THE DESCRIPTION OF the City of Excester, collected and gathered by john Vowel alias Hooker, gentleman, and Chamberlain of the same City.  
EXcester or Exeter is a famous and ancient City, being the Metropole and Emporium of the west parts of England, situated in the Province called Devonia, which is Devonshéer. Of the first foundation thereof (by reason of the sundry invations of foreign and strange nations, and of their hostilities and mortal wars, in burning and destroying this City) there remaineth no certain memorial, neither among the records of the said City, nor yet in any other writer. But most certain it is that it was first builded by the Brutes or Britons, for the names which they gave unto it: are yet at these presents had in remembrance, as 
Brutus.  well among the chronographers of this Realm: as also among the Cornish people, who sometimes were one with this Province, but are now in a Province of themselves and borderers to this, being the remanent of the blood of Brutus.  
For when Cadwallader King of this land by reason of a great 
Cadwallader.  famine and Pestilence, was enforced to forsake the same and flee into little Britain (which now is under the dition of the French King) divers and most part of his people fled also, some into Wales and some into Cornwall, where ever sithence they and after them their posterity have remained and continued.  
The old chronographers searchers, and writers of antiquities, 
Corinnia.  do find that this City was called Corinia, and thereof the Monaltary of this City was called Ecclesia Coriniensis: which name if it were first given as it should seem by Corineus, who after the arrival of Brutus into this land, was made the first Duke of these two Provinces of Devon, and Cornwall, and who then after his own name called it Corinia, but now Corinibia, whereof this City ever hath been and is the Metropolie and Emporium and always parcel, sometimes of the kingdom, then of the Duchy, & afterwards of the Earldom, and now again the Duchy of Cornwall, out of all doubt it is of no less antiquity than the said names do import.  
The Britons in their fung call it by sundry and divers names. The first and eldest in remembrance in their speech 
Cairpenhulgoit.  is Cairpenhulgoyte, that is to say, the prosperous chief Town in the wood, as it doth appear by Geftery of Monmoth and Ponticus Virimus. It was also called Penhaltcayr, that is to say, the chief City or Town upon the hill, as appeareth in the 
Penhaltcair.  traverse between the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of this City, and the Mayor and commonalty of the same: in a long suit concerning their liberties.  
But the names which the Cornish people do at these presents remember & retain are Pencayr, Cayrruthe, Cayrriske. 
Pencayr. Cayrruth. Cayrriske.  Pencayr is to say the chief City. Cayrruthe signifieth the read City, taking that name of the soil of the ground whereupon it is situated, which is read. Cayrryske is the City of Iske being so called, and taking his denominatation of the River which fleeteth by the said City called in British Iske. And of this name Hovedon in his Chronicle maketh mention saying thus, Anno domini. 877. Excercitus danorum, ab warham nocte quadam federe dirupto ad Exancester diverterunt quod brittannice dicitur Caerwiske. Ptolomeus the famous Astronomer, who was about the year of our Lord 162. (Coel being King of this land) nameth the City Isca and the River 
king Coil  Isaca. And Bale the searcher of antiquities, following the same opinion doth also name the City Isca and the in habitant or dweller therein Iscanus. But under corection and 
Bale.  with reverence be it said, a man may think that Ptolomeus being in Alexandria, and so far distant from this Realm was happily misinformed: or else the Printer mistaken because it is most likely that the River should be called Isca according to the British speech in those days when it was called Isca, which name by transposing of two middle letters doth yet remain, being now named Icsa. or Ecsa. But whatsoever Ptolomeus or Baleus censures and judgements be herein: it is most certain, that the names which the Britons gave were of longest continuance, and this City called by their dominations by the space of xv. hundred years until the coming of the Saxons, the picts, and Scots into this Realm, which was about the year of our Lord 450, for they as they prevailed and conquered: did always altar and change the names of all places and Towns, accounting it a great part of their glory and renown to give new names of their own device, or of their own native countries, for so writ the chronographers.  
Picti, Scoti, Angli, Daci et Normandi, in hac insula rerum potiti, cuncta immutarunt, pro trophaeis habentes, Locis a se devictis nova imponere nomina. Wherefore as of all other Cities and Towns (few excepted) so of this also they changed 
Muncketon.  and altered the old names and called it Muncketon, by which name it was so called by the space of three hundredth and odd years, until the time and coming of King Adlestane. For he about the year of our Lord 932. being much grieved with 
Adlestane  the Rebellion of the Cornish people, because they refused and denied to acknowledge him for their lawful King: did bend his power, and conducted his army against them, and (with force when he had subdued them) returned to this City, and for a perpetual memory to this common wealth, whiles he sojourned himself therein: repaired and new builded the City and the walls thereof, which before with force and fire were utterly destroyed. And then altered and changed the name thereof calling it after the name of the River Esseterra or Exeterra, that 
Exeterra.  that is to say Exeter. For so writeth Polidorus. Est Exonia urbs Devonie comitatus loco precelso ad occidentem versus posita abluiturque flumine Exi, a quo nomen habet.  
Others therebe which name it Excestrum, and thinketh it to 
Excestre.  be so called of the River which is named Exestrum, for this writ they Clarissima urbum est Excestria, que ab amni Excestro, qui eandem preterfluit, est sic nuncupata.  
I find it also in an old written Chronicle that it is named 
Exancestre.  Exancestria or Exancestre, which name should seem to be so given, by the Saxons at their abode and being in this land, for commonly the names which they gave to such Towns, Cities and Forts as they either builded or re-edified, did end in Cestre as Chestre, as Glocestre, Lecestre, Manchester, winchestre, worcestre, Oscestre, Colchestre, Cicestre, Ilcestre, Bicestre and this City of Exancestre with others, for Cair in British, and Cestre ïn Saxony, is in English a Fort, Town or Castle.  
This City is walled round about, and so is thought was from the begininig. It is all together four square, but declineth towards a roundness, and containeth in circuit or compass xuj. hundred whole paces, after five foot to the pace, which accounting one thousand paces to a Mile: is a mile and half and some what more.  
The situation of it is very pleasant and amenous, being set upon a little hill among many hills, the country round about being Mountanose and full of hills. It is pendent towards the South and West parts after and in such sort, that be the Streets never so foul or filthy: yet with a shower of rain they are cleansed and made sweet. And albeit commonly hills are dry: yet nature is so beneficial to this hill that it is full of springis, and by that means every part of the City is furnished with wells and Tyepittes, the commodity whereof hath well appeared in sundry times of necessity, but especially in the late Commotion which was in the year of our Lord 1549. for though then the enemy by spoiling of the Pipes, whereby water was conveyed to the fountains of the City from certain Springs distant not a Mile from the same, did abridge them of that water: yet most comfortably did they enjoy the wells and Tyepittes within the walls, which abundantly fléeted with waters to the satisfying of all the people therein.  
There are also within this City certain Fountains called Conduits, unto which through certain canalis or Pipes of Lead, waters are conveyed from Springs rising out of certain places and fields without this City, and these waters are of most price, the same by reason of the carriage being purified and made lighter than the waters springing within the City, and by that means more fit for the dressing of meats. Of these Fountains one being of great antiquity, and of later réedifyed, standeth in the middle of the City at the meeting of four principal Streets thereof, and whereof it taketh his name, being called the Conduit at Quarterfoys or Carsoxe, and this serveth each part of the City a like.  
At the higher part of this City, is a very old and ancient Castle called by the name of Rugemont, that is to say the read hill, taking that name of the read Earth whereupon it standeth. The Cite of it is eminent, and above both the City and country adjoining, for they do all lie as under the lee thereof. It hath a goodly prospect towards the Seas, for between that and it is no hill at all, it is strongly ditched round about, and was so builded (as is thought) by julius Caesar or rather by the Romans after him, for they had their recourse to it for their defence and refuge many years.  
The same also was sometimes the Palace of such Kings, as to whom the Kingdom of west Sex or west Saxons was allotted unto. After that: it was the habitation of the Earls of Cornwall, and last of all to the Dukes of Exon, and of Cornwall, for to those estates: the signiory of this City did appertain, the same being parcel sometimes of the Earldom, but now of the Duchy of Cornwall It. is now in marvelous ruin and decay, not easily by force to be gotten, were it réedified and environed.  
At the lower end and part of this City, without the walls: fleeteth a goodly River called in British Iske. Ptholomeus by misinformation calleth it Isaca, but the old writers name it Esle, Exe, Ex● or Excestrum, which names be yet retained.  
It hath his spring or head in a certain Moer or desert, distant from this City near about xxiv. miles called Exemore: it floweth into the main Seas, but by the way is increced with sundry Rivers, Brooks and Lakes, namely: Creedy, Collome, and others, in it is great plenty of Salmon, Trout, Peal, dace, Pike, and other fresh water Fish, which are had in the less price for that the Seas being so near: do furnish the City and the country abundantly with sundry kinds of Sea Fish most delicate. The main Sea itself is not distant from the City above eight miles out whereof cometh an Arm serving for the Port of the same, which sometimes as appeareth by old and ancient records: did flow up to the walls of the City, where both Ships were wont to be laden and unladen, of all kind of Merchandise at a proper place appointed for the same, which at this presents keepeth his old and ancient name, being callen the Water gate.  
The decay thereof happened in the year of our Lord 1312. 
Courtney  by one Hugh Courtney the third of that name, and Earl of Devon who being offended and incensed against this City, his wrathful humour could not be satisfied unless he might impair the state of that common wealth, and therefore seeing and understanding among other commodities, the use of the Haven to be one of the chiefest: did never quiet himself until he had destroyed the same. Wherefore in the year of our Lord 1313. being the fifth year of the reign of King Edward the second, he enterprised his pretenced devise and mischief.  
For where as the Lady Awmerle Countess of Devon his Ancestrix, had builded certain Wears upon the River of Exe, th'one within the manor of Exminster, being in the west side of the River and th'other within her manor of Topsham, béging in the East side of the River: leving between the said two wears, a certain aparture or open room of thirty foot, through which all Botes, Ships and Uessails without let might have their usual passage and repassage, towards and from this City. The said Earl to abridge & destroy this commodity: did levy & build a new Wear in the said open place, stopping, filing and quirting the same with trees, timber and Stones, in such sort that no vessail could pass or repass.  
After him Edward Courtney Earl of Devon and Nephew to the said Hugh did not only maintain and continue the fact of his ancestor and grandfather, by daily repairing and defending the same: but also working an utter destruction for any passage for Ships thenceforth to the City, under pretence to build certain Milles, did erect and make two other wears, the one Saint james overthwart the River, and the other at Lamperford, by means whereof, not only the City sustained the whole loss of their haven: but the whole Country adjoining, for which injuries upon complaints made, writs and commissions of inquiry were sent out, & the said Earls for the same by verdict and presentment, at several times found guilty, but such was his authority and power: that it availed nothing.  
Nevertheless the said Earl Hugh (the water course unto the City thus destroyed) builded a place called a Key, for the charge and discharge of all Wares and Merchandise within that port, at a Town of his own called Topsham, distant from the City about three miles, from whence ever since all wares and Merchandises have been carried and recaryed to and from the City by Horse, Cart or Wain, though to the gain of the Earl and his Tenants: yet to the great trouble and hindrance of this City and merchants thereof. Nevertheless the port hath evermore, & yet doth retain his old and ancient name, being called the Port of this City of Exon, and always hath been and presently is a tribute paid unto the City for all kinds of wares and Merchandise discharged within that Port, and called by the name of the petty & town custom.  
And albeit the water course thus destroyed, can hardly be restored to his old pristinate & natural estate, for that through long continuance the old course cannot be discerned: yet now at length after many attempts and great expenses, a water course and passage begun in the year. 1564. is recovered, and by sluices, Botes and vessailes of xx. tons tied are brought to the City, and there discharged at the old and ancient place called the Water gate▪ Where is builded a fair and a large Key or Wharf, as also an engine called a Crane fit for the purpose.  
Within this City were sometime but few parish Churches, but when that Innocencius tertius, in the year of our Lord 1198. had established the Article of transubstantiation adding the same to the Symbol, as appeareth in the Decretal, titulo de summa trinitate, canon, firmiter, them his next successor Honorius, Anno. 1218. did not only confirm the same: but also decreed Reservation, Candlelight and praying for the dead as appeareth Decret. titulo de celebratione missarum, canon, sane cum et sane cum creatura, by which means the number of Priests did not only increase: but Churches also in all places began daily to be builded. And therefore in this City in the year of our Lord, 1222. being the uj year of Henry the third, the parish Churches therein were limited out and augmented to the number of xix. Churches within the City and suburbs of the same. And most certain it is, that in times past they were livings competent and sufficient to maintain an Incumbent, but that kind of Religion now avoided & the Gospel preached: the livelihods are so small as not sufficient to maintain a poor Clerk or Scholar, which is the cause that so many of them do lie vacant without Incumbents.  
Besides these parish Churches, there was also a Monastery 
Church of Exon.  sometime of Monks of Saint Benet's order, but sithence a Cathedral Church being very fair and sumptuously builded, with free Stones, and the Pillars of grey Marble, standing and 
Ethelwol phus.  situated in the East part of the City, which as some do report that Etheldred the third Son of Ethelwolphus should first found and build. Some think that King Edgar did it, truth it is that both the said Kings builded every of them a house of Religious persons within this City, but the first was 
Etheldred  utterly burnt and destroyed by the Danes: and th'other in process of time united to the Monastery, which now is a Cathedral 
Edgar.  Church, which is most certain and true that King Athelstane the Son of King Edward the elder did both found and build it, as it doth plainly appear in the history of the said Church where it is written. Athelstanus subiugatis cornuquallensibus reversus est ad civitatem que antiquitu▪ Muncketon vocabatur, nunc autem Exeter, ac ibi sedens Anno. 932▪ non tam lacerata eiusdem Civitatis maenia reparabat, quin et mansum quoddam dedit ad fundandum Monasterium pro monachis Deo et Sancto Petro famulantibus. This King besides his expenses & charges in building of this Church (which at the first was but small) placed therein monks of S. Benettes order, provided livelehodes for them, and made unto them a governor and Ruler called by the name of an abbot, towards whose livelihodes he gave Morckshull and Treasurers Bear, which at these presents do yet remain being annexed to the dignity of the Tresurership. The Church thus begun: Kings, Princes, and noble men (from time to time) were gladly contributors to the absolving and finishing of the same. For about lxxx. and odd years after Adlestene. King Knoght called Cahutus or Canutus at the sugestion of one of his Dukes named 
Canutus  Athelred, did confirm and grant to Athelwolde (than Abbot of the said Church) & to his successors, many and sundry privileges and liberties, under his Letters patents, dated the second year of his reign. Anno domini▪ 1019.  
After him near about thirty. years King Edward the confessor 
S. Edward,  removed the monks unto Westminster, and made this a Cathedral Church, removing the Sea then at Crediton to this City, making Leofricus Bishop thereof, as appeareth by his letters Patents dated the viy year of his reign, An. 1050. Howbe 
Leofricus  it the Monk of Bury and Polidorus & others, do affirm and writ that the settling of this Bishop's seat in this City, was in the xij. year of William the Conqueror, for thus they writ. Habitum est Londini sub Lanfranco Antistitum et sacerdotum comitium, quo decretum est, quod aliquot sedes Episcopales, que in opidulis et pagis ante fuerant, in urbibus et locis celeberrimis, collocarentur, quo factum est, ut Bathonia Lincolnia, Sarisburia, Exonia, Cestria et Cicestria urbes, huiusmodi, novis Episcoporum domiciliis sunt nobilitate. But the reverence of these writers reserved, this cannot be so of this Church, the Charter thereof witnesing the contrary, & declaring how that King Edward & Edith his wife did put Bishop Leofricus in possession of this Sea themselves.  
Likewise William the Conqueror in the third year of his reign. Anno. 1069. did not only confirm the former Charter, but also at the instance and suit of William wareweste then his Chaplain and after Bishop of the same Sea, did give unto it the signory of Plimpton, Brampton and S. Stephens, in Exeter, which the said William being Bishop did distribute, giving Plympton to the cannons there, Brampton was afterward annexed to the Deanery, but Saint Stephens with a Court Baron to the same, was always reserved to the Bishop and his successors, whereby they are Barons and so Lords of the Parliament. It was also enlarged from time to time, with possessions, revenues, buildings, riches & privileges, by Kings, Princes, Prelates, Bishops, and sundry others▪ as hereafter I shall particularly touch & declare by God's grace at large in a particular Book thereof. And this one thing is to be noted, that albeit there were near iiij. hundred years distant from the foundation to the absolving thereof: yet is so uniformly and decently compact, as though it had been builded at one instant.  
The Bishop is distinct from the cannons, both in house and revenue, his livelihods being no parcel of that which doth appertain to the Church and cannons. It was sometimes of great large revenues, but the more part thereof prodigally hath been exhaunsed by a wasteful Bishop.  
The Bishop and cannons have very fair houses which are situated about the Church and Cemitory, and are enclosed every night, by shutting fast of certain gates, whereby they claim themselves to be exempted from the jurisdiction of the City. In the middle thereof: is a very fair Conduct or fountain, where into waters by certain pipes are conveyed from certain places out of the City, and the same from thence conveyed to the Bishops, and some of the cannons houses.  
The City itself is very populus, & was sometimes chiefly inhabited with Clothier's or Clothworkers of broad clotheses, serving much for the Spanish and South Countries, which were of such goodness and substance: as that the names of them do yet continue in these parties, but now it is chiefly inhabited with merchants, Kersey Clothier's & of all sorts of Artificers, among whom the Merchants are the chiefest & the wealthiest.  
The government of this City was sometimes by four Bailiffs called Provostres, but shortly after the Conquest: there was ordered a Senate of xxxuj, and in these latter days of xxiv▪ persons of the most sober, grave and wisest Commoners and franchised men of the same, of which number one was and is yéerly choose to be the chiefest governor for the year following and is called by the name of a Mayor.  
This Mayor associated with the foresaid four Bailiffs, hath the discerning of and in all manner of actions betwixt party and party, & for which he keepeth on every Monday a Court in the Guild hall of the said City, but the Bailiffs having the like jurisdiction: do according to their old and ancient customs keep the like Courts, being distinct from the Mayor at all days and times when them best liketh, which their Court: is called by the name of the Provostres Court, for Provostres was their first names. Thus the Mayor and Bailiffs both jointly and severally have jurisdiction to discern in causes between party and party, but if the matter do touch the Prince, the Crown, the common peace, or the state of the City and the common wealth of the same: then the same are decided and determined either by the Mayor and Justices, or by the Mayor and common Council, or by the Mayor himself, or by some other Officer or officers according to the nature or quality of the cause or matter. But because it requireth a large discourse to describe the government of the common wealth of this City, the charge of every several Officer, the diversity of officers, their several jurisdictions, with a number of other things incident to their charges: I do mind hereafter by God's grace, at large to set the same forth in such sort that all estates and degrees, and every particular Officer and other person within that City shall know his charge, Office and duty, and what to every of them appertaineth.  
In the mean time: let it suffice that partly through good government and partly of a civil inclination, the people of this City as very obsequions and obedient to the Queen and her laws, and have in great reverence and awe, their governors and Magistrates for the time being. And this one thing is not so strange as notable, that even from the beginning, they have from time to time been careful for their common wealth, & most vigilant for the preservation thereof, which as in time of peace they did well rule & govern: so also in the troublesome times and unquiet estates they have most valiantly defended against the incurtions and assaults of their enemies, as by the sundry Histories it may appear.  
For Arviragus, King of this land minding to stay the Realm in his ancient liberties: denied to pay to the Romans the tribute which they demanded, wherefore Claudius the Emperor sent Vespasian the Duke of the Roman Army into this Realm, either to recover the tribute or to subdue the land. This Vespasian is he who in the xxiv. year after this did besiege and destroy Iherusalem, wherefore the Duke landing in Torbay which was then called Totonesium littus, came to this City, laid siege to the same, with continual assaults and batteries for eight days. Arviragus the King being then in the East parts and hearing of this: gathereth his Army and power, marcheth towards this City and encountereth with the enemy. The Roman after long fight (not able to prevail) endeth the matter by composition, and because this shall not seem to be a devised and feigned matter: I will writ the words of four sundry Histories. The Chronicle of the Cathedral Church of the said City hath these words Anno dom. 49.  
Vespasianus, cum Romano exercitu civitatem nunc voca tam Exeter octo diebus obsedit: sed minime prevaluit, Aruirago Rege Civibus auxilium prestante.  
Gaulfride of Monmothe writeth thus. Vespasianus a Claudio missus est, ut Aruiragun vel pacificaret, vel Romanae subiectioni restitueret: cum igitur in portu in rutupi applicare Vespasianus cepisset: obuiavit ei Arviragus, atque prohibuit ne portum ingrederetur retraxit itaque se vespasianus a portu illo, retortisque velis in littore Totnesio applicuit: nactus de inde tellurem Kayerpenhulgoite que nunc Exoma vocatur obsessurus eandem adivit cumque diebus octo eam obsedisset, superuenit Arviragus cum exercitu suo, preliumque commisit: die illa valde laceratus sunt utrorumque exercitus: sed neuter est potitus victoria: mane autem facto, mediant Gen wissa Regina concords effecti sunt. Matthew of Westminster writeth. Arviragus Britannorum Rex in tantam prolapsus est superbiam quod Romanae potestati noluit diutius subiectione parere: Vespasianus igitura Claudio missus, cum in rutupi portu applicare incepisset, Arviragus illi obuians prohibuit ne ingrederetur: ac Vespasianus retortis velis in Totonesio littore applicuit: et civitatem que Britannice Kayer penhuelgoite nunc autem Exonia appellatur obsedit: elapsis inde septem diebus Arviragus superuenit, preliumque cum Romanis commisit et utrorumque exercitu valde lacerato, mediant Genwissa Claudii filia, duces amici facti sunt.  
In the History entitled, Nova Cronica de gestis Anglorum a Britonibus usque ad Henricum sextum: in effect is written the like. Vespasianus a Claudio missus est ut Aruiragun pacisicare vel Romani ditioni restitueret, cui obuians Arviragus prohibuit ne terram suam ingrederetur: timens Vespasianus armatorum cohortem retraxit seize retortisque velis in Totonesio littore est appulsus, atque urbem Exone obsedit: post septem dies superuenit Arviragus: prelium committitur, laceraturque utrorumque exercitus, sed neuter potitur victoria: demum mediant Genuissa Regina reconciliati snnt.  
It was also in many troubles and great perplexities in the uncertain and troublesome estates of this Realm, when some times the romans, sometimes the Picts, sometimes the Scots & sometimes the Saxons made their incursions & wars upon & in this land, by reason whereof the Records & memorials of the states in those days were for the most part lost and consumed. And yet nevertheless Matthew of Westminster writeth that it was besieged by Penda King of Mercia. An. 
Edwin.  632. in the time of Cadwallin one of the last Kings of the Britons. The history is Edwin the Saxon King of the Northumber's, having wars against Cadwalline or Cadwallo, did so 
Cadwalline.  prevail and had such conquests over him, that he was fain and driven to forsake his Realm of Wales and flee into Ireland: where Cadwallo being careful to recover his land & country: repaired his Army and gathered a new force, and often times did attempt to land there within his own country, but all was in vain, for Edwin was ever in readiness and always resisting him would not suffer him to land in any place.  
For this Edwin had about him a certain man named Pellitus who was a Magician & skilful in Necromancy, and by his science and Art: did for show & declare unto Edwin what things were a doing and attempted against him.  
Cadwallo having such evil success: was in utter despair to recover or avail against Edwin, wherefore he sailed into Armorica now called Britain unto the king thereof named Solomon to whom he disclosed his miserable estate & fortune, as also complained much of Pellitus & of his sorceries. When these two Kings had consulted of the matter: it was at length concluded & thought best, that some witty and bold man should be sent over and give the attempt to kill Pellitus, whereupon Brienus Nephew to king Cadwallo taketh upon him to attempt this matter, & appareling himself in poor man's weed: saileth over into England and traveleth unto York where King Edwin lay & kept his Court. And there he joined and accompanied himself among the poor people, whose custom and manner was to lie about the King's gates, at dinner and Supper times, awaiting for the Alms after Dinner and Supper. Pellitus being the King's Alomener and having the charge to distribute the alms: cometh forth and setteth the poor people in order. Brienus by his being there: watcheth his time to work his feat, and suddenly in the press of the people, with his weapon which he had prepared for the purpose: thrusteth Pellitus into the body and killeth him, and forth with (the thing in such a throng not perceived) shifteth himself away privily, and through woods, thickets, hills and Dales, cometh to Exeter, where he discloseth and declareth unto the Britons what he had done, they glad and rejoicing hereof, and hoping that now their King Cadwallo would return: do prepare and make ready both themselves and the City aswell for the resisting of their enemies: as also for the receiving and aiding of their King.  
Penda hearing of this injury done to King Edwin his country man, and minding to revenge the same: gathered a great army of Saxons, marcheth unto Exeter and besiegeth the same round about, minding the utter subversion of the City, and nation, but the Citizens and Britons manfully withstanding his force: defended both themselves and their City, until that king Cadwallo (being hereof advertised) did with his force come over, who not only rescued & delivered both his City and country: but also joining battle with his enemies gave them the overthrow.  
3 It was also in great trouble in the time of King Alured 
Alphred  or Alphred the fourth Son of Ethelwolphus, for Polidorus and others do writ that in the fifth year of the said kings reign: the Danes concluded a peace with the King, and gave hostages for the keeping thereof, notwithstanding contrary to the same, most perfidiously they assembled themselves and with all haste marched towards this City & perforce entered & took the same.  
Daci etenim qui Religionem et fidem pre suo commodo postponendam ducebant Londino se moventes maximus iti neribus Exoniam proficiscuntur: urbemque per vim capiunt. but long they enjoyed no rest there: for the winter passed, the King to be revenged of their perjury: marched towards the said City with his power, which the Danes understanding, and not able to abide the vexation and trouble of the Citizens: would not abide the end, but fled some to Dartmouth, & there took shipping, who were in a tempest at the Seas for the most part drowned, some fled to Chipenham or as sun writ to Bristol, whom the king so hardly pursued that he never gave over until he had overcome them, and slain their Captains, Hubbert and Hungar.  
4 Likewise in the xix. year of the reign of the said king, the Danes contrary to their faith, pledges and promises did again come to this City and laid siege to the same. Danorum Excercitus Anno. 877. ab warham nocte quadam federe dirupto ad Excancestre diverterunt quod Britannici dicitur Cayerewise at audito Regis adventu: ad puppes fugerunt, et in mare predantes manebant.  
5 It was also besieged by the said Danes in the xix year. of king Elgered. Anno. 1001. For the Danes which were then in normandy hearing of the good luck, success and great spoils their company in England had in every place, and their teeth set on edge therewith: suddenly prepared their Ships to sail & come over, and as it chanced they landed upon the costs of Devon and forthwith took their journey and marched towards this city of Exon, thinking to have found them napping, and to have taken them unwares and upon a sudden. Sed Civibus viriliter resistentibus recesserunt, the inhabitants and people of Devon, Somerset and Dorset hearing thereof: in all haste assembled themselves minding both to rescue the City, as also to encounter and adventure the field with the Danes. And meeting with them as they were coming from the siege of the City: joined battle with them at a place called Pinho distant about iij, miles from the City, where was a cruel fight and a great slaughter had between them. And thus doth Hovedon also testify for saith he, Memoratus paganorum exercitus de Normannia in Angliam revectus ostium flwii Eaxe ingreditur et mox ad extinguendam urbem Exancestre egreditur sed dum murum illius destruere moliretur ac civibus urbem viriliter defendentibus repellitur: unde nimis exasperatus more solito villas succendendo agros depopulando hominesque cedendo, per domnoniam vagatur: quare domnanienses in unum congregati, in loco qui dicitur Pinho certamen cum eyes ineunt.  
King Sweno being in Denmark & advertised hereof, as also 
Sweno.  how King Eldred alias Etheldred or Egelred, had caused all the Danes in the Realm suddenly in one night to be slain, being much grieved therewith: did provide & prepare an army for the revenge thereof, and in the year. 1002. landing into divers parts of this Realm did most cruelly spoil the land▪ slay the people and bring the whole estate to an unspeakable misery. But at length (receiving a tribute for peace) returned home again into his own country, howbeit the Citizens of Exon hearing of this cruelty used in the East parts: made themselves strong and prepared the City in readiness to withstand the force of such an enemy, if happily he should attempt hostilite and force against them. But the Dane being returned heme and knowing nothing of this preparation: one Hugh than Earl of Devon, (as Princes lack no fawners) sent his letters into Denmark to King Sweno, certifying him both of the slate & wealth of this City, and of the great preparation made therein to with stand him, persuading him not to sustain such a matter, and as Coles willbe soon enkindled: so forthwith the Dane was in his heat, and prepared all things in a readiness to work his will against this City.  
Wherefore the year following being the year of our Lord 1003. he landed upon the costs of Devon and Cornwall, with a huge host and marching towards this City gave and laid siege to the same in the beginning of August and continued until the xiv. of the kalends of September, during which time, though the assaults were often fierce and cruel: yet there wanted no stomach in the Citizens to withstand the same. But in continuance of time when they saw themselves week, Uictualles to fail, the fire round about them, their walls beaten down, themselves daily slaughtered and murdered, and with this their decay, the enemy to be the stronger, and yet in all their distress their king Eldred fled into normandy having no care for their miseries, nor preparing rescues, for their aid and secure: it was no marvel though in so heavy a case they were amazed and astonished, & yet consulting & considering with themselves that Sweno was a Dane, a cruel enemy, a bloody murderer & a very usurper, having no other title to the Realm of England but tyranny: did with one consent agree and conclude never to yield or give over as long as any were left alive, which might with stand such an enemy, wishing rather to die in truth, and for their common wealth: then to live with reproach and infamy, and to depart rather with mortal Fame: then to be miserable slaves to an usurping tyrant. When therefore after many long assaults they were spent and few or none left alive to withstand so mighty & so many enemies: the Dane on the. xxvij. of August entered the City, and when he had served his bloody appetite, in murdering the poor widows and Children: he spoiled the City, burned the houses, razed the walls, beaten down the Temples, and left nothing which either by sword, fire or spoiling might be consumed.  
And so Renolph writeth. Dici cum suo Rege Swano Excestriam venerunt et urbem funditus destruxerunt, nulla re incolumir▪ licta, que aut ferro aut igne poterat vastari. et omnia spolia cineribus tantum relictis, secum deportaverunt.  
The like words Henry of Huntingdon in the sixth Book of his histories, writeth in this sort. Anno dom. 1003, Daci ira exarserunt, sicut ignis quem sanguine velit aliquis extinguere: advolantes igitur quasi multitudo locustarum quidam Exestriam venerunt, et urbem totam funditus destruxerunt, et omnia spolia secum, cineribus tantum relictis deportaverunt. Hovedon also writeth. Rex danorum Swein per iniuriam et proditionem Normanici comitis hugonis quem Emma Domnaniae prefecerat, civitatem Exon infregit spoliavit murum ab orientali usque ad occidentalem portam destrux it et cum ingenti praeda naves repetiit. 
William Conqueror.   
6 It was also besieged by William the Conqueror in the first year of his reign Anno. 1068.: for when he first entered the land using by dent of Sword all hostility: this City entering in league with the nobility and Towns of this Country, did conclude and promise', each to the other to withstand the enemy to the uttermost, & accordingly did prepare for the same, but when the Conqueror had prevailed and subdued almost the whole Realm, and understanding that this City would not yield: sent his Army from London and besieged the same, and perceiving the siege to continue: marched himself as far as Salisbury towards the same. In the mean time. the Citizens advertised that the whole Realm had yielded, and seeing their confederates to shrink daily from them: and by that means they to wax daily weaker and weaker, being not able to withstand so great a power and Army as was round about them: did by way of entreaty offer conditions of peace, and submitted themselves to the King, who according to their composition received their submission, & after a grievous fine taken: did restore the City unto them again. But in token of his conquest: he altered the Gates of the castle, and swore all the people to be his liege Subjects.  
Hovedon in his History maketh mention that King Harold's wife should be within the City during this assault & besiege, for these be his words, Hyeme imminente Rex Willielmus de Normannia in Angliam rediitet Angliae importabile tributum imposuit: deinde in domnoniam hostiliter profectus est ad civitatem Excestriam quam cives et nonnulli Anglici ministri contra illum retinebant et obsedit et in fregit: Githa vero commitissa matter scilicet Haroldi Regis Anglorum, ac soror Swani Regis danorum cum multis de civitate fugiens, evasit, e● Flandriam petiit: cives autem dex tris acceptis regi se dederunt.  
7 Also in the second year of King Stephen. Anno. 1137. the 
King Stephen,  Lords and Peers of the Realm remembering the oath they had made to King Henry the first, to whom they swore to be true to Maude the King's daughter and to her heirs (and yet contrary to the same had sworn themselves to King Stephen:) began to repent themselves, and consulted how to restore Maude the Empress, wherefore assembling together in armour did divide themselves and took sundry Cities & Castles.  

Baldwin Ridivers.  And Baldwin Ridivers Earl of Devon with force of Arms took this City, whom King Stephen pursuing: did drive him out of the same to the Islle of Wight then his Lordship. But the King when he had received the City into his faith: did march towards the Isle of Wight, and taking the same, did banish the said Earl. But Maude the Empress remembering this City for this faith did enlarge the liberties, for whom ever after an aniversary was kept at the charges of the City. howbeit some say that this Baldwin took Oxford or Westchester, and not Excester and from thence fled to Wight.  
8 It was also in some trouble in the xj. year of King Richard 
King Richard.  the second. Anno. 1387. For a controversy being bèfall between the King and his Uncles, the Dukes of York and Glocestre, 
Duke of York.  none were then so much in the King's favour as Robart Vere Marquis of Doublin, Michael Dalapool Earl of Suffolk, and others of their faction: whom the King commanded 
Duke of Glocestre  to collect and assemble an Army, in and for his defence against his uncles, but they, whether they mistrusted their own part, or whether they were minded to make themselves stronger, leving their journey towards London came to this City, 
Vere.  the Duke's understanding the same: pursued them with all speed, and at this City joined battle and fought with them, but the Marquis and the Earl trusting better to their feet then to 
Delapole.  their hands: did privily flee away into Scotland, and from thence into Flanders where they died.  
9 It was also in great troubles in the time of King Edward 
Lord Din ham.  the fourth, for in the x. year of his reign. Anno. 1469. when the states of King Henry the vj. and King Edward the fourth were doubtful. The Duchess of Clarente, the Lord Dinham, the Lord Fitzwarren and the Baron of Carewe with others, 
Lord Fitzwarren.  who took part with Henry the vj. came to this City accompanied with a thousand fight men, the Duchess being great with child, and lodged in the Bishop's place. But Sir 
Baron of Carewe.  Hugh Courtney Knight, who favoured and was of the part of King Edward, hearing of this: raised an army of his friends and Allies, besieged the City, broke down the Bridges, and stopped all the ways coming towards the same, by means whereof no Uictualles could come to the market. And being encamped about the City, sent unto the Mayor requiring him either to open the Gates: or to deliver the gentlemen which were within.  
The gentlemen which were within, they of their parties either mistrusting the Mayor or Commons, or not willing to be ruled under his government: requied the keys of the gates to be delivered into their custody, and all things to be done as at their appointment.  
In which perplexity and doubtful estate: the Mayor and his brethren consulting, did resolve and determine neither to yield to the request of them which were without: nor yet to satisfy their requests which were within, but pacifying both parties with such honest and quiet means as they might, did conclude to keep the City and themselves, as to their allegiance appertained to the use of the Crown, wherefore forthwith they rampired the Gates, fortified the Walls, and armed their Soldiers and set all things in good order, leaving nothing undone, which might be for the preservation of the state and common wealth of the City. But in small process of time, the provision waxed short, and victuals began to be scant, whereof it was feared a famine would ensue, the same being so hard a thing, as so great a number of people would not endure and abide. Yet notwithstanding partly by the good peswasions of the Magistrates, and having a regard of their own duties and estates, and hoping this troublesome time would not long endure: did continue firm and trusty in their cause, until at length by way of entreaty and mediation of certain Canons 
Duke of Clarence.  of the Close, the siege was after xij. days removed and raised, whereupon very shortly did ensue the field at Edgecourt, where the Duke of Clarence, and the Earl of Warwick being put to the worst) did flee to this City, entering in the third of April, 
Nevel earl of Warwick.  lying in the Bishop's Palace for a few days, until they provided Ships at Dartmouth fit for their passage to calais.  
The King having understanding which ways his enemies were gone: followed and pursued them with an army of xl. thousand men, and came to this City the xiv. of April, Anno. 1470. but he came to late the Duke and the Earl being gone to the Seas before his coming, wherefore the King after he had reposed himself here three days: returned.  
10 It was likewise in great trouble, being besieged the ten j 
king Henry.  year of the reign of King Henry the seven. Anno 1498. by one Parkin Warbeck who in the beginning of September came to this City and encamped it, with Ordinance battered the walls, fired the gates, undermined the walls and scaled the same, but by the noble courage of the Citizens: he had small success, being manfully resisted until such time as the King advertised thereof: did sand the Lord Edward Courtney Earl of Devon, and the Lord William his Son, with other Noble men, who rescued the City and delivered it from the enemy.  
11 Finally and last of all it was besieged in▪ the third year of 
King Edward.  King Edward the sixth. Anno. 1549. by the Commons of Devon and Cornwall, who not contenting themselves with the state of Religion then established: clustered themselves in companies, appointed to themselves Captains, and minded by their force to undo that which the Prince by Law and Act of Parliament had established, wherefore to redeem all such places of force, wealth, and defence, into their own hands, which might in any respect, serve for their aid and defence: came to this City the second of July. 1549. and encamped them selves about the same in great numbers, during the time of their abode & besieging: great troubles arose, sometimes assaultꝭ made, sometimes the gates fired, sometimes the walls undermined, some times skirmishes made & some great laromes to defend the walls against scaling, finally nothing was left undone, which the enemies might devise for the obtaining of their purpose. And albeit there wanted not lusty stomachs of the Citizens to withstand this outward force, yet in process of time such scarcity of Uitualles did increase, & Bread waxed so scant: that the people began to wax weary and loath to abide the extremity thereof, which was so extreme, that it was feared either that the people must yield to the enemy: or perish with famine. How beit the Magistrates (though sorry in such destesse) yet having a special regard of their duty toward the Prince, and their charge to the common wealth, left no means unsought to quiet the people and stay them in their duty and obidience. Wherefore comforting the people with fair promises, and liberal relieving their necessities: did in such sort and order handle the matter, that every body with one assent was resolved in hope of some speedy relief to abide the end, and in no wise to give place to the enemy: but to continued faithful to the Prince, and trusty to their common wealth. And yet in the mean while the governors left no devices and provisions which might be for the relief and comfort of the poor hungry bellies, wherefore the corn and Meal consumed: they caused of course and old refused Bran, bread to be moulded up in clotheses, for otherwise it would not stick together. Also they caused some excurtions to be made out of the City, for the praying and taking of such cattle as were near about the walls, which being taken: was distributed among the poor. Likewise the Prisoners in captivity were contented to be satisfied with such victuals, as could be provided, and albeit man's nature can scarcely abide to feed upon the flesh of a Horse: yet these poor men were fed therewith and well contented.  
The noble King and Council advertised of this distress: did at length after. xxxv. days, sand the honourable S. john Russel Knight, Lord Russel, Lord privy Seal, and afterwards Earl of Bedford, with a company and band of Soldiers, who after sundry conflicts had with the enemies: came to this City the vj. of August, reskewing and delivering the same from the enemy, and set them at liberty. For the which as God was most worthy of all praise and glory: so is the same his deliverance at this present had in perpetual memory the vj. of August being a holy day in the remembrance thereof.  
Thus this little City which in antiquity is not inferior to other: hath from time to time felt the smarts and changes of all times, and endured great troubles, dangers, extremities and perils, and yet God regarding their faith & obedience to their Prince and common wealth before all other sacrifices: hath defended and preserved them always rewarding them with immortal Fame, for which his great benefits, his name be praised for ever and ever.  

The sundry and several names of the City of Excester, and the interpretation of the same.  
COrinea or Corinia, is the first and eldest name of this City, and so named by Corineus who arriving with Brutus into this land, and seizing or taking land upon these west parteꝭ: was (by Brutus) Lord of the same. And he then building this City (as is thought) called it by his own name Corinia which being so: then is this City one of the first Towns or Cities builded by the Britons in this land.  
Cayrpenhuelgoite, is compounded of four words. Cayr is a Fortress or a walled Town, pen is a head or the chief of any thing, howel is good luck, prosperity or knowledge, goyed is wood, a forest or timber work, now these put together after the English phrase: is the prosperous chief Town in the wood.  
Penhaltcayr is compounded of three words, Pen is the head or chief, halt is high, a top of a hill, or the brim or edge of a thing. cayr is a Town walled or a Fortress, these put together, do signify the head Town or City upon the Hil.  
Pencayr is compounded of two words, of Pen and Cayr, which signify the chief City.  
Cayrruthe, Cayrrith, is compounded of Cair and Rith, Rith is tawnish or a dark read, and so it signifieth the read town, City or Fort.  
Cayrriske is likewise a compound of two words, Iske signifieth afresh water, also a quill or a wing, but in this place: it is the name of the River which fleeteth by the City, and so it signifieth the City of Iske.  
Isca was also the name of the Town, and Isaca the name of the River which fleeteth by it, as Ptolomeus and certain latter writers following him: do suppose & writ, though it should seem rather the City to be called Isaca and the River Isca.  
Muncketon was so called by the Saxons, but upon what reason: it doth not appear, others then that they did at their coming change and altar the names of all or most part of places in this land, giving new names either of Towns or places of the Country from whence they came, or of their own devise: or else King Etheldred or King Edgar when they had builded each of them a Monastery for Muncks: did give that name.  
Exeter was the name which King Adelstane gave unto it when he sojourned in this Town calling it so of the river Exe, and then it is to say Exeterra the town or soil of Exe▪  
Exancestre is thought to be so called by the Saxons, who commonly and for the most part named such Forts and holds as they builded by this word Cestria, as Cicestria, Dorcestria. Osestria and many other like, for Cestir in the Saxon tongue is a Fort, a Town or a City.  
Excestrum or Excestre is the name most now in use, and so ●amed (as some writ) of the River, which they writ 〈◊〉 named Excestrum.    

 

   

Faults escaped in the Printing.  
Folio. side. line. fault. correction. 4. 1. 9 Republica. e Republica. 6. 2. 12. advisedly. unadvisedly. 21 1. 18. thrir commission. their commission. 33. 1. 7. Also no person. Also as no person. eodem. 2. 12. and there to do. and there to do. 41. 1. 19 in a province. in a province. eodem. 2. 1. Corinibia. Cornubia. eodem. 2. 11. Ponticus Virimus. Ponticus Virumus. 42. 1. 5. dominations. denominations. eodem. 1. 11. glory and renown. glory and renown. eodem. 2. 11. It is all together. It is not all together. eodem. 2. 21. and made sweet. and made sweet. eodem. 2. 34. canalis. canelles. 43. 1. 12. The Cite. the scite. eodem. 1. 23. the signiory. the signory. eodem. 2. 1. and otber. and other. eodem. 2. 10. being callen. being called. 44. 1. 4. one Saint James. one at Saint James 45. 2. 21. exhaunsed. exhausted. 46. 1. 35. as very obsequions. are very obsequious 47. 1. 2. laceratus sunt. laceratus fuit. eodem. 1. 18. pacisicare. pacificaret. eodem. 1. 24. reconciliati sunt. reconciliati sunt. 48. 1. 20. maximus. maximis. 49. 1. 35. with mortal Fame. with immortal fame 50. 2. 34. requied. required. 51. 1. 9 leaving nothing. leaving nothing. eodem. 2. 29. in such destesse. in such distress.