifying of them, and to them he was both friendly, loving and liberal. The one he delivered out of the tower, pardoned him of his offences, restored him to his lands, received him into special favour, made him of his privy council, as also Lord Treasurer of England, and his general into Scotland, and augmented his livelihoods. The other he first made Bishop to this church, then removed him unto bath, and from thence unto Durham, and lastly unto Winchester. Erasmus in his book entitled, the Preacher or Ecclesiastes, declareth how that the king upon a time, wanting some piece of money, was to borrow the same of the commons and of the clergy. And for the dealings with the clergy, the matter was by commission committed to this Bishop. Who when they came before him, used all the excuses that they could, to shift themselves from lending of any money: some came very seemly and well appareled, and awaited upon by their men, according to their livelihoods, and these alleged, that they were greatly charged in hospitality, and house keeping, with other charges incident to the same, so that they had no money, and therefore could pay none. Some came poorly and barely appareled, and they alleged that their liveliehoods were but small, and yet their charges great, and by that means the world was so hard with them, that they had it not to spare. This bishop having heard all these excuses, used this dilemma: to the richer sort he said, For as much as you are so well and seemly appareled, and do keep so great houses, and have all things necessary about you, it is a manifest argument, that you have some store about you, or else you would not do as ye do: and therefore ye must needs lend. To the others who pretend excuse of their poverty, he thus replied unto them; that For as much as they were so bare in their apparel, and so sparing of their expenses. It must needs be that they saved their purses and had money, and therefore they must needs pay, and so adjudgeth them to lend unto the prince. As he rose by learning, so he was a great favourer and furtherer of learning, and for the good increase of the same, he builded and founded Corporis christi college in Oxenford. In his latter days he waxed and was blind, and dying in Winchester, he was there buried in his own church, after that he had been Bishop of Excester six years, he was removed to bath, anno. 1492.  
Oliver King, immediately upon the transferring of Bishop Fox, was consecrated Bishop of this church, in February 1492. john Morton, then Archbishop of Canturburie. This Oliver was chaplain to king Henry the seventh, and Deane of Windesor, and register of the order of the Garter. In his time were the rebellions of joseph the blacksmith, in Cornwall, and of Perken Warebeke. This Bishop after that he had occupied this sea about five years, he died, anno. 1497. and as some suppose, he was buried at Windsor.  
RIchard Redman, immediately upon the death of Bishop Oliver King, was translated from his Bishopric in Wales, unto this city; but after five years he was removed unto the Bishopric of Elie, and installed there in September, anno. 1501. He was a Gentleman borne, and descended of a very worshipful house, which joined with his wisdom and learning, did much increase his credit and good report.  
IOhn Arundel, next after the translation of Bishop Redman, was removed from Coventrie and Lichféeld, unto this city, and was installed the xv. of March 1501. Wherein he sought not the preferment for any livelihoods, but rather desirous to be a dweller and resiant in his country where he was borne, for he was descended of the Arundels of Lanherne in Cornwall, a house of great antiquity and worship. He long enjoyed not his new Bishopric, for after two years after his installing, he had occasion to ride unto London, and there died and was buried in Saint Clement's church without Templebarre, anno. 1503.  
Hue Oldham, upon the death of Arundel, by the preferment of the Countisse of Richmond and Derby, unto whom he was Chaplain, was preferred unto this Bishopric, and installed in the same. He was a man having more zeal than knowledge, and more devotion than learning; somewhat rough in speeches, but friendly in doings. He was careful in the saving and defending of his liberties, for which, continual suits was between him, and the Abbot of Tavestoke, he was liberal to the vicar's choral of his church; and reduced them to the keeping of commons, and towards the maintenance thereof, he gave them certain revenues, and impropriated unto them the rectory of Cornwood; he albeit (of himself) he were not learned, yet a great favourer and a furtherer of learning, and of learned men. Notwithstanding, he was sometime crossed, in his honest attempt therein. He first was minded to have enlarged Excester college, in Oxford; as well in buildings, as in fellowships. But after being a requester to the fellows for one Atkins, to be a fellow; in whose favour he had written his letters, and was denied, he changed his mind, and his good will was alienated. About the same time, Doctor Smith Bishop of Lincoln, was building of the college, named Brazen nose, and was very willing and desirous to join with him: but being denied to have the nomination of a founder, his mind was changed. Not long after being advertised, that Bishop Fox of Winchester, was minded to erect and found a new college, joined with him, and contributed unto him a great mass of money, and so a college was builded for scholars, and great liveliehoods provided for them: and then the house was named Corporis christi college. Whereof the one of them bore the name of a founder, and the other of a benefactor. Howbeit some diversity was between these two Bishops, at the first, to what use this college should be employed: for the founder was of the mind that he would have made it for a house of monks, but the benefactor was of the contrary mind, and would have it for scholars; alleging that monks were but a sort of bussing fleas, and whose state could not long endure; whereas scholars brought up in learning, would be profitable members to the common wealth, and good ornaments to the church of God, and continue for ever. The founder being a wise man, and of a deep judgement, when he had well paused and considered hereof, yieldeth hereunto: and so it was concluded between them, to make and build a college for scholars. And forthwith for the good direction, guiding, and government of the said college, and scholars; such wise, good, and politic statutes and ordinances were by good advise and counsel devised, established, and ordained; as whereby the said college hath been, and yet continueth one of the best nurseries for training and instructing of good scholars in learning within that university. This bishop and the abbot of Tavestoke did still contend and continue in law, during their lives: and during which suit, this bishop died, being excommunicated at Room, and who could not be suffered to be buried, until an absolution from Rome was procured for him, after that he had been Bishop about xuj. years he died the xxv of june, 1519. and was buried in his own church.  
IOhn Voiseie, otherwise Harman, succeeded Oldham, by the preferment of K. Henry the eight, whose chaplain he then was, and Deane of his chapel, as also of this church, he was Doctor of the laws, very well learned and wise, and in great favour with the king, who sent him sundry times in embassages to foreign princes, he was Lord precedent of wales, and had the government of the kings only daughter, Lady Marie princess of Wales. Of all the Bishops in the land, he was accounted the courtlikest, and the best courtier, and although he were well reported for his learning, yet better liked for his courtlike behaviour, which in the end turned not so much to his credit, as to the utter ruin and spoil of the Church: for of xxij. Lordships and manors, which his predecessors had, and left unto him, of a goodly yearly revenue, he left but three, and them also leased out. And where he found xiv. houses well furnished, he left only one house bare, and without furniture, and yet charged with sundry fees and annuities; and by these means this bishopric, which sometimes was counted one of the best, is now become in temporal lands, one of the meanest: and according to the foreprophesying of Bishop Grandisson, a place ●arse left for the Bishop to lay and rest his head in, and yet nevertheless, he was a great favourer of learned men, and especially of Divines, whom he preferred in his church above others. He was very bounteous and liberal unto all men, but especially unto courtiers, unto his own kindred, and countrymen. Upon many he bestowed much, unto the confusion of some of them; and upon the other he spent much, by building of a town, named Sutton Colshull where he was borne, which he procured to be incorporated, & made a market town: and set up therein making of kerseys, but all which in the end came to small effect; in his time, after the death of King Henry the eight, there was an alteration of religion, by King Edward the sixth, whereof ensued rebellion, and a commotion in this diocese: which in some part was imputed to this Bishop, because he lay far from it, and dwelled in his own country. Whereupon he resigned the Bishopric, into the king's hands; after that he had been Bishop about thirty. years, and lived by the rents of the temporalty of the Bishopric, which when he alienated, and discontinued, he did receive unto him, for term of his own life.  
Miles' Coverdale, after the resignation of Voisie, was by king Edward made Bishop of this city, and consecrated at Lambeth by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, anno. 1550. He was borne in the North country, and from his childhood given to learning, wherein he profited very much: he was one of the first which professed the Gospel in this land; in the time of king Henry the eight, he translated the Bible out of the Hebrew into English, and wrote sundry books upon the scriptures, which doctrine being very new and strange in those days, and he very straightly pursued by the Bishops, made his escape, and passed over into low Germany, where he printed the Bibles of his translation, and sent them over into England, and thereof made his gain, whereby he lived: but the Bishops, namely Doctor Stokesley, Bishop of London, when he heard hereof, and minding to prevent that no such bibles should be dispersed within this realm, made inquiry where they were to be sold, and bought them all up, supposing that by this means no more Bibles would be had, but contrary to his expectation, it fell out otherwise; for the same money which the Bishop gave for these books, was sent over by the merchant unto this Coverdale, and by that means he was of that wealth and ability, that he imprinted as many more, and sent them over into England; but he was then so narrowly sought for, that he was driven to remove himself out of Flanders into Germany, and dwelled under the Palsgrave of Rhine, where he found much favour; first he taught young children, and having learned the dutch ●oong, the prince Palatine gave him a benefice, named Burgh●aber, where he continued and lived very well, partly by that benefice, and partly by the liberality of the Lord Cromewell, who was his good Lord and relieved him very much. At length when the religion was altered in England, and the Gospel had a free passage, he returned and did very much good in preaching of the same. And when the commotion in Devon was for religion, he was appointed to attend the Lord russel, when he came to suppress the same, and very shortly for his learning and godly life was made Bishop of this sea: who most worthily did perform the office committed unto him, he preached continually upon every holy day, and did read most commonly twice in the week, in some one church or other within this city. He was after the rate of his livings, a great keeper of hospitality, very sober in diet, godly in life, friendly to the godly, liberal to the poor, and courteous to all men; void of pride, full of humility, abhorring covetousness, and an enemy to all wickedness, and wicked men: whose companies he shunned, and and whom he would in no wise shroud, or have in his house and company. His wife a most sober, chaste, and godly matron; his house and household, another church, in which was exercised all godliness and virtue. No one person being in his house, which did not from time to time, give an account of his faith and religion, and also did live accordingly: and as he had a care for the good success in religion, so had he also for the direction of the government in ecclesiastical causes: and because he he was not skilful therein, neither would be hindered from his godly studies, and be encumbered with such worldly matters, which nevertheless he would have be done in all uprightness, justice, and equity, he sent to Oxford for a learned man, to be his Chancellor, and by the ministery of the writer hereof, he procured and obtained one Master Robert weston, Doctor of the civil law, and afterwards Lord Chancellor of Ireland, unto whom he committed his consistory, and the whole charge of his ecclesiastical jurisdiction; allowing unto him, not only all the fees thereunto appertaining, but also lodged and found him, his wife, family, horse, and man, within his own house, and gave him a yearly pension of xl. pound. And surely the Bishop was no more godly and careful of his part, concerning preaching, but this man also was as diligent and severe in doing of his office, without reproach of being affectionated or corrupted. And notwithstanding this good man, now a blameless Bishop, and lived most godly and virtuous, yet the common people, whose old bottles would receive no new wine, could not brook nor digest him, for no other cause, but because he was a preacher of the Gospel, an enemy to papistry, and a married man. Many devices were accounted against him, for his confusion; sometimes by false suggestions, sometimes bp open railings, and false libels; sometimes by secret backbitings; and in the end practised his death by empoisoning, but by the providence of God, the snares were broken and he delivered. After that he had been Bishop about three years K. Edward died, and then Queen Marie having the crown, the religion was altered, and he deprived. And notwithstanding, the malice of the Prelates and archpapists, was most bitter against him, and who had sworn his death, yet by the goodness of God, he was most miracouslie preserved, and delivered from out of their hands, at the suit and by the means of the king of Denmark: who so earnestly sewed, and so often wrote to the Queen for him, that he was delivered and sent unto him, with whom after that he had stayed a while, he went again into Germany unto the palsgrave, who most lovingly received him, placed him again in his former benefice of Burghsaber, where he continued until the death of Q. Marie. And then the preaching of the Gospel being again received, and having a free passage, he returned into England, but would never return to his Bishopric; notwithstanding it was reserved for him: and sundry times offered him, but lived a private life, continuing in London, preaching and teaching the Gospel, so long as the strength of his body would permit; and at length being very old and stricken in years, he died and was honourably buried at S. Magnus' church in London.  
IOhn Voiseie, after the deprivation of Miles Coverdale, was restored to this church, and for the better settling of the Romish religion, did here stay for a while: but his mind was addicted to his own country, that he returned thither, and made his only abode there, practising there what he could, to have the making of kerseys, to come to seem effect; but the same being more chargeable than profitable, came to small effect: this man being very old died in his own house, with a pang, and was buried in his parish church there, anno 1555.  
IAmes Troblefield, succeeded Bishop Voiseie, and was consecrated, anno 1556. he was a gentleman borne, and of a good house, very gentle and courteous, he professed divinity, but most zealous in the Romish religion, & yet nothing cruel nor bloody. And yet that he might not seem to do nothing, he was contented to prosecute and condemn a guiltless poor silly woman, named Agnes Pirest for religion & heresy, & who was burned in Southingham for the same; it was laid to her charge as doth appear, by an indictment taken at Launceston, Die lunae in quarta septimana quadragesimae anno Philippi & Maria, secundo & tertio, before William Stanford, than justice of the assize, that she should deny the real presence in the sacrament of the altar: and that the same was but a sign and a figure of Christ's body, and that none doth eat really the body of Christ but spiritually. He was very careful to recover some part of the lands of his Bishopric, which his predecessor wasted, and did obtain of Q. Marry, to him and to his successors, the fee ferme of the manor of Crediton. After that he had been Bishop about two years Q. Marry died, and he was deprived, and lived after a private life.  
WIlliam Alleie, in the second year of Q. Elizabeth, was chosen Bishop, and installed the sixth of August, 1561. In all Q. Mary's time, which were called the Marian days, he traveled from place to place, in the North country, where he was not known; and sometimes by practising of physic, and sometimes by teaching of scholars, he picked out a poor living for himself and his wife, and so continued, being not known to have been a priest, during all Q. Mary's time: after whose death he went to London, and there did read divinity lecture in Paul's very learnedly, and to his great commendation; and from whence he was taken and made Bishop of this city. He was very well learned universally, but his chief study and profession was in divinity, and in the tongues. And being Bishop, he debated no part of his former travels, 〈◊〉 spent his time very godly and virtuous. Upon every holy day for the most part he preached, and upon the week days he would and did read a lecture of divinity; the residue of his time, and free from his necessary business, he spent in his private studies, and wrote sundry books, whereof his prelections or lectures which he did read in Paul's, and his poor man's library he caused to be imprinted: the like he would have done with his Hebrew grammar, and other his works, if he had lived. He was well stored, and his library well replenished, with all the best sort of writers, which most gladly he would impart and make open to every good scholar and student, whose company and conference he did most desire and embrace: he seemed to the first appearance, to be a rough and an austere man, but in very truth, a very covetous, gentle, and an affable man; at his table full of honest speeches, joined with learning, and pleasantness, according to the time, place, and company. All his exercises which for the most part was at bowls, very merry and pleasant, void of all sadness, which might abate the benefit of recreation, loath to offend, ready to forgive, void of malice, full of love, bountiful in hospitality, liberal to the poor, and a succourer of the needy, faithful to his friend, and courteous to all men; a hater of covetousness, and an enemy to all evil and wicked men, and lived an honest, a godly, and virtuous life. Finally he was endued with many notable good gifts and virtues, only he was somewhat credulous, and of a hasty belief, and of light credit, which he did oftentimes mislike, and blame in himself; in his latter time, he waxed somewhat gross, and his body full of humours, which did abate much of his wonted exercises, and having been Bishop about eight years he died the first of April 1570. and was buried in his own church.  
WIlliam Bradbridge, Deane of Sarisburie, was the next Bishop, & consecrated at Lambhith, by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canturburie, the 18. of March 1570. he was a professor of divinity, but not taken to be so well grounded as he persuaded himself, he was zealous in religion, but not so forwards as he was wished to be, in his latter days, he delighted to dwell in the country, which was not so much to his liking, as troublesome to his clergy, & to such as had any suits unto him, it was thought he died very rich, but after his death it proved otherwise, he died suddenly, no body being about him at Newton ferris, the ninth year of his bishopric, upon the xxix. of julie 1578. and was buried in his own church.  
IOhn Wolton, now living, next after Bradbridge, was called to be Bishop of the sea, and consecrated at Lambhith, by Edmond Grendall, Archbishop of Canturburie, in August 1579. He is a professor of divinity, and a preacher of the Gospel, and universally seen in all good letters; great good things are looked and hoped for at his hands, and that he being now made a watchman over the house of Israel, and a shepherd over the Lords flock, to be a minister of the Gospel, and a disposer of God's holy mysteries, will attend the same, and perform the office of a true Bishop, in preaching in season and out of season, not by constraint or slowly, but willingly and gladly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: by leading an unreprovable life, to be example of good works, in all sobriety, patience, gentleness, and integrity. And that he living thus godly in this life, may not only have a good report to the posterity; but also look for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of God and of our Saviour jesus Christ, that when he shall present himself and his talon the people of God before the high and chief shepherd, they may all enter into the Lord's joy, and receive an incorruptible crown of glory.  
FINIS.