BRITAIN, OR A chorographical DESCRIPTION OF THE MOST flourishing Kingdoms, ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, and IRELAND, and the Islands adjoining, out of the depth of antiquity: BEAUTIFIED WITH MAPS OF THE several Shires of ENGLAND: Written first in Latin by William Camden CLARENCEUX K. of A. Translated newly into English by Philémon Holland Doctor in Physic: Finally, revised, amended, and enlarged with sundry Additions by the said Author. LONDON, Printed by F. K. R. Y. and I. L. for GEORGE LATHAM. 1637. BRITANNIA. SI jactare licet màgnorum munera diuûm, Sibique veris fas placere dotibus; Curio mihi non videar fortunatissima tellus? Digna est malis, bona quae parùm novit sua. Vltima lanigeris animosa est India lucis, Suis superbus est Arabs odoribus. Thuriferis gaudet Panchaia dives arenis; Ibera flumen terra jactat aureum. Aegypto faciunt animos septem ostia Nili, Laudata Rheni vina tollunt accola●. Laeta nec uberibus sibi displicet Africa glebis; Haec portubus superbit, illa mercibus: At mihi nec fontes, nec ditia flumina desunt, Sulcive pingues, prata nec ridentia. Foeta viris, foecunda feris, foecunda metallis; Ne glorier, quòd ambiens largas opes Porrigit Oceanus, neu quòd nec amicius ullâ, Coelum, nec aura dulcius spirat plagâ. Serus in occiduas mihi Phoebus conditur undas, Sororque noctes blanda ducit lucidas. Possem ego laudati contemnere vellera Baetis. Vbi villus albis mollior bidentibus? Et tua non nequeam miracula temnere Memphi. Verùm illa màjor, justiorque gloria, Quòd Latiis, quòd sum celebrata Britannia Grails, Orbem vetustas quòd vocarit alterum. For the easier reading of the English-Saxon words in this Book, I thought good to prefix here the Characters of the English Saxon Alphabet. A a b b c c d d E E e e f f g g h h i i l l m m n n o o p p q q r r S S s s t t u u ƿ w X X x x y y A A ae ae Ð Th' ð th' þ th' & and ꝧ that PVELIUS OVID NASO. Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine cunctos Ducit; & immemores non sinit esse sui. BRITAIN, OR A chorographical DESCRIPTION OF THE MOST flourishing Kingdoms, ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, and IRELAND, and the Islands adjoining, out of the depth of antiquity: BEAUTIFIED WITH MAPS OF THE several Shires of ENGLAND: Written first in Latin by William Camden CLARENCEUX K. of A. Translated newly into English by Philémon Holland Doctor in Physic: Finally, revised, amended, and enlarged with sundry Additions by the said Author. LONDON, Printed by F. K. R. Y. and I. L. for GEORGE LATHAM. 1637. SERENISSIMO POTENTISSIMOQVE PRINCIPI JACOBO, BRITANNIAE MAGNAE, FRANCIAE, ET HIBERNIAE REGI, FIDEI PROPUGNATORI, AD AETERNITATEM BRITANNICI NOMINIS IMPERIIQVE NATO. PERPETVAE PACIS FVNDATORI, PUBLICAE SECURITATIS AUTHORI GVILIELMUS CAMDENVS MAIESTATI EIVS DEVOTISSIMUS D. D. CONSECRATQVE. THE AUTHOR TO The Reader. I Hope it shall be to no discredit, if I now use again by way of Preface, the same words with a few more, that I used twenty four years since, in the first edition of this work. Abraham Ortelius the worthy restorer of Ancient Geographic arriving here in England, about thirty four years past, dealt earnestly with me that I would illustrate this Isle of BRITAIN, or (as he said) that I would restore antiquity to Britain, and Britain to his antiquity; which was, as I understood, that I would renew ancientrie, enlighten obscurity, clear doubts, and recall home Verity by way of recovery, which the negligence of writers and credulity of the common sort had in a manner prescribed and utterly banished from amongst us. A painful matter I assure you, and more than difficult; wherein what toil is to be taken, as no man thinketh, so no man believeth but he that hath made the trial. Nevertheless how much the difficulty discouraged me from it, so much the glory of my country encouraged me to undertake it. So while at one and the same time I was fearful to undergo the burden, and yet desirous to do some service to my Country, I found two different affections, Fear, and Boldness; I know not how, conjoined in me. Notwithstanding by the most gracious direction of the ALMIGHTY, taking INDUSTRY for my consort, I adventured upon it, and with all my study, care, cogitation, continual meditation, pain, and travail I employed myself thereunto when I had any spare time. I made search after the Etymology of Britain & the first Inhabitants timorously, neither in so doubtful a matter have I affirmed aught confidently. For I am not ignorant that the first originals of nations are obscure by reason of their profound antiquity, as things which are seen very deep and far remote: like as the courses, the reaches, the confluencies, & the outlets of great rivers are well known, yet their first fountains and heads lie commonly unknown. I have succinctly run over the Romans government in Britain, and the inundation of foreign people thereinto, what they were, and from whence they came: I have traced out the ancient divisions of these Kingdoms, I have summarily specified the states, and judicial Courts of the same. In the several Counties I have compendiously set down the limits (and yet not exactly by perch and pole to breed questions) what is the nature of the soil, which were places of greatest antiquity, who have been the Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscount's, Barons, and some of the most signal, and ancient families therein (for who can particulate all?) What I have performed, I leave to men of judgement. But time the most sound and sincere witness will give the truest information, when envy which persecuteth the living, shall have her mouth stopped. Thus much give me leave to say, that I have in no wise neglected such things as are most material to search, and sift out the Truth. I have attained to some skill of the most ancient British and English-Saxon tongues: I have travailed over all England for the most part, I have conferred with most skilful observers in each country, I have studiously read over our own country writers, old and new, all Greek and Latin authors which have once made mention of Britain. I have had conference with learned men in other parts of Christendom: I have been diligent in the Records of this Realm. I have looked into most Libraries, Registers, and memorial of Churches, Cities, and Corporations, I have pored upon many an old Rowel, and Evidence: and produced their testimony (as beyond all exception) when the cause required, in their very own words (although barbarous they be) that the honour of verity might in no wise be impeached, For all this I may be censured unadvised, and scant modest who being but of the lowest form in the school of Antiquity, where I might well have lurked in obscurity, have adventured as a scribbler upon the stage in this learned age amidst the diversities of relishes both in wit and judgement. But to tell the truth unfeignedly, the love of my Country which comprisseth all love in it, and hath endeared me unto it, the glory of the British name, the advice of some judicious friends hath overmastred my modesty, and (willed I, nild I,) hath enforced me against mine own judgement to undergo this burden too heavy for me, & so thrust me forth into the world's view. For I see judgements, prejudices, censures, reprehensions, obtrectations, detractions, affronts, and confronts, as it were, in battle array to environ me on every side: some there are which wholly contemn and avile this study of Antiquity as a back-looking curiosity; whose authority as I do not utterly vilify, so I do not overprize or admire their judgement. Neither am I destitute of reasons whereby I might approve this my purpose to well bred and well meaning men which tender the glory of their native Country: and moreover could give them to understand that in the study of Antiquity, (which is always accompanied with dignity, and hath a certain resemblance with eternity) there is a sweet food of the mind well befitting such as are of honest and noble disposition. If any there be which are desirous to be strangers in their own soil, and foreigners in their own City, they may so continue and therein flatter themselves. For such like I have not written these lines, nor taken these pains. Some there be who may object the silly web of my style, and rough hewed form of my writing. Verily I acknowledge it, neither have I weighed every word in Goldsmith's scales, as Vario commanded, neither purposed I to pick flowers out of the gardens of Eloquence. But why should they object this, when as Cicero the father of Eloquence denieth that this kind of argument can 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, be flourished out, and as Pomponius Mela said, is incapable of all Eloquent speech. Many happily will insult over me for that I have adventured to hunt after the originals of names by conjectures, who if they proceed on to reject all conjectures, I fear me a great part of liberal learning and humane knowledge will be utterly outcast into banishment. For the edge of our understanding is so blunt that we are of necessity enforced to prosecute many matters in all professions conjecturally. In Physic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which are nothing else but conjectures, have their place, and stand in good steed, likewise in Rhetoric, Civil Law, and other arts they are admitted and allowed. And whereas conjectures are certain detections of things unknown, and as Fabius termeth them, directions of reason to verity, I have always thought that they were to be accounted among the skuppers wherewith TIME worketh and draweth VERITY out of Democritus his deep dungeon. But if these men may be induced to attribute aught to conjectures, I doubt not but my modesty and moderation in conjecturing may withal purchase my pardon; Plato in his Cratilus commandeth that we recall the originals of names to the barbarous tongues (for so he called all but Greek) as being most ancient. I thereupon in Etymologies and my conjectures have made recourse to the British, or Welsh tongue (so they now call it) as being the same which the Primitive and most ancient Inhabitants of this land used, and to the English-Saxons tongue which our Progenitors the English spoke. He commandeth that the name be consonant to the nature of the thing, & the nature thereof to the name, if they be herein dissonant, I admit them not. In things, saith he, there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, but I cannot aptly express them, A sound, a form, and colour, if these discover not themselves in the name I reject the conjecture. As for obscure Etymologies, far fetched hardly wrested, and which may be drawn diversely; I have vouchsafed them no place it this work, finally I have been so sparing and cautelously forecasting in my conjectures that if I be not thought 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Happily adventurous, I shall not seem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Presumptuously audacious. And albeit I have once or twice framed two conjectures in one and the same name, yet I forget not in the mean time that UNITY is consecrated unto VERITY. There are some peradventure which apprehend it disdainfully and offensively that I have not remembered this or that family, when as it was not my purpose to mention any but such as were more notable, nor all them truly (for their names would fill whole volumes) but such as happened in my way according to the method I proposed to myself; And with God's grace I may have a more convenient occasion to deserve well of the Nobility and Gentry. But happily they will be most offended herein who have least deserved of their conutry, or overvallew themselves most, or whose Gentry may be but newly blossomed. Of whom yet I protest I would not offend any, and therefore desire and hope their noble natures will not take it offensively upon such causeless apprehensions. Others will call me in question for that I have commended some persons now living; yet I have done it sparingly, and that out of an assurance of verity, out of the common consent and voice of such as can well judge of worth, & from no base flattery. By these sparing commendations such as are commended may be lessoned that their deportments may be answerable, and that they preserve and daily increase the same. Succeeding ages, which I respect more than the present, will render to every man his right whatsoever is now scribbled in papers. In the mean time I wish them to remember, that to praise good men is but to show a light of direction as out of a watch tower to posterity. True is that saying of Symmachus. Imitation is encouraged with the seemly praises of the good, and imitating virtue is cherished by the example of others honour. If any say that I have sought occasion to commend some one or other, I confess it. Neither is well-meaning without leasing to be blamed among the good, and well deserving, friends are not to be forgotten. Howsoever Virtue and Glory hath always opposites, and men usually envy the present, and reverence what is past; yet God forbid that we should be so partially injurious as to think our times under most worthy Princes to be barren of praiseworthy persons. As for such as malign the praise of the good, I fear me least in their own guiltiness they may apply the dispraise of the bad to themselves. As for myself I sensibly understand that which Pliny intimated to Tacitus in like case. There will be great offence, and slender thanks, for albeit in the looseness of the world, there is much more to be discommended than commended; yet if you commend you shall be taxed as oversparing; if you discommend you shall be censured as overlavish, although you do the one most completely, and the other most moderately. Some will blame me for that I have omitted this and that town and Castle, as though I purposed to mention any but such as were most notorious, and mentioned by ancient authors. Neither verily were it worth the labour once to name them, when as beside the naked name there is nothing memorable. Truly it was my project and purpose to seek, rake out, and free from darkness such places as Caesar, Tacitus, Ptolemy, Antonine the Emperor, Notitia Provinciarum, and other antique writers have specified and TIME hath overcast with mist and darkness by extinguishing, altering, and corrupting their old true names. In searching & seeking after these, as I will not avouch uncertainties so I do not conceal probabilities. That I have not found out every one although I have sought after them with painful & chargeable inquiery let it be no imputation to me, as it is not to a Spadiard that worketh in Mines, who while he findeth & followeth the main veins, seeth not the hidden small fillets; or that I may use that which Columella did. As it is the commendation of a good Huntsman to find game in a wide wood so it is no imputation if he hath not caught all, and likewise to me, Some things are to be left to the inquisitive diligence of others, Neither, as a learned man said, he teacheth well which teacheth all. An other age, and other men may daily find out more. It is enough for me to have begun, and I have gained as much as I look for, if I shall draw others into this argument, whether they undertake a new work or amend this. There are certain, as I hear who take it impatiently that I have mentioned some of the most famous Monasteries and their founders. I am sorry to hear it, and with their good favour will say thus much, They may take it as impatiently, and peradventure would have us forget that our ancestors were, and we are of the Christian profession when as there are not extant any other more conspicuous, and certain Monuments, of their piety, and zealous devotion toward God. Neither were there any other seed-gardens from whence Christian Religion, and good learning were propagated over this Isle, howbeit in corrupt ages some weeds grew out overranckly. Mathematicians will accuse me as though I had wholly miss the mark in the Cosmographical dimensions of longitude, & latitude. Yet hear me I pray you. I have carefully conferred the Local tables new & old, Manuscript, and printed, of Oxford & Cambridge, and King Henry the Fifth. In the latitude they do not vary much from Ptolemy, but agree well together, neither do I thereupon imagine with Stadius, that the globe of the earth is removed from his centre, therefore I have relied upon them. But in the Longitude there is no accord, no consent at all. What should I then do? When as therefore the modern navigators have observed that there is no variation of the Compass at the Isles of Asores, I have thence begun with them, the account of Longitude as from the first Meridian, which yet I have not precisely measured. As for obscurity, fables, extravagant digressions I trust there is no cause to sue out my pardon. There will be no obscurity but to them which have not sipped the first elements of Antiquity, and our histories: upon fables I have no ways relied, and that I might not digress extravagantly. I have had often recourse to the title of my book (as Pliny adviseth) and eftsoons demanded of myself why I took pen in hand. Many have found a defect in this work that Maps were not adjoined, which do allure the eyes by pleasant portraiture, and are the best directions in Geographical studies, especially when the light of learning is adjoined to the speechless delineations. Yet my ability could not compass it, which by the means and cost of George Bishop, and John Norton is now performed out of the labours of Christopher Saxton, and John Norden, most skilful Chorographers. But lest I should run at random in my Preface. To accomplish this work the whole main of my Industry hath been employed for many years with a firm settled study of the truth, and sincere antique faithfulness to the glory of God and my country. I have done dishonour to no nation, have descanted upon no man's name, I have impaired no man's reputation, I have impeached no man's credit, no not Geffrey of Monmouth whose history (which I would gladly support) is held suspected amongst the judicious. Neither have I assumed upon myself any persuasion of knowledge, but only that I have been desirous to know much. And so I right willingly acknowledge that I may err much, neither will I soothe and smooth my errors. Who shooting all day long doth always hit the mark? Many matters in these studies are raked under deceitful ashes. There may be some escapes from memory, for who doth so comprehend particularities, in the treasury of his memory, that he can utter them at his pleasure? There may be mistake in regard of my unskilfulness, for who is so skilful that struggling with TIME in the foggy dark sea of Antiquity, may not run upon rocks? It may be that I have been misled by the credit of authors and others whom I took to be most true, and worthy of credit. Neither is there verily (as Pliny saith) any easier slipping from truth, then when a grave Author warranteth an untruth. Others may be more skilful and more exactly observe the particularities of the places where they are conversant, If they, or any other whosoever, will advertise me wherein I am mistaken, I will amend it with manifold thanks, if I have unwitting omitted aught, I will supply it, if I have not fully explicated any point, upon their better information I will more clear it, if it proceed from good meaning, and not from a spirit of contradiction and quarrelling, which do not befit such as are well bred, and affect the truth. Mean while let your kind courtesy, my industry, the common love of our common mother our native Country, the ancient honour of the British name obtain so much upon their entreaty, that I may utter my judgement without prejudice to others, that I may proceed in that course that others have formerly done in the like argument, and that you would pardon my errors upon my acknowledgement, which may be as well hoped as requested, from good indifferent and reasonable men; so I pass not for the unreasonable, and worse sort which gnaw upon all at tables, carp in conventicles, envy, backbite, slander, and detract. For I have learned of the Comical Poet, that slander is the treasure of fools which they carry in their tongues, and I know for certainty that Envy is seated (I will say it although Envy stood at my elbow) in none but in degenerous, unnoble, and base minds. The honest good and noble natures as they detest envy, so they cannot envy. As for myself, and this work, I do most humbly submit it to the censure of the godly honest and learned with all respective reverence of whom if it be not approved, I hope in regard of my professed love to our native Country, that it may be excused. Farewell. TERENTIANUS MAURUS. Books receive their doom according to the Readers capacity. AD LECTOREM. MAgna per immensum celebrata Britannia mundum Imperio, populo, rege beata suo, Nunc prodit, renovata novis, ornata figuris: Auctior illa tibi, notior illa tibi. Camdeni liber est, satis est dixisse, scienti: Camdenum nescis? perlege, notus erit. GVILIELMUS SYDLEIUS Eques auratur. Ad amicum suum Guil. Camdenum Georgii Buc Equitis aurati Reg. Sp. C. Heptastichon. SI quam describis terram Camdene Britannam, Tam graphice, tanta curâ, gravitate, fideque; Herôum velles Britonum res scribere gestas, (Hac etenim sola neglecti in parte jacemus) Historiae poter at conferri nulla Britannae. Hoc tibi restat opus, vel non hoc fiet in aevo, Secula quòd binos phoenices nulla tulere. Ad Guil. Camdenum, Edw. Grant Sacrae Theologiae Doctor. ERgóne priscorum lustras monumenta virorum, Vt possis facili contexere singula filo, Quae latuere diu caecis immersa tenebris, Antiquata usu, priscum sumptura nitorem? Vnde Britannorum nomen? quo coeperit ortu? Incola quis primus celebres habitaverit oras? In quavis regione doces, quaecunque vetustae Sunt urbes, quae vera simul Comitúmque Ducúmque Stemmata: quae terrae dotes: quis limes agrorum, Ordine perspicuo perstringis singula plenè. Egregium moliris opus, vel judice Momo, Quod semper praesens, quod postera praedicet aetas; Te patriae stimulavit amor, te docta vetustas Excitat, ut cunctis patriae spatiêris in agris: Multi multa canunt, tu multum scribere tentas, Hoc multo multos superas, qui multa tulerunt. Tu Camdenus eris seros celebrandus in annos: Ergo age, quo tendis gressu, patriámque venusta, Ne labor iste tuus desit cupientibus ista. In antiquam Guilielmi Camdeni Britanniam. DE te deque tuo libro dum scribere carmen Mens congesta velit, meritasque intexere laudes, Insonuit mea Musa mihi, quid carmina quaeris? Sit scripsisse satis, quod scripsit Horatius olim: Hic meret aera liber Sosiis, hic & mare transit, Et longum noto scriptori prorogat aewm. I. W. Gen. In postremam Guilielmi Camdeni Antiquitatum editionem, Epigramma. G. Ga. SEmentem sterili quoties tellure recondit, Luditur optatâ fruge colonus iners. Ventifugae nunquam dominus ditescit arenae; Pinguis at irriguo flumine terra beat. Foecundum facunde solum Camdene secasti, Illud & ingenii nobile flumen aquat. Atque ut opima solet jacto cum semine gleba Parturit innumeris granula adaucta modis: Sic toties cusus tibi qui fuit antè libellus, Cultior antiquo prodiit eccè liber. Heu nusquam tanto respondent arua colono, Cujus ab ingenio prominet his genius? Sume animum. cum te hinc discedere jusserit aetas Vt quaeras tritâ pascua laeta viâ; Semper Camdenus simul atque Britannia vivent: Longaews nequit hic, dum manet illa, mori. In Guilielmi Camdeni Britanniam. NEscia penè sui, generisque oblita prioris, Anglia cum jacuit semisepulta situ, O quis, ait, tantum aut animis, aut arte valebit, Vindice qui tractet vulnera nostra manu? Camdenus patriae lugentis imagine motus Ingenium, artem, animos versat: opemque tulit: Mortua restituit veteris cognomina gentis, Mortis & eripuit se patriamque metu. Aeternùm per te, Camdene, Britannia vivit, Cumque tua aeternùm, tu quoque gente manes. G. Carleton. Ad eundem. QVae vix nota sibi fuit antè Britannia, utrique Nunc Camdene, orbi munere nota tuo est, Ignotaeque velut fuerat non ulla cupido, Sic modò sic notam mundus uterque cupit. Sed tamen incassum: nimia nam dote superba Indignum nullum non sui amoris habet. Ianus Gruterus I.C. Camdeno suo Britannia. CLarus ut Eoas sol quando adverberat arces Et procul invisis ferit astra liventia flammis Nox petit Oceanum, vultusque enascitur orbi; Sic Camdêne tuum jubar ut fulgere per Anglos Seu Phoebi coepit, nox fûgit, & hispida dudum, Multumque heu squallens radiare Britannia coepi, Non mea nunc Thetis cum deserit alba profundum Gratior exurgit, pallentes murice vivo Instaurata genas, pigro nec sydus ab Orco, Nec dux astrorum de vertice vesper Olympi, Illa ego quam limâ repolita Britannia mirâ Fromispicii explicatio. Mî Camdêne tuâ, nova nunc magno Insula ponto: " Illa ego rupe super scuto horrida, & horrida gaeso, " Hinc pelagi numen, dea spicea visitur illinc, " Piscosus vallo Nereus, & classibus armat, " Atque Ceres flavos spargit sua sertaper agros, " Saxea deinde strues, & quae depicta videmus " Fronte libri, veluti fervens a fontibus unda, " Et surgens pyramis, nostrae miracula monstrant " Telluris, liber nequit (fas) omnia vester: Exero nunc vultus exhaustos antè ruinis, Et nunc flore meo marcores pello vietos, Verùm erit illa dies cum quae micat Anglia forsa● Nebula quaeretur, cinere occultata, situque, Atque alios lychnos dabit: Id Camdêne negat● Historicum vincendo Chaos, qui noris abundè: Haec tibi prisca, redux, tuaque usque Britannia canto. Edmundus Bolton. In Britanniam denuò illustratam joh. Stradlingus. INsula in Oceano quondam notissima, caecis Delituit tenebris vix benè nota sibi. Ingenii (Camdene) tui radiante tenebras Lumine (seu fugiunt nubila sole) fugas. Sic rediviva viget, nec quà patet illa latere Tu potes: Illam tu, te celebrem illa facit. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. H. Cuffius. Ad Guilielmum Camdenum, Britanniam Historica veritate denuò illustrantem. CAMDENE, laus est invidenda, praeclarum Audire civem, patriae que servire. Autoritati, & gloriae perenanti. CAMDENE, dum decus Britanniae campu● In aeviternae provehis fagax Famae, Nitore regio stiloque praeclaro: Praeclarus inde civis audis, & jure. Quid? non decore modò Britanniam mactus, Honore mactus ipse & gloriae punctis: Sed hunc & illum luce tua reples mundum: Vt, quae sibi vix nota erat prius terra, Vtramque nunc domum pulsaverit Solis. CAMDENE, laudis hoc tuae est. Et extensum Quò latiùs volat Britanniae nomen: CAMDENE, augustior tantò tibi sacro Adorea in Memoriae exstabit altari. Tam nominis cari est litasse regnorum Famae, inclytasque protulisse virtutes. Caspar Dornavius. D. In Britanniam redivivam Ri. Parker Caio-Gonvil. carmen congratulatorium. SAlve, gratae redis (memoranda Britannia) terris Quam juvat e tenebris exiliisse tuis: Fallor? an antiquo mutatus sistor in orbe? Aut te dum relego, secla priora lego? Fallor? an Arthuros, Egbertos, Cassibelinos Cerno redivivos ducere castra sua? Fallor? an hîc acies saevae certare solebant? Hîc Offa, hîc rigidus tendere Penda solet? Festino nimium. Quae qualia, quantaque cerno Surgere sacra Deo, moenia, templa, domus? Quêis hic Normannis donari praedia legi? Vnde sequens soboles nomen & omen habet. Sed quot cerno domus orbatas stirpe vetusta? Heu quas dilapidant alea, vina, Venus? Vt vidi, ut dolui, novus ut nunc sedibus hospes Diceret: haec mea sunt, ito coloni vetus. Quis Genius talem (veneranda Britannia) nobis Esse velit reducem? quo duce tanta refers? Scilicet hoc debes Camdeno: agnoscó parentem, Et Genium, cujus te tibi reddit amor. Foelix ipse suo libro: foelicior ipsa Praeconem talem laudis habere tuae. Plus loquar, an sileam? video tantum instar in ipso. Quas Musas vocitem? sed (mea musa) sile. Parcus amor loquitur: major stupefactus adegit Mirari hoc tacitè, nec scio solus, opus: In Britanniam à Guil. Camdene illustratam F. Aderb. Carmen. PIctus atrox Hebridas, glacialem Scotus Hibernem Moverat, Attacotus Vararim, Saxoque, Visurgim Conjunctis armis, animisque excindere gentes, Subruere eximias cumulatis cladibus urbes, Atque Britannorum nomen demergere bellis. Vt tamen emergant quae sunt immersa ruinis, Et decus antiquum rediviva Britannia cernat, Ecce vetustatem Camdenius eruit omnem, Magnarum rerum scrutatus magna sepulchra, Submovit cineres, nigrantes dispulit umbras: Inque prius retrò studiis se contulit aevum; Contulit atque decus patriaeque sibique labore. In antiquam Camdeni Britanniam. H. N. L. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. PRisca Britannorum delevit nomina Tempus Antiquas urbes exitioque dedit. Cuncta triumphato Camdenus tempore reddit, Ingenio priscum restituitque decus. Ingenio cedat Tempus, cedatque vetustas: Ingenium majus Tempore robur habet. Ad eundem. ERrabat quaerens Antiqua Britannia lumen, At, Camdene, tuam vivit ut illa domum: Invenit lumen, mansit, cupiensque poliri; Hospes ait mihi sis, qui mihi lumen eris. I. W▪ In praise of the Translator. CAmden unto the learned did discover, What Holland to the Whol-land doth recite; Who can but read an English Author over, May thereby reap much profit with delight, Viewing the manners, laws, rites situation, Of his own native soil, explained so well; With all can be desired of British Nation, That now Great Britain hath no Parallel: So richly decked, that her fair beauteous blaze, By matchless Art of thine industrious spirit, Adorns the World, like Phoebus' golden rays. Thou and thy works eternal fame do merit Anagr. Thou Onli-homland-help in admiration, Like that rare * Lady beth 〈◊〉 Mothe● 〈…〉 now 〈◊〉 Georg● Berkl● Phoenix cause of this translation. THOMAS MERIELL Master of Arts. Son of the Translator. WHat Camden wrote for profit and delight, Of British Isles, of blessings which have store, In Latian language, for each learned spirit, To reap such fruits as pass Peruvian o'er This Holland hath at suit of learned Dame, With pains, transfused into our vulgar speech His care of common good, deserves that fame, Which unto late posterity shall reach. Wherefore all worthy wights which do take pleasure, To know the stories of their Country sweet, Ought kindly to accept this so great treasure; And yield those thanks to th' Author which are meet. I like his Pen and judgement eke no less, For making choice of such a Patroness. HENRY STANFORD Master of Arts. In honour of the Translator. THe PEN unspoild, though worn beyond a Pen, The HAND unwearied, though with toil oppressed: The HEAD diseased for ease of Englishmen, (Yet still hold out) in motion here do rest. They rest in motion; restless nest is that; Yet that's the rest thy Pen, thy Hand, thy Head Dear HOLLAND hath; which all (untired) translate The greatest Volumes, greatest Brains have bred. Life being so short as from the Birth to Beer Is but a span; all times may well admire How so much may be only written here, Where toil makes that short life more soon expire. Had I an Angel's tongue, or else a Pen Made of his Pinion (might I judge of thee) I should so speak and write that Gods and Men Should see a Miracle of thee through me. For, NATURE works but still to hold her state; And for that work alone neglecteth all: But thy works do her power in thee abate, For others good; that's supernatural. So thouart a Miracle of Men, for Men; Yet if this Miracle be thought untrue To thy good HEART, from thy Head, Hand, and Pen Give what is right, and then all is but due. To count the Volumes most voluminous, Which thou translated haste with care (past care) And Art (past Art) were but superfluous: For, all do know them, sith they famous are. NATURES great Secretary thou didst teach To speak such English, as (though he be high In cloudy-matter) English eyes may reach, His highest Pitch: that tries the Eagles eye. The Roman most renowned Historian trajan's great MASTER● Morals (boundless books) Smooth Tranquill, and the rugged Ammian, Thou mad'st as smooth to speak, as Venus looks. And, for thy last, (but so it cannot be If life do last, for still thou wilt be doing) Here is a WORK translated now by thee, For which we long the Learned have been wooing. In this, through thee, we see (as in a Glass) The wrinkled Face of grave antiquity: Thy passing Author here himself doth pass O'er whom thou reign'st while he doth subject lie. Camden, whose Fame nor Seas, nor Lands can bound (Yet they best know him farthest from our ken; For, English lest do know his voices sound) Is made more famous by thy famous Pen For, now the English knows his worthiness: His Countrymen now see him as he is: Before, they at his virtue could but guess; And guess by Artless Aims, that often miss. Yet, Man of Art, behold! for all this All How thou art subject (that deservest to reign In all men's loves) to hate of great and small, That to be learned alone, take envious pain; Who seek, for Knowledge only to be known: (" For, who know most, are known still most of all) They deem Wit, Folly; that to all is shown; And Goodness, Badness hold, if general. Who knows the voice of Envy, theirs do know; For, Envy speaks but only by their tongues, Who being a devil speaks (she cares not how) By borrowed Organs which to them belongs. Alas poor Snakes! (base Envies Instruments) Poor in your Wit, and wayward in your Will) Ye little learn, so, hate the Ornaments Of Art in greater Wits of lesser skill. Did ye not doubt your own defect of Wit You would all Arts should still be shown to all▪ And let the best Wit make best use of it, For Wit's renown, and letters liberal. Yea, you would wish the Babylonian tower Were yet to build, while all one tongue impart▪ That so, sole Wit might be Arts Governor, Not tongues, that are the Essence of no Art. But were ye good, and would all Good should know. Who Envy this more learned, lesse-envious man, You would the frankest praise on him bestow That makes th'unlearned a learned Historian. Shall English be so poor, and rudely-base As not be able (through mere penury) To tell what French hath said with gallant grace, And most tongues else of less facundity? God shield it should; and Heaven forfend that we Should so debase our own dear mother-tongue▪ That shows our thoughts (how ever high they be) With higher terms, and eloquence among, Then, let me muzzle those so d●gged mouths That bite and bark at what they should defend: They lies do love, that hidden would have Truths: And he is Virtue's foe that's Errors friend. But, kind Philêmon, let thine active Muse Still mount above these base detracting spirits: Look not so low as Snakes that men abuse, And highest Fame shall crown thy lowest merits. Go forward (maugre backward Envies ●rabs, That still go back) thy pains give others pleasure: They play proud Miriams' part, thou Ionada●s▪ They scant our learning's lists, thou giv'st us measure. This Camdens-Britaine, that on wings of Art Flies o'er the World, known lest where most it aught, There thy free Pen to all doth it impart, And mak'st them learned that almost are untaught. For, Camden (whose all time out-wearing fame, Sith he the learned hath so often gladded) Hath, by thy Pen, now multiplied his Name: For, now to Camden's Britain, Holland's added Then, pregnant HOLLAND, Britain fertile mak●▪ With learning's compost; till the crop of Art Be ready for our neighbour's scythe, and Rake, That have less skill, than will to take our part▪ So shall this soil (when thou art soil or sand) Call Camdens-Britaine, Holland's richest land▪ The unfaired honourer of thee and thine endeavours. JOHN DAVI●S of Hereford. BRITAIN. BRITAIN or BRITANNY, which also is ALBION, named in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the most famous Island, without comparison of the whole world; severed from the continent of Europe, by the interflowing of the Ocean, lieth against Germany and France trianglewise; by reason of three Promontories shooting out into diverse parts: to wit, BELERIUM, i. the Cape of S. Burien in Corwall, Westward; CANTIUM, i. the Fore-land of Kent, into the East; and TARVISIUM or ORCAS, i. the point of Catnesse in Scotland, Northward. On the West side, whereas Ireland is seated, VERGIVIUS, i. the Western Ocean, breaketh in; From the North, it hath the most vast and wide Hyperborean sea beating upon it; On the East, where it coasteth upon Germany, enforced sore it is with the German sea; and Southward, as it lieth opposite to France, with the British. Disjoined from those neighbour-countries all about by a convenient distance every way, fitted with commodious and open havens, for traffic with the universal world, and to the general good, as it were, of mankind, thrusting itself forward with great desire from all parts into the sea. See in KENT. For between the said Fore-land of Kent and Calais in France it so advanceth itself, and the sea is so straighted, that some think the land there was pierced through, and received the seas into it, which beforetime had been excluded: For the maintenance of which their conceit, they allege both Virgil in that verse of his, Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos: And Britan's people quite disjoined from all the world beside. Because Britain, saith Servius Honoratus, was in times past joined to the main. And also Claudian, who in imitation of him wrote thus: — Nostra deducta Britannia mundo. Britain, a land, which severed is from this our [Roman] world. Certes, that the outward face and fashion of this globe of Earth hath been with the inundation of Noah's flood, as also by other causes altered; that some mountains thereby increased in height, many places higher than others, settled low, and became even plains and valleys; that watery washeses were dried up, and dry grounds turned to be standing waters; yea, and that certain Islands have been violently broken off from the firm land, carrieth some likelihood of truth. But whether the same be true indeed, or whether there were any Islands at all before the Deluge, it is not my purpose here to argue; neither take I pleasure, without good advisement, of God's works to give my doom. That the providence of God hath ordained diverse things to one and the same end, who knoweth not? and verily, that parcels of the earth dispersed here and there within the sea, serve no less to adorn the world, than lakes spread upon the earth and hills raised aloft, aswell Divines as Philosophers have always held. Livius and Fabius Rusticus have likened the form hereof unto a * Scutula ●hlongae. long dish or * Bipenni. See the Annotations of Sir. Hen. Savil●, knight, upon this place in T●citu●. two edged axe, and so is it shapen indeed toward the South, as saith Tacitus, whereupon the fame went of the whole. But Northward, that huge and enorm tract of ground running beyond unto the furthermost point, groweth narrow and sharp like a wedge, So large, and of such exceeding greatness in circuit, they in old time took it to be, The Panegyricke Oration pronounced unto Constantius, and untruly entitled unto Maximian. that Caesar, he who first of all the Romans, discovered it, wrote, How he had found out another world; supposing the same so great, as that it seemed to contain within it the Ocean, and not to be compassed about therewith: and julius Solinus Polyhistor hath left in writing, that for the largeness thereof it deserveth Well near the name of a second world. Howbeit, this age of ours hath now at length by many and sundry voyages, found out in some sort the true dimension and just compass of the whole Isle, For, from the point Tarvision unto the cape Belerium, the reaches and crooked turnings of the sea-banks along the West considered, there are reckoned much about DCCCXII miles: from thence, keeping the sea side, as it bendeth Southward until you come to the Fore-land of Kent, CCCXX miles: whence coasting by the German sea, with crooked creeks and inlets for DCCIIII miles, it reacheth to the foresaid point Tarvisium: so that by this reckoning the whole Island taketh in compass MDCCCXXXVI miles. Which measure as it cometh far short of Pliny's, so is it also somewhat less than Caesar's. As for Schitinius Chius, I have no reason once to name him, who having in Apollonius among other wonders told us strange tales of fruits growing in Britain without kernels, and of grapes without stone and seed, hath bounded it within the precinct of CCC stadia and no more. Much better yet hath Dionysius After in his Description of the world, reported of the British Lands that is to say, Britain and Ireland in this wise, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Now, for their greatness verily, exceeding large they are; And seek through Lands all, none may with British Isles compare. And together with him, Aristides and other Greek writers accord, who by way of excellenc● 〈…〉 truly called Britain for the greatness thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The great I' 〈◊〉. Now, they that have more curiously compared the spaces of heaven above, together with the tracts of earth beneath, place Britain under the 8. Climate, and include it within the 18. and 26 Parallel. They think also the longest day there, to be 18. Equinoctial hours and an half. But the Cape of Cornwall, respecting the convexity of the earth, they describe to be situate 16 degrees & 50 scruples from the furthest point West: the longitude likewise of the Fore-land in Kent, to be 21. degrees; as for the latitude, in the southcoast they measure it by 50 degrees, and that of Catnesse Northward. by 59 & 40 scruples over. So that, according to this site, Britain is seated aswell for air as soil, in a right fruitful and most mild place. The air so kind and temperate, that not only the Summers be not excessive hot, by reason of continual gentle winds that abate their heat (which as they refresh the fruits of the earth, so they yield a most wholesome and pleasing contentment both to man and beast) but the Winters also are passing mild: For, the rain falling often with still showers, (to say nothing of the air itself somewhat thick and gross) dissolveth the rigour of the cold so; and withal the sea which compasseth it, with moderate warmth doth comfort the land in such wise, as that the cold with us is much more remiss than in some parts of France and Italy. Whereupon it is, that Minutius Foelix, proving that God by his providence hath a special regard of the several parts of the world as well as of the whole, saith, That Britain though it want other whiles the aspect of the Sun, yet refreshed it is with the warmth of the sea flowing round about it. Neither need you to marvel at his speech, concerning the warmth of the sea. The seas, quoth Cicero, stirred to and fro with the winds, ●e natura Deorum, lib. 2. do so wax warm, that a man may easily perceive, within that world of Waters there is enclosed a certain heat. To the temperateness also of this Island Cescenius Getulicus a very ancient Poet seemeth to have respect, when he versified thus of Britain; Non Illîc Aries verno ferit aëra cornu, Probus in Virgilij G●●gie. Gnosia nec Gemini praecedunt cornua Tauri, Sicca Lycaonius resupinat plaustra Bootes. The * Aries. RAM unkindly smites not there, in Spring, the air with horn, Nor * Gemini. TWINS, the horned * Taurus. BULL of Crete, untimely go before, Where DRIVER, * Boötes, otherwise called Arctophylax. hight Arctophylax, doth his dry wain up-turn. Caesar likewise writeth thus; The places in Britain be more temperate (by reason that the weather is not so cold) than in France. Semblably Cornelius Tacitus; No extremity there is of cold: and he addeth moreover, and saith, The soil, setting aside the Olive, the Vine, and the rest, which are * Usually grow in hotter counries. proper to warmer countries, taketh all kind of grain, and beareth it in abundance: it ripeneth slowly, but cometh up quickly: the cause of both, is one and the same, to wit, the overmuch moisture of ground and air. For the air, as Strabo writeth, is subject rather to showers of rain, than to snow. Howbeit, the ground enriched so with all sorts of corn, that Orpheus hath reported it to be the very seat of Ladi● Ceres: for, that which we read in his Poem thus, — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,— — Lo, here, the stately hauls Of Ceres' Queen.— is meant of this our Island: yea, and it hath been the very barn, garner, and store-house of victuals of the West Empire; Zosimus. Eustachius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. from whence the Romans were wont yearly to transport into Germany, with a fleet of 800. vessels bigger than barges, great store of corn, for the maintenance of their armies, which there defended the Frontiers. But lest I should seem to exceed overmuch in the praise of my native country, hear in stead of me, that ancient Orator, who with open mouth resoundeth out the commendations thereof, in this manner: O happy Britain, and more fortunate than all other lands beside, Panegyrie to Constantius. which first sawest Constantine Emperor! for good cause hath nature endowed thee with all the blessed gifts of air and soil; wherein there is neither excessive cold of Winter, nor extreme heat of Summer; wherein there is so great plenty of grain, that it serveth sufficiently both for bread and drink: wherein the forests are without savage beasts, and the ground void of noisome serpents. chose, an infinite multitude there is of tame cattle with udders strutting full of milk, and loaden with fleeces: and verily, (that which for the use of our life we much esteemed) the days there are very long, and the nights never want some light, whiles those utmost plains by the sea side cast and raise no shadows on high, and the aspect both of sky and stars passeth beyond the bound of the night, yea the very Sun itself, which unto us seemeth for to set, appeareth there, only to pass along and go aside. Harken also, if it please you, to another Orator speaking unto Constantius the father of Constantine the Great in this wise: Panegyri●, to Constantius. And, I assure you, no small damage was it to the Commonweal, as to lose the bare name only of BRITAIN, so to forgo a land so plentiful in corn, so rich in pasturage, so full of mines and veins of mettle, so gainful in tributes and revenues so accommodated with many havens, and for circuit, so large and spacious. Moreover, the singular love and motherly affection of Nature to this Island, a Poet of good antiquity hath by way of a speech made unto Britain lively expressed thus, in this Epigram, which some have judged not unworthy to be divulged. Tu nimio nec stricta gelu, nec sydere fervens, Clementi coelo temperiéque places, cum pareret Natura parens, varióque favore Divideret dotes omnibus una locis, Seposuit potiora tibi, matreque professa, Insula sis foelix, plenáque pacis, ait. Quicquid amat luxus, quicquid desiderat usus, Ex te proveniet, vel aliunde tibi. For air, so mild and temperate right pleasing is thy seat; Where reigneth neither chilling cold, nor yet excessive heat. What time Dame Nature brought things forth, and of her only grace, Bestowed her favours manifold and gifts on every place; Like mother kind, the better part aside for thee she laid; Oh, happy Island mayst thou be and full of peace, she said: What ever vain excess affects, what may man's need content, Shall come from thee, or else to thee, from other lands be sent. Fortunate Islands. This plentiful abundance, these goodly pleasures of Britain, have persuaded some, that those fortunate Islands, wherein all things, as Poets write, do still flourish as in a perpetual Spring tide, In his Commentaries upon Lycophron. were sometime here with us. For, this, doth one Isacius Tzetzes a Greek Author of no small credit, affirm, and our ancestors seem to have believed the same as a certain truth. For, what time as Pope Clement the sixth, as we read in Robert of Aeusburie, 1344. had elected Lewis of Spain, to be the Prince of those fortunate Islands, and for to aid and assist him, mustered soldiers in France and Italy; our countrymen were verily persuaded, That he was chosen Prince of Brit●ine, and that all the said preparation was for Britain, as one, saith he, of the fortunate Islands. Yea and even those most prudent personages themselves, our Legier Ambassadors there, with the Pope, were so deeply settled in this opinion, that forthwith they withdrew themselves from Rome, and hastened with all speed into England, there to certify their countrymen and friends of the matter. Neither will any man now judge otherwise, who throughly knoweth the blessed estate and happy wealth of Britain. For Nature took a pleasure in the framing thereof, and seemeth to have made it as a second world, sequestered from the other, to delight mankind withal, yea and curiously depainted it of purpose, as it were a certain portrait, to represent a singular beauty, and for the ornament of the universal world: with so gallant and glittering variety, with so pleasant a show are the beholders eyes delighted, which way soever they glance. To say nothing of the Inhabitants, whose bodies are of an excellent good constitution, their demeanour right courteous, their natures as gentle, and their courage most hardy and valiant, whose manhood by exploits achieved both at home and abroad, is famously renowned thorough the whole world. The first Inhabitants: and reason of the Name. But who were the most ancient and the very first Inhabitants of this Isle, as also, from whence this word Britan had the original derivation, sundry opinions one after another have risen; and many we have seen, who being uncertain in this point, have seemed to put down the certain resolution thereof. Neither can we hope to attain unto any certainty herein, more than all other nations, which) setting those aside that have their original avouched unto them out of holy Scripture) as well as we, touching their point, abide in great darkness, error and ignorance. And how, to speak truly, can it otherwise be? considering that the truth, after so many revolutions of ages and times, could not choose but be deeply hidden. For the first inhabitors of country's had other cares and thoughts to busy and trouble their heads, than to deliver their beginnings unto posterity. And say, they had been most willing so to do, yet possibly could they not, seeing their life was so uncivil, so rude, so full of wars, and therefore void of all literature; which keeping company with a civil life, by peace and repose, is only able to preserve the memory of things, and to make over the same to the succeeding ages. Moreover the Druidae, who being in the old time the Priests of the Britan's and Gauls, were supposed to have known all that was passed; & the Bardi, that used to resound in song all valours and noble acts, thought it not lawful to write and book any thing. But admit they had recorded aught; in so long continuance of time, in so many and so great turnings and overturnings of States, doubtless the same had been utterly lost, seeing that the very stones, pyramids, obelisks, and other memorable monuments, thought to be more durable than brass, have yielded long ago to the iniquity of time. Howbeit, in the ages soon after following, there wanted not such as desired gladly to supply these defects; and when they could not declare the truth indeed, yet at least way for delectation, they laboured to bring forth narrations, devised of purpose, with certain pleasant variety to give contentment, and delivered their several opinions, each one after his own conceit and capacity, touching the original of Nations and their names. Unto which, as, there were many, who neglecting further search into the truth, quickly yielded connivance; so, the most sort delighted with the sweetness of the Deviser, as readily gave credence. But, to let pass all the rest, one Geffrey Ap Arthur, of Monmouth among us (whom I would not pronounce in this behalf liable to this suspicion) in the reign of K. Henry the Second, published an History of Britain, and that out of the British tongue, as he saith himself: wherein he writeth, That Brutus a Trojane borne, the son of Silvius, nephew of Ascanius, and in a third degree nephew to that great Aeneas descended from supreme Jupiter, (for the goddess Venus▪ bore him) whose birth cost his mother her life, and who by chance slew his own father in hunting, (a thing that the wise Magis had foretold) fled his country and went into Greece; where he delivered out of thraldom the progeny of Helenus K. Priamus son, vanquished King Pandrasus, wedded his daughter, and accompanied with a remnant of Trojans, fell upon the Island Leogetia: where by the Oracle of Diana, he was advised to go into this Western Isle. From thence through the straits of Gebraltar, where he escaped the Mermaids, and afterward through the Tuscan sea, he came as far as to * Aquitaine, Brute. Aquitaine, in a pight battle defeated Golfarius the Pict, King of Aquitaine, together with twelve Princes of Gaul; and after he had built the city * Vrbem Turonum. Tours (as witnesseth Homer) and made spoil of Gaul, passed over sea into this Island inhabited of Giants, In the year of the world, 2855. Before the Nativity of Christ, 1108. whom when he had conquered, together with Gogmagog the hugest of them all, according to his own name he called it Britain, in the year of the world 2855: before the first Olympiad 334. years; and before the nativity of Christ 1108. Thus far Geffrey [of Monmouth]. Yet others there be, that fetch the name of Britain from some other causes. Sir Thomas Eliot, by degree a worshipful Knight, and a man of singular learning, draweth it from the Greek fountain, to wit, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a term that the Athenians gave to their public Finances or Revenues. Humphrey Lhuyd, reputed by our countrymen, for knowledge of Antiquity, to carry, after a sort, with him all the credit and authority, referreth it confidently to the British word PRID-CAIN, that is to say, a pure white form. Pomponius Laetus reporteth, that the Britons out of Armorica in France, gave it that name. Goropius Becanus saith, that the Danes sought here to plant themselves, and so named it BRIDANIA, that is, Free Dania. Others derive it from PRUTENIA, a region in Germany. Bodine supposeth, that it took the name of BRETTA the Spanish word, which signifieth Earth: and Forcatulus, of BRITHIN, which, as we read in Athenaeus, the Greeks used for drink. Others bring it from the BRUTII in Italy, whom the Grecians called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. As for those smatterers in Grammar, who keep a babbling and prating that Britain should carry that name, of British manners, let them be packing. These are all the opinions (to my knowledge) that have been received touching the name of Britain. But herein, as we cannot but smile at the fictions of strangers, so the devices coined by our own countrymen pass not currant with general allowance. And verily, in these and such like cases, an easier matter it is to impeach the false, than to teach and maintain a truth. For besides this, that it were an absurdity to seek the reason of this name in a foreign language; the general consent of all Historiographers of better note, doth confute Laetus; who with one accord deliver unto us, that those Armorica Britons departed hence, and so from us carried the name with them. Again, Britain flourished under this name many hundred years before the names of Dania and Prutenia came up, But what doth the word Britannia to do with the Spaniards Bretta? which I doubt, whether it be Spanish or no: and why should this Island be so termed, rather than other Land? That the drink called Brithin was ever in use among our countrymen, can hardly be proved: and to give name to our nation of the greeks drink, were ridiculous. As for those Brutii in Italy, whom as Strabo witnesseth, the Lucan's called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as one would say, traitorous fugitives, it can never be proved, that they like runagates ran hither into Britain. But to come now to our own countrymen's conjectures. eliot's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seemeth not probable; seeing that word was proper to the Athenians; and considering the Greeks called this Isle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Lhuyds Prid-Cain for the Britain, seemeth not only too far fetched, but also over-hardly strained: to say nothing, how that word, Cain, came from the Latins Candidum, and so crept into the provincial language of the Britain's. But as touching those reports of Brutus; were they true, certain, and undoubted, there is no cause why any man should bestow farther study and labour in searching out the beginning of the Britain's: The thing is dispatched to our hand, and the searchers of Antiquity are eased of their troublesome and painful travel. For mine own part, it is not my intent, I assure you, to discredit and confute that story which goes of him, for the upholding whereof, (I call Truth to record) I have from time to time strained to the height, all that little wit of mine. For that were, to strive with the stream and currant of time; and to struggle against an opinion commonly and long since received. How then may I, a man of so mean parts, and small reckoning, be so bold, as to sit in examination of a matter so important, and thereof definitively to determine? Well, I refer the matter full and whole to the Senate of Antiquarians, for to be decided. Let every man, for me, judge as it pleaseth him; and of what opinion soever the Reader shall be of, verily I will not make it a point much material. And yet I see (that I may tell you so much aforehand, being as I am a plain honest and diligent searcher after the truth) how men most judicious and passing well learned, go about diverse ways to extenuate the credit of this narration; and so often as I stand in defence thereof, to come upon me fiercely with these and such like arguments. First, grounding their reason upon the time, they protest and say, that all is but fabulous (with reservation only of the Sacred History) whatsoever is reported to have been done before the first Olympias, to wit, the year 770. before the birth of Christ: like as these reports of Brutus, which are before the said time 300. years and more. And this they aver by the authority of Varro, the most learned writer of all the Romans: who as he named the first age immediately after man's creation unto the Deluge, Censorium. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, uncertain, by reason of the ignorance thereof, so he termed the second, even from the said Deluge unto the first Olympias, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, The Fabulous Time or Age. Fabulous: because in that time there is related nothing else (for the most part) but tales, even among the greeks and Latins, learned nations; much more than among the Barbarous and unlettered, such as in those days they were in all this tract, every one. Then they allege, that for the confirmation of this matter in question, the authority of sufficient writers, (which to the knowledge of things past maketh most, and is all in all) is altogether defective. Now, those they call sufficient writers, whose antiquity and learning the greater it is, so is their credit the better accepted, who all of them, like as the ancient Britain's themselves (by their saying) knew not so much as the name of Brutus. Caesar, say they, sixteen hundred years since, as he testifieth of himself, By all the enquiry that he could make, found no more but this, that the in land part of Britain was inhabited by those, who, said they, were borne in the very Island; and the maritime coasts by such as from out of At this day called Netherlands, or Low countries of Germany. Belgium passed over thither. Tacitus also, a thousand and four hundred years ago, who searched diligently into these particulars, wrote thus, What manner of men the first inhabitants of Britain were, borne in the land or brought in, as among barbarous people it is not certainly known. Gildas, being himself a wise and learned Britain, who lived a thousand years since, hath not one word of this Brutus, and doubteth whether the old Britain's had any records or writings, whereby they might convey unto posterity, their own beginning and History; professing that he wrote, by the relation which he had from beyond-sea, and not by any direction out of the writings of his own country, or any records left by writers: which if there were ever any at all, either the enemies had burnt them, or else they were carried away far off in some fleet of exiled persons, and so not extant. Ninius also, disciple of Eluodugus, taking in hand to write a Chronicle, eight hundred years ago, complaineth that the great Masters and Doctors of Britain, had no skill, and left no memorial in writing: confessing, that himself gathered whatsoever he wrote out of the Annals and Chronicles of the holy Fathers. To these they adjoin Beda, William of Malmesburie, and as many as wrote eleven hundred and threescore years since, who seem not once to have heard of Brutus his name; so silent are they of him in all their own writings. Hereupon they have noted, that the name of that Brutus was never heard of in the world, before that in a barbarous age, and amid the thickest clouds of ignorance, one Hunibald a bald writer, fabled and feigned, That Francio a Trojane, King Priam's son, was the founder of the French Nation. Hence they collect, that when our countrymen heard once how the Frenchmen their neighbours drew their line from the Trojanes, they thought it a foul dishonour, that those should outgo them in nobility of Stock, whom they matched every way in manhood and proesse. Therefore, that Geffrey Ap Arthur of Monmouth, four hundred years ago, was the first, as they think, that to gratify our Britan's produced unto them this Brutus, descended from the gods, by birth also a Trojane, to be the author of the British Nation. And before that time verily not one man, as they say, made any mention at all of the said Brutus. They add thus much moreover, that about the same time, the Scotish writers falsely devised Scota the Egyptian Pharaoes' daughter to be the Foundress of their nation. Then also it was, that some misspending their wit and time, yea and offering violent abuse unto the truth, forged out of their own brains, for the Irish, their Hiberus; for the Danes, their Danus; for the Brabanders, their Brabo; for the Goths, their Gothus; and for the Saxons, their Saxo; as it were the Stockfathers' of the said nations. But seeing that in this our age, which hath escaped out of those dark mists of fatal ignorance, the French have renounced their Francio as a counterfeit Progenitor: (Whereas the Frenchmen, quoth Turnibus a right learned man, stand highly upon their descent from the Trojanes, they do it in emulation of the Romans, whom they seeing to bear themselves proud of that Pedigree and noble stock, would needs take unto themselves also the like reputation:) And for that the Scots, such as be of the wiser sort, have cast off their Scota; and truth itself hath chased away Hiberus, Danus, Brabo, and the rest of these counterfeit Demigods, and Worthies of the same stamp: Why the Britan's should so much stick unto their Brutus, as the name-giver of their Island, and to the Trojane original, they greatly wonder: as who would say, before the destruction of Troy, (which happened in the thousand year or there about after Noah's flood) there had been no Britain's here: and as if there had not lived many valorous men before Agamemnon. Furthermore, they avouch, that very many out of the grave Senate of great Clerks, by name, Boccace, Vives, Hadr. J●nius. Polydore, Buchanan, Vigneier, Genebrard, Molinaeus, Bodine, and other men of deep judgement, agree jointly in one verdict, and deny, that ever there was any such in the world as this Brutus: also, that learned men of our own country, as many, acknowledge him not, but reject him as a mere counterfeit. He flourished in the year 1440. Among whom, they produce, first John of Weathamsted, Abbot of S. Albans, a most judicious man; who in his Granary wrote of this point long since in this manner: According to other histories, which in the judgement of some are of more credit, the whole Discourse of this Brutus is rather Poetical than historical, and, for diverse reasons, built upon opinion more than truth indeed. First, because their is no where mention made in the Roman stories, either of killing the father, or of the said birth, or yet of putting away the son. Secondly, for that, after sundry authors, Ascanius begat no such son who had for his proper name Silvius: for, according unto them, he begat but one only son, and that was julus, from whom the house of julii afterwards took their beginning etc. And thirdly, Silvius Posthumus, whom perhaps Geffrey meaneth, was the son of Aeneas by his wife Lavinia; and he begetting his son Aeneas in the eight and thirtieeh year of his reign, ended the course of his life by natural death. The Kingdom therefore, now called England, was not heretofore, as many will have it, named Britain of Brutus the son of Silvius. Wherefore, it is in their opinion a vain piece of work, and ridiculous enough, to challenge noble blood, and yet to want a probable ground of their challenge. For it is not manhood only, that ennobleth a nation; the mind it is also with perfect understanding, and nothing else, that gaineth gentility to a man. And therefore Seneca writeth thus, in his * Epist. 44. Epistles out of Plato▪ That there is no King but he came from slaves, and no slave but he descended of Kings. Wherefore, to conclude, let this suffice the Britain's from the beginning of their Nobility, that they be courageous and valiant in fight, that they subdue their enemies on every side, and that they utterly refuse the yoke of servitude. In a second rank they place William of Newborough a writer of much greater authority, who too too sharply charged Geffrey the Compiler of the British history, for his untruth, so soon as ever it came forth, in these words: A certain writer quoth he, in these our days hath risen up, who deviseth foolish fictions and tales of the Britain's, and in a vain humour of his own, extolleth them far above the valorous Macedonians and Romans both: he hath to name Geffrey, and is surnamed Arthurius, for that the tales of Arthur taken out of the Britain's old fables, and augmented by inventions of his own, with a new colour of Latin speech laid over them, he hath invested into the goodly title of an History. who also hath adventured farther, and divulged under the name of authentic prophecies, grounded upon an undoubted truth, the deceitful conjectures and foredeeming of one Merline, whereunto he added verily a great deal of his own, whiles he did the same into Latin. And a little after: Moreover, in his book which he entitleth, The Britan's History; how malapertly and shamelessly he doth in manner nothing but lie, there is no man that readeth the said book can doubt, unless he have no knowledge at all of ancient histories. For, he that hath not learned the truth of things indeed, admitteth without discretion and judgement the vanity of fables. I forbear to speak, what great matter tha● fellow hath forged of the Britan's acts, before the Empire, and coming in of Julius Caesar, or else being by others invented, hath put them down as authentic. In somuch, as Giraldus Cambrensis, Descript. Cambriae. c. 7. who both lived and wrote at the same time, made no doubt to term it, The fabulous story of Geffrey. Others there be, who in this narration of Brutus, laugh at the foolish topography set down by this Geffrey; as also how falsely he hath produced Homer as a witness: yea, and they would persuade us, that it is wholly patched up of untunable discords and jarring absurdities. They note beside, that his writings, together with his Merlin's prophecies, are (among other books prohibited) forbidden by the church of Rome to be published. Some again do observe thus much; how these tha● most of all admire Brutus, are very doubtful and waver to and fro about their 〈◊〉. He, say they, that taketh upon him the name and person of Gildas, and 〈…〉 brief glosses to Ninius, deviseth first, that this Brutus was a Consul of Rome; then, that he was the son of Silvius, and lastly, of one Hessicio. And there wanteth not (as I have heard say) a certain Count-Palatine, who 〈◊〉 needs have our Brutus to be called Brotus, because, forsooth, in his birth he was the cause of his mother's death, as if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sounded so much in Greek. In the judgement of others, they should have left the Original of Britain's as probable, if they had fathered their progeny, either upon Brito the Centaur, whom Hinginus mentioneth; Bretanus. or that Bretanus, of whose daughter Celtice, Parthenius Nicaeus a very ancient author, writeth that Hercules begat Celtus, the father of the Celtaes, and from whom Hesychius deriveth the word Britain. As for these observations and judgements of other men, which I have recited, I beseech you, let no man commence action against me, a plain meaning man, and an ingenuous student of the truth, as though I impeached that narration of Brutus; forasmuch as it hath been always (I hope) lawful for every man in such like matters, both to think what he will, and also to relate what others have thought. For mine own part, let Brutus be taken for the father, and founder of the British nation; I will not be of a contrary mind. Let the Britain's resolve still of their original, to have proceeded from the Trojans (into which stock, as I will hereafter prove, they may truly engraff themselves) I will not gain-stand it. I wot full well, that Nations in old time for their original, had recourse unto Hercules, & in later ages, to the Trojans. Let Antiquity herein be pardoned, Livius. if by entermingling falsities and truths, humane matters and divine together, it make the first beginnings of nations and cities more noble, sacred, and of greater majesty: seeing that, as Pliny writeth, Even falsely to claim and challenge descents from famous personages, implieth in some sort a love of virtue. As for myself, I willingly acknowledge with Varro, the best learned of all Romans, Augustinus d● Civitate Dei. lib. 3. cap. 4. such originals as these, fetched from the gods, to be profitable; that valorous men may believe, although untruly, that they are descended from the gods, and thereby the mind of man assuredly persuaded of some divine race, may presume to enterprise great matters more boldly, act the same more resolutely, and upon the very security thereof, perform all more happily. By which words nevertheless, S. Augustine gathereth, that the said most learned Varro confesseth (although not stoutly nor confidently, yet covertly) that these opinions are altogether truthless. Forasmuch then, as all writers are not of one and the same mind, as touching the very name and the first inhabitants of Britain, and I fear me greatly, that no man is able to fetch out the truth, so deeply plunged within the winding revolutions of so many ages, let the Reader of his candour and humanity, pardon me also among others, if modestly and without the prejudice of any man, I likewise interpose my conjecture; not upon any mind I have contentiously to wrangle, (be that far from me) but in my desire to search out the truth; which hath wholly possessed me and brought to this point, that in the question now in hand, I had rather ask forgiveness for my fault (if there be any) than commit no fault at all. Howbeit, to the end that the reason of this name, may if it be possible, more easily and with better success appear, I will endeavour first (as I may) to find out the most ancient Inhabitors of the Island, albeit they lie so hidden in the utmost nook and secretest closer of Antiquity, as it were in a most thick wood, where no pathwaies are to be seen, that very small hope there is or none at all, to fetch those things back again with all my diligence, which oblivion hath so long removed out of the sight of our ancestors. But to seek for this matter farther off, and to omit Caesar, with Diodorus and others, who would have the Britan's to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 borne of themselves in the very land and mere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aborigines; that is, Homelings and not foreign brought in: who also imagined, that men in the beginning sprang out of the earth, like unto mushrooms and todstooles: we are taught out of the sacred History penned by Moses, that after the Deluge, Sem, Cham, and Japhet, the three sons of No, having multiplied their issue in great number, departed asunder from the mountains of Armenia, where the Ark had rested, into diverse parts and quarters of the earth, and so, propagated the nations throughout the wide world. That some of their posterity came to this Isle after the families were by little and little spread and dispersed abroad, both reason itself, and also the authority of Theophilus Antiochenus, do jointly prove. When as, saith he, in old time, there were few men in Arabia and Chaldaea, after the division of tongues they increased and multiplied more and more. Hereupon some departed toward the East, some got them to the spacious and open main-land: others went forward into the North, seeking there to seat themselves: neither gave they over to possess ground every where, until they came as far as to Britain, situate in the Northern Climates. And Moses himself expressly showeth the same, writing, that the Islands of the Gentiles were by the posterity of Japhet divided in their Regions. The Islands of * Or Nations. Gentiles the Divines call those, which lie farthest off: and Wolfgangus Musculus a Theologer, not of the lowest rank, thinketh that the nations and families which came from Japhet first inhabited the Isles of Europe, such as (saith he) be England, Origen. lib. 9 cap. 2. Sicily, etc. Now, that Europe fell unto Japet and his progeny, not Divines only, but Josephus also and others have recorded. For Isidorus, out of an ancient writer citeth this, The nations descended of japhet, possess from the Mountain Taurus Northward, the one half of Asia, and all Europe so far as to the British Ocean, leaving names both to places and people both: Of which very many afterward became changed, the rest remain as they were. And we have seen that blessing of No, [God enlarge japhet, Gen. cap. 9 and let him dwell in the Tents of Sem, and let Chanaan be his servant] fulfilled in the people of Europe. For, Europe, which, as Pliny saith, bred up a people conqueror of all nations, hath triumphed more than once over those other parts of the world which fell unto Sem and Cham: and in this part hath the offspring of Japhet spread itself far and wide. For of his sons, Magog begat the Massagets, Javan the Jones, Thubal the Spaniards, and Mesech the Moschovits. But Gomer his eldest son, in these farthest and remotest borders of Europe, gave both beginning and name to the Gomerians, 〈◊〉, Cimerii, Cumeri, etc. which were after called Cimbrians and Cimmerians. For, the name of Cimbrians or Cimmerians filled in some sort this part of the world: and not only in Germany, but also in Gaul spread exceeding much. They which now are the Gauls, were, as Josephus and Zonaras write, called of Gomer, Gomari, Gomeraei and Gomeritae. From these Gomarians or Gomeraeans of Gaul, I have always thought that our Britain's drawn their beginning, and from thence, for a proof of the said beginning, brought their name: the very proper and peculiar name also of the * i Welsh men. Britan's, hath persuaded me thereunto. For even they call themselves ordinarily Kumero, Cymro and Kumeri: like as a * or Welch. British woman Kumeraes, and the tongue itself, Kumeraeg. Neither acknowledge they any other names: although some there be not of the greatest skill, who from hence have coined in the former age, these words, Cambri and Cambria. Yea, and that Grammarian whom Virgil in his Catalects so taunteth and termeth the Britain Thucydides, Quintilian saith was a Cimbrian. Lib. 8. cap. 3. And whence, trow ye, should we think these names proceed, but from that Gomer, and the Gomerians in Gaul next adjoining? which was the seat of the old Gomerians. That the Germans came of Aschenaz, the Turks from Togorma, sons of Gomer, the learned do verily think, because the Jews even at this day call these, Togormah; like as the former, Aschenas. That the Thracians jones, Riphaeans and Moschi, etc. are the posterity of Thirax, Javan, Riphat and Moschus, no man denieth; for that the names sound not unlike: Semblably, that the Ethiopians were the seed of Chus, and the Egyptians of Misraim, because they carry the same names in their own languages, no man there is but granteth. Why should not we then confess, that our Britain's or Cumerians, are the very posterity of Gomer, and of Gomer took their denomination? For, the name acordeth passing well: and granted it is, that they planted themselves in the utmost borders of Europe: Which thing also, the very name of Gomer, imposed first not upon some light occasion, but even by Divine providence and inspiration, Phil. Melanct. doth signify: For Gomer in the Hebrew tongue, betokeneth utmost Bordering. Neither let any man by way of reproach, object unto our Cumeri or Cimbri, what Sext. Pompeius hath written, That thiefs in the French tongue are called Cimbri. For, albeit the Cimbri (among whom it is likely that our Cumeri were,) living in that courageous and bold age of the world, wherein martial proësse flourished, wand'ring (as Possidonius writeth), from these marches of Europe, warred by way of robbery, as far as to the lake Maeotis; yet for all that, the word Cimbri no more signifieth a thief, than Aegyptius, one that is superstitious, or Chaldaeus, an ginger, and Sybarita, a delicate dainty-mouth. But because those nations were so given, therefore they that are such bear their names. And in this point agreeth right with me, Ad Sexium Pompeium. Berosus. Censure upon Berosus. that singular ornament of learning Joseph Scaliger. Neither let any man marvel, wherefore I call not Berosus here to take my part, out of whom writers in these days furnish themselves with so great means. Certes, to speak my mind at once, the edge of that Berosus his authority, who commonly goeth under that name, is in my account so Blunt and dull, that I together with the best learned of our age, as namely Volaterran, Vives, Antonius Augustinus, Melchior Canus, and especially Gaspar Varrerius, think it to be nothing else, but a ridiculous figment of some crafty foister and juggling deceiver; which Varrerius in his Censure of Berosus Printed at Rome, is soon able to remove out of the Readers minds that error of theirs so deeply settled, concerning this writer. This is mine opinion and conjecture rather of the Britan's original: For in things of so great Antiquity, a man may more easily proceed by guess, than upon grounded reason pronounce sentence either way. And verily this their beginning from Gomer and out of * Now France. Gaul seemeth more substantial, ancient and true, than that from Brutus and Troy. Nay, that this soundeth rather to a truth, and that our Britain's are the very offspring of the Gaulois, me thinks I am able to prove, by the name, scite, religion, * Now Frenchmen. manners, and language: by all which the most ancient Gauls and Britain's have been, as it were, in some mutual society linked together. And that I may this do, let me, I pray you, with favourable good leave range abroad for a while at my pleasure. As touching the name, THE NAME. because I have spoken thereof before, thus much only will I repeat, that as the ancient Gauls are called Gomeraeans, Gomeritae, Gomeri, and by contraction Cimbri: so likewise our Britain's be named Cumeri and Kimbri. Now that the Gauls were called Gomeri, Josephus and Zonaras (as I said) do jointly prove. That they were named also Cimbri, may be gathered out of Cicero and Appian. Those Barbarians whom Marius defeated, Cicero plainly termeth gaul's. De Proconsul. C. Marius, quoth he, repressed the armies of the Gauls, entering in great numbers into Italy. But all Historiographers witness, that they were Cimbrians: and the Habergeon of their King Beleus, digged up at * A●x. Aquae Sextiae, where Marius put them to flight, hath showed the same: For engraven it was with strange letters thus, BELEOS CIMBROS. Forcatulus out of the Annals of France. Likewise, that they who under the conduct of Brennus spoiled * Now, Castri or Salona. Delphi in Greece were Gauls, all writers with one voice and mind agree: and yet, that these were named Cimbri, 1235. Appian in his Illyricks doth testify: The Celts or gaul's, quoth he, whom they call Cimbrians. And here will I neither cite the testimony of Lucan, who calleth the hackster, that was hired and sent to kill Marius, a Cimbrian, whom Livy and others affirm to have been a Gaul; nor allege Plutarch, who nameth the Cimbrians, Gallo-scythians, ne yet Reinerius Reineccius an excellent Historian, who constantly averreth out of Plutarch in his Sertorius, that the Gauls and Cimbrians used the same language. Neither will I urge and strain to my purpose that only word of the Cimbrians which remaineth among authors, and is produced by Pliny out of Philemon, Morimarusa. to wit, Morimarusa. i. the dead Sea, although it be mere British: For Mor with the * That is, Welch. Britan's signifieth Sea, and Marw, dead. Seeing therefore, that these people agreed in the most ancient name, from whence passed the said name into this Isle, * The Scite. but even with the first Inhabitants, out of Gaul, lying so near, and by a very small straight of sea severed from it? For the world was not altogether and at once inhabited; but grant we must, that the countries nearer adjoining unto the mountains of Armenia, (where the Ark rested after the flood, and from whence mankind was increased) were peopled before others; and namely Asia the less, and Greece before Italy, Italy before Gaul, and Gaul before Britain. The consideration whereof is most delectable, Erasmus Michael of Navigation. in that the highest Creator, had joined regions, and withal dispersed the Islands so, as their is no such great distance between any of them, but that even those which lie farthest off, may from some one near adjoining, be seen and plainly as it were discerned by the eye. And for no other purpose was this done; but that the nations when they should over-abound, might discover and describe some places to pass unto and disburden themselves; so long, until the universal world were to the glory of the Creator replenished with Inhabitants every where. We ought therefore to be persuaded, that the ancient Gomerians of Gaul (now France) either chased away by the pursuit of others, or cast out for lessening of the multitude, or else inflamed with a desire to travel and see far countries, (a thing naturally inbred in men) crossed the sea and came over first into this Isle, which from the continent they were able to ken. And it stands to very good reason also, that every country received the first Inhabitants from places near bordering, rather than from such as were most disjoined. For, who would not think, that Cyprus had the first Inhabitors out of Asia next unto it, * Or Candie. Crete and Sicily out of Greece neereby, and Corsica out of Italy a neighbour country: and, not to go far, Zealand out of Germany the nearest unto it, as also Island out of Norway, rather than from the remote tracts of Tartary and * Now Barbary. Mauritania? In like manner, why should not we think that out Britain was inhabited at first by the Gauls their neighbours, rather than either by the Trojans or Italians, the Alab●s and Brutians, so far distant and remove? Neither do writers fetch the original and infancy (as it were) of the Britaines from any other place, than their neighbour country Gaul. The inner parts of Britain, saith Caesar, is inhabited of them, whom they themselves report out of their records to have been borne in the Island: the Sea coast, of those, who upon purpose to make war had passed thither out of * Where now are Holland, Zealand, Flanders, Brabant, Gelderland & Cleve. Belgium in Gaul, who all in manner carry the names of those cities and States out of which they came thither, and after they had warred, there remained. For there were in Britain like as also in Gaul, people named Belgae, Atrebatii, Parisi, Cenomanni, etc. Semblably Tacitus, Generally, quoth he, if a man consider all circumstances, it is most likely that the Gauls being neighbours, peopled the land of Britain next unto them. Yea and Beda, one that among all our writers favoureth the truth, At the first, saith he, this Island had those Britain's only to inhabit it (from whom also it took the name) who by report, having sailed out from the tract of Armorica into Britain, challenged unto themselves the South coasts thereof. Now, he calleth the tract of Armorica, the sea coasts of * France. Gaul, opposite unto our Island. This also seemeth to make for our purpose, that Caesar reporteth, How Divitiacus the Gaul even in his remembrance, held a good part both of Gaul and also of Britanny under his government; Britain's in Gaul. as also, (that which is of greatest moment) Pliny among the maritime people, just over against Britain, near unto the County of Bullen, reckoned the * Britannos, yet in some Copies of Pliny, we read Briannos. Britain's: like as Dionysius after a more ancient writer than he, in these verses, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Word for word thus: And verily, that utmost point and angle of this * Of Europe. part, Inhabit the Iberians, people of haughty heart: Near Gebraltar, at Hercules his pillars called of old, Turning up the main in length, what way the current cold Of Northern Ocean with strong tides doth interflow and swell, Where Britain's, and those fair white folk, the martial Germans dwell. For these words [where Britons] seem to have respect unto those other, [Turning upon the main in length] and Eustathius, who did set forth his Commentaries upon this author, understandeth it of the Britons in Gaul, in these words, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, And of these Britons, the Isles of Britain over against them took their denomination. Howbeit, Avienus and Stephen in his book of Cities, Religion. are of a contrary mind. Moreover the same Religion was of both people observed; Among the Britain's, saith Tacitus, there is to be seen in their ceremonies and superstitious persuasions an apparent conformity with the Gauls. The Gauls, quoth Solinus, after a detestable manner of sacred rites, not to the honour but rather to the injury of religion, offered man's flesh in their sacrifices. That the Britain's did the very same, Dio Cassius beside others reporteth in his Nero. Both Nations also had their Druidae, as Caesar and Tacitus very sufficient writers do witness. Concerning which Druidae, let not the Reader think much to run over this whole passage out of Caesar. Druidae. The Druidae are present at all Divine service. The overseers they be of public and private sacrifices, the interpreters also of their religious rites and ceremonies. To these a great number of young men do flock for to be taught, and those do they highly esteem and honour. For lightly they decide and determine all controversies, as well public as private: And in case any heinous fact be committed, if there be a murder or manslaughter, if variance arise about inheritance, if strife about the bounds of lands, they in their discretion judge of the matter; they appoint rewards, they award penalties, and punishments, If any either private person, or body politic stand not to their Decree, they put them by all sacrifices, as excommunicate. And this among them is the most grievous punishment. They that be thus interdicted, are reckoned as godless and most wicked persons: All men decline from them, they avoid both meeting and talking with them for fear of taking harm by contagion from them. Neither have they the benefits of Law though they request it, nor be capable of any office, though they sue for it. Moreover, of all these Druids there is one Precedent, who hath the greatest authority among them. When he is dead, look who excelleth the rest in worth and dignity, he succeedeth him: But if there be many of equal estimation, chosen there is one by the voices of the Druids. Sometimes also they fall together by the ears, and take arms about this place of precedency. These Druids at one certain time of the year hold a solemn Session within a consecrated place, in the marches of the * About Chartres. Carnutes, a country held to be the middle of all France. Hither resort as unto the term from all parts, as many as have any controversies or suits in law: and to their judgements and decrees they yield obedience. Their learning and profession is thought to have been first found and devised in Britain, and so from thence translated into France: and now also in these days they that desire more exact knowledge thereof, The Doctrine of the Druida● found in Britain. go thither for the most part, to be instructed therein. The Druids are wont to be freed from warfare: neither with the rest pay they tribute. Immunity they have in exemption, as from war-service, so from all other charges whatsoever. Thus, many there be who being excited with so great rewards, and of their own accord meet together at School for to learn, and are thither sent by their kinsfolk, friends and parents. There by report, they learn by rote a great number of verses. And so they continue still scholars for certain years together; neither do they think it lawful to commit what they learn to writing; whereas otherwise in every thing almost, in public also and private dealings, they use Greek letters. This order they have taken, I suppose, for two reasons: because they would not have their doctrine divulged, nor their scholars by trusting to their written books, to neglect their own memory a thing incident lightly to most scholars; who presuming upon the help of writings, useless diligence in learning without book, and as little in exercising their memory. This one point principally they are desirous to persuade their scholars, That our souls are immortal, and after death pass out of one man into another; and by this means they suppose men, setting behind them all fear of death, are most of all stirred up unto virtue. Furthermore, concerning the stars and their motion, touching the greatness of heaven and earth, of the Nature of things, of the power and might of the immortal Gods, much dispute they make, and as many precepts they give to youth. Whereupon Lucan in this wise speaketh unto them: Et vos barbaricos ritus, morémque sinistrum Sacrorum, Druidae, positis repetistîs ab armis. Solis nosse Deos & Caeli sydera vobis Aut solis nescire datum. Nemora alta remotis Incolitis lucis. Vobis autoribus, umbras Non tacitas Erebi sedes, Ditisque profundi Pallida regna petunt, regit idem spiritus artus Orb alio: longae, canitis si cognita, vitae Mors media est. Certè, populi quos despicit Arctos, Foelices errore suo, quos, ille timorum Maximus, haud urget laethi metus: inde ruendi Inferrum mens prona viris, animaeque capaces Mortis: & ignavum est rediturae parcere vitae. Ye Priests also hight Druidae, your sacrifices leawed And barbarous rites, which were forlet in wars surcease, renewed. Ye only know, or ye alone know not the gods above And heavenly wights. Among high trees in groves remote, ye love To dwell, and teach that souls of men their bodies parted fro, Pass not to silent Erebus where Pluto reign's below, Among the pale and grisly ghosts: but spirit still the same Rul's limbs and joints in other world: And death (if that ye frame Your precepts grounded sure on truth and knowledge) is no more, Than middle point 'twixt future life and that which went before. Certes those Northern people are right happy; whom we see Persuaded of such vain conceits, wherein they nuzzeled be. No fear of death which men most dread, can once their stomaches daunt, This maketh them so resolute, so bold and valiant: Upon the pike and sword they run, they pass not to be slain; 'tis cowardice to spare that life, which will return again. By what name soever these were known to their Celts or Britain's, An Oak also in the British or Welsh tongue is called Derw. it may seem that this name of Druids came from a Greek primitive head, to wit, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, an Oak, for that they held nothing more sacred than the Misselto of the Oak; whereupon Ovid writeth thus: Adviscum Druidae, Druidae, cantare solebant. To Misselto go Druidae, go Druidae, they did sing. as who commonly dwelled within Oke-groves, and celebrated no sacrifice and divine service without the branches and leaves thereof. Lib. 16. cap. 4. But this, will Pliny more amply declare in these words of his: The Druidaes (for so they call their Diviners, Wisemen and estate of Clergy) esteem nothing in the world more sacred than Misselto, and the tree whereupon it groweth, so it be an Oak. Now this you must take by the way; These Priests or Clergy men choose of purpose such groves for their divine service, as stood only upon Okes: Nay they solemnize no sacrifice, nor celebrate any sacred ceremonies without branches and leaves thereof: so as they may seem well enough to be thereupon named Dryidae in Greek. And in very deed, whatsoever they find growing to that tree, beside the own fruit, they esteem it as a gift sent from heaven, and a sure sign, that the God himself whom they serve, hath chosen that peculiar tree. And no marvel; for Misselto is passing geason, and hard to be found upon the Oak: But when they meet with it, they gather it very devoutly, and with many ceremonies. First, they principally observe that the Moon be just six days old: for upon that day begin they their months and new years, yea and their several ages, which have their revolutions every thirty years, because she is thought then to be of great power and force sufficient, and is not come to her half light or end of her first quarter. It they call in their Language, All-heale, [for they have an opinion, that it healeth all maladies whatsoever.] Now when they are about to gather it, after they have duly prepared their sacrifices and festival cheer under the said tree, they bring thither two young bullocks milk-white, whose horns are then and not before bond up. This done, the Priest arrayed in a surplise or white vesture, climbeth the tree, and with a golden bill cutteth off [the Misselto] and they beneath receive the same in a white soldier's cassock. Then fall they to kill the beasts aforesaid for sacrifice, mumbling many orisons and praying, That it would please God to bless this gift of his, to their good unto whom he had vouchsafed to give it. Now this conceit they have of Misselto thus gathered, that what living creature soever, otherwise barren, drinketh thereof, it will presently thereupon become fruitful; also that it is a sovereign counterpoison and remedy against all venom. So superstitious are people oftentimes in such frivolous and foolish toys as these. Hereto acordeth well that Diodorus Siculus in the same sense hath termed these Priests of the Gauls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Saronidae. which word, (as they all know, who have skill in the Greek tongue, betokeneth Okes. And Maximus Tyrius writeth thus of the Celts, i. the Gauls; That they worship jupiter, whose symbol or sign, it the highest Oak. Furthermore, it may seem to proceed from these Druids, that our Saxons (as we read in Alfricus) called a Diviner or wise man in their language, Dry. Dry. Of these if you be willing to learn more, I refer you to Mela, Lactantius, Eusebius De Praeparatione Evangelica, and the Comedy Aulularia of Pseudo-Plautus. Bar●● The Frenchmen or Gauls, had likewise among their religious persons, the Bardi, who to the tune of the Harp sung Ditties in verse, containing the famous exploits of brave and noble men. From whence it is that the same Lucan before cited speaketh thus unto them. Vos quoque qui fortes animas, bellóque peremptas, Laudibus in longum, vates, dimittitis avum, Plurima securi fudistis carmina, Bardi. And ye the Poets, Bardi called, who knights redoubted prize praiseworthy most, that died in the field, and them do eternise; Poured forth now many a verse in song, and that in careless wise. And even those also do our * Welshmen. Britan's still at this day term by the very same name: For them they call Bard, who besides the exercise of that function, do especially addict themselves to the skill of Heraldry, and the drawing of Pedigrees. But whether the Britain's in like manner as the Gauls, believed, That they were descended from Pluto, we have no record to lead us. Whereas the Gauls did for that * That is, their descent from Pluto. cause, determine and end all their spaces of times, by reckoning nights and not days, so as the day might in order follow the night, the very same have our Britan's observed. For, that which the Latins call Septimana, and two Septimanae, they term with-nos, that is, eight nights, and Pimthecnos, that is, fifteen nights. Likewise both people's seem to have framed unto themselves, Their Republic or common wealth. one and the same form of Common weal and government. For, ruled they were not by one man's sceptre: but right as Gaul, so Britain also had many Kings. And even as the Gauls in cases of greater weight and danger called an assembly of the whole nation and elected one chief governor: so did the Britain's also, as it may be gathered out of these words of Caesar, The severaignty of command, and managing the war, was by a common Counsel granted to * Cassibelinus. Cassivelaunus. Neither were these two Nations unlike in manners, customs and ordinances. For to let this pass, Their Manners. that both of them were most warlike, and exceedingly given to slaughter: certain it is, that in joining of battles, and adventuring of dangers, they were one as forward as the other: as may appear by Strabo, Tacitus, Dio, Herodian and others. For manners and conditions, saith Strabo, the Britan's are in part like to the Gauls: and anon he addeth, In fight for the most part they be fierce and cruel like unto certain gaul's. And Tacitus according with him, The Britan's, saith he, that were not vanquished by the Romans, remain such as the ancient Gauls were. And in another place, Next neighbours to the Gauls and like unto them be the Britain's. That the Britain's fought, armed after the Gaulish fashion, Mela doth report. The Britaines in their wars use a number of Chariots as Strabo writeth, like as some of the Gauls. The manner was of the one people and the other, in time of war to range their battles apart by several nations, that the distinct valour of them both might more evidently appear. That the Gauls practised this, Caesar witnesseth in these words: The Gauls being divided by their sundry cities and states kept the fourds and passages. Which also Tacitus affirmeth of the Britaines in the battle of Carattacus, The nations stood by troops and companies before the fortifications. The Gauls, saith Strabo, were of a docible wit, and apt to learn: as also the Britain's, whose wits Agricola in Tacitus preferred before the students of Gaul, as being now curious to attain the eloquence of the Roman language, whereas they lately rejected the language. The Gauls, Strabo reporteth to have been of an ingenuous nature and single hearted: which Tacitus seemeth to note and observe in the Britan's, writing that they are ready and willing to endure levies of men and money, and all other burdens imposed by the Empire, if wrongful insolences herein be forborn. Caesar reporteth, that the Gauls upon an unconstant and variable mind that they carried, loved evermore change and alteration in the government: The Britain's likewise, saith Tacitus, were variable, given to factions and siding. By means of this inconstancy of the Gauls, which Caesar more mildly calleth an Infirmity, so great credulity crept into their minds, that the credulity of the Gauls grew to be a proverb, and one Poet hath written thus thereof: Et tumidus Gallâ credulitate fruar: And full of this conceit will I Make use of Gauls Credulity. Neither have our Britan's as yet therein degenerated from them, who most readily give ear even to * Old wives tales. Milesian fables, and either through superstitious hope or like fear do presently believe most foolish prophecies. We read in Strabo, that the Gauls grieved exceedingly and took to heart the abuse which they saw done unto their kindred. That there is the same Sympathy and fellow feeling in our Britan's above all other nations, it is better known than can be uttered, and rife in every man's mouth. The Gauls, as Caesar recordeth, according as every one excelled others in noble birth and wealthy estate, so kept they about them a greater train of servants and dependants, whom they called Ambacti: Ambacti. which was the only grace, countenance, and port they carried. Neither know our British Noblemen or gentry of Wales at this day, any other show of reputation: From whom, as it is thought, the English have learned to lead after them so great a retinue of followers and serving men: in which thing they have not long since outgone all other in Europe. That the British buildings were in every respect suitable with those in Gaul, and compassed round about with woods, Caesar and Strabo do show unto us. The Gauls, as witnesseth Strabo, aware chains of gold, about their necks: and Bunduica the British Lady, saith Xiphilinus, had likewise a golden chain, and was clad in a garment of sundry colours. And where at this day is that ornament more in use than in this Isle and among our Britan's? That Britan's and Gauls both, adorned their middle finger with a ring Pliny doth report. The same Strabo maketh mention of the Gauls, that they nourished the bush of their heads; and Caesar testifieth that the Britan's went with long hair. It appeareth in many authors, that the Gauls used certain garments which in their mother tongue they termed Brachae; Brachae. that these were also common to our Britain's, this verse of Marshal doth prove; quam veteres Brachae Britonis pauperis: Than Brachae old of Briton poor. I pass over that which Silius Italicus writeth of the Gauls: Quinetiam ingenio fluxi, sed primà feroces, Vaniloquum Celtae genus, ac mutabile mentis. The Gauls though fierce at first, soon yield and hold not out, by kind; A nation given to vanity of words and change of mind. Because these qualities are common to most nations, I might add hereto other particulars, wherein these people have jumped just together: but I fear me lest malicious evill-willers would wrest them to the detraction and slander of the said nations. Besides, that saying pleaseth me exceeding well, All in a mean and within measure: and the argument perhaps which is drawn from common manners, may seem not of the greatest validity. Language. Now are we come to the language, in which lieth the main strength of this disputation and the surest proof of people's original. For no man, I hope, will deny, that they which join in community of language, concurred also in one and the same original. And if all the histories that ever were had miscarried and perished; if no writer had recorded, that we Englishmen are descended from Germans, the true and natural Scots from the Irish, the Britons of Armorica in France from our Britan's; the society of their tongues would easily confirm the same: yea and much more easily, than the authority of most sufficient Historiographers. If therefore I shall prove, that the ancient Gauls and our Britan's used one and the self same language, than the very truth will of force drive us to confess, that they had also the same beginning. Neither pass I what Caesar hath written, that the Gauls were of diverse languages: since that Strabo saith, They differed only in dialect. They did not all, quoth he, every where use the same tongue, but somewhat, little though it were, it varied. But that the language of the old Gauls was all one with the British (unless haply in variety of dialect), Caesar himself doth show, writing that the manner was of the French or Gauls who desired further knowledge in the discipline and learning of the Druids, to go over into Britain unto our Druidae. Now seeing that they had no use of books, it stands to good reason, that in teaching they spoke the same tongue that the Gauls did. Which Cornelius Tacitus more plainly affirmeth; the British speech, saith he, and the French or Gaulish differ not much. Whence it is that Beatus Rhenanus, Gesner, Hottoman, Peter Daniel, Picardus, and all others that have subscribed and done honour to venerable antiquity, are all become of this opinion: except some few who will have the Gauls to have spoken the Germane language. I have made use in these words of William Salisburies' glossary, and another old Manuscript. But least any man herein should cast dust in our eyes, let us out of authors gather and confer as many words as we can out of the old Gauls, as it were ship-planks caught up from a shipwreck (seeing that the said tongue is now even drowned under the waves of oblivion.) For very many words we shall see not hardly nor violently strained, but passing easily, and in manner without any wresting, to agree with our British, both in sound and sense. Ausonius' in this verse of his, Divona. writing of a fountain at Bordeaux, Divona Seltarum lingua fons addite Divis: Thou fountain added to the Gods in Gaulish Divona hight. witnesseth, that Divona in the French language signifieth, God's fountain. Now do our Britain's call God, * That is▪ Welshmen. Dyw, and a Fountain, Vonan: of which is compounded Divonan, and by the Latin Analogy, and for the verse sake, Divona. That Jupiter, Tarani●. whom the greeks, of Thunder call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the Latins Tonans, that is, Thunderer was worshipped of the Gauls under the name of Taranis, there be writers, not a few that have reported. But Taran with the Britain's betokeneth Thunder. In which signification the Germans seem to have named Jupiter, Thunder: For Jupiter's day or Thursday, they call Thonderdach, which is as much, as The Thunderers day. The Gauls had another God, Hesus. by Lucan named Hesus, and by Lactantius Heus, whom also the Author of Queroli termed Annubis latrans, that is, Barking Annubis; for that, painted he was in the form of a Dog: and Huad with our welsh Britaines betokeneth a Dog. Most certain it is that the Gauls worshipped Mercury under the name of Teutates, Teutates. as the Inventors of Arts, and guide of their journeys: And Diw Taith in the British or Welsh tongue, is as much as the God of Travelling: And that Plato in his Phaedrus and Philebus calleth Mercury Theut, I am not ignorant. Howbeit I know there be some, who will have Teutates to be the same that the Germans called Tuisco in Tacitus, Tuesday 〈◊〉 Tuisday. and is all one with Mars; as also that we the offspring of Germans name thereupon Mars day, Tuisday. Concerning these three Gods of the Gauls, take with you, Lib. 1. if you please, these three verses of Lucan, Et quibus immitis placatur sanguine diro Teutates, horrensque feris altaribus Hesus, Et Taranis Scythicae non mitior ara Dianae. And they that use with cursed blood their Idol-gods to please, Teutates fell, and Hesus grim, whom nought else may appease But sacrifice of humane flesh: and Taranis likewise, Worshipped as cursed Diana is, just after Scythic guise. That the foul Spirits named Incubi, Dusii. were of the Gauls termed Dusii, because they practise that filthy uncleanness of theirs continually, Saint Augustine and Isidorus both do testify: But that which is continual and daily, the Britain's still do express by the word Duth. Pomponius Mela writeth, That the religious women attending upon a certain God, whom the Gauls worshipped, counted holy votaries of perpetual virginity, were called of the Gauls, Len●● Senae, or Lenae rather I would read if I durst. For, such consecrated Virgins, whom now folk name Nuns, the Britan's, as it is an old glossary, termed Leans: whence a most ancient Nunnery, Lean-minister, now called Lemster, drew the name. The Gauls, saith Polybius, in their own tongue called their mercenary soldiers Gaessatae: Gaessatae. and at this day the Welsh-britains' do call their hired servants Guessin. Gessi. Valiant men were, as Servius saith, named of the Gauls Gessi: and Guassdewr among the Britain's importeth the same that in Latin, Vir fortis & strenuus, that is, a valorous and hardy man. Gessum. Hitherto may be referred Gessum, which was a weapon proper to the Gauls, as Pilum to the Romans, and Framea to the Germans. But of this, anon. Caterva. As Phalanx was properly the Macedonians Legion, so was Caterva peculiar to the Gauls, as we may see in Vegetius. Neither is this word grown out of use with the Britain's, who use to call a troop Caturfa, and war Kad, and the strength of war which lieth in a Legion Kaderne, yea and Caterna, as is found in some Copies of Vegetius. Cateia. To this Kad, may well be reduced Cateia, which was a kind of warlike weapon among the Gauls, as Isidorus reporteth. Gessa. Gessa, a Gaulish weapon, Servius doth interpret to be a man's spear, whereunto the British Cethilou seemeth to come near, which Ninnius expoundeth to be as much as Stakes burnt at the end, and a warlike seed or generation. The Gauls whom Brennus marched with into Greece, named in their own language that order of Horse-fight which consisteth of three horses [in a rank] as saith Pausanias, Trimarcia. Trimarcia: For a horse they called Marca: which in that very signification is mere and British. For Tri signifieth three, and March an horse. Pausanias' in the same book recordeth, that the Gauls termed their own countryshields Thireos: Thireos. which even to this day the Britan's name Tarian. Caesar hath in his Journals or Day-books written, as Servius saith, That he in Gaul being caught up of the enemy, and armed as he was carried upon his horse back, one of his enemies that knew him chanced to meet him, and insulting over him said, Cedos Caesar: Cetos. which in the Gauls tongue is as much as Let go Caesar: now, among the Britan's Geduch betokeneth as much. Rheda. Rheda, a Gaulish word, is of the same signification, saith Quintilian, that Caruta, that is, a chariot, or waggon, among the Latins. This word the British tongue doth not now acknowledge: howbeit, that it hath been in use among the Britan's, Rhediad for a course, Rhediad. Rheder to run, and Rhedecfa a race, do plainly show: which words that they spring from the same stock, no man need to make doubt. And what absurdity were it from hence to derive Eporedia, a City of the Salassians, which Pliny writeth, took that name of Horse-breakers. Eporedia. Another kind of waggon a chariot there was, used of both these people, which by one name they called Covinus, Covinus. and the driver Covinarius. And albeit this word together with that kind of waggon itself be quite grown out of use, yet the primitive thereof, as I may so say, remaineth still among the Britain's: in whose language the word Cowain signifieth to carry or ride in a waggon. Essedum. Essendum likewise was a Gaulish waggon or chariot rather, meet for the wars: which together with Caesar, Propertius attributes to the Britan's in this verse, Essedacaelatis siste Britanna jugis. Stay there your British chariots with yokes so fair engrav'n. Circius. Circius is a wind by name passing well known, unto which Augustus Caesar both vowed and also built a temple in Gallia. That the word is Gaulish, Phavori●us a Gaulois borne declareth in Agellius. Our gaul's, saith he, call the wind blowing out of their land, and which they find to be most fell and boisterous, by the name of Circius, of the whirling and whistling, I suppose, that it makes. Of all winds this is known to be most blustering and violent: now, Cyrch, with the Britan's betokeneth force and violence, as may be seen in their Litany. Penninum. The Pennine Alps, which Caesar calleth the highest Alps, had this name imposed upon them, as Livy writeth, not of Annibal Poenus, that is the Carthaginian, but of that Hill which with the highest top among the Alps the Mountainers of Gaul consecrated and named Penninus. But Pen with the Britan's even in these days signifieth the tops of hills: whence the highest mountains that we have, to wit, Pen-monmaur, Pendle, Pen Pencoh-cloud, and Pennigent got their names. Neither have the high mountains Apennini in Italy their name from aught else. Apenninus. The cities and States of Gaul coasting upon the Ocean, were called, as Caesar writeth, Armorica. after the custom of the Gauls, Aremoricae: with whom the Britan's accord in the same name for the same thing. For, with them Armour, is as much as by the sea, or upon the sea: And in the very same sense Strabo nameth them in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the reign of Dioclesian the Emperor, Bauchadae. the rural people in Gaul made a commotion. And to the crew of that faction of theirs they gave the name Baucadae. And among the Britan's, Swineheards and country gnoffs, be called Beichiad. The inborn thiefs of the land, Vargae. Lib. 4. Epist. 6. the Gauls, saith Sidonius, named Vargae: And I have found in the glossary of the Cathedral Church of Lhandaff, that thiefs in the British tongue were in old time known by the name of Veriad. The Allobrogae, Allobroges. saith that ancient and excellent Scholiast upon juvenal, were so named, because Brogae in French signifieth a land or Territory, and Alla, another: As one would say, Translated out of another place. But Bro in British, is a region or country, and Allan, without, or external: so that the Etymology in both tongues, holdeth very well. There is an herb like to Plantain called in Gaul Glastrum, saith Pliny, wherewith the Britan's died and coloured themselves, Glastum. Woad. as writers testify. This is the herb which we term Woad, and it giveth a blue colour: which colour at this day, the Britan's term Glass. Isatis. Vi●rum, an herb. Lutteum in Caesar. Pomponius Mela corrected. This was the Greeks Isatis, by the testimony of Pliny, and the Dyer's, vitrum, by the authority of Oribasius. Whereby, Pomponius Mela may easily be corrected, if in stead of Ultro, you put Vitro: where he saith thus, Britanni incertum ob decorem, an ob quid aliud, ultro corpora infecti, that is, whether the Britan's died their bodies with woad for a beautiful show, or in some other respect, it is uncertain. The Gallathians who spoke the same language, as S. Hierome witnesseth, that the ancient Gauls did, Co●cus. had a little shrub called Coccus; of which that deep red scarlet colour was made: and this very colour the Britan's usually name Coco. That Brachae were garments common to French and Britain's we have showed before. Brachae. Diodorus Siculus calleth such, unshorn, or undressed and of sundry colours. And even now adays the Britan's term foul and ragged clothes, Brati. If Laina was an old Gaulish word, Lainae. as Strabo seemeth to tell us, when he writeth thus, The Gauls wove them cassocks of thickened wool which they call Lainas; the Britan's are not gone far from them, who in their tongue name wool Glawn. Bardus in the Gauls tongue signifieth a Singer, Bardus. Festus Pompeius is mine author: and this is a mere British word. Bardocucullus, Bardocucullu●. as we are taught out of Martial and others, was the cloak that the Gaulish Bardi woore. And like as Bard, so the other part also of the foresaid word, remaineth whole among the Britan's, who call such a cloak, Cucull. Gaul, branch. saith Pliny, yielded a kind of Corn of their own, which they called branch, and we Sandalum, a grain of the finest and neatest sort. Among the Britan's likewise, meal of the whitest grain is named Guineth Urane. The herb which the greeks, of five leaves do call Pentaphyllon, was named of the Gauls Pempedula, Pempedula. as showeth Apuleius. Now, Pymp in British, is five, and Deilen, a leaf. As the Gauls by Pymp meant the number of five, so by Petor, four, as we learn out of Festus: Petoritum. who showeth, that Petoritum was a chariot or waggon of the Gauls, so called of four wheels: and this word Pedwar in the British tongue signifieth four. Among wooden instruments, Guvia. Canterium, in English a Leaver, was among the Gauls called Guvia, as Isidorus writeth: and now the same in the British language, is named Gwif. Betulla, Betulla. which we call Byrch, Pliny nameth a Gaulish tree. He would if he lived now call it the British tree. For it groweth most plentifully in Britain, and in the British tongue is named Bedw. Wine delayed with water, as we read in Athens, the Gauls called Dercoma: and among the Britan's, Dercoma. Dwr, betokeneth water. And even so, (not to prosecute all that may be said:) in Dioscorides, the herb Ferne, Rati●. called in Latin Filix, and of the old Gauls, Ratis, is in the British tongue termed Redin. Scovies. The Elder tree, in Latin Sambucus, in the old Gaulish Scovies, is in British, Iscaw. Vetonica. The herb in Italy, Seratula, in old Gaulish, Vetonica, the Britan's and we do call Betany. That which in Pliny the Latins name Terrae adeps, that is, the fat of the ground, Marga. the Gauls Marga, is of the Britan's called Marl. The white or bright marvel, named of the Latins Candida Marga, Gliscomarga. of the Gauls Gliscomarga, might of the Britan's be termed Gluismarl: For Gluys, with them is as much as Bright or shining. A threefooted stool, which the Latins name Sellula Tripes: the Gauls, as we read in Sulpitius Severus, Tripetia. Tripetia, is among the Britan's termed Tribet. That which the Latins mean by Centum pedes, Candetum. that is, a hundred foot, the Gauls in Columella understand by Candetum, and the Britan's by Cantroed. A Birds bill, in Latin Avis rostrum: the Gauls, Becco. as we read in Suetonius, called Becco, and the Britan's name Pic. Galba. Neither should I be as fancy-full as Goropius, if I reduced Suetonius his Galba, which signifieth exceeding fat, Bulga. to the British word Galuus, that betokeneth, passing big: or Bulga in Valerius Flaccus for a leather Budget, Soldurij. unto the British Butsiet: or the Soldurij in Caesar, put for men * Vowing to die and live one with another. Planarat. Taxea. Sithum. Cervisia. Ale, a drink. Devoted, unto the Britan's Sowdiws: or Pliny his Planarat, for a plough, unto Arat, which in the British tongue signifieth a plough: or Isidorus his Taxea for Lard, unto the Britan's Tew, or Diodorus Siculus his drink called Zithum, unto their Cider, or Cervisia, unto Keirch, that is, Oats, whereof the Britan's in many places make that drink (or rather to Cwrwf) which we in English term Ale. That all these were the ancient words of the ancient Gauls, appeareth evidently out of those Authors; and you see how fitly they for the most part agree and accord as it were in consent with our British words, in sound and sense both. The Terminations or Ends of places Names. Hereunto thus much moreover may be added, that seeing the ancient names of places end with both people in the same termination, to wit, in Dunum, Briva, Ritum; Durum, Magus, etc. it may be gathered that these were not diverse nations. And even from hence verily a sound reason may be drawn, that we Englishmen are sprung from the Germans, for that the later and more modern names of our town's end in Burrow, Berry, Ham, Steed, Ford, Thorp, and Which, which carry a just and equal correspondence unto the terminations of the Dutch towns; Burg, Berg, Heim, Stadt, Furdt, Dorp, and Wic. Again, the reason of certain old Gaulish words may be so fitly given out of our British tongue, the property and nature of the thing agreeing also thereunto, that of necessity we must confess, either they were names imposed by the Britan's, or else the Britan's s●ake French. But let it suffice to allege one or two for all. The third part of Gaul, saith Caesar, they inhabit, who in their own language be named Celtae, 〈◊〉. and in ours Galli, but of the Greeks Callathae. But whence they were called Celtae and Gallathae the best learned of all the French, could never as yet tell: But let them consider and see, whether it come not of the British word Gualt, which even yet among the Britan's betokeneth the hair or bush of the head, as also Gualtoc, that signifieth Comata, Lipsius, de Pronunti●tione. pag. 96. that is, with long hair: whereof it may seem that Celtica, Gallathae, and Galli, are terms mollified by variety of pronunciation. Now that the Celtaes were called Comati, of their long hair which studiously they cherished, all learned men do jointly grant: and as for the letters, C. and K. Q. and G. how should one (considering their force and native sound) put a difference between them? That the famous and noble river * Garumna. Carunne in France carrieth a swelling stream, and as if the waves were angry and chased, whereupon Poets name it with these attributes, Validus, Aequoreus, and Rapidus Garumna, that is, the strong, sealike, and swift Garumna, it is so well known as nothing more: And all that doth Garw in the British tongue import. The river * Arar. Arar passeth marvellous gently, so as by the eye uneth it can be discerned which way the stream goeth, whereupon the Poets give these Epithets unto it, Araxis tardior, and Lentus Arar, that is, Slow and Still Arar. But Ara with the Britan's betokeneth Still and Slow. Rhodanus, Rhodanus. Rhos●e. into which Arar doth fall, runneth down amain with an exceeding swift, and violent current: and therefore it is termed, Incitus, Celer, and Praeceps, that is, swift, quick, running headlong: Which name, Rhodanus, disagreeth not much from the British Rhedec, that signifieth a speediness in running. That the Hills * Montagnes the avergne or Cevennae. Gebennae run out far into Gaul, Gebennae. in manner of a long continued ridge, Strabo and others do make mention. And that Keve● among our Britain's soundeth as much as the back or ridge of an Hill, appeareth by the British Dictionary: and I myself have seen a long chain of hills in Yorkshire, which the Inhabitants there do call the Kivin. Considering that stones were in old time errected in Gaul by the high ways side, at the distance just of every * Mile and half. thousand and five hundred paces: see it also that the Gaul-like Leuca, or League, containeth, as Jornandes writeth, just so many paces; and Leach in the British tongue betokeneth a Stone, Leuca. I would have the learned Frenchmen say, whether the said Leuca took not that name thereof. About the Sea side of that part of France, which was called Narbonensis, where (as the fabulous report goeth) Hercules and Albion fought together, there lie so many stones every where all abroad, that a man would verily think it had reigned stones there: whereupon writers name it, Stony Strand, or stony field. the Stony Strand, and stony field: The French in these days call it Le Craux. And yet they know not the reason of this name. But Stones in the British tongue, be termed Craig. They that heretofore inhabited the maritime tract of Gaul, which is next unto us, Morini. were in their own language called Morini: and seeing that the Sea is named Mor in British, it seemeth that thereupon they were so termed. For the Britan's call such as dwell upon the Sea coast Morinwyr: like as Aremorica betokeneth long since in Gaulish, and now in British, By the Sea side. Thus Arelate a most famous city of Gaul, * Arles. Ar●late. seated in a moist and watery soil, may seem to have taken that name of the very scite thereof: For Are in British signifieth Upon, and Laith, Moisture, Vxellodunum, * Cadena● in Quercy or Yooldun. saith Caesar, was a town having on every side a steep access unto it, and situate upon an high Hill. But Vchell among the Britain's is as much as steep or lofty, Vxellodunum. Dunum. and Dunum with the ancient Gauls, betokeneth a high place or hill: as Plutarch hath taught us out of Clitiphon, in his book of Rivers: and the same was also in use among the old Britain's. The Promontory * That is, an Harp. Citharistes, Cytharistes. Pliny placeth in Gaul near unto Marsiles, where now is seen the town Tolon: but if you ask our Welsh Britain's, what is Cythara, in their language, they will tell you by and by Telen. Again, that no doubt may herein be left behind, seeing it is evident that the late French tongue is come from the Latin and German, yet so as therein nevertheless there remain very many words still of the old Language: I have heard of those that be skilful in both tongues, that very many of those French words, which cannot be reduced, either to the Latin or Germane Original (and therefore may be thought of the old Gallique) do come as near unto the British as is possible. As for example, the French men at this day use Guerir, and the Britan's Guerif for To heal. The French say Guaine, the Britan's Gwain, for a sheath: The French, Derechef, the Britain's Derchefu, for again: The French Camur, the Britain's Cam, for crooked: the French Bataeu, the Britain's Bad, for a Boad: the French Gourmand, for an over-great-eater, the Britan's Gormod, for Overmuch: the French Baston, the Britan's Pastwn, for a staff or cudgel: the French Accabler, the Britan's Cablu, for to oppress: the French Haure, the Britan's Aber, for an Haven: and Comb is still used of both the nations for a Valley. There are of this sort very many more, which haply the Reader may distaste, although they serve especially for this purpose now in hand. But whereas Tacitus writeth, that the people of the Aestii, used the fashions and habit of the Suevians, but in language came nearer to the Britan's, that maketh nothing against my Assertion. For the Languages most remote, in some points agree. And of late A●gerius Busbequius, Epist. 4. Embabssadour from the Emperor to the great Turk, hath observed many Dutch and English words in the Biland Ta●rica Chersonessus. * Little Tartary or Perocopsca. Hereupon it may be concluded, that the ancient Gauls Inhabitants of the country now named France, and Britain's of this Isle spoke one and the same language: and by necessary consequence the original of the Britain's is to be reduced unto the Gauls. For we must confess, as I said before, that France or Gaul was peopled before Britain, as lying nearer unto Armenia: and as it was plentiful in corn, so, by the testimony of Strabo, more fruitful of men: Seeing also, that the Gauls sent out and planted their colonies all abroad, in Italy, Spain, Germany, Thracia and A●ia: much more than by all reason and congruity in Britan so near, and no less plenteous than the rest. Neither can it choose but make for the Britain's reputation even in the highest degree, to have derived their beginning from the ancient Gauls, who in martial prowess have surpassed all others: with whom the Romans for many years maintained war, not about superiority in glory, but for the very main chance of life and living: and who (to use the Poet's words rather than mine own) Per omnem Invecti Europam, quasi grando Aquilone vel Austro Importata, gravi passim sonnere tumultu. Scit Romanus ad huc, & quam Tarpeia videtis Arx attolentem caput illo in monte superbum; Pannones, Aemathii norunt, scit Delphica rupes: Invasions made all Europe through; and like some storm uncouth Of sudden hail, brought in by force of wind from North or South, A foul stir kept, with hideous noise, what way thy ever went. The Romans and their stately Tower, which raised with steep ascent On Tarpie cliff doth mount aloft, full well this yet do know Pannonians, Aemathians eke, with Delphic rock also. And a little after Intravere Asiae fines: prope littora Ponti In gentem crevere novam, quaetenditur usque Ad juga Pamphilium, Garamantica sydera contra, Inter Cappadoces posita & Bythinica regna: They entered then the Asian bounds, near Pontus' shore they go, And grew there to a nation new, extending close unto Pamphylian hills, where opposite the Garamants are seen, Seated the Cappadocians and Bithyne realm between. Neither must we here pass over in silence those reasons which others have alleged to prove the Britan's first rising from the Gauls. George Buc, a man both well descended and well learned, observeth out of Mekercus, that the Germans call a French man Wallon: And when the Saxons of Germany came hither, and heard the Britain's speak Gaul-like, they termed them Walli; that is, Galli, that is to say, Gauls. Buchananus saith moreover, that [Walch] doth not simply among the Germans signify a stranger, but rather in a better sense, a Gaul. And withal, he noteth thus much, that the French at this day do name that country Galls, which we call Wales: also, that the ancient Scots divided all the British nations into Gaol, and Gall, that is to say, after his Interpretation, into the Gallaeci and the Galli. But if our Britan's will needs be descended from the Trojanes, they shall not verily have me to gainsay them: and yet shall they in mine opinion ascribe their original to the Trojanes best of all, by the old gaul's. For some say, as we read in Ammianus, that some few who after the destruction of Troy fled, possessed themselves of Gaul at that time void and unpeopled. The British Tongue. But when we thus consider these languages, we cannot but highly admire and set forth, the divine goodness of the most high Creator toward our Britain's, the posterity of that ancient Gomer: who although the Romans, Saxons and Normans have subdued them and triumphed over them, yet hitherto have they preserved their old name and original language safe and sound: notwithstanding the Normans sought to abolish the same even by their laws enacted for that purpose. Insomuch as an old Britan, one of their nobility being demanded of Henry the second, King of England, what he thought of the Britan's power and the King's warlike preparation made against them, answered not impertinently after this manner; Giraldus in his Topography of Wales. This Nation, quoth he, O King, may now by the assaults of yourself and others be molested, and for the most part destroyed or weakened, like as heretofore and oftentimes it hath been. But, be the displeasure of man what it will, unless the wrath of God concur withal, it will never be utterly wasted and consumed, Neither shall any other nation or language else, (as I suppose) answer in the strait day of judgement before that supreme judge (for this angle of the World) what ever may happen furthermore, than the Welsh, that is, the British nation THE NAME OF BRITAIN. But you will say, If Cumero be the primitive name of the Inhabitants, whence comes Albion, whence comes Britain? which name hath so grown in ure that in some sort it hath caused the other to be quite forgotten. But hear, I pray you, that, whereof I am most assured, because it is most true. As the self same things, may be considered by diverse circumstances, so they may be called also by sundry appellations, as Plato teacheth in his Cratylus? ●f you run over all particulars severally both new and old; you shall find, that every nation was of others called by diverse names, from those that they themselves used. Thus they that in their native tongue had Israelites to their name, according to the Greeks were called Hebrews and Jews, and by the Egyptians Huesi, as witnesseth Manetho; because they had Herdsmen for their governor's. So the Greeks named them Syrians, who, as Josephus writeth, calleth themselves Aramaeans. They that named themselves Chusians, were by the Grecians of their black faces called Ethiopians. Those which after their own speech were named Celtae, the greeks termed Galatae, of their milk-white colour, as some would have it, or of their long bush of hair, as I said erewhile. So, they that nominated themselves after their own language Teutsch, Numidians and Hellenes, by the Romans were named Germane, Mauri and Grecians. Even so in those days, (not to speak of many other), they which in their own Idiom are called Muselmen, Magier, Czecchi and Besermans, are by all nations in Europe named Turks, Hungarians, Bohemians, and Tartarians. And even we ourselves in England, called in our natural speech Englishmen, are named by the * Welshmen. Britain's, Irishmen and the high-land Scots, Sasson, that is to say, Saxons. By the same reason we are to deem, that our ancestors, which termed themselves Cumero, were upon some other cause either by themselves or others, named Britain's: From whence the greeks framed their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and delivered the same as it were from hand to hand unto the Romans. This ground being laid let us inquire now into the names of our Island. As for the name Albion I pass not much, Albion. considering that the greeks gave it to this Isle for difference sake, seeing that all the Islands bordering round about it were called Britanish and Britain's. The Island Britain saith Pliny, renowned in the Greek records and ours both, lieth betwixt North and West over against Germany, France and Spain, but with a great distance between them, they being the greatest parts by far of all Europe. Britanni●. Albion it had to name when all the Isles adjacent were called Britannies. Whereupon Catullus writing against Caesar said thus; Hunc Galliae timent, timent Britanniae. Him Gaul doth fear, him Britain dreads. Who also in the same train of verses, calleth it the utmost Isle of the West. And it may seem that this name Albion, Vide joseph. Scalig in Ca●ul. sprung from the vanity, the fabulous inventions, and that unconstant levity of the Greeks in coining of names, which they themselves termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For seeing they have in fabulous wife named Italy Hesperia of Hesperus the son of Atlas; France Gallatia of a son of Polyphemus: I cannot otherwise believe, but that in the same vein also of fabling they called this Island Albion, of Albion Neptune's son: which thing Perottus and Lilius Giraldus have put down in writing. Unless a man would derive it rather of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which, as Festus witnesseth, in Greek signifieth White, whereupon the Alps also have their appellation. For environed it is with white rocks, which Cicero termeth Mirificas moles, that is, wondrous Piles: and hereof it is that upon the coined pieces bearing the stamp of Antoninus Pius and Severus, The shape or pourtraicture of Britain. Britain is portrayed sitting upon rocks in woman's habit. And the British Poets themselves name it Inis wen, that is, The white Isle. To say nothing of Orpheus in his Argonauticks, (if so be they be his), who called the Island next unto Hibernia or Irënis, that is, Ireland, which must needs be this of ours, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, the white land: and which a few verses before, he may seem to have named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Fracastorius also writing how that pestilent day-fever in Britain, which commonly we call the British or English sweat, happened by occasion of the soil, De morbis lan●agrosis lib. 1. Sweeting sickness. as if the same had stood much upon plaster, supposeth that this Island got the name Albion of the said plaisterish soil. As for that pretty tale, how Albion was also called of Albina, one of those thirty daughters of Dioclesian the King of Syria, which at their very wedding solemnity, slew their husbands, and being brought hither by ship without rower took possession of this Island first, and conceived by spirits, brought forth a breed of giants, who can abide to hear it without indignation, as the most loud lie of some lewd lozel? Neither is there any cause wherefore I should so curiously search, why Britain, in that ancient * A Canticle or Sonnet. Insula Caeruli. Parodia against Ventidius Bassus, is named Insula Caeruli, considering that it is compassed round about with the Ocean, which the Poets call Caerulus, and Caerulum. Whereupon Claudian of Britain, writeth thus: — Cujus vestigîa verrit Caerulus— — Whose feet the Azure Sea Doth sweep.— I pass over to speak of Aristides, who named it The great, and the furthest Island. That it was called also Romania, ROMANIA. Gildas after a sort doth intimate, who writeth, that subdued it was of the Romans so, as that the name of Roman servitude stuck to the soil thereof: and by and by after, so as it might not be counted BRITANNIA, but ROMANIA: and one or two pages after, speaking of the same, The Island, quoth he, keeping indeed the Roman name, but neither their custom nor law. And prosper Aquitanus in express words called it the Roman Island: hereto may be referred also thus much, that when the Statutes of Tacitus and Florianus the Emperors were by lightning overthrown, the Soothsayers answered out of their learning, Vopiscusin Florianum. that an Emperor should arise out of their family, who among other things was to set precedents over Taprobane, and to send a Proconsul to the Roman Island, which the learned understand of our Britain, that was a Province * Haply, governed by Precedents. Samothea. praesidial, and never Proconsular, as afterwards we will declare. But that sometime it was named Samothea of Samothes the sixth Son of japhet, believe it who that will, for me. Out of whose shop and forge this comes, I wot full well: even from Annius Viturbiensis forsooth, who under a goodly title, as the manner is of crafty retailers, hath in the name of Berosus published, and thrust upon credulous persons his own fictions, and vain inventions. But touching the name and original of Britain, the truth by reason of the diverse and sundry wits of men is very doubtful and wavering. In which point, that I may lawfully interpose mine own conjecture, I will by way of Preface, beseech our Britain's to speak and think favourably of me, that while they are desirous to learn, they would be willing to pardon, and not debar me of that course, which Eliot, Leland, Lhuid, and the rest have taken. For if it was lawful for Humphrey Lhuid a most learned Britain, without any prejudice at all to Brutus, (nay if he were commended rather for it,) to derive the name of Britain otherwise, than from Brutus; let it not be imputed as a heinous offence unto me, who am unwilling to impugn the Story of Brutus, to deduce it from somewhat else, if I can. And that out of the very British tongue, and from nothing else, which as it is least mingled with other languages, and withal most ancient, so in this search it seemeth greatly to help and further us. For, ancient tongues are reputed passing necessary, for the searching out of Originals▪ and Plato teacheth us, That the first names being through the long continuance of time grown out of use, In his Cratylus. are preserved in barbarous tongues, as being more ancient than others. And although those things so far remote from all memory, are overcast with such mists and darkness, that the truth seems rather to be wished than hoped for: yet for all that, will I do my best to trace out the truth, and declare as briefly as I can, what my judgement is: not minding to put down aught prejudicial to any man, but most willing, if any one shall bring more probable matter to welcome and embrace the same. For I affect and love the truth not in myself more than in another, and in whom soever I shall see it, I will most willingly and gladly entertain it. First, by the Readers good leave, I will take this for granted and proved, that ancient Nations in the beginning, had names of their own: and that afterwards, from these, the Greeks and Latins, by wresting them to the analogy or proportion of their speech, imposed names upon regions and countries: to speak more plainly, That people were known by their names, before regions and places, and that the said regions had their denominations of the people. Who can deny that the names of the Jews, Medes, Persians, Scythians, Almans French or gaul's, Betulians, Saxons, Englishmen, Scots, etc. were before Jewry, Media, Persia, Scythia, Alamaine, France or Gaul, Betulia, Saxony, England, Scotland, etc. And who sees not, that these words sprang out of the other? Of the Samnites, Insubres and Belgae, we read that Livy and Caesar first named the country's themselves * Or Samnium. Samnitium, Insubrium, and Belgium. Of the Franci in the time of Constantinus Maximus, as is to be seen in his coins, the place where they were seated took the name of Francia first: & from the Burgundi Sidonius Appolinaris first framed Burgundy. In the same sort we must of necessity think, that this our Island Britain, took denomination from the Inhabitants, or from the Gauls their neighbours: Brit. That these first Inhabitants were called Brit or Birth, some things induce me to think: First and foremost, that verse which goeth about, under the name of Sibylla: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 'twixt Brits and Gauls their neighbours rich, in gold that much abound, The roaring Ocean Sea with blood full filled shall resound. Moreover, the authority of Martial, Juvenal and Ausonius. Procopius also, who nameth this Isle BRITTA. In like manner the old Inscriptions set up by the Britain's themselves, wherein are read, BRITO, BRITONESES, BRITTUS. COH. BRITTON. ORDINIS BRITTON: and at Rome in the Church of Saint Mary the round NATIONE BRITTO: as also in this which is seen at Amerbachium in Germany, which I will put down here underneath because it maketh mention of Triputium, a place in Britain, not known. NUMPHISO NO briton TRIPUTIENO SUB CURA MORE VLPI MALCHI * Centurionis▪ 7. LEG. XXII PO PO FOYES. BRIT. The Saxons also themselves called the Britan's in their language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Witichindas' the Saxon every where namedth the Britan's Britae: so that the word BRIT is doubtless the primitive, from whence Brito is derived, and from whence the first glimpse of light leading to the word Britain, seemeth to appear. Considering now that Nations devised their names of that, wherein they either excelled others or were known from others: whether in regard of their first founder's honour; as the Iönes of Javan, the Israelites of Israël, the Chananites of Chanaan the son of Cham: or whether in respect of their nature, conditions, and inclinations; as the Iberi, after the Hebrew Etymology, because they were miners; the Heneti, for that they were stragglers; the Nomads, because they gave themselves to the breeding and feeding of cattle; the Alemans' or Germans, for that they were esteemed valiant men; the French or Frankners, for being free; the Pannonians, for wearing coats with cloth-sleeves, as Dio conceiteth it: the Ethiopians of their black hue; and the Albans, because they were borne with white hair: whereupon, (mark I pray you) as Solinus saith, The colour of the hair upon the head gave name unto a people: Seeing also that our country men, who were (by a name common to them and their neighbours) called Cimbri and Cumeri, had no mark whereby they might be distinguished and known from the borderers, better than by that manner of theirs to paint their bodies: for the most sufficient Authors that be, as Caesar, Mela, Pliny, and the rest do show, Glass. that the Britain's coloured themselves with woad, called in Latin Glastum, (and Glass at this day with them signifieth Blue.) What if I should conjecture, Britan's, whence they took their name. Birth, what it is. that they were called Britan's of their depainted bodies? For, whatsoever is thus painted and coloured, in their ancient country speech, they call Birth. Neither is there cause why any man should think this Etymology of Britain's to be harsh and absurd; seeing the very words sound alike, and the name also as an express image representeth the thing, which in Etymologies are chiefly required. For Birth and Brit, do passing well accord: and that word Birth among the Britan's, implieth that which the Britan's were indeed, to wit, painted, depainted, died, and coloured, as the Latin Poets describe them; Gyn●getis. lib. 1. and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, having their backs pied, or medley coloured, as Oppianus termeth them. Neither will it be impertinent, (as small a matter as it is) to note here, that as I have observed, in the names, of well near all the most ancient Britain's, there appeareth some signification of a colour: Old Britan's names, drawn from colours. which no doubt, arose from this kind of painting. The red colour is of the Britaines called Coach and Goch, which in my judgement lieth couched in these names, Cogidunus, Argentocoxus, and Segonax. The same Britain's call the black colour, Dû, which after a sort showeth itself in Mandubratius, Cartimandua, Togodumnus, Bunduica, Cogidunus. The white colour is with them named Gwin, the very prints, as it were, and express tokens of which word, me thinks I see in Venutius and Immanuentius. Gwellw among them signifieth that, which Colour aqueu● among the Latins doth, that is to say, a wan or waterish colour: and this appeareth evidently in the names of Vellocatus, Caruillius and Suella. Glass in the British tongue, is as much as Blue, which is seen in the name of King Cuniglasus. For Gildas interpreteth it to be all one with Fulvus, or as some copies have Furvus Lani●, that is, a Lion tawny, or coal black Butcher. Aure, which betokeneth a fair yellow or golden colour, bewrayeth itself in Cungetorius and Arviragus. A lively and gallant colour is with them called Teg, which maketh some little show in Prasutagus and Carattacus. But if we be persuaded, that the Britan's borrowed the names of mingled colours, together with the very simple colours themselves of the Romans; for certain it is that they took from the Romans, Werith, for Viridis, that is, Greene: Melin, for Melinus, that is a Quince yellow colour: then if I think that there lieth close some note of the colour Prasinus, that is, Leeke-blade green, in Prasutagus; and of the red vermillon or Sinopre colour, called of the Latins Minium, in the name of Acliminius, King Cinobelinus his son, no man I hope will stand against me. Moreover Rufina, that most learned British Lady, took that name of the colour Rufus, that is, sad r●d: like as Alban the first martyr in Britain of Albus, that is, White. And if any one that is skilful in the old British tongue, would examine the rest of British names, which in the ancient Writers are not past four or five more in all, we may well suppose, that he shall find in those names, as few as they be, some signification of a colour. Neither must we omit this observation, that the commonest names at this day among the Britan's, * That is, Welsh men. Gwin, Du, Goch, Lhuid, were imposed upon them, from the white, black, red, russet, or tawny colour. So that now it may be thought no such wonder, that the whole nation itself, drew the denomination from painting: considering verily, that they in general painted themselves: and the very Inhabitants, both in times past, and also in these our days imposed upon themselves their names, of Colours. But now to the matter, if haply, all this hath been beside the matter. This also is certain, that in stories a Britain is called in the British tongue Brithon. I care not for the note of aspiration, seeing that the Britaines (who, as chrysostom saith, In serm. Pentecost. had a hissing or lisping pronunciation) delight in aspirations, which the Latins have carefully avoided. Now, as Brito came of Birth, so did Britannia also in my opinion. Britannia, saith Isidore, took that name from a word of the own nation. For what time as the most ancient Greeks (and these were they that first gave the Island that name) sailing still along the shore, as Eratosthenes saith, either as rovers, or as merchants, travailed unto nations most remote and disjoined far asunder, and learned either from the Inhabitants themselves, or else of the Gauls, who spoke the same tongue, TANIA So as this day the Germans unto the names of countries put to Land●, as Gelderlandt, Friestlandt, Pomerlandt, etc. that this nation was called Birth, and Brithon; then they unto the word BIRTH added TANIA: which, as we find in the Greek Glossaries, betokeneth in Greek, a region: and thereof they made a compound name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the Britons-land, for which they have written false, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: But Lucretius and Caesar, the first Latins that made mention thereof, more truly Britannia. That this is so, I do the more firmly believe, because that besides our Britain, a man shall not find, over the face of the whole earth above three countries of any account and largeness, which end in the termination TANIA: and those verily lying in this west part of the world, namely, MAURITANIA, LUSITANIA, and AQVITANIA. Which names, I doubt not but the Greeks made and delivered to the Latins, as who first discovered and surveied these lands. For, of Mauri they framed Mauritania, as one would say, the country of the Mauri, which the homebred people of that land, as Strabo witnesseth, called Numidia: of Lusus the son of * Or Bacchus. Liber, Lusitania, as it were, the land of Lusius: and Aquitania, perhaps ab aquis, that is, of waters, as Ivo Carnotensis is of opinion, being a region seated upon waters: in which sense, as Pliny writeth, it was before time named Armorica, that is, coasting upon the sea. As for Turditania and Bastitania, names of smaller countries, they may hereto also be reduced, which likewise were in this western tract, to wit, in Spain, and may seem to signify as much as the regions of the Turdi and the Basti. Neither is it a strange and new thing, that a denomination should be compounded, Lib. 1. of a foreign and a Greek word, put together. Names are compounded, saith Quintilian, either of our own, that is, Latin, and of a strange word put together, as Biclinium, that is, a room with two beds or two tables: and chose, as Epitogium, that is, a garment worn upon a gown; Anticato, that is, a book written against Cato: or of two foreign words joined in one, as Epirrhedium, a kind of waggon. And this manner of composition is most usual in the names of countries. Came not Ireland by composition of the Irish word Erin, and the English word Land? Did not Angleterre, that is, England, grow together of an English and of a French word? and did not Franclond (for so our Saxons named Francia or France) proceed from a French and Saxon word? Came not Poleland likewise from a Polonian word, which among them betokeneth a plain, and a German? Lastly, was not Danmarch compounded of a Danish word, and the Dutch March, which signifieth a bound or limit? But in so plain and evident a matter I will not use any more words. Neither have we cause to wonder at this Greek addition TANIA, seeing that S. Hierome in his questions upon Genesis, proveth out of most ancient authors, that the Greeks inhabited along the sea coasts and Isles of Europe throughout, as far as to this our Island. Let us read, saith he, Varroes' books of Antiquities, and those of Sisinius Capito, as also the Greek writer Phlegon, with the rest of the great learned men, and we shall see, all the Islands well near and all the sea coasts of the whole world, yea and the lands near unto the sea, to have been taken up with Greek Inhabitants, who, as I said before, from the mountains Amanus and Taurus even to the British Ocean, possessed all the parts along the sea side. That the Greeks came to Britain. And verily, that the Greeks arrived in this our region, viewed and considered well the scite and nature thereof, there will be no doubt and question made; if we observe what Athenaeus hath written concerning Phileas Taurominites (of whom more anon) who was in Britain in the clx. year before Caesar's coming: if we call to remembrance the Altar with an Inscription, Unto Ulysses, in Greek letters; and lastly, if we mark what Pytheas before the time of the Romans time, hath delivered in writing as touching the distance of Thule from Britain. For who had ever discovered unto the Greeks, Britain, Thule, the * The Low countries. Belgic countries, and their sea coasts especially, if the Greeks ships had not entered the British and Germane Ocean, yea and related the description thereof unto their Geographers? Had Pytheas, think you, come to the knowledge of six days sailing beyond Britain, unless some of the Greeks had showed the same? Who ever told them of Scandia, Burgos, and Nerigon, out of which men may sail into Thule? And these names seem to have been better known unto the most ancient Greeks, than either to Pliny or to any Roman. Whereupon Mela testifieth, That Thule was much mentioned and renowned in Greek letters: and Pliny likewise writeth thus; Britain an Island famous in the monuments and records both of the Greeks and of us. By this means therefore, so many Greek words have crept into the British, French, & withal, into the Belgic or low-Dutch language. And if Lazarus Bayfius, Greek words in the British Language. and Budaeus, do make their vant and glory in this, that their Frenchmen have been of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Lovers and Studious of the greeks, grounding their reason upon few (French) words of that Idiom, which retain some marks and tokens of the Greek tongue: if Hadrian Junius joyeth no less, because in the Belgic words there lie covertly Greek Etymologies: then may the Britain's make their boast, in whose language many words there be derived from the Greeks. Howbeit, Sir Thomas Smith Knight, In his book of English Orthography. sometime Secretary to Queen Elizabeth, a man most learned every way, thinketh verily, that this happened thereupon, for that when all Europe beside was much troubled and shaken with wars, very many of the Greeks flocked hither for refuge, as it were into a sanctuary. Thus have you, as touching the Original and name of Britain mine error or conjecture, whether you will, which if it swerve from the truth, I wish it were by the truth itself reform. In this intricate and obscure study of antiquity, it is thought praiseworthy, somewhat to err: and remember we should withal, that such things as at the first sight being slightly thought upon are deemed false, after a better review and further consideration oftentimes seem true. Now if any man should summon me to appear before the Tribunal of Verity, I have no other answer at all to make. And as for our countrymen the Britan's, such as be of the learneder sort, I do most earnestly beseech and desire them to employ all their labour, industry, wit, and understanding in the searching out hereof, so lgog, until at last, the truth with her own clear bright beams, may scatter and dissolve all mists of conjectures whatsoever. THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE BRITAIN'S. AS concerning the Britain's, what Acts at the first they exploited▪ what form of commonwealth they used, after what orders and laws they lived, M. Daniel Rogers, a very good man, excellently well learned, and my especial friend, promised in his writings to inform us: but for that he being cut off by untimely death, The Manners of Britain's. hath performed nothing, take here these few notes as touching their ancient manners and customs collected word for word out of ancient authors. Caesar. The Britan's use for their money, brazen pieces, or * Annulis. Some read, Laminis, that is, thin plates. rings of iron duly weighed and tried to a certain just poise. To taste of hare, hen, and goose, they think it unlawful: howbeit, these they keep for their delight and pleasure. Of them all, these are most civil and courteous by far, that dwell in Kent, which is a country altogether lying upon the sea coast: neither do these Inhabitants differ much in custom from the Gauls. The Inlanders for the most part sow no corn, but live of milk and flesh; and clad themselves in skins. But the Britan's all in general depaint themselves with * Lute● wood, that maketh a blue colour; and hereby they are the more terrible to their enemies in fight. The hair of their heads they wear long, and shave all parts of the body, saving the head and upper lip. Ten or twelve of them together use their wives in common, and especially brethren partake with brethren, and parents with their children: but look what children they bear, theirs they are reputed who first married them virgins. In battle for the most part, they were wont to employ their chariotiers. First these ride about into all parts of the battle, and fling darts: Essedarii. and with the very fearful sight of horse, and with the rattling noise of the wheels, they do most part break the ranks and put them in disarray, and when they have once wound themselves within the troops of the horsemen, they alight from their chariots, and fight on foot. The chariot-guiders in the mean time depart a little out of the medley, and bestow themselves so, that if the other be overcharged with the multitude of enemies, they may readily and without let retire in safety. Thus in their battles, they perform the nimble motion of horsemen, and steadiness of footmen: by daily practice and experience so ready in their service, that they were wont to stay in the declivity of a steep hill their horses being in their full career, quickly turn short and moderate their pace, run along the spire-pole and beam of the chariot, rest upon the yoke of and harness of their steeds, and from thence leap again into the chariots most speedily at their pleasure. These chariotiers would retire also many times of purpose, and when they had trained and drawn our men a little way off from their legions, dismount from their chariots and encounter them on foot, having thereby the vantage of them in flight. The manner of their Essedaries or Charitiers fight. Furthermore, they never fought thick and close together, but thin and with great distance between, having set stations or wards of purpose, so as one might succour another, receiving the wearied, and putting forth new and fresh supplies. Strabo. The Britan's be taller of stature than the Gauls: their hair not so yellow, nor their bodies so well knit and firm. For proof of their tallness, I saw myself at Rome very youths and springals, higher by half a foot than the tallest man. Marry, they had but bad feet to support them. As for all other lineaments of the body, they showed good making and proportionable feature. For disposition of nature they partly resemble the Gauls: partly they be more plain, more rude and barbarous; insomuch that some of them for want of skill, can make no cheeses, albeit they have plenty of milk: others again, are altogether ignorant in gardening and planting of orchyards, yea and in other points of husbandry. Many Lords and Potentates they have among them. In their wars they use a number of chariots, like as some of the Gauls. Woods stand them in stead of Cities and towns: for when they have by felling of trees, mounded and fenced therewith a spacious round plot of ground, there they build for themselves halls and cottages, and for their cattle set up stalls and folds: but those verily for the present use, and not to serve long. Caesar likewise. A town, the Britain's call some thick wood, which they have enclosed and fortified with a ditch and rampire, and made for a place of refuge and retreat, to avoid the incursions of the borderers. Diodorus Siculus. The Britan's live after the manner of the old world. They use chariots in fight, as the report goes of the ancient Greeks at the Trojane war. Their houses are for the most part of reed or wood. Their corn they inn and house with ear and all: threshing out thereof from band to mouth as their need requires. Fair conditioned people they are, plain and of upright dealing, far from the subtlety and craft of our men. Their food whereupon they live is simple, and nothing dainty nor like the full fare of rich men. Their Island is replenished with people. Pomponius Mela. Britain bringeth forth nations and Kings of Nations, but they be all uncivil, and the farther they are from the continent, the less acquainted they be with other kind of riches: only in cattles and lands they be wealthy. Their bodies are died with wo●d, whether it be for to make a gallant show, or for what else, it is uncertain. They pick quarrel, of war at their pleasure to satisfy their own wills, and so oftentimes molest one another: but principally upon an ambitious desire of rule and sovereignty, Glasto vel vitro. See before. and an encroaching mind they have to enlarge their own possessions. Their fight is not only with horse or footmen, but also with wagons and chariots harnessed and armed after the Gaul-like manner, such as they call Covinos: and in those they use axeltrees armed at both ends with hooks and scythes. Cornelius Tacitus. The Britan's nearest unto * France. Gallia resemble likewise the Gauls▪ either because they retain still somewhat of the race from which they descended, or that in countries butting one against another the same aspects of the heavens do yield the same complexion of bodies, But generally, if a man consider all, it is most likely, the Gauls which lay nearest peopled the land unto them. In their ceremonies and superstitious persuasion, there is to be seen an apparent conformity: The language differeth not much: Like boldness to challenge and set into dangers: when dangers are come, like fear in refusing: Saving that the Britan's make more show of courage, as being not mollified yet with long peace. For the Gauls also were once, as we read, redoubted in war, till such time as giving themselves over to ease and idleness, cowardice crept in, and shipwreck was made both of manhood and liberty together. And so is it also befallen to those of the Britan's which were subdued of old: The rest remain such as the Gauls were before. Their strength in the field consisteth of footmen. Yet some countries there, make war in wagons also. The greater personage guideth the waggon, his waiters and followers fight out of the same. Heretofore they were governed by Kings, now they are drawn by petty Princes into Partialities and Factions: and this is the greatest help we Romans have, against those puissant Nations, that they have no common counsel. Seldom it chanceth that two or three States meet together and concur to repulse the common danger: So, whilst one by one fighteth, all are subdued. In another place. An usual manner it was with the Britan's to seek for the direction of the Gods, by looking into the inwards of beasts: and to make war under the conduct of women; neither mattereth it whether sex bear rule over them. Whereupon learned men think Aristotle spoke of the Britain's, where he writeth, That certain warlike nations beyond the Celtes, Politic. lib. 2. cap. 7. were subject to the government of women. Dio Nicaeus, out of the Epitome of Xiphilinus, as touching the Britan's in the North part of the Island. They till no ground: They live upon prey, venison and fruits. For of fish, although there is exceeding great plenty thereof, they will not taste: their abode is in tents, naked and unshod: Wives they use in common, and the children borne of them they all do foster among them: the Commonalty for the most part doth govern: most willing they be to practise robbing. In war, their service is out of Chariots: the horses they have be little and swift of pace: their footmen run most speedily: whiles they stand, they be strongest: the armour and weapons that they use, are a shield and short spear, in the neither part whereof, there hangeth a round bell of brass like an apple, that when it is shaken, they might with the sound terrify and maskre the enemies: they have daggers also. But principally, they can endure hunger, cold, and any labour whatsoever. For, sticking fast in the bogs up to the head many days together, they will live without food; and within the woods they feed upon the barks and roots of trees. A certain kind of meat they provide ready for all occasions, whereof if they take but the quantity of a Bean, they are not wont either to be hungry or thirsty. Herodian. They know no use at all of garments, but about their belly only and neck, they wear iron; supposing that to be a goodly ornament, and a proof of their wealth, like as all other Barbarians esteem of gold. For why? their very bare bodies they mark with sundry pictures, representing all manner of living creatures; and therefore it is verily, that they will not be clad, for hiding (forsooth) that painting of their bodies, Now they are a most warlike nation, and very greedy of slaughter, content to be armed only with a narrow shield and a spear, with a sword besides hanging down by their naked bodies. Unskilful altogether how to use either corslet or helmet, supposing the same to be an hindrance unto them, as they pass over the bogs and marish grounds: through the hot vapours arising, from whence the sky and air is there most part foggy. The rest of the particulars, The Britan's Art Magic. which are very few, I will lightly gather, and crop here and there. Pliny writing of Magic: But what should I (quoth he) rehearse these things, in an art that hath passed over the Ocean also, so far, as beyond which, nothing is to be discovered but air and water? And even at this day verily, it is in Britain highly honoured, where the people are so wholly devoted unto it, and that with all compliments of ceremonies, as a man would think the Persian learned all their Magic from them. The same Pliny▪ Glastum. There groweth an herb in Gaul like unto Plantine, named Glastum, that is, Woad, with the juce whereof, the women of Britain, as well married wives, as their young daughters anoint and die their bodies all over; resembling by that tincture the colour of Aethiopians, in which manner they use at some solemn feasts and sacrifices to go all naked. Chenerotes. Brants or Soland gecle. Again, Their is not a daintier dish of meat known in Britain, than are the Chenerotes, fowls less than wild geese. Also, The Britain's w●re rings on their middle finger. Likewise, The Britain's manured their grounds with Marl in stead of dung. That they inammelled or branded themselves (as it were) with certain marks which Tertullian termeth Britannorum stigmata, Their manner of painting. that is, The Britan's marks, Solinus sheweth: The Country (saith he) is partly peopled with Barbarians, who by the means of artificial incisions of sundry forms, have from their childhood diverse shapes of beasts incorporate upon them: and thus having these their marks deeply imprinted within their bodies, look how a man groweth more and more, so do these pictured characters likewise wax. Neither do these savage Nations repute any thing to signify their patience, more than by such durable scars to cause their limbs to drink in much painting and colour. Dio. Andates. The Britaines worshipped as their Goddesses, Andate, that is, Victory and Adraste. Caesar and Lucan. The Britan's Navigation. Ships they had, of which the Keels, the footstocks also, or upright standards were made of light timber: the rest of the body framed of windings and Oyster was covered over with leather. Solinus. How long soever they held on their course under sail, so long the Sailors forbore to eat. They used a drink made of barley: and so do we at this day, as Dioscorides writeth, Curmi. who nameth Curmi wrong for Kwrw, for so the Britain's call that, which we term Ale. Many of them together had but one wife among them, as Eusebius recordeth in Evangelica Praeparatione 6. Plutarch reporteth, That they lived one hundred and twenty years, for that the cold and frozen country wherein they dwelled, kept in their natural heat. But what those ancient times of cruel Tyrants were, The Tyrants of Britain. whereof Gildas writeth, I know not, unless he meaneth them that in this country took upon them the sway of government against the Romans, and were at that time called Tyrants: for soon after, he addeth thus much out of S. Hierome: Porphyry raging in the East-parts as a mad dog against the Church, annexed thus much to his furious and vain style: Britain (saith he) a Province plentiful of tyrants. Neither will I speak of their ancient religion, which is not verily to be counted religion, The religion of the Britan's. but a most lamentable and confused Chaos of Superstitions: For when Satan had drowned the true doctrine in thick mists of darkness, The ugly spectres of Britain (saith that Gildas) were mere Diabolical, exceeding well near in number those of Egypt: whereof some we do see within or without desert walls, with deformed lineaments still, carrying stern and grim looks after their wont manner. But, whereas it is gathered, that the Britaines were together with Hercules at the rape of Hesione, and that, out of these verses which they take to be made by Cornelius Nepos, whiles he describeth the marriage of Telamonius and Hesione: — Et in aurea pocula fusi Invitant sese pateris plebs mista, Britanni. Mid cups of gold, a medley sort thus lying all along, Boll after Boll quaffed lustily, and Britan's them among. That is altogether poetical, and I can clearly by good evidences, as it were, under hand and seal prove, that the author thereof, was not, as the Germans would have it, Cornelius Nepos, but one joseph of Excester: who hath made mention of our King Henry the second, and Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury. Brodaeus Miscellan. lib. 3. cap. 4. Ulysses never in Britain. Whether Ulysses entered thus far, whose arrival in Caledonia, a certain altar engraven with Greek letters, as Solinus saith, hath testified, Brodaeus maketh doubt: and I would judge, that erected it was rather in the honour of Ulysses, than by Ulysses himself: although they avouch Ulysses to be the very same Elizza, that was Japhets' son. For, apparent it is out of Histories, and already I have said as much, that the most ancient Greeks undertook long voyages by sea and land: no marvel than it ought to seem, if their be also some names and monuments of theirs found in diverse places. And often times they derived those names, not so much from their own denominations, as from Worthies, who were held in as much reverence, if not more, among them, as were either Confessors or Martyrs among Christians. Like as therefore the names of Saint John, Saint Dominicke, Saint Francis, and infinite other Saints departed, are imposed upon newfound places, so also that it happened time out of mind with the Greeks, who will deny? but who among all the worthies, made either more wand'ring voyages, or of longer continuance at Sea, than did Ulysses? No marvel then, if Sailors made vows very often unto him above all others; and unto those places where they arrived and landed, did consecrate according to their vows, names from him. Thus * Lisbon. Vlyssippo upon the mouth of the river Tagus took the name: and thus elsewhere other monuments of Ulysses, Laertes and their companions; which are not properly to be referred unto Ulysses as the founder: but we must think, that by the Greeks who discovered strange and foreign coasts, they were dedicated in the honour of that Worthy, who of all others had traveled and seen most. Whereas John Tzetzes in his Treatise entitled, Variety of Stories, hath written, that our British Kings bestowed upon that renowned Cato the elder, who had perpetual conflict with the manners of the Roman people, certain presents for his virtue's sake; let him make good and save his own credit himself: yet thus much all the world knoweth, how that Writer is full fraught with fables. Neither would I have you believe, that Alexander the Great came out of the East Indies, to Gades, and so forward to Britain, howsoever Cedrenus, maugre all other Historiographers, King Alexander the Great, never in Britain. writeth thus: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, And from thence being come unto Phasis, Gades, and the British nation, and having furnished himself with a thousand hulks etc. Of the same stamp is that also which Trithemius reporteth out of Hunnibald, that King Bassianus put away his wife, the King of the Orkneys daughter, in the 284. year before the birth of Christ, and thereupon he with the aid of the Britain's Kings, made war upon Bassianus. Hannibal never in Britain. Nor let any man think that Hannibal ever warred in Britain, because we read thus in Polybius in the Eclogues of his tenth Book 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Thus much in brief; now that Hannibal was enclosed within the straits of Britain. For the place is corrupt, and for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it should be read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as it is in Dio, book 42. For in both places there is a speech of the Brutii in Italy. And yet I may not deny, but that about this time the Greeks came to our Island. For, Atheraeus in describing out of Moschion a most ancient author, King Hiero his ship. that ship of Hiero, at the hugeness and workmanship whereof all men wondered, reporteth, that the main mast thereof was with much ado found by a certain swineherd in the mountains of Britain, and by Phileas Taurominites the Mechanic conveied into Sicily. But I fear, lest the Critics judge that the true reading here also should be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and likewise understand it of the Brutian mountain in Italy. Britain's with the Cimbri in their expeditions. But it seemeth, that the Britaines were intermingled with the Cimbri and the Gauls in those expeditions which were made into Italy and Greece. For, besides the name common to them both, it is recorded in a most ancient British Book entitled Triadum, The books of Triades. wherein mention is made of three mighty hosts levied from among the Britan's, That a certain foreign captain levied a marvellous puissant army from hence, which having wasted a great part of Europe, at the last sat him down and abode hard by the Greekish sea (meaning perhaps Gallatia). Brennus. That Brennus a King so famous in Greek and Latin writers both, was a Britain, there be that think they can easily prove. For mine own part, thus much only I know, that his name is not yet grown out of use with the Britan's, Brennin. who in their language call a King Brennin, whether in honourable memory of him I dare not determine. Certes, that Britomarus the militare captain among them, Britomarus' a Britain. of whom Florus and Appian speak, was a Britain, the verae name doth evince, which signifieth as much, as A great Britan. Neither will I wrey to my purpose for to make the said Brennus a Britan borne, that place of Strabo, wherein he writeth, That Brennus was by birth a Prausian. Ne yet dare I (whereas Ottho Frisingensis writeth, Lib. 2. cap. 13. That the Briones, a generation of the Cimbri, seated themselves at the head of the river Dravus,) change Briones into Britoneses. And yet what dare not our Critics do now adays? But yet truly, to speak my mind once for all: As the Romans for all they grew to that greatness above others, were not for a long time known, either to Herodotus or to the Greeks; the Gauls also and the Spaniards for many years utterly unknown to the old Historiographers: Late ere Britain was known to the Greeks. so, of this mind I have always been, that late it was ere the Greeks and Romans heard of the Britan's name. For, that little book, Of the World, which commonly goeth abroad under the name of Aristotle, and maketh mention of the Britan's, of Albion and Hierne, is not so ancient as the time wherein Aristotle lived, but of later days by far, as the best learned men have judged. Polybius verily, the famous Historian, who accompanying that noble Scipio traveled over a great part of Europe ccclxx. years or there about before Christ's nativity, is the ancient author, as far as I remember, that mentioneth the Britain Isles, where he writeth: Lib. 3. Of the utmost Ocean, the Britain Isles, the plenty of tin, gold and silver in Spain, old writers with different opinions, have reported much. But they seem to have been little more than by name may be gathered by this he writeth before in the same book. Whatsoever, saith he, between Tanis and Narbo bendeth Northward, to this day there is no man knoweth: and whoever they be, that either speak or write any thing thereof, they do but dream. And no less may they seem to do in these days, who in a prodigal humour of credulity are persuaded, that Himilco being commanded by the State of Carthage to discover the Western sea-coast of Europe, entered into this Isle many years before that time, seeing we have no records of the said navigation, but only a verse or two in Festus Avienus. But why it was so late ere Britain was known, the reason may seem to be, partly the scite of the Island so remote and disjoined from the continent: and in part, for that those old Britan's, then barbarous as all other people in these parts, and living close to themselves, had no great commerce and traffic with other nations. And surely in this point Dio is of the same opinion. The ancientest, saith he, as well of Greeks as Romans knew not for certain so much as that there was any Britain at all: and those of later times after them, made question whether it were the main or an Island: and much writing there was pro & contrà of both opinions, by those who verily had no assured knowledge thereof (as who had neither seen the country nor learned of the native Inhabitants of what nature it was) but relied only upon bare conjecture every one according to his time and diligence employed that way. But the first Latin writer to my knowledge, that made mention of Britain, was Lucretius in these verses concerning the difference of air: Nam quid Britannum caelum differre putamus, Et quod in Aegypto est, quà mundi claudicat axis? For air, what difference is there in Britain Isle think we, And Egypt land, where Arctic pole to stoop men plainly see? Now that Lucretius lived but a little before Caesar, no man denieth: at what time we are taught out of Caesar himself, that Divitiacus King of the * In France. Soissons, and the most mighty Prince of all Gaul governed Britain. But this is to be understood of maritime coasts. For Caesar himself witnesseth, that no part of Britain, save only the seaside, and those countries which lie against Gaul, was known unto the Gauls. Howbeit, Diodorus Siculus writeth, that Britain had experience of no foreigners rule: for neither * Bacchus. Dionysius, nor Hercules, nor any other Worthy or Demi-god have we heard to have attempted war upon that people. Now Caesar, who for his noble Acts is called Divus, was the first that subdued the Britan's, and forced them to pay a certain tribute. Censorinus de Die Natali. From this time and no further off, must the writer of our History fetch his beginning, of his work, if he throughly weigh with judgement what the learned Varro hath in times past written, and myself already heretofore signified: Namely, that there be of times three differences: Three times or ages of the world. the first from the creation of man unto the Flood or Deluge, which for the ignorance of those days is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is Obscure & uncertain: Uncertain. the second from the Flood to the first Olympias, (being 3189. years after the Creation, and 774. before Christ) which in regard of many fabulous narrations reported in that time, Fabulous. is named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Fabulous: the third from the first Olympias unto our days, Historical. and that is termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Historical, because the Acts therein done, are contained in true Histories. And yet I am not ignorant, that albeit the learned nations (setting aside the Hebrews) have attained to the knowledge of nothing before this age, yet the British History of Geffrey, took beginning three hundred and thirty years before the first Olympias, being a very rude and ignorant age in these parts, which he called Fabulous. And even from hence, for fear lest the groundwork being ill laid, the rest of the building would go on no better, because both the present place seemeth to require it, and also from it the chief light may arise to the train of the narration ensuing; let me summarily gathering matter here and there briefly deliver the acts of the Romans in Britain, not out of feigned fables, which were vanity to recite, and mere folly to believe, but out of the incorrupt and ancient monuments: wherein, I will not intercept matter of glory and commendation from them, who shall take in hand to pursue this argument in more ample manner. ROMANS IN BRITAIN. WHen Fortitude and Fortune were so agreed, or God's appointment rather had thus decreed, julius' Caesar. that Rome should subdue all the earth, Caius Julius Caesar, having now by conquests overrun * France. Gaul, to the end, that by a successive train of victories achieved both by land and sea, Pomponius Sabinus out of Seneca. he might join those Lands together which nature had severed, (as if the Roman world would not suffice) cast an eye unto the Ocean; and in the four and fiftieth year before the incarnation of Christ, endeavoured to make a journey into Britain; either for that in all his Gaulish war, there came underhand aid from thence, or because the Britain's had received the * Those about Beauvois or Beauvosin. Bellovaci that were run from him, or as Suetonius writeth, alured with hope of the British pearls, the bigness and weight whereof he was wont to peise and try by his hand; or rather upon an ardent de●ire of glory: which we must most easily believe, considering that he rejected the Ambassadors of the Britain's, who having intelligence of his designment, repaired unto him, and promised to put in hostages, and to become obedient to the Roman Empire. But his entrance into the Island, I will compendiously set down, even in his own very words: Considering the coasts, ports, and landing places of Britain, were not well known unto Caesar, he sent C. Volusenus before with a galley, to discover what he might; who, having taken what view of the country he could in five day's space, returned. In the mean time, the resolution of Caesar being made known unto the Britan's by merchants, many particular States sent their Ambassadors to him into Gallia, promising both to put in pledges, and also to submit themselves unto the Roman Empire. Having then exhorted these to continue in that mind still, he sent them home back again, and together with them Comius of * Atrebatens. Arras, a man in those countries of great authority, (for the Those of Arras, and the territories about it. Attrebates had before time departed out of Gaul, and planted themselves there) to persuade the said Cities und States to accept of the friendship and protection of the people of Rome. No sooner was he set a shore, but the Britaines cast him into prison and hung irons upon him. Mean while, Caesar having gotten together and put in readiness about fourscore ships of burden, for the transporting of two Legions, and eighteen others besides, which he appointed for the horsemen, put out to sea from the country of the * The coast of Picardy. Morini at the third watch, and about the fourth hour of the day arrived upon the coast, at an unfit landing place: For the hills lay so steep over the sea, that from the higher ground a dart or javelin might easily be cast upon the shore beneath. Having therefore at one time both wind and tide with him, he weighed anchor, and sailed eight miles from that place unto a plain and open shore, and there he rid at anchor. But the Britain's perceiving the Romans determination, sent their horse and chariots before, and there kept the Romans from landing. Here the Romans were exceeding much distressed; For, the ships were so great, that they could not ride near unto the shore, where the sea was ebb: the soldiers in strange and unknown places, being laden with heavy armour, were at one instant to leap down of necessity from those tall ships, withal to stand amid the very billows, and to fight with their enemies: whereas chose the Britain's were perfect in the knowledge of those places, lightly appointed, as having all parts of their bodies at liberty, fought either from the dry shore where they had sure footing, or wading not far into the water. Hereupon the Romans being terrified, behaved not themselves with the like courage and alacrity as before time. But after that Caesar had caused the Galleys to be removed from those hulks, to be rowed and laid against the open side of the Britain's, and so from thence the enemy to be beaten back, and displaced with slings, ordinance, and shot of arrows; the Britan's being troubled with the strange form of those Galleys, the stirring of the Oars, and the unusual kind of their engines, reculed. Then the Eagle-bearer of the tenth Legion, earnestly beseeching the Gods, that it might fall out happily for the Legion: Leap down, quoth he, my fellow soldiers, unless ye will forsake your standard and betray it into the enemy's hands: For mine own part, I will be sure to do my devoir both to the commonweal and also to my General: so forthwith he cast himself into the sea, and began to advance the * That is the main standard. Eagle against the enemy: then, all the rest followed hard at his heels (But if we believe * In Caesaribus. Julian, Caesar himself was the first that came down from his ship). The fight on both parts was very eager. But the Romans encumbered with their heavy armour and weapons, tossed with the waves, not able to get any firm footing, and put out of array, were wonderfully troubled; until such time as Caesar had caused the ship-boats, pinnaces and smaller vessels to be manned with soldiers; and when he saw need of help sent them to rescue such as were overcharged. As soon as the Romans got footing on the dry land, they made head together, charged the Britain's and put them to flight: but they were not able to follow them in chase, for want of the horsemen, that were not arrived in the Island. The Britain's being overthrown in battle, presently dispatched Ambassadors unto Caesar to treat of peace, and together with them the foresaid Comius of Arras, whom they had detained bound in prison: and withal, laid the fault upon the multitude, and excused all by their own ignorance. Caesar soon pardoned them, and commanded hostages to be delivered unto him: which they presently performed in part, and gave their word to bring in the rest. Thus was peace concluded four days after that Caesar was landed in Britain. At the same time, those eighteen ships which transported the horsemen, approaching so near the coast of Britanny that they were within view, by reason of a sudden tempest that arose, were cast upon the west part of the Island: from whence with much ado they recovered the continent of France. In the same night also it happened, that the Moon being in the full, and the tides very high; both the Galleys which were drawn up to the shore, were filled with the tide, and the ships of burden also that lay at anchor, so shaken with the tempest, that they became altogether unserviceable. This being known to the Princes of Britain, when they understood also, that the Romans now wanted horsemen, shipping, and provision of corn, they rebelled and resolved to cut off their provision of grain. Caesar suspecting that which fell out indeed, brought corn daily out of the fields into his camp, and with the timber and other stuff of those twelve ships which were most weather beaten and dismembered, repaired the rest. While these things were in action, the seventh Legion, being sent out to fetch in corn, and busy in reaping▪ the Britain's suddenly set upon, and so with their horsemen and chariots all at once, encompassed them round about. Essedarii, Chariotiers. The manner of their fight from out of these chariots, is thus, as I related a little before: First, they ride up and down into all parts, and cast their darts; and with the very terror of the horses, and rattling of the wheels, often times disorder the ranks, and when they have wound themselves between any troops of horsemen, they forsake their chariots, and fight on foot. In the mean time the guiders of the chariots, drive a little a side out of the battle, and place their chariots so, as that if the other chance to be overcharged with the multitude of enemies, they might have an easy passage unto them again. Thus they performed in all their fights the nimble motion of horsemen, and the firm stability of footmen: so ready with daily practice & exercise, that in the declivity of a steep hill, they could stay their horses in the very full career, quickly turn short, & moderate their pace, run along the beam or spire of the Chariot, stand upon the yoke and harness of the horses, yea, and from thence whip in a trice into their chariots again. But by the coming of Caesar to rescue them in so good time, the Romans took heart afresh, and the Britan's stood still, who having conceived good hope to free themselves for ever, presuming upon the small number of the Roman forces, together with the scarcity of corn among them, had assembled a great power, and were come to the camp of Caesar. But he received them even before the camp with a battle, put them to rout, slew many of them, and burned their houses far and near. The same day came messengers from the Britan's to Caesar, entreating peace, which they obtained: upon condition, that they should double the number of their hostages, whom he commanded to be brought into Gaul. And straight after, because the * In Autumn or September, when days and nights are equal. Aequinox was at hand, he put to sea, hoist sail from Britain, and brought all his ships safe unto the continent of France. And thither, two only of all the States of Britain sent hostages unto him, the rest neglected it. These exploits thus performed, upon the relation of Caesar's Letters, the Senate decreed a solemn procession for the space of twenty days: although he gained nothing to himself, nor to Rome, but the glory only of an expedition enterprised. Dio. lib. 39 The year next ensuing, Caesar having gotten together a great fleet, for what with ships for convoy of corn and victuals, and what with other private vessels that every man had built for to serve his own turn, there was 800. sail and above, and the same manned with five Legions, and 2000 horsemen, he launched from the port called * near Calais. Iccius, and landed his forces in that part of the Isle, where he did the year before. Neither was there an enemy to be seen in the place. For albeit the Britan's had been there assembled with a great power, yet terrified with so huge a number of ships, they had secretly withdrawn themselves into the upland country. Here Caesar encamped in a place convenient, and left two cohorts, and three hundred horsemen as a garrison or guard for his ships. Himself having by night marched forward twelve miles, espied the enemies: who having gone forward as far as to the river, began to give battle: but beaten back by the cavalry, they conveyed themselves into a wood, and there lay hid, as lodging in a place strongly fortified, both by nature and man's hand. But the Romans with a Testudo, or targnet-roofe, which they made, and mount that they raised against their fortifications, took the place, and drove them out of the woods; neither followed they them with any long pursuit, for they were to fortify the camp in that very place. The next day, Caesar divided his forces into three regiments, and sent them out to pursue the Britain's: but straightways called them back again, for that he had intelligence by messengers of such a tempest at sea the night before, that his navy was sore beaten, run one against another, and cast on shore. And thereupon himself in person returned to the ships, and with the labour of ten days haled them all up to land, and enclosed them and his camp together within one and the same fortification, and so goeth to the place from whence he was returned. Thither also had the Britain's assembled themselves with greater forces, under the conduct of Cassivellaunus or Cassibelinus, Cassibelinus. unto whom, in a public counsel of all the Britain's, the whole government and managing of the war was committed; whose cavalry and chariotiers together, gave the Romans a sharp conflict in their march, wherein many of both sides lost their lives: But the Britan's after some intermission of time, whiles the Romans were busy in fortifying their camp, charged fiercely upon those that kept ward before the camp; unto whom when Caesar had sent for rescue two cohorts, and those the principal and choicest of two legions, they most boldly, and with full resolution, broke through the thickest of the enemies, and from thence retired in safety. The next morrow, the Britan's showed themselves here and there in small companies from the hills; but about noon they made an assault upon three legions, and all the horsemen sent out for to forage; yet beaten back they were, and a great number of them slain. Now by this time were all their auxiliary forces that had met together, departed; neither encountered they afterward the Romans with their main power. Caesar then marched with his army to the river Thames, and so to the confines of Cassivelaunus: The river Thames. Upon the farther bank of this river, yea and under the water, they had covertly stuck sharp stakes, and embattelled themselves with a great power. But the Romans went and waded over with such violence, notwithstanding they had but their heads clear above the water, that the enemy was not able to endure the charge, but left the bank, and betook themselves to flight: not skared, as Polyaenus writeth, at the sight of an Elephant with a turret upon his back. Cassivellaunus having now no courage to contend any longer, retained only four thousand Charioteers with him, and observed the Romans journeys: and so often as their horsemen went forth and strayed out in the fields for forage or booty, he sent out his chariots, and kept them from ranging all abroad. Mean while, the Trinobant● Trinobantes submit themselves unto Caesar, and entreated that he would defend Mandubratius (whom Eutropius and Beda out of the Fragments of Suetonius now lost, call Androgorius, and our Britan's Androgeus) from the oppression of Cassivellaunus, and send him unto them to be their sovereign, Of them Caesar required and received forty hostages, and corn for his army, and therewith sent Mandubratius. Then the * Where i● Essex and Middlese● Manduba● who also ●●nomed A●●drogeus. Now 〈◊〉 Norfolk Cambrid● Hunting shire. Cenimagi * About Holeshot Silecester Segontiaci, * The H●●●dred of H●●ly upon Thames. Ancatites, * The hu●●dred of 〈◊〉 and Cais● Bibroci and * Atrebas. Cassij, following the example of the Trinobantes yield unto Caesar: By whom he understood, that Cassivellaunus his town was not far off, fortified with woods and bogs: which as he assaulted in two several places, the Britan's flung out at a back way: but many of them in their flight were taken and put to the sword. Whiles these things were a doing, four petty Kings that ruled Kent, to wit Cingetorix, Carvilius, Taximagulus and Segonais, by a mandate from Cassivellaunus did set upon the camp where the Romans navy was kept, but by a sally that the Romans made, they were driven back: and Cingetorix one of the said Kings was taken prisoner. Then Cassivellaunus, having received so many losses, and troubled most of all with the revolt of the states, sent Ambassador to Caesar by Conius of * Atrebas. Arras, tending unto him a surrendry. Whereupon Caesar, being determined to winter in the continent of France, commanded pledges to be brought unto him, and imposed a yearly tribute that Britain should pay unto the people of Rome. But withal he inhibited Cassivellaunus and commanded him to do no harm either to Mandubratius or the Trinobants. And thus with a great number of captives he embarked his army, and transported it back at two several passages. Thus much Caesar of his own war in Britain. But Eutropius out of some writings of Suetonius now not extant, addeth thus much moreover. Scaeva one of Caesar's soldiers, with four other fellow servitors, crossed over sea before, Scaeva. in a small bark unto a rock near the Island, and by the reflow or ebb of the Ocean the while, was there left. The Britan's many in number set upon the Romans being but few: howbeit the rest who here and there had been his companions returned in a ship: Scaeva tarrieth behind still undaunted, notwithstanding he was overlaid with darts from every side: First he made resistance with his pike or massy spear: and at length took him to his sword and fought alone with many of them. When he was weary and wounded, and had withal lost his helmet and target after many a stroke, with two habergeons he swum unto Caesar's camp, and craved pardon of his General for his fool hardy rashness: whom Caesar advanced to the honour and degree of a Centurion. When Caesar came first into this Isle, (as Cotas, one who then in the camp had the second place, Athenaem. hath put down in a Greek Commentary of his, concerning the Roman Commonwealth) of such temperance he was, and so far short of the pomp of our age, that he had no more servants and attendants ordinarily in his domestical retinue, but three. What time as Caesar, saith Seneca, traveled into Britain, and could not contain his own felicity within the Ocean, he heard that his daughter was departed this life, drawing with her a train of public calamities, But he passed over this grief of heart as lightly as he was wont all things else. Being returned with conquest out of Britain, he dedicated unto Venus genitrix in her temple, Pliny. a breastplate made of British pearls. Some of his British prisoners, he appointed for services in the Theatre, and about these rich hangings of Tapestry there, Servius Honoratus. wherein he had woven in colours his victories in Britain. Which the Britan's were wont, being themselves therein wrought, to remove and take away; whereupon Virgil, Purpureaque intextitollant auleae Britanni. Let Britan's purple Tapestry rid, wherein themselves are wrought. Neither were the Britan's appointed to the ministeries, and offices only about the Theatre, but also (I note it by the way) to the Emperors Licter, as it appeareth manifestly by an antique inscription of this age, wherein there is made mention of a Decurio, over the British Licter-bearers. Of this victory of Caesar, an old Poet hath thus written: In the Gardens of the Cardinal de Carpento. Vis invicta viri reparatâ classe Britannos Vicit, & hostiles Rheni compescuit undas. Lo here the man's undaunted heart! with navy rigged new, He Britan's vanquished, and fell waves of Rhine he did subdue. Hitherto may be referred those verses also of Claudian, touching the valour of the Romans. Nec stetit Oceano, remisque ingressa profundum, Vincendos alio quaesivit in orbe Britannos. In Ocaan rhode it rested not, nor put to sea for nought, But Britads in their otherworld, for conquest sake it sought. Moreover Cicero in a certain Poem now lost, which he entitled Quadrigas, carried Caesar in poetical Chariots of triumph, through the midst of all praise and commendation, for his acts achieved in Britainc, as Ferrerius of Piedmont persuadeth us: for thus he writeth, Pingam Britanniam coloribus tuis, penecillo autem meo, that is, I will depaint Britain in your colours, but with mine own pencil. Howbeit in the judgement of others, he terrified only the Britan's with a fortunate fight, or as Lucan (who nothing favoured the house of the Caesars) wrote; Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis. He sought the Britan's, and for fear to them his back he showed. And Tacitus a right grave and substantial author, writeth, That he discovered only, but delivered not unto the Romans, Britain: and Horace implieth, that he scant touched them at all, when to flatter Augustus, he saith, That the Britain was not meddled withal, in these words: Intactus Britannus ut descenderet Sacrâ catenatus viâ: Or that the Britan's heretofore not dealt withal in fight, Might, chained now, the sacred street descend, in all men's sight. And Propertius, Te manet invictus Romano Marte Britannus. The Britan's yet unconquered by Romans, stay for thee. So far it is off, that it should be true which Velleius Paterculus, a flattering Historian of the Emperor's Court wrote, Bis penetrata Britannia à Caesare, that is, twice Caesar passed through Britain, Dio. when as he scarce made entry into it: For, many years after this entrance of Caesar, this Island was left to the free government of their own Kings, and used their own Laws. Augustus seemeth of purpose, and with good advice to have neglected Britain, when as he called that * Consilium, as Tacitus saith, that is, Policy, or a point of state, haply because it was thought the best policy, and safest for the State, That the Roman Empire should be kept, and held within bounds, to wit, the Ocean, the rivers Ister and Euphrates limits set by nature, to the end it might be a State Adamantine, (for so Augustus himself speaketh in julian,) that is, invincible; and lest, as a ship of exceeding great bulk, it might not possibly be well governed and managed, but endangered through the own unwieldy hugeness sink anon, and fall down at once, which usually befalleth unto overgreat States: or, as Strabo is of opinion, he despised it, seeing neither any cause at all of fear, nor hope of much profit from the Britan's; and yet it seemed, that no small damage would be presented from other nations, lying round about the said Island. But what cause so ever it was, certes, after julius, and the edge of Roman arms turned upon the Commonwealth itself, Britain was a long time forgotten, even in time of peace. Nevertheless at last Augustus departed from Rome, with a purpose to transfer the war into Britain: At which very time Isoratius framed this kind of prayer unto the Goddess Fortune at Antium. Serves iturum Caesarem in ultimos Orbis Britannos. Save Caesar now that ready is, a journey long to take, Against the Britan's most remote, a conquest there to make. But after he was come into Gaul, the Britan's sent Ambassadors unto him to crave peace: and verily the British Princes and Potentates, having by Embassages and dutiful services obtained his amity, dedicated presents and oblations in the Capitol: and brought the whole Island in a manner to be familiar unto the Romans, and as it were their own: Strabo. so as they could endure taxes and imposts, which now are nothing grievous unto them, raised out of such merchandise and commodities as are shipped to and from out of Gaul and Britanny: and those be Ivory works; Bits and bridles, chains and wreathes, * Electrina. vessels of the mettle * A pale an● whitish gol● Electrum and of glass, with other base and common wares of like sort. And therefore there needs no garrison for that Island. For it would require one Legion at the least, and some horsemen, if tributes were to be levied from thence: and the said tributes would but countervail the charges of maintaining a garrison there: for of necessity by imposing a tribute, the revenues coming by tollage and poundage and such like imposts, would be less: and if any violent course were used, some peril or other must be looked for. The year following likewise, Augustus intended a second expedition into Britain, because there was some variance about the Covenants: but by occasion of some insurrection made in Spain by the Cantabri and others, that journey was stayed. Neither hath any man reason to believe Landinus, or Servius, or Philargyrus, who have recorded that Augustus' triumph over the Britan's, and that out of these verses of Maro. Et duo rapta manu diverso ex hoste trophaea, Bisque triumphatas utroque a littore gentes. And trophies twain caught by strong hand from diverse enemy's hosts, And nations twice triumphed of likewise from both the * Of East a● West. coasts. Surely, in regard of that surrendry of the Britan's, Horace wrote thus; Coelo tonantem credimus jovem Regnare: Presens Divus habebitur Augustus, adjectis Britannis Imperio, gravibusque Persis. We thought before, that jupiter in heaven above doth reign For thundering there: but now shall be on earth Augustus here Reputed God, because he did to Romans Empire gain Both Britan's and fierce Persians, of whom they stood in fear. Tiberius nothing transported with an inordinate desire of extending the Empire, Tiberius. seemeth to have rested in that Counsel of Augustus; For he brought out a book written with Augustus his own hand, wherein was contained the whole wealth and estate of the commonweal, what number as well of Roman Citizens as Allies were in arms, how many Navies, Kingdoms and Provinces, what tributes and imposts [belonged to the state] with a resolution annexed thereto of containing the Empire within the bounds. Which advise and resolution of Augustus contented him so well, as Tacitus reporteth, that he would attempt nothing in Britain, nor maintain any garrison or deputies there. For whereas Tacitus reckoneth up the number of Legions, and what coasts or countries they defended at that time, he maketh no mention at all of Britain. And yet it seemeth that the Britan's entertained amity with the Romans. For when as at the same time Germanicas sailed the Ocean, some of his company by force of tempest driven to this Island, were by the Princes thereof sent back again. C. Caligula. That Caius Caesar cast in his mind to enter this Island, it is certain: but that by his shuttle brain, sudden repentance, and wonderful attempts against Germany, it came to nothing. For to the end that he might terrify Britain and Germany (over which he hovered) with the fame of some mighty piece of work, Suetonius in Caligula, he made a bridge between Bay and the Piles of Puteoli, three miles, and 600. paces in length. But having achieved no greater exploit, Adminius. than taken to his mercy Adminius the son of Cinobellinus King of the Britan's, who being by his father banished had fled over sea with a small power and train about him, he sent magnificent and glorious letters to Rome, as if the whole Isle had been yielded up into his hands: warning and wishing the posts ever and anon, to ride forward in their waggon, directly into the market place and the Curia: and in no wise to deliver the said missives unto the Consuls, but in the temple of Mars, and that in a frequent assembly of the Senate. After this to the Ocean be marcheth, as if he minded to translate the war over into Britain: Where even upon the very shore he embattelled his soldiers: himself took sea in a Galley, and after he had launched out a little way from the land, returned again (and then mounting up an high pulpit, sat him down, gave his soldiers the signal of battle, and commanded the trumpets to sound: and so on a sudden charged them to gather cockles, mu●kles, and other small shell fishes, Having gotten these spoils (as one indeed wanting enemies spoils for to adorn a Trophye) he waxed proud as if he had conquered the Ocean: and having rewarded his soldiers, Dio. he brought some of those cockles, and the other shell fish to Rome, that there also he might show the booty which he had gotten. In token and memorial of this brave victory he raised an high turret, out of which, as from a watchtower, there might blaze all night long, lights and fires for the better direction of ships at sea in their course. The ruins whereof are sometimes seen at a low water in the shore of Holland, and by the people there inhabiting is called Britenhuis. Who also find oftentimes stones engraven with letters: of which one had these Characters, C. C. P. F. which they (I wot not how truly) expound thus Caius Caligula Pharum Fecit, that is, Caius Caligula this * Watchtower. Pharus made. But of this watchtower more at large, I will write in my discourse of British Islands. Claudius. Afterwards, the inland parts of Britain, wasted rather with Civil wars and factions, than by the force of the Romans, after sundry overthrows and slaughters of both sides, came at the length by little and little under the subjection of the Romans. For, while the States fought severally one by one, they were all vanquished: running so one upon another's destruction, that until they fell to utter confusion, they had not in gross, a feeling of the particular losses that each one sustained. And thus far forth also wrought ambition in them, that many became false and disloyal, yea, and some fled from their countrymen, making choice of the Romans protection, swearing allegiance unto them, and practising by all means to subject their native country, unto their government. Bericus. Among whom the principal was one Bericus, who moved and persuaded Claudius the Emperor, to give the attempt upon Britain, which none assayed to do since the time of julius Caesar, and which then was up in a broil and commotion, for that the said Fugitives were not rendered again unto them. Whereupon he commanded Aulus Plautius, A. Plautius. at that time Praetor, to go with an Army into Britain: who had much ado to withdraw the said army out of Gaul, Dio. as being much discontented to make war without the compass of the world, and therefore drawing out the time in length with many delays. But when * A freed servant of Claudius. Narcissus sent from Claudius, began to mount up into the Tribunal of Plautius, and to make a speech unto the host the soldiers more incensed with indignation streightwaies cried all at once, Io. Saturnalia (for the manner is of Slaves, during the Saturnalia, to celebrate that festival time in the habit of their Masters) and so presently with willing hearts followed Plautius. The forces being divided into three parts, for fear lest if they arrived all in one place, they might be put by their landing; carried back by a gale of wind, found some trouble in their passage: yet taking heart again, because as they sailed along, there was seen a fire-drake in the Element shooting from the East the West, they were conveied over into the Island, and no man stopped them. For the Britan's supposing verily, in regard of those things which I have related, that they would not come, had not assembled themselves: and therefore without any conflict, they lay hidden within bogs, marshes, and woods, in hope by lingering delays to weary the Romans, that they should be forced without any service exploited to retire hence, like as it had befallen unto julius Caesar. Wherefore, Plautius took great pains in seeking of them out. After he had found them (now they were not free States, but ruled under diverse Kings) first he discomfited Caractacus, afterward Togodumnus, the sons of Cunobellinus, for their father was deceased. When these were fled, part of the * Othorwise to Duobuni, Glocestershire, and O●fordshire. Bodunni, who were subject to the * Or Caticu●●lani, that is, Buckingham●shire, and Hartfordshire. Catuellani, he received into his protection: and having left a garrison there, he went forward to a certain river: but because the Britan's thought the Romans could not possibly pass over without a bridge, they lay encamped more carelessly on the farther side thereof. Plautius' therefore, set the Germans, who were wont to wade through the most swift and violent rivers, even in their very armour. These coming upon the enemies at unawares, hurt not a man of them, but wounded the horses only that drew their chariots, who when they were troubled and disordered, the men were not able to sit them. Then sent he Flavus Vespasianus, (who afterwards became Emperor) and his brother Sabinus with him as Lieutenant, who likewise having passed over the river, surprised very many of the Barbarians, and slew them. Neither fled the rest away, but the morrow after joined battle, wherein the victory remained doubtful: until such time as C. Sidius Geta, at the very point to have been taken prisoner by the enemies, vanquished them so, as that for his good service, triumphal honours were granted unto him, although he had not been Consul. From thence the Barbarians retired themselves to the river Thames, where it dischargeth itself into the sea, and with the flow thereof riseth high. This river they soon passed over, as being skilful of such places as would afford them firm footing, and were passable fords. And the Romans in pursuing them were in danger. Soon after, when the Germans had swum over a second time whiles some of them, passed over at a bridge, higher up the river, environing the Barbarians on every side, they made a great slaughter of them: but when unadvisedly they followed after the rest, they fell upon blind bogs and lost many of their men. Hereupon, and for that the Britan's by occasion of Togodumnus his death abated not their courage one whit, but rather prepared themselves to fight the more fiercely in revenge of his death, Plautius for fear went no farther: but setting a guard to keep what he had gotten, sent for Claudius, having a warrant and commandment so to do, in case he were overlaid with any extraordinary violence, For which expedition among much other Equipage, Elephants. Elephants also were gotten together and prepared. Claudius' advertised of these news, committed the affairs of the City, and the soldiers likewise to the charge of Vitellius (upon whom, as also upon himself, he had conferred a Consulship for six months). Then went he down in person by water from Rome to Ostra, and so from thence sailed to Marshils: and travelling the rest of the way partly by land and partly by sea came to the Ocean, embarked, crossed the channel into Britain, and went directly forward to his forces expecting him by the Thames side. When he had received them into his own charge, and passed over the river, he fought a set battle with the Barbarians, assembled against his coming, and obtained victory. Then took he in * Now Madon. Camalodunum the royal seat of Cunobellinus, and many thence he drove, others upon their yielding he took to mercy. For these acts performed, diverse times he was styled Imperator, a thing directly against the Romans custom; for, lawful it is not in one war to assume that name oftener than once. Furthermore, Claudius disarmed the Britan's, and committed as well them to be governed, as the rest to be subdued, unto Plautius. Himself made speed to Rome, sending before him Pompeius and Silanus his * That had married his daughters. sons in Law, with tidings of this victory, Thus much Dio. Howbeit Suetonius reporteth, that part of the Island he took into his hands upon submission without any battle or bloodshed. Sixteen days or thereabout himself stayed in Britain: in which time he remitted unto the Gentry and Nobility of the Britan's the confiscation of their goods: For which benefit of his, they frequented his temple and adored him as a God. Thus returned he to Rome, in the sixth month after that he went forth from thence. So great a matter it was and of such consequence to have conquered even so small a parcel of Britain, that the Senate thereupon decreed in the honour of Claudius, yearly Games, triumphal Arches both in Rome and also at * Bologne. Gessoriacum in Gaul, and a most honourable and stately triumph: to the beholding whereof the governors of Provinces also, yea and certain banished persons were permitted to come into Rome: a Naval coronet was fixed upon the looure of the Palace, Pliny. as it were the ensign of the British sea subdued by him: the Provinces brought in Crowns of gold, and * France. Gallia Comata one above the rest, weighing 9 pounds: and the hither part of Spain another of 7. pound weight. He mounted up into the Capitol by the stairs on his knees, supported and heaved up by his sons in Law on either side. He entered in triumphing wise the * venice Gulf. Adriaticke sea, embarked in a vessel more like to some exceeding great house than a ship. Unto his wife Messalina was allowed by the Senate the highest place to sit in, as also to ride in a Caroche, or hanging coach. After this, he set forth triumphal plays and games, having taken upon him for that purpose the Consular office and authority. The solemnities were exhibited at once in two Theatres, and many times when he was gone aside from the sight, others had the charge thereof. Horse run for the prize he promised as many as those days would admit: Howbeit above ten there were not: for between every course of horses, Bears were killed, champions performed their devoirs, and choice boys sent for out of Asia danced the warlike dance in armour. Moreover, upon Valerius Asiaticus, Julius Silanus, Sidius Geta, and others, in regard of this conquest, he heaped Triumphal ornaments. He suffered Licinius Crassus Frugi to follow after himself in this triumph, mounted upon a trapped courser with a rich caparison, and arrayed in a robe of Date tree work. Upon Posidius the Eunuch he bestowed a spear staff without an head: upon C. Gavius, cheines, bracelets, horse●trappings, and a coronet of gold, as is to be seen in an ancient marble at Taurinum. In the mean time Aulus Plautius went on with the relics of this war, and sped so well in his battles, that Claudius passed a decree, that he should ride in petty triumph ovant: and when he was entered into the City, himself went to meet him, giving him the right hand all the way both going and coming. Vespasian. And Vespasian even then showed by the destinies, whom Claudius assumed unto him to bear a part of this British war, partly under the conduct of Claudius himself, and partly of Plautius, fought thirty battles with the enemy: two most mighty nations, and above twenty towns together, with the Isle of * Vectem. Sueton. in Vespasian. cap. 4. Wight he subdued. For which worthy exploits, he received triumphal ornaments, and within a short space two sacerdotal dignities, with a Consulship beside which he bore the two last months of the year. Titus also served here in quality of a Tribune under his father, with exceeding commendation for his industry and valour, (for valiantly he delivered his father when he was besieged): and no less report of his modest carriage: as appeareth by a number of his Images and titles to them annexed, throughout the Provinces of Germany and Britain. The rest of the Occurrences which happened in Britain afterward unto the very latter end of Domitian, Sueton. in Tit. cap. 4. Tacitus, who best can do it, will declare by his own words to this effect. P. Ostorius Propraetor. P. Ostorius Propraetor in Britan was welcomed at his first landing with troubles and tumults. The enemies ranged all over the Allies country, and used so much the greater violence, for that they thought the new captain was unacquainted with the army, (the winter also being now began) would not come forth to encounter. But he knowing well that the first successes always breed either fear or confidence, gathered with all speed his readiest cohorts, advanced toward the enemy; and having slain those which made head against him, pursued the rest that were dispersed for fear they should join again: and lest an hateful and faithless peace might give neither captain nor soldier any rest, he went about to disarm as many of them as he suspected, and by raising forts and setting garrisons upon the two rivers * The Nem at Northhampton. Aufona and the * Sabrina. Iceni. Severn to restrain and hem in the Britons. Which the Iceni first of all refused, a strong nation and unshaken with battles, Autonas', or Aufonas. because of their own motion they had sought our alliance and amity. And at their instigation, the people adjoining chose a place to fight in, compassed about with a rude and rustical rampire, having a narrow entrance of purpose to hinder the coming in of horsemen. This fence the Roman captain, albeit he had under his conduct the power of his allies, alone without the main forces of the Legion assayeth to break thorough: And having bestowed his cohorts in ranks setteth the troops of horsemen in like readiness to perform their service. Then after the signal given, they broke open the said rampire, and disordered the enemies encumbered and penned within their own hold. And they knowing in their own conscience they were no better than rebels, and seeing all passages for escape stopped up, showed great valour and courage in defending themselves. In which fight M. Ostorius the lieutenant's son deserved the honour of saving a Citizen. Upon the discomfiture and slaughter of these Iceni, they that wavered between war and peace became settled and were quiet: and so the army was led against the Cangi. Cheshire 〈◊〉 as some thi● Cangi. Whose territory they wasted, harried and spoiled all over: whiles the enemies durst not show themselves in the field, or if privily by stealth they attempted to cut off the tail of our army as they marched, they paid for their craft and deceit. brigants. Yorkshire. Lancashire Bishopric Durham, Westmorla●● Cumberla●● Now by this time were the Romans come well near to the sea coast that looketh toward Ireland, when certain troubles and discords sprung up among the the brigants, brought their leader back, being certainly resolved to attempt no new matters, before he had settled the old. But as for the brigants, some few being put to death that began first to take arms, he pardoned the residue, and all were quieted. The * Southwa●● as Herefor●●shire, Radnorshire, Brecknockshire, Monmouthshir● and Glamganshire. Camalod●num a collynie. Silureses could neither by cruelty nor fair means be reclaimed but they would needs war; and therefore no remedy there was but to keep them under with garrisons of Legionary soldiers. Which to perform more easily, the colony called Camalodunum consisting of a strong company of old soldiers was brought into the countries by conquest subdued, for succour and safeguard against Rebels, and an inducement to train the Associates to observe the laws. Certain Cities and States were granted by way of Donation to King Cogidunus, according to the ancient custom of the people of Rome, that they might have even Kings to be instruments of servitude and thraldom. Then went the Romans from thence against the Silureses, who besides their own stoutness trusted much in the strength of Caractacus, Caratacus. a man whom many dangerous adventures which he had waded thorough, and as many prosperous exploits by him achieved, had so lifted up, that he carried the reputation and praeheminence above all the British Commanders. But he in subtle craft, and knowledge of the deceitful ways, having the advantage of us, though otherwise weaker in strength of soldiers, translateth the war into the country of the * Ordovice Northward as Montgmeryshire Merionetshire, Ca●vanshire, Denbighshire, and Flintshire Ordovices: and there, joining to him as many as feared our peace, resolveth to hazard the last chance, having chosen a place for the battle, where the coming in, and going forth, with all things else might be incommodious to us, but for his very advantageous. Then, against the high hills, and wheresoever there was any easy passage, & gentle access, he stopped up the way with heaps of stones raised in manner of a rampire: withal, there ran hard by a river having a doubtful ford, and the several companies of his * Majoru● nationum● is, of Na●ons or 〈◊〉 best soldiers had taken their standing before the fortifications. Besides all this, the leaders of every nation went about, exhorted and encouraged their men, by making less all causes of fear, and kindling in them good conceits of hope, with all other motives and inducements to war. And verily Caractacus bestirring himself, and coursing from place to place, * Majoru● Nationum the Nati●● protested, That this was the day, this the battle, which should begin either the recovery of their liberty for ever, or else perpetual bondage. And here, he called upon his ancestors by name, who had chased Caesar the Dictator from hence, through whose valour they were freed from the Roman axes, and tributes, and enjoyed still the bodies of their wives, ann children undefiled. As he uttered these and such like speeches, the general multitude of the soldiers made a noise about him, and bound themselves by oath every one according to the religion of his country, that they would not give way and yield; for any weapons or wounds whatsoever. This courageous and cheerful alacrity of theirs, astonished the Roman captain, considering the river just before his face, the rampire beside which they had cast up, the high hills over their heads, nothing but terrible, and full of defendants, put him into a wondrous fright. Nevertheless the soldiers called hard for battle, crying still, that there was nothing which valour could not overcome. The Praefects and Tribunes also with like words, much enforced the ardour and courage of the whole army. Then Ostorius having viewed round about what places were unpassable, and what yielded passage, advanceth forward his men in boiling heat of choler, and easily wadeth over the river. Being come to the bank and rampire aforesaid, so long as the volley of darts continued on both sides, our men received more wounds, and in greater number were slain. But after that by making of a targnet roof of fence, those rude and ill fashioned joints of stones were plucked a sunder, and the fronts of both armies came close to hand-strokes, without odds; the Barbarians fled to the hill tops. But thither also, as well the heavy corselets, as the light armed soldiers broke in: whiles these shot their darts and javelins at them, the other pressed thick and close together upon them: chose the Britan's ranks were broken and disordered, as who had neither head piece nor coat of fence. If they thought to resist our auxiliary forces, they were beaten down with the arming swords & massy pikes of the legionary soldiers: if they turned to make head against them, they were slain with the Spears, and bastard swords of the auxiliaries. A noble and renowned victory this was. The wife and daughter both of Caractacus, were taken prisoners, his brethren also yielded themselves. Himself, as generally there is no trusting to succour in adversity, craving defence and protection of Cartismandua Queen of the brigants, was by her taken, bound with irons, and delivered to the Conquerors, nine years after the war began in Britain. Whereupon the fame of him being carried over into the Islands, and spread abroad throughout the Provinces adjoining, was famous also in Italy: in so much as they desired to see who he was that so many years had defied and contemned our forces. Neither was the name of Caractacus meanly esteemed of at Rome. And Caesar whiles he extolled his one worth and honour, made the conquered Prince more glorious. For why, the people also was assembled and called, as to see a notable spectacle. The cohorts of the Emperor's guard stood all armed in good order within an open plain lying before their camp. Then as King Caractacus his vassals and dependants marched before, the comparisons, chains, and whatsoever he had won in wars against strangers, were brought in a show: then, his brethren, wife and daughter: and last of all himself was showed to the people. The prayers of all the rest were by reason of fear, base, and nothing savouring of nobility: but Caractacus, neither hanging down his head, nor with words craving any mercy, when he stood before the Emperor's tribunal, spoke in this wise. If my moderation in prosperity had been as great as my nobility and fortune was, I had come rather as a friend into this City, than a Captive: neither would you have disdained to receive me with covenants of peace, being a Prince descended of Noble Progenitors, and a commander over many nations. My present state, as it is to me dishonourable, so to you it is magnificent. I have had horses, men, armour and wealth: what marvel if against my will I have forgone them all? For if ye will be rulers over all men, it followeth that all men must abide servitude. If presently I had yielded and been delivered into your hands; neither had my fortune nor your glory been renowned: and oblivion would have followed my punishment. But if you save me alive, I shall be an example of your clemency for ever. Upon these words Caesar pardoned him, his wife and brethren. And they being allunbound, did their reverence likewise unto Agrippina, What became of his daughters, Tacitus? (who sat a loft not far off in another high seat to be seen) giving her the like praises and in the same degrees of style as they did the Emperor himself. Surely a strange and unexampled precedent among all our ancestors, that a woman should sit and command the Roman ensigns. But she carried herself as a fellow and associate in the Empire, gotten by her progenitors. After this, the Lords of the Senate were called together, who made long and glorious discourses as touching the captivity of Caractacus. Neither was this, as they affirmed, less honourable, than when Pub. Scipio showed Syphax: Luc. Paulus Perses, or whosoever else exhibited, conquered Kings unto the people. As for Ostorius, decreed it was he should be honoured with triumphal ornaments. These conquests of Britain, writers have numbered among the most famous monuments and testimonies of the Romans prowess. And thereupon Seneca writeth thus; Claudius might make his boast that he first vanquished the Britan's: for julius Caesar did but show them only to the Romans. And in another place, writing of the same Claudius, Ille Britannos Vltra noti Littora Ponti, Et caeruleos Scuta brigants, Dare Romuleis Colla catenis jussit, & ipsum Nova Romanae jura securis Tremere Oceanum. The Britan's, those, that seated are beyond the known sea-coast, And Brigants with blue-painted shields, he forced with his host, To yield their necks in Roman chains as captive to be led, And even the Ocean this new power of Roman axe to dread. And Seneca the Tragic poet in his Octavia, versified in this manner concerning Claudius, Cuique Britanni Terga dedere, ducibus nostris Antè ignoti jurisque sui. And unto whom the Britan's showed their backs, who erst unknown To all our Captains lived by laws and customs of their own. And in the same tragedy, for that he had passed over the Thames, En qui orae Tamisis primus posuit jugum Ignota tantis classibus texit freta: Interque gentes barbaras tutus fuit, Et soeva maria; conjugis scelere— Occidit. Behold, who first the mouth and coast of Thamis, did subdue And spread with mighty fleets those Firths, the like that never never knew: With nations rude, in raging seas, who lived safe and sound, By wicked hand of cursed wife his death at home he found. Semblably Egesippus, saith thus of Claudius, Witness here is Britain, which liing without the world, is by the might of Romans reduced into the world. Whom the former age knew not, the Romans victory hath discovered: and even they now are become servants, who knew not what servitude was: being born only for themselves, and always free unto themselves: even they who being by the interflow of the sea divided from the power of their superiors, could not stand in fear of them whom they knew not. A greater matter therefore it was, to have passed over to the Britan's, than to have triumphed over the Britan's. And in another place, Britain also, which lieth hid amidst the waves, he gained to the Roman Empire by force of arms: by the triumph over which Island, Rome was thought to be more wealthy, Claudius reputed more wary and politic, and Nero esteemed more fortunate. Also in another passage, which deserveth most of all to be put down here, The very Elements also, have done homage to the name of the Romans: to whom likewise even the round world hath sworn allegiance already, which is enclosed and bounded with the Roman Empire: and in one word is of many called the ROMAN WORLD. For if we search into the truth, the whole army itself is comprised within the Empire of the Romans: upon which the Roman valour, having gone forward still beyond the Ocean, hath sought for itself another world, and in Britain an Island remote from the confines of Lands hath found out for a self another possession. To conclude, they who are denied the benefit, not only of the free burgesie of Rome, but in manner also of all converse with men, are directed and awarded thither, there to dwell as persons banished out of the world. The Ocean now hath reined up his bounds: For the Romans know how to seek into his inward secret parts. And josephus in the person of Titus, speaketh thus to the jews: What greater wall and bar than the Ocean? wherewith the Britan's being fenced and enclosed, do yet adore the Romans forces. Moreover, as touching this argument, that renowned joseph Scaliger, in his Catalects, hath saved and freed from rust and mouldiness certain verses of a most learned Poet though unknown: which, because they are not every where to be found, I will not think much of my paints to put down: for they are as good as good may be. Now, that they be sundry Epigrams, and therefore distinctly to be considered, john Obsopaeus the German, a passing learned young man, hath out of ancient (manuscripts) parchments very lately, Antonius Delrio readeth otherwise in some places: the diverse readings therefore, I have here set to. informed me: Ausonius nunquam tellus violata triumphis. Ictatuo, Caesar, fulmine procubuit. Oceanusque tuas ultra se * Prospicit, that is, seeth before him. respicit a●as, Qui finis mundo est * Nunc, now. Or before, non erit imperio. That Land whose honour never felt, by Roman triumph, wrong By dint la●e of thy thunderbolt, o Caesar, lay along: The Ocean seeth * prospicit if respicit, behind. beyond itself thine altars, to adore, * Non. if Nun●, read thus. That, will * That will be now thine Empires bound, which was of world before. not bound their Empire, now, which did the world before. Victa priús nulli, jam jam spectata triumphs, Illibata tuos gens jacet in titulos. Fabula visa diù, medioque reconditaponto Libera victori jam modó colla dedit. Euphrates Ortus, Rhenus * recluserat. incluserit Arctos; Oceanus medium venit in imperium. A people erst untouched, unfoiled, and conquered of none, Late seen in triumph, to thy style hath title added one: Though but a tale long time, as hid in mid-sea past all view, To Victor's yoke now yielded neck, that never bondage knew. How ever Rhine shuts up the North, Euphrates Eastern land, It skils not, now that th' Ocean sea is whole at thy command. Libera non hostem, non passa Britannia Regem, Aeternum nostro quae procul orbe jacet; Foelix adversis, & sort oppressa secunda Communis nobis, & tibi, Caesar, erit. Britain most free, which enemy and Monarch never felt, Far dissite from this world of ours, wherein we ever dwelled; An happy state in adverse times, but won in prosperous days, Shall be, o Caesar, common now to thee and us always. Ultima cingebat Tibris tua, Romule, Regna: Hic tibi finis erat, religiose Numa. Et tua, Dive, tuum sacrata potentia coelo Extremum citra constitit Oceanum. At nunc Oceanus geminos interluit orbs Pars est imperij, terminus ante fuit, Thy Kingdoms all, o Romulus, Tiber sometime did bound Past it, o Numa prince devout, thou hadst no foot of ground: And even thy power right sacred now, and heavenly though it be, O Caesar, stayed within precinct of thine own Ocean sea: But now the Ocean interflow●s two worlds, by double shore, And parcel of our Empire is, which was the bound before. Mars pater, & nostrae gèntis tutela Quirine, Et magno positus Caesar uterque Polo. Cernitis ignotos Latia sub lege Britannos, Sol citra nostrum flectitur imperium. Vltima cesserunt adaperto claustra Profundo Et jam Romano * Cingitur. cingimur Oceano. O father Mars o Romulus, Protector of our race, And Caesar's both, late defied, in heaven who have your place. The Britan's erst unknown, ye see the Latian laws embrace And short of our large signory the Sun turns in his race. The furthest frontiers soon gave way, when seas once opened were The Roman Ocean now it is, wherein enclosed we are. Opponis frustrà rapidum Germania Rhenum, Euphrates prodest nil tibi, Parthe fugax. Oceanus jam terga dedit, nec pervius ulli Caesareos fasces, imperiumque tulit. In vain opposest thou for fence, swift Rhine, o Germany Euphrates (Parthian) boots thee nought, thou that in fight dost fly. For th' Ocean is already fled, which passable to none Hath now the Caesar's government, and Rome's rule undergone. Illa procul nostro semota, exclusaque coelo, * Semoto. Alluitur nostrâ victa Britannia aquá, Semota, & vasto disjuncta Britannia Ponto Cinctaque inaccessis horrida littoribus: Quam fallax aestu circuit Oceanus. Quam fallax aestu circuit Oceanus. Brumalem sortita * Polum. plagam: quà frigida semper Praefulget stellis Arctos in occiduis. Conspectuque tuo devicta Britannia, Caesar, Subdidit insueto colla premenda jugo Aspice, confundit populos imper via tellus, Conjunctum, est quod adhuc orbis, & orbis erat, That Britain from our clime far set and thence excluded quite, Conquered of late is washed yet, with water ours by right. Britain, I say, far set apart, and by vast sea disjoined, Walled with inaccessible banks and craggy cliffs behind; Which father Nereus fenced had with billows most invincible And Ocean likewise compassed with ebbs and flows as fallible. Britain that hath a wintry clime allotted for her seat, Where cold North-Beare shines always bright with stars that never set Even at thy sight and first approach o Caesar soon subdued, Submitted hath her neck to bear strange yoke of servitude. Behold, the earth unpassable of nations makes commixtion, What heretofore was world and world is now conjoined in one. Now let Tacitus proceed in his Story. Until this time all went well with Ostorius: but soon after, his fortune stood in doleful terms: either for that upon the displacing of Caractacus as if thereby all had been subdued and the war ended, the Romans intended not so carefully their military service: or because the enemies in compassion of so puissant a king, were more fervently inflamed to revenge. For they environed the Campmaster and those Legionary cohorts which were left behind to build fortresses in the Silureses country: And if the villages ans forts next adjoining had not speedily come to rescue, they had been put to the sword every man. Nevertheless the Campmaster, with eight Centurions and all the forwardest maniples of common soldiers were slain; and not long after, they put to flight our foragers, and the very troops of horsemen that were sent out to succour them. Then Ostorius setteth out certain companies lightly appointed, and yet thereby could not stay their flight, had not the Legions come in and undertook the battle. By their strength they fought with small odds on either hand, but afterward we had the better of it, and the enemy betook himself to his heels and escaped with small loss, because the day was far spent. After this, they had many skirmishes, and for the most part in manner of roads and robberies; in woods, on marshes, rashly or with foresight it skilled not: according as it fell out, either as occasion by chance, or their own hearts served them: one while for anger, another while for booty: sometime by commandment from their Captains, and sometimes again without their warrant and privity: but principally through the wilful obstinacy of the Silureses, who were exasperated with a speech of the Roman Generals, that was bruited abroad and came to their ears: which was this, That as the Sugambri were rooted out and transported over into Gaul, so the name of the Silureses should utterly be extinguished. And in this heat they intercepted two auxiliary bands, as they through the avarice of their Praefects forraied and spoiled without advised circumspection. Also by large giving away of spoils and prisoners, they drew the rest of the Nations to revolt. And then Ostorius wearied with care and grief of heart yielded up his vital breath. Whereat the enemies rejoiced, as at the death of a Captain not to be despised, who though he died not in battle, yet was toiled out and spent by reason of the wars. A. Didius Avitus Gallus Propretor. But Caesar having intelligence of his Lieutenant's death, lest the Province should be destitute of a governor, appointed A. Didius in his place. He being thither come with great speed, yet found not all in good state. For in the mean space, the Legion whereof Manlius Valens had the charge, met with an unlucky and disastrous fight. The fame whereof the enemies had made greater than it was, to terrify the captain which was coming: who also in the like policy multiplied all that he heard, to win more praise by appeasing those troubles, or to purchase pardon more easily, if they continued still. The Silureses were they that wrought us this displeasure and damage, whereupon they overran the province far and ne'er, until such time as by Didius his coming they were driven back. About this time Claudius departed this life: and Nero succeeded him in the Empire, one who had no heart at all to attempt any thing in warfare: Nero. nay he was minded once to withdraw the forces out of Britain: Neither gave he over that intent of his but only for shame, lest he might have been thought to deprave the glory of Claudius. After that Caractacus was taken, Venutius. Venutius a very expert man above the rest in military affairs, borne under the state of the * Or haply, brigants. jugantes, long time trusty to us, and defended by the Romans power, having to wife Queen Cartismandua, by occasion soon after of a divorce, and then of open war between them, rebelled also against us, and proceeded to plain hostility. At the first, the quarrel was only between them two: until Cartismandua by policy and craft had intercepted the brother, and near kinsmen of Venutius. Whereupon our enemies, kindled with rage, and pricked forward with an ignominous indignity, lest they should be brought under the yoke of a woman's government, with a strong power of choice youth, by force of arms invaded her kingdom, which was foreseen by us: and thereupon were cohorts sent to aid her, and they fought a hot battle: The beginning whereof was doubtful, but the end more joyful. The Legion also which Cesius Nasica commanded, fought with like success. For, Didius [ye must think] being strucken in years, and having many honours heaped upon him, thought it sufficient to execute his charge and keep off the enemy by the ministry of others. For what was won by others he held: only a few fortresses he built forward farther into the country: whereby he might purchase the name of enlarging his office. These exploits although they were achieved by two Propraetors Ostorius and Didius in many years, yet I thought good to join together, lest being severed, they should not so well have been remembered. After Didius Avicus, Verannius Propretor. there succeeded Verannius, who having with small roads spoiled the Silureses, was hindered by death, for warring any farther: a man while he lived carrying a great name of precise severity, but in his last will he showed himself manifestly ambitious. For after much flattering of Nero, he added this, That he would have subdued the Province unto his obedience, if he had lived the next two years. But then Suetonius Paulinus governed the Britan's, Paulus Suetonius Propretor. one in martial skill, and opinion of the people (which suffereth no man without a concurrent) striving to match Corbule; desirous to equal the honour which he won in recovering Armenia, by subduing the enemies that stood out in this country. And therefore he maketh all the preparation he can to invade the Isle of * Anglesey. Mona, peopled with strong Inhabitants, and a receptacle of traitorous fugitives. To this purpose he buildeth flat bottom vessels, for the shalowes and uncertain landing places. Thus the footmen passed over: and then followed the horsemen by the ford, or if the waters were any thing high, by swimming they put the horses over. Against them the enemies stood upon the shore in diverse places embattelled thick in array, well appointed with men and weapons; with women also running among: who all in black and mournful array, with their hair about their ears, carried firebrands before them in their hands like the Furies of hell. Druidae. The Druidae likewise round about them, lifting up their hands to heaven, and pouring out deadly and cursing prayers, with this so strange and uncouth sight, amazed the soldiers so, as they stood still as stocks and stirred not a foot, as if they would expose their bodies to receive all wounds presented unto them. But afterwards, being encouraged by their Captain, and animating one another, that they should not fear a flock of women and frantic people, they displayed their ensigns and advanced forward. Down they went with such as encountered them and thrust them within their own fires. This done they planted garrisons in their towns, and cut down their woods and groves consecrated to their execrable superstitions. * Vicis alias victis, that is over the vanquished. For they accounted it lawful, to offer sacrifies upon their altars with the blood of captives, and to ask counsel of their Gods by inspection of men's fibres and entrailes. As Suetonius was busy in these actions, news came unto him that the Province was suddenly revolted. Prasutagus. Prasutagus King of the Iceni, in wealth surpassing all others, had set down in his will Caesar with two of his daughters to be his heirs; supposing by this kind of flattery to curry favour, and to make his kingdom and house most secured from all injuries. Which fell out far otherwise: in so much as his kingdom by Centurions, his house by slaves were spoiled and reputed lawful booties. Boodicia, 〈◊〉 also is name● Boaducia Boudicia, V●●adica, and Bunduica. And to begin withal, his wife Boadicia was whipped, and his daughters deflowered. The chiefest of the Iceni, as if the whole country had been given them by way of gift, are turned out of their ancient inheritances, and the King's kinsfolk reputed as slaves. By reason of which contumelious indignity, and for fear of worse, considering they had been reduced into the form of a province, the Britain's began among themselves to cast and think upon the miseries of servitude, to lay together their wrongs and oppressions, in ripping of them up to aggravate them by constructions to the highest, in these terms: that no other good was to be looked for by sufferance, but that more grievous burdens should be imposed upon them still, as men ready to bear all willingly. That whereas in times past, their states had but one King a piece, now there were two thrust upon them: the Lieutenant, cruelly to suck their blood, and the procurator as greedy to prey upon that substance: That the variance of these rulers was the torment; and their agreement the undoing of the poor subjects: the one vexing by soldiers and Centurions, the other by extortions and reproachful abuses: so that now there was nothing safe from their unsatiable avarice, nothing freed from their unbridled lust. In war and battle yet, the stronger man commonly is be that maketh spoil; but now cowards for the most part, and weaklings are they that dispossess them of their dwelling houses, bereave them of their children, enjoin them to muster, as if they were men that knew not to do any thing else, save only to die for their country. For otherwise, what a small handful think ye of soldiers have come over to serve, if the Britain's would fall to reckon themselves? Thus Germany had shaken off the yoke of obedience, and yet were defended by a river only, and not by the Ocean: as for these Romans, what motives have they of war but their own covetousness, riot, and wanton lust? whereas we have our native country, our wives and children to provoke us thereto. Surely they would retire and be gone as sometime julius, their canonised God, went his ways▪ if we would endeavour to follow the valour and proësse of our ancestors, and not be dismayed with the doubtful event of one skirmish or two: and commonly in such as are distressed and in misery, there is more stomach to attempt, and greater resolution to continue. And even now the Gods also take pity of the Britain's poor estate, who keep the Roman General out of the way, and confine the Lieutenant with his hands full in another Island: and themselves being assembled to advise together, had attained to the hardest points of all in an action of that nature, wherein without question it is more dangerous to be taken consulting, than in the very action. With these and such inducements, inciting and quickening one another, they take arms under the conduct of Boodicia a Lady of the royal blood (for in matter of government in chief the Britain's make no distinction of sex) having stirred up the Trinobants to Rebellion, and as many as yet, not broken to the yoke of servitude, had in secret conspiracies vowed to recover and resume their liberty, bearing a most bitter hatred against the old soldiers. For those who newly brought into the Colony Camalodunum, The Colony Camalodunum, that is, Maldon. thrust the ancient Inhabitants out of their houses, disseized them of their Lands, Livings, calling them captives and slaves, whiles the new soldiers favoured & maintained the insolent outrages of the old, in regard of conformity in life & hope of like licentiousness. Besides, a Temple erected in the honour of Claudius of sacred memory, as an Altar of perpetual dominion over them, was an eyesore, & the Priests chosen under colour of religion, wasted & consumed all their wealth. Now, it was not thought any hard piece of work to raze & destroy that Colony, not fenced with any fortifications: a thing not circumspectly foreseen of our captains, whiles they had greater care of pleasure, See Viphilinus in Nero. than profit. Amid these occurrences, the image of victory set up in the Camalodunum, fell down without any apparent causes, and turned backward, as if it would give place to the enemies. And certain women distempered with some fanatical fury, went singing by way of prophecy, that destruction was at hand. And strange noises abroad were heard into their Counsel house, their Theatre resounded with hideous howl, and a strange spectre, or apparition was seen in the arm of the sea * Haply, the Firth of Famesa. there, a sign foretelling the subversion of that Colony. Furthermore, the Ocean bloody in show, and the shapes of men's bodies left after an ebb, as the Britan's construed favourably to feed their own hopes, so the old soldiers interpreted to the increase of their fear. But because Suetonius was far off, they craved help of Catus Derianus the Procurator: who sent unto them not passing two hundred, and those but badly armed: and within the town the number of soldiers which was not great, trusted to the fence of the Temple. And by reason that those among them, which being privy to the secret conspiracy aforesaid, troubled their designments, hindered them, they had neither made trench or rampire before the town, nor sent away their old folk, and women, keeping the lusty young men only, and so being secure, as it had been in the time of perfect peace, surprised they were at unawares, & enclosed round about with a multitude of barbarous people. And verily all other things were violently sacked or consumed with fire: the Temple only excepted, wherein the soldiers had gathered themselves round together, which also was two days together besieged and so forced. Also, Paetilius Cerealis. the Britan's it their train of victory, encountering Petelius Cerealis Lieutenant of the ninth Legion, as he was coming with aid, put the legion to flight & slew all the footmen. Cerealis himself with the Cavalry escaped to the camp, & saved himself within the fortifications. Upon which overthrow, & in regard of the provincial people's hatred, driven through the avarice of the Romans to take arms, Catus the Procurator passed over in great haste for fear, into Gaul. But Suetonius with constant resolution, passing through the midst of his enemies, went to Londinium, a town verily by the name that it carried of a Colony, nothing famous, but for concourse of merchants, & * London. provision of necessaries most of all other frequented. Being thither come, he stood doubtful whether to choose it for the seat of war or no. And considering well the small number of soldiers that he had, * Commeatuum. & by good proofs taught how Petilius paid for his rashness, he determined with the damage of one town to save all the rest whole. Neither could he be won by the weeping and pitiful tears of those that besought his aid, but he would needs put out the signal of a remove, and receive all followers, as part of his army to march along with him. As many therefore as weakness of sex, wearisomeness of age, or pleasantness of the place held back, were all put to the sword by the enemy. The like calamity befell unto the free town * Verulam near to 〈◊〉 Alban. Verulamium: because the Barbarians leaving the castles & forts of garrison soldiers, made spoil of the richest and fattest: and carrying their pillage into some place of safety, * Military or military as men glad of booty, went on still to such as were of note and mark above the rest. And thus to the number of seventy thousand Roman citizens and associates together, by true report, * Deserent tutum, or 〈◊〉 fendentil● tutum, th● whiles th● fendants stood no● with safer upon the● guard. were known to have been slain in those places before named. For there was no taking of prisoners, no selling of them, nor any other commerce and traffic of war, but killing, hanging, burning and crucifying, such haste they made to make havoc of all, as if they were to requite the measure they had suffered, and anticipate in the mean while all revenge. Now by this time Suetonius having with him the fourteenth Legion with the old soldiers, of the twentieth, & the auxiliaries from the parts next adjoining, was well near ten thousand strong, when he resolved to lay aside all further delays, and to try the chance of a main battle. And so he chooseth a place with a narrow entrance like a gullet, Vexillari and enclosed behind with a wood: being well assured, that he had no enemies but in front, and that the plain lay open without fear of ambush The legionary soldiers therefore, being marshaled in thick ranks, and close together, with the light armours about them, the horsemen were placed on either hand like wings. But the Britain forces came leaping forth all abroad by troops and companies, in such a multitude as never the like else where at any other time, and with so fierce courage, as that they would needs bring their very wives with them, and place them in carts which they had bestowed in the utmost parts of the plain, to be witnesses of the victory. Boodicia, having her daughters before her in a chariot, ever as she came to any several nation (for it was the custom verily of the Britan's to make war under the conduct of women) protested & told them, that she was come then, not as a Lady descended of so noble progenitors, to make either Kingdom or riches her quarrel, but as one of the common people, in revenge of her liberty lost, her body sore whipped, and her daughter's chastity assailed by unclean handling: That the Romans lust and concupiscence, was grown to such a pass, that they spared no body, no not aged persons, nor left their Virgins undefiled. How be it, the Gods (saith she) are with us, and favour just revenge. For, the legion that came into the field, and durst hazard a battle, was cut in pieces: the rest are either hidden within camp and hold, or else seek means to escape by flight: so that they will never abide so much as the noise and cry of so many thousands, much less than their violent charge, and close hand fight. If then they would weigh with her the power of their armed forces, and with all the motives of war, resolve they should either to vanquish in that battle, or to die: for her own part, being but a woman, this was her resolution: the men might live if they pleased, and serve as slaves. Neither could Suetonius himself, in so great an extremity, hold his tongue: For although he presumed and trusted much upon valour, * Sonor Sonores is, the 〈◊〉 noises. yet interlaced he exhortations & prayers. That they should contemn the loud and vain threats of the Barbarians. Among whom there were more women to be seen, than lusty young men. Vnwarlike as they were and unarmed, they would presently give ground, when they came once to feel & acknowledge the weapons, & valour of those conquerors, by whom so often they had been put to flight. For even in many legions, a few they be that carry away the honour of the battle: and to their greater glory it would turn, if with a small power they won the fame of a whole army. Only this they must remember, marshaled close together as they stood, first with lancing their javelins, and afterwards with the bosses and pikes of their bucklers, and with their swords to continue in beating down and killing them, and never to think all the while of any booty: for after victory once gotten, all would come to their share. These words of the Captain, gave such an edge, and kindled their courage so: the old soldiers also experienced in many battles, had so bestirred themselves, and were so ready to let their darts fly, that Suetonius assured of the event, gave signal of battle. And first of all, the legion not stirring one foot, but keeping the straits of the place aforesaid, as a sure defence, after that the enemies approaching nearer within the just reach of shot, had spent all their darts, sallied out, as it were, in pointed battles. The auxiliary soldiers likewise were of the same stomach, and the horsemen stretching out their long lances, broke what was in their way, and made head against them. The residue showed their backs, and had much ado to fly and escape, by reason of the carts and wagons placed round about the plain, which had blocked up the passages on every side. And the soldiers forbore not the execution so much as of the women: the very horses and draught beasts, were thrust through with darts, which made the heap of dead bodies the greater. This was a day of great honour and renown, comparable to the victories of old time: for, some report, that there were slain few less in number, than fourscore thousand Britan's: but of our soldiers, there died not all out four hundred, and not many more hurt. Boodicia ended her life with poison. And Poenius Posthumus campe-Master of the second Legion, understanding of this prosperous success of the fourteenth, and twentieth Legions, because he had defrauded his own Legion of the like glory, and, contrary to the order of service, refused to obey the Captain's commandment, thrust himself through with his own sword. After this, the whole army being rallied together, kept the field still, and lay encamped for to end the residue of the war: and Caesar augmented their forces by sending out of Germany two thousand legionary soldiers, eight cohorts of auxiliaries, and a thousand horsemen: by whose coming, they of the ninth Legion, had their companies supplied, and made up with the Legioners. The cohorts and cornets of horse, were appointed to lodge in new wintering places: and all those nations of the enemies, which were either doubtful or known adversaries, were wasted with fire and sword. But nothing distressed them so much as famine, being negligent in sowing of corn, by reason that of all ages they were given to war: for that also they made full account to live of our provision, and as all other fierce and stout nations, slowly give ear to peace, because julius Cliassicianus, being sent to succeed Catus, and at variance with Suetonius, hindered the common good with private grudges, and had given it out abroad, that they were to expect and tarry for a new Lieutenant, who without any hostile rancour and pride of a Conqueror, would gently entreat and use with all clemency such as yielded unto him. Withal, he sent word to Rome, that they should look for no end of war, unless some one or other succeeded Suetonius, upon whose overthwartnesse, he laid all his ill proceedings, and attributed all fortunate success to the happy fortune of the common weal. To see therefore in what state Britain stood, Polycletus one of Nero's freed men was sent: for, good hope he had, that by his authority there should not only be wrought a perfect agreement between the Lieutenant and the Procurator, but also that the rebellious minds of the Barbarians would be won to peace. Neither failed Polycletus, being with his mighty host burdensome to Italy and Gaul, after he had passed the Ocean sea, to show himself terrible even to our soldiers also. But to the enemies he was but a laughing stock: who, whiles liberty was still fresh on foot among them, knew not what the power of these freed men was: and they made a marvel of it that a Captain and an army, which had achieved so great a war, should yield to obey slaves. But of all these things the best was made to the Emperor. And Suetonius being busied still in these affairs, for that he had lost afterwards some few Galleys upon the shore and the galley slaves in them, as if the war continued still, was commanded to deliver up the army to Petronius Turpilianus, Petronius Turpilianus, Propretor. who now was newly out of his Consulship, as unto a man more exorable-unacquainted with the delinquencies of the enemies, and therefore more ready to accept of their repentance: who neither, incensing the enemy, nor provoked by him, Trebellius Maximus Propretor. colouring a lazy and idle life with the honest name of peace, after he had dared and done no more▪ but composed former troubles and debates, delivered the charge of the province unto Trebellius Maximus. But he, a man unfit for action, and altogether unexpert in war-service, by a kind of courteous and mild regiment entertained the country in quiet. For now the Britain's also had learned the good manners, not rudely to repulse the sugared assaults of flattering vices; and the disturbance of civil dissensions coming between, ministered a lawful excuse for his doing nothing. But much discord arose among them whiles the soldier, accustomed to warfare, waxed wanton with ease, and grew to be mutinous: and he for his niggardly sparing and base taking of bribes, was both despised and hated of the army. This hatred of theirs against him, was inflamed by Roscius Caelius Lieutenant of the twentieth Legion, an ancient enemy of his, but now by occasion of civil dissensions, they were fallen out farther, and broke into more heinous terms. Trebellius objected ever and anon to Caelius, and charged him with factious behaviour, and confounding the order of discipline: Caelius again, that Trebellius had spoiled and beggared the Legions. But in the mean time, whiles the Lieutenants thus jarred, the modest carriage of the army was marred: and the discord at length grew so great, that Trebellius was driven away with the railing of the Auxiliaries also, in cohorts and wings sorting themselves to Caelius side, was glad, as a man forsaken, to give place and fly to Vitellius. The Province although the Consular Lieutenant General was absent remained in quiet: whiles the Lieutenants of the Legions supplied the charge in right of equal authority: But Caelius indeed bare the greater stroke, because he was of more boldness. Whiles the Civil war between Galba, Vectias Bolanus Propraetor. Otho and Vitellius grew hot, Vectius Bolanus was by Vitellius sent to succeed him. Neither troubled he Britanny with any discipline. The same default continued still against the enemies, and the like licentiousness in the camp: saving only that Bolanus a good honest harmless man, and not odious for committing any crime, had won himself love and good will in lieu of obedience: and albeit Vitellius sent for aids out of Britanny, yet Bolanus made no haste, for that Britain was never quiet enough. As for the Island, that great favour and reputation in warlike affairs, which Vespasian had gotten, being Lieutenant there of the second Legion under Claudius, did easily win it unto him, yet not without some stir of the other Legions: wherein many centurions and soldiers who had been advanced by Vitellius were loath to change that Prince whom they had proved already. And beside, the soldiers of the fourteenth Legion, called the subduers of Britain, removed from thence by Nero to the Caspian wars, and in the quarrel of Otho vanquished, were by Vitellius sent back into Britanny, and called away again by Mutianus letters. For all this civil war, no quarrel nor mutinies there were in the Britain army. And to say a truth, during all the troubles of civil wars, no Legions behaved themselves more harmless, either because they were far off and severed by the Ocean, or for that they were taught by continual service and soldiery, to hate the rather all hostility and dealing with enemies. Howbeit by means of these dissensions and rumours still of civil war, the Britain's taken heart and rebelled, through the procurement of Venusius: who besides a natural fierceness of courage, and hatred of the Roman name, was incensed particularly by private unkindnesses between him and his wife Queen Carthismandua. Cartismandua. This Carthismandua was Queen of the brigants, of high and noble linag, who upon the delivery of King Caractacus whom she took by fraud and sent to furnish and set out the triumph of Claudius (that glorious spectacle, I mean in manner of a triumph, wherein Caractacus was showed) had won favour with the Romans and greatly increased her strength. Whereupon ensued wealth: of wealth and prosperity riotous and incontinent life: in so much, that casting off Venusius her husband, and intercepting his kinsfolk, she joined herself in marriage with Vellocatus his harnessebearer, and crowned him King: which foul fact was the overthrow immediately of her house. The good will of the country went generally with the lawful husband: but the Queen's intemperate affections were peremptory and violent in maintaining her minion the adulterer. Whereupon Venutius, by the help of friends which he procured, and the revolt of the brigants themselves, made war upon Carthismandua, and brought her into great extremities. Then upon her instant prayer unto the Romans for aid, our garrisons, cohorts and wings were sent to defend her: which after sundry skirmishes with diverse event, delivered the Queen's person out of peril, but the kingdom remained to Venutius, and the war unto us. Now when as the state of Rome City, Vespasian Emperor. Jul. Agrico Lieutenant over the twentieth Legion. was for Vespasian governed by Mutianus, he made julius Agricola who was gone to side with Vespasian, and had behaved himself with great integrity and courage, Lieutenant of the two and twentieth Legion in Britanny, a Legion which slowly had sworn allegiance to Vespasian, In which province his predecessor by report seditiously demeaned himself. For the said Legion was out of awe, or rather it overawed even Lieutenants general that had been Consuls. Neither was the ordinary Legions Lieutenant, who had been but Praetor, of power sufficient to restrain and keep it under, whether it were through his own weakness, or the stubborn disposition of the soldiers, it is not certain. Thus being elected both to succeed and revenge, he showed an example of most rare moderation in making choice to be thought rather to have found them, than to have made them dutiful soldiers. And albeit that Vectius Bolanus Lieutenant General of Britanny for the time being, governed in a gentler and milder manner, than was fit for so fierce a Province: Yet under him Agricola cunningly conforming himself to that humour, and not unlearned to join profitable counsels with honest, tempered the heat of his own nature that it might not grow upon him still. But when as Vespasian recovered together with the rest of the world, Britanny also; brave captains, good soldiers were sent, and the enemies hope was greatly abated. For straightways Petilius Cerialis struck a terror into them, Petilius Cerealis Propraetor. by invading at his first entry the brigants, thought to be the most populous state of the whole Province. Many battles were fought, and some bloody: And the greatest of the brigants he either conquered or wasted. And whereas Cerialis would doubtless have dimmed the diligence and fame of another successor, Julius Frontinus Propraetor. julius Frontinus a great man sustained also as he might, after such a predecessor that weighty charge with reputation and credit: who subdued the puissant and warlike people of the Silureses, where he had beside the virtue of the enemy, struggled with the straits and difficult places. In this estate Agricola found the Province, and the wars thus far proceeded in, when as about the midst of summer he passed the seas: Jul. Agricola Propraetor. at what time the soldiers, as if the season were passed, attended an end for that year of their service, and the enemy occasions to begin for to hurt. The Ordovices a little before he entered the land, had hewed almost wholly in pieces a wing which lay in their borders. Upon which beginning the country being awaked, as men desirous of war allowed the example: and some stayed to see how the new Lieutenant would take it. Then Agricola, although the Summer was spent, and the bands lay dispersed in the Province, and his soldiers had fully presumed of rest for that year, which hindered much, and crossed directly his undertaking of war, most men also being of opinion, rather to keep and assure the places suspected, all this notwithstanding, resolved fully to encounter the danger: having gathered therefore the ensigns of the Legions, and some few Auxiliaries, because the Ordovices durst not descend into indifferent ground, himself before the vanguard, to give others like courage in the like danger, led up in battell-ray to encounter the enemy. And having slaughtered almost the whole nation, knowing full well that fame must with instance be followed, and as the first fell out, so the rest would succeed, he deliberated to conquer the Island * Anglesey. Mona, from the possession whereof, as before I have rehearsed, paulinus was revoked by the general rebellion of Britanny: But as in purposes not resolved on before, ships being wanting, the policy and resoluteness of the captain devised a passage over. For he commanded the most choice of the Aid-souldiers, to whom all the fords and shallowes were known, and who after the usual practice of their country, were able in swimming to govern all at once themselves, their armour and horses, laying aside their carriage, to put over at once, and suddenly invade them. Which thing so amazed the enemy, attending for a fleet, for shipping, for tide, that they surely believed nothing could be hard or invincible to men that came so minded to war. Whereupon they humbly entreated for peace, and yielded the Island. Thus Agricola at his first entry into this province (which time other consume in vain ostentation or ambitious seeking of compliments) entering withal into labours and dangers, became famous indeed and of great reputation. Neither abused Agricola the prosperous proceeding of his affairs to vanity or braving in speeches, as to term it an exploit or a conquest, thus to have kept in order persons subdued before: or to bedeck with laurel his letters of advertisement, but by stopping and suppressing the fame he augmented it the more: whiles men began to discourse, upon what great presumptions of future success, he should make so light an account of such great actions already performed, as not to speak a word of them. Now as touching civil government: Agricola knowing right well the disposition and mind of the Province, taught also by the experience of others, that arms avail little to settle a new conquered State, if injuries and wrongs be permitted, determined to cut off all causes of wars. And beginning at home, his own house first of all he reform and restrained, a point of as much hardness with many, as to govern a province. He committed no manner of public affairs to bond men or freed; he admitted no soldier about his person either upon private affection of partial suitors; or upon the commendation and entreaty of Centurions, but elected simply the best, presuming the same to be the most faithful. He would see into all things, but not exact all things to the rigour: Light faults he would pardon, and the great severely correct: not always proceeding to punish, but often content with repentance: choosing rather not to prefer unto office and charge such as were like to offend, than after offence to condemn them. The augmentation of corn and tributes, he mollified with equal dividing of charge and burden, cutting away those petty extortions, which grieved the subject more than the tribute itself. For, the poor people were constained in a mockery to wait at the barns fast locked against them, and first to buy the corn, then after to sell it at a price. Several ways were enjoined, and far distant places by the purveiors' commandment: that the country should carry from the nearest standing-camps to those which were far off & out of the way, till that which lay open to all, and at hand, was turned in fine to the gain of a few. By repressing these abuses presently in his first year, a good opinion was conceived from him of peace, which either by the negligence or connivance of former Lieutenants was now no less feared than war. At this time died Vespasian, unto whom for these victories of the leaders, and his own virtue under Claudius, Valerius Flaccus before his Poem thus speaketh; Tuque ô pelagi cui major aperti Fama, Caledonius post quam tua carbasa vexit Oceanus, Phrygios prius indignatus julos. And thou, for seas discovery whose fame did more appear, Since time thy ships with sails full spread in Northern Ocean were, Which of the Trojan Julii erst did scorn the sails to bear. But when that Noble Titus, THE LOVELY Darling AND JOY OF THE WORLD succeeded his father, Titus' Emperor. Agricola when summer was once come, assembling his army together, those soldiers of his who in marching behaved themselves in modest sort he commended, the loose and dissolute stragglers he checked. The places for pitching the camp he designed himself; the friths he sounded, and the thickets he proved first in his own person: not suffering in the mean season any corner in the enemy's country to be quiet: but wasting and spoiling with sudden excursions and roads: But when he had throughly terrified them, than would he again spare and forbear, alluring thereby their minds to friendship and peace. Upon which kind of proceeding, many states that stood upon terms of equality before that day, gave hostages and meekly submitted themselves, receiving garrison, and permitting to fortify, which he so wisely and with such great foresight and reason performed that nothing was ever attempted against them: whereas before, no new fortified place in all Britanny escaped unassailed. The winter ensuing was spent in most profitable and politic devises. For, whereas the Britain's were rude and dispersed, and therefore prone upon every occasion to war, he to induce them by pleasures unto quietness and rest, exhorted them in private, and helped them in common to build temples, houses and places of public resort, commending the forward and checking the slow: imposing thereby a kind of necessity upon them whiles each man contended to gain honour and reputation thereby. And now by this time the Noble men's sons he took and instructed in the liberal sciences, preferring the wits of the Britaines before the students of France, as being now curious to attain the eloquence of the Roman language, whereas they lately rejected their speech. After that, our attire grew to be in account and the Gown much used among them. S●, by little and little they fell to these provocations of vices, to sumptuous galleries & baths, yea and exquisite banquet: which things the ignorant termed civility being indeed a part of their bondage. In the third year of his wars, he discovered new countries, wasting along till he came to the firth of * Tau Firth. tweed as some thinks Taus. Which thing so terrified the enemies; that although the army was toiled out with cruel tempests, yet durst they not assail them: and the Romans moreover had leisure & space to fortify there. They which were skilful that way, observed, that never any Captain did more advisedly choose his places. No Castle planted by Agricola ever was, either forced by strength, or upon conditions surrendered, or as not defensible, forsaken. Many times they issued forth: for, against a long siege, they were stored with a whole years' provision. So, they wintered there without fear, every garrison guarding itself and needing no help of their neighbours, the enemies assaulting sometimes, but in vain, without success, and driven thereupon to despair. For, the losses of Summer they were commonly wont before, to repair with winter events: but now, summer and winter alike they went to the worse. In all these actions, Agricola never sought to draw unto himself, the glory of any exploit done by another: but were it Centurion, or of other degree, he would faithfully witness the fact, and yield him always his due commendation. By some, he is said to have been somewhat bitter in checks and rebukes: and indeed, the man was, as toward the good of a most sweet disposition, so to the bad and lewd persons unpleasant and sour enough. But this choler passed away with his words: closeness in him and silence you needed not to fear: he esteemed it more honest to offend, then to hate. The fourth summer was spent in perusing, and ordering that which he had overrun. And if the valiant minds of the armies, and glory of the Roman name, could have permitted or accepted it so, * The Fir●h of Dunbritson. they needed not to have sought other limit of Britain. For, Glotta and Bodotria two arms of two contrary seas, shooting a mighty way into the land, are only divided a sunder by a narrow partition of ground: * Edinburgh Irith. which passage was guarded and fortified then with garrison and castle: so that the Romans were absolute Lords of all on this side, having cast out the enemy, as it were, into another Island. The fifth year of the war, Agricola first taking sea there, went over, and subdued with many and prosperous conflicts nations before that time unknown: and he furnished with forces, that part of Britanny, Ireland. which lieth against Ireland, more in hope, than for fear. For Ireland, if it might have been won, lying between Britanny and Spain, and fitly also for the French sea, would aptly have united, to the great advantage of the one and the other, these strongest members of the Empire together. In bigness it is inferior to Britanny: howbeit, bigger than the Islands of our sea. The soil, and temperature of the air, the nature and fashions differ not much from the British. The ports and places of access, are better known by reason of more commerce and frequenting of merchants. Agricola had received before, a Prince of that country driven out by civil dissension, whom under colour of courtesy and friendship, he retained till occasion should serve. I have heard him oftentimes say, that with one Legion, and some few Aides, Ireland might be won and possessed: that it were also a strength for our British affairs, If the Roman forces were planted each-where, and liberty banished, as it were, quite out of sight. About this time died Titus, who for these valiant Acts exploited by Agricola, was the fifteenth ●ime named Imperator, as Xiphilinus writeth, and an ancient piece of coin witnesseth with him. Then Agricola under Domitian in the summer which began the sixth year of his office, because a general rising in arms of all the farther Nations, beyond Bodotria was feared, & passages were all beset with a power of the enemies, manned a fleet to search the Creeks and Harbours of that ample region, which lieth beyond it. Which being by Agricola then first taken, and employed as a part of his strength, followed after a long, and made a goodly brave show, while at one time war both by sea and land went forward. And oft it so chanced, that the horseman, footman, and sea-souldier met, and made merry in the same camp one with another, extolling and magnifying, each their own prowess and adventures: making their vaunts & comparisons soldierlike, the one of the woods & high mountains, the other of dangerous tempests and billows: the one, of the land and enemy conquered, the other of the Ocean subdued. The Britain's, as by the prisoners was understood, were amazed also at the sight of the navy, as though now the secrets of their sea were disclosed, and no refuge remained if they were overcome. Whereupon the Caledonians arming with great preparation, and greater bruit thereof, as the manner is of matters unknown, having of themselves first set in hand to assault our Castles, braved our men, and put them in fear as Challengers: in so much that some of our side, who would seem to be wise, but were dastards indeed, counselled the General to retire on this side Bodotria, and that the best course was to depart of their own accord, rather than to be repelled with shame: in the mean while Agricola takes knowledge, that the enemies meant to divide themselves, and to give the onset in several Companies: whereupon lest he should be enclosed about, and entrapped by their multitude, and skill in the country, he also marched with his army divided in three. Which when it was known to the enemy, they on a sudden changing advice, and uniting their forces together, jointly assaulted by night the ninth Legion, as being of weakest resistance: and having slain the watch, partly asleep, and partly amazed with fear, broke into the camp. And now were they fight within the very trenches, when Agricola having intelligence given him by Spies, what way the enemies had taken and following withal their footsteps, commanded the lightest horsemen and footmen to play on their backs, and maintain the skirmish, and the whole army anon, to second them with a shout. And when it drew near to day, the glittering of the ensigns was seen. So the Britain's were quailed with a duple danger: but the Romans recovered courage again, and being past peril of their persons, fought now for their honour, freshly assailing their late assailers. And verily within the straits of the gates, the conflict was sharp and cruel, till in the end the enemies were forced to fly; whilst both our armies contended: the one would seem to have helped their fellows, the other to have needed none other to help them: and if the bogs and wood had not covered their flight, that one victory had ended the war. Upon this battle so manfully fought, so famously won, the army presuming, that to their prowess all things were easy and open, cried, To lead into Caledonia, and to find out the limit of Britan with a course of a continued Conquests: and even those who ere while were so wary and wise, waxed forward enough after the event, and grew to speak bigly: such is the hard condition of wars; If ought fall out well, all challenge a part, misfortunes are ever imputed to one. chose, the Britan's presupposing that not valour, but the cunning of the General, by using the occasion had carried it away, abated no whit of their stomach; but armed their youth, transported their children and wives into places of safety, and sought by assemblies and religious rites, to establish an association of their Cities and States together. And so for that year both parties departed away incensed. The same summer, a cohort of Vsipians, levied in Germany, and sent over into Britan, committed a heinous and memorable Act. * Those about Zutphen. For having slain a Centurion, and certain soldiers intermingled among other manciples, and set over them for direction of discipline, they fled and embarked themselves in three pinnaces, compelling by force the Masters of the said vessels, to execute their charge: and only one doing his office, the other two being suspected, and thereupon slain, this strange going out, and putting to sea, the fact as yet not noised abroad, was gazed and wondered at: afterwards being driven uncertainly hither and thither, and having skirmished with the Britain's standing in defence of their own, often prevailing and sometimes repulsed, they came at last to that misery, that they were enforced to eat one another, first the weakest, * Britain is s●iled round about. then as the lot lighted. Thus after they had floated round about Britain, and lost their vessels for lack of government, they were intercepted first by the Suevians, then by Frisians, as Pirates and Rovers. Now, some of them there were, that being bought by merchants as slaves, and by change of Masters brought to our side of the river grew into a name by giving first notice of so great and so rare an adventure. In the beginning of Summer, Agricola was deeply touched with a grievous mischance that happened in his own house: for, he lost his own Son about a year old. Which infortunate hap, he neither bore out, as most of these great men do in the like case, vainegloriously, nor took it again so impatiently with sorrow and lamentation, as women are wont: and amidst his mourning, used the war as one of his remedies. Therefore having sent his fleet afore, which by spoiling in sundry places, should induce a greater and more uncertain terror upon his enemies, he made ready, and followed after with his army, joining thereto some of the valiantest Britaines, whom by long experience in peace, he had found most faithful, and so came as far as to the mount Grampias, * Gran●bani. where the enemies were lodged before. For the Britan's nothing daunted with the event of the former battle, and attending for nothing else but revenge or servitude, and being taught at length, that common danger must be repelled with concord, by embassages and league made, had raised the power of all their Cities and States together. And now by this time there were entered into the field, the view being taken, above thirty thousand armed men: besides an endless number of youth, which daily flocked to them still, yea, and lusty old men renowned in war, and bearing every one the badge due to their honour: at what time, among many other leaders, Galgacus for his valour & birth the principal man, Galgacus seeing the multitude thus assembled hotly to demand battle, is said to have used this speech unto them: When I view and consider the causes of this war, and our present necessity, I have reason, me seems, to presume, that this day, and this your agreeing consent, will give a happy beginning to the freedom of the whole Island. For, both have we all hitherto lived in liberty; & beside, no land remaineth beyond, no, nor so much as sea for our safeguard: The Roman navy, thus as you see, hoovering upon our coasts: so that Combat and arms, which valiant men desire for honour, the dastard must also use for his best security: the former battles which have with diverse events been fought against the Romans, had their hope and refuge resting in our hands: Because we, the flower of the British Nobility, and seated therefore the furthermost in, never seeing the coasts of the countries which serve in slavery, have kept even our eyes unpolluted, and free from all contagion of tyranny. Beyond us is no land, beside us none are free; us hitherto this very corner, and the inward recess, as it were, of fame hath defended. Now the uttermost point of Britanny is laid open: & things, the less they have been within knowledge, the greater is the glory to atchive them. But no nation now is there beyond us; nothing but water, nothing but rocks, and the Romans even among them, more infested than all beside. Whose intolerable pride in vain shall a man seek to avoid with any obsequious service, and humble behaviour: Robbers as they be of the world, who having now left no more land to spoil, search also the sea. If their enemies be rich, they covet their wealth: if poor, they seek to gain glory: Whom neither the East nor the West, is ever able to satisfy: the only men of all memory, that seek out all places, be they wealthy, or be they poor with like affection. To take away by main force, to kill and to spoil, they falsely term Empire and government: when they lay all waste as a wilderness, that they call peace. That every man should hold his own children and blood most dear, Nature hath ordained: and even those are pressed for soldiers, and carried away to serve as slaves elsewhere. Our wives and sisters, if they be not violently forced as in open hostility, are in the mean time under the colour and title of friends, and guests often abused. Our goods and substance, they draw from us for tribute, our corn for provision. Our very bodies and hands they wear out and consume, in paving of bogs; and ridding of woods, with a thousand stripes and reproachful indignities beside. Slaves yet, which be borne to bondage, are bought and sold once for all, and afterwards fed and found at their owner's expenses. But Britanny daily buyeth, daily feedeth, and is at daily charge with her own bondage. And as in a private retinue of household servants, the fresh man and last comer, is laughed and scoffed at by his very fellows: even so, in this old servitude of the whole world, our destruction only is sought, as being the latest and vilest in account of all other. For, fields we have none to manure, no mines to be digged, no ports to trade in, for which purposes and employments we should be reserved alive. And as for the manhood and fierce courage of the subject, it pleaseth not much the jealous Sovereign. And this very corner being so secret and far out of the way, the more security it yieldeth to us, in them it works the greater suspicion. So seeing all hope of pardon is past, at the length take courage, to defend and maintain your safety as well as your honour, things most dear and precious unto you. The Trinobantes, led by a woman fired a Colony, forced camp and castle; and if such a lucky beginning had not ended in sloth and security, they might with ease have shaken off the yoke, We as yet were never touched, never foiled nor subdued: as men therefore that mind to maintain their freedom, not for the present but for ever, let us show straightway in the first joining, what manner of men Caledonia reserved in store for herself. Or do ye think the Romans to be as valiant in war, as they are wanton in peace? No, it is not by their own virtue, but by our farrings and discords they are grown into fanie, and the faults of their enemies they abuse to the glory of their own army, composed of most diverse nations, and therefore as by present prosperity holden together, so if fortune once frown it doubtless will dissolve: unless ye suppose, the Frenchmen and Germans, and (to our shame be it spoken) many of our own Nation which now lend their lives to establish a foreign usurper, and yet have been enemies longer than servants, to be led and induced with any true hearted and loyal affection. Nay, it is fear and terror, weak links and bounds of love: Remove them once, those which shall cease to fear, will soon begin to hate. All things to incite unto victory are on our side. No wife to encourage the Romans, no parents to upbraid them if they flee: most have either no country at all, or else some other. A few fearful persons trembling and gazing all about at the strangeness of heaven itself, of sea, of woods and all things else, the Trinobantes. Gods have delivered, mewed up as it were and fettered, into our hands. Let the vain show and glittering of gold and silver terrify us, which neither defendeth nor offendeth. And even amongst our enemies in the field we shall find of our side. The Britain's will agnize their own cause. The French will call to remembrance their freedom and former estate: the rest of the Germans will leave and forsake them as of late the Vsipians did. And what else then have we to fear? the Castles are empty, the colonies peopled with aged and impotent persons: the free City's discontent and in factions, whiles those which are under, obey with ill will, and they that do govern, rule against right. Here is the General, and here is the army: There are the tributes, there be the mettle mines, and other miseries inseparably following them that live under the subjection of others: which either to continue and endure forever, or strait to revenge, it lieth this day in this field. Wherefore, as ye are going to battle, bear in your minds both the freedom of your ancestors, and the bondage of your posterity. This speech they cheerfully received, as well with a song after their barbarous m●●●ner, as with confused acclamations and dissonant noises. And as the companies clustered together and glittering armour appeared, whiles the boldest advanced forward, and withal, the ranks were putting themselves in array; Agricola, albeit his soldiers were glad of that day, and scarce with words could be withheld, supposing it best to say somewhat, encouraged them in this wise. Fellow soldiers and companions in arms: Your faithful service and diligence these 8. years so painfully showed, by the virtue and fortune of the Roman Empire, hath conquered red Britanny. In so many journeys, in so many battles, we were of necessity to show ourselves either valiant against the enemy, or patient and laborious almost above and against nature itself. In which exploits we have hitherto borne ourselves both, so that neither desired I better soldiers, nor you other Captain. Insomuch as we have exceeded the limits, I, of my predecessor, and you of yours. To the end of Britanny we have found, not by fame and report, but we are with our arms and pavilions really invested thereof. Britain I say, is found and subdued. In marching, when the passage over bogs, mountains and rivers toiled you out, how oft have I heard every valiant soldier say, when will the enemy present himself? when shall we fight? Lo, they are now put up out of their holes, and hither they are come. Your wish, lo, is here, and place for your virtue: yea and all things to follow in an easy and expedite course if you win: but all against you, if you lose. For, as to have gone so much ground, escaped through the woods, passed over the friths, is honourable forward; so, if we do flee, the vantages we have this day will become our greatest disadvantage. For we are not skilled so well in the country, we have not the like store of provision: but hands we have and weapons, and therein all things included. For my part, I am long since resolved, that it is not safety either for soldier or General to show their backs, and therefore a commendable death is better than life with reproach, and commonly, safety and honour are dwelling together: or if aught should misshapen, even this will be a glory, to have died in the uttermost end of the world and nature. If new nations and soldiers unknown were in the field, I would by the example of other armies embolden and encourage you: now, recount you your own victorious exploits, and ask your own eyes. These are the same men, which the last year assailed one legion by stealth in the night, and were by a blast of your mouth overthrown: These of all other Britan's, have been the most nimble in running away, and therefore have scaped the longest alive. For, as in forests and woods, the strongest beasts are chased away by main force, the cowardly and fearful are scared with the very noise of the hunters: so the most valiant of the British nation, long since have been by you dispatched and slain, the rascal herd of dastardly cowards only remaineth: whom at length we have found, not as having intended to stay and make head, but at last overtaken, and by extreme passion of fear standing as stocks, presenting occasion to us in this place of a worthy and memorable victory. Make an end therefore once for all of your warfare: and to fifty years' travels let this day impose a glorious conclusion: Approve to your country, that the Army could never justly be charged, either with protracting the war, or pretences for not accomplishing the conquest. As Agricola was yet speaking, the soldiers gave great tokens of fervency, and when he had ended, seconded the speech with a joyful applause, and ran straightways to their weapons. Agricola seeing them sufficiently animated, and rushing furiously forward, ordered his men in this manner. With the auxiliary footmen being eight thousand, he fortified the middle battle: three thousand of their horse he put on both sides in the wings: commanding the Legions to stand behind before the trench of the camp to the greater glory of the victory, if it were obtained without shedding any Roman blood, otherwise, for assistance and succour, if the vanguard should be repelled. The Britan's were marshaled on the higher ground, fitly both for show, and also to terrify: The first battalion standing on the plain, the rest in the assent of the hill knit and rising, as it were, one over another. The middle of the field was filled with the clattering of chariots and horsemen. Then Agricola perceiving the enemy to exceed him in number, and fearing lest he should be assailed on the front and flanks both at one instant: displayed his army in length: and although by that means his battle would become disproportionably long, and many advised him to take in the Legions, Yet being more forward to hope, than yielding to fear, he rejected the counsel, and leaving his horse 〈…〉 himself before the ensigns on foot. In the first encounter before the joining, both sides discharged and threw: Wherein the Britan's both employing art, and showing resolution with their great swords and little targuets a voided our shot, or shook them off; darting withal great store of theirs against us: till at length Agricola spying his vantage, exhorted three Batavian cohorts, and two of the Tungrians to press forward and bring the matter to handy strokes and dint of sword: a thing, which they in respect of long service were able readily to perform: and chose to the enemy prejudicial and hurtful, by reason of their small bucklers and huge swords, For the swords of the Britan's being blunt pointed were no way for the close or for the open fight. Now as the Batavians began to deal blows and lay about them, to strike with the pikes of their bucklers; to mangle their faces, and having overborne in the plain all that resisted, to march up the hill, the rest of the cohorts gathering heart, upon emulation, violently beat down all about them, and many half dead or wholly untouched were left, for haste of winning the victory. In the mean time, the troops of the horsemen began to flee: and the charriotters mingled themselves with the battle of the footmen: who albeit they had lately terrified others, were now distressed themselves, by the unevenness of the ground, and thick ranks of their enemies. Neither was the form of this fight, like a loose skirmish of horsemen to and fro. But standing still, and maintaining their places, they sought withal by main weight of horses to break in and bear down one another. The wand'ring wagons also and masterless horses affrighted, as fear carried them, over-bare many times, those which met them, or thwarted their way. Now, the Britan's, which stood aloof from the battle, on the height of the hills, and at their good leisure disdained our fewness, began to come down by little and little, and to wheel about the backs of our men that were now in train of winning the field; but that Agricola suspecting as much, opposed against them four wings of horsemen purposely retained about him, for sudden dispatch, and all chances of war; and so, by repulsing them back, as sharply as they ran fiercely to assail, put them in rout. Thus the counsel of the Britan's turned upon their own heads, and the wing, by commandment of the leader turning quite from the battle in front, followed the enemy at the back, and pursued the chase. Then might you have seen in the open fields a grievous and pitiful spectacle, coursing, wounding, taking, and killing of them that were taken, when others were offered. Now whole regiments of the enemies according to their several dispositions, armed though they were, and more in number, turned their backs to the fewer: others unarmed sought their own death, offering themselves voluntarily to the slaughter. Every where there lay scattered, weapons, bodies, and mangled limbs, and the ground was every where embrued with blood: and sometime even in them that were overcome, appeared both anger and valour: For, when they approached the woods, uniting themselves; they entrapped unawares some of the foremost of our men which unadvisedly followed, not knowing the country. And but that Agricola with his presence every where assisted at need, setting about them certain cohorts of his bravest and most ready footmen, as it were in form of a toil, and commanding some of his horsemen to forego their horses where the passes were narrow, and others, where the wood was thin to enter on horseback, no doubt we had taken some blow by our overmuch boldness. But after they saw our men again in strong array and good order to follow the chase, they fled, not in troops as before, and attending each other, but utterly disbanded and single, and eschewing all company, toward the far remote and desert places. The night and our satiety of blood made an end of the chase. Of the enemy's side ten thousand were slain: three hundred and forty of ours. Amongst whom was Aulus Atticus Captain of a cohort, upon a youthful heat of his own, and through the fierce spirit of his horse, being carried into the midst of his enemies. That night, the winners for their parts solaced themselves with the victory and spoil: and the Britan's scattering out of order, crying and howling, (men and women together) take and draw with them their hurt persons, call unto them that were not hurt, forsake their own houses, and in despite also set them on fire themselves: choose out holes for to lurk in, and straightways forsake them; communicate some counsels together, and then have some glimmering of hope: sometime at the sight of their deerliest beloved moved to pity, more often stirred to rage: and certain it is, that some, as by way of compassion and mercy, slew their own wives and children. The day following discovered more plainly the greatness of the victory. Every where desolation and silence: no stirring in the mountains: the houses fired and smoking a far off: no man to meet with our spies; who being sent abroad into all quarters found by their footsteps the flight was uncertain, and that they were no where in companies together. Whereupon Agricola, because the summer was spent, and the war could not conveniently be divided; bringeth his army into the borders of the * Now calle● Anguse, as some think. Horrestians: where receiving hostages he commanded the Admiral of his navy to sail about Britain, lending him soldiers and strength for that purpose, and the terror of the Roman name was gone already before. Himself, with easy and gentle journeys, to terrify the new conquered nations with the very stay of his passage, disposed his footmen and horsemen in their wintering places▪ and withal the navy with prosperous wind and success arrived at the port * Some read, Rhutupensis, which is supposed to be Richborow near Sandwich. Britain is for certain avouched to be an Island. The Islands Orkneys. Trutulensis, from whence it departed, and coasting along the nearest side of Britain returned thither again. Then and never before, the Roman fleet having doubled the point of the utmost sea discovered and reported, Britan to be an Island, and withal found out and subdued the Isles of Orkney, before that time never known, which Orosius and as many writers as follow him ascribe falsely unto Claudius. This state of affairs in Britain Agricola signified by letter without any amplifying terms, to Domitian: who after his manner, with a cheerful countenance and grieved heart, received the news: being inwardly pricked, to think that his late counterfeit triumph of Germany, wherein certain slaves bought for money were attired, and their hair dressed as captives of that country, was had in derision and justly scorned abroad: whereas now, a true and great victory, so many thousands of enemies being slain, was famous and currant in every man's mouth: that it were indeed a most perilous point if a private man's name should be exalted above the name of the Prince. Marry then in vain had he suppressed the study of Oratory, and all other worthy politic arts, if he should in military glory be despised by another: For other matters might more easily be passed over; but to be a good commander of an army was a virtue above private estate; and peculiar for a Prince. With these and the like cares being tormented, and musing much in his closet alone, which was a token and sign of some cruelty intended, he thought it yet best for the present to dissemble and put over his malice, until the heat of Agricola his glory, and love of his soldiers were somewhat abated: for, as yet he remained in charge. Wherefore he commanded that all the honours of triumphal ornaments, image triumphal and what else usually was conferred in lieu of triumph, should in Senate be awarded unto him in most ample and honourable terms: and sending a successor, caused withal a bruit to be spread, that the province of Syria then lying void by the death of Atilius Rufus a consular Lieutenant, and reserved for men of great quality, was purposed unto him. And a common opinion went, that Domitian sending one of his most secret and trusty servants to Agricola, sent withal the patent of Syria with instruction, that if he were in Britain it should be delivered: and that the same man meeting Agricola as he crossed the seas, without speaking unto him or doing his message, returned again to Domitian. Whether this were true or feigned and surmised probably, as correspondent to the Prince's disposition, I cannot affirm: But in the mean season Agricola had delivered to his successor the Province in good and peaceable state. And lest his arrival at Rome should be noted, by reason of the multitudes of people, which would go out to see & to meet him, cutting off that courtesy of his friends, he entered the City by night, and by night came to the palace as he was willed. Where, being admitted to the Prince's presence, and received with a short salutation and no speech, he sorted himself with the rest of the waiters. Salustius Lucullus Lieutenant General over Britain. Arviragus the Britain. Agricola had for his successor, as others think, Cn. Trebellius, but, as I take it, Salustius Lucullus, whom Domitian strait after slew, because he suffered certain spears of a new fashion to be called Luculleae. At which time also, Arviragus flourished in this Island, and not in the days of Claudius, as Geffrey of Monmouth dreameth. For these verses of Juvenall are to be understood of Domitian: — Omen habes magni clarique triumphi: Regem aliquem capies, aut de temone Britanno Excidet * The old scholiast upon Juvenal calleth him Arbila. Arviragus— A powerful osse and sign thou hast, presaging triumph great: Some King (sure (thou shalt prisoner take in chase or battle heat: Or else Arviragus shall lose his British royal seat. There flourished likewise at Rome Claudia Rufina, Rufina, a British dame. a British dame, passing well learned, and withal as beautiful, whom Marshal commendeth in these verses; Claudia caeruleis cum sit Rufina Britannis Edita, cur * By the like phrase in another Epigram he saith, Abderitane pectora plebis habet; speaking of a doltish and gross headed fellow. Latiae pectora plebis habet? Quale decus formae? Romanam credere matres Italides possunt, Atthides esse suam. Sith from blue Britan's Claudia Rufina doth descend, How comes a learned Latian breast her person to commend? How beautiful! Italian dames may her a Roman make: And Attic wives again full well, her for their daughter take. This was, as John Bale and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury have written, the very same woman, of whom S. Paul maketh mention in his latter Epistle to Timothy) neither is the computation of times repugnant, howsoever others be of a contrary opinion. Thus under the Empire of Domitian, when that farther part thereof, as being rough and unfruitful, Britain become a Province. Britain a presidial Province. was left unto the barbarous Britan's, this hither side was reduced full and whole into the form of a province: Which was not governed by any Consular or Proconsular deputy, but was counted * Governed under Emperors, with garrisons lying in it. Praesidialis, and appropriate to the Caesars: as being a province annexed unto the Roman Empire after the division of Provinces ordained by Augustus, and had Propretors of their own. Afterwards when as Constantinus Maximus had set down a new form of Commonweal, under a Perfect or Provost of Praetor's degree of Gaul, there was set over it a vicegerent, and together with him in matters of war the * Comes, here, as much as a Lieutenant General. What legions served in Britain. Dio. ●5. Count or Earl of Britan, an Earl or Count of the Saxony coast by Britan: and a Duke or General of Britan, besides Precedents, Auditors or Receivers & such others. Moreover out of those 29. Legions, which the Romans had appointed through their Imperial government, three of them lay in garrison to restrain that Province, to wit, the second Legion Augusta, the sixth Legion victrix, & the twentieth victrix. But this is meant of the time of Severus: For before, we learn out of Authors, that other Legions there were, and more in number. And although Strabo writeth that there was need of no more than one band of soldiers, to the keeping of Britain in subjection, yet in the reign of Claudius there were placed here, the second Legion Augusta, the ninth Legion Hispaniensis, & the fourteenth named Gemina Martia victrix. Yea and about the time of Vespasian, Josephus showeth, that four Legions served in this Island: Britain, saith he, is compassed about with the Ocean, and almost as big as our world. The Romans there inhabiting, have brought it under their dominion, and four Legions do keep in subjection an Island, peopled with so great a multitude. The beginning of Cities. The Roman yoke. And doubtless, the standing guards and Camps of Legions and Roman soldiers, were many times the Seminaries, as it were, and Seed-plots of Cities and towns, as in other provinces, so also in this our Britan. Thus was the yoke of subjection laid upon the Britan's, first by a garrison of soldiers, which always with terror were ready to command the Inhabitants, afterwards by tribute and imposts: and in that respect forced they were to have Publicans, that is to say, greedy cormorants and horsleeches, who sucked their blood, confiscated their goods and exacted tributes in the name of the dead: Neither were they permitted to use the ancient laws of their country, but magistrates were sent from the people of Rome, with absolute power and commission to minister justice even in capital matters. Rowardus in Protribunal. For, Provinces had Propretors, Lieutenants, Precedents, Praetors and Proconsul's. Every city also and State had their municipal magistrates. The Praetor proclaimed yearly solemn sessions and Assizes, at which he determined the weightier causes sitting aloft upon a high Tribunal seat, and guarded with his Lictors about him proudly executed he his jurisdiction: rods and whipping cheer were presented to the backs, the axe and heading to the necks of the common people, and every year they were forced to receive one new ruler or other allotted unto them. Neither was this sufficient: they maintained discord and disscention among them, some also they favoured among the rest, that they might have them to be the instruments of this their servitude. This yoke of the Romans although it were grievous, yet comfortable it proved and a saving health unto them: for that healthsome light of jesus Christ shone withal upon the Britan's, whereof more hereafter, and the brightness of that most glorious Empire, chased away all savage barbarism from the Britan's minds, like as from other nations whom it had subdued. For Rome, as saith Rutilius. — Legiferis mundum complexa triumphis Foedere communi vivere cuncta facit: Compassed the world with triumphs bringing laws; And all to live in common league doth cause. And in another place speaking unto the same Rome most truly and in right elegant verses; Fecisti patriam diversis gentibus unam. Profuit injustis te dominante capi. Dumque offers victis proprii consortia juris, Vrbem fecisti quod prius orbis erat. Thou hast of diverse nations one entire country framed, Happy it was for lawless folk, that they by thee were tamed. For offering use, to them subdued, of thine own proper lore, One civil state rhou mad'st of that, which was wild world before. For, to say nothing of the rest of the Provinces, the Romans having brought over Colonies hither, and reduced the natural inhabitants of the Island unto the society of civil life, by training them up in the liberal Arts, and by sending them into Gaul for to learn perfectly the laws of the Romans (whereupon Juvenal Gallia causidicos docui facunda Britannos, Gaul eloquent of Britan's hath good pleading lawyers made.) governed them with their laws, and framed them to good manners and behaviour, so as in their diet and apparel they were not inferior to any other Provinces: The Roman● works in Britain. they furnished them also with goodly houses and stately buildings, in such sort, that the relics and rubbish of their ruins do cause the beholders now, exceedingly to admire the same: and the common sort of people do plainly say, these Roman works were made by Giants, whom in the North parts they use to call in their vulgar tongue eaton's, for Heathens (if I be not deceived) or Ethnics. The Picts wall. Highways made by the Romans. Certes, they are works of exceeding great admiration, and sumptuous magnificence: but especially the Picts wall, whereof I will write more in due place: and those Causeys throughout the whole land, a wonderful piece of work, what with draining and drying up the meres in some places, and what with casting up banks where low valleys were, in others: so ●ensed and paved with stone, and withal of that breadth, that they can well receive and with room enough, wanes meeting one the other. Now what manner of Causeys these were, let Gallene tell you. The ways, Galen. lib. 9 cap. 8. Metho. medend. quoth he, Trajanus repaired, by paving with stone, or raising with banks cast up such pieces of them as were moist and miry; by stocking up and ridding such as were rough and overgrown with bushes and briers: by making bridges over rivers that could not be waded through: where the way seemed longer than needed, by cutting out another shorter: if any where by reason of some steep hill, the passage were hard and uneasy, by turning it aside through easier places: now in case it were haunted with wild beasts, or lay waist and desert, by drawing it from thence thoough places inhabited, and withal, by laying level all uneven and rugged grounds. But now adays these of ours, being dismembered, as it were, and cut one piece from another in some places, by reason that the country people dig out gravel from thence, and scarcely to be seen; yet elsewhere, leading through pastures and by-grounds out of the road way, the banks are so high, that evidently they show themselves. These causeys or Street-ways, the Romans called Vias Consulares, Regias, Praetorias, Militares, Publicas, cursus publicos, and Actus, as it is to be seen in Ulpian and Julius Frontinus. Ammianus Marcellinus termeth them Aggeres itinerarios & publicos: Sidonius Apollinaris, Aggeres, and Tellures inaggeratas: Beda and the latter writers, Stratas, that is Streets. Our Chronicles, doubtless herein deceived, do hold, that there were but only four such causeys as these: of which, the first was Watling-streete, so called of one Vitellian, I wot not what he was,) who had the charge thereof (and indeed the Britan's named Vitellian, in their tongue Guetalin) and Werlam-street, for that it went through Verolamium, which elsewhere also, the people dwelling near unto it, named, High dike, High ridge, Fortie-foot-way, and Ridge-way. The second they commonly call Ikemildstreet, because it began in the Icenes country: The third, the Fosse, for that (as men think) it was fenced on both sides with a ditch: and the fourth Ermin-street, by a Germane word, of Mercury (whom as I am informed by john obsopoeus) a great learned man) under the name of Ermisul, that is, the Column of Mercury, the Germans our ancient progenitors, worshipped. Now, that Mercury had the charge of ways, his name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 among the greeks, may show sufficiently: as also his Statues with four sides, called in old time Hermae, which were set every where upon high ways. It hath been generally thought, that one Mulmutius (I know not what he should be) many hundred years before the birth of Christ, made these causeys: but so far am I from believing it, that I dare confidently avouch, the Romans by little and little founded and raised them up. Whilst Agricola, saith Tacitus, governed Britain, several ways were enjoined, and far distant places (by the purveyors commandment) that the country should carry from the nearest standing camps, or wintering places, to those that were far off, and out of the way: And the Britan's complained, as the same Tacitus writeth, That the Romans wore out, and consumed their bodies and hands, in clearing of woods, and paving the Fens, with a thousand stripes & reproachful indignities. And so we read in ancient records, That in the days of Honorius and Arcadius, there were made in Britain certain beaten high ways from sea to sea. That this was the Romans work, Beda witnesseth: The Romans inhabited (saith he) within the wall (which, as I rehearsed before, Severus had made overthwart the Island) toward the southern side, which the Cities, Churches, and street ways there made do witness at this day. About the making of such causeys and high ways, the Romans were wont to exercise their soldiers, and the common multitude, lest being idle, they should grow factious, and affect alteration in the Sat. The Romans, as Isodorus writeth, made Causeys in sundry places, almost through the world, both for the direction of journeys, and also because the people should not be idle: and to the making and paving of such causeys, prisoners were many times condemned, as may be gathered out of Suetonius, in the life of Caius. And there are to be seen in Spain, the Causeys called Salamantica or Argentea, as also in France certain Road ways, called Viae militares, paved by the Romans; to say nothing, of the way Appia, P●mpeia, Valeria, and others in Italy. Sueton in Octavius. A long these Causeys and high ways, Augustus placed young men at first, as posts within small distances one from another: and afterward swift wagons, to give notice with all speed, and out of hand, what was doing in every place. near, or upon these Cawsies, were seated Cities and Mansions, which had in them Inns furnished with all necessaries belonging to this life for travellers, A Mansion. and way-faring persons to abide and rest in, A Mutation. as also Mutations; For so they called in that age, the places where strangers, as they journied, did change their post-horses, draught beasts, or wagons. He therefore that seeketh not about these Road ways for those places, which are mentioned in the itinerary of Antoninus, shall no doubt miss the truth, and wander out of the way. Neither, think much of your labour, in this place to note, that the Emperors erected at every miles end, along these Cawsies certain little pillars or Columns, with numeral Characters or Letters cut in them, to signify how many miles: Whereupon Sidonius Apollinaris, writeth thus: Antiquus tibi nec teratur agger; Cujus per spatium satis vetustis, Nomen Caesareum viret columnis. That ancient causeway, do not decay, Where on good old pillars along the way, The Caesar's name stands fresh for aye. near also unto these high ways, Varr. lib. de lingua Latin. on both sides were Tombs and Sepulchers, with Inscriptions graved upon them in memorial of brave and noble men, that the passengers by, might be put in mind, that as those sometimes were mortal men, so themselves are now. For the repairing likewise of the said cawseys, as we may see in the Code of Theodosius title, Codex Theodosij. The Laws S. Edward. de Itinere muniendo, that is, Of making and mending ways, They all were willing upon a good and profitable devotion, who could do best, and make most speed in this business. Furthermore, in our own ancient laws, there is mention made, de pace quatuor Cheminorum, that is, Viar●m sub majori judicio, that is, Touching the peace of the four Rhode-ways in some higher Court. Under the reign of Nerva, Nerva Trajanus. the writers have discontinued the Story of Britanny. But in the time of Trajane, the Britan's may seem to have revolted and rebelled: and evident it is out of Spartianus, Adrianus, Emperor. Jul. Severus, Propraetor▪ that subdued than they were. Moreover, while Adrian was Emperor, Julius Severus ruled the Island: and when he was called away against the Jews, who then were in an uproar, the Britan's could not have been kept in their allegiance to the Romans, had not Adrianus come among them in person: who being then Consul the third time, in the year of Christ 124. seemeth by the prowess of his army to have discomfited his enemies. For I have seen in one piece of money of his coining, the stamp of an Emperor with three soldiers, whom I judge to represent three Legions, with this Inscription, EXER. BRITANNICUS: and another bearing this Inscription RESTITUTOR BRITANNY. This Prince reform many things throughout the Island: and was the first that built a wall between the barbarous Britan's, Spartianu●. and the Romans fourscore miles in length: laying the foundation thereof within the ground of huge piles or stakes, and fastening them together, in manner of a strong hedge or mound. For which expedition of his, Florus the Poet played upon him, thus: Ego nolo Caesar esse Ambulare per Britannos, Scythicas pati pruinas. I will in no wise Caesar be, To walk along in Brittany The Scythic frosts to feel and see. Unto whom, Adrianus wrote back in this wise: Ego nolo Florus esse, Ambulare per tabernas, Latitare per popinas, Culices pati rotundos. And I will never Florus be, To walk from shop to shop, as he; To lark in Taverns secretly, And there to feel the round wine fly. Cl. Priscus Licinius, Propretor of Britanny. At this time M.F. CL. PRISCUS LICINIUS, was the Propraetor of Britanny, and employed in the Journey of Jury with Hadrian; as appeareth by this antique Inscription in a broken marble. M.F. CL. PRISCO. ICINIO. ITALICO. LEGATO. AUGUSTORUM PR. PR. PROV. CAPPADOCIAE PR. PR. PROV. BRITANNIAE LEG. AUG. — — — LEG. FOUR GALLICIAE. PRAEF. COH. FOUR LINGONUM. VEXILLO. MIL. ORNATO. A. DIVO. HADRIANO. IN EXPEDITIONE JUDAIC. Q. CASSIUS. DOMITIUS. PALUMB US. Antoninus Pius, Emperor. Under Antoninus Pius (by whose ordinance as many as were in the Roman world, became Citizens of Rome) this war broke out again into a light fire, which he so quenched by driving the barbarous Britan's further off, under the conduct of Lollius Vrbicus Lieutenant, Lollius Vrbicus Propretor. Capitolinus. Pausanius in Arcadicis. and by making another wall of turf, that thereupon he was surnamed BRITANNICUS: and he deserved singular commendation, for that he had fined the Brigates with the loss of one part of their Lands, who had infested with roads Genounia, a neighbour province under the protection and allegiance of the Romans. And at this time, as we collect out of Jabolenus, Sejus Saturnius was Archigubernus of the Navy in Britanny: Digest. lib. 36. Archigubernus. But whether by this title, he were an Admiral of the said Navy, or a principal Pilot, or the Master of a ship, I would have the Lawyers to tell. Antoninus Philosophus, Emperor. Calphurnius Agricola, Propretor. But the Britan's, giving occasions still of quarrels and wars, one after another began a commotion under Antoninus Philosophus: for the appeasing whereof, Calphurnius Agricola was sent, and seemeth to have ended the same with fortunate success. Which commendation for the dispatching of this war, Fronto, for Roman eloquence comparable to the best, and second to none, would needs give unto Antoninus the Emperor. For albeit he sitting still, and holding his Court in the very palace of Rome, gave out only his commission and warrant for to make this war, yet he protesteth, that like unto the Pilot sitting at the helm to steer a galley, Eumenius Capitolinus. he deserved the glory of the whole course and sailing in that voyage. At the same time there served also in the wars of Britanny, Helvius Pertinax brought hither out of the Parthian war, and here stayed. Commodus Emperor. Whiles Commodus was Emperor, Britanny, was all of a Garboil, full of wars, and seditious troubles. For the barbarous Britan's, having passed over the wall, made great waste, and hewed in pieces the Romans, both Captain and Soldier. For the repressing of which rebels, Vlpius Marcellus Propretor. Vlpius Marcellus was sent: who had so fortunate an hand in taming their audacious stomaches, that his prowess was soon defaced, and depraved with envy, and himself called back. This Captain was of all others most vigilant: and being desirous that the rest about him might be as watchful, Xiphilinus out of Dio. he wrote every evening xii. tables throughout, such as commonly are made of the Linden-tree wood: and commanded one of his attendants about him, to carry the same unto diverse of the soldiers, some at one hour of the night, and some at another, whereby they might think their General was ever awake, and so themselves might sleep the less. Of whose temperance thus much also is reported: And albeit otherwise his nature was able to resist sleep, yet that he might do it the better, he brought to pass by fasting and abstinence. For to the end that he would not feed of bread to the full, he caused it to be brought from Rome to him into the camp; that by reason of the staleness of it, he could not eat any whit more than was needful. But when he, I say, was called back, all licentious wantonness broke into the Camp, and the forces in Britanny, letting the reins lose of military discipline, became unruly, and refused the command & government of Commodus, although by some of his flatterers he was styled Britannicus. Moreover, they that served in Britanny suborned and sent a thousand and five hundred of their own rank into Italy against Perrennius, a man that not only carried an outward show and countenance, but of all the Emperor's minions could indeed do most with him: accusing him that he had made captains over soldiers certain of the gentlemen's degree, and put Senators out of place, and withal, that he had laid wait to take away the Emperor's life. Commodus gave ear to this information, and believed it, whereupon he delivered the man into their hands: who after he had with many indignities been whipped, Helvius Pertinax Propretor. lost his head, and was proclaimed a traitor to his country. Howbeit these seditious stirs Helvius Pertinax repressed, not without great danger, being himself almost slain, and for certain, left for dead among those that were slain. Now when Britanny was in peaceable estate, Clodius Albinus Propretor Capitolinus. Junius Severu Propretor. Christian Religion in Britanny. K. Lucius. Clodius Albinus received it from Commodus, and withal, afterwards for his worthy exploits in Britanny the name of Caesareus: but soon after, because in a public assembly he had made an invective against the government of the Emperors, Junius Severus was placed in his room. At which very time, the thick mists of superstition being scattered (not under M. Aurelius and L. Verus Emperors, as Beda writeth but under Commodus, when Eleutherus was Bishop of Rome) the heavenly light & brightness of Christianity, by the means of King Lucius shone upon this Island. Which Prince, (as we find in the ancient * Mattyrol●●giis. reports and lives of Martyrs, usually read in the Church) admiring the integrity and holy life of the Christians, made petition unto Eleutherus the Pope, by the mediation of Elvan & Meduan, two Britan's, that both himself and his subjects might be instructed in christian religion. Then sent he hither forthwith, Fugatius and Donaitanus, two holy men, with letters, which at this day be extant, & (as very many are persuaded) are not forged but authentical, as bearing date, when L. Aurelius Commodus was second time Consul with Vespronius: Which holy men instructed the King and others in the mysteries of christian religion. Hereupon it is, that Ninnius writeth thus of this King, King Lucius quoth he, is surnamed Lever Maur, that is, [a Prince] of great glory, for the Faith which in his time came. Now for those that call these matters of King Lucius into question (as many do in these days) as if there had been at that time no King in Britanny, which they suppose was full and whole reduced into a province before, I wish them to call to remembrance thus much, That the Romans by ancient custom had in their provinces Kings as the instruments of bondage; that the Britan's even then, refused to obey Commodus; and that themselves possessed and held freely, those parts of the Island which were beyond the foresaid wall, had their Kings of their own, Capitolinus. and that Antoninus Pius a few years before, having ended war, permitted Kingdoms to by ruled by their own Kings, and provinces by their own Lieutenant's General, or Governors. Against the Jews. cap. 7. Comites. What should let then, but that Lucius might be King over that part of the Island, unto which the Romans forces never came? And verily, that which Tertullian hath put down, who wrote much about those days, if we throughly weigh his words, and the time, may very aptly be referred to the Britan's conversion unto Christ: Those places, quoth he, among the Britan's, which yielded the Romans no access, are now subdued unto Christ: and somewhat after, Britanny is enclosed within the compass of the Ocean. The nation of the Mauri, and the barbarous Getulians are beset by the Romans, for fear they might pass beyond the limits of their countries. What should I speak of the Romans, who with garrisons of their Legions fortify their Empire? neither are they able to extend the power of their dominion, beyond those very nations. But the Kingdom and name of Christ reacheth farther still, it is believed in every place, and is worshipped of all those people above named, etc. But our Ecclesiastical writers who have employed both time and diligence in the consideration of this point endeavour and labour to prove, and that out of ancient authors of credit, that before this time, in the very dawning and infancy of the Church, Britanny had received christian religion: and namely that Joseph of Arimathea a noble Senator, Bale. Matthew Parker, John Fox. sailed out of Gaul into Britanny, and that Claudia Rufina the wife of Aulus Pudens, which woman, as it is credibly thought, S. Paul nameth in his latter Epistle to Timothy, and whom the Poet Marshal so highly commendeth, was a Britain borne. They cite also the testimony of Dorotheus, who commonly goeth under the name of the Bishop of Tyre, who in his Synopsis hath recorded, that Simon Zelotes, after he had travailed through Mauritania, was at last slain and buried in Britanny: as also that Aristobulus, whom S. Paul mentioneth in his Epistle to the Romans, was made Bishop of Britanny: (whereto Nicephorus inclineth) notwithstanding he speaketh of Britiana and not of Britannia: Brutij in Italy. they report likewise upon the authority of Simeon that great Metaphrast, and of the Greeks * The same that Calendar or Almanac with us. Menology, that S. Peter came hither and spread abroad the light of God's word: out of Sophronius also and Theodoret that S. Paul after his second imprisonment in Rome, visited this our country. Whereupon Venantius Fortunatus if he may be believed as a Poet, writeth thus of him, unless he speaketh of his doctrine. Transiit Oceanum, & quà facit Insula portum Quasque Britannus habet terras, quasque ultima Thule. Passed over Seas, where any Isle makes either port or bay, And lands, so far as Britan's coast or cape of Thule lay. But to this purpose maketh especially that which erewhile I alleged out of Tertullian; as also that which Origen recordeth, How the Britan's with one consent embraced the Faith, and made way themselves unto God by means of the Druidae, who always did beat upon this article of belief, 4. Upon Ezechiel. That there was but one God. And verily of great moment and importance is that with me, that Gildas writeth, after he had mentioned the rebellion of Boodicia, Under Nero. and treated of the revenge thereof, Mean while, quoth he, Christ, that true Sun, shining with his most glittering brightness upon the universal world, not from the temporal sky and firmament, but even from the highest cope of heaven, exceeding all times, vouchsafed first, his beams, that is to say, his precepts and doctrine in the time as we know of Tiberius Caesar, unto this frozen Island full of Ice, and lying out as it were in a long tract of earth remote from the visible sun. chrysostom likewise, (to note so much by the way) writeth of the Christian religion in this Island, as followeth: The British Lands seated without this sea, and within the very Ocean, have felt the power of the word (for even there also be Churches founded, and altars erected) of that word, I say, which is planted in the souls, and now also in the lips of all people. And the same chrysostom in another place: In a Sermon upon the Pentecost. Epitaph, of Marcelia, Widow. How often have folk in Britanny fed of man's flesh? but now with fasting they refresh the soul. Likewise S. Hierome; The Britain divided from our world, if he proceed in religion, leaving the western parts toward the Sun's setting, will seek Jerusalem, a City known unto him by fame only, and relation of scriptures. But now pass we forward from the Church to the Empire. When Commodus was slain, Pertinax being called to the Empire, sent presently Albinus again over into Britanny. But after that Pertinax within eight hundred and two days was made away, Pertinax Emperor. Severus Emperor. Didius julianus, (who likewise was within a while killed) at Rome, Pescennius Niger in Syria, Clodius Albinus in Britanny, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia, all together at once take upon them the sovereignty of the Empire. Severus being next unto Rome, hasteneth first to Rome, and, with consent of the soldiers and Senate, proclaimed Emperor, straightways (because he would not leave an enemy behind at his back) craftily createth Albinus, Albinus Emperor. Caesar: this Albinus, chief commander of the forces in Britanny and Gaul, and having stamped money with his image upon it, set up his statutes, and conferred upon him the honourable dignity of a Consul, wisely with good foresight dulceth and kindly intreateth the men. Then maketh he an expedition into the East against Niger, whom in plain field he gave battle unto, vanquished and slew. The City * Afterwards Constantinople. Byzantium after 3. years' siege he forced and won: the Adiabenes, Arabians and other nations he brought to his subjection. Being now puffed up with pride, for these fortunate victories, and impatient of a companion in government, he sent underhand murderers of purpose to dispatch Albinus: but seeing his secret practices took not effect, he openly proclaimeth him Traitor, and an enemy to the State, and with all the speed he could make, hasteneth into Gaul against him: where Albinus with the choice and chief strength of the British army made head near unto * Lugdunum. Lions. The Albinians fought most valiantly, in so much as Severus himself, throwing from him his purple robe, began with his men to fly. But when the said British forces, as if now the victory had been in their hands, displayed their ranks in thinner arrays, and ran furiously upon their enemy's backs, discomfited and in rout, Laetus, one of Severus his Captains, who with his fresh and unfoiled troops, waited until then, for to see the issue of the battle (having heard withal that Severus was slain) with a purpose and resolution now to take the Empire upon him, charged upon them, and put them to flight. And Severus, having by this time rallied his men, and resumed the purple Robe aforesaid, followed likewise fiercely upon them, and having slain Albinus with a number of other, obtained a most fortunate victory. Upon this, Severus (having alone the Sovereignty of the whole world) sent first Heraclianus to seize upon Britain, Herculianus▪ Propraetor. Virius Lupus, Propraetor. Digest. lib. 28. Tit. 6. Who inhabited the counttey now Northumberland. and to rule it: when Virius Lupus, as Propraetor and Lieutenant (whom Ulpian the Civil Lawyer nameth President of Britain) who, as we shall relate in place convenient, built many new Castles there: howbeit, driven he was in the end to redeem his own peace, at the hands of the Maeatae, with a great sum of money, after he had recovered some few prisoners, considering that the Caledonians kept not their word, who had promised to keep under the said Maeatae. And being not able after many losses and calamities sustained, to repress the sudden roads, and assaults made by the enemies, of necessity he sent for Severus himself: who gladly and thankfully taking hold of this good occasion, to withdraw and wean his sons (given to licentious rioting) from the delightsome pleasures of Rome-Citie, and therewith to augment his own style with the addition of Britannicus: albeit, he was above threescore years of age, and gouty beside, fully resolveth with his two sons, Bassianus (whom he had named Antoninus, & Augustus) Geta Caesar, and the Legions, to enter Britain. The Britan's forthwith sent Ambassadors unto him for peace. Whom after he had of purpose detained with him a good while, till he might prepare all things meet for war, he sent away, as they came without obtaining their suit: and leaving his son Geta, (whom he created Augustus at his first arrival in Britain) in the hither part of the Province which continued in obedience to the Romans, for the civil jurisdiction and administration of the affairs there: himself with Antoninus went into the farther parts, where being occupied in cutting down woods, making bridges, and drying up the meres, he fought no battle: howbeit, what with the ambuscadoes of enemies, and what with sickness, he lost fifty thousand of his men: Thus writeth Dio. But Herodian hath recorded, that in certain light skirmishes, whiles the barbarous Britain's kept the fennie bogs, and most thick woods, out of which they might more safely assail the Romans he had the upperhand. Yet he enforced them in the end to a league, with this condition, that they should yield unto him a good part of their Country. And that which is the greatest honour and ornament of his Empire, he fenced it with a wall over thwart the Island, from one coast of the Ocean to another. For these victories, he stamped certain pieces of money with this Inscription, VICTORIA BRITANNICA, assumed the surname of BRITANNICUS MAXIMUS; and his son Geta named Britannicus bore it, as appear by his coins. Howbeit, the Britan's afterward (having broken covenant) began to rebel, and make alteration in the State, whereupon his wrathful indignation against them broke out into such terms, as that in an assembly of his soldiers, he gave them in charge to make a general massacre of them all, using these verses out of Homer, to this effect: Let none escape your bloody hands, but be they sure to die, Spare not the very babes unborn, in mother's womb that lie. These rebels when he had in some sort repressed by the help of his own forces, he sickened, not so much upon any bodily disease, as for grief and sorrow of mind, occasioned by the desperate and unreclaimable misdemeanour of his Son Antoninus, who once or twice gave the attempt to kill him with his own hand, and so he yielded up his vital breath at York, uttering at the point of death these his last words, A troubled state of Common weal I found in every place: but, I leave it now in peace and quietness, even among the Britan's. His body here was in military sort carried forth by his soldiers, bestowed in a funeral fire, and honoured with a solemn just, and running at Tilt, performed by his own soldiers and sons. I might peradventure be censured for my vanity, if I should relate in this place the prodigies that went before his death, and namely, as touching the sooty and black hosts or Sacrifices, as also the coronet made of the deadly and mournful cypress, which a scurrile Buffoon and jester presented unto him with these words, Thou hast been all, now be a God: but after what manner he was canonised a God, I will not think much of mine own pain, to annex hereunto, considering that the knowledge thereof may delight the reader also. The Apotheosis, or Deification of the Emperor. A Custom the Romans have, to consecrate those Emperors that die, their Sons or Successors surviving. And whosoever are in this wise honoured, be canonised and registered in the roll of their Divi, that is, Gods. Now, during this compliment, they hold a general mourning thorough the whole city, and the same mixed with a festival solemnity. For, Herodian. after the Prince's death, they bury the body honourably, and with sumptuous funerals, according to the manner of other men: But withal, they frame an image of wax, resembling in all points the party deceased, and lay the same openly at the entry of the palace, upon a most ample and stately bed of Ivory, erected on high, and covered with cloth of gold. And verily, that image lieth with a palish and wan colour like unto a sick man: About the bed on both sides, there sit a great part of the day, the whole body of the Senate on the right hand, arrayed in their blacks: and on the left hand certain Dames and Ladies, who are by the place and dignity of the husbands, or parents worshipful. And there is not one of them seen to wear any gold about them, nor to be adorned with jewels, but clad in white and slender garments, they represent mourners. This do they for seven days together: during which time▪ the Physicians resort daily into him to touch his pulse, and consider of his disease, and thereupon as of their patient, judicially pronounce, that he groweth worse and worse. Thus after a seven-night, when it seemed that he was departed, certain of the noblest, and most choice young gentlemen, as well of the Senators as Knight's degree, take up the foresaid bed upon their shoulders, and carry it thorough the high street, called Sacra, into the old Forum, where the Roman Magistrates had wont to lay down their rule and government. Here, on both sides were certain greeses or steps in manner of stairs raised; upon which, on the one hand was placed a choir of boys of noblest birth, and of the Patrician degree, and on the other, a company of women likewise of noble parentage, singing in commendation of the dead Prince, hymns and sonnets, entuned in a solemn, and mournful note. Which done, they take up the said bed or hearse again, and carry it out of the City into Campus Martius: where, in the broadest place of the said field, a frame or turret four square with equal sides was raised, and the same made in manner of a tabernacle, of no other matter than main great pieces of timber. And verily within it was all over filled with dry fuel: but without, adorned with rich hangings woven with gold wire between, with diverse ivory portraicts of imagery, and sundry curious pictures. * 〈◊〉. Over this frame there stood another somewhat less: howbeit, in form and furniture very like unto the former, with windows and doors standing open. And so a third and fourth turret, smaller every one than that next beneath it, and others likewise still one after another, until you come to the last and utmost, which is the least and highest of all the rest. The manner of this whole building a man may well compare to these lanterns or light-towers standing by haven ●ides, and are commonly called Phari, which give light by fire in the night time, and direct ships at sea in their course to safe harbours. The hearse then being mounted up into the second tabernacle, they get together spices and odours of all sorts, likewise all the sweet smelling fruits, herbs juices and liquors, that the whole world can yield, and thereon pour the same forth by heape-meale. For their is not a nation, city or state, nor any person of worth and mark above the rest, but strive a vie every one to bestow in honour of the Prince, those last gifts and presents. Now when there is a mighty heap of the said spiceries gotten together, so that the whole room is filled therewith, than all the Gentlemen of the Knight's order, first ride about that edifice, marching in a certain measure: and therewith in their courses and recourses observe a warlike kind of motion round, in just measure and number. The open chariots likewise are driven about by courtiers in purple robes of honour sitting thereupon to guide and direct them with vizards on their faces resembling all the redoubted captains and renowned Emperors of Rome. These ceremonies thus performed, the Prince that next succeedeth in the Empire, takes a torch, and first himself sets it to the tabernacle aforesaid: then, all the rest from every side put fire under, so that forthwith every place being full of the said dry fuel and odours, kindle and catch fire mightily. Then straightways from the highest and least tabernacle, as it were out of some lower or high turret together with the fire put underneath, an Eagle was let fly, and the same was supposed to carry up the Prince's soul into heaven. And so from that time forward was the Emperor reputed and by the Romans adored among the rest of the Gods. Thus much by way of digression and beside the matter: now let us return. Antoninus Caracalla the son of Severus, Antoninus Caracalla. pursued the relics of the war by his Captains for a while in Britain: but soon after he made peace, surrendering to the enemy their territories and castles. Howbeit in a spirit of ambition he assumed to himself in his style the name of BRITANNICUS, yea and of BRITANNICUS MAXIMUS. His brother Geta likewise, took upon him the title and addition of BRITANNICUS. For we have seen his money coined with this Inscription, IMP. CAES. P. SEPT. GETAPIUS. AUG. BRIT. PONTIF. TRI. P. III. COS. II. PP. From this time forward, Nonius Philippus Propr●●tor. writers have in long silence passed over the affairs of Britain: For Alexander Severus was not slain, as some would have it, in Sicila a town of Britain, but in Gaul. This certain evidence only have we out of an antique stone, that Nonnius Philippus was here Propretor under Gordianus the younger. Whiles Gallienus the Emperor gave himself over to all manner of riotousness, the State of Rome either through the careless managing of affairs, Gallienus Emperor. or by some inclination of the Destinies lay dismembered as it were, and maimed in all parts: and a heavy rent there was and revolt of this Province from the Roman Captain. Panegyric unto Constantius. Thirty Tyrants. For thirty tyrants there were who in diverse places usurped rule and dominion: among whom Lollianus Victorinus, Posthumus, the Tetrici and Marius bore sovereign sway, as I suppose, in this Island: For their coins are here in great abundance digged up daily. Under Aurelian, that notable bibber Bonosus, Bonosus. a Britain borne entered upon the Empire together with Proculus, who claimed to himself all Britain, Spain, and * Now, La●guedoc Provance and Dauphin. Braccata Gallia, which provinces Florianus had for two months governed, but being in a long and bloody battle vanquished by Probus, he hanged himself, whereupon this jest went commonly on him, There hangs a tankard, and not a man. Howbeit Probus was welcomed into Britain with new troubles and commotions: For one, Probus Emperor. Zosimus. whom Probus himself, induced by the commendation of his familiar friend Victorinus Maurus, had promoted to an office of state, practised a revolt. For which he fell out by way of expostulation with Victorinus, who having gotten leave to depart unto the said party, and feigning that he fled and was escaped from the Emperor, being kindly entertained of the tyrant slew him in the night and returned to Probus, and therewith was the province rid of these broils. But who this tyrant was no man hath related: Laelianus Emperor. Burgundia● and Vanda in Britain Howbeit, he may seem to be that Cl. Corn. Laelianus, whose pieces of coin are found in this Island, and not elsewhere. Moreover, Probus sent hither the Burgundians and Vandals whom he had subdued, and granted them places to inhabit: who afterwards, so often as any one went about to raise sedition, stood the Romans in good stead. Now, whereas Vopiscus writeth, that Probus permitted the Britan's to have vines, there is a right learned man that feareth lest he have inconsiderately put this down in writing, as if this land were unfit for vineyards: & yet it hath vines, and for certain it is known, that it had very many. In regard of so many tyrants rising up in these days within this Province, Hierome. Carus and Carinus Emperors. Porphyry, who lived in this age, cried out in these terms, Britain a fertile Province of tyrants. After this, Carus Augustus the Emperor allotted by decree this our country, together with Gaul, Spain and Illyricum unto his son Carinus. That he warred here, some there be that slightly indeed, but how truly I wot not, gather out of these verses of Nemesianus; Nec taceam quae nuper bella sub Arcto, Foelici Carine manu confeceris, ipso Pene prior genitore Deo: Neither may I the wars in silence hide Dispatched of late with happy hand in North, By thee, Carine, thy Father Deified, Who dost well ne'er surpass in works of worth. Under Dioclesian, Carausius a Menapian borne, a man of very base parentage, howbeit inventive and active withal, who for his valour showed in battles at sea became renowned, was ordained Captain of Dioclesian and Maximian Emperors. Bononium Galliae. Bologne in Gaul to put back and drive away the Saxons and Frankners that troubled the seas. This Carausius having at first from time to time taken many of the Barbarians prisoners, and yet neither brought in all the booty and pillage into the Emperor's treasury, nor made restitution of goods unto the Provincials: afterwards when as he vanquished and subdued but few of them, began deeply to be suspected, that of set purpose he admitted the Barbarians to enter, to the end in their passage by he might intercept them with booty, and so by this occasion enrich himself: whereupon Maximian Augustus the Emperor gave commandment that he should be killed. Carausius Emperor. Whereof he having certain intelligence, took upon him the Imperial ensigns, and seized Britain into his own hands, withdrew the Navy that lay in defence of Gaul, built many ships after the Roman manner, adjoined to himself the Roman Legion, kept out the companies of foreign soldiers, assembled and drew together the French Merchants to muster, fortified Bologne with a garrison, conveied away, and took to his own use the public revenues of Britan and Batavia, alured by the spoils of whole provinces no small power of Barbarian forces to be his associates, and the Franks especially, whom he trained to sea-service, and in one word, made all the sea coasts every way dangerous for passage. To the vanquishing of him, Maximianus set forward with a puissant army, out of which The Theban Legion. some there were who in the very voyage suffered death gloriously for Christ's sake: but when he was come to the seaside, being skared partly for want of sea-soldiers, and partly with the rage of the British Ocean, stayed there; and having made a feigned peace with Carausius, yielded unto him the rule of the Island, considering he was taken to be the meeter man, both to command, and also to defend the Inhabitants against the warlike nations. Hereupon it is, that we have seen in the silver coins of Carausius two Emperors joining hands, with this circumscription, CONCORDIA AUG. G. But Maximian turned his forces upon the Frankners, who then held * Of the Augusti, that is Emperors. Batavia, and had secretly under hand sent aid unto Carausius: whom he surprised on such a sudden, * Now Holland. that he forced them to submission. In this mean while, Carausius governed Britain with incorrupt and unstained reputation, and in exceeding great peace: against the Barbarians, as writeth Ninnius the disciple of Elvodugus, he re-edified the wall between the mouths of Cluda and Carunus, and fortified the same with 7. castles, and built a round house of polished stone upon the bank of the river Carun, which took name of him, erecting therewith a triumphal arch in remembrance of victory. Howbeit Buchanan thinketh verily it was the Temple of Terminus, as we will write in Scotland. When Dioclesian and Maximian, as well to keep that which was won, as to recover what was lost, had taken to them Constantius Chlorus, and Maximianus Galerius to be Caesar's: Constantius having levied and enroled an army, came with great speed, and sooner than all men thought to Bologne in France, which also is called Gessoriacum, a town that Carausius had fortified with strong garrison; and they laid siege unto it round about: by pitching logs fast into the earth at the very entry, and piling huge stones one upon another in manner of a rampire, he excluded the sea, and took from the town the benefit of their haven: which dam, the strong and violent current of the Ocean beating against it forcibly for many days together, could not break, and bear down: no sooner was the place yielded, but the first tide that rose made such a breach into the said rampire that it was wholly disjoined, and broken in sunder. The Panegyric of Eumenius. And whiles he rigged and prepared both here and elsewhere an Armada for the recovery of Britain, he rid Batavia which was held by the Francs, from all enemies, and translated many of them into the Roman nations, for to till their waste and desert territories. In this mean time alectus a familiar friend of Carausius, who under him had the government of the State, C. alectus, Emperor. slew him by a treacherous wile, and put upon himself the Imperial purple robe. Which when Constantius heard▪ he having manned & armed diverse fleets, drove alectus to such doubtful terms, as being altogether void of counsel, and to seek what to do, he found then, and never before, that he was not fenced with the Ocean, but enclosed within it. And withal, hoyzing up sail in a tempestuous weather, and troubled sea, by means of a mist which overspread the sea, he passed by the enemies fleet unawares to them, which was placed at the Isle of Wight, in espial and ambush to discovered, and intercept him: and no sooner were his forces landed upon the coast of Britain, but he set all his own ships on fire, that his Soldiers might repose no trust in saving themselves by flight. alectus himself, when he espied the Navy of Constantius under sail, & approaching toward him, forsook the seaside, which he kept, and as he fled, lighted upon Asclepiodotus Grand Seneschal of the Praetorium: but in so fearful a fit, & like a mad man, he hastened his own death, that he neither put his footmen in battle ray, nor marshaled those troops which he drew along with him in good order, but casting off his purple garment, that he might not be known, rushed in with the mercenary Barbarians, and so in a tumultuary skirmish was slain, and hardly by the discovery of one man found among the dead carcases of the Barbarians, which lay thick spread every where over all the plains and hills. But the Frankners, and others of the barbarous soldiers, which remained alive after the battle, thought to sack London, and to take their flight and be gone: at which very instant, as good hap was, the soldiers of Constantius, which by reason of a misty and foggy air, were severed from the rest, came to London, and made a slaughter of them in all places throughout the city, and procured not only safety to the citizens in the execution of their enemies, but also a pleasure in the sight thereof. By this victory was the Province recovered, after it had been, by usurpation, held seven years or there about, under Carausius, and three under alectus. Whereupon Eumenius unto Constantius, writeth thus; O brave victory of much importance, and great consequence; yea, and worthy of manifold triumphs, whereby Britain is restored, whereby the nation of the Frankners is utterly destroyed, and whereby upon many people beside, found accessary to that wicked conspiracy, there is imposed a necessity of obedience, and allegiance, and in one word, whereby, for assurance of perpetual quietness, the seas are scoured and cleansed. And as for thee, o invincible Caesar, make thy boast and spare not, that thou hast found out a new world, and by restoring unto the Roman puissance, their glory for prowess at sea, hast augmented the Empire with an element, greater than all Lands. And a little after, unto the same Constantius: Britain is recovered so, as that those nations also which adjoin unto the bounds of the same Island, become obedient to your will and pleasure. In the last years of Dioclesian and Maximian, when as the East Church had been for many years already polluted with the blood of martyrs, the violence of that furious persecution went on, and passed even hither also into the West, and many Christians suffered martyrdom. Among whom, the principal were Persecution in Britain. Albanus of * S. Alban. Uerlam; Julius and Aaron of Isca, a city called otherwise * near Saint Alban in Monmouth shire. Caër Leon, etc. of whom I will write in their proper place. For then the Church obtained victory with most honourable, and happy triumph, when as with ten years' massacres it could not be vanquished. When Dioclesian and Maximinian gave over their Empire, they elected that Constantius Chlorus for Emperor, Constantius Chlorus, Emperor. who until that time had ruled the State, under the title of Caesar: and to him befell Italy, Africa, Spain, France, and Britain: but Italy and Africa became the Provinces of Galerius; and Constantius stood contented with the rest. This Constantius, what time as he served in Britain under Aurelian, taken to wife Helena daughter of Coelus, or Coelius a British Prince, on whom he begat that noble Constantine the Great, Baronius, in his Ecclesiastical History. in Britain. For so, together with that great Historiographer Baronius, the common opinion of all other writers with one consent, beareth witness: unless it be one or two Greek authors of late time, and those dissenting one from the other, and a right learned man, grounding upon a corrupt place of jul. Firmicus. Howbeit, compelled he was by Maximian to put her away, Helena. for to marry Theodora his daughter. This is that Helena, which in antic Inscription is called * Venerable, and right devout Empress. VENERABILIS and PIISSIMA AUGUSTA, and for Christian piety, for cleansing jerusalem of Idols, for building a goodly Church in the place where our Lord suffered, and for finding the Saving Cross of Christ, is so highly commended of Ecclesiastical writers. And yet both jews and Gentiles termed her by way of ignominy and reproach * Inn keeper or Hostess. Stabularia; because she (a most godly Princess) sought out the crib or manger wherein Christ was borne, and in the place where stood that hostelry, Of the death of Theodosius. founded a Church. Hereupon S. Ambrose: They say that this Lady was at first an Inholder or Hostess, etc. Well, this good hostess Helena, hastened to jerusalem and sought out the place of our Lord's passion, and made so diligent search for the Lords crib: This good hostess was not ignorant of that host, which cured the wayfaring man's hurts that was wounded by thiefs: This good hostess chose to be reputed a dung-farmer, that she might thereby g●ine Christ. Eusebius. And verily no less praise and commendation goeth of her husband Constantius for his piety and moderation; A man, who having utterly rejected the superstition of the ungodly, in worshipping diverse gods, willingly of himself acknowledged one God, the Ruler of all things. Whereupon, to try the faith and belief in God of his own Courtiers, he put it to their free choice, either to sacrifice unto those gods, and so to stay with him, or else to refuse and depart: But those that would depart rather than renounce and forsake their faith to God, he kept with him still: casting off all the rest, who he supposed would prove disloyal unto him, seeing they had abandoned their belief in the true God. This most noble and worthy Emperor, in his last British expedition against the * Those in Albany, in the North of Scotland. Caledonians and the Picts died at York, leaving behind him his son Constantine Emperor, his successor and Caesar elect. Some few days before the death of Constantius, his son Constantius road from Rome to York on post horses: and the rest which were kept at the charges of the State, See Suidas, why he was called Poor. he maimed and lamed all the way as he went, because no man should pursue him, and there he received his father's last breath. Whereupon an ancient Orator spoke thus unto him: Thou enterdst this sacred place not as a competitor of the Empire, but as heir apparent and ordained already, Constantine the Great, Emperor. and forthwith that father's house of thine saw thee, the lawful successor. For, there was no doubt but that the inheritance duly belonged unto him, whom the destinies had ordained the first begotten son unto the Emperor. Yet for all that, constrained in manner by the soldiers, and especially by the means of Erocus King of the Almains, (who by way of aid accompanied him) advanced he was to the Imperial dignity. Panegyric oration unto Constantine the Great. The soldiers regarding rather the public good of the commonwealth, than following his affections, invested him in the purple robe, weeping and setting spurs to his horse, because he would avoid the endeavour of the army that called so instantly upon him, &c: but the felicity of the commonwealth overcame his modesty. And hereof it is, that the Panegyrist crieth out in these words; O fortunate Britain and more happy now than all other lands, that hast the first sight of Constantine Caesar! And now Caesar at his very entrance, having first pursued the relics of that war, which his father had begun against the Caledonians and other Picts, and set upon those Britan's more remote, and the Inhabitants of the Lands lying there, the witnesses as one said of the Suns setting, some of them he subdued by force and arms, others (for you must think he aspired to Rome and higher matters) by offering fees and stipends he alured and drew to be associates: Gelasius Cizicenus lib. 1. Act. Concil. Nicaen. cap. 3. and there were beside of them, whom of open enemies he made his friends, and of old adversaries his very familiars. Afterwards, having vanquished the Frankners in Batavia, and that with so great glory, that he stamped certain golden pieces of coin, (whereof I have seen one) with the Image of a woman sitting under a Trophy, and leaning with one hand upon a crossbow or a brake, with this subscription, FRANCIA: and this writing about it, GAUDIUM ROMANORUM: Having also overthrown the Barbarians in Germany, won unto him the Germane and French Nations: and levied soldiers out of Britain, France, and Germany, to the number in all of 90000. foot, and 8000. horsemen, he departed into Italy, overcame Maxentius, who at Rome had challenged to himself the Empire, and having conquered Italy, and vanquished the Tyrant, he restored unto the whole world the blessed gifts of secure liberty, and as we find in the Inscription of an Antiquity, INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS, MENTIS MAGNITUDINE, CUM EXERCITV SVO, TAM DE TYRANNO QVAM DE OMNI EIUS FACTIONE, UNO TEMPORE JUSTIS REMP. ULTUS EST ARMIS, that is, By instinct of the divine power, with great magnanimity, and the help of his own army, at one time in the behalf of the Common wealth, he was by lawful war revenged as well of the Tyrant himself, as of his whole faction. Howbeit, that he returned again into Italy, Eusebius implieth in these words: Constantine, quoth he, passed over to the Britan's enclosed on every side within the banks of the Ocean: whom when he had overcome, he began to compass in his mind other parts of the world, to the end he might come in time to succour those that wanted help. And in another place: After he had furnished his army with mild and modest instructions of piety, he invaded Britain, that he might likewise instruct those who dwell environed round about with the waves of the Ocean bounding the Suns setting, as it were with his coasts. And of Britan are these verses of Optatianus Porphyrius unto Constantine, to be understood: Omnis ab Arctois plaga finibus horrida Cauro, Pacis amat cana & comperta perennia jura, Et tibi fida tuis semper bene militat armis; Resque gerit virtute tuas, populosque feroces Propellit, ceditque lubens tibi debita rata, Et tua victores sors accipit hinc tibi fortes, Teque duce invictae sustollunt signa cohortes. From Northern bounds, the land throughout where bleak Northwest winds blown love's laws of peace right ancient, and ever during known: Prest always in their loyalty for service in thy right, With valiant and courageous heart, doth all thy battles fight. Thus, Nations fierce it drives to rout, and doth in chase pursue, Yielding to thee right willingly all payments just and due: Victors from hence most valorous, thy lot it is to have, And under thee unfoiled bands, advance their ensigns brave. About this time as evidently appeareth by the Code of Theodosius, Pacatianus Vicegerent of Britain in the thirteenth yea● of Consta●tine the Great. Pacatianus was the Vicarius of Britain: for by this time the Province had no more Propraetors nor Lieutenants, but in stead thereof was a Vicar substituted. This Emperor Constantine, was right happy for very many praises, & those (I assure you) most justly deserved: for he not only set the Roman Empire in free estate, but also having scattered the thick cloud of Superstition, let in the true light of Christ, by setting open the Temples to the true God, and shutting them against the false. For now no sooner was the blustering tempest and storm of persecution blown over, but the faithful Christians, Gildas. who in the time of trouble and danger had hidden themselves in woods, deserts, and secret caves, being come abroad in open sight, re-edify the Churches ruinate to the very ground, the Temple of holy Martyrs they found, build, finish, and erect, as it were, the banners of victory in every place, celebrate festival holidays, and with pure heart and mouth also, perform their sacred solemnities. And thereupon he is renowned under these titles. IMPERATOR FORTISSIMUS AC BEATISSIMUS, PIISSIMUS. FOELIX. URBIS LIBERATOR. QUIETIS FUNDATOR. REIPUBLICAE INSTAURATOR. PUBLICAE LIBERTATIS AUCTOR. RESTITUTOR URBIS ROMAE ATQVE ORBIS. MAGNUS. MAXIMUS. INVICTUS. INVICTISSIMUS. PERPETUUS. SEMPER AUGUSTUS. RERUM HUMANARUM OPTIMUS PRINCEPS. VIRTUTE FORTISSIMUS ET PIETATE CLEMENTISSIMUS. And in the Laws, QUI VENERANDA CHRISTIANORUM FIDE ROMANUM MUNIVIT JMPERIUM. DIVUS. DIVAE MEMORIAE. DIVINAE MEMORIAE. etc. That is, Most valiant and blessed Emperor. Most pious. Happy. Redeemer of Rome City. Founder of Peace. Restorer of Rome City, and the whole world. Great. Most great. Invincible. Most invincible. Perpetual. Ever Augustus. The best Prince of the World. For virtue most valiant, and for piety most merciful. Also, Who fortified the Roman Empire with the reverend Faith of the Christians. Sacred. Of sacred Memory; Of Divine memory, etc. And he was the first Emperor, as far as I could ever to this time observe, who in coins of money and public works, was honoured with this Inscription, DOMINUS NOSTER, that is, Our Lord. Although I know full well, that Dioclesian was the first after Caligula, who suffered himself openly to be called LORD. Howbeit, in this so worthy an Emperor, his politic wisdom was wanting in this point, that he made the way for barbarous people, into Britain, Germany, and Gaul. For when he had subdued the northern Nations, so, as that now he stood in no fear of them, and for to equal the power of the Persians, who in the East parts threatened the Roman Empire, had built Constantinople a new City: those Legions that lay in defence of the Marches, he partly translated into the East, and in their stead built forts and holds, and partly withdrew into Cities more remote from the said marches: so that soon after his death, the Barbarians forcing the towns and fortresses, broke into the Provinces. And in this respect there goeth a very bad report of him in Zosimus, as being the main, and first subverter of a most flourishing Empire. The Roman civil government in Britain, under the latter Emperors. As L L. chief Justices, Grand Seneschals, or high Stewards. Seeing moreover, that Constantine altered the form of the Roman government, it shall not be impertinent in this very place to note summarily, in what sort Britain was ruled under him, and afterward in the next succeeding ages. He ordained four Praefects of the Praetorium, to wit, of the East, of Illyricum, of Italy, and of Gaul: two * Magistros Militum. Vicar of Britain. Leaders or Commanders of the Forces, the one of footmen, the other of horsemen in the West, whom they termed Praesentales. For civil government there ruled Britain, the Praefect of the Praetorium, or Grand Seneschal in Gaul, and under him the Vicar General of Britain, who was his Vicegerent, and honoured with the title Spectabilis, that is, notable or remarkable. Him obeyed respectively to the number of the Provinces, two Consular Deputies, and three Precedents, who had the hearing of civil, and criminal causes. For military affairs, there ruled the Leader, or Commander of the footmen in the West: at whose disposition, were the * Comes. Count or Lieutenant of Britain; the Count or Lieutenant of the Saxon-coast along Britain, and the Duke of Britain, styled every one, * Spectabiles. Spectabiles, that is, Remarkable. Comes of Britain. The Count Lieutenant of Britain, seemeth to have ruled the inland parts of the Island: who had with him seven companies of footmen, and nine cornets or troops of horsemen. Comes of the Saxon shore. The Count or Lieutenant of the Saxon coast, namely, who defended the maritime parts, against the Saxons, and is named by Ammianus, Comes maritimi tractus, that is, Lieutenant of the Maritime tract, for defence of the Sea coast, had seven companies of footmen, two guidons of horsemen, the second Legion, and one cohort. Duke of Britain. The General of Britan, who defended the Marches or Frontiers against the Barbarians, had the command of eight and thirty garrison forts, wherein kept their Stations 14000. foot, and 900. horsemen. So that in those days, (if Pancirolus have kept just computation) Britain maintained 19200. footmen, and 1700 horsemen, or much there about, in ordinary. Besides all these, Comes sacrarum Largitionum, that is, The Receiver of the Emperor's Finances or public revenues, had under him in Britain, the Rational or Auditor of the sums and revenues of Britain: the * Resembling the Lord Treasurer. Provost of the Augustian, that is, Emperor's Treasures in Britain, and the Procurator of the Gynegium or drapery in Britain, in which the clothes of the Prince, and soldiers were woven. The * Comes rerum privatarum: as one would say, Keeper of the privy purse. Constantine the Emperor. Count also of private Revenues had his Rational, or Auditor of private State in Britain: to say nothing of the sword, Fence School, Procurator in Britain, (whereof an old Inscription maketh mention,) and of other officers of an inferior degree. When Constantine was dead, Britain fell unto his Son Constantine: who upon an ambitious humour, and desire of rule, breaking into the possessions of other men, Constans, Emperor. was slain by his brother Constans. With which victory he was so puffed up, that he seized Britain, and the rest of the Provinces into his own hands, and with his brother Constantius came into this Island. And thereupon Julius Firmicus, not that pagan the ginger, but the Christian, speaketh in this wise unto them: Ye have in Winter time (a thing that never was done before, nor shall be again) subdued under your oars the swelling and raging billows of the British Ocean. The waves now of the sea, unto this time well near unknown unto us, have trembled, and the Britaines were sore afraid to see the unexpected face of the Emperor. What would ye more? the very Elements as vanquished, have given place unto your virtues. This Constans it was that called a Council to Sardica, against the Aliens: unto which there assembled three hundred Bishops, Athanasius in Apolog. 2. and among them the Bishops of Britain; who having condemned the Heretics, and established the Nicaene Creed, by their voices and judgements, approved the innocence of Athanasius. But this Prince being youthful, Magnentius called also Taporus. cast behind him all care of the Empire, and became drowned in pleasures: and thereby growing grievous to the Provincials, and nothing acceptable to his soldiers, was by Magnentius, * Comitem. captain of the jovijs and Herculij, as he hunted, beset in a town called Saint Helen's, and there killed; fulfilling thereby a prophecy, which was, That he should end his life in his grandmother's lap, of whom that town indeed took the name. This Magnentius having a Britain to his Father, but borne among the Laeti, a people in France, when he had now slain Constans, invested himself in France into the Imperial dignity, and won Britain unto him to take his part: but having been for three years together coursed by his brother Constantius, who sharply made war upon him, laid violent hands on himself: a fortunate Prince as ever any was, for seasonable temperature of the weather, for plenty of fruits, and security from dangers of Barbarians, points which are by the vulgar people reputed to make especially for the glory of Princes. But why this Magnentius should be called Taporus in an old antiquity of stone, digged up long since at Rome, let other men inquire: For thus it is read, speaking of the Obeliske, erected in the birque or shew-place. Interea Taporo Romam vastante Tyranno, Angelus Roch●. Augusti jacuit, donum studiumque locandi. Mean while that Tyrant Taporus of Rome did havoc make, * The Emperors. Augustus' gift unplaced lay, none would it undertake. At this time, the General of all the warre-forces throughout Britain, was Gratianus surnamed Funarius, the father of Valentinian the Emperor. And called he was Funarius, Gratianus Funarius. Am. Marcellinus. for that being yet but a stripling, or young springal, as he went about with a rope to sell, he gave not ground to five soldiers that did set upon him, and assayed with all their force to snatch the same from him. This Gratianus being returned to his own home, and discharged of his military oath, was fined by Constantius in the confiscation, and loss of his goods, because he was reported to have lodged Magnentius, and given him entertainment. When Magnentius was dead and gone, Britain submitted itself to the government of Constantius: Constantius. Paulus Catena. and forthwith was hither sent Paulus the Notary a Spaniard borne, one verily under a smooth countenance lying secret and close, but exceeding subtle to devise and find out all the casts and wily means to endanger men: That he might bring certain martial and military men within danger who had conspired with Magnentius, when as they could not choose nor make resistance, after he had outrageously come over them in manner of a flood he suddenly seized upon the fortunes and estates of many. Thus went he on still making spoil, Ammianus Marcellinus, lib. 14. yea, and undoing a great number, imprisoning such as were free borne, and grieving their bodies with bonds, yea, & bruising some of them with manacles, and all, by patching and piecing many crimes together laid to their charge, which were as false as might be. Whereupon was committed so wicked an act as branded the days of Constantius with a perpetual note of infamy. Martin, Vicar of Britain. There was one Martin that ruled those provinces as Vicar of Vicegerent; who grievously lamenting the miseries, and calamities of the innocent, and beseeching the said Paulus oftentimes, that the guiltless might be spared, when he saw that he could not prevail, threatened to depart, to the end, that this malicious inquisitor, and persecutor, at leastwise for fear thereof, might give over at length, to enveagle and induce into open dangers, men bred and nuzzeled in quiet peace. Paulus, supposing hereby, that his trade decayed, (as he was a vengible fellow in linking matters together, whereupon he came to be surnamed Catena, that is, a Chain) drew in the said Vicar himself, (who still maintained the defence of those whom he had tendered and spared,) to have his part in common perils: And he went very near to bring him also prisoner bound, with tribunes, and many others, before the Emperor's privy Counsel. At which extremity of mischief so imminent, he being throughly provoked, caught up a dagger, and assaulteth the same Paulus: but because his right hand failed him, so that he was not able to give him a deadly wound, he stabbed himself into the side with the said weapon drawn as it was. And so by this foul kind of death departed he this life; (a right just man) after he had assayed to stay, and delay the woeful and piteous cases of many. Which wicked parts thus committed, What torturing Instrument this Eculeus was, seen in Carolus Sigonius. De judiciis lib. 3. cap 17. Paulus, all embrued with blood, returned into the Prince's Court: bringing many with him over-laden with chains, as being men dejected, and plunged into miserable calamity, and heavy plight. At whose coming the racks were made ready: the executioner prepared drags and tortures: and of them many were proscribed, and outlawed, some banished, and other suffered punishment by sword. At length himself also under Julian being burnt quick, by the judgement of God the Revenger of such outrageous cruelty, paid most justly for his deserts. After this when as in Britain, Ammianus Marcellinus is mine Author,) upon the breach of peace, by the roads of Scots and Picts, (savage nations) the places near bordering upon them, appointed for the Frontiers, were forraied, and the provinces wearied with calamities past, that came so thick one in the neck of another, and put in frightful perplexity. Julian whom Constantius had declared to be Caesar, and colleague in the Empire, wintering about Paris, and distracted with sundry cares, feared to go and aid the provincial people beyond-sea, as we reported that Constantius beforetime had done, lest he should leave Gaul without a governor: considering withal, that the Alamans were even then also incited, and set upon cruelty and hostility; thought good therefore it was to send over into these parts, for to compose and settle all matters, one Lupicinus, * Lupicinus, Magister Armorum. Master at that time of the Armour: a warlike Knight, I assure you, and skilful in military affairs; but a man of a haughty spirit, and setting up his kickshaws aloft like horns, and withal speaking big, and (as folk say) in a tragic Key upon the stage: concerning whom, the question was a long time, whether he were more covetous than cruel. Having raised therefore an aid of light appointed men, to wit, the Heruleans, Batavians, and many companies of the * Now Bulgarians. Maesians, the foresaid General in the heart of Winter, came to Bologne: and there having gotten shipping, and embarked all his soldiers, observing a good gale of a forewind, Rhutupiae. London. arrived at Rhutupiae, a place over against Bologne, and so set forward to London: that, from thence after counsel taken, according to the quality of his business, he might hasten the sooner to give battle. Under this Constantius, who mightily favoured the Arians, their heresy crept into Britain, The heresy of Arius. wherein from the first years of the great Constantine, a sweet consent and harmony of Christ the head, and his members had continued, until such time, as that deadly and perfidious Arianism, Gildas. like to a pestiferous Serpent from the other side of the sea, casting up her venom: upon us, caused brethren dwelling together, to be disjoined piteously one from another: and thus, the way as it were, being made over the Ocean, all other cruel and fell beasts wheresoever, shaking out of their horrible mouths the mortiferous poison of every heresy, inflicted the deadly stings and wounds of their teeth upon this our country, desirous evermore to hear some novelty, but holding nought at all steadfastly. In favour of these Arians, Sulpitius Severus. Constantius summoned four hundred Bishops of the West Church, to Ariminum: for whom the Emperor, by his commandment, allowed corn and victuals. These calleth Hilarius, The Bishops of the Provinces of Britain, in an Epistle unto the Bishops. But that was thought of the Aquitanes, French, and Britain's, an unseemly thing: refusing therefore that allowance out of the Emperor's coffers, they chose rather to live at their own proper charges. Three only out of Britain for want of their own, had maintenance from the State, refusing the contribution offered unto them from the rest: reputing it more safe, and void of corruption, to charge the common treasure, than the private state of any person. After this, when Constantius was departed this world, Julianus that Apostata, who had taken upon him the title of Augustus against Constantius, first drove out Palladius, who had been master of Offices, into Britain, and sent away Alphius, who had governed Britan as Deputy Lieutenant, Julian the Emperor. Am. Marcellinus. to re-edify Jerusalem: but fearful round balls of flaming fire breaking forth near unto the foundations, skarred him from that enterprise, and many a thousand of Jews who wrestled in vain against the decree of God, were overwhelmed with the ruins. This dissolute * Or Emperor. Augustus, and in his beard only a Philosopher, feared (as hath erewhile been said) to come and aid the poor distressed Britan's: and yet from hence he carried out every year great store of corn to maintain the Roman garrisons in Germany. When Valentinian the Emperor steered the helm of the Roman Empire, Valentinian Emperor. what time as through the whole world the trumpets resounded nothing but the warlike Al, Arm, the Picts, Saxons, Scots and Attacots vexed the Britan's with continual troubles and annoyances. Fraomarius then King of the Almains was translated hither, and by commission made Tribune or Marshal over a band of the Almains, for number and power in those days highly renowned, Ammianus Marcellinus lib. 27. and 28. to repress the incursions of those barbarous nations. Nevertheless Britain was through the general conspiracy of those Barbarians afflicted and brought to extreme distress, Nectaridius Comes or Lieutenant of the maritime tract slain, and Bucholbaudes the General by an ambush of the enemies circumvented. The intelligence of which occurrences when it was brought unto Rome with great horror, the Emperor sent Severus, being even then Lord High Steward of his household, to redress what was done amiss, in case his hap had been to have seen the wished end: who being within a while after called away, jovinius went to the same parts, * This place of the text is haply corrupted. sent back Proventusides in post, minding to crave the puissant help of an army. For, they avouched than the urgent necessary occasions required so much. At the last, so many and so fearful calamities were by daily rumours reported as touching the same Island, that Theodosius was elected, and appointed to make speed thither, Theodosius. a man of approved skill in warlike affairs most fortunately achieved, who having levied and gotten unto him a courageous company of young gallants, to furnish as well Legions as cohorts, put himself in his journey, with a brave show of confidence leading the way. Picts. Scots. Attacots. At the same time the Picts divided into two nations the Dicalidones and Vecturiones, the Attacots likewise a warlike people, and the Scots, ranging in diverse parts did much mischief where they went. As for the cohorts of Gaul, the Frankners and Saxons confining upon them, broke out and made roads where ever they could either by land or sea, and what with driving booties, with firing towns, and killing poor captives, made foul work there. To stay these woeful miseries, if prosperous fortune would have given leave, this most vigorous and valiant Captain intending a voyage to the utmost bounds of the earth: when he was come to the sea side at Boulogne, which lieth divided from the opposite tract of land, by a narrow * Called the sleeve. strait ebbing and flowing, where the water is wont to swell on high with terrible tides, and again to fall down flat and lie like even plains without any harm of sailer or passenger, * Ribchester. by Sandwich, or Richborow. from thence having sailed and leisurely crossed the said sea, he arrived as Rhutupiae a quiet road and harbour over against it: From whence after that the Batavians, Heruli, jovij and Victores, (companies confident of their strength and power who followed) were come, he departed: and marching toward London, an old town, London called Augusta. which the posterity called Augusta▪ having divided his troops into sundry parts he set upon those companies of roving and robbing enemies, even when they were heavy loaden with booty and pillage. And having quickly discomfited those that drove before them their prisoners bound, and cattle, he forced them to forgo the prey, which the most miserable tributaries had lost. In the end, after full restitution made of all, save only some small parcels bestowed upon his wearied soldiers, he entered most joyfully into the city, over set before with distresses and calamities, but now suddenly refreshed; so far forth as hope of recovery, and safety might effect: and there being raised up with this lucky hand, to adventure greater exploits, and yet casting with himself projects promising security, he stayed doubtful of the future event; as having learned by the information of revolting fugitives and confession of captives, that so great a multitude of sundry nations, and a stiffnecked people of so fell and fierce a disposition, could not possibly be vanquished but by secret wiles, and sudden excursions. Finally, after proclamations published, and promises made of impunity, he summoned as well the traitorous runagates as many others that went with free passport dispersed sundry ways, to present themselves ready for service. Upon which summons given, so soon as most of them were returned, he as one pricked forward with so good a motive, and yet held back by heavy cares, Civilis. called for Civilis by name, (who was to rule Britain as Deputy,) to be sent unto him; a man of a very quick hasty nature, but a precise keeper of justice and righteousness: likewise for Dulcitius, Dulcitius. a redoubted Captain, and right skilful in feats of arms. Afterwards, having gotten heart, and courage to him, he went from Augusta, which in old time they called Londinum, well appointed with industrious, and considerate soldiers, and so brought exceeding great succour to the ruinated, and troubled estate of the Britain's, gaining before hand all places every where for his advantage to forelay the Barbarians in ambush, and giving commandment of no service to the very common soldiers, but he would himself cheerfully take the first assay thereof. In this sort performing as well the offices of an active and hardy soldier, as the careful charge of a right noble General, having discomfited and put to flight diverse nations, whom insolent pride fed with security incited, and set on fire to assail and invade the Roman Empire, he having laid the foundation of quiet peace for a long time, restored both Cities and Castles, which verily had received manifold damages, to as good a pass as ever they were at. Now there had happened whiles he achieved these exploits, an horrible act like to have bred some great danger, but that in the very first enterprise it was quenched and suppressed. There was one Valentinus of Valeria Pannonia, a man of a proud spirit, Valentine stirreth up sedition in Britain. brother to the wife of that pestilent Maximinus, first Deputy Lieutenant, & after Precedent, for some notable offence banished into Britain; who being impatient of rest like a noisome beast rose up in commotion against Theodosius, practising mischievous plots and an insurrection, upon a certain swelling pride and envy, for that he perceived him alone able to withstand his horrible designs. Howbeit, casting all about for many means both secret and apert, whiles the puffing humour of his infinite, and unsatiable desire still increased, he solicited as well the banished persons as soldiers, when he espied his opportunity, promising reward, for to allure and draw them on to some actual attempt. And now as the time drew near when these erterprises should be put in execution, and take effect, the General being advertised of all these projects, and forwarder of the twain to adventure, resolute also upon an high mind to take revenge of such as were attaint and convict, committed verily Valentinus with some few of his inward complices unto Captain Dulcitius, for to be put to death: but forecasting withal, the future events, (as he was a man in military skill surpassing all others of his time) he would not suffer any farther inquisition and examination to be had of the conspirators, for fear lest by striking a terror among so many, the tempestuous troubles of the provinces which were well appeased, might revive again. Turning himself therefore from this business to the reforming of many enormities, which of necessity were to be regarded, and having cleared all dangers (for evidently seen it was that fortune was so propitious and good unto him, as that she never forsook but sped his erterprises) he re-edified the Cities, and those garrison forts whereof we spoke; he fortified also the frontiers with standing watches and strong forefenses. Thus having recovered the province which had yielded subjection to the enemies, he so brought it to the former ancient state, that upon his own motion to have it so, Valentia. Areani. it both had a lawful governor to rule it, and afterward also was called VALENTIA, for the Princes will and pleasure. The Areans a kind of men instituted by those of ancient times (concerning whom I have related in the Acts of Constans the Emperor) fallen by little and little unto vices, he removed from their stations, as being openly convict that they were alured by great receipts, or promise at least ways of much reward, to have diverse times discovered unto the Barbarians whatsoever was done or debated among us. For, this indeed was their charge, to run to and fro by long journeys, to intimate and make known unto our Captains all stirs that the people near adjoining were about to make. Thus, after he had with very great approof exploited these acts above rehearsed, and others the like; he was sent for to the Princes-court, and leaving the Provinces in much jollity, no less honoured was he for his many and important victories, than either Furius Camillus or Papirius Cursor. And so being honourably accompanied and attended upon with the love and favour of all men as far as to the narrow seas, with a gentle gale of wind he passed over and came to the Prince's camp, where with joy and praise he was received. For these deeds of his so bravely achieved, in honour of him, there was an image set up, resembling a man of arms on horseback, as Symmachus giveth us to understand, speaking to his son Theodosius the Emperor in this wise. The author, quoth he, of your kindred and stock, Captain General sometime in Africa and Britain both, was among other ancient titles consecrated by the most honourable order with Images of Knighthood: And Claudian in his commendation with full pen wrote poetically thus; Ille Caledoniis posuit qui castra pruinis, Qui medio Libyae sub casside pertulit aestus. Terribilis Mauro, debellatorque Britanni Littoris, ac pariter Boreae vastator & Austri. Quid rigor aeternus? Caeli quid sydera prosunt? Ignotumque fretum? maduerunt Saxone fuso Orcades, incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule, Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hiberne. In frozen Caledonian fields he that encamped lay, And in his harness, Libya heats endured day by day: The black Moors eke who terrified, and conquered British coast, Who North and South subdued alike, and wasted with his host, What did the lasting cold to them and frosty climates gain, Or seas unknown? embrued all with blood of Saxons slain The Orkneis were, with Pictish blood well heated Thule was, And y●●e Ireland, Scots by heaps bewailed with Out-alas. In another place likewise of the same Prince. — Quem littus adustae Horrescit Libyae, ratibusque impervia Thule, Ille leves Mauros, nec falso nomine Pictos Edomuit, Scotumque vago mucrone secutus Fregit Hyperboreas remit audacibus undas; Et geminis fulgens utroque sub axe trophaeis Tethyos alternas refluas calcavit arenas. Of whom the scorched Libyan coast doth stand in deadly fear, And Thule, where no passage was for ships their sail to bear. The nimble Moors he 'twas that tamed, and Picts likewise subdued, The Picts, I say, by right so called: and when he had pursued The Scot with sword from place to place, the Hyperborean wave With venturous oars he broke: and so in two fold trophies brave All glittering under both the poles he marched to and fro The sands upon, where either sea by turns doth ebb and flow. And concerning him Pacatus Drepanus: What should I speak, quoth he, of the Scot, driven back again by him unto his fens and bogs? Gratianus Emperor. The Saxon consumed with battles at sea, etc. After him, Gratian took upon him the Empire, who also proclaimed Theodosius, the son of that Theodosius (of whom we have spoken already) Emperor: Whereat Maximus a Spaniard borne, Maximus the Tyrant. Zosimus. Orosius. his concurrent, and withal descended in right line from Constantinus the Great, who also had before time been General over the army in Britan, was so highly discontented, that he took upon him the purple robe: or as Orosius reporteth, was against his will by the soldiers saluted Emperor; a valiant man, virtuous, & worthy of the title of * Emperor. Augustus, but that against his allegiance, he had by way of tyranny & usurpation attained to the place. Who at the first courageously vanquished the Picts & Scots, Prosper. Tyro. that used to make many inroads into the Province: afterwards with all the flower and strength well near of British forces, arrived in the mouth of Rhine, and procured unto himself the whole puissance of the Germane armies: ordained the Royal seat of the Empire to be at * Treviris. Gregorius. Toronensis. Triers (whereupon styled he was by the name of Trevericus Imperator) & spreading, as Gildas saith, his wings the one as far as to Spain, the other into Italy, with the terror only of his name, levied tributes and pensions for soldiers pay, of the most fell and savage nations in Germany. Against whom Gratianus having led an army, after five days skirmishing, being forsaken of his own soldiers, and put to flight, sent Saint Ambrose Ambassador to treat for peace: which he obtained indeed; but the same full of treacherous guile. For, Cedrenus. Maximus suborned, and sent underhand one Andragathius, riding in a close litter or caroche, with a rumour spread abroad, that therein road the wife of Gratian. Unto which when Gratian was come for love of his wife, and had opened the said litter, forth leaps Andragathius, with his company, and slew him outright in the place. Whose body for to demand, was Ambrose sent a second time: howbeit, not admitted, because he refused to communicate with those Bishops, that sided with Maximus. Who being lifted up, and proud of those things happening to his mind, appointed his son Victor to be Caesar, dealt cruelly with Gratian'ss Captains, and settled the State in France. Zosimus. Theodosius Augustus, who governed in the East, at the requests or mandates rather of his Ambassadors, acknowledged him Emperor, and exhibited his Image unto the Alexandrines for to be seen in public place. And now having by violence, and extortion entered upon the estates of all men, with the utter undoing of the commonwealth, he fulfilled his own greedy avarice. He made the defence of Catholic Religion his pretences to colour his tyranny; Priscillian, and certain of his Sectaries convict of heretical, Priscillianists. Sulpitius Severus. and false doctrine in the Synod, or Council of Bordeaux, and appealing unto him, he condemned to death; although Martin that most holy Bishop of * Turonum. Tourain or Tours, most humbly besought to forbear shedding the blood of those poor wretches: avouching that it was sufficient to deprive such as were judged heretics, and put them out of their Churches, by the definitive sentence of Bishops: and that it was a strange and unexampled heinous deed, that a secular Judge should determine causes of the Church. And these were the first, that being executed by the civil sword, left a foul and dangerous precedent to posterity. After this he entered Italy with so great terror, that Valentinian, together with his mother, were glad to fly unto Theodosius, the cities of Italy received him, and did him all the honour that might be: but the Bononians above the rest, among whom this Inscription is yet to be seen, DD. NN. MAG. C. MAXIMO, ET FL. UICTORI, PIIS, FELICIBUS, SEMPER AUGUSTIS. * Bono Reip. B. R. NATIS. To our Great Lords, C. Maximus & Fl, Victor, Pious, Happy, Always Augusti, borne for the good of the Commonwealth. Mean while Nannius and Quintinus, Masters in military skill, unto whom Maximus had committed the infancy of his son, Sulpitius Alexander. and the custody of Gaul, gave the Frankners, who annoyed Gaul with their incursions, a mighty great overthrow, and forced them to give hostages, and deliver into their hands the Authors of the war. As for Valentinian, he earnestly besought Theodosius, to succour him despoiled of his Empire by a Tyrant, from whom for a good while, he could have none other answer, but this, Zonaras. That no marvel it is, if a seditious servant became superior to that Lord, who casteth off the true Lord indeed. For Valentinian was corrupted with Arianisme. Howbeit, wearied at length with his importunate prayers, he setteth forward in warlike manner against Maximus, who in the same time abode in Aquileia, very secure & fearless. For he had beforehand fortified the streits between the mountains with garrisons, and the havens with shipping, so that with great alacrity, and much confidence at the first he welcomed Theodosius with one battle before Syscia in Pannonia: Zosimus. & afterwards most valiantly received him with another, Sisseg. under the leading of his brother Marcellus; but in both of them he sped so badly, that he withdrew himself secretly into Aquileia, where by his own soldiers, as he dealt money among them, taken he was, and devested of his Imperial ornaments, brought before Theodosius, who immediately delivered him into the hangman's hand to be executed, after that he had now worn the purple robe five years. Whereupon Ausonius writeth thus in praise of Aquileia: Non erat iste locus: meritò tamen aucta recenti, Nona inter claras Aquileia cieberis urbes Itala ad Illyricos objecta colonia montes, Moenibus & portu celeberrima: sed magis illud Eminet, extremo quòd te sub tempore legit, Solverat exacto cui justa piacula lustro Maximus, armigeri quondam sub nomine lixae. Foelix qui tanti spectatrix laeta Triumphi, * Or, ●udisti▪ Punîsti Ansonio Rutupinum Marte Latronem. This was no place of name: but since that fresh desert gave grace, Thou Aquileia of cities fair, shalt be the ninth in place, A Colony Italian, 'gainst hills Illyrian set, For strong walls, and commodious haven right well renowned: but yet This passeth all the rest, that he his choice of thee, did make Against his latter days, who did revengement justly take Of Maximus: a base campe-Squire that sometimes known to be, Had now usurped five years past, and ruled with tyranny. Right happy thou, of Triumph such that hadst the joyful sight, Killing this Robber * British, or of Britain. Rhutupine by main Italian might. Andragathus, whose state was now most desperate, cast himself from shipboard headlong into the Sea. Victor the son of Maximus, was in France defeated, taken prisoner, and slain. But those Britan's, who took part with Maximus, as some writers do record, forcibly invaded Armorica in France, and there planted themselves. Now Theodosius presently after his victory, entered Rome with his Son Honorius in triumph, and published an Edict to this effect: No man so hardy, as to challenge or claim that honour, which the bold Tyrant had granted: but that such presumption should be condemned, and reduced to the former estate. And Valentinian, in these words; All judgements and awards whatsoever, that Maximus the most wicked and detestable Tyrant that ever was, hath given forth to be promulged and enacted, we reverse and condemn. But Saint Ambrose in his funeral Sermon of Theodosius, crieth out in these terms: That Eugenius and Maximus, by their woeful example, do testify in hell, what a heavy thing it is to bear arms against their natural Princes. To speak in a word, this victory was held to be so worthy and memorable, that the Romans from thence forward, Procopius. solemnised that day every year, as festival. There succeeded Theodosius in the West Empire his son Honorius, Honorius, Emperor. a child ten years old; over whom was ordained as Tutor and Protector Flavius Stilicho, a man passing famous for a long time, as who being an inward companion of Theodosius in all his wars and victories, and by degrees of military service, advanced unto high authority, and the Prince's affinity, in the end cloyed and glutted with prosperity, and carried away through ambition, miserably lost his life. This man surely for certain years, had a provident regard of the Empire's good estate, and defended Britain against the invasion of Picts, Scots, and Vandals. And hereof it is, that Britain speaketh thus of herself in Claudian: Me quoque vicinis pereuntem gentibus, inquit, Munivit Stilicho, totam quum Scotus Hibernem Movit, & infesto spumavit remige Thetis. Illius effectum curis, ne bella timorem Scotica, nec Pictum tremerem, ne littore toto Prospicerem dubiis venientem Saxona ventis. And me likewise at hand, quoth she, to perish, in despite Of neighbour Nations Stilicho protected against their might, What time the Scots all Ireland moved, offensive arms to take, And with the stroke of enemy's oars, the Sea much foam did make. He brought to pass, (his care was such) that I the Scotish war Should fear no more, nor dread the Picts, ne yet ken from a far, (Along the shore whiles I look still when wavering winds will turn) The Saxons coming under sail, my coasts to spoil and burn. And thus for that time Britain seemed safe enough from any danger of enemies. For in another place, that Poet writeth thus: — Domito quod Saxona, Thetis Mitior, aut fracto Secura Britannia Picto. What either seas more quiet now, that Saxons conquered are, Or Britain become secure, since Picts subdued were. And when Alaricus King of the Goths, hovered about Rome, seeking means to assault and spoil it, that Legion which in the marches kept Station against the Barbarians was called from hence, as Claudian signifieth, when he reckoneth up the aids sent for from all parts. Venit & extremis legio praetenta Britannis, Quae Scoto dat fraena truci, ferroque notatas Perlegit * Or, exangues. exanimes Picto moriente figuras. The Legion also came which did for British frontiers lie In garrison, that curbs fell Scots, and doth pursue with eye Those yron-brent marks in Picts now seen, all bloodless as they die. * Fastidius. Genadius. Chrysanthus. Niephorus. In these days flourished Fastidius a Bishop of Britain, and wrote books of divine learning, I assure you. Chrysanth●s likewise the son of Bishop Martian, who having been a Consular deputy in Italy under Theodosius, and made * Lieutenant, or Deputy. vicar of Britan, deserved that praise and admiration for his good managing of the commonweal that he was against his will installed at Constantinople Bishop of the Novatians, who having made a schism in that Church, and calling themselves * Pure. Cathari, had Bishops apart of their own and sectaries, who stoutly but impiously denied, that such as after baptism received, fell by relapse into sin, could not return again and be saved. This is that Bishop, who as we read in histories, of all Ecclesiastical revenues and profits, Tripartite History. was wont to reserve nothing for himself but two loaves of bread only on the Lord's day. When as now the Roman Empire began to decline and decay, and barbarous Nations every way made foul havoc of the provinces all over the Continent; the British arms fearing lest the flame of their neighbour's fire might flash out and catch hold likewise of them; supposing also that they stood in need of some General & Sovereign commander, to expel the Barbarians, addressed themselves to the election of Emperors. Marcus, Emperor. First therefore, they enthronised in the royal seat Marcus, and him they obeyed, as one that in these parts bore the chief sovereignty. But afterward having made him away, Gratian, Emperor. because his carriage was not answerable unto theirs, they bring forth and set up Gratian, countryman of their own: him they crowned and arrayed in the regal purple, and him they dutifully attended upon, as their Prince. Howbeit upon a mislike that they took to him also, at four months end, they deprive him of his Empire, take away his life, Constantine, Emperor. and made over the Sovereignty of State to one Constantine, a soldier of the meanest place, only because his name imported, as they thought, the osse of good luck. For they conceived assured hope, that he by the fortunate name of Constantine, would likewise constantly and fortunately govern the Empire and dispatch all enemies, like as that Constantine he Great had done, who in Britain was advanced to the Imperial dignity. This Constantine putting to sea from Britan, landed at Bologne in France, and easily induced withal the Roman forces as far as to the Alps to join with him in his war. * Valence. Valentia in France he manfully defended against the puissance of Honorius Augustus the Roman Emperor: the Rhine which long before had been neglected, he fortified with a garrison: Upon the Alps, as well * Monte Genebre, or Mont Cen●●. Cottiae and * Monte Mojore de S. Bernardo Peninae, as those toward the * Montag●●●i Carrara & Lunigiana, in the County of Tendar. maritime coasts, where ever there was any passage, he built fortresses: In Spain, under the leading and name of his son Constans, whom of a Monk he had denounced Augustus or Emperor, he warred with fortunate success: and afterwards by letters sent unto Honorius, requesting to be held excused for suffering the purple forcibly to be done upon him by the soldiers, received at his hands of free gift, the Imperial robe. Whereupon he became prouder than before, and after he had passed over the Alps intended to march directly to Rome: but hearing that Alaricus the King of the Goths (who had sided with him) was dead, he retired himself to Arles, where he planted his Imperial seat, commanded the City to be called Constantina, and ordained therein, that the assemblies for Assizes of 7. provinces should be held. His son Constans he sendeth for out of Spain, to the end that meeting together they might consult as touching the State. Who leaving the furniture of his Court and wife at * Carragoca. Caesar Augusta, and committing the charge of all matters within Spain to Gerontius, came speedily without intermission of journey to his father. When they had met together, after many days, Constantinus seeing no fear of any danger from Italy, gave himself wholly to gluttony and belli-cheere, and so adviseth his son to return into Spain. But when he had sent his forces to march before, whiles he abode still with his father, news came out of Spain, that Maximus one of his vassals and followers was by Gerontius set up and advanced to the Empire; and having about him a strong power and retinue of barbarous nations prepared to come against them. Whereat they being affrighted, Constans and Decimius Rusticus, who of the Master of Offices was now become the Perfect, having dispatched Edobeccus before unto the Germane Nations, together with the Frankners, Almans & all the military forces, went into France, intending out of hand to return unto Constantinus. But as for Constans, Gerontius intercepted him by the way at Vienna in France, and killed him: Constantine himself he besieged within Arles: to raise this siege and to assail him in hostile manner, when one Constantius sent from Honorius made haste with an army, Gerontius fearfully fled: whereupon his soldiers for anger and indignation beset his house round about, and drove him to those hard streits, that first he cut off Alanus his most trusty friends head, than he laid violent hands upon Nunnichia the said Alanus wife, who earnestly desired to die with her husband; Nicephorus. Callistus. and last of all perished himself. Constantinus being very straight shut up, and withal utterly dejected and cast down with the unfortunate fight of Edobeccus, after he had been beleaguered four months, and reigned likewise four years, laid away his purple habit, entered into a Church, and took the orders of priesthood, and soon after, having surrendered Arles, was led captive into Italy, and there beheaded, together with a son of his, whom he had named * As one would say, Heir apparent. Nobilissimus, and a brother called Sebastian. From that time returned Britain, under the Empire of Honorius, and was refreshed a while, through the wisdom and prowess of Victorinus, who then ruled the Province, and repressed the outroades of Picts and Scots. In commendation of whom, Victorinus Rector or Ruler of Britain. in Rutilius Claudius, are these verses extant, answerable in worth to the Author. Conscius Oceanus virtutum, conscia Thule, Et quaecunque ferox arva Britannus arat. Quà Praefectorum vicibus frenata potestas Perpetuum magni foenus amoris habet. Extremum pars illa quidem discessit in orbem, Sed tanquam medio rector in orb fuit. Plus palmae est illos inter vol●isse placere, Inter quos minor est displicuisse pudor. The Ocean main his virtues knows, and Thule witness will, And all the fertile fields likewise, that Britan's fierce do till. Where ever Rulers power by turns successive bridled is, Of much good love continual increase he doth not miss. That part indeed divided was from all the world beside, And yet as if in mids thereof it were, he did it guide. The greater prize and praise it is to seek there for to please, Where to control less fear it were, less bashment to displease. When Rome was forced by Alarîcus, Honorius calleth Victorinus home with his army: and forthwith the Britan's took arms, and engaging themselves into danger for the safety of themselves, freed their own cities and States from the barbarous people, that waited all opportunities to annoy them. Semblably, that whole maritime tract of * Bretagne, little Britain, or Llydaw. Armorica, and the rest of the Gaulois Provinces, accompanied the Britan's, and in like manner delivered themselves, casting out the Roman Precedents, and setting up a certain proper commonwealth at their own pleasure. This revolt and rebellion of Britain, Zosimus. together with the French Provinces happened in the time that Constantine usurped the Kingdom, considering that the Barbarians, taking advantage of his negligence in government, boldly, and without restraint overcame those Provinces. Howbeit within a while after, the States of Britan importuned Honorius for succour: whom he without sending any aid at all, advised by his Letters to stand upon their own guard, & look to themselves. The Britan's upon the receipt of Honorius Letters, were stirred up, and put themselves in arms to defend their own cities: but being not able to match the Barbarians that came upon them so on every side, they besought Honorius what they could, Histor. Miscel. and obtained at his hands, that a Legion should be sent to their rescue and succour. Which being come over hither, defeated and overthrew a great number of the enemies, chased the rest out of the marches of the Province, and took order for a wall or rampire of turf to be made, from the Eirth of Edinburgh, unto Cluid, which stood them in small or no stead. For by occasion that the said Legion was called back to the defence of France, the barbarous enemies return, break down with ease the frontier bounds, and in all kind of outrage and cruelty in every place carry, harry, and make havoc of all. Then were dispatched a second time in lamentable sort Ambassadors, with their garments rend, and heads covered with sand (mark the manner of it) for to crave aid of the Romans: unto whom, by the commandment of Valentinian the Third, were appointed certain regiments of soldiers, Gallio Ravennas. conducted by Gallio of Ravenna, which most valiantly vanquished the Barbarians, and in some sort gave comfort to the poor distressed and afflicted Province. They made a wall directly by a strait line, Gildas. and that of stone (not as the other) at the public charges of the State, and with private men's purses together, joining with them the miserable Inhabitants, after the wont manner of building, to wit, traversing along the land * Between the mouth of Tine and Elen. from one Sea to another, between those cities which haply were placed there for fear of enemies; to the fearful people they gave good instructions, and exhortations to play the men, and left unto them patterns, showing them how to make armour and weapons. Upon the coast also of the Ocean, in the tract of the South country, what way they had ships (because even from that side also they stood in fear of those barbarous and savage beasts) they planted turrets, and bulwarks with convenient spaces distant one from another, yielding far and fair prospect into the sea: and so the Romans gave them a final farewell, never to return again. Now was the State every where in a most woeful and piteous plight to see unto: to see the Empire drooping with extreme age, lay along maimed, dismembered, and as it were, benumbed in all the limbs and parts thereof: the Church likewise most grievously assailed by Heretics (who amid the burning broils of war, cast and spread their venom all abroad. Among whom Pelagius borne in this Island, taught here, Sigebert 〈◊〉 to the prejudice of God's mere grace, That we might attain to perfect righteousness by our own works. One Timothy also, impiously disputed among the Britain's, Anno 428. against the divine and humane nature both, in Christ. Now also was the Roman Empire in Britain, come to her full and final period, to wit, the four hundreth, seventy, and sixth year after Caesar's first entry: The English-Saxon-Chronicle. what time, in the reign of Valentinian the Third, the Romans having transported their forces with the foresaid Gallion, for the defence of France, and buried their treasure within the ground, left Britain bereft of her youth, wasted with so many musters and levies, despoiled of all succour and defence of garrison, unto the cruel rage of Picts and Scots. Hence it is, that Prosper Aquitanus wrote thus, and that right truly: At this time, by reason of the Romans weakness, the strength of Britain was utterly spent, and brought to nought. And our Historiographer of Malmesburie: When the Tyrants had left none in the country, but half Barbarians; none in the cities and towns, but such as wholly gave themselves to belly-cheer: Britain destitute of all protection by her vigorous young men, bereft of all exercise and practise of good arts, became exposed, for a long time, to the greedy, and gaping jaws of Nations confining upon her. For, straightways, by the incursions of Scots and Picts, many a man was slain, villages burnt, cities undermined and subverted, and throughout all laid waist with fire and sword. The Islanders in great trouble and perplexity, thinking all other means safer, than trial by battle; partly betook them to their heels, and for their safety fled unto the mountaine-Countrey: partly, after they had buried their treasure within the ground, whereof much is digged up in these days, * Yei called Gaul. purposed to go to Rome for to crave aid. But as Nicephorus truly wrote, Valentinian the Third, was not only unable to recover Britain, Spain, and France, provinces plucked away from his Empire already, but also lost Africa beside. Not without just cause therefore Gildas in this age cried out thus: Britain was despoiled of all her armed men, her military forces, her Rulers (cruel though they were,) and of a mighty number of her stout and courageous youths. For, besides those whom that Usurper Maximus, and the last Constantine led away with them, it appeareth evidently by antic Inscriptions, and the book named Notitia Provinciarum, that these companies underwritten served the Romans in war, here and there dispersed over their Provinces, which also were from time to time evermore supplied out of Britain. Ala Britannica Milliaria. Ala IIII Britonum in Aegypto. Cohors Prima Aeliae Britonum. Cohors III. Britonum. Cohors VII. Britonum. Cohors XXVI. Britonum in Armenia. Britanniciani sub Magistro peditum. Invicti juniores Britanniciani inter auxilia Palatina. Exculcatores jun. Britan. Britoneses cum Magistro Equitum Galliarum, Invicti juniores Britones intra Hispanias. Britoneses Seniores in Illyrico. Hereupon, no marvel it is, if Britain exhausted daily with so many, and so great levies of soldiers, lay exposed unto the Barbarians, and hereby proveth that sentence of Tacitus true; There is no strength in the Roman armies, but it is of foreign strangers. In writing of these matters, concerning the Romans government in Britain, which continued (as I said) CCCCLXXVI. years, or much there about, whiles I consider and think otherwhiles with myself, how many Colonies of Romans were in so long a time brought hither, how many soldiers continually transported over hither from Rome to lie in garrison, How the Britan's are descended from the Trojans. how many sent hither to negotiate either their own business, or the affairs of the Empire, who joining in marriage with Britan's, both planted themselves, and also begat children here (For, Wheresoever the Roman winneth, saith Seneca, there he woneth, and inhabiteth:) I enter oft times into this cogitation, That Britan's may more truly engraff themselves into the Trojans stock, by these Romans, who are descended from Trojans, than either the * The people of Auvergne in France. Arverni, who drawing their descent, from * Trojan. Ilian blood, have named themselves, the Romans brethren; or the Mamertines, * Burgundians. Hedui, and the rest, who grounding upon a fabulous original, have fathered themselves upon the Trojans. For Rome, that common Mother (as he saith) called those her Citizens, Quos domuit, nexuque pio longinqua revinxit: Whom she subdued, and by a gracious knot, United people far dissite and remote. And meet it is we should believe, that the Britan's and Romans in so many ages, by a blessed and joyful mutual engraffing, Tacit. Histor. lib. 4. as it were, have grown into one stock and nation: seeing, that the * Those of Colein, and thereabout. Ubij in Germany within 28. years after that a Colony was planted, where now Colein is, made answer as touching the Roman Inhabitants there, in this wise: This is the natural Country, as well to those that being conveied hither in times past, are conjoined with us by marriages, as to their offspring. Neither can we think you so unreasonable, as to wish us for to kill our parents, brethren, and children. If the Ubij and Romans in so small a time became parents, brethren, and children one to another, Ammian. Marcellin. sib. 28. what should we judge of Britan's and Romans linked and conjoined so many years together? What also may we say of the Burgundians, who for that they mingled their blood with the Romans, whiles they held for a small time the Romans Provinces, called themselves a Roman offspring: not to rehearse again what I have said before, That this Island hath been named Romania, and Insulae Romana, that is, The Roman Isle. Thus much have I set down summarily, and in compendious manner gathered out of the ancient monuments of Antiquity, rejecting all fabulous fictions, as touching the Romans Regiment in Britain, their Lieutenants, Propretours, Precedents, * Deputies. Vicars, and * Regent's. Rectors. But more exactly and fully, [might I have done it] if Ausonius had performed his promise, and that come unto our hands: who said, he would reckon up such, as Aut Italûm populos Aquilonigenasque Britannos Praefecturarum titulo tenuere secundo. That ruled Nations Italike, and North-bred Britan's all, Entitled with happy style, Lieutenant's General. But seeing it is agreed upon among all learned men, that there ariseth very much light to the illustration of ancient Histories, out of ancient Coins, I have thought good in this place to exhibit unto the Reader certain pieces of money, as well of those Britain's, who first came under subjection of the Romans, as of Roman Emperors; such especially as appurtaine to Britain, and those out of the Cabinet of the right Worshipful Sir Robert Cotton of Conington Knight, who hath from all places with curious and chargeable search, gotten them together, and of his courtesy with heart and good will, imparted the same unto me. CONIECTURES AS TOVching the British Coins. TO the Britan's Coins, the portracts whereof I have here showed, you look haply, that I should adjoin some brief notes also. But what to adjoin of such things as the revolution of so many ages past, hath altogether overcast with darkness, to profess plainly, I see not: and yourself, when you shall read these slender guesses of mine, will avouch with me, that I walk in a mirke and misty night of ignorance. That the old Britan's used brass money, or rings, or else plates of iron tried to a certain just weight, I have declared already before, out of Caesar: and there be, who aver, that they have seen some of these found in little pitchers. Besides these, found there are otherwhiles in this Island, pieces of gold, silver, and brass of sundry fashions, and as different in poise: all for the most part of the one side hollow: some without letters, others with express Inscriptions of letters; of which sort, I could never here that any have been digged up elsewhere, until such time as Nicolaus Fabricius Pierescius, a right noble young Gentleman of Provance in France, one for such antiquities, & old Medals or pieces of money, passing skilful, and of judicious insight, very lately had showed me the like found in France. But to come unto these of ours, which I have here proposed. The first, is a coin of Cunobelinus, who flourished in the days of Augustus and Tiberius: wherein, if I deceive not myself, are engraven the heads of two-faced janus: peradventure, because even at that time Britain began to cast off, and leave their barbarous rudeness. For we read, how janus was the first, that changed barbarous manners into civil behaviour, and therefore was depainted with two foreheads, to signify, that he had of one shape made another. The second also is Cunobelinus Coin, showing his face, and Inscription [of the one side] and the Coiner or Mintmaster on the other, with this word TASCIA set to it, TASCIA. which word among the Britan's, betokeneth a Tribute penny, as Master David powel, a man most skilful in the British language hath informed me: and is derived perhaps of the Latin, Taxatio. For, the Britan's acknowledge not X. for their letter. And by the same reason the Inscription of MONETA, is seen oft times in pieces of Roman money. In like manner, the third is a Coin of the same Cunobelinus, with an horse and CUNO. with a corn ear also, and CAMV, (as it should seem) for Camalodunum, See in Essex. which was the Royal city and seat of Cunobelinus. The fourth with VER, See in Hartford-shire. may be thought a coin of the Verlamians. The fifth again, is one of Cunobelinus his pieces. The sixth, because it giveth no light by letters, I wot not what to make of it. The seventh, a Coin of Cunobelinus, having this Inscription, TASC. NOVANEL, with a woman's head; whether it should imply a tribute piece of the Trinovants, over whom he was ruler, I cannot avow on the other side, Apollo with his Harp, and Cunobelin putteth me in remembrance of that, which elsewhere I have observed as concerning the God Belinus: God Belinus. namely, that the * Ancient Inhabitants of France. Gauls in old time worshipped Apollo under the name of Belinus: which Dioscorides also doth confirm, writing in plain & express terms, that the herb * Henbane. Apollinaris, with the juce whereof the Gauls were wont to anoint their arrows, is in the Gauls tongue, called Belinuntia. So that, upon this I may be bold in some sort to conject, that the name of Cunobelinus, as also of Cassibelinus, is drawn from the worship of Apollo, like as the names of Phoebitius and Delphidius. If not rather, like as Apollo for his bush of yellow hair, is named in Greek, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin, Flavus, that is, yellow: so likewise among the Britan's, and Gauls, Belin. For that which is yellow, in * Welch. British speech they call, Melin, Belin, and Felin: and for the same cause, that ancient Belinus, Cunobelinus, and Cassibelinus, who also goeth under the name of Cassivelaunus, may seem to be so named, Cuno. as one would say, Yellow Princes. For that Cuno is a name of dignity, the * Welshmen. Britan's confess, and a thing which is especial and principal, they term at this day, Cynoc. Certes, it hath been a name of honour, Cungetorix, Cunobelinus, Cuneglasus, * Vitrei coloris. Cuneda, and Cunedagius, Princes names among the Britan's; like as Cyngetorix, Convictolitanus, and Conetodunus, among the ancient Gauls, do after a sort make good and declare. Neither am I ignorant that Gildas hath translated Cuneglasus, in Latin, Lanionemfulvum vel furvum, that is, A Lion tawny, or dark hued Butcher: whom others have interpreted, Principem Caeruleum, sive vitrei coloris, that is, A Prince blew, or of a bluish, or woad-colour: like as Cuneda, Principem bonum, that is, A good Prince. That the Germans Koning, and our King, came from Cuno, I dare not yet suppose. Let it suffice, by these my sundry guesses, to have thus dallied, lest I lay open myself to the scorn of others. The eighth, with a chariot horse, and a wheel or shield underneath, having in the reverse BODVO; may seem to be a Coin of the Nation called * Or Dabuni, Glocestershire, and Oxford-shire. Boduni: or else of the Queen Bodicia, who is diversely named Voadicia, and Bunduica. The ninth, wherein is represented an horseman, with spear and shield, and these letters in scattering wise, CAERATIC. I would deem to be a Coin of that warlike Prince Caratacus, whose praises Tacitus highly extolleth. The tenth, upon the one side whereof, Of Arras. under an horseman, is the Inscription REX, and on the other COM, both I and some others are pleased with this conceit, that it was a coin of Connius * Or Gallena, that is, Wallengford. Attrebatensis whom Caesar mentioneth. The eleventh, which doth represent a little half moon with this Inscription, REX CALLE, is not much unlike the name of that most famous and frequented City, Callena. The twelfth hath a winged head with this word ATEULA: and in the reverse a Lion, and this Inscription, VLATOS. What the meaning might be of these words, I seek and seek, but in vain. Indeed by this very same portraiture and image, I have seen upon pieces of Roman money the Goddess Victory expressed. But, that Victory should be in the British tongue called Ateula, Victoria. Andate. I never yet could find. Marry, that they named Victory, Andata, I have out of Dio reported already: and whether the same were Andrata, worshipped of the * Those of the County of Beaufort. Vocontij in Gaul, let some other say, for I dare not. Here also may you behold the thirteenth, * In Octagono. with this word DIAS, in an eight-angled figure, & an horse on the contrary side: the fourteenth with a swine, and these letters VANOC, the head also of a goddess, haply Venus; or else Venutius whom Tacitus speaketh of. The fifteenth, with an head and helmet upon it, and this Inscription, DURNACO: * People of Anjou or Angiers. and whether that were Dumnacus a Prince of the Andes whom Caesar doth mention, I wot not. The sixteenth with an horse, & this word ORCETI. The seventeenth with the image of Augustus and TASCIA; & on the reverse a bull boaking with his horns: The eighteenth, with CUNO within a laurel garland: and upon the back part an horse, with the Inscription TASCE. We have seen beside one other coin with the flying horse Pegasus, and CAMV: on the back part whereof, the form of a man with an helmet and shield, within standing corn, and CUNO: another, with an horse ill favouredly portrayed, and EISV, peradventure for ISURII, and on the back side, an ear of corn: also another with a soldier carrying a spear, and on the other side, within a wreath or chein, SOLIDV. That it should be the piece of money called Solidus, I do not believe; because the said piece was in that age always of gold, whereas this was of silver. More probable it is, that it should have a reference to Solidurij. Solidurij. Caesar Comment. For so the ancient French named men devoted to die in behalf of others: Whose condition was this, that look unto whose friendship they had betaken themselves, they should together with them enjoy all the comforts and commodities of this life. If any violent accident happened unto them, they were either to sustain the same chance together with them, or else to kill themselves: neither hath ever any one of them been found, who after the party was slain, unto whose friendship he had devoted himself, Soldiers. would refuse to die. Now whether from these, those soldiers took their name, who being sworn pensioners to any one Prince or State, take a certain pension, and with most nations of Europe carry almost the very same name, to wit Soldiers, Soldates, Soldadoes, etc. I had rather others should think than myself determine: although for mine own part, I would more willingly subscribe to this opinion, that in these later and more modern times, they were termed Solidarij, for distinction sake, for those, who served in the wars in regard of their tenours, without pay of money. Whether all these kinds of coin went commonly currant as money, from one to another and in ordinary traffic and exchange, or were stamped at the first apart, for some special use and purpose, is a question debated among the learned. But in few words, take here my conjecture, if I may be so bold to interpose the same. Considering that Caesar had appointed what Custom or Impost the Britan's should pay yearly, and whereas under Augustus they endured those payments for portage, or toll, as well in carrying forth as bringing in commodities: by little and little other tributes also were imposed upon them: Strabo. to wit, for * Sativis. Corne-grounds, Plant-plots, Groves or Parks, Pasturage of greater and smaller beasts: as being subdued now to obey as subjects, and not to serve as slaves: I have been of opinion, that those pieces of money were stamped at first for that use; namely, for greater beasts, with an horse; for smaller with a swine; for woods with a tree; for Appian. corne-fields with an ear of corn: as in that piece of the Verlamians, which carrieth the Inscription VERV. As for those with the head of a man or woman, they may seem stamped for the Tribute * Pol-silver. Capitatio, which was personal and imposed upon the poll or person of every one: of women from the twelfth, of men, from the fourteenth year of their age. Which imposition Bunduica or Bodicia a Queen of the Britan's complaineth of unto her people in these words; Ye do both graze and also plough for the Romans, yea, ye pay an yearly tribute in respect of your very bodies. For this purpose I have thought there was in old time one certain kind of money stamped, seeing that in the scripture it is plainly called Numisma Census, Numisma Census. and Hesichius expoundeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Census, is a kind of personal money paid for every poll. And the more steadfastly believe I this, for that in some there is expressed the Mintmaster marking money with TASCIA, which among the Britan's betokeneth a Tribute-Denier. Howbeit I deny not, but that afterwards these passed promiscuously as money from one to another. Neither am I yet of the same mind with those, that would have the Swine, the Horse, the Corn ear, janus, etc. to have been the peculiar badges of nations, families, or Princes: considering, we may see in these, that one and the same Prince and nation used sundry badges, as Cunobelinus, who stamped in his money a swine, an horse, a corn ear, and other things. Now, whether these tribute pieces were coined by the Romans, or the Provincial people, or their Kings, seeing that the whole world was taxed by Augustus, I may not easily affirm. Conjecture I may that they were stamped by the British Kings, considering that Britain from the time of julius Caesar unto Claudius' days, used their own laws, and was committed to the government of their own Kings, as Dio writeth: and withal, seeing that they represent the images and titles of British Princes. For, the Romans by a received custom had Kings in their Provinces as instruments to bring the people into servitude▪ who being now become, as it were, the Romans fellows and associates, by little & little were framed, (a thing usual with persons conquered) to their fashions, & so, as it seemeth, began after the Roman manner both to stamp money at a certain poise, and also to imprint a name upon the pieces. But chose in jury, as may be collected by the answer of Christ, marked they were with Caesar's face and superscription, and that in all likelihood by the Romans themselves. Which Cardinal Baronius a painful Ecclesiastical Historian, showeth in these words: The manner, saith he, among the Romans was, that money should be coined by the Emperors, in regard of Tribute or Tax, and not to remain always the same, and after one sort, but according to the rise and fall of the said tributes, differ from other pieces of usual money in this point, for that the value of these ordinary pieces is always one and the same, but those of Tax or tribute, ever as the quality of Tribute changed, were made proportionable to the said tribute. But diverse learned men accord not in this point with Baronius. NOTES UPON THE ROMAN COINS. THE first Roman Emperor after [julius] Caesar, that earnestly set his mind upon the conquest of Britain, was Claudius: and he having put over sea hither with an army, brought the Southpart thereof into the form of a Province: At which very time, this first piece of money may seem to be stamped, which carrieth this abbreviated Inscription, TI CLAUD. CAES. AUG. P. M. TR. P. VIIII. IMP, XVI. that is to say, Tiberius Claudius Caesar, Dio. Cassius. Augustus Pontifex Maximus, that is, High Priest, Tribunitia potestate IX. that is, In Tribunes authority the ninth time, Imperator XVI. that is, sixteen times Imperator. But to explain these titles once for all, ye shall understand, That after julius Caesar, who laid the foundation of the Roman Monarchy, and Octavius who was honoured with the name of Augustus, all their successors in honour of them would be called Caesares, and Augusti, as though they far surpassed the nature of men. For such things as be of sacred Majesty, are named Augustae: also, termed they were Pontifices Maximi, or High Priests, for that they were consecrated in all kinds of Priesthood, and overseers of all Sacrifices and religious ceremonies. They usurped likewise the Tribunitian power and authority (for Tribunes in no wise would they be termed) to the end, that they might have protection thereby and be inviolable. For, being once invested in this authority, if any man either gave cursed language or offered violence unto them, he might without process of condemnation be killed as a sacrilegious person: and this Tribunitian power they renewed every year, and thereby were reckoned the years of their Empire. Last of all they were styled, Imperatores, because their command and rule was most large, & under that name the power of Kings and Dictator's was contained. Now, they were entitled, Imperatores, so oft as they had achieved any worthy exploit in battle, either in their own persons, or by their Captains. But whereas in the reverse of this piece of money, there is to be seen a triumphal Arch, with the portrait of an horseman between two trophies, and this title, DE BRITAN. I would judge, that thereby is meant a twofold victory obtained, in the ninth year of Claudius his Empire, according to the number, that showeth his Tribunitian authority renewed. In the second piece, which also is a coin of Claudius * The Emperor. Augustus, out of this Inscription, TI. CLAUD. CAES. AUG. GER. TR. P. XII. IMP. XIIX. we are taught, that in the twelfth year of his reign, he, for a victory won in Britan was with joyful acclamations saluted, Imperator, the eighteenth time: and at the same instant that the Colony Camalodunum was thither brought, which is signified expressly by an * Or Ploughman. husbandman imprinted upon it, with a Cow and a Bull. The Romans (saith Servius) when they were about to found and build cities, being girt and clad after the Gabine fashion, that is to say, with one part of their gown covering the head, and the other tucked up, yoked on the right hand, a Bull, and within forth a Cow, and held the crooked plough tail bending inward, so as all the clods of the earth might fall inward. And thus having made a furrow, they did set out the places for walls, holding up the plough fro the ground, where the gates should be. The Son of Claudius, whose piece of coin the third is with Greek Characters, was by virtue of an act of Senate, adorned with the surname of BRITANNICUS, in regard of his father's fortunate wars, that he might use the same as his own proper addition. He it was, for whom Seneca prayed in this wise, That he might appease Germany, make way into Britain, and solemnize both his Father's triumphs, and also new [of his own.] But what should be the meaning of an half ship in this coin, with this Inscription, Metropolis Etiminij Regis? Certes, I cannot for certain affirm who that Etiminius was, unless a man list to imagine him to have been the very same Adiminius, King Cunobelinus son, of whom Suetonius reporteth, That he ran away unto C. Caligula. That which you see in the fourth place, is a piece of Hadrians money, with this writing upon it, HADRIANUS AUG. CONSUL III. PATER PATRIAE. And in the other side, EXERCITUS BRITANNICUS, that is, The Army in Britain represented by three soldiers. I would deem, that it betokened the three Legions, to wit, Secunda Augusta, Sexta victrix, and Vicessima Victrix, which served in Britain, Anno Christi 120. For than was he Consul the third time. The fifth and sixth, which are the coins of Antoninus Pius, carrying this Inscription, Antoninus Pius, Pater Patriae, Tribunitia potestate, Consul tertiùm: and in their reverse, the one having Britain sitting upon rocks with a military Ensign, a spear and a shield; the other, the self same Britain, sitting upon a globe; seem to have been stamped by the Province Britain, in honour of Antoninus Pius, when he began his Empire in the year of Christ 140. As for that military habit of the Province Britan, it signifieth, That Britan in those days flourished in glory of martial prowess: like as that piece of money, which at the same time Italy stamped for the honour of him, hath such another figure sitting upon a globe, with Cornucopia, betokening plenty of all things: that also which Sieilie coined, hath the like figure with an ear of corn, in token of fruitfulness: semblably that which Mauritania stamped hath a portrait or personage, holding two spears with an horse, to show the glory of that Province in good horsemanship and chivalry. Hitherto also is to be referred the ninth, which is a piece of the same Antoninus, but not set in his due place. The seventh piece of money, stamped by Commodus, showeth no more, but that he for a victory against the Britan's, assumed into his style the name of BRITANNICUS: for in the other side thereof is to be seen, Victory, with a branch of the Date-tree, holding a shield, and sitting upon the shield of the Britan's vanquished, with this inscription, VICTORIA BRITANNICA. The eighth, which is a coin of Caracalla, and set here not in the right place, more expressly showeth by the numeral figures, that he vanquished his enemies in Britain, in the year of our Salvation, 214. as also by the Trophy, which Virgil better than any engraver, portrayed in these verses, Ingentem quercum decisis undique ramis Constituit tumulo, fulgentiá que induit arma Mezenti ducis exuvias, tibi magne trophaeum Bellipotens: aptat roranteis sanguine cristas, Teláque trunca viri. A mighty Oak, the boughs whereof were shred from every side, Upon an hill he pight, whereon he goodly armour tide Duke Mezence spoils, a trophy brave, o mighty Mars, to thee, And fits thereto his crests which yet with gore blood dropping be, The truncheons of that Knight also— The same is to be thought of the twelfth, which also is one of the same Caracallaes'. But in those of Severus and Geta, there is none obscurity at all. Who this Aebianus was, I am not yet fully resolved. Some reckon him to be A. Pomponius Aelianus, one of the 30. * Or Usurpers. Tyrants. Others will him to be Cl. Aelianus, one of the six Tyrants under Dioclesian. There are also that think he was the very same * Or Usurper. Tyrant in Britain, under the Emperor Probus, of whom Zosimus made mention, but suppressed his name, and of whom I have written before. Surely, in what time soever he lived, we suppose that in Britain he was named Augustus, considering his pieces of money be found in this Island only, Others read Laelianus. carrying this Inscription, IMPERATOR CL. AELIANUS PIUS FOELIX AUGUSTUS. In the reverse, there is to be read, VICTORIA AUGUSTI, which betokeneth, that he subdued some Barbarians. The coin of Carausius, with this Inscription, Imperator Caius Carausius Pius Foelix Augustus, and in the backside thereof, PAX AUGUSTI, seemeth to have been stamped at the very time when he had quieted the British Sea, which by reason of rovers was so dangerous. When alectus, who made away Carausius, had put on the Imperial purple, and fought manfully against the Barbarians, he stamped this piece with VIRTUS AUGUSTI. As for the Letters Q. L. some would have them to signify a * A kind of coin. Quartarius, stamped at London; others, The Quaestor, that is, Treasurer of London. When as Constantius Chlorus, being departed this life at York, was now solemnly consecrated, and after the Pagan manner deified, in honour and memorial of him was this piece of money stamped: which appeareth evidently by the Inscription, and a Temple between two Eagles. these letters underneath P. LON. do plainly imply Pecuniam Londini, that is, that the said money was stamped at London. His wife Flavia Helena, a British Lady borne, as our histories report, and as that most excellent Historiographer Baronius doth confirm, what time as her Son Constantius Maximus had discomfited the Tyrant Maxentius, and received these Titles, Fundator quietis, that is, The founder of quietness: and Liberator Orbis, that is, The Deliverer of the world, having procured security to the State and commonweal, had this piece stamped in honour of him at Triers, as appeareth by the Letters S. TR. that is, * Treveris. Signata Treviris, that is to say, coined at Triers. Flavius Canstantinus Maximus Augustus, the great ornament of Britain, stamped this coin at Constantinople, as we are taught by these characters underneath, CONS. with this, GLORIA EXERCITUS, that is, The glory of the Army, to curry favour with the soldiers, in whose choice in those days, and not at the dispose of the Emperor, was the sovereign rule and government. Constantinus the younger, Son of that Constantinus Maximus, unto whom with other countries the Province Britain befell; stamped this piece while his Father lived. For he is called only Nobilis Caesar, a title that was wont to be given to the Heirs apparent, or elect Successors of the Empire. By the edifice thereon, and these words, PROVIDENTIAE CAESS. we understand, that he together with his brother, built some public work, like as by these letters P. LON. that this piece of money was coined at London. This coin carrying the Inscription, Dominus noster Magnentius Pius Foelix Augustus, may seem to have been stamped by Magnentius, who had a Britain to his father: as also to win the favour of Constantius, after he had put to flight some public enemy. For, these Characters DD. NN. AUGG. that is, Our LORDS AUGUSTI, do argue there were then two Augusti, or Emperors. And as for that Inscription, VOTIS V. MULTIS X. it betokeneth, that the people at that time did nuncupate their vows in these terms, That the Emperor might flourish 5. years, and by dupling the said number of 5. with lucky acclamations prayed for many 10. years. And hereto acordeth that speech in the Panegyric oration of Nazarus, as followeth: The * Solemnised every fifth year. Quinquennall feasts and solemnities of the most blessed and happy Caesars, hold us wholly possessed with joys; but in the appointed revolutions of ten years, our hastening vows and swift hopes have now rested. The letters P. AR. do show that this denier was stamped at * Arles. Arelate. Constantius having defeated Magnentius, and recovered Britain, in honour of his army, caused this to be stamped. The letter R. in the basis thereof importeth haply, that it came out of the mint which was at Rome. In honour of Valentinian, when he had set upright again the state of Britain which was falling to ruin, and called that part of it by him thus recovered after his own name Valentia, this piece was coined at Antiochia, as may be gathered out of the small letters underneath. Unto the Denier of Gratianus, I can think of nothing to say more, save only that which erewhile I noted upon that of Magnentius. What time as Magnus Maximus was by the British army created Augustus, and his son likewise Flavius Victor named Caesar, to grace and glorify the soldiers were these pieces coined: and Theodosius having subdued and made them away, for the very same cause, stamped that with this, VIRTUTE EXERCITUS. Upon that golden piece of Honorius, I have nothing to observe, but that by this Inscription, AUGGG. there were at the same time three * Emperors. Augusti: namely after the year of Grace 420. when as Honorius ruled as Emperor in the west, Theodosius the younger in the East, and with them Constantius, by Honorius nominated Augustus, who had vanquished our Constantine, elected in hope of that fortunate name. As for that Inscription CONOB, it signifieth, that it was fine and pure gold, stamped at Constantinople. For that same CONOB, is no where read, so far as ever I could hitherto observe, but in pieces of Gold, for CONSTANTINOPOLI OBRIZUM. I could annex hereunto many more pieces of Roman money, for infinite store of them is every where found among us in the ruins of cities and towns subverted, D. 1. c. de auri pub. proscent L. 12. 13. C. The de suscept. praepos. in treasure coffers, or vaults hidden in that age, as also in funerall-pots and pitchers. And how it came to pass, that there should remain still so great plenty of them, I much marvelled, until I had read in the Constitutions of Princes, that it was forbidden to melt such ancient coins. Having now already represented these antic pieces, as well of British as Roman money in their own forms, I think it also profitable for the Reader to insert in this very place a chorographical table or map of Britain, (seeing it hath sometime been a Province of the Romans) with the ancient names of places▪ and although the same be not exact and absolute, (for who is able to perform that?) yet thereby a man may learn thus much, if nothing else, that in this round Globe of the earth, there is daily some change: new foundations of towns and cities are laid; new names of people and nations arise, and the former utterly be abolished: and, as that Poet said, Non indignemur mortalia corpora solvi, Cernimus exemplis oppida posse mori. Why fret should we that mortal men to death do subject lie? Examples daily show that towns and cities great may die. THE DOWN-FALL OR DESTRUCTION OF BRITAIN. WHen as Britain now was abandoned of the Roman garrisons, there ensued an universal and utter confusion, full of woeful miseries and calamities, what with barbarous nations of the one side making incursions and invasions, what with the native Inhabitants raising tumultuous uproars on the other, whiles every man catcheth at the government of State. Thus, as Ninnius writeth, They lived in fear 40. years or thereabout. For, Vortigern then King, stood in great dread of the Picts and Scots: Troubled sore also he was with the violence of Romans, that remained here, and no less stood he in fear of Ambrose Aurelius or Aureleanus, who during the conflict of these tempestuous troubles, wherein his parents that had worn the Imperial purple robe, were slain, survived them. Gilda. Hereupon, the Saxons, whom Vortigern had called forth of Germany to aid him, made bloody and deadly war against those friends that invited and entertained them: insomuch as after many variable and doubtful events of war they wholly disseised the poor wretched Britain's of the more fruitful part of the Island, Saxons called forth into Britain. and their ancient native seat and habitation. But this most lamentable ruin and downfall of Britain, Gildas the Britain, who lived within a little while after, all full of tears shall with his piteous pen depaint or deplore rather unto you. As the Romans were returning, quoth he, to their own home, there show themselves avie, Carroghes. Scitick vale. out of their carroghes, wherein they passed over the * The Irish sea. Sciticke vale, and as it were, at high noon. Sun. and in fervent heat, issuing from out of most narrow holes and caves, whole swarms of duskish vermin, to wit, a number of hideous high-land Scots and Picts in flocks, This Gildas here in the Manuscript Copies of France is named Querulis as the right worthy Barnabas Brisonius hath reported unto me. for manners and conditions in some respect different; but sorting well enough in one and the same greedy desire of bloodshed: Who having intelligence that the Roman associates and Maintainers of the Britan's were returned home, with utter disclaiming and renouncing of all return, more confidently than their usual manner had been, seize into their hands all the Northern and utmost part of the land, and hold the same, (as natural inborn Inhabitants) even as far as to the wall. Against these attempts opposed there was and placed upon an high fort and castle along the wall a garrison, nothing warlike, unfit for fight, with quaking hearts and altogether unmeet for service: which warding there day and night became lazy with doing nothing. Mean while, no stay there was, but those bare naked enemies approached the forts and wall with hooked weapons and engines, wherewith the most miserable people were plucked from the walls and dashed against the hard ground. This good yet did this manner of hasting untimely death, unto those that by such means were speedily rid out of the world, in that by so quick a dispatch they escaped and avoided the woeful imminent calamities of their brethren and dear children. To be short, having abandoned their Cities and quit that high-wall, once again they took them to flight, and were dispersed anew, in more desperate manner than before time. Semblably, the enemies follow hard in chase, and hasten to make fouler havoc and more cruel butchery of them. Like therefore as Lambs by bloody butchers, so are these woeful Inhabitants quartered and mangled by their enemies: insomuch as their abode among them might well be compared to the ravening of wild and savage beasts. For not only the poor and wretched people themselves forbear not to rob one another, for their short sustenance of small food, but also those hostile outward miseries and calamities were augmented with inward tumults and troubles: in that by these and such like pillages and spoils practised so thick, the whole country was exhausted of victuals the staff and strength of life, save only the small comfort that came by hunting. In some Copies, AGITIUS, in other Equitius Cos. without any number. Whereupon the distressed remains of them send their missive letters again unto Aetius a power-able man in the Roman state, in this tune; To * AETIUS THRICE CONSUL. THE GROANS OF BRITAN'S. The Barbarians drive us back to the sea: The sea again putteth us back upon Barbarians. Thus between 'tween two kinds of death, either our throats be cut, or we are drowned: Yet obtain they no succour at all for those their distresses. Mean while in this wand'ring and declining condition of theirs, most notorious and horrible famine oppresseth them, which forced many of them without delay, to yield themselves into the hands of those cruel spoilers and robbers, that they might have some food (were it never so little) to comfort and refresh their poor hungry souls: but with others it never wrought so much, but they chose rather to withstand and rise against them continually, from out of the very mountains, caves and thick woods, full of bushes, briers and brambles. And then verily, at the first they gave sundry overthrows with much slaughter to their enemies for many years together (as they made spoil and drove away booties in the land), reposing their trust not in man, but in God: according to that saying of Philo, The help of God is at hand when man's help faileth. Thus for a while rested our enemies from their boldness; but yet our countrymen gave not over their wickedness: The enemies, I say, retired from the people, but the people did not retire themselves from their wickedness. For, an usual manner it ever was of this nation (like as it is at this day also) to show themselves feeble in repressing the enemy's forces, but strong enough to civil wars, and to undergo the burdens of sin, etc. Well then, these shameless Irish ravenours return home, minding shortly after to make repair hither again: and the Picts rested without molestation than first; and so from thenceforth, in the utmost part of the Province, yet not without wasting & harrying the country at sundry times. By means therefore of such surcease of hostility, the desolate people's sore of famine was healed up clean and skinned, but another more virulent than it, secretly bred and broke forth. For, in the time that the Island was free from hostile wasting, there happened it in so fruitful plenty and abundance of all things, as the like no age before had ever remembered: and therewith groweth evermore all manner of riot and excess. For, so mightily it increased and came to so great an head, that very fitly at the same time it might be said, Certainly it is hard, that there is such fornication, as the like is not among the Gentiles. And not this sin only was rife, but all others also that are incident to man's nature: and especially (which likewise at this very day overturneth the state of all goodness in it) the hatred of Truth, and the maintainers thereof, the love also of lies with the forgers thereof, the admitting of evil for good, the respective regard of lewdness in stead of goodness, desire of darkness in lieu of the Sun-light, and accepting of Satan for an Angel of light. King's anointed. Kings were anointed not by God, but by such as were known more cruel than the rest: and soon after, the same were murdered by their own anointers, without due examination of the truth, and others more fierce and cruel elected. Now if any one of these Kings seemed more mild than other, and somewhat better inclined to the Truth, upon him as the the subverter of Britain the hatred and spiteful darts of all men without respect were leveled and shot. No difference made they of any thing that they took displeasure at, but things weighed all in equal balance, saving that the better things indeed wrought ever discontent: in so much as, right justly the saying of the Prophet which was denounced unto that people in old time might be applied unto our country, Ye lawless and corrupt children have forsaken the Lord, and provoked unto wrath the holy one of Israel: Why should ye be smitten any more, still multiplying iniquity? Every head is sick, and every heart is heavy. From the sole of the foot unto the crown of the head there is nothing sound therein. Thus did they all things that were contrary to their safety, as if no physic or medicine had been bestowed upon the world by the true physician of all. And not only the secular or lay men did this, but also the selected flock of the Lord and the shepherds thereof, who ought to have given example to the whole people. To speak of drunkenness, numbers of them drenched, as it were, with wine, lay benumbed and senseless: possessed they were with swelling pride, and therewith stomachful, given to contentious brawls, armed with the catching claws of envy, and undiscreet in their judgement, as putting no difference between good and evil. Insomuch as, apparently (even as now a days) it seemed that contempt was poured forth upon the Princes▪ and the people were seduced by their vanities and error in by paths and not led the right way. In the mean time, when God was minded to purge his family and to recure it thus infected with so great corruption of sins, by hearsay only of tribulation, the winged flight (as one would say) of an headless rumour, pierceth the attentive ears of all men, giving notice of ancient enemies ready to arrive, and upon their coming fully minded to destroy them utterly, and after their wont manner to possess and inhabit the country from one end to another. Yet for all this were they never the better, but like unto foolish and senseless horses, resisting the bridle of reason, and refusing to admit the bit (as they say) into their close shut mouth, leaving the way to salvation, narrow though it were, ran up and down at randum all in the broad way of all wickedness which leadeth directly and readily to death. Whiles therefore, as Solomon saith, the obstinate and stubborn servant is not amended with words, scourged he is for a fool, Pestilence. and feeleth not the whip. For lo, a pestilent contagion bringing much mortality falleth heavily upon the foolish people; which in a short space, when the enemy's sword was gone destroyed so great a multitude of them, as that the living were not able to bury the dead. Neither verily were they the better for it, that the saying of Esay the Prophet might in them also be fulfilled: And God calleth them, quoth he, to sorrow and mourning, to baldness and sackcloth; but behold, they fell to killing of calves, to slaying of rams: Lo, they went to eating and drinking, and said withal, Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die. And why? the time drew near wherein their iniquities, like as those in times passed of the Amorites, should come to the fullness. For, they fall to consult what was the best and most convenient course to be taken, for to repress so cruel, and so many invasions of the forenamed nations, with the booties which they raised. Then, all the Counsellors together with the proud tyrant become blinded and bewitched, devising such a protection, nay a destruction rather of their country as this; namely, that those most fierce Saxons, a people foully infamous, Saxons received into Britain. odious both to God and man, should be let into this Island, as one would say, wolves into the sheepfolds, to repulse, forsooth, and beat back the Northern nations. Than which, I assure you, nothing was ever devised and practised more pernicious, nothing more unhappy unto this land. O mist of sense and grossest understanding that ever was! O desperate dulness and blind blockishness of mind! Those whom in their absence they were inclined and given to dread more than very death, now of their own record these foolish Princes of Egypt entertained, as I may say, under the roof of one house, giving (as hath been said) fond-foolish counsel unto Pharaoh. Then rushed forth out of the barbarous * Germany. Lionesses den a Kennel of whelps in three Vessels, called in her language Cyulae, Ciulae. that is, Keels, and in our Latin tongue, Longae naves, under full sail, carried with the wind of lucky sure presaging auguries, whereby fore-prophesied it was unto them, that for 300. years they should possess and hold that land as their country, unto which they directed their course: and for an hundred and twenty, that is, the one moiety of the said space, oftentimes waste and depopulate the same. These being put on shore, first in the East-part of the Island, and that by commandment of this infortunate tyrant, set fast their terrible paws and claws there, pretending unto the Islanders defence of their country, but more truly intending the offence thereof: unto which whelps, the foresaid dam, * Germany. the Lioness, finding that their first setting foot and marching forward sped well, sends likewise a greater rabble of worrying freebooters, which being arrived here in Floats conjoined themselves with the former misbegotten crew. From hence it is, that the shoot-grifts of iniquity, the root of bitterness, and virulent plants due to our deserts sprout and put forth in our soil, proudly bud, branch & leaf. Well, these barbarous Saxons thus admitted into the Island, obtain allowance of victuals and wages, as for douty soldiers, and such as would endure hard service and much hazard (for so they falsely bear men in hand) in defence of their good hosts and friends for their kind entertainment. Which being given unto them a long time stopped (as we say) the dog's mouth. Howbeit afterward they complain that their * Epimenia. monthly wages was not well paid them, devising of purpose colourable occasions of quarrel, protesting and threatening, that unless they might feel more munificence poured and heaped upon them, they would with the breach of covenant spoil and waste the whole Island throughout. And without further delay they second these threats with very deeds, (for the cause of deserved revenge for precedent wickedness, was still nourished) the fire kindled, and set a flaming by these profane men from sea to sea, ceased not to consume all the cities, and country's bordering there about, until such time as burning well near all the inland soil of the Island it licked up with a red flaming, and terrible tongue all unto the western Ocean. In this violent furious invasion, comparable to that of the Assyrians in old time against juda, is fulfilled also in us (according to the history) that which the Prophet by way of sorrowful lamentation uttereth: They have burnt with fire thy Sanctuary, they have polluted in the Land the Tabernacle of thy name. And again, O God, the Gentiles are come into thine heritage, they have defiled thy holy Temple, etc. In such wise, as all the Colonies by the force of many engines, and all the Inhabitants together with the Prelates of the Church, both Priests and People, by drawn sword glittering on every side, and crackling flame of fire, were at once laid along on the ground: yea, and that which was a piteous spectacle to behold, in the midst of the streets the stone works of turrets, and high walls, rend and torn in sunder from aloft the sacred altars, and quarters of carcases (covered with embossed works of imagery) of a bloody hue, were seen all blended and mixed together (as it were) in a certain horrible winepress, neither was there any Sepulchre at all abroad, save only the ruins of buildings, and the bowels of wild beasts and fowls. When we shall read these reports, let us not be offended and displeased with good Gildas, for his bitter invectives against either the vices of his own countrymen the Britan's, or the inhuman outrages of the barbarous enemies, or the insatiable cruelty of our Forefathers the Saxons. But since that for so many ages successively ensuing, we are all now by a certain engraffing or commixtion become one nation, mollified and civilised with Religion, and good Arts, let us meditate and consider, both what they were, and also what we ought to be: lest that for our sins likewise, the supreme Ruler of the world, either translate other nations hither, when we are first rooted out, or incorporate them into us, after we are by them subdued. BRITAN'S OF ARMORICA. Gildas. During this most woeful, desperate, and lamentable tempestuous season, some poor remains of Britain's, being found in the mountains, were killed up by whole heaps; others, pined with famine, came and yielded themselves unto the enemies, upon composition to serve them as Bondslaves for ever, so they might not be killed out of hand, which was reputed a most high favour, and especial grace. There were also that went over sea into strange lands▪ singing under their spread sails with a howling and wailing note, in stead of the Mariners * A song at their first setting out. Celeusma, after this manner: Thou hast given us [O Lord] as sheep to be devoured, and scattering us among the heathen. Others again remained still in their own country, albeit in fearful estate, betaking themselves (but yet continually suspecting the worst) to high steep hills and mountains entrenched, Bretagne, or little Britain. to woods, and thick grown forests, yea, to the rocks of the sea. Of those who passed beyond-sea, no doubt were they who for to save their lives, went over in great number to * Or Welshmen. Armorica in France, and were kindly received of the Armoricans. That this is true, besides the community of language, (the same in manner with that of our * Or Welshmen. Britan's) and to say nothing of other authors, who all accord in this point; he who lived nearest unto that age, and was borne even in Armorica, and wrote the life of S. Wingual of the Confessor, sufficiently doth prove. An offspring, saith he, of the Britan's embarked in Floats, arrived in this land, on this side the British sea, what time as the barbarous nation of the Saxons fierce in arms, and uncivil in manners, possessed their native and mother-soile. Then, I say, this dear offspring seated themselves close within this nook and secret corner. In which place they being wearied with travail and toil, sat quiet for awhile without any wars. Howbeit, our writer's report, that our Britan's long before this time, settled themselves in this coast. For, he of Malmesburie writeth thus: Constantinus Maximus being saluted by the Army, Emperor, having proclaimed an Expedition into the higher lands, brought away a great power of British soldiers, through whose industry and forward service, having obtained triumphant victories to his hearts desire, and attained to the Empire: such of them as were past service, and had performed the painful parts of souldjerie their full time, he planted in a certain part of Gaul westward upon the very shore of the Ocean: where at this day their posterity remaining, are wonderfully grown even to a mighty people, in manners and language somewhat degenerate from our Britan's. And true it is that Constantine gave commandment in this wise: Cod. Theod. lib. 7. Tit. 20. Let the old soldiers according to our Precept enter upon the vacant lands, and hold them for ever freely. Ninnius likewise: Maximus the Emperor who slew Gratian, would not send home again those soldiers which he had levied out of Britain, but gave unto them many countries, even from the pool or Mere, which lieth above Mount jovis unto the City that is called Cantguic, & unto Cruc-occhidient. And he that hath annexed brief notes upon Ninnius, fableth beside in this manner: The Armorican Britan's which are beyond-sea, going forth from hence with Maximus the tyrant in his expedition, when as they could not return, wasted the west-parts of Gaul, even to the very bare soil: and when they had married their wives and daughters, did cut out all their tongues, for fear lest the succeeding progeny should learn their mother-language: whereupon we also call them in our tongue, Lhet vydion, that is, half silent or tongue-tied, because they speak confusedly. The authority of these writers herein I cannot in any wise contradict; yet I am of opinion rather, that the children of those old soldiers gladly afterward received these Britan's that fled out of their country. Nevertheless, the name of Britan's in this tract, I find not in all the writers of that age, before such time that the Saxons came into our Britain, unless it be of those whom Pliny seemeth to place in Picardy, and who in some copies are named Brinani. For if any man out of the fourth book of Strabo his Geography, do with Volaterane think, that Britain was a city of Gaul, let him but look into the Greek Book, and he will soon inform himself, that he spoke of the Island Britain, and not of a city. As for that verse out of Dionysius, which before I have alleged, some would rather understand it with Stephanus of our Britan's, than with Eustathius of the Armoricans, especially seeing that Festus Avienus, a writer verily of good antiquity, hath translated it thus: Cauris nimium vicina * Britain. Britannis, Flavaque caesariem Germania porrigit ora. Britain the Northwest winds too near, And yellow haired Germany her front doth forward bear. Neither let any man think that the Britannicians mentioned in the book Notitia, Britanniciani. came from hence, who in truth were certain cohorts only of soldiers enroled out of this our Britain. Before the arrival of our Britan's, Armorica. this country was at first called, Armorica, that is, situate by the sea side: and afterwards in the same sense, Llydaw, in the British tongue, that is, coasting upon the sea, and thence in Latin by our writers living in the middle age, Haply, Lexo seven in Pliny. Zonaras. Procopius termeth them Arborici: and another calleth the country, Corn● Galliae. Letavia. From when I suppose, were those Leti whom Zosimus nameth in Gaul, when he noteth, that Magnentius the Tyrant, was borne among the Leti in France, and had a Britain to his father. These Armoricans when as that Constantine elected for the names sake became Emperor, and the barbarous nations overran Gaul, having cast out the Roman garrisons, instituted a commonwealth among themselves. But Valentian the younger by the means of Aetius, and at the intercession of Saint German, reclaimed them to allegiance. At which very time, it seemeth that Exuperantius governed them. Of whom Claudius Rutillius writeth thus: Cujus Aremoricas Pater Exuperantius or as Nunc post liminium pacis amore docet. Leges restituit, libertatemque reducit, Et servos famulis non sinit essesuis. Whose Sire Exuperantius the coasts to sea that reach Now after discontinuance long in love of peace doth teach: He sets the laws again in force, reduceth liberty, And suffereth them unto his folk no more as slaves to be. Out of which verses, I wot not whether Aegidius Maserius hath made some collection, when he wrote, That the Britan's were servants under the Armoricans and against them errected a freedom. The first mention to my knowledge of Britan's in Armorica, was in the year of our salvation 461. about the thirtieth year after that the Anglo-Saxons were called out of Germany into our Britan. For then, Mansuetus a Bishop of the Britan's, among other Bishops of France and Armorica, subscribed to the first Council of Tours. In the ninth year after, these new Inhabitants of France, seeing the West-Gothes to seize into their hands the most fertile territories of Anjou and Poictou, * Vis●gothes. encountered them, and were a bar that the Goths possessed not themselves of all France. For they sided with Anthemius the Roman Emperor against the Goths, so far forth that Aruandus was condemned for treason, because in his letters sent unto the King of the Goths, Sid●●. Appollinar. he had given counsel to set upon the Britan's dwelling over the river * Ligeris. Loire, and to divide France between the Goths and Burgundians. These Britan's were a kind of people witty and subtle, warlike, tumultuous, and in regard of their valour, Anno 470. number, and association, stubborn: in which terms Sidonius Apollinaris complaineth of them unto Riothimus his friend, for so himself calleth him (but Jornandes nameth him King of the Britan's) who afterward being sent for by Anthemius, came with a power of 12. thousand men to aid the Romans, but before that they joined with them, being with his own forces vanquished in open field by the Goths, he fled unto the Burgundians confederate with the Romans. From that time the native Armoricans being by little and little subdued, the name of the Britan's in these parts, where they were newly seated, grew so great, that generally all the Inhabitants there, passed by little and little into the name of Britan's: like as this whole tract was called Britannia Armorica, and of the * French writers. Frankners Britannia Cismarina, that is, Britan on this side the sea: and thereupon, I. Scaliger versified thus: Vicit Aremoricas animosa Britannia gentes, Et dedit imposito nomina prisca jugo. The nations Aremorican stout Britan overcame, And with the yoke of servitude gave them her ancient name. For, they turned the edge of their weapons upon those their friends that gave them entertainment, * Venett●sis. as appeareth evidently both by other testimonies, and also by these words of Regalis Bishop of Vennes as touching himself and his: We living, saith he, in captivity under the Britan's are subject to a grievous and heavy yoke. Moreover, in the times succeeding, Gregor. Tur●●. lib. 10. cap. 9 they courageously maintained themselves and their estates: First under petty Kings, afterwards under Counts and Dukes against the French; albeit as Glaber Rodolphus writeth; Their only wealth was immunity from payments to the public Treasury, and plenty of milk: Also 500 years since, William of Malmesbury wrote thus of them: A kind of people they are needy and poor in their own country; otherwise also with foreign money waged, and purchasing a laborious and painful life. If they be well paid, they refuse not so much as to serve in civil war one against another without all regard of right or kindred, but according to the quantity of money ready with their service for what part soever you would have them. BRITAN'S OF WALES AND CORNWALES. THe rest of the Britan's, who pitifully distressed in their own native country were put to seek for their country, were overlaied with so great calamities, as no man is able sufficiently to express according to the nature of such horrible particulars; as being not only molested grievously by the Saxons, Picts, & Scots, who made cruel war upon them far & near, but also oppressed under the proud and intolerable rule of wicked tyrants, in all places. Now who those tyrants were and of what quality about the year of our Lord 500 have here in few words out of Gildas, who then lived and was an eye witness. Constantine a Tyrant among the * Amphiballus a sacred vesture hairy on both sides. An old glossary. Aurelius Conanus, whe● also was called Caninus. V.c. in an old book. Vortipor. Danmonij, albeit he had sworn in express words before God and the company of holy Saints, that he would perform the office of a good Prince, yet in two Churches under the sacred vesture of an Abbot, flew two children of the blood royal, together with their Fosters, two right valiant men: and many years before having put away his lawful wife, was foully defiled with a number of foul filthy adulteries. Aurelius Conanus, wallowing in the mire of Parricidies and adulteries, hating the peace of his country, is left alone as a tree withering in the open field: whose father and brethren were with a wild, youthful, and overweening fantasy carried away, and by untimely death, surprised. Vortiporius tyrant of the * Southwales, as Caermarden shire, Pembroke shire, and Cardigan shire. Cuneglasus. Dimetae, the ungracious son of a good father, like to a Panther in manners, so variably spotted with vices of diverse sorts: when his head was now waxen hoary and grey, sitting in his throne full of craft and guile, and the same defiled with Paricidies, or murders of his own kindred, and with adulteries beside, cast off his own wife, (and filthily abused her daughter unawares, and unwitting) yea, and he took also her life away. Cuneglasus, in the Roman tongue, Lanio fulvus, that is, the Lion tawny Butcher, a Bear sitting and riding upon many, the driver of that chariot which holdeth the Bear, a contemner of God, an oppressor of the Clergy, fight against God with grievous sins, and warring upon man with material armour, and weapons, turned away his wife, provoked the Saints and holy men with manifold injuries, proudly conceited of his own wisdom, and setting his hope in the uncertainty of riches. Maglocunus, Magoeunus. Dragon of the Isles, the deposer of many Tyrants out of Kingdom and life both, the most forward in all mischief: for power and malicious wickedness together, greater than many more: a large giver, but a more prodigal, and profuse sinner: stronger in arms, higher also than all the Potentates of Britain, as well in royal dominion, as in the stature and lineaments of his person. In his youthful days with sword and fire, he brought to destruction his Uncle by the mother's side, (being then King) together with many right hardy and redoubted servitors. After that fantasy of a violent course of rule according to his desire was gone, upon a remorse of conscience for his sins, vowed to be a professed Monk: but soon after returning to his vomit, breaking the said vow of Monks profession, he despised his first marriage, and became enamoured upon the wife of his brother's son, whiles he was living; the said brother's son, and his own wife, (after he had kept her for a certain time) he murdered, and then married that brother's son's wife, whom he before had loved. But I must leave the report of these things to History writers, who hitherto have falsely set down, that these Tyrants succeeded one after another: whereas in truth as we may perceive by Gildas, who speaketh unto them severally, and personally one by one, they all at once, and the very same time usurped tyranny in diverse quarters of the Island. And now to return: The residue of Britan's remaining alive, withdrew themselves into the western parts of the Island, naturally fenced with mountains, and inlets of the sea, Cornwalis. Britwales. Welch. Walli. to those parts (I mean) which now we call Wales, and Cornwall. The Inhabitants of the one the Saxons named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, like as those in Gaul, Galweales; For Walsh with them signifieth strange and foreign: whence also the Walloons in the low Countries, and the Vallachians upon the river * Danubium. Dunow had their names. The Britwales, * Welshmen. or Welshmen, a very warlike nation, for many years defended their liberty under pettie-kings: and albeit they were secluded from the English-Saxons by a Ditch or Trench which King Offa cast, (a wonderful piece of work) yet otherwhiles by fire and sword they spoilt their cities, and in like sort suffered at their hands all extremities of hostility whatsoever. At the length in the reign of Edward the First, Statute of Wales. as he writeth of himself, The Divine providence which in the own dispose is never deceived, among other good gifts dispensed by it, and with which it hath vouchsafed our Kingdom of England to be adorned, hath converted now full, wholly, and entirely (of her good grace) the Land of Wales with the Inhabitants thereof (subject before time unto to us by fealty and service) into our proper dominion, and without any let or bar whatsoever, hath annexed and united it unto the Crown of the foresaid Realm, as a part of one and the same body politic. Howbeit in the age next ensuing, they could no way be induced to undergo the yoke of subjection, neither could the quarrels by any means possibly be taken up, nor the most deadly hatred between the two nations extinguished, until that King Henry the seventh, who descended of them, assisted the oppressed * Welshmen. Britan's with his gracious hand, and King Henry the Eighth, admitted them unto the same condition of Laws and Liberties, that the English enjoy. Since which time, yea and very often also before, the Kings of England have had trial of their constant fidelity, and loyal allegiance. As for those Cornwallians, although they stoutly bent all their force together in defence of their Country, yet soon became they subject to the Saxons, as who neither matched them in number, neither was their Country sufficiently fenced by nature to defend them. Let this suffice that hath been said, touching the Britan's and Romans: but since we treat of the Inhabitants, we may not in this place omit, (although we have heretofore spoken thereof already) that which * Lib. 1. Zosimus reporteth; How that Probus the Emperor, sent over into Britain the Vandals and Burgundians, whom he had overcome, who having seated themselves here, stood the Romans in good stead, as oft as any one raised tumult and sedition. But where they were planted, I know not, unless it were in Cambridge-shire. For, Gervase of Tilbury maketh mention of an ancient rampire or hold in that shire, which he calleth Vandelsbury, and saith, it was the work of the Vandals. Neither let any man surmise, that in the days of Constantius the Poeni had their abode here, grounding upon these words of Eumenius the Rhetorician: [Except perhaps no greater ruin had fallen upon Britain, and borne it down, than if it had been drenched throughout, and overwhelmed with the overflowing of the Ocean: which being delivered from the most deep gulf [Poenorum] began to appear and show itself at the view and sight of the Romans.] For, in the old Copy belonging sometime to Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and afterwards to the right honourable Baron Burghly, Lord high Treasurer of England, we read [Poenarum gurgitibus] that is, The gulfs of punishments, and not Poenorum gurgitib. For he seemeth to speak of the calamities and miseries wherewith Britain was afflicted under Carausius. Whereas Agathias in the second book of his Histories, hath these words, Hunnica natio Britones sunt, that is, The Britons are a nation of the Huns: I would have no man hereby raise a slander upon the Britan's, or think them to be issued from the savage cruel Huns. For, long since Francis Pithaeus a very learned man, hath averred unto me, and now of late I. Lewenclaius, a right worthy Historian, published in writing, that in a Greek Copy it is read, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and not Britoneses. PICTS. NOw let us come to the other Inhabitants of Britain, and first unto the Picts, PICTS. whom for Antiquity next unto Britain's, the Historiographers have accounted the second. Hector Boetius deriveth these from the Agathyrsti: Pomponius Laetus, Aventinus and others from the Germans: some from the Pictones in France, and Beda from the Scythians. It happened, saith he, that the nations of the Picts came in long * Galleys or Keels. ships, and those not many, out of Scythia, (as the report goeth) into Ireland: and of the Scots whom they found there, requested (but in vain) a place of habitation: by whose persuasion they went into Britain, and inhabited the Northern parts thereof, and that was about the year of our Redemption, (as many would have it) 78. I for my part, in so great a variety of opinions, know not which I should follow: yet, (that I may speak what I suppose to be true, and deliver mine own judgement) were it not that in this point the authority of venerable Beda, did over-weigh all the conjectures of all others, I would think that the Picts came from no other place at all, but were very natural Britain's themselves, even the right progeny of the most ancient Britain's: those Britan's, I mean, and none other, who before the coming in of the Romans, were seated in the North part of the Island, and of those who afterwards, casting off the yoke of bondage (as they are a nation most impatient of servility) repaired unto these in the North. Like as when the Saxons overran the Isle, those Britain's which would not forgo their liberty, conveied themselves into the Western parts of the Island, full of craggy hills, as Wales and Cornwall: even so, doubtless, when the Roman war grew hot, the Britain's lest they should undergo servitude, (which is of all the miseries the extremest) got them into these Northern parts, frozen with the bitter cold of the air full of rough and rugged passages, and full of washeses and standing meres. Where being armed not so much with weapons, as with a sharp air and climate of their own, they grew up together with the native Inhabitants whom there they found, unto a mighty and populous nation. For, Tacitus reporteth, that the enemies of the Romans were by his wife's father Agricola, driven into this part, as it were, into another Island: and no man doubteth, but Britan's they where which inhabited these remotest parts of the Island. For, shall we dream that all those Britan's, enemies to the Romans, which brought out thirty thousand armed men into the field against Agricola, who gave unto Severus so great overthrows, that of Romans and Associates he lost in one expedition and journey 70000. were killed up every mother's son, and none left for seed, and procreation, that they might give room unto foreigners out of Scythia and Thracia? So far am I from believing this, although Beda hath written so much by relation from others, that I would rather affirm, they were so multiplied, that the very soil was not able either to relieve or receive them, and were enforced therefore to overflow, and overwhelm, as it were, the Roman Province, which came to pass we know afterwards, when the Scots came in unto them. But because Beda hath so written, as others in that time reported, may easily be brought to believe, that some also out of Scandia, called in times past Scythia, (as all the Northern tract beside) came by the Isles, that by a continued rank lie between, unto those Northern Britain's. Yet lest any man should imagine, Their manners and demeanour. that I seek to countenance a lie, carrying likelihood and probability of a truth, me thinks I am able to prove, that the Picts were very Britan's indeed, by the demeanour, name, and language of the Picts, wherein we shall see they agreed passing well with Britain's. And to let pass among other reasons, that neither the Picts, according to Beda, nor the Britan's, as Tacitus writeth, made by any distinction of sex for government in chief, or excluded women from bearing sceptre, that custom of painting, and staining themselves with colours, was common to both nations. As touching the Britan's, we have proved it before: and for the Picts, Claudian proveth it for us, who writeth thus: — Nec falso nomine Pictos Edomuit.— The Picts he tamed So truly named. And in another place, — Ferroque notatas Perlegit exanimes Picto moriente figuras: — And doth peruse with eye Those iron-brent marks in Picts well seen all bloodless, as they die. Which Isidore doth show more plainly: Their name. The Nation of the Picts (saith he) have a name drawn even from their bodies, for that by the artificial pricking therein of small holes with a needle, the workman wring out the juce of green grass, encloseth the same within, that their Nobility and Gentry thus spotted, may carry these scars about them, in their painted pounced limbs, as badges to be known by. Shall we think now, that these Picts were Germans, who never used this manner of painting? or the Agathyrsi of Thracia, so far distant from hence; or rather the very Britan's themselves? seeing they were in the self same Isle, and retained the same guise, and fashion of painting. Neither are those barbarous people, who so long time made such incursions out of the Forest Caledonia, and from that farthest Northern coast found the Romans work, otherwise called than Britan's, of the ancient writers, Dio, Herodian, Vopiscus, and others. Semblably, Tacitus who describeth at large the wars of Agricola, his wife's Father, in this utmost coast of Britain, calleth the Inhabitants by no other name than Britan's, and Britan's of * Now Albany. Caledonia: whereas notwithstanding, our later Writers have recorded, that the Picts, new comers hither, were arrived there ten years before; a thing that I would have you to note, considering that Tacitus in that age knew not of them at all. Neither would those Roman Emperors, who warred fortunatly against them, to wit, Commodus, Severus, with Bassianus and Geta his sons, have assumed into their Style that addition of BRITANNICUS, after they had vanquished them, unless they had been Britan's. Certes, if the Romans, for whose magnificence every thing made that was strange, had subdued any other nation there beside the Britan's, and the same before time unknown, (were they called Picts or Scots) they would (no doubt) have been known by the titles of PICTICUS and SCOTICUS in their coins and inscriptions. Tacitus guesseth by their deep yellow bush of hair, and their large limbs, that they had their beginning out of Germany: but straightways after, and more truly he attributeth all to the climate, and positure of the heaven, which yieldeth unto bodies their complexion and feature. Whereupon, Vitruvius also writeth thus: Under the North Pole are nations bred and fostered, big and tall of body, of colour brown, with hair of head even, and straight, and the same ruddy. In like manner, that the Caledones, (without all question Britan's) were the self same nation of the Picts, the Panegyric Author after a sort doth intimate, writing thus: The woods of the Caledones, and of other Picts, etc. as if the Caledones also, had been none other but the Picts. And that those Caledonians were Britan's borne. Martial in this verse of his, implieth: Quinte Caledonios' Ovidi visure Britnnos: Quint Ovide, Britan's Caledon, thou that dost mind to see. Ausonius' likewise, who showeth withal that they were painted, while he compareth their colour unto green moss, distinguished with gravel between, in this wise: — Viridem distinguit glarea muscum; Tota Caledonijs talis pictura Britannis: — Like to green moss with gravel rues between, The Britan's Caledonian are all be painted seen. But, as these for a long time were no otherwise known than by the name of Britan's, and that, by reason of their depainted bodies: so afterwards, about the time of Maximian and Dioclesian, (neither before that, find we the name of Picts in any writers) when Britain had so long been a Province, that the Inhabitants had learned the provincial Latin tongue, than (it seemeth) began they to be called Picts, for distinction sake, that they might be known from them that were confederate with the Romans, and called Britan's. And whence should they be called Picts, if it were not because they depainted themselves? Now if any one there be, who believeth not, that our Britan's used the provincial Latin tongue, little knoweth he certainly how earnestly the Romans laboured, that the Provinces might speak Latin, neither seeth he what a number of Latin words is crept into the British language: that I may not urge the authority of Tacitus, who saith, that in the Domitian's time the Britan's affected very much the eloquence of the Latin tongue. And as touching the name of Picts, the authority of Flavius Vegetius may soon clear this doubt, who showeth (after a sort) that the Britan's used the word [Pict] in the very same sense, for a thing that is coloured, Lib. 4. cap. 37. as the Latins do. For, he writeth, that the Britan's called these light Pinnaces of espial, PICTAS; the sails, gables, and other tackle whereof were died with a blue or watchet colour, like as the mariners, and soldiers to them belonging, who were clad in blue apparel. Surely if the Britan's called Ships, for their sails and tackle stained with the said blue colour, PICTAS, what letteth but that they should call the people PICTI, who were painted with sundry colours, and with blue especially, for that is the colour that woad giveth? This also maketh for us, that the Northern Picts, whom Saint Columbane by preaching the word, and by his good example brought unto Christianity, as in the ancient English Annals, named, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as one would say, Britan Picts. The cause whereof we draw not many proofs from the language, is this, for that of the Picts tongue, Their Language. there can scarce one word be gathered out of Authors: yet it seemeth to be the same that the British. Beda wrote, that the Roman wall made against the incursions of the Picts, began in a place, which in the Picts Language is called, Penuahel: and Pengwall, among the Britan's expressly signifieth, The beginning or head of the wall. Moreover, throughout all that tract of the Island, which the Picts held longest (and that was the East part of Scotland) the names of most places do savour of a British original: as for example, Morria, Marnia, for that they be countries adjoining to the sea, coming of the British word Mor, that is, Sea. Aberden, Aberlothnet, Aberdore, Aberneith, that is, the mouth of Den, of Lothnet, of Door and Neith, from the British word, Aber, which signifieth the mouth of a river. Strathbolgi, Strathdee, Strathearn, that is, The Dale or Vale of Bolgi, Dee, and Earn, coming of Strath, which in the British tongue betokeneth, a Valley. Yea, and the chief seat of the Picts, doth acknowledge no other original than a British, I mean Edinburgh, which Ptolemy calleth Castrum alatum, that is, the winged Castle. For Aden, in British is, a Wing. Neither will I (by way of proof) take hold of this argument, that some of the British petty Kings, were called Baidij, which is as much in the Britain language (as I have often said) as Depainted. Out of these premises verily, we may without any absurdity conclude, That the Picts Language, and the British differed not, and therefore the nations were not diverse; howsoever Beda speaketh of the Picts and Britan's tongues, as if they were distinct one from the other; in which place, he may be thought to have meant their sundry Dialects. Neither is there cause why any man should marvel, that the Picts wrought so much mischief, and gave so many overthrows unto their countrymen the Britan's, considering that we see at this day in Ireland, those which are within the English pale, have none so deadly foes unto them, as their own countrymen, the wild Irish. For like; as we read in Paulus Diaconus, the Goths, Hypogothes, Gepidians, and Vandals, varying their names only, and speaking one and the selfsame language, encountered often times one another in open field with Banner displayed; even so did the Picts and Britan's, especially when these Britan's were become the Roman allies. These were the reasons, such as they be, that took hold of me, and induced me in a manner, to think the Picts a remnant of the Britan's: but perhaps the authority of Beda weigheth down all this; and therefore, if ye think so good, let the tradition of so reverend a man, grounded upon the relation of others, prevail and take place before these conjectures. These Picts Ammianus Marcellinus divideth into Dicalidonians, and Vecturiones. I would rather read Deucalidonians, and do think they were planted about the Western coasts of Scotland, where the Deucalidonian Sea breaketh in. And albeit I have been of opinion, that these were so called, as if a man would say, Black Caledonians, Dical●dinij. Vecturiones. for Dee in the British tongue, signifieth Black) like as the Irish now adays term the Scots of that tract, Duf Allibawn, that is, Black Scots, and so the Britan's called the rovers and pirates, which out of these parts did much scathe at sea, Yllu du, that is, the black army: yet now, me thinks we may guess, (for guesses are free) that they took that name from their situation. For Debeu Caledonij, betokeneth the Caledonians dwelling on the right hand, that is, Westward; like as the other Picts, who kept on the left hand, that is, Eastward, which Ninnius calleth, the left side, were named Vecturiones, by a word haply drawn from Chwithic, which in the British tongue, signifieth, Left; and these some think are corruptly called in Ptolome●, Vernicones. And an old Saxon fragment seemeth to give them the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for so they term an enemie-nation to the Britan's: whereas the ancient Angles, or English called the Picts themselves, Pehits and Peohtas. And hereupon it is that we read every where in Whitkindus, Pehiti, for Picti. The manners of the Picts. The manners of these ancient and barbarous Britan's, who afterwards came to be named Picts, I have heretofore described out of Dio, and Herodian. It remaineth now, that I go on with my web, and wove thus much to it: namely, that in the declining state of the Empire, when the Romans somewhat unadvisedly, and without good forecast enroled cohorts of the Barbarians, Blondus. certain of these Picts, (when all was in quietness and peace) were taken into the military service of the Romans by Honorius, Honoriaci. and therefore termed Honoriaci, who under that Tyrant Constantine (elected in hope of so fortunate a name) having set open the fortified entries of the Pyraenean hills, let Barbarians into Spain. In the end, when first by themselves, and afterwards combining with the Scots their confederates, they had afflicted the Roman Province, they began, though late it were, to wax civil. Those of the South, were by Ninias, or Ninianus the Britain, a most holy man, converted to Christ, in the year of Grace four hundred and thirty. But they of the North, who were secluded from the Southern by a continual ridge of high craggy mountains, Bede. by Columbanus a Scot of Ireland, a Monk likewise of passing great holiness, in the year 565. who taught them, whence soever he learned it, to celebrate the feast of Easter, * Reckoning the said day. betweeee the fourteenth day of the Moon in March, unto the twentieth, but always upon the Lord's day, as also to use another manner of tonsure, or shaving their heads, than the Romans did, to wit, representing the imperfect form of a Coronet. About these ceremonies hard hold there was, and eager disputation for a long time in this Island, until that Naitanus a King of the Picts brought his own subjects with much ado unto the Roman observance. In which age very many Picts with great devotion, as the days were then, frequented the Chapels and Shrines of Saints at Rome, and among others he that is mentioned in the Antiquities of Saint Peter's Church there, * Asterius Comes. Pictorum. in these words [ASTERIUS COMES PICTORUM ET SYRA CUM SVIS VOTUM SOLVERE] that is, Asterius a Count or Earl of the Picts, and Syra with their family performed their vows. At length, by the Scots that infested them out of Ireland, they were made to stoop, and after so daunted, as that about the year of our Lord 740. being vanquished in a most bloody battle, they were either utterly extinct, or else by little and little, quite passed into their Scottish name, and nation. Which very same thing chanced to the most puissant Nation of the Gauls, who being subdued of the Frankes by little and little, were turned into their name, and called with them, Franci, that is, French. Whereas the Panegyric author, giveth some inkling, that Britain before Caesar's time used to skirmish with their enemies the Picts and Irish, half naked men, he seemeth to speak after the manner of the time wherein he lived: but surely in those days, there were none known in Britain by the name of Picts. Also, whereas Sidonius Apollinaris in his Panegyric to his wife's Father poetically poured out these verses: — Victricia Caesar Signa Caledonios' transvexit ad usque Britannos, Fuderit & quanquam Scotum & cum Saxone Pictum: In train of Conquest Caesar still his ensigns even as far As Britain Caledonian advanced: and though no bar Stayed him, but that the Scots and Picts, with Saxons he subdued, etc. I cannot choose but with another Poet, cry out in this wise: — Sit nulla fides augentibus omnia Musis: These Poet's love to overreach, Believe them not, when so they teach. For, Caesar who is prodigal in his own praise, would never have concealed these exploits, if he had ever performed them. But these men seem not unlike to those good, honest, and learned writers in our age, who whiles they patch together an history of Caesar, write forsooth, how he subdued the Franks in Gaul, and the English men in Britain, whereas in those days the names of English, and French were not so much as heard of, either in the one or the other country, as who, many ages after, came into these Regions. That the Pictones of Gaul, Pictones. and our Picts were both one Nation, I dare not with joannes Picardus avouch, seeing the names of the Pictones in Gaul was even in Caesar's time very ri●e and much spoken of, and for that our Picts were never called Pictones: yet am I not ignorant, how in one only place of the Panegyrist among all the rest, through the negligence of the copier, there was foisted in Pictonum, in stead of Pictorum. SCOTI. AMong the people of Britain, after Picts, the SCOTISH Nation by good right challenge the next place: concerning whom, before I speak aught, for fear lest evil willers, & frowardly peevish, should calumniously misconstrue those allegations, which I, simply, ingenuously, and in all honest meaning, shall here cite out of ancient writers as touching Scots, I must certify the Reader before hand, that every particular hath reference to the old, true, and natural Scots only: Whose offspring are those Scots speaking Irish, which inhabit all the West part of the Kingdom of Scotland, now so called and the Islands adjoining thereto, and who now adays be termed High-land men. For, the rest which are of civil behaviour, and be seated in the East part thereof, albeit they bear now the name of Scottishmen, yet are they nothing less than Scots, but descended from the same German original, that we English men are. And this, neither can they choose but confess, nor we but acknowledge, being as they are, teamed by those above said, High-land men. Sassones, as well as we; and using as they do the same language with us, to wit, the English-Saxon, different only in Dialect, a most assured argument of one and the same original. In which regard, so far am I from working any discredit unto them, that I have rather respectively loved them always, as of the same blood and stock, yea, and honoured them too, even when the Kingdoms were divided: but now much more, since it hath pleased our Almighty, and most merciful God, that we grow united in one body, under one most Sacred head of the Empire, to the joy, happiness, welfare, and safety, of both Nations, which I heartily wish and pray for. The beginning and Etymology of the Scotish Nation, like as of other neighbour nations round about, is so full of obscurity, and lies overspread under the mist of darkness, in such sort, that even Buchanan himself, though otherwise a man of a very deep insight, either hath seen little therein, or seen to himself alone: for in this point he hath come short of all men's expectation. Whereupon I have forborn a long time to take this enterprise in hand, lest with others in admiring fables, I should full sweetly please myself, and fall into folly. For, a man may with as great probability derive the Scots pedigree from the Gods, as from Scota that supposed and counterfeit daughter of the Egyptian King Pharaoh, Scota, King Pharaohs daughter. wedded (forsooth) unto Gaithelus, the son of Cecrops founder of Athens. But, as this conceit arising from the unskilfulness of Antiquity, is of the better sort of ingenuous Scots rejected: so, that other opinion of later days, drawn without all sense from a Greek fountain, that Scots should be so called, as it were, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Obscure, I utterly disallow and condemn, as a device of envious persons, to the slanderous reproach of a famous and valiant Nation. Neither do all men like the derivation of our * Flower gatherer, the name of an History. Lib. 9 cap. 2. Florilegus, namely, that Scots were so called, because they came of a confused mingle-mangle of diverse nations: And yet I cannot but marvel, whence Isidorus had this: The Scots (saith he) take their name in their own proper tongue of their painted bodies, for that they are marked with sharp iron pricks, and ink, and so receive the print of sundry shapes. Which also Rabanus Maurus, in the very same words (doubtless out of him) doth testify in his Geography to Ludovicus ●ius the Emperor, which is to be seen in the Library of Trinity College in Oxford. But seeing that Scotland itself hath of her own people such as might very well fetch their beginning from the inmost record of Antiquity, and thereby best of all advance the glory of their Country, in case they would wholly set their minds, and bestow their careful diligence for a time in this argument; I will point only with my finger to the fountains, from whence haply they may draw the truth; and lay before them certain observations, which I would wish them to mark, and consider more diligently: for, myself will in this matter play the Sceptic, and affirm nothing. And first, touching their original; and then, of the place from whence they removed, and came over into Ireland. For, certainly known it is, that out of Ireland, an Isle inhabited in old time by Britan's, Ireland the native Country of the Scots. as shall in due place be proved, they passed into Britan, and what time as they were first known unto writers by this name, seated they were in Ireland. For, Claudian the Poet hath written of their eruptions into Britain, in these verses: — Totam cum Scotus Hibernem Movit, & infesto spumavit remige Thetis: What time the Scots all Ireland stirred offensive arms to take, And with main stroke of enemy's oars, the sea much foam did make. And also in another place; Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hiberne: And frozen Ireland, heaps of Scots bewailed with many a tear. Orosius likewise writeth thus; Ireland is peopled with Scotish Nations. Gildas calleth Scots, Irish Spoilers. And Beda; The Scots that inhabit Ireland, an Isle next unto Britain: as also elsewhere. Yea, and in the days of Charles the Great, Eginhardus in express words, calleth Ireland, The Isle of Scots. Moreover, Giraldus Cambrensis; That the Scottish nation (saith he) is descended out of Ireland, the affinity as well of their Language, as of their apparel, of their weapons also, and of their manners even to this day do sufficiently prove. But now to come unto the points which I would have the Scots throughly to weigh. For as much as they which are right and natural Scots, acknowledge not this name of Scots, Gaiothel, or Gaithel, and G●el. but otherwise call themselves Gaoithel, Gael, and Albin; seeing also, that very many people have other names given unto them by their neighbours, than they use themselves, whereby often times there is a secret light given unto nations of their descent: as for example; the Inhabitants of the lower Pannonia, who term themselves Magier, are in Dutch named Hungari, for that they came first of the Huns: they that border upon the Forest Hercynia, among themselves are called Czechi, but by others Bohemi, because they descended from the * Burbonnois. Boij in Gaul: the Inhabitants of Africa, who having also a peculiar name among themselves, are by the Spaniards termed Alarbes, for that they be Arabians: the Irish, who call themselves Erinach, are by our * Welshmen. Britan's named Gwidhil: considering also, that as well those Irish, and these our * Welshmen. Britan's, gave no other name to us English men, than Sassons, because were are descended from the Saxons; I would have the learned Scotish men first to consider, whether they might not be called of their neighbours, as one would say, Scythae. For, even as the Flemings and other Netherlanders, express by this one word, Scutten, both the Scythians and Scots; so it hath been observed out of our British writers, that they named both Scythians and Scots, Y-Scot. Ninnius also expressly calleth the Britan's that inhabit Ireland, Scythians: and the narrow sea, through which they passed over out of Ireland into Britain, ●allis Scythica. Gildas nameth, Vallem Scythicam, that is, The Scythian Vale. For so hath the copy printed at Paris, where others without all sense read, Stythicam Vallem▪ Moreover, King Alfred, who seven hundred years passed translated the History of Orosius into the English-Saxon tongue, turned [Scotos] into [Scyttan] and our Countrymen, who dwell next to Scotland, use to call them, not by the name of Scots, In Hypodigmate. but Scyttes, and Scettes. For, like as (Walsingham is mine author) the same people be called Getae, Getici, Gothi, Gothici; so, from one and the same original, Scythae, Scitici, Scoti, Scoeici, take their names. But whether this name were imposed upon this nation by their neighbours, in regard of Scythian manners, or because they came out of Scythia, let them here advise well upon it. Surely, both * Lib. 6. Diodorus Siculus, and also * Lib. 4. Strabo, compare the first Britan's inhabiting Ireland, (which is the native country indeed of the wild Irish, and those that be right Scots) with the Scythians for their savage nature. Besides, they drink blood out of the wounds of men slain: they establish leagues among themselves, by drinking one another's blood; and suppose, that the greater number of slaughters they commit, the more honour they win: and so did the Scythians in old time. To this we may add, that these [wild] Scots, like as the Scythians, had for their principal weapons, bows and arrows. For, Orpheus termeth Scythians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, even as Aelianus, and Julius Pollux, Sagittarios, that is, Archers. And learned men there be, that think hereupon both nations had this name given unto them, for their skill in shooting. Neither may this seem strange, that diverse nations carried the same names, by occasion of the same manners: as they who have travailed all over the West-Indies, do write, that all strange, and hardy men that do so much mischief with bow and arrows throughout all India, Caribes. Benzo. lib. 2. and the Isles thereof; are by one name called Caribes, although they be of diverse nations. Now, that these Scots came out of Scythia, the Irish Historiographers themselves do report: For Nemethus the Scythian, and long after him, Delas, one of Nemethus his progeny, that is, of the Scythian stock, they reckoned among the first Inhabitants of Ireland. Ninnius likewise a Disciple of Eluodugus, hath plainly written thus: In the fourth age of the world (that space I mean which was between the building of Salomon's Temple, and the captivity of Babylon) the Scythians possessed themselves of Ireland. And hereto acordeth the authority of later writers, to wit, of Cisnerus in his preface to Crantzius; Tom. 1. pag. 37. and of Reinerus Reineccius, who writeth thus: There remaineth yet the nation of the Scots in Britain, sprung from the Scythians, etc. And yet I verily doubt, although the Getae were a Scythic nation, whether the Poet Propertius meaneth those Irish of ours, in writing thus: Hibernique Getae, Pictoque Britannia curru. Both Irish Geteses and Britain with her painted chariot. But the Scots should lose part of their honour and dignity, Whence the Scots came into Ireland. unless they be brought out of Spain into Ireland. For, both they themselves, and their Historiographers labour to prove with all their might and main; and good reason, (I assure you) have they so to do. Scythians in Spain. Unless therefore we find Scythians in Spain, all our labour is lost. And that Scythians have been in Spain (to say nothing of a promontory or point among the Cantabri, called Scythicum next unto Ireland, and how that Strabo writeth, that the * Those of Biscay, and there about. Concani. Cantabri and Scythians sorted well together in their deportment) Silius Italicus a Spaniard borne, doth most plainly declare: for by these verses he showeth, that the Concani, a nation of Cantabria, were begotten of the Massagetae, that is, Scythians. Et quae Massagetem monstrans feritate parentem, Lib. 3. Cornipedis fusâ satiaris Concane venâ. And ye your Parents Massagets in fierceness that do show, Height Concani, drink horses blood, as it from vein doth flow. And after some few verses between, he proveth, that the * Russians, and Tartarians. Sarmotae, whom all men confess to have been Scythians, built the City Susana in Spain, whiles he singeth in this note: * Capanillo. Sarmaticos attollens Susana muros: Susana, with high Sarmatian walls. Luceni. Of these Sarmatians or Scythians, the Luceni, whom Orosius placeth in Ireland, seem to be descended (considering that the Spaniards themselves put Susana among the * Those about Luca. Lucensians of Spain) like as of those Concani, the Gangani of Ireland. For the Lucensij and Concani in Cantabria, were neighbour nations, even as the Luceni and Gangani in that coast of Ireland opposite to Spain. Now if any man demand of me, what those Scythians were which came into Spain. Verily I know not, unless a man would think them to have been Germane: Germane in Spain. And I could wish that the Scots themselves would enter into a more serious and deep consideration of this point. But, that the Germans long ago entered into Spain; beside Pliny, who calleth the Oretani in Spain, Germans, Seneca which was a Spaniard borne will inform us. The mountain Pyrenaeus (saith he) stopped not the passage of the Germans; De consolation ed Albinum lib. 4. cap. 12. the levity of men made shift to enter through places scant passable, and unknown. And that the Germans were called Scythians, we gather not only out of Ephorus and Strabo, who termed all the nations in the North, Scythians, but also out of Pliny. The name of Scythians (quoth he) extendeth itself far and wide every way, even to the Samaritans and Germans. Aventinus also witnesseth, that Germans were by the Hungarians called Scythae and Scythulae. And to derive descent from a Scythian stock, cannot be thought any ways dishonourable, seeing that the Scythians, as they are most ancient, so they have been the conquerors of most Nations, themselves always invincible, and never subject to the Empire of others. Neither must we forget in this place that the Cauci and Menapij, ranged among the most famous Nations of Germany, are by Ptolomee placed in Ireland under the same names, and in the very same vicinity one to the other: so that by all likelihood, they derived from the same Germans, both their name, and also their descent. If the Scots have not their original from these, I would they pondered with themselves, whether they were not of those Barbarians, who (as it is recorded in King Alphonsus his Chronicles) were by Constantine the Great, driven out of Gallycia in Spain: Vassaeus. for out of those parts they will needs have it, that they came into Ireland. If they demand, who those Barbarians were? I doubt not but they will be of the same mind with me, that they were Germane. For during the reign of Gallienus the Emperor, the Germans dwelling in the farthest parts (saith Orosius) of Germany, spoiled and held Spain in subjection: and who should those remote Germans be, unless they were mere Scythians? but Aurelius' Victor, whom Andrew Schot hath published, called those Germans * Or Fankners. Frankes. But seeing those Frankes and Germans, inhabiting the farthest parts of Germany, putting to sea from thence, sailed in their heat and fury far into the Ocean, and as Nazarius saith unto Constantine, greatly annoyed, and did much harm by these our seas, even to the Spanish coasts also, who will believe that they preferred the dry and barren soil of Biscay, before Ireland, an Isle most fruitful, and fitly scited to endamage Spain? Nay rather, as in the time of Charles the Great, and afterwards, the Norwegians out of Scandia, did often attempt and invade Ireland, yea, and seated themselves there: so we may with good probability conjecture, that the Frankes did the same before; and that they passed from hence into Spain; and after they were driven out thence by Constantine the Great, retired back again into Ireland. Credible likewise it is, that more of them afterwards flocked thither, what time as the Vandals and Goths depopulated Spain, Orasius lib. 7. and as barbarous nations, warred among themselves, and made havoc of all: as also, when any storm of Saracens lay sore upon the Spaniards, and drove a great number of them into Gallycia and Biscay. But I leave these overtures unto others for to prie further into: let it be sufficient for me, that I have been but willing only to remove this cloud out of the way. But I beseech the learned Scots in this place to consider here, how it cometh to pass, that the Irish being the ancient forefathers and Progenitors of the Scots, yea, and the Scots themselves, bear them highly of this, that they be called Gael and Gaiothel, and their Language Gaiothlac, as also why they named that part of Britain, which they first possessed, Argathel? Whence can they say, that these names sprang? From the Gallaeci in Spain, from whom very many, no doubt, flitted over into Ireland, and whose beginning is fetched from the Gallatae or Galls? or from the Goths, as some later Writers are of opinion, who would have this word Gaiothel to proceed from the Goths, as likely as Catholonia did in Spain? Here should they have drawn arguments from the affinity, between the Gothicke Language, and the Irish: which not withstanding, so far as ever I could find, hath no resemblance at all of any other tongues in all Europe, save only of the * Welsh and Dutch. How truly Henry Huntingdon writeth; The Scots came in the fourth age of the world out of Spain into Ireland: and part of them who still remained there, useth as yet the same Language, and are called Navarrians: how truly (I say) he hath delivered this, let others speak. And here I omit David Chambres the Scotish-man, who hath been informed by certain Jesuits, that the Scottish tongue is used in East India. I am afraid lest that country so far remote as it is, made the credulous man bold, not to make a lie, but to tell a lie. But if arguments in this case may be taken from the habit and apparel of the people, surely the array and clothing of the wild Scots at this day, is all one with that of the Goths in times past; as we may by and by perceive out of Sidonius Apollinaris, who in describing a Goth, portraieth & depainteth unto us a wild Scot, as right as may be. They are (saith he) of a flaming deep yellow, died with saffron; they buckle upon their feet a pair of Broges made of raw and untanned leather up to their ankles; their knees, thighs, and calves of their legs are all bare; their garments high in the neck, strait made, and of sundry colours, coming scarce down to their hams; the sleeves cover the upper points of their arms and no more; their soldier's coats of colour green, edged with a red fringe; their belts hanging down from the shoulder; the lappets of their ears hidden under the curled * Flagella crinium. glibbes and locks of hair lying all over them, (For so a man may very rightly call, the manifold branched, and parted twists of hair, which * That is, the Redshanks. Scots & Irish wear) they use also hooked Spears, which Gildas termeth, Vncinata tela, and axes to fling from them. * Upon Horace, De arte Poetica. They wore likewise straight bodied coats (as saith Porphyrio) fitted close to their breasts, without girdles. If this be not for all the world the very right apparel of the wild Irish-Scots, let themselves be Judges. I would withal, they did consider these words of Giraldus Cambrensis, in his first book of The Institution of a Prince. When Maximus (saith he) was passed out of Britain into Gaul, with the whole power of men, forces, and armour, that the Island could make, and all to seize into his hands the Empire, Gratian and Valentinian brethren, and partners in the Empire, shipped over these Goths, (a Nation hardy and valiant in feats of arms, being also either confederate with them, or subject and obliged unto them for benefits, which they had received of the Emperors) from the borders of Scythia, into the North parts of Britain, for to annoy the Britan's, and cause the said Usurper to return back with his forces. But they, because they were exceeding puissant, (such was the inbred valour and warlike nature of the Goths,) and withal finding the Island destitute both of men and other means to defend it, becoming of pirates, and rovers neighbour dwellers, planted themselves in the said Northern parts, and held by strong hand no small Provinces thereof, which they usurped as their own. Now, who these Goths were, let others show, and peradventure out of Procopius, they may find some light; Lib. 2. de bell● Gothorum. in whom we read, That Belisarius, when the Goths expostulated with him, for that he had granted Sicily to the Romans, answereth in these words: And we likewise permit the Goths to have unto themselves Britain a far better country than Sicily, and in ancient time subject to the Roman Empire: For, meet it is, that they who first have bestowed benefits, should either reap condign thanks again, or receive good turns reciprocally. To this also may seem to be referred, that the Scots write, How Fergusius the Scot, accompanied Alaricke the Goth in the sacking of Rome: that Irenicus likewise reporteth, How Gensricke King of the Vandals came over unto Scotland and Britain: Lib. 6. cap. 25 as also, that which Cambrensis delivereth unto us, (but whence himself had it, I know not) namely, how the Gaideli, that is to say, the Scots, drew both their descent, and also their name from the Vandals, who were all one with the Goths, as Paulus Diaconus showeth. Neither can it be any disparagement at all to the name and nation of the Scots, to acknowledge themselves the offspring of the Goths, seeing that the most puissant Kings of Spain, think it an honour to fetch their pedigree from hence; and the noblest houses in all Italy, either draw indeed, or else falsify their lineal descent from the Goths. The Emperor himself Charles the fifth, would often times give out, and that in good earnest; that all the Nobility of Europe came out of Scandia, and from the stock of the Goths. But these reasons are not of such credit and importance with me, as that I dare thereupon resolve that the Scots are sprung and issued from the Goths. Diodorus Si●ulus. Now, to end all in a word, I would have the learned Scots to consider seriously, whether they were of those most ancient Britan's Inhabitants of Ireland (For, certain it is that Britan's in times past inhabited Ireland) and called Scythae or Scoti, because they suited so well with Scythians in manners: or Scythians indeed, such as came out of Scandia or Scythia, unto whom the Gallaeci, Franci, or Germans driven out of Spain, and Goths or Vandals came afterwards, what time as Spain with most hot and bloody wars was all in combustion: or rather a mishmash of sundry nations which conflowed into Ireland, and thereupon got that name among other neighbours. The language, saith Giraldus, of the Irish is called Gaidelach, as one would say, gathered out of all tongues. An Dom. 77. Scot And Florilegus (whencesoever he gathered it); From Picts and Irish, quoth he, the Scots took their beginning, as people compounded of diverse nations: For that is called Scot, which from sundry things groweth into one heap. Like as the Almains (by the testimony of Asinius Quadratus) carried that name, Almans. Agath. lib. 1. because they came of a commixture of diverse men. Neither may any man think it strange, that so many nations in old time flowed into Ireland, considering the scite of that Island in the very midst between Britan and Spain, and lying open so conveniently upon the French sea: seeing also it appeareth most certainly upon record, in the best approved Annals, that within these eight hundred years last passed the Norwegians, and Oustmen, that is, Easterlings out of Germany, the Englishmen, Welshmen, and Scots out of Britain, planted themselves surely there. These are the points, I say, which I would wish the Scotish men in this matter diligently to think upon. But let them remember in the mean time, that I have affirmed nothing, but only given an inkling of certain things, which may seem in some sort material and to make for the purpose. Whence, if the original of the Scots shall receive no light, let them seek else where: For, I myself in this am stark blind, and have in vain searched and hunted after the truth, that flieth still from me; howbeit with this considerate and circumspect care, that I have not, I hope, given the least offence to any whomsoever. When the Scots came into Britain. Touching the time when the name of Scots became first famous, there is some question; and Buchanan a right good Poet, hath herein commenced an action against Humphrey Lhuid as good an Antiquary: Because the said Lhuid averreth, that the name of Scots can no where be picked out of Authors before the time of Constantine the Great; he falls upon the man, is ready to take him by the throat, and with two silly arguments goeth about to give them the deadly stab; the one out of the Panegyrist, the other grounded upon a bare conjecture. Because we find in the old Panegyrist, that Britain in Caesar's time was wont to be troubled with Irish enemies; therefore, the Scots as then were seated in Britain: but no man before him ever said, that so much as those Irish had then any settled place, much less, that they were Scots. No doubt, the Panegyrist, after the usual and received manner of writers, spoke according to his own times, and not unto Caesar's. And as for the conjecture, it is none of his own, but the conjecture of that most learned Joseph Scaliger. For he in his notes upon Propertius, whiles he was correcting (by the way) of that verse out of Seneca his interlude; The Britan's those that seated are beyond the known sea-coast And Brigants with blue painted shields, he forced with his host; To yield their necks in Roman chains are captives to be led, And even the Ocean this new power of Roman axe to dread. Ille Britannos Vltra noti Littora Ponti Et caeruleos Scuta brigants Dare Romuleis Colla Catenis jussit, etc. readeth Scoto-Brigantes, and straightways exclaimeth, that the Scots are now beholden unto him for their original. But to this his opinion I cannot yield assent, though it be somewhat against my will, As also for their Etymology in his notes upon Eusebius Chronology. See them. who in many things have always for his learning honoured and admired the man. For, this conjecture ariseth not from the diverse readings in books, but out of his own brain: and the sense may bear, either [Caeruleos Scuta brigants] as it is in all books, or [Caeruleos cute brigants] that is, the brigants with blue died skins, as that most learned Hadrian junius readeth it. But Buchanan, who had rather disport himself sweetly in his own conceit and the witty invention of one other, than to judge aright with the usual and approved reading of that place, giveth a marvellous applause to this conjecture. First, because authors do not record that the Britan's painted their shields; Then, for that Seneca called them Scoto-Brigantes for difference sake, to distinguish them from the brigants of Spain and Ireland: Last of all, because in these verses he makes a distinction between the Britan's and brigants, as though they were diverse nations. But if one would narrowly sift and examine these matters what letteth but that they might paint their shields as well as themselves and their chariots? Why should he for distinction sake, coin this new word, Scoto-Brigantes? when he calleth them blue, and saith they were subdued by Claudius, doth he not sufficiently distinguish them from the other brigants? But that observation of his touching Britan's and brigants, as if they were diverse nations, doth scarce favour of a Poet's head, which could not be ignorant of that poetical figure, and manner of speaking, wherein a part is used for the whole, and chose. Wherefore, seeing these things make nothing to his cause, I will second Buchanan by way, as it were, of a fresh supply, with the aid of Egesippus, (who is commonly reputed a very ancient writer:) For, thus writeth he, where he treateth of the Romans power: They make * That is, Ireland. See in Ireland and before. Lib. 5. cap. 15. Scotland to quake, which is beholden to no land for any thing: before them, Saxony trembleth, that for Marshes is inaccessible. But hear you me, this author shall stand behind in the rearward, for he lived after Constantine's days, as may be gathered out of his own writings: neither can it be proved out of him, that the Scots dwelled in Britain, no more than out of that verse of Sidonius which erewhile I alleged. Yea marry, but there is another reason of more weight and moment indeed, which M. john Crag, a right famous and learned man, found by most exquisite and curious search in joseph Bengorion, writing of the destruction of jerusalem, to wit, that in an Hebrew copy, the Scots are expressly named, where Munster in his Latin translation hath untruly put down Britan's for Scots. But in what age that Bengorion lived, I cannot find for certain; sure I am, that he was after Flavius josephus, because he maketh mention of the Franks, whose name long after began to be known. But surely, if I may be so bold as to interpose myself in this question, among so great Scholars: so far as I have been able to observe, the first time that ever the Scotish nation became named in authors, was whiles Aurelianus was Emperor. For Pophyrie, who then wrote against the Christians, as * Unto Cre●iphon against Pelagians. Saint Jerome informeth us, mentioned them in these words: Neither Britain, a fertile Province of tyrants, nor the Scotish nations, together with the barbarous people round about, as far as to the Ocean, had any knowledge of Moses and the Prophets. At which time verily, or somewhat before, those that are well seen in Antiquities have noted, that the names of the most potent nations of French and Almains, were not heard of before the time of Gallienus the Emperor. It is no assured truth therefore, which some write, That the name and Kingdom of the Scots flourished in Britain many hundred years before the birth of Christ. But hearken to Girald, who will tell you the just time: When Great O-Nel (saith he) held the Monarchy of Ireland, six sons of Mured King of Ulster, seized upon the North parts of Britain. Hereupon from them was there a nation propagated, which by a peculiar name called, Scotica, that is, Scotish, inhabiteth that part even to this day. And that this befell at the very time when the Roman Empire in every man's sight grew to decay, it is collected thus. Whiles Lagerius the son of that O-Nel reigned over the Irish, Patrick (the Apostle of the Irishmen) came into Ireland, much about the year after Christ's nativity 430. So as it may seem, this happened near the days of Honorius * Emperor. Augustus. For then, whereas before time, ranging up and down without any certain place of abode (as Ammianus doth report) they had long annoyed Britain and the places appointed for the Marches, they seem to have set their footing in Britain. But they themselves will have it thus, that they did but return then out of Ireland, whither they had retired before, what time they were put to flight by the Britan's, and driven away: and so they understood that place out of Gildas, of this very time; The Irish spoilers return home, minding shortly to come back again. And much about this time, Beda. lib. 1. ca 1. some think that Reuda, (whom Bede mentioneth) either by force and arms, or through favour planted himself in this Island, upon an arm of the river Cluid Northward. And of this Captain Reuda (saith he) the Dalreudini, even to this day take their name. For, in their tongue, Dalinea, signifieth a part: and others think, that from this Reuda it was, that we called the Irish-Scots, Redshanks. It is thought also, that the same Simon Breach, whom the Scots avouch to be the founder of their nation, flourished in these days. Sinbrech in truth was the name of the man, which is as much to say, as Sin, with the freckled face, as we read in Fordon. And peradventure the same Breach he was, who about the time of S. Patrick, together with Thuibai, Mac-lei, and Auspac, Scots, infested Britain, as we read in the life of Saint Carantoc. But why the High-land Scots living in Britain, call that country which they inhabit, Alban and Albin. Alban, and Albin, and the Irish name it Allabany, were a question for an ingenuous and liberal wit to travel in: as namely, whether this word Allabany, may not have it in some token of the ancient Albion: or whether it came of whiteness, which they call Ban, and therefore may import as much in Scotish, as Ellan-Ban, that is, a white Island: or whether it be derived of Ireland, which the Irish Poets name Banne; so that Allabanny, may sound as much, as another Ireland, or a second Ireland. For, Historiographers were wont to call Ireland, Scotland the greater, and the Kingdom of the Scots in Britain, Scotland the less. Moreover, seeing these Scots in their own language term themselves Albin, Albin. Albinus. whereupon Blondus called the Scots, Albienses, or Albinenses, and Buchanan, Albini, let Critics consider, whether that in Saint Jerome, where he inveigheth against a certain Pelagian, a Scot borne, it should not be read, Albinum for Alpinum, when he taketh him up in these terms; The Albine Dog. The great and corpulent Alpine dog; and who is able to do more harm with his heels, than his teeth: for he hath his offspring of the Scotish nation, near neighbours to the Britan's: of whom also in another place, he said, that he was full fattened with Scottish pottage & brewis. Of Alpine dogs, I never remember that I have read aught; but that Scotish dogs were in much request at Rome in those days, Symmachus showeth unto us, Seven Scotish Dogs there were (saith he) the day going before the Games, which in Rome they wondered at so, as they thought they were brought thither in yron-grated Cages. But after that the Scots were come into Britain, and had joined themselves unto the Picts, albeit they never ceased to vex the Britan's with skirmishes and inroads, yet grew they not presently up to any great state, but kept a long time in that corner, where they first arrived, not daring (as Beda writeth) for the space of one hundred and seven and twenty years to come forth into the field, Lib. 1 cap. ult. against the Princes of Northumberland; until at one and the same time, they had made such a slaughter of the Picts, that few or none of them were left alive: and withal the Kingdom of Northumberland, what with civil dissensions and invasions of the Danes, sore shaken and weakened, fell at once to the ground. For then, all the Northern tract of Britain, became subject to them, and took their name, together with that hithermore country on this side Cluid, Bede. and Edinburgh Frith. For, that it also was a parcel of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and possessed by the English-Saxons, no man gain-saieth: and hereof it is, that all they which inhabit the East part of Scotland, and be called Lowland men, as one would say, of the Lower-countrey, are the very offspring of the English-Saxons, and do speak English. But they that dwell in the West coast, named Highland men, as it were, of the upper country, be mere Scots, and speak Irish, as I have said before: and none are so deadly enemies, as they be unto unto the Lowland men, which use the English tongue as we do. Ammianus Marcellinus writeth, that together with the Scots, ATTACOTTI, a warlike people, did much mischief unto Britain; and those Humphrey Lhuid, guesseth, (how truly I know not) to have been also of the Scotish nation. Attacotti. Saint Jerome telleth us plainly, that they were a British people. For he writeth, that when he was a very youth, Lib. 2. contra jovianum. (while julian as it seemeth was Emperor) he saw in Gaul the Attacots, a British nation, feed of man's flesh, who when they found in the Forest's herds of swine, flocks of neat and other cattle, were wont to cut off the buttocks of their herdsmen, and keepers, the dugs also and paps of the women, and account the same the only dainties in the world. For, so according to the true Manuscript copies we are to read in this place, Attacotti [and not Scoti with Erasmus] who acknowledgeth this text to be corrupted: Although I must needs confess, that in one Manuscript we read Attigotti, in another Catacotti, and in a third Cattiti. Neither can this passage be any ways understood as the vulgar sort take it, of the Scots: considering that Saint Jerome treating there of the sundry orders and manners of diverse nations, beginneth the next sentence following in this wise: The nation of the Scots hath no proper wives of their own, etc. In another place also, where Saint Jerome maketh mention of the Attacotti, Erasmus putteth down for them, Azoti. These Attacoti, as appeareth by the book called Notitiae, served under the Romans in their wars, in the very decaying and declining state of their Empire. For, reckoned there are among the Palatine aids within Gaul, Attecotti juniores Gallicani, and Attecotti Honoriani Seniores: also, within Italy, Attecotti Honoriani juniores. By this addition Honoriani, they seem to be of the number of those Barbarians, whom Honorius the Emperor entertained, and to no small damage of the Empire enroled as soldiers to serve in his wars. Among these nations also, which made roads and invasions into Britain, john Caius, a man much exercised with cares and endeavours of the best kind, and one who hath passing well deserved of our Commonwealth of learning, reckoneth the * Ambrones. Ambrones, for that he red in Gildas, where he writeth of Picts and Scots, thus: Those former enemies, like Ambrones, Wolves, even enraged for extreme hunger, with dry jaws leaping over the sheep-fold whiles the shepherd is out of the way, being carried with the wings of oars and arms of rowers, set forward also with sails helped with gales of wind, break thorough the bounds, killing and slaying all where they came. This good meaning old man thought of that which he had read in Festus, namely, that the Ambrones, together with the Cimbri, flocked by numbers into Italy: and being busied about another matter, it was quite out of his head, that [Ambro] as Isidorus noteth, doth signify, a Devourer. Neither doth Gildas use that word in any other sense, nor Geffrey of Monmouth, who called the Saxons also, Ambrones: nor any other Ambrones than these, could myself hitherto ever find in ancient Writers, to have invaded Britain. ENGLISH-SAXONS. WHen as now the Roman Empire under Valentinian the younger did more than decline, and Britain being exhausted through so many levies of all able men, Anglo-Saxons. and abandoned of the Roman garrisons, could no longer withstand the force of Scots and Picts; Vortigern, whom the Britan's had made their Sovereign and chief Governor, Who also is called Guortigern. or who (as others think) had usurped the Monarchy, to the end that he might establish his imperial rule, and recover the State falling to ruin: (much awed he was, saith Ninnius, by the Picts and Scots, he stood in fear of the Romans forces, and was afraid of Aurelius Ambrose) sent for the Saxons out of Germany to aid him: who forthwith under the conduct of Hengist and Horsa, with their Ciules (for so they called their Flat-boats or Pinnaces) arrive in Britain, and after they had in one or two battles gotten the victory against the Picts and Scots, became very much renowned: and seeing the Britan's still relying upon their manhood and courage, they send for greater forces out of Germany, which should keep watch and ward upon the borders, and annoy the enemies by land and sea. Guortigern (saith Ninnius) by the advice of Hengist, sent for Octha and Ebissa to come and aid him: who being embarked in 40. Cyules or Pinnaces, and sailing about the Picts coasts wasted the Isles called * Orkney Isles. Orcades, yea and got many Isles and Countries beyond the * Mare Fresicum. Frith, as far as to the confines of the Picts. But at length, after they had begun to fall in love with the Lands, the civil fashions, and riches of Britain, presuming upon the weakness of the Inhabitants, and making the default of pay, and want of victuals their quarrel, they entered into league with the Picts, and raised a most bloody and mortal war against the Britan's, who had given them entertainment: they kill and slay them in every place being put in affright and amazedness, Aurelius Ambrose. Gildas calleth him, Ambrose Aurelianus. their fields they harry, their cities they raze, and after many doubtful events of battle, fought against those two bulwarks of war, Aurelius Ambrose, who here took upon him to wear the purple robe, wherein his parents were killed, and that warlike Artery, they disseise the Britan's of the more fruitful part of the Isle, and drive them out of their ancient possessions. At which time, to speak all in a word, the most miserable Inhabitants suffered whatsoever either conqueror might dare, or the conquered fear. For, supplies of aid flocked together daily out of Germany, which still should renew war upon war against the wearied Britan's: to wit, Saxons, jutes, (for so must we read, and not Vites) and Angles, who by these proper names were known one from another, although generally, they were called English, and Saxons. But let us treat of these in several, and summarily, that if it be possible we may have a sight of our original, and first cradles. Howbeit, first will I add hereto that which Witichindus, being himself both a Saxon borne, and also a writer of good antiquity; hath related, as touching the coming in of the Saxons. Britain (saith he) being by Vespasian the Emperor long since reduced among Provinces, and under the vassalage of the Romans, standing them in stead, and serving to good use a long time, became assailed by their neighbour-nations: for that it seemed destitute, and abandoned of the Romans help. For, the people of Rome, after that the Emperor * Haply, Martian. Martial was by his soldiers killed, being sore tired out with foreign wars, was not able to assist their friends with supply of accustomed aids. Yet nevertheless, the Romans having built a mighty piece of work for the defence of the Country, reaching between the confines from sea to sea, where it was thought that the enemies would assail the Inhabitants, left the Land. But no difficulty it was for the enemy fiercely bend and always ready to wage war (especially where they deal with a nation, feeble and unable to make warlike resistance) to destroy the said work. Therefore hearing by report of the worthy and fortunate exploits, achieved by the Saxons, they send an humble Embassage to require their helping hand: and so the Ambassadors having audience given them, came forth and spoke, as followeth. Most noble Saxons, The poor and distressed * Brets, for Britan's. Brets out-toiled, and overtired by the many incursions of their enemies, hearing the fame of those victories which ye have valorously achieved, have sent us suppliants unto you, craving that ye would not deny us your help and succour. A large and spacious Land, plentiful and abundant in all things. they yield wholly to be at your devotion and command. Hitherto have we lived liberally under the patronage and protection of the Romans: after the Romans, we know none of more prowess than yourselves: and therefore we seek for refuge under the wings of your valour. So that we may by your puissant virtue and arms, be found only superior to our enemies, what service soever ye impose upon us, willing we are to abide the same. To this petition the Peers and Nobles of the Saxons briefly made answer in this wise. Know ye, that the Saxons will be fast friends unto the Brets, and pressed at all times, both to assist them in their necessity, and also to procure their wealth and commodity. With joy return these Ambassador's home, and with this wished for tidings, make their countrymen more joyful, Hereupon according to promise, an army sent into Britain, and joyfully received, in short time freeth the Land from the spoiling enemies, and recovered the country unto the behoof of the Inhabitants. For, the performance hereof required no great labour: the enemies who had long since heard of the Saxons, were terrified with the very fame that was bruited of them: so that their very presence drove them far off, For these were the nations that troubled the Brets, namely, Scots and * Picts. Pehits: against whom, the Saxons whiles they maintain wars, received of the Brets all things necessary. They abode therefore in that country a good while, making use in civil sort of the Brets friendship reciprocally. But so soon as the Chieftains of the army saw the country to be large and fertile, and withal the hands of the Inhabitans slow to practise feats of arms: and considered therewith, that themselves, and the greatest part of the Saxons, had no certain place to seat themselves in, they send over to call unto them a greater power and more forces. Thus having concluded peace with the Scots and Pehits, they rise all together in common against the Brets, drive them out of the country, and divide the Land at their pleasure, as if it were their own. Thus much Witichindus. The original and Etymology of the Saxons, like as of other nations, not only Monks ignorant, as they were, in learned antiquity, but also latter Writers, being men of some exact and exquisite judgement, have enwrapped with forged and feigned fables, Some derive them and their name from Saxon, the son of Negnon, and brother of Vandalus others from their stony nature: some from the remains of the Macedonian army; others of certain knives, whereupon was made that rhyme in Engelhusius: Quip brevis gladius apud illos Saxa vocatur, Vnde tibi nomen, Saxo traxisse putatur. For, Sax, with them, and Short-sword, is the same, From whence it's thought, the Saxon took his name. But Crantzius deriveth them from the Cattis in Germany: and that learned Capnio from the Phrygians. Of these, let every man follow which he liketh best: For, such conjectural opinions as these, I will not labour to disproove. Howbeit, that conceit of the best learned Germans may seem worthy of acceptance, Saxons, from the Sacae in Asia. and to be preferred before the rest, who suppose that the Saxons descended from the Sacae, a most noble Nation, and of much worth in Asia, and so called, as one would say, Sacosones, that is, the sons of the Sacae: and that out of Scythia, or Sarmaria Tartary. Asiatica, they came in companies by little and little, together with the Getae, Suevi, Daci, and others into Europe. Neither is this opinion of theirs improbable, which fetcheth the Saxons out of Asia, Lib. 11. Mela●cthon Cisnerus. wherein mankind was first created and multiplied: for, beside that Strabo writeth, how those Sacae (as before time the Cimerij) made invasions into countries which lay far off, and termed a part of Armenia after their own name Sacacena: Ptolomee also placeth the Sassones, Suevians, Massageteses and Daci in that part of Scythia: and Cisner observeth, that these Nations retained the same vicinity or neighbourhood in a manner in Europe, which was among them in former times when they were in Asia. Neither is it less probable, Michael N●ander. that our Saxons descended from these Sacae or Sassones in Asia, (call them whether you will) than the Germans from those Germans in Persia, of whom Herodotus maketh mention: which they themselves after a sort do affirm, by reason of the affinity of their Language: for, that singular Scholar joseph Scaliger showeth, that these words, Fader, Mother, Tutchter, Band, and such like, are at this day found in the Persian tongue, in the same sense as we use, Father, Mother, Brother, Daughter, and Bond. But when the Saxons began first to be of any name in the world, they had their abode in Cimbrica Chersonesus, which we now call Denmark, wherein Ptolomee placeth them, who was the first author (as far as I find) that mention them. For, we should not indeed read, saxons, (as it is in some books) but more truly, Axones, people of Gaul. Axones, in that verse of Lucan: — Longisque leves Axônes in armis: And Axons in side armour light and nimble.— Out of this Cimbrica Chersonesus in the time of Dioclesian, they (with the Frankes their neighbours) troubled our coasts and the seas with piracy, in so much as for the defence of the country, and to repel them, the Romans made Carausius their General. Afterwards they having passed over the river * Elbe. Zosimus. Albis, part of them by little and little got footing within the seat and territory of the Suevians, where now is the Dukedom of Saxony, and part of them bestowed themselves in Friesland and Holland, which now the Frankes had quite forsaken. For, those Frankes who before time had inhabited those inmost Fens of Friesland (whereof some, by overflows and floods, are grown to be that sea, which at this day they call Zuider-sea) and possessed themselves of Holland, then called Batavia, under Constantius Chlorus, Constantine the Great, and his sons, being received as Liege-men, and translated from thence to inhabit the waste and desert countries of Gaul, either by the swords point making way into more plentiful regions, or else (as Zosimus writeth) driven out by the Saxons, departed out of Holland. From which time, all the people bordering upon that sea coast in Germany, which were men of war, and professed piracy, as before they grew to be Franci, so now they became cleped Saxons: those Nations I mean, which inhabit jutland, Sleswicke, Holst, Ditmarse, the Bishopric of Breme, the county of Oldenburgh, both East and West Friesland, and Holland. For the nation of the Saxons, Ethelward, Son to King Adulph in the fourth degree, flourished the year 950. (as Fabius Quaestor Ethelward, himself descended of the Saxons royal blood, writeth) was wholly all that upon the seacoast, from the river Rhine unto the city Donia, and which now is commonly called Dane-Marc. Which author▪ (that I may acknowledge by whom I have profited) master Thomas Allen of Oxford an excellent man, and one endued with very many singular Arts, first found out, and of his courtesy imparted the same unto me, with many others. Out of this Maritime tract, the Saxons fleshed now with the slaughter of many Romans, broke many times into the Romans provinces, and for a great while annoyed this Island, until Hengist himself came: Who out of Batavia or Holland, sailed into Britain, and built that Castle of Leiden in Holland, as not only the Hollanders Annals do testify, but also that noble janus Dousa, a man of excellent wit and learning: who of that Castle, versifieth thus: Quem circinato maenium ut ambitu, Ode 2. of Leiden. Sic arcuatis fornicibus novum Putatur Hengistus Britanno Orb redux posuisse victor. Which Hengist, by report, when he Returned from Britain with victory, Built new with walls in compass round, And on vaults arched under ground. The jutae, who had that name (as many think) from the Gutes, Geteses, or Goths (for in a manuscript book, we read Geatun) did for certain inhabit the upper part of Cimbrica Chersonesus, Spartianus Trebellius Pollio Capitolinus, etc. which still the Danes call juitland: descended haply of those Guttae, whom Ptolomee hath placed in Scandia, whose habitation this day is called Gothland. But take heed you think not with jornandes, that this was the native country of those Goths, who with victorious conquests overran all Europe: for, the most ancient and best approved writers have recorded unto us, that they dwelled beyond the river * Alias, Danubius' Don●w. Ister fast by Pontus * Marmajore. Euxinus, and were before time called Getae. Angleses, or Englishmen. But, in what place the Angleses were seated, it is a question, neither are all men of one opinion. Most authors place them in Westphalia, where Engern standeth, and where the Suevians, whom Tacitus and Ptolomee make mention of, had their abode; whom I am willing to believe, if we speak of the age of Tacitus: but I suppose, that from thence they came down to the tract by the sea side. Others seek for them in Pomerania, where the town Angloen flourisheth. But seeing these reach into the more inland parts of Germany far from our seas, surely we must seek for some other seat of our Angles or Englishmen: Lib. 1. cap. 15. which Beda willed me to look for between the Saxons and jutes. The Angleses (quoth he) came out of that country which is called Angulus, and is reported from that time to lie waste, between the Provinces of the Saxons and * jutarum. So readeth the Manuscript, and not Vit●r●m. jutes. Now seeing that between juitland and Holsatia the ancient country of the Saxons, there is a little Province in the Kingdom of Dania, named at this day Angel, Angel in Denmark, the seat of the English, or Angles. beneath the city Flemsburg, which Lindebergius in his Epistles calleth Little Anglia: I dare affirm, that now at length, I have found the place of our ancestors habitation, and that from thence the Angleses came into this Island. And to aver this the more confidently, I have good warrant from the authority of that ancient writer Ethelwardus, whose words be these: Old Anglia is sited between the Saxons and the Giots: they have a capital town, which (in the Saxon tongue) is named Sleswic: but the Danes call it Haithby. In which very place, Ptolomee seemeth to set the Saxons. So that a Poet of the middle time, sung not untunably in this manner: — Saxonia protulit Anglos, Hoc patet in lingua, niveoque colore.— That Englishmen from Saxons draw descent, Their colour * Fair. white and tongue make evident. Of these Angleses, some part having passed forward into the inmore quarters of Germany, being blended with the Longobards and the Suevians went, as far as Italy, and are thought to have left their footing in Engelheim, the native country of Charles the Great, Ingolstad, Engleburg, Englerute in Germany, and Angleria in Italy. But what the reason or Etymology is of the name, I dare not definitively pronounce. Away with that Angulus the son of Humblus: and with Queen Angela, whom foolish folk babble to have been the founders of our Nation. Neither think we that their name was imposed of Angulus, that is, An angle or corner; as if it were a corner of the world, as some building upon that stale verse, seem to hold: Anglia terra ferax, & fertilis angulus orbis, Insula praedives, quae toto vix eget orbe: England a fruitful angle, is without the world so wide, An Island rich, that hath small need of all the world beside. Neither doth Goropius his conjecture deserve credit, but rather a smile, which deriveth Anglos, that is, englishmans, from Angle, that is, A fishing rod, or a Fish-hooke; because (saith he) they hooked all unto them, and were, as we say, Good Anglers. But he that seeth the Etymology, De bello Gothico. lib. 4. of Engelbert, Englehard, and such like Dutch names, may see perhaps the original of Angli also. Moreover, it may seem out of Procopius, that the Frisones likewise came with others into Britain. The text whole as it lieth (for that the book is not commonly extant in print) I will not think much here to set down, even as Franciscus Pithaeus a singular good man, and in all sorts of Antiquity most skilful, hath exemplified it unto me, out of the King's Library in Paris: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, That is, according to my gross translation, thus: The Island Britain, three most populous nations do inhabit, which have every one their several King to rule them: and these Nations be called Angili, Frisones, and after the name of the very Island, Britoneses. Now they seem to be so great a multitude of people, that every year a mighty number of them, with their wives and children, flit from thence unto the Franks: and they give them entertainment in that part of their Land, which seemeth most desert above the rest: and hereupon men say, they challenge unto themselves the very Island. And verily, not long since, when the King of the Franks, sent certain of his people in Embassage to Constantinople unto the Emperor justinian, he sent withal some English, pretending ambitiously, that this Island was under his dominion. These are the people of Germany, that planted themselves in Britain, who, that they became one nation, Saxons, Angleses, and jutes one nation. and were called by one general name, one while Saxons another while, englishmans, and English-Saxons, for difference of those that are in Germany, may be gathered most truly, out of Gildas, Beda, Saint Boniface, Paulus Diaconus, and others: but most commonly in Latin, Angli, Gens Anglica; and in their tongue, to the same sense, Engla theod. About the time when they were admitted into Britain by Vortigern, writers do not agree: Anglo-Saxons, when they came into Britain. but to omit others, Bede and those that follow him, make this computation of those most confused times. In the one and thirtieth year of Theodosius the younger, and of Christ 430. The Britan's piteous crave aid, but in vain, of * or Aetius. Aetius the third time Consul, for that they were sore oppressed by the Picts and Scots. Under Valentinian the third, Saint German once or twice came into Britain against the Pelagians, and after he had poured out his prayers unto God, led an army [of Britan's] against the Picts and Saxons, and gained the victory. In the first year of Martianus, and the year of our Lord 449, the nation of the English-Saxons arrive in Britain. But seeing it appeareth for certain by the * or Register. Fasti Consulares. Calendar of the Consuls, that the third Consulship of Aetius fell out to be in the 39 year of the said Theodosius, and after the birth of Christ 446. as also by the best and most approved authors, that Saint German died in the year of Grace 435: justly we may suspect, that those numbers in Beda were corrupted, and that the Saxons had footing given them here, before the year of our Lord 449. For otherwise, how could it be, that S. German, who departed this life An. Do. 435, should conduct the Britan's against the Saxons, when as they were not yet come? Ninnius also writeth, that Saint German returned out of Britain into his own country after the death of Vortigern, Baronius. who received the Saxons into Britain: so that of necessity their coming in was before the year of our Lord 435, which was the year wherein Saint German ended his life. In like manner, in the second year after that Leo Magnus was created Bishop of Rome, which was in the year of Christ 443, Prosper Tyro who then lived, writeth, that Britain after sundry overthrows, was brought in subjection to the Saxons, so that they doubtless must needs come in before that time, namely, the year of Christ 449. But to take away all scruples, and clear all doubts in this point, this one note of computation adjoined unto some copies of Ninnius, which is unto me in stead of all, may suffice. From the Consulship of the two Gemini, * Read Fusius. Rufus and Rubellius, unto Stilico the Consul, are reckoned 373. years. Item, from Stilico unto Valentinian the son of Placidia, and to the reign of Vortigern, be 28. years. From the reign of Vortigern unto the * or battle. discord of Guitolin and Ambrose, are 12. years. Which battle is Guoloppum, that is, Cathguoloph. Now Vortigern held the Kingdom of Britain when Theodosius and Valentinian were Consuls: and in the fourth year of his reign, the Saxons came into Britain, and were entertained by Vortigern, when Foelix and Taurus were Consuls. From the year wherein the Saxons came into Britain, and were received by Vortigern, unto * Elsewhere Decius Paulinus. Decius Valerianus, are 69. years. By casting therefore the account thus, the coming in of the English Saxons into Britain, was in the 21. year of Theodosius the younger: and this cometh nearest to the computation of Bede, in the year of our salvation 428. For then Foelix and Taurus bore their Consulship: and so all circumstances of persons and times do well cohere. This moreover I think good to tell you of, although I will not take upon me to be a Critic, that in most copies of Gildas, whence Beda had that note of Etius, we read Agitio 111. Consuli, in others without adjection of number, Aegitio: and in one, Aequitio Cos. But to this day never could I see in the Register and Calendar of Consuls, any Consul of that name: unless we might think that he was some Consul extraordinary. Well, what time soever it was that they came in, they made good proof of their singular valour and wisdom with all. For in a short space, their State, for number, for good customs and ordinances, The Saxons conquest. for lands and territories grew to that height, that it became most wealthy and puissant, yea, and their conquest in some sort full and absolute. For all the conquered, except some few, whom in the Western tract the roughness of the country defended and kept safe, became one nation, used the same laws, took their name, and spoke one and the self same language, with the conquerors. For, besides England itself, a great part of Scotland, being possessed by the English Saxons (and still to this day, the wild and natural Scots indeed, term them Sassones) useth the same tongue that we do, varying a little in the Dialect only. Which tongue we and they together for the space now of 1150. years, have kept after a sort uncorrupt, and with the possession also of the Land. So that now it is proved vain and false, Gildas. (as other prophecies of that kind) which the Saxon Prophets foretold, when as they spread their sails for this Island, That they should inhabit here 300. years and no more, and for one hundred and fifty of them, often times waste and spoil the country. Now, the matter itself, and the place seem to require, that somewhat should be added as touching the ancient manners and demeanour of our Forefathers the Saxons: and surely, annex I will what I have observed in this behalf. This nation of the Saxons, The Saxons Manners. was generally most warlike and martial, For courage of mind, strength of body, enduring of labour and travel, reputed of all the Germane most valiant, as saith Zosimus. Most feared of the Romans, because their invasions were sudden, as Marcellinus reporteth: Terrible for hardiness and agility, as saith Orosius. Saxony is a region (by reason of Marshes) inaccessible, and environed with cumbersome countries, and unpassable. Which things although they may make them more secure for war, and although itself also was led captive oftentimes to set out the Roman triumphs, yet have they the name to be a most valorous kind of men; excelling all other in piracy: howbeit, trusting in their swift pinnaces and fly-boats (not in fine force) provided rather for flight than fight, as Egysippus recordeth of them. In imitation of whom, Isidorus writeth thus: The Nation of the Saxons seated upon the coasts of the Ocean sea, and among unpassable Marshes, is for valour and nimbleness meet for service: and thereupon they took their name, as being a kind of people stout, hardy, and most valiant, yea and redoubted above all other for piracy. Lib. 9 cap. 2. Originum. Men they are for their tall stature, the good feature of their limbs, and framing of their lineaments, conspicuous and notable. Whereupon Witichindus the Monk, writeth thus of them; The Franks had these men in admiration for their excellency as well in body as mind: they wondered at them for their new and strange▪ habit, for their armour also, and shoulders overspred with the hair of their head; but above all for their constant resolution, and valiant courage. Clad they were in soldiers cassocks, and weaponed with long spears) they trusted upon their little bucklers, and wore great knives or skeins at their backs. Howbeit, before time they used to shave their hair off, hard by the head to the very skin, unless it were round about the crown, and to wear a plate about their head, as Sidonius Apollinaris teacheth us in these verses: Istic Saxona carulum videmus Adsuetum antè salo, solum timere; Cujus verticis extimas per oras Non contenta suos tenere morsus, Altat lamina marginem comarum. Et sic crinibus ad cutem recissis, Decrescit caput, additurque vultus. The Saxons there in watcher clad, we see On land a afraid, who erst at sea were bold; Whose bush of hairs about the crown that be Plates not content to keep their wont hold Raise up in tufts, when all the rest is bold: The Scalp beneath thus shaved to the skin, Their face seems full, their heads but small and thin. As for their apparel, you may understand what it was out of these words of Paulus Diaconus, as touching the Longobards. Their garments were large, and loose, and most of all linen, such as the English Saxons are wont to wear, trimmed and set out with very broad guards or welts purfled and embroidered with sundry colours. Most skilful sea men they were, as who a long time lived as Pirates, so that being accustomed to the sea they were afraid, as he saith, of the land: and wrought so much mischief upon the seacoasts of Britain and France, The Saxons shores or coasts. as far as to Spain, that there were both Captains and soldiers appointed all along the shores of both Countries to restrain their rovings and depredations, who thereupon were called Counts or Earls of the Saxon shore along Britain and France. And hereto tend these verses of Sidonius Apollinaris: Quîn & Aremoricus piratam Saxona tractus, Sperabat Comites littoris Saxonici. cui pelle salum sulcare Britannum Ludus, & assuto glaucum mare findere lembo. The tract also that lies the Sea so near, Height Armoricke, did Saxon pirate * Sperabat, for timebat. fear: Whose sport it is with leather-stitched boat, Of British Sea to cut the waves afloat. Yea and that which more is, within Gaul near unto Armorica, they seized into their hands and held a long time the Country about the * Baieux. Baiocasses, as is to be seen in Gregorius Turonensis, who termed them saxons Baiocassinos, like as the common sort, Sesnes Bessins'. But with how great cruelty they committed outraies along these shores, hear if it please you, saxons Baiocassini. Sidonius himself. The Messenger, (saith he) with whom we spent some time in talk, whiles for your sake we held him with us, constantly affirmed, that you of late sounded alarm at Sea, Lib. 8. Epist. ad Namantium. and performing the part in your own person sometime of a soldier, & sometimes of a mariner, bestirred yourself up and down the winding shores of the Ocean, to affront the * Ciuli. flat bottom barks of the Saxons: Of whom as many rowers as you see, so many Archpirats you may think you beheld: They all of them together, so command, obey, teach, and learn to rob and steal; that even now also you have greatest cause to be warned, and to be most heedful and wary of them. There is no enemy so cruel as this. He setteth upon others at unwares, himself slips away as warily: He setteth at nought such as encounter him; he bringeth to nought those that take no heed to him: whom he courseth, he surely overtaketh; when he flieth he is sure to escape. To this service, shipwrecks enure him, they terrify him not. Not only skilful they are in the dangers of sea, but also familiarly acquainted in some sort therewith. Be there a tempest up? the same of one side serveth to secure them were they in jeopardy to be taken; on the other side if they be to assail others, it keepeth them from being descried and seen far off. In the mids of waves and craggy rocks, they hazard their lives in hope of good success. Besides this, before they take shipping into their own Country and weigh their flowked anchors from the enemy's shore, upon the point of return, their manner is to kill every tenth captive with equal and * By hanging them indifferently one with another. dolorous torment (a custom the more lamentable, because it is superstitious) and among the number of such as are gathered together to die, for to disperse the equity of lot, together with the iniquity of death. With such vows they bind themselves, with such sacrifices they pay their vows, and not so much purified by such sacrifices, as polluted with sacrilegies, the bloody and abominable murderers think it a religious thing, rather to torment a prisoner to death, than to set him free for a ransom. Hitherto also may be referred that, which we collect of the fragment of an ancient History in Isodorus. The Saxons trust to their fly-boats and not to their strength, better appointed for flight than for fight. As also this testimony of Salvianus, who then lived, writing thus of Barbarous nations. The Alani are a people vicious and unclean, but not so perfidious. The Franks be given to lying, howbeit full of hospitality and kind to strangers. The Saxons in cruelty outrageous, yet for chastity to be honoured. But so firm and resolute they were, (if I may be allowed to give it so good a term) that they would choose rather to kill themselves, and cast away their lives wilfully, than be mocked and laughed to scorn. And hereupon it was, that when Symmachus had provided a band of them against the public shows which were to be exhibited; the very day on which they should have been brought forth into the Theatre, for sword play to kill one another, Lib. 2. Epist. 4●. they by strangling themselves prevented all hope of showing bloody sport and pastime unto the people. Of whom Symmachus himself writeth thus: The band or company of Saxons is lessened by death. For, when as the private guard restrained not the liberty of the impious hands of those desperate people; the first day of the sword fight-shew, saw nine and twenty of their necks broken without any halter. Moreover, this nation of the Saxons was very much addicted to superstition, & for that cause when they were to consult of weighty and important matters, beside Soothsaying by inspection of beasts entrails, they observed especially the neighing of horses, as presaging things to come. And thence perhaps it is, that the Dukes of Saxony in ancient time gave the horse in their Arms. But why our first progenitors Hengistus and Horsa, An horse the badge or cognisance of the Saxons. took their names of an horse, (for both their names in the Saxon tongue do signify, an horse,) surely I know not, unless it were for a lucky osse and foretoken of their warlike prowess, according to that verse of Virgil. Bello armantur equi, Bella haec armenta minantur: For war our horses armed are, These beasts also do threaten war. They used also casting and drawing of lots very much; for, they did cut down a branch from some tree that bare fruit, and slived or cleft the same into slips and twigs, and when they had distinguished them with certain marks, These ceremonies Adam Bremensis ascribeth to the Saxons which Tacitus attributeth to the Suevians. they scattered them at haphazard upon a white garment. Strait ways, if the consultation were public, the Priest; if private, the goodman of the house, after prayers first unto the Gods, looking up to heaven, took each of them up three times, and having lifted them up, they interpreted them according to the mark set before upon them. To try out the event and issue of wars, they were wont to set a prisoner of that nation against which they denounced war, and a man chosen out of their own countrymen, to fight together a combat, each of them with the weapon used in their country; and so to guess by him that was victor, which nation should go away with victory. Above all other Gods they worshipped Mercury, whom they called Wooden, whose favour they procured by sacrificing unto him men alive; and to him they consecrated the fourth day of the week, The Saxons Gods. whereupon we call it at this day, Wednesday: like as the sixth unto Venus, whom they named Frea or Frico, whence we name that day Friday: Wednesday. Friday. Tuesday. even as we do Tuesday of Tuisco, the stocke-father of the Germane or Dutch nation. They had a Goddess also named Eoster, unto whom they sacrificed in the month of April: and hence it cometh, saith * De temporibus. Eoster a goddess. Beda, that they called April, Eoster, monath, and we still name the feast of the Resurrection, Easter; but rather as I think of the rising of Christ, which our progenitors called East, as we do now that part whence the Sun riseth. In general (as saith Tacitus) the English and other neighbour-nations worshipped Herthus, that is, Dame Earth, for a Goddess, and they had an opinion, that she intermediated in humane affairs, and relieved the people. And even with us in these days, that word Earth is in use, Herthus, a goddess. but grown out of use with Germans, who in stead of Earth, say, Arden. Of these superstitions that foresaid Ethelward writeth thus; respectively unto the time wherein he lived: Earth. So grievously seduced are the unbelievers of the North, that unto this very day, the Danes, normans and Suevians, worship Woodan as their Lord: and in another place; The Barbarous people honoured Woodan as their God, and the Painims offered sacrifice unto him, that they might be victorious and valorous. But more fully Adam Bremensis setteth these things down. In a temple, saith he (called in their vulgar and native speech Vbsola) which is made altogether of gold, the people worship the statues of three Gods: in such manner as that, Thor, the mightiest of them hath only a throne, Thursday hath name from this Thor. or bed: on either hand of him Woodan and Fricco hold their places. And thus much they signify. Thor, say they, beareth rule in the air, as who governeth thunder and lightning, winds, showers, fair weather, corn and fruits of the earth. The second, which is Woodan, that is, stronger, maketh wars and ministereth manly valour against enemies, The third is Frico, bestowing largely upon mortal men, peace and pleasure, whose image they devise and portray with a great * Ingenti Priapo. viril member. Woodan they engrave armed, like as with us they use to cut and express Mars. And they seem to represent Thor, with the sceptre of jupiter. But these errors, the truth of Christian religion hath at length chased quite away. After that these nations above said, had now gotten sure footing in the possession of Britain, they divided it into seven kingdoms, and established an Heptarchy: A Monarchy always in the Englishmen Heptarchy. Lib. 2. cap. 5. ●96. In which notwithstanding, the prince that had the greatest power, was called, as we read in Beda, King of the English nation: So that in this very Heptarchy it may seem there was always a Monarchy. After this, Augustine, whom commonly they call the Apostle of the English men, being sent hither by Gregory the great, * Augustine the Englishmen Apostle. Englishmen converted to the faith. Lib. 2. cap. 1. having abolished these monstrous abominations of heathenish impiety, with most happy success planting Christ in their hearts, converted them to the Christian faith. But for what cause and upon what occasion, this Gregory was so diligent and careful for the salvation of this English nation, Venerable Beda hath by tradition of his forefathers recounted unto us in these words: The report goeth, that on a certain day, when upon the coming of merchants lately arrived, great store of wares was brought together into the market place [at Rome] for to be sold, and many chapmen flocked together for to buy, Gregory also himself among others came thither, and saw with other things, boys set to sale, for bodies fair and white, of countenance sweet and amiable, having the hair also of their head as lovely and beautiful. Whom when he wistly beheld, he demanded, (as they say) from what country or land they were brought? Answer was made, that they came out of the Isle of Britain, the people whereof were as well-favoured to see unto. Then he asked again, Whether those Islanders were Christians, or ensnared still with the errors of Paganism? To which it was said, They were paynims: but he fetching a long deep sigh from his very heart root; Alas for pity, quoth he, that the foul fiend and father of darkness should be Lord of so bright and light some faces, and that they who carried such grace in their countenances should be void of the inward grace in their hearts & souls. Once again he desired to understand by what name their nation was known; They made answer, That they were called * Englishmen. Angli: And well may they so be named, quoth he, for Angelic faces they have: and meet it is that such should be fellow-heires with Angels in heaven. But what is the name of that Province from whence these were brought? Answer was returned, that the Inhabitants of the said province were cleped * Hol-Deir●●esse. DEIRI: DEIRI, quoth he, They are in deed De ira eruti, that is delivered from ire and wrath, and called to the mercy of Christ. How call you the King of that province, said he? Answer was given, that his name was Aelle: Then he alluding to the name, said, That Allelu-jah should be sung in those parts, to the praise of God the Creator. Coming therefore to the Bishop of the Roman and Apostolical See (for himself as yet was not made Bishop) he entreated, that some ministers of the word should be sent unto the English nation, by whose means it might be converted to Christ: and even himself was ready to under take the performance of this work, with the help of God, incase it would please the Apostolical Pope, that it should be so. Concerning this conversion, the same Gregory the Great writeth thus: Behold, * Christ. he hath now entered already into the hearts of all nations, in manner, that are: Behold, in one faith he hath conjoined the limits of East and west: Behold, I say, the very British tongue, which could nought else but rudely bray Barbarous words, long since began in the land of God to resound the Hebrew Allelu-jah. And in his Epistle to Augustine himself: Who is able here to show sufficiently, what great joy is risen up in the hearts of all the faithful for that the nation of Englishmen by the operation of God almighty his grace, and the labour of your brotherhood, after the darkness of errors were chased and driven away, is illuminated with the light of holy faith: for that with most sincere devotion they now spurn and tread idols under their feet, who beforetime in superstitîous fear lay prostrate before them? In an old fragment also written in that age, thus we read: Augustine upon one day of Christ's Nativity, which with the universal glory of the Englishmen is for ever celebrated, did regenerate by lively Baptism above ten thousand men, besides an innumerable multitude of women and young children. The River Small in Yorkshire. Beda reporteth all this of Paulinus Archbishop of York and not of Augustine. But, what a number of Priests, and other holy orders beside, could be sufficient to wash such a sort of people? Having hallowed and blessed therefore the river called in English Small, the Archbishop (Augustine) commanded by the voice of Criers & Masters, that the people should enter the river confidently two by two, and in the name of the Trinity baptise one another by turns. Thus were they all borne again with no less miracle, than in times past the people of Israel passed over the (red) Sea divided, and likewise jordan when it turned back: for even so, they were transported to the bank on the other side: and notwithstanding so deep a current and channel, so great and so diverse differences of sex and age, not one person (who will ever think it?) took harm. A great miracle no doubt, but this miracle as great as it was a greater preeminence doth surmount: in that, all feebleness and infirmity was laid off in that river: whosoever was sick and deformed returned out of it whole and reformed. O festival spectacle for Angels and men to behold, when so many thousands of a nation suing for grace, came forth of one rivers channel, as out of one mother's womb, and out of one pool so great a progeny sprung up for the celestial and heavenly City? Hereupon the most gracious Pope Gregory, with all the companies of Saints above, breaking forth into joy, could not conceal this, but wrote unto Saint Eulogius the Patriarch of Alexandria, that he would most thankfully congratulate with him, for so great an host baptised upon one Christmas day. No sooner was the name of Christ preached, The Religion of the Englishmen. but the English presently with such fervent zeal and devotion consecrated themselves unto Christ, that they took incredible pains in propagating Christianity, in celebrating divine service, performing all functions and duties of piety, building Churches and endowing them with rich livings, so that there was not another region in all Christendom that could make reckoning of more monasteries richly endowed: Yea, & diverse Kings there were that preferred a religious and monastical life before their Crown and Kingdom. So many holy men also this land brought forth, which for their most firm profession of Christian religion, constant perseverance therein, and sincere piety were canonised Saints, that it gave place to no other Christian province in this behalf: And like as Britain was called of that profane Porphyry, a plenteous province of Tyrants; so England might truly be named, a most fruitful Island of Saints. Furthermore, The learning of Englishmen. they applied their minds to the bringing in again of the better kind of arts and sciences, and sowed the seeds of Divinity and good literature throughout all Germany, by the means of Winifridus, Willebrodus, and others, which a Germane Poet showeth in these verses: Haec tamen Arctois laus est aeterna Britannis, Quòd post Pannonicis vastatum incursibus orbem, Illa bonas arts & Graiae munera linguae, Stellarumque vias, & magni sydera coeli, Observans, iterum turbatis intulit oris. Quin se religio multum debere Britannis, Servata, & latè circùm dispersa fatetur: Quis nomen Winfride tuum, quis munera nescit? Te duce, Germanis pietas se vera, fidesque Insinuans coepit ritus abolere profanos. Quid non Alcuino facunda Lutetia debes? Instaurare bonas ibi qui foeliciter arts, Barbariemque procul, solus depellere coepit. Quid? tibi divinumque Bedam, doctissimus olim Dum varias unus bene qui cognoverat arts, Debemus. Yet this immortal praise is due to Britain, Northern Isle, That when the world was overrun and wasted all the while By Pannonik invasions, it did reduce in ure Those troubled countries, with good arts: also with knowledge pure Of Greek tongue: and observing still the stars in spacious sky, And planets with their wand'ring ways, taught them Astronomy. For true religion eke preserved, and sown in many a land, The world much bound to Britain is, and to her helpful hand. Thy name and gifts, o Winifrid, who knows not? since by thee The way was made in Germany; where faith and piety First setting foot began to chase all rites profane away: What owe I not to Alcuine now? may eloquent Paris say, Who happily went there in hand alone to plant a new, Good arts and thence all barbarism to banish far from view. And unto thee for worthy Bede we are beholden much, The only man for sundry arts, his learned skill was such. Britain twice Schoolmistress of France. Peter Ramus saith moreover, that Britain was twice Schole-mistris to France, meaning, by the Druida● and Alcuinus, whose industry Charles the Great used especially in erecting the University of Paris. The flitting back again of Anglo-Saxons into Germany. They brought also into Germany military knowledge of Arms, as well as learning and religion: yea, and, which you will marvel at, if we may believe these words of Eginhardus, they gave unto those Saxons their first Original, who now inhabit the Dukedom of Saxony. The nation of the Saxons, saith he, as Antiquities do record, being departed from the English inhabiting Britain, sailing through the Ocean, partly upon a desire they had, and partly driven of necessity to seek where they might seat themselves, arrived upon the coasts of Germany, and landed at a place called Haduloha: what time as Theodericus King of the Franks warring upon Hirminfridus Duke of the Thuringers his Daughter's husband, cruelly with fire and sword wasted their land. Now when as they had in two pight fields already, tried the doubtful fortune of battle, with lamentable slaughter of their people and uncertain victory, Theoderich disappointed of his hope to be Master of the field, dispatched Ambassadors unto the Saxons, whose Duke was Hadugato: who having heard the cause of their coming, and taken their promise, that upon obtaining victory they should cohabite together, led forth an army with them to aid Theodoricus. By means of which forces valiantly fight now with him, as it were, for their liberty and native country, he overcame his enemies: and when he spoiled the natural Inhabitants, killed them up, and in manner left not one alive, their land according to his promise he set out and appointed for the conquerors to possess, who dividing the same by casting lots, seeing many of them were slain in the wars, and that by reason of their fewness the whole country could not be occupied and peopled by them, part of it, that especially which lieth Eastward, they made over to coloners and new Inhabitants, to every one according as by lot it fell out, to be holden and tilled for a certain rent and tribute: All the rest they themselves possessed. On the Southside verily, these Saxons have the Franks, and a remnant of the Thuringers, whom the precedent whirlwind of hostility had not touched, and are divided from them by the channel of the river Unstrote: Northward dwell the Normans, a most fierce Nation: East, from them the Obotrites inhabit: and Westward, the Frisians: from whom continually without intermission they defended their territories and marches thereof, either by Covenants of league or necessary skirmishing. But now return we to our English-Saxons. For a long time the State and Empire of the Saxons flourished exceeding well under the foresaid Heptarchy, until those Kingdoms bruised and impaired one of another with civil wars, came all in the end to be subject unto the Westsaxons. For, Egbert King of these Westsaxons, having conquered already four of these Kingdoms, and swallowed up (as it were) in hope the other twain also, to the end that they which were subdued, and reduced to the rule of one Prince might be conjoined likewise in one name, commanded by an Edict and Proclamation, that the Heptarchy which the Saxons held, England. should be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, England: whereupon in Latin it was named Anglia, taking denomination of the Angles, as being of those three nations most in number, and of greatest prowess. For they kept in their possession the Kingdom of Northumberland, About the year, 800. and Mercia, very great and large countries, together with East-England: whereas the offspring of the Jutes held Kent only, and the Isle of Wight: The Saxons Eastsex, Southsex, & Westsex, a small parcel verily if it be compared with those spacious territories & lands of the English, Of whom, Theod. that is, a Nation. long before this they were generally throughout called English, & in their own language Englatheod, Anglcynne Engl-cynn, and Englisc-mon: albeit every Kingdom therein, had a special name of the own by itself. And this appeareth for certain, as well out of other writers, as Beda, who entitled his Story, The History of the English-Nation. Yea, and in that Heptarchy, those Princes that overruled the rest, were styled Gentis Anglorum Reges, that is, Kings of the English nation: At this time, the name of Britain, lay forgotten and grown quite out of use among the Inhabitants of this Island: remaining only in books, and not taken up in common speech. And hereupon it is, Epist. to Zacharie the Pope. that Boniface the bishop of Mentz, descended from hence, called this our country, Saxony beyond the Sea. Howbeit, K. Eadred, about the year of our Lord, 948. used in some Charters and Patents the name and title of King of Great Britain: like as Edgar in the year, 970. bare this style also, The Monarch of all whole Albion. Being now called Anglia or England, the state and puissance of these Angleses was come to the full height, and therefore, (such is the revolution of all mortal things) hastened apace to their period and end. For, the Danes continually infesting our coasts many years together, at the length began to enter, ransacking and mangling this country most pitifully. NAMES OF ENGLISH-SAXONS. MY purpose was, even here to have set down the orderly succession of the English-Saxon Kings, both in the Heptarchy, and also in their Monarchy: but seeing that they seem not properly to belong unto this place, neither is the bare heaping up of names only delightful to the Reader, perhaps it will be more acceptable, if I briefly annex hereto what I have observed by much reading, and especially in Alfricus our ancient Grammarian, as touching the force, Porphyrius de Theolog. Ph●. reason, and signification of the ancient English names. Not that my meaning is to interpret every name severally, (for, that were a piece of work very laborious) neither can such barbarous names, in which there lieth couched great significancy, succinct brevity, and some ambiguity, be easily delivered in another tongue. But considering that most of them be compounded, and that of few simples: I will explain the said simples, that the significations of the compound, implying all the osse and presage of good luck, wished-for, and happy fortune, may evidently appear, and that we may throughly perceive, there is among all nations that Orthotes of names, which Plato speaketh of. AEL, Ael. ●al. etc. EAL, and ALL, in names compounded, like as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek compositions, signifieth, Al, or Wholly. Hereupon Aelwin, is as much, as Wholly, or Fully Victor. Albert, All, bright and dread, wholly dread or reverend. Alfred, Altogether pacifical, or peaceful. Whereunto in some sort are correspondent, in Greek, Pammachius, Pancratius, Pamphilius, etc. AELF, Vlf. which with variety of Dialect, is pronounced, ulf, Wolph, Hulph, Hilp, Helfe, and in these days Help, carrieth in it a signification of Help or Aide: as for example, Aelfwin, that is, a victorious aid: Aelfwold, a helpful Governor. Aelfgiva, she that giveth help: according to which are these Greek names, Boetius, Symmachus, Epicurus. ARD, Ard▪ betokeneth natural disposition or towardness: as Goddard, is as much, as Divine towardliness or inclination, Reinard, Sincere disposition, Giffard, a frank and liberal nature: Bernard, a filial and son-like affection. ATHEL, Athel, and Ethel. Adel, and Ethel import Noble. Thus Aethelred, that is, Noble in counsel; Aethelard, a noble nature or disposition: Aethelbert, famously Noble: Ethelward, a noble Tutor or Protector. BERT, Bert. the same that with us at this day, Bright, and in Latin, Illustris, and clarus, that is, Splendent, and clear: so, Ecbert, that is, Bright and shining for ever: Sigbert, a splendent conqueror: as also, she whom the Germans named, Bertha, the Greek called Eudoxia, as Luitprandus witnesseth. And of this sort were Phaedrus, Epiphanius, Photius, Lampridius, among the greeks; Fulgentius and Illustrius, etc. among the Latins. Bald. BALD, with the people of the North parts, is the same that Audax in Latin, that is, Bold, as Jornandes showeth: a word, that yet is not grown out of use. So Baldwin, and by inversion Winbald, is the same, that, Bold Victor: Ethelbald, Nobly bold: Eadbald, Happily bold. Unto which are consonant, Thraseas, Thrasimachus, and Thrasibulus, in Greek, etc. Ken, and Kin. KEN, and KIN, import, Kinsfolk, as Kinulph, an help to Kinsfolk: Kinhelm, a Defender of his kin: Kinburg, a defence to kindred: Kinric, powerful in or to kinsfolk. Cuth. CUTH, beareth with it a signification of skill and cunning: so, Cuthwin, that is, a skilful or politic Conqueror: Cuthred, a learned counsellor: Cuthbert, Notable for his skill: near unto these sound the Greek names, Sophocles, Sophianus, etc. Ead. EAD in the compounds, and Eeadig, in simple words, showeth as much as Happiness, and Blessedness. Thus Eadward, is all one with, Happy Saviour, or preserver: Eadulph, Blessed help: Eadgar, happy power: Eadwin, Fortunate Conqueror: Of which there is some resemblance, in the Greek names, Macarius and Eupolemus: in the Latin also, Faustus, Fortunatus, Faelicianus, etc. Fred. FERD, soundeth all one with peace, for, so our ancestors called Sanctuaries, Fredstole, that is, the seats of peace. Thus Frederic, is as much as Powerable, or wealthy in peace; Winfred, Victorious peace: Reinfred, Sincere peace. Gisle. GISLE, among the English Saxons betokeneth a pledge or hostage, as Eredgisle, an hostage of peace. Gislebert, a notable or famous pledge: like as in Greek, Homerus. Hold. HOLD, in the old Glossaries, like as Would also, is interpreted, Governor, or chief Lieutenant: although in other places, it signifieth, LOVE; as Holdlic, Lovely, or Amiable. Helm. HELM, is as much as Defence. Thus, Eadhelm, Happy defence: Sighelm, Victorious defence: Berthelm, Notable, or famous defence: even as these Greek names, Amyntas, Boetius, etc. Hare, and Here. HARE, and Here, as they are diversely pronounced, betokened both an Army, and also a Lord: so, Harhold, that is, the Ruler of an Army: Hareman, A Principal or Chief man in an Army: Herebert, Excellent in an army: Herwin, a Victorious army, or Conqueror of an Host: not unlike to those Greek names, Stratocles, Polemarchus, Hegesistratus, etc. Hild. HELD, in Alfricks' Grammar is expounded, Lord, and Lady: thus Hildebert, betokeneth a famous or brave Lord: Mathild, a Virgin Lady: and in the same sense is Wiga found. Wiga. Leod. LEOD, that is to say, People: thus, Leodgar, is one mighty with the people. Leof. LEOF, signifieth, Love: thus, Leofwin, He that winneth love: Leofstan, Most dear or best beloved: like as in Greek, Agapetus, Erasmus, Erastus, Philo; and in Latin, Amatus, and Amandus. Mund. MUND, betokeneth, Peace: whereof our Lawyers-terme Mundbreach cometh, that is to say, Breach of peace: so, Eadmund, is Happy peace: Aethelmund, Noble peace: Aelmund, Wholly peaceable, or Make-peace: whereunto are well near equivalent these names, Irenaeus, and Hesychius in Greek: Lenis, Pacatus, Sedatus, Tranquillus, in Latin. Rad, Red, and Rod. RUN, RAR, and ROD, differing in Dialect, imply, Counsel: as Conrade, Powerful, or skilful in counsel. Etheldred, a noble Counsellor. Rodbert, notable for counsel: and in sense not unlike to Eubulus, Thrasibulus, in Greek. Ric. RIC, signifieth, Potent, Rich, and Valiant, as Fortunatus in these verses hath taught us: Hilperîce potens, si interpres barbarus adsit, Adjutor, fortis, hoc quoque nomen habet: O Hilpericke so mighty thou, (stood here th'expounder by Of bar'brous words) an helper strong, eke doth this name imply. Like as Alfric, Al or wholly powerful: Athelric, Nobly valiant, or mighty. Unto which names these in Greek allude, Polycrates, Crato, and Plutarch●s, Opimius also in Latin. SI●, Sig. usually among them, was put for Victory, whereupon, Sigbert, Renowned or glorious for victory; Sigward, a victorious Protector: Sigard, Victorious towardness. And to the same sense in manner, Nicocles, Nicomachus, and Nicander with the greeks: Victor, Victorinus, Vincentius, etc. among the Latins. STAN, Stan. was among those old Forefathers of ours, a termination of the Superlative degree, as, Athelstan, that is, Most noble: Betstan, best: Leefstan, most lief or dear: Wistan, most wise: Dunstan, most high. WIDOW, Wi. the same that Holy, as Wimund, holy or sacred peace: Wibert, Famous, or renowned for holiness: Alwi, All holy: like as in Greek, Hierocles, Hieronymus, Hosius, etc. WILLI, Willi. and Vili, among English Saxons, as Billi at this day, among the Germans carried a signification of Many: as Willielm, a defender to many: Wildred, Honoured, or reverend of many: Wilfred, Peace to very many. To which in sense and signification accord, Polymacus, Polycrates, Polyphilus, etc. WOLD, Wold. and Wald, betokened with them a Ruler or Governor: Hence cometh Bellewold, An excellent Governor: Ethelwold, a noble Ruler: Herwald, and by inversion, Waldher, the Governor or Ruler of an Army. But lay a straw here, for in a trifling matter, others as well as myself, may think these notes sufficient, if not superfluous. But, of greater moment peradventure it will be, if I here commit to writing (if so be these papers be marked to long life) what we have seen: namely, that as Egbert commanded this hither part of Britain, and which was his own possession, to be named England: so now after 800. years, or there about, come and gone; even whiles we are perusing this work, The name of Britain brought into use again. King JAMES invested in the Monarchy of the whole Isle, by the propitious favour and grace of God, in the right of his own inheritance, and with the general applause of all good men; to the end that this said Isle, which is one entire thing in itself, encircled within one compass of the Ocean; in his own person, under one Imperial Crown, and Diadem, in one community of Language, Religion, Laws, and Judicial processes; to the increase of perpetual felicity, and oblivion of old enmity, should bear also one name: hath in the second year of his reign by an Edict published and proclaimed through his Realms, assumed the name, title, and style of KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, in all matters generally, save only in Writs, and formalities of Law Instruments. THE DANES. WHat was the beginning of the Danes, the Danes themselves verily know not for certain. For, the verity itself hath hissed out of the School of Antiquity, not only that Giant Danus the son of Humblus, but also Goropius (who deriveth it from a Hen. Da-hen. ) Andrew Velleius a Dane and a very great scholar, fetcheth their original from the Dahae, a people of Scythia, and from Marc, a word which should signify not a limit but a Region: Our country man Ethelward was fully persuaded, that the name arose from the City of Donia. For mine own part, I always thought, that they sprung from the Danciones, (whom Ptolomee placeth in Scandia, and who by change of one letter, in some copies be named Dauciones) and from thence voided themselves into the desert and forsaken seat of the English, to wit, into Cimbrica Chersonesus: until that Ionas Jacobus Venusinus, a most learned man, right judicious, and passing well seen in the study of Antiquity, found out by diligent search and inquiry, the very express tracts, as it were, and marks of the Danes name, within Sinus Codanus or Codanonia, that is, the Baltish sea, or host sea; where Pomponius Mela made mention in this very tract. Which names pronounced somewhat grossly by the Northern people, Cadan and Cdononum, Mela forged and fashioned upon the Latin anvil, into Codanum and Codanonia: like as the posterity after him, Gdanum have coined out with a more gentle sound Dansk; of Clodonaeus, Lodovic, of Cnutus, Canutus. And yet before the days of Justinian the Emperor, about the year of our redemption 570. the world took no knowledge of their name. For then, begun they to rove upon the coasts of France and England, and were by the writers, that penned in Latin the histories of England, Winccinga. named Winccingi, for that they practised piracy: for Wiccinga, in the Saxon tongue, as Alfricus witnesseth, doth signify a Pirate that runneth from creek to creek: also Pagani, that is, paynims, because as yet they were not become Christians: but the Angles themselves in their language, termed them Deniscan, and often times Heathon-m●n, as one would say, Ethnics. Of these Danes listen to * D●●. Dudo of Saint Quintin's, an author of good antiquity, out of the Library of John Stow (that most studious Antiquary of the City of London) which was never shut from me. The Danes swarmed from out of Scanza, that is, Scandia, like bees out of an hive, in manifold diversity and barbarous manner, after they had in heat, lascivious lust, and wantonness engendered an innumerable offspring. Who after they were grown to ripeness of years falling to hot contention for goods and lands with their fathers, and grandfathers, yea and often times among themselves; when they once overflowed and grew so populous that they could have no room sufficient for to inhabit in the place, wherein they presently dwelled: having gathered together by lot a multitude of youth and springals, after a most ancient custom, were thrust out into foreign Realms, to conquer unto themselves lands by dint of sword, wherein they might live. The Religion of the Danes. Hereupon peradventure we have our Thursday so called. But in the full performance of dicharging those that should be thus sent out, and in mustering up their armies, they sacrificed unto THUR, whom they worshipped in old time as their Lord; for whom they killed not any sheep, oxen or other cattle, but offered men's blood: Thinking that to be the most precious * Burnt offering. holocaust and sacrifice of all others, because when the Priest by casting lots had predestinated who should die, they were all at once deadly smitten upon the head with ox yokes: and when every one that was chosen by lot had his brains dashed out, at one several stroke, laid along he was on the ground, and sought out there was with narrow prying the fiber, that is to say, the vein of the heart on the left side, and having after their manner drawn out the blood thereof and stricken it upon the heads of their friends, speedily they hoist up sails, and thinking that they please their God with such an act, they immediately put to Sea, and fall to their oars. Moreover, there is another manner, or rather a most foul and detestable superstition, Lib. 1. which the Danes used in pacifying their Gods, and this doth Ditmarus the Bishop, who was of greater antiquity somewhat than Dudo, in these words describe. But because I have heard strange, and wonderful things of the ancient Sacrifices that the Danes and Normans used, I will not over pass the same. There is in these parts a place, and the chief it is of this kingdom, called Lederum, in a province named Selon: where every ninth year in the month of Januarie, after the time in which we celebrate the * Theophania. Nativity of our Lord, they all assemble together, and there they kill and sacrifice unto their Gods ninety and nine men, and as many horses, with dogs and cocks for the hauks, which the Gods sent them, certainly persuading themselves, as I said before, that by the same they should please them. The waste and spoil that the Danes made. About the time of Egbert, in the year of Christ, 800. they first landed on our seacoasts: afterwards with such tumults and hurliburlies as never the like was heard of, having for many years made foul havoc over all England, razing cities, firing Churches, and wasting countries, they let out the raines loose to all barbarous cruelty, driving, harrying, spoiling, and turning all upside down where ever they went. Thus after they had killed the Kings of the Mercians & East-Angles, seized upon their Kingdoms, with a great part of the Kingdom of Northumberland. Then was there a tribute called, Dangelt, imposed upon the poor people, for the repressing of their robberies and outrages: and that you may know what manner of imposition this was, I would have you to read these few lines copied out of our ancient Laws: The payment of Dangelt was at the first ordained for Pirates. For by sore annoying the country, they went on, Dangelt. and did what they could to waste it utterly. And verily to keep down their insolency, it was enacted, that Dangelt should yearly be paid, that is, twelve pence out of every hide of land throughout the whole country: for to hire and wage those that might resist and withstand their invasion. Also, of this Dangelt was every Church freed and quit: as also, all lands that were in the proper * Or demame. Demesies of those Churches, wheresoever they lay, paying nothing at all in such a contribution as this, because they trusted more in the prayers of the Church, than in their defence by force of arms. But when as now they assail and set upon * Otherwise called, Alured. Aelfred King of the Westsaxons, he one while by retiring and giving them ground, otherwhiles by pressing hard upon them with his victorious forces, not only did put them back from his own country; but also having slain a Danish-petty-king of the Mercians, expelled them in manner, quite out of all Mercia: and his son Edward the elder following in train of his father's victories, when he had put the Danes to flight, brought East England to his subjection: like as Adelstane his base son, speedily marching to achieve victories, with great slaughter of the Danes subdued Northumberland, and so terribly pursued the Danes, that they were forced either to depart the realm, or to submit themselves unto him. By the valorous prowess of these Princes, England recovered out of the whirlpit of calamities, and rested from that bloody war by the space of 50. years. But while Etheldred a man of a dull and soft spirit reigned, the Danes taking advantage of his cowardice, struck up alarm and sounded the battle again: and having wasted the country, 1012. constrained the Englishmen to redeem their peace yearly with a great sum of money: and so insolently they bore themselves, that the Englishmen conspired generally together, and in one night murdered all the Danes every mother's son of them throughout all England, thinking by the effusion of blood to quench the fire of Danish war, which broke out nevertheless into a more pernicious flame. For, Cut in his coins. Sueno King of the Danes, provoked with this slaughter of his people, invaded England with a puissant army, and having in a furious and enraged mood made much spoil, he put Etheldred to flight, subdued the whole Kingdom, and left the same unto his son Canutus: who having encountered in many cruel and sharp battles, and those with variable fortune fought, The Danes afflicted England 200. years, and reign about 20. with Etheldred now returned, and his son Edmund surnamed Iron-side, had two of his sons succeeded after him, to wit, Harald a bastard, and * Hardy-Knout. Edward the Confessor. Canutus the Hardy: After they were dead, and the Danish yoke shaken off, the Kingdom fell again unto the English. For, Edward, who in regard of his holiness was surnamed, The Confessor, the son of Etheldred by his second wife, recovered the Crown and royal Dignity. Now began England to take breath again: but soon after, as saith the Poet, — Moors rebus cessêre secundis, Prosperity perverted manners. The Priests were idle, drowsy, and unlearned, the people given to riot and loose life: they grew also through rest to be lither, discipline lay, as it were, dead, the commonwealth sick, as one would say, of an infinite sort of vices, lay in consumption and pined away: but pride above all, whose waiting maid is destruction, was come to a mighty head. And as Gervasius * Of Canterbury. Dorobornensis, of that time speaketh They fell so fast to commit wickedness, that to be ignorant of any sinful crimes, was held to be a crime. All which most evidently foreshowed destruction. The Englishmen of those times, as William of Malmesburie writeth, went lightly appointed with their garments, reaching but to the mid knee, their heads shorn, their beards shaved, but the upper lip uncut, where the moustaches grew continually, wearing massy bracelets of gold about their arms, carrying marks upon their skin: pounced in, of sundry colours: The Clergy contenting themselves, with trivial literature, could scarcely back and hew out the words of the Sacrament. THE NORMANS. LIke as in ancient times out of that East coast of Germany (in respect of us) which tendeth Northward, the Franks first, and then the Saxons, grievously annoyed both France, Gaul, and Britain, with their depredations, so that in the end, the one became Lords of Britain, the other of France: even so in these later days ensuing, the Danes first, and afterward the Normans succeeding in their place, from out of the same coast did the like. As if it were fatally given unto that tract, by the dispose and providence of Almighty God, to conceive still, and often times to send out of her womb, nations to afflict France, and Britain, yea, and to establish new Kingdoms therein. Nordmanni. Nord-l●udi. Hel●●ldus. These Normans were so called of the Northern quarter or climate from whence they came for, Normans be nothing else but Men of the North: in which sense also they are named Nordleudi, that is, a Northern people (for, a mixed nation they were of the most valiant Norvegians, Suedens, and Danes.) In the time of Charles the Great, they practised roving and piracy, in such cruel manner about Frisia, Belgia, England, Ireland, and France, that when the said Charles the Great saw their roving ships in the Mediterranean sea, he shed tears abundantly, and with a grievous deep sigh said: Heavy I am at the heart that in my life time they durst once come upon this coast: The book of Sangall concerning the Acts of Charles the Great. and I foresee what mischief they will work hereafter to my posterity: Yea, and in the public Processions, and Litanies of Churches, this afterwards was added to the rest: From the race of Normans, Good Lord deliver us. They drove the French to that extremity, that King Charles the * Calvus. Bald, was forced to give unto Hasting a Norman Arch-pirate, the Earldom of Charters for to assuage the man's fury: King Charles the * Crassus. Gross, granted unto Godfrey the Norman a part of * Normandy. Neustria, with his daughter also in marriage. But afterwards, by force, and arms they seated themselves near unto the mouth of the river Sein, in a country which before time was corruptly called Neustria, Neustria. because it had been a parcel of Westrasia: For, so the writers of the middle time named that which the Germans used to call Westen-rijch, that is, the West-kingdome: and doth comprise all that lieth between the rivers of Loire, and Seine: Which took the name of Normandy afterwards of them, as it were the region of Northern men, when King Charles the simple had confirmed it unto their Prince * Rou. Rollo, whose Godfather he was at his Baptism, to be held in Fee by homage, and withal bestowed upon him his daughter in marriage. At which time, as we read in an old Manuscript belonging to the Monastery of Angiers, Charles, surnamed * The Foole. Stultus, gave Normandy to Rollo, and his daughter Gista with it: This Rollo daigned not to kiss the foot of Charles, and when his friends about him admonished him to kiss the King's foot as his homager, for the receipt of so great a benefit, he answered in the English tongue, Ne see by God, which they interpret thus, NO BY GOD: Bigod. The King then and his Courtiers deriding him, and corruptly repeating his speech, called him Bigod, whereupon the Normans be at this day called Bigodi. Hence also peradventure it is, that the Frenchmen even still use to call hypocrites, and superstitious folk, Bigod. This Rollo, who being baptised received therewith the name of Robert, some writer's report to have become a Christian but in show and colour only; others, upon good deliberation and in earnest: and they add moreover, that he was warned so to do by God in a dream: which I pray you give me leave, (being a man for all this, that doteth not upon dreams) to relate without suspicion of vanity, from the credit of writers in those days. The report goeth, that as he sailed, he dreamt he saw himself foully infected with the leprosy, but when he was washed once in a most clear spring at the foot of an high hill, he recovered, and was cleansed thereof, and anon climbed up to the top of the said hill. This Dream when he reported, a Christian that was a captive in the same ship with him, interpreted it in this wise: The Leprosy was the impious worship of Idol gods, wherewith he was tainted; that the spring, betokned the holy * Baptism. Laver of Regeneration, wherewith being once cleansed, he should ascend up the hill, that is, attain unto high honour, and heaven itself. This Rollo begat William surnamed * Longa spata. Long-espee, Dukes of Normandy. of the long sword which he used to wear: and William begat Richard, the first of that name. Whose son, and nephew by his son carrying both his name, succeeded after him in the Duchy of Normandy: but when Richard the third was dead without issue, his brother Robert was Duke in his stead, who of his concubine begat that William, whom we commonly name The Conqueror, and the Bastard. All these were every one for their noble acts, achieved both at home and abroad, most renowned Princes. Now whiles this William being of ripe years, ruled Normandy, Edward the holy, surnamed CONFESSOR, King of England, and the last of the Saxons line, departed out of this world unto his heavenly country, to the great miss and loss of his people, who being the son of Lady Emma cousin to William, and daughter to Richard, the first of that name, Duke of Normandy, whiles he remained in Normandy banished, had promised unto him, * Domu● regia Major. that he should succeed after him in the Crown of England. But Harold the son of Godwin, and Great Master or Steward of King Edward's house, usurped the Kingdom: whom to dispossess, his brother * Or Tostre. Tosto of one side, and the Normans of the other, did what they could, and left no stone unturned: But when he in a pitched field had, near unto Stamford-bridg in Yorkshire, slain his brother Tosto and Harold King of Norway, whom Tosto had drawn to take part with him in this war, Normans. 10●6. and so obtained a bloody victory, behold, within nine days after the said WILLIAM surnamed the Bastard, Duke of Normandy, taking hold of the promises of King Edward late deceased, and presuming of his adoption and near alliance, having levied a great army, arrived in England among the South-Saxons. Against whom Harold forthwith advanced, albeit his soldiers were sore wearied, and his power by the former battle much impaired. And not far from Hastings they encounter and join battle: where Harold engaging himself into the midst of the medley, and fight manfully lost his life with a great number of Englishmen left slain in the place: but how many they were just, hard it is exactly to conceive and faithfully to put down. WILLIAM thus a Conqueror presently with banner displayed marched about in order of battle by Wallingford to London: where being received, The Charter of William Conqueror. he was solemnly inaugurated King, as unto whom, by his own saying, The Kingdom was by God's providence appointed, and by virtue of a gift from his Lord and Cousin King Edward the Glorious, granted: and after some few lines the story runneth on and saith, that the most beauteous King Edward had by adoption ordained him his heir in the Kingdom of England. The History of Saint Stephen's Abbey at Cane in Normandy. And if we list to believe the History of Saint Stephens in Caen of Normandy, at his last breath he uttered these words: The Regal Diadem which none of all my predecessors ever wore, I got and gained by the grace of God only, and no right of inheritance. And a little after: I ordain no man heir of the Kingdom of England, but I commend the same to the eternal Creator, whose I am, and in whose hands are all things. For I became not possessed of so great honour by any hereditary right, but by a terrible conflict, and with much effusion of blood I took it from that perjured King Harold, and after I had either slain or put to flight his favourers, and adherents, I subdued it under my Dominion. But why do I so briefly run over this so great alteration of the English state? Have therefore, if you think not much to read it, what myself with no curious pen, (haply with as little study and premeditation, howbeit according to the truth of the History) wrote, when being but young, not well advised nor of sufficiency to undergo so great a burden, I purposed to set forth our History in the Latin tongue. When Edward the Confessor was now without issue departed this life, The Normans conquest. the Nobles and people of the land were in doubtful care distracted about the setting up of a new King in his place. Edgar, surnamed Aetheling, King Edmund Iron side his nephews nephew by a son only of all the issue male of the Saxons line remained alive, unto whom by right of inheritance the kingdom was due. But considering he was thought by reason of his tender years, not meet to manage the State, and had beside intermingled his natural disposition with foreign manners, as being borne in * Hungary. Pannonia, and the son of Agathra daughter to the Emperor Henry the third, who was in so remote a country farther off, than that he could conveniently assist the young Gentleman either with aid or counsel: in these regards he was less affected of the Englishmen, who desired nothing more than to have a King, (as it were) out of their own body: And therefore, all of them for the most part had their eyes fixed with much respect upon Harold goodwin's son, a man for his good parts as well in war as peace very glorious. For albeit he was of noble parentage but by one side: and his father for his treachery and treason, as also for pilling and polling had incurred everlasting infamy and shame, yet with his courteous affability, gentle deportment, liberality, and warlike prowess he wound himself into exceeding great especial favour with the people. For, there could not another be set by him, in whom there was more resolute hardiness to adventure upon danger, or more advised policy in the midst of dangers. His valour also and fortitude shined out so apparently in the Welsh wars, which heretofore most happily he had brought to an end, that he was reputed verily a man passing well furnished with all virtues required in a sovereign Commander, and even borne to repair the decayed state of England. Moreover, good hope there was that the Danes (who only terrified this country) would be the better contented and pleased with him, because he was the son of Githa, daughter to Sueno King of Denmark. And in case there should arise any other power against him, either foreign or domestical, he was thought sufficiently enabled to make his part good, with the affectionate hearts of the common people, with the alliance also and affinity that he had among the Nobility. For he had to wife, the sister of Morcar and Edwin two brethren, men of exceeding great puissance: and Edric surnamed the Wild, a man of high spirit, and in chief authority was linked to him in the nearest bond of Affinity: beside it fell out very well for him, that at one and the selfsame time, Sueno King of the Danes had his hands full of war with Sueden; and between William Duke of Normandy, and Philip the French King, there fell some dislikes and emulation, for that Edward the Confessor during his exile in Normandy, had in express terms promised unto William of Normandy the Kingdom, if he died without issue: For the performance of which promise, Harold became as it were, surety, and bound himself with an oath, (what time he was detained prisoner in Normandy) but with this condition annexed, that he might espouse the daughter of the said William of Normandy. Whereupon most men thought it the wisest policy to set the Crown upon William his head; to the end that by performing oath, and promise, the war that they foresaw now threatened, and destruction (which always waiteth as a due punishment upon perjury) might be averted, and withal by laying Normandy to England, the Kingdom under so mighty a Prince might be surely established, and the commonwealth very much advanced. But Harold quickly preventing all consultations whatsoever; thinking it not good for him to linger and delay any whit: that very day on which King Edward was interred, contrary to the expectation of most men, entered upon the sovereign government, and with the applause only of such as were then present about him, who with acclamations saluted him King, without the due compliments and solemnity of Coronation, set the Imperial Diadem upon his own head. By which act of his, as being a breach of ancient ordinance, he exceedingly provoked and stirred up against him, the whole Clergy and Ecclesiastical state. But he knowing well enough, how hard it was for a new Prince, and an usurper, to maintain his royal place and dignity, without an opinion of piety and virtue, for to blot out that his offence given, and to establish his Sceptre, did all he possibly could for the promoting of religion, and preferment of Churchmen, and to beautify and adorn Monasteries and religious houses: Edgar Aetheling Earl of Oxford, and all the nobles he entertained with all love and favour: the people he eased of their tributes: he gave bountifully a great largesse of money to poor people: and in one word, with fair speech and affable language, with mild hearing of causes, and equity in deciding the same, he won to himself singular love, and no less authority and reputation. So soon as William Duke of Normandy was truly advertised of these news, he seemed to take the death of King Edward very heavily, whiles in the mean time, he was vexed at the heart that England which he had in conceit and hope already swallowed and devoured, was thus caught away out of his very chaws. Forthwith therefore, by advice of his counsel and friends, he dispatcheth Ambassadors to Harold, with instructions to put him in mind of the promises and stipulation past; but withal, in his name to make claim to the Crown. Harold, after some pause and deliberation upon the point, returneth this answer: As touching the promises of King Edward, William was to understand, that the Realm of England could not be given by promise, neither ought he to be tied unto the said promise, seeing the kingdom was fallen unto him by election and not by right of Inheritance. And as for his own stipulation, extorted and wrung it was from him, than a prisoner, by force and by guile, in fear of perpetual imprisonment, to the hindrance of the English commonwealth and prejudice of the State, and therefore void: which neither aught he, if he could, nor might if he would, make good, since it was done without the King's privity and consent of the people. And a very hard and unreasonable demand it was of his, that he should renounce and surrender unto a Norman Prince, a mere stranger and of foreign lineage, that kingdom wherein he was invested with so great assent of all sorts. With this answer William was not well pleased, and he thought that Harold thereby sought starting holes for to hide his perjury. Others therefore he sent out of hand in Embassage about the same matter, who should admonish him, how religiously he had bound himself by oath, and that forsworn persons should be sure of final perdition at God's hands, and reproachful shame among men. But when as now the daughter of William affianced unto Harold in the covenant, (the very strength and knot of the foresaid stipulation) was by God's appoinment taken away by death, the Ambassadors were with less courtesy entertained, and received none other answer than before. So that now by this time, there was nothing like to follow but open war. Harold riggeth and prepareth his navy, master's and presseth soldiers and placeth strong garrisons along the sea coasts in convenient places, and provideth all things in readiness which were thought needful and meet for to beat back the Normans forces: Howbeit, the first tempest of war, beside the expectation of all men, arose from Tosto the brother in whole blood of Harold. He being a man of a proud, haughty and fell heart, ruled in great authority a good while over Northumberland, but growing outrageous in cruelty to his inferiors, in pride towards his Sovereign, and in hatred to his brethren, was outlawed by Edward the Confessor, and so withdrew himself into France, and now, by the advice of Baldwine Earl of Flanders, and persuasion of William Duke of Normandy, as it seemeth probable, (For Tosto and William married two daughters of Baldwine Earl of Flanders) beginneth to trouble his brother with open war, whom a long time he deadly hated. From Flanders he took sea with a fleet of 60. rovers-ships, wasteth the Isle of Wight, and annoyeth the sea-coast of Kent: but terrified at the coming of the King's navy, he set up sail and directing his course toward the more remote parts of England, landeth in Lincolnshire, and there harrieth the Country: where Edwin and Morcar give him battle: but being discomfited and put to flight, into Scotland he goes, from thence to renew his forces and so to war afresh. Now were all men's minds held in suspense with the expectation of a twofold war, of the one side out of Scotland, of the other out of Normandy: and so much the more because at the feast of Easter, A Comet. there was seen about a seven-night together a blazing star of an hideous and fearful form, which turned men's minds already troubled and perplexed, (as it falleth out in a turbulent time) to the forefeeling of some unlucky events. But Harold carried an heedful eye to all parts of his kingdom, and the south coast he fortified with garrisons. Malcolm. Less fear he had from Scotland and Tosto, because * Mil. Calumbus. Malcolm King of the Scots was more disquieted with civil dissensions. Mean while, William much busted in his mind about England, casting about what course to take, ever and anon communicated with his Captains about the point; whom he saw cheerful, and full of forward hopes: But, all the difficulty was how to make money, for defraying the charges of so great a war. For, when in a public assembly of all the states of Normandy, it was propounded as touching a subsidy, answer was made, That in the former war against the French, their wealth was so much impaired, that if a new war should come upon them, they were hardly able to hold and defend their own: That they were to look rather unto the defence of their proper possessions, than to invade the territories of others: and this war intended, just though it were, yet seemed it not so necessary, but exceeding dangerous: beside, the Normans were not by their allegiance bound to military service in foreign parts. Neither could they by any means be brought to grant a levy of money, Filius Osberni. although William Fitzosbern, a man in high favour with the Duke and as gracious among the people, endeavoured what he could to effect it: yea, and to draw others by his own example, promised to set out forty tall ships of his own proper charges towards this war. Duke William then, seeing he could not bring this about in a public meeting, goeth another way to work. The wealthiest men that were he sendeth for, severally one by one to repair unto him: he speaks them fair, and requireth them to contribute somewhat toward this war. They then, as if they had strived avie who should help their Prince most, promise largely: and when that which they promised was presently registered in a book, there was a huge mass of money quickly raised, and more than men would ever have thought. These matters thus dispatched, he craveth aid and help of the Princes his neighbours, to wit, the Earls of * Andium. Anjou, * Pictonum. Poictou, * Cenomannorum. Maine and * Bononiae. Boulogne, and unto them he promiseth fair Lands and possessions in England. Philip also the French King he goeth unto, and soliciteth: voluntarily promising in case he aided him, to become his vassal and liege man, and for England to take the oath of fealty unto him. But it being thought nothing good for the state of France, that the Duke of Normandy, who already was not so pliable and obedient to the French King as he ought, should be bettered in his state by the addition of England (for, the power of neighbour potentates is always suspected of Princes) so far was the King from yielding any help, that he dissuaded him rather from invading England. But by no means could the Duke be reclaimed from his enterprise, nay much more encouraged he was now and set on, being once backed with warrant from Alexander the Bishop of Rome (for even now began the Pope to usurp authority over Princes:) who allowing of his cause and quarrel, had sent unto him a sacred and hallowed banner as a lucky fore-token of gaining both the victory, and Kingdom: yea and with all cursed whosoever should oppose themselves against him. He assembled therefore all the forces he could possibly raise, and gathered together a mighty navy before the Town of Saint Valeries, which standeth upon the mouth of the river Some, where he lay a long time windbound: For the procurement whereof with many a vow he importuned Saint Valeric the patron-Saint of the Town, and heaped upon him a number of gifts and oblations. Harold, who with his forces had waited very long in vain for his coming determined to dissolve his army, to withdraw his navy, and to leave the sea-coast: both for that he was compelled thereto for want of provision, as also because the Earl of Flanders had written unto him, that William would not stir that year: whom he soon believed, as thinking that the time of the year was such as had locked up the seas and barred all navigation, forasmuch as the [autumnal] * When days and nights be of a length: about the eleventh day of September. Aequinox was near: Whiles he thus deviseth with himself, driven he was (upon an unexpected necessity of new war) to call back his army; for, Harold surnamed the * Durus. Hard and Harfager, king of Norway, who had practised piracy in the North parts of Britain, and already subdued the Isles of Orknes, being by Tosto solicited and called forth in hope of the Kingdom of England, arrived within the mouth of the river Tine with a fleet of 500 fly-boats or thereabout, where Tosto also came and joined his own fleet. When they had a good while foraged and spoiled the country here, they weighed anchor, and sailing along the coast of Yorkshire, put into Humbre, and there began to commit outrages with all manner of hostility. For the repressing of whom, the two Earls Edwin and Morcar led forth a power of soldiers, whom they had raised suddenly and in tumultuary haste: but they not able to abide the violent charge of the Norwegians, fled for the most part as fast as they could, and together with the Earls made shift to escape: howbeit, many of them passing over the river Ouse, were swallowed up with the waves thereof. The Norwegian●●hen, go in hand to lay siege unto the City of York, which strait ways they get by surrender, hostages being given on both sides. But after some few days, King Harold having gathered his whole power from all parts together, speedeth him to York, and from thence marcheth against the Norwegians, who lay encamped strongly in a most safe place: for backed they were with the Ocean, flanked on the left hand with Humber, wherein their fleet rid at anchor, and had for their defence on the right side and affront, the river Derwent. Howbeit King Harold courageously setteth upon them: where first, there was a cruel conflict at the Bridge, standing over the river Darwent, which one Norwegian soldier, Stanford bridge near York. by report, made good for a time against the whole army of the Englishmen, and held out so long until he was shot through with a dart, and died: after this continued the battle a good while within the very camp, fought with equal valour, and indifferent fortune on both sides: But in the end, the Norwegians were disarraied and scattered, and in the midst of the battle Harold himself King of the Norwegians, and Tosto, with the greater part of the Army lost their lives. Upon this Victory, there fell unto King Harold an exceeding rich booty, a great mass both of gold and silver, and that huge Armado, except twenty small Barks only, which he granted unto Paul Earl of Orkney and Olave the Son of Harold who was slain, for to carry away those that were hurt, taking their oath first, that from thence forward they should not attempt any hostility agaist England. This happy victory encourged Harold and set him aloft: now, he thought that he should be a terror, yea, to the Normans, howsoever he grew odious unto his own people, because he had not divided the spoil among his soldiers. Howbeit, wholly he employed himself to reform the disordered state of the country, which in this part was pitifully out of frame and lay neglected. Mean while, Willam Duke of Normandy, finding a fit season for his purpose, about the end of September weighed anchor and launched forth: then with a gentle gale of wind, he sailed with all his shipping, and arrived at Pevensey in Sussex, where being landed upon the naked shore, for to cut off all hope of return from his men, he did set fire on his ships: and having erected a fortress there, for his men to retire thither in safety, forward he marcheth to Hastings, where also he raised another strong hold, and placed therein a garrison. Now by this time, he maketh proclamation, declaring the causes of this war: namely, to revenge the death of Alfred his Cousin, whom together with many Normans Godwin the Father of Harold had murdered: Item, to be avenged of the wrongs that Harold had done, who when he had banished Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, even then by intrusion entered upon the Kingdom of England now pertaining to him, (treading under foot the religious respect of his oath.) Howbeit, by an Edict he straightly charged his soldiers not in hostile manner to spoil the English men. News hereof in all haste was brought to King Harold, who by all means thinking it good to use prevention, and as speedily as might be to encounter the Duke, sendeth out his messengers every way, calleth earnestly upon his subjects to continue in their faithful allegiance, assembleth all his forces in every place, and with great journeys hasteneth to London: where there presented himself unto him an Ambassador from Duke William; but as he made many words in claiming the Kingdom, Harold in a furious fit of anger and indignation, went within a little of laying violent hands upon the very person of the Ambassador. For a hard matter it was to bereave a fresh Victor of his pride and confident hope. Forthwith he dispatched his Ambassadors also unto William, by way of insolent terms to menace him, unless with all speed he retired back into Normandy. Yet William gave him a gentle answer, and dismissed them with great courtesy. Mean time, Harold mustreth up soldiers in London, and findeth that by the former battle against the Norwegians, his forces were very much diminished: yet a mighty army he levied of Nobles, Gentlemen, and others, whom the love of their native country had raised and brought into the field, for to put back & repel the common danger. Presently he leadeth forth into Southsex, notwithstanding his mother (though in vain) did what she could to stay him: and with an undaunted heart, encamping upon a fair plain, scarce seven miles from Duke William, sat him down. And thither also immediately the Norman approached with his Army. First there were secretly sent out on both sides Espies: and they of the English part, either not knowing the truth, or disposed to lie, made incredible report of the Normans number, their furniture and provision, of their good order also and discipline, insomuch as Gyth, a younger brother of King Harold, a man renowned for martial exploits, thinking it no good policy to hazard all in the trial of one battle, advertised the King, that the events of war were doubtful, that victories oftener depend of fortune than of valour, & that holding off, and deliberate delay, was the chiefest point of military discipline: Also, he advised him, that in case he had made promise unto William of the Kingdom, he should for his own person withdraw himself: for, surely he could not with all his forces be fenced against his conscience, and God no doubt, would require punishment for breach of faith & promise: neither, saith he, will any thing strike greater terror into the Normans, than if he should be levying and enrolling of a new Army, whereby they might be received eftsoons with fresh battles. Furthermore, he assureth him in his own behalf, that if he would commit the fortune of that battle into his hands, he would not fail to perform the part of a good brother, and a valiant Captain: as who trusting upon the clearness of his heart, and a good conscience, might either more easily defeat his enemies, or else more happily spend his life for his country. The King was not well content, to hear these admonitions and counsels which seemed to tend unto his dishonour: for, as he could willingly abide the event and issue of war, so in no wise could he endure the reproach of fearful cowardice, And therefore, the praises of the Normans with bad words he depraved, neither thought he that it would stand with his own dignity, or the reputation of his former prowess, being now come as it were to the utmost point of peril and hazard, like a milksop and dastard, to draw foot back, and incur the perpetual stain and blot of shame. Thus, whom it pleaseth Almighty God to overthrow, he first maketh them uncapable of good counsel. Whiles these matters thus passed between them, Duke William upon a pious affection to preserve & maintain the state of Christendom, and to spare the effusion of Christian blood, sendeth a Monk as a mediator between both, who proposed this offer & condition unto Harold, Either wholly to resign up his Kingdom, or to acknowledge from thence forth, that he holdeth it of the Norman Duke as his superior Lord, or else to decide the quarrel with William by combat, or at leastwise stand to the judgement of the Pope of Rome, touching the Kingdom of England. But he as one having no rule of himself, and accepting of no condition whatsoever, referred the whole trial of the matter to the tribunal seat of God, & made answer, that the very next day following, which was the second * 14. Octob. before the Ides of October; he would bid him battle: and this day upon a credulous error, he had assured himself would be fortunate unto him, because it was his birth day. All the night ensuing, the Englishmen spent in licentious revels, in riotous excess of banqueting, and in clamorous noises: But the Normans bestowed the same in prayers and vows for the safety of the army, and for victory. The next morning by day light they embattle themselves on both sides: Harold placed in the vanguard, the Kentish men with their bills * Or heavy Axes. and halberds, (for by an old custom the front of the battle was due to them:) and in the rereguard himself took place with his brother, and those of middle England with the Londoners. Of the Normans vaward Roger of Montgomerie, and William Fitz-osberne had the leading: the same consisted of horsemen out of Anjou, Perch, and little Britain, the most part of whom served under Fergentus the Briton. The main battle which stood of Poictovins & Germans, Geoffrey Mattell, and a Germane Pensioner commanded. In the rereguard was the Duke himself with the whole manhood of Normans, and the flower of his Nobility and Gentry. But in every place, were intermingled with the rest certain companies of Archers. The Normans having with no confused nor untunable shout, sounded the battle, and advanced forward with their Battalions, & at the first encounter did let fly lustily on every side a volley of arrows like hail, a kind of fight, which as it was strange to the Englishmen, so it terrified them exceedingly for, they flew so thick, that they thought they had their enemies even in the midst of themselves. Then with a violent charge, they assail the vaward of the English: and they for their parts, who resolutely had determined to cover the place which they had taken up with their bodies, rather than to give one foot of ground, bending all their forces, and keeping themselves close together right valiantly put the enemies back, and slew a number of them: the Normans reenforced themselves again upon them, and with an horrible noise, the battles of both sides gave the stroke: And now by this time were they come to the medley, wherein as if foot to foot, & man to man, they had coped together, there was for a good while a fierce & cruel fight: The Englishmen standing thick & close, as if they had stuck one to another, abide the brunt & charge of the enemies with constant resolution, insomuch as after many a bloody wound received, they were now at the point to have reculed, had not William performing the part of a leader, as well as of a soldier, with his authority restrained them. Thus the fight continuing still, the Norman horsemen broke in upon them, and withal from above, the arrows flew so thick about the English men's ears, that they were in manner overwhelmed with them: yet for all that, they kept their array unbroken. For, Harold neglecting no duty of a valorous Captain, was ready in person every where: and William again for his part bore himself as worthily, who having one or two horses stabbed and slain under him, seeing that he could not by fine force, and true valour indeed get the upperhand, betook himself to stratagems: commanding his men to sound the retreat, and keeping them still in good order and array, to give ground and retire. The English men supposing now, that they turned back and fled, and that themselves had the victory in their hands, display their ranks, and being thus disraied, press hard upon their enemies, as making full account that the day was now sure enough theirs. Whereas the Normans casting themselves suddenly again into array, and winding about, charge the English afresh, and thus setting upon them being scattered, and out of order, enclosed them round about, and made an exceeding great slaughter of them. Many of them whiles they stood doubtful, whether to fight or to fly, were borne down and slain: but more of them having recovered an higher ground, casting themselves round into a ring, and comforted with the exhortation one of another, with good resolution, turned head and resisted a long time, as if they had made choice of that place for an honourable death: until that Harold being shot through the head with an arrow, together with his two brethren, Gyth & Leofwin, lost his life. Then Edwin and Morcar with some others that remained alive, and escaped by flight, yielded to the hand of God, and gave place unto the time, considering that the battle had continued without intermission from seven of the clock in the morning unto the evening twilight. There were in this battle miss of Normans much about 6000. but of English many more by far. William now Conqueror, rejoiced exceedingly, & by way of a solemn supplication or procession, which he appointed, gave all honour to the Almighty and most gracious God: and when he had erected his pavilion in the midst of the bodies lying slain by heaps, there he passed that night. The morrow after, when he had buried his own men, & granted leave unto the English men to do the like, himself returned to Hastings partly to consult about following the train of his victory, and in part to refresh awhile his wearied soldiers. No sooner was the news of this grievous overthrow by fearful Messengers brought to London, and to other cities of England, but the whole land generally was stricken into dumps, and as it were astonished. Githa the King's mother, like a woman gave herself to plaints and lamentations, so, as that she would admit no consolation, but with most humble prayers entreated the Conqueror, for the dead bodies of her sons. And those she enterreth in the Abbey of Waltham. Edwin sendeth Queen Algitha his sister into the farther parts of the Kingdom: But the Lords and Peers of the Realm, will the people not to cast down their hearts, but lay their heads together about the State and Common wealth. The Archbishop of York, the Citizens of London, and the Sea soldiers, whom they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, gave their advice to consecrate Edgar King, and to begin war again with William: Botesca●les. Edwin and Morcar plotted secretly to usurp the Imperial rule and dignity for themselves: but the Bishops, Prelates, and others, who were terrified with the flashing thunderbolts of the Pope's curse, thought best to yield, and not by doubtful battle to provoke the Conquerors heavy indignation against them: nor to strive against God, who now for the sins of the people calling for vengeance, had delivered England, as it w●re into the hands of the Norman. William all this while fortifying the Town of Hastings, purposed to march directly with his army in warlike manner to London: but because he would raise the greater terror abroad, and make all sure behind, having divided his forces, he rangeth over part of Kent, over Southsex, Suthrey, Southampton shire, and Berk shire, fireth villages, and upland houses, driveth booties, at Wallangford he passeth over the Thames, and terrifieth all the country as he goeth. Yet for all this, the Nobles and Peers wist not what counsel or course to take, neither could they be brought, to lay down private grudges, and enmities, and with one heart to consult in common for the good of the State. The Prelates, to be absolved from curses of the Church, and censures of the Bishop of Rome, (whereby he now exercised his authority, not only over men's souls, but also over Kingdoms) seeing that the state of the Realm was now not decayed, but quite ruinate and passed recovery, persisted in this mind to submit, in so much as many seeking to save themselves, secretly departed out of the City. But Alfred Archbishop of York, Wolstan Bishop of Worcester, and other Prelates, together with Eadgar Aetheling, Edwin and Morcar, at Berkhamsted do meet the Norman Conqueror, (who made them many and large promises:) and having given hostages, committed themselves to his protection, and submitted. Then forthwith speedeth he to London, where being received with great and joyful acclamations, he was saluted King: for the solemnising of his Coronation, which he appointed should be on Christmas day, he made all the preparation that might be, and mean while bent his whole mind, and all his thoughts to the settling of the State. Now was the period and revolution of the English-Saxons Empire in Britain come about, which was determined within the compass of 607. years, and a notable alteration and change made in the Kingdom of England: which some lay upon the base a varice of the Magistrates, and the superstitious laziness of the Prelates: others impute to that Comet or blazing Star, and the powerable influence of celestial bodies: some again made God the Author thereof, who in his secret judgements, and those never unjust, disposeth of Kingdoms. Others also there were, who looked into nearer secondary causes, and they found a great want and lack of wisdom in King Edward, in that while under a goodly show and pretext of religious and vowed virginity, he casting off all care of having issue, exposed the Kingdom for a prey to ambitious humours. WHat an insolent and bloody victory this was, the Monks that write of it, have declamed with full mouth: neither is it to be doubed, but in this Victory, (as it happeneth in other) wickedness took head and bare the full sway. William the Conqueror, in token as it were of a Trophy for this conquest, abrogated some part of the ancient positive laws of England, brought in some Customs of Normandy. and by virtue of a decree, commanded, That all causes should be pleaded in the French tongue. The English he thrust out of their ancient Inheritances, assigned their lands and Lordships to his soldiers, yet with this reservation to himself, that he should still remain chief Lord and bind them to do due service and homage unto him and his successors, that is to say, That all of them should hold their lands in Fee or fealty. He caused also a Seal for himself to be made of purpose, with this inscription upon the one side: Hôc Normannorum Guilielmum nosce Patronum, The Normans Patron William know, by this stamp that you see: And on the other: Hoc Anglis signo Regem fatearis eundem: By this, a King to Englishmen, acknowledge him to be. The seal of William. Conqueror. Moreover, as William of Malmesburie doth report, In imitation of Caesar's policy, who expelled the Germans, (lying hidden within that huge forest Ardenna, and by many asallie from thence annoying his army) not by the help of his own Romen, but by the Gauls his confederates: to this end, that whiles strangers and aliens killed one another, himself might triumph with their bloodshed: the very same course, I say, did William take with the English men. For, against certain of them, who upon the first battle of that infortunate man Harold were fled into Denmark and Ireland, and returned with a puissant army in the third year after, he opposed mere English forces and an English general; permitting the Normans to sit still and keep holiday: foreseeing hereby and providing for his own great easement, whether of them soever should have the better. Neither was he in this point frustrate of his purpose. For, the English, having thus a pretty while skuffeled and skirmished one with another, in the end rendered up the entire Victory to the King, without his pains taking. And in another place: Having undermined and quite overthrown the power of the Laymen, he provided by a sure and irrevocable edict, to suffer no Monk or Clerk of the English Nation, to endeavour for to get any dignity; much disagreeing herein from the clemency and gentleness of King Cnuto in times past, who gave unto those that he conquered, all their honours entire. And hence it came to pass, that when he was once dead, the natural Inhabitants of the country upon light occasions fell to driving out of strangers, and recovered unto themselves their ancient right and freedom. When he had brought this to pass, above all things he laboured to turn away the storm of the Danish wars, that hung over his head, and to purchase peace, though it were with round sums of money. Wherein he used Adelbert Archbishop of Hamburgh as his Instrument. For, Adam Bremensis writeth thus: Between Suen and the Bastard there was continual strife about England, although our Bishop being greased in the hand with William's bribes, would have concluded a firm peace betwixt the Kings. Which may seem also to have been established: for, since that time, England was never any whit afraid of the Danes. And William verily betook himself wholly to the defence and maintenance of his Imperial dignity, and to govern the state by excellent laws. For, as Gervase of Tilburie writeth; When the renowned Conqueror of England King William, had subdued the farther coasts of this Island, under his dominion, and throughly tamed the stomaches and hearts of rebels by terrible examples, lest that from thenceforth they should licentiously run into error and commit trespass, he determined to reduce his subjects under the obedience of positive, and written Laws. Having therefore all the laws of England laid before him, according to the Tripartite Division, whereby they were distinguished, that is to say, Merchenlag, Denelag, and Westsex-enlag, when he had rejected some of them, and allowed of others, he adjoined thereto those Laws of * Normandy. Neustria beyond the seas, which seemed most effectual to preserve the peace of his Kingdom. Afterwards, as mine Author Ingulphus saith, who flourished in those days, He commanded every Inhabitant of England to do him homage, and to swear fealty to him against all men: He took the survey and description of the whole Land, neither was there an Hide of England through, but he knew both the value, and the owner thereof; there was neither plash nor place, but set it was in the King's Roll: and the rent, revenue, and profit thereof, the very tenure of possession, and possessor himself was made known to the King, according to the credit and true relation of certain Taxers, who being chosen out of every country, did put down in writing the territory properly belonging thereto. And this Roll was called, the Roll of Winchester, and by the Englishmen (for the generality thereof, because it contained fully and exactly, all the tenements of the whole Land) named, doomsday. I have been more willing to make mention of this book, because it is to be cited & alleged often times hereafter: which book also, it pleaseth me to name, Gulielmi librum Censualem, that is, Domesday-booke. The Tax-booke of William: Angliae Notitiam, that is, The Notice of England: Angliae commentarios Censuales, that is, The Tax Register, or Sessing book of England: and Angliae Lustrum, that is, the Survey of England. But whereas Polydore Virgil writeth, how William that Conqueror, first brought in the Trial or judgement of * A Jury of twelve. twelve men, there is nothing more untrue. For, most certain it is, and apparent by the laws of Etheldred, that it was in use many years before. Neither hath he any cause to term it a terrible judgement. For these 12. freeborn and lawful men, are duly by order empanelled, and called forth of the Neighbourhood; these are bound by oath to pronounce and, deliver up their Verdict, * As touching the fact. de facto: they hear the counsel pleading in courts on both sides before the Bench or Tribunal, and the disposition of witnesses: then taking with them the evidences of both parties, they are shut up together; and kept from meat, drink, and fire, (unless haply some one of them be in danger of death thereby) so long until, they be all agreed of the fact: which when they have pronounced before the Judge, he, according to right and law giveth his definitive sentence. For, this manner of trial our most sage and wise Ancestors have thought the best to find out the truth, to avoid corruption, and cut off all partiality and affections. Now, The warlike prowess of the Normans. as touching martial prowess, how much the Normans excelled therein, let others tell: this may suffice for me to have said thus much, that being planted among most warlike nations, they always saved themselves, not by obsequious baseness, but by force of arms, and founded most noble Kingdoms in England, and Sicily. For tancred, nephew unto Richard the second of that name, Duke of Normandy, and his posterity, achieved brave exploits in Italy, and having compelled the Saracens to fly out of Sicily, erected a Kingdom there. Whereupon the Sicilian Historiographer doth freely acknowledge, that the Sicilians are beholden unto the Normans, for that themselves remain still in their native soil, live in freedom, and continue Christians. Th. Fazel. in the sixth book of the latter Decad. Likewise in the holy Land their martial prowess hath been seen with singular commendation. Hence it is also, that Roger Hoveden writeth in these terms; Bold France having made trial once of the Normans warfare, durst not peep out: Fierce England being conquered, yielded as captive unto them: Rich Apulia falling to the lot of their possession flourished a fresh: Famous jerusalem, and renowned Antioch were both subdued by them. And ever since their coming, England as well for martial honour as civil behaviour, hath among the most flourishing Kingdoms of Christendom flourished with the best. In so much, as Englishmen were picked forth to guard the person of the Emperors of Constantinople. For, John the son of Alexius Comenus, (as our writer of Malmesburie reporteth) having their fidelity in great esteem, applied himself especially to their familiarity, commending their love unto his son after him: and a long time since, they were the Yeomen of the said Emperor's guard, called by Nicetes Choniata, Inglini Bipenniferj, that is, English Halberdiers or Bill men, and by Curopalata, Barangi. These attended upon the Emperor in every place, carrying Pole-axes or Halberds upon their shoulders: which they took up, and held upright whensoever the Emperor showed himself from out his Closet, and knocking then their Halberds one against another to make a clattering noise, Chalcondilas. they in the English tongue, prayed for his long life. As for that blot wherewith Chalcondilas hath besmutted our nation, for having wives in common, the truth itself washeth it clean away, and represseth the overlashing vanity of the Grecian. For, as saith that most learned man, and my singular good friend Ortelius in this very matter, those things be not always true, which by every one are given out of all whatsoever. Well, these are the nations that seated themselves in Britain, whereof remain the Britan's, Saxons, or English men, and Normans intermingled with them: the Scots also in the North: whereupon came the two Kingdoms in this Island, to wit, England and Scotland, long time divided, but most happily now in the most mighty Prince King james, under one Imperial Diadem conjoined and united. Touching the Flemings, which flocked hither four hundred years since, and by permission of the Kings, received a place in Wales to inhabit, it is not requisite to speak of them now, In Pembroke shire. elsewhere I will treat of that matter. But let us conclude this argument with Seneca. By these, it is manifest that nothing hath continued in the same place, Of consolation to Albina. wherein it had the first beginning. There is a daily stirring and moving to and fro of mankind: some change or other there is every day in so great a revolution of this world. New foundations of Cities are laid: New names of nations spring up, whereas the old are either grown out of use, or altered by the coming in of a mightier. And considering that all these nations which have broken into Britain, were Northern as all the rest, which about the same time overranne all Europe, and afterwards Asia; most truly from the authority of holy Scripture, Nicephorus. wrote Nicephorus, Like as terrors oftentimes are sent from heaven by God upon men, as lightning, fire, and tempestuous showers; oftentimes from the earth, as open gapings of the ground, and Earthquakes; often from the air, as whirlwinds and extraordinary storms: so, these terrors of the Northern and Hyporborean parts, God keepeth by him in store, to send them forth for some punishment, when, and among whom, it pleaseth him in his divine providence. THE DIVISION OF BRITAIN. How countries are divided. NOw let us address ourselves to the Division of Britain. Country's are divided by Geographers, either Naturally, according to the course of rivers, and interpose of mountains: or Nationally, according as the people inhabit them: or Diversely and Civilly, according to the wills and jurisdiction of Princes. But forasmuch as we shall treat here and there throughout the whole work, of the first and second kinds, that third (which is civil and politic) seemeth properly pertinent to this place. Which yet is overcast with so dark a mist, through the iniquity of former times, that much easier it is in this case to confute what is false, than to find out the truth. Our Historiographers will needs have that division of Britain to be most ancient, whereby they divide it into Loegria, Cambria, and Albania, that is, to speak more plainly, into England, Wales, and Scotland. But I would think this division to be of a newer and later edition, both because it is threefold; for it seemeth to have risen of those three sorts of people, English, Welsh, and Scotish, which last of all parted the Island among themselves: and also for that such a partition is no where extant in approved Authors before our Geoffrey of Monmouth. For, the fable, (as the Critics of our age do think) could not hang well together, unless he the said Geffrey had devised three sons of Brutus, to wit, Locrine, Camber, and Albanact, because so many Nations flourished here when he lived. Neither make they doubt, but he would have found out more children of Brutus, if there had been more nations distinct at the same time in Britain. The most ancient division of Britain in the opinion of many learned men is that, which is found in Ptolomee, in the second book of * Cap. 6. Mathematical Construction, where he threateneth the Parallels: namely, into Britain the GREAT, and the LESS. But by their leave, Britan Great and Small. as great learned men as they be, they themselves shall see, if it please them to examine throughly and exactly in that place, the proportion of distance from the Aequator, and compare the same with his Geographical Descriptions, that he calleth this our Island there, Britain the GREAT, and Ireland, Britain the LESS. Howbeit some of our later writers named the hither part of this Island toward the South, GREAT, and that farther part Northward, the LESS: the Inhabitants whereof in times past, were distinguished into MAIATAE, and CALEDONII, that is to say, into the habitation of the Champion, or Plains, and the Mountainers: as now, the Scots are divided into Hechtlandmen, and Lawlandmen. But for as much as the Romans cared not for that farther tract, because (as Appian saith, it could not be profitable for them nor fruitful; having set down their bounds not far from Edinburgh, Britain the Higher, and the Lower. at the first they made this hither part reduced already into a Province, twofold, to wit, the LOWER, and the HIGHER, as it is gathered out of Dio. For, the hither or nearer part of England, together with Wales, he termeth the HIGHER, the farther and Northern part the LOWER. Which thing the very seats, and abiding places of the Legions in Dio do prove. The second Legion Augusta, ich kept at Caerleon in Wales, and the twentieth surnamed Victrix, which remained at Chester or Deva, he placeth in the Higher Britain: but the Sixth Legion Victrix, that was resident at York, served, as he writeth, in the Lower Britain. This division I would suppose, was made by the Emperor Severus, because Herodian reporteth, that he after he had vanquished Albinus General of the British forces, who had usurped the Empire, and therewith reform, and set in order the State of Britain, divided the government of the Province in two parts, between two Prefects, or Governors. After this, the Romans did set out the Province of Britain into three parts, as is to be seen out of a manuscript of Sextus Rufus: Tripartite Britain. namely, into MAXIMA CAESARIENSIS, BRITANNIA PRIMA, and BRITANNIA SECUNDA. Which, I take it, I have found out by the Bishops, and their ancient Dioceses. Lucius the Pope, in Gratian, Dist. 80. cap. 1. insinuateth thus much, that the Ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Christians, followed the jurisdictions of the Roman Magistrates, and that Archbishops had their Seas in those cities, wherein the Roman Precedents in times past made their abode. The Cities and places (saith he) in which Primats ought to sit and rule, were appointed not by the Modern, but long before the coming of Christ: to the Primats of which Cities &c. the Gentile also appealed in matters of greater importance. And in those very cities after Christ's coming, the Apostles and their Successors placed Patriarches, or Primats, unto whom the affairs of the Bishops, and greater causes ought to be preferred. Whereas therefore, Britain had in old time three Archbishops, to wit, of London, of York, and Caerleon in Southwales, I suppose, that the Province which now we call of Canterbury, (for thither the Sea of London was translated) made BRITANNIA PRIMA: Wales under the * Chester. City of Caer Leon, was BRITANNIA SECUNDA: and the Province of York, which then reached unto the Limit or Borders, made MAXIMAA CAESARIENSIS. In the age next ensuing, when the form of the Roman Empire was daily changing, either through ambition, that more men might attain to places of honour, or the wary forecast of the Emperors, that the power of their Precedents which grew over great might be taken down and abridged, they divided Britain into five parts, to wit, BRITANNIA PRIMA, SECUNDA, MAXIMA CAESARIENSIS, VALENTIA & FLAVIA CAESARIENSIS. Britain in five parts. VALENTIA seemeth to have been the northerly part of Maxi●● Caesariensis, which being usurped and held by the Picts and Scots, Theodosius General under Valens the Emperor recovered out their hands, and in honour of him named it Valentia, which Marcellinus showeth more plainly in these words▪ The Province now recovered, Lib. 28. which was fallen into the enemy's hands, he restored to the former state, in such sort, as by his own procuring it had both a lawful governor, & was also afterwards called, VALENTIA, at the pleasure of the Prince. Now that the son of this Theodosius, (who being created Emperor was named Flavius Theodosius, and altered very many things in the Empire) added Flavia, we may very well conjecture, for that before the time of this Flavius we read no where of BRITANNIA FLAVIA. Wherefore to make up this matter in few words, All the south coast which of one side lieth between the British sea, and the river Thames with the Severn sea on the other side, was called BRITANNIA PRIMA. BRITANNIA SECUNDA, was that which now is Wales. FLAVIA CAESARIENSIS, reacheth from Thames to Humber. MAXIMA CAESARIENSIS, from Humber to the river of Tine, or the wall of Severus. VALENTIA from Tine to the wall or rampire near Edinburgh, which the Scots call Gramesdike, and was the utmost limit of the Roman Empire in this Island, when this last division was in use. And now I cannot choose but note some want of judgement in certain men, who otherwise being very learned, do reckon Scotland in this account, which some of them make to have been Maxima Caesariensis, and others, Britannia Secunda: As if (forsooth) the Romans neglected not that part of the Island, lying under a cold climate, and reckoned here those Provinces only, which they governed by Consular Lieutenants, and Precedents: for Maxima Caesariensis, and Valentia were ruled by Consular Lieutenants; Britannia Prima, Secunda, and Flavia, by Precedents. Now if any man would have me render a reason of this my division, and accuse me as a false bounderer and surveior, let him hear in brief, what hath induced me to this opinion. Having observed thus much, that the Romans always called those Provinces PRIMAS, which lay nighest to Rome: as Germania Prima, Belgica Prima, Lugdunensis Prima, Aquitania Prima, Panninia Prima; all which lay nearer to Rome, than those that were named, Secundae: and that these Primae, were by the finer sort of writers, termed Superiores, or higher: the Secundae, Inferiores, or Lower: I resolved, that the Southpart of our Island, and nearer to Rome, was Britannia Prima. By the same reason seeing the Provinces Secundae (as they call them) were more remote from Rome, I supposed Wales was the Britannia Secunda. Moreover, having noted this also, that in the decaying State of their Empire, those Provinces only had Consular Magistrates, which lay against the enemies, not only in Gaul, but also in Africa, as appeareth in the book of Notices: also, that in the said Book, Valentia with us, and Maxima Caesariensis be accounted Consular Provinces; I have judged them being next and exposed to the Scots and Picts, to lie in those places which I have spoken of. I can do no other but guess, that Flavia Caesariensis here, was in the midst between them all, and in the very heart of England: and so much the more confidently, because that ancient writer Giraldus Cambrensis, is just of the same opinion with me. And thus much of the Divisions of Britain under the Romans. Afterwards, when the Barbarians made invasion on every side, and civil war daily increased among the Britan's, the Island, as bereft of all life and vigour, lay for a time languishing and forlorn, without any show at all of government. But at length that part which inclineth to the North became two Kingdoms, to wit, of the Scots and the Picts, and the Romans Pentarchy, or five portions, in this hither part became in process of time the Heptarchy, or seven Kingdoms, of the Saxons. For, they divided the whole Province of the Romans, (setting Wales aside, which the remnant of Britan's possessed) into seven Kingdoms, that is to say, Kent, Southsex, East-England, Westsex, The Saxons Heptarchy or seven Kingdoms. Northumberland, Eastsex, and Mercia. But what this Heptarchy of the English-Saxons was, and what their names were in those days, in this chorographical table here adjoined you may (if you please) behold. Considering that in a chorographical Table or Map, by reason of so narrow a room, those Regions or Counties which these Kingdoms contained, could not well and handsomely be described: In this other Table here, rather than by heaping many words together, I think good to propose, and set down the same, that the Reader may once for all have a view of them. The Saxons Heptarchy. 1 The Kingdom of KENT contained the County of Kent. 2 The Kingdom of SUSSEX, or Southern Saxons, contained the Counties of Suthsex. Suthrey. 3 The Kingdom of EAST-ENGLAND, or East-Angles, contained the Counties of Norfolk. Suthfolke. Cambridge shire, with the Isle of Ely. 4 The Kingdom of WESTSEX, or West-Angles, contained the Counties of Cornwall. Devonshire. Dorsetshire. Somersetshire. Wiltshire. Southampton. Berkshire. 5 The Kingdom of NORTHUMBERLAND, contained the Counties of Lancaster. York. Durham. Cumberland. Westmoreland. Northumberland, and the Countries of Scotland to Edenburgh-frith. 6 The Kingdom of EASTSEX, or East-Saxons, contained the Counties of Essex. Middlesex, and part of Hertfordshire. 7 The Kingdom of MERCIA, contained the Counties of Gloucester shire. Herefordshire. Worcestershire. Warwickshire. Leicestershire. Rotlandshire. Northamptonshire. Lincolnshire. Huntingdonshire. Bedfordshire. Buckinghamshire. Oxenfordshire. Staffordshire. Derbieshire. Salop or Shropshire. Nottinghamshire. Chester, or Cheshire. The other part of Hertfordshire. YEt was not England when the Heptarchy flourished, thus divided into Counties, for so they be commonly called, England divided into Shires or Counties. but into certain small regions with their Hides, which out of an old fragment that I had of Francis Tate a gentleman, most conversant in the Antiquity of our Law, I have here put down. But it containeth that country only, which lieth on this side Humber. Myrcna containeth 30000. * An Hide, as some think, is so much land, as one plough can ear in one year: as others think, 4. yard-lands. Hides. Woken-setna 7000. hides. Westerna 7000. hides. Pec-setna 1200. hides. Elmed-setna 600. hides. Lindes-farona 7000. hides. Suth-Gyrwa 600. hides. North-Gyrwa 600. hides. East-Wixna 300. hides. West-Wixna 600. hides. Spalda 600. hides. Wigesta 900. hides. Herefinna 1200. hides. Sweordora 300. hides. Eyfla 300. hides. Wicca 300. hides. Wight-gora 600, hides. Nox gaga 5000. hides. Oht gaga 2000 hides. Hwynca 7000. hides. Ciltern-setna 4000 hides. Hendrica 3000. hides. Vnecung-ga 1200. hides. Aroseatna 600. hides. Fearfinga 300. hides. Belmiga 600. hides. Witherigga 600. hides. East-willa 600. hides. West-willa 600. hides. East-Engle 30000. hides. East-Sexena 7000. hides. Cant-warena 15000. hides. Suth-Sexena 7000. hides. West-Sexena 100000. hides. Although some of these names may at the first sight be discovered, yet others of them a man shall hardly pick out although he study upon them: and they require one I profess it, of much sharper wit and quicker insight than myself, to guess what they should mean. Aelfred he is named in pieces of Coin: also Alured, in our English Chronicles. Afterwards, when Aelfred was sole Monarch, like as the Germans our ancestors, as Tacitus witnesseth, kept courts and ministered justice in every Territory and town, and had a Hundred men out of the the Common people as companions and assistants to perform this function: even so, to use the words of ingulphus of Crowland, He first divided England into Counties, for that the neighbour Inhabitants after the example, and under colour of the Danes committed outrages and robberies. Besides, he caused the Counties to be parted into Centuries, Hundreds. that is Hundreds, and Decimes, that is Tithings: and commanded withal that every Homeling or natural Inhabitant should be in some one Hundred and Tithing. He divided also the governor's of the Provinces, who before were called Vice-Domini, that is, Vice-Lords, into two offices, to wit, judges, now justices, and Vicecomites, that is, Sheriffs, which still retain the same name. By whose care and industry, peace so much flourished within short space through the whole Province, that had a way-faring man let fall in the fields or common highways, a sum of money, how great soever it had been, if he returned thither the next morning or a month after he might be sure to see it there safe and untouched. Which our Historiographer of Malmesburie will declare unto you more at large. By occasion, saith he, and example of the Barbarians, that is, Danes, the proper and natural Inhabitants also were very greedy of spoil, so that no man could pass to and fro in safety, without weapons for his defence. Aelfred therefore ordained Centuries, which they term Hundreds, and Decimes, which they call Tithings, that every English m living under law, as a liege subject, should be within one Hundred and Tithing, or another. And if a man were accused of any transgression, he should bring in straightways some one out of the same Hundred and Tithing, that would be bound for his appearance to answer the law; but he that could not find such a surety, should abide the severity of the Laws. But in case any man standing thus accused, either before or after suretyship, fled, than all that Hundred and Tithing, incurred a mulct or fine to be imposed by the King. By this device he brought peace into the Country, so as along the common causies and highways where they crossed one another, he commanded bracelets of gold to be hanged up, to delude the greediness of passengers, Wapentaks, Tithings and Laths. whiles there was no man that durst take them away. But these Hundreds be in some places of the realm called Wapentaches: if you would know the reason thereof, I will tell you it out of the laws of Edward the Confessor. When a man received the government of a Wapentach, upon a certain day appointed in the place where they were wont to assemble, all the elder sort met together and expected him: and as he alighted from his horse, rose up unto him and did him reverence. Then he, setting his spear upright, received of them all, according to the custom, a covenant of Association. For, as many as came, with their spears touched his spear, and thus they assured themselves by touching of weapons, in peaceable manner. For, arms in English they call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is as much as to confirm or establish: as if this were a comfirmation of weapons: or, to speak more significantly and expressly according to the English tongue, Wepentac, is the touching of weapons. For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soundeth as much, as arms, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is touching. There were beside, other governments and jurisdictions above Wepantaches which they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for that this was the third part of a Province. And the rulers over those were termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Before these officers were brought those causes that could not be determined, in the Wapentaches. And so, that which the Englishmen named a Hundred, these termed a Wapentach. And that which in English they called three or four Hundreds, these named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Howbeit in some Provinces they called that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which these term Trihing: Leth. and that which could not be decided and ended in a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, was brought into the Schyre. These Counties which you may properly and in Latin call, Shires. either Conventus or Pagos, we by a peculiar term name Shires, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Saxon word, which signifieth, to part or divide: and at the first division, were there in all but thirty two. For, in the year after Christ's nativity 1016. while Etheldred reigned, the Chronicle of Malmesburie reporteth there was no more: For, thus writeth he in the life of the said Etheldred. The Danes at this time when there be reckoned in England thirty two Shires, invaded 16. of them. And in those days, according to the variety of laws these counties or shires were divided. The division of England according to the Laws. For the laws of England were distinguished into three sorts: to wit, those of the Westsaxons which they called West-Saxenlage: those of the Danes, named Denelage, and those of the Mercians, termed Merchenlage. To the law of the Westsaxons belonged nine counties, to wit, Kent, Sussex, Suthrie, Berkshire, Hantshire or Southampton, Wiltshire, Sommersetshire, Dorsetshire, and Denshire. To the Danes law appertained 15. The manuscript book of S. Edmund. Counties, namely, Yorkshire, Darbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Middlesex, Northfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire. The eight remaining, followed the law of the Mercians: there were, Glocestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Oxenfordshire, Cheshire, Salop or Shropshire, and Staffordshire. But when William the First made a survey and taxed this Kingdom, there were reckoned, as we read in Polychronicon, xxxuj. shires or counties: and yet the public * Doomsday book. record, in which he engrossed and registered this survey and tax, do make mention of 34. only. For, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Westmorland, and Comberland were not comprised in that number, because these three last were then subject to the Scots, as some will have it, and those other two were either free from payments and taxes, or comprehended under Yorkshire: but being afterwards added to the rest they made up in all, Wales divided into Shires. the number of 39 shires, which we have at this day. Unto which are adjoined since 13. more in Wales: whereof six were in the time of Edward the First, the rest Henry the Eighth ordained by Parliamentary authority. In these Shires there is appointed in troublesome times by the Prince, a Perfect or Deputy under the King, whom they call a Lieutenant, to see that the Commonweal sustain no hurt. The first Institution of this Lieutenant, as it may seem, is to be fetched from King Aelfred, who appointed in every County certain Custodes or Keepers of the Kingdom: whom Henry the Third afterward did set up and restore again, naming them Captains. For he in the fiftieth year of his reign, Held a Parliament as john * or, London. 897. Math. Westmonast. of London writeth, wherein this wholesome ordinance was enacted, that in every County there should be made at the King's charge, one Captain, who with the help of the Sheriff should restrain the cruel and outrageous robbers & thiefs from stealth and rapine. Many therefore being frighted with this terror gave over, and so the King's power began to breath again and revive. With good forecast this was done verily by this Prince: but whether Canutus the Dane did more wisely, who in his Monarchy erected a tetrarchy, let our Politicians and Statists dispute. For he, (Hermandus the Archdeacon is mine Author) being a prudent Prince, He flourished in the year, 1070. and watchful every way, dividing the care of his Kingdom into four parts, ordained Tetrarches, such as he had found to be most faithful and trusty. The charge of the greatest portion, to wit, Westsex, he took upon himself; of * Mercia. Mircha, which was the second portion, he committed to one Edrich; the third, usually called Northumbre, to Yrtus, and to Turkil Earl of East-Englan, the fourth; which flowed in plenty and abundance of all wealth. For this instruction I am beholden to the diligence of Francis Thinn, a man, who with exceeding great commendation hath traveled very much in this Study of Antiquities. Sheriff of the Shire. Now every year, some one of the Gentlemen Inhabitants, is made ruler of the county wherein he dwelleth, whom we call in Latin Vicecomitem, as one would say, the Deputy of the Comes or Earl, and in our tongue Sheriff, that is, the Reeve of the shire, who also may well be termed the Treasurer of the Shire or Province. For, it is his duty, to gather the common moneys and profits of the Prince in his County, to collect and bring into the Exchequer all fines imposed, even by distreining: to be attendant upon the Judges, and to execute their commandments: to assemble and empanel the twelve men which in causes do inquire of the fact, Twelve men. and make relation thereof and give in their verdict to the Judges (for Judges with us sit upon the right only of a cause and not upon the fact) to see condemned persons executed, and to examine and determine certain smaller actions. Justices of peace. Moreover, there be ordained in every Shire, and that by the institution of Edward the Third, certain Justices of peace, who examine Murders, Felonies, and Trespasses, as they call them, yea and many other delinquences. Furthermore, the King sendeth yearly into every Shire of England two Justices, to give Judgement of prisoners, Justices of Assizes. and that I may use the Lawyer's term, to deliver the Goal. Of whom, more hereafter in the Treatise of judicial courts and judgement seats. As touching Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, when the Bishops of Rome had assigned several Churches to several Priests, England divided into Parishes. and laid parishes unto them, Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury, about the year of our Redemption 636. begins first to divide England into parishes, as we read in the History of Canterbury. But now hath England two provinces, and accordingly two Archbishops: to wit, the Archbishop of Canterbury Primate and Metropolitan of all England, and the Archbishop of York. Bishops. Under these are twenty five Bishops: to the Archbishop of Canterbury are subject twenty two, to the Archbishop of York, the other three. Now what Bishoprickes these be, with the shires and Dioceses that are at this day under their jurisdiction, that godly, and right reverend father Matthew Parker, [late] Archbishop of Canterbury, a man very studious and skilful in antiquity, and a worthy Patron of good learning, showeth in these his own words. IN THE PROVINCE OF CANTERBURY. THe Bishopric of Canterbury together with that of Rochester containeth under it Kent itself. The Bishopric of London hath under it Essex, Middlesex, & part of Hertfordshire. The Bishopric of Chichester hath belonging unto it Sussex. The Bishopric of Winchester compriseth Southampton shire, Surry, and the Isle of Wight, Gernsey also and jersey, Islands lying against Normandy. The Bishopric of Salisbury, comprehendeth Wiltshire and Berkshire. The Bishopric of Excester containeth Denshire and Cornwall. The Bishopric of Bath and Wells joined together, hath under it Sommersetshire: The Bishopric of Gloucester hath belonging to it Glocestershire. To the Bishopric of Worcester, is subject Worcestershire & part of Warwickshire. To the Bishopric of Hereford, Herefordshire & part of Salop or Shropshire. The Bishopric of Coventrie and Lichfield joined together, have under it, Staffordshire, Derbishire and the other part of Warwickshire, as also that part of Shropshire which lieth toward the river Repil. Then, the Bishopric of Lincolnshire, which of all other is the greatest, is bounded with Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the other part of Hertfordshire. To the Bishopric of Ely pertain Cambridgeshire, and the Isle itself of Elie. Under the Bishopric of Norwich is Norfolk and Suffolk. The Bishopric of Oxenford hath under it Oxenfordshire. The Bishopric of Peterborough compriseth Northamptonshire and Rutlandshire. Under the Bishopric of Bristol, is Dorsetshire. Unto which eighteen Dioceses in England, are to be added those of Wales, which are both bereft of their own peculiar archbishopric, and made also fewer in number; seven being brought scarce to four: to wit, the Bishopric of Meneva, having the seat at Saint david's, the Bishopric of Landaffe; the Bishopric of Bangor, and the Bishopric of Saint Assaph. IN THE PROVINCE OF YORK. THe Bishopric of York comprehendeth Yorkshire itself, and Nottinghamshire. The Bishopric of Chester containeth, Cheshire, Richmondshire, Lancashire, part of Cumberland, of Flintshire, and of Denbishire. The Bishopric of Durham, hath Durham itself under it, and Northumberland. The Bishopric of Carlisle containeth within it part of Cumberland, and the Country of Westmoreland. To these you may add, the Bishopric of Sodor, in the Isle of Mona, which commonly is called Man. Among these, the Archbishop of Canterbury hath the first place: the Archbishop of York the second: the Bishop of London the third: the Bishop of Durham the fourth: the Bishop of Winchester the fifth: the rest as they are consecrated or installed first, so in priority they take the place. Howbeit, if any of the other Bishops happen to be Secretary to the King, he challengeth by his right the fifth place. Besides, there are in England Deaneries xxuj. whereof thirteen were ordained by Henry the Eighth in the greater Cathedral Churches after the Monks were thrust out. Archdeaconries' three score: Dignities and prebend's five hundred forty four. Numbered also there are parish-churches under Bishops, 9284: of which 3845, be Appropriate, as I find in a Catalogue exhibited unto King james, which here I have put down underneath. Now, Appropriate Churches those are called, which by the Pope's authority coming between, with consent of the King and the Bishop of the Diocese were upon certain conditions tied, or as the form runneth, of our Law, united, annexed, and incorporate for ever, unto Monasteries, Bishoprics, Colleges and Hospitals, endowed with small lands, either for that the said Churches were built with in their Lordships and lands, or granted by the Lords of the said lands. Which Churches afterwards when the Abbays and Monasteries were suppressed, became Say Fees, to the great damage of the Church. DIOECESES. Parish-Churches. Churches appropriated Of Canterbury. 257 140 Of London. 623 189 Of Winchester. 362 131 Of Coventrie and Lichfield. 557 250 Of Sarisburie. 248 109 Of Bath and Wels. 388 160 Of Lincoln. 1255 577 Of Peterburgh. 293 91 Of Exeter. 604 239 Of Gloucester. 267 125 In the Province of Canterbury in the Diocese, Of Hereford. 313 166 Of Norwich. 1121 385 Of Elie. 141 75 Of Rochester. 98 36 Of Chichester. 250 112 Of Oxford, 195 88 Of Worcester. 241 76 Of Bristol. 236 64 Of S. David's. 308 120 Of Bangor. 107 36 Of Lhandaffe. 177 98 Of S. Asaph. 121 19 Peculiar, in the Province of Canterbury. 57 14 The sum of the Province of Canterbury. 8●19 3303 Of York. 581 336 Of Durham. 135 87 In the Province of York, Of Chester. 256 101 Of Carlisle. 93 18 The sum of the Province of York. 1065 592 The total Sum in both Provinces 9284 3845 Howbeit, in the book of Thomas Wolsey Cardinal, digested and written in The year 1520. by Counties are reckoned, 9407. Churches. How this variety should come, I cannot say, unless that in the former age some Churches were pulled down, and the Chapels which belong unto Parishes be omitted, and others that are but bare Chapels, counted in the number of Parish-churches. Yet, out of this book of Wolsey, have I put down the number of Parish-churches to every Shire. There were also, in the reign of Henry the Eight (I hope without offence I may speak the truth) many religious places, Monuments of our forefather's piety and devotion, to the honour of God, the propagation of Christian faith and good learning, and also for the relief and maintenance of the poor and impotent, Monasteries or Abbays. to wit, Monasteries or Abbays, and Priories, to the number of 645: of which when by permission of Pope Clement the seventh, forty were suppressed by Cardinal Wolseys means, who then had begun to found two Colleges, one at Oxenford, the other at Ipswich: strait ways, about the xxxuj. year of the reign of the said Henry the Eight, a sudden flood (as it were) breaking thorough the banks with a main stream, fell upon the Ecclesiastical State of England; which whiles the world stood amazed, and England groaned thereat, bore down and utterly overthrew the greatest part of the Clergy, together with their most goodly and beautiful houses. For, that leave which the Pope granted to the Cardinal; the King with assent of the Parliament took to himself. Whereupon, in the year of our Lord, 1536. all religious houses every one, together with all their livings and revenues, as many I mean as might dispend by yearly rent 200. pound or under, (and those amounted to the number of 376) were granted to the King. And in the year next following, under a fair pretence and show of rooting out superstition, all the rest, An hundred Priories of Monks Aliens, King Henry the fifth, had dissolved before. together with Colleges, Chanteries and Hospitals were left to the dispose and pleasure of the King. At which time, the religious houses remaining, in number 605. were surveied, valued or taxed. Colleges there were, besides those in the Universities, 90. Hospitals 110. Chan●eries and free Chapels 2374. All which for the most part, shortly after were every where pulled down, their revenues sold and made away, & those goods & riches which the Christian piety of the English nation had consecrated unto God, since they first professed Christianity were in a moment as it were dispersed, and (to the displeasure of no man be it spoken) profaned. THE STATES AND DEGREES of England. AS touching the division of our Commonwealth, it consisteth, of a King or Monarch, Noblemen or Gentry, Citizens, Freeborn, whom we call, Yeomen, and Artisans or Handicraftmen. THE KING, The King whom our ancestors [the English-Saxons] called Coning and Gynin●, (in which name is implied a signification both of power and skill) and we name contractly, King, hath sovereign power and absolute command among us, neither holdeth he his Empire in vassalage, not receiveth his investure or c●stalling of another, ●e yet acknowledgeth any superior but God alone: and as one said, All verily are under him, and himself under none, but God only▪ Also, he hath very many rights of Majesty peculiar to himself, (the learned Lawyers term them, Sacra sacrorum, that is Sacred, and Individua; that is, inseparable, because they cannot be severed: and the common sort Royal prerogatives) which they to me, Bracton. lib. 1. cap. 8. The flowers of his Crown, in which respect they affirm that the regal material Crown is adorned with flowers. Some of these, are by positive or written law; others, by right of custom, which by a silent consent of all men without law, prescription of ●ime hath allowed, the King justly enjoieth: and most deservedly; considering that His watchful care defendeth the state of all, his painful labour maintaineth the rest of all, Seneca. his spadious industry upholdeth the delights of all, and his busy employment affordeth case to all. But these are points of a lo●●ier discourse, and not of the argument now in hand. The Prince. The second or next to the King, is his first begotten son: who, like as among the Romans, the heir apparent, and assigned successor to the Empire, was first entitled, Princeps juventutis, that is, Prince of the youth; and afterwards (as flattery did increase) styled by the name of Caesar, * Nobilis Caesar. Noble Caesar, and the * Caesar Nobilissimus. most Noble: so, with our Ancestors the English-Saxons, he was named in their tongue, Aetheling, that is, Noble, and in Latin Clito, of the Greek word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Glorious or Excellent (see how that age affected the Greek Language.) And hereupon, of that Eadgar, the last heir male of the English blood royal, this old said saw is yet rife in every man's mouth, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. And in the ancient latin Patents and Charters of the Kings we read often times, Ego E. vel Ae. Clyto, Regis filius: But this addition Clyto, I have observed to be given even to all the King's sons. After the Norman conquest, no certain or special title of honour was assigned unto him, nor any other to my knowledge, than singly thus, The King's son, and, The first begotten of the King of England, until that Edward the first summoned unto the high Court of Parliament his son Edward, by the name of Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester; unto whom he granted afterwards, the Dukedom also of Aquitain: like as the same Prince, being now King Edward the Second, called unto the Parliament his young son Edward, not full ten years old, by the title of Earl of Chester, and of Flint. But the said Edward, having now attained to the Crown, and being Edward the Third, created Edward his son, a most valiant and renowned man of war, Duke of Cornwall. Since which time, the King's first begotten son, is reputed * Dux Cornubiae natus. Duke of Cornwall at the hour of his birth. And soon after, he adorned the same son by solemn investure and creation, with the title of Prince of Wales. And gave the Principality of Wales in these words, To be held of him and his heirs Kings of England. And as the declared or elect Successors of the Roman Empire, (as I said even now) were named Caesares, of the Greekish Empire, * Lords. Despotae; of the Kingdom of France, Dolphins, and of Spain, Infants: so from thence forward, the Heirs apparent of the Kingdom of England, were entitled, Princes of Wales. And this title continued unto the days of Henry the Eight, when Wales was fully united to the Kingdom of England. But now, whereas the Kingdoms of Britain formerly divided, are by the happy good luck, and rightful title of the most mighty Prince, King james grown into one; his Eldest son Henry, the Lovely joy and Darling of Britain, is styled, PRINCE OF GREAT BRITAIN: who, as he is borne thus to the greatest hopes, so all Britain from one end to the other, prayeth uncessantly from the very heart, that God would vouchsafe to bless him with the greatest virtues, and continuance of honour, that he may by many degrees, and that most happily exceed our hope, surpass the noble Acts of his progenitors, yea, and outlive their years. As for our Nobility, or Gentry, it is divided into Superior, and Inferior. The Superior or chief Noblemen we call, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barons: which have received these titles from the Kings of this Realm for their Virtue and Prowess. A Duke. DUKE, is the chief title of honour among us next after PRINCE. This was a name at first of charge and office, and not of dignity. About the time of Aelius Verus the Emperor, those who governed the Limits and Borders, were first named Deuces, and this degree in the days of Constantine was inferior to that of Comites. After the Roman government was here in this Island abolished, this title also remained as a name of office: and those among us, who in old Charters, during the Saxons time, * Dukes. are so many of them called Deuces, were named in the English tongue only Ealdermen: and the very same, that were named Deuces, they called also, * Earls. Comites. As for example, that William the Conqueror of England, whom most call Duke of Normandy, William of Malmsburie, termeth Comes, or Earl of Normandy. But, as well Duke as Earl, were names of charge and office, as appeareth by this Brief or Instrument of creating a Duke or Earl, out of Marculphus an ancient Writer. In this point especially is a Princes regal Clemency fully commended, that throughout the whole people there be sought out honest and vigilant persons; neither is it meet to commit hand over head, unto every man a judiciary Dignity, unless his faithfulness and valour seem to have been tried before: seeing then therefore, we suppose that we have had good proof of your trusty and profitable service unto us, we have committed unto you the government of that Earldom, Dukedom, Senatourship, or Eldership in that Shire or Province, which your Predecessor until this time seemed to have exercised, for to manage and rule the same accordingly. Provided always, that you evermore keep your faith untouched and untainted toward our Royal governance, and that all people there abiding may live, and be ruled under your regiment and governance, and that you order and direct them in the right course, according to law, and their own customs: That you show yourself a Protector to widows, and Guardian to Orphans: that the wickedness of thiefs and malefactors be most severely by you punished: that the people living well under your regiment, may with joy continue in peace quietly: and whatsoever by this very execution is looked for to arise, in profit due to the Exchequer be brought yearly by yourself into our Coffers, and Treasury. This title of Duke, began to be a title of honour under Otho the Great, about the year 970. For he, to bind more streitly, and nearer unto him, martial and politic men, endowed them with Regalities and Royalties, as he termed them. Sigonius Regni Italici lib. 5. And these Royalties were either Dignities, or Lands in fee. Dignities were these, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Captains, Valvasors, Valvasines. Later it was ere it came to be an Hereditary title in France: and not before the time of Philip the third King of France, who granted, that from thence forth, they should be called, Dukes of Britain, who before time were indifferently styled, both Dukes and Earls. But in England, in the time of the Normans, seeing the Norman Kings themselves were Dukes of Normandy, for a great while they adorned none with this honour: nor before that Edward the Third created Edward his son, Duke of Cornwall, by a wreath upon his head, a ring on his finger, Afterward a golden rod or verger was used. and a silver verge or rod: like as the Dukes of Normandy were in times past created by a Sword, and Banner delivered unto them: afterwards, by girding the Sword of the Duchy, and a circlet of gold, garnished with little golden Roses in the top. And the same King Edward the Third, created in a Parliament his two sons, Lionel Duke of Clarence, and john Duke of Lancaster, by the girding of a Sword, and setting upon their heads a furred chapeau, or cap, with a circlet or Coronet of gold, pearl, and a Charter delivered unto them. From which time there have been many hereditary Dukes among us, created one after another, with these or such like words in their Charter or Patent: We give and grant the Name, Title, State, Stile, Place, Seat, Pre-eminence, Honour, Authority, and Dignity of a Duke, to N. and by the cincture of a Sword, and imposition of a Cap and Coronet of gold upon his head, as also by delivering unto him a verge of gold, we do really invest. A MARQVESSE, that is, if you consider the very nature of the word, a Governor of the Marches, Marquestes. hath the next placec of honour, after a Duke. This Title came to us but of late days, and was not bestowed upon any one, before the time of King Richard the Second: For, he made his minion Robert Vere, who was highly in his favour, marquis of Dublin: and then it began with us to be a title of honour. F●r before time those that governed the Marches, were commonly called, Lord Marchers, and not Marquesses (as now we term them. Henceforth they were created by the King, by cincture of the Sword, and the imposition of the Cap of honour and dignity, with the Coronet, as also by delivery of a Charter or writing. Neither will I think it much to relate here, that which is found recorded in the * An. 4. Henri●. 4. Parliament Rolls. When john de Beaufort, from being Earl of Somerset, was by Richard the Second created marquis Dorset, and afterwards by Henry the Fourth, deprived of that title; what time as the Commons of England made humble suit in Parliament to the King, that he would restore unto him the title of marquis which he had lost: he opposed himself against that petition, and openly said, That it was a new dignity, and altogether unknown to his Ancestors; and therefore he neither craved it, nor in any wise would accept of it. Earls, called in Latin, Comites, are ranged in the third place, and may seem to have come unto us from our Ancestors the Germans: For, they in times past, as Cornelius Tacitus writeth, had their Comites, Who should always give attendance upon their Princes, and be at hand in matters of counsel and authority. But others think, that they came from the Romans to us, as also to the Franks, or French. For, the Emperors, when as the Empire was grown now to the full strength, began to have about them a certain privy Counsel, which was called Caesaris Comitatus: and then those whose counsel they used in war and peace, were termed Comites: whence it is that in ancient Inscriptions, we find oftentimes COMITI IMPP. And in few years the name of Comes, grew so rife, that it was given to all Officers and Magistrates that observed or gave attendance upon the said sacred or privy Counsel, or that came out of it: and from hence afterward the name extended to all those which were the Provosts or Overseers of any matters of state. In paratitlis ad Codicem. And Suidas defineth Comes, to be The ruler of the people, as Cuiacius hath taught us: who also teacheth us, that before Constantine the Great, the name of Comes was not in use, to signify any honour. But he, when he altered the form of the Roman Empire by new distinctions, and endeavoured to oblige many unto him with his benefits, and them to advance unto honour, ordained first the title of Comes without any function or government at all, to be a title of dignity: and this Comes had a certain power and privilege, for to accompany the Prince, not only when he went abroad, but in his palace also, in his privy chamber, and secret rooms, to have liberty likewise to be present at his Table, and private speeches. And hereupon it is, that we read thus in Epiphanius, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Who so obtained of the King, the Dignity of Comites. At length, to them which were beholden unto him for this honourable preferment, he granted other dignities with charge: and again, upon those that were in place of Magistracy, and executed any office of State, either at home or abroad, he bestowed that title of honour, Comes Domesticorum, L. Great Master of the Household; Comes sacrarum largitionum, L. High Treasurer; Comes sacrae vestis, Master of the Wardrobe; Comes Stabuli, Master of the Horse; Comes Thesauri, Treasurer; Comes Orientis, Lieutenant of the East; Comes Britanniae, Comes Africa, etc. Herehence it came, that ever since the name of Comes, imported Dignity, and authority, or government, at the first temporary, afterward for term of life. Moreover, in process of time, when the Empire of the Romans became rend into many kingdoms, this title yet was retained: and our English-Saxons, called them in Latin, Comites, and consuls, whom in their own language, they named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the very same the Danes termed in their tongue, Eorlas, that is, Honourable, as Ethelward writeth, by which name somewhat mollified, they are called of us at this day, Earls. And verily for a long time, P. Pithaeus in Memorab. Campaniae. they were known by this name simply: at length, with addition also of the place over which they were put in authority. Neither as yet descended this honour to the next heir by inheritance. Where, by the way thus much I note, that the first hereditary Earls in France, were the Earls of Britain. But when William of Normandy had made conquest of this Land, and seated himself in the absolute government of this Kingdom, Earls began to be Feudall, Hereditarie, and Patrimonial, that is, By fee, or Tenure by service, by inheritance, and by Lands, who also, as it appeareth in * An authentical record of the Exchequer. Doomesday-booke, were simply without any addition at all, named Earls, as Comes Hugo, Comes Alanus, Comes Rogerus; Earl Hugh, Earl Alan, Earl Roger, etc. Afterwards, as we may see in ancient Charters, Earls were created with the name of a place joined unto them, and the third penny of the Shire was assigned unto them. As for example, Maud the Empress, daughter and heir to K. Henry the First, created an Earl in these words, as appeareth in the very Charter which I have: I Maud, daughter of K. Henry, and Lady of the Englishmen, do give and grant unto Geffrey de Magnavil for his service, * or Maundevil. & to his heirs after him by right of inheritance to be Earl of Essex, & to have the third penny out of the Sheriff's Court, issuing out of all pleas, as an Earl should have through his County in all things. And this is the most ancient Charter that hitherto I have seen, of an Earl's creation, Likewise Henry the Second, King of England her son, created an Earl by these words: Know ye, that we have made Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, to wit, of the third penny of Norwic, and Norfolc, as freely as any Earl of England holdeth his County. Which words, an old book of Battle Abbey expoundeth thus: An usual and ancient custom it was throughout all England, that the Earls should have the third penny to themselves of the Provinces, whereof they took the name, and were called Earls. Semblably, another book without name, more plainly: The Shire or County hath the name of the Earl or Count, or else chose, the Count of the County. And Count or Earl he is, because he receiveth the third part of those things, that accrue or arise, by plea in every County or Shire: But all Earls reap not these fruits, but those to whom the King hath granted them by right of inheritance, or in their own persons. And hereupon Polydore Virgil writeth truly, and according to the manner of our age. It is a custom in England, saith he, that the titles of Earldoms be given at the Prince's pleasure, even without possession of those places, from whence the very titles are taken. And therefore the King is wont to give unto them, that possess nothing in that County, some certain pension or sum of money out of his own revenues, in lieu of the possession. Earls were created in old time without any compliment or ceremony at all, but only by delivering unto them a Charter. Under Stephen who usurped the kingdom, during the heat of civil war, many also took upon them the titles of Earls, whom the History of Waverlew Church, and others of that age calleth Pseudocomites, that is, counterfeit Earls, and Comites imaginarios, that is, Earls in conceit, whiles it reporteth unto us, that Henry the Second deposed them. And King john, was the first by my observation, Cincture of the sword. that used in creating of them, the cincture of a sword. For Roger of Hoveden writeth thus: King john upon the day of his Coronation girded William marshal with the sword of the Earldom of * Penbrochiae, in another place. Strigulia, and Geffrey Fitz-Peter with the sword of the Earldom of Essex: who albeit they had been called Earls before and governed their Shires, yet were they not girt with the sword of an Earldom: and upon that day they waited at the King's table, wearing those swords by their sides. In the age next ensuing, there came up the imposition of a chaplet cap, with a Circlet of gold, that now is turned into a coronet with rays or points only, and with a robe of estate. Which three, to wit, a sword with a girdle, a cap or chaplet with a coronet, and a mantle or robe of estate, are by three several Earls borne before him, that is to be created Earl: and betwixt two Earls arrayed also in their robes of estate, brought he is in his Surcoat unto the King sitting in his throne, where kneeling down while the Patent or Charter of his creation is a reading: at these words, This same T. we erect, create, constitute, make, appoint, and ordain Earl of S. and we give and grant unto him the name, title, state, style, honour, authority, and dignity of the Earl S. and into it by the cincture of a sword really do invest: Then is the robe or mantel of estate done upon him by the King: the sword hung about his neck, the cap with the Coronet put upon his head, and the said Charter of his creation being read before, delivered into his hand. But these matters are beside my purpose. Now, whereas it is grown to be a custom, that he which is to be created Earl, if he were not a Baron before, should be made a Baron first; it is a new ceremony come up of late days, and put in use, since the time of King Henry the Eight. But among Earls, most honourable are they by many degrees, which are called Counts Palatine: For, as this term Palatine was a name common to all them that had offices in the King's palace; Count Palatine. so Count Palatine was a title of dignity conferred upon him that before had been an Officer Palatine, with a certain royal authority to sit in judgement within his own Territory. As for the Earl Martial of England: King Richard the second gave that title first to Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, whereas before they were simply styled Marshals of England and after the banishment of Mowbray, he granted to T. Holland Duke of Surrey substituted Earl Marshal in his place, Pithaus. that he should carry a rod of gold enameled black at both ends, when as before they used one of wood. After Earls, Viscount's. next follow in order VICECOMITES, whom we call Viscount's: An old name this is of an office, but a new title of dignity, not heard of with us before Henry the Sixth days, who conferred that title upon ●. Lord Beaumond. In the rank of the superior or chief Nobility, Barons. BARONES' have the next place. And although I am not ignorant, what the learned do write of this words signification in Tully, yet willingly will I accord to the opinion of Isidore and of an old Grammarian, who will have Barones' to signify, hired soldiers. For, that place in Hirtius so well known, touching the war of Alexandria, seemeth clearly to prove the same: and this it is. They came running together to defend Cassius; for, he was wont always to have about him Barones', and a great many chosen soldiers weaponed, from which the rest are severed apart. Neither dissenteth from this, the old glossary with Latin before Greek, which interpreteth Baro, by 〈◊〉 that is, a man. And throughout the laws of the Longobards, Baro is used for Virro, that is, a man. And for the Etymologies of this word which some have forged, I like them not. The French Heralts deduce Barones' from the French tongue, as one would say, Par-hommes, that is, men of equal dignity: our English Lawyers would have them to be as much, as Robora belli, that is, the strength of war, Some Germans say they import, as it were, Banner heirs, that is, Lord-bearing Banners. Isidorus saith, they are so termed, as a man should say, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, grave or weighty. In Parergis. See Goldastus, pag. 14. Alciatus deriveth them of Berones, an ancient people in Spain, who were, as he saith, in times past, waged soldiers. But that derivation out of the Germane tongue is the better, wherein Bar betokeneth Free, and him that is his own man, and at liberty. When this name first came into this Island I know not for certain. The Britain's do not acknowledge it for theirs. In the English Saxon Laws it is no where to be seen; nor found in the Saxon glossary of Alfricus among the Vocables or terms of honour; where, Dominus is translated Laford, which we have contracted short into Lord. The Danes called their Free-Lords, such as these Barons be at this day, Thani, and so they term them still, Lords. as Andrea's Velleius witnesseth. Howbeit, in Burgundy the use of the name hath been of great antiquity: For, Gregory Turonensis writeth thus, The Barons of Burgundy as well Bishops as other Leudes, etc. In a fragment of the laws of Canatus King of Englishmen and Danes, About the year, 580. was the first mention made of a Baron with us, so far as ever I could hitherto observe: and yet therein, according to the variety of copies we read indifferently these terms, Vironis, Baronis, and Thani. But that a Baron is meant thereby, evident it is out of the Laws of William the Conqueror, into which those ordinances of Canutus are in the Normans tongue translated under the name of Baro: and lo what the very words are: Exercitualia verò, etc. That is, Let the Heriots or Relevies be so moderate, as that they may be tolerable. Of an Earl, N●riots or Relevies. as decent it is, eight horses, four with saddles, and four without saddles: four Helmets, and four shirts of male: eight lances or spears, and as many shields, four swords, and withal 200. mauces of gold. Of a Viron or Baron to the King, who is next unto him, four horses, two with saddles, and two without saddles, two swords, four spears and as many targets, Haply, Mancusae, that is, 30. deniers. one helmet, and one coat of mavile, and with fifty mauces of gold. Also in the first time of the Normans, Valvasores and Thani were ranged in degree of honour, next after Earls and Barons: and the Valvasores of the better sort, if we may believe those that write de Feudis, Many Thanes in England, in the conquerors time. were the very same that now Barons are. So that the name [Baro] may seem to be one of those, which time, by little and little hath mollified and made of better esteem. Neither was it as yet a term of great honour. For, in those days some Earls had their Barons under them: and I remember that I read in the ancient Constitutions and ordinances of the Frenchmen, how there were under an Earl, twelve Barons, and as many Captains under a Baron. And certain it is, that there be ancient Charters extant, in which Earls, since the coming in of the Normans wrote thus, To all my Barons as well French as English, Greeting, etc. Yea even Citizens of better note were called Barons. For, the Citizens of Warwick, in Doomsday book, were named Barones': likewise, Citizens of London; and the Inhabitants of the Cinque-ports enjoyed the same name. But, some few years after, like as at Rome in times past, they chose Senators for their worth in wealth: so were they with us counted Barons, who held lands of their own by a whole Barony: that is, 13. Knight's Fees, and a third part of one Knights Fee: reckoning every fee, as an old book witnesseth, at 20. li. which make in all 400. marks. For, that was the value of one entire Barony: and they that had lands and revenues to this worth, were wont to be summoned unto the Parliament. And it seemed to be a dignity with a jurisdiction: which the Court Barons, Court-Barons. as they term them, in some sort do prove: yea and the very multitude that was of these Barons persuaded me, to think them to be Lords of this nature, as that they might in some sort minister and execute justice within their circuit and signiory, such as the Germans call Free-heires, and especially, if they had Castles of their own. For then, they Jumped Just with the definition of that most famous Civilian Baldus, who defineth him to be a Baron, whosoever had a mere and subordinate rule in some castle, by the grant of the Prince. And all they, as some would have it, that held Baronies, seem to have claimed unto themselves this honour: so that, Math. Paris. pag. 1262. as divers learned in our laws are of opinion, a Baron and a Barony, a Count or Earl and a County, a Duke and a Duchy, were Conjugata: that is, terms as one would say, yoked together. Certes, in those days, Henry the Third reckoned in England 150. Baronies. And hereupon it is, that in all the Charters and Histories of that age, all noble men in manner be called Barons: and verily that title than was right honourable, and under the term of Baronage, all the superior states of the kingdom, as Dukes, Marquesses, Earls and Barons, in some sort were comprised. But it attained to the highest pitch of honour, Baronage of England. ever since that King Henry the Third, out of so great a number, which was seditious and turbulent, called the very best, by writ or summon, unto the high Court of Parliament. For he (out of a writer I speak of good antiquity) after many troubles and enormous vexations, between the King himself, & Simon of Mont-fort with other Barons raised, & after appeased, did decree and ordain, that all those Earls and Barons of the Realm of England, unto whom the King himself vouchsafed to direct his writs of Summons, should come unto his Parliament, and none others. But- that which he began a little before his death, Edward the First and his successor, constantly observed, and continued. Hereupon, they only were accounted Barons of the kingdom, whom the Kings had cited by virtue of such writs of Summons, as they term them, unto the Parliament. And it is noted, that the said prudent King Edward the First, summoned always those of ancient families that were most wise to his- Parliaments, but omitted their sons after their death, if they were not answerable to their parents in understanding. Barons were not created by Patent until such time as King Richard the Second created john Beauchamp de Holt Baron of Kiderminster by his letters Patent, bearing date the eighth day of October, in the eleventh year, of his reign. Since that time, the Kings by their Patient's, and the putting on of the mantle or robe of honour, have given this honour. And at this day, this order of creating a Baron by letters Patent, as also that other by writs of Summons, are in use: in which notwithstanding they are not styled by the name of Baron, but of Chevalier; for the Common law doth not acknowledge Baron to be a name of dignity. And they that be in this wise created, are called Barons of the Parliament, Barons of the Realm, and Barons of honour, for difference of them, who yet according to that old form of Barons, be commonly called Barons, as those of Burford, of Walton; and those who were Barons unto the Count-Palatines of Chester and Pembroch, who were Barons in fee and by tenure. These our Parliamentary Barons carry not the bare name only, as those of France and Germany, but be all born Peers of the Realm of England, Nobles, Great States and Counsellors: and called they are by the King in these words▪ To treat of the high affairs of the kingdom, and thereof to give their counsel. They have also immunities and privileges of their own, namely that in criminal causes they are not to have their trial but by a jury of their Peers: that they be not put to their oath, but their protestation upon their Honour is sufficient: that they be not empanelled upon a jury of twelve men for inquest de facto. No supplicavit can be granted against them. A Capias cannot be sued out against them: Neither doth an Essoine lie against them: with very many other, Bishops, Barons. Abbats, Barons of the Parliament. which I leave unto Lawyers, who are to handle these and such like. Besides these, the two Archbishops, and all the Bishops of England, be Barons also of the kingdom, and Parliament: even as in our Grandfather's days, these Abbats and Priors following: The Abbot of Glastenburie. The Abbot of S. Augustine's in Canterbury. The Abbot of S. Peter in Westminster. The Abbot of S. Alban. The Abbot of S. Edmondsbury. The Abbot of Peterburgh. The Abbot of S. john of Colchester. The Abbot of Evesham. The Abbot of Winchelcomb. The Abbot of Crouland. The Abbot of Battle. The Abbot of Reding. The Abbot of Abindon. The Abbot of Waltham holy Crosse. The Abbot of Shrewsburie or Salop. The Abbot of Sircester. The Abbot of S. Peter's in Gloucester. The Abbot of Bardeney. The Abbot of S. Bennets of Hulme. The Abbot of Thorney. The Abbot of Ramsey. The Abbot of Hyde. The Abbot of Malmesburie. The Abbot of S. Marry in York. The Abbot of Selbey. The Prior of Coventrie. The Prior of The order of S. john at jerusalem, who commonly is called Master of S. john's Knights, and would be counted the first and chief Baron of England. Unto whom, as still unto the Bishops, By right and custom it appurtained, as to Peers of the Kingdom, to be with the rest of the Peers personally present at all parliaments whatsoever, there to consult, to handle, to ordain, decree, and determine, in regard of the Baronies which they held of the King. For, William the first, (a thing that the Churchmen of that time complained of, but those in the age ensuing counted their greatest honour) ordained Bishoprics and Abbays, Matth. Paris. which held Baronies in pure and perpetual Alm●s, and until that time were free from all secular service, to be under military or Knight's service, enrolling every Bishopric and abbey at his will and pleasure, and appointing how many soldiers he would have every of them to find for him and his successors, in the time of hostility and war. From that time ever since those Ecclesiastical persons enjoyed all the immunities that the Barons of the Kingdom did, save only that they were not to be judged by their Peers. For considering that according to the Canons of the Church, such might not be present in matters of life and death: in the same causes they are left unto a jury of twelve men to be judged, in the question of Fact. But whether this be a clear point in law or no, I refer me to skilful Lawyers. Vavasors. Vavasors or Valvasors in old time, stood in the next rank after Barons: whom the Lawyers derive from Valvae, that is, leaved dootes▪ And this dignity seemeth to have come unto us from the French: For when they had sovereign rule in Italy, they called those Valvasores who of a Duke, marquis, Earl or Captain, had received the charge over some part of their people: and as Butelere the civil Lawyer saith, had power to chastise in the highest degree, but not the Liberty of fairs and mercates. This was a rare dignity among us, Signius. and if ever there were such long since by little and little, it ceased and ended. For, in Chaucer's time it was not great, seeing that of his Franklin a good yeoman or Freeholder, he writeth but thus: A Sheriff had he been and a Contour, Was no where such a worthy Vavasour. Nobles of an inferior rank. Knights. Inferior nobles are Knights, Esquires, and those which usually are called Generosi and Gentlemen. Knights, who of our English Lawyers be termed also in Latin Milites, and in all nations well near beside, took their name of Horses: for the Italians call them Cavellieni, the Frenchmen, Chevaliers, the Germane Reiters, and our Britan's in Wales Margogh, all of riding. Englishmen only term them Knights▪ by a word that in the old English language, as also of the Germane, signifieth indifferently a servitor or minister, and a lusty young man. Hereupon it cometh, that in the Old written Gospels translated into the English tongue, we read, for Christ's Disciples, Christ's Leorning Cnyhts, and else where for a Client or Vassal, Incnyght: and Bracton our ancient civil Lawyer maketh mention of Rad●nights, that is to say, serving horsemen: who held their lands with this condition, that they should serve their Lords on horseback: and so by cutting off a piece of the name, as our delight is to speak short, I thought long since, that this name of Knights remained with us. But whence it came, that our countrymen should in penning of laws, and in all writings since the Normans conquest term those Knights in Latin, Milites, I can hardly see. And yet I am not ignorant, that in the declining time of the Roman Empire, Wherefore Knights be called in Latin Milites. the Denomination of Milites, that is, Soldiers, was transferred unto those that conversing near about the Prince's person bore any of the greater offices in the Prince's Court or train. But if I have any sight at all in this matter, they were among us at first so called, who held any lands or inheritances, as Tenants in Fee, by this tenure, to serve in the wars, For those Lands were termed Knights Fees: and those that elsewhere they named Feudatarij, that is, Tenants in Fee, were here called Milites, that is, Knights: as for example, Milites Regis etc. The King's Knights, Knights of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Knights of Earl Roger of Earl Hugh etc. For that they received those lands or manors of them with this condition to serve for them in the wars, and to yield them fealty and homage: whereas others who served for pay were simply called Solidarij and Servientes, Solidarij. that is, Soldiers and Servitors. But these, call them Milites or Equites, whether you will, are with us of four distinct sorts: The most honourable and of greatest dignity be those of the Order of S. George, or of the Garter: In a second degree are Banerets: in a third rank, Knights of the Bath: and in a fourth place, those who simply in our tongue, be called Knights, in Latin Equites aurati, or Milites, without any condition at all. Of S. George's Knights, I will write in due place, when I am come to Windsor. Of the rest thus much briefly at this time. Banerets, whom others term untruly Baronet's, have their name of a Banner: For, Banerets. granted it was unto them in regard of their martial virtue and prowess, to use a four square ensign or Banner, as well as Barons: whereupon some call them and that truly Equites Vexillarij, that is, Knights-Banerets, and the Germans, Banner-heires. The antiquity of these Knights Banerets, I cannot fetch from before the time of King Edward the Third, when Englishmen were renowned for Chivalry: so that I would believe verily, that this honourable title was devised then first, in recompense of martial prowess, until time shall bring more certainty of truth to light. In the public records of that time, mention is made among military titles, of Banerets, of * Fars. 2. Pat. 15.8.3. m. 22. and 23. Men at the Banner, (which may seem all one) and of Men at arms. And I have seen a Charter of King Edward the Third, by which he advanced john Coupland to the State of a Baneret, because in a battle fought at Durham he had taken prisoner David the Second, * Hominum ad vexillum. King of the Scots; and it runneth in these words: Being willing to reward the said john, * Hominum ad arma. who took David de Bruis prisoner, and frankly delivered him unto us; for the deserts of his honest and valiant service, in such sort as others may take example by this precedent to do us faithful service in time to come; we have promoted the said john to the place and degree of a Baneret: and for the maintenance of the same state, we have granted for us and our heirs to the same john, five hundred pound by the year, to be received for him and his heirs, etc. Worth the remembrance it is, to set down here out of Froissard the very manner and form, whereby john Chandos a brave & noble warrior in his time was made a Baneret. What time as Edward Prince of Wales, saith he, was to fight a field in the behalf of Peter King of Castille against Henry the Bastard and the Frenchmen, john Chandos came unto the Prince and delivered into his hands his own Banner folded and rolled up, with these words: My Lord, this is my Banner, may it please you to unfold and display it, that I may advance it into the field this day. For, I have by God's favour revenues sufficient thereunto. The Prince then, and Peter King of Castille who stood hard by, took the Banner into their hands, unfolding the same, delivered it again unto him with these or such like words: Sir john, in the name of God, who bless this day's service of yours, that it may speed well and turn to your glory, Bear yourself manfully, and give proof what a Knight you are. Having thus received the Banner, to his companies he went with a cheerful heart: My fellow soldiers, quoth he, Behold there is my Banner and yours, in case ye defend it courageously as your own. Of later time, he that is to be advanced unto this dignity, either before the battle, that he may be encouraged; or after the battle ended, that he may receive due honour for his valour, bearing an ensign of a long fashion, such as they call a Pennon wherein his own arms are depainted in their colours, is brought between two elderly Knights, with trumpeters and Heralds going before, into the presence of the King, or his Regent and Lieutenant general: who after good words and wishes imparting happy fortune, commandeth the tip or point of the said pennon to be cut off, that of a long pennon it might be made a four square banner. Concerning Knights of the Bath, in all my readings hitherto, I could find no greater Antiquity thereof, Knights of the bath. than this, that they were in use among the ancient French: and that Henry the Fourth King of England, that day whereon he was crowned in the Tower of London, dubbed 46. Esquiers Knights, who the night before had watched and bathed: unto every one of whom, he gave green side coats reaching down to their ankles, with strait sleeves, and furred with minivere: also, they they wore upon their left shoulder two cordons of white silk with tassels thereto hanging down. These in former times were wont to be created, and selected out of the flower of Nobility (which had not before taken the degree of Knighthood) at the coronation of Kings and Queens, and at their marriages: sometimes also, when their sons were invested Princes of Wales, or Dukes, or when they solemnly received the cincture or military girdle of Knighthood, and that with many ceremonies, which now for the most part are grown out of use. But in our days, they that are called by the King to enter into this order (neither will I handle this argument exquisitely) the day before they are created, being clad in an Eremits grey weed, with a hood, a linen coif, and booted withal, come devoutly to divine service, to begin their warfare there, as if they would employ their service for God especially: they sup all together: and upon every one of them, there wait two Esquiers, and one Page: After supper, they retire themselves into their bedchamber, where for each of them is prepared a pretty bed, with red curtains, and their own arms fastened thereupon, with a bathing vessel standing close by, covered with linen clothes, wherein after they have said their prayers, and commended themselves to God, they bathe themselves, that thereby they might be put in mind, to be pure in body and soul from thenceforth. The next morrow, early in the morning awakened they are, and raised with a noise of Musical Instruments, and do on the same apparel. Then the high Constable of England, the Earl Martial, and others whom the King appointeth, come unto them, call them forth in order: and tender an oath unto them, namely, that they shall serve and worship God above all, defend the Church, honour the King, maintain his rights, protect widows, virgins, orphans, and to their power repel and put by all wrong. When they have sworn thus to do, by laying their hand upon the Gospels, they are brought with state to morning prayer, the king's Musicians and Heralds going before, and by them likewise, they are conducted back to their bedchambers: where after they have devested themselves from their Eremites' weed, they put on a mantle of martial red Taffeta, implying they should be Martial men, and a white Hat with a white plume of feathers over their linen coif, in token of sincerity; and tie a pair of white gloves to the pendant cordon of their mantle. This done, they mount upon Steeds, dight with saddle and furniture of black leather, with white intermingled, and having a cross in the frontlet. Before every one of them rideth his own Page, carrying a sword with a gilded hilt, at which there hang gilt spurs, and of either hand of them ride their Esquiers. With this pomp, and trumptes sounding before them, to the King's Court they go, where when they are brought by two ancient Esquiers to the King's presence, the Page delivereth the Girdle and Sword hanging thereto, unto the Lord Chamberlain, and he with great reverence unto the King, who therewith girdeth the Knight overthwart, and commandeth therewith two elder Knights to put on the Spurs, who in times past were wont with good wishes, and prayers to kiss his knees that was to be Knighted. And these new Knights thus created, used in old time to bring up the service of meats to the King's Table: after this, they dine altogether, sitting to one side of the board, every one under the Escutcheon of his own Arms fastened over his head. At evening prayer they repair to the chapel, offer their swords upon the high altar, and by laying down a piece of money redeem the same again. Now, as they return from divine service, the King's Master-cook showeth them his knife, and admonisheth them to perform the part of good and faithful Knights, otherwise he would to their shame and reproach, cut off those Spurs of theirs. Upon the Coronation day, in that solemn pomp, they accompany the King keeping their places, with their Swords girt to them, and their spurs on, in Jovial blue mantles, as a man would say, in the colour of just Jupiter, as a fore-token of justice, having the knot of white silk made in form of a cross, with an hood upon their left shoulder. But of these compliments (which my purpose was not to prosecute in particular) this may be thought sufficient, if not superfluous. Now as touching those Knights, who simply without any addition be called, Knights, Knights. and howsoever they are in order ranged last, yet by institution they be first, and of greatest Antiquity. For, as the Romans, a gowned nation, gave unto them that were entering into man's estate, a virile and plain gown, without welt or guard: even so, the Germans our Ancestors bestowed upon their young men, whom they judged meet for to manage arms, armour, and weapons. Which Cornelius Tacitus will inform you of, in these words of his: The manner was not for any one to take arms in hand, De moribus Germanorum. before the State allowed him as sufficient for Martial service. And then, in the very assembly of Counsel, either some one of the Princes, or the father of the young man, or one of his kinsfolk furnish him with a shield and a javelin. This with them standeth in stead of a virile gown, this is the first honour done to youth: before this they seem to be but part of a private house, but now within a while members of the Commonweal. And seeing that such military young men, they termed in their language (as we in ours) Knechts, from them I deem, the original both of name and institution also, aught to be fetched. This was the first, and most simple manner of creating a Knight, this the Lombard's, this the Frankes, this our countrymen, all descended out of Germany in old time used. Lib. 1. cap. 22. Paulus Diaconus reporteth thus; among the Lombard's, This is the Custom, that the King's son dineth not with his father, unless he receive Arms before from some King of a foreign nation. The Annals of France record, that the Kings of the Franks, gave arms unto their sons, and to others, and girded them with a sword: yea, and our Aelfred, as William of Malmesburie witnesseth, when he dubbed Athelstan his nephew, Knight, being a child of great hope, gave him a scarlet mantle, a belt or girdle set with precious stones, and a Saxon-sword with a golden scabbard. Afterwards, when as religion had possessed men's minds so, as that they thought nothing well & fortunately done, but what came from Churchmen, our Ancestors a little before the Normans coming received the Sword at their hands. And this, Ingulphus who lived in those days, showeth in these words; He that was to be consecrated unto lawful warfare, should the evening before, with a contrite heart, make confession of his sins unto the Bishop, Abbat, Monk, or Priest, and being absolved, give himself to prayer, and lodge all night in the Church, and when he was to hear divine service the morrow after, offer his sword upon the Altar: and after the Gospel, the Priest was to pu● the sword first hallowed upon the Knight's neck, with his Benediction, and so when he had heard Mass again, and received the Sacrament, he became a lawful Knight. Neither grew this custom out of use straight ways under the Normans: For, John of Sarisburie writeth in his Polycraticon, thus; A solemn Custom was taken up and used, that the very day when any one was to be honoured with the girdle of knighthood, he should solemnly go to Church, and by laying and offering his Sword upon the Altar, vow himself (as it were) by making a solemn profession, to the service of the Altar, that is to say, promise perpetual service, and obsequious duty unto the Lord. Peter also of Blois, writeth thus: At this day young Knights, Epist. 94. and soldiers receive their Swords from the Altar, that they might profess themselves Sons of the Church, and to have taken the Sword for defence of the poor, for punishment and revenge of malefactors, and delivery of their Country. But in process of time (saith he) it is turned clean contrary. For, in these days since they are become adorned with the Knight's cincture, presently they arise against the Anointed of the Lord, and rage upon the patrimony of Christ crucified. And as for this ceremony, that they would be girt with a Sword, it may seem no doubt to have proceeded from the military discipline of the Romans; because as they denied it unlawful to fight with their enemy before they were bound to their military oath, by a drawn sword: even so, our Forefathers thought they might not go to warfare lawfully, before they were by this ceremony lawfully authorised: according to which we read, that William Rufus King of England, was dubbed Knight, by Lanfranke the Archbishop. But this custom by little and little grew to disuse, since the time that the Normans, as Ingulphus writeth, laughed and scorned at it; and in a Synod at Westminster, An. 1102. a Canon passed, That no Abbats should dub Knights: which some notwithstanding expound thus, That Abbats should grant no lands of the Church to be held, by Knight's service, or in Knight's fee, or service. Afterwards, Kings were wont to send their sons unto the neighbour Princes to receive Knighthood at their hands: thus, was our K. Henry the Second, sent unto David King of the Scots, and Malcolm King of Scots unto our Henry the Second, and our Edward the first unto the King of Castille, to take of them Military or Virile arms: for, these terms and phrases they used in that age for the creation of a Knight. Then it was also, that besides the sword and girdle, gilt spurs were added for more ornament; whereupon at this day, they are called in Latin, Equites aurati. Moreover, they had the privilege to wear & use a signet: for before they were dubbed knights, (as I gather out of Abendon Book) it was not lawful to use a seal: Which writing (quoth he) Richard Earl of Chester purposed to sign with the seal of his mother Ermentrud, considering that all Letters which he directed (for as yet he had not * Been dubbed Knight. taken the Military girdle) were made up and closed within his mother's signet. In the age ensuing, knights (as it may be well collected) were made by their wealth, and state of living: For, they which had a great knight's Fee, that is, (if we may believe old records) * Others say 100 680. acres of land, claimed as their right, the ornaments and badges of knighthood: Nay rather under Henry the Third, they were compelled after a sort to be knights, as many as in revenues of their lands might dispend fifteen pounds by the year: so as now it seemed a title of burden, rather than of honour. In the year 1256. there went out an edict from the King, by virtue whereof, commandment was given, & proclamation made throughout the Realm, that whosoever had fifteen pounds in land and above, should be dight in his arms, and endowed with knighthood: to the end that England as well as Italy might be strengthened with Chivalry: and they that would not, or were not able to maintain the honour of knighthood, should fine for it, and pay a piece of money. Hence it is, that in the King's Records, we meet so often with this: For respite of Knighthood, A. de N.I.H. etc. Also such like presentments from the Jurors, or sworn Enquest, as this R. de S. Laurence holdeth an entire and whole Fee, is at full age, and not yet Knight, therefore in Misericordia, that is, To be fined at the King's pleasure. To this time and after, unless I fail in mine observation, in the Briefs and Instruments our law when twelve men, or Jurers are named, before whom there passeth trial or proof de facto, that is, of a fact, they be called, Milites, that is, Knights, who have a complete Fee, and those Milites gladio cincti, that is, Knights with cincture of sword, who by the King are girded with the belt of knighthood. At which time when the King was to create knights, as the said Matthew Paris writeth, he sat gloriously in his seat of estate, arrayed in cloth of gold of the most precious and costly Bawdkin, and crowned with his Crown of gold, and to every Knight he allowed or gave 100 shillings, for his * Compliments. harnessements. And not only the King, but also Earls in those days created Knights. For the same author reporteth, How the Earl of Gloucester invested with a military girdle his brother William, after he had proclaimed a Turneament. Simon likewise the Montefort Earl of Leicester, did the same by Gilbert de Clare: Like as in France, (a thing that evidently appeareth by the Patent or Instrument of * Ennoblishment. Nobilitation) he that hath obtained such letters of * Nobilitationis. Ennoblishment, is enabled to be dubbed Knight, and receive the girdle of knighthood at any Knight's hand that he will himself. But since that time, hath no man with us been created Knight, but either by the King himself, or the King's eldest son, warranted before by authority received from his father, or else by the King's Lieutenant, or Deputy General in the Camp, and that in consideration either of some valiant acts achieved, or exploits to be performed abroad in arms: or else of wisdom and policy at home. And verily a most prudent and wise order was this, that our Kings took, since they had not any Fees or Lands now to bestow upon them. Neither was their (I assure you) any thing of more validity, to give an edge unto the courage of hardy men, and to bind unto them their best subjects, and such as had deserved well, (being otherwise worshipfully descended, and of honourable parentage, and withal sufficient for estate and living) than kindly and lovingly to adorn them with this high esteemed title of Knighthood, which was before time the name only of charge and function: when this right worshipful title was by the Prince conferred upon one, advisedly and for desert, it went (no doubt) for an ample reward, was prized as a benefit, and accounted among the tokens of honour. For, Knights in this manner dubbed, made this esteem thereof, that in it consisted the guerdon of their virtue and valour, the praise of their house and family, the memorial of their stock and lineage; and lastly, the glory of their name. Insomuch, as our Lawyers have in their books written, That [Knight] was a name of dignity, but so was not Baron. For in old time a Baron (if he were not of this order of Knighthood) was written simply by his Christian, or fore-name, and the proper name of his family, without any addition, unless it were of Dominus, a term fitting Knights also. And this name of Knight may seem to have been an honourable additament to the highest dignity, when Kings, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barons, requested to have the dignity, and name together. here it likes me well to insert, what Matthew Florilegus hath written concerning the creation of Knights in the time of Edward the First. The King (quoth he) for to augment and make a goodly show of his expedition into Scotland, caused public proclamation to be made throughout England, that whosoever were to be Knights by hereditary succession, and had wherewith to maintain that degree, should present themselves in Westminster, at the feast of Whitsuntide, there to receive every one, the ornaments of a Knight, (saving the equipage or furniture that belongeth to horses) out of the King's Wardrobe. When as therefore there flocked thither to the number of 300. young gallants, the Sons of Earls, Barons, and Knights, purple liveries, fine silk Scarves, Robes most richly embroidered with gold, were plentifully bestowed among them, according as was befitting each one: And because the King's Palace, (large though it were) was streited of room, for so great a multitude assembled, they cut down the apple trees about the new Temple in London, laid the walls along, and there set up pavilions and tents, wherein these noble young gallants might array, and set out themselves one by one in their gorgeous and golden garments. All the night long also, these foresaid youths, as many as the place would receive watched and prayed in the said Temple. But the Prince of Wales, by commandment from the King his father, held his wake, together with the principal and goodliest men of this company within the Church of Westminster. Now such sound was there of trumpets, so loud a noise of Minstrelsy, so mighty an applause and cry of those that for joy shouted, that the chanting of the Covent could not be heard from one side of the Choir to the other. Well, the morrow after, the King dubbed his Son Knight, and gave him the Girdle of Knighthood in his own palace, and therewith bestowed upon him the Duchy of Aquitaine. The Prince then, thus created Knight, went directly into Westminster Church for to grace with the like glorious dignity his fears and companions. But so great was the press of people thronging before the High Altar, that two Knights were thronged to death, and very many of them fainted, and were ready to swowne, yea, although every one of them had three soldiers at least to lead and protect him: The Prince himself by reason of the multitude pressing up to him, having divided the people by the means of steeds of service, no otherwise than upon the high Altar girt his foresaid companions with the order of knighthood. But in our days, he that receiveth the dignity of a Knight, kneeleth down, and then the * King or Queen. King with his sword drawn, slightly smiteth him upon the shoulder, speaking unto him these words withal, in French, Sois Chevalier au nom de Dieu, that is, Be thou Knight in the name of God: and afterwards he saith moreover, Avances Chevalier, that is, Arise Sir Knight. As for all things else appurtaining to this order, namely, what an excellent and glorious degree this of knighthood was esteemed with our Ancestors, how noble a reward to brave minded men, such as desired glory and honour, it was reputed, how carefully they kept faith & troth, considering it was sufficient, if they undertook or promised aught as faithful Knights or upon the faith of a Knight, how far they were from base gain and lucre, and what manner of payment or Aid is to be levied for Knights fees, when as the Prince, the King's eldest son should be invested in this honour, etc. I leave it for others to write: as also, when they had so far offended, that being to suffer death therefore, they were first despoiled of their ensigns, and of their degree, to wit, their military Girdle ungirted, the Sword taken away, their Spurs cut off with an hatchet, their Gauntlets or Gloves plucked from them, and the Escutcheon of their Arms reversed: like as in the degrading * Priests. Ecclesiastical order, all the Ecclesiastical ornaments, book, chalice, & such like are taken away. Let the curious also inquire, whether those knights were truly by some termed Knights Bachelars, or whether Bachelars were of a middle degree between these Knights and Esquires? For, in the King's Record are read, The names of Knights, In dorso Pat. 51. H. 3. of Bachelars, and of Valects of the Earl of Gocester, and of others. Whereupon there be that would have Bachelars so called, as one would say, Bas-Chevaliers, that is, knights of low degree: although other derive that name from the French verb Battailer, which signifieth to combat or fight it out. Withal, let them weigh and consider, whether these dignities of knighthood in times passed so glorious, (as long as they were more rare, and bestowed only as the reward of virtue) may not be vilified, when it becometh common, and lieth prostitute (as it were) to the ambitious humour of every one. Whereof in the like case Aemilius Probus complained long since among the Romans. Esquires. Next in degree after these Knights, are Esquires, termed in Latin, Armigeri, that is, Costrels, or Bearers of Arms: the same that Scutiferi, that is, Shield-bearers, and Homines ad arma, that is, Men at Arms: the Goths called them Schilpor, all of carrying the shield: as in old time among the Romans, such as were named Scutarii, who took that name either of their Escutcheons of arms, which they bore as Ensigns of their descent, or because they were armour-bearers to Princes, or to the better sort of the Nobility. For, in times past every Knight had two of these weighting upon him: they carried his Morrion and shield, as inseparable companions, they stuck close unto him, because of the said Knight their Lord they held certain lands in Escutage, like as the knight himself of the King by knight's service. But now a days, there be five distinct sorts of these: for those whom I have spoken of already, be now no more in any request. The principal Esquires at this day those are accounted, that are select Esquires for the Prince's body: the next unto them be knights eldest sons, and their eldest sons likewise successively. In a third place, are reputed younger sons of the eldest sons of Barons, and of other Nobles in higher estate: and when such heirs male fail, together with them the title also faileth. In a fourth rank are reckoned those, unto whom the King himself, together with a title, giveth arms, or createth Esquires, by putting about their neck a silver collar of * Esses. SS. and (in former times) upon their heels a pair of white spurs silvered: whereupon at this day in the West part of the Kingdom, they be called White-spurres, for distinction from Knights who are wont to wear gilt spurs: and to the first begotten sons only of these doth the title belong. In the fifth and last place be those ranged, and taken for Esquires, whosoever have any superior public office in the Commonweal, or serve the Prince in any Worshipful calling. But this name of Esquire, which in ancient time was a name of charge and office only, crept first among other titles of dignity and worship, (so far as ever I could observe,) in the reign of Richard the Second. Gentlemen, Gentlemen. or the common sort of Nobility be they, that either are descended of worshipful parentage, or raised up from the base condition of people, for their virtue or wealth. Citizens or Burgesses, Citizens. be such as in their own several city execute any public office, and by election have a room in our High Court of Parliament. Yeomen, Yeomen. are they whom some call, Freeborn, or Freeholders', and our law termeth, Homines Legales, that is, Lawful men, and who of Free-hands may dispend forty shillings at least by the year. Lastly, Craftsmen, Artisans, or Workmen, be they that labour for hire, and namely, such as sit at work, Mechanic Artificers, Smiths, Carpenters, etc. Which were termed of the Romans, Capite censi, as one would say, Taxed or reckoned by the poll, and Proletarii. LAW COURT'S OF ENGLAND. AS touching the Tribunals, or Courts of Justice of England, there are three sorts of them among us: for, some be Ecclesiastical, others Temporal, and one mixed of both, which being the greatest, and most honourable of all, is called by a name of no great antiquity, Parliament. and the same borrowed out of French, The Parliament. The Anglo-Saxons our ancestors termed it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, An assembly of the wise, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, A Counsel, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of the Greek word Synodus, that is, A great Synod or meeting. The Latin writers of that, and the ensuing age called it, Commune Concilium, Curiam altissimam, Generale placitum, Curiam magnam, Magnatum Conventum, Praesentiam Regis, Praelatorum, Procerumque, collectorum, Commune totius Regni Concilium, etc. That is, The Common council, The Highest court, The General Plea, The Great court, The meeting of States, The Presence of the King, Prelates and Peers assembled together, The Public Council of the whole Kingdom, etc. And like as the General Council of all Etolia is named by Livy PANAETOLIUM, so this may well be termed PANANGLIUM. For it consisteth of the King, the Clergy, the superior Nobles, the elect Knights and Burgesses; or to speak more significantly after the Lawyer's phrase, of the King, the Lords Spiritual, and Temporal, and the Commons, which States represent the body of all England. It is not held at set and certain times, but summoned by the King at his pleasure, so often as consultation is to be had of high affairs and urgent matters, that the Common weal may sustain no damage; at his will alone it is dissolved. Now this Court hath sovereign, and sacred authority in making, confirming, repealing, and expounding Laws, in restoring such as be attainted or outlawed to their former estates, in deciding of the hardest controversies between private persons, and, to speak at a word, in all causes which may concern either the safety of the State, or any private person whatsoever. The next Court after this, The King's Court. in the days presently following the Normans coming, and some good while after, was, The Court of the King himself; and the same kept in the King's house or Palace, & accompanying the King whither so ever he retired or went in progress. For, in the King's Palace, a place there was for the Chancellor and clerks, such as were employed about writs or processes, and the seal: for Judges also that handled as well Pleas (as they term them) pertaining unto the King's Crown, as between one Subject and another. There was also the Exchequer, wherein the Lord Treasurer, Auditors, and Receivers sat, who had the charge of the King's revenues, treasure, and coffers. Every of these being counted of the King's household in ordinary, had allowed them from the King, both dier, and apparel. Whereupon Gotzelinus in the life of S. Edward, calleth them, The Lawyers of the Palace, & John of Salisbury, The Court Lawyers. But beside these and above them all, was one appointed for administration of Justice, named, justitia Angliae, The justice of England; Prima justitia, The principal justice; The justicer of England, and chief justicer of England, who, with a yearly pension of a thousand Marks, was ordained by a Commission or Charter running in these terms; The King, to all Archbishops, Bishops, Abbats, Priors, Earls, Barons, Sheriffs, Foresters, and all other liege and faithful people of England, greeting. Whereas for the preservation of ourselves, and the peace of our Kingdom, and for the ministering of justice, to all and every person of our Realm, we have ordained our beloved and trusty Philip Basset, Chief justicer of England, so long as it shall please us; we charge you upon the faith and allegiance that ye owe unto us, and do straightly enjoin you, that in all things which concern the office of our foresaid justiceship, and the preservation of our peace, and Kingdom, ye be fully attendant, and assistant unto him, so long as be shall continue in the said Office. Witness the King, etc. But when as in the reign of Henry the Third, enacted it was that the Common Pleas of the Subjects should not follow the King's Court, but be held in some certain place: within a while after, the Chancery and the Court of the Pleas of the Crown, together with the Exchequer, were translated from the King's Court, and established in certain places apart by themselves: as some, I know not how truly, have reported. Having premised by way of Preface thus much, I will proceed to write briefly somewhat of these Courts, and others that arise from them, according as they are kept at this day. And whereas some of them be Courts of Law, to wit; the King's Bench, The common Bench or Pleas, the Exchequer, the Assizes, the Star-Chamber, the Court of Wards, and the Admiral's Court: others of Equity, namely; The Chancery, the Court of Requests, The Counsels in the Marches of Wales, and in the North parts; of every of these in due order, somewhat, as I have learned of others. King's Bench. The King's Bench, so called because the Kings were wont there to sit as Precedents in proper person, handleth the pleas of the Crown, and many other matters which pertain to the King, and the Weal public: and withal it sifteth and examineth the errors of the Common Pleas. The Judges there, beside the King when it pleaseth him to be present, are, the Lord chief Justice of England, and other Justices four, or more, as the King shall think good. Common Pleas. The common Pleas hath that name because in it are debated the common Pleas between Subject and Subject, according to our law, which they call common. Herein give judgement, The chief justice of the common Pleas, with four Justice's assistants or more. Officers attendant there be, The Keeper of the Brieffes or writs, Three Protonotaries, and inferior Ministers very many. Exchequer. The Exchequer took that name of a board or table whereat they sat. For, thus writeth Gervase of Tilburie, who lived in the year 1160. The Exchequer is a four cornered board, about ten foot long, and five foot broad, fitted in manner of a table for men to sit round about it. On every side a standing ledge or border it hath of the breadth of four fingers. Upon this Exchequer board is laid a cloth bought in Easter term, and the same of black colour, and rued with strikes distant one from another a foot or a span. And a little after. This Court, by report, began from the very Conquest of the Realm, and was erected by King William: howbeit the reason and proportion thereof, taken from the Exchequer beyond Sea. In this are all causes heard which belong unto the King's treasury. Judge's therein, be The Lord Treasurer of England, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Lord chief Baron, with three or four other Barons of the Exchequer. The servitors and Ministers to this Court are, The King's Remembrancer, The Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer, The Clerk of the Pipe, The Controller of the Pipe: Auditors of the old revenues five: The Foreign Opposer, The Clerk of the Estreights, The Clerk of the Pleas, The marshal, The Clerk of the Summons, The Deputy Chamberlains Secondaries in the office of the King's Remembrancer two, Secondaries in the office of the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer two, Secondaries of the Pipe two, Clerks in diverse offices four, etc. In the other part of the Exchequer called the Receipt, these be the Officers: Two Chamberlains, a vice Treasurer, Clerk of the Tallies, Clerk of the Pels, Tellers four, joiners of Tallies two, Deputy Chamberlains two: The Clerk for Tallies, The Keeper of the Treasury, Messengers or Pursuivants ordinary four: Scribes two, etc. The Officers likewise of the Tenths and first Fruits belong to this Court, who were ordained, when as the Pope's authority was banished and abolished, and an act passed, by which it was provided that the Tenths, and First fruits of Churchman's Benefices should be paid unto the King. Beside these three Kings Courts for law, justice's Itinerant. to cut off delays, to ease the subject also of travel and charges; King Henry the Second sent some of these Judges and others yearly into every Shire or County of the Realm, who were called justices Itinerant, and commonly justices in Eyre. These determined and gave judgement, as well of the Pleas of the Crown, as the Common Pleas, within those Counties whereunto they were assigned. For, the said King, as Matthew Paris saith, By the counsel of his son and the Bishops together, appointed justices to six parts of the Kingdom: in every part three, who should swear to keep and maintain the right belonging to every man, sincerely and uncorruptly. But this ordinance vanished at length under Edward the Third: Howbeit, within a while after by Parliamentary authority, it was in some sort revived. For the Counties being divided into certain Circuits, as we term them, two of the King's Justices together twice in the year ride about and keep their Circuits, for to give definitive sentence of the Prisoners, and as we use to speak, to deliver the Goals or Prisons. Whereupon in our Lawyer's Latin, they be called justiciarii Gaolae deliberandae, that is, Justices for Goal delivery: as also to take Recognizances of Assizes of new Deseisine, etc. whereof they be named justices of the Assizes, to end and dispatch controversies depending, and grown to an issue in the foresaid principal King's Courts, between plaintiffs and defendants, and that, by their Peers, as the custom is: whence they are commonly called justices of Nisi prius, which name they took of the writs sent unto the Sheriff, which have in them these two words, Nisi Prius, that is, Unless before, etc. The Star-Chamber or the Court rather of King's Counsel, Star-Chambe wherein are discussed and handled criminal matters, perjuries, cousenages, fraud, deceit, riots or excess, etc. This Court in regard of time is right ancient, and for dignity most honourable. For it seems that it may claim antiquity ever since the first time that Subject appealed unto their Sovereigns, and the King's Council was erected. Now, the Judges of this Court are persons right Honourable, and of greatest reputation, even the King's Privy Counsellors. As for the name of Star-Chamber, it took it from the time that this Counsel was appointed at Westminster in a Chamber there anciently garnished, and beautified with Stars: For we read in the Records of Edward the Third, Counseil en la Chambre des Estoilles, pres de la Receipt all Westminster, that is The Counsel in the Chamber of Stars, near unto the Receipt at Westminster. But the Authority thereof, that most sage and wise Prince Henry the Seventh, by authority of Parliament so augmented and established, that some are of opinion, though untruly, he was the first founder of it. The Judges here, are The Lord Chancellor of England, The Lord Treasurer of England, The Lord Precedent of the King's Counsel, The Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, and all Counsellors of the State, as well Ecclesiastical as Temporal: and out of the Barons of the Parliament, those whom the King will call: The two chief justices of the Benches, or in their absence two other judges. The Officers herein are these, The Clerk of the Counsel, The Clerk of writs and process of the Counsel in the Star-Chamber, etc. And causes here are debated and decided not by Peers according to our common Law, but after the course of Civil Law. The Court of Wards and Liveries hath the name of Pupils or Wards, Court of 〈◊〉 whose causes it handleth; was first instituted by Henry the Eighth; whereas in former times their causes were heard in the Chancery and Exchequer. For, by an old Ordinance derived out of Normandy, and not from Henry the Third (as some do write) when a man is deceased, Who holdeth possessions or Lands of the King in chief by Knight's service, as well the heir as his whole patrimony and revenues are in the King's power, tuition, and protection, until he be full one and twenty years of age, and until by virtue of the King's brief or letter, restitution and re-delivery be made unto him thereof. In this Court, the General Master sitteth as Judge: under whom are these, The Supravisor, or Surveior of Liveries, The Attorney general of the Court, The general Receiver, The Auditor, The Clerk of the Liveries, The Clerk of the Court, Forty Fedaries, and a Messenger. There have sprung up also in these later times, two other Courts, to wit, Of reforming Errors: whereof the first is, to correct Errors in the Exchequer, the other to amend errors committed in the King's Bench. The Judges in the former of these twain, are the Lord Chancellor, and Lord Treasurer of England, with others of the King's Justices whom they are disposed to take unto them. In the later, The justices of the Common Pleas, and the Barons of the Exchequer. Admiral's Court. The Admiral's Court handleth Sea matters. In this are reckoned the Lord Admiral of England, his Lieutenant, and a judge: two Scribes, a Sergeant of the Court, and the Vice-admirals' of England. Now proceed we to the Courts of Equity. Chancery. The Chancery drew that name from a Chancellor: which name under the ancient Roman Emperors, was not of so great esteem and dignity, as we learn out of Vopiscus. But now adays a name it is of highest honour, and Chancellors are advanced to the highest pitch of civil Dignity. Whose name Cassiodorus fetcheth from cross grates or lattesses, because they examined matters, within * Socratum. that is, the place of Judgement. Epist. 6. lib. 11. places severed apart enclosed with partitions of such cross bars which the Latins call Cancelli. Regard, saith he to a Chancellor what name you bear: It cannot be hidden which you do within Lattesses. For you keep your gates lightsome; your bars open, and your doors transparent as windows. Whereby, it is very evident, that he sat within grates, where he was to be seen on every side, and thereof it may be thought he took that name. But, considering it was his part, being as it were the Prince's mouth, eye, and ear, to strike and dash out with crosse-lines lattice like, those letters, Commissions, Warrants, and Decrees passed against law and right, or prejudicial to the commonwealth, which not improperly they termed to cancel, some think the name of Chancellor came from this Cancelling: and in a glossary of latter time thus we read, A Chancellor is he whose Office is, to look into and peruse the writings and answers of the Emperor: to cancel what is written amiss, and to sign that which is well. Neither is that true, which Polydore Virgil writeth, namely, that William the Conqueror instituted a College or fellowship of Scribes, to write letters patents etc. and named the Master of that Society, Chancellor: considering it is plain and manifest that Chancellors were in England before the Normans Conquest. How great the dignity and authority of the Chancellor is at this day, it is better known than I can declare: but of what credit it was in old time, have here in a word or two out of a writer of good antiquity. Robert Fitz. Stephen, who lived under Henry the Second. The dignity of the Chancellor of England is this, He is reputed the second person in the Realm, and next unto the King; with the one side of the King's Seal, (whereof by his Office he hath the Keeping) he may sign his own injunctions, to dispose and order the King's Chapel as he liketh, to receive and keep all Archbishoprics▪ Bishoprics, abbeys, and Baronies, void and falling into the King's hand, to be present at all the King's Counsels, and thither to repair uncalled: also that all things be signed by the hand of his Clerk who carrieth the King's Seal, and that all things be directed and disposed by advice of the Chancellor. Item, that by the helpful merits of his good life through God's grace, he need not die, if he will himself, but Archbishop or Bishop: And hereof it is, that the Chancellor-ship is not to be bought. The form and manner of ordaining a Chancellor, (for that also I will note) was in the time of King Henry the Second, by hanging the great Seal of England about the neck of the Chancellor elect. But in King Henry the Sixth days, this was the order of it, according to the notes I took out of the Records. When the place of the Lord Chancellor of England is void by death, the Kings three great Seals, to wit, one of gold, and other two of silver, which remained in the custody of the Chancellor, presently after his death are shut up in a wooden chest fast locked, and signed with the Seals of the Lords then present, and so conveied into the Treasury: From thence brought they are to the King, who in the presence of many Noblemen delivereth them into the hands of him that shall be Chancellor, and undertaketh the charge of executing the Office of Chancellorship, taking before an oath of him, well and truly to exercise the same: first he delivereth the great Seal of silver, then that of gold, and so the other of silver: who receiving the same bestoweth them again in the chest: and being signed with his own Seal conveieth it home to his own house, and before certain of the Nobility, causeth the King's Patents and writs to be Sealed. When a Chancellor is discharged of his place, he delivereth up into the King's hands in the presence of the Lords and Nobles, those three Seals, first, the Seal of gold, than one broad Seal of silver; and so another of a less form. Howbeit at this day one Seal and no more is delivered unto the Chanchellor, neither is there mention any where made of these three Seals, but in the reign of Henry the Sixth. To this Chancellor's Office in process of time much authority and dignity hath been adjoined by authority of Parliament; especially ever since that Lawyers stood so precisely upon the strict points of Law, and caught men with the traps and snares of their law terms; that of necessity there was a Court of equity to be erected, and the same committed to the Chancellor, who might give judgement according to equity and reason, and moderate the extremity of law, which was wont to be thought extreme wrong. In this Court there sitteth as Precedent, the Lord Chancellor of England, and as assessors or assistants to him, twelve Masters of the Chancery: whereof the chief and principal is the Keeper of the Rolls belonging to the same Court, and thereupon he is called Master of the Rolls. There belong also to this Court very many Officers, of whom some attend especially upon the King's Seal, namely, The Clerk of the Crown, The Clerk of the Hanaper, The Sealer, The Chauff-wax, The Controller of the Hanaper, Cursitours twenty four, A Clerk for the writs of Sub-poena. Others are attendant upon Bills of complaint there exhibited, to wit, A Protonotary, six Clerks, or Attorneys of the Court, and a Register. There belong also thereto the Clekes of the Petty Bag, The Clerk of Presentations, The Clerk of Faculties, The Clerk for examination of Letters Patents, The Clerk for dimissions, etc. There is another Court also derived out of the King's Privy Counsel, Court of Requests. called The Court of Requests, which giveth hearing likewise, as in the Chancery, to causes between private persons, but such as before are presented unto the Prince, or his Privy Counsel, as also to others. In this are employed certain Masters of the Requests, and a Clerk or Register, with two Attorneys or three. But as touching those Counsels held in the Marches of Wales and in the North parts, we will speak with the leave of God in their due place. As for Ecclesiastical or Spiritual Courts there be two principal; Ecclesiastical Courts. See the Antiquity of the British Church. Court of the Arches. to wit, The Synod, which is called The Convocation of the Clergy, and is always kept with the Parliament: and the Provincial Synods in both Provinces. After these are reckoned the Archbishop of Canterbury's Courts▪ to wit, The Court of the Arches: wherein sitteth as Judge the Dean of the Arches. He is called Deane, for that he hath jurisdiction in xiii. Parishes of London, exempt from the Bishop of London, which number maketh a deanery; and Deane of the Arches, because the principal of his Churches is, S. Mary's Church in London, the tower, steeple or lantern whereof is beautifully built of arched work. He hath to do with appeals of all men within the Province of Canterbury. Advocate's there be in this Court xuj. or more, at the pleasure of the Archbishop, all Doctors of the Law; two Registers, and ten Proctors. The Court of Audience, Court of Audience. which entertaineth the complaints, causes and appeals of them in that Province. The Prerogative Court, in which the Commissary sitteth upon Inheritances fallen either by the Intestate, or by will and testament. The Court of Faculties, Court of Faculties. wherein there is appointed a chief Precedent, who heareth and considereth of their grievances and requests that are petitioners for some moderation and easement of the Ecclesiastical law, sometimes over-strict and rigorous; and a Register beside, who recordeth the Dispensations granted. The Court of Peculiars, which dealeth in certain Parishes exempt from the Bishop's jurisdiction in some Dioceses, and are peculiarly belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Other Courts of meaner account I willingly overpasse. Neither do I wisely, I assure you, thus to intermeddle herein: and yet Guicciardine in his Description of the netherlands hath given me a precedent hereof to follow. here in this place my purpose was to have interserted somewhat, (so far forth especially as concerned antiquity) as touching the chief Magistrates, and highest Offices of England, as namely, The Lord Chancellor aforesaid, The Lord Treasurer, The Precedent of the Counsel, The Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, The Lord high Chamberlain, The Lord high Constable, The marshal, and Seneschal or Steward of the King's household, etc. But understanding that others were in hand with these matters, so far am I from preventing them, that right willingly I shall impart even to them, whatsoever in this behalf I have observed. Under what Sign in heaven Britain lieth. Some man perhaps here looketh, that I should out of Astrological rules, add to to the rest, under what Sign and Planet our Britain is seated. And verily I will say somewhat to satisfy the Curious; for in those learned errors I have, I may tell you, in my youth taken some pains: although the Conjecturers of Astrologers touching this point are so diverse, that the very diversity may seem to weaken the thing itself, and leave no place for the truth. M. Manilius an ancient Poet in this verse of his, seemeth to intimate, that Capricorn here beareth rule in Britain: Tu Capricorne regis quicquid sub Sole cadente Expositum. Thou Capricorn dost govern all, That lies to Sun at his down-fall. Ptolomee, Albumazar, and Cardane, do make Aries our Tutelar Sign; johannes de Muris, the Planet Saturn: The Friar Perscrutator, Esquidus and Henry Silent, the Moon; for that, as they say, it is in the seventh Climate. Roger of Hereford, Thomas of Ravenna, Philologus, and Hispalensis, are of opinion Pisces govern us; and last of all Schonerus, and Pitatus, (see how they all disagree) have with no better reason than the rest, subjected us unto Gemini. Now will I, by God's assistance, make my perambulation through the Provinces or Shires of Britain: wherein (according to the Preface that they used in old time, before they took any enterprise in hand) God grant me gracious good speed. The order or Method of the work ensuing. In the several discourses of every of them, I will declare as plainly, and as briefly as I can, who were their ancient Inhabitants; what is the reason of their names; how they are bounded; what is the nature of the soil; what places of antiquity, and good account are therein; what Dukes likewise, or Earls have been in each one since the Norman Conquest: And in this succession of Earls, to confess frankly, by whom I have taken profit, I do willingly and justly acknowledge that Thomas Talbot a most diligent Clerk in the Records of the Tower, a man of singular skill in our antiquities, hath given me much light. And begin I will at the farthest parts in the West, that is to say, at Cornwall, and so pass over the other countries in order, imitating herein Strabo, Ptolomee, and the most ancient Geographers, who always begin their description in the Western countries, as being first from the Meridian. DANMONII. THat Region, which according to the Geographers, is the first of all Britain, and growing straighter still and narrower, shooteth out farthest into the West, and hath on the North side the Severne-Sea; on the South the British, and on the West, the Vergivian or Western Ocean, beating upon it; was in ancient time inhabited by those Britain's, whom Solinus called, DUNMONII, Ptolomee, DAMNONII, or (as we find in some other copies,) more truly DANMONII. Which name, if it be not derived from those ever-continuing mines of tin in this tract, which the Britan's term Moina; may seem to come of the dwelling there under hills. For, their habitation all over this Country is somewhat low, and in valleys: which manner of dwelling is called in the * Welch. British tongue Dan-munith: in which sense also the Province next adjoining, in like respect is at this day named by the * Welshmen. Britan's Duffneint, that is to say, Ostidamnej. Low valleys. Now whether the OSTIDAMNII, called also OSTAEI, and OSTIONES, of whom Strabo maketh mention out of Pithaeas of Marfiles, be our Danmonij, I wish the studious searchers of Antiquity would weigh with themselves, and examine somewhat more diligently. For, seated they were, by their report, in the farthest parts of Europe, toward the West Ocean over against Spain, not far from the Isle Vxantissa, now called Vshant, Which particulars every one do very well, and in each point agree unto this Region of our Danmonij. And seeing that those Ostiones be called by Artemidorus COSSINI, as Stephanus in his Cities seemeth to note, I wish likewise they would consider (because these people are termed also Corini) whether in stead of COSSINI, Cossini. we are not to read CORINI: For, we read Fusij for Furij, and Valesij for Valerij. And surely, the Geographers have not so much as a glimpse where to seek these Ostidamnij and Cossini, by the western Sea, if they be hence excluded. But the Country of this nation is at this day divided into two parts, known by later names of Cornwall and Denshire, whereof we will speak in order. CORNWALL. COrnwall, which also by later Writers is called Cornubia in Latin, of all Britain doth bear most Westward, and is inhabited by that remnant of Britan's, which Marinus Scotus calleth Occidentales Britoneses, that is, Britain's of the West parts, who in the British tongue (for as yet they have not lost their ancient language) name it Kernaw, because it waxeth smaller and smaller in manner of an horn, and runneth forth into the Sea with little promontories, as they were horns, on every side: For the Britain's call an horn, [Corn] and horns [Kern, Corn and Kern. ] in the plural number: although others would have Cornwall to take the name of one Corineus, I know not what Companion of Brutus, and do call it Corinea, according to this verse of a fabulous Poet; Pars Corinea datur Corinaeo, de duce nomen Patria, deque viro gens Corinensis habet. To Captain Corineus, part was given, to hold by right: Of him both coast Corinea, and people Cornish height. But, no strange matter it is (if a man search Antiquities) for many places to have their denominations given them of such kind of scite as this. In Crete and * Per●copsca. or, Procopia. Taurica Chersonessus, there be promontories termed, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Rams Foreheads, because they shoot forth into the sea, after the fashion of Rams horns. Semblably, Cyprus was of the greeks in old time, called Cerastis, for that it butteth on the sea with promontories bearing out like horns, so that it is no marvel, if the coast be called Kernaw, and Corn, crookening inward as it doth, like unto an horn, and having diverse small capes and points sticking out, as it were horns. Whereupon, when in the heat of the Saxons war, many Britan's retired themselves into this tract, trusting to the natural strength of the place; for, they knew that the ways by land were hard enough to be passed through by reason of mountains, and crossed in diverse places with arms of the Sea; that sailing likewise there, was cumbersome, because the places were unknown: the Saxon being Conqueror, who called all foreign things, and aliens or strangers, in their language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, named the Inhabitants hereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hereof sprang the Latin name Cornwallia, and in the later age Cornubia, and in some writers Occidua Wallia. So far it is off, that it should be called Cornwallia, of the Gauls that conquered it, which some there be, that in flattery of the French name and nation would uphold: who, if they were as quicksighted at home, as they be curious abroad, might find that their * Bretaigne or, Little Britain. Britain lying upon the sea coast, opposite to this country, is so named of our Britain, and that Cornovaille, no small territory therein, which speaketh the same language that our Cornishmen do, took name of our countrymen, that passed over hence to dwell there. For, as these our Britain's of the West parts, aided the Armorici of Gaul, inhabiting in that tract in their wars against Caesar; upon which occasion he pretended a quarrel to invade Britain, and they afterwards coming thither, as we said before, Strabo. changed the name of Armorici, and called it Britain: so in the foregoing ages, ready they were, and ever at hand to help those Britain's their countrymen against the French; and during the tempestuous troubles of the Danish war, some of them put over thither also, and are thought to have left this name of Cornovaille behind them there. But to leave that Cornovaille. This our Cornwall, as if nature made amends and recompense for the encroaching in of the sea, is for the most part raised on high with mountains, being in the valleys between of an indifferent glebe, with which the Sea weed, or reit commonly called Orewood, Orewood. and a certain kind of fruitful Sea-sand, they make so rank and battle, that it is incredible. The Sea coast, is beautified with very many Towns, able to set out a great fleet of Ships: the inland parts have rich and plenteous mines of tin. For, Tin. there is digged out of them wonderful store of tin, yielding exceeding much profit and commodity, where are made household pewter vessels, which are used throughout many parts of Europe in service of the table, and for their glittering brightness, compared with silver plate. The Inhabitants do discover these mines by certain tinne-stones lying on the face of the ground, which they call Shoad, being somewhat smooth and round. Of these Mines or tinne-workes, there be two kinds: the one they call, Lode-workes; the other Stream-workes. This lieth in lower grounds, when by trenching they follow the veins of tin, and turn aside now and then the streams of water coming in their way: that other, is in higher places, when as upon the hills they dig very deep pits, which they call, Shafts, and do undermine. In working both ways there is seen wonderful wit and skill, as well in draining of waters aside, and reducing them into one stream; as in the underbuilding, pinning and propping up of their pits: to pass over with silence their devices of breaking, stamping, drying, crasing, washing, melting, and fining the mettle, than which there cannot be more cunning showed. There are also two sorts of Tin, Black tin, which is tinne-ore broken and washed, but not yet founded into mettle, and white tin, that is molten into mettle, and that is either soft tin which is best merchantable, or hard tin less merchantable. That the ancient Britan's practised these tinne-works, (to omit Timaeus the Historian in Pliny, Lib. 6. cap. 8. & 9 who reporteth, That the Britan's fetched tin out of the Isle Icta, in wicker boats covered and stitched about with leather) appeareth for certain out of Diodorus Siculus, who flourished under Augustus Caesar. For, he writeth, that the Britan's, who Inhabited this part, digged tin out of stony ground, and at a low water carried the same in carts, to certain Lands adjoining. From whence Merchants transported it by ships into Gaul, and from thence conveyed the same upon horses within thirty days unto the springheads of the river * ●o. Eridanus, or else to the city Narbone, as it were, to a Mart. Aethicus also, who ever he was, that unworthily beareth title to be interpreted by S. Hierome out of the Sclavonian tongue, insinuateth the very same, and saith, That he delivered rules and precepts to these Tinne-workers. But it seemeth, that the English-Saxons neglected it altogether, or to have used the workmanship and labour of Arabians or Saracens. For, the Inhabitants in their language term the mines forlet and given over, Attal Sarisin, that is, the leave of the Saracens; if they did mean by that name, the ancient Panims. After the coming in of the Normans, the Earls of Cornwall gathered great riches out of these mines, and especially Richard brother to King Henry the Third: and no marvel, sith that in those days Europe had tin from no other place. For, the incursions of the Moors, had stopped up the tin mines of Spain; and as for the tin veins in Germany, which are in Misnia and Bohemia, they were not as yet known: and those verily not discovered, before the year after Christ's nativity, 1240. For then, (as a writer of that age recordeth) was tin met all found in Germany by a certain Cornishman driven out of his native soil, to the great loss and hindrance of Richard Earl of Cornwall. This Richard began to make ordinances for these tin-works, and afterward Edmund his son granted a Charter, and certain liberties, and withal prescribed certain Laws concerning the same: which he ratified or strengthened under his seal, and imposed a tribute or rent upon tin, to be answered unto the Earls. These liberties, privileges and laws King Edward the Third, did afterwards confirm and augment. The Common wealth of Tinners. The whole commonwealth of those Tinners and workmen, as it were, one body, he divided into four quarters, which of the places they call Foy-more, Black-more, Trewarnaile, and Penwith. Over them all he ordained a Warden, called, L. Warden of the Stanniers, of Stannum, that is, Tin; who giveth judgement as well according to equity and conscience, L. Warden of the Stannary. as Law; and appointed to every quarter their Stewards, who once every iij. weeks, (every one in his several quarter) minister justice in causes personal between Tinner and Tinner, and between Tinner and Forrainer, except in causes of land, life, or member. From whom there lieth an appeal to the Lord Warden, from him to the Duke, from the Duke to the King. In matters of moment, there are by the Warden general Parliaments, or several assemblies summoned: whereunto jurats are sent out of every stannary, whose constitutions do bind them. As for those that deal with tin, they are of four sorts: the owners of the soil, the adventurers, the merchants or regraters, and the labourers, called the Spadiards (of their Spade) who poor men are pitifully out-eaten by usurious contracts. But the Kings of England, and Dukes of Cornwall, in their times have reserved to themselves a praeemption of tin (by the opinion of the learned in the Law) as well in regard of the propriety, as being chief Lords and Proprietaries; as of their royal prerogative. Lest the tribute or rent imposed, should be embezzled, and the Dukes of Cornwall defrauded, unto whom by the old custom for every thousand pound weight of tin there is paid forty shillings, it is by a Law provided, that all the tin which is cast & wrought, be brought to one of the four appointed towns: where twice in the year it is weighed, and signed with a stamp, (they call it Coinage) and the said impost according paid: neither is it lawful for any man before that, to sell or send it abroad, under forfeiture of their tin. And now only tin is here found, but therewith also gold and silver; yea, and Diamonds shaped, and pointed anglewise, smoothed also by nature itself: whereof some are as big as walnuts, and inferior to the Orient Diamonds, in blackness and hardness only. Moreover there is found Eryngium, that is, Cornish Diamonds. Sea Holly, growing most abundantly every where along the shore. Furthermore, so plentiful is this country of grain, although not without great toil of the husbandman, that it hath not only sufficient to maintain itself, but also affordeth often times great store of corn into Spain. Besides, a most rich revenue and commodity they have by those little fishes that they call Pilchards, Pilchards. which swarming, as one would say, in mighty great skulls about the shores from july unto November, are there taken, garbaged, salted, hanged in the smoke, laid up, pressed, and by infinite numbers carried over into France, Spain, and Italy, unto which countries they be very good chaffer, and right welcome merchandise, and are there named * Which peradventure be Gerres in Pliny. Fumadoes. Whereupon Michael a Cornish Poet, and of Rhymers in his time the chief, in his Satire against Henry of Aurenches, Archpoet to King Henry the Third, because he had unreverently played upon Cornishmen, as if they were seated in the neck hole of the world; after much satirical sharpness, came out with these round rhymes: Non opus est ut opes numerem quibus est opulenta, Et per quas, inopes sustentat non ope lenta: Piscibus & stanno nusquam tam fertilis ora. I need not here report the wealth, wherewith enriched it is, And whereby always to sustain poor folk it doth not miss: No coast elsewhere for fish and tin, so plenteous, iwis. And yet is Cornwall nothing happier in regard of the soil, than it is for the people; who as they were endued and adorned with all civility, even in those ancient times; (For by reason of their acquaintance with merchants sailing thither for tin, as Diodorus Siculus reporteth, they were more courteous toward strangers:) so they are valiant, hardy, well pitched in stature, brawny & strong limmed: such as for wrestling, (to speak nothing of that manly exercise, Hurling. & fear of hurling the Ball which they use) so far excel, that for slight and clean strength together, they justly win the prize and praise from other nations, in that behalf. Moreover, that Poet Michael, when as in the excessive commendation of his country men, he had with gigging rhymes resounded, how Arthur in his battles, gave them the honour, to give the first charge, he thus courageously concludeth in rhyme. Quid nos deterret? si firmiter in pede stemus, Fraus ninos superet, nihil est quod non superemus. What frighteth us? if footing sure we have on steady ground, (Bar crafty sleights) there is no force but we can it confound. And hereof peradventure ariseth the report so generally received, that Giants in times past Inhabited this country. For, Havillan the Poet, who lived four hundred years since, in describing of certain British Giants, wrote pleasantly of Britain, and the Cornish Giants, Havillan. in Architrenio. in this wise: — Titanibus illa Sed paucis famulosa domus, quibus uda ferarum Terga dabant vestes, cruor haustus, pocula trunci, Antra Lares, Dumeta thoros, coenacula rupes, Praeda cibos, raptus venerem, spectacula caedes, Imperium vires, animos furor, impetus arma, Mortem pugna, sepulchra rubus: monstrisque gemebat Monticolis tellus: sed eorum plurima tractus Pars erat occidui, terror majorque premebat Te furor, extremum Zephyri, Cornubia, limen. A lodge it was to Giants fell (though few) of Titan's brood Enthralled: whose garments were raw hides of beasts full wood; Their blood they drank, but cups they made of hollow blocks and stocks, Caves served for cabins, bushes for beds, for chambers craggy rocks. Prey slacked their hunger, rape their lust, in murder took they Joy, Force gave them rule, and fury heart, wrath weapons to annoy▪ Fight brought them death, grieves were their graves: thus groaned the ground again With mountain-Monsters. Howbeit, of them the number main Did pester most the western tract: more fear made thee aghast O Cornwall, utmost door that art to let in Zephyrus blast. Now, whether this firm and well compact constitution of the Cornish-men which proceedeth from the temperature of heat and moisture, Western people most strong and hardy. is to be referred unto the breeding-west wind and the Western situation thereof, like as we see, that in Germany the Batavians, in France the Gascoines who be farthest Westward are the ablest and most valiant, or rather to some peculiar and special reason of air and soil; it is not my purpose to search curiously. Now let us treat of the Promontories, Cities and Rivers, whereof ancient writers have made mention: For, this is my principal project: beginning at the furthest point, and so surveying first the Southern shore, than the Northern, and lastly the course of the river * Tamer. Tamara, which severeth this county from Devonshire. The utmost Promontory which lieth upon the Western Ocean, and is distant 17. degrees and no more in the globe or surface of the earth, Those of the Tercieres & ● from the Lands called Azores, is called by Ptolomee Bolerium, and by Diodorus, Belerium; perhaps of the British word Pell, which signifieth a thing most remote or farthest off: by Ptolomee also the same is termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Bellerium or Antivestaeum. or ANTIVESTAEUM, by the Britan's, I mean their Bardie only or Poets, Penringu●ed; that is, the Promontory of Blood: For, the Welsh Historians name it Penwith, that is, the Promontory on the left hand: The Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For, Steort with them betokeneth a piece of land shooting into the Sea: Steort what i● signifieth. and hereupon all that Hundred of Penwith at this day is called by borderers in their language, Pen vo● 'las, that is, the end of the land: and in the same sense, we in English name it, The lands end; because it is the utmost part of the Island toward the West. And if this Promontory were sometimes called Helenum, as Volaterran and the late writers affirm, it came not of Helenus K. Priam's son, but of Pen-Elin, which signifies in the British tongue an Elbow, as Ancon doth in Greek. And seeing that crooked and bending shores be termed of the greeks Ancons, as Elbows, for so Pliny witnesseth of Ancona in Italy, no absurdity is it at all, that this crooked and bowing shore should by the Britan's in the same sense be called Pen-elin, and thereof that Latin name Helenum be derived. But as touching this name Antivestaeum, I was wont now and then to doubt, whether it savoured not of some Greek original. For, seeing it was a common and usual thing with the Greeks, to impose names upon places taken from the names of such as were opposite unto them, not only in Greece itself, where they have, * Castellidi Lipant●n. Rhium, and * Mardi Mecha or the Red-sea. Antirrhium, but also in the * Mardi Mecha or the Red-sea. Arabian gulf, where there is Bacchium and Antibacchium, as also upon the gulf of Venice, Antibarrium, because it looketh towards Barrium, lying over against it in Italy; I searched diligently whether any place named Vestaeum, lay opposite unto this our Antivest●um: but finding no such thing, I betook myself again to the British tongue, neither yet can I here resolve myself. But the Inhabitants do suppose, that this Promontory heretofore ran further into the Sea, and by the rubbish which is drawn out from thence, the Mariners affirm the ●ame: yea and the neighbour Inhabitants avouch, out of I wot not what fable, that the earth now covered there all over with the in-breaking of the Sea, was called Lioness. In the utmost rocks of this Promontory, when at a low water they be bare, there appear veins of tin and copper, and the people there dwelling report, that there stood a watch-Tower upon it, from whence by the light of burning fire, there was a sign given unto Sailors: no doubt, ad speculam Hispaniae, according as Orofius hath put down in writing, That the most high watch-towre of Brigantia in Gallicia, a rare and admirable piece of work, was erected ad speculam Britannia: that is, if I well understand him either for the use of Mariners sailing out of Britain toward Spain, or else, over against the watch-Towre of Britain. For, no other place of this Island looketh directly to Spain. Upon it there standeth now a little village named S. Buriens (in old time Eglis Buriens; that is, The Church of Buriena or Beriena) consecrated to Buriena, a religious Irish woman. S. Burien. For, this nation always honoured Irish Saints as tutelar patrons of their own, so, all their Towns in manner they have consecrated unto them. This village King Athelstan, as the report goeth, granted to be a privileged place or Sanctuary, what time as he arrived as Conqueror out of the * Silly, or Sorlings. Isles of Silly: True it is, that he built here a Church, and that under William the Conqueror there was here a College of Canons, unto whom the territory adjoining belonged. near unto this, in a place which they call Biscaw Won, are to be seen nineteen stones set in a round circle, distant every one about twelve foot from the other; and in the very centre there is one pitched far higher and greater than the rest. A Trophy. This was some Trophy (or monument of victory) erected by the Romans (as probably may be conjectured) under the later Emperors, or else, by Athelstan the Saxon, when he had subdued the Cornish-men, and brought them under his dominion. As the shore fetcheth a compass by little and little from hence Southward, it letteth in a bay or creek of the Sea, in manner of a Crescent, which they call Mountsbay: wherein, as the common speech goeth, the Ocean by rushing with a violent force drowned the land. Upon this lieth Mousehole, in the British tongue Port Inis, that is, The Haven of the Island: For which, Henry of Ticis, a Baron in his time and Lord of Alwerton and Tiwernel in this Country, Barons of Ticis. obtained of King Edward the First the grant to have a market there. Likewise there is seated upon this Bay Pen-sans, that is, The Cape or Head of Saints, or as some think Sands, * Marine Amber, that is, Ambrose stone. a pretty market Town: within a little whereof is that famous stone, Main-Amber; which, being a great Rock advanced upon some other of meaner size with so equal a counterpeize, a man, may stir with the push of his finger, but to remove it quite out of his place a great number of men are not able: as also Merkin, that is, jupiters' market, (because Thursday anciently dedicated to jupiters' is their market day) a dangerous road for ships. And in the very angle and corner itself S. Michael's mount, S. Michael's mount. which gave name unto the foresaid Bay; sometime called Dinsol, as we find in the book of Landaffe: the Inhabitants name it Careg Cowse, Michelstow. Laurence Noel. that is, The hoary Crag or Rock, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Michael's place, as Master Laurence Noel, a man of good note for his singular learning, and who was the first in our age that brought into ure again and revived the language of our ancestors the Saxons, which through disuse lay sorlet and buried in oblivion, hath well observed. This Rock is of a good height and craggy, compassed round about with water so oft as it is flood, but at every ebb joined to the main-land, so that they say of it, It is land and Island twice a day. For which cause, john Earl of Oxford, not many years ago, presuming upon the strength of the place, chose it for his chiefest defence when he raised war against King Edward the Fourth, and valiantly held the same, but with no good success. For, his soldiers being assailed by the King's forces strait ways yielded. In the very top hereof within the Fortress, there was a Chapel consecrated to S. Michael, the Archangel, where William Earl of Cornwall and Moriton, who by the bounteous gift of King William the First had great lands, & large possessions in this tract, built a Cell for one or two monks; who avouched that S. Michael appeared in that mount: which apparition, or the like, the Italians challenge to their hill Garganus, and the Frenchmen likewise to their Michael's mount in Normandy. At the foot of this mountain within the memory of our Fathers, Weapons of Brass. whiles men were digging up of tin they found Spear-heads, axes, and swords of brass wrapped in linen: such as were sometimes found within the forest Hercinia in Germany, and not long since in our Wales. For, evident it is by the monuments of ancient Writers, that the Greeks, the Cimbrians and Britan's used brazen weapons, although the wounds given with brass be less hurtful, as in which mettle there is a medicinable virtue to heal: according as Macrobius reporteth out of Aristotle. But happily that age was not so cunning in devising means to mischief and murders, as ours is. In the rocks underneath, as also along the shore every where breedeth the * Pyrrhecorax: Cornish chough. Pyrrhecorax, a kind of crow with bill and feet red, and not, as Pliny thought, proper to the Alps only. This bird the inhabitants have found to be an Incendiary, and thievish beside. For, oftentimes it secretly conveieth fire-sticks setting their houses a fire and as closely filcheth and hideth little pieces of money. In this place the country is most narrow and groweth as it were into an * A narrow passage between two creeks or arms of the Sea. Mountsbay. Isthmus, for it is scarce four miles over from hence to the Severn or upper sea. A little above this mount, there openeth a Creek of good breadth, called of the mount, Mountsbay, a most safe road and harbour for ships, when the South and Southeast winds are aloft and bluster, at a mid ebb and return of the Sea, six or seven fathom deep. More toward the East ariseth Godolcan hill, right famous for plentiful veins of tin (they call it now Godolphin) but much more renowned in regard of the Lords thereof, Goldphin Hill. bearing the same name, who with their virtues have equalled the ancientness of that house and lineage. The family of the Godolphins. But that name in the Cornish language, came of A white Eagle, and this family hath anciently borne for their arms in a shield Gules, an Eagle displayed Argent, between three Flower-deluces of the same, id est Argent likewise in a shield Gules. From S. Michael's mount Southward, immediately there is thrust forth a bi-land or demi-Ile, at the very entry whereof Heilston showeth itself, called in their country language helas, by reason of the salt water flowing thereto: a Town of great resort for their privilege of marking and coinage of tin. Under which by the confluence and meeting of many waters there is made a lake two miles in length, Loo pool. named Loo pool, divided from the Sea by a narrow bank running between, which whensoever it is by the violence of waves broken thorough, a wonderful roaring of waters is heard far and near all over the country adjoining. And not far from thence there is to be seen a military fence or rampire of a large compass built of stones, heaped together and laid without mortar, they call it in their tongue, Earth; of which sort there be others here and there: raised, as I verily believe, in the Danish war. Neither is it unlike to those fortifications of the Britan's, which Tacitus termeth rudes & informs saxorum compages, that is, rude and ill-favoured compacted piles of stone. As for the said Demi-Iland, itself being of a good bigness and replenished with villages, it is named Meneg, Menna, Meneg. and no doubt that MENNA, which out of Cornelius a writer of Annals (but whether he be Tacitus, I wot not) Jornandes in his Geticks describeth, and is in some copies found written Memma. For, it is, as he saith, In the utmost coast of Britain, having in it great store of mettle mines, very full of grass and herbs, bringing forth more plentifully all those things which serve for pastorage of beasts, rather than nourishment of men. But where as he said, that it hath plenteous store of Metals, it is now so destitute, that it may seem long since to have been exhausted thereof. The Sailors, at this day call the utmost South-West point thereof Lisard; Ptolomee, The PROMONTORY OF THE DANMONII, add OCRINUM; Aethicus in that strange Geography of his, OCRANUM; and he reckoneth it among the mountains of the West Ocean. Oc●●num. Which name whether it take of Ocra, which by Sext. Pompeius, signifieth a craggy hill, I dare not affirm. And yet among the Alps, Ocrea, Ocriculum, and Interocrea, drew their denomination of their steep and rocky site. The Liskard. But seeing that Ochr betokeneth in the British tongue an Edge, what if I should think the name was given to this Promontory, because it hath a sharp edge and groweth at the end pointed in fashion of a cone? In the turning in of the shore from this Meneg, you meet with a Bay very commodious for ships to harbour in, by reason of so many turnings, cones and angled windings therein, receiving into it the little river Vale. near unto which within the country, Voluba. flourished sometime that ancient Town Voluba, mentioned by Ptolomee: but it is long since either utterly decayed, or hath lost his name: yet it remaineth partly in Valemouth; Falemouth. or Falemouth Haven. This Haven is as noble as * Brindi●. Brundisium itself in Italy: of exceeding great capacity; for it is able to receive an hundred ships, which may ride therein so a part by themselves, that out of never a one of them the top of another's Mast can be seen: and most safe withal under the wind, by reason that it is enclosed on every side with brims of high rising banks. In the very entrance of this Haven, there mounteth up an high and steep craggy rock, which the inhabitants call Crage. The gullet on either hand, as well for the defence and safety of the place, as for terror to enemies, is fortified with blockhouses: to wit, the castle of S. Mand●● Eastward, and toward the West, the fort Pendinas, built both by King Henry the Eighth: Of which fortresses the * Leland. Antiquarian Poet writeth thus: Pendinas'. Pendinas tenet asperi cacumen Celsu● montis, & intonat frequenter. Mauditi quoque subsidet rotundum Castrum, & impetu fulminat furenti, Portus ostia quá patent Falensis. Pendinas' mounted is aloft, On craggy cliff, and thundereth oft: S. Maudit eke a castle round, That stands beneath on lower ground With gunshot makes Fale mouth resound. But the Haven itself is by Ptolomee called Ostium CENIONIS, The mouth of Cenio, Cenionis ostium. doubtless of the British word Geneu, which betokeneth a door and entrance. And this to be true, the Town Tregenie near adjoining doth testify: for it is as much (if a man interpret it) as a little Town by the Mouth. Upon the innermore creeks and nooks of this Haven, there stand some Towns: namely, Peryn, for a market well frequented, Perin. where Walter Bronescome Bishop of Excester, in the yeeae 1288. erected a Collegiate Church, Glasnith. Arwenak. (they call it Glasnith) and twelve Prebendaries: Arwenak, the seat of the ancient and noble family of the Killegrewes; Truro, in the Cornish tongue Truru, so called of three Streets encircled, as it were, with two rivers; a Mayor Town, as they call it, and endowed with many privileges, and coinage of tin: also Grampound, which is seated farthest from the Haven, and neighbour to it is Golden the inheritance of Tregian, a house ancient and well allied. But descending to the Havens mouth you may see Fenten-Gollan, in English Hartes-well, lately the seat of Carminow a family anciently of high esteem for blood and wealth, Carminow. between whom and the Lord Scrope two hundred years since, was a plea commenced in the Court of Chivalry, for bearing in a shield Azure a Bend Or.] Under which on the Sea side lieth the territory of Rosseland; so named, as some think, as if it were a roseplot: but as I suppose, Rossi●. because it is an heath or place of ling: for so Ros signifieth in the British tongue. Whereof, Rosse in Scotland, and another Rosse in Wales have their names, as being tracts dry, hungry and barren: Howbeit, this here, through the industry of the husbandmen is more battle-ground and fruitful. Beyond this Rosseland presently the Ocean (as the land retireth and giveth back) shooteth in and maketh a large Bay; they call it Tru-ar-draith Bay, which is by interpretation, The Bay of the town upon the sand: Lansladron. In the time of Edward the First. whereunto fall many fresh rillets, amongst which that is principal which passeth by Lanladron, whose Lord S. Serlo Lanladron was summoned a Baron to the Parliament, in that age when the select men for wisdom and worth amongst the Gentry were called to Parliament, and their posterity omitted if they were defective therein. Foy. Scarce two miles from hence, whereas the river Fawey falleth into the Sea, lieth the Town Fowey, Foath in Cornish, stretching out in length upon the sea bank: a Town most renowned in former ages, for sea-fights: which the very arms of the Town do witness, as being compounded of the Cinque-ports arms, By the haven it hath bulwarks on both sides built by King Edward the Fourth: who shortly after being displeased with these townsmen of Fowey, for that when the war in France was compounded, they practised piracy upon the French; took from them all their ships and furniture for shipping. Von the other bank over against it standeth Hall, situate on the hanging of an hill with a right pleasant walk, the habitation full well known of Sir Reginald Mohun Knight, The Mohuns. Vzella. Britan's have not the letter ●. of an ancient and noble house by birth, as descended from the Mohunes, of Somerset, and the Courtneyes' Earls of Devonshire. Farther within the country, and by the same river, VZELLA mentioned by Ptolomee is seated: which town having not lost altogether the old name, is at this day called Lest-uthiell: It stood anciently upon an high hill, where the old castle Lestmel now showeth his ruins: but it was removed lower into the valley. From the high situation it received the ancient name; for Vchel in the British tongue soundeth as much as [high] or [aloft]: whence Vxellodunum in France. Vxellodunum also in France took the name, because the town standing upon an hill had a very steep fall on every side. In the British story, this is called Pen-uchelcoit; that is, The high hill in the wood: which some would have to be Exeter. But the situation in Ptolomee, and the name remaining still, prove this to be the ancient Vzella. In these our days, a small town it is and nothing populous, because the river Fawey, which aforetime was wont at every tide or high water to flow unto the very town and to bear and bring in ships, hath his channel so choked and damned up now with sands, coming from the tin-workes (wherewith all the havens in this province are like in process of time to be choked up) as that it is hardly able to bear the least barge that is. Howbeit, the chief town it is of the whole county, How the havens in Cornwall come to be stopped up. where the Sheriff sitteth judicially every month and determineth causes: and there the Warden of the Stannaries hath his prison. It enjoyeth also the privilege, by the bounteous favour, as themselves say, of Edmund Earl of Cornwall (who there in times past had his honour) to seal or coin the tin. But there be two towns above the rest that hinder the light and eclipse the fame of this; Leskerd. to wit, on the East side thereof Leskerd, situate on the top of a very high hill, much frequented for the mercat, and renowned for an ancient castle there: Bodman. and on the North side Bodman, which standeth on the side hand of it scarce two miles off: and is named (if I be not deceived) Bosuenna in the Cornish tongue, and Bodminian in old Deeds and Charters. This town situate thus in no healthy seat between two hills, and lying out in length East and West, is for the mercat there kept, of great resort, for the inhabitants populous, beautiful enough for building, and of name for their privilege of coinage of tin: but more famous in ancient time for the Bishops See there. For, about the year of our salvation 905, when the State of the Church lay in this tract altogether neglected, The book of Winchester Abbey. by virtue of a decree from Pope Formosus, King Edward the Elder erected here a Bishops See, and granted at that time unto the Bishop of Kirton, three villages in this country, Polton, Caeling, and Lanwitham, that from thence every year he should visit the people of Cornwall, to fetch out of them their errors: for, before time they did what they could to resist the truth, and obeyed not the Apostolical decrees. But afterwards, in the furious heat of that terrible Danish war, the Bishopric was translated to Saint Germans. Hard by Leskerd lieth that which sometime was the Church of S. Guerir, that is, (if you interpret it out of the British speech) S. Leech or Physician: where, (as writeth Asserius) King Alfred lying prostrate at his prayers, recovered out of a sickness. But when Neotus a man of singular holiness and learning, was afterwards entombed in the same Church, he outshone the light of the other Saint, so as that in his memory it was named Neotestow, that is, The place of Neotus, S. Neots. and now Saint Neoths: and the religious men that served God therein were named Saint Neoths Clerks, and had for their maintenance rich and large revenues, as we may see in William conquerors book. near unto this, as I have learned, Doomsday. within the parish of Saint Clare, there are to be seen in a place called Pennant, that is, The head of the vale, two monuments of stone: of which the one in the upper part is wrought hollow in manner of a Chair: the other, named Otherhalfe stone, hath an inscription of Barbarous characters, now in manner worn out, in this wise. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which as I take it, should be read thus, * Doniert Prayer for the soul, etc. DONIERT: ROGAVIT, PRO ANIMA: unless it please you to give this conjecture, that those little pricks after DONIERT, are the relics of the letter E: and then to read it after this manner, DONIERT EROGAVIT, as if he had given and bestowed upon those religious men, that piece of land, for his soul. As for Doneert, I cannot but think, he was that Prince of Cornwall, whom the Chronicles name Dungerth, and record, that he was drowned in the year of our Salvation 872. Hard by, there is a number of good big rocks heaped up together, and under them, one Stone of lesser size, fashioned naturally in form of a cheese, so as it seemeth to be pressed like a cheese, whereupon it is named, Wringcheese. Many other Stones beside in some sort four square, Wringcheese. are to be seen upon the plain adjoining; of which seven or eight are pitched upright of equal distance asunder. The neighbour Inhabitants term them Hurlers, as being by a devout and godly error persuaded, they had been men sometimes transformed into Stones, Hurlers. for profaning the Lords Day, with hurling the ball. Others, would have it to be a Trophy (as it were) or a monument, in memorial of some battle: And some think verily they were set as mere stones or land marks, as having read in those authors that wrote of Limits, that stone were gathered together of both parties, The river Loo. and the same erected for bounders. In this coast the river Loo maketh way and runneth into the sea: and in his very mouth giveth name to two little towns, joined with a bridge together. That on the West side, which is the newer, flourisheth most: but the other Eastward, time hath much decayed: although it be a Corporation retaining still the privilege of a Mayor and Burgesses. Somewhat Westward from this lieth Kilgarth the habitation of the Bevils of especial good note for antiquity and gentry. From Loo Eastward you meet with no memorable thing, but a small river passing by Minhevet, whereby is Pole the seat of the Trelawnies, to whom with others the inheritance of the Courtneys Earls of Devon accrued: S. Germane. until you come to the Liver, a little river stored with oysters, that runneth under S. Germane a small town, unto which during the tempestuous Danish war, the Bishops Sees were for fear translated: where there is a pretty Church dedicated unto S. German of Antiziodorum, who rooted out the heresy of Pelagius, that sprung up again in Britain. Wherein after that some few Bishops had sitten, Levinus the Bishop of Kirton, who was in great favour with Canutus the Dane, obtained by virtue of the King's authority, that it should be Joined to his See. Since which time, there hath been but one Bishop over this Province and Denshire both (whose seat is now at Exeter): and who appointed the little Town of S. Germane to be the seat of his Suffragan. For at this day, it is nothing else but a village consisting of fisher-men's cabins, that make a good gainful trade, by catching store of fish in the Ocean and rivers near adjoining. Trematon. Some few miles from hence, upon the same river standeth Trematon, bearing the name of a Castle, though the wall be half down; in which, as we find in doomsday book, William Earl of Moriton had his Castle, and held his market, and was the capital seat of the Barony belonging to the Earls and Dukes of Cornwall, as we may see in the Inquisitions. When the Liver is passed this Castle, near unto Saltash, sometimes Esse, the habitation in old times of the * De vallet Valtorts, and now a Town well replenished with Merchants, and endowed with many privileges, it runneth into the river Tamar, the bound of the whole country: where at the East-side Mont-Edgecombe, Edge-Com● the seat of that ancient family of the Edgecombs, sited most pleasantly hath a prospect into an haven underneath it, full of winding creeks. Anthony. Next unto which is Anthony, a Town memorable for the elegant building thereof, as also for a fish pool that letteth in the Ocean, and yieldeth sea-fish for profit and pleasure both: but more memorable it is for the Lord thereof, Richard Carew, who so maintaineth his place and estate left unto him by his ancestors, as that in ornaments of virtues he surmounteth them. Hitherto we have surveied the South coast: now let us take a view of the Northern also. The Northern-shore from the very lands end, having for a great length huge banks of sand driven upon heaps against it, shooteth out first to a Town running into the sea with a long ridge like a tongue, called S. jies, S. jies. taking the name of one jia an Irish woman that lived here in great holiness, for anciently it was named Pendinas. And from her the Bay underneath into which the little river Hail falleth, hath likewise received the name, for the Mariners call it S. jies Bay. As for the Town itself, it is now very small: For, the North west wind that plays the tyrant in this coast by drifts of sand hath so beaten upon it, that from thence it is translated and removed. From hence the country on both sides, still Eastward, waxeth broader, and the Northern shore with a more crooked winding holdeth on * In Aquil●●n●m, or North. North-east as far as Padstow: neither all that way along hath it any thing savouring of antiquity, save only a Chapel built in the sands, to the honour of S. Piran, who being likewise an Irish Saint resteth here entombed: unto whose Sanctity a certain vain writer in his childish folly hath ascribed this miracle, that with three kine of his own he fed ten Kings of Ireland and their armies eight days together: also that he raised from death to life both pigs and men. S. Columbs Then, farther from the shore is seated S. Columbs a little market Town, consecrated to the memorial of Columba a right devout woman and a martyr, & not of Columban the Scot, as now I am given to understand for certain, out of her life. near unto which, but more to the seaward, Lhanheton Lhanheton showeth itself, the seat of the Arondels, a family of Knight's degree, who for their fair lands and large possessions were not long since called, the Great Arondels. In some places they are written in Latin, De Hirundine, and not amiss, if my judgement be aught: For Hirundo, that is, a Swallow, is named Arondell in French: and i● a shield sables, they bear for their arms six Swallows argent. Lib. 3. Phil●peinos, of W●●liam Brit●● who lived anno 117▪ Certes, a very ancient and renowned house this is, spreading far and near the branches of their kindred and affinity: unto the name and coat-armour whereof William Brito a Poet alluded, when as he describeth a valiant warrior out of this family flying as it were upon William of Bar a French noble man, and assailing him, about the year of our Lord 1170. in these terms: — Hirundelae velocior alight, quae dat Hoc agnomen ei, fert cujus in aegide signum, Se rapit agminibus medijs, clypeoque, m●enti Quem sibi Guilielmus laeva praetenderat ulna, Immergit validam praeacutae cuspidis hastam. — more swift, than bird hight * Swallow. Arondell That gives him name, and in his shield of arms emblazoned well, He rides amid the armed troops, and with his spear in rest (The staff was strong, the point right sharp) runs full upon the breast Of Sir Guillaum, and pierceth through his bright and glittering shield, Which on left arm he for defence, against him stoutly held. Within a little hereof, there is a double rampire entrenched upon the pitch of an hill, with a causey leading thereto, named, Castellan Denis, that is, The Danes Camp; because the Danes when they preyed upon the coasts of England, encamped themselves there, Castle Denis. like as they did in other places of this tract. Nor far from hence the river Alan, which also is called Camb-alan, and Camel, of the crooked windings & reaches that it makes in his course, (for so Cam with them doth signify) runneth gently into the upper sea: which river at the very mouth thereof hath Padstow a pretty market town, Padstow. so called shor● for Petroekstow, (as we read in the Histories of Saints) of one Petrocch a Britain, canonised a Saint by the people: who, spent his days here in the service of God, whereas before time it had the name of Loderic and Laffenac. The site of this Town is very commodious for traffic in Ireland, to which men may easily sail in four and twenty hours. And much beautified it is with fair and goodly houses adjoining thereto, in manner of a Castle, built by N. Prideaux, a Gentleman of ancient gentry in those West parts. At the Springhead of this river Alan, standeth the little village Camelford, otherwise Gaffelford. Leland Judgeth, it was in old time called Kamblan, who writeth also, That King Arthur our Hector was there slain: For, as he recordeth, pieces of armour, rings, horse-harnesse of brass are otherwhiles digged up, and turned out of the ground by husbandmen: and the common fame that continued so many ages together, reporteth, that there was a notable battle fought in this place. There are also certain verses in an unknown Poet living in the middle time, of Cambula flowing with blood, shed in a battle of Arthur against Mordred: which I will not think much of my labour to put down, because they may seem to have been written in no bad Poetical vain. — Natur●m Cambula fontis Mutatam stupet esse sui, transcendit inundans Sanguineus torrens ripas, & volvit in aequor Corpora caesorum, plures natare videres Et petere aexilium, quos undis vita reliquit. Then Cambula was sore aghast, the nature changed to see Of his springhead, for now the stream by this time 'gan to be All mixed with blood, which swelling high the banks doth overflow, And carry down the bodies slain, into the sea below. There might one see how many a man that swum and help did crave, Was lost among the billows strong, and water was their grave. And in very deed (not to deny this of Arthur) I have read in Marianus, that the Britan's and Saxons fought in this place a bloody battle, in the year of our Lord 8●0, so that this may seem a place consecrated unto Mars. And if it be true that Arthur here died, the same coast was destined unto him for his death, as for his birth. For, on the shore hard by, standeth Tindagium (the native place of that great Arthur) partly upon a little ridge, Tindagel. putting forth, as it were, a tongue; and partly within an Island, having both of them sometime a bridge between. They call it at this day Tindagel, being now a glorious ruin only, The place of Arthur's Nativity. in times past a stately Castle: of which a late Poet hath thus written: Est locus Abrini finnoso littore ponti Rupe situs media, refluus quem circuit astus; Fulminat hic lat● turrit● vertice castrum, Nomine Tindagium veteres dixere Corini. There is a place within the winding shore of Severne Sea On mids a rock about whose foot the tides turne-keeping play, A Towry-topped Castle here far thundereth over all, Which Cornishmen by ancient name, Tindagel Castle call. A long discourse it would ask to declare here out of Geffries history, how Uther Pendragon King of Britain, within this Castle became enamoured upon the wife of Gorlois Prince of Cornwall; and how by Magic slights and delusions, taking the shape of her husband upon him, dishonourably violated the Lady his wife, and of her begat the said renowned Arthur. Architrenius. It may suffice, if I do but allege the verses of our Poet john Havillan. — Facie dum falsus adulter Tindagel irrupit, nec amoris Pendragon astum Vincit, & omnificas Merlini consulit arts, Mentiturque ducis habitus, & rege latente, Induit absentis praesentia Gorlois ora, Whiles Pendragon that could not quench his flaming heats of love, But bear a mind adulterous still, by means broke in above To Tindagel, disguised in face, by Merlin taught thereto, By magic and inchauntments strange, which all such feats could do. Duke Gorloes habit, absent then that was, he took by guile; But presence of the King in place he did conceal the while. This Uther Pendragon verily was a Prince flourishing in Martial feats, & who valiantly upheld the decaying state of his country against the English Saxons: But whether came from him, That Royal Banner in England, having the portrait of a Dragon with a golden head, Banners. whereof of neighbour nations have had experience, and which in far Lands beyond sea was under King Richard the First, terrible to the Panims, I dare not avouch: I would believe rather, it was received from the Romans, who a long time used the Eagle, after that Marius had rejected the Ensigns of a Wolf, of Minotaurus, of an Horse, etc. And in the end under the latter Emperors, took them to the Dragon: Whereupon Claudianus writeth thus: — Hij picta Draconum Calla levant— The banners these advance aloft With speckled necks of Dragons wrought. And Nemesianus: Signa micant, sinuatque truces levis aura Dracones. Their Ensigns shine, and Dragons fell that therein pictured show, Wave to and fro with whiffs of wind, as it doth gently blow. And Hoveden showeth, that the West Saxon Kings used to carry in their Banners, the Dragon. Tufa, a Banner. As for another Banner of the English, which Beda called Tufa, as also the Danes, Reafan, I will say nothing of them in this place, for fear I may seem to have digressed too far from my purpose. Between Padstow and Tindagel, inwardly there extendeth a fruitful vein, and therein flourish the families of Roscarrock, Carnsew, Penkevell, cavel, Pencavell, of ancient name and great respect in this coast. Forward still, Eastward on the same coast which is open, barren, and destitute of woods, Botereaux. there butteth upon the sea Botereaux Castle, corruptly by the common people, called Boscastle, built by the Lords Botereaux, who gave for their arms three Buffoons, toads sable in a shield Argent. William Botereaux was the first famous man of honour in this family, who married Alice the daughter of Robert Corbet, whose sister was Paramour to King Henry the First, of whom he begat Reginald Earl of Cornwall. From this William there flourished eleven successively in order. But Margaret the only daughter and sole heir of the last, was wedded unto Robert Hungerford: by whose posterity the Inheritance is devolved upon the family of the Hastings, which inheritance was augmented, and became more honourable by marriages, that those of Botereaux contracted with the heirs of the Noble houses, De Moeles, S. Laud, commonly called, S. Lo, and Thweng. * De Sancto Laud●. From hence the Land shooting forth into the Sea, extendeth itself so far northward, that the country carrieth here full three and twenty miles in breadth, between the two seas, which hitherto went on still drawn after a sort together into a narrow strait. In this greatest breadth of it, standeth Stow upon the seaside, the ancient habitation of the Creenvils: Stow. greenvil's. which verily for Antiquity and Nobleness of birth is a famous house: out of which one Richard, in the reign of William * Rous. Rufus, was for his valour much renowned among those worthy Knights that subdued Glamorganshire in Wales: and another of late days surnamed likewise Richard, for his magnanimity surpassing the Nobility of his blood, fight most valiantly against the Spaniards at the Lands of Tercera, lost his life, as I shall show more fully in my Annals. To this Stratton lieth close to a market Town of no mean name amongst the neighbours for their gardens, Stratton. and good garlic: and next unto it Lancels a fair new seat of that old family, de Calvo monte, or, Chaumond. The river TAMARA, now TAMAR, showing his head here not far from the northern shore, The river Tamar. taketh his course with a swift running stream southward; increased with the channels of many rivulets hard by TAMARA, a Town mentioned by Ptolomee, now called Tamerton, by Tamar an ancient Manor of the Trevilions, to whom by marriage, the Inheritance of Walesborough and Ralegh of Netlested descended: also, by Lanstuphadon, that is, Saint Stephens, commonly and contractly Launston, which standeth farther off from his bank: a proper little Town this is, situate upon the pitch of a pretty hill, which of two Burgards, Dunevet and Newport, is grown as it were, into one Burgh. At the first coming of the Normans, William Earl of Moriton, built a Castle there; and had a College of * Canon●corum. Canons, or Secular Priests, as appear out of doomsday book, wherein it is named Launstaveton, of that College, no doubt, Launston. built in the honour of Saint Stephen, which Reginald Earl of Cornwall, about the year of our Lord 1150, turned into a monastery. Against which pious work of his, the Bishops of Excester, carried away over much and seduced with humane and private affection, were very maliciously bend, as fearing exceedingly, lest one day it would become a Bishop's seat, and so prejudice and impeach their jurisdiction. At this day this Town is best known, by reason of the common Goal of the country, and the Assizes, which are often times kept there. Then Tamar looketh up unto an high hill stretched out in length, with a vast head, which Marianus nameth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and interpreteth it, Hengists mount▪ commonly called, Hengston-hill. Which in times past was so plentiful of Tin veins, that the country people had this by word of it, [Hengston down well ywrought,] [Is worth London dear ybought.] And it was an ordinary place, where every seven or eight year, the stannary men of Cornwall and Denshire, were wont in great frequency, to assemble together, and to consult about their affairs. At this hill in the year of savation DCCCXXXI, the British Danmonij, who calling the Danes to aid them of purpose to break into Devonshire, that they might drive out the English from thence, who already possessed themselves of the country, were piteous defeated by King Egbert, and slain almost to the very last man. Beneath it Tamar leaveth Halton the habitation of the Rouses, anciently Lords of Little Modbery in Devonshire, and running nigh unto Salt-Esse, a pretty market Town seated in the descent of an hill, which hath a Major and certain privileges of their own, Salt-Esse. as I said erewhile, it entertaineth the river Liver, on which standeth that same Town of Saint Germans, whereof I spoke before. And now by this time spreading broader, dischargeth itself into the Ocean, making the haven which in the life of Saint Indractus, is called Tamerworth, after it hath severed Cornwall from Denshire. For Athelstane, the first English King that brought this country absolute under his dominion, appointed this river to be the bound or limit, between the Britan's of Cornwall, and his Englishmen after he had removed the Britan's out of Denshire, as witnesseth William of Malmsburie, who calleth it Tambra. Whereupon Alexander Necham, in his Praises of divine wisdom, writeth thus: Loegriae Tamaris divisor Cornubiaeque, Indigenas ditat pinguibus Isiciis. Tamar that Lhoegres doth divide from Cornwall in the west, The neighbour-dwellers richly serves with Salmon of the best. The place requireth here, Saint Ursula, and 11000. Virgins. that I should say somewhat of the holy and devout virgin Ursula descended from hence, as also of the eleven thousand British Virgins. But such is the variety of Writers, whiles some report they suffered martyrdom under Gratian the Emperor about the year of our Lord CCCLXXXIII, upon the coast of Germany, as they sailed to Armorica; others by Attlia the Hun, that scourge of God, in the year CCCCL. at Coline upon Rhine, as they returned from Rome; that with some it hath brought the truth of the History into suspicion of a vain fable. And as touching that Constantine, whom Gildas termeth a tyrannous whelp of the unclean Danmonian Lioness; as also of the Disforresting of all this country, (for before time it was reputed a Forest) let Historians speak, for it is no part of my purpose. As for the Earls, Earls of Cornwall. none of British blood, are mentioned but only Candorus (called by others Cadocus) who is accounted by late writers, the last Earl of Cornwall, of British race, and as they which are skilful in Heraldry, have a tradition, bare XV. Besaunts V. FOUR III. II. and I. in a shield Sable. But of the Normans blood the first Earl was Robert of Moriton, half brother to William Conqueror, by Herlotta, their mother; after whom succeeded William his son: who when he had sided with Robert of Normandy against Henry the First, King of England, being taken prisoner in battle, lost both his liberty, and his honours; and at last turned Monk at Bermondsey. Then Reginald, a base son of Henry the First, by the daughter of Sir Robert Corber, (for, that King plied getting children so lustfully, as that he was father of thirteen Bastards) was placed in his room. Robert de Monte. 1175. This Reginald dying without issue male legitimate, King Henry the Second, having assigned unto his daughter's certain lands and Lordships, reserved this Earldom to himself, for the ●ehoore of his own youngest son john, a child of nine years old, upon whom his brother Richard the First conferred it afterwards with other Earldoms. This john afterward was crowned King of England, and his second son Richard, was by his brother King Henry the Third, endowed with this honour, and the Earldom of Poictou: a Prince verily in those days puissant, in God's service devout and religious, in war right valiant, for counsel sage and prudent, who in Aquitaine fought battles with fortunate success, and showed much valour: and having made a voyage into the Holy Land, enforced the Saracens to make truce with him: the Kingdom of Apulia, offered unto him by the Pope he refused; the troubles and tumults in England, he often times composed; and in the year of our Lord MCCLVIL. by some of the Prince's Electours of Germany was chosen King of the Romans, and crowned at Aquisgrane: whereupon, as if he had made means thereto by money, this verse was so ri●e and currant every where. Nummus ait pro me, nubit Cornubia Romae. For me, my money, sayeth this, Cornwall to Rome now wedded is. For, so well moneyed he was before, that one, who then lived, hath put down in writing, that for ten years together he might dispend one hundred marks a day. But when as Germany was all on a light fire with civil wars among competitors of the Empire, he returned quickly into England, where he departed this life, and was interred in the famous Monastery of Hales which he had built; a little after that his first begotten son Henry, newly in his return from the Holy Land, whiles he was at divine service, devoutly occupied within a church at Viterbium in Italy, was by Guy de Montfort, son of Simon Montfort Earl of Leceister, in revenge of his father's death, wickedly slain. Edmund therefore, his second son succeeded in the Earldom of Cornwall; who died without any lawful issue: and so his high and great estate of inheritance returned to King Edward the First, as who was the next unto him in blood, and * Haeresinventus. found (as our Lawyers say) his heir. Whereas that Richard and Edmund his son, Princes of the blood Royal of England, bare diverse Arms from the Arms Royal of England, to wit, in a shield argent, a Lion rampant, gules crowned, or, within a border sables Bezante, I have with others oftentimes much marvelled at: neither (I assure you) can I allege any other reason, but that they in this point imitated the house Royal of France, (for the manner of bearing Arms came from the French men unto us.) For, the younger sons of the Kings of France, even to the time we now speak of, bore other coats than the Kings themselves did, as we may see in the family of Vermandois, Dreux, and Courtney: and as Robert Duke of Burgundy, brother to Henry the First, * ●ande d' Or & d' Azure ala bordeure de Gueules. Memoriales de Aquitaine. King of France, took unto him the ancient shield of the Dukes of Burgundy: so we may well think, that this Richard having received the Earldom of Poictou, from Henry the Third his brother, assumed unto him that Lion gules crowned, which belonged to the Earls of Poictou before him, (as the French writers do record) and added thereto the border garnished with Besaunts, out of the ancient coat of the Earls of Cornwall. For so soon as the younger sons of the Kings of France began to bear the Arms of France with differences, semblably they did among us, and began first at Edward the First his children. But whither am I carried away from my purposed matter, as forgetting myself in the delight I take of mine own study, and profession? When Cornwall was thus reverted unto the Crown, King Edward the Second, who had received from his father fair lands and possessions here, bestowed the title of Earl of Cornwall, upon Piers Gaveston a Gascon, who had ensnared his youth by the allurements of corrupt life: But when as he for corrupting the Prince, and for other heinous crimes, was by the Nobles intercepted, and beheaded; there succeeded him john of Eltham, a younger son of Edward the Second, advanced thereto by his brother Edward the Third, Dukes of Cornwall. who dying young, and without issue also, Edward the Third erected Cornwall into a Dukedom, and invested Edward his son a Prince most accomplished with martial prowess, in the year of Christ 1336. Duke of Cornwall, by a wreath on his head, a Ring upon his finger, and a silver verge. Since which time, that I may note so much under warrant of record, (let the skilful Lawyers judge thereof) the King of England's eldest son is reputed Duke of Cornwall by birth, and by virtue of a special Act, the very first day of his nativity is presumed and taken to be of full and perfect age, so that he may sue that day for his livery of the said Dukedom, and aught by right to obtain the same, as well as if he had been full one and twenty years old: Orig. 35. H. 6. and he hath his Royalties in certain actions, in Stannary matters, in wracks at sea, customs, etc. yea, and diverse ministers or officers assigned unto him, for these and such like matters. But more plainly, and fully instructed are we in these points by Richard Carew of Anthony, a Gentleman ennobled no less in regard of his Parentage, and descent, than for his virtue, and learning, who hath published, and perfected the description of this country more at large, and not in a slight, and mean manner, whom I must needs acknowledge to have given me much light herein. There be in this County Parishes 161. DEVONIAE Comitatus Vulgo Den Shire quam olim DANMONII Populi Incoluerunt DENSHIRE. THe nearer or hithermore region of the Danmonians, that I speak of, is now commonly called Denshire, by the Cornish-britaines' Devinan, and by the Welsh Britain's Duffneint, that is, Low valleys, for that the people dwell for the most part beneath in vales: by the English Saxons Deven- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whereof grew the Latin name Devonia, and by that contraction, which the vulgar people useth, Denshire; and not of the Danes, as some smatterers of mean knowledge most stiffly maintain: a country which as it extendeth itself both ways wider than Cornwall, so is it harbourous on either side with more commodious Havens, no less enriched with tin mines, especially Westward; garnished with pleasanter meadows, sightly with greater store of woods, and passing well replenished with Towns, and buildings. But the soil in some places again, is as lean, and barren: which not withstanding yieldeth fruit to the Husbandman plenteously, so that he be skilful in husbandry, and both can take pains, and be able withal to defray the cost. Neither is there in all England almost any place where the ground requireth greater charges: Sand, making grounds fruitful. For, in most parts thereof it groweth in manner barren, if it be not overstrewed, and mingled with a certain sand from the Sea, which is of great efficacy to procure fertility, by quickening, as it were, and giving life unto the glebe: and therefore in places far from the shore it is bought at a dear rate. In describing of this region, I will first travel over the Westside, as the river Tamara runneth along, and then the South coast which bordereth on the Ocean: From whence by the Eastern bounds where it confineth upon Dorset, & Somerset shires, I will return back unto the Northern, which is hemmed in with the Severne Sea. Tamar which divideth these two shires, first on this part receiveth into it from the East a rivelet called Lid, which passeth by Coriton, and K. Sidenham small townlets, but which have given surnames to ancient, and worshipful families, to Lidstow a little market Town, and Lidford, now a small village, but in ancient time, a famous Town, which in the year 997. was most grievously shaken, and despoiled by the furious rage of the Danes, (which as it is written in that book, whereby William the First took the survey and value of England) was not wont to be rated and asceased at any other time, nor otherwise than London was. That little river Lid, here at the bridge, gathered into a straight, and penned in between rocks, runneth down amain, and holloweth the ground daily more and more so deep, that his water is not seen; only a roaring noise is heard to the great wonder of those that pass over. Beneath it, Tavistoke. The Charter of the foundation. Tamar receiveth Teave a little river, on which Teavistok, commonly called Tavistoke flourisheth, a town in times past famous for the Abbey there, which Ordulph, the son of Ordgare Earl of Devonshire, (admonished by a vision from heaven) built about the year of our Saviour Christ Dcccclxj. a place, as William of Malmesburie describeth it, Pleasant in regard of the groves standing so conveniently about it, and of the plenteous fishing there, for the handsome and uniform building also of the Church, for the sewers from the river passing down along by the houses of office, which run with such a force of their own, that they carry away with them all the superfluity they find. Saint Rumon is much spoked of, and lies as Bishop there. There is to be seen also in the same Abbey, the Sepulchre of that Ordgar before named: and the huge bigness of his son's tomb, who was called Ordulph, is thought to be a rare thing worth the sight: for he was a man of a mighty stature giant like, and of exceeding great strength, as who was able to burst in sunder the bars of great gates, and to stride over the rivelet there, ten foot broad; if ye list to believe the said William. But scarcely had this Abbey stood thirty year after it was first founded, when the Danes in their spoiling rage burnt it to the ground: yet it flourished again, and by a laudable ordinance, lectures therein were kept of our ancient language (I mean the English Saxon tongue) which continued even to our father's days; Lectures of the Saxon tongue. for fear lest the said language (a thing that now is well near come to pass) should be forgotten. Tamar having thus received the Teave, draweth now very near unto his mouth, where he and the river Plime together fall into the Ocean: of which river the Town adjoining to it, Plymouth. 13. Henry 4. is called Plymouth: sometime named Sutton: and seemeth to have consisted of two parts. For, we read in the Parliamentary Acts, of Sutton * De valle tarta. Vautort, and Sutton Prior, because it belonged partly to the family of the Vautorts, and partly to the Prior. Of late time it became of a poor fisher village to be a great Town, and for the number of Inhabitants grown to that pass, (as now it is to be seen) that it may be compared with a City. Such is the commodiousness of the haven, which without striking sail admitteth into the bosom thereof the tallest ships that be, & doth harbour them very safely, as well within Tamar as Plime, and beside against hostility sufficiently fortified: For, before the very midst of the haven's mouth, lieth S. Michael's Isle, strongly fortified both by nature, and art: as for the haven itself at the very Town, it hath fortifications on both sides, and is chained over when need requireth, having on the South side a Pier against it, and upon an hill next adjoining a Castle built, as it is thought, by the * Valle tortis, ●ive de valle torta. Vautorts. The whole Town is divided into four * Custodias. Wards, governed by a * Praetor. Major, ordained there by K. Henry the Sixth, and under him every ward had in times past a Captain set over it, each of them likewise had his inferior officers. As touching that fabulous wrestling between Corinaeus, Gogmagog. and Gogmagog the Giant in this place, let it suffice to set down a verse or two out of Architrenius concerning the same, and the Western Giants. Hos, avidum belli robur Corinaeus Averno Praecipitis misit, cubitis ter quatuor altum Gogmagog Herculeâ suspendit in aere luctâ; Anthaeumque suum scopulo detrusit in aequor. Potavitque dato Thetis ebria sanguine fluctus, Divisumque tulit mare corpus, Cerberus umbram. These martial monsters, Giants strong, by Corinaeus slain; With Gogmagog twelve cubits high, a combat did remain: Whom up he hanged 'twixt heaven and earth, (thus once Alcides hung Antaeus fell) and from the rock into the Sea him flung. His blood gave Thetis the waves to drink (her self therewith was drunk) His grisly ghost had Cerberus, when body torn was sunk. As for that rock, from whence, they say, this Giant was cast down, it is now called the Haw: a very hill standing between the Town and the Ocean: on the top whereof, which lieth spread into a most pleasant plain, there is a right delectable, and goodly prospect every way, and for the use of Sailors a very fair Compass erected. The circuit of this Town not great, but much renowned it is among foreign nations: and not so much for the commodious haven, as the valour of the Inhabitants in sea services of all sorts. Francis Drake. For (to say nothing of all others) from hence was Sir Francis Drake that famous Knight, and most skilful man at sea in our days; who first (as I have heard himself relate) to repair the losses which he had sustained at the Spaniards hands, for two years' space together with victorious success held and kept the Bay of Mexico as it were besieged, and travailed over the * Narrow passage. Isthmus of Dariena: From whence when he had once beheld the South sea (as the Spaniards call it) as another Themistocles stirred up with the Trophies of Miltiades, thought he should have neglected himself, his country, and his own glory, unless he sailed over it, which continually presented itself as an object to his adventurous mind. In the year therefore 1577. putting to sea from hence, he entered into the streits of Magellan, and in two years and ten months, through many alternative varieties of fortune, God being his guide, and valour his consort, was the next after Magellanus, that sailed round about the world. Whereupon, one wrote thus unto him. Drake, pererrati novit quem terminus orbis, Quemque semel mundi vidit uterque polus. Si taceant homines, facient te sidera notum, Sol nescit comitis immemor esse sui. Sir Drake, whom well the world's end knows, which thou didst compass round: And whom both poles of heaven once saw, which North and South do bound: The Stars above will make thee known, if men here silent were, The Sun himself cannot forget his fellow-travailler. The rest of his noble exploits, and of others who descended from hence taking example by him, flourished in glorious atchivements by sea, seeing it belongs not to this place, let Historians record in writing. Neither have I ought else to say more of this Town, but that in the reign of William * Rous. Rufus, there flourished here one Ealphege, a learned and married Priest. For, until the year 1102. Priests in England were not forbidden to have their wives. The first ti● that Priests were forbidden marriage Then, Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury violently forced both the sacred Scripture, and nature also, as our writers in those days do complain, and namely, Henry of Huntingdon expressly of Anselm in these terms: He prohibited English Priests to have wives, who beforetime were not prohibited. Which, as some thought to be a matter of greatest purity: so others again took it to be most perilous, lest while by this means they aimed at cleanness above their power, they should fall into horrible uncleanness, to the exceeding great shame of Christianity. More inward in the country, and yet not far from the water of Plim, is Plimpton seated, a market Town, well frequented, where the remnants, and deformed ruins of a Castle show themselves: of which many men have holden as our Lawyers term it, in Castle guard; for it was the chief seat of the Redversies, or the Riparii, (for both we read) who were Barons of Plimpton, and Earls of Denshire. Next unto this, stood Plimpton S. Marry, the glory whereof then fell to decay, when as not long since the College there of Canons was dissolved, which William Warlewast, Bishop of Exeter, in old time had founded. More, Eastward you see Modburie, a little Town, which acknowledgeth itself to appertain to the ancient and right worshipful family of the Campernulphs, Knights, who also are called in old Deeds De campo Arnulphi, but commonly Champernouns, which received much advancement and reputation by the heir of the Uautorts. From Plims' mouth, Stert Caud● in Dutch a Tail. where the South shore of this region beginneth, the country runneth along with a large and great front as far as to Stert, a cape or promontory (for, so the word in the English Saxon tongue signifieth) but so soon as the shore hath drawn itself back land-ward, the river Dert breaketh out, which arising from the inward part of the country runneth down apace, through certain lean and high grounds, called thereupon Dertmore, (wherein of late were Lode stones found) and carrieth down with it certain grit, and sand out of the Tin-mines, (which by little and little choke up the channel) through the Forest of Dortmore, where David of Sciredun held lands in Sciredun, and Siplegh, by this tenure or service, to find two arrows, when the King his sovereign Lord should come to hunt in that Forest: From thence by Dertinton▪ a Barony sometimes of the martin's, who were Lords of Keimes in Wales, Totnes. it holdeth in his stream unto Totnes. Which being an ancient little Town standing pendant upon the fall of an hill, East, and West, flourished sometime in great honour. It paid no * Non geld● tribute, as we find in Doomsday, the survey-book of England, but when Exeter paid; and than it yielded xl. d. and did service, if any expedition marched by land, or went by sea: and Totnes, Barnestaple and Lidford served and paid, as much as Exeter. King John granted unto it power to choose a Major for the chief Magistrate: Edward the First enriched it with sundry liberties; and about that time it was fortified with a Castle by the Zouches, as the Inhabitants are persuaded. The possession it was in times passed of one judaël, surnamed De Totnais; afterwards of William Briwer a right noble personage, by one of whose daughters it came to the Breoses, and from them by a daughter likewise to George De * Cantlow. Cantelupo, Lord of Abergeveny, whose sister Melicent wedded unto Eudo De la Zouch, Lord Zo● called usu● brought it in by her marriage to the family of the Barons La Zouches: and theirs it was, until that John, Lord Zouch being attaint and proscribed, because he took part with King Richard the Third, Henry the Seventh bestowed it frankly (as I have heard say) upon Peter Edgecombe a noble and wise gentleman. Adjoining to this town is Berie Pomerie, so called of the Pomeries a right noble house in those parts, which a little more Eastward, and somewhat farther from the river side, had a very proper Castle of their own. These derive their pedigree from Radulph Pomerie, who in William Conquerors time held Which, Dunwinesdon, Brawerdine, Pudeford, Horewood, Toriland, Helecom, and this Berie, etc. Of this Totnes, the strand or shore adjoining, was called in old time Totonese: where (as the British History saith) Brutus the founder of the British nation first landed, and Havillanus, as a Poet, relying thereon versified in this wise: Ind dato cursu, Brutus comitatus Achate, Gallorum spoliis cumulatis navibus aequor Exarat, & superis, auraque faventibus usus, Littora foelices intrat Totonesia portus. Thence hoising sails with Gaulish spoils the fleet fraight sea doth take Our Brutus with his trustiest friend; and through waves way doth make: The Gods looked cheerful on his course, the wind he had at will; At Totnesse shore, that happy haven, arrived he and stood still. But, that river Dert, whereof I spoke, having passed beyond Totnes bridge, at which it leaveth whole heap of sands brought down by his stream from out of the Tin mines, hath for prospect on both sides, nothing but fruitful fields, until he come all weary with his long course, to his mouth; over which upon an hill reaching forth in length, Dertmouth. standeth Dertmouth a Port Town, by reason of the commodious haven, defended with two Castles, much frequented with Merchants and furnished with very good shipping. A Major it hath, by the grant of King Edward the Third. For Lords it acknowledged long since the Zouches, Nicolas of Teukesbury, and the Brients, according to the variable change of the times: and hath sundry times defended itself stoutly against the French: but especially in the year of Christ 1404. Monsieur De Castell, a Frenchman, who by his men of war and piracies had stopped all intercourse of traffic in those parts, and burned Plymouth, whiles he invaded this place, was by women, and country people intercepted, and slain with all his company. And here I must not pass over in silence Stoke Fleming that lieth hard by, Stoke Fleming. and which taking that name of a noble man of Flanders, sometime Lord thereof, came by the daughter of Mohun to the Carewes. From this place, as the shore giveth back Northward, the sea followeth in upon it, and by that means with a large and spacious creek, which taketh about ten miles in circuit maketh a bay, called now Torbay: a very safe road and harbour for ships when the South-west wind is aloft; Briew. and hath fast by it a little village so called, where sometime the Briewrs dwelled, and built a religious house, who in the days of King Richard the First, See Sommersetshire. and King John, were men of great renown and revenue: and afterward the habitation it was of the Wakes. near unto it is Cockington, where the family of the Caries (a different house from that of the Carewes) hath flourished a long time in great honour and estimation; Carry of Cockington. out of which the Barons of Hunsdon, concerning whom I will speak more in due place, are descended. A little higher appears in sight Hacombe, Hacombe. the habitation in old time of Sir jordan Fitz-Stephen Knight, surnamed of this place, de Hacombe: by whose daughter and heir Cecilie, it came into the family of the Archdeacon's; From which likewise by Hugh Courtney in process of time, it was devolved upon the Carewes, The family of the carew's. whose house in these parts is reputed very worshipful, and spread into many branches. For, Jane the daugther of the said Hugh, and heir to her mother, being joined in marriage to Nicolas Baron Carew, brought him many children: and when the eldest of them, named Thomas, used not his mother with such dutiful respect as a son ought, she made a conveyance of that great, and wealthy inheritance to her three younger sons (from whom those three families of the carew's, de Hacombe, Anthony, and Bery are sprung) and to john Vere, a son that she had by a second husband, from whom the Earls of Oxford are issued. Then meet you with Teignemouth a little village at the mouth of the river Teigne, whereof it hath also the name: where the Danes that were sent before to discover the situation of Britain, Danes when they first entered Britain. and to sound the landing places, being first set a shore about the year of Salvation 800. and having slain the governor of the place, took it as an ominous good token of future victory; which indeed afterward they followed with extreme cruelty through the whole Island. More inward, near unto the source of the river Teigne is Chegford seated, where flourished sometime the noble family of the Prows: then Chidley, which gave the name to that great house, and lineage of the Chidleyes: and next unto the very mouth thereof, Bishops Teignton, so called because it belonged to the Bishops; in which because there was a Sanctuary, john Grandison descended out of Burgundy, Bishop of Exeter, as presaging what would ensue in future time built a very fair house, to the end that his Successors (these are the very words of his testament) might have a place whereon to lean, and lay their heads, if happily their Temporalities should be seized into the King's hands. But so far was it off that his purpose took effect, that his successors have not only lost that house, but also been quite desseized now well near of all the rest. About six miles from thence, the river * The River Ex. Isc, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention, which the Britain's call Isc, and the English-Saxons Ex, with a large channel runneth into the Ocean. Whether it took this name of Iscaw, that signifieth in the British tongue Elders trees, I wot not. Some fetch it from Reeds, which the Britain's call Hesk, Pliny. wherewith Northern nations, (and such are the Britain's) thatched, and covered their houses, yea and fastened together, as it were, with solder, the joints of their ships. But considering that there be no reeds here found, I am not hasty to give credit thereto. This river hath his head, and springeth first in a weely, and barren ground named Exmore, near unto Severn sea, a great part whereof is counted within Sommersetshire: Antic stones. and wherein, there are seen certain monuments of antic work, to wit, Stones pitched in order, some triangle wise, others in a round circle: and one among the rest with an Inscription in Saxon letters, or Danish rather, to direct those (as it should seem) who were to travail that way. Now this Ex or Isc beginning his course first from thence Southward by Twifordton, Tiverton. so called of two fords, but commonly Teverton, a Town standing much upon clothing, to the great gain, and credit thereof, passeth forward through a fair country of good, and fertile fields, and is augmented with two especial rivulets, Creden from the West, and Columb from the East. Upon Creden in the Primitive Church of the Saxons, there flourished an Episcopal See, in a Town of the same name, anciently called Cridiantun, now by contraction Kirton: where that Winifrid or Boniface was borne, who converted the Hessians, Thuringers, and Frisians of Germany unto Christ, and for that was accounted the Apostle of Germany, and canonised a Saint. At this present, it is of no great reckoning, but for a small market, and the Bishop of Exeter his house there: but within our father's remembrance of much greater name, and request it was for a College there of twelve Prebendaries, who now are all vanished and gone. The river Columb that cometh from the East, passeth hard by Columbton, a little Town bearing his name: which King Alfred by his Testament, bequeathed to his younger son: Poltimore. and near unto Poltimore the seat of that worshipful, and right ancient family of Bampfield, * Ex. intermingleth itself with the waters of Ex. And now by this time, Isc or Ex growing bigger, and sporting himself, as it were, with spreading into many streams, very commodious for mills, hieth apace, and cometh close to the City of Excester, unto which he leaveth his name: whereupon Alexander Necham writeth thus, in his Poem of Divine sapience: Exoniae fama celeberimus Iscianomen Praebuit,— To Excester, Ex a River of fame (First Iscia called) imposed the name. This City Ptolomee calleth ISCA, Antoninus ISCA DUNMONIORUM, for DANMONIORUM; others (but falsely) Augusta, as if the second Legion Augusta had there been resident; Whereas, we shall show hereafter that it kept station, and residence in * Caer Leon or uske in Monmouth shire. Excester. ISCA SILURUM. The English Saxons termed it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Monketon, of the Monks, at this day it is called Excester, in Latin Exonia, in British Caerisk, Caeauth, and Pencaer, that is, a head or principal City. For Caer, (to tell you once for all) with our * Welshmen. Caer, what it signifieth. Britan's is as much to say, as a City, whereupon they use to name Jerusalem, Caer Salem; Lutetia or Paris, Caer Paris; Rome, Caer Ruffaine. Thus Carthage in the Punic tongue, was called, as Solinus witnesseth, Cartheia, that is, the new City. I have heard likewise, that Caer in the Syriack tongue, signified, a City. Now seeing that the Syrians, as all men confess, peopled the whole world with their Colonies, it may seem probable, that they left their tongue also to their posterity, as the mother of all future languages. This City, as saith William of Malmesbury, albeit the soil adjoining be wet, foul and wealie, scarce able to bring forth hungry oats, and many times empty husks without grain in them, yet by reason of the stateliness of the place, the riches of the Inhabitants, and frequent concourse of strangers, all kind of traffic, and commerce of merchants is there so fresh, that a man can ask there for no necessary, but he may have it. Scituate it is on the Eastward bank of the river Ex, upon a little hill gently arising with an easy ascent to a pretty height, the pendant whereof lieth East, and West, environed about with ditches, and very strong walls, having many turrets orderly interposed, and containeth in circuit a mile and a half, having suburbs running out a great way on each side. In it there are xv. Parish-Churches, and in the very highest part thereof, near the East gate, a Castle called Rugemont, sometime the seat of the West Saxon Kings, and afterwards of the Earls of Cornwall: but at this day commended for nothing else, but the antiquity and situation thereof. For it commandeth the whole City, and territory about it, and hath a very pleasant prospect into the sea. In the East quarter of the City, is to be seen the Cathedral Church in the midst of many fair houses round about it, founded as the private history of the place witnesseth, by King Athelstan in the honour of Saint Peter, and replenished with Monks: which Church at length Edward the Confessor after he had removed some of the Monks from thence to Westminster, and translated thither the Bishops Sees of Cornwall, and Kirton, adorned with Episcopal Dignity, and made Leofrike the Britan first Bishop there: whose Successors augmented the Church both with Edifices, and also with revenues: and William Bruier the ninth Bishop after him, when the Monks were displaced, brought in a Dean, and twenty and four Prebendaries. In which age flourished Joseph Iscanus borne here, and from hence taking his surname, a Poet of most excellent wit, whose writings were so well approved, as that they had equal commendation with the works of ancient Poets: For, his Poem of the Trojan war, was divulged once or twice in Germany under the name of Cornelius Nepos. Cornel. Nepos. When this City * Excester. Isca came under the Roman Jurisdiction it appeareth not for certain: For, so far off am I from thinking that Vespasian won it, (as Geffrey of Monmouth affirmeth) what time as he warring in Britain under Claudius the Emperor, was showed by the Destinies unto the world, that I think it was then scarcely built. Yet in the time of the Antonines, it may seem to have been well known: for hither, and no farther this way did Antonine specify any place in his way-faring book. It came not fully to the English-Saxons hands before the 465. year after their entrance into Britain. William Malmesbury. For, at that time Athelstane expelled the Britan's quite out of the City, who before had inhabited it in equal right with the Saxons, yea, and drove them beyond Tamar, and then fortified the City round about with a rampire, and wall of foursquare stone, and other bulwarks for defence. Since which time, many benefits by the Kings have been bestowed upon it, and among the rest, as we read in William the conquerors * doomsday. book, This City paid no tribute, but when London, York, and Winchester paid, and that was half a mark of silver for a soldier's service. And when there was any expedition set out either by sea or land, it served in proportion to five hides. It hath been likewise from time to time much afflicted, once spoiled and sore shaken, by the furious outrages of the Danes, in the year of our redemption 875. but most grievously by Suen the Dane in the year 1003. at which time by the treachery of one Hugh a Norman Governor of the city, it was razed and ruined along from the East gate to the West. And scarcely began it to flourish again, when William the Conqueror, most straightly beleaguered it: when the Citizens in the mean while thought it not sufficient to shut their gates against him, but malapartly let fly taunts, and flouts at him: but when a piece of their wall fell down, by the special hand of God, as the Historians of that age report, they yielded immediately thereupon. At which time, as we find in the said survey-booke of his, The King had in this City three hundred houses: it paid fifteen pounds by the year, and forty houses were destroyed after that the King came into England. After this it was thrice besieged, and yet it easily avoided all: First, by Hugh Courtney Earl of Denshire in that civil war between the two houses of Lancaster and York: then, by Perkin Warbeck that imaginary, counterfeit and pretended Prince, who being a young man of a very base condition, feigning himself to be Richard Duke of York, the second son of King Edward the Fourth, stirred up dangerous stirs against Henry the Seventh: thirdly, by seditious Rebels of Cornwall, in the year of Christ 1549: at which time the Citizens, most grievously pinched though they were with scarcity of all things, continued nevertheless in their faith and allegiance, until that john Lord Russell, raised the siege, and delivered them. But Excester received not so great damage at these enemy's hands, as it did by certain dams, which they call Wears, that Edward Courtney Earl of Denshire, taking high displeasure against the Citizens, made in the river Ex, which stop the passage so, that no vessel can come up to the City; but since that time all merchandise is carried by land from Topesham three miles off. And albeit it hath been decreed by Act of Parliament, Weare. to take away these Wears, yet they continue there still. Hereupon, the little Town adjoining is call Wear, being aforetime named, Heneaton: which was sometime the possession of Augustine de Baa: from whom in right of inheritance it descended to john Holland, who in his signet which myself have seen bare a Lion rampant, Ch. 24. Ed. 3 gardant among flowers de Lys. The civil government of this City is in the power of four and twenty persons: out of whom there is from year to year a Major elected; who with four Bailiffs ruleth here the State. As touching the Geographical description of this place, the old tables of Oxford have set down the longitude thereof to be nineteen degrees, and eleven scruples: the latitude fifty degrees, and forty scruples or minutes. This City; Dukes of E●cester. that I may not omit so much, hath had three Dukes. For, Richard the Second of that name, King of England, created john Holland Earl of Huntingdon and his brother by the mother's side, the first Duke of Excester: whom Henry the Fourth deposed from this dignity, and left unto him the name only of Earl of Huntingdon: and soon after for conspiracy against the King he lost both it and his life by the hatchet. Some few years after, Henry the Fifth set in his place Thomas Beaufort of the house of Lancaster, See the Ear●● of Dorset. and Earl of Dorset, a right noble and worthy warrior. When he was dead leaving no issue behind him, John Holland son of that aforesaid John, (as heir unto his brother Richard who died without children, and to his father both) being restored to his blood, by the favour and bounty of King Henry the Sixth recovered his father's honour; and left the same to Henry his son, who so long as the Lancastrians stood upright, flourished in very much honour; but afterwards when the family of York, was a float and had rule of all, gave an example to teach men, how ill trusting it is to great Fortunes. For this was that same Henry, Duke of Excester, Philip Comi●●us, cap. 50. who albeit he had wedded King Edward the Fourth his sister, was driven to such misery, that he was seen all tottered, torn, and barefooted to beg for his living in the Low countries. And in the end after Barnet field fought, wherein he bore himself valiantly against Edward the Fourth, was no more seen, until his dead body (as if he had perished by Shipwreck) was cast upon the shore of Kent. A good while after this, Henry Courtney, Earl of Denshire, the son of Katherine daughter to King Edward the Fourth, was advanced to the honour of marquis of Excester by Henry the Eighth, marquis of Excester. and designed heir apparent. But this marquis as well as the first Duke was by his high parentage, cast into a great tempest of troubles, wherein as a man subject to suspicions, and desirous of a change in the State, he was quickly overthrown. And among other matters because he had with money, and counsel assisted Reginald Poole (afterwards Cardinal) than a fugitive; practising with the Emperor and the Pope, against his own Country, and the King who had now abrogated the Pope's authority; he was judicially arraigned, and being condemned, with some others, 1605. lost his head. But now of late by the favour of King james, Thomas Cecil Lord Burleigh, enjoyeth the title of Earl of Excester, a right good man, and the worthy son of so excellent a father, being the eldest son of William Cecil Lord Burleigh, high Treasurer of England, whose wisdom for a long time was the support of peace, and England's happy quietness. From Excester, going to the very mouth of the River, I find no monument of Antiquity, but Exminster, sometime called Exanminster, bequeathed by King Elfred to his younger son; Pouderham. and Pouderham Castle built by Isabella de * Redvers or Rivers. Ripariis, the seat long time of that most noble family of the Courtneys, Knights: who being lineally descended from the stock of the Earls of Denshire, and allied by affinity to most honourable houses, flourish still at this day, most worthy of their descent from so high Ancestors. Under Pouderham, Ken a pretty brook entereth into Ex, which riseth near Holcombe, Holcombe. Burnet. where in a Park is a fair place built by Sir Thomas Denis, whose family fetcheth their first offspring and surname from the Danes, and were anciently written Le Dan Denis, by which name the Cornish called the Danes. But lower upon the very mouth of the river on the other bank side, as the name itself doth testify, Exmouth. standeth Exanmouth; known by nothing else but the name, and for that some fishermen dwelled therein. Otterey. More Eastward, Otterey, that is, The River of Otters, or River-Dogs, which we call Otters, as may appear by the signification of the word, falleth into the sea; which runneth hard under Honnyton, Honnyton. a Town not unknown to those that travel into these parts, and was given by Isabella, heir to Earls of Devonshire, to King Edward the First, when her issue failed: and doth import his name to certain places. Among which these are of greatest note: above Honnyton, Mohuns Ottery, the possession in times passed of the Mohuns, from whom by right of marriage it came to the carew's: beneath Honyton Saint Mary's Otterey, so called of Saint Mary's College, which john Grandison Bishop of Excester founded, who drew the whole estates of all the Clergy men in his Diocese to himself. For he persuaded them in their Wills to give up, and make over all that they had unto his hands, as who would bestow the same to godly uses, in endowing Churches, and in building of Hospitals, and Colleges therewith, which verily he (by report) performed accordingly very devoutly. From the mouth of this Otterey, the shore runneth Eastward with many winding reaches, and turning creeks, by Budley, Sidmouth, and Seaton, famous Ports in times past, but now the havens there are so choked up with sand, brought in with the reciprocal course of the tides, and heaped up against them, that they have almost utterly lost all that benefit. Moridunum. As for Seaton, I would guess it to be that MORIDUNUM, which Antoninus speaketh of, and is placed between DURNOVARIA and ISCA, (if the book be not faulty) and called in Peutegerius table by a name cut short, RIDUNUM, considering both the distance, and the signification of the name. For, Moridunum in the British tongue is the very same that Seaton in English, to wit, A Town upon an hill by the Sea. Wiscomb. Hereto adjoineth Wiscomb, a Town memorable in this respect that in it there dwelled William Lord Bonevill, whose heir Cecilie by her marriage brought the titles of Lord Bonevill, See in Somerset shire. and Harington with a goodly inheritance in these parts, unto Thomas Grey marquis Dorset. Under these Towns the River Axe dischargeth itself at a very small channel, after it hath passed down by Ford, where Adelize daughter to Baldwine of Okchampton, Axminster. founded an Abbey for Cistercian Monks, 1140. and by Axanminster, a Town renowned in the ancient Histories only for their Tombs of the Saxon Princes, who were slain in that bloody battle at Brunaburg, and translated hither; and situate it is in the very frontier and limit of this Province. near unto which Reginald Mohun of Dunster, unto whom the Manor of Axminster in right of inheritance fell by the Fourth daughter of William de Briewr, The Register of Newenham. built the Abbey of Newenham in the year of Grace 1246. Hence the East-bound runneth crookedly northwestward, by villages of no fame toward Severn side; along which now let us take our way. From Cornwall the first shore in this shire that stretcheth out itself in length to the Severn Sea, Hercules his Promontory. is by Ptolomee called, THE PROMONTORY OF HERCULES, and retaineth still some little remnant of that name, being called at this day Hertypoinct, and hath in it two pretty towns, Herton, and Hertlond, famous in old time for the relics of that holy man Saint Nectan. Saint Nectan. In honour of whom there was erected here a little Monastery, by Githa Earl goodwin's wife, who had this Nectan in especial reverence, William of Malmesbury. for that she was persuaded, that for his merits her husband had escaped the danger of shipwreck in a violent and raging tempest. Howbeit afterwards, the Dinant's, who also are named Dinhams, that came out of Bretagne in France, whose demeans, as in ●ee it was, were counted the founders thereof: and from them descended Baron Dinham, Dinham. Lord high Treasurer of England, under K. Henry the Seventh, by whose sisters, and heirs, the inheritance was divided between Lord Zouch, Bourchier Fitzwarin, Carew, and Arundel. The name of this Promontory hath given credit to a very formal tale, That Hercules (forsooth) came into Britain, Whether ever Hercules came into Britain. and vanquished here I wot not what Giants. But if it be true as * Expounders of Moral Tales. Mythologers affirm, that there was never any Hercules, but that by him the power of humane wisdom is understtod, whereby we overcome pride, lust, envy, and such like monsters: or if, according to the Gentiles divinity, by Hercules they mean the Sun, and by those twelve Labours, endured and performed by Hercules, the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which the Sun in his yearly course passeth through; what it is they say, let them look to it themselves. But for mine own part, I willingly believe that there was an Hercules, nay, I could be content to grant with Varro, that there were of them forty and three, all whose acts were ascribed to that Hercules, who was the son of Alcmene; yet can I not persuade myself, that ever Hercules came hither, unless haply he sailed over the Ocean in that Cup which God Nerius had given him, whereof Athenaeus maketh mention. But you will say, that Franciscus Philelphus in his Epistles, and Lilius Giraldus in his Hercules, aver no less. Pardon me, I pray you; these latter writers may well move me, but they are not able to remove me, considering that Diodorus Siculus, who went on with the Greekish history in order, even from the most remote, and first records of all Antiquity, in plain terms affirmeth, that neither Hercules, nor Father Bacchus went ever into Britain. I am therefore verily persuaded, that the name of Hercules even to this place, came either through the vanity of greeks, or from the superstitious Religion of Britain's. For, as these being a most warlike Nation themselves, had valiant men in marvellous admiration, and as highly esteemed of such as vanquished Monsters: so, the greeks again, whatsoever was any where stately, and magnificent, that they referred to the glory of Hercules: and because he had been a great traveller, such as traveled were wont to offer sacrifice unto him; and to him likewise consecreate the places where they first arrived. Hereof came Hercules-rocke in * Terra di Laviro. Campania, Hercules Haven in * Riviera di Genoa. Liguria, Hercules Grove in Germany: hence likewise, the Promontories of Hercules in Mauritania, Galatia, and Britain. As the shore giveth back again from this Promontory of Hercules, the two Rivers, Towridge, and Taw, which are the only Rivers in this north part of the County, discharge themselves into the sea at one mouth. Towridge springing not far from Henry point above said, runneth South-Eastward, and taking into him the river Ock, whereof Ock-hampton a little market town took the name, where Baldwine the Viscount had his Castle in William the Conqueror time (as appeareth out of doomsday book) from whom it descended to the Courtneys; suddenly turning his channel maketh way Northward, Poderidge. insulating in a manner Potheridge the Mansion of the Family, surnamed, Monk. Happily for that some one of them being a professed Monk by dispensation to continue his house, returned to temporal state; as that Noble house in France surnamed Archevesque, that is, Archbishop, took that name to continue the memory that one of the progenitors of an Archbishop, returned by dispensation to be a Temporal man. Certainly, whencesoever the name came, it is ancient, and they have worshipfully matched, and not long since with one of the daughters of Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisley, natural son to King Edward the Fourth. Hence Towridge hasteneth to Tourington▪ which it giveth name unto, Bediford. standing over it in a great length upon the brow of a little hill: by Bediford also, a town of right good name for the frequent resort of people, and number of Inhabitants, as also for a goodly stone bridge, with arched work, where strait ways it windeth itself into the Taw. This Taw breaking forth out of the very midst and hart of the shire, first runneth down by Chimligh a little market town, not far from Chettlehampton a small Village, where Hyertha, canonised a Sheesaint, lay interred: from thence having passed by Tawton, where Werstane, and Putta, the first Bishops of Denshire had their See, about the year of our Lord 906. and Tawstoke over against it, john Hooker of the Bishops of Excester. Berstable. now the seat of the right honourable Earl of bath, it maketh haste to Berstaple. Reputed this is a very ancient Town, and for elegant building, and frequency of people held chief in all this coast, situate amidst hills in form of a semicircle upon the river, being as it were, a diameter. Which River at every change and full of the Moon, by the swelling of the Ocean, overfloweth the fields so, as the very Town itself seemeth to be a demie Island: but when, (as one saith) * Se aequor refundit in ●quor. the sea reengorgeth itself back again into the sea, it is so shallow, creeping between sands and shelves, as it hardly beareth smaller vessels. On the south side it hath a stately bridge built by one Stamford a Citizen of London: In the North part, where North Ewe a little river or brook runneth, are seen the relics of a Castle, which by the common report, King Athelstane, but (as others say) judaël of Totenais built: for the keeping, and defence whereof certain Lands adjoining thereabout, are held in Castleguard. It had sometimes a wall about it, but now there remain scarce any small tokens thereof: The said judaël of Totenais received it in free gift in fee of King William the First: after him the Tracies held it for a long time: then, the Martens: after whom in the reign of King Richard the Second, it came to john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, who afterwards was Duke of Excester; and last of all it fell to the Crown. But Queen Mary gave the Manor to Thomas Marrow, whose son sold it away. In K. William the First his days, as we find in doomsday book, It had within the Burgh forty Burgesses, and nine without. King Henry the First, endowed it with many privileges, and King John with more. A Major, and two Bailiffs for a long time it had: but Queen Mary ordained there a Major, two Aldermen, and a Counsel of twenty and four. The Inhabitants (for the most part) are Merchants, who in France, and Spain trade, and traffic much. Neither must this be passed over with silence, that out of this Towns-Schoole, their issued two right learned men, and most renowned Divines, John Jewel. Thomas Harding. John Jewel Bishop of Sarisbury, and Thomas Harding the public professor in Louvain, who most hotly contended, and wrote learnedly one against the other, concerning the truth of Religion. Ralege. From hence, the river Ta● saluting (as it were) Ralegh, which in times past had noble Lords of that name, but now is the possession of a right worshipful house, surnamed Chichester: and afterwards increased by Towbridge water, falleth into the Severne Sea, Kinvith. but it mee●eth nor with Kinwith Castle, whereof Asserius maketh mention. For, here abou● such a Castle there was of that name, for scite of the ground about it, very safe on every side, save only on the East quarter: at the which in the year of Christ, ●70. Hubba the Dane, who with many slaughters and overthrows had harried the English Nation, was (with many other Danes) slain. And thereupon the place afterwards was called by our Historiographers; Hubbestow. And then it was that the Englishmen won the Danes banner, The Danes Banner. called, Reafan. Which, I note therefore the rather, because it may be gathered out of a pretty tale in Asserius Meneven●is, who hath delivered these things in writing, that the Danes bore in their Ensign a Raven wrought (by report) in needlework, by the daughters of Lothbrooke, that is, Leather-breech, the Dane, with such an opinion of good luck, as they thought that it never should be won. After this, nothing there is to be seen upon this coast but Ilfarcomb, a good and sure road for ships, and Comb-Marton bordering hard upon it: under which, old mines of lead, not without veins of silver, have of late been discovered. As for this word Comb, Comb, what i● signifieth. Nicotius. (to observe so much once for all) which is an usual adjection to names of places in this tract, it signifieth, a low situation, or a Vale: and derived it may seem to be of Kum a British word, that betokeneth the same: and the French men in their tongue retain it still in the very same sense, from the ancient Gallique language, the same with old British. More Southeast from hence, Bampton. and near unto Somersetshire Bampton, sometimes Baentun, showeth itself: which under William the Conqueror befell unto Walter de Douai, Paganelli, or Painels. with other right large and fair lands elsewhere: of whose posterity juliana an Inheritrix, married to William Paganell, commonly Paynell, bare * Fulconem. Fulk de Bampton: and he begat William, and Christian the wife of Cogan of Ireland whose posterity succeeded in the possession thereof; for that the issue of the said William died without children. But from the Cogans, the possession descended at length hereditarily unto the Bourchiers now Earls of bath, by an heir of Hancford, who had married likewise an heir of the Lord Fitzwarin. In the prime and infancy of the Normans Empire, Earls of D●●vonshire. (to say nothing of Hugh the Norman whom Queen Emnia had before time made Ruler over this country) King William the First ordained one Baldwine to be the hereditary Sheriff, or Viscount of Denshire, and Baron of Okchampton: after whom succeeded in that honour Richard his son, Register of Ford Abbey. who died without issue male. Then, King Henry the First, bestowed upon Richard de * Redvers or Rivers. Redveriis, First Tiverton, and afterwards the honour of Plimpton with other places appurtaining thereto: and consequently created him Earl of Denshire, by granting unto him the third penny of the yearly revenues growing out of the same County. Now the revenue of the County which in those days was due to the King, was not above thirty marks: out of which, the said Earl took unto him for his part, ten marks yearly. After this he obtained of the said King, the Isle of Wight: whereupon styled he was, Earl of Denshire, and Lord of the Isle. He had a Son named Baldwin, who siding with Maude the Empress against King Stephen was banished the Realm. Howbeit, Richard his Son recovered this honour of his Fathers: and he left behind him two Sons, Baldwin, and Richard, who in order successively were Earls of Denshire, and died without issue. The honour therefore reverted back again to their uncle by their father's side, named, William, surnamed, de Vernon, because he was there borne. This William begat Baldwin, who departed this life before his father: yet before his death, he had begotten of Margaret, daughter to Gwarin Fitz-Gerold, Baldwine the third of that name, Earl of Denshire. This Baldwin had two children, to wit, Baldwin the last Earl out of this family, that died without issue 1261. who changed the Ghryphon, clasping and crushing a little beast, (which mark his Ancestors used in their seal) into a Scutcheon, or with a Lion rampant, azure, and * Called, Is●●bella de Fortibus. Isabella, who being espoused to William * Called, Is●●bella de Fortibus. de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle, bare to him a Son, named Thomas, who died soon after, and Avellina a daughter married to Edmund Earl of Lancaster, whom she mightily enriched, with the inheritance of her father, and died issueless. After some time, King Edward the Third, by his letter missive only, Claus. 9 Edw. tertii. M. 35. ●●. dorso. without any other compliment of ceremonies, created Hugh Courtney, Earl of Devonshire, and linked as cousin, and next heir to the said Isabel. For he commanded him by virtue of those missives, to use that title, and by a precept to the high Sheriff of the Shire, commanded he should be so acknowledged. Reginald Courtney was the first of this family that came into England, brought hither by King Henry the Second, and by him advanced with the marriage of the heir of the Barony of Okchampton, for that he procured the marriage between the said King, and Eleonor his heir of Poictu and Aquitaine. But whether he was branched from the house of Courtney before it was matched in the blood royal of France, or after which our Monks affirm, but Du Tillet Keeper of the Records of France doubteth, I may say somewhat in another place. After the first Earl Hugh, succeeded his son Hugh; whom Edward his Grandchild, by Edward his Son followed, who died before him; and when he died, he left it to his son Hugh: and he likewise to Thomas his son, who died in the thirtieth and sixth year of King Henry the sixth his reign. The said Thomas begat three sons, namely, Thomas, Henry, and john: whose estate during the heat of those mortal dissensions between the houses of Lancaster and York, was much tossed and shaken, whiles they stood resolutely and stiffly for the Lancastrians. Thomas taken at Towton field, was beheaded at York: Henry his brother, and Successor seven years after, drank of the same cup at Salisbury. 9 Edward the Fourth. And although King Edward the Fourth, advanced Sir Humphrey Stafford of Suthwicke to the Earldom of Denshire, who within three months revolting from King Edward his advancer most ingratefully, was apprehended, and without process executed at Bridg water: yet john Courtney aforesaid, the youngest brother, would not leave this title, but with his life, which he lost in the battle of Tewksbury. For a long time after, this family lay in some sort obscured: yet under King Henry the Seventh, it reflourished: for, he advanced again Edward Courtney, the next heir male unto the honours of his Progenitors. He begat William Earl of Devonshire, who matched in wedlock with Katherine, daughter to King Edward the Fourth: of whom he begat Henry Earl of Devonshire, and marquis withal of Excester, who under King Henry the Eighth, lost his head, as we have now showed: whose Son Edward was restored again by Queen Mary, a most noble young Gentleman, and of passing good hope, but he died an untimely death at Milan in Italy: for, the best men (as saith Quadrigarius) are of least continuance. In the fortieth and sixth year after his death, 1603. King james gave the honourable title of Earl of Devonshire, to Charles Blunt Lord Mountjoy, and Lieutenant General of Ireland; which title he affected, as descended from a Cousin, and heir of Humphrey Stafford Earl of Devonshire. He was a worthy personage, as well for martial prowess, and ornaments of learning, as for ancient nobility of birth: for that he had recovered Ireland into the former good estate, by driving out the Spaniards, and by subduing or enforcing the Rebels to submission: Him (I say) he created Earl of Devonshire, him he heaped with favours, and according to the bountiful munificence of a King mightily enriched. But within a small while, death envied him the fruition both of honour and wealth, which he enjoyed as few years, as his Predecessor Humphrey Stafford did months. There be contained in this County Parish-Churches 394. DUROTRIGES. NExt unto the Danmonians Eastward, Ptolemy placeth in his Geographical table's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as he wrote in Greek, who in the Latin copies are written DUROTRIGES. The same people were named by the Britaines about the year of Salvation 890. Dwr-Gwyr, as saith mine Author Asserius Menevensis, who lived in that age and was himself a Britain borne. The English-Saxons called them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, like as we at this day call this County, the County of Dorset, and Dorsetshire. That name DUROTRIGES, being ancient and mere British, may seem by a very good and probable Etymology to be derived of DOUR, Dwr what i● signifieth. or Dwr, which in the British tongue signifieth Water, and of Trig, that betokeneth an Inhabitant, as if a man would say, dwellers by the water or Seaside. Neither verily from any other fountain than from water are we to fetch those names of places in old France or Gaul, which used in times past the very same language that our ancient Britan's did, which either begin with Dur, and Dour, or do end in the same; As for example, DUROCASES, DUROCOTTORUM, DURANIUS, DORDONIA, DUROLORUM, DOROMELLUM, DIVODURUM, BREVIODURUM, BATAVODURUM, GANODURUM, OCTODURUM, and a number of that sort, as well in Gaul as in Britain. As for that English-Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, compounded of both tongues, British and English, it carrieth the same sense and signification that DUROTRIGES doth. For, Setta what i● is. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with our old Forefathers, like as with the rest of the Germans, soundeth as much as to inhabit or dwell upon. And therefore they termed mountainers in their language Dun- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: the Inhabitants of the Chiltern-hilles, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: the dwellers by the river A-row, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: even as the Germans called the Inhabitants of Woods and Forest's Holt-satten: because they dwelled within or among the Woods. Neither went our Britan's from the reason and meaning of the old name, when they termed these DUROTRIGES, of whom we now treat, Dwr-Gweir, that is to say, Men bordering on the Maritime or Sea-coast. For, their country lieth stretched out with a shore full of turnings or windings in, and out, for a long tract, to wit by the space of fifty miles or there about, full upon the British sea, from West to East. Dorsetshire. THe County of Dorset as it is on the Northside bounded with Somersetshire and Wiltshire, on the West with Devonshire and some part of Somersetshire, on the East with Hampshire: so on the South part, where it carrieth the greatest length, it lieth all open to the Sea, bearing upon the British Ocean as I said erewhile for fifty miles together or much thereabout. A fruitful soil it is: The North part thereof being overspred with woods and forests; from thence garnished with many a green hill, whereon feed flocks of sheep in great number with pleasant pastures likewise and fruitful valleys bearing come: it hath a descent even to the very Sea shore, which in my description I will follow as it leadeth me, for that I can find no better order. In the very entrance into this, out of Denshire the first place that showeth itself on this shore is Lime, Lime. a little town situate upon a steep hill, so called of a small river of the same name running hard by: which scarcely may challenge the name of a Port or Haven town though it be frequented with fishermen, and hath a road under it called the Cobbe, sufficiently defended from the force of winds with rocks and high trees. In ancient books I can hardly find any mention thereof: only thus much I have read, that King Kinwulfe in the year of our Lord 774. gave (by these words) the land of one Mansion unto the Church of Scireburne, hard by the Wersterne banks of the river Lime, not far from the place where he hideth the course of his stream within the Sea: to this end, that for the said Church salt might be boiled to the sustaining of manifold necessities, near thereunto the river Carr dischargeth itself into the Sea, and there standeth Carmouth a little village: Carmouth. where the bold roving Danes having good success in sea-fights, won two victories of the English, first vanquished King Egbert in the year of Christ 831. and then eight years after King Aethelwolfe. Then there is Burtport, Burtport. or more truly Birtport, placed between two small rivers which there meet together: In this town, in the days of King Edward the Confessor, there were reckoned one hundred and twenty houses, but in William the Conqueror's reign, as we find in his book of Doomsday, one hundred and no more. In our time in respect of the soil yielding the best hemp, and skill of the people for making ropes and cables for ships, it was provided by a special statute, to remain in force for a certain set time, that ropes for the Navy of England should be twisted no where else. Neither is this place able to maintain the name of an haven, albeit in the mouth of the river being on both sides enclosed within little hills, nature seems as it were of purpose to have begun an haven, and requireth in some sort art and man's help to accomplish the same. From hence the shore winding in and out shooteth far into the Sea: and a bank called Chesil of sands heaped up thick together (with a narrow frith between) lieth in length for nine miles which the Southwind when it is up, chesil. commonly cutteth asunder and disperseth, but the Northern wind bindeth, and hardeneth again. By this Bank or Sand-ridge, Portland. Portland, sometime an Island is now adjoined to the main-land: The reason of which name is altogether unknown, unless it were so called because it lieth full against the Port Weymouth: but it soundeth more near unto the truth, that this name was given it of one Port a noble Saxon, who about the year of our Salvation 703. infested and sore annoyed these coasts. History of Winchester. This Portland in the declining state of the Saxons Empire (for beforetime writers never spoke of it) felt as much as any other place, from time to time, the violent rage of the Danes. But when the Danish war was ended, it fell to the possession of the Church of Winchester. For, at what time as Emme mother to King Edward the Confessor (whose name was called in question, and she charged for incontinency with Aldwin Bishop of Winchester) had gone barefoot upon nine culters red hot in Winchester Church without harm (an unusual kind of trial in those days, and then called Ordalium) and so cleared herself of that imputation, that she made her chastity by so great a miracle more famous to posterity: She for a memorial thereof, gave nine Lordships to the Church of Winchester: and King Edward her son, repenting that he had so wrongfully brought his mother's name into question bestowed likewise upon the said Church this Island with other revenues. It is in compass scarce seven miles, rising up about the sides with high rocks, but lying flat and low in the midst: Inhabited scatteringly here and there: plentiful enough of corn, and good to feed sheep: but so scant of woods, that in default of other fuel they make their fire with ox and cow dung dried. The Inhabitants, of all Englishmen were the cunningest slingers; and very often do find among the weeds or reeds of the sea, Isidis Plocamos, that is, Isis' hair, which as Pliny reporteth out of juba, is a shrub growing in the Sea not unlike unto Coral without leaf: cut it up it turneth into a black colour, and if it fall, it soon breaketh. On the East-side it hath one only Church, and very few houses standing close thereto, and on the North a Castle built by King Henry the Eighth, which also defendeth the entrance into the haven of Weimouth. Weymouth. A little town this is, upon the mouth of Wey a small river; over against which on the other side of the bank standeth Melcomb, surnamed Regis, that is, Kings Melcomb, divided from the other only by the haven between. But the privileges of the haven were awarded from them by sentence of the Parliament; howbeit afterwards recovered. These stood both sometimes proudly upon their own several privileges, and were in emulation one of another: but now (God turn it to the good of both) many they are by Authority of Parliament incorporated into one body, conjoined of late by a bridge, and grown very much greater, and goodlier in buildings by sea-adventures than heretofore. From thence the shore stretcheth out directly along by the Isle of Purbeck (as they call it) which for a great part of it is an heath and forest like indeed replenished with Dear both red and fallow, having also veins of marble running scatteringly here and there under the ground. In the midst whereof, there is an old large castle named Corf seated upon a great slaty hill, which after a long combat with time somewhat yielded as overcome, unto time, until of late it hath been repaired, and is a notable testimony and memorial of a Stepmothers hatred. A Stepdame's hatred, that is, her husband's son. For, Aelfrith to make way for her own son Etheldred to the Crown, when Edward her son in law King of England, came to visit her in this castle from his disport of hunting, set some villains and hackster's to murder him, and like a most wicked Stepdame fed her eyes with his blood. For which deed repenting herself when it was too late, she sought afterward marvellously to wash out that sinful stain, by taking herself to the mantle, and ring in the habit of an holy Votary, and to building religious houses. This Purbeck is called an Isle, although it be only a Demy Island, compassed round about with the sea, save only on the Westside: For, on the East, the sea bendeth the banks inward, and breaking in at a very narrow strait between the two shores (against which a small Isle with a block house called Brensey standeth) maketh a broad and wide bay. On the North side whereof in the said Biland, there standeth over it the town Poole, so as it is wholly environed with waters except it be on the North-side, where it closeth with the continent & hath one gate and no more leading unto it. We may well think it so named, because that bay aforesaid lying under it, in calm weather when the waters be still resembleth a pond, such as we call a pool in our language. This of a Sedgeplot, & of a few fisher-men's cottages, in the last foregoing age, grew to be a market town exceeding rich and wealthy, beautified also with goodly houses: and K. Henry the Sixth by consent of the Parliament granted unto it the privileges of a port or haven town which he had taken from Melcomb, and licenced the Major thereof, to wall it about: which work afterward was begun at the haven, by King Richard the Third, a Prince who deserved to be ranked among the worst men and the best Kings. But ever since that time, by what fatal destiny, I know not, or rather through the idleness and sloth of the townsmen, it is decayed: in so much as for want of Inhabitants, the very houses at this day, run to ruin. Into the West Angle of this Bay falleth the greatest, and most famous river of all this tract; commonly called from, but the English-Saxons, as witnesseth Aerius, named it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; whereupon perhaps, for that this Bay was in old time called Fraumouth, the posterity ensuing rook the river's name to be from. The head thereof is at Eureshot near unto the West limit of this shire: From whence he taketh his course Eastward by Frompton, whereto it gave the name, and from the North receiveth a little river running down by Cerne Abbey: which Augustine the Apostle of the English nation built, when he had broken there in pieces, * Good health. Heil the Idol of the heathen English-Saxons, and chased away the fog of paganish superstition. Here was first bred among the religious men (as I have read) john Morton Cardinal, Morton. and Archbishop of Canterbury borne at S. Andrews Milborne, worthily advanced to so high places for his good service in working England's happiness by the union of the two houses, of Lancaster, and York; and of this family there hath issued both R. Bishop of worcester, and many gentlemen of very good note in this country, and elsewhere. Under this somewhat lower, the Frau or from (choose whether you will) maketh an Island, and so goeth to see that most ancient town [Dorchester] which in Antoninus his Itinerarium is termed DURNOVARIA, that is, the river Passage or Ferry, and seemeth by Ptolomee to be named untruly, in sundry copies DURNIUM and DUNIUM. This is the head Town of the whole Shire, and yet is neither great nor beautiful, being long since despoiled of the walls by the Danes, who raised as it is thought certain trenches; whereof one is called Maumbury being an acre inditched, an other Poundbury somewhat greater: and the third a mile off as a Camp, with five trenches containing some ten acres, called Maiden castle, which a man may easily conjecture to have been a summer station or camp of the Romans. But of her antiquity it showeth daily express tokens, namely the Roman causey of the Fosse high way, and coin of the Romans both copper and silver found there, and especially at Fordington hard by which the common people there, call King Dorn his pence, whom by some allusion to the name, they dream full sweetly, to have been the founder of the town. It had anciently a castle in that place where the Greyfriars built their Convent out of the ruins thereof, and hath now but three parish Churches, whereas the compass of the old town seemeth to have been very large. But the most grievous hurt that it took, was when Sueno the Dane had in most outrageous cruelty renewed the Danish war: and Hush the Norman who ruled these countries a man of a perfidious and treacherous mind, suffered all to be spoiled and harried. But in what estate it stood soon after the Normans first coming in, take knowledge if it please you, out of doomsday book being the Survey of England. In King Edward's days there were in Dorchester 170. houses, and these for all the King's service discharged themselves, and paid according to te● Hides: but to the use of Houscarles one mark of silver, excepting the customs which pertain ad firmam noctis, that is, to the entertainment of the King for one night. There were in it two Mint Masters. Now there be therein but 82. houses: and one hundreth have been utterly destroyed since the time of Sheriff Hugh. If these terms seem to be very obscure (as Sextus Cecilus said in the like matter) impute it not to the fault of the writers, but to their ignorance who cannot conceive the meaning. From hence from runneth by Woodford, where in old time Guy Brient a Baron and renowned warrior had a little Castle of his own: which afterward was the habitation of Hugh Stafford of Suthwick; by one of whose daughters Inheritrices, it came as I have heard to Thomas Strangwaies, who being borne in Lancashire, and brought hither by the first marquis Dorset, Strangwaies. obtained a great and rich inheritance in these parts, and his issue built a very fair house at Milbery. Then holdeth he on his course besides Byndon, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which also had a monastery, where Kinegilsus in the year 614. in a doubtful, and dangerous battle vanquished the Britain's. Not long since it was the seat of the Lord Marney: now it giveth the honourable title of Viscount unto the Lord Thomas Howard Knight of the order of S. George: whose father Thomas the second son of Thomas Howard, the second of that name Duke of Norfolk, Bindon. Queen Elizabeth created Viscount Howard of Bindon, when he having matched in marriage with the daughter and heir of Baron Marney, was seized here of a very great inheritance of the Newborows. Newboroug●● These who were anciently named de Novo Burgo, and commonly Newboroughs, derive their pedigree from a younger soon of Henry the first Earl of Warwick of the Norman line: and held here Winfrott, with the whole Hundred of the gift of King Henry the First, per servitium Camerarii (these be the words out of the book of the Offices) in Capite de Domino Rege: that is, by service of Chamberlain, in Chef, from our sovereign Lord the King. Grand Serjeantie. But under Edward the Third I have read, that this was held by Sergeantie, namely, by holding the Laver or Ewer for the King his Sovereign Lord to wash, upon his Coronation day. Also Raulph Moien held the Manor of Ours near adjoining by service of Serjeantie in the Kitchen, of the gift likewise of King Henry the First: and R. de Welles the Manor of Welles hereabout, since the Conquest of England, by the service of the King's Baker. Which I note, only by the way. Where from maketh his issue into that Bay, whereupon Poole is situate, hard by the very mouth is planted Warham, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a town strongly seated on every side but Westward, as being fenced on all parts beside, with the rivers Trent, from, and the Sea together: In King Edward the Confessors time, it had two Mint masters: but whiles William the Conqueror reigned it could not reckon above seven dwelling houses in it. Yet afterwards it flourished again, fortified with the wall, furnished with a mint house, a great number of Inhabitants, and a most strong Castle, which that King William the First built, it continued in a most flourishing state until the days of King Henry the Second, who when he came to challenge the Crown of England in the year 1142, he arrived here, besieged and took the Castle which was defended by Robert Lacie, against him in behalf of King Stephen, and afterward Robert of Lincoln a man of mighty possessions in these parts defended the same against King Stephen. But from that time, by occasion partly of wars, and partly of sudden casualty by fires, by reason also that the sea by little and little which draweth the commodity of an haven, it is almost run to ruin: and in the very heart of the old town it bringeth forth store of garlic. At this mouth likewise is discharged another small river with from, Asserius calleth it Trent, but now the Inhabitants thereby name it Piddle: From the North bank whereof scarce three miles off I saw the ruins of Middleton Abbey, which King Athelstane founded as a satisfaction to appease the ghost and soul of his brother Edwine, whom he had deprived both of his Kingdom, and life. For when that solicitous desire of reigning had caused him quite to forget all Justice, he put the young Prince heir apparent to the Crown, with one page, into a little whirrey without any tackling or furniture thereto, to the end he might impute his wickedness to the waves. And so the young Prince overcome with grief of heart, and unable to master his own passions; cast himself headlong into the sea. Middleton Under this Middleton, there is voided also another river, which runneth hard by Bear a little market town, where for a long time, that ancient, and famous family de Turbida villa, commonly, Turbervill had their chief habitation, whereof as some were famous, so Hugh Turburvill in the time of King Edward the First was infamous for his traitorous practices with the French. But to go back again to the West part of the shire: At the spring head of from, where the soil is most fruitful, the forest of Blackmore sometimes thick, and full of trees, but now thinner grown, yieldeth plentiful game for hunting. This by a more common, Forrest of White-hart● and better known name is called The Forest of white hart. The reason of which name, the Inhabitants by tradition from their forefather's report to be thus. When King Henry the Third came hither to hunt, and had taken other Deer, he spared a most beautiful and goodly White-Hart, which afterwards T. de la-lind a gentleman of this country with others in his company took and killed: but how perilous a matter it was to be twitching (as they say) of a lion they soon found and felt. For, the King conceived great indignation, and high displeasure against them, put them to a grievous fine of money for it, and the very lands which they held, pay even to this day every year by way of amercement a piece of money into the Exchequer, White hart silver. Shirburne. which is called White hart silver. There joineth near to this forest Shirburne town, named also Shirburne Castle, in old time 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which by interpretation is Fons Limpidus, or as it is else where written Fons clarus, that is, Pure fountain or clear well, scited on the hanging of an hill, a pleasant and proper seat, as William of Malmesburie saith, as well for the frequent number of Inhabitants, as the situation: and now it is the most populous, and best haunted town of all this country, and gaineth exceeding much by clothing. In the year of our redemption 704, an Episcopal seat was here erected, and Aldelme the first Bishop there consecrated: afterwards also in the reign of Etheldred, Herman the Bishop of Sunning, having obtained this Bishopric, translated his Episcopal see hither, and joined the said Bishopric of Sunning unto this, which under William Conqueror the same Bishop translated to Sarisburie, and reserved Shirburne to be a retiring place for his Successors, unto whom it belongeth as yet: And one of them, namely, Roger, built a strong Castle in the East-part thereof, under which lay sometime a wide mere, and many fish pools: and now being filled up are converted into most pleasant, and rich meadow ground. As for the Cathedral Church, presently upon the translation of the See, it became a monastery again, and beareth show of great antiquity, although not many became a monastery again, and beareth show of great antiquity, although not many years past, in a broil between the townsmen and the Monks it was fired: which the burnt and scorched colour upon the stones doth as yet most evidently show. Under this, the river jewel, whereof I will speak some where else, winding in and out with many curving reaches, runneth Westward to Chiston, the seat sometime of the lineage de Maulbauch, Chiston. from which it descended hereditarily unto the family of the Hors●ies Knights, where it entereth into Sommersetshire. More toward the East the most famous river Stour passing full of tenches and Eels especially, arising in Wiltshire out of six fountains cometh down to Stourton, the honour and seat of the Barons of Stourton. So soon as it entered in this Shire it passeth through Gillingham forest, in which Edmund surnamed Iron-side in a memorable battle put the Danes to flight: Shaftsbury. and three miles from thence saluteth Shaftsbury standing upon an hill top, very defective of water, sometimes called by the Britain's as it is commonly, but falsely thought, Caer Paladur, and in Latin by later writers Septonia: by the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, perhaps of the Church's Spire steeple, such as they termed Scheafts. A little before the Normans time it had in it 104. houses, and three Mint masters, as we read in that * doomsday. book so often by me alleged. And afterwards, it flourished the more, by reason of a Nunnery which Elfgiva a most godly and devout Lady▪ wife to Edmund that was King Aelfrids' nephews son had erected, and of ten parish Churches beside, or there about. But most famous in this place, by occasion of a pretty fable that our Historians do report of Aquila prophesying here of the conversion or change of the Britain's Empire: For, some will have the bird, The prophecy of Aquila. Aquila, that is, an Eagle, others a man so named to have foretold here, that the British Empire after the Saxons and Normans should return again to the ancient Britain's: and these men affirm and maintain that this place is of greater antiquity than Saturn himself, whereas most certain it is, that it was first built by Alfred. For, the Historiographer of Malmesbury hath recorded, that in his days there was an old stone translated from the ruins of the wall into the Chapter house of the Names, which had this Inscription: ANNO DOMINICAE INCARNATIONIS AELFREDUS REX FECIT HANC VRBEM. DCCC.LXXX. REGNI SVI VIII. That is, In the year of the incarnation of our Lord, King Aelfred built this City, 880. of his reign the eighth. This Inscription I have the more willingly put down here for proof of the Truth, because in all the copies which I have seen it is wanting, save only in that in the Library of the late Lord Burghley, high Treasurer of England, and I have been informed that it continued there until the time of King Henry the Eighth. Yet the Inhabitants have a tradition that an old City stood upon the place which is called the Castle-Greene, and by some, Bolt-bury; now a fair plain so scited that as of one side it joineth to the Town, so of another it is a strange sight to look down to the vale under it: whereby in the West end of the old Chapel of S. john, as I hear now, standeth a Roman Inscription reversed. From thence the Stour, by Marnhill, of which place L. Henry Howard brother of Thomas last Duke of Norfolk received of King james the title of Baron Howard, of Mernhill, before that he was created Earl of Northampton, makes speed to Stourminster, which is as much to say, as the Monastery or Minster upon Stour. A small town this is, standing somewhat with the lowest: from which there is a stone bridge built reaching to Newton Castle; where offereth itself to be seen a lofty mount cast up (as they say) to that height with great labour, but of the Castle there remaineth nothing at all, but only the bare name. Of these, I have nothing of more antiquity to say than this, that King Aelfred bequeathed Stoureminster to a younger son of his. Hard by, at Silleston there rise two good great hills, the one named Hameldon, the other Hodde, and both of them fortified with a three fold Ditch and rampire. Baron's Fit pain. And not far from thence (but the very place I cannot precisely set down) stood Okeford, the Capital honour of the Barony of Robert, the son of Pagan, commonly named Fitz-Payne, who married the daughter of Guido de Brient, Baron Bri●●●● who also in this West part enjoyed the honour of a Baron under King Edward the Third: but for default of heir males of those Fitz-Paynes, it came to the Poynings, Barons likewise in those days, and at length by a daughter and heir of Poynings in the reign of Henry the Sixth, Baron's Po●●nings. these Baron's titles, Fitz-Payne, Brient, and Poinings were conjoined in the Percies Earls of Northumberland: Howbeit within our father's remembrance through the favour of King Henry the Eighth, the title of Baron Poinings, reflourished in Sir Thomas Poinings, son of Sir Edward Poinings a martial man and fruitful father of much base brood; but with him it soon vanished away, as bastardly slips seldom take deep root. From hence Stour passeth on by Brienston, that is, Brients' town, where the Rogerses dwell, Blandford● an ancient family of Knight's degree, to Market Blandford, which since in our time it chanced to be burnt down, arose again, built more elegantly, and is better peopled with Inhabitants. Then Stour from thence, by Tarrent, where Richard Poer Bishop of Sarisbury founded a Cell, for Virgin's Votaries, speedeth himself apace to that most ancient town VINDOGLADIA, Vindogladi● where Antoninus maketh mention. Which in the Saxons tongue is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly Winburne, Winburn. and of the Monastery, Wenburnminster: and from hence to Dorcester are counted sixteen miles just so many as the Emperor Antonine in his itinerary reckoneth between Vindogladia and Durnovaria. The name, as I conjecture, it taketh of the situation, because it is seated between two rivers: for, so in the British tongue Windugledy soundeth as much as between two Swords: now that the Britain's, by a peculiar phrase of their own, term rivers, Swords, it appeareth by Aberdugledian, the British name of Milford Haven, which is as much to say, as the mouth of two rivers, for that two rivers named with them Gledian, that is, Swords, run into it. The latter name also of this town seemeth to be set from Rivers: For Winburn is compounded of Vincentio, Burn in the Saxon tongue what it signifieth. a parcel of the old name, and the Saxon word Burne, which among them betokeneth a river: and by the addition thereof the Saxons were wont to name places standing upon rivers. The very town itself is seated upon the piece of an hill large in compass, & replenished with Inhabitants, but few fair buildings. In the Saxons time right famous it was and much frequented for no other cause, I believe, but for that in those days there remained diverse tokens of the Romans majesty. In the year 713. Cuthburga sister to Ina King of the Westsaxons, Annals of the English-Saxons. when upon a loathing weariness of wedlock she had sued out a Divorce from her own husband King of Northumberland, built here a Nunnery: which yielded unto the injury of time, and fallen to decay, there arose in the very place thereof, a new Church with a fair Vault beneath under the quire, and an high spire besides the Toure-steeple. In which were placed Prebendaries in lieu of those Nuns. Over whom, in our father's days Reginal Pole was Deane, who afterwards being Cardinal, and Archbishop of Canteburie, over and above the nobility of his house (for descended he was of the Royal blood) became highly renowned for piety, wisdom, and eloquence. King Etheldred a right good and virtuous Prince brother of Aelfred, slain in the battle at Wittingham against the Danes, lieth interred in this Church: upon whose Tomb, which not long since hath been repaired, this new Inscription is to be read: IN HOC LOCO QVIESCIT CORPUS S. ETHELDREDI REGIS WEST SAXONUM MARTYRIS, QVI ANNO DOMINI DCCC LXXII. XXIII. APRILIS PER MANUS DANORUM PAGANORUM OCCUBVIT. That is, here lieth at rest the body of Etheldred King of the Westsaxons, Martyr, who died in the year of our Lord, 872. the 23. of April, by the hands of the Danes, * Or paynims: Paganorum. Infidels. near unto whom lieth entombed Gertrude Blunt marchioness of Excester, daughter to William Lord Montjoy, and mother to Edward Courtney the last Earl of Devonshire of that house: and on the other side of the quire john de Beaufort Duke of Somerset with his wife Margaret daughter and heir to Sir john Beauchamp of Bletneshoe: whose daughter Margaret Countess of Richmond, and mother of King Henry the Seventh, a most godly and virtuous Princess, erected a School here for the training up of youth. But now will I turn my pen from the Church to the Town; when the Danes by their crafty devices went about to set the Englishmen together by the ears, and would have broken that league, and unity which was between King Edward the Elder, and his cousin Aethelwald; Aethelwald then lusting after the Kingdom and wholly set against his liege Prince, fortified this town as strongly as possibly he could: But so soon as Edward came towards him with his forces, and pitched his tents at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, now called Badbury, he fled and conveied himself to his confederates the Danes. Badbury. This Badbury is a little hill upon a fair down, scarce two miles off, environed about with a triple trench, and rampire, and had by report in times past a Castle, which was the seat of the West-Saxon Kings: But now, if ever there were any such, it lieth so buried in the own ruins, and rubbish, that I could see not so much as one token thereof. But, hard by, a sight I had of a village or manor called Kingston Lacie, Kingston Lacy. because together with Winburne it appurtained to the Lacy's Earls of Lincoln: unto whom by covenant it came from the Earls of Leicester, by the means of Quincie Earl of Winchester. For King Henry the first had given it to Robert Earl of Mellent and of Leicester: and at the last, both places, from the Lacies fell unto the house of Lancaster, whose bounty, and liberality Winburne had good trial of. From this Winburne Stour as it passeth, admitteth allen a little brook, over which standeth S. Giles Winburne, the habitation of the worshipful and ancient house of Astleys' Knights, also Wickhampton, the inheritance sometime of the Barons de Maltravers: of whom the last, in the reign of Edward the Third, left behind him two daughters only, the one wedded unto john de Arundel, grandfather to john Earl of Arundel, who left unto his posterity the title of Barons de Maltravers: the other, wife of Robert Le-Rous, and afterwards of Sir john Keines, Knight. From hence the Stour passeth on by Canford, Canford. Coperose or Vitriol. Alum. Tho. Walsingham. 1317. under which not long ago, james Lord Montjoy, studious in Mineral matters began to make Calcanthum or Vitriol (we call it Coperas) and to boil Alum: And out of which, in old time john Earl of Warren, to the great disteining of his own good name, and the damage of England, took, as it were, by strong hand and carried away, as it is to be seen in our Chronicles, Dame Alice Lacey, the wife of Thomas Earl of Lancaster. And now by this time Stour leaveth Dorsetshire behind him, and after he hath traveled through some part of Hantshire, at length taketh up his lodging in the Ocean: and yet not before he hath entertained a pretty river that runneth to Cranburne, Cranburne. a place well watered. Where in the year of Salvation 930. Aelward a noble Gentleman, surnamed for his whiteness Meaw, founded a little monastery: which, Robert Fitz-Haimon a Norman, unto whom fell the possessions of the said Aelward, leaving here one or two Monks in a cell, translated to Theoksbury: From whom in order of succession, by the Clares Earls of Gloucester, and burgh's Earls of Ulster, it came to Lionel Duke of Clarence, and by him to the Crown. But now Cranborne hath his Uicount, now Earl of Salisbury whom King james for his approved wisdom and worth, honoured first with the title of Baron or Lord Cecil of Essendon, Viscount Cranborne. 1604. Filioll. and the next year after, of Viscount Cranborne. South from hence lieth Woodland emparked, sometime the seat of the worshipful family of Filioll, the heirs whereof were married to Edward Seimor after Duke of Somerset, and Willoughby of Wallaton. As touching the Earls and Marquesses of this shire, Earls and Marquesses of Dorset. The life of Osmund, manuscript. King William the Conqueror, having now by conquest attained to the Kingdom of England, made Osmund that was Earl of Seez in Normandy, both Bishop of Sarisbury, and afterward also the first Earl of Dorset, and his Chancellor; highly admiring the godly wisdom of the man, and his notable good parts. Long after that, King Richard the Second in the one and twentieth year of his reign, advanced john de Beaufort, john of Gaunt his son and Earl of Somerset, to be marquis Dorset, of which dignity King Henry the Fourth in hatred of Richard the Second deprived him. See the Duke of Somerset. And when as in the high Court of Parliament, the Commons of England there assembled, who loved him very dear, made earnest intercession that the said dignity of marquis might be restored unto him, he himself distasting this new title, and never heard of before those days, utterly refused it. And then his younger brother named Thomas Beaufort was created Earl of Dorset: who afterward for his warlike prowess and valour was by King Henry the Fifth adorned with the title of Duke of Excester, and with the Earldom of * In Normandy. Harcourt. For, he valiantly defended Harflew in Normandy against the Frenchmen, and in a pitched field encountering the Earl of Armignac put him to flight. After he was dead without issue, King Henry the Sixth nominated out of the same house of Lancaster, Edmund, first Earl, afterwards marquis Dorset, and lastly Duke of Somerset: whose sons being slain in the civil wars, Edward the Fourth, when as now the family of Lancaster lay as it were, over trodden in the dust, created Thomas Grey out of the house of Ruthin, who was his son in law (for the King had espoused the mother of the said Grey) marquis Dorset: when in right of his wife he had entered upon a great state, and inheritance of the Bonvilles in this country, and the territories adjoining. After him, succeeded in the same honour Thomas his son, and Henry his nephew, by the said Thomas, who also was created by King Edward the Sixth Duke of Suffolk, having wedded Lady Frances daughter of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, 1553. and Niece unto King Henry the Eighth by his sister. This Duke in Queen Mary's days being put to death for high treason, learned too late, how dangerous a thing it is to marry into the blood royal; and to feed ambitious hopes, both in himself and in others. From that time the title of Dorset was bestowed upon none, until King james at his first entrance into this Kingdom, exalted Thomas Sackvill; Baron of Buckhurst, and Lord high Treasurer of England; a man of rare wisdom, and most careful providence, to the honour of Earl of Dorset, who ended his life with sudden death 1608. and left Robert his son his successor who deceasing within the year, left the said honour again to Richard his hopeful son whom he begot of the Lady Margaret Howard Daughter to the late Duke of Norfolk. In this County are numbered Parishes 248. BELGAE. Upon the North and East side of the Durotriges, bordered in times past the Belgae, who as it is by the name probable, and by authority of writers very likely, passed over from the Belgae, a people in Gaul, into Britain. For, those Belgae having their beginning (as Caesar according to the information he had from the men of Rheims) of the Germans, and in old time being brought over the Rhine, finding the sweetness and fertility of the place, expelled the Gauls and planted themselves there: From whence, as the same Caesar saith, they got them over into Britain for to spoil, and in warlike manner to invade the country: and were all of them called after the name of those countries from whence they came: Belgae, from the Belgae in Gaul. Low-countries. The Nethe● Lands. where, after they had made war they remained and began to till the grounds. But at what time they came hither to dwell, it is not certainly known, unless Divitiacus King of the Suessones, who flourished before Caesar's time, brought over the Belgae hither: For, a great part as well of Gaul as of Britain he had under him. Whence also they were named Belgae, it is not sufficiently showed. Belgae, whenc they were named. Hubert Thomas of Liege, a great learned man, supposed Belgae to be a Germane word, for that the Germans use to call the French and the Italians Wallen, as strangers, yea and some of them Welgen. john Goropius, himself a Belgian, maintaineth it to be derived of the word Belke, which in the Belgic tongue signifieth wrath or anger, as if they would be sooner incensed with choler than others. But seeing that the name of the Belgae, seemeth not to be sought for out of that tongue which the Germans of the Low-countries use at this day and is almost the same that our English-Saxon language (for from the Saxons it came, whom Charles the Great brought over into Brabant and Flanders) for my part I will in no wise diminish their credit, who fetch it forth of the ancient Gauls tongue, which remaineth in manner uncorrupt among our Welch-britans', and will have them called Belgae of Pell, which in that tongue betokeneth Remote or far off. For, of all Gaul they were the furthest, and as they were furthest from the civil behaviour and humanity of the Roman Province, so they were also in situation and seat: and the Poet hath showed that the Morini were the people of all Belgica most remote, when he wrote thus: Extremique hominum Morini, that is, The morini of all men furthest. But come we now to our Belgae, who inhabited far and wide in Somersetshire, Wiltshire, and the inner parts of Hantshire. SOMERSETSHIRE. THe County of Somerset, commonly called, Somersetshire, is a very large and wealthy Region: the North side whereof the Severne Sea beateth upon: the West part confineth with Denshire: in the South it bordereth first upon Devonshire, and then upon Dorsetshire: Eastward, upon Wiltshire: and North-east upon part of Glocestershire. The Soil very rich, yielding for the most part thereof passing great plenty, both of pasture and corn, and yet not without stony hills: Exceeding populous, and full of Inhabitants: furnished also with commodious havens, and ports sufficiently. Some think it was so called, for that the * Or, weather. air there, is so mild and summer-like: and in that sense the Welsh Britan's at this day term it Gladerhaf, borrowing that name out of our English tongue. And verily, howsoever in summer time it is a right summer-like Country, yet surely, in winter it may worthily be called, a winterish Region, so wet, and weely, so miry and moorish it is, to the exceeding great trouble and encumbrance of those that travel in it. But I will believe, that this name without all question grew from Somerton, a famous Town in ancient time, and of all others in the shire most frequented, considering that Asserius a writer of great antiquity, calleth this County in every place, Somertunensis, that is Somertunshire. In the very first limit of the shire Westward, where Ex riseth in a solitary and hilly moor, first appeareth Dulverton, a silly market, according to the soil, and near unto it was a small religious house of Black-chanons at Barelinch, who in latter times acknowledged the Fetyplaces their founders. Higher upward on the Severne side, where this shire confineth upon Devonshire, first we meet with Porlock, Denshire. (in the English-Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Watchet) in times past Wecedpoort, roads both, and harbours for ships, the which in the year 886. were most grievously afflicted by the Danish cruel piracies. Betwixt them standeth Dunster Castle upon a flat and low ground, Dunster Castle. enclosed round about with hills, saving to the Seaward; built by the Moions, or Mohuns. From whose heirs by agreements and compositions it came in the end to the Lutterels. The Family of the Mohuns, or Moions. A right noble and mighty house this of the Mohuns was for a long time, and flourished from the very Conquerors days, (under whose reign that Castle was built,) unto the time of King Richard the Second. Two Earls there were of this County out of that family, as I shall show hereafter, William and Reginald, who in the Baron's war lost that honour. The Posterity afterwards were reputed Barons: of whom the last named john, left three daughters, Philip wife to Edward Duke of York; Elizabeth, wedded to William Montacute, Earl of Sarisburie, the second of that name; and Maud, Joined in marriage to the Lord Strange of Knokin: The Mother of which three Ladies, as the report goes, Commons. obtained of her husband so much pasture-ground in Common by the Town side for the benefit of the Inhabitants, as she could go about in one day barefoot. SOMERSETTENSIS Comitatus. Vulgo Somersett Shire Qui ●lim pars. fuit. BELGARUM Now to return: the river Ivel from hence runneth to ISCHALIS, mentioned by Ptolomee, Ischalis. Ivelcester, commonly, Ilchester. now Ivelcester: named in the Catalogue of Ninnius (if I be not deceived) Pontavel Coit, for Pont-Ivel Coit, that is, Ivel bridge in the wood: by Florentius of Worcester, Givelcester: at this day of small account, but only for the antiquity, and the market there kept: for, pieces of the Roman Caesars, or Emperor's money, of gold, * Or, Copper. brass, and silver, are other while here digged up. That in old time it had been a great town, and on some sides strengthened with a double wall, the ruins declare, and two towers upon the Bridge. About the time of the Normans coming in, well peopled it was, and much frequented: For, reckoned there were in it one hundred and seven Burgesses. A sure place also in those days, and well fortified: for in the year of Grace 1088, when the Nobles of England had conspired, & plotted against King William Rufus, to put him down, and set up his brother Robert Duke of Normandy in his Royal throne, Robert Mowbray a warlike man, having burnt bath, forcibly assaulted this town, but with lost labour; yet, what he could not do then, long process of time hath now partly effected, and in some sort overmastered it. A little beneath, by Langport a proper market town, the Rivers Ivel and Pedred running together, Mechelney. The River make between them an Island, called Muchelney, that is to say, The great Island, wherein are to be seen the defaced walls and ruins of an old Abbey, built by King Athelstane, Pedred. as writer's reporr. This Pedred, commonly named Parrot, hath his beginning in the very edge or skirt of the shire southward, and holding on a crooked and winding course thorough Crockhorne, in the Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Pedderton, Pedderton. to whom it gave the name, sometime Pedridan, the Royal seat of King Ina, ● which town now adays is of none account, unless it be for the market, and Fair there held, which Henry Daubeney obtained of King Henry the Sixth) at this place runneth into Ivel, and robbeth him of his name, when he is come down three miles Eastward, Montacute in doomsday book, Montagu●. and hath bidden farewell to Montacute, so termed by the Earl of Moriton, brother by the Mother's side to King William the Conqueror, (who built a Castle upon the very hill top, and at the foot thereof a Priory) because the said hill riseth up by little and little to a sharp p●int: for, before time it was called Logoresburgh, Annals of Glaston. and Biscopeston. As for the Castle, it came to nothing many years since: the stones thereof being had away to the repairing of the Monastery and other houses. Upon the pitch of the said hill, there was a Chapel afterwards set, and dedicated unto Saint Michael, built with archworke, and an embowed roof overhead all of stone, right artificially: to which for half a mile well ne'er, men ascended upon stone-staires, which in their ascent fetched a compass round about the hill. But now that the Priory and chapel both be pulled down, the fair and goodly house, which Sir Edward Philip's Knight, and the King's Sergeant at Law built lately at the hill foot, maketh a very beautiful show. This high place Mont-acute hath given surname to that right honourable family of Montacute, * Drogo juvenis. Lords Montacute. which had their beginning of Dru the younger. Out of which there were four Earls of Sarisburie: the last of them left one daughter only, Alice, who by Richard Nevil, pair Richard that renowned Earl of Warwick, who kept such stirs, and made all England to shake, also john Nevil marquis Montacute, who were both slain at Barnet field, in the year 1472. Afterward King Henry the Eighth conferred the title of Lord Montacute, upon Henry Poole, son of Margaret, daughter to George Duke of Clarence, that came of the daughter of that Richard Nevil aforesaid, Earl of Warwick: and when he had so done, straightways made him shorter by the head: afterwards Queen Marie advanced Anthony Browne, whose Grandmother was a daughter of john Nevil marquis Montacute, to the title and honour of Viscount Montacute, which his Grandchild Anthony who succeeded him now honourably enjoyeth. And here I must not forget neither, Preston, sometime the seat of john Sturton younger son to the first Lord Sturton, one of whose heirs was married to Sidenham of Brimton thereby; neither Odcombe adjoining thereto, as small a town as it is, Odcombe. seeing it had a Baron of the own, William de Briewer (for so was his father named, in the Norman-French, because he was borne in an * ●riceto. Briewers Barons. heath) who being taken up in the new Forest, by King Henry the Second in a hunting journey, proved a great man, and gracious in the Court (as whom King Richard the First highly favoured as his minion, and all the world embraced and loved) grew unto a very wealthy estate, married Beatrix of Vannes, widow to Reginald Earl of Cornwall, and his daughters, Register of Dunkeswell. for that his son died without issue, by their marriages brought great possessions to their husbands Breos, Wake, La-fert, and Piercy. Under this town hard by, lieth Stoke under Hamden, where the Gornaies' had their Castle, and built a College. This family de Gornaico, Gornays'. commonly named Gornay, was very ancient, and of good account, descended from the same stock, out of which the Warrens Earls of Surrie, and the Mortimers are sprung: but in the foregoing age it failed, and some of their lands descended by the Hamptons', to the house of the Newtons' Knights, Newtons'. who willignly acknowledge themselves to be come out of Wales; and not long since to have been named Caradocks. Neither must I pass over in silence, how Matthew Gournay, a most famous warrior in the reign of Edward the Third, was buried here; who in the fourscore and sixteenth year of his age, ended this life when (as appeareth by his Epitaph) he had fought at the siege of Algizer, against the Saracens, in the battles of Benamazin, Scluse, Cressie, Ingenos, Poitiers, and Nazars in Spain. Then * Parrot. Pedred watereth Martocke, a little market Town, which in times past William of Boulogne King Stephen's son gave unto Faramuse of Boulogne, whose sole heir Sibyl, was wedded to Ingelraine Fienes, from whom descended the Fienes, Barons of Dacre, and Lords Say and Sele. Parrot from hence thorough the mire and moorish plain country, Faramuse of Bolen. Fienes. holding his course Northward, passed by Langport a market Town well frequented, and Aulre, a Village consisting of a few poor Cottages, which seemeth to have been a Town of good account: Aulre. for, when King Elfred had given the Danes such an overthrow in battle, and by straight siege compelled them to yield, so far forth, that they took an oath immediately to depart out of his dominions, and Godrus their King promised to become Christian, (as writeth Asserius) at this very place he with great pomp was Godfather to the said Godrus at the sacred Font. Beneath this place from the West, Parrot receiveth into it the river Thone, which springing far of in the West part of this Country, very near unto Devonshire, runneth thorough most rich and pleasant fields, passing down near Wivelscomb, assigned anciently to the Bishops of bath, Wellington. and by Wellington, which in the time of King Edward the elder was a land of ●ix * Hides. Lediard. Manentes, what time he granted it together with Lediard, that had twelve Manentes, Hides, unto the Bishop of Shirburne: Now, a pretty market Town it is, and graced most by the habitation there of Sir john Popham (For, virtuous men, and such as have so well deserved of their country, are not to be passed in silence) a man of an ancient worshipful house, and withal a most upright justicer, john Popham. and of singular industry, who being Lord chief justice of the King's Bench, administereth his office toward malefactors with such wholesome and available severity, that England hath been beholden unto him a long time for a great part of her private peace, and home-securitie. For thence with a soft stream, and gentle fall, Taunton. Thone runneth by Thonton, commonly Taunton, and giveth it his name. A very fine and proper Town this is indeed, and most pleasantly seated: in a word, one of the eyes of this shire: where Ina King of the West Saxons, built a Castle, which Desburgia his wife razed, and laid even with the ground after she had expelled from thence Eadbritch, King of the South-Saxons, who now had made himself Lord thereof, and used it as a bridle to keep the country under, that he had subdued. When Edward the Confessor was King, it paid tribute (as we find in the King's Survey-Booke of England) after the rate of fifty and four Hides: and had in it threescore and three Burghers: The Bishop of Winchester held it as Lord, and his courts or Pleas were kept here thrice in the year. And these Customs appertain to Taunton, Burgherists, Thiefs, * Penalty foe peacebreaking, Pacis Infractio. Breach of peace, hannifare, pence of the Hundred, and pence of Saint Peter de Circieto, thrice in the year to hold the Bishop's Pleas without warning, to go forth to warfare with the Bishop's men. The Country here, most delectable on every side with green meadows; flourishing with pleasant Gardens and Orchards, and replenished with fair Manor houses; wonderfully contenteth the eyes of the beholders. And among these houses; those of greatest note are these: Orchard, which had in times past Lords of that name, from whom in right of Inheritance it descended unto the Portmen, men of Knight's degree: Mallet. Hach Beauchamp, and Cory Mallet, bearing those additions of their Lords, For, this was the seat of the Mallets, that came of the Norman race, and from them in short time, Pointzes. it fell by the female heir to the Pointzes. From among whom in the reign of Edward the First, Hugh was ranged in the rank of Parliament Barons, and out of that family some remain at this day of great reputation, and Knights in their Country. As for those Beauchamps, or de Bello Campo, they flourished in high places of honour, Beauchamps Barons. from the time of King Henry the Second: but especially since, that Cecilie * Forts. de Fortibus, which derived her pedigree from the Earls de Ferrarijs, and that great Marshal of England William Earl of Pembroke, matched in marriage with this family. But in the reign of Edward the Third, the whole inheritance, was by the sisters divided between Roger de S. Mauro, or Seimore, I. Meries', men of ancient descent, and great alliance. And hereupon it was, that King Henry the Eight, when he had wedded jane Seimor, mother to King Edward the Sixth, bestowed upon Edward Seimor her brother, the titles of Viscount Beauchamp, and Earl of Hertfort, whom King Edward the Sixth afterwards honoured, first wi●h the name of Lord and Baron Seimor to be annexed to his other titles, Viscount Beauchamp. lest (as the King saith in the Patent) the name of his mother's family should be overshadowed with any other style, and yet afterward created him Duke of Somerset. As you go from thence, where Thone windeth himself into Parrot, it maketh a pretty Island between two rivers called in times past Aethelingey, that is, The Isle of Nobles, now commonly known by the name of Athelney: a place no less famous among us for King alfred's shrouding himself therein, what time as the Danes now had brought all into broil, than those Marshes of Minturny among the Italians, wherein Marius lurked, and lay hidden. For, touching that King an ancient Poet, wrote thus: — Mixta dolori Gaudia semper erant, spes semper mixta timori. Si modó victor erat, ad crastiná bella pavebat, Si modó victus erat, ad crastina bella parabat. Cui vestes sudore jugi, cui sica cruore Tincta jugi, quantum sit onus regnare probarunt. With dolour great his joys were mixed, his hope was joined with dread, If now he victor were, next day of wars he stood afraid: If vanquished now, the morrow next forthwith he thought it good For to prepare for war: his sword was aye begored in blood. His garments eke with painful sweat, were evermore bestained. Which well did show what burden great he bare while that he reigned. And in truth, this Isle afforded him a very fit shrouding corner: for that by reason of waters partly standing there in plashes, and partly resorting reflowing thither, which Asserius termed Gronnas, Latinizing a Saxon word) there is in manner no access into it. It had sometime a bridge between two castles, built by Aelfred, and a very large grove of Alders, full of goats and wild beasts: but of firm ground scarce two acres in breadth: on which, as saith William of Malmesbury (whose words these are and not mine) he founded a little Monastery: the whole frame whereof, hanged upon four main posts pitched fast in the ground, with four round isles of Sphaerick work contrived and brought round about the same. Not far from this Isle Parrot having received the said river runneth alone swelling with certain sandy shelves sometime in his channel, by the Hundred of N. Pederton anciently acknowledging the Bluets to have been Lords thereof, who are thought to have brought that name from Bluet in little Britain: here it taketh into him an other river from East to bear him company which openeth it self near Castle Cary which William Lovel Lord thereof held against K. Stephen in the behalf of Maud the Empress right inheritrix of the Crown of England; Lovel. Lupellus in Latin. Castle Cary. whose issue male failing in the time of King Edward the Third, by heir female it came to Nicolas de S. Maure a Baron (of a distinct family from that which was a few lines before mentioned) and shortly after about the time of Henry the fifth by an heir female again to the Lord Zouches of Harringworth: as a moiety of the lands of Lord Zouch of Ashby de la Zouch came before by coheirs to the house of this S. Maures. Lord Saint Maure. But when the Lord Zouch was attainted by K. Henry the Seventh for assisting King Richard the Third, this Castle was given by the K. to Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke as his lands at Bridge-water to the Lord Daubency and then he was restored in blood. From Castle Carry this water passeth by Lites-Cary to be remembered in respect of the late owner Thomas Light a gentleman studious of all good knowledge, and so to Somerton, the Shire town in times past, as which gave the name thereto. A Castle it had of the West Saxon Kings, which Ethelbald King of Mercia forcing a breach through the walls sieged and kept: But now time hath gotten the mastery of it so, as that there is no appearance at all thereof: and the very Town itself would have much a do to keep that name, were it not for a Fair of oxen and other beasts which is kept, there from Palme-Sunday until the midst of june, with much resort of people; for that the countrymen all there about are very great Graziers, breeders, and feeders of cattle. No sooner hath Parrot entertained this river, but he speeds him apace toward, a great and populous town, commonly called Bridg-water: and is thought to have taken that name of the Bridge and water there: but the old records and evidences gain say this opinion: wherein it is always called in plain words Burg-water, that is, Welter's burgh or Burgh-walter: and (as we may very probably conjecture) of that Walter de Duaco, or Douai who served under William Conqueror in his wars, and received at his hands many fair manors in this shire. Neither carrieth it any other name in that grant or donation, whereby Fulke Pains Lord of Bampton passed the possession of the place over unto William Briwer, to curry favour with him, being so great a man and so gracious a favourite with King Richard the First: This William's son and bearing his name, bettered this haven, having obtained licence of King john to fortify a Castle, built here a Fortress: which now time hath wrought her will of: and began a bridge which one Strivet a gentleman of Cornwall with infinite cost finished: founded also the Hospital of S. john here, and Dunkeswell abbey. But when this William Briwer the younger left this life without issue, in the partition of his heritage it fell to Margaret his sister, in right of whose daughter that she had by William De la fort, it came to the house of Cadurci or Chaworths, and from it hereditarily to the Dukes of Lancaster; as some lands hereabout by an other sister came to Breos, Earls of Bridge-water and so by Cantalupe to Lord Zauch. But the greatest honour that this place had, was by the title of an Earldom, that King Henry the Eight adorned it withal, what time as he created Henry Doubeney, Earl of Bridge-water, whose sister Cecilie, was married unto john Bourchier the first Earl of Bath out of that house. Beneath this, Vzella. some few miles off, Parrot voideth itself into the Severne sea at a wide mouth, which, as we said, Ptolomee called Vzella aestuarium: and some even at this day, Evelmouth: but the old English-Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, at which place, as Marianus mine author writeth, Ealstan Bishop of Shirburne about the year of Salvation 845. discomfited the Danish forces as they were straggling abroad. At the same mouth where we saw Honispell an ancient Manor of the Coganes, men of great fame in the conquest of Ireland, Selwood. there meeteth it another river called of some Brius which ariseth out of that great and wide wood in the East-side of this shire, which the Britan's named Cort Maur, Bruiton. the Saxons Selwood, that is, (by Asserius interpretation) The great wood, but now not so great. This river first visiteth Bruiton, to which he leaveth his name: (a place memorable, for that the Mohuns there entombed, who built a religious house of the Fitz-Iames, runneth a long way by small villages and increased with some other brooks, it watereth goodly grounds, until it meet with softer soil then and there, it maketh certain marshes and meres, and when the waters rise, environeth a large plot of ground, as an Isle, so called of old time in the British tongue, the Isle of Aualon, of Appulis: afterwards, named Inis Witrin, that is, The Glassy Isle, like as in the Saxon Idiom, the same sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in Latin Gloscania. Of which, a Poet of good antiquity writeth thus. Insula pomorum quae fortunata vocatur, Ex re nomen habet, quia per se singula profert. Non opus est illi s●lcantibus arva colonis, Omnis abest cultus, nisi quem natura ministrat, Vltró foecundas segetes producit, & herbas, Nataque poma suis praetonso germine sylvis. The Apple-Isle and Fortunate, folk of the thing so call, For of itself it bringeth forth corn, Forage, fruit and all. There is no need of country clowns to plough and till the fields, Nor seen is any husbandry, but that which nature yields. Of the own accord there cometh up, corn, grass and herbs good store, Whole woods there be that apples bear, if they be pruned before. In this Isle under a great hill rising in great height with a tower thereon, which they call the Tor, William Malmesbury, of Glastenburies' antiquity. flourished the famous abbey of Glastenbury, the beginning whereof is very ancient, fetched even from that joseph of Arimathaea, who interred the body of jesus Christ, and whom Philip the Apostle of the Gauls sent into Britain for to preach Christ. For, thus much both the most ancient records and monuments of this Monastery testify, and also Patrick the Irish Apostle (who lived there a Monk thirty years) in an Epistle of his hath left to memory. Whereupon this place was by our Ancestors named, See Romans in Brittany. I● confirm. Henric. 2. The first land of God, The first land of Saints in England, The beginning and fountain of all religion in England, The tomb of Saints, The mother of Saints, The Church founded and built by the Lords Disciples. Neither is there any cause why we should much doubt thereof, sithence I have showed before, that the beams of Christian religion in the very infancy of the primitive Church were spread and shined upon this Island, yea and Freculphus Lexoviensis hath written, that the said Philip conducted barbarous nations, near unto darkness and bordering just upon the Ocean, to the light of knowledge and port of faith. But to our Monastery, and that out of Malmesburie his book touching this matter. When that old Cell or little chapel which joseph had built by continuance of time was in the end decayed, Devi Bishop of Saint david's erected a new one in the same place, which also in time falling to ruin, twelve men coming out of the North part of Britain repaired it, and lastly King Ina (who founded a school in Rome for the training up and instruction of English youth, & to the maintenance thereof, as also for alms to be distributed at Rome, had laid an imposition of Peter-pences upon every house throughout his realm) having demolished it, built there a very fair and stately Church, to Christ, Peter, and Paul: and under the very highest coping thereof round about caused to be written these verses: Syderei montes, speciosa cacumina Zion, A Libano geminae flore comante, cedri; Caelorum portae lati duo lumina mundi. o'er tonat Paulus, fulgurat arce Petrus: These verses with some little change are found in the fourth book of Venantius Fortunatus his Poems: in the praise partly of the Church in Paris and partly of Nants. Inter Apostolicas radianti luce coronas, Doctior hic monitis, celsior ille gradu, Corda per hunc hominum reserantur, & astra per illum: Quos docet iste stylo, suscipit ille polo. Pandit iter coeli hic dogmate, clavibus alter, Est via cui Paulus, janua fida Petrus. Hic Petra firma manens, ille Architectus habetur, Surgit in hijs templum quo placet ara Deo. Anglia plaude lubens, mittit tibi Roma salutem, Fulgor Apostolicus Glasconiam irradiat. A fancy hostili duo propugnacula surgunt, Quod fidei turres urbs caput orbis habet. Haec pius egregio Rex Ina refertus amore, Dona suo populo non moritura dedit. Totus in affectu divae pietatis inhaereus, Ecclesiaeque juges amplificavit opes. Melchi-sedech noster meritó Rex, atque Sacerdos, Complevit verae religionis opus, Publica jura regens, & celsa palatia servans, Vnica Pontificum gloria, norma fuit. Hinc abiens, illinc meritorum fulget honore, Hic quoque gestorum lande perennis erit. Two mountains high that reach the stars, two tops of Zion Fair, From Libanon two cedar trees their flowering heads do bear. Two royal gates of highest heaven, two lights that men admire, Paul thundereth with his voice aloft, Peter he flasheth fire. Of all the Apostles crowned crew, whose rays right glittering be, Paul for deep learning doth excel, Peter for high degree. The one doth open the hearts of men, the other heaven door, For Peter lets those into heaven, whom Paul had taught before. As one by means of doctrine shows the way how heaven to win, By virtue so of th'other's Keys, men quickly enter in. Paul is a plain and ready way for men to heaven hie, And Peter is as sure a gate, for them to pass thereby. This is a rock remaining firm: a Master builder he: 'twixt these a Church and altar both, to please God, built we see. Rejoice o England willingly; For, Rome doth greet thee well, The glorious Apostles light in Glaston now do dwell. Two bulwarks strong affront the Foe are raised; These towers of faith In that this City holds, the head even of the world it hath. These monuments King Ina gave of perfect mere good will Unto his subjects; whose good deeds remain and shall do still. He with his whole affection in godliness did live, And holy Church to amplify great riches also give. Well might he our Melchisedech, a Priest and King, be thought, For he the true religious work to full perfection brought. The laws in common weal he kept, and state in Court beside, The only Prince that prelates graced, and them eke rectifide. And now departed hence to heaven, of right he there doth reign, Yet shall the praise of his good deeds, with us for ay remain. In this first age of the primitive Church, very holy men and the Irish especially applied the service of God in this place diligently, who were maintained with allowances from Kings, and instructed youth in religion and liberal sciences. These men embraced a solitary life, that they might the more quietly study the Scriptures, and by an austere kind of life exercise themselves to the bearing of the cross. But at length, Dunstane a man of a subtle wit and well experienced, when he had once by an opinion of his singular holiness and learning wound himself into the inward acquaintance of Princes, in stead of these, brought in Monks of a later order, called Benedictines, and himself first of all others became the Abbot or ruler here of a great covent of them; who had formerly, and afterward gotten at the hands of good and godly Princes a royal revenue. And having reigned as it were in all affluence 600. years (for all their neighbours round about were at their beck) they were by K. Henry the Eighth dispossessed & thrust out of all, & this their Monastery, which was grown now to be a pretty City, environed with a large wall a mile about; & replenished with stately buildings, was razed and made even with the ground: and now only showeth evidently by the ruins thereof, how great and how magnificent a thing it was. Now, I might be thought one of those that in this age have vanities in admiration, if I should tell you of a Walnut tree in the holy Churchyard here, that never did put forth leaf before S. Barnabees feast, and upon that very day was rank and full of leaves; but that is now gone, and a young tree in the place: as also of the Hawthorne in Wiral-park hard by, which upon Christmasday sprouteth forth as well as in May. And yet there be very many of good credit, if we may believe men of their word, who avouch these things to be most true. But, before I return from hence, I will briefly set down unto you that, which Giraldus Cambrensis an eyewitness of the thing, hath more at large related touching Arthur's Sepulchre in the Churchyard there. When Henry the Second King of England, Arthur, the warlike Worthy. took knowledge out of the Songs of British Bards, or Rhythmers, how Arthur that most noble Worthy of the Britan's who by his Martial prowess, had many a time daunted the fury of the English-Saxons, lay buried here between two Pyramids, or sharpe-headed pillars, he caused the body to be searched for: and scarcely had they digged seven foot deep into the earth, but they lighted upon a Tomb or Grave-stone, on the upper face whereof was fastened a broad Cross of lead grossly wrought: which being taken forth showed an inscription of letters: and under the said stone almost nine foot deeper, was found a Sepulchre of oak made hollow, wherein the bones of that famous Arthur were bestowed, which Inscription or Epitaph, as it was sometime exemplified, and drawn out of the first Copy in the Abbey of Glascon, I thought good for the antiquity of the characters here to put down. The letters being made after a barbarous manner, & resembling the Gothish Character, bewray plainly the barbarism of that age, when ignorance (as it were) by fatal destiny bore such sway, that there was none to be found, by whose writings the renown of Arthur might be blazed, and commended to posterity. A matter and argument doubtless, meet to have been handled by the skill and eloquence of some right learned man, who in celebrating the praises of so great a prince, might have won due commendation also for his own wit. For, the most valiant Champion of the British Empire, seemeth even in this behalf only, most unfortunate, that he never met with such a trumpeter, as might worthily have sounded out the praise of his valour. But behold the said Cross and Epitaph therein. Neither will it be impertinent, if I annex hereunto what our Country man, joseph, [a Monk] of Excester, no vulgar and trivial Poet, versified, sometime of Arthur in his Poem Antiocheis, wherein he described the wars of the Christians for recovery of the Holy Land, and was there present with King Richard the First, speaking of Britain. Hinc celebri fato foelici claruit ortu Flos Regum Arthurus, cujus cúm facta stupori, Non micuere minús, totus quód in aure voluptas, Et populo plaudente favus. Quemcunque priorum Inspice, * Alexandrum Magnum. Pelaeum commendat fama tyrannum, Pagina Caesareos loquitur Romana triumphos, Alcidem domitis attollit gloria monstris. Sed nec pinetum coryli, nec sydera solemn Aequant: annal Latios, Graiosque revolve, Prisca parem nescit, aequalem postera nullum Exhibitura dies. Reges supereminet omnes, Solus praeteritis melior, majorque futuris. For famous death, and happy birth, hence flourished next in place, Arthur the flower of noble Kings: whose acts with lovely grace Accepted and admired were, in people's mouth and ear, No less than if sweet honey they, or pleasant music were. See former Princes, and compare his worth even with them all: That King in Pella borne, whom we great Alexander call, The trump of fame doth sound aloft. The Roman Stories eke Much praise and honour both, of their Triumphant Caesars speak. And Hercules exalted is for taming Monsters fell: But Pine-trees, hazels low, (as Sun the Stars) do far excel: Both Greek and Latin Annals read: no former age his Peer, Nor future time his match can show. For this is plain and clear, In goodness he and greatness both, surmounts Kings all and some, Better alone, than all before, greater than those to come. And this worthy Knight, (that I may note so much also by the way out of Ninnius the Britain, if it be worth the noting) was called, Mab uter, that is, A terrible or dreadful Son, because he was from his childhood cruel; and Artur, which in the British tongue importeth as much as a horrible bear, or any iron maul, wherewith the Lion's jaws are bruised and broken. Lo here also, if it please you, other monuments of this place, though they be not of the greatest antiquity, The Pyramids of Glastenburie. out of the foresaid William of Malmesburie. That (quoth he) which to all men is altogether unknowen, I would gladly relate, if I could pick out the truth: namely, what those sharp pillars or pyramids should mean which being set distant certain feet from the old Church, stand in the front, and border of the Churchyard. The highest of them, and that which is nearer to the Church, than the rest, hath five stories, and carrieth in height six and twenty foot: Which albeit for age it be ready to fall, yet hath it certain antiquities to be seen, that plainly may be read, although they cannot so easily be understood. For in the uppermost story, there is an Image in habit and attire of a Bishop: in the next under it, the statue of a King in his royal robes, and these Letters, HERALD SEXI. and BLISWER●. In the third, these names likewise, and nothing else, WEMCHEST. BANTOMP. WINEWEGNE. In the fourth HATE. WULFREDE, etc. EANFLEDE. In the fifth, which is the lowest, a portaict, and this writing, LOGWOR. WESLIELAS, etc. BREGDENE. SWELWES. HWINGENDES. BERNE. The other Pyramid is eighteen foot high, and hath four floors or stories; in which you may read, HEAD * Episcopus. Bishop, etc. BREGORRED, etc. BEORWALDE. What all this should signify, I take not upon me rashly to define: but by conjecture I gather, that in some hollowed stones within, are contained the bones of those, whose names are read without. Surely LOGWOR is affirmed for certain, to be the same man, of whose name the place was sometime called LOOWERESBEORGH, which now they call Mont-acute And BEORWALDE semblably was Abbot next after HEMGISELUS, To reckon up here the Kings of the Westsaxons, that were buried in this place, would be but needless: Edgar the Peaceable. Howbeit, King Edgar the Peaceable, who always tendered peace, in regard thereof, if there were nothing else, I cannot but remember, and put down his Epitaph, not unbeseeming that age wherein he lived. Auctor opum, vindex scelerum, largitor honorum, Sceptriger Edgarus regna superna petit. Hic alter Salomón, legum pater, orbita pacis, Quód caruit bellis, claruit inde magis. Templa Deo, templis monachos, monachis dedit agros, Nequitiae lapsum, justitiaeque locum. Novit enim regno verum perquirere falso, Immensum modico perpetuumque brevi. That well of wealth, and scourge of sin, that honour-giver great, King Edgar hence is gone to hold in heaven his royal seat: This second Solomon that was, laws-father, Prince of peace, In that he wanted wars, the more his glory had increase. Churches to God, to Church's Monks, to Monks fair Lands he gave, Down went in his day's wickedness, and justice place might have: A pure crown for a counterfeit he purchased once for all, An endless Kingdom for a short, a boundless for a small. Beneath Glascon three Rivers which there meet, do make a mere, and issuing forth at one little mouth, run all in one channel Westward, to Uzella Frith, Godney Moor. first by Gedney or (as others will have it) Godney more, which (they say) signifieth, God's Island, and was granted to joseph of Arimathea: then, by Weadmoore, a Manor of King Aelfreds', which by his last Will and Testament, he gave as a legacy to his son Edward, and so by that moory or fenny-country Crentmaesh, that runneth out very far, which the Monks of Glastenburie interpreted to be the Country of Fen Frogs, like as the little Town Brentknoll there, which signifieth, Frog-hill. Mendip-hils. From thence Eastward, Mendippe hills extend themselves in length and breadth; Leland calleth them Minerarios, that is, the Mineral hills; and rightly (as I suppose) seeing they be in old writings named Muneduppe: for, rich they are in lead mines, and good to feed cattle. Among these hills there is a cave or den far within the ground: Ochy hole. wherein are to be seen certain pits and rivulets, the place they call Ochie-hole, whereof the Inhabitants feign no fewer tales, nor devise less dotages, than the Italians did of their Sibyls Cave in the mountain Apenninus. The name (no doubt) grew of Ogo, a British word, that betokeneth, a Den: even of the like den, the Isle Euboea, Strabo. was by such another name sometime called Ocha. Not far hence, in the reign of K. Henry the Eighth, was turned up with the plough, a table of lead somewhat long, which lay long at Lambeth in the Duke of Norfolk's house, erected sometime for a trophy in token of victory, with this inscription: TI. CLAUDIUS CAESAR. AUG. P. M. TRIB. P. VIIII. IMP. XVI. DE BRITAN. This Tribuneship of Claudius here mentioned, fell out to be in the 802. year after the foundation of Rome, when Antistus and M. suilius were Consuls, what time P. Ostorius Governor of Britain as Vice-Pretour, was welcomed thither with many troubles. Out of this time, give me leave, I pray you, to frame certain conjectures: That in this year Claudius erected two Trophies, or monuments of victory over the Britan's, his own ancient coin showeth as a most certain witness, in the forepart whereof is this plain Inscription, See before among the Coins. TI. CLAUD. CAESAR. AUG. P. M. TR. P. VIIII. IMP. XVI. P. P. and in the reverse thereof, DE BRITAN. and there is expressly stamped a triumphal Arch, with an Image of one galloping on horseback, and with two triumphal pillars. What Britain's these were then vanquished, Tacitus showeth, testifying that this year Claudius by the conduct of Ostorius subdued two Nations of the Britan's this year, Cangi, a people of Britain. to wit, The ICENI, and the CANGI. But forasmuch as the Iceni, lay (as it were) in another climate. What if I said, this Trophy was set up in token of victory over the Cangi, a smaller nation among our Belga, and that those CANGI, were seated in these parts. For, not far from hence is the sea, that lieth toward Ireland, near which he placeth the Cangi, of whose name there seemeth as yet in certain places of this tract, some shadow to remain, namely, in Cannington, & canning's, petty countries and Hundreds: as also in Wincaunton, which elsewhere is called Cangton. But of these matters let the reader be judge; myself (as I said) doth no more but conjecture, whiles I seek to trace out these their footsteps, and hope to find them out some where-else. Among these hills standeth Chuton, which was the habitation, (if I take not my marks amiss) of William Bonvill, whom King Henry the Sixth called by his writ of Summons to the Parliament, Bonvill. by the name William de Bonvill and Chuton, among other Barons of the Realm, made him Knight of the Garter, and richly matched his son in marriage with the sole daughter of Lord Harington. But when he (unthankful man that he was) in the heat of civil war, revolted, and took part with the house of York, as if vengeance had pursued him hard at heels, that only son of his he saw taken from him by untimely death, and his nephew by the same son, Baron of Harington, slain at the battle of Wakefield: and immediately after, (that his old age might want no kind of misery) whiles he waited still, and long looked for better days, was himself taken prisoner in the second battle of Saint Alban, and having now run through his full time by course of nature, lost his head, leaving behind him for his heir, his Grand-childs' daughter Cecilie, a Damsel of tender years, who afterwards with a great inheritance, 1. Edward. 4. was wedded to Thomas Greie, marquis Dorset. But his blood after his death was by authority of Parliament restored. Under Mendip hills northward, there is a little village, called, Congersburie, so named of one Congar, a man of singular holiness. Capgrave hath written, that he was the Emperor's son of Constantinople who lived there an Eremite: Harpetre. also Harpetre, a Castle by right of inheritance, fell to the Gornaies', and from them descended to the Ab-adams', who as I have read, restored it to the Gornaies' again. Southward, not far from the foresaid hole, where Mendip slopeth down with a stony descent, a little city with an Episcopal See, is situate beneath at the hill foot, sometime called, (as saith Leland) but whence he had it, Welles. I wot not, Theodorodunum, now Welles, so named of the Springs, or Wells, which boil and walm up there: like as Susa in Persia, Croia in Dalmatia; and Pagase in Macedonia, were named of the like fountains; in their country speech: Steph●n urbibus, and Barletius. whereupon this also in Latin, is called, Fontanensis Ecclesia, as one would say, Fountain-Church. Fot multitude of Inhabitants, for fair and stately buildings, it may well and truly challenge the pre-eminence of all this Province. A goodly Church it hath, and a College, founded by King Ina, in honour of Saint Andrew, and soon after endowed by Princes, and great men with rich livings, and revenues: among whom King Kinewolph by name, in the year of our Lord 766. granted unto it very many places lying thereabout. For, in a Charter of his we read thus, I Kinewolph, King of the Westsaxons, for the love of God, and (that which is not openly to be spoken) for some vexation of our enemies, those of the Cornish Nation, with the consent of my Bishops and Nobles, will most humbly give and consecrate some parcel of Land to Saint Andrew the Apostle, and servant of God, that is to say, as much as cometh to Manentium. XI. Eleven Hides, near to the River called Welwe, for the augmentation of that Monastery, which standeth near the great fountain that they call Wiclea. This Charter have I set down, both for the antiquity, and because some have supposed, that the place took name of this River; verily, near the Church there is a Spring, called Saint Andrew's Well, the fairest, deepest, and most plentiful that I have seen, by and by making a swift Brook. The Church itself all throughout is very beautiful, but the Frontispiece thereof, in the West end, is a most excellent and goodly piece of work indeed, for it ariseth up still from the foot to the top all of imagery, in curious and antic wise wrought of stone carved, and embowed right artificially, and the Cloisters adjoining very fair and spacious. A gorgeous palace of the Bishops, built in manner of a Castle, fortified with walls, and a moat standeth hard by, Southward; and on the other side fair houses of the Prebendaries. Combs. For, Seven and Twenty prebend's, with nineteen other petty prebend's, beside a Dean, a chanter, a Chancellor, and three Archdeacon's belong to this Church. In the time of K. Edward the elder, a Bishops See was here placed. For, when the Pope had suspended him, because the Ecclesiastical discipline and jurisdiction in these western parts of the Realm, began openly to decay, than he knowing himself to be a maintainer, and Nurse-father of the Church, ordained three new Bishoprics, to wit, of * Kirton. Cridie, Cornwall, and this of Welles, where he made Eadulph the first Bishop. 905. But many years after, when Giso sat Bishop there, Harold Earl of the Westsaxons, and of Kent (who gaped so greedily for the goods of the Church) so disquieted and vexed him, History of bath. that he went within a little off quite abolishing the dignity thereof. But King William the Conqueror, after he had overthrown Harold, stretched out his helping hand to the succour of banished Giso, and relief of his afflicted Church. At what time, (as witnesseth Doomsday book) the Bishop held the whole town in his own hands, which paid tribute after the proportion of fifty Hides. Afterwards in the reign of Henry the First, johannes de Villula, of Tours in France, being now elected Bishop, translated his See to bath, since which time the two Sees growing into one, the Bishop beareth the title of both; so that he is called, The Bishop of bath and Welles. Whereupon the Monks of bath, and Canons of Welles, See in the Decretals. Ne sede vacante aliquid innovetur. entered into a great quarrel, and skuffled, as it were, each with the other about the choosing of their Bishops: Mean while, Savanaricus Bishop of bath, being also Abbot of Glastenbury, translated the See of Glastenbury and was called Bishop thereof: but when he died, this title died with him: and the Monks and Canons aforesaid, 1193. were at length brought to accord, by that Robert, who divided the Patrimony of Welles Church into prebend's, instituting a Dean, Subdeane, etc. Joceline also, the Bishop about the same time, repaired the Church with new buildings, and within remembrance of our Grandfathers, Raulph of Shrewsburie, (so some call him) built a very fine College for the Vicars and singing-men, fast by the North side of the Church, and walled in the Bishop's Palace. But this rich Church, was despoiled of many fair possessions in the time of King Edward the Sixth, when England felt all miseries which happen under a Child-King. As ye go from the Palace to the marketplace of the town, Thomas Beckington the Bishop built a most beautiful gate: who also adjoined thereto passing fair houses all of uniform height near the Marketplace; in the midst whereof is to be seen a Marketplace, supported with seven Columns or pillar without, arched overhead right daintily, which William Knight the Bishop, and Wolman the Deane founded for the use of people resorting thither to the Market. Thus much of the East-part of the town: In the Westside thereof, I have seen the parish Church of Saint cuthbert's: next unto which standeth an Hospital, founded by Nicolas Burwith Bishop for four and twenty poor people. Out of those Mendip or Mine-hils, springeth the River from, which running Eastward, by Coalpits, before it hath held on a long course that way, turneth Northward, Fareley. Philip's Norton. and serveth in stead of a bound confining this shire and Gloceste-shire, and passeth hard under Farley, a Castle not long since of the Lord hungerford's, situate upon a Rock, where Humphrey Bohun built sometime a Monkery, not far from Philip's Norton, a great Market-town, which took the name of a Church, consecrate to Saint Philip. Lower than it, Selwood. Selwood, whereof I spoke erewhile, spreadeth long and large: a wood standing well and thick of trees, whereof the country round about adjoining was named (as Ethelward mine Author writeth, Selwoodshire: and a town steepely seated thereby is yet called from Selwood, which gaineth very much by the trade of clothing: From which, Westward, not full two miles, there showeth itself, a Castle (little though it be) yet fine and trim consisting of four round Turrets, which being built by the Delamares, and named thereupon Monney de la Mare, from them came by way of inheritance to the Powlets. Monney de la Mare. And not far from thence is Witham, where King Henry the Third erected a Nunnery, which afterward was the first house, and as it were, mother to the Carthusians or Charter-house Monks in England, as Hinton not far off near Farley Castle was the second. And now by this time, from grown bigger by some rivulets issuing out of this wood, joineth with the noble river Avon: bath. Aqua So●i●. which holding on a crooked course, runneth anon to that ancient City which of the hot Baths Ptolomee called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Hot waters: Antoninus, AQVAE SOLIS, that is, The waters of the Sun: the Britain's Your ennaint Twymin and Caer Badon, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and of the concourse thither of diseased people Akmanchester, that is, The City of sickly folk: Stephanus nameth it Badiza, we at this day Bath, and the Latinists commonly, Bathonia. Seated it is low in a plain, and the same not great; environed round about with hills almost all of one height, out of which certain rilles of fresh river waters continually descend into the City, to the great commodity of the Citizens. Within the City itself there bubble & boil up three springs of hot water, Hot Waters. of a bluish or sea-colour, sending up from them thin vapours, and a kind of a strong sent withal, by reason that the water is drilled, and strained through veins of Brimstone, and a clammy kind of earth called Bitumen. Which springs are very medicinable, and of great virtue to cure bodies overcharged, and benumbed (as it were) with corrupt humours: For, by their heat they procure sweat, and subdue the rebellious stubbornness of the said humours. Yet are not they wholesome at all hours: For, from eight of the clock in the forenoon unto three after noon, they are in manner scalding hot, and do work: and being thus troubled cast up from the bottom certain filth: during which time they are shut: neither may any body go into them, until by their sluices they cleanse themselves, and rid away that filthiness. Of these three, The Cross Bath (so called of a cross standing upright in old time in the midst of it) is of a very mild and temperate warmth: and hath twelve seats of stone about the brink or border thereof, and is enclosed within a wall. The second, distant from this not fully 200. foot is much hotter: whereupon it is termed Hot bath: Adjoining to these, is a spital or Lazar house, built by Reginald Bishop of Bath for the relief of poor diseased persons. And those two are in the midst of a Street on the Westside of the City. The third, which is the greatest, and after a sort in the very bosom and heart of the City, is called the King's Bath, near unto the Cathedral Church, walled also round about, and fitted with 32. seats of arched work: wherein men and women may sit apart, who when they enter in put upon their body's linen garments, and have their guides. Where the said Cathedral Church now standeth, there was in ancient time, The Temple of Minerva. as the report goeth, a Temple consecrated to Minerva. Certes, Solinus Polyhistor speaking (no doubt) of these hot Baths saith thus, In Britain, there are hot springs very daintily adorned and kept for men's use: the patroness of which fountains is the Goddess Minerva: in whose Temple the perpetual fire never turneth ashes, and dead coals, but when the fire beginneth to die, it turns into round masses of stone. Howbeit Athenaeus writeth, that all hot Baths which naturally break out of the bowels of the earth are sacred to Hercules. And in very deed, there is to be seen in the walls of this City an ancient Image (such as it is) of Hercules' grasping in his hand a Snake, among other old monuments by the injury of time now altogether defaced: But that we may not contend about this matter, let us grant (if it be so thought good) that Baths were consecrated to Hercules, and Minerva, jointly. For the greeks do write that Pallas first ministered water unto Hercules for to bathe him, after he had achieved his labours. For my purpose it shall suffice, if I be able to prove by the authority of Solinus (who writeth that Pallas was the Patroness of these Baths) this City to be the same which the Britan's in their tongue called Caer Palladdur, Caer Palladur. that is, The City of Pallas-water, or Vrbs Palladiae Aquae, if a man turn it into Latin. For, the matter, the name, and signification do most fitly agree. The finding out of these Baths our Fables attribute to the King of Britan's Bleyden Cloyth, Britan's addicted to Magic. that is, Bleyden the Magician; but with what probability, that I leave to others. Pliny indeed affirmeth, that the Britan's in old time used the practice of magic with so great ceremonies, that it seemed they taught it the Persians: yet dare I not ascribe these Baths to any art magical. Some of our writers, when their minds were busied in other matters, report julius Caesar to have been the first finder of them: But my opinion is, that later it was ere the Romans had knowledge of them, seeing Solinus is the first that hath made mention of them. The English-Saxons about the 44. year after their coming into Britain, when they had broken league and covenant, and kindled again the coals of war which had already been quenched, besieged this City: But when the warlike Arthur came upon them, they took the hill named Mons Bad●nicus, where, when courageously a long while they had fought it out to the uttermost, a great number of them were slain. This hill seemeth to be the very same, which now is called Bannesdowne, over a little village near this City, which they call Bathstone, on which there are banks, and a rampire as yet to be seen. Yet some there be, I know, who seek for this hill in Yorkshire: But Gildas may bring them back again to this place: For, in a manuscript Copy within Cambridge-Librarie, where he writeth of the victory of Aurelius Ambrose, thus we read: Until that year wherein siege was laid to the hill of Badonicus, which is not far from Severne mouth. But in case this may not persuade them, know they, that the vale which runneth here along the river Avon, is named in British Nant Badon, that is, The Vale of Badon: and where we should seek for the hill Badonicus, but by the Vale Badonica, I cannot hitherto see. Neither durst the Saxons for a long time after, set upon this City, but left it for a great while to the Britan's. Howbeit in the year of Christ 577. when Cowalin King of the Westsaxons, had defeated the Britan's at Deorbam, in Glocestershire, being both straightly besieged, and also assaulted, it yielded at first: and within few years recovering some strength grew up to great dignity and therewith got a new name, Ackmancester, as I said: For, Osbrich in the year 676. founded a Nunnery there: and immediately after, when the Mercians had gotten it under them, King Offa built another Church, both which in the time of the Danish broils were overthrown. Out of the ruins of these two, arose afterwards the Church of S. Peter, in which Eadgar surnamed the Peacemaker, being crowned, and sacred King, bestowed upon the City very many Immunities, the memory of which thing the Citizens yearly with Solemn plays do yet celebrate. In Edward the Confessors time, (as we read in Domes-booke of England) it paid tribute according to 20. Hides, when as the Shire paid. There, the King had 64. Burghers, and 30. Burghers of others. But this prosperity of theirs endured not long: for, soon after the Normans coming in, Robert Mowbray Nephew to the Bishop of Constance, who had raised no small Sedition against King William Rufus, sacked and burned it. Yet in short space it revived, and recovered itself, by means of john de Villula of Tours in France, who being Bishop of Welles, for five hundred marks (as saith William of Malmesburie) purchased this City of King Henry the First, and translated his Episcopal chair hither, retaining also the title of Bishop of Welles, and for his own See built a new Church: which being not long since ready to fall, Olivar Bishop of bath began to found another hard by that old (a curious and stately piece of work, I assure you) and almost finished the same: Which if he had performed indeed, it would no doubt have surpassed the most Cathedral Churches of England. But the untimely death of so magnificent a Bishop, the iniquity and troubles of the time, and the suppression of religious houses ensuing, with the late avarice of some, who have craftily conveied the money collected throughout England for that use, another way (if it be true that is reported) have envied it that glory. But nevertheless this City hath flourished as well by clothing, as by reason of usual concourse thither for health twice every year, yea and hath fortified itself with walls, wherein there are set certain Antique Images and Roman Inscriptions for the proof of their antiquity, which now by age are so eaten into, and worn, that they can hardly be read. And that nothing might be wanting to the state and dignity of bath, some noble men it hath honoured with the title of Earl. For, we read, that Philibert of Chandew descended out of Bretaigne in France, was by King Henry the Seventh styled with this honour. Afterwards, King Henry the Eighth, Earls of bath. in the 28. year of his reign created john Bourcher Lord Fitzwarin, Earl of bath. Who died shortly after, leaving by his wife the sister of H. Daubeney Earl of Bridge-water, Inquisit. 31. Henry 8. john second Earl of this family, who by the daughter of George Lord Roos had john Lord Fitzwarin, who deceased before his father, having by Fr. the daughter of S. Thomas Kitson of Hengrave William now third Earl of bath, who endeavoureth to beautify and adorn his nobility of birth, with commendable studies of good letters. The longitude of this City is according to Geographers measure 20. degrees, and 16. minutes. But the Latitude 51. degrees, and 21. minutes. And now for a farewell, lo here Nechams verses, such as they be, of these hot waters at bath, who lived 400. years since. Bathoniae thermas vix praefero Virgilianas', Confecto prosunt balnea nostra seni. Prosunt attritis, collisis, invalidisque, Et quorum morbis frigida causa subest. Praevenit humanum stabilis natura laborem; Servit naturae legibus artis opus. Igne suo succensa quibus data balnea fervent, Aenea subter aquas vasa latere putant. Errorem figmenta solent inducere passim. Sed quid? sulphureum novimus esse locum. Our Baths at Bath, with Virgil's to compare, For their effects, I dare almost be bold: For feeble folk, and crazy good they are, For bruised, consumed, far-spent, and very old: For those likewise, whose sickness comes of cold. Nature prevents the painful skill of man; Arts work again, helps nature what it can. Men think these Baths of ours are made thus hot, By reason of some secret force of fire, Which under them as under brazen pot Makes more or less, as reason doth require, The waters boil, and walm to our desire: Such fancies vain, use errors forth to bring, But what? we know from Brimstone veins they spring. Have here also, if you list to read them, two ancient Inscriptions very lately digged up near the City in Waldcot field, hard by the King's high way side, which Robert Chambers, a studious lover of antiquities, hath translated into his garden: From whence I copied them out. G. MURRIUS. C. F. ARNIEN SIS. FORO. JULI. MODESTUS. MIL. LEG. II. * Adjutric AD. * Piae. P. * Foelicis. F. JULI. SECUND. AN. XXV. STIPEND. * Hic situs H. S. E. DIS. MANIBUS. M. VALERIUS. M. POL. EATINUS. * Cobortis Equitum. C. EQ. MILES. LEG. AUG. AN. XXX. STIPEND. X. H. S. E. I have seen these Antiquities also fastened in the walls on the inside, between the North, and West gates; to wit, Hercules bearing his left hand aloft, with a club in his right hand. In the fragment of a stone in great and fair letters. * Decurioni. DEC. COLONIAE * Glevi, that is, Of Gloucester. GLEU. VIXIT. AN. LXXXVI. Then, leaves folded in, Hercules streining two Snakes: and in a grave or Sepulcher-table, between two little images, of which the one holdeth the Horn of Amalthaea, in a worse character which cannot easily be read, D. M. Dii● Manibus that is, To the dead ghost. SUCC. PETRONIAE VIXIT ANN. FOUR * M●●j●s, that is, Months. M. FOUR * D. Dies, that is, Days. D. XV. EPO. MULUSET VICTISIRANA * Filia Chariss●maefecerunt. FIL. KAR. FEC. A little beneath in the fragment of a stone in greater letters URN. JOP. Between the West, and South gates, Ophiuchus enwrapped with a serpent, two men's heads with curled hair within the cope of the wall, a hare running, and annexed thereto upon a stone in letters standing overthwart. VLIA. ILIA. A naked man laying hand as it were, upon a soldier, within the battlement also of the wall: two lying along kissing and clipping one another: a footman with a sword brandishing and bearing out his shield, a footman with a spear, and upon a stone with letters standing overthwart. III. VSA. IS VXSC. And Medusa's head with hairs all Snakes. Along the said river of Avon, which now is here the bound between this shire and Glocestershire, upon the bank Westward we have a sight of Cainsham, so name of one Keina, a most devout and holy British virgin, who (as the credulous age beforetime, persuaded many) transformed serpents into stones, because there be found there in Stone quarries, such strange works of nature, when she is disposed to disport herself. For, I have seen a stone brought from hence resembling a serpent, winding round in manner of a wreath, the head whereof being somewhat unperfect bore up in the Circumference thereof, and the end of the tail took up the centre within. But most of these are headless. In the fields near adjoining, and other places beside, is found Percepier, Percepier. an herb peculiar unto England. Bitter it is in taste, and hath a biting sharpness withal: it never groweth above a span high, and cometh up all the year long of itself: small levy flowers of a greenish hue it bears, without any stalk at all: Which herb mightily, and speedily provoketh urine: and of it the distilled water serveth for great use, as P. Paena in his Animadversions or Commentaries of Plants hath noted. Scarce five miles from this place, Bristol. the river Avon passeth through the midst of Bristol, in Welch-British, Caer oder, Nant Badon, that is, The City Oder, in the Vale of Badon. In the Catalogue of ancient Cities, Caer Brito: In Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, A bright or shining place. But such as have called it Venta Belgarum, have deceived both themselves and others. This City standing partly in Somerset, and partly in Glocester-shires, is not to be reputed belonging either to this, or that, having Magistrates of the own by itself, and being of itself entire, and a County incorporate. Scituate it is somewhat high between Avon and the little river from, sufficiently defended with rivers and fortifications together: For, environed it was sometime with a double wall. So fair to behold by reason of buildings as well public as private, that it is fully correspondent to the name of Bright stow: With common Sews or Sinks, (they call them Gouts) so made to run under the ground for the conveyance, and washing away of all filth, that for cleanliness, and wholesomeness a man would not desire more: whereupon there is no use here of carts: so well furnished with all things necessary for a man's life, so populous, and well inhabited withal, that next after London, and York, it may of all Cities in England justly challenge the chief place. For, the mutual intercourse of traffic, and the commodious haven, which admitteth in ships under sail into the very bosom of the City, hath drawn people of many countries thither. For the Avon, so often as the Moon declineth downward from the meridian point, and passeth by the opposite line unto it, so swelleth with the tide from the Ocean, that it raiseth up the ships there riding, and lying in the oze 11. or 12. else afloat in water. And the Citizens themselves are rich Merchants, and traffic all over Europe, yea, and make Voyages at sea so far as into the most remote parts of America. But, when, and by whom it was built, it is hard to say. Old it seemeth not to be, for as much as in all those spoils, and sackages that the Danes made, there is no mention of it in our Historians. And verily mine opinion is, that it first grew up to some name, when the English-Saxons Empire was much declining, seeing that it is no where named before the year of our Lord 1063; when Harold (as Florentinus of Worcester writeth) embarked himself, and his army, and put to sea from Bristol to Wales. In the first years of the Normans, Berton, a manor adjoining, And Bristol paid unto the King (as we find in the book of doomsday) 110. marks of silver, and the Burghers said, that Bishop G. hath 33. marks, and one mark of Gold. After this, Robert Bishop of Constance that plotted seditious practices against King William Rufus, chose it for the seate-towne of the whole war, fortified it, being then but a small City, with that inner (wall as I take it) which at this day is in part standing. But a few years after, the circuit thereof was every way enlarged. For on the South, Radcliffe, wherein there stood some small houses under the City side, is by a stone bridge, with houses on each hand built upon it, more like a street than a bridge, joined to the City: enclosed within a wall, and the Inhabitants thereof enfranchised Citizens: yea & hospitals in every quarter thereof for the benefit of poor people, and fair Parish-Churches to the glory of God were erected. The most beautiful of all which by far, is S. Mary's of Radcliffe without the walls, into which there is a stately ascent upon many stairs: so large withal, so finely, and curiously wrought, with an arched roof over head of stone artificially embowed, a steeple also of an exceeding height, that all the Parish-Churches in England which hitherto I have seen, in my judgement it surpasseth many degrees. In it, William canning's the founder, hath two fair monuments: upon the one lieth his image portrayed in an Alderman's robe: For, five times he had been Major of this City: upon the other, his image likewise in sacerdotal habit; for that in this old age he took the orders of priesthood, and was Deane of that college which himself instituted at Westburie. There is hard by, another Church also, which they call the Temple, the lantern or tower whereof when the bell rings shaketh to and fro, so as it hath cloven and divided itself from the rest of the building, and made such a chink from the bottom to the top, as it gapeth the breadth of three fingers, and both shutteth and openeth whensoever the bell is rung. And here I must not overpasse in silence S. Stephen's Church, the tower steeple whereof being of a mighty height, one Shipward, alias Barstable, a Citizen and Merchant, within the memory of our grandfathers, right sumptuously, and artificially built. From the East-side also & the North, augmented it was with a number of edifices, enclosed within a wall and fenced with the river from, which having run by the wall side gently falleth into the Avon, and yieldeth a dainty harbour for ships, with a wharf convenient for the shipping and unlading of Merchandise in and out, (they call it the Key.) Under which between the confluences of Avon and from, there is a plain beset round about with trees, yielding a most pleasant walking place: Southeast, where no rivers are to guard it, Robert the base son of King Henry the First, whom they commonly name Robert Rufus, and Consul of Gloucester, because he was Earl of Gloucester, built a large and strong Castle for the defence of this City; and of a pious and devout affection appointed every tenth stone to the building of a Chapel near unto the Priory of S. james, which he likewise founded by the City side. This Robert had to wife Mabile the only daughter and heir of Robert Fitz-Hamon, who held this town by vassalage in Capite, of King William Conqueror. This Castle was scarcely built, when King Stephen besieged it, but with lost labour: for, he was compelled to raise his siege and depart: and a few years after, was imprisoned in the same, giving thereby a testimony and proof how uncertain the chance of war is. Beyond the river from which hath a bridge over it, at Frome-gate there riseth an high hill, with a steep and crooked ascent, so as it is painful to go up unto it: From whence ye have a most fair and goodly prospect to the City and haven underneath. This hill in the very top and pitch thereof, spreadeth presently into a large, green and even plain, which in the midst is shadowed with a double row and course of trees, and among them stands a pulpit of Stone, and a Chapel, wherein (by report) lieth interred jordan the companion of Augustine the Englishmen Apostle. Now it is converted to a School, and on both sides (to say nothing of the neat and fine houses of private men) beautified it is with public and stately buildings. Of the one side was a Collegiate Church called Gaunts, of the founder one Henry Gaunt Knight, who relinquishing the world, in this place betook himself to the service of God: but now through the bounty of Thomas Carr a wealthy Citizen, converted to the keeping of Orphans: on the other side directly over against it stand two Churches dedicated to S. Augustine, the one (which is the less) a Parish-Church: the other, that is greater, the Bishop's Cathedral Church, endowed with six Prebendaries, by King Henry the Eighth: the greatest part whereof is now destroyed, where the Colledge-gate workmanly built carrieth in the front this Inscription. REX HENRICUS II. ET DOMINUS ROBERTUS FILIUS HARDINGI FILII REGIS DACIAE, HVIUS MONASTERII PRIMI FUNDATORES EXTITERUNT. That is, King Henry the Second, and Lord Robert the son of Harding, the King of Denmark's son, were the first founders of of this Monastery. This Robert, Baron's de Barkley. called by the Normans Fitz-Harding, descended of the blood royal of Denmark was an Alderman of Bristol, of King Henry the Second so entirely beloved, that by his means Maurice his son married the daughter of the Lord of Barkley. Whereby his posterity, who flourished in great honour, are unto this day called Barons of Barkley; and some of them have been buried in this Church. From hence as Avon holdeth on his course, there are on each side very high cliffs by nature set there (as it were) of purpose, the one of them which on the East-side overlooketh the river beareth the name of S. Vincents' rock, so full of Diamonds, that a man may fill whole strikes or bushels of them. These are not so much set by, because they be so plenteous. For, in bright, and transparent colour they match the Indian Diamonds, if they pass them not: in hardness only they are inferior to them; but in that nature herself hath framed them pointed with six cornered or four cornered smooth sides; I think them therefore worthy to be had in greater admiration. The other rock also on the Westside is likewise full of Diamonds, which by the wonderful skill and work of nature, are enclosed as young ones within the bowels of hollow, and reddish flints: for, here is the earth of a red colour. When Avon hath left these rocks behind him, with full channel at length he disengorgeth himself into the Severn-sea. Then remaineth now to reckon up the Earls and Dukes of this County. Earls, and Dukes of Somerset. The first Earl of Somerset, by tradition, was William the M●hun, or Moion, who may seem to be the very same, whom Maude the Empress in a charter whereby she created William de Mandevill Earl of Essex, taketh as a witness under this name, Comes. W. de Moion. Neither from that time meet we with any express and apparent mention of Earls of Somerset, Patents. Anno primo Henric. tertii. unless it be in these letters Patents of King Henry the Third, unto Peter de * De malo lacu. Mawley, which, that I may draw out the judgement of others, I will here set down literally. Know ye, that we have received the homage of our well beloved Uncle William Earl of Sarisbury for all the lands that he holdeth of us, & principally for the * De Comitatu County or Earledom of Somerset, which we have given unto him with all appurtenances for his homage and service, saving the royalty to ourselves: and therefore we will & command you, that ye see he have full sesine of the foresaid Earldom, and all the appurtinances thereto, and that ye intermeddle not in any thing from henceforth, as touching the County or Earldom aforesaid, etc. And commandment is given to all Earls, Barons, Knights, and Freeholders of the County of Somerset, that unto the same Earl they do fealty, and homage, saving their faith and allegiance unto their sovereign Lord the King, and that from henceforth they be intentive and answerable unto him as their Lord. Whether by these words in the Patent he was Earl of Somerset, as also of Denshire (for, of the same William he wrote likewise in the very same words unto Robert de Courtney) I leave for other men to judge. Under this King Henry the third (as we find in a book written in French, which pertaineth to the house of the Mohuns Knights) it is recorded, that Pope Innocentius in a solemn feast, ordained Reginald Mohun Earl de Ests, (that is, as the Author doth interpret it, Of Somerset) by delivering unto him a golden consecrated rose, and an yearly pension to be paid upon the high Altar of S. Paul's, in London. So that this Reginald may seem to have been not properly an Earl; but an Apostolical Earl. Earl Apostlicall. For, so were they termed in those days who had their creation from the Bishop of Rome, (like as they were called Earls Imperial whom the Emperor invested) and such had power to institute Notaries and Scribes, to legitimate such as were base borne, etc. under certain conditions. A long time after john de Beaufort the base son of john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster by Katherine Swineford, being made legitimate by King Richard the Second, See Earles o Dorset. together with his brethren and sister, with consent of the Parliament, was preferred to the honour of Earl of Somerset, and afterwards created marquis Dorset; but soon after deprived thereof by King Henry the Fourth, having the title only of the Earl of Somerset left unto him. The said john had three sons, Henry Earl of Somerset, who died in his tender age; john, created by King Henry the Fifth, the first Duke of Somerset, who had one sole daughter named Margaret, mother to King Henry the Seventh: and Edmund who succeeded after his brother in the Dukedom: and having been a certain time Regent of France, being called home, and accused for the loss of Normandy, after he had suffered much grievance at the people's hands in that regard, was in that woeful war between the houses of Lancaster and York slain in the first battle of S. Alban. Henry his son being placed in his room, whiles he served the times, siding one while with York, and anotherwhile with Lancaster, in the battle at Exham was by those of the houses of York: taken prisoner, and with the loss of his head paid for his unconstant levity. Edmund his brother succeeded him in his honour, who of this family was the last Duke of Somerset, and when the whole power of the Lancastrians was discomfited at Tewksbury, was forcibly pulled out of the Church into which all embrued with blood he fled as into a Sanctuary, and then beheaded. Thus all the legitimate males of this family being dead and gone, first King Henry the Seventh honoured with title Edmund his own son a young child, who shortly departed this world: afterwards King Henry the Eighth, did the like for his base son, named Henry Fitz-Roy. And seeing he had no children, King Edward the Sixth, invested Sir Edward de Sancto Mauro, commonly, Seimor, with the same honour, who being most power-able, honourable, and loaden with titles, for thus went his style, Duke of Somerset, Earl of Hertford▪ Viscount Beauchamp, Baron Seimor, Uncle to the King, Governor of the King, Protector of his Realms, Dominions, and subjects, Lieutenant of the forces by land and sea, Lord high Treasurer, and Earl Martial of England, Captain of the Isles Gernsey, and jarsey, etc. Was suddenly overwhelmed, as it were by a disport of fortune which never suffereth sudden over-greatness to last long, and for a small crime, and that upon a nice point subtly devised, and packed by his enemies, bereft both of those dignities, and his life withal. In this County are numbered Parishes. 385. WILTONIAE Comitatus herbida Pl●nicie nobilis vul●o will Shire pars olim BELGARUM. WILTSHIRE. Wiltshire, which also pertained to the BELGAR, called in the English-Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin commly termed, Wiltonia, taking that denomination of Wilton, sometime the chief town, like as it of the River Willy, is altogether a mediterranean or midland country. For, enclosed it is with Somersetshire on the West, Berkshire and Hampshire on the East; on the North, with Glocestershire; and on the South, with Dorsetshire, and a part of Hampshire. A Region, which, as it breedeth a number of warlike and hardy men, who in old time, with Cornwall and Denshire together challenged by reason of their manhood, and martial prowess the prerogative in the English army of that regiment, which should second the main battle, (as saith john of Sarisburie in his Polycraticon) so is it exceeding fertile, and plentiful of all things, yea, and for the variety thereof, passing pleasant and delightsome. The Northern and upper part, which they call, North-Wilshire, riseth up somewhat with delectable hills, attired in times passed with large and great woods, (which now begin to grow thin) and watered with clear rivers. The river Isi● or Ouze. For, Isis the principal, and, as it were Prince of all the English Rivers; which afterwards taketh to him the name of Tamisis, that is, Thames, being now as yet but little and shallow, together with other Rivers of less name, which I will speak of in their proper places, water it plentifully. The South part with large grassy plains, feedeth innumerable flocks of sheep, having his Rivers, swelling Brooks, and rils of everliving fountains. The midst of this shire, which for the most part also, lieth even and plain, is divided overthwart from East to West, with a Dike of wonderful work, cast up for many miles together in length: Wansdike. The people dwelling there about, call it Wansdike, which upon an error general received, they talk, and tell to have been made by the devil upon a Wednesday. For in the Saxon tongue it is called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, The Ditch of Wooden or Mercury, and as it should seem, of Wooden that false imagined God, and Father of the English-Saxons. But I have always been persuaded, that the Saxons made it, as a limit to divide the two Kingdoms of the Mercians, and Westsaxons asunder. For, this was the very place of battle between them, whiles they strove one with another, to enlarge their Dominions. And near unto this Dike standeth, Wodensburg a little Village, where Ceauline, the most warlike King of the Westsaxons, in the year of grace 590. whiles he defended his Marches, in a bloody fight, received such a foil and overthrow by the Britan's and Englishmen, that he was forced to fly his country, and to end his days in exile, a piteous and lamentable spectacle, Dikes of the Marches. even to his very enemies. And at this Dike, to say nothing of other accidents, Ina the West-Saxon, and Ceolred the Mercian, joined battle, and departed the field on even hand: Like to this was that ditch, whereby King Offa kept the Britan's off from his Mercians; called even at this day Offa-dike: others also are still to be seen, among the East-Angles in Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk, wherewith they limited their territory, and defended themselves from the inroads and invasions of the Mercians. In the North-part of Wiltshire, which is watered with Isis, or the Thames, there is a town called Creckelade by Marianus, by others Greekelade of Greek Philosophers, as some are ready to believe; who, as the history of Oxford reporteth, began there an University, Lediard. Saint john which afterwards was translated to Oxford. West from that is Highworth highly seated, a well known Market, but South from Creckelade, I saw Lediard Tregoze, the seat of the Family of Saint-Iohn, Knights: the which Margaret de Bello Campo, or Beauchamp, afterwards Duchess of Somerset, gave to Oliver of Saint john her second son. For, to her it came as an inheritance, by Patishul, Grandison, and Tregoze, Wood-toun, or, Wotton Basset. names of great honour. Wotton Basset bordeth hard upon this, having this primitive name from Wood, the addition doth prove, that it belonged to the Noble house of the Basset's. But in the latter foregoing age, it was (as I have heard say, the habitation of the Duke of York, who made there a very large Park, for to enclose Dear in. Breden Forrest. From hence Breden wood, now Breden Forrest, stretched itself far and wide, which in the year 905. by Ethelwald * Prince of the blood. Clyto, and the Danes that aided him, was laid waste, and the Inhabitants endured all calamities of war. On the West side whereof, the River Avon, above mentioned, gently runneth, which breaking forth almost in the North limit of this shire▪ keepeth his course southward, and (as Aethelward noteth,) was sometime the bound between the Kingdoms of the Westsaxons, and the Mercians: upon which many great battles from time to time were fought: Malmesbury. whiles it is but small, he slideth under Malmesbury hill, and receiving another stream, well near encloseth the place. A very proper town this is, and hath a great name for clothing, which (as we read in the Eulogy of Histories) Cunwallow Mulmutius, King of the Britain's, built together with Lacok and Tetburie two Castles, and named it Caer Baldon, which being at length by heat of wars destroyed, out of the ruins thereof there arose, as writers record, a Castle which our Ancestors in their tongue, called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: at which time, the Saxon petty Kings had their royal palace at Caerdurburge, now Brokenbridge, a little village scarce a mile off. Neither verily was this town for a long time known by any other name than Ingelborne, Ingleborne. until one Maidulph an Irish Scot, Maidulph the Scot a man of great learning, and singular holiness of life, taking delight to a pleasant grove, that grew up here under the hill, lived for a time a solitary Eremite there: and afterwards teaching a School, and with his scholars betaking himself to a monastical life, built him a little monastery, or Cell. From this time, of that Maidulph, the town began to be called, Maidulfesburge for Ingleborne, termed by Beda, Maidulphi Vrbs, that is, Maidulps City, and afterwards short, Malmesburies' and in some of our Histories, and ancient Donations made unto this place, Meldunum, Malduburie, and Maldunsburg. Among the Disciples of this Maidulph, Aldeme. flourished chiefly Aldelme, who being elected his successor, by the help of Eleutherius, Bishop of the Westsaxons, unto whom the place of right belonged, built there a very fair Monastery, and was himself the first Abbot thereof: of whom also in a certain manuscript, this town is called Aldelmesbirig. But this name soon perished, yet the memory of the man continueth still: for canonised he was a Saint: and on his festival day, there was here kept a great Fair, at which usual there is a band of armed men, appointed to keep the peace among so many strangers resorting thither. And right worthy is he, that his memory should remain fresh for ever, in regard, not only of his Holiness, but of his learning also, as those times were. For the first, he was of the English nation, who wrote in Latin, and the first that taught Englishmen the way, how to make a Latin verse: the which in these verses, he both promised of himself, and performed, Primus ego in patriam mecum, modo vita supersit, Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas. I will be first, God lending life, that into country mine, From Aon top at my return, shall bring the Muses nine. This Adelme after his death, Athelstane that Noble Prince, chose to be his peculiar protector and tutelar Saint, and for that cause bestowed very great immunities upon this town, William Malmesbury. and enriched the monastery with a large and ample endowments. In which he made choice to be buried, and his monument the Inhabitants show to this day. After Athelstane, this Monastery flourished long in continual wealth, and among other famous Clerks, and great Scholars, brought forth William surnamed thereof Malmesburiensis, unto whom for his learned industry, the Histories of England both Civil, and Ecclesiastical, are deeply indebted. The town also maintained and upholden, as it were, by the means of the Monastery, was likewise fortified by Roger Bishop of Salisbury, who in the beginning of the wars between Henry of Anjou, and King Stephen strengthened it with walls, and a Castle, which being once besieged by King Henry the Second, defended itself. Moreover that magnificent Bishop, both here and at Salisbury built houses, for receipt very large, for cost as sumptuous, and for show right beautiful; so even and orderly were the stones couched, and laid together, that the joints could not be seen, and the whole wall throughout seemed to the eye one entire stone. But the Castle not many years after by K. john's permission, was pulled down to the use of the Monks (for enlarging their monastery) who increased it still continually both in buildings, livings, and revenue, until that fatal thunderclap overthrew all the Monasteries of England. Then their lands, Conucell at Aix. rents, and riches that had been so many years in gathering, and heaping up together, which were (as our Forefathers reputed them) The vows of the faithful, the ransom and redemption of sins, and the patrimonies of poor people, were quite scattered: and the very Minster itself should have sped no better than the rest, but been demolished, had not T. Stumpes a wealthy clothier, by much suit, but with a greater piece of money, redeemed and bought it for the townsmen his neighbours, by whom it was converted to a Parish-Church, and for a great part is yet standing at this day. From this Maiduphus City, Dantesey. or Malmesburie, as Avon runneth, it cometh to Dantesey, that gave name unto the possessions thereof, worshipful Knights of old time in this tract: from whom by the Easterlings, commonly called straddlings, it came unto the family of the Danvers. Out of which, Henry Danvers, through the favour of King james, Baron Danvers. obtained of late the title and honour of Baron Danvers of Dantesey. Six miles from hence, Avon taketh unto him from the East, a Brook, which runneth through Calne, Calne. an old little town situate upon a stony ground, having in it a fair Church to commend it: at which place when great ado there was between the Monks, and Priests about single life, a frequent Provincial Council, or Synod was holden in the year of our redemption, A Synod as touching the single life of Priests. 977. But behold, whiles they were debating the matter, the Convocation house, wherein the States sat, by breaking of the main timberwork, and falling asunder of the floor, fell suddenly down, together with the Prelates, Nobles, and Gentlemen there assembled: with the fall whereof many were hurt, and more slain outright: only Dunstane, Precedent of the said Counsel, and held with the Monks, escaped without harm: which miracle (for so that age took it) is thought wonderfully to have credited the profession of Monkery, and weakened the cause of married Priests. From hence Avon now grown greater, Chippinham. Chippenham, in Saxon Cyppanham, of note at this day for the market there kept; whereof it took the name: For, Cyppan, in the Saxon tongue, Cyppan, what it is. is as much to say as to buy, and Cyppman, a buyer, like as with us, Cheapen, and Chapman: and among the Germans, Coppman. But in those days, it was the King's manor: and by King Elfred in his testament, bequeathed to a younger daughter of his. Nothing is there now worth the sight but the Church, built by the Barons Hungerford, as appeareth every where by their coats of Arms set up thereon. Directly over against this, but somewhat farther from the bank, lieth Cosham, Cosham. now a little village, but sometime King Etheldreds' mansion house, and for that the Earls of Cornwall, were wont to retire themselves, and sojourn there, it was of good account: Castlecombe. within view whereof, is Castlecombe, an old Castle, ennobled sometimes by the Lords of it, the Welter's of Dunstavill, men of great renown in their time: Dunstavile. out of whose house, the Writhosleies Earls of Southampton are descended, * Pernell. Petronilla or Parnell daughter and sole heir of the last Walter, was wedded unto Robert de Montfore, and bare unto him William his Son, who sold this Castle, with the rest of his lands, and possessions unto Bartholomew Badilsmer: from whom (as I have heard) it passed to the Scr●opes, who ever since have held it. But now return we unto the river: Leckham. upon which are seated, Leckham, the possession of the noble family of the Bainard's, where pieces of Roman money have oftentimes been found: Lacocke. and Lacocke, where the most godly and religious woman, Dame Ela Countess of Salisbury (being now a widow) built a Monastery, (like as she did another at Henton) in the year 1232. to the honour of the blessed Virgin Marie, and Saint Bernard, in which herself devoutly dedicated, both her body and soul to the service of God. Avon from hence shadowed with trees, holding on his course, not far from Brumham, an inhabitation (in times past) of the Baron Samond, or truly De Sancto Amando, Saint Amand, Saint Amand Barons. The vieth. Devizes. afterward of the Baintons from them: before he admitteth to him a little rivelet from the East, that putteth forth his head near unto the Castle De vieth, Devizes, or the vieth. Florentius of Worcester calleth it Divisio, and Neubergentis, Divisae. Heretofore a stately place, I assure you, very strong as well by natural situation, as by man's hand, but through the injury of time, now decayed and defaced. This Castle, that it might disgrace, and put down all other Castles in England, Roger Bishop of Salisbury (whom from a poor masse-Priest, Fortune had exalted unto the highest authority next the King) at his excessive charges built. But Fortune (as one saith) hath set no man so high, but she threateneth to take from him as much, as she hath permitted him to have. For, King Stephen upon a displeasure, wrung from him both this Castle, and that also of Shirburne, together with all his wealth and riches, as great as it was, yea, and brought the silly old man so low in prison, what with hunger, and what with other miseries, that between the fear of death, and torments of this life, he had neither will to live, nor skill to die. At which time was handled, canvased, or rather tossed to and fro, this question, whether by the Canons and Decrees of Church, Bishops might hold Castles; or if this be by indulgence tolerated, whether they ought not in dangerous and suspected times, surrender them up into the King's hands. Avon having received this rivelet to bear him company, maketh away westward: and strait ways another brook from the South runneth into him, which hath given name to the house standing upon it, called likewise Baron's Brook, which as it afforded habitation in old time to john Pavely, Lord of Westburie Hundred, so afterwards it gave the title of Baron, to Robert Willoughby, because by the Chenies he derived his pedigree from Paveley, what time as King Henry the Seventh, advanced him to a Baron's dignity, as being high in his favour, Steward of his house, and appointed (by report) for a while, Admiral. Whereupon he used the Helm of a ship for a seal in his ring, like as Pompey in times past, Governor of the Roman Navy, the stem or Prow thereof in his coins. But this family fading, as it were, and dying in the very blade, quickly came to an end. For, he left a son Robert Lord Brooke, who of a former wife, begat Edward his son that died before his father, leaving a daughter married to Sir Foulke Grevil, and of a second wife two daughters, by whom a great inheritance, and rich estate, conveied to the marquis of Winchester, and Lord Montjoy. Edindon. near unto this, Eastward lieth Edindon, in old time Eathandune, where King Alfred in as memorable a battle as any time else, most fortunately vanquished the bold, insolent, and outrageous Danes, and drove them to this hard pass, that they swore in a set form of oath, forthwith to depart out of England. In which place also William de Edindon, Bishop of Winchester, whom King Edward highly favoured, here borne and taking his name from hence, erected a College, * Bonhommes. Bonis hominibus, Bon-homes, as they called them, that is, for good men. But at the little river aforesaid, somewhat higher, Trubridge. standeth upon a hill Trubridge, sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a sure and trusty bridge. But for what cause this name was set upon it, it is not for certain known. In great name and prosperity it is in these days, by reason of clothing, and showeth the remains of a Castle, which belongeth to the Duchy of Lancaster, and sometime of the Earl of Salisbury. Bradford. Anno 652. Avon thus increased by this rivelet, watereth Bradford, in the foregoing times Bradanford, (so named of a broad foard) situate upon the descent or fall of an hill, and built all of stone: where Kenilwalch King of the West-britans', embrued his sword wiuh blood in civil war against Cuthred his near kinsman. Here Avon biddeth Wiltshire farewell, and entereth closely into the County of Somerset, minding to visit the Baths. The West limit of this shire goeth down directly from hence Southward, by Long-leat, Long-Leat. the dwelling place of the Thins, (descended from the B●ttevils) a very fair, neat, and elegant house, in a foul soil, which although once or twice it hath been burnt, Maiden Bradley. hath risen eftsoon more fair. Also, by Maiden Bradley, so called of one of the Inhabitants of Manasses Basset, a most noble personage in his time, who being herself a maiden infected with the leprosy, founded an house here for maidens that were lepers, and endowed the same with her own Patrimony and Livetide, like as her Father before time had thereabout erected a Priory: Likewise, by Stourton, the seat of the Lords Stourton, whom King Henry the Sixth raised to this dignity, after their estate had been much bettered in lands and revenues, by marriage with the Daughter and heir of the family, Le Moigne, or Monk of Essex, and not of Mohun, as some hitherto have been falsely persuaded: and hereupon it is, that they have borne for their Crest, A Demi-Monke, with a whip in his hand. The place took his name of the River Stour, that under this town walmeth out of six fountains: which the Stourtons' Lords of the place, have brought into their shield sables. By Maiden Bradley above said, glideth Dever-rill, Dever-rill. a pretty small Rill, so called, for that, like as Anas in Spain, and Mole in Surrey, (which took their names thereupon) it divideth (as it were) under the ground, and a mile off rising up here again, hasteneth toward VERLUCIO, Verlucio. a most ancient town, whereof the Emperor Antonine maketh mention in his itinerary: which having not quite lost the name, is called, Werminster, Werminster. compounded of that old name, and the English Saxon word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth, a Monastery. In times past, it enjoyed great immunities and freedoms: For, as we read in the Book of King William the Great, Nec geldavit, nec hidata fuit: that is, It paid no tribute, nor was rated by the Hide. Now only, for a round Corn-market, it is exceeding much frequented: for hardly a man would believe what a mighty deal of Corn is weekly brought hither, and quickly sold. But for remnants of Roman Antiquities, I could discover none here, only on the East side are seen some trenches upon the hills, and on the West, a natural round and high copt hill, called, Clay-hill. here by beginneth, North, South, and Eastward through the midst of the Shire, the Plains so wide and open, that hardly a man can see from one side to another, Sarisburie Plains. and do limit the Horizon; whereupon they are named, The Plains, they are but rarely inhabited, and had in late time a bad name, for robberies there committed. On the South side thereof, there run quietly two most still Rivers, Willey-borne, which Asserius nameth Guilou, and Nadder, commonly called, Adder-bourne. Wille-bourne rising at Werminster, runneth near Heitesburie, or Hegtresburie an ancient mansion place of the Family of Hungerford; Lord Hungerford of Heitesburie. but in the Church which hath been Collegiate, there is seen but one defaced monument of them. The last Lord Hungerford, created by King Henry the Eighth, had his denomination of this place, but enjoyed that honour a short while being condemned of a crime not to be uttered. Hence it hieth to Willy, a Village some few miles distant: over against it a very large warlike fence or hold, and the same fortified with a deep and duple Ditch: the neighbour-dwellers call it Yanesburie Castle. And by the form and manner of making, a man may easily know it was a Roman Campe. Yanesburie. There are, who verily think it was Vespasians Camp, considering that he being Lieutenant of the twentieth Legion under Claudius the Emperor, subdued unto the Roman Empire, two nations in this tract: and they suppose that in the name Yanesburie, there remain some relics still of Vespasians name. Opposite to this on the other side the water, is another less camp-place singly ditched, called Dun-shat, and about one mile and a half from Yanesburie, another likewise with a single trench, named Woldsbury. I have noted the names as the country people term them, that other may collect some matter thereby more than I can. As for Nadder, that springeth out of the South limit of the shire, it creepeth with crooked windings, like an Adder, (whereof it may seem to have been so called) not far from Wardour, Wardour Castle. a proper fine Castle, appertaining sometime to the Progeny, surnamed Saint Martin's. But (to say nothing of many owners between, and amongst them of the Lord Brooke, who repaired it, and died at it) now it belongeth to Thomas Arundel, Baron Arundel. who being of late by King james, created Baron Arundel of Wardour, is worthy to be with praise remembered: For, that being a young Gentleman, he of a pious and godly mind, undertaking a journey to serve in the wars against the Turks, sworn enemies of Christendom, for his singular prowess showed at the winning of Strigonium in Hungary, deserved by honourable Charter, (from Rodolph the Second of that name, Emperor) to be made a Count of the Empire, the tenor of which Patent, is thus: For that he had borne himself valiantly, and manfully in the field, Aquatic●m. and in assaults of Cities and Castles, and showing good proof of valour in forcing of the water tower near Strigonium, took from the Turks with his own hand their Banner, 1595. both himself, and all, and every one his children, heirs and issue whatsoever of both sexes, Count Imperial. descending from him lawfully, either borne already, or that ever shall, from generation to generation be borne, we have created, made, and named Counts, and Countesses, have endowed, and adorned, and with the title, honour, and dignity of a Count imperial. Over against it lieth Hach, a place at this day of small reckoning, but which in the time of King Edward the First, L. Hach. had his Lord Eustach de Hach, summoned among the Peers of the Realm for a Baron, unto the high Court of Parliament. And a few miles from thence is Hindon a quick market, Hindon. and known for nothing else that I could see. Wilton. At the meeting of these two rivers, Willey giveth his name to Wilton, a place well watered, and sometime the head town of the whole Shire, which thereof took the name. In ancient times it was called Ellandunum: for so we are informed by the testimony of old parchment records, which have in express terms Weolsthan Earl of Ellandunum, Ellandunum. that is to say, of Wilton: and in another place, that he founded a little Monastery at Ellandunum, that is, at Wilton. By this name Ellan, I am partly induced to think, Alan the river. that this is the river Alan, which Ptolomee mentioneth in this coast of the Country. At this town it was, that in the year of our redemption 821. Egbert King of the Westsaxons, obtained a victory against Beor Wulf of Mercia, but so mortal a battle it was to both parties, that the river flowed commixed with the blood of those, who were allied in blood, and dissevered in faction. At this town also in the year of salvation 871. Aelfrid joining battle with the Danes, had the better hand at first, but immediately the alternative fortune of war coming about, he was put to the worst, and driven to retire. In the Saxons time it flourished with the best in numbers of Inhabitants, and King Eadgar, as our Chronicles bear witness, beautified it with a Nunnery, whereof he made his own daughter Edith, Prioress. But by the ancient Charter of Eadgar himself, bearing date, An. 874. it appeareth certainly to be of more antiquity. For, therein it is thus written: The Monastery which by King Edward my great Grandfather's Grandfather, was founded in a well frequented, and peopled place, that by a known name is by the Inhabitants called Wilton. And in the life of Saint Edward the Confessor, we read thus, Whiles S. Edward went in hand with the building of the Monastery of S. Peter in Westminster, Editha his wife began at Wilton (where she was brought up) a Monastery princely built of stone, in lieu of the Church, made of timber, following the King's good affection with the like devotion of her own. And albeit Sueno the Dane spoilt this town most grievously in the raging heat of hostility, yet fell it not so greatly to decay, until the Bishops of Salisbury turned another way, the common passage that lay before through it, into the West countries. For, then by little and little it fell to ruin, and is now, as it were, a small Village, having nothing to boast of, but a Major, for the head Magistrate, and in it a passing fine house of the Earls of Pembrokes, raised out of the ruins of the old religious house. But most of all, Sorbiodunum. it was overtopped, and shadowed first by SORBIODUNUM, and now by Salisbury, that is risen out of the ruin thereof. For, so Antoninus in his itinerary, calleth that which the Saxons afterwards named, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and the vulgar Latinists Sarum, Sarisburia, & Salisburialia. Moreover, the account taken by miles of distant places from it, and the tracts remaining of the name, testify no less, if I should say never a word. For, who would ever make doubt, that Searesbirig proceeded from Sorbiodunum, by addition of the Saxon word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth, a Burg or town, in stead of Dunum, What Dunum signifieth among the Britain's and Gauls. which the Britain's and Gauls, both used to put unto places seated on higher grounds, such as this Sorbiodunum was: In so much (as I have been told by one right skilful in the British tongue) that Sorviodunum, is by interpretation, as much, as The dry hill: a conjecture surely more probable that theirs, who with much ado have derived the name from one Saron in Berosus, or from the Emperor Severus, and have named it, forsooth, Severia. For it mounted upon a high hill, and as our Historiographer of Malmesburie saith, Instead of the City, there was a Castle fenced with a wall of no small bigness, indifferently well provided otherwise of necessaries, but so scant of water, that it is good chaffer there, sold at a wonderful price. Whereupon these verses were made of old Sorbiodunum, by one living in those days. Est tibi defectus lymphy, sed copia cretae, Saevit ibi ventus, sed philomela silet. No water there, but chalk ye have at will: The winds there sound, but nightingales be still. By the ruins yet remaining, it seemeth to have been a strong place sufficiently fortified, and to have contained in circuit some half a mile. Kinric the Saxon, after he had won a most fortunate Victory of the Britan's, was the first of all the Saxons that forced it, in the year 553: and Canutus the Dane about the year 1003. by setting it on fire, did much harm unto it. But it revived, when by the authority of a Synod, and the ascent of William the Conqueror, Herman Bishop of Shirburne and Sunning, translated his See hither: whos's next successor Osmund built a Cathedral Church. And King William the Conqueror, after he had taken the survey of England summoned all the States of the Kingdom hither, to swear unto him fealty: at which time (as it stands upon record in doomsday book) it paid after the rate of 50. hides. * Or, for money weighed out and told. Of the third penny of Salisbury the King hath xx shillings. ad pensum, de Cremento, IX. libras ad pondus. Which I note therefore, because in our forefather's days, like as among the old Romans, money was wont to be paid as well by the weight as tale. but not many years after, in the reign of Richard the first, partly for the insolency and misrule that the garrison soldiers made there, against the Churchmen, and in part for want of water, the Churchmen first, and then the Inhabitants began to leave it, and planted themselves in a lower ground scarce a mile off, Southeast from it, where there is a receipt, as it were, of many rivulets, and where Avon and Nadder meet. Of this their removing Petrus * Of Bloys. New Sarisburie. Blesensis in his Epistles maketh mention. For, thus of old Salisbury he wrote. A place that was, open to the winds, barren, dry, and desert: In it stood a tower, like that of Siloam, which oppressed the townsmen with the burden of long servitude. And again: The Church of Sarisburie was captive in that hill. Let us therefore in God's name go down to the plain country, where the valleys will yield store of wheat and other corn, where also the large fields are rich fat in pasture. And the Poet aforesaid, in verse thus: Quid Domini domus in castro? nisi foederis arca In templo Baalim; carcer uterque locus. What is God's house in Castle penned, but like the Ark of bliss In Baalims' temple Captivate? Each place a prison is. And the place whereunto they descended he thus describeth: Est in valle locus nemori venatibus apto Contiguus, celeber fructibus, uber aquis. Tale Creatoris matri, natura creata Hospitium toto quaesijt orbe diu. near to a Park well stored of game, there lies in vale, a ground, Where corn and fruits in plenty grow, where water-streames abound. Such lodging long throughout the world, when nature daughter dear, Had for Creators' mother sought, at last she found it here. When they were now come down, because they would begin first with the house of God, Richard Poor the Bishop, in a most delectable place, named before Merifield, began to found a most stately, and beautiful Minster. Which with an exceeding high spired steeple, and double cross isles on both sides, carrying with it a venerable show as well of sacred hilarity as religious majesty, was with great cost finished forty years after: and in the year of our Lord 1258. dedicated even in the presence of King Henry the third: Whereof the said old Poet hath these pretty verses: Regis enim virtus temple spectabitur isto. Praesulis affectus, artificumque fides. For why? This Church a Prelates zeal sets forth unto the sight, The workmen's trusty faithfulness, a Prince's power and might. But much more elegantly the most learned Daniel Rogers, as concerning the said Church: Mira canam, Soles quot continet annus in una Tam numerosa, ferunt, ade, fenestra micat. Marmoreasque capit fusas tot ab arte columnas, Comprensas horas▪ quot vagus annus babet. Totque patent portae, quot mensibus annus abundat, Res mira, at verares celebrata fide. Wonders to tell: How many days in one whole year there been, So many windows in one Church (men say) are to be seen. So many pillars cast by Art, of marble there appear, As hours do flit and fly away throughout the running year. So many gates do entry give, as months one year do make, A thing well known for truth though most it for a wonder take. For, the windows as they reckon them answer just in number to the days, the pillars great and small, to the hours of a full year, and the gates to the twelve months. A cloister it hath beside on the South side, for largeness and fine workmanship inferior to none: whereunto joineth the Bishop's palace, a very fair and goodly house: and on the other side a high bell tower and passing strong withal, standing by itself apart from the Minster. Moreover, in short time it grew to be so rich in goods, and endowed with so great revenues, that it still maintained a Dean, a chanter, a Chancellor, a Treasurer, and three and thirty Prebendaries: of whom the Residents, as they term them, have very goodly houses also adjoining to the Church, and all these buildings stand within the close wall severed from the City. As the Bishop was busied about erecting of God's house, the Citizens likewise for their parts did their best to found the City, they established their civil government, derived rilles and servers of waters into every street, and cast a deep ditch all along that side, on which it is not fenced with the running river, having obtained licence of Simon the Bishop thus to strengthen and fortify the same. And in such sort grew up this new Salisbury by little an little, out of the ruins of old Sorbiodunum, that so soon as they by the Kings warrant, had turned hither the highway, that leadeth into the West parts, it became the second City in all this tract, passing well inhabited and frequented, plentiful of all things, especially of fish, adorned with a very stately market place, wherein standeth their common Hall of timber work, a very beautiful edifice. But nothing is there, whereof it may so much boast, as of john jowell not long since Bishop there, a wonderful great, and deep Divine, a most stout and earnest maintainer of our reformed religion against the adversaries by his learned books. Old Sorbiodunum from thence forward decayed more and more, and in the reign of King Henry the Seventh, became utterly desolate, so as at this day, there remaineth only a tower or two of the Castle, which notwithstanding a long time after the departure of the townsmen from thence, was the dwelling house of the Earls of Salisbury: and about which in King Edward the Thirds time, there arose a memorable controversy and suit. 29. Edw. 3. Term. Hillarii. Combat for the Castle of Sarum or Shirburn, as some will have it. For, Robert Bishop of Salisbury stirred Milliam Mont acute Earl of Salisbury by virtue of a process which our Lawyers term Breve de Recto, that is, A writ of right, for this Castle: and he made answer that he would defend his right by combat. Whereupon, at a day appointed, the Bishop ●rought forth his champion to the rails or bars of the Lists, cl●d in a white garment reaching down to his leg: upon which he had a mandilian or cassock garnished with the Bishop's Arms: at whose heels followed a Knight carrying a staff, and a page with a shield: Immediately after, the Earl brought in by the hand his own champion also, arrayed in the like apparel, accompanied with two Knights bearing white staves. Now when these Champions were to enter the Lists, commanded they were to withdraw themselves aside, that their weapons of both parts might be viewed, and they searched whether they had any Amulers or Enchantments about them. But all on a sudden, unlooked for came the King's precept, to reprieve and defer the matter to a further day, that the King might lose thereby none of his right. Mean while, they grew to this composition: That the Earl for the sum of 2500. marks paid and received, should yield up all his title and interest in the Castle, to the Bishop and his successors for ever. This Salisbury had long ago Earls of that name, Earls of Salisbury. History of Lacock Abbey. whose pedigree I will derive somewhat farther off and more truly out of the short reports of Lacock history. William Conqueror of his bounty & liberality, assigned unto Gualther de Evereaux Earl of Rosmar in Normandy, fair lands and large possessions in this shire, which he left unto Edward named de Sarisburia a younger son borne in England: like as to Walter his eldest son, other lands in Normandy, with the Title of Earl of Rosmar: whose issue within a while after was extinct. That Edward of Sarisburie aforesaid, flourished in the twentieth year of the Conquerors reign, and is often times barely named, in the Indiciarie book of England, without the title of Earl. His son Walter built a a little monastery at Bradenstocke, and there in his old age took him to the habit of a Canon, or Regular priest, after he had first begotten his son Patrick (the first Earl of Salisbury) upon Sibil de Cadurcis: This Patrick, I say, the first Earl, in his return from his pilgrimage at S. james of compostella in Spain in the year of our Lord 1169. being slain by one Guy of Lusigniam, left William his son to succeed: who died in King Richard the first his time. His only daughter Ela, through the favour of the said King Richard, was married to William Long Espee, surnamed so of a long sword that he did usually wear, a base son of King Henry the second; and her marriage honoured him with the title of Earl, and her own coat of Arms be Azure: adorned with six Lions Ceux. This William had a son named likewise William Long-Espee, against whom King Henry the Third conceiving great displeasure, for that without licence obtained, he was gone to serve in the holy land, taking the cross (as they termed it upon him) took from him both the title of Earl and also the Castle of Salisbury. But he holding still his purpose went into Egypt with S. Lewis King of France, and near unto Damiata which the Christians had won, carrying a brave and valorous mind, fight manfully among the thickkest troops of his enemies died an honourable and glorious death, a little before that holy King was unfortunately taken prisoner. Walsingham pag. 74. His son named likewise William, lived without the title of Earl, and begat one only daughter Margaret, who nevertheless being reputed Countresse of Salisbury, became the wife of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, unto whom she bore one only daughter Alice wedded to Thomas Earl of Lancaster: Who being attainted, King Edward the Second seized upon those possessions, which she had granted and demised unto her husband: out of which King Edward the Third gave way unto Willam Mont-acute, Trowbridg, Winterbourn, Ambresburie, and other Lordships in these words: So fully and wholly as the progenitors of Margaret Countess of Salisbury at any time held the same. And even then, he preferred the said William Mont-acute to be Earl of Salisbury, and by the cincture of a sword invested him in the said Earldom. This William became Lord of the Isle of Mann, and begat two sons, William who succeeded in his Father's honour, and died without issue having unhappily slain his only son while he trained him at Tilting: and john a Knight, who died before his brother, leaving behind him a son named john Earl of Salisbury, whom he had by Margaret daughter and heir of Thomas the Mont-Hermer; who being of an unconstant and changeable nature, and plotting the destruction of King Henry the Fourth, was in the year of our Lord 1400. killed at Chichester, and attainted afterwards of high treason. Howbeit, his son Thomas was fully restored, a man worthy to be ranged with the bravest Captains and Commanders, whether you respect pains taking in his affairs, industry in action, or expedition in dispatch, who lying at the siege before Orleans in France, was with a bullet leveled out of a great piece of Ordnance wounded in the year 1428. and thereof died. Pat. 2. Henr. 6. 1461. Alice his only daughter, being wedded unto Richard Nevil augmented his honour with the title of Earl of Salisbury, who siding with the house of York, was in the battle fought at Wakefield, taken prisoner and beheaded: leaving to succeed him Richard his son, Earl of Warwick and Salisbury; who delighting in dangers and troubles enwrapped his native country within new broils of Civil war, wherein himself also left his life. The one of his daughters named Isabella was married unto George Duke of Clarence, brother to King Edward the Fourth, and she bore him a son called Edward Earl of Warwick who being a very child and innocent, was by King Henry the Seventh beheaded like as his sister Margaret, suffered the same death under King Henry the Eighth. An usual policy and practice among suspicious Princes: For the security of their own persons and their posterity, by one occasion or other, that evermore are soon offered and as quickly picked, to make away or keep under the next of their blood. Anne, the other daughter of Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick and Salisbury, became wife to Richard Duke of Gloucester, brother to King Edward the Fourth, and brought him a son, whom his uncle King Edward in the 17. of his reign created Earl of Salisbury, and Richard his father usurping the kingdom made Prince of Wales. But he departed this life in his tender years, about that time that his mother also died, not without suspicion of poison. King Henry the Eighth afterward, about the fifth year of his reign in a full Parliament restored and enabled in blood Margaret daughter to George Duke of Clarence to the name, style, title, honour, and dignity of Countess of Salisbury, as sister and heir to Edward late Earl of Warwick and Salisbury. And about the 31. year of the said King, she was attainted in Parliament with diverse others, and beheaded when she was 70. years old. Since which time that title of honour was discontinued until in the year of our Lord 1605. our Sovereign Lord King james honoured therewith S. Robert Cecil second son of that Nestor of ours; William Cecil: upon whom for his singular wisdom, great employments in the affairs of State to the good of Prince and Country, he had bestowed the honourable titles of Baron Cecil of Essendon, and Viscount Cranburn. Thus much of the Earls of Salisbury. Lower still, and not far from this City, is situate upon Avon, Dunctone or Donketon, a burrow (as they say) of great antiquity, and well known by reason of the house therein of Beavois of Southampton, whom the people have enroled in the number of their brave worthies for his valour commended so much in rhyme to posterity. This Salisbury is environed round about with open fields and plains, unless it be Eastward, where lieth hard unto it Clarindon, a very large and goodly park, passing fit for the keeping and feeding of wild beasts, and adorned in times passed with an house of the Kings. Of which park, and of the twenty groves enclosed therein Master Michael Maschert Doctor of the Civil laws, hath prettily versified in this wise. Nobilis est lucus, cervis clausura, This name himself poetically devised. saronam Propter, & a claro vertice nomen habet. Viginti hinc nemorum partito limit, boscis Ambitus est passus mille cuique suus. A famous Park for Stag and Hind, near Salisbury doth lie, The name it hath of one fair down or hill, that mounts on high: Within the same stand xx. groves enclosed with several bound: Of which, in compass every one a mile contains in ground. Famous is this Clarindon for that here in the year 1164. was made a certain recognition and record of the customs and liberties of the Kings of England, before the Prelates, and Peers of the Kingdom, for the avoiding dissensions between the Clergy, Constitutions of Clarinders. judges, and Barons of the Realm which were called The Constitutions of Clarnidon. Of the which so many as the Pope approved have been set down in the Tomes of the Counsels, the rest omitted; albeit Thomas Becket then Archbishop of Canterbury, and the rest of the Bishops approved them all. Hereby is Jvy Church sometime a small Priory, where as tradition runneth, in our grandfathers remembrance was found a grave, and therein a corpse of twelve foot, and not far of a stock of wood hollowed, and the concave lined with lead with a book therein of very thick parchment, An ancient book. all written with Capital Roman letters. But it had lain so long that when the leaves were touched they fouldred to dust. S. Thomas Eliot who saw it judged it to be an History. No doubt he that so carefully laid it up, hoped it should be found, and discover somethings memorable to posterity. Toward the North, about six miles from Salisbury, in these plains before named, is to be seen a huge and monstrous piece of work, such as Cicero termeth Insanam substructionem. stonehenge. For, within the circuit of a Ditch, there are erected in manner of a Crown, in three ranks or courses one within another certain mighty and unwrought stones, whereof some are 28. foot high, and seven foot broad, upon the heads of which, others like overthwart pieces do bear and rest crosse-wise, with a small tenants and mortescis, so as 〈◊〉 le frame seemeth to hang: whereof we call it Stonehenge, like as our old 〈◊〉 ●●rmed it for the greatness Chorea Gigantum; The Giants Dance. The 〈…〉 whereof, such as it is, because it could not be so fitly expressed in 〈…〉 caused by the gravers help to be portrayed here underneath as it 〈…〉 weatherbeaten, and decayed. A. Stones called Corsestones, Weighing 12. ton, carrying in height 24. foot; in breadth, 7. foot; in compass, 16. B. Stones named, Cronetts, of 6. or 7. ton weight. C. A place, where men's bones are digged up. Our countrymen reckon this for one of our wonders and miracles. And much they marvel: from whence such huge stones were brought, considering that in all those quarters bordering thereupon, there is hardly to be found any common stone at all for building: as also by what means they were set up. For mine own part, about these points I am not curiously to argue and dispute, but rather to lament with much grief that the Authors of so notable a monument are thus buried in oblivion. Yet some there are, that think them to be no natural stones hewed out of the rock, but artificially made of pure sand, and by some gluey and unctuous matter knit and incorporate together, Made Stones. like as those ancient Trophies or monuments of victory which I have seen in Yorkshire. And what marvel? Read we nor, I pray you, in Pliny, that the sand or dust of * Puzzote. Puteoli being covered over with water, becometh forthwith a very stone: that the cisterns in Rome of sand digged out of the ground, and the strongest kind of lime wrought together grow so hard, that they seem stones indeed? and that Statues and images of marble chip, and small grit grow together so compact and firm, that they are deemed entire and solid marble: The common saying is, that Ambrose Aurelianus, or his brother Uther did rear them up by the art of Merlin that great * Magician. Mathematics. Mathematician, in memory of those Britaines who by the treachery of Saxons were there slain at a parley. Whereupon Alexander Nec●●m, a Poet of no great antiquity, in a poetical fit, but with no special grace, and favour of Apollo, having his instructions out of Geoffrey's British history, come out of these verses: Nobilis est lapidum structura, Chorea Gigantum, Ars experta suum posse, peregit opus. Quod ne prodiret in lucem segniùs, artem Se, viresque suas consuluisse reor. Hoc opus adscribit Merlino garrula fama, Filia figmenti fabula vana refert. Illa congerie fertur decorata fuisse Tellus, quae mittit tot Palamedis aves. Hinc tantum munus suscepit Hibernia gaudens, Nam virtus lapidi cujlibet ampla satis. Nam respersus aquis magnam transfundit in illa Vim, queis curari sepiùs aeger eget. Uther Pendragon molem transvexit ad Ambri Fines, devicto victor ab host means. O quot nobilium, quot corpora sacra virorum, Illic Hengesti proditione jacent: Intercepta fuit gens inclita, gens generosa Intercepta, nimis credula, cauta minùs. Sed tunc enituit praeclari Consul● Eldol Virtus, qui letho septuaginto dedit. The Giants Dance, a famous stone-worke stands, Art did her best in bringing it to pass, Vain prating fame, reports by Merlin's hands In manner strange this work effected was. The stones (men say) in their land first did lie, * Scythia. Whence * Palamedi● aves. Cranes in flocks so many use to fly. From thence conveyed, as things of chary price, The Irish soil received them with joy. For why? their virtue in a wondrous wise, Oft cures the grief that doth sick folk annoy. For, waters cast and sprinkled on these stones, Their virtue take, and heal the grieved ones. The noble Uther that Pendragon hight, Them over seas to Ambresburie brought; Returning thence, where he by martial might Had quelled his foes in battle fiercely fought. O worthy Wights, how many on that plain, Of you lie dead by Hengists' treason slain! The Britan's brave, that race of noble blood, Entraped by little heed and too much trust, Were killed alas, in parley as they stood, Through faithless fraud of enemies unjust. But Eldol Earl his manhood excellent Then showed, to death who seventy persons sent. Others say, that the Britaines erected this for a stately Sepulchre of the same Ambrose in the very place where he was slain by his enemy's sword: that he might have of his countries cost such a piece of work, and tomb set over him as should forever be permanent, as the Altar of his virtue and manhood. True it is, that men's bones have many times been digged up here, and the village lying now on Avons side, Ambresbury. is called Ambresburie, that is to say, Ambrose his town: where, certain ancient Kings, by the report of the British History, lay interred. And the book called Eu●●gium saith, that a Monastery stood there of three hundred Monks: which, one Gurmundus (I wot not what Pagan and Barbarian) spoilt and rifled. In that place afterward Alfritha King Edgar his wife, by repentance and some good deed to expiate, and make satisfaction for murdering of King Edward her son in Law, built a stately Nunnery, and endowed it with livings: In which Queen Eleanor King Henry the Thirds widow, renouncing all royal pomp, and princely state, devoted herself unto God among other holy Nuns. The said Ambrose Aurelianus, who gave name unto the place, Ambrose Aurelianus. when the Roman Empire drew now to an end, toske upon him the Imperial purple Robe in Britain, (as saith Paulus Diaconus) succoured his decaying country, and the aid of that warlike Arthur repressed the violent rage of the enemies, overthrew puissant armies, consisting of the most courageous Nations of Germany, and at the last in a battle fought upon this Plain, lost his life in the defence of his country. Now, seeing both Gildas, and Bede do write, that his Parents wore the purple Robe, and were slain, why may not I suppose him to be descended of that Constantine, The Emperors before. who in the Fourth Consulship of Theodosius the younger, was elected Emperor here in Britain in hope of his lucky name, and afterwards slain at Arles. I have heard that in the time of King Henry the Eighth, there was found near this place a table of mettle, as it had been tin and lead commixed, inscribed with many letters, but in so strange a Character, that neither Sir Thomas Eliot, nor master lily Schoolmaster of Paul's, could read it, and therefore neglected it. Had it been preserved, somewhat happily might have been discovered as concerning Stonehenge, which now lieth obscured. Leporarium. Scarce four miles from Ambresburie, (on this side Avon) there is a Warren of hares, commonly called Everlie Warren, where there is great increase of hares for Gentlemen in the country there dwelling, to disport themselves with game: yet not such store as that the neighbour Inhabitants should require the help of soldiers in their defence against them, as the men of the Isles Baleares sometime did, by Pliny's relation: albeit, they did likewise much harm here unto the Corn fields: and near neighbour unto it is Lutgershall, where stood sometimes (as I read) the Castle of Geffrey Fitz-Peter, Wolshal. Lord chief Justice of England in his time, and Earl of Essex, a man of exceeding great wealth. Not much higher is Wolshall, which was the house of the Noble Family of Seimo●, now Earl of Hertford, or of Saint Maur, Estermie or Sturmy. to whom by marriage accrued a great inheritance of the Est●rmies in this tract, who bore argent three Demy-Lions Gules: and from the time of King Henry the Second, were by right of inheritance, the Bailifeses and Guardians of the Forest of Savenac lying hard by, Savernac Forrest. which is of great name for plenty of good game, and for a kind of Ferne there, that yieldeth a most pleasant savour. In remembrance whereof, their Hunters ●orne of a mighty bigness, and tipped with silver, the Earl of Hertford keepeth unto this day, as a monument of his progenitors. More somewhat into the East, the River Cunetio, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly Kenet, Kenet River. ariseth near unto a little Village of the same name, which some would have to be that CUNETIO mentioned by Antoninus: but the distance of both sides gain-saieth it. here Selburie a round hill mounteth up aloft, to a great height, which by the form of the hill itself, and the outward settling of the earth beneath, may seem to have been cast up by man's hand. And many of that sort, round and with sharp tops are to be seen in this tract: Burrowes they call them and Barrowes, Barrowes and Burrows. Tombs. raised, happily in memorial of Soldiers there slain. For bones are found in them, and read I have, how an usual thing it was with the Northern nations, that every soldier remaining alive after a fought field, should carry his head-piece full of earth toward the making of their fellow's tombs that were slain. Although I am of opinion rather, that this of Selburie, was set there in stead of a limit, if not by the Romans, then certainly by the Saxons: Like as that fossae called Wodensdike, considering that between the Mercians and the Westsaxons there was much bickering in this Shire many a time, In his Geomeotrie. about their Marches: and both * 198. Boetius and the * Aibury. Grammatical Writers have made mention of such Mounts raised for bounds. Within one mile of Selburie, is Aiburie, an up-landish village built in an old Camp as it seemeth, but of no large compass, for it is environed with a fair trench, and hath four gaps as gates, in two of the which stand huge Stones as jambes, but so rude, that they seem rather natural than artificial, of which sort, there are some other in the said village. This River Kenet runneth at the first Eastward, through certain open fields, out of which there stand up aloft every where stones like rocks, Rockley. and off them a little village there is, called, Rockley: among which there breaketh out sometimes at unawares water in manner of a stream or sudden Land-flood, reputed the messenger, as it were, and forerunner of a dearth, and is by the rustical people of the country, called Hunger-borne. From hence * Famis rivulus. Kenet holdeth on his course to a town bearing his name, called of Antoninus CUNETIO, and is placed from Verlucio twenty miles. At which distance just, from thence, that ancient town called by a new name Marleborow, in old time Marleberge, standeth upon this river * Kenet. Cunetio, a town. Marleborow. Cunetio, now Kenet, stretching out East and West on the pendant of an hill. Whether this name Marleborow came in latter ages of Marga, which in our language we call Marle, and use in stead of dung to manure our grounds, I am not ready to affirm. Certes, it lieth near a chaulkey hill, which our Ancestors before they borrowed this name Chaulke of the Latin word Calx, * Kenet. named Marle, But the Etymology thereof, that Alexander Necham in his Book of divine wisdom hath coined and drawn from Merlin's Tomb (as appeareth by this Distichon of his making) is ridiculous. Merlini tumulus tibi Merlebrigia nomen Fecit, testis erit Anglica lingua mihi. O Merlebridge town, of Merlin's Tomb thou hadst thy name: Our English tongue will testify, with me the same. The fatal end of this town Cunetio, and the name together, and the estate thereof with the ancient memory also, from the coming in of the Saxons unto the Normans time, is utterly vanished and gone: for, in all this space between, our histories do not so much as once name it. But in the age next ensuing, we read, that john * Or nick-r●●med, john Lack-land. surnamed Sine terra, that is, Without Land, (who afterwards was King of England) had a Castle here, which when he revolted from his brother King Richard the First, Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, took by force: and which afterwards was most famous by reason of a Parliament there holden, wherein by a general consent of the States of the Kingdom there assembled, a law passed for the appeasing of all tumults, commonly called, the Statute of Marleborow. But now being daunted by time, there remaineth an heap of rammell and rubbish witnessing the ruins thereof, and some few relics of the walls remain within the compass of a dry ditch, and an Inn there is adjoining thereto, which in stead of the Castle, hath the sign of a Castle hanging out at it: The Inhabitants of the place, The black Prince as they say. have nothing to make greater show of, than in the Church of Preshut hard by, of a Christening Font, as it seemeth, of Touchstone, or of Obsidian stone, in which (by their report certain Princes (I wot not who) were in times past baptised, and made Christians. Neither verily can I conceal that which I have read, that every Burger here admitted, is by an old order and custom among them, to present unto the Major, a brace of hounds for the hare, a couple of white Capons, and a white Bull. Ramesburie. On the same River, and the same side thereof, is seated Ramsburie, a pretty village, having nothing now to commend it but pleasant meadows about it, howsoever in old time famous it was for the Bishops See there, who had this Shire for their Diocese: William Malmesburie, of Bishops. but that seat being by Herman the Eighth Bishop, laid unto that of Shirburne, and at length (as I said before) translated to Saliburie, carried away with it all the name and reputation of this place, because at Ramesburie, there was never any Covent of Clerks, nor ought for their maintenance. Littlecot. From the other side of the River more Eastward, Littlecot showeth itself not long since a seat of the Darels, a place worthy to be remembered, for the late Lord thereof Sir john Popham, who being the chief judge in the King's Bench executed justice, (as I have said already) against malefactors, to his high praise and commendation. And hereby runneth the limit between this Shire, and Berkshire. Thus far forth have we taken a slight view and survey of Wiltshire, which (as we find in the doomsday book, and worth the noting it is) paid unto the King ten pounds for an Hawk, twenty shillings * Pro summario. Haply a Sumpter horse. o'er, what it is. for a strong Steed, for hay one hundred shillings, and five oars: now what kind a piece of money, and of what kind that Ore was, I wot not; but out of a Register of Burton Monastery, I have observed thus much, that twenty Oars, are worth two Marks of silver. Earls of Wiltshire. This province can reckon out of diverse and sundry houses, but few Earls, besides those of Salisbury, whom I have named before: for to omit Weolsthan before the Normans Conquest, it had none to my knowledge, unto King Richard the Second his days, who preferred William le Scrope to that one honour. But this man's good fortunes stood and fell together with his Prince. For, when the one was deposed, the other lost his head. After whom, within short time succeeded james Butler Earl of Ormund, advanced to that dignity by King Henry the Sixth. Howbeit, when the Lancastrians were down the wind, and he was attainted, his estate forfeited, and john Stafford a younger son of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, by the favour of King Edward the Fourth received this title, whose son Edward succeeded him, and died without issue. The same honour afterwards King Henry the Eighth, bestowed upon Henry Stafford of the same house of Buckingham; who having enjoyed it a little while, departed likewise, and left no children behind him. In the end, the favour of the said King brought it into the family of the Bullens: for Thomas Bullen Viscount Rochfort, Son to one of the Daughters and coheirs of Thomas Butler Earl of Ormund, he created Earl of Wiltshire: whose Daughter Anne, the King took to wife: A marriage this was to herself, and her brother unhappy and deadly, to her Parents woeful, but for all England right happy. For it brought forth to us Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth. a most gracious and excellent Prince, worthy of superlative praise, for her most wise and politic government of the Commonwealth, and for her heroic virtues far above that sex. But when the said Thomas Bullen, overcome with the grief and sorrow that he took for the infortunate fall, and death of his children, he ended his days without issue: this title lay still, until that King Edward the Sixth, conferred it upon William Powlet Lord Saint john, See Basin in Hantshire. whom soon after he made marquis of Winchester, and Lord Treasurer of England, in whose family it remaineth at this day. This County containeth in it Parishes. 304. HANTSHIRE. NExt to Wiltshire is that Country which sometimes the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and is now commonly named Hantshire: of which, one part that beareth farther within the land, belonged, no doubt, to the Belgae, the other which lieth upon the sea appertained, without question, to the Regni, an ancient people of Britain. On the West it hath Dorsetshire, and Wiltshire, on the South the Ocean to bond it: on the East it joineth to Sussex, and Surrie, and on the North it bordereth upon Berkshire. A small province it is, fruitful in corn, furnished in some places with pleasant woods standing thick, and well grown; rich in plenteous pasture, and for all commodities of sea most wealthy, and happy. It is thought that it was with the first brought under subjection to the Romans. For, our Histories report, that Vespasian subdued it, and very probable reasons there are inducing us to believe the same. For, Dio witnesseth, that Plautius, and Vespasian, when they were sent by the Emperor Claudius against the Britain's, did give the attempt upon this Island, with an army divided into three parts, lest if they should have ventured to land in one place only they might have been driven back from the shore. Suetonius also writeth, that in this expedition Vespasian fought thirty battles with the enemy, and subdued the Isle of Wight which lieth against this country, and two other right puissant nations with it. For which his victories, as also for passing over the Ocean so safely. Valerius Flaccus speaketh unto Vespasian himself, as one more fortunate than julius Caesar, in this manner. Tuque O Pelagi cui major aperti Fama, Caledonius post quam tua Carbasa vexit Oceanus, Fhrigios prius indignatus Iülos. And thou for Seas discovery whose fame did more appear, Since that thy ships with sails full spread in Northern Ocean were, Which scorned before, of Phrygian line the Julii to bear. And of the very same Vespasian, Appolonius Collatius Novariensis, the Poet versified thus: Ille quidem nuper faelici Marte Britannos Fuderat. He verily of late by happy flight. Had won the field, and Britain's put to flight. But how in this war Titus delivered Vespasian his father, when he was very straight besieged by the Britan's: and how at the same time likewise, an adder grasped him about, and yet never hurt him, (which he took as a lucky foretoken of his Empire) you may learn out of Dio and Forcatulus. ay, for my part, (to come to my purpose) beginning at the West side of this province will make my perambulation along the sea-coast, and the rivers that run into the Ocean, and after that survey the more inland parts thereof. HAMSHIRE OLIM PARS BELGARUM A long the East bank of this river in this Shire, King William of Normandy pulled down all the towns, villages, houses, and Churches far and near, cast out the poor Inhabitants, and when he had so done brought all within thirty miles' compass or there about into a forest and harbour for wild beasts, which the Englishmen in those days termed Ytene, New forres and we now call New forest. Of which Act of his, Gualther Maps who lived immediately after, wrote thus. The Conqueror took away land both from God and men, to dedicate the same unto wild beasts, and Dogs-game: in which space he threw down six and thirtie-Mother-Churches, and drove all the people thereto belonging quite away. And this did he, either that the Normans might have safer and more secure arrival in England, (for it lieth over against Normandy) in case after that all his wars were thought ended, any new dangerous tempest should arise in this Island against him: or for the pleasure which he took in hunting: or else to scrape and rape money to himself by what means soever he could: For, being better affected and more favourable to beasts than to men, he imposed very heavy fines and penalties, yea and other more grievous punishments, upon those that should meddle with his game. But Gods just judgement not long after followed this so unreasonable and cruel act of the King. For, Richard his second son, and William Rufus King of England, Elogium. another son of his, perished both in this Forest: William by chance shot through with an arrow by Walter Tirell; the other blasted with a pestilent air. Henry likewise his Grandchild by Robert his eldest son, whiles he hotly pursued his game in this Chase was hanged amongst the boughs and so died: that we may learn thereby. How even children's children bear the punishment of their Father's sons. There go commonly abroad certain verses, that john White Bishop of Winchester made of this Forest: Which although they falsely make William Rufus to have ordained the same, yet because they are well liked of many, I am likewise well content here to set them down. Templa adimit Divis, fora civibus, arva colonis Rufus, & instituit Beaulensi in rure forestam: Rex cervum insequitur, Regem vindicta, Tirellus Non bene provisum transfixit acumine ferri. From God and Saint King Rus did Churches take, From Citizen's town-court, and market place, From Farmer lands: New forest for to make, In Beaulew tract, where whiles the King in chase Pursues the Hart, just vengeance comes apace, And King pursues. Tirrell him seeing not, Unawares him slew with dint of arrow shot. He calleth it Beauley tract, for that King john built hard by, a pretty Monastery, for the pleasant situation called Beaulieu, which continued ever unto our Father's memory, of great fame as being an unviolated sanctuary and a safe refuge for all that fled to it: in so much that in times past, our people here thought it unlawful, and an heinous offence by force to take from thence any persons whatsoever, were they thought never so wicked murderers or traitors: so that our Ancestors when they erected such Sanctuaries, or Temples (as they term them) of Mercy, every where throughout England, seemed rather to have proposed unto themselves Romulus to imitate than Moses: Sanctuaries. Exod. 21. josephus, Antiquita. u● lib. 4. who commanded that wilful murderers should be plucked from the Altar and put to death: and for them only appointed Sanctuary, who by mere chance had killed any man. But least the sea coast, for so long a tract as that forest is here, should lie without defence all open and exposed to the enemy, King Henry the Eighth began to strengthen it with forts, for, in that foreland or promontory shooting far into the sea: From whence we have the shortest cut into the Isle of Wight. he built Hurst Castle, Hurst Castle. which commandeth sea ward every way. And more toward the East he set up also another fortress or blockhouse, they name it Calshot Castle for Caldshore, to defend the entry of Southampton Haven, as more inwardly on the other are the two Castles of S. Andrew, and Netly. For, here the shores retiring as it were themselves a great way back into the land, and the Isle of Wight also; butting full upon it do make a very good harbour, which Ptolomee calleth The mouth of the river Trisanton, (as I take it) for Traith Anton: that is, Anton Bay. For Ninnius an old writer giveth it almost the same name when he termeth it Trahannon mouth. As for the river running into it, at this day is called Test, it was in the foregoing age (as we read in the Saints lives) named Terstan, and in old time Ant, or Anton: as the towns standing upon it, namely Antony's port, Andover and Hanton in some sort do testify. So far am I of (pardon me) from thinking that it took the name of one Hamon a Roman, (a name not used among Romen) who should be there slain. And yet Geffrey of Monmouth telleth such a tale, and a Poet likewise his follower who prettily maketh these verses of Hamon. Ruit huc, illucque ruentem Occupat Arviragus, ejusque in margin ripae Amputat ense caput, nomen tenet inde perempti Hammonis Portus, longumque tenebit in aevum. Whiles Hamon rusheth here and there within the thickest rank, Arviragus encountreth him, and on the river's bank, With sword in hand strikes of his head: the place of him thus slain, Thence forth is named Hamons-Haven, and long shall so remain. South-Anton. But upon this Haven standeth South-hanpton, a little City, near unto which on the North-east, there flourished in old time another of that name: which may seem to be Antonine his CLAUSENTUM, by the distance of it, as well on the one side from Ringwood, as from Venta on the other, And as Trisanton in the British language signifieth the Bay of Anton, so Glausentum in the same tongue, is as much as the Haven of Entum. For, I have heard, that Claudh among the Britan's, is that which the Grecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a forced Haven made by digging and casting up the earth. Now, that this place was called Hanton, and Henton, no man needs to doubt, seeing in that book wherein King William the first made a survey of all England, this whole shire is expressly named Hanscyre and in some places Hentscyre, and the very town itself for the South situation of it, South●hanton▪ What manner of town that Clausentum was, it is hard to say: but seated it was in that place, where the field is which now they call S. mary's; and reached even to the Haven: and may seem also to have taken up the other bank or strand of the river: For, a little above at Bittern over against it, Francis Mills a right honest gentleman there dwelling, showed unto me the rubbish, old broken walls, and trenches of an ancient castle, which carrieth half a mile in compass, and at every tide is compassed for three parts of it with water a great breadth. The Roman Emperors ancient coins now and then there digged up, do so evidently prove the antiquity thereof, that if it were not the Castle of old Clausentum, you would judge it to be one of those forts or fences which the Romans planted upon the South coast of the Ocean, to repress, as Gildas writeth, the piracies and depredations of the Saxons. When all became wasted, by the Danish wars, old Hanton also was left as a prey in the year of our Lord 980. to be sacked and rifled by them: and King William the Conqueror in his time had in it but fourscore men and no more in his demaine. But above 200. years since when Edward the Third King of England and Philip Valois bustled for the very Kingdom of France, it was fired by the French and burnt to the ground. Out of the ashes whereof, presently sprung the town which now is to be seen, but situate in a more commodious place between two rivers: for number of houses and those fair built much renowned, for rich Inhabitants & concourse of merchants wealthy: fenced round about with a double ditch, strong walls, and turrets standing thick between: and for defence of the Haven a right strong Castle it hath of square stone, upon a Mount cast up to a great height, built by King Richard the Second. And afterward King Henry the sixth granted to the Major, Balives and Burgesses that it should be a County by itself, with other liberties. Memorable is that of the most puissant Canutus' King of England and of Denmark, by which he in this place repressed a flatterer who bore the King in hand that all things in the Realm were at his will and command. He commanded (saith Henry of Huntingdon) that his chair should be set on the shore, when the sea began to flow. And then in the presence of many, said he to the sea as it flowed. Thou art part of my Dominion, and the ground on which I sit is mine, neither was there ever any that durst disobey my commandment and went away free and unpunished. Wherefore, I charge thee, that thou come not upon my land, neither that thou wet the clothes or body of thy Lord. But the sea according to his usual course flowing still, without any reverence of his person wet his feet. Then he retiring back said. Let all the Inhabitants of the world know, that vain and frivolous is the power of Kings, and that none is worthy the name of King, but he, to whose command the heaven earth and sea by bond of an everlasting law are subject and obedient, and never after that time set he the crown upon his head, etc. Of those two rivers, between which this South anton standeth, that in the West now called Test, and in times past Anton, (as I suppose) springing out of the forest of Chate, goeth first to Andover, which in the Saxon language is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The passage or Ferry over And: where in the year of our salvation 893. Aetheldred King of England, when the Danes harried and spoiled his Kingdom on every side, to the end that he might at length refresh and cherish his weakened and wearied countries with sure and quiet peace, inserted into his own family by way of adoption Aulaf the Dane: which not withstanding soon after took small or none effect: For, this great honour done to the barbabrous Dane, could not reclaim and stay his mind, from rapine and spoiling still. From thence it runneth down and receiveth from the East a brook passing by Bullingdon, in whose parish is a place called Tibury hill, Tibury, some say for Titusbury. and containeth a square field by estimation of ten acres ditched about, in some places deeper than other, wherein hath been found tokens of Wells, and about which the ploughmen have found squared stones, and Roman coins, as they report, for the place I have not seen. This brook entereth into Test near Worwhell, where Queen Aelfrith built a Monastery to expiate and make satisfaction for that most foul and heinous fact, wherewith so wickedly she had charged her soul by making away King Edward her husband's son: as also to wash out the murdering of her former husband Aethelwold a most noble Earl, whom King Edgar trained forth hither a hunting, and then strake him through with a dart, because he had deluded him in his love secrets, and by deceitful and naughty means prevented him and gotten for himself this same Aelfrith the most beautiful Lady that was in those days. After this Test having taken into it a little river from Wallop, Wallop. or more truly Well-hop, that is, by interpretation out of our forefathers ancient language, A pretty well in the side of an hill, whereof that right worshipful family of the Wallops of Knight's degree dwelling hard by, Brige. took name: seeketh for BRIGE or BRAGE, an ancient town likewise placed by Antonine nine miles from Sorbiodunum: at which distance between Salisbury and Winchester he findeth not far from his bank, Broughton a small country town: which if it were not that BRAGE, I verily believe it was then utterly destroyed when William of Normandy laid all even with the ground here about to make that forest, before mentioned. Rumsey. Then goeth this river to see Rumsey, in Saxon speech Rum- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. A nunnery founded by King Edgar, the large Church whereof yet standeth; out of the which Mary daughter of King Stephen being there Abbess, and his only heir surviving, was conveied secretly by Matthew of Alsace son to the Earl of Flanders, and to him married. But after she had borne to him two daughters, was enforced by sentence of the Church to return hither again according to her vow. Thence glideth this water strait into Anton Haven, at Arundinis Vadum, as Bede called it, and interpreteth it himself Reedeford: Redbridge. but now of the bridge where the foard was named, for Redeford, Sedbridge: where, at the first springing up of the English Saxon Church, there flourished a Monastery, the Abbot whereof Cymbreth, as Bede writeth, baptised the two brethren being very little ones of Arvandus the petty King of Wight, even as they were ready to be put to death. For, when Cedwalla the Saxon set upon the Isle of Wight, these small children to save their lives fled to a little town called Ad lapidem, and hid themselves there, until at length being betrayed, they were at Cedwallaes' commandment killed. If you ask me, what this little town Ad lapidem, * Regesti. should be, I would say it were Ston●ham, a small village next to Redebridge, which the very signification of the name may evidently prove for me. The other river that runneth forth at the East-side of Southampton, may seem to have been called Alre: For, the market town standing upon the bank thereof, not far from ponds out of which it issueth, is called Alres-ford, that is, The foard of Alre. This town, (to use the words of an old Record of Winchester): Kinewalce the religious King instructed in the Sacraments of faith by the Bishop Birinus at the very beginning of Christian religion (in this tract,) with great devotion of heart gave unto the Church of God at Wenta. In the year of grace 1220. Godfrey Lucy Bishop of Winchester made a new market place here, and called it Novum forum, that is, New market, in regard haply of old Alres-ford adjoining thereto. But this new aim continued not long with the people, who in the matter of speech carry the greatest stroke. near hereunto is Tichburne, which I must not omit, for that it hath given name to a worshipful and ancient family. Upon the West bank of this river is situate the most famous City of the British Belgians, called by Ptolomee and Antoninus Venta Belgarum, by the Britaines of Wales even at this day, Caer Gwent: by the Saxons in old time 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin commonly Wintonia, and by us in these days of Winchester. Yet there be some which affirm this to be Venta Simenorum, and do grace Bristol, with the name of Venta Belgarum. But that there were never any Simeni at all in this Island, I will prove when I come to the Iceni. In the mean season, though they should seek all the towns that Antoninus placeth on every side in the way to, or from VENTA BELGARUM, as narrowly as Emmots paths, yet shall they find nothing for their purpose to make good this their assertion. The Etymology of this name Venta, some fetch from Ventus, that is, Wind, others from Vinum, that is, Wine, and some again from Wina a Bishop: who all of them be far wide, and should do well to pray for better judgement. Yet like I rather the opinion of Leland: who hath derived it from the British word Guin or Guen, that is, White, so that Caer Guin should signify as much, as the White City. And why not? seeing the old Latins named these their Cities, Alba longa, and Alba regia, of whiteness: yea, and the Grecians also had their Leuca, Leucas, and other nations also many places taking name of whiteness. For, this Venta, like as the other two of the same name, to wit, VENTA SILURUM, and VENTA ICENORUM, are seated all three in a soil that standeth upon chalk, and a whitish clay. A City it was no doubt, flourishing even in the Romans times, as in which the Emperors of Rome seem to have had their sacred of houses weaving and embroidering peculiar to their own persons, and uses: seeing among all the VENTAS in Britain, it was both the chief, and also nearest unto Italy. For, in the book of Notitiae, mention is made of the Procurator [Master or Governor] Cynegii VENTENSIS or BENTENSIS, in Britain: where the only flower of Lawyers, james Cujacius readeth Cynaecii, and in his Paratitles upon the Code interpreteth it, Sacrum textrinum, that is, The sacred workhouse or shop of embroidering and weaving. And right of his mind is Guidus Pancirolus, Cynacium▪ who writeth that those Gynaecia were instituted for the weaving of the Princes, and soldiers garments, of Ship-sailes, of linen sheets, or covering, and such like clothes, necessary for the furniture of mansions. But Wolfangus Lazius was of opinion, that that the Procurator aforesaid, had the charge here of the Emperor's dogs. And to say truth, of all the dogs in Europe, ours bear the name; British dogs▪ in so much, as Strabo witnesseth, our dogs served as soldiers, and the ancient Galls made special use of them even in their wars. And of all others, they were in most request both for those baitings in the Amphitheatres, and also in all other public hunt among the Romans. For as the same Strabo writeth, they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, of a generous kind and framed naturally for hunting. Whereupon Nemesianus wrote thus: divisa Britannia mittit Veloces, nostrique orbis venatibus aptos. Though Britain from this world of ours doth lie secluded far, Swift hounds it sends which for our game most fitly framed are. Gratius also, of their price and excellency, saith thus: Quod freta si Morinûm dubi● refluentia ponto Veneris, atque ipsos libeat penetrare Britannos, O quanta est merces, & quantum impendia supra? If that to Calice-streights you go, Where tides uncertain ebb and flow. And list to venture further more, Crossing the seas to British shore: What meed would come to quite your pains: What overdeale beside, of gains. Yea and that very dog with us, A Gasehound. which of the old name Agasaeus, we call yet at this day a Gasehound, those ancient greeks both knew, and also had in great price. And this will Oppian in his first book of his Cynegeticks tell you, Agasaeus, a British houn● in these Greek verses. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Which Bodine turned into Latin thes: Est etiam catuli species indagine clara, Corpus huic breve, magnifico sed corpore digna, Picta Britannorum gens illos effera bello Nutrit, Agasaeosque vocat, vilissima forma Corporis, ut credas parasitos esse latrantes. And may be Englished in this wise. Stout hounds there are, and those of finders kind, Of body small but doughty for their deed: The painted folk, fierce Britan's as we find, Them Gasehounds call, for they with them do breed. In making, like house dogs, or at a word, To lickerous curs that craven at our board. Claudian also, touching our Mastiffs writeth in this sort: Magnaque taurorum fracturi colla Britanni. And British mastiffs down that pulls, Or break the necks of sturdy bulls. I have too far digressed about dogs, yet hope a favourable pardon. In this City as our own Historiographers do report, in the time of the Romans, was that Constans the Monk, who by his father Constantine was first elect Caesar, and afterwards Augustus: that Constantine I say, who upon hope of this name had assumed the Imperial purple robe, that is, usurped the Empire against Honorius. For, long since, (as Zosinus recordeth speaking of those times) as well in villages as in Cities, there were great colleges peopled (as it were) with Monks, who before time ●●ying the light lived scattering here and there among mountains, woods, and forests all solitary by themselves, whereof also they were so called. Now, of this College wherein the said Constans was, those old broken walls which are seen of that thickness and strength, at the West-gate of the Cathedral Church, may seem to be the ruins and relics. See before in the Emperors. But this imperial Monk taken out from hence suffered soon after condign punishment, both for his father's ambition and also for the contempt of his professed religion. During the Heptarchy of the Saxons, this City albeit once or twice it suffered much calamity and misery, yet it revived, and recovered again: yea, and became the seat royal of the Westsaxons Kings, adorned with magnificent Churches, and a Bishops See: furnished likewise with six mint houses by King Aethelstane. In the Normans time also it flourished very much, and in it was erected an office for keeping of all public records and evidences of the Realm. In which prosperous estate it continued a long time: but that once or twice it was defaced by misfortune of sudden fires, and in the civil war between Stephen, and Maude about the Kingdom of England, lacked by the unruly and insolent soldiers. Whereupon Necham our countryman who lived in that age, writeth thus: Guintoniam titulis claram, gazisque repletam Noverunt veterum tempora prisca patrum. Sed tam sacra fames auri, jam caecus habendi, Vrbibus egregiis parcere nescit amor. Our ancestors knew Winchester sometimes a goodly Town, In treasure rich and plentiful, in name of great renown: But now, for hunger after gold our men so greedy are; That even such Cities excellent, they know not how to spare. But of these losses it recovered itself by the help of Edward the third, who here appointed the Mart for wool and cloth, which we commonly call the Staple. What was the face and outward show of this City in these foregoing times, a man can hardly tell, considering that, as the said Necham writeth: — Flammis toties gens aliena dedit. Hinc facies urbis toties mutata, dolorem Praetendit, casus nuntia vera sui. So many times a nation strange Hath fired this town, and made such change; That now her face and outward hue Her grief bewray's, and tells full true. In these days of ours it is indifferently well peopled and frequented, having water plenty, by reason of the River turned and conveyed diverse ways into it, lying somewhat in length from East to West, and containeth about a mile and a half in circuit within the walls: which open at six gates, and have every one of them their suburbs reaching forth without, a good way. On the South side of the West gate there mounteth up an old Castle, which oftentimes hath been besieged, but most sore and straightly, above the rest what time as Maud the Empress held it against King Stephen, and at length by a rumour given out that she was dead, and causing herself to be carried out in a coffin like a course deceived the enemy. As concerning that round table there, hanging up against the wall which the common sort useth to gaze upon with great admiration, The round Table. Torneaments. as if it had been King Arthur's table, I have nothing to say but this, That, as a man which vieweth it well may easily perceive, it is nothing so ancient as King Arthur. For, in latter times when for the exercise of arms and feats of warlike prowess, those run at tilt, and martial justlings or torneaments, were much practised: they used such tables, lest any contention or offence for priority of place should through ambition arise among Nobles and Knights assembled together. And this was a custom of great antiquity, as it may seem. For, the ancient Gauls, Dei p●osophist, lib. 4. as Athenaeus writeth, were wont to sit about round tables, and their Esquires stood at their backs, holding their shields. About the midst of the city, but more inclining to the South, Kenelwalch King of the Westsaxons after the subversion of that College of Monks which flourished in the Romans time, (as William of Malmesburie saith) First founded to the glory of God, Bishops of Winchester. the fairest Church that was in those days; in which very place, the posterity afterwards in building of a Cathedral seat for the Bishop, although it were more stately than the first, yet followed just in the very same steps. In this See, there have sitten since Wina, whom the said Kenelwalch ordained the first Bishop there, Many Bishops some renowned for their wealth and honourable port, and some for holiness of life. But among other, Saint Swithin continueth yet of greatest fame, not so much for his sanctity, as for the rain which usually falleth about the Feast of his translation in july, by reason the Sun then Cosmically with Praesepe and Aselli, noted by ancient writers to be rainy constellations, and not for his weeping, or other weeping Saints Margaret the Virgin, and Mary Magdalen, whose feasts are shortly after, as some superstitiously-credulous have believed. This by the way, pardon me I pray you, for I digress licentiously. Thus Bishops of Winchester have been anciently by a certain peculiar prerogative that they have, Chancellors to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and for long time now Prelates to the order of the Garter: and they have from time to time to their great cost re-edified the Church, and by name, Edington and Walkelin, but Wickham especially: who built all the West part thereof down from the choir, after a new kind of work, I assure you, most sumptuously. In the midst of which building is to be seen his own tomb of decent modesty between two pillars. And these Bishops have ever and anon consecrated it to new Patrons and Saints, as to Saint Amphibalus, Saint Peter, Saint Swithin, and last of all to the holy Trinity: by which name it is known at this day. The English Saxons also, had this Church in great honour for the sepulture of certain Saints and Kings there, (whose bones Richard Fox the Bishop gathered, and shrining them in certain little gilded coffers placed them orderly with their several Inscriptions in the top of that wall which encloseth the upper part of the choir) and they called it in times past 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The old Minster, for difference from another more lately built, which was named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, William Malmesburie. that is, The new Minster; which Elfred founded; and for the building of houses of office belonging to the same purchase of the Bishop a plot of ground; and for every foot of it paid him down a mark after the public weight. This monastery as also that other the older, was built for married Priests, who afterwards, upon I know not what miracle of a Cross that spoke, and disliked their marriage, were thrust out by Dunstane Archbishop of Canterbury, and Monks put in their place. The walls of these two monasteries stood so near and close together, that the voices of those that sung in the one troubled the chanting of the other: whereupon there arose grudge and heartburning between these Monks, which afterwards broke out into open enmities: By occasion whereof, and because at this new monastery there gathered and stood much water which from the Western gate came down thither along the current of the streets, and cast forth from it an unwholesome air, the Minster Church two hundred years after the first foundation of it, was removed into the Suburbs of the city on the North part, which they call Hide. Hide Abbey. Where, by the permission of King Henry the First, the Monks built a most stately and beautiful monastery; which a few years after by the crafty practice of Henry de Blois Bishop of Winchester (as the private history of this place witnesseth) was piteous burnt. In which fire, that Cross also was consumed, which Canutus the Dane gave, and upon which, as old writings bear record, he bestowed as much as his own years revenues of all England came unto. The monastery nevertheless was raised up again, and grew by little and little to wonderful greatness, as the very ruins thereof even at this day do show, until that general subversion, and final period of our monasteries. For then, was this monastery demolished: and into that other of the holy Trinity, which is the Cathedral Church, when the monks were thrust out were brought in their stead, a Dean, twelve Prebendaries, and there placed. At the East side of this Cathedral Church, standeth the Bishop's palace, called Wolvesey: a right goodly thing, and sumptuous; which being towered and compassed almost round with the stream of a pretty river, reacheth even to the City walls: Wickham College. and in the South-suburbes, just over against it beholdeth a fair College: which William Wickham Bishop of this See, the greatest father and Patron (of all Englishmen) of good literature, William Wickham. and whose praise for ever to the world's end will continue, built for a School, and thereto dedicated it: out of which, both for Church and Commonwealth there riseth a most plentiful increase of right learned men. For, in this College, one warden, ten fellows, two Schoolmasters, and threescore and ten scholars, with diverse others are plentifully maintained. There have been also in this City, Saint Mary Abbey. other fair and goodly buildings, (for very many were here consecrated to religion) which I list not now to recount, since time and avarice hath made an end of them. Only, that Nunnery, or monastery of veiled Virgins, which Elfwida, the wife of King Elfred founded, I will not overpasse: seeing it was a most famous thing as the remainder of it now doth show: * Matildis Mawde wife to King Henry the first. and for that, out of it King Henry the First took to wife Mawde the daughter of Malcolne King of Scots, by whom the Royal blood of the ancient Kings of England became united to the Normans, and he therefore won much love of the English nation. For, neiphew she was in the second degree of descent, unto Edmund Iron-side, by his son Edward the Banished. A woman, as adorned with all other virtues meet for a Queen, so especially inflamed with an incredible love of true piety and godliness. Whereupon was this Tetrastich made in her commendation: Prospera non laetam fecêre, nec asperae tristem: Aspera risus ei, prospera terror erant. Non decor effecit fragilem, non sceptra superbam, Sola potens humilis, sola pudica decens. No prosperous state did make her glad, Nor adverse chances made her sad: If fortune frowned, she then did smile; If fortune frowned, she feared the while. If beauty tempted, she yet said nay, No pride she took in sceptres sway: She only high, herself debased, A lady only fair and chaste. Concerning Sir Guy of Warwick, of whom there go so many pretty tales, who in single fight overcame here that Danish giant and Goliath, Colbrand: and of Waltheof Earl of Huntingdon, that was here beheaded, where afterwards stood Saint Giles chapel: as also of that excellent Hospital of Saint Cross there adjoining, founded by Henry of Blois bother to King Stephen, and Bishop of this City, and augmented by Henry Beauford Cardinal, I need not to speak: seeing every man may read of them in the common Chronicles. As touching the Earls of Winchester, to say nothing of Earls of Winchester. Clyto the Saxon whom the Normans deprived of his ancient honour King john created Saier Quincy, Earl of Winchester, who used for his arms a military belt, they call it a Fez, with a label of seven as I have seen upon his seals. After him succeeded Roger his son, who bore, Gules, seven Mascles voided, Or: but with him that honour vanished and went away, seeing he died without issue male. For, he married the eldest daughter and one of the coheirs of Alan Lord of Galloway in Scotland by a former wife, in right of whom he was Constable of Scotland. He had by her three only daughters, the first married to William de Ferrariis Earl of Derbie, the second to Alan de la Zouch, the third to Comine Earl of Bucqhanan in Scotland. A long time after Hugh le Dispenser, having that title bestowed upon him for term of his life, by King Edward the second, whose minion he was, and only beloved, felt together with his son what is the consequence of Princes extraordinary favours: For both of them envied by most, were by the furious rage of the people put cruelly to shameful death. And long it was after this, that through the bounty of King Edward the Fourth, Lewis of Bruges Pr. p. Pat. Anno 12. E. 4. a netherlands Lord of Gruthuse, Prince of Steinhuse, etc. Who had given him comfort and succour in the Netherlands, when he was fled his native country, received this honour with Arms resembling those of Roger Quincy, in these words, Azure a dix Mascles D'or en orm d'un Canton de nostie propre Armes d' Engleterre, cestsavour, de Goul un Leopard passant d' or, armeè d' azure. All which, after King Edward's death, he yielded up into the hands of Henry the seventh. But lately within our memory King Edward the sixth, honoured Sir William Pawlet Lord Treasurer of England, Earl of Wiltshire, and Lord Saint john of Basin, with a new title of marquis of Winchester. A man prudently pliable to times, raised not suddenly but by degrees in Court, excessive in vast informous buildings; temperate in all other things, full of years, for he lived ninety seven years, and fruitful in his generation, for he saw one hundred and three, issued from him by Elizabeth his wife, daughter to Sir William Capell Knight. And now his grandchild William enjoyeth the said honours: For the Geographical position of Winchester, it hath been observed by former ages to be in longitude two and twenty degrees, and in latitude fifty one. From Winchester more Eastward the river Hamble at a great mouth emptieth itself into the Ocean. Hamble. Solente frith. Beda calleth it Homelea, which, as he writeth, by the lands of the Intae entereth into Solente: for so termeth he that frith our narrow sea, that runneth between the Isle of Wight and the main land of Britain▪ in which the tides at set hours rushing in with great violence out of the Ocean at both ends, and so meeting one another in the midst, seemed so strange a matter to our men in old time, that they reckoned it among the wonders of Britain. Whereof, read here the very words of Beda. The two tides of the Ocean which about Britain break out of the vast Northern Ocean daily encounter and fight one against another, beyond the mouth of the river Homelea: and when they have ended their conflict, return back, from whence they came and run into the Ocean. Into this Frith that little river also sheddeth itself, which having his head near Warnford, passeth between the Forests of Waltham (where the Bishop of Winchester hath a goodly house), and of Bear, whereby is Wickham a mansion of that ancient family of Vuedal, and then by Tichfield, sometime a little monastery founded by Petre de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester * Roche. where the marriage was solemnised between King Henry the sixth, and Margaret of Anjou; and now the principal seat of the Lord Writheosleies Earls of Southampton. From thence forthwith, the shore with curving crooks draweth itself in, and the Island named Portesey maketh a great creek, Portsey. within the more inward nook or corner whereof sometimes flourished Port peris; (where, by report Vespasian landed) An haven town which our Ancestors by a new name called Port-chester, not of Porto the Saxon, but of the port or haven. For, Ptolomee termeth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, THE GREAT HAVEN, Portus Magnus. for the wideness of it, like as that Portus Magnus also in afric, as Pliny witnesseth. And verily there remaineth yet a great Castle which hath a fair and spacious prospect into the haven underneath. But when as the Ocean by withdrawing itself, took away, by little and little the commodity of the haven, the Inhabitants flitted from thence into the Island Portsey adjoining, which taketh in circuit much about fourteen miles, being at every full sea floated round about with salt-waters, out of which they boil salt, and by a bridge that hath a fortress adjoining unto it, is united to the Continent. This Island Athelflede King Eadgars' wife had given to the New monastery of Winchester. And in it at the very gullet, or mouth where the sea entereth in, our forefathers built a town, and thereupon named it Portsmouth, Portesmouth. that is, the mouth of the haven. A place always in time of war well frequented, otherwise little resort there is to it: as being more favourable, and better affected to Mars and Neptune, than to Mercury, that is, to war rather than to traffic. A Church it hath of the old building, and an Hospital (God's house they call it) founded by Peter de * Roch. Rupibus, Bishop of Winchester. Fortified it was with a wall made of timber and the same well covered over with thick banks of earth: fenced with a platform also or mount of earth in times passed on the North-east, ne'er to the gate: and two blockhouses at the entry of the haven made of new hewn stone: Which being by King Edward the fourth begun, King Henry the seventh as the Inhabitants report, did finish, and strengthened the town with a garrison. But in our remembrance, Queen ELIZABETH at her great cost and charges so armed it (as one would say) with new fortifications, as that now there is nothing wanting, that a man would require in a most strong and fenced place. And of the garrison-souldiers some keep watch and ward both night and day at the gates: others upon the tower of the Church, who by the ringing or sound of a bell give warning how many horse or foot are coming, and by putting forth a banner show from what quarter they come. From hence as the shore fetcheth a compass and windeth from Portes-bridge, we had the sight of Havant a little market town, and hard by it, of Wablington, a goodly fair house belonging sometimes to the Earls of Salisbury; but now to the family of the Cottons Knights. Before which, there lie two Islands, the one greater, named Haling, the other less, called Thorney, of thorns there growing: and both of them have their several parish Church. In many places along this shore, of the sea-waters flowing up thither, is made salt of a palish or green colour: the which by a certain artificious devise, they boil until it be exceeding white. And of this sea, British salt. or Bay-salt, and not of ours made out of salt springs, is Saint Ambrose to be understood, when he writeth thus; Consider we those things which are usual with many very graceful: Hexameron. lib. 5. cap. 11. namely, how water is turned into salt, of such hardness and solidity, that oftentimes it is hewed with axes. This in the salts of Britain is no wonder, as which carrying a show of strong marble, do shine and glitter again with the whiteness of the same mettle, like unto snow, and be wholesome to the body, etc. Farther within the land, the MEANVARI dwelled, whose country together with the Isle of Wight Edilwalch King of the South Saxons received in token of Adoption from Wlpher King of Mercians, Meanvari Bede lib. 4. cap. 13. Godfather unto him at the Font, when he was baptised. The habitations of these Meanvari, scarce changing the name, at this day is divided into three hundreds; to wit, Meansborow, East-mean, and West-mean: and amongst them there mounteth up an high Hill, environed in the top with a large rampire, and they call it old Winchester: at which, by report, there stood in old time a city, Warnford. Adae hic Portu benedicat Solis ab Ortu Gens Deo dicata, per quem sic sum renovata. but now neither top nor toe, as they say, remaineth of it: so as a man would quickly judge it to have been a summer standing camp, and nothing else. Under this is Warnford seated where Adam de Portu a mighty man, in this tract and of great wealth in the reign of William the first, re-edified the Church a new, as a couple of rude verses set fast upon the wall do plainly show. Upon these, more high into the land, Let Churchmen and religious folk, from time that Sun doth rise, Bless Adam Port, by whom I am rebuilded in this wise. those SEGONTIACI, who yielded themselves unto julius Caesar, had their seat toward the North limit of this shire, in and about the hundred of Holeshot: wherein are to be seen market Aultim, which King Elfred bequeathed by his will unto the keeper of Leodre: also Basingstoke a market town well frequented: upon the descent of an hill, on the North side whereof standeth solitary a very fair Chapel consecrated unto the holy Ghost by William, the first Lord Sands, who was buried there. In the arched and embowed roof whereof is to be seen the holy history of the Bible painted most artificially, Segontiaci. Basingstoke. with lively portraicts, and images representing the Prophets, the Apostles, and the Disciples of Christ. Beneath this, Eastward lieth Basin, Basin Saint john. a town very well known, by reason of the Lords bearing the name of it, to wit, Saint john, the Poinings, and the Powlets. For, when Adam de Portu, Lord of Basin matched in marriage with the daughter and heir of Roger de Aurevall, whose wife was likewise daughter and heir to the right noble house of Saint john, William his son, to do honour unto that family assumed to him the surname of Saint john, and they who lineally descended from him have still retained the same. But when Edmund Saint john departed out of this world without issue in King Edward the third his time, Out of an old Missal of the Family of Powlet. his sister Margaret, bettered the state of her husband john, Saint Philibert, with the possessions of the Lord Saint john: And when she was dead without children, Isabella the other sister wife unto Sir Luke Poinings, bare unto him Thomas, Lord of Basin, whose Niece Constance by his son Hugh, (unto whom this fell for her child's part of Inheritance) was wedded into the family of the Powlets, and she was great Grandmother to that Sir William Powlet who being made Baron Saint john of Basin by King Henry the Eighth, and created by King Edward the Sixth first Earl of Wiltshire, and afterward marquis of Winchester, and withal was Lord Treasurer of England, having in a troublesome time run through the highest honours, fulfilled the course of nature with the satiety of this life, and that in great prosperity, as a rare blessing among Courtiers) after he had built a most sumptuous house here, for the spacious largeness thereof admirable to the beholders, until for the great and chargeable reparations his successors pulled down a good part of it. But of him I have spoken before. near unto this house, Vines in Britain. Vopiscus. the Vine showeth itself, a very fair place, and Mansion house of the Baron Sands, so named of the vines there, which we have had in Britain, since Probus the Emperor's time, rather for shade than fruit. For, he permitted the Britain's and others to have vines. The first of these Barons was Sir William Sands, Baron's Sands. whom King Henry the Eighth advanced to that dignity, being Lord Chamberlain unto him, and having much amended his estate by marrying Margery Bray, daughter and heir of john Bray, and cousin to Sir Reinold Bray, a most worthy Knight of the Order of the Garter, and a right noble Baneret: whose Son Thomas Lord Sands, was Grandfather to William L. Sands that now liveth. Neighbouring hereunto is Odiam glorious in these days for the King's house there: Odiam. and famous for that David the Second King of Scots, was there imprisoned: a Burrow corporate, belonging in times passed to the Bishop of Winchester: the fortress whereof in the name of King John, Matthew Paris. thirteen Englishmen for fifteen days defended most valiantly, and made good against Lewis of France, who with his whole army besieged and asted it very hotly. A little above, among these Segontiaci, toward the North side of the country, sometimes stood VINDONUM, Vindonum. the chief city of the Segontiaci, which casting off his own name, hath taken the name of the Nation, like as Luteria hath assumed unto it the name of the Parisians there inhabiting: for, called it was by the Britain's Caer Segonte, that is to say, Silcester. the City of the Segontiaci. And so Ninnius in his catalogue of cities named it: we at this day called it Silecester: and Higden seemeth to clepe it of the Britain's Britenden: that this was the ancient Vindonum, I am induced to think by reason of the distance of Vindonum in Antoninus, from Gallena, or Guallenford, and Venta or Winchester: and the rather, because between this Vindonum and Venta, there is still to be seen a causey, or street-way. Ninnius recordeth, that it was built by Constantius the son of Constantine the Great, and called sometime Murimintum, haply, for Muri-vindum, that is, the walls of Vindon. For, this word Mur borrowed from the provincial language, the Britain's retained still, and V. the consonant, they change oftentimes in their speech, and writing into M. And to use the very words of Asinnius, though they seem ridiculous, the said Constantius, sowed upon the soil of this city three seeds, that none should be poor that dwelled therein at any time. Like as Dinocrates, when Alexandria in Egypt was a building, strewed it with meal or flower (as Marcellinus writeth) all the circular lines of the draught, which being done by chance, was taken for a fore-token, that the city should abound with all manner of victuals. He reporteth also, that Constantius died here, and that his Sepulchre was to be seen at one of the gates, as the Inscription showeth. But in these matters let Ninnius clear his own credit; for, stuffed he hath that little book with many a pretty lie. Yet this I may be bold to affirm, that it flourished in great honour about that time: and I myself have lighted here upon very many pieces, of the coin of Constantine, the younger son to Constantine the Great: which in their reverse have the portrait of an house with this Inscription PROVIDENTIA CAES. Now that this Constantius whom he maketh the builder of this City, died at Mopsuestia in Cilicia, Sepulchers of honour. and was interred in Constantinople in the Sepulchre of his Ancestors, it is known for certain, and confessed. Yet I will not deny, but that he might have in this city a monument erected in honour and remembrance of him. For, many there were that had such monuments built, about which the soldiers, were wont yearly to just, and keep solemn turneaments in honour of the dead. When the declining Roman Empire hastened to an end, and barbarous nations began every where to waste and spoil the Provinces: their Armies here in Britain, fearing lest the flame of this fire, wherewith their next neighbours in France were consumed, would catch hold of them, set up and created Emperors to themselves: first Marcus, than Gratian, whom they soon slew: and last of all in the year after Christ's birth 407, Constantine Emperor, chosen in hope of his name. our Constantine for his name's sake, they forced, wild he, nild he, to usurp the Empire, and to put on the Imperial Purple robe in the city Caer Segont, as both Ninnius, and Gervase of Canterbury, do witness. This Constantine putting to sea out of Britain, landed at * Bononia. Bologne in France, and drew all the Roman armies even as far as the Alps to side and join with him in his wars. He stoutly defended Valentia in France, against the power of Honorius the Emperor: the River Rhine which long before had been neglected, he fortified with a garrison. Upon the Alps, where any passage was, he built fortresses. In Spain, under the conduct of his son Constans, whom of a Monk he had declared Emperor, he warred fortunately: and afterwards having sent his letters unto Honorius, and craved pardon for suffering the soldiers, to put upon him the purple perforce, whether he would or no; he accepted at his hands the Imperial investure, which he freely gave him. Whereupon being puffed up with pride, after he had passed the Alps, his mind was wholly set upon a journey to Rome. But hearing that Alaricus the Gothe who had favoured his part was dead, he returned to Arles, where he settled his Imperial seat, caused the City to be called Constantina, and commanded the courts and assemblies of seven Provinces, there to be holden. In the mean time Gerontius excited the soldiers against their Lord, and when he had treacherously slain his son Constans at Vienna in France, besieged Constantine also himself within Arles. But after that one Constantius sent by Honorius with a great army, made head against him, Gerontius killed himself. And Constantine being now streitly besieged, and by reason of the unhappy success of his men past all hope, laid aside the Purple and his great estate entered into the Church, became a Priest: and straightways when Arles was yielded up, and he carried into Italy, was himself, together with his son Julian (unto whom he had given the title of * Heir apparent. julianus Nobilissimus. Nobilissimus) and his brother Sebastian, beheaded. Thus much briefly of these occurrents, (which before are discoursed more at large) out of Zosimus, Zosomenus, Nicephorus, Orosius, and Olympiodorus, to the end that Verity may triumph over their vanity, who have besprinkled this story with most ridiculous and foolish lies of their own devising. Moreover, in this city (our Historiographers write) that our warlike Arthur was invested and crowned King. But not long after it was razed quite, either in the Saxons wars, or when Adelwolph being offended with his brother King Edward, upon a malicious mind, together with the help of the Danish Rovers, wasted this country even to Basing-stoke. And now remaineth nothing save the walls, which although they want their battlements, Curtain, and cop, yet they seem to have been of a very great height. For, the earth is so grown up with the rubble, that I could scarce with stooping low pass through an old postern, which they call, Onion's Hole. These walls in some sort continue whole, but that they be broken through in those places where the gates were: and out of the very walls, I saw grow oaks of that bigness, and those seeming (as it were) bred with the very stones, with such huge roots clasping one another a great way, and spreading forth so mighty arms and boughs all abroad, that it would make the beholders to wonder thereat. These walls take in compass about two Italian miles. Whereupon haply the Saxons called this city Selcester, Sel, what it is. as one would say, The great City: for Sel may seem to sound with them as much as Great, seeing Asserius hath interpreted the Saxon word, Selwood, The Great wood. And before the walls Westward, where is a plain, there lieth a bank of a great length, raised and cast up for a defence and fortification. The scite of this old city, containeth about fourscore acres of ground within, which being a soil ploughed up an tilled, Arms of the Blewets, Bainard's, and Cusantes. are divided into corne-fields; with a little grove in the Westside: but on the East, near unto the gap in the wall, there standeth a Farme-house, and a pretty Church more lately built, in which, while I searched for ancient inscriptions, I found nothing, but only in the windows certain arms, to wit, In a field sable, seven Fusils argent in Bend, likewise in a shield sables, a Fez between two Cheverns, and in an Escutcheon Or, an Eagle displayed with two heads, gules. This last, I have heard say, was the coat of the Blewets, unto whom this land came, about the conquerors time. The second belonged unto the ancient house of the Bainard's of Leckham: but the first to the Cusanz, by whom from the Blewets it descended hereditarily, to the said Bainard's. But in the reign of William the Conqueror, it was the possession of William de Owe, a Norman, who being accused of high treason, and desirous to prove his innocence by combat, was overcome in fight, and by commandment of King William Rufus, had his two eyes plucked out of his head, and lost both his genetals. This is found by continual observation (as I have learned of the Inhabitants of this place) that although the ground be fertile and fruitful enough, yet in certain places crossing one another, the corn doth not thrive so well, but cometh up much thinner than else where, by which they suppose the streets of the city went in old time. There are here daily digged up, bricks such as we call Britaine-bricks, and great store of Roman coin which they term Onions pennies. For, they dream that this Onion was a Giant, and dwelled in this city. There are digged up also many times inscriptions, of which the unskilful rural people envy us the having. Only one was brought from hence to London, which was to be seen in the gardens of the right honourable Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, and high Treasurer of England, to wit: MEMORIAE FL. VICTORINAE. T. TAM: VICTOR CONJUX POSVIT. That this Tomb was erected for that Victorina which was called Mater Castrorum, that is, The mother of the Camp, and who against Gallienus the Emperor, excited in Gaul, and Britain, the two Victorini, her son, and son's son, Posthumus likewise, Lollianus, Marius, and Tetricus, Caesar's, I would not with others affirm. Yet I have read, that two of the VICTORS, were in some place here in Britain, and those at one and the selfsame time, the one Maximus the Emperor his soon, the other Praefectus Praetorio to the same Emperor, of whom Saint Ambrose maketh mention in his Epistles, but I dare avouch, that neither of these twain reared this monument for his wife. As one high way or street of the Romans went strait from hence Southward to Winchester, so there was another ran westward through Pamber Forrest, very full of trees, and other by-places now standing out of the way, hard by Litchfield, that is, the field of dead bodies, to the Forest of Chute pleasant for cool shade of trees, & plentiful game: in which the Hunters and Foresters themselves do wonder at the bank or ridge thereof, so evident to be seen, paved with stone, but broken here and there. Kings-cleare. More toward the North, in the very edge and frontier of this Shire, we saw Kings-Cleare, a market town in these days well frequented, the residence in times passed of the Saxon Kings, by it Fremantle in a park where King john much haunted, also Sidmanton, Sidmanton. the habitation of the Kingsmils, Knights: and Burgh-Cleare situate under an high hill, in the top whereof a warlike rampire (such as our countrymen called a Burgh) hath a trench taking a great compass about it: from whence, there being a fair and open prospect every way ever the country lying underneath, there standeth a * Specula. Beacon, that by light burning fire the enemies coming, may be showed to all the neighbour-Inhabitants round about. And verily such watches or signals as this, we term in common speech Beacons, Beacon. of the old word Beacnian, that is, to show by a sign, and for these many hundred years, they have been in right great request, and much used among us: in some places, by heaping up a deal of wood, in others by barrels full of pitch fastened to the top of a mast or pole in the highest places of the country, at which, by night some do evermore watch: and in old time, there were set horsemen as posts in many places, whom our Ancestors called Hobelers, who in the day time should give notice of the enemy's approach. This shire, like as the rest which hitherto we have run over, belonged to the west-Saxon Kings: and when they had deposed Sigebert from his Kingdom, for his tyranny, evil entreating and lewd managing of his province, this country, as Marianus writeth, was assigned unto him, lest he should seem altogether a private person. Whom notwithstanding afterward, for his wicked deeds, they likewise expelled from hence: and so far was it off, that this afflicted state of a King moved any man to take pity of him, that a Swineherd in the end, slew him in the wood Anderida, where he had lurked, and hidden himself. This Shire can reckon but very few Earls, besides those of Winchester which I have already named. In the first time of the Normans, Bogo or Beavose the English man, who fought against the Normans in the battle at Cardiff in Wales, is reputed to have been Earl of Southampton, a man for warlike prowess much renowned, whom while the Monks laboured to set out with their feigned fables, they have obscured his doughty deeds in greater darkness. From which time unto the days of K. Henry the Eight, there was no Earl of Southampton that I read of: but he created William Fitz-williams descended from the daughter of marquis Montacute, both Earl of Southampton, and also Admiral of England, when he was now well stricken in years. Who dying strait after without issue; King Edward the Sixth, in the first year of his reign conferred the said honour upon Thomas Wriotheosley Lord Chancellor, whose grandchild Henry by his son Henry, enjoyeth the same at this day: and in the prime and flower of his age hath by good literature and military experience strengthened his honourable parentage, that in riper years he might be more serviceable to his Prince and country. There be found in this shire Parishes 253. and market towns 18. VECTA INSULA ISLE OF WIGHT. TO this County of Southampton belongeth that Island which lieth out in length over against the midst of it southward, called by the Romans in times past VECTA, VECTIS, and VICTESIS, by Ptolomee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by Britain's Guith, by English-Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; (For, an Island they termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) and by us in these days, the Isle of Wight and the White; by so small a straight running between, anciently called Solent. It is severed from the main land, that it may seem to have been conjoined to it: whereof that British name of it Guith, which betokeneth a separation; as Ninnius saith, is thought to have been given: even as Sicily also being broken off (as it were) and cut from Italy got the name from Secando the Latin word (which signifieth cutting) as the right learned julius Scaliger is of opinion. Whereupon, (under correction always of the judicious Critics) I would read in the sixth Quest. Natural. of Seneca, thus; Ab Italia Siciliaresecta, that is, Sicily cut from Italy: whereas it is commonly read there, rejecta. By this Vicinity of Scite, & Affinity of name, we may well think, this Vecta to be that Icta, which as Diodorus Siculus writeth, seemed at every tide to be an Island, but when it was ebb, the ancient Britain's were wont that way to carry tin thither by carts, which should be transported into France. But yet I would not deem it to be that MICTIS in Pliny, which likewise cometh very near unto VECTA: For that in it there was plenty of tin, but in this of ours there is not to my knowledge any vein at all of mettle. This Isle, between East and West in oval form, stretcheth out twenty miles in length: and spreadeth in the midst, where it is broadest twelve miles: having the one side turning to the North, and the other Southward. The ground (to say nothing of the sea exceeding full of fish) consisteth of soil very fruitful, and is thankful to the husbandman, in so much as it doth afford corn to be carried forth: breeding every where store of coneys, hares, partridges and pheasants. One little forest it hath likewise, and two parks replenished with dear, for game and hunting pleasure. Through the midst thereof runs a long tract or chain of hills, yielding plenty of pasture, and forage for sheep. The wool of which, next unto that of Lemster and Coteswold, is esteemed best, and in special request with Clothiers, whereby there groweth to the Inhabitants much gain and profit: The North part is all over green with meadows, pastures, and woods: the South side lieth wholly in manner, bedecked with cornefields enclosed, where at each end the sea on the North-side doth so inbosome, encroach within itself, that it maketh almost two Islands: and verily so the Islanders call them: namely, Freshwater Isle which looketh West, and Binbrige Isle, Eastward. In Bedas days it was counted to contain a thousand and two hundred Hides: now it reckoneth upon 36. towns, villages and Castles: which for Ecclesiastical jurisdiction belong to the Bishop of Winchester, and for civil government, to the County of South-hanton. The Inhabitants of this Isle were wont merrily to make their boast, that their case was happier than all others, because they had neither hooded monks, nor cavilling Lawyers, nor yet crafty foxes. Newport. The places of greater name be these, Newport, the principal market town of the whole Isle, called in times past Medena, and Novus Burgus de Meden, that is, The new Burgh of Meden: whereof the whole country is divided into East Meden, and West Meden, an ordering as to their situation East or West either way. Cacres-brooke an old Castle, so cleped and clipped short for White garesburg, is in the very heart and midst of the Isle, taking the name of Whitgar the Saxon, of whom more hereafter: and of late magnificently re-edified by the means of the Captain: unto which Castle there belonged very many Knight's Fees, and above all other places it hath here the glory for antiquity: Brading, another market Town, Newton and Yarmouth anciently called Eremue, which have their Majors, and send Burgesses to the Parliament. This Yarmouth and Sharp●ore have Castles in them, which together with Worsleys fort or Blockehouse (so named of a worshipful family) defend the Seashore at the Northwest. Just over against it, scarcely two miles off standeth Hurst a fortification of South-Hamptonshire, situate upon a little neck of land lying into the Sea: Quarre, where was founded a Nunnery in the year of our Lord 1131: Gods-Hill, in which john Worsley erected a School for the training up of young wits, West-Cowe and East-Cowe, that is now ruinous: both which, King Henry the Eighth built at the very entry of New port: and concerning them Leland wrote in this wise: Covae fulmineae duae coruscant Haec casum colit, ille Solis ortum Vectam quà Neoportus intrat altam, Two Cows full opposite there stand, At West and East, in all men's sight: Then flashen fire from either hand, Where Newport, entereth Isle of Wight. Also on the North-East side Sandham Castle, furnished as the rest, with great ordnance. Neither are there wanting for the defence of this Isle natural fences. For, encircled it is with a continual ridge and range as it were of craggy cliffs; there are under the waters likewise hidden stones: and every where there lie against it, banks and rocks perilous for sailors: but the most dangerous of all the rest are the Needles, so called because they are so sharp, and the Shingles; which stand forth against the West angle of the Isle: as also the Owers and Mixon that lie before the East. Besides these, The Brambles, which are Shelves and perilous for Sailors, in the North-coast. Moreover if there be any place that seemeth open and meet for a landing place, the same by an old order and custom among them is piled with strong stakes driven and pitched deep into the ground. But verily this Isle is neither with these rocks, nor with those fortresses above said so well fenced, The Inhabitants. as with the very Inhabitants themselves, who naturally being most warlike, bold, and adventurous, are through the diligence and care of the Captain of the Isle, confirmed so by continual exercise in strength and military discipline, that they exactly know before hand, (what accidents of service soever may happen in war) namely with their pieces to shoot pointblank and not miss the mark, to keep their ranks, to march orderly, and in ray, to cast their squadrons if need be close into a ring, or to display and spread the same at large, to take pains, to run, and ride, to endure both Sun and dust, and fully to perform whatsoever warfarre doth require. Of these soldiers thus trained the Isle itself is able to bring forth into the field 4000 and at the instant of all assays appointed there be three thousand more of most expert and practised servitors out of Hampshire, and two thousand beside out of Wiltshire, to be ever pressed, and in readiness for the defence of the Isle. And to the end that all hostile forces whatsoever might be withstood more speedily, and with greater facility, the whole country is divided into eleven parts: and every of them hath their several Centoner, as one would say, Centurion, their Vintons also, leaders as it were, of twenty, their great pieces of Ordnance, their sentines and warders. Who keep watch and ward at the Beacons standing on the higher grounds: their Posts also, or runners, whom by an old name grown almost out of use, they term still Hoblers, who presently give intelligence of all occurrents to the Captain and Governor of the Isle. The first that brought it in subjection to the Romans, In Vespati cap. 4. was Vespasian, whiles he served as a private person under Claudius Caesar: For, thus writeth Suetonius of him. Under the Emperor Claudius, by special favour of Narcissus, he was sent into Germany as Lieutenant of a Legion: and from thence being removed into Britain, he fought thirty battles with the enemy. Two most mighty nations, and above twenty towns, together with the Isle of Wight, lying next to the said Britain he subdued, under the conduct partly of A. Plautius' a Consular Lieutenant, and in part of Claudius himself. For which service he received triumphal ornaments, and in short space two sacerdotal dignities, etc. At this Isle also, the navy of alectus; after he had usurped the Imperial dignity in Britain, lying in espial and ambush, awaited the Romans coming against him, who notwithstanding by the happy means of a mist passed by their enemies undescried, got to land, and set fire on their own ships, that there might be no refuge for them, to escape unto by flight. Anno D. 5 Lord Cerdic was the first English-Saxon that subdued it, and he granted it unto Stuffa, and Whitgar, who jointly together slew well-neare all the British Inhabitants (for few there were of them remaining) in Whitgaraburge a town so called of his name, and now by contraction shortened into Caresbroke. After, Wolpher King of the Mercians reduced the Isle of Wight under his obedience, and assigned it over to Edelwalch King of the South-Saxons, together with the province of the Menvari, what time as he became his Godfather, and answered for him at his Baptism. Bede lib. 4. cap. 13. Then, Ceadwalla King of the Westsaxons, when the said Edelwalch was slain, and Aruandus the petty King of the Island made away, annexed to it the Dominion, and in a tragical, and lamentable massacre killed every mother's child almost of the inborn Inhabitants, and the fourth part of the Isle, to wit as much land as contained 300. Hides, he gave unto Bishop Wilfrid. The first that instructed the Islanders in the knowledge of Christian religion. But these matters Beda will inform you best, writing as he doth, in these words. After than that Ceadwalla had obtained the kingdom of the Gevissi, he won also the Isle of Wight: Bede lib. 4. cap. 16. which unto that time had been wholly given to Idolatry; and then endeavoured what he could to make a general massacre and tragical slaughter of all the native Inhabitants thereof, and instead of them to plant there people of his own province; binding himself with a vow, although he was not yet regenerate and become Christened, and in case he won the Isle, he would give unto God a fourth part both of it and also of the whole booty. Which vow he so paid, as that he offered this Isle, unto Wilfrid the Bishop (who being of his nation happened then to come thither & be present) to the use and glory of God. The measure of the same Island according to the English men's estimation is proportionable to one thousand and two hundred hides of land. Whereupon the Bishop had possession given him of so much Land as rose to three hundred Hides. But he, commended that portion which he received unto one of his Clerks named Bernwin, and his sister's son he was, giving unto him a priest named Hildila, for to minister unto all that were desirous of salvation, the word and laver of life. Where I think it not good to pass over in silence, how, for the first fruits (as one would say) of those who of the same Isle were saved by their belief, two young children brethren, of the Royal blood, to wit, the sons of Arvandus King of the Isle, were by the especial favour of GOD crowned with martyrdom) For, when the enemies approached hard unto the Island, these children slipped secretly out of the Isle, and were remo●ved into the province next adjoining; where being brought to a place called Ad Lapidem, when they had committed themselves upon trust, to be hidden from the face of the King that was conqueror, betrayed they were and commanded to be killed. Which when a certain Abbot and Priest named Cynbreth heard, who not far from thence had his monastery in a place named Reodford, that is the Ford of reed, he came unto the King, who then in those parts lay secretly at cure of those wounds which he had received whiles he fought in the Isle of Wight, and requested of him, that if there were no remedy but that the children must be murdered, they might yet be first taught the Sacraments of Christian faith before their death. The King granted his petition, and he then having catechised them in the word of truth, and bathed them in the fount of salvation, assured them of their entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of heaven. And so within a while after, when the executioner, called instantly for them, they joyfully suffered that temporal death of the body, by which they made no doubt of their pass unto the eternal life of their souls. In this order and manner therefore after all the Provinces of Britain had embraced the faith of Christ, the Isle of Wight also received the same: in which notwithstanding for the calamity and trouble of foreign subjection, no man took the degree of Ministry, and See Episcopal before Daniel, who at this day is the Bishop of the West Saxons and the Gevissj. Thus much Beda. From this time forward our writers for a great while have not one word of Wight unto the year of our Lord, one thousand sixty six, in which, Tostie Hang Harald's brother with certain men of war, and Rovers ships out of Flanders in hatred of his brother invaded it, and after he had compelled the Islanders to pay him tribute, departed. Some few years after, as we read in the old book of Cares broke Priory, which Master Robert Glover Somerset, showed me, who carried as it were the Sun light of ancient Genealogies and Pedigrees in his hand. Like as, saith this book, William the Bastard conquered England, even so William Fitz Osbern his Marshal and Earl of Hereford, conquered the Isle of Wight, and was the first Lord of Wight. Long after this, the Frenchmen in the year 1377. came suddenly at unawares under sail, invaded and spoiled it: and the same French in the year 1403. gave the like attempt, but in vain: For valiantly they were drived from landing even as in our father's days, when the French Galleys set one or two small cottages on fire and went their way. Lords of the Isle of Wight. As touching the Lords of this Isle, after that William Fitz-Osbern was forthwith slain in the war of Flanders, and his son Roger outlawed and driven unto exile, it fell into the King's hands: and Henry the First, King of England gave it unto Richard Ridvers (otherwise called Redvers and de Ripariis) Earl of Denshire, and withal, the Fee or Inheritance of the Town Christ-Church. Christ-Church. Where, like as at Caresbroke, that Richard built certain Fortresses: but Baldwin his son, in the troublesome time of King Stephen, when there were in England so many Tyrants, as there were Lords of Forts and Castles, who took upon them every one to stamp money and challenged other rights of Regal Majesty, was by Stephen disseized and expelled from hence. Howbeit, his posterity recovered their ancient right, whose Genealogy we have already put down when we treated of the Earls of Denshire. But in the end, Isabella widow to William de Fortibus, Earl of Albemarle and holderness, sister and heir of Baldwin the last Earl of Devonshire of that house, after much entreaty was overcome to make over by charter all her right and interest, and to settle it upon King Edward the First▪ with the Manors of Christ-Church, and Fawkeshaul, etc. For four thousand Marks. Ever since which time, the Kings of England held the Isle, and Henry de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick was by King Henry the Sixth, unto whom he was most dear, crowned King of Wight, and afterwards nominated, The first or principal Earl of all England. But together with him this new and unusual title died and vanished quite. Afterwards Richard Widevile Earl Rivers was by King Edward the fourth styled Lord of the Isle of Wight, & Sir Reginald Bray took it of King Henry the Seventh, (with whom he was most inward) in Fee farm, for a rent charged, of three hundred marks yearly to be paid. Also, beside these Lords, this Isle had a noble Family, named de Insula, or Lisle, out of which in the reign of King Edward the Second, one was summoned unto the Parliament by the name of Sir john Lisle, of the Isle of Wight. ATTREBATII. AS in * Or Gaul. France, so also in Britain, next adjoining unto the Belgae, are ATTREBATII, which name being now altogether out of use, the place which they inhabit is commonly called Berkshire. For, let this stand as granted, (seeing Cesar writeth the foreigner's coming out of Gallia Belgica inhabited the sea coasts of Britain, and retained still the names of their countries) that these our ATTREBATII, ATTREBATES of Gaul: France. who as Ptolomee recordeth, held the maritime part of Gaul, lying upon the river Sein, and namely, that very country, which after a sort lieth full opposite and over against our Attrebatii. It was not therefore without good cause, if Cesar wrote, that Comius Attrebatensis was of great authority in these countries, Comius Attrebatensis. namely among his own countrymen; and that after he was by Cesar vanquished, he fled hither: In stratagemat. what time, as Frontinus writeth, whiles his ships were grounded upon a shelf, he commanded his sails to be hoist up, and so disappointed Cesar (who pursued him) of his purpose: who kenning a-farre-of, his full sails, and supposing that with a good gale of forewind he sailed away, gave over further pursuit. Whence these Attrebatii were so called, it resteth doubtful: For whereas some fetch the original from Attrech, which in the old Gauls tongue they would have to signify a land of Bread, I neither approve nor disprove their opinion Sufficient it may be for us, to have showed, from whence they came into Britain; as for the derivation of their name, let others search into it. COMITATUS Bercheri● vulgo Barkshyre qui olim sedes ATREBATUM BERKSHIRE. THat country which we call Berkshire, the late Latin writers term Bercheria, and was sometime by the English Saxons named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Asserius. Which name Asserius Menevensis deriveth from a certain wood called Berroc where grew good store of box: others from a naked, or bare oak (for so much the name Beroke itself importeh) unto which, the Inhabitants in dangers and troublesome times of the commonwealth were wont in old time to resort, there to consult about their public affairs. The North part hereof the river Isis which afterwards is called Tamisis, that is, the Tamis, running with a winding channel full of reaches, but carrying a very gentle stream, doth pleasantly water it, and first severeth it from Oxfordshire, afterwards from Buckinghamshire. The South side, where it beareth toward Hantshire, the river Kenet cutteth through, until it runs into the Tamis. In the West, where it bordereth upon Wiltshire and carrieth the greatest breadth, as also in the middle part, rich it is of itself and full of commodities, yielding corn in plenty; especially where it falleth lower to a valley: which I wot not from what shape of a white horse imagined to appear in a whitish chalky hill, they term, The vale of Whitehorse. As for the East part that confineth with Surrie, it groweth very barren, or at least wise the soil is less fertile, as standing upon forests and woods that take up a great ground in length and breadth. In the West march thereof near unto * Ouze. Isis, standeth Farendon, seated high: famous now, for a market there kept, but in times past, for a certain Fort, which Robert Earl of Gloucester built against King Stephen, who notwithstanding won it with bloody assaults, Farendon. and laid it so level with the ground, that now it is not to be seen. Guil. New brig●sis. But the plot of ground whereon it stood, as we find in the Chronicle of Waverley abbey, King john in the year of our Lord 1202. prevented by divine inspiration granted with all the appurtenances to the building of an abbey for the Cistercians order. From hence the river having with a great turning compass after much wrestling, gotten out towards the North, passeth a long hard by many villages of small reckoning till at length with a return, Abbendu● or Abing● and disporting itself with winding branches and divisions, he cometh to Abbendon, a proper town, and populous: called at first by the English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, than Abbandune, no doubt▪ of the abbey, rather than of one Abben I wot not what Irish Eremite, as some have written. A place this was (as we find in an old book of Abbendon) upon the plain of an hill very fair and delectable to see too a little beyond the town which now is called Suniggewelle, between two most pleasant rivulets, which enclosing within them the place itself (as it were a certain nook) yield a delightsome sight to the beholders, and a meet succour to the Inhabitants. The very same was in times past called Sheovesham, a City famous, goodly to behold, full of riches, compassed about with most plenteous fields, with green meadows, spacious pastures, and flocks of cattle spinning forth milk abundantly. H●ere was the King's seat: hither resorted and assembled the people, when soever there was any treaty about the chief, and highest affairs of the kingdom. But so soon as Cissa King of the West Saxons had built the abbey, it began by little and little to lay down the old name, and to be called Abbendon, and Abbington, that is, Abbay-towne. This abbey had not long flourished, when all of a sudden in a tempestuous fury of the Danes it was subverted; Yet soon after it was reared again through the bounty of King Edgar, and afterwards by the means, & travail of the Norman Abbats grew by little and little to such magnificence, that among all the Abbays of Britain for riches, and stateliness it would hardly give place to any. Which the very rubble and ruins at this day do testify. H●●ic●● Quintus quarto fundaverat anno. Rex, 〈◊〉 Burford super undas, atque Culhamford. As for the town, albeit along time it had a great stay of the abbey, yet since the year of our salvation 1416. in which King Henry the Fifth built Bridges over the River Isis or Ouse (as witnesseth a verse written in a window of Saint Helen's Church there) and turned the King's high way hither for to make a shorter passage, it began to be frequented and traded so, that among all the towns of this shire, it goes for the chief, hath a Major in it, and maketh great gain by that steeped barley sprouting and chitting again, K. Henry of that name the fifth the fourth year of his reign, both Burford Bridge and Culhamford, did found on River main. which the greeks term been and we Malt sand beside, hath a Cross, of singular workmanship in the mids of their market place (which by report,) in the reign of King Henry the sixth▪ the Brotherhood of Saint Cross instituted by him, did erect. As Cissa founded this monastery for Monks: so Cilla (out of an old book I speak) the sister of King Cedwalla built the Nunnery at Helnestowe near the Tamis, where herself was Lady Abbess over the Virgins, who afterwards were translated to Witham. And whiles the war grew hot between Offa and Kinulphe, when a Castle was there built, the Nuns retired themselves out of the way. For, after that Kinulph was overthrown, whatsoever lay under his jurisdiction from the town of Wallengford in the South part, from Ichenildstreete unto Essebury, Now, Ashbury near to White horse hill. and in the North side to the river Tamis. King Offa usurped and seized into his own hands. near unto it, Northwest lieth Lee, which by the daughter of a certain worshipful Knight surnamed thereupon, de Lee, fell to the family of Besiles, and thereof it came to be called Besiles Lee: and from that house in right of marriage, to Richard Fetiplace: Besides Lee. Fetiplace. whose Progenitor Thomas brought some honour to his posterity by matching with Beatrice the base daughter of john the first, King of Portugal, and widow to Gilbert Lord Talbot, of whom they are descended. But now, let us return. Hard by Abendon, Ocke a little river that runneth by the South side of the town, (over which in times past Sir john of Saint Helenes, Knight, built a bridge,) gently falleth into * Ouse. Isis: This Ocke springeth in that vale of Whitehorse scarce a mile or two from Kingston-Lisle, in old time the possession of Warin de Insulâ, or Lisle, a noble Baron. Viscount Lisle. From whom when as Sir john Talbot the younger son of that renowned warrior, john Earl of Shrewsburie was descended by his mother, he was created by King Henry the Sixth Lord Lisle, like as Warin de Insula in times passed in regard of the possession of this place, (as if that dignity were annexed thereto) and afterwards Viscount Lisle: by a Patent without any such regard. This title through the gracious favour of Kings flourished still in his posterity one after another successively. See the Earls of Shrewsbury. For, briefly to knit up their succession, When Sir Thomas Talbot son of the said john departed this life without issue, being deadly shot into the mouth with an arrow in a skirmish defending his possessions against the Lord Barkley. Sir Edward Grey who had married his sister, received the same at the hands of King Richard the third, and left it to john his son, and successor. Whose only daughter and heir King Henry the Eighth assured to Sir Charles Brandon, and thereupon created him Viscount. Lisle. But when as she died in tender years before the marriage was solemnised, he also relinquished that title. Which King Henry afterward bestowed upon Sir Arthur Plantagenet base son to King Edward the fourth. Who had wedded Elizabeth sister to Sir john Grey Viscount Lisle, and widow of Edmund Dudley. And when he deceased without heirs male, the said King honoured therewith Sir john Dudley son of Edmund by the same Elizabeth Grey, who in the time of King Edward the sixth was created Duke of Northumberland, and afterward attainted by Queen Marie. His son Sir Ambrose Dudley being restored in blood, was by Queen Elizabeth on one and the self same day created Lord Lisle, and Earl of Warwick, who ended his life issueless. And now lately Sir Robert Sidney his sister's son was honoured with the style of Vicoun Lisle by King james, who had before created him (being Chamberlain to the Queen his wife) Baron Sidney of Pensherst. Then runneth the river Ocke aforesaid, between Pusey, which they that are named the Pusey hold it yet by the horn from their ancestors, as given unto them in ancient time by K. Canutus the Dane, Pusey. Denchworth. and the two Dencheworths the one and the other; where flourished for a long time two noble and ancient houses, to wit, the Hide at the one, and Fetiplace at the other, which families may seem to have sprung out of one and the same stock, considering they both bear one and the same coat of arms. Then entertaineth Ock a nameless river, which issueth out of the same vale, at Wantage called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, where some time there was a Manor house of the Kings, Wantage. and the place wherein Aelfred that most noble and renowned King was borne and bred, which at his death he bequeathed to Alfrith. Long time after, it became a market town by the means and help of Sir Fulke Fitzwarin that most warlike Knight, Fitzwarin. upon whom Roger Bigod marshal of England had bestowed it for his martial prowess, and at this day it acknowledgeth for Lords thereof the Bourchiers, Earls of Bath descended from the race of the Fitzwarins, of whose family some were here buried. Isis' being departed once from Abbendon, strait ways receiveth into it out of Oxfordshire, the river Tame (of which elsewhere) and now by a compound word being called Tamisis; Tamisis or Tamis the River. Sinodum. first directeth his course to Sinodun an high hill, and fenced with a deep trench, were stood, for certain, in old time a fortress of the Romans: for, the ground being now broken up with the plough, yieldeth otherwhiles to the ploughmen, store of Roman pieces of coin, as tokens of antiquity. Under it at Bretwell, there was a Castle, (if it were not that upon this hill) which King Henry the Second won by force, Bretwell. Robert Montensis. a little before that he made peace with King Stephen. From hence Tamis, holdeth on his way to the chief City in times passed of the Attrebatians, which Antonius termeth, GALLEVA of Attrebats, Ptolomee GALEVA, but both of them through the carelessness of the Scrivener's name it wrong, for, GALLENA: and they likewise in their Greek copies have thrust upon us, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for, Gallena, by transposition of letters. Gallena. I have thought it was so named in the British tongue, as it were, Guall hen, that is, The old rampire or fort. Which name being still kept, and [Ford] added thereto, Wallengfor which is a shallow place in the river,: the Englishmen in old time called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we at this day, shorter Wallengford. In King Edward the Confessors time, it was counted a Burgh), and contained (as we find in that Book wherein K. William the First, doomsday book. took the Survey of all England two hundred, threescore, and sixteen Hages, that is to say, Houses, yielding nine pounds de Gablo, and those that dwelled there, did the King service on horseback, or by water. Of those Hages eight were destroyed for the Castle. In old time it was compassed about with walls, which, as men may see by their tract, took up a mile in circuit. It hath a Castle situate upon the river, very large (I assure you) and stately, so fortitified in times past, that the hope in it, (as impregnable and invincible) made diverse overbold and stout. For, when England burned (as a man may say) in a general flame of wars, we read, that it was by King Stephen belayed once or twice with sieges, but all in vain. The greatness and magnificence thereof I much wondered at when I was young, and removed thither from Oxford (for a place it is now for the Students there of Christ Church, to retire unto) as having a double range of walls about it, and being compassed round likewise with a duple rampire and ditch: and in the midst of it, there standeth a tower to keep, raised upon a mighty high mount: in the steep ascent whereof by steps, we saw a Well of an exceeding depth. The Inhabitants are verily persuaded, that it was built by the Danes; but I should rather judge, that something was here erected by the Romans, and afterwards razed by Saxons, and Danes, what time as Sueno the Dane, ranging and roving this way spoiled, and harried the country. That it was at length re-edified under King William the first, we know assuredly by doomsday book, seeing that it yieldeth record (as even now I noted) of eight Hages or Houses destroyed for the Castle. Yet William Gemeticensis makes no mention of this Castle, when he writeth, that William of Normandy having defeated Harold, led his army forthwith to this city (so he termeth it) and after he had passed over the Tamis at the ford, pitched his tents here before he came to London. At which time Wigod an Englishman was Lord of Wallengford, who had one only daughter given in marriage to Robert D'Oyley, Records of Wallengford. of whom he begat Maud his sole heir, first wedded to Miles Crispin, and after his death, through the goodness and favour of K. Henry the first, married unto Brient, called Fitz Count; Who being brought up in warlike feats, 〈◊〉 Co●itis. and taking part with Mawde the Empress, most manfully defended this Castle against King Stephen, who had raised a fort just over against it at Craumesh: and he made it good, until that peace so much wished of all England, was concluded in this place: and that most grievous dissension about the Crown, between K. Stephen, and Henry the Second ended. For, then the love of God took such place in the hearts of the said Brient, and his wife, that they cast of this frail and transitory world, and devoted themselves in religious life unto Christ: so was this Honour of Wallengford escheated into the King's hand. Which appeareth out of an old Inquisition in the Exchequer, by these words. To his most beloved Lords, Of the honour of Wallengford. in Testa. ●evilli in the Exchequer. the King our sovereign Lord, his justices, and Barons of the Exchequer, the Constable of Wallengford sendeth greeting. Know ye, that I have made diligent enquiry by the Knights of my bailiwick, according to a commandment of my Lord the King, directed unto me by the Sheriff: and of the Inquisition thus made, this is the sum. Wigod of Wallengford, held the honour of Wallengford in King Harold's time, and afterwards in the days of King William the First: He had by his wife a certain daughter whom he gave in marriage to Robert D'Oyly. This Robert begat of her a daughter, named Maud, who was his heir. Miles Crispin espoused her, and had with her the honour aforesaid of Wallengford. After the decease of Miles, our sovereign Lord King Henry the first, bestowed the aforesaid Maud upon Brient Fitz Count, who both took themselves to a religious life, and King Henry the Second seized the honour into his hand, etc. Yet afterwards in the time of King Henry the Third, it belonged to the Earls of Chester: and then to Richard King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall, who repaired it, and unto his son Edmond, who within the inner Court founded a Collegiate Chapel, who dying without issue, it fell again to the Crown, and was annexed to the Dukedom of Cornwall: since which time it hath by little and little decayed. And verily about the time when that most mortal Plague which followed the conjunction of Saturn and Mars in Capricorn, reigned hotly throughout all Europe, in the year of our Lord 1348. This town was so dispeopled by reason of continual mortality there, A most grievous Pestilence. that whereas before time it was passing well Inhabited, and had twelve Churches in it, it can show now no more than one or two. But the cause of this desolation the Inhabitants lay rather upon the bridges of Abbindon and Dorchester, whereby London portway was turned from thence. Moulesford. From hence Southward, the Tamis passeth most mildly between very rich and fertile fields on both sides, by Moulesford: which K. Henry the first gave unto Girald Fitz-Walter, Carew. from whence the Noble family of the Carewes is descended. To this house, much lands, honour, and reputation accrued, in Ireland by descent, and in England by matching in marriage with right noble families of the Mohuns, Dinhams, and others. Aldworth. Not far from hence is Aldworth, where be certain tombs and portraitures, bigger than the ordinary proportion of men: which thereupon the unlearned multitude keeps a wondering at, as if they had been Giants: whereas indeed, they were but of certain Knights of the Family de la Beche, which here had a Castle, and is thought in the reign of King Edward the Third to have been extinguished for default of issue male. And now at length, Tamis meeteth with Kenet, which River, The River Kenet. Hungerford. as I said erewhile, watering the South part of this shire, at his first entry when he hath left Wiltshire behind him, runneth under Hungerford, named in old time Ingleford Charnam-street: 1. p●rs dupl. patent. Norm. 6. ●. 5. Barons of Hungerford. a very small town, and seated in a moist place; howbeit, it hath given name and title to the honourable family of the Barons of Hungerford, which was first raised to greatness by Walter Hungerford, who under King Henry the Fifth, being Seneschal or Steward of the King's house▪ was for his warlike prowess liberally rewarded by the said king and enfeoffed in the Castle and Barony of Homet in Normandy, To have and to hold unto him and his heirs males by homage and service, to find the Kings and his heirs at the Castle of Rouen, one Lance with a Fox tail hanging down thereat: which pleasant conceit, I thought not a miss to insert here among serious matters. The same Walter in the reign of Henry the Sixth, being high Treasurer of England, and created withal Baron Hungerford, as well by his singular wisdom, as his marriage mith Katherine Peverell (descended from the Moels, and Courtneys,) mightily augmented his state. His son Robert, who wedded the daughter and heir of the Lord Botereaux, enriched the same house very much, Sir Robert likewise his son, who matched with Eleanor, the daughter and heir of William Molines) whereupon he was summoned among the Barons of the Realm by the name of Lord Molines) and during the civil war between the two houses of Lancaster and York, was beheaded at Newcastle, advanced the name not a little. His son Thomas, slain at Salisbury, while his father was living, left his only daughter named Marie, whom Edward Lord Hastings, took to wife with a great and rich Inheritance. But Walter, brother to the said Thomas, begat Edward Hungerford, father of that Walter, whom King Henry the Eighth created Baron Hungerford of Heitesbury, and condemned him afterwards for a crime not to be spoken of: Widehay. howbeit, Queen Marie restored his children unto all his estate, save only the name and title of Barons. Not far from hence Southward is Widehay, the seat for a long time of the Baron * De S. Am● Barons de Amand. Saint Amand, whose inheritance Gerard Braybrooke entered upon in right of his wife, whose eldest Niece by his son Gerard, named Elizabeth, by her marriage brought the same unto William de Beauchamp, who being summoned to the Parliament by the name of William Beauchamp de Saint Amando, Beaucha● De S. ●ma● flourished among other Barons, like as his son Richard, who left no issue lawfully begotten. Kenet keeping on his course downward from thence, between Hemsted Martial, which sometimes was held by the rod of Marshalsee, and appertained to the Mareschals of England where S. Thomas Parry Treasurer of Queen Elizabeth's household, built a very proper house, and Benham Valence in a Park so called, because it belonged to William de Valencia Earl of Pembroch. But Queen Elizabeth gave it to john Baptista Castilion a Piemontes', of her privy chamber for faithful service in her dangers. So the river passeth on to that old town Spinae, whereof Antonine made mention: which retaining still the name is at this day called Spene: Spine. but now in steed of a town it is a very little village standing scarce a mile off from Newbury a famous town that arose and had beginning out of the ruins of it. For Newbury with us is as much to say, as the Newburgh, Newbury in respect no doubt, of that more ancient place of habitation which is quite decayed and gone, and hath left the name also in a piece of Newburie itself which is called Spinham Lands. And if nothing else, yet this verily might prove that Newburie sprang out of Spine, because the inhabitants of Newbury acknowledge the village Spene as their mother, although in comparison of Spene it be passing fair and goodly, as well for buildings as furniture: become rich also by clothing, and very well seated in a champain plain, having the river Kenet to water it. This town at the time that the Normans conquered England, fell to Ernulph de Hesdin Earl of Perch: whose successor Thomas Earl of Perch, being slain at the siege of Lincoln, the Bishop of Chalons his heir sold it unto William marshal Earl of Pembroke, who also held the Manor of Hempsted hard by (whereof I have spoken) and his successors also Mareschals of England, until that Roger Bigod for his obstinacy lost his honour and possessions both, which notwithstanding by entreaty he obtained again for his life time. Kenet passeth on hence and taketh into him Lamborn a little river, Lambor which at the head and spring thereof imparteth his name to a small market town, that in old time by virtue of King Aelfreds' testament belonged unto his cousin Alfrith, and afterward to the Fitz Warens, who of King Henry the Third obtained liberty of holding a market, but now appertaineth unto the Essexes, Knights: A family that fetcheth their pedigree from William Essex under-treasurer of England under King Edward the Fourth, & from those who in times past carried the same surname, & flourished as men of very great fame in Essex. From thence he runneth under Dennington, which others call Dunnington a little castle, but a fine and proper one, situate with a fair prospect upon the brow of a pretty hill full of groves, and which inwardly for the most part letteth in all the light. Built, they say, it was by Sir Richard de Abberbury Knight, who also under it founded for poor people a * Almeshouse. Gods-house. Afterward, it was the residence of Chaucer, then of the Dela Poles, and in our father's days of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. Kenet having now finished a long course, by Aldermaston which King Henry the First gave unto Robert Achard: From whose posterity by the Delamares it came at length in right of marriage to the Fosters a family of Knight's degree, Aldermaston. falleth at the last into Tamis, presently after it hath with his winding branches compassed a great part of Reading. Reading. This town Reading, called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of Rhea; that is, The River, or of the British word Redin, that signifieth Fearne, (which groweth here in great plenty) excelleth at this day all other towns of this shire in fair streets, and goodly houses: for wealth also of the Townsmen, and their name in making of cloth, although it hath lost the greatest ornaments it had, to wit, a beautiful Church and a most ancient Castle. For this the Danes kept as their hold, (so Asserius writeth) when they made a rampire between Kenet and Tamis, and into this they retired themselves for safety when at Inglefield (a village near unto it, which gave name to an ancient family) they were by King Aethelwolfe discomfited, and put to flight. But King Henry the Second so razed it (because it was a place of refuge for King Stephen's followers) that nothing now remaineth of it but the bare name in the next street. Nigh whereunto, King Henry the First having plucked down a little Nunnery that Queen Alfrith had founded in former times, to make satisfaction for her wicked deeds, built for Monks a stately and sumptuous abbey, and enriched it with great revenues. Which Prince, to speak out of his very Charter of the foundation, Because three Abbays in the Realm of England were in old time for their sins destroyed, to wit, Reading, Chelseie, and Leonminster, which a long time were held in Lay men's hands: by the advice of the Bishops, built a new Monastery of Reading and gave unto it Reading, Chelseie, and Leonminster. In this abbey was the founder himself King Henry, Maude the Empress. buried with his wife both vailed and crowned for that she had been a Queen, and a professed Nun, and with them their daughter Mawde, as witnesseth the private History of this place, although some report, that she was interred at Becc in Normandy. This Mawde as well as that Lacedaemonian Lady Lampido, whom Pliny maketh mention of, was a King's daughter, a King's wife, and a King's mother: that is to say, daughter of this Henry the First, King of England, wife of Henry the Fourth, Emperor of Almain, and mother to Henry the Second, King of England. Concerning which matter have you here a Distichon engraven on her tomb, and the same verily in my judgement conceived in some gracious aspect of the Muses. Magna ortu, majorque viro, sed maxima partu, Hîc jacet Henrici filia, sponsa, parens. The daughter, wife, the mother eke, of Henry, lieth here; Much blessed by birth, by marriage more, but most by issue dear. And well might she be counted greatest by her issue: For, Henry the Second her son, as john of Salisbury who lived in those days wrote; was the best and most virtuous King of Britain, King Henry the second. the most fortunate Duke of Normandy and Aquitain: and as well for valiant exploits, as for excellent virtues highly renowned. How courageous, how magnificent, how wise and modest he was even from his tender years, envy itself can neither conceal nor dissemble: seeing that his acts be fresh and conspicuous: seeing also, that he hath extended forward and held on in a continued train, the titles of his virtue from the bounds of Britain unto the marches of Spain. And in another place of the same King▪ Henry the Second the most mighty King that ever was of Britain, showed his puissance about the river Garumna; and laying siege to Tolose, with fortunate success terrified not only those of Province as far as to Rhosne and the Alps, but also by raising fortresses & subduing nations, he made the princes of Spain and France to quake for fear, as if he had been ever more at the point to set upon them all. I will, also if it please you, adjoin hereto a word, or two concerning the same King, out of Giraldus Combrensis. From the Pyrenean mountains, saith he, unto the Western bounds, and furthest limits of the North Ocean, This our Alexander of the West hath stretched forth his arm. As far therefore as nature in these our parts hath enlarged the land, so far hath he marched with Victories. If the bounds of his expeditions were sought for, sooner would the globe of earth fail, than they end. For where there is a valiant and courageous mind, howsoever earth and land fail, victories cannot fail: well may there be wanting matter of triumph, but triumphs will never be wanting. How great an addition to his glorious titles and triumphs was Ireland? with how great valour and praiseworthy prowess pierced he through the very secrets and hidden places of the Ocean? But lo here an old verse of his death, which briefly in one word containeth fully both all this, and also the renown of his son King Richard the first. Mira cano, Sol occubuit, nox nulla secuta est. A wonder great, the Sun was set, and night there followed none. For, King Richa the first. so far was King Richard his son from bringing darkness with him, that with the beams of his victories achieved in Cypress and Syria, he made our country of England most famous and renowned through the world. But these are things without our Element. Let us return again from persons to places. This Monastery wherein that noble King Henry the first was buried is now converted to be the King's house, which hath adjoining unto it a very goodly stable stored to the full with princelike and most generous steeds. But as touching this place, listen also to the Poet describing the Tamis as he passeth hereby. Hinc videt exiguam Chawsey, properatque videre Redingum nitidum, texendis nobile pannis. Hoc docet Aelfredi nostri victricia signa, Begscegi caedem, calcata cadavera Dani: Vtque superfuso maduerunt sanguine campi. Principis hîc Zephiro Cauroque parentibus ort Cornipides crebris implent binnitibus auras, Et gyros ducunt, gressus glomerantque superbos Dum cupiunt nostri Martis servire lupatis. Haeccine sed pietas? heu dira piacula, primum Neustrius Henricus situs hîc, inglorius urna Nunc jacet erectus, tumulum novus advena quaerit Frustra; nam regi tenues invidit arenas Auri sacra fames, Regum metuenda sepulchris. From hence he little Chawsey seeth, and hasteneth for to see Fair Reading town, a place of name, where Cloth's ywoven be. This shows our Aelfrids victory, what time Begsceg was slain, With other Danes, whose carcases lay trampled on the plain; And how the fields ydrenched were with blood upon them shed▪ Where as the Prince in Stable now hath standing many a steed Of noblest kind, that neigh and snort into the air a loud Tracing the ring and keeping pace that stately is, and proud, Whiles they desire to learn with all in our wars for to serve, But where (alas) is piety? Such cursed deeds deserve Purged to be by sacrifice. A King of Normans race Henry the first, interred here, now turned out of his place, An out cast lies dishonoured. Who seeks his tomb shall miss: For Covetise envied that King the small mould which was his. See see, how Princes monuments it ransacks where it is. Scarce half a mile from Reading, betwixt most green and flowering meadows, the Kenet is coupled with the Tamis, who now runneth with a broader stream by a small village called Sunning, Sunning. which a man would marvel to have been the See of eight Bishops who had this shire & Wiltshire for their Diocese (yet our Histories report as much) the same afterwards by Herman was translated to Shirburne, and in the end to Salisbury, unto which Bishopric this place still belongeth. Hereby falleth Ladden a small water into the Tamis, and not far off standeth Laurents Waltham, where are to be seen the foot foundations of an old fort, and diverse Roman coins often times digged up; and next to it Billingsbere the inhabitation of Sir Henry Nevil issued from the Lords Abergevenny. From Sunning the Tamis passeth by Bistleham, Bisham. now called short, Bisham, at first a Lordship of the Knight's Templars, then of the Montacutes, and amongst them, William the first Earl of Salisbury of his family founded a Priory, wherein, some say, he was buried. Certes his wife the daughter of the Lord Grandison was buried there, and in the Inscription of her tomb it was specified, Grandison. that her father was descended out of Burgundy, cousin-german to the Emperor of Constantinople, the King of Hungary, and Duke of Baveire, and brought into England by Edmund Earl of Lancaster. Now is the possession of Sir Edward Hoby Knight, of me especially to be observed, whose singular kindness toward me the often consideration thereof shall keep so fresh, that it shall never vanish out of my remembrance. Tamis having now left Bisham behind it, fetcheth itself with a compass about to a little town named in the former ages Southe-alington afterward Maiden-hith, and at this day Maidenhead, of the superstitious worshipping of I wot not what British Maidens head, Maidenhead. one of those eleven thousand Virgins, who as they returned from Rome into their country with Ursula their leader, suffered as Martyrs at Colein in Germany, under that scourge of God, Attila▪ Neither is this town of any antiquity: for, no longer ago then in our great Grandfathers days, there was a Ferry in a place somewhat higher, at Babhams' end. But after they had built here a bridge of timber piles, it began to flourish with Inns, and go beyond her mother Bray hard by, which notwithstanding is far more ancient, as having given name to the whole Hundred. This parcel of the shire, I have been of opinion that the BIBROCI, who yielded themselves under Caesar's protection, inhabited in times past: And why should I think otherwise? Bibroci. The relics of them remain yet most evidently in the name. For, BIBRACTE in France is now also drawn shorter into Bray: and not far from hence Caesar passed over the Tamis with his army, as I will show in due place, what time as the people of that small Canton put themselves to the devotion of Caesar. Certes, If a man should hunt for these Bibroci elsewhere, he should I believe, hardly find them. Within this Hundred of the * Bray. Bibroci, Windesore beareth a goodly show: in the Saxon tongue, Windesore. haply of the winding shore called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for so it is named down in the Charter of King Edward the Confessor, who in this form of words made a grant unto the Monks of Westminster. To the praise of almighty God, I have granted as an endowment and a perpetual Inheritance to the use and behoof of those that serve the Lord, Windle-shore with the appurtenances. And I have read nothing more ancient, concerning Windsor. But the Monks had not long held it in possession, when William of Normandy by making an exchange drew it back to himself. For in this tenure goeth his Charter. With the consent and favour of the venerable Abbot of Westminster, I have made a composition for Windlesor to be the King's possession, because that place seemed profitable and commodious by reason of water hard adjoining to it: and the wood fit for game, & many other particulars lying there meet & necessary for Kings: yea, and a place very convenient to receive and entertain the King: in lieu whereof I have granted to the Monk's Wokendune and Ferings. Surely a Prince's seat cannot lightly have a more pleasant site, For, from an high hill that riseth with a gentle ascent, it enjoyeth a most delightful prospect round about. Foreright in the Front it overlooketh a vale lying out far and wide, garnished with corne-fields flourishing green with meadows, decked with groves on either side, and watered with the most mild and calm river Tamis. Behind it arise hills every where, neither rough nor over-high, attired, as it were with woods and even dedicated as one would say by nature to hunting game. With the pleasantness of this place Princes were alured, very often to retire themselves hither: and here was Edward the Third that most puissant King borne to conquer France: Order of the Garter. who here built new out of the ground a most strong Castle in bigness equal to a pretty City, fortified with ditches and bulwarks made of stone: and forthwith after he had subdued the French and Scots, held at one and the self same time john King of France, and David King of Scotland prisoners together in the same. This Castle is divided into courts: the inner more toward the East, containeth in it the King's palace, than which for the order and contriving, there can be no building more lightsome, nor more magnificent. On the north side, where it looketh down to the river, Q. Elizabeth adjoined a most pleasant Terrace, or open walking place. The utter base court hath at the very first entrance a most stately Church consecrated by King Edward the Third unto the blessed Virgin Marie and to Saint George of Cappadocia: but brought unto that sumptuous magnificence, which now we see it carry, by King Edward the fourth, and Sir Reginald Bray. In this place, king Edward the third, for to adorn martial prowess, with honours, the guerdon of virtue, ordained that most noble order and society of Knights, whom (as some report) for his own garter given forth as signal of a battle that sped fortunately, he called Knights of the Garter: who wear on their left leg somewhat under the knee a blue garter: carrying this Impress wrought with golden letters in French; HONEY SOIT QVI MALYPENSE, and fasten the same with a buckle of gold as with the bond of a most inward society, in token of concord and unity, that there might be among them a certain consociation and communion of virtues. Shame to h● that evil thinketh. But others there be, that do attribute it unto the garter of the Queen, or rather of joan Countess of Salisbury, a Lady of incomparable beauty, which fell from her as she danced, and the King took up from the floor: for, when a number of Nobles and Gentle men standing by laughed thereat, he made answer again, that shortly it would come to pass that garter should be in high honour and estimation. This is the common and most received report: Neither need this seem to be a base original thereof, considering how, as one saith, Nobilitas sub amore jacet. Nobility lies under love. There be also, that would have the invention of this order to be much more ancient, fathering it upon King Richard the first, and are verily persuaded, that King Edward at length brought it into use again: but how truly, I know not. Yet in the very book of the first Institution, which William Dethicke Garter, principal King of arms, a Gentleman most studious in all such things as concern Honour, showed unto me, thus we read. Richardo cum contra Turcas & Agarenos, etc. that is, when K. Richard warred upon the Turks and Saracens, Cypress and Acon, and was weary of so lingering delay, whiles the siege continued long in wonderful care & anxiety, at length upon a divine inspiration, by the coming in & apparition (as it was thought) of S. George, it came into his mind to draw upon the legs of certain choice Knights of his a certain Garter or tach of leather, such only as he had then ready at hand, whereby they being distinguished, and put in mind of future glory promised unto them, if they won the victory, they might be stirred up, and provoked to perform their service bravely, and fight more valiantly: in imitation of the Romans, who had such variety of Coronets, wherewith military men for diverse and sundry causes, were rewarded accordingly: to the end that by these instigations (as it were) cowardice being shaken of, the valour of mind and courage of heart might arise and show itself more resolute. But upon what occasion soever it began, the mightiest Princes of Christendom, reputed it amongst their greatest honour to be chosen and admitted into this company: and since the first institution thereof, there have been already received, Sovereign and enroled into this order, which consisteth of six and twenty Knights, two and twenty Kings, or thereabout, besides our Kings of England, who are named Sovereigns thereof: to speak nothing of Dukes, and others of most high calling, very many. And here I am willing to set down their names that were first chosen into this order, Founders of the Order. and be commonly called, the Founders of the Order: for, their renown is not to be abolished, who in those days for stout courage, and warlike prowess, had few or no peers, and were in that regard advanced to this honour. Edward the Third King of England. Edward his eldest Son, Prince of Wales. Henry, Duke of Lancaster. Thomas, Earl of Warwick. The Capdall de Buch. Ralph, Earl of Stafford. William de Monteacute Earl of Sarisburie. Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. Sir john Lisle. Sir Bartholomew Burgwash. Sir john Beauchampe. Sir john Mohun. Sir Hugh Courtney. Sir Thomas Holland. Sir john Grey. Sir Richard Fitz Simon. Sir Miles Stapleton. Sir Thomas Walle. Sir Hugh Wrothesley. Sir Neel Loring. Sir john Chandos. Sir james Awdeley. Sir Oats Holland. Sir Henry Eme. Sir Zanchet D'brigecourt. Sir Walter Pavely. On the left side of the Church, are the houses of the Custos, or Deane, and twelve Prebendaries. On the right side standeth an house, not unlike to the Grecians Prytaneum: wherein twelve aged military men, Gentlemen borne, are maintained: who wearing every day a red or scarlet kirtle, reaching down to there ankles, with an upper mantle of purple over it, Almes-Knights. are bound daily to be present at divine service, there to commend unto God in their prayers, the Knights of this Order. Betwixt the two Courts before said, there riseth up an high mount, on which is set a round tower: and hard by it ariseth another lofty tower, called Winchester tower, of William Wickham Bishop of Winchester, whom King Edward the Third made overseer of the work, when he built the Castle. Some report, that the said Wickham, after he had built and finished this Tower, in a certain inner wall, engraved these words, This made Wickham: Wickham his Apophthegm. which manner of speech in the English tongue, that seldom maketh distinction of cases, carrieth such a doubtful construction, that uncertain it is, whether he made these buildings, or the buildings made him. Hereof information was given to the King by some privy backbiters for to work him a displeasure; and that in such terms, as if Wickham did arrogantly challenge to himself all the honour of the building. Which when the King took in very evil part, and sharply rebuked him for it▪ he made this answer, That he had not arrogated, and ascribed to himself the praise of so sumptuous, and princely an edifice, but accounted this building, and piece of work to have been the means of all his dignities and preferments: neither have I (quoth he) made this Castle, but this Castle hath made me, and from low estate raised me unto the King's favour, unto wealth, and dignity. Under the Castle toward the West and South, lieth the town of good bigness and populous withal, which from the time of King Edward the Third began to flourish: and the other which standeth farther of, and is now called, Old Windsor, fell by little and little to decay, In which, (whiles William the First reigned, as we read in his book) there were an hundred Hages, or house's, whereof two and twenty were * Or, free. fquit from Gable, out of the rest there went thirty shillings. No other memorable thing is here to be found, but Eton, which is hereto adjoined by a wooden bridge over the Tamis, and in it a fair College, and a famous School of good literature, Eton. founded and built by King Henry the Sixth: wherein, besides the Provost, Eight fellows, and the singing Choristers, there are threescore Scholars, instructed in Grammar, and in due time preferred to the University of Cambridge. But this town and College is in Buckingham-shire, and not in Berkshire: Now there remaineth nothing to say more of Windsor, but that there is an honourable family of Barons, surnamed of Windsor, who fetch their original from Walter the son of Other, Castellan of Windsor in the time of K. William the First: from whom also master Robert Glover most studious, and skilful in Heraldry, and who in the company of Heralds, bore the title of Somerset, hath proved, the Fitz-Giralds in Ireland, Earls of Kildare and Desmond to be derived. Neither think much of your labour, Barons of Windsor. to run over these verses of Windsor, taken out of the Poem, entitled, The marriage of Tame and Isis, and penned certain years past: wherein father Tamisis endeavoureth to set forth, as well the dignity of the place, as the majesty of Queen Elizabeth, keeping her Court therein. I am Windesorae surgunt in culmina ripae Turrigera, celso lambentes vertice coelum. Quas ubi conspexit doctae gratatus Etonae, Quae fuit Orbilijs nimium subjecta plagosis; Caeruleum caput ille lavans, ita farier infit. Aerias moles, gradibus surgentia templa, Ferratos posts pinnace, vivaria, verè Perpetuo laetos campos, Zephiroque colono Florentes hortos, Regum cunabula, regum Auratos thalamos, Regum praeclara sepulchra, Et quaecunque refers: nunc Windesora referri Desine. Cappadocis quanquam sis clara Georgi Militia, procerumque cohors chlamydata nitenti Cincta periscelidi suras, te lumine tanto Illustret, tantis radijs perstringit & orbem, Vt jam Phryxeum spernat Burgundia vellus, Contemnat cochleis variatos Gallia torques, Et cruce conspicuas pallas, Rhodus, Alcala, & Elba, Solaque militiae sit splendida gloria vestrae; Desine mirari, latari desine tandem. Omnia concedunt uni, superatur in uno Quicquid habes: tibi major honos, & gloria surgit, Accola quod nostrae ripae sit, & incola vobis Elizabetha. (simulque suo quasi poplite flexo Tamisis en placide subsidet, & inde profatur) Elizabetha suis Diva & Dea sola Britannis: Cujus enexhaustas laudes si carmine nostro Complecti cuperem, Melibocco promptius Alps Imponam, numeremque meas numerosus arenas. Si quasdam tacuisse velim, quamcunque tacebo Major exit; Primos actus, veteresque labores Prosequa●? ad sese revocant praesentia mentem. justitiam dicam? magis at Clementia splendet. Victrices referam vires? plus vicit inesmis. Quód pietas floret, quód non timet Anglia Martem, Quód legi nemo, quód lex dominatur & omni, Quód vicina truci non servit Scotia Gallo, Exuit atque suos sylvestris Hibernia mores, Criniger Vltonius, quod jam mitescere discit; Laus cadit haec illi, nil non debetar & illi. Crimina-quae pellunt, tanta quae principe dignae Omnes templa sacro posuerunt pectore Divae; Religio superos sancte manet esse colendos, justitia utilibus semper praeponere justum. Edocet, ut praeceps nil sit Prudentia suadet; Temperies ut casta velit, cupiatque pudica Instruit; immotam mentem Constantia firmat. Hinc EADEM SEMPER, rectè sibi vindicat illa. Proferet undos● quis tantas carmine lands? Sola tenet laudum quicquid numerabitis omnes. Sit faelix, valeat, vivat, laudetur, ametur; Dum mihi sunt fluctus, dum cursus, dum mihi ripae. Angligenum faelix Princeps moderetur habenas; Finiat una dies illi annos, & mihi cursus. And now the tour-supporting banks, at Windsor mount on high, That with their loftie-headed tops reach to the cloudy kie. Which when * he saw, and had withal greeted that learned Eton, Where Masters too too rigorous, have scholars overbeaten. His Sealike head he lifting up in this wise 'gan to say; Thy long discourse (O Windsor) I wish thee now to stay, Of high raised mounts, of temples tall that rise with stately stair, Of yron-bound beams, of battlements, and pinnacles so fair: Of gameful parks, of meadow's fresh, ay-spring-like pleasant fields, Of goodly gardens clad with flowers, that wholesome Zephyrus yields, Of nurseries, gilt-marriage ●owers, and sumptuous tombs of Kings, Relate no more, but make an end of all such glorious things. What though thou much renowned be, by many a Georgian Knight, And Nobles clad in mantles rich, with costly garter dight, Do cause thy name to shine so much, and thence to thy great praise Through out the world are spread abroad so bright and glittering rays, That Burgundy despiseth now his goodly Toison D'or, And France of collars gartrisht fair with cockles sets no store, Nor Rhodes, with Alcal and Elba, regard the robes with Cross Sightly beset; so that they count their Orders all but dross, Compared with Knighthood this of thine, which only bears the name; Cease now to joy, cease now at length to wonder at the same. All yield to one, what e'er thou hast in one is drowned all, For greater glory grows to thee, and honour more doth fall, In that there dwells upon my bank, and seated is in thee, Elizabeth (and therewith Tamis seeming to bow his knee, Queen Elizabeth. And gently crouch, obeisance made, and then he thus went on) Elizabeth, of Englishmen sole Goddess, Saint alone. Whose praise-worth virtues, if in verse I now should take in hand For to comprise, on Meliboc an hill that high doth stand, I might as easily set the Alps, or number all my sand. If some I would in silence pass, what ever I suppress, Will greater prove than all the rest: If I myself address, Her foremost acts, and travails old to count, I then shall find, That those of present times, to them will draw away my mind. Say, that of justice I relate; more shin's her mercy's lore; Speak I of her victorious arms; unarmed she gained more. That piety now flourisheth, that England fears no war, That none rules law, but unto law all men obedient are, That neighbour Scots be not enthralled to Frenchmen rigorous, That Irish wild do now cast of their fashions barbarous, That shag-hai'rd Ulster Kern, doth learn civility anew, The praise and thanks is hers alone. What is not to her due: Those Goddesses that vices chase, and are beseeming best A Prince so rare, are seated all, and shrined in her breast. Religion First, puts her in mind to worship God aright, And justice teacheth to prefer before all gain, the right. Prudence adviseth naught to do rashly without forecast. Then Temperance persuades to love all things both pure and chaste. Queen Elizabeth's Mot, or Empress. And Constancy her resolute mind doth settle firm and fast. Hence justly she, ALWAYS THE SAME, claims and keeps to the last. Who can describe in * Flowing or rolling. in waving verse such noble virtues all? Praiseworthy parts she hath alone, what all ye reckon shall. Then happiness, long life and health, praise, love, may her betide, So long as waves of mine shall last, or stream and banks abide; So long may she, most blessed Prince, all England's sceptre sway, Let both my course, and her life end, in one and selfsame day. The rest of * Or, the 〈◊〉. Berkshire which lieth Southward from Windsor, is shadowed with woods, and thickets, commonly called, the Forest of Windlesor, in which the towns and villages stand but thin (whereof Ockingham is of greatest name, Windsor Forrest. Chases or Forests. Forrest, what it is, and whence so called. by reason of the bigness thereof, and trade of clothing:) but very full it is of game in every place. Now, for as much as we have oftentimes made mention, and shall still, of the Forests: what a Forest is, and the reason of that name, if you desire to know, (but see you laugh not thereat) take it here out of the black book of the Exchequer. A Forrest is a safe harbour, and abiding place of dear or beasts, not of any whatsoever, but of wild, and such as delight in woods: not in every place, but in some certain and meet for that purpose, and hereupon a forest hath the name, as one would say, Feresta, that is, a station of wild beasts. And incredible it is how much ground the kings of England have suffered every where to lie untilled, and set a part for to impale & enclose such dear, or, as they use to say, have afforested. Neither can I think, that any thing else was the cause thereof, but only the overmuch delight in hunting, or to maintain the King's household (although some attribute it to the infrequencie of the people to inhabit the country) seeing that since the Danes were here, they for a long time afforested more and more, and for the maintenance, and keeping of such places ordained most strait laws, Protoforestarius. and an overseer, whom they call, Protoforestarius, that is, Chief forester, or Master of the Forests, who should hear causes belonging unto Forests, and punish either by death or loss of limb, whosoever killed Dear within any park or chase. But john of Sarisburie shall in his own words tell you these things briefly out of his Polycraticon; that which you may marvel more at, to lay grins for birds, to set snares to allure them with noose or pipe, or by any ways laying whatsoever to entrap or take them, is oftentimes by virtue of an Edict, made a crime, and either amerced with forfeiture of goods, or punished with loss of limb and life. You have heard that the fowls of the air, and fishes of the sea are common: But these iwis belong unto the King, which the Forest Law taketh hold of, and claimeth wheresoever they fly. Withhold thy hand, forbear and abstain lest thou also be punished for treason, fall into the hunter's hand as a prey. Husbandmen are debarred their fallow fields whiles Deer have liberty to stray abroad, and that their pasture may be augmented, the poor farmer is abridged, and cut short of his grounds. What is sown, planted, or graffed, they keep from the husbandmen that be tenants: both pasturage from herdsmen, drovers and graziers, and Bee-hives they exclude from floury plots: yea, the very Bees themselves are scarcely permitted to use their natural liberty. Which courses seeming too inhuman, were the occasion otherwhiles of great troubles and uproars, so long, until in the end by the rising and revolt of the Barons, there was wrested from King Henry the third, the Charter de Foresta: wherein those rigorous laws being made void he granted others more indifferent, whereunto they are bound even at this day, justices of the Forests. who dwell within compass of the Forests. And from that time, two Justices were appointed for these causes, whereof the one overseeth all Forests on this side the river Trent, the other, all the rest beyond Trent as far as Scotland, with great authority. Throughout all this Province or county (as we find in the Survey book of England,) The King's Knight. The Taine or King's Knight, holding of him as Lord, whensoever he died, left unto the King for a relief all his armour, one horse with a saddle, and another without a saddle. And if he had either hounds or hawks, they were tendered and presented unto the King, that he might take them if he would. When Gelt was given in the time of King Edward [the Confessor] generally throughout all Berkshire, an Hide of Land yielded threepences halfpenny before Christmas, and as much at Whitsuntide. Thus much of Berkshire, which (as yet) hath given the title of Earl to no man. Within the compass of this shire, are parishes. 140. THese Regions which hitherto we have travailed thorough, that is to say, of the Danmonij, Durotriges, Belgae, and Attrebatij; what time as the Saxons bore Sovereign rule in Britain, The Kingdom of Westsaxons. fell to the Kingdom of the Westsaxons, which they in their language, called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and themselves 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of Cerdics Grandfather, who first erected this Kingdom. Geguises. Whence they were termed Gevissi, and by others also Visi-Saxones, from their West situation, like as the Western Goths, are named Visi-Gothi. These at the length in the best and flourishing time of the Empire, reduced the English Heptarchy into the Saxons Monarchy: which notwithstanding afterward, through the lither cowardice of their Kings, quickly aged, and soon vanished. So that herein, that may be verified which we daily see. The race or issue of the most valiant men, and noblest Families, like as the offspring of plants, hath their springing up, their flowering and maturity: and in the end begin to fade, and by little and little to die utterly. REGNI. NExt unto the Attrebatii Eastward, called the people in Latin REGNI, by Ptolomee PHrNOI, inhabited those Regions which we at this day, do commonly term Surry, and Southsex, with the Sea-coast of Hantshire. As touching the Etymology of this named, I will pass over my conceits in silence, because per adventure they would carry no more truth with them, than if I should think they were by Ptolomey, PHrNOI, for that it was Regnum, that is, a Kingdom, and the Romans permitted the people thereof to remain under a regal government. For, in this tract it was, that as Tacitus writeth, certain Cities according to an old Custom of the people of Rome, were given to Cogidunus, a British King, that they might have even Kings also, as instruments to draw others into bondage and servitude. But this conjecture seemeth to myself not probable, and haply to others absurd, I utterly reject: and willingly embrace the Saxon original of these latter names: to wit, that Southsex, taketh denomination of the South-Saxons, and Suthrey of the South situation upon the River, Rhey. for, no man may deny, that Suthrey importeth so much, considering that Over-rhey, in the old English tongue, signifieth, Over, or beyond the river. SUTHREY. SURRIA, which Bede nameth Suthriona, commonly called Suthrey, and Surrey, and by the Saxons, of bordering South (upon the river, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, with them betokeneth the South, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a river or flood) from the West, boundeth partly upon Berkshire and Hantshire, from the South upon Sussex: and from the East on Kent: toward the North it is watered with the River Tamis, and by it divided from Middlesex. A country it is not very large, yet wealthy enough, where it beareth upon Tamis, and lieth as a plain and champion country: it yieldeth corn meetly well, and forage abundantly, especially towards the South, where a continual valley falling low by little and little, called in times past Holmesdale of the woods therein, runneth down very pleasant to behold, by reason of the delectable variety of groves, fields, and meadows. On each side there be pretty hills rising up a great way along in the country, parks every where replenished with Deer, rivers also full of fish: whereby it affordeth for pleasure fair game of hunting, and as delightsome fishing. Likened it is by some unto a course freeze garment with a green guard, or to a cloth of a great spinning and thin woven, with a green list about it, for that the inner part is but barren, the outward edge or skirt more fertile. In my perambulation through this shire, I will follow the Tamis and the rivers running into it as guides of my journey: so shall I be sure to omit no memorable thing, seeing that the places which are of greater mark and antiquity do all a-butte upon these rivers. SURREY Olim Sedes REGNORVAL Wey being passed from hence with a long course Northward, Oking, or Woking. showeth nothing memorable besides Sutton, the residence of the weston's an ancient family of Knight's degree bettered by an heir of T. Camel, Oking, where King Henry the seventh repaired and enlarged the Manor house being the inheritance of the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmont his mother, who lived there in her later time, Newark sometime a small Priory environed with divided streams: Pyriford, where in our remembrance Edward Earl of Lincoln Lord Clinton, and Admiral of England built him an house; and Ockham hard by, where that great Philosopher and father of the Nominals William de Ockham was borne and whereof he took that name: William Ockham. as of the next village Ripley, G. de Ripley a ring leader of our Alchemists, and a mystical impostor. But where this Wey is discharged into Tamis at a double mouth, Pater No●●nalium. Otelands' a proper house of the Kings offereth itself to be seen within a park: near unto which, Caesar passed over Tamis into the borders of Cassivelannus. For, Where Cae● crossed the Tamis. this was the only place where a man might in times past go over the Tamis on foot and that hardly too, which the Britain's themselves improvidently bewrayed unto Caesar. For, on the other side of the river, there was a great power of the Britaines well appointed and in readiness: and the very bank itself was fenced with sharp stakes fastened affront against the enemy, and others of the same sort pitched down in the channel, stuck covered with the river. The tokens whereof, saith Beda, Are seen this day, and it seemeth to the beholders that every one of them carrying the thickness of a man's thigh and covered over with lead, stuck unmoveable, as being driven hard into the bottom of the river. But the Romans entered the river with such force, when the water reached up to their very chins, that the Britaines could not abide their violence, but left the bank and betook themselves to flight. In this thing, I cannot be deceived, considering that the river here is scarce six foot deep, Coway-stakes. the place at this day of those stakes is called Coway-stakes, and Caesar maketh the borders of Cassivelanus where he setteth down his passage over the river to be about fourscore Italian miles from the sea which beateth upon the East-coast of Kent, where he landed: and at the very same distance is this passage of ours. The river Mole. Within some few miles from thence the river Mole, having from the South side passed through the whole country, hasteneth to join with the Tamis; but at length being letted by overthwart hills, maketh himself a way under the ground in manner of mouldwarpe, like unto that famous river Anas in Spain: whereof it may seem it taken name, Anas a river in Spain. seeing that creature living within the ground, is called also in English a Mole. But upon this river, there is not any thing of note, save only a good way off from the spring and head of it, and near unto an old port way of the Romans making which men call Stanystreet) there stands the town Aclea, commonly Ockley: Ockley. so-named of Okes where Ethelwolph the son of Egbert, who having been professeed in the holy Orders and released by the Pope's authority, when he had possession of his father's kingdom by right of inheritance, joined battle with the Danes, fought with good success, and slew all the valiantest men amongst them: Yet did he little, or no good to his native country, the Danes evermore renewing their forces still as they were overthrown, like unto that serpent Hydra. A little from the fountains where this river springeth, standeth Gatton which now is scarce a small village, Gatton. though in times past it hath been a famous town. To prove the antiquity thereof, it showeth Roman coins digged forth of the ground, and sendeth unto the Parliament two Burgesses. Lower than it, Rhie-gate. is seated Rhie-gat, (which if a man interpret according to our ancient language, is as much as the River's course), in a vale running out far into the East, called Holmesdale; Holmesdale. the Inhabitants whereof, for that once or twice they vanquished the Danes as they wasted the country, are wont in their own praise to chant this Rythme. The vale of Holmesdall, Never won, ne never shall. This Rhie-gate carrying a greater show for largeness than fair buildings, hath on the Southside a Park thick set with fair groves, wherein the right Noble Charles, Earl of Nottingham, Baron of Effingham, and Lord Admiral of England, hath a house; where the Earls of Warren and Southrey had founded a pretty Monastery. On the East side, standeth a Castle mounted aloft, now forlorn and for age ready to fall; built by the same Earls and of the vale wherein it standeth, commonly called Holmecastle: Holmecastle. under which I saw a wonderful vault carried under the ground of archworke over head, hollowed with great labour out of a soft gritte and crombling stone, such as the whole hill standeth of. These Earls of Warren, as we find in the Offices or inquisitions held it in chief of the King * Or Inquisitions. in their Barony, * In Baronia sua de Conquesta Angliae. from the conquest of England. Hence runneth this river down by Bechworth Castle, for which Sir Thomas Browne obtained of King Henry the Sixth the liberty of holding a Fair. For it is the habitation of the Brownes, Knights: out of which family since our grandfather can remember, when Sir Anthony Browne had married Lady Lucy the fourth daughter of john Nevil marquis Mont-a-cute, Queen Mary honoured his son's son with the title of Viscount Mont-a-cute. Some few miles from hence Westward Effingham showeth itself, Effingham. the possession not long since of William Howard (son to that Noble Thomas Duke of Norfolk that triumphed over the Scots) who being created by Queen Mary Baron Howard of Effingham, & made Lord high-admiral of England, was first Lord Chamberlain unto Queen Elizabeth of most happy memory, and then Lord privy Seal: whose son Charles now flourisheth, Lord great Admiral of England, whom in the year of our Lord 1597. the same Queen Elizabeth honoured also with the title of Earl of Nottingham, of whom more in my Annals, but now return we to the river. The Mole now being come as far as Whitehill, whereon the Box tree groweth in great plenty, The Swallow, or Swallow hole. at the foot thereof hideth himself, or rather is swallowed up, and thereof the place is called the Swallow: but after a mile or two near unto Letherhed bridge boiling up and breaking forth, taketh joy to spring out again. So that the Inhabitants of this tract may boast as well as the Spaniards, A bridge on which flocks of sheep are pastured. that they have a bridge which feedeth many flocks of sheep: For, this is a common byword, most rife in the Spaniards mouths, as touching the place where their river Anas, now called Guadiana, hideth himself for ten miles together. Thus our Mole rising up a fresh hasteneth fair and softly by Stoke Dabernoun so named of the ancient possessors the Dabernouns gentlemen of great good note, afterward by inheritance from them the possession of the Lord Bray; L. Bray. and by Aesher sometimes a retiring place belonging to the Bishops of Winchester. And then very near Molesey whereunto it giveth name, sheddeth himself into the Tamis. After Tamis hath taken unto him the Mole, he carrieth his stream Northwardly and runneth fast by Kingston, called in times past Moreford, as some will have it; a very good market town for the bigness, and well frequented; well known also in old time by reason of a Castle there belonging to the Clares Earls of Gloucester. Which town had beginning from a little town more ancient than it of the same name, standing upon a flat ground and subject to the inundation of Tamis. In which when England was almost ruinated by the Danish wars, Athelstan, Edwin, and Etheldred were crowned Kings upon an open stage in the Market place, and of these Kings here crowned, it came to be named Kingston, as one would say, The King's Town. Tamis now turning his course directly Northward, visiteth another place: which the Kings chose for themselves sometimes to sojourn at, which of the shining brightness they call Shene: Richmond. Both the place and the village before the time of King Henry the Seventh called Shene. but now it is named Richmond, wherein, the most mighty Prince, King Edward the Third when he had lived sufficiently both to glory and nature, died; with sorrow that he conceived for the death of that most valiant and Martial prince his son, which sorrow pierced so deep, and stuck so near him and all England beside, that it far exceeded all comfort. And verily at this time if ever else, England had a good cause to grieve: For, within one year after, it lost the true praise of military prowess and of accomplished virtue: Edward the Third. For, both of them by bearing their victorious arms throughout all France, struck so great a terror wheresoever they came, that as the father might most worthily with King Antiochus carry the name of Thunderbolt, so his son with Pyrrhus deserved to be named the Eagle. here also departed Anne wife to King Richard the Second, sister of the Emperor Wenzelaus, and daughter to the Emperor Charles the fourth, who first taught English women the manner of sitting on horseback which now is used: whereas before time, they road very unseemly astride, like as men do. Whose death also her passionate husband took so to the heart, that he altogether neglected the said house, and could not abide it. Howbeit King Henry the Fifth readorned it with new buildings, and in Shene a pretty village hard by, he joined thereto a little religious house of Carthusian Monks, which he called, The house of jesus of Bethelem. But in the reign of Henry the seventh, this Princely place was with a woeful sudden fire consumed almost to ashes; Howbeit rising up again forthwith far more beautiful and glorious as it were a Phoenix out of her own ashes, by the means of the same King Henry: it took this new name Richmond, of the title he bore, being Earl of Richmond, before he obtained the Crown of England. Scarce had that Noble King Henry the Seventh finished this new work, when in this place he yielded unto nature, and ended his life; through whose care, vigilancy, policy, and forecasting wisdom for time to come, the State and commonweal of England hath to this day stood established and invincible. From hence likewise his son's daughter Queen Elizabeth a most gracious Lady ninety and four years after, having lived fully to the contentment of nature, (For, 70. year old she was or much thereabouts) when it pleased God to call her out of this world, was received into the sacred and celestial society. A Prince above her ●ex of manly courage, The death of Queen Elizabeth 1603. and high conceit, who lively resembled as well the royal qualities of her Grandfather, as she did his princely presence and countenance, the World's love, and joy of Britain. And so far was she, a woman though she were, from degenerating and growing unlike her noble Progenitors in that continued course of their virtues, that if she surmounted them not, surely she equalled them to the full. Well, posterity may one day hereafter be so thankful as to yield hereto a gracious credit (neither do I here by way of flattery set a false colour and gloss upon the truth) that a Virgin for the space of forty four years, so ruled the royal Sceptre, as that her subjects loved her, enemies feared her, and every one with admiration honoured her, a thing in all foregoing ages of rare example. For, whose death England throughout, running all to tears, amid moans, and groans should have lain forlorn in most piteous case comfortless, had not presently upon her departure out of this world, the most mild and gracious King james (on whom as the true and undoubted heir to her Crown all men's minds were set, and eyes fixed) with his sacred and bright beams shone unto us, and thereby put us into most comfortable hope of endless joy. Whom so long as we behold here, we believe not that she is deceased. And why should we once say that she is deceased? whose virtues live still immortal, and the memorial of whose name consecrated in men's hearts, and in eternity of times, shall survive for ever. How far the Tamis ebbeth and floweth. Thus far swelleth the Tamis with the access of the flowing tide of the sea, about lx. Italian miles by water from his mouth. Neither to my knowledge is there any other river in all Europe, that for so many miles within land feeleth the violence of the Ocean forcing and rushing in upon it, and so driving back and withholding his waters, to the exceeding great commodity of the inhabitants bordering thereupon. Why Tamis ebbeth and floweth so far within Land. Whither this cometh by reason that from hence he hath in manner no crooked turnings and winding reaches, but with a more straight and direct channel carrieth his currant into the East, as being for the most part restrained, and kept in with higher banks, and dilating himself with a wider mouth than all other rivers, lieth more exposed and open to the Ocean, which by that most swift whirling about of the celestial Spheres from East to West is forceably driven and carried that way (as sometimes I have been of opinion) let Philosophers discuss, unto whom I willingly leave these matters and such like to handle. Yet some few verses as touching these places and this argument, have here out of the Marriage between Tame and Isis, if haply they may content your taste: A dextra, nobis Richmondia, Shena vetustis Celsa nitet, sapiens namque hanc Richmondia dici Henricus voluit, sibi quod retulisset honorem Et titulos Comitis Richmondia jure paterno: Hectoris Edwardi sed deflet funera nostri; Proh dolour! hîc illi regimens libera cessit Corpore contempto, sedes aditura supernas. Quem si non subito rapuissent ferrea fata, Aut te Valesiis rapuisset Gallia victor, Aut tibi Valesios. Then on the right hand Richmond stands, a fair and stately thing, So called of us, (but Shene of old) which name that prudent King * The seventh. Henry it gave, because to him it brought in father's right The Honour and the Style, whereby, he Earl of Richmond hight. But it of * The Third. Edward King (halas) our Hector, wails the death, Whose soul here freed from body which it scorned, with vital breath, Departed hence right willingly, in heaven to live for ay: Whom had not cruell-sudden death untimely fetched away, He would by sword have thee bereft, O France, of Valois line, Or them of thee. And after a few verses set between, Tamisis alternum sentit reditumque, fugamque Huc reflui pelagi, quoties vaga Cynthia pronos Octauâ librat coeli statione jugales. Aut tenet oppositam varianti lumine plagam, Plenior increscit celeremque recurrit in aestum: Atque superbus ait, concedant flumina nobis, Nulla per Europae dotatas nomine terras Flumina, tam longè sic certis legibus undas Alternas renovant, nisi fratres Scaldis, & Albis. Tamis here by turns alternative doth feel both ebb, and flow Of Sea, by course of wand'ring Moon that rules tie here below. As oft as she with each eight point of heaven above doth meet, Or holds the points full opposite, as lights do change and fleet. He grows more full, and sooner hath recourse to flowing tide: And then in pride of heart he saith. All rivers else beside Veil unto me. No stream so far through Europe keeps again His tide so just, unless the Scheld, and Elb my brethren twain. About four miles from the Tamis within the Country, None-such. Nonesuch a retiring place of the Princes putteth down, and surpasseth all other houses round about: which, the most magnificent Prince King Henry the Eighth, in a very healthful place called Cuddington before, selected for his own delight and ease, and built with so great sumptuousness and rare workmanship, that it aspireth to the very top of ostentation for show; so as a man may think, that all the skill of Architecture is in this one piece of work bestowed, and heaped up together. So many statues, and lively images there are in every place, so many wonders of absolute workmanship, and works seeming to contend with Roman antiquities, that most worthily it may have, and maintain still this name that it hath of [Nonesuch] according as Leland hath written of it: Hanc quia non habeant similem laudare Britanni Saepè solent, Nullique parem, cognomine dicunt. The Britan's oft are wont to praise this place, For that through all The Realm they cannot show the like, and Nonesuch they it call. As for the very house self, so environed it is about with Parks full of Deer, such dainty gardens and delicate orchards it hath, such groves adorned with curious Arbours, so pretty quarters, beds, and Alleys, such walks so shadowed with trees, that amenity or Pleasantness itself may seem to have chosen no other place but it: where she might dwell together with healthfulness. Yet Queen Mary made it over to Henry Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel for other Lands: and he, when he had enlarged it with a Library passing well furnished, and other new buildings, passed over all his right when he died to the L. Lumley, who for his part spared no cost, that it might be truly answerable to the name: and from him now is it returned again by compositions and conveyances to the Crown. near hereunto (and worth the noting it is) there is a vain of potter's earth highly commended, and therefore the dearer sold, for the making of those crucibles and small vessels which Goldsmiths use in melting their gold. Nor far from hence the clear rivelet Wandle in Latin * Vandalis. Woodcote. Noviomagi Vandalis, so full of the best Trout, issueth forth from his head near Cashalton and Wodcot where by a tuft of trees upon an hill-top there are to be seen manifest signs of a pretty town, and divers wells built of flint stones: Concerning the populousness and wealth whereof the neighbour Inhabitants report very much: This in my conceit was that City which Ptolomee called NOIOMAGUS, and the Emperor Antonine NOVIOMAGUS. Noviomagus. Neither need we to seek from else where proof hereof, but from the correspondency of distance. For as the old Itinerary noteth, it is ten miles from London, and twenty eight from Vagmiacjs now Maidston. Many a mile therefore went they out of the way that placed Noviomagus either at Buckingham, or at Guildford. This was a principal City of the REGNI not known to Marinus Tyrius a most ancient Geographer, whom Ptolomee taking upon him to censure, taxeth for that he had set NOVIOMAGUS of Britain by Climate more North, and by account of miles more South than London. Croidon. Wandle while it is yet small receiveth his first increase by a rill springing at Croidon, in times past called Cradiden: which standeth under the hills is very well known, as well for the house of the Archbishops of Canterbury, unto whom it hath belonged now this long time; as for Charcoles which the townsmen make good chaffer of: The inhabitants report, that in old time there stood an house of the Kings in the West part of the town near unto Haling, where the husbandmen dig up otherwhiles rubble stone, which house the Archbishops having received it by gift from the King, translated unto their own nearer the river. And near unto this, the right reverend father in God D. john Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury of most praise worthy Memory in his pious affection founded and endowed with living a very fair Hospital for the relief of poor people, and a school for the furtherance of learning. As for that sudden swelling water or Bourne which the common people report, to break forth here out of the ground, presaging, I wot not how, either dearth of corn, or the pestilence, may seem not worthy once the naming, and yet the events sometime ensuing hath procured it credit. near unto this place stands Beddington, Beddington. wherein is to be seen a very fair house beautified with a delightful show of right pleasant gardens and orchards, by Sir Francis Carew Knight: For, the ancient seat it is of the carew's, who being descended from the carew's of Moulesford (of whom also are come the carew's of Devonshire) have for a long time flourished in this country: but especially since Sir james Carew matched in marriage with the daughter and one of the coheirs of the Baron Hoo and Hastings. * To digress a little from the river, Addington. Eastward from Croidon standeth Addington now the habitation of Sir Oliff Leigh whereby is to be seen the ruble of a Castle, of Sir Robert Agvilon, and from him of the Lords Bardolph, who held certain lands here in fee by Serianty to find in the King's kitchen at the Coronation one to make a dainty dish which they called Mapigernoun, and Dilgerunt. What that was I leave to the skilful in ancient Cookery, and return to the river. Wandle increased with Croidon water passing by Morden, divideth itself to water Merton, in the old English tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, situate in a most fruitful soil. Aguilon. A town made famous in times passed by the death of Kinulph King of the West Saxons who was by a Clito, that is, a Prince of the blood, slain here in a small cottage of an harlot upon whom he was enamoured, and Clito himself by K. Kinulphs' followers immediately stabbed, Merton. suffered condign punishment for his disloyal treachery. Now it showeth only the ruins of a Monastery, that K. Henry the First founded for black Canons by the procurement of Gilbert High Sheriff of Surry in the year 1127. which was famous for the Statute of Merton enacted here in the 21. of King Henry the Third, and also for Water de Merton founder of Merton College in Oxford borne and bred here. Above Merton farther from the river is seated Wibandune, Wimbledon. now commonly Wimbledon: where, when over much prosperity had hatched civil broils among the English Saxons; after the British wars were now ceased; Ethelbert King of Kent struck up the first Alarm of civil war against his own country men: but Ceaulin King of the West Saxons discomfited him in this place with a mighty great slaughter and loss of his men having slain his principal leaders Oslan and Kneben, of whom peradventure that entrenched rampire or fort which we have here seen of a round form, is called Bensbury for But now, the greatest ornament of this place is that goodly house so beautiful for building, and so delectable for fair prospect and right pleasant gardens, which Sir Thomas Cecil Knight, son to that most prudent Counsellor of State Lord Burleygh, built in the year 1588. when the Spanish Armado made sail upon the coast of England. Wandle now after a few miles entereth the Tamis, Putney. See Earls of Essex. when it hath given name to Wandlesworth, between Putney the native soil of Thomas Cromwell one of the flowting-stocks of fortune, and Batersey, sometimes in the Saxon tongue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in latin Patricii Insula, that is, Patrick's Isle: and, which now we seek, an house of the Kings termed Kennington, Kennington. whereunto the Kings of England in old time were wont to retire themselves, but now find we neither the name nor the rammell thereof. Lambeth. Then, is there Lambeth or Lomehith, that is to say, a Lomy or clayish road, or heath, famous in former times for the death of * Hardy-Cnute. Canutus the Hardy, King of England, who there amid his cups yielded up his vital breath. For he, being given wholly to banqueting and feasting, caused royal dinners four times every day, (as Henry of Huntingdon, reporteth) to be served up for all his court, choosing rather to have his invited guests, to send away whole dishes untouched, than other comers unbidden to call for more viands to be upon his table. But now this place is of the greater name and more frequented by reason of the Archbishop of Canterbury his palace. For, Baldwine Archbishop of Canterbury about the year of Christ 1183. having made an exchange with the Bishop of Rochester, purchased a manor in this place wherein he began to build a palace for himself and his successors: which they by little and little increased. But when they went about to erect a collegiat Church here also, good GOD, what posting was there to Rome with complaints and appeals, from the Monks of Canterbury, how many fiery thunderbolts, menaces and censures were sent out from the Bishop of Rome against these Archbishops? For these Monks were in bodily fear, lest this would be their utter undoing, and a prejudice unto them in the Elections of the Archbishops. Neither were these blustering storms allayed, until the said Church newly begun was laid level with the ground. Adjoining hard to this, is the most famous market town and place of trade, in all this shire which at this day they call, Southworke. The Burrow of Southwark, in Saxon speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is the Southworke or building; because it standeth South over against London, the Suburbs whereof it may seem in some sort to be▪ but so large it is and populous, that it gives place to few Cities of England, having been as it were a corporation by itself, it had in our father's days Bailiffs, but in the reign of King Edward the Sixth it was annexed to the City of London, and is at this day taken for a member as it were of it: and therefore, when we are come to London, we will speak more at large thereof. Beneath this Burrow, Baron's Saint john of Lagham. the Tamis forsaketh Surry, the East bound whereof passeth in a manner directly down from hence Southward, near unto Lagham, which had their Parliamentary Barons called Saint john de Lagham, in the reign of Edward the First, whose Inheritance came at length by an heir general to john Leddiard: and somewhat lower in the very angle well near, where it bendeth to Southsex and Kent, stands Streborow Castle, the seat in ancient time of Lord Cobham, who of it were called, Sterborow. of Sterborow: where the issue proceeding from the bodies of john Cobham, Lord of Cobham and Cowling, and the daughter of Hugh Nevil, flourished a long time in glory and dignity. For, Reginald Cobham in King Edward the thirds days being created Knight of the Garter, was Admiral of the seacoasts, Lord Borough or Burgh. from Tamis mouth Westward. But Thomas the last male of that line wedded the Lady Anne, daughter to Humphrey the Duke of Buckingham, of whom he begat one only daughter named Anne, married unto Edward Burgh, who derived his pedigree from the Percies, and Earls of Athole: whose son Thomas made by King Henry the Eighth Baron Burgh, left a son behind him named William. And his son Thomas a great favourer of learning, and Lord Governor of Briell, queen Elizabeth made Knight of the Garter, and Lord Deputy of Ireland, where he honourably ended his life, pursuing the rebels. As touching Dame Eleanor Cobham descended out of this family, the wife of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, whose reputation had a flaw, I refer you to the English History, if you please. Now are we to reckon up the Earls of this shire, William Rufus King of England made William de Warrena, Earls of Surrie, who also are called Earls of Warren. who had married his sister, the first Earl of Surrey▪ For in that Charter of his, by which he founded the Priory of Lewis, thus we read: Donavi, etc. that is, I have given and granted, etc. For the life and health of my Lord King William who brought me into England, and for the health of my Lady Queen Maud, my wife's mother: and for the life and health of my Lord King William her son, after whose coming into England I made this charter, who also created me Earl of Surry, etc. whose son William succeeded and married the daughter of Hugh Earl of Vermandois, whereupon his posterity (as some suppose) used the Arms of Vermandois, uz. Chequy Or and Azure. His son William dying in the Holy-land about the year 1148. had issue, a daughter only, who adorned first William, King Stephen's son, and afterward Hamelin the base son of Geoffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou, both her husbands, with the same title. But whereas her former husband died without issue, William her son by Hamelin was Earl of Surry, whose postery assuming unto them the name of Warrens bore the same title. This William espoused the eldest daughter, and a coheir of William marshal Earl of Pembroch, the widow of Hugh Bigod, Earls of March in France. who bore unto him john, who slew Alan de la Zouch, in presence of the Judges of the Realm. This john, of Alice the daughter of Hugh le Brune, half sister by the mother's side of King Henry the third, begat William, who died before his father: and he of joan Vere the Earl of Oxford's daughter begat john Posthumus, borne after his decease, and the last Earl of this house, who was styled, as I have seen in the circumscription of his seal, Earl of Warren, of Surry and of Strathern in Scotland, Lord of Bromfield and of Yale, and Count-palatine. But he dying without lawful issue in the twelfth year of Edward the thirds reign, Alice his sister and heir wedded unto Edmund Earl of Arundel, by her marriage brought this honour of Surrey into the house of arundel's. For Richard their son who married in the house of Lancaster (after his father was wickedly beheaded for siding with his Sovereign King Edward the Second, by the malignant envy of the Queen) was both Earl of Arundel and Surrey, and left both Earldoms to Richard his son, who contrariwise lost his head for siding against his sovereign King Richard the Second. But, Thomas his son, to repair his father's dishonour, lost his life for his Prince and country in France leaving his sisters his heirs for the lands not entailed, who were married to Thomas mowbray Duke of Norfolk, etc. to Sir Powland Lenthall, and Sir William Beauchampe, Lord of Abergeveny. After by the Mowbray's, the title of Surrey, came at length to the Howards. Howbeit, in the mean while after the execution of Richard Earl of Arundel, King Richard the Second bestowed the title of Duke of Surry upon Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, which honour he enjoyed not long; For, while he combined with others, by privy conspiracies to restore the same King Richard to his liberty and kingdom, the conspiracy was not carried so secretly, but contrary to his expectation broke forth and came to light: then fled he, and by the people of Cirencester was intercepted and cut shorter by the head. After him Thomas Beaufort, Chancellor to the King, (if we give credit to Thomas Walsingham) bore this dignity. For, in the year of our Lord (as he saith) 1410. The Lord Thomas Beaufort Earl of Surrey left this world. Now, let Walsingham in this point make good that which he writeth: for, in the King's Records there is no such thing found, but only this, that Thomas Beaufort about that time was made Lord Chancellor. But certain it is, and that out of the Records of the Kingdom, that King Henry the Sixth, in the nine and twenty year of his reign, created john Mowbray, the son of john Duke of Norfolk, Earl Warren and of Surry. And Richard second son of King Edward the Fourth having married the heir of Mowbray, received all the titles due to the Mowbray's by creation from his father. Afterward King Richard the Third, having dispatched the said Richard and by impious cruel means usurped the kingdom, that he might by his benefits oblige unto him the house of the Howards, created in one, and the same day john Lord Howard, Duke of Norfolk as next cousin and heir to the Mowbray's and his son Thomas, Earl of Surrie: in whose offspring this honour hath ever since been resplendent, and so continueth at this day. This County hath in it Parish Churches. 140. SUSSEX. Under Suthrey toward the South lieth stretched out in a great length Suthsex, which also in times past the Regni inhabited, in the Saxon tongue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & at this day Sussex, which is as much to say, as the Region of the South Saxons, a word compounded of the site thereof Southward, and of the Saxons who in their Heptarchy placed here the second kingdom. It lieth upon the British Ocean all Southward with a straight shore (as it were) far more in length than breadth: Howbeit it hath few harbours, by reason that the sea is dangerous for shelves, and therefore rough, and troublous, the shore also itself full of rocks, and the South-west wind doth tyrannize thereon, casting up beach infinitely. The sea coast of this country, hath green hills on it mounting to a greater height, Downes. called the Downs, which because they stand upon a fat chalk or kind of marvel yieldeth corn abundantly. The middle tract, garnished with meadows, pastures, corne-fields, and groves, maketh a very lovely show. The hithermore and Northern side thereof, is shaded most pleasantly with woods, Anderida wood. like as in times past the whole country throughout, which by reason of the woods was hardly passable. For, the wood Andradswald, in the British language Coid Andred, taking the name of Anderida the City next, adjoining, took up in this quarter, a hundred and twenty miles in length, and thirty in breadth; memorable for the death of Sigebert King of West Saxons, who being deposed from his royal throne, was in this place stabbed by a Swineherd, and so died. Many pretty rivers it hath, but such as springing out of the North-side of the shire forthwith take their course to the Ocean, and therefore not able to bear any vessel of burden. Iron. Full of iron mines it is in sundry places, where for the making and fining whereof, there be furnaces on every side, and a huge deal of wood is yearly spent, to which purpose diverse brooks in many places are brought to run in one channel, and sundry meadows turned into pools and waters, that they might be of power sufficient to drive hammer mills, which beating upon the iron, resound all over the places adjoining. And yet the iron here wrought, is not in every place of like goodness, but generally more brittle than is the Spanish iron, whether it be by the nature, or tincture and temper thereof. Howbeit, commodious enough to the iron Masters who cast much great ordnance thereof, and other things to their no small gain: Now whether it be as gainful and profitable to the commonwealth may be doubted, but the age ensuing will be better able to tell you. Neither want here glasse-houses, but the Glass there made, Glasses. by reason of the matter or making, I wot not whether, is likewise nothing so pure and clear, and therefore used of the common sort only. SUSSEXIA Sive Southsex. olim pars. REGNORUM. Selsey. Scales. Selsey before said, is somewhat lower in the Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, The Isle of Sea calves, (for these in our language we call Scales, which always seek to Islands, Here be the best Cockles. and to the shore, for to bring forth their young, but now it is most famous for good cockles, and full Lobsters. A place (as Beda saith) compassed round about with the Sea, but only in the West side, where it hath an entry into it by land, as broad as a slings cast. It was reckoned by Survey taken, to contain fourscore and seven Hides of Land, when Edilwalch King of this Province gave it to Wilfride Bishop of York, whiles he was in exile▪ who first preached Christ unto this people, and as he writeth, not only by baptism saved from thraldom under the devil, two hundred and fifty bondmen, slaves. but also by giving freedom, delivered them from the yoke of bondage under man. Afterwards K. Cedwalla, who vanquished Edilwalch, founded here a Minster, and beautified it with an Episcopal See, which by Stigand the two and twentieth Bishop, was translated to Chichester, where it now flourisheth, and doth acknowledge Cedwalla to be the founder. In this Isle remaineth only the dead carcase, as it were, of that ancient little city, wherein those Bishops sat: and the same hidden quite with water at every full sea, but at a low water, evident, and plain to be seen. Then maketh the shore way for a river, which out of Saint leonard's Forrest runneth down, Amberley. first by Amberley, where William Read Bishop of Chichester, in the reign of Edward the third, built a castle for his successors: and so from thence, by Arundel, seated on the hanging of an hill, a place greater in name than deed, and yet is not that name of great antiquity: for before Aelfreds' days, who bequeathed it by testament to Anthelme his brother's son, I have not read it, so much as once named. Unless perhaps I should think, that Portus Adurni, is corruptly so called, by transposition of letters, for Portus Arundi. The reason of this name is fetched neither from that fabulous horse of Sir Beavois of Southampton, nor of Charudum, a promontory in Denmark, as Goropius Becanus hath dreamt, but of the valley or dale, which lieth upon the river Arun, in case Arun be the name of the river, as some have delivered, who thereupon named it in Latin, Aruntina vallis, that is, Arundale. But all the fame it hath, is of the Castle, that flourished under the Saxon Empire, and which (as we read) presently upon the coming in of the Normans Roger Montgomerie repaired, who thereupon was 〈◊〉, Earl of Arundel. For, a stately place it is, both by natural situation, and also by man's hand very strong. But his son Robert de Belismo, See the Earls of Shrewsburie. who succeeded his brother Hugh, being by King Henry the First proscribed, lost that, and all his other dignity. For, when he had perfidiously raised war against the King, he chose this Castle for his surest hold, whiles the war lasted, and fortified the place with many munitions, but sped no better than traitors use to do. For, the King's forces environing it every way, at the last won it. Whenas Robert now had forfeited his estate, and was banished, the King gave this castle, and all his Lands beside unto * Adeliza, daughter to Godfrey Barbatus of Louvain, Duke of Lorraine and Brabant, for her Dowry; whom he took to be his second wife. In whose commendation a certain English man in that unlearned age, wrote these not unlearned verses. Anglorum Reginatuos Adeliza decores Ipsa referre parans Musa, stupore riget. Quid Diadema tibi, pulcherrima, quid tibi gemma? Pallet gemma tibi, nec diadema nitet. Demetrius tibi cultus, cultum natura ministrat? Non exornari forma beata potest. Ornamenta cave, nec quicquam luminis inde Accipis, illa micant lumine clara tuo; Non puduit modicas de magnis dicere laudes, Nec pudeat Dominam te precor esse meam. When Muses mine thy beauties rare, (fair Adeliza Queen Of England) ready are to tell, they stark astonished been. What booteth thee so beautiful, gold-crowne or precious stone? Dim is the Diadem to thee, the gemne hath beauty none. Away with trim and gay attire; nature attireth thee, Thy lovely beauty natural, can never bett'red be. All Ornaments beware; from them no favour thou dost take; But they from thee their lustre have, thou dost them lightsome make. I shamed not on matters great to set small praises here, Bash not, but deign (I pray) to be my Sovereign Lady dear. She, after the King's death, matched in marriage with William de * D' aubeney, some write him, de Albinet●, and de Albiniac●. Earls of Arundel, and of Sussex. Charta antiqua X. in 29. Albeney, who taking part with Maud the Empress against King Stephen, and defending this Castle against him, was in recompense of his good service, by the said Maude the Empress and Lady of Englishmen, (for this title she used) created Earl of Arundel: and her son King Henry the Second gave the whole Rape of Arundel to that William: To hold of him by the service of fourscore and four Knights fees, and one-halfe. And to his son William, King Richard the first granted, in such words as these, The Castle of Arundel with the whole Honour of Arundel, and the Third penny of the Pleas out of Sussex, whereof he is Earl. And when after the fifth Earl of this surname, the issue male failed, one of the sisters and heirs of Hugh the fifth Earl was married to Sir john Fitz-Alan, Lord of Clun, whose great grand son Richard, For that he stood seized of the Castle, Honour and Lordship of Arundel in his own demesne as of Fee, Parl. 11. H 6▪ in regard of this his possession of the same Castle, Honour and Seignory, without any other consideration or Creation to be an Earl, was Earl of Arundel and the name, state and honour of the Earl of Arundel, etc. Peaceably he enjoied: as appeareth by a definitive judgement given in Parliament, in the behalf of Sir john Fitz-Alan challenging the Castle and tittle of Arundel by force of an entail against john Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk the right Heir, in the nearest degree. Whereby it was gathered, that the name, state and dignity of Earl, was annexed to the Castle, Honour and Seignory of Arundel, as it is to be seen in the Parliament Rolls of King Henry the Sixth, out of which I have copied forth these notes word for word. Of these Fitz-Alans, Edmund second Earl son to Richard married the heir of the Earl of Surry, and was beheaded through the malicious fury, 229. of Queen Isabella not lawfully convicted, for that he opposed himself in King Edward the Seconds behalf against her wicked practices. His son Richard petitioned in Parliament to be restored to blood, lands, and goods, 4. Edw. 3▪ for that his father was put to death not tried by his Peers according to the law and great Charter of England: nevertheless whereas the attaindor of him was confirmed by Parliament, he was forced to amend his petition, and upon the amendment thereof, he was restored by the King's mere grace. Richard his son, as his grandfather died for his Sovereign, lost his life for banding against his Sovereign, King Richard the Second. But Tho. his son more honourably ended his life serving King Henry the Fifth valerously in France, and leaving his sisters his heirs general; Sir john of Arundel Lord Maltravers his next cousin, and heir male obtained of King Henry the sixth the Earldom of Arundel, See before the Earls of Surrey. as we even now declared, and also was by the said King for his good service created Duke of Touraine. Of the succeeding Earls I find nothing memorable. Henry Fitz Alan the eleventh and last Earl of that surname lived in our days, in great honour as you shall see. After whom leaving no issue male Philip Howard his daughter's son succeeded, who not able to digest wrongs and hard measure offered unto him, by the cunning sleights of some envious persons, fell into the toil and net pitched for him, and being brought into extreme peril of his life, yielded up his vital breath in the Tower. But his son Thomas a most honourable young man, (in whom a forward spirit and fervent love of virtue and glory, most beseeming his nobility, and the same tempered with true courtesy shineth very apparently) recovered his father's dignities being restored by King james, and Parliament authority. Besides the Castle and the Earls, Arundel hath nothing memorable: For, the College built by the Earls, which there flourished, because the revenue or living is alienated and gone, now falleth to decay. Howbeit, in the Church are some monuments of Earls there interred, but one above the rest right beautiful, of Alabaster, in which lieth in the mids of the Choir Earl Thomas, and Beatrice his wife, the daughter of john King of Portugal. Neither must I overpasse this Inscription so fair guilt, set up here in the Honour of Henry Fitz-Alan the last, Earl of this line, because some there be whom liketh it well. CONSECRATED TO VIRTUE, AND HONOUR. THE MAGNANIMOUS, AND WORTHY KNIGHT WHOSE PERSONAGE IS HERE SEEN, AND WHOSE BONES HERE VNDERNEATHLY INTERRED, WAS BARLE OF THIS TERRITORY: ACCORDING TO HIS HOUSE, AND LINEAGE SURNAMED FITZ ALAN LOKD MALTRAVERS, CLUN, AND OSWALDESTRE, PRINCIPAL HONOUR'S: STYLED ALSO LORD AND BARON OF THAT MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, THE ANCIENTEST COMPANION WHILE HE LIVED OF WILLIAM EARL OF ARUNDEL, THE ONLY SON AND SUCCESSOR, COMPARTNER ALSO OF ALL HIS VERTVES: WHO BEING OF THE PRIVY COUNSEL TO KING HENRY THE EIGHT, KING EDWARD THE sixth, MARRY, AND ELIZABETH, KINGS AND QVEENES OF ENGLAND, WAS GOVERNOR ALSO OF THE TOWN OF CALES: AND WHAT TIME AS THE SAID KING HENRY BESIEGED BULLEN WAS HIGH MARSHAL OF HIS ARMY, AND AFTER THAT LORD CHAMBERLAIN TO THE KING: ALSO WHEN EDWARD HIS SON WAS CROWNED KING, HE BORE THE OFFICE OF L. MARSHAL OF THE KINGDOM: AND UNTO HIM LIKE AS BEFORE UNTO HIS FATHER BECAME LORD CHAMBERLAINE. MOREOVER IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN MARIE DURING THE TIME OF HER SOLEMN CORONATION, HE WAS MADE LORD HIGH CONSTABLE, AFTERWARDS STEWARD OF HER ROYAL HOUSE, AND PRECEDENT OF THE COUNCIL: EVEN AS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH ALSO, HE WAS LIKEWISE LORD HIGH STEWARD OF HER HOUSEHOLD. THUS THIS MAN, NOBLE BY HIS HIGH PARENTAGE, MORE NOBLE FOR WELL PERFORMING THE PUBLIC OFFICES OF STATE, ●OST NOBLE, AND RENOWNED BOTH AT HOME, AND ABROAD: FLOURISHING STILL IN HONOUR, BROKEN WITH TRAVEL, MUCH WORN WITH YEARS, AFTER HE WAS COME TO THE LXVIII OF HIS AGE, AT LONDON THE XXV. DAY OF FEBRVARY, IN THE YEAR OF OV●, SALVATION BY CHRIST M. D. LXXIX. GODLY, AND SWEETLY SLEPT IN THE LORD. JOHN LUMLEY, BARON OF LUMLEY, HIS MOST LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE * As having married his daughter. SON IN LAW, EXECUTOR OF HIS LAST WILL, AND TESTAMENT, NOW THAT HIS MOST SWEET FATHER IN LAW AND VERY GOOD PATRON IS RIGHT HONOURABLY, AND SUMTVOUSLY BURIED, HATH IN MOST DEVOUT MANNER WITH ABUNDANT TEARS NOT FOR ANY MEMORIAL, WHICH HIMSELF ALREADY BY HIS MANIFOLD VERTVES HATH A●TRNIZED, BUT IN REGARD OF HIS MORTAL BODY NOW BESTOWED IN HOPE OF AN HAPPY RESURRECTION, CONSECRATED UNTO HIM, FOR THE LAST DUTY HE COULD PERFORM, THIS KNIGHTLIKE STATVE, WITH HIS DUE ARMOURIES. As for the river Arun, which springing out of the North part of the Shire runneth hereby, it is increased by many brooks falling into it from all sides, but the chief of them is that which passeth beside Cowdrey, a very goodly house of the Viscount's Montacute; which for building oweth much to the late Viscount, & formerly to Sir William Fitz-Williams, Earl of Southampton. Here by is Midherst that is Midlewood which braggeth of the Bohunes' Lords thereof, who carried for their coat of arms a Cross azure in a field Or, and from Ingelricus de Bohun under King Henry the first, flourished unto King Henry the seaventh his days, who gave in marriage the daughter and heir of john Bohun unto Sir David Owen Knight, the base son of Owen Theodor, with a rich inheritance. These Bohuns (to note so much by the way for the antiquity of a word now grown out of use) were by inheritance for a good while the King's Spigurnells, Spigurnell what it is. that is, The Sealer's of his writs, which office together with Serjeancie of the King's chapel, john de Bohun the son of Franco resigned unto King Edward the First, as we read in an old Charter made, as touching that matter. Petworth. Then this river leaveth about a mile off Petworth which together with one and twenty Knights fees William de Albeney Earl of Arundel, bestowed upon joscelin of Louvain the Brabander, brother to Queen Adeleza, and the younger son of Godfrey Duke of Brabant, descended from the stock of Charles the Great, what time as he took to wife Agnes the only daughter and heir of the Percies. Since which time, the posterity of that josceline, having assumed the name of Percy, The Percies. See in the end of Northumberland. (as I will else where show) held it. A Family, I assure you very ancient and right noble, which deriveth their pedigree from Charles the great more directly, and with a race of Ancestors less interrupted, than either the Dukes of Lorraine Or of Guise that so highly vaunt themselves thereupon. josceline aforesaid, as I have seen it in his Donations, used this title: joscelin of Louvain, brother to Queen Adeliza, and Castellan of Arundel. And here about the Family of Dautry, Or De alta ripa hath been of right worshipful esteem, Dautry. as on the other side of the river the name of Goring at Burton, who were acknowledged founders of Hardham Or Heredham a Priory of black Canons, Burton. a little off. Where this Arun meeteth with an other river of a deeper and bigger stream, which springeth near Horseham an indifferent mercat, which some suppose to have taken name from Horsa the brother of Hengist, Horsham. who were the first leaders of the English Saxons into this isle of Britain. Thus Arun increased, with sundry creekings, by Arundel before mentioned, holdeth on his course to the sea. Michelgrove. As the shore giveth back from the mouth of Arun, inwardly is Michael grove, that is, Great grove, the heir general whereof so surnamed, was married to John Shelley, whereby, Shelley. Offington. The family of the west's. with the profession of the law, and a marriage with one of the coheirs of Beknap the family of Shelley was greatly enriched: Offington is not far off well known by his ancient possessors the west's Barons the la Ware. This of the west's is a noble and ancient Family, whose state being bettered by marriage with the heirs of * De Cantelup●. Cantlow of Hemston and Fitz-Reginald Fitz Herbert, was adorned also with the title of Baron, Baron's de lafoy Ware. by the heir general of the Lord de la Ware. Hard by, there is a fort compassed about with a bank rudely cast up, wherewith the Inhabitants are persuaded that Caesar entrenched and fortified his camp: But Cisiburie the name of the place, doth plainly show and testify, that it was the work of Cissa: who being of the Saxons line the second King of this petty kingdom, Cisburie. after his father Aella, accompanied with his brother Cimen, and no small power of the Saxons, at this shore arrived and landed at Cimonshore, a place so called of the said Cimen, which now hath lost the name: Cimenshore. but that it was near unto Wittering, the charter of the donation which King Cedwalla made unto the Church of Selsey, most evidently proveth. Another fort likewise two miles from Cisiburie is to be seen, which they use to call Chenkburie. Broodwater. Lord Camois. Camois. As you go forward, standeth near unto the sea, Broodwater, the Barony of the Lords of Camois, who from the time of King Edward the First, flourished unto the days of King Henry the sixth, what time the inheritance came by heirs general unto the Lewknors & Radmilds. Out of this family (a thing neither in that age, nor in ours ever heard of (or exampled before) Sir john Camois the son of the Lord Raulph Camois, of his own freewill (the very words these be in effect, A wife given and granted to another. exemplified out of the Parliament Records) gave and demised his own wife Margaret, daughter and heir of john de Gaidesden unto Sir William Panell Knight, and unto the same William, gave granted, released and quit claimed all the goods and chattels, which she hath, or otherwise hereafter might have: Parlam. 30. Edw. primi. and also whatsoever was in his hands of the foresaid Margaret's goods, and chattels with their appurtenances: so that neither he himself, nor any man else in his name, might make claim, or challenge any interest, nor ought for ever, in the foresaid Margaret from hence forth, or in the goods and chattels of the said Margaret: Which is as much, as in one word they said in old time, The form of a Bill of a kind of Divorcement, called Kepudiu●. Vt omnia sua secum haberet, That she should have away with her all that was hers. By which grant, when she demanded her dowry in the Manor of Torpull which had been the possession of Sir john Camois her first husband, there grew a memorable suit and controversy in Law: but wherein she was overthrown and sentence pronounced. That she ought to have no dowry from thence: upon a Statute made against women absenting themselves from their husbands, etc. These matters, I assure you, it goes against my stomach to relate, but yet I see, it was not for nought that Pope Gregory long since wrote unto Lanfranck Archbishop of Canterbury, How he heard say, there were some among the Scots that not only forsook, but also sold their wives, whereas in England they so gave and demised them. Somewhat lower upon the shore appeareth Shoreham, Shoreham. in times past 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which by little and little fell to be but a village, at this day called Old Shoreham, and gave increase to another town of the same name, whereof the greater part also being drowned and made even with the sea is no more to be seen: and the commodiousness of the haven by reason of banks and bars of sand cast up at the river's mouth quite gone: whereas, in foregoing times it was wont to carry ships with full sail as far as to Brember, which is a good way from the sea. This Brember was a castle sometime of the Breoses: For, King William the first gave it unto William de Breose, from whom those Breoses are descended, who were Lords of Gower and Brechnok: and from them also, both in this County and in Leicestershire, are come the Families of the Shirleys, Knights. But now in stead of a Castle, there is nothing but an heap of rubble and ruins. A little from this Castle lieth Stening, a great market, and at certain set days much frequented, which in Aelfrids' will, unless I be deceived, is called Steningham, in latter times it had a Cell of Black-Monkes wherein was enshrined S. Cudman an obscure Saint, and visited by pilgrims with oblations. That ancient place also, called PORTUS ADURNI, as it seemeth is scarce three miles from this mouth of the river: where, when the Saxons first troubled our sea with their piracies, the Band called Exploratorum under the Roman Emperors kept their Station; but now it should seem to be choked, and stopped up with huge heaps of beach gathered together. For, that this was Ederington a pretty village, which the said Aelfred granted unto his younger son, Ederington. both the name remaining in part, and also certain cottages adjoining now called Portslade, that is, The way to the Haven, do after a sort persuade: to say nothing, how easily they might land here, the shore being so open and plain. And for the same cause, our men in the reign of King Henry the Eighth, did here especially wait for the Frenchmens galleys all the while they hovered on our coasts and upon the sudden set one or two cottages on fire at Brighthelmsted, which our ancestors the Saxons termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the very next road or harbour thereunto. Some few miles from hence, there dischargeth itself into the sea a certain river, that hath no name, arising out of S. leonard's forest near unto Slaugham, Slaugham. the habitation of the Coverts, who in King Henry the third his days flourished in this quarter, with the degree of Knighthood; thence by Cackfield to Linfeld, where in former ages was a small Nunnery; and so by Malling sometime a Manor appurtaining to the Archbishops of Canterbury, Lewes. to Lewis, which peradventure hath his name of pastures called by the English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. This for frequency of people and greatness is reputed one of the chiefest towns of the County: Seated it is upon a rising almost on every side: That it hath been walled there are no apparent tokens. Southward it hath under it, as it were, a great suburb called Southover, another Westward, and beyond the river a third Eastward called Cliff because it is under a chalky cliff. In the time of the English Saxon government, when King Athelstan made a Law that money should not be coined but in good towns, he appointed two minters, or coiners for this place. In the reign of King Edward the Confessor it paid six pounds and four shillings * For custom or rent and roll. de Gablo et Theloneo. The King had there one hundred twenty seven Burgars. Their custom and manner was this, If the King minded to send his soldiers to sea, without them: of all them, whose lands soever they were was collected twenty shillings, and all those had they that in their ships kept armour. Who selleth an horse within the Burgh giveth to the Provost one penny, and the buyer, another. For an ox or cow one half penny, doomsday book. in what place so ever he buyeth within the Rape. He that sheddeth blood maketh amends for seven shillings. He that committeth adultery or a rape, for eight shillings and four pence, * Or redeemeth the offence. and the woman as much. The King hath the Adulterer, The Archbishop, the woman: when the mint or money is made new: every minter giveth twenty shillings. Of all these payments two third parts went to the King, and one third part to the Earl. William de Warren the first Earl of Surrie built here a large Castle on the highest ground for most part with flint and chalk. In the bottom of the town called Southover he founded to the honour and memory of Saint Pancras a Priory, and stored it with Cluniach Monks, * Cluniaco. In regard of the holiness, religion, and charity which he found in the Monastery of Clugni in Burgundy (for these be the words taken out of the very original instrument of the foundation) Whiles going in pilgrimage together with his wife for religion, he turned in, and lodged there. But this is now turned into a dwelling house of the Earl of Dorset. Howbeit there remain still in the town six Churches; amongst which not far from the Castle there standeth one little one all desolate, and beset with briers and brambles: in the walls whereof are engraven in arched work certain rude verses in an old and overworn character: which imply thus much, that one Magnus descended from the blood royal of the Danes, The monument of Magnus a Dane. who embraced a solitary life, was there buried: But behold the verses themselves, imperfect though they be, and gaping as I may so say, with the very yawning joints of the stones. Which peradventure should be thus read. Clauditur hic miles, Danorum regia proles, Magnus nomen ei, magnae nota progeniei, Deponens Magnum, prudentior induit agnum: Praepete pro vita, fit paruulus Anachorita. A noble Knight, Sir Magnus hight, a name of great offspring, Is shut up here, Though borne he were in line of Danish King: He wiser man, Puts Agnus on, and lays down Magnus quite: For swift life this, Become he is a little Anchorite. About 346. years since this place became famous for the mortal and bloody battle between K. Henry the third, and the Barons: in which, the prosperous beginning of the fight on the king's side, was the overthrow of the king's forces. For, whiles prince Edward the king's son, 1263. breaking by force through certain of the Baron's troops, The battle of Lewes. carelessly pursued the enemies over far, as making sure account of the victory: the Barons having reinforced themselves, giving a fresh charge, so discomfited, and put to flight the King's army, that they constrained the King to accept unequal conditions of peace, and to deliver his son Prince Edward with others into their hands. From Lewis the river, 232. as it descendeth, so swelleth, that the bottom cannot contain it, and therefore maketh a large mere, and is fed more full with a brooket falling from Laughton, a seat of pelham's, a family of especial respect, by Gline that is in the British tongue, the vale, the habitation of Morleyes', whose antiquity the name doth testify. And afterward, albeit it gathereth itself into a channel, yet often times it overfloweth the low lands about it to no small detriment. Not far from the said mere, Furl showeth itself a principal mansion of the Gauges, who advanced their estate by the marriage of one of the heirs of Saint Clare, Prince's favour, and Court Offices. The shore next openeth itself at Cuckmere, which yet affordeth no commodious haven, Others call it, The three Charles'. though it be fed with a fresh, which insulateth Michelham, where Gilbert de Aquila, founded a Priory for black Canons. And then at East-bourn the shore ariseth into so high a Promontory, called of the beach Beachy-points, and Beaucliffe (for the fair show being interchangeably compounded with row, of chalk and flint) that it is esteemed the highest cliff of all the South coast of England. As hitherto from Arundel, and beyond, the country along the coast: for a great breadth, mounteth up into high hills, Downes. called the Downs, which for rich fertility giveth place to few valleys, and plains: so now it falleth into such a low level and marsh, that the people think it hath been over-flowed by the sea. They call it Pevensey Marsh, of Pevensey the next town adjoining, Pevensey. which lieth in the plain somewhat within the land upon a small river, which often times overlaieth the lands adjacent. In the old English Saxon Language, it was walled, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the Norman speech Pevensell, now commonly, Pemsey: It hath had a mean haven, and a fair large castle, in the ruinous walls whereof, remain great bricks, such as the Britan's used, which is some argument of the antiquity thereof. It belonged in the conquerors time to Robert Earl of Moriton, Florentius wigorniensis, pag. 452. half brother by the mother's side to the Conqueror, and then had fifty and six Burgesses. After the attainder of his Son William Earl of Moriton, it came to King Henry the First, by Escheat. In the composition between Stephen, and King Henry the second both town, Composition between King Stephen, and Henry of Anjoy. Honour de Aquila. Robert de Monte. and castle with whatsoever Richard the Aquila, had of the Honour of Pevensey, which after his name, was called Honour de Aquila, and Baronia de Aquila, or of the Eagle, was assigned to William Son to K. Stephen. But he surrendered it with Norwich into King Henry the Seconds hand, in the year 1158, when he restored to him all such Lands as Stephen was seized of before he usurped the crown of England. After some years' King Henry the third, over-favouring foreigners granted the Honour de Aquila (which had fallen to the crown by Escheat, for that Gilbert de Aquila had passed into Normandy, against the King's good will to Peter Earl of Savoy the Queen's uncle. But he fearing the envy of the English against foreigners relinquished it to the King, and so at length it came to the Duchy of Lancaster. Herst Monceaux. Herst what it is. Inward from Pevensey is seated Herst in a Park among the woods, which name also it hath of the woody situation: For, the ancient Englishmen called a wood 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. This was immediately after the Normans entry into England the seat of certain noble gentlemen, who of that place were a good while named de Herst, until William the son of Walleran de Herst, took unto him the name Monceaux, of the place haply where he was borne, an usual thing in that age: whereupon that name also was adnexed unto this place, which ever since was of the Lord, termed Herst Monceaux. From whose Posterity by heir general it descended haereditarily to the Fienes. Regist, of the Monastery of Roberts-bridge. The family of the Fienes. Patent. 37. Henry 6. An. 14. Ed. 4. These Fienes, called likewise Fenis, and Fienles, derive their pedigree from Ingelram de Fienes, who had wedded the heir of Pharumuse of Boulogne, of the house of the Earls of Boulogne in France. About the time of King Edward the Second, Sir john Fienes married the heir of Monceaux, his son William married one of the heirs of the Lord Say, his son likewise the heir of Batisford, whose son Sir Roger Fienes married the daughter of Holland, and in the first year of King Henry the sixth built of brick the large, fair, uniform, & convenient house here Castle-like within a deep moat. The said King Henry the sixth, Accepted, declared and reputed Sir Richard Fienis son of the said Sir Roger, to be Baron of Dacre, And the same tittle, King Edward the fourth chosen arbitrator and Umpire between him & Sir Humphrey Dacre, awarded & confirmed to the said S. Richard Fienis, and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten; for that he had married joan the cousin and next heir of Thomas Baron Dacre; and to have praecedence before the L. Dacre of Gilesland heir male of the family. Since which time the heirs lineally descending from him being enriched by one of the heirs of the Lord Fitz-Hugh, have enjoyed the honour of Baron Dacre, until that very lately George Fienis Lord Dacre son to the unfortunate Thomas Lord Dacre died without issue, whose only sister and heir Margaret, Samson Lennard Esquire a man both virtuous and courteous took to wife, and by her hath fair issue. In whose behalf it was published, declared, and adjudged by the Lords Commissioners for Martial causes, in the second year of the reign of King james, with his privity, and assent Royal, That the said Margaret ought to bear, have, and enjoy the name, state, degree, title, style, honour, place, and precedency of the Barony of Dacre; to have and to hold to her, and the issue of her body in as full and ample manner, as any of her ancestors enjoied the same. And that her children may, and shall have, take, and enjoy the place, and precedence respectively, as the children of her ancestors Barons Dacre have formerly had, and enjoyed. Now to return to the Sea-coast, about three miles from Pevensey is Beckes-hill a place much frequented by Saint Richard Bishop of Chichester, and where he died. Under this is Bulverhith in an open shore, with a rooflesse Church, not so named of a bulls hide which cut into thongs by William the Conqueror, reached to Battle (as they fable) for it had that name before his coming. But here he arrived with his whole fleet, landed his army, and having cast a rampire before his camp, set fire on all his ships, that their only hope might be in manhood, and their safety in victory. See Normans before. And so after two days marched to Hastings then to an hill near Nenfeld now called Standard hill, because (as they say) he there pitched his Standard, and from thence two miles farther where in a plain the Kingdom of England was put upon the hazard and chance of a battle; and the English-Saxon Empire came to a full period and final end. For there, King Harold in the year of our Lord 1066. the day before the Ides of October, albeit his forces were much weakened in a former fight with the Danes, and his soldiers wearied beside with a long journey from beyond York, encountered him in a place named Epiton. When the Normans had sounded the Battle, first the skirmish continued for a pretty while with shot of arrows from both sides; then, setting foot to foot, as if they fought man to man, they maintained fight a longer time: But when the English men had most valiantly received their first violent on set, the Norman horsemen with full career put forward and gave an hot charge. But seeing they also could not break the battle, they retired for the nonce, and yet kept their ranks in good order. The Englishmen supposing them to fly, presently disranged themselves, and in disray pressed hard upon the enemies: but they, all on a sudden bringing back their companies charged them a fresh on every side with all their joint forces thick united together and so enclosing them round about, drove them back with great slaughter: who not withstanding having gotten the higher ground withstood the Normans a long time, until Harold himself was shot through with an arrow and fell down dead: for then straightways they turned their backs and betook themselves every man to flight. The Duke lofty, and haughty with this victory, and yet not unmindful of God the giver thereof, errected in memorial of this battle an Abbey to the glory of God, and S. Martin, which he called de Bello, or Battle Abbey, in that very place where Harold after many a wound and stab among the thickest of his enemies gave up the ghost, that the same might be as it were an everlasting monument of the Normans victory: and therein he offered his sword, and royal robe which he ware, the day of his Coronation. These the Monks kept until their suppression, as also a table of the Normans gentry which entered with the Conqueror; but so corruptly in later times, that they inserted therein the names of such as were their benefactors, and whosoever the favour of fortune or virtue had advanced to any eminency in the subsequent ages. About this Abbey there grew afterwards a town of the same name: or, (that I may use the words of the private History of this Abbey) As the Abbey increased, there were built about the compass of the same one hundred and fifteen houses of which the town of Battle was made. Wherein there is a place called by a French word Sangue lac, of the blood there shed: which by nature of the ground seemeth after rain to wax red. Whence, William Newborough, wrote although untruly, thus: The place, in which there was a very great slaughter of the English men fight for their country, if peradventure it be wet with any small shower, sweateth forth very fresh blood indeed: as if the very evidence thereof did plainly declare that the voice of so much Christian blood there shed doth still cry from the earth to the Lord. But to the said Abbey King William the Conqueror granted many and great privileges. And among other, to use the very words of the Charter. If any thief, murderer, or fellow for fear of death fly and come to this Church, let him have no harm but be dismissed and sent away free from all punishment. Be it lawful also for the Abbot of the same Church to deliver from the gallows any thief or robber wheresoever, if he chance to come by where such execution is in hand. Henry the First likewise, A market kept on the Sunday. (that I may rehearse the words of his Charter) instituted a market to be there kept on the Lord's day, free from all toll and tallage. But Sir Anthony Browne Lord Viscount Mount-acute, who not long since in that place built a goodly house, obtained of late by authority of Parliament, that this market should be held upon another day. And as for the privileges of Sanctuary, in those more heinous and grievous crimes, they are here and every way else by Parliamentary authority quite abolished. For, they perceived well, that the fear of punishment being once removed; stout boldness, and a will to commit wickedness grew still to greater head: and that hope of impunity was the greatest motive of ill-doing. Neither here or in that quarter ne'er adjoining, Ashburnham. saw I any thing worth relation but only Ashburnham, that gave the name to a family of as great antiquity as any one in all this tract. Hastings, Hastings. which I spoke of, called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. is situate somewhat higher upon the same shore. Some there be that ridiculously derive this name from out of our tongue, from haste or quickness, forsooth; because as Matthew Paris, writeth William Conqueror at Hasting did set up hastily a fortress of timber. But it may seem to have taken this new name of Hastings a Danish Pirate, who wheresoever he landed, with intent to spoil and raise booties, built oftentimes fortresses, as we read in Asserius Menevensis, of Boemflote castle built by him in Essex, as also of others at Appledor and Middleton in Kent. The tradition is that the old town of Hastings is swallowed up of the sea. That which standeth now as I observed is couched between a high cliff seaward and as high an hill land-ward, having two streets extended in length from North to South, * and in each of them a parish Church. The haven such as it is being fed but with a poor small rill, is at the South end of the Town, and hath had a great Castle upon the hill which over commanded it, now there are only ruins thereof, and on the said hill Light houses to direct sailors in the night time. Here in the reign of King Althelstan was a mint-house. Afterward it was accounted the first of the Cinque Ports, which with the members belonging to it, Cinqueports. namely Seford, Pevensey, Hodeney, Bulverhith, Winchelsey, Rhy, etc. was bound to find one and twenty ships for war at sea. In what manner and form (if you desire to know) both this Port and the rest also were bound to serve the King in his wars at sea, for the immunities that they enjoy in most ample manner; have here in those very same words whereby this was in times past recorded in the King's Exchequer. Hastings with his members ought to find at the King's summons one and twenty ships: 21. Edw. 1. And in every ship there must be one and twenty tall and able men, well armed and appointed for the King's service. Yet so, as that summons be made thereof on the King's behalf forty days before. And when the foresaid ships and men therein, are come to the place whereunto they were summoned, they shall abide there in the King's service for fifteen days at their own proper costs and charges. And if the King shall have farther need of their service, after the fifteen days above said, or will have them to stay there any longer, those ships with the men therein being, whiles they remain there shall be in the King's service, at the king's costs and charges, so long as it shall please the king, to wit, The Master of every ship shall receive six pence by the day, the Constable six pence a day, and every one of the rest three pence by the day. Thus Hastings flourished long, 3946. inhabited with a warlike people and skilful sailors, well stored with barks and craies and gained much by fishing, which is plentiful along the shore. But after that the peer made of timber was at length violently carried away by extreme rage of the sea, it hath decayed, and the fishing less used, by the reason of the dangerous landing, for they are enforced to work their vessels to land by a Capstall or Craine. In which respect for the bettering of the town, Queen Elizabeth granted a contribution toward the making of a new harbour, 1578. which was begun, but the contribution was quickly converted into private purses, and the public good neglected. Nevertheless both Court, the Country, and City of London is served with much fish from thence. The whole Rape of Hastings and the Honour was holden by the Earls of Ewe, (commonly called de Augi) in Normandy, Ancenses. Earls of Ewe. descended from the base son of Richard the First Duke of Normandy; until the days of Alice the heir of the house, whom in the reign of Henry the Third, Ralph de Issodun in France took to wife, whose posterity lost a fair patrimony in England, for that, as our Lawyers spoke in those days, * they were Ad fidem Regis Franciae, that is, under the king of France his allegiance. When King Henry the third had seized their lands into his hands, he granted the Rape of Hastings first to Peter Earl of Savoy, then to Prince Edward his son, and after upon his surrender to john son to the Duke of little Britain upon certain exchanges of lands pertaining to the Honour of Richmond which Peter Earl of Savoy had made over for the use of the Prince. Long time after when the Duke of Britain had lost their lands in England for adhering to the French King, King Henry the Fourth gave the Rape of Hastings with the Manor of Crowherst, Burgwash, etc. to Sir john Pelham the elder, Esc. 7. H. 6. upon whose loyalty, wisdom, and valour he much relied. Before we depart from Hastings, as it shall not be offensive I hope, to remember that in the first days of the Normans, there were in this shire great gentlemen surnamed Hastings & de Hastings, Enquisition 5. Edw. 1. of whom Matthew de Hastings held the Manor of Grenocle in this service, that he should find at this haven an oa●e, when the kings would cross over the seas, so now the honourable house of the Hastings that are Earls of Huntingdon enjoy this title of Hastings. For King Edward the Fourth bestowed this title with certain Royalties (as they term them) upon Sir William Hastings his Chamberlain. William Lord Hastings. Who is by Cominaus commended, for that having received an yearly pension of Lewis the eleaventh the French King he could not for any thing be brought to give unto the French King an acquittance of his own hand writing. I will in no case (saith he) that my hand-writing, be seen amongst the accounts of the French Kings Treasure. But this man by diving so deep into the friendship of Kings overwhelmed and drowned himself quite. For whiles he spoke his mind, and reasoned over frankly at a private consultation, with the Usurper King Richard the Third, all of a sudden, and unlooked for, had he was away, and without pleading for himself, presently made shorter by the head upon the next block. Neither is this to be passed over in silence that King Henry the Sixth adorned Sir Thomas Hoo, a worthy knight, whom he also chose into the order of the Garter, 26. Henry 6. Baron of Hoo and Hastings. with the title of Baron, Hoo, and Hastings: whose daughters and heirs were married to Sir Gefferie Bollen, (from whence by the mother's side Queen ELIZABETH was descended) to Roger Coplie, to john Carew, john Devenish. From thence the shore passing under Farley hill far seen both by sea, and land whereon standeth a solitary Church full bleakly, and a beacon is hollowed with an in-winding Bay, Winchelsey. and upon it standeth Winchelsey which was built in the time of King Edward the First, when a more ancient town of the same name, in the Saxons tongue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, was quite swallowed up with the rough and raging Ocean in the year of our Lord 1250. (what time the face of the earth both here and also in the coast of Kent near bordering, became much changed). The situation thereof I will set before your eyes in the very words of Th. Walsingham. Situate it is upon a high hill, very steep on that side, which either looketh toward the sea, or overlooketh the road where ships lie at anchor. Whence it is that the way leading from that part to the haven goeth not straight forward, lest it should by an over sudden and down right descent, force those that go down to fall headlong, or them that go up to creep rather with their hands then to walk: but lying sideways it windeth with curving turns in and out, Camber-Castle. to one side and the other. At first, it was enclosed with a rampire, afterwards with strong walls: and scarce began it to flourish, when it was sacked by the French men and Spaniards, and by reason that the sea shrunk back from it, began suddenly (as it were) to fade and lose the beauty: * And now only beareth the countenance of a fair town, and hath under it in the level which the sea relinquished a Castle fortified by Henry the Eighth, and large marshes defended from sea-rages with works very chargeably: By the decay hereof and the benefit of the sea together. Rhie opposite unto it and as highly seated began to flourish, Rhie. or rather to reflourish, For that in old time it flourished: and that William of Ipres Earl of Kent fortified it, Ipres Tower now the prison, and the immunities or privileges that it had in common with the Cinque-ports may sufficiently show. But by occasion of the Vicinity of Winchelsey or the shrinking back of the sea, it lay for a good while in former ages unknown: But when Winchelsey decayed, and King Edward the Third walled it where the cliffs defended it not, it began to breath again and revive: and in our father's days, the sea to make amends abundantly for the harms it had done raised with an unusual tempest, so rushed in, and insinuated itself in form of a bay that it made a very commodious haven, which another tempest also in our days did not a little help. Since which time it greatly reflourished with inhabitants, buildings, fishing and navigation: and at this day there is an usual passage from hence into Normandy, * yet now it beginneth to complain that the sea abandoneth it (such is the variable, and interchangeable course of that element) and in part imputeth it, that the river Rother is not contained in his channel, and so looseth his force to carry away the sands and beach which the sea doth inbeate into the haven: Notwithstanding it hath many fishing vessels and serveth London, and the Court with variety of sea-fish. Now whether it have the name of Rive a Norman word which signifieth a strand or Bank, I cannot easily say. But seeing that in Records it is very often called in Latin Ripa, and they who bring fish from hence be termed Ripiers, I incline rather this way, and would incline more, if the Frenchmen used this word for a strand or shore, as Plinius doth Ripa. These two towns, (neither may it seem impertinent to note it) belonged to the Abbey of Fescampe in Normandy. But when King Henry the Third perceived that religious men intermingled secretly in matters of State, he gave them in exchange for these two, Chiltenham and Sclover two Manors in Gloucestershire, and other lands; adding for the reason, that the Abbot and Monks might not lawfully fight with temporal arms against the enemies of the Crown. The River Rother. Baron's Burghersh. Into this haven the River Rother, or Rither sheddeth itself, which issuing forth at Ritheram fields (for so the Englishmen in ancient times called that town, which we do Rotherfield) passeth by Burgwash, in old time Burghersh, which had Lords so surnamed thereof: among whom was that Sir Bartholomew Burgwash, a mighty man in his time, who being approved in most weighty Ambassages, and wars in Aquitaine, for his wisdom, and valour deserved, to be created a Baron of the Realm, to be admitted into the Order of the Garter, at the very first institution even among the Founders thereof, and to be made Constable of Dover Castle, and Warden of the Cinque-ports. And his son carrying the same fore-name not degenerating from his father, lived in high honour and estimation; but he left behind him one daughter, and no more issue, married into the house of Le Despencer; of which there remaineth still a goodly offspring of Noble personages. Baron Echingham. Echingham next adjoining, had also a Baron, named William de Echingham, in the time of King Edward the Second, whose ancestors were the hereditary Seneschals of this Rape. And their inheritance in the end, by the heir's females name to the Barons of Windsor, and to the Tirwhits. Then the Rother dividing his water into three channels, passeth under Robert's bridge, Robert's Bridge, or Rotherbridge Bodiam. where Alured de S. Martin, in King Henry the seconds days founded a Monastery: and so running beside Bodiam, a Castle belonging to the ancient Family of the Lewknors, built by the Dalegrigs, here falleth (as I said) into the Ocean. Now I have passed along the Sea coast of Sussex. And as for the midland part of the shire, I have nothing more to relate thereof, unless I should recount the woods, and forests, lying out fair in length and breadth, which are a remnant of the vast wood, Anderida. Among which, to begin at the West, those of greatest note are these, The forest of Arundill, Saint leonard's forest, Word forest, and not far off East Gren-sted anciently a parcel of the Barony of Eagle, and made a market by King Henry the seventh. Ashdowne forest, under which standeth Buckhurst the habitation of the ancient house of the Sackviles, out of which race Queen Elizabeth in our days advanced Thomas Sackvile her ally by the Bollens, a wise Gentleman, to be Baron of Buckhurst, Baron Buckhurst. took him into her Privy Council, admitted him into the most honourable Order of the Garter, and made him Lord Treasurer of England: whom also of late, K. james created Earl of Dorset. Waterdown forest, where I saw Eridge, a lodge of the Lord Abergevenny, and by it craggy rocks rising up so thick, as though sporting nature had there purposed a sea. Hereby in the very confines of Kent, is Groomebridge an habitation of the waller's, whose house there was built by Charles Duke of Orleans, father to K. Lewis the 12. of France, when he being taken prisoner in the battle at Agincourt, by Richard Waller of this place, was here a long time detained prisoner. Earls of Sussex. As touching the Earls; Sussex had five by the line of Albiney, who were likewise called Earls of Arundel; but had the third penny of Sussex, as Earls than had. The first of them was William D' Albiney, the son of William, Butler to King Henry the first, See Earls of Arundel. and Lord of Buckenham in Norfolk: who gave for his arms Gules, a Lion rampant, Or: and was called one while Earl of Arundel, and another while Earl of Chichester, for that in those places he kept his chief residence. This man, of Adeliz the daughter of Godfrey * With the beard. Barbatus Duke of Lorraine, and of Brabant, Queen Dowager, or Widow of K. Henry the First, begat William the second Earl of Sussex, and of Arundel, father to William the third Earl: unto whom Mabile the sister, and one of the heirs of the last Raulph Earl of Chester, bare William the fourth Earl, & Hugh the fifth, who both died without issue, and also four daughters married unto Sir Robert Yateshall, Sir john Fitz-Alan, Sir Roger de Somery, and Sir Robert de Mount-hault. After this, the title of Arundel budded forth again, as I said before, in the Fitz-Alans: but that of Sussex lay hidden, and lost unto this our age: which hath seen five Ratcliffes, descended of the most Noble house of the Fitz-walters, (that derived their pedigree from the Clares) bearing that honour, to wit, Robert created Earl of Sussex by King Henry the Eight, who wedded Elizabeth daughter of Henry Stafford Earl of Buckingham, 21. Henry 8. of whom he begat Henry the second Earl: unto whom Elizabeth the daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, brought forth Thomas: who being Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth, died without issue, a most worthy and honourable personage, in whose mind were seated jointly both politic wisdom, and martial prowess, as England and Ireland acknowledged. Him succeeded Sir Henry his brother, and after him Robert his only son, now in his flower. This Province containeth parishes. 312. THus far of Sussex, which together with Suthrey, was the habitation of the Regni, The Kingdom of the South-Saxons. in the time of the Britain's, and afterwards the kingdom of the South-Saxons, called in the Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which in the two and thirty year after the Saxons coming, was begun by Ella, who, as Beda writeth, First among the Kings of the English Nation ruled all their Southern Provinces, which are severed by the River Humber, and the limits adjoining thereto. The first Christian King was Edilwalch, baptised in the presence of Wulpher King of Mercia, his Godfather, and he in sign of adoption gave unto him two Provinces, namely, the Isle of Wight, and the Province of the Meanvari: But in the 306. year after the beginning of this Kingdom, when Aldinius the last King was slain by Ina King of Westsaxons, it came wholly under the Dominion of the Westsaxons. CANTIUM. NOw am I come to Kent, which Country although master WILLIAM LAMBARD, a man right well endued with excellent learning, and as godly virtues, hath so lively depainted out in a full volume, that his painful felicity in that kind bath left little, or nothing for others, yet according to the project of this work which I have taken in hand, I will run it over also: and lest any man should think, that as the Comical Poet saith, I deal by way of close pilfering I willingly acknowledge him, (and deserve he doth no less) to have been my foundation, and fountain both of all (well-near) that I shall say. Time as yet hath not bereft this Region of the ancient name, Carion, corruptly read in Diodorus Siculus. but as it was called CANTIUM by Cesar, Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, Ptolomee, and others, so that Saxons named it, as Ninnius witnesseth, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The country of the people inhabiting Cantium, and we Kent. This name master Lambard deriveth from Cain, which among the Britain's, soundeth as much as a green Bough, because in old time it was shadowed with woods. But it may be lawful for me to put in my conjecture; whereas Britain here runneth out with a mighty nook, or corner into the East, and I have observed, that such a kind of nook in Scotland, is called, Cantir; Again, that the Inhabitants of another Angle in that part of the Island, are by Ptolomee termed Cantae, as also that the Cangani in Wales, were possessed of another corner, (to say nothing of the Cantabri, Hereof cometh Canton in Heraldry, for a corner; and the Helvetians countries, were b● the French called Canton. who likewise dwelled in an angle among the Celtiberians, who as they came from one original, so likewise they were of the same language with our Britan's) I would guess, that the name was given by reason of the form and situation, and so much the rather, both for that our Frenchmen have used Canton for a Corner, and that (as it is probable) from the old Language of the Gauls: for it comes not from the German or Latin tongue, which together with that old tongue, be the mothers of this latter French tongue; and also because this Country by all the old Geographers is called Angulus. For it looketh full upon France with a huge Angle, compassed with the aestuary of Tamis, and with the Ocean sea, saving, that Westward it hath Surrey, and southward Sussex to confine upon it. KENT. THe Region which we call Kent, extendeth itself in length, from West to East fifty miles, and from South to North 26. For situation, it is not uniform as being more plain toward the West, and full of shady woods; but higher Eastward, by reason of hills, mounting up with easy ascents. The Inhabitants distinguish it as it lieth South-east-ward from the Tamis, into three plots or portions, they call them steps or degrees; the upper whereof, lying upon Tamis, they say is healthful, but not so wealthy: the middle they account both healthful, Rumney Marsh. and plentiful: the lower they hold to be wealthy, but not healthy: as which for a great part thereof is very moist, yet it bringeth forth rank grass in great plenty. Howbeit every where almost it is full of meadows, pastures, and cornefields: abounding wonderfully in appletrees, and cherrie-trees also, which being brought out of Pontus into Italy, in the 608. year after the foundation of Rome, P●a●. 15. ca 25. Cherries were brought over into Britain about the year of our Lord 48. 236. and in the 120. year after translated from thence into Britain, prosper here exceeding well, and take up many plots of land: the trees being planted after a direct manner one against another by square, most pleasant to behold. It hath villages and towns standing exceeding thick, and well peopled, safe roads, and sure harbours for ships, with some veins of iron and marvel: but the air is somewhat thick, and somewhere foggy, by reason of vapours rising out of the waters. At a word, the revenues of the Inhabitants are greater both by the fertility of the soil, and also by the neighbourhood of a great city, of a great river, and the main sea. The same commendation of civility and courtesy which Cesar in old time gave the Inhabitants, is yet of right due unto them: that I may not speak of their warlike prowess, whereas a certain Monk hath written, Prowess of Kentishmen. How the Kentishmen so far excelled, that when our armies are ready to join battle, they of all Englishmen, are worthily placed in the Front, as being reputed the most valiant and resolute soldiers. Which, john of Salisbury, verifieth also in his Polycraticon. For good desert (saith he) of that notable valour, which Kent showed so pvissantly, and patiently against the Danes, it retaineth still unto these days in all battles the honour of the first and forward, yea, and of the first conflict with the enemy. In praise of whom William of Malmesbury hath likewise written thus, The country people and towne-dwellers of Kent, above all other Englishmen retain still the resent of their ancient worthiness. And as they are more forward, and readier to give honour, and etertainment to others, so they be more slow to take revenge upon others. julius' Cesar. Cesar (to speak briefly by way of Preface, before I come to describe the particular places) when he first attempted the conquest of our Island; arrived at this country; but being by the Kentish Britan's, kept from landing, obtained the shore not without a fierce encounter. When he made afterward his second voyage hither, here likewise he landed his army: and the Britaines with their horsemen and wagons encountered them courageously, but being soon by the Romans repulsed, they withdrew themselves into the woods. After this they skirmished sharply with the Roman Cavalry in their march, yet so, as the Romans had every way the upper hand. Also, within a while after, they charged the Romans again, and most resolutely broke through the midst of them, and having slain Laberius Durus, Martial of the field retired safe: and the morrow after set upon the Foragers, and victuallers of the camp, etc. which I have briefly related before out of Caesar's own Commentaries. At which time, Cyngetorix, Carvilius, See Romans in Britain. Page 34. Taximagulus, and Segonax were great Commanders of Kent (whom he, because he would be thought to have vanquished Kings, termeth Kings) whereas indeed they were but Lords of the country, or Noble men of the better mark. CANTIUM Quod nunc KENT But when the Romans were departed quite out of Britain, Vortigern, who bore sovereign rule in the greatest part of Britain, placed over Kent a Guorong, that is to say, a Vice Roy, or Freed man under him, and unwitting to him, he forthwith freely granted this region, as Ninnius and William of Malmesbury write, unto Hengist the Saxon, for his daughter Rowens sake: upon whom he was exceedingly enamoured. Hence it came, that the first Saxon Kingdom erected in Britain in the year of our Lord 456. was called by them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Kingdom of the Kentishmen, which after three hundred and twenty years, when Baldred their last King was subdued, fell to be under the Dominion of the West Saxons, to whom it continued subject until the Normans Conquest: For then, if we may believe Thomas Spot the Monk, (for none of the more ancient Writers have recorded it) the yeomanry of Kent at Swanes-comb (a village this is where (they say) Suene the Dane sometime pitched his camp) carrying before them in their hands every one a great green bough representing a far of a moving wood, yielded themselves unto William the Conqueror upon this condition that they might retain their ancient customs unviolated, and especially that which they call Gavelkind, that is, Give all kin, by which they are not so bound by Copyhold, customary tenors, or Tenant-right, as in other parts of England, but in manner every man is a freeholder, and hath some part of his own to live upon. For lands of this nature are equally divided among the male children, or if there be no sons, among the daughters. By virtue of this also, they are at full age and enter upon their inheritance when they come to be fifteen years old: and lawful it is for them to alienate and make it over to any one, either by gift or by sale, without the Lords consent. By this likewise, the son though their parents were condemned for theft, succeed them nevertheless in such kind of Lands, etc. which I leave to Lawyers. So that, it is truly though not purely written in Latin in an old book thus: The County of Kent avoucheth, that this County ought by right to be free from such kind of grievance: for it saith, that this County was never conquered, as the residue of England was, but by concluding of a peace subjected themselves to the dominion of the Conqueror, retaining to themselves all their liberties, immunities, and customs, which they had, and used before time. After this, William the Conqueror, that he might more firmly assure to himself Kent, which is the very key of England, placed a Constable over Dover Castle, and according to the ancient order of the Romans made him also Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. And these be they, Hastings, Dover, Hith, Rumney and Sandwich, unto which, Winchelsey, and Rye are joined as principal ports, and other small towns as Members. Which because they are bound to serve in the wars by sea, enjoy many great immunities: as who are free from payment of Subsidies, and from Wardship of their children as touching the body, neither are they sued in any court, but within their own towns; and of the inhabitants therein, such as they call Barons, at the Coronation of Kings and Queens support the Canopies over them, yea and have a table by themselves that day spread and furnished on the King's right hand, etc. And the Lord Warden himself, who is always one of the Nobility of most approved trust, hath within his jurisdiction the authority of a Chancellor and Admiral in very many cases, and enjoyeth other rights beside. But now return we to the places. The Northside of this Country, Tamis the sovereign of all Rivers in Britain runneth hard by, * as I have said before, which having held on his course past Surrey, forthwith being with a winding reach almost retired into himself, doth there admit into his channel into the first limit of this shire Ravensburne a small water, Ravensburn. An old great Campe. and of short course, which riseth in Keston heath hard under the pitching of an ancient camp, strange for the height of double rampiers, and depth of double ditches of all that I have seen: doubtless the work of many Labouring hands. Of what capacity it was I could not discover for that the greatest part thereof is now several, and overgrown with a thicket, but verily great it was, as may be gathered by that which is apparent. We may probably conjectture that it was a Roman Camp, but I might seem to rove; if I should think it that Camp which julius Caesar pitched, when the Britan's gave him the last battle with their whole forces, and then having bad success retired themselves, and gave him leave to march to the Tamis side. And yet certes Keston the name of the place seemeth to retain a parcel of Kesars' name for so the Britaines called him, and not Caesar, as we do. As for the other small entrenchment not far of by W. Wickham, it was cast in fresh memory when old Sir Christopher Heydon a man then of great command in these parts, trained the country people. This water having passed by Bromeley a Mansion house of the Bishops of Rochester, when it hath gathered strength, the depth of his ford giveth name to Depe-ford: Depe-ford. a most famous Ship-docke, where the King's ships are built, and such as be decayed, repaired: there also is a goodly Storehouse and a College (as it were) or incorporation ordained for the use of the navy. The place was sometime called West-Greenwich, and at the conquest of England fell to Cislebert Mamignot for his share, whose Grandchild Walkelin, defended Dover Castle against King Stephen, and left behind him one only daughter living, who when her brother was dead, Magnignot. by her marriage brought a rich inheritance called the Honour of Mamignot into the family of the Says. From hence the Tamis goeth to Green-wich, that is, the Green Creek, for the creek of a river in the old English tongue was called Wic, Green-wich. a place in times past famous for the Danish Fleet that lay there often at Rode, and for the Danes cruelty showed unto Ealpheg Archbishop of Canterbury, whom in the year of our Lord a thousand and twelve, they cruelly executed with most exquisite torments. Whose death together with the cause thereof Ditmarus Mersepurgius, who about the same time lived, hath thus in the eighth book of his Chronicles described. I understood (saith he) by the relation of Sewald, a pitiful deed, and therefore memorable: namely, That the perfidious crew of The same that Danes. Northman soldiers under Thurkil as yet their Captain, took that excellent prelate, Archbishop of the City of Canterbury named Ealph●g with the rest, and them after their wicked manner imprisoned and bound, yea and put him to endure famine and unspeakable pains. This good man moved with humane frailty promiseth unto them a sum of money, and for the obtaining thereof did set down a time between, that if in this space he could not by some acceptable ransom escape this momentany death, he might yet in the mean while purge himself with many a groan, to be offered as a lively sacrifice unto the Lord. But when all the time & space appointed were come & gone, this greedy gulf of Pirates called forth the servant of the Lord, & in threatening wise demands this tribute promised unto them to be speedily and out of hand paid Then he, as a meek Lamb, Here am I, quoth he, ready to undergo even for the love of Christ whatsoever ye presume now to do against me, that I may deserve to become an example of his servants. And nothing am I troubled at this day. And whereas I seem unto you a liar, it is not mine own will but great need and poverty that hath done it. This body of mine, which in this exile I have loved overmuch, I present as culpable unto you, and I know it is in your power to do with it, what ye intent: but my sinful soul that regardeth not you, I humbly commend to the Creator of all things. As he was thus speaking, the whole rabble of these profane wretches hemmed him round about and getteth together diverse and sundry weapons to kill him. Which when their leader Thurkill saw a far off, he came quickly running and crying, Do not so in any wise I beseech you: and here, with my whole heart I deliver unto you all my gold and silver and whatsoever I have here, or can by any means come by, save my ship only, that ye would not sin against the Lords anointed. But this unbridled anger of his mates, harder than iron and flint was nothing mollified with so gentle words and fair language of his, but became pacified by shedding his innocent blood, which presently they altogether confounded and bleanded with Ox-heads, stones as thick as hail, and billets hurled at him. And to the memory of this Saint Ealpheg is the Parish Church here consecrated. But now is the place of very great name, by reason of the King's house, which Humphrey Duke of Gloucester built and named Placence; which also King Henry the Seventh most sumptuously enlarged: who adjoined thereto a little house of observant Friars, and finished that tower famous in Spanish fables, which the said Duke of Gloucester begun, on an high hill, from whence there is a most fair, and pleasant prospect open to the river winding in and out, and almost redoubling itself, the green meadows and marshes underliing, the City of London, and the Country round about. Which being now enlarged and beautified by the L. Henry Howard Earl of Northampton, Lord Privy Seal, &c. cannot but acknowledge him a well deserving benefactor. But the greatest ornament by far that graced this Green-wich, was our late Queen Elizabeth, who here most happily borne to see the light by the resplendent brightness of her royal virtue enlightened all England. But as touching Green-wich have here these verses of Leland the Antiquarian Poet: Ecce ut jam niteat locus petitus Tanquam syderea domus cathedrae. Quae fastigia picta? quae fenestrae? Quae turres vel ad astra se efferentes? Quae porro viridaria, ac perennes Fontes? Flora sinum occupat venusta Fundens delicias nitentis horti. Rerum commodus aestimator ille, R●pae qui variis modis amoenae, Nomen contulit eleganter aptum. How glittereth now this place of great request, Like to the seat of heavenly welkin high? With gallant tops, with windows of the best. What towers that reach even to the starry sky: What Orchards green, what springs ay-running by. Fair Flora here that in this creek doth dwell, Bestows on it the flowers of garden gay; To judge no doubt of things he knew full well, Who gave this bank thus pleasant every way, So fit a name, as did the thing bewray. Nothing else have I here to note (but that, for I would not have the remembrance of well deserving benefactors to miscarry) William Lambard a godly good Gentleman built an Almeshouse here for the sustentation of poor persons which he named The College of Queen Elizabeth's poor people, and as the prying adversaries of our religion then observed, was the first Protestant that built an Hospital. At the back of this, Eltham. as ye turn out scarce three miles off, standeth Eltham, a retiring place likewise of the Kings, but unholsomly by reason of the moat. Anthony Becke Bishop of Durham, and Patriarch of jerusalem built this in a manner new, and gave unto Queen Eleanor wife to King Edward the First, after he had craftily conveyed unto himself the inheritance of the Vescyes, unto whom this place before belonged. The Book. of Durham. For that Bishop, whom the last Baron of Vescy had made his foefie for trust, of all his inheritance to the use of William Vescy his little base son, dealt not so faithfully, as he should with this orphan and ward of his, but despoiled him of Alnwick Castle, this, and other fair lands. The Breach. 1527. Leisnes. Beneath Greenwich, the Thames having broken down his banks, hath by his irruption surrounded and overwhelmed many acres of land. For the inning whereof diverse have as it were struggled with the waters now many years; and yet with great works, * and charges cannot overmaster the violence of the tides, which the Canons of Liesnes adjoining kept sound and sweet land in their times. This Abbey was founded 1179. by Lord Richard Lucy chief justice of England, and by him dedicated to God and the memory of Thomas of Canterbury, whom he so admired for his piety, while other condemned him for pervicacy against his Prince, as he became here a devoted Cannon to him. here in the marshes groweth plentifully the herb Cochlearia, called by our Country men Scurvy-grasse, which some Physicians would have to be the same which Pliny calleth Britannica, Scurvy-grasse. 1527. The herb Britannica. by which name I have already made mention thereof: but hear what Pliny saith. In Germany, when as Germanicus Caesar had removed his camp forward beyond Rhine, in the maritime tract there was one fountain and no more, of fresh water, whereof if a man drank, within two years his teeth would fall out of his head and the joints in his knees become loose and feeble. Those diseases the Physicians termed Stomacace and Sceletyrbe. For remedy hereof, there was found an herb called Brittannica, wholesome not only for the sinews and maladies of the mouth but also against the squinsy and stinging of serpents, etc. They of * Friesland. Frisia, * what way our camp lay, showed it unto our soldiers. And I marvel what should be the cause of that name, See afterward in the British Isles, concerning the Arrenat or Armoury of the Britain's. unless peradventure they that confine upon the Ocean, dedicated the name thereof to Britain, as lying so ne'er unto it. But that most learned Hadrian junius in his book named Nomenclator, bringeth another reason of the name whom you may have recourse unto if you please: For, this word Britannica hath here diverted me a side from my course. From thence the Thames being contained within his banks meeteth with the river Darent, which falling down out of Suthrey runneth with a soft stream not far from Sevenoke (so called as men say of seven exceeding great Okes now cut down) which commendeth Sir William Sevenok an Alderman of London, * who being a foundling and brought up here; Sevenoke. and therefore so named, built here in grateful remembrance an Hospital and a school. On the East side of it standeth Knoll so called for that it is seated upon a hill, which Thomas Bourchier Archbishop of Canterbury purchasing of Sir William Fienes, Knoll. Lord Say and Seal, adorned with a fair house: and now lately Thomas Earl of Dorset Lord Treasurer hath furbished and beautified the old work with new chargeable additaments. Otford. Darent then passeth by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, now Otford, a place famous in former ages for an overthrow and slaughter of the Danes which happened there in the year 1016. and lately by reason of the King's house, which William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury built, for himself and his successors so sumptuously, that for to avoid envy, Cranmer who next succeeded him was constrained to exchange it with King Henry the Eighth. Somewhat lower hard by Darent standeth Lullingstone, where there was sometime a Castle the seat of a family of the same name, but now of Sir Percival Hart, descended from one of the coheirs of the Lord Bray. Dartford. Then Darent giveth name unto Darentford, commonly Dartford a great mercat town well frequented, and well watered, where King Edward the Third built a Nunnery, which King Henry the Eighth converted into a house for himself and his successors: here the rivelet Crey, anciently called Crecan intermingleth itself with Darent, when in his short course he hath imparted his name to five townelets which he watereth, as Saint Mary Crey, Paul's Crey, Votes-Crey, North Crey, and Crey-ford, in former ages Crecanford, where Hengist the Saxon the eighth year after his arrival, joined battle with the Britons, and after he had slain their captains, brought them under with so great a slaughter, that afterwards he never stood in fear of them, but established his kingdom quietly in Kent. From the river Darent or Dart unto the mouth of Medway, the Thames seeth nothing above him but little towns pleasantly seated, which to pass over in silence were no prejudice either of their fame or any thing else. Swane-scomb that is King Swanes Campe. Yet amongst them is Swans-combe (of which I have heretofore spoken) of honourable memory among the Kentish men, for obtaining their the continuance of their ancient franchises, afterward it was well known by the Montceusies, men of great Nobility the owners thereof who had there Barony hereabout. And by it Gravesend so called (as Master Lambert is my author) as the Gereves-end; that is, the limit of the Gereve or Reve. A town as well known as any other in England, for the usual passage by water between it and London, Gravesend. since the Abbot of Grace by the tower of London, to which it appertained, obtained of King Richard the second that the inhabitants of it and Milton only, should transport passengers from thence to London. King Henry the Eighth when he fortified the sea coast, raised two Platforms or Blockhouses here, and two other opposite on Essex side. Beyond Gravesend is Shorn held anciently by Sir Roger Northwood by service to carry with other the king's tenants a white ensign forty days at his own charges when the King warred in Scotland. Inquis. 35. E. 3 Somewhat more within the land, lieth Cobham, the habitation for a long time of the Barons of Cobham; of whom john Cobham the last of that name, founded a College here and a castle at Cowling: Barons of Cobham. who left one only daughter wife to Sir john de la Pole Knight: She likewise bore but one daughter, though married in her time to many husbands. But by Sir Reginald Braibrooke only had she issue As for her husband Sir john Old Castle, whiles he endeavoured to bring in innovation in religion, was both hanged, and burnt. joan her only daughter by Sir Reginald Braybrooke, was wedded unto Thomas Broke of Somersetshire, from whom six Lord Cobham's have lineally descended, and flourished in honourable reputation until our time. From Gravesend a little country called Ho, lying as a demi Island between rivers Thames and Medway stretcheth itself into the East, and is for situation but unwholesome. At the entry hereof is Cowling Castle built by john Lord Cobham in a moorish ground, and cliff a good big town, so called of a cliff upon which it standeth. Clive at Ho. But whether it be that Clives at Ho, so famous in the tender age and infancy of our English Church, by reason of a Synod there holden I dare not as others do, affirm: considering, that in regard of the site it is a place inconvenient for such an assembly; and besides that Clives at Hoo seemeth to have been within the Kingdom of the Mercians. Medway. As for the river Medweg, now called Medway, and in the British tongue, (unless I miss of the truth,) Vaga, whereunto afterward was added Med, hath his spring head in the wood Anderida which is termed the Weald, that is a Wood-land country; Weald. and taketh up the Southpart of this region far and wide. Penshurst. At first, whiles it carrieth but a slender stream it receiveth the Eden by Penshurst the seat anciently (as it seemeth by the name) of Sir Stephen de Penherst who also was called the Penshester a famous Warden of the Cinque ports; but now the house of the Sidneys who derive their race from William de Sidney Chamberlain to King Henry the second: Sidney. out of which came Sir Henry Sidney that renowned Lord deputy of Ireland, who of the daughter of john Dudley Duke of Northumberland, and Earl of Warwick, begat Philip and Robert. This Robert, james our sovereign King, made right honourable, Viscount Lisl● first by the title of Baron Sidney of Penshurst and afterwards, of Viscount Lisle. But Sir Philip, whom I cannot pass over in silence, being the glorious star of this family, a lively pattern of virtue, and the lovely joy of all the learned sort, fight valerously with the enemy before Zutphen in Gelderland died manfully. This is that Sidney, See in Bark shire. Philip Sidney whom, as Gods will was he should be therefore borne into the world, even to show unto our age a sample of ancient virtues: so his good pleasure was before any man looked for it to call for him again, and take him out of the world as being more worthy of heaven then earth. Thus we may see, Perfect virtue suddenly vanisheth out of sight, and the best men continue not long. Then the river Medway, branching itself into five streamlets, is joined with as many stone Bridges, and thereof giveth the name of Tunbridge to the town there situate, as the town of Bridges. This about King William Rufus his time Richard son of Count Gilbert; Tunbridge. Grandchild to Godfrey Earl of Ewe, & Lord of Briony obtained in requital for Briony in Normandy, when there had been long debate about Briony. This Richard, (as William Gemeticensis writeth) in recompense for the same castle received in England the town of Tunbridge for it. And the report goeth, that the * The Lowy of Tunbridge. Lowy of Briony was measured round about with a line, and with the same line brought into England, he received so much ground measured out at Tunbridge. Shortly after, he built here a fair large castle fenced with the river, a deep ditch, and strong walls; and albeit it is now ruinous and 〈◊〉 Keep attired with Ivy, * yet it manifestly showeth what it was. His posterity, who were Earls of Gloucester, and surnamed De Clare, (for that they were Lords of Clare in Suffolk) built here a priory for Canons of Saint Augustine's order, founded the parish Church which was impropriated to the Knights of Saint john of Jerusalem, and compounded about the tenure of the Manor, for which there had been long suit, to hold it of the Archbishop of Canterbury by Knight's fee, and to be their high Stewards at their inthronizations. From these Clares Earls of Gloucester, it came by an heir general to Sir Hugh Audley Earl of Gloucester, and by his only daughter to the Earls of Stafford, who were afterward Dukes of Buckingham, & from them by attainder to the Crown. It hath in latter ages been beholden to Sir Andrew jude of London for a fair free-school, and to john Wilford for a causey toward London. Three miles directly South from hence in the very limit of Sussex, and near Frant, I saw in a white-sandy ground diverse vasty, craggy stones of strange forms, whereof two of the greatest stand so close together, and yet severed with so strait a line, Whetstones. as you would think they had been sawed asunder, and Nature when she reared these, might seem sportingly to have thought of a Sea. But to return to the River. From Tunbridge, Medway passeth by Haudelo, from whence came that john Haudelo, who happily marrying the heir of the Lord Burnell, had issue by her a son, who was called Nicholas, summoned to Parliament among the Barons by the name of Burnell. Then Medway increased with another water, called Twist, which twisteth about and insulateth a large plot of good ground, Mereworth. runneth on not far from Mereworth, where stands a fair Castle like house, which from the Earls of Arundel came unto the Nevils Lords of Abergevennie, and Le Despencer: whose heir in the right line, is Marie, Lady Fane, unto whom, and her heir's King james in the first Parliament that he held, Vagniacae. restored, gave and granted, etc. the name, style, title, honour, and dignity of Baronesse le Despencer: & that her heirs successively should be Barons le Despencer for ever. Now by this time Medway having received a rivelet, that looseth itself under ground, and riseth again at Loose, serving thirteen fulling-mills, hasteneth to Maidstone, which seeing the Saxons called it Medwegston, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I believe verily it is the same VAGNIACAE, which Antonine the Emperor mentioneth, and Ninnius in his Catalogue of cities, calleth corruply, Caer Megwad, for, Medwag. Neither verily doth the account of distance disagree; From Noviomagus one way, and Durobrovis another, whereof I shall treat anon. Under the latter Emperors, as is to be seen in Peutegerus his table lately set out by M. Velserus, it is named MADUS. Thus as years by litlte and little turn about, so names likewise by little and little become changed. Madus. A large fair, and sweet town this is, and populous: for the fair stone bridge, it hath been beholding to the Archbishops of Canterbury. Among whom to grace this place at the confluence of the waters, Boniface of Savoy, built a a small College, john ufford raised a palace for himself and successors, which Simon Islip increased, and between them, which it standeth in plight, William Courtney erected a fair Collegiate Church, in which he so great a Prelate, and so high borne, lieth lowly entombed. One of the two common Gaoles or prisons of the whole County is here appointed. And it hath been endowed with sundry privileges, by King Edward the sixth, incorporated by the name of Major and jurates, all which in short time they lost by favouring rebels. But Queen Elizabeth amply restored them, and their Major, whereas anciently they had a Portgreve for their head Magistrate. This I note, because this [Greve] is an ancient Saxon word, and as yet among the Germans signifieth, a Ruler, as Markegrave, Reingrave, Landgrave, etc. Here, a little beneath Maidstone Eastward, a pretty rivelet joineth with Medway, springing first at Leneham: which town by probable conjecture is the very same that Antonine the Emperor calleth DUROLENUM, Len●h●● written amiss in some copies▪ DUROLEVUM. For Durolenum in the British language, is as much to say as The water Lenum. And besides the remains of the name, the distance also from DUROVENUM, and DUROBROVIS proveth this to be Durolenum: to say nothing of the situation thereof, near unto that high road way of the Romans, which in old time (as Higden of Chester doth write) led from Dover through the midst of Kent. Hard by, Bocton M●lherb▪ at Bocton Malherb hath dwelled a long time the family of the Wottons, out of which in our remembrance flourished both Nicolas Wotton, Doct. of the laws, who being of the Privy counsel to K. Henry the Eight, K. Edward the sixth, Q. Marry, and Q. Elizabeth, sent in Embassage nine times to foreign Princes, and thrice chosen a Committè about peace between the English, French, and Scottish; lived a goodly time, and ran a long race in this life with great commendation of piety and wisdom: and also Sir Edward Wotton, Baron Wotton. whom for his approved wisdom in weighty affairs, Q. Elizabeth made Controller of her house, and K. james created Baron Wotton of Merlay. Here under is Vlcomb anciently a mansion of the family De sancto Leodegario, corruptly called Sentleger & Sellinger, & Motinden, where Sir R. Rockesly descended from Kriol, and Crevecur built a house, who held lands at Seaton by serjeantie to be Vantrarius Regis, when the K. goeth into Gascoin, Fin. Mich. xi. E. 2. donec perusus fuerit pari solutarum pretii. 4. d. which as they that understand Law Latin (for I do not) translate that he should be the King's fore-foot-man, until he had worn out a pair of shoes, prized 4. d. Neither hath this river any other memorable thing ne'er to it, Leeds castle. The family ● Crevequer. but Leeds Castle, built by the noble Crevequers, who in ancient charters are named the Crevequer, & De crepito cord: afterwards it was the unfortunate seat of Bartholomew L. Baldismer, who perfidiously fortified it against K. EDWARD the second, who had freely given it him, and after that paid the due price of his disloyalty upon the gallows. The whole matter you may read here if you list out of a brief history penned by Thomas de la More, a gentleman that lived at the same time, and which of late I did publish in print. In the year 1521. Queen Isabel came to the Castle of Leeds, about the feast of Saint Michael; minding there to lodge all night, but was not permitted to enter in. The King offended hereat, as taking it to be done in contempt of him, called certain of the neighbour inhabitants out of Essex and London, and commanded them to lay siege unto the Castle. Now, there held the Castle at that time Bartholomew de Baldismer, who having left therein his wife and sons, was gone himself with the rest of the Barons to overthrow the hugh's de Spencer. Meanwhile, when they that were enclosed within despaired of their lives, the Barons with their associates came as far as Kingston, and by the mediation of the Bishops of Canterbury and London, together with the Earl of Pembroch, requested that the King would remove his siege, promising to deliver up the Castle, into the King's hand after the next Parliament. But the King considering well, that the besieged could not long hold out, nor make resistance, being highly displeased & angered at their contumacy, would not give ear to the Baron's petitions. And when they had turned their journey another way, he afterward forced the Castle with no small trouble and labour about it: and when he had hanged all the rest that he found therein, he sent the wife and sons of Bartholomew aforesaid to the Tower of London. * Thus Medway having received this rivelet from Leeds, fetching about through good grounds runneth by Allington, sometime a castle, now less than a castelet, where Sir T. Wyatt the elder, a worthy learned knight, re-edified a fair house now decayed, whose son Sr. Thomas enriched by an heir of Sir T. Haut, proposing to himself great hopes upon fair pretences pitifully overthrew himself & his state. Ailesford. Hence cometh Medway to Ailsford in the old English Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which H. of Huntingdon, calleth Elstre, Ninnius Episford: who hath written, that it was named in the British tongue Saissenaeg haibail of the Saxons there vanquished, like as others in the very same sense termed it Anglesford. For, Guortemere the Britain, Guortigerns son, did here set upon Hengist and the English Saxons, whom being disraied, and not able to abide a second charge, he put all to flight: so as they had been utterly defeated for ever, but that Hengist skilful and provident to prevent, and divert danger, withdrew himself into the Isle of Tenet, until that invincible vigour and heat of the Britanes were allayed, Horsted. and fresh supplies came to his succour out of Germany. In this Battle were slain the Generals of both sides, Catigern the Britain, Catigern his Sepulchre. and Horsa the Saxon: of whom the one, buried at Horsted not far from hence, gave name to the place: and Catigern honoured with a stately and solemn funeral is thought to have been interred near unto Ailesford where under the side of a hill I saw four huge, rude, hard stones erected, two for the sides, one transversal in the midst between them, and the hugest of all piled and laid over them in manner of the British monument which is called Stone heng but not so artificially with mortis and tenants. Verily the unskilful common people term it at this day, of the same Catigern, Keiths or Kits Coty house. In Ailsford itself, for the religious house of the Carmelites founded by Richard Lord Grey of Codnor in the time of King Henry the Third, is now seen a fair habitation of Sir William Siddey a learned Knight, painfully, and expensfully studious of the common good of his country as both his endowed house for the poor, and the bridge here with the common voice do plentifully testify. Boxley. Neither is Boxley near adjoining to be passed over in silence, where William de Ipres, in Flaunders, Earl of Kent founded an Abbey in the year of our Lord 1145. Wrotham. and translated thither the Monks, from Clarevalle in Burgundy. Medway having wound himself higher, from the East receiveth a brook springing near Wrotham or Wirtham, Malling. so named for plenty of wortes: where the Archbishops had a place until Simon Islep pulled it down; leaveth Malling which grew to be a town after Gundulph Bishop of Rochester had there founded an Abbey of Nuns, Leibourn. and watereth Leibourn which hath a Castle sometime the seat of a family thereof surnamed, out of which Sir Roger Leibourn was a great Agent in the Baron's wars, Baron Leibourn. Briling. Baron Say. and William was a Parliamentary Baron in the time of King Edward the first. Near neighbour to Leibourn is Briling, now the habitation of the Lord Abergeveny, in times past parcel of the Barony of the Maminots, then of the Says, whose Inheritance at length by heirs general came to the families of Clinton, Fienes, and Aulton. Upon the bank of Medway Eastward somewhat higher, after it hath passed by Halling where Hamo Heath Bishop of Rochester built an house for his successors, there standeth an ancient City; Durobrevis. which Antonine calleth DURO BRUS, DURO-BRIVAE and in another place more truly DURO PROVae and DURO BROVae: Bede DURO BREVIS: In an ancient table set forth by Welser. Roibis. and in the declining state of the Roman Empire, process of time contracted his name so, that it came to be named ROIBIS, and so by addition of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which cometh of the latin word Castrum, betokeneth among our ancestors a city or Castle, Ceaster what it is. Rochester. was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and now with us more short Rochester, and in Latin Roffa, of one Rhufus as Bede guesseth: but it seemeth unto me to retain in it somewhat still of that old name Durobrevis. Neither is there cause why any man should doubt of the name, seeing that by the account of journeys, or distance between places, and Bedes authority, it is named expressly in the Charter of the foundation of the Cathedral Church there DUROBROVIS: yet thus much I would advertise the Reader, that in the printed books of Bede it is read Darueruum, whereas in the manuscript copies it is termed DUROBREVIS: seated it is in a bottom, fortified on the one side with a marsh, the river, the weak walls, and as William of Malmesburie saith, penned within too straight a room: whereupon, in time past it was counted a Castle rather than a City. For, Bede calleth it Castellum Cantuariorum, that is, the Kentishmen Castle. But now it stretcheth forth with large suburbs on the West, East, and South sides. It hath passed through no few dangers and mischances. In the year of Christ 676. it was overthrown and laid along by King Aetheldred the Mercian: and many a time afterward sacked by the Danes. Aethelbert King of Kent erected there a sumptuous Church, which also he made more famous with the dignity of Bishopric, ordaining justus to be the first Bishop of that See. But when it fell to decay for very age, Bishop Gundulph a Norman about the year 1080. re-edified it, and thrusting out the Priests brought in Monks in their rooms: and when they were cast out, a Dean, six Prebendaries and Scholars were substituted in their places. near unto the Church there standeth over the river an old Castle fortified both by art, and situation: Which, as the report goeth Odo Bishop of Bayeux and Earl of Kent built: But it was, no doubt, King William the first that built it: For in doomsday book we read thus, The Bishop of Rovecester holdeth in Elesford, for exchange of the land on which the Castle is seated. Yet, certain it is, that Bishop Odo when his hope depended of a doubtful change of the State, held this against King William Rufus: At which time there passed proclamation through England, that whosoever would not be reputed a Niding, should repair to recover Rochester Castle. Whereupon the youth fearing that name, * and most reproachful and opprobrious in that age, Niding. William of Malmesbury. swarmed thither in such numbers, that Odo was enforced to yield the place, lose his dignity, and abjure the realm. But concerning the reedification of this Castle about this time, listen what the Textus Roffensis. An ancient Manuscript book of that church. Text of Rocester saith, when King William the second would not confirm the gift of Lanfrank as touching the Manor of Hedenham in the County of Buckingham, made unto Rochester church, unless Lanfranck and Gundulph Bishop of Rochester would give unto the King an hundred pound of deniers; At last by the intercession of Sir Robert Fitz Hamon and Henry Earl of Warwick, the King granted it thus far forth in lieu for the money which he demanded for grant of the Manor, that Bishop Gundulph, because he was very skilful and well experienced in architecture and masonry should build for the King at his own proper charges a Castle of stone. In the end, when as the Bishops were hardly brought to give their consent unto it before the King, Bishop Gundulph built up the Castle full and whole at his own cost. And a little after, King Henry the first granted unto the Church of Canterbury and to the Archbishops, the keeping thereof, and the Constableship to hold ever after, (as Florentius of Worcester saith) yea and licence withal, to build in the same a tower for themselves. Since which time it was belayed with with one or two great sieges, but then especially, when the Barons with their Al'armes made all England to shake, and Simon Montford Earl of Leicester assaulted it most fiercely, though in vain, and cut down the wooden bridge, which was after repaired. But in the time of King Richard the Second, * Sir Robert Knowles by warlike prowess raised from low estate to high reputation, The French called him Canol. and great riches, built a very goodly stone bridge of arch-work with money levied out of French spoils. At the end of the said bridge, Sir john Cobham who much furthered the work, erected a Chapel (for our elders built no notable bridge without a chapel) upon which besides arms of Saints, are seen the arms of the King and his three uncles then living. And long after Archbishop Watham coped a great part of the said bridge with iron bars. Under this, Medway swelling with a violent and swift stream struggleth and breaketh through roaring and loud; but forthwith running more still and calm becometh a road at Gillingham and Chetham for a most royal and warlike navy of strong and serviceable ships, and the same most ready always at a short warning: which, our late gracious Lady Queen Elizabeth, with exceeding great cost built for the safeguard of her subjects and terror of her enemies; The King's Navy. and for the defence thereof raised a castelet at Vpnore upon the river side. Now Medway grown more full and carrying a greater breadth, with his curling waves right goodly and pleasant to behold, Toliatis an Isle. runneth a long by the fruitful fields, until that being divided by meeting with Island Shepey, (which we supposed to be Ptolemeis TOLIATIS) maketh his issue into the aestuary or Frith of Thames at two mouths. Of which twain, the Western is called West-Swale: the Eastern, that seemeth to have severed Sheppey from the firm land, Shepey. Iu. ●et. is named East-Swale: but by Bede, termed Genlad and Yenlet. This Isle, of the sheep, whereof it feedeth mighty great flocks, being called by our ancestors Shepey, that is, The Isle of Sheep, passing plentiful in corn, but scarce of woods containeth twenty one miles in compass. Upon the North-shore it had a little Monastery, (now they call it Minster) built by Sexburga wife of Ercombert the King of Kent, in the year of 710. Under which, a certain Brabander of late began to try by the furnace out of stones found upon the shore, both Brimstone and Coperas. It hath Westward in the Front thereof a very fine and strong Castle, which King Edward the third built, as himself writeth, Pleasant for site, to the terror of his enemies, and solace of his people: unto which he adjoined a Burgh, and in the honour of Philip the Queen his wife called it Queene-borough, as one would say, Queen Borough. The Queens Burgh. The Constable whereof at this day, is Sir Edward Hoby, who hath polished his excellent wit with learned studies. Eastward, is Shurland seated, which belonged in late times to the Cheineys, and now to Sir Philip Herbert second son to Henry Earl of Pembroch, whom King james in one and the same day created Baron Herbert of Shurland, and Earl of Mont-Gomerie. This Isle appertaineth to the Hundred of Middleton, so named of Middleton the town, now Milton. This was some time a town of the King's abode, and of greater name by far than at this day, although, Hasting the Danish pirate for to annoy it, fortified a Castle hard by in the year 893. near adjoining hereto Sittingburn a town furnished with Inns showeth itself with hiw new Major and corporation: the remains also of Thong Castle, which as some write, was so called for that Hengist built it by a measure of thongs cut out of a beasts hide, when Vortigern gave so much land to fortify upon, as he could encompass with a beasts hide cut into thongs. Since the conquest it was the seat of Guncelline of Baldismer, of noble parentage, whose son Bartholomew begat Guncelline: and he by the Inheretrie of Raulph Fitz-Barnard Lord of Kings-Downe was father to that seditious Sir Bartholomew Lord Baldismer of whom I spoke: he again of Margaret Clare begat Sir Giles Lord Baldismer that died without issue; also Margery, wife to William Roos of Hamlake; Maude the wife of john Vere Earl of Oxford; Elizabeth espoused to William Bohun Earl of Northampton, and afterward to Edmund Mortimer; and Margaret whom Sir john Tiptoft wedded: from whom descended a goodly offspring and fair race of great nobility. Then saw I Tenham not commended for health, Tenham. but the parent as it were of all the choice fruit gardens, and Orchards of Kent, and the most large and delightsome of them all, planted in the time of King Henry the Eighth by Rich. Harris his fruterer, to the public good. Chery gardens. For thirty Parishes thereabout, are replenished with Cherie-gardens, and Orchards beautifully disposed in direct lines. Amongst these is Feversham very commodiously situate. Feversham. For, the most plentiful part of this country lieth round about it, and it hath a creek fit for bringing in and carrying forth commodities; whereby at this day it flourisheth amongst all the neighbour towns. It seemeth also in former times to have flourished, considering that King Aethelstane assembled hither an assembly the Sages of his Kingdom, and made laws here in the year of our redemption 903. King Stephen also he that usurped the Kingdom of England, founded an Abbey here, for the Monks of Clugny; In which, himself, Maude his wife, and Eustach his son were entombed. Nigh thereto, like as else where through this County, are found pits of great depth, which being narrow in the mouth and very spacious beneath have their certain distinct rooms or chambers (as it were) with their several supporting pillars of chalk. Concerning these there are diverse opinions. I for my part, cannot tell what to think of them unless they were those pits, out of which the Britain's in old time digged forth chalk or white marvel to dung their grounds withal, as Pliny writeth. For, they sound pits, saith he, An hundred foot deep, straight at the mouth, but of great capacity within: like unto these very same of which we now speak. And verily, no where else are they found but in a chalky and marly soil. Unless a man would think, that our English-Saxons digged such caves and holes to the same use and purpose, as the Germans did, of whom they were descended. For, they were wont as Tacitus writeth, Pits made in Kent. to make holes and caves under the ground, and those to charge aloft with great heaps of dung, as harbours of refuge for Winter, and garners of receipt for corn; because by such like places they mitigate the rigour of cold wether: and if at any time the enemy cometh, he wasteth only the open ground: but as for those things that lie hidden and buried under the earth, they are either unknown, or in this respect do disappoint the enemies, for that they are to be sought for. From above Feversham, * the shore runneth on, plentiful of shellfish, but especially oysters, Reculver. Regulbium. (whereof there are many pits, or stews) as far as Reculver, and farther. This Reculver, is a place of ancient memory, named in the old English-Saxon Reaculf, but in elder time REGULBIUM. For so it is named, in the Roman Office book Notitia Provinciarum; which reporteth that the captain of the primer band of the Vetasians lay here in garrison under the Lieutenant of the Saxon-shoare: (for so was the sea coast along this tract called) who had the command then of nine Ports, as the L. Warden now hath of five Ports. And verily the Roman Emperors coins digged up there give testimony to this antiquity of the place: In it Aethelbert King of Kent when he had made a grant of Canterbury to Augustine the Monk, built himself a Palace, and Bassa an English-Saxon beatified it with a Monastery, out of which Brightwald the Eighth Archbishop of Canterbury was elected. Of this Monastery, or Minster it was named Raculf-Minster, what time as Edred brother to King Edward the Elder gave it to Christ-church in Canterbury. Howbeit, at this day it is nothing else but an uplandish country town, and if it be of any name, it hath it for the salt savoury Oysters there dredged, and for that Minster; the steeples whereof shooting up their lofty spires stand the Mariners in good stead, as marks, whereby they avoid certain sands and shelves in the mouth of the Thames. For, as he * Hadrian●● junius. versifieth in his Philippeis. Cernit oloriferum Thamisin sua Doridi amarae. Flumina miscentem— It now beholds swann-breeding Thames, Stour river. where he doth mix his stream With brackish sea— Now are we come to the Isle Tanet, which the river Stour, by Bede named Wantsum, severeth from the firm land by a small channel running between, which river made of two diverse rivulets in the wood-land called the Weald, so soon as it goeth in one entire stream, visiteth Ashford and Wye, Ashford. Wie. two pretty market towns well known: Either of them had sometimes their several Colleges of Priests: the one built by john Kemp Archbishop of Canterbury, who was there borne: the other to wit of Ashford, by Sir R. Fog Knight. Wye also had a special fountain, into which God infused a wonderful gift and virtue at the instant prayer of Eustace a Norman Abbot, Page 4157. if we may believe Roger of Hoveden, whom I would advise you to have recourse unto if you take delight in such like miracles. As how the blind by drinking thereof recovered sight, the dumb their speech, the deaf their hearing, the lame their limbs. And how a woman possessed of the devil, sipping thereof vomited two toads which immediately were first transformed into huge black dogs, and again into asses: and much more no less strange than ridiculous, which some in that age as easily believed, as others falsely forged. Chilham. Thence the Stour leaving East-well the inhabitation of the family of the Finches, worshipful of itself, and by descent from Philip Belknap, and Peoplesham: goeth on to Chilham, or, as other call it julham, where are the ruins of an old Castle, Fulbert of Dover. which one Fulbert of Dover is reported to have built: whose issue male soon failed, and ended in a daughter inheritrice, whom Richard the base son of King john took to wife, and had with her this Castle and the lands thereto belonging: Of her he begat two daughters; namely Lora the wife of William Marmion, and Isabella wife first to David of Strathbolgy Earl of Athole in Scotland, afterward to Sir Alexander Balliol who was called to Parliament by the name of Lord of Chilham: & mother to that john Earl of Athole, 1306. who being condemned oftentimes for treason was hanged at the last upon a gibbet fifty foot high (as the King commanded because he might be so much the more conspicuous in men's eyes, as he was of higher and nobler birth) and being cut down half alive, had his head smitten off, and the trunk of his body thrown into the fire, a very cruel kind of punishment and seldom seen among us. And after his goods were confiscate, King Edward the first bounteously bestowed this castle together with * Fel-borough. Felebergh Hundred upon Sir Bartholomew Badilsmer; who likewise quickly lost the same, for his treason, as I have before related. There is a constant report among the inhabitants, that julius Caesar in his second voyage against the Britan's encamped at this Chilham, and that thereof it was called As we call juliana, Gilian. julham, that is, julius his Mansion: and if I be not deceived, they have the truth on their side. For here about it was when at his second remove, he in his march stayed upon the intelligence that his ships were sore weatherbeaten, and thereupon returned and left his army encamped ten days while he rigged and repaired the decays of his Navy. And in his march from hence, was encountered sharply by the Britan's, and lost with many other Laberius Durus a Marshal of the field. Laberias Durus a Tribune. A little beneath this town there is a pretty hillock to be seen apparelled in a fresh suit of green sord, where men say, many years ago one jullaber was interred, whom some dream to have been a Giant, others, a Witch. But I conceiving an opinion that some antiquity lieth hidden under that name, do almost persuade myself, that the foresaid Laberius was here buried, and so that the said hillock became named jul-laber. Five miles from hence the river Stour dividing his Channel, runneth swiftly by DUROVERNUM the chief City of this County and giveth it his name. Durovernum. For Durwhern in the * Welsh. British tongue signifieth a swift river: Ptolemy calleth it in steed of Durovernum, DARVERNUM, Bede and others DOROBERNIA, the English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Kentishmen city: Ninnius and the Britan's Caer Kent, Canterbury. that is, the City of Cent, we, Canterbury, and the later writers in Latin Cantuaria. A right ancient city this is, and famous, no doubt in the Romans time: not over great (as William of Malmesbury said, 400. years since) nor very small: much renowned both for the situation, and exceeding fertility of the soil adjoining, as also for the walls whole and undecaied enclosing it round about, by reason likewise of the rivers watering it, and commodiousness of woods there about, besides the vicinity of the sea, yielding store of fish to serve it. Augustine the Apostle of the Englishmen. Whiles the Saxons Heptarchy flourished, it was the head city of the kingdom of Kent and the king's seat; until such time as king Ethelbert passed a grant of it together with the royalty thereof unto Augustin the Apostle as they called him, and consecrated Archbishop of the English Nation, who established here his habitation for himself and his successors. And albeit the Metropolitan dignity, together with the honour of the Pall (that is an Episcopal vestiment that was coming over the shoulders, made of a sheep skin, in memorial of him that sought the stray sheep, and having found the same laid it upon his shoulders, wrought and embroidered with crosses, first laid upon Saint Peter's coffin or shrine) was ordained by Saint Gregory the Great than Pope, Palls what it is. to be at London, yet for the honour of Augustine it was translated hither. For, Kenulph King of the Mercians thus writeth unto Pope Leo. Because Augustine of blessed Memory, the minister of God's word unto the English Nation, Anno. 7093. and who most gloriously governed the Churches of English Saxony, departed this life in the City of Canterbury, and his body was there buried in the Minster of Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles, the which Laurence his successors consecrated, it hath pleased all the wise men of our nation, that the Metropolitan honour should be conferred upon that City where his body was entombed, who engrafted in these parts the verity of Christian faith. But whether the Archbishops See and Metropolitan dignity were here ordained by authority of the wise men of our nation (that is to say) the States of the Parliament, (to speak according to our time) or by Augustine himself whiles he lived, as others would have it: the Bishops of Rome, who next followed established the same so, as they decreed, That to have it severed and taken away from thence was an abominable act punishable with Curse and hellfire. Since which time, it is incredible, how much it hath flourished, in regard both of the Archiepiscopal dignity, and also of that school of the better kind of literature which Theodore the seventh Archbishop erected there. And albeit it was sore shaken with the Danish wars, and consumed for a great part thereof sundry times by casualty of fire, yet rose it up always again more beautiful and glorious then before. After the Normans entry into this land when King William Rufus, as it was recorded in the Register of Saint Augustine's Abbey, Had given the City of Canterbury wholly in * fee simple unto the Bishops, which before time they had held at the King's courtesy only, it begun not only to get heart again, what through the same of the religious piety of godly men there, and what through the bounty of the Bishops, and especially of Simon Sudbury, who rebuilt up the walls new; but grew also as it were upon a sudden to such a state, that for beauty of private dwelling houses it equalled all the cities of Britain, but for the magnificent and sumptuous building of religious places and the number of them, it surpassed even those that were most famous. Among which, two especially surmounted all; Christs-church, and Saint Augustine's, both of them replenished with Monks of the Order of Saint Benet. And as for Christ-Church, it raiseth itself aloft near the heart of the City, with so great a majesty and stateliness, that it striketh a sensible impression of religion into their minds that behold it a far off. This Church built in old time, as Beda saith, by the faithful and believing Romans, the same Augustine of whom I spoke, got into his hands, consecrated it to Christ, and assigned it to be the seat for his successors: wherein 73. Archbishops in a continued train of succession have now set. Of whom Lanfranke, and William Corboyle brought the upper part of the Church, and they that succeeded, the nethermore, (where as that the more ancient work had been consumed with fire) to that stateliness which now we see not without exceeding great charges, which a devout persuasion in former times willingly disbursed. For, a number of high, of low, and of mean degree flocked hither in pilgrimage with very great and rich oblations to visit the tomb of Thomas Becket the Archbishop: who being slain in this Church by Courtiers, for that in maintaining of the Ecclesiastical liberties, he had stubbornly opposed himself against the King, was matriculated a holy Martyr by the Bishop of Rome, and worshipped as a Saint, and his shrine so loaden with great offerings, that the meanest part of it, was of pure gold, So bright, so shining and glittering, as Erasmus (who saw it) saith, was every corner with rare and exceeding big precious stones: yea, and the Church all round about did abound with more than princelike riches: and as though Christ's name to whom it was dedicated, had been quite forgotten, it came to be called Saint Thomas Church. Neither was it for any thing else so famous, as for his memorial and sepulture, although it may justly vaunt of many famous men's tombs and monuments: especially, that of Edward surnamed The Black Prince of Wales, a most worthy and renowned Knight for warlike prowess, and the very wonder of his age: also of Henry the Fourth, a most puissant King of England. But Henry the Eighth scattered this wealth heaped up together in so many ages, and dispersed those Monks: in lieu of whom were placed in this Christs-Church, a Dean, an Archdeacon, Prebendaries twelve, and Six Preachers, who in places adjoining round about should teach and preach the word of God. The other Church that always mightily striven with this for superiority, stood by the City's side Eastward, known by the name of Saint Austin's: which Augustine himself, and King Ethelbert at his exhortation, founded and dedicated to Saint Peter and Paul: that it might be the Sepulture place, both for the Kings of Kent, and also for the Archbishops; (For, as yet it was not lawful to bury within Cities) and endowed it with infinite riches, granting unto the Abbot a Mint-house with privilege to coin money. And now, at this day, notwithstanding the greatest part thereof is buried under his own ruins, and the rest were converted to the King's house, yet it showeth manifestly to the beholders how great a thing it was. Augustine himself was interred in the porch of the same, with this Epitaph, as witnesseth Thomas Spot. Inclytus Anglorum praesulpius, & decus altum, Hîc Augustinus requiescit corpore sanctus. The body of Saint Augustine doth here interred lie: A Prelate great, devout also, and England's honour high. But, as Bede reporteth, who rather is to be credited, this was the more ancient Inscription of his tomb. HIC REQVIESCIT DOMINUS AUGUSTINUS DOROVERNENSIS ARCHIEPISCOPUS PRIMUS, QVI OLIM HUC A BEATO GREGORIO ROMANAE VRBIS PONTIFICE DIRECTUS, ET A DEO OPERATIONE MIRACULORUM SUFFULTUS, ET ETHELBERTHVM REGEM AC GENTEM ILLIVS AB IDOLORUM CULTV AD FIDEM CHRISTI PERDUXIT, ET COMPLETIS IN PACE DIEBVS OFFICII SVI DEFUNCTUS EST SEPTIMO KALENDAS JUNIAS, EODEM REGE REGNANTE. HERE RESTETH DAN. AUGUSTINE, THE FIRST ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY: WHO BEING IN TIMES PAST DIRECTED HITHER FROM BLESSED GREGORY THE BISHOP OF ROME, AND THROUGH THE WORKING OF MIRACLES SUPPORTED BY GOD, BOTH BROUGHT KING ETHELBERT AND HIS PEOPLE FROM IDOLATRY TO THE FAITH OF CHRIST, AND ALSO AFTER THE DAYS OF HIS FUNCTION ACCOMPLISHED IN PEACE, DIED THE SEVENTH DAY BEFORE THE KALENDS OF JUNE, IN THE SAME KING'S REIGN. Together with him in the same porch were buried six Archbishops next succeeding, and in memorial of these seven namely, Austen, Laurence, Mellitus, justus, Honorius, Deusdedit, and Theodosius, were these verses (such as they are) engraven there in marble: SEPTEM SUNT ANGLIS PRIMATES ET PROTO PATRES, SEPTEM RECTORES, SEPTEM COELOQVE TRIONES; SEPTEM CISTERNAE VITAE, SEPTEMQVE LUCERNAE; ET SEPTEM PALMAE REGNI, SEPTEMQVE CORONAE, SEPTEM SUNT STELLAE, QUAS HAEC TENET AREA CELLAE. Seven Patriarches of England, Primates seven: Seven Rectors, and seven Labourers in heaven. Seven Cisterns pure of life, seven Lamps of light Seven Palms, and of this Realm seven Crowns full bright, Seven Stars, are here bestowed in vault below. I may not forget another Church near unto this, built as Bede saith, by the Romans and consecrated to Saint Martin, wherein, before Austin's coming, Bertha wife to King Ethelbert, descended from the blood Royal of France was wont to frequent divine Christian service. Concerning the Castle on the South side of the City, the Bulwarks whereof now are decayed, it maketh no show of any great antiquity, and there is no memorable thing thereof come to my knowledge, but only that it was built by the Normans: as touching the dignity of the See of Canterbury, which in times past carried a great State, I will say nothing but this, that, as in former ages, during the Roman Hierarchy, the Archbishops of Canterbury were Primates of all Britain, Legates to the Pope, and as Vrbane the second said, The patriarchs, as it were, of another world: so when the Pope's authority was abrogated, a decree passed in the Synod, Anno, 1534. that laying aside the said title, they should be styled Primates and Metropolitanes of all England. Which dignity the right reverend Father in Christ D. john Whitgift lately held, who devoutly consecrated both his whole life to God, & all his painful labours to the Church, and in the year 1604. slept in the Lord, a Prelate much miss of all good men: After whom succeeded Doctor Richard Bancroft, a man of singular courage and counsel, in establishing and supporting the state Ecclesiastical. For the Latitude of Canterbury, the Pole Arctic is elevated above the Horizon there fifty one degrees and sixteen minutes, and the Longitude is reckoned to be four and twenty degrees, and fifty one minutes. Stour by this time having gathered his waters all into one stream runneth beside Hackington, Hackington. where Dame Lora Countess of Leicester, a most honourable Lady in those days, having abandoned all worldly pleasures, sequestered herself from the world devoutly, to serve God wholly. Afore which time Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury began a Church there in the honour of Saint Stephen, and Thomas of Canterbury. But being inhabited by the Bishop of Rome his authority, for fear the same might prejudice the Monks of Canterbury, he gave over the works, Saint Stephens. Howbeit ever since, the name remained and the place is called Saint Stephens: of which Sir Roger Manwood Knight, L. chief Baron of the Exchequer, a man of exquisite knowledge in our common laws, Fordich. (unto whom for his bounteous liberality the poor inhabitants are much beholding) was of late time a right great ornament: * and even so is his son at this day Sir Peter Manwood Knight of the Bath, whom I cannot but mention when as he is a favourer of virtue, and learning. From thence Stour passeth by Fordich (called the little Burough of Forewich in King William the conquerors book) a place of note for excellent good trout; The first English Nun. and so in former time to Stoure-mouth, which it hath now forsaken a mile, and more; yet left and bequeathed his name to it. But now by Stoure-mouth runneth a brook which issuing our of Saint Eadburghs well at Liming (where the daughter to King Ethelbert first of our nation took the veil) while it seeketh the sea, Elham. seeth Elham a market town of which I have read nothing, but that the Manor was the inheritance of julian Leibourn a Lady of great honour in her time, Inq. 2. E. 3. who was mother of Laurence Hastings first Earl of Pembroke of that surname, and after wife to William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon. Then it holdeth his course by diverse villages, which thereof receive the addition of Bourn, as Bishops-bourn, Hawles-bourn, Patricks-bourn, and Beakes-bourn. This bourn is that river Stour as Caesar calleth it (as I have observed travailing lately in these parts) which Caesar came unto, when he had marched by night almost twelve Italian miles from the sea-coast, and where he had the first encounter, in his second expedition into Britain; with the Britain's, whom he drove into the woods, where they had a place fortified both by nature, and men's labour, with a number of trees hewn down and plashed to fore-close the entries, But yet the Romans forced an entry, Herds. drove them out, and there about encamped. The place of camp as I hear, is near H●rdes, a place of ancien Gentlemen of that surname, descended from Esten grave, Herengod, and the Fitz-bernards'. Below Stoure-mouth, Stour dividing his stream taketh two several ways, and leaving that name is called Inlade and Wantsume, making the Isle of Tenet on the West and South side: for on all other sides it is washed with the main Sea. This Island Solinus named ATHANATON, and in other copies THANATON: the Britain's juis Ruhin, as witnesseth Asserius: happily, for Rhutupin, of Rhutupinae a City adjoining. The English Saxons called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we Tenet. All the Isle standeth upon a whitish mail, full of goodly corn fields, and being a right fertile soil, carrieth in length eight miles, and four in breadth: reckoned in old time to contain 600. * Hides in English. An hides as it is thought consisteth of an hundred acres, called in latin in old time, Familia, Mansa and Manens. Lapis tituli. Families: in stead whereof, it is corruptly read in Bede Milliarium Sexcentarum, for, Familiarum Sexcentarum. But whereas Solinus writeth that there is not a snake creeping in this Isle, and that the mould or earth carried from hence killeth snakes, it is now proved to be untrue. That Etymology therefore derived 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, from the death of snakes, falleth quite to the ground. Here the English Saxons landed first: here by the permission of Guortigern they first seated themselves: here was their place of refuge; and here Guortimor the Britain made a great slaughter of them: when, at Lapis Tituli, (for so is that place named in Ninnius which we now call Stovar almost in the same sense, and haven certainly it was) he put them to flight and forced them with all the speed they might to take their Pinnaces. In which place also, he gave commandment, saith he, that himself should be buried to repress thereby, as he thought, the furious outrages of the English Saxons: in like sort as Scipio Africanus did, who commanded that his tomb should be so set, Now Elflet. as that it might look toward Africa: supposing that his very tomb would be a terror to the Carthaginians. Here also at Wipped fleet, (so called of Wipped the Saxon there slain) Hengest discomfited the Britain's and put them to flight, after he had sore tired them with sundry conflicts. S. Austin our Apostle (as they call him) many years after landed in this Isle, unto whose blessing the credulous Clergy ascribed the plentiful fertility of the country: and the Monk Gotceline cried out in this manner: 596. Minster. O the land of Tenet, happy by reason of her fertility, but most happy for receiving and entertaining so many Divine incommers bringing God with them, or rather so many heavenly citizens. Egbert the third King of the Kentishmen to pacify dame Domneva a devout Lady, whom before time he had exceedingly much wronged, granted here a fair piece of land, wherein she errected a Monastery for 70. veiled virgins: the prioress whereof was Mildred, for her holiness canonised a Saint, and the Kings of Kent bestowed many fair possessions upon it, but Withered especially, who (that I may note the antiquity and manner of livery of Seisin in that age out of the very form of his own Donation) For the full compliment of his confirmation thereof, laid upon the holy altar a turf of that ground which he gave at Humantun. here afterward sundry times arrived the Danes who piteously empoverished this Island by robbings and pillages, 1217. and also polluted this Monastery of Domneva with all kind of cruelty, Lewis of France. that it flourished not again before the Normans government. here also landed Lewis of France, who called in by the tumultuous Barons of England against King john, published by their instigation a pretended right to the Crown of England. For that whereas King john for his notorious treason against King Richard his brother absent in the Holy-land, was by his Peers lawfully condemned, and therefore after the death of King Richard the right of the Crown was devolved to the Queen of Castille sister to the said King Richard; Chronicles of W. Thorn. and that she and her heirs had conveied over their right to the said Lewis, and his wife her daughter: Also that King john had forfeited his Kingdom both by the murder of his Nephew Arthur, whereof he was found guilty by his Peers in France, and also by subjecting his Kingdoms which were always, free to the Pope, as much as in him lay, contrary to his oath at his Coronation, and that without the consent of the Peers of the Realm, etc. Which I leave to Historians, with the success of his expedition, lest I might seem to digress extraordinarily. Neither must I pass over here in silence, that which maketh for the singular praise of the inhabitants of Tenet, those especially which dwell by the roads or harbours of Margate, Ramsgate and Brodstear. For, they are passing industrious, and as if they were Amphibii, that is, both land creatures, and sea creatures, get their living both by sea and land, as one would say with both these elements: they be Fishermen and Ploughmen: as well Husbandmen as Mariners: and they that hold the plough-taile in ear-ring the ground, the same hold the helm in steering the ship. According to the season of the year, they knit nets, they fish for Cod, Herrings, Mackarels, etc. they sail, and carry forth Merchandise. The same again dung and manure their grounds, Plough, Sow, harrow, reap their Corn and they inn it. Men most ready and well appointed both for sea and land: and thus go they round and keep a circle in these their labours. furthermore whereas that otherwhiles there happen shipwracks here, (for there lie full against the shore those dangerous flats, shallowes, shelves, and sands, so much feared of Sailors, which they use to call, The Goodwinsands, The Brakes, Rhutupia. Portu● Trutu●ensi●. The four-feet, The whitdick, etc.) these men are wont to bestir themselves lustily in recovering both ships, men, and Merchandise endangered. At the mouth of Wantsum Southward, (which men think hath changed his channel) over against the Isle stood a City, which Ptolomee calleth RHUTUPIAN, Tacitus, PORTUS TRUTULENSIS, for Rhutupensis, if Beatus Renanus conjectureth truly: Antonine, RHITUPIS PORTUS, Ammianus Marcellinus, RHUTUPIAH STATIO, that is, the Road of Rhutupiae, Orosius, THE HAVEN and City of Rhutubus: the old English-Saxons as Beda witnesseth, Reptacesler, others Ruptimuth, Alfred of Beverly nameth it Richberge: we at this day, Richborow: Thus hath time sported in varying of one and the same name. Whence this name should arise, it is not for certain known. But seeing the places near unto it, as Sandwich and Sandiby have their denomination of Sandi: I considering also, that Rhyd Tufith in the British-tongue betokeneth a sandy fourd, I would willingly if I durst, derive it from thence: This City seemed to have been seated on the descent of an hill, the Castle there stood overlooking from an higher place the Ocean which is now so far excluded by reason of sandy residence inbealched with the tides, that it comes hardly within a mile of it. Right famous and of great name was this City while the Romans ruled here. From hence was the usual passing out of Britan to France and the netherlands at it, the Roman fleets arrived here, it was that Lupicinus sent by * The younger Constantius the Emperor into Britain for to repress the roads and invasions of Scots and Picts both, landed the Heruli, and Batavians, and Maesian regiments. here also Theodosius the father of Theodosius the Emperor, to whom as Symmachus witnesseth, the Senate decreed for pacifying Britan armed Statues on horseback, arrived with his Herculij, jovij, Victores & Fidentes, for these were names of Roman regiments. Afterwards when the Saxon Pirates impeached intercourse of merchants and infested our coasts with continual piracies, the Second Legion Augusta, which being removed by the Emperor Claudius out of Germany had remained many years in Garrison at * Caer Leon Isea Silurum in Wales, was translattd hither, and had a Provost of their own here under the great Lieutenant and Count of the Saxon shore. Clemens Maximus. Which Provostship happily, that Clemens Maximus bare, who being here in Britan by the soldiers saluted Emperor, slew Gratian, the lawful Emperor; and was afterwards himself slain by Theodosius at Aquileia: For, this Maximus it was whom Ausonius in the verses of Aquileia, called the Rhutupine robber. * See how these verses are englished in pag. 83. Maximus armigeri quondam sub nomine lixae. Faelix quae tanti spectatrix laeta triumphi, Fudisti Ausonio Rhutupinum Marte latronem. The same Poet also in his Poem Parentalia, preserved the memory of Flavius Sanctus another Precedent or Governor of Rhutupiae, concerning whom thus he wrote. Militiam nullo qui turbine sedulus egit, Praeside laetatus quo Rhutupinus ager. His martial service who discharged with care without all stir, And Rutupin rejoice in him, There be that under 〈◊〉 name of Rhi●●tupine would have all Britan's to be un●derstood. who was their governor. Ausonius' likewise in a lamentable funeral verse, setteth forth the praise of Claudius Contentus his Uncle, who being overtaken with death left behind him unto strangers a mighty stock of money which he had put out to usury among the Britain's and increased by interest; and was here also interred. Et patruos Elegia meos reminiscere cantus, Contentum, tellus quem Rhutupina tegit. My doleful Muse now call to mind the songs of Uncle mine, Contentus, who interred lies within mould Rhutupine. This Rhutupiae flourished also after the coming in of the English Saxons. For, writers record, that it was the Royal Palace of Ethelbert King of Kent; and Bede gave it the name of a City. But ever since, it began to decay: neither is the name of it read in any place afterward, as far as I know, but in Alfred of Beverley, who hath put down in writing, that Alcher with a power of Kentishmen at this town, then called Richberge, foiled and defeated the Danes encombered with the spoils they had before gotten. Now hath time razed out all the footings and tracts thereof, and to teach us that Cities as well as men have their fatal periods, it is a very field at this day, wherein when the corn is come uppe a man may see the draughts of streets crossing one another: (For, wheresoever the streets went, there the corn is thin) which the common people term Saint Augustins Crosse. And there remain only certain walls of a Castle of rough flint, and long Britan bricks in form of a quadrant and the same cemented with lime, and a most stiff binding sand, mightily strengthened by tract of time, so that the cement is as hard as the stone. Over the entry whereof is fixed a head of a personage engraven in stone, some say it was Queen Berthas' head, but I take it to be a Roman work, a man would deem this to have been the Citadel or keep of the City, it stands on such a height overlooking the low grounds in Tenet, which the Ocean by little and little shrinking away hath now left. Moreover, the plot whereon the City stood, being now ploughed up, doth oftentimes discover pieces of Roman coins as well gold as silver, evident tokens of the antiquity thereof: and a little beneath she showeth a daughter of hers, which the English Saxons of sand called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Sandwich. and we, Sandwich. This being one of the Cinque-ports, as they term them, is on the North and West side, fortified with walls and on other parts fenced with a rampire, river and ditch. The haven by reason of sand choking it, and a great ship of burden belonging to Pope Paul the Fourth, which was accidentally sunk in the very channel thereof, is not deep enough to bear any tall vessels. In ancient times it sundry times felt the furious forces of the Danes, afterward King Canutus the Dane when he had gained the Crown of England, bestowed it upon Christs-Church in Canterbury with the royalty of the water on each side, * so far forth as a ship being a float, a man might cast a Danish hatchet out of the vessel to the bank. In the Norman reign it was reckoned one of the Cinque ports, and to find five ships. In the year 1217. Lewis of France of whom we spoke lately, Escaetria. 23. E. 3. p. 2. burned it, King Edward the first for a time placed here the staple, and King Edward the Third by exchange reunited it to the Crown. About which time there flourished here a family surnamed De Sandwico, which had matched with one of the heirs of Creve●cur, and Dauranches, Lord of Folkesto, and deserved well of this place. In the time of King Henry the Sixth it was burned by the French. In our day's Sir Roger Manwood chief Baron of the Exchequer native of this place, built, and endowed here a free-school, and the Netherlanders have bettered the town by making, and trading of Bayss, and other commodities. Cantium the Promontory. Beneath Rhutupiae, Ptolomee placeth the Promontory CANTIUM as the utmost cape of this Angle, which in some copies is corruptly written NUCANTIUM and ACANTIUM: The Foreland. Diodorus as corruptly calleth it CARION, and we at this day the Foreland of Kent. Now all these shores on every side, are of this Rhutupiae by the Poets termed Rhutupina littora. Hence it is, that juvenal satirically inveighing against Curtius Montanus a dainty and delicious glutton, speaking of oysters carried from this shore to Rome, hath these verses. — nulli major fuit usus edendi Tempestate meâ, Circaeis nata forent, an Lucrinum ad saxum, Rhutupinòve aedita fundo Ostrea, callebat primo deprendere morsu. None in my time had more use of his tooth, Whence oysters came, where they were bred, full well He knew: at Circeie cape, at Lucrine rock, forsooth, Or Rhutup * British sea. coast, at first bit he could tell. And Lucan the Poet. Aut vaga cum Thetis, Rhutupináque littora fervent. Or when unconstant waving sea, and British shores do * Or boil. rage. From this fore-land aforesaid, the shore runneth on Southward for certain miles together, indented with a continued range of many hills mounting up. But when it is come as far as Sandon (that is to say the Down of Sand), and to Deal, and Walmer, Sandon, Deale. where Caesar arrived. three Neighbour Castles, which King Henry the Eighth, within the remembrance of our Fathers built, it settleth low, and in a flat and open plain lieth full against the sea. At this Deal, or Dole: as Ninnius calleth it (and that truly in mine opinion: For, our Britain's at this day do so term a plain lying low and open upon sea or river) the constant report goes that julius Caesar did arrive: and Ninnius avoucheth as much, who in barbarous Latin wrote thus, Caesar ad Dole bellum pugnavit, that is, At Dole Caesar fought a battle. A Table likewise set up in Dover Castle confirmeth the same: yea and Caesar himself verifieth it: who reporteth that he landed upon an open and plain shore, and that the Britaines welcomed and received him with a hot and dangerous encounter. Whereupon, our Country man Leland in his Swans song jactat Dela novas celebris arces, Notus Caesareis locus trophaeis. Deal famed much, vuants of new turrets hie, A place well known by Caesar's victory. For he, Caesar's entry into Britain. (give me leave I pray you to digress awhile out of my course) having, (as Pomponius Sabinus reporteth out of Seneca) won all that was to be gotten by sea and land, cast his eye to the Ocean, and as if the Roman world would not suffice him, bethought himself upon another world: and with a fleet of a thousand sail (for so writeth Athenaeus out of Cotas, either to be revenged of the Britain's who aided the Gauls (as Strabo saith; or in hope of British pearls, as Suctonius reporteth: or inflamed with an ambitious desire of glory, as others do record, in the year before Christ's nativity fifty four, and once again in the year ensuing, entered into Britain: having before hand sounded the havens by his espials, In his book de Artees Natu●. as Su●tonius, and himself doth testify; and not, as Roger Bachon fableth, by setting certain looking glasses upon the coast of Gaul, and by Art perspective, which by reflection multiplieth hidden forms. What he exploited here, himself hath at large delivered in his Commentaries; and I likewise before have summarily abridged out of him, and the writings of Suetonius concerning Scaeva, whose valorous service during the civil war was notably seen above others at Dyrrachium, and whom our Poet joseph of Excester in his Antiocheiss, and namely in these his verses touching Britain, reported (I know not how truly) to have been a Britain borne. Hinc et Scaeva satus, pars non obscura tumulius Civilis, MAGNUM solus qui mole solutâ Obsedit, meliorque stetit pro Caesare murus. Here borne also was Scaeva, he that bore no little sway In all these civil broils; the Fort that stood full in his way Alone he broke, Pompey besieged, was Caesar's strongest stay. But what were the exploits of Caesar in this our country, See page 34, 35, etc. learn you may of himself, and out of that which hath before been written. For, neither as yet, have I met with that old father a Britain, whom Marcus Aper, as we read in Quintilian, saw in this Island; who avowed that he was present at the battle, in which they assayed to keep Caesar from landing, when he came to war upon them: neither is it any part of my meaning now to write an History, but a topography. Upon this shore, lie out with a long train certain heaps in manner of banks or rampiers, which some imagine that the wind swept up together. But I suppose them to have been a fence and countermure, Castra navalia. Caesar's ship-campe. or rather the Ship-campe, which Caesar raised with ten days and as many night's labour, to hail up thereto his sea-beaten and shaken Navy, and to defend it, both against tempests and also the Britain's, who in vain did assail it. For I understand by relation of the dwellers, thereby, that this rampire is called Romes-worke, as if it were A work of the Romans. And so much the rather believe I, that Caesar arrived here, because he writeth, that seven miles from hence, (for, so we read in the ancient books, corrected by Flavius Constantinus a man of Consul degree) the sea is kept in and compassed with such straight mountains that for the higher places a dart may be flung to the very shore: verily as soon as we are past Deal, a mighty ridge of steep high Cliffs, Cicero termeth them moles magnificas, that is, Stately cliffs bringing forth Samphyre in great plenty, runneth for seven miles or there about, as far as to Dover: where it openeth itself: and of that nature is the place, that, right as Caesar writeth, between two hills it letteth in and encloseth the sea. Within this partition and separation of the Cliffs lieth DUBRIS, Dubris. Dover. Darell. which Antonine the Emperor mentioneth, the Saxons name it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we Dover. This name was given unto it, as Darell out of Eadmer writeth, because the place was shut up and hard to come unto. For, when as, (saith he) in ancient times the sea there barbarous spreaded itself upon urgent necessity to make it a more commodious haven, they kept it in with more straight bounds. Howbeit, William Lambard, with more probability fetched the reason of this name from the word Dufyrrha, which in the British language betokeneth a place steep and upright. The town which is seated between high cliffs (whereas sometime the haven was, when the sea more insinuated itself, as we collect by the anchors and ship planks that are digged there up; is more famous for the commodiousness of the haven, (such as it is) and for ready passage into France, than for any elegancy, or great trade. For it is a place of passage of all other most haunted, and it was provided in old time by a special Statute, that no man going forth of the realm in pilgrimage, should else where embark and take sea: moreover it is reckoned one of the Cinque-ports, and in times past it was charged to furnish and set out one and twenty ships unto the wars, in the same manner and form as Hastings did, whereof I have already spoken. In Sussex. Toward the sea (now somewhat excluded by Beach) it was fenced with a wall; whereof some part as yet standeth. It had a fair church consecrated unto Saint Martin, founded by Whitred King of Kent, an house also of the Knights-Templars, which now are quite gone, and nothing to be seen of them: It yieldeth likewise a seat for the Archbishop of Canterbury's Suffragans, who when the Archbishop is busied in weightier affairs, mannageth for him matters that pertain to Orders only, Suffragan to the Archbishop of Canterbury. and not to the Episcopal jurisdiction. From the top of a rough and craggy cliff which mounteth up to a wonderful height, where it looketh down to the sea: a most statey Castle like unto a pretty City fortified right strongly with bulwarks and many a Tower, overlooketh and threateneth after a sort the sea under it: Matthew of Paris calleth it the Key and Locke, The Bar and Sparre of England. The common sort of people dreameth, that it was built by julius Caesar, and verily I suppose by the British Bricks in the Chapel there, that it was built by the Romans, who used such in their great buildings. What time as the Roman Empire declined, they placed here a band or company of the Tungricanes, A band of the Tungricanes. who were accounted among the Aides-Palatine: out of whose armoury and munition happily were those big arrows, which the Castellanes do now show for wonders, and were wont to be discharged then, and many years after, before the invention of great Ordnance, out of engines called Balistae like huge crossbows bend by force of two or four men. From the entrance of the English Saxons into this land, unto the expiation of their Kingdom, no where could I as yet read so much as one bare word of this Castle or the Town; save only in certain by-notes out of a Table, that was here hanged upon a wall; which reported that Caesar, having arrived at Deale, and discomfited the Britain's at Baramdowne (which is a plain adjoining, fit for horse fight, and meet to embattle an army in) began the Castle of Dover; and that Arviragus afterward fortified it against the Romans, and stopped up the haven. Also, that after him King Arthur and his knights vanquished I wot not what rebels here. Howbeit a little before the Normans coming in, it was reputed the only defence and strength of England: and for that cause William Duke of Normandy, bound Harold by on oath to deliver up into his hands this Castle together with the well, what time as he aspired to the Kingdom: and after he had settled his estate and affairs at London, thought it good before all other things to fortify this piece, and to assign fair lands in Kent unto Gentlemen to be held in Castleguard, with this condition to be in readiness with certain numbers of men for defence of the same: which service notwithstanding at this day is redeemed with a yearly payment of money. Castleguard changed. For, when Sir Hubert de Burgh was Constable of this Castle, (to use the words of an old writer) he weighed with himself that it was not safe for the Castle to have every month new warders for the Castle guard, procured by the assent of the King and all that held of that Castle, that every one should send for the ward of one month ten shillings: and that therewith certain men elected and sworn, as well horse as foot, should be waged, for to guard the Castle. It is written, that Philip surnamed Augustus King of France, when Lewis his son, went about to gain the Crown of England, had won certain Cities and Forts, and could not get this, being manfully defended by the said Sir Hubert de Burgh: said thus. Verily my son hath not one foot of land in England, until he be Master of Dover Castle: as being in very deed the strongest hold of all England and most commodious for the French. Upon the other cliff which standeth over against it, and beareth up his head, in manner, even with it, are extant the remains of a very ancient building. One, I know not upon what reason induced, said it was Caesar's Altar. But john Twin of Canterbury a learned old man, who in his youth saw a great part thereof standing whole and entire, assured me, that it had been a Watch-towre to give night light and direction to ships. Like as there stood another opposite unto it at Bologne in France, erected thereby the Romans, and long after re-edified by Charles the Great (as Regino witnesseth, in whom Phanum, for Pharum, is falsely read, which at this day the French term Tour de Order, and the English, The old man of Bullen. Under this cliff, Henry the Eighth, in our father's days with exceeding labour, and 63000. pounds' charges, by pitching huge posts fast within the very sea, and the same bound together with iron work, and heaping thereupon a deal of timber and stones, brought up a mighty Pile which we call, The Peer, wherein the ships might more safely ride. But the furious violence of the raging Ocean soon overcame the laudable endeavour of that puissant Prince, and so the frame of this work beaten continually upon with the waves, became disjoined. For the repair whereof, Queen Elizabeth laid out a great sum of money, and the Authority of Parliament imposed upon every English ship that carry forth or bring in merchandise a certain toll upon Tonneage for certain years. This Sea coast of Britain is separated from the Continent of Europe by a frete or straight, where, as some suppose the Seas broke in and made way between the lands. Solinus calleth it Fretum Gallicum, Tacitus, and Ammianus Macellinus, Fretum Oceani, and Oceanum Fretalem, Gratius the Poet: Freta Morinum dubio refluentia ponto. The narrow Seas on Bollen-coast that keep uncertain tides. They of the Netherlands call it Dehofden, The streight● of Calais or narrow seas. of the two heads or promontories; we the Narrow-sea, and The straight of Calais, as the Frenchmen, Pas de Callais. For, this is the place as saith a Poet of our time. — geminy quà janua ponti Faucibus angustis, latèque frementibus undis Gallorum Anglorumque vetat concurrere terras. Where current of two seas In gullet straight, wherein throughout, their billow's rage and fret Keepes France and England so a part, as though they never met. The narrow sea, as Marcellinus truly writeth, swelleth at every tide with terrible high floods, and again at the ebb, becometh as flat as a plain field: if it be not raised with winds, and counter seas between two risings of the moon it floweth twice and ebbeth as oft. For, as the Moon ascendeth toward the Meridian, and is set again under the Horizon in the just opposite point, the Ocean here swelleth mightily, and the huge billows rush upon the shores with so great a noise that the Poet might well say, Rhutupináque littora fervent. And Rhutup shore doth boil and billow, and D. Paulinus, where he speaketh of the County of Boulogne, which he termeth the utmost skirt of the world, not without cause used these words, Oceanum barbaris fluctibus frementem, that is, The Ocean raging and roaring with barbarous billows. here might arise a question beseeming a learned man that hath wit and time at will, Whether Brittany was in time passed joined unto France. whether, where this narrow sea runneth between France and Britain now, there was a narrow bank or neck of land that in times past conjoined these regions, and afterwards being broken either by the general deluge, or by rushing in of the waves, or else by occasion of some earthquake, did let in the waters to make a through passage. Verily, as no man makes doubt that the face of the whole earth hath been altered, partly by the said deluge, and partly by long continuance of time and other causes: as also that Lands by earthquakes, or the shrinking back of waters were laid and joined unto firm lands: so, most certainly it appeareth by authors of best credit, that Lands by reason of earthquakes and the breaking in of waters were severed, disjoined, and rend from the Continent. Whereupon Pythagoras in Ovid saith thus: Vidi ego quod quondam fuerat solidissima tellus Esse fretum; vidi factas ex aequore terras. Myself have seen main ground sometime turned into sea and sand, And seen I have again the Sea, became main settled land. Strabo gathering of things to come by those that are past, concluded that such Isthmi, necks, or narrow banks of land, both have been, and shall be wrought and pierced through. You see, saith Seneca, whole regions violently removed from their places, and now to lie beyond the Sea, which lay before bounding upon it and hard by. You see, there is separation made both of Countries and nations, when as some part of nature is provoked of itself: or when the mighty wind beateth strongly upon some sea: the force whereof, as in general, is wonderful. For, although it rage's but in part, yet it is of the universal power that so it rageth. Thus hath the sea rend Spain from the Continent of Africa: Thus by Deucalion's flood so much spoken of by the greatest Poets, was Sicily out from Italy. And hereupon Virgil wrote thus, Haec loca vi quondam, & vasta convulsa ruinâ (Tantum aevi longinqua valet mutare vetustas) Dissiluisse ferunt, cum protinùs utraque tellus una foret, venit medio vi pontus & undis, Hesperium Siculo latus abscidit, arvaque & urbes Littore diductas angusto interluit aestu. These lands whilom by violence of breach and ruins great, (Such change makes time, and what is it that long time doth not eat?) A sunder fell (men say) where as they both in one did grow, The Seas broke in by force, and through the mids did overthrow Both towns and grounds. And Italy forthwith from Sicily side, Did cut, and them with inlet straight doth still part and divide. Pliny showeth likewise of Isles, that Cyprus was rend from Syria, Eubaea, from Boeotia, Besbicus, from Bythinia, being parts before of the main land: But none of the old writers was ever able to avouch, that Britain was so severed from the Main: only those verses of Virgil and Claudian before cited by me in the very first entrance into this work, together with the conjecture of Servius Honoratus do insinuate so much. And yet, Dominicus Marius Niger, and Master john Twin a right learned man, and whosoever he was that wrested these verses made of Scicilia, unto Britain, are of this opinion: — Britannia quondam Gallorum pars una fuit, sed pontus & aestus Mutavere situm, rupit confinia Nereus Victor: & abscissos interluit aequore montes. — Some time was Britanny A part of France. But swelling tides on high Have changed the site; and Nereus he, as Conqueror hath torn The confines quite, and runs between the cliffs a sounder worn. Considering therefore, that in this matter there is no assured ground upon certain authority; the learned, by laying and comparing the like examples in such narrow Seas as this, for searching out of the truth; propose these and such like points duly to be weighed and considered. First, whether the nature of the soil in both shores be the same; which verily is found here to be even so: For the shore of either side, where the distance between is narrowest, riseth up with lofty cliffs, of the same matter, as it were, and colour, so as they may seem to have been riven asunder. Secondly, How great the breadth is of the sea or straight. Certes, the straight here is not much broader, than either the straight of Gibraltar, or of Sicily: to wit, twenty four miles over: so as at the first sight, one would imagine that these lands were severed by the billows of the raging counter-seas. For that the land sunk downward by earthquakes, I hardly dare think, seeing that this our Northern climate of the world is seldom shaken with earthquakes, and those when they happen, be never great. Thirdly, How deep the straight is. As the Straight of Sicily is sounded in depth 80. paces, so this of ours exceedeth not 25. fathom, whereas the sea on both sides of it is much deeper. Fourthly, Of what nature the ground is in the bothoms, stony, sandy, beachy, or else oasy, and muddy. And whether there be beds or shelves of sand lying scattered in the said narrow sea? I have learned of Sailors that there lieth but * Frowen shoal. one bank, and the same in the very mid-channell, which at a low water is scarce 3. fathom deep, But within half a league to the southward it is 27. fathom deep, and to the Northward 25. Lastly, Whether any place in either of the two shores taketh name in the ancient language, of a breach, a plucking away, division, separation or such like? as Rhegium which standeth upon the Sicilian Streight, is named of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, to break, because in that place, by the violent force of waves Sicily was broken off from Italy. But thinking, as I do hereof, I can meet with none, unless one would suppose that Vitsan upon the French shore, had the name from Gwith, which in the * Welch. British tongue betokeneth a division or separation. They that would have Britain to have been the very continent of Gaul after that universal deluge, argue from the wolves, whereof there were many among us in old time, like as at this day in Scotland and Ireland. How, say they, could there be any of them in Lands considering that all beasts and living creatures perished which were not in the Ark? unless a long time after, the earth had been passable throughout, and no Isles at all. This question busied Saint Augustine, De Civitate Dei lib. 16. c. 7. but unto it he answereth thus, Wolves and other beasts may be thought to have swum over the sea unto Lands, yet only to near adjoining Lands (as stags yearly for their relief and food swim out of Italy into Sicily). But some Isles there be so far remote from main lands, that it is to be thought no beast could swim over. If it should be said, men caught them and so brought them over with them, it carrieth some credit, that this might well have been for the delight they had in hunting. Although it cannot be denied but by the commandment or permission of God even by the work of Angels they might have been transported. But if so be they sprung out of the earth according to their first original, when as God said, Let the earth bring forth a living soul, than it appeareth much more evidently, that all kind of living creatures were in the Ark, not so much for the increase and reparation of them, as to * As a type of the Gentiles calling. figure out sundry Nations for the sacrament of the church, in case the earth, brought forth many creatures in those Lands, whereto they can not pass. Thus Philosophizeth he. Neither is any man able upon this argument to pronounce any thing more sufficiently and exquisitely. For me, it may suffice, that I have propounded thereof, let the Reader throughly weigh and examine it. And he that is able in this point to see deepest what is most true, verily I will report him a man right skilful and deeply quicksighted. Morini. On the other side in the Firme-land, inhabited the MORINI, so called in the ancient Gauls tongue, as it were Maritimi, sive Maris accolae, men dwelling upon the Sea-coast, or hard by the sea. Their country is now termed Conto de Guines, and Conte de Bolonois, and had in old time two places of very great name, to wit GESSORIACUM, and ITIUM, * That is from Itius Portus. whence, as Caesar hath recorded, there was the best and most commodious passing out of Gaul or France into Britain, and most Authors think it was that town which now they call Callais. But that famous and learned man Hospitalius, Chancellor of France, a very skilful Antiquary, avoucheth, that Callais is no ancient town, but was only a small village, such as the Frenchmen term Burgadoes, until that Philip Earl of Bolen, walled it about, not very many years before the English won it. Neither is it red in any place, that men took shipping there for Britain, before those times. I think therefore that Itium is to be sought some where else: that is to say, below, at Vitsan, near unto Blackness, which we call Whitsan, the word sounding not much unlike to Itium. For, that all men crossed over out of this Island thither, and embarked there to sail hither, we observed out of our own histories: in so much as certain lands were held in Coperland near Dover by service to hold the King's head between Dover and Whit-sand when soever he crossed the Sea there. And Lewis the younger French King when he came in devout pilgrimage to visit Thomas of Canterbury, The shortest passage between France and Britain. besought that saint by way of most humble intercession, that no passenger might miscarry by shipwreck between Vitsan and Dover; as who would say, that at the same time, that was the usual passage to and fro: neither in truth, is this narrow sea else where more straightened: although it is to be supposed, that they who fail between, in passing over did not respect the nearer way and shorter cut in sailing, but the commodiousness of the havens in the one shore, and the other. For even so, albeit the sea be narrowest, between Blackness in France, and the Nesse in England, yet now the ordinary passing is between Dover and Callais: as in former ages, before that Vitsan haven was dammed up, the passage was between it and Dover: and before that time, between Rhutupiae and Gessoriacum: From whence Claudius the Emperor and the other captains, whom I have spoken of, sailed over into Britain. Gessoriacum. This GESSORIACUM, Pliny seemeth to call. Portum Morinorum Britannicum, peradventure for the passage from thence into Britain Ptolomee, in whom it hath crept into the place of Itium, nameth it Gessoriacum Navale, in which signification also our Welsh Britan's commonly term it Bowling-long, that is, Boloine the ship-road. For that Gessoriacum was the very same Sea-coast town, which Ammianus calleth BONONIA, Tabula Pentegeriana, now set forth by M. Welser. Bonania Galliae. the Frenchmen Bologne, the Low-countrieses men Beunen, and we Bolen, I dare be bold to aver and maintain against Hector Boethius, and Turnebus: grounding my assertion both upon the authority of Beatus Rhenanus, who saw an ancient military Map, wherein was written Gessoriacum quod nunc Bononia, that is, Gessoriacum, now called Bolen: and also upon itinerary computation, or account of the miles, which answereth just to the distance that Antonine the Emperor hath put down between Ambiani and Gessoriacum. But, that which may serve in steed of all proofs. The rabblement of Pirates serving under Carausius, which the Panegirick Oration, pronounced unto Constantius the Emperor, Pag. 272. in Basil edition and pag. 251. reported to have been enclosed and shut up within the walls of Gessoriacum and there surprised: an other Oration unto Constantius Maximus his son, relateth to have been vanquished at Bononia: so that Bononia, that is, Bolen, and Gessoriacum must needs be one and the self same place: and it may seem, that the more ancient name was worn out much about that time. For it is not to be surmised, that so grave authors unto the great Princes erred in the setting down and naming of this place, the memory thereof being then so fresh, and that victory so glorious. But, what have I to do with France? Verily, I have the more willingly ripped up the memory of these matters, for that the prowess and valour of our Ancestors showed itself often in this coast; as who wonne and wrested both Calais and Bolen from the French. And as for Bolen, they rendered it back again at the humble request of the French King after eight years, for a sum of money agreed upon. But Callais they held 212. year in despite and maugre of the French. Now return we to Britain with full sails and a favourable tide. From (Dover, leaving the little Abbey of Bradsole dedicated to S. Radegund, whereof Hugh the first Abbot was founder) there runneth for five miles in length a continued chain of chalky cliffs standing on a row, hanging jointly one to another, as far as to Folkstone: which was a flourishing place in times past, as may appear by the pieces of Roman coin and Britain bricks daily there found: but under what name, it is uncertain. Probable it is, that it was one of those towers or holds which in the reign of Theodosius the younger, the Romans placed for to keep off the Saxons, as Gildas saith, At certain distances along the shore, in the South part of Britain. Famous it was and much frequented by the English Saxons, for religions sake, by reason of a Monastery that Eanswide daughter to Eadbald King of Kent consecrated there unto Nuns: But now it is a small town, and the greatest part thereof the Sea hath, as it were, parted away. Howbeit, it was the Barony of the Family de Abrincis, or Aurenches: From whom it came to Sir Hamon Crevequer, and by his daughter to Sir john of Sandwich, whose grand child julian by his son john, brought the same as her dowry to john Segrave. From thence, as the shore turneth a front South Westward Sandgate Castle, built by King Henry the Eighth defendeth the coast, and upon a Castle hill thereby are seen relics of an ancient Castle. More inward is Saltwood a Castle of the Bishops of Canterbury which William Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury enlarged. And near unto it is Often-hanger, where Sir Edward Poinings Baneret a father of many fair bastards, L. Poinings by King Henric the Eighth. and amongst them of Thomas Lord Poining Lieutenant of Bollen, began to build a stately house but left it unperfect when death had bereft him of his only lawful child which he had by his lawful wife the daughter of Sir I. Scot his neighbour at Scots-Hall: where the family of Scots hath lived in worshipful estimation a long time, as descended from Pashely, and Serteaux by Pimp. But to return to the sea-coast: Hith. near to Sandgate, Hith is situated, one of the Cinque ports, whereof it assumed that name, which in the English Saxons tongue signifieth an haven or harbour: although hardly it maintaineth that name now, by reason of sands, and the Sea withdrawing itself from it. And yet it is not long since it first made any show, and that by the decay and fall of Westhyth, a neighbour-towne Westward, and which was sometime a Port, until the Sea in our great grandfathers days retired from it. So are Sea-townes subject to the uncertain vicissitude of the Sea. This Heath, like as West-Hith also, had their beginning from the ruin of Lime standing hard by, which in times past was a most famous Port town, until the sands that the Sea casteth up, had choked and stopped the haven. Both, Antonine and the book of Norrices called it PORTUS LEMANIS, Ptolomee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which being in Greek a significative word, the Copiantes, or Copiers out of old books, because they would seem to supply the defect, wrote it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latin Interpreters following them translated it Novus portus, that is, New port, or New haven: whereas, the proper name of the place was Limen or Leman, like as at this time Lime. here the Captain over a company or band of Turnacenses, kept his station under the Count or Lieutenant of the Saxon shore. And a Port way paved with stone, called Stonystreet, reacheth from hence toward Canterbury, which one would easily judge to have been a work of the Romans, like as the Castle adjoining hard unto it, now named Stutfall, which in the side and descent of a pretty hill, took up about ten acres of ground in compass: and the relics of the wall remain still of British brick and flint so close laid and couched together with a kind of strong mortar made of lime, sand and pebbles, that as yet time hath not given it the check: and now, although it be not an haven town, yet it retaineth still no small show of the ancient dignity it had: For here the Warden of the Cinque Ports at a place called Shipway useth to take his solemn oath, when he first entereth into his office, and here, upon certain set days, the custom was to decide causes between the inhabitants of the said Ports. Some have thought, that in this place a great river discharged itself into the sea, for that one or two writers have made mention of the river Leman, and the mouth of Leman, at which the Danes Fleet in the year of our salvation 892. arrived. But I suppose they are deceived in the description of the place, both because there is no river here, but a very small one, which straight ways being of no reckoning at all vanisheth: as also, for that the Archdeacon of Huntingdon, a compendious author, and of good approved credit writeth, that the said fleet arrived at the Haven Leman, and saith not a word of the river. Unless a man would think, (with whom I dare not accord) that the river Rother, which intermingleth itself with the Ocean under Rhieine, ran down this way, and changed his course by little and little, when that champain plain called Rumney Marsh, grew unto the firm land. For, Rumney Marsh. this Marsh-country, (which from Lime containeth 14. miles in length, and 8. in breadth, and reckoneth two towns, nineteen parishes, and 44200. acres or there about, by reason of rank green grass most convenient for the grazing and feeding of beasts), hath been by little and little laid unto the land by the benefit of the sea. Whereupon I may well and truly term it the Seas-gift, like as Herodotus called Egypt, the gift of the river Nilus, and a very * Petrus Nannius. learned man termed the pastures of Holland, the gifts of the Northwind and the river Rhine. For, the sea to make amends yielded that again in this place (which it swallowed up else where in this coast) either by retiring back, or by laying oze thereto from time to time: as some places which in the remembrance of our grandfathers, lay close unto the sea shore, are now disjoined a mile or two from the sea. How fruitful the soil is, what a number of herds of cattle it feedeth, that are sent thither from the furthest parts of Wale, and England to be fatted; what art and cunning is used in making of banks to fence it, against the violent risings of the sea, one would hardly believe, that hath not seen it. And that it might be the better ordered, certain laws of Sewers were made in the time of King Henry the third. And King Edward the fourth ordained, that it should be a Corporation, consisting of a Bailive, jurates, and the Communality. In the Saxons time the inhabitants thereof were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, * Viri palnstres. Marshmen: and verily the signification of that name acordeth passing well with the nature of the place. Neither can I understand and conceive that ancient writer Aethelward, when he reporteth, 795. That Cinulph King of the Mercians wasted Kent, and the country which is called Mersc-warum. And in another place, That Herbyth a Captain was by the Danes beheaded in a place named Mersc-warum, if he meant not this very Marsh-country, Rumney, Rumney. or Romeney, and in former time Romenal, which some conjecture by the name to have been the Romans work, is the principal town of this Marsh, and one of the Cinque-ports, whereof Old Romeney and Lid are accounted members, which jointly were charged with the setting forth of five ships of war, in that manner and form, as I have before said. It is seated upon an hill of gravel and sand, and had on the West side an haven of good receipt and commodious withal, for most of the winds; before the sea withdrew itself from it. Doomsday Book. The inhabitants, as we read in King William the conquerors book, were in regard of their sea service, quit and quiet from all custom, beside for * The penalties for these offences. robbery, peace-breach and Foristell. And in those days it flourished with the best; For it was divided into twelve wards, it had also five Parish-churches, it had a Priory, and an Hospital for sick persons: But in the reign of Edward the first, when the sea raging with violence of winds overflowed this tract, and made pitiful waste of people, of cattle and of houses in every place, as having quite drowned Promhil a pretty town well frequented: 1287. it made the Rother also forsake his old channel, which here before time emptied himself into the sea, and stopped his mouth, opening a new and nearer way for him to pass into the sea by Rhie: So as by little and little he forsook this town. Which ever since hath decreased, and lost much of the form, frequency, and ancient dignity. Beneath this, the land tending more Eastward maketh a Promontory, (we call it the Nesse, as it were a nose) before which lieth a dangerous flat in the sea, and upon which standeth Lid a town well inhabited: whereunto the inhabitants of Promhill after that inundation aforesaid betook themselves. Lid. And in the very utmost point of this Promontory which the people call Denge-nesse, Dnagenesse. where there is nothing but beach and pebble stones, * Hulver or Holy-trees Ilices. Holme-trees grow plentifully with their sharp prickey leaves always green, in manner of underwood, for a mile and more. Among the said beach near unto Ston end is to be seen an heap of greater stones, which the neighbour Inhabitants call Saint Cryspins', and Crispinians tomb, whom they report to have been cast upon this shore by shipwreck and from hence called into the glorious company of Saints. From thence the shore retiring itself is directly carried into the West, bringing forth peason among the beach, which grow up naturally like clusters of grapes a number together, and in taste little differ from our field peason, and so runneth on as far as to the Rother-Mouth, by which for some space Kent is divided from Sussex. The course of this river on Sussex side we have in part briefly spoken of before. On Kent side it hath Newenden, which I almost parswade myself was that haven so long sought for, and which the book Notitia Provinciarum called ANDERIDA, the old Britain's Caer Andred, Anderida. Andredceaster. and the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: first, because the Inhabitants by a continued tradition constantly affirm it was a most ancient town and Haven whereof they show the plot; then, for that it is situate by the wood Andredswald, that took the name of it; lastly, because the English-Saxons seem to have termed it Brittenden, that is, The Britan's Vale, (as they called also Segontium an ancient town of the Britan's of which we spoke before): whence the whole Hundred adjoining is named Selbrittenden. The Romans for to defend this coast against the Saxon rovers, placed here the band of the Abulci with their Captain: Afterward being taken by the English Saxons it decayed quite. For, Hengist being fully determined to rid all the Britan's out of Kent, and thinking it would much avail him to increase his troops and bands with greater forces of his own nation, called forth Aella out of Germany with a strong power of English Saxons, and while he gave the assault unto this Anderida by violence, the Britan's out of the wood hard by, where they lay in ambushments, chased him so, that at length after many losses on both sides given and taken, when he had parted his army and both discomfited and put to flight the Britan's in the wood, and also at the same time forced the town, by assaults; his barbarous heart was so inflamed with desire of revenge, that he put the Inhabitants to the sword and razed the town even to the ground. The place lying thus desolate, was showed, (as Henry of Huntingdon saith,) to those that passed by many ages after. Until the Friars Carmelites newly come out from Mount Carmell in the Holiland, who sought for such solitary places, built them here a little Priory in the time of King Edward the first, at the charges of Sir Thomas Albuger Knight: and so straight ways there rose up a village, which in regard of the old town overthrown, began to be called Newenden, that is, The New town in the vale. I saw nothing there now, but a mean village with a poor Church, & a wooden bridge to no great purpose for a ferry is in most use, since that the river Rother, not containing himself in his channel hath overlaied, & is like to endanger & surround the level of rich lands thereby. Whereupon the inhabitants of Rhie complain, that their haven is not scoured by the stream of Rother as heretofore, and the owners here suffer great loss: which their neighbours in Oxeney do fear, if it were remedied, would fall upon them. This is a river-isle ten miles about, Oxeney. encompassed with the river Rother dividing his streams, and now brackish; having his name either of mire, which our ancestors called Hox, or of Oxen, which it feedeth plentifully with rank grass. Opposite to this is Appledore, Appledore. where a confused rabble of Danish and Norman Pirates, which under the conduct of one Hasting had sore annoyed the French coasts, laden with booties landed, and built a Castle: whom notwithstanding King Aelfred by his valour enforced to accept conditions of peace. Upland hence, and from Nawenden I saw (which I should have before remembered) Cranbroke and Tenterden good clothing towns, Sisingherst. Sisingherst a fair house of the family of Bakers advanced by Sir john Baker not long since Chancellor of the Exchequer, and his marriage with a daughter and heir of Dingley, Bengebury. Bengebury an habitation of the ancient family of Colpepper, Homsteed. and near adjoining Hemsted a mansion of the Guildfords, an old family, but most eminent since S. john Guildford was Controller of the house to king Edward the Fourth. Guildford. For his son and heir S. Richard Guildford was by king Henry the seventh made knight of the Garter. Of his sons again Sir Edward Guildford was Marshal of Callais, Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, and Master of the Ordnance, father to jane Duchess of Northumberland, wife to Sir I. Dudley Duke of Northumberland, mother to the late Earls of Warwick, and Leicester, and Sir Henry was chosen Knight of the Garter by King Henry the Eight, and had his Arms ennobled with a Canton of Granado by Ferdinand king of Spain for his worthy service in that Kingdom when it was recovered from the Moors, and Edward, lived in great esteem at home. To be brief from the said Sir john are issued by females immediately the Darells of Cale-hill, Gauges, Brownes of Beechworth, Walsinghams', Cromers, isaac's, and Iseleies, families of prime and principal note in these parts. But now I digress and therefore crave pardon. In the parishes hereabout the commendable trade of clothing was first set up and freshly practised, ever since King Edward the Third his days, who by proposing rewards, and granting many immunities, trained Flemings into England in the tenth year of his reign to teach our men that skill of drapery, or weaving and making woollen cloth, which is justly counted at this day one of the Stays that support our common Weal. Thus much of Kent, which (to conclude summarily) hath this part last spoken of for drapery, the Isle of Tenet and the East parts for the Granary, the Weald for the wood, Rumney Marsh for the meddow-plot, the North downs toward the Thames for the Conny-garthe, Kentish capons. Tenham and thereabout for an Orchard, and Head-Corne for the brood and poultry of fat, big, and commended capons. Earls of Kent. As for the Earls, omitting the English Saxons Godwin, and Leofwin his brother, and others, who were Earls not by descent and inheritance, but by office. Odo half brother by the mother's side to King William the Conqueror, and Bishop of Baieux, was the first Earl of Kent, of the Norman blood: a man, by nature of a bad disposition and busy head, bend always to sow sedition and to trouble the State. Whereupon he was committed to prison by a subtle distinction, as Earl of Kent, and not Bishop of Baieux in regard of his holy orders; and afterward for a most dangerous rebellion which he had raised, he was by his nephew King William Rufus deprived of his places of dignity, lost all his goods in England and abjured the Realm. Afterwards, King Stephen who as an Intruder reaped the revenues and Commodities of the Crown of England, that he might bind by benefits martial men to him, he advanced William of Ipres a Fleming to that honour: who being, as Fitz-Stephen calleth him; Violentus Cantij incubator, that is, the violent over-pressor of Kent, was forced by King Henry the second to depart, shedding many tears and so became a monk, Henry likewise the son of King Henry the second, whom his father had crowned King, rebelling against his father, gave in like respect the title of Kent unto Philip Earl of Flanders. But this Philip was Earl of Kent in title only and by promise. For, as Gervase of Canterbury writeth, Philip Earl of Flanders undertook to the uttermost of his power for to aid the young King, doing him homage and binding himself with an oath; unto whom the said King promised in reward of his service the revenues of a thousand pounds, together with all Kent: also the Castle of Rochester and the Castle of Dover. Not many years after, Hubert de Burgh, having done notable good service unto the State, received as it were, by due desert the same honour at the hands of King Henry the Third: who also made him chief justice of England. This Hubert was a man who unfeignedly loved his Country, & amidst the storms of frowning Fortune performed all duties to the utmost that his Country could require of a right good patriot. Yet at length he fell in disgrace, and was despoiled of his dignities: whereby this title slept and lay as dead until the time of King Edward the Second. Who bestowed it upon his younger brother Edmund of Woodstock, An. 15. E. 2. who being Tutor of his nephew Edward the Third, falling into the tempest of false, injurious, and malignant envy was beheaded, for that he never dissembled his natural brotherly affection toward his brother deposed, and went about when he was (God wot) murdered before (not knowing so much) to enlarge him out of prison; persuaded thereunto by such as covertly practised his destruction. He had two sons Edmund, and john, who were restored by Parliament to blood and land shortly after. And with all, it was enacted that no Peer of the land, or other that procured the death of the said Earl should be impeached therefore, than Mortimer Earl of March, Sir Simon Beresford, john Matravers, Baious, and john Devoroil. So these his two sons succeeded in order, and when they were both dead without issue, their sister joan, who survived them, (for her lovely beauty called The Fair maid of Kent) brought this honour unto the house of the Hollands. For Sir Thomas Holland her husband was styled Earl of Kent, and she after married by dispensation to the Black Prince heir to him King Richard the Second. Her son Sir Thomas Holland succeeded in that honourable title, who died in the twentieth year of King Richard the Second. Him again there succeeded his two sons Thomas and Edmund. Thomas who also was created Duke of Surry, and forthwith for complotting a conspiracy against King Henry the Fourth lost his head, leaving no child: Edmunds his brother being Lord High Admiral of England, Saint Brieu. was wounded at the assault of Saint Brieu in little Britan, and died thereof in the year of Salvation 1408. leaving likewise no issue. Now when this dignity was expired, in this family of the Hollands, their glass being run out, and the Patrimony parted among Edmund sisters; King Edward the Fourth honoured with the title of the Earldom of Kent, The Walsingham. First Sir William Nevil Lord Fauconberg: and after his death, Edmund Lord Grey of Ruthin, Hastings and Weisford, and who had to succeed him George his son. He of Anne Widevile his first wife begat Richard Earl of Kent, who having wasted his inheritance ended therewith his days issueless, 1523. But the said George by his second wife Katherine, daughter to William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, was father of Sir Henry Grey of Wrest knight, whose grandsonne Reginald, by his son Henry, Queen Elizabeth in the year 1571. advanced to the Earledom of Kent. And after his decease without issue, his brother Henry succeeded, a right honourable personage and endued with the ornaments of true nobility. This province hath parishes. 398. DOBUNI. HItherto we have walked over all those Countries that lie between the British Ocean of the one side, and the Severne sea and river Thames on the other. Now according to the order which we have begun, let us survey the rest throughout: and passing over the said river return to the head of Thames and the salt water of Severne; and there view the DOBUNI, who in ancient times inhabited those parts which now are termed Oxford-shire and Gloucestershire. Duffin in the British tongue signifieth low, deep, or flat. This their name, I verily suppose came of Duffen a British word, because the places where they planted themselves, were for the most part low and lying under the hills, whereupon the name became common to them all: and verily from such a kind of site, Bathieia in Troas, Catabathmos in afric, and Deep-Dale in Britan took their names. I am the more easily induced to believe this because I see, that Dio in the very same signification hath named certain people, Bodo what it signifieth in British and French. BODUNNI if the letters be not misplaced. For, Bodo or BODUN, (as Pliny saith) in the ancient French tongue, (which I have proved before was the same that in the British language,) betokeneth Deep. Hence was it, that the City Bodincomagus, as he writeth, became so called, for that it stood where the river * Padus. Po was deepest hence had the people Bodiontij that name, who inhabited a deep vale by the Lake of Lozanne, and Geneva, now called Val de Fontenay, to say nothing of Bodotria the deepest Frith in all Britan. Concerning these Bodunj, I have found in all my reading no matter of great antiquity, save only that A. Plautius' sent as Propraetor by Claudius into Britan, received part of them upon their submission into his protection, to wit, those that were under Cattuellani, (for they held the region bordering upon them) and as Dio hath recorded, about the forty and four year after Christ was borne, placed a garrison over them. But when the English Saxons reigned in Britan, and the name of Dobuni was worn out, some of these, as also the people dwelling round about them, were by a new English Saxons name called Wiccijs: but whereupon, I dare scarce venture to guess, without craving leave of the Reader. Yet, if Wic in the Saxons tongue soundeth as much as the * Or Cove. creek, or reach of a river, and the Viguones, a nation in Germany are so called, because they dwell near unto the creeks or bays of the Sea, and of rivers, (for so doth Beatus Rhenanus constantly affirm) It will be no absurdity, Wiccii. if I derive our Wiccii from thence, who inhabited round about the mouth of Severne, which is very full of such Coves and small creeks and reaches. GLOCESTRLAE Comitatus olim sedes DOBUNORUM Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which was the chief seat of the Dobuni, on the Westside butteth upon on Monmouth-shire and Hereford-shire, on the North upon Worcester-shire, on the East upon Warwickshire, Oxford-shire and Barck-shire, on the South upon Wilt-shire and Somerset-shire both. A pleasant country and a fruitful, stretching out in length, from North-east unto South-west. The part that lieth more Eastward, rising up in height with hills and wolds is called Cotteswold: the middle part settleth down low to a most fertile plain, and is watered with Severne that noble river, which doth infuse life, as it were, into the soil. That part which bendeth more Westward on the further side of Severne, is all over be spread with woods. But what mean I to busy myself herein? William of Malmesbury will ease me of this labour, who fully gives high commendations to this country. Have therefore what he writeth in his book of Bishop; The country (saith he) is called of the principal City: The vale of Gloucester. the ground throughout yieldeth plenty of corn, and bringeth forth abundance of fruits: the one through the natural goodness only of the ground, the other through diligent manuring and tillage; in so much, as it would provoke the laziest body that is, to take pains, seeing that it answereth back again with the increase of an hundred fold, that which is sown. Here may you see the high ways and common lanes clad with appletrees and peartrees, not set nor graffed by the industry of man's hand, but growing naturally of their own accord. The ground of itself is inclined to bear fruits, and those both in taste and beauty far exceeding others: whereof some will last a whole year and not wither and rivel: so that they are serviceable until new come again for supply. There is no country in all England so thick set as this Province with Vine-yards, Vines and wine. so plentiful in increase, and so pleasant in taste. The very wines thereof made, affect not their mouths that drink of them with any unpleasing tartness, as being little inferior in sweetness and odour to the French wines. The houses in it are almost innumerable, the Churches passing fair, and the towns standing very thick. But that which addeth unto all these good gifts a special glory is the river Severne, Severn. than which there is not any one in this land, for channel broader, for stream swifter, for fish better stored. There is in it a daily rage and fury of the waters, which I know not whether I may call a gulf or whirl pool of waves, and the same raising up the sands from the bothome winding and driving the same upon heaps, cometh with a forcible violence, and reacheth no further than to the bridge. Sometimes also it overfloweth the banks, and when it hath roved about a great way, it retireth back as a conqueror of the land. Unhappy is that vessel which it taketh full upon the side. The Watermens well ware hereof when they see that Higra coming, (for so they call it in English), turn the vessel affront upon it, Higra. and so cutting through the midst of it, check and avoid the violence thereof. But that which he saith of the hundred fold increase and yield of the ground, doth not hold true. Neither for all that, would I think with these whining and slothful husbandmen, whom Columella taketh up for it, that the soil is now wearied and become barren with too much fruitfulness and overfree bearing in former ages. Howbeit hereby, if I should say nothing of other things, it is to be seen, that we have no cause to wonder, why many places in this country and elsewhere in England are called Vine-yards, seeing it hath afforded wine; and surely it may seem to proceed rather of the Inhabitants idleness than any distemperature and indisposition of the air; that it yieldeth none at this day. But why in some places within this Country, as we read in our Statutes, by a private custom which now is become of strong validity as a law, the goods and lands of condemned persons fall into the King's hands for a year only and a day, and after that term expired (contrary to the custom of all England beside) return to the next heirs, let law-students and Statesmen look to that: for no part it is of my purpose to search thereinto. Now I will take a superfiall survey (such as I can) of those three parts whereof I spoke orderly one after another. Forrest of Deane. The part, that lieth more West beyond Severne, (which the Silureses in old time possessed) along the river Vaga or Wye, that parteth England and Wales, was wholly bespread with thick tall woods: we call it at this day, Deane-forrest: The Latin writers some name it of the Danes Danica Sylva the Danes wood others with Girald, the Wood of Danubia. But I would think, if it had not this name of Dean a little town adjoining, that by short cutting the word, Arden. it was called Deane, for Arden. Which term both Gauls and Britan's in ancient times may seem to have used for a wood, considering that two mighty great woods, the one in that part of Gaul called Gallia Belgica, and the other among us in Warwickshire, are by one and the self same name termed Arden. For, this was a wonderful thick Forest, and in former ages so dark and terrible, by reason of crooked and winding ways, as also the grisly shade therein, that it made the inhabitants more fierce, and bolder to commit robberies. For in the reign of Henry the sixth they so infested all Severne side with robbing and spoiling, that there were laws made by authority of the Parliament, for to restrain them. Iron. But since that rich Mines of Iron were here found out, those thick woods began to wax thin by little and little. In this Forest, upon the foresaid river stood Tudenham and Wollaston, two towns of good antiquity, which Walter and Roger the brethren of Gislebert Lord of Clare wrested out of the Welchmens' hands, about the year 1160. Lidney. As also Lidney is adjoining to them, where Sir William Winter, Vice-admiral of England, a renowned Knight for Sea-services (as his brother Arthur slain in Orkeney-Isles) built a fair house. But the most ancient town of all others is ABONE or AVONE, Abone. mentioned by Antonine the Emperor in his journey-booke, which having not lost that name altogether, is at this day called Aventon: a small town indeed, Aventon. but standing upon Severne, just nine miles, as he writeth, from VENTASILURUM, or Caer-went. And seeing that Avon in the British tongue importeth A River, it shall be no strange thing, if we think it so called of the river: for in the very same signification, (that I may omit the rest) we have Warerton, Bourne, and Riverton: as the Latins had Aquinum and Fluentium. And I suppose the rather, that it took name of the river, because people were wont at this place to ferry over the river, whereupon the town standing over against it, is by Antonine called TRAIECTUS, that is, a passage or ferry: but without doubt, the number in that place set down, is corrupted. For he maketh it nine miles between TRAIECTUS and ABONE, Trajectus. whereas the river is scarce three miles broad. It may seem then to have been utterly decayed, or turned rather into a village, either when as passengers began to ferry over below, or when Athelstane thrust out the Welsh Britan's from hence. For, he was the first that drove them, as William of Malmesbury witnesseth, beyond the river Wye. And where as before his time, Severne was the bound, between the English and Welshmen, he appointed Wye to be the limit confining them both: Whence our Necham writeth thus. Ind vagos vaga Cambrenses, hinc respicit Anglos. To Wales on this side, looketh Wie, On that again, our England he doth eye. S. Breulais. Not far from Wye amongst blind byways beset with thick plumps of trees, appeareth Breulis Castle more than half fallen down, remarkable for the death of Mahel youngest son of Miles, Earl of Hereford. For there, his greedy devises, bloody cruelty, and covetousness ready to pray upon other men's estates (for which vices he is much blamed in Writers) were overtaken with a just revenge from heaven. For, as Girald hath written, being entertained guestwise by Sir Walter Clifford in this Castle, when the house was all on a light fire, he was killed with a stone that from the top of an high Turret fell upon his head and brained him. Neither have I any thing else to be recounted in this wood-countrey beside Newnham a pretty market, and Westbury thereby a seat of the Bainhams of ancient descent: But that Herbert who had wedded the sister of the said Mahel Earl of Hereford, in her right was called Lord of Deane from whom that Noble house of the Epirotes fetcheth their pedigree, out of which family came the Lords of Blanleveney, and of late days, the Herbert's Earls of Huntingdon and Pembroch, with others. From hence also, if we may believe David powel in his history of Wales, was descended Antony Fitz-Herbert, whose great learning and industry in the wisdom of our law, both the judicial Court of Flees, wherein he sat justice a long time, and also those exact books of our common law by him exquisitely penned and published, do sufficiently witness. But other have drawn his descent and that more truly, if I have insight therein, from the race of the Fitz-herberts' Knights in Derby shire. The river Severn, Severne. called by the Britain's HAFFREN, after it hath run a long course with a channel somewhat narrow, no sooner entereth into this shire, but entertaineth the river Avon, and another brook coming from the East. Betwixt which, is seated Tewksbury, Tewksbury. in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by others Theoci Curia, taking the name from one Theocus who there did lead an Eremites' life. It is a great and fair town, having three bridges to pass over, standing upon three rivers, famous for making of woollen cloth, Mustard. and the best mustard; which for the quick heat that it hath, biteth most and pierceth deepest: but most famous in times passed by reason of an ancient Monastery which Dodo a man of great power in Mercia founded in the year 715, where before time he kept his royal court, as is testified by this inscription which there remained long after. HANC AULAM REGIAM DODO DVX CONSECRARI FECIT IN ECCLESIAM. THIS ROYAL PALACE DUKE DODO CAUSED TO BE CONSECRATED FOR A CHURCH. And Odo his brother endowed the same, which being by continuance of time, and the fury of enemies ruinated, Robert FITZ-HAIMON the Norman, Lord of Corboile and Thorigny in Normandy re-edified, translating monks from Cranborn in Dorsetshire hither upon a devout mind verily and a religious, that he might make some amends to the Church, for the loss that the Church of Baieux in Normandy had sustained: which K. Henry the first for to free him from his enemies had set on fire and burned, and afterwards repenting that which he had done, built again. It cannot, (writeth William of Malmesbury) be easily reported, how highly Robert Fitz-hamon exalted this Monastery, wherein the beauty of the buildings ravished the eyes, and the charity of the Monks alured the hearts of such folk as used to come thither, Within this both himself and his successor's Earls of Gloucester were buried: who had a Castle of their own called Holmes hard by, which now is almost vanished out of sight. Neither is this town less memorable for that battle, whereby the house of Lancaster received a mortal wound: as wherein very many of their side in the year, 1471. were slain, more taken prisoners and diverse beheaded, their power so weakened and their hopes abated, especially because young Prince Edward the only son of King Henry the sixth, a very child, was there put to death, and in most shameful and villainous manner his brains dashed out, as that never after they came unto the field against King Edward the Fourth. In which respect, john Leland wrote of this town in this wise: Ampla foro, & partis spoliis praeclara, Theoci Curia, sabrinae quà se committit Avona Fulget; nobilium sacrísque recondit in antris Multorum cineres, quondam inclyta corpora bello. Where Av'n and Severn meet in one, there stands a goodly town. For mercat great and pillage rich there won, of much renown, Height Tewkesburie: where noble men entombed many are, Now gone to mould, who sometimes were redoubted Knights in war. From thence we come to Deorhirst, which Bede speaketh of, situate somewhat low upon the bank of Severn, whereby it hath great losses many times, when he over-floweth his bounds. It had in it sometimes a little Monastery, which being by the Danes overthrown flourished again at length under Edward the Confessor; who, as we read in his Testament, assigned The religious place at Deorhirst and the government thereof to Saint Denis near unto Paris. Yet, a little while after, as William of Malmesbury saith, It was but a vain and void representation of antiquity. Over against it lieth a place half encompassed in with Severne, called in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Alney, now the Eight, that is, The Island: Famous, by the reason of this occurrence, that when both the Englishmen and the Danes were much weakened with continual encounters, to make a final dispatch at once of all quarrels, the Fortune and destiny of both nations was committed to Edmund King of the English, and to Canutus' King of the Danes, who in this Island by a single combat tried it out, unto whether of them the right of this Realm should belong. But after they had fought and given over on even hand, a peace was concluded, and the kingdom divided between them. But when straight upon it Edmund was dispatched out of the way not without suspicion of poison, Canutus seized into his own hands all England. From Deorhirst Severne runneth down by Haesfield which King Henry the Third gave to Rich. Pauncefote, Pauncefote, or Pauncevolt. Placita 15. Edw. 1. whose successors built a fair house here, and whose predecessors were possessed of fair lands in this Country before, and in the conquerors time in Wiltshire making many reaches winding in and out, and forthwith dividing himself to make a river Island most rich and beautiful in green meadows, he passeth along by the head City of this Shire, which Antonine the Emperor called CLEWM and GLEWM, the Britan's term Caer Gloviè, the English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we Gloucester, the Vulgar sort of Latinists Glovernia, others Claudiocestria, of the Emperor Claudius, as they imagine: who forsooth, should give it this name, when he had bestowed here his daughter Genissa in marriage upon Arviragus the Britan. Touching whom, juvenal writeth thus, Regem aliquem capies, vel de temone Britanno Excidet Arviragus. Some King (sure) thou shalt prisoner take in chase or battle heat, Or else Arviragus shall lose his British royal seat. As though he had begat any other daughters of his three wives besides Claudia, Antonia and Octavia; or as if Arviragus had been known in that age, whose name was never heard of before Domitian's time and scarce then. But, let them go, that seek to build antiquity upon a frame grounded on lies: Rather yet would I give my voice and accord with Ninnius, who writeth, That it took the name from Glovus, the great grandfathers father of King Vortigern; but that long before it, Antonine had named it Glevum (which, both the Distance from Corinium and the name also may prove.) But as the Saxon name Gleavecester came from Glevum, so Glevum proportionably from the British, Caer Glow which I suppose sprung from the word Glow, that in the British tongue signifieth Fair and Goodly: so that Caer Glow may be as much as to say, a fair City: In which signification also, the greeks had their Callipolis: Callidromos, Callistratia: the English men their Brightstow, and Shirley, and in this very County Faireford, Faire-ley, etc. This City was built by the Romans, and set, as it were upon the neck of the Silureses to yoke them. And there also was a Colony planted to people it, which they called COLONIA GLEWM. For I have seen a fragment of antique stone in the walls of Bath near unto the North-gate, with this Inscription. * Decurio. DEC COLONIAE GLEV VIXIT ANN. LXXXVI. It lieth stretched out in length over Severne: on that side where it is not watered with the river, it hath in some places a very strong wall for defence. A proper and fine City I assure you it is, both for number of Churches and for the buildings. On the South part there was a lofty Castle of square Ashler stone which, now for the most part, is nothing but a ruin. It was built in King William the first his time, and sixteen houses there about, as we read in the book of England's Survey, were plucked down for the rearing of this Castle. About which, Roger the son of Miles, Constable of Gloucester went to law with King Henry the second: and his brother Walter lost all the right and interest he had in this City and Castle, as Robert de Mont hath written. Ceaulin King of the West Saxons, was the first, that about the year of our redemption 570. by force and arms wrested Gloucester out of the Britan's hands. After this, the Mercians won it, under whom it flourished in great honour, and Osric King of Northumberland by permission of Etheldred the Mercian, founded there a very great and stately Monastery for Nuns, over whom Kineburg, Eadburg and Eve Queens of the Mercians were Prioresses successively one after another. Edelfled also that most noble Lady of the Mercians, adorned this City with a Church, wherein she herself was buried, and not long after, when the Danes had spoilt and wasted the whole country, 878. those sacred Virgins were thrown out, and The Danes (as Aethelward that ancient author writeth) with many a stroke pitched poor cottages into the city of Glenucester. At which time, when those more ancient Churches were subverted, Aldred Archbishop of York, and Bishop of Worcester erected another for Monks which is now the chief Church in the City, and hath a Dean and six Prebendaries. But the same in these late precedent ages was newly beautified. For, john Hanley and Thomas Farley two Abbats added unto it the Chapel of the blessed Virgin Mary: N. Morwent raised from the very foundation the forefront, which is an excellent piece of work: G. Horton an Abbot, adjoined to it the cross North-part; Abbot Trowcester a most dainty and fine Cloister, and Abbot Sebrok an exceeding high fair steeple. As for the South side, it was also repaired with the people's offerings at the Sepulchre of the unhappy King Edward the second, who lieth here interred under a monument of Alabaster: and not far from him another Prince as unfortunate as he, Robert Curthose, the eldest son of King William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy within a wooden painted tomb in the midst of the choir, * Robert Curthose. who was bereft of the Kingdom of England for that he was borne before his father was King, deprived of his two sons the one by strange death in the New-forrest, the other despoiled of the Earldom of Flanders his inheritance, and slain; he himself dispossessed of the Dukedom of Normandy by his brother King Henry the first, his eyes plucked out, and kept close prisoner 26. years with all contumelious indignities until through extreme anguish he ended his life. Above the choir, in an arch of this church, there is a wall built in form of a semicircle full of corners, with such an artificial device, that if a man speak with never so low a voice at the one part thereof, and another lay his ear to the other being a good way distant, he may most easily hear every syllable. In the reign of William the Conqueror and before, it may seem that the chiefest trade of the Citizens was to make Iron. For as we find in the * Domes-day-booke. Survey book of England, the King demanded in manner no other tribute than certain Icres of Iron, and Iron bars, for the use of the King's Navy, and some few * Sextarios. quarts of honey. After the coming in of the Normans, it suffered diverse calamities: by the hands of Edward, King Henry the third his son; whiles England was all on a smoke and combustion by the Baron's war, it was spoiled; and afterward by casualty of fire almost wholly consumed to ashes; but now cherished with continuance of long peace it flourisheth again as fresh as ever it was, and by laying unto it two Hundreds, it is made a County, and called the County of the City of Gloucester. Also within the memory of our fathers, King Henry the Eighth augmented the state thereof with an Episcopal See, with which dignity in old time it had been highly endowed, as Geoffrey of Monmouth avoucheth, and I will not derogate aught from the credit of his assertion, considering that among the Prelates of Britain the Bishop Cluviensis is reckoned, which name derived from Clevum or Glow, doth after a sort confirm and strengthen my conjecture, that this is that Glevum, whereof Antonine maketh mention. Severne, having now left Gloucester behind it, and gathered his waters unto one stream again, * windeth itself by Elmore a Mansion house of the Gises, ancient by their own lineal descent, Elmore. being in elder times owners of Apsely-Gise near Brickhill: and from the Beauchamps of Holt, who acknowledge Huber de Burgo Earl of Kent (whom I lately mentioned) beneficious to them, and testify the same by their Armouries. Lower upon the same side Stroud a pretty river slideth into Severne out of Coteswold by Stroud a Mercat town sometimes better peopled with Clothiers, and not far from Minching-Hampton which anciently had a Nunnery, Minching. or belonged to Nuns whom our ancestors named Minching. Now Severn waxing broader and deeper by reason of the alternative flowing and ebbing of the sea, riseth and swelleth in manner of a rough and troublous sea indeed, and so with many windings and turnings in, and out, speedeth him unto the Ocean. But nothing offereth itself unto his sight, (to count of) as he passeth along, but Cam-bridge a little country town: where it receiveth Cam a small rivelet: Over the bridge whereof, when the Danes with rich spoils passed (as Aethelward writeth) Cam-bridge. in battail-ray, the Westsaxons and the Mercians received them with an hot battle in Woodnesfield, where three of their Petty Kings were slain, namely, Heatfden, Cinvil and Inguar. * On the same shore not much beneath, standeth Barkley, in the Saxon-tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Barkley▪ See Bristol in Somersetshire. of great name for a most strong Castle, a Major, who is the Head Magistrate, and especially for the Lords thereof descended from Robert-Fitz-Harding to whom King Henry the second gave this place, and Barkely Hearnes. Out of this house are branched many Knights and Gentlemen of signal note, and in the reign of King Henry the seventh flourished William Lord Barkely, who was honoured by King Edward the fourth with the style of Viscount Barkely, by King Richard the third with the honour of Earl of Nottingham (in regard of his mother daughter of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and Earl of Nottingham) and by King Henry the Seventh with the office of Marshal of England, and dignity of Marquis Barkely. But for that he died issueless, these his titles died together with him. If you be willing to know by what a crafty fetch Goodwin Earl of Kent, a man most deeply pregnant in devising how to do injury, got the possession of this place, you may read these few lines out of Wal. Mapaeus, who flourished 400. years ago: and worth the reading, (believe me) they are. Barkley near unto Severn is a town of 500 pounds' revenue. In it there was a Nunnery, and the Abbess over these Nuns was a Noble woman and a beautiful. goodwin's fraudulent fetch. Earl Goodwin by a cunning and subtle wile, desiring not herself, but hers, as he passed that way, left with her a Nephew of his, a very proper and beautiful young Gentleman (pretending that he was sickly) until he returned back. Him he had given this lesson, that he should keep his bed and in no wise seem to be recovered until he had got both her and as many of the Nuns as he could with child as they came to visit him. * De honestis, ●nustas. And to the end that the young man might obtain their favour and his own full purpose, when they visited him: the Earl gave unto him pretty rings and fine girdles to bestow for favours upon them, and thereby to deceive them. He therefore being willing entered into this course of libidinous pleasure (for that the way down to hell is easy) was soon taught his lessons, and wisely playeth the fool in that, which seemed wise in his own conceit. With him they were restant all those things that the foolish virgins could wish for, beauty, dainty delicates, riches, fair speech; and careful he was now to single them alone. The Devil therefore thrust out Pallas, brought in Venus, and made the Church of our Saviour and his Saints, an accursed Temple of all Idols; and the Shrine, a very stews, and so of pure Lambs, he made them foul shee-wolves, and of pure virgins, filthy harlots. Now when many of their bellies bore out big and round, this youth being by this time over wearied with conquest of pleasure, getteth him gone, and forthwith bringeth home again unto his Lord and Master, a victorious Ensign, worthy to have the reward of iniquity: and to speak plain, relateth what was done. No sooner heard he this, but he hieth him to the King: informeth him how the Lady Abbess of Barkely and her Nuns were great with child, and commonly prostitute to every one that would: sendeth special messengers of purpose for enquiry hereof, proveth all that he had said. He beggeth Berkley of the King his Lord after the Nuns were thrust out, and obtained it at his hands: and he left it to his wife Gueda: but because she herself (so saith Doomsday book,) would eat nothing that came out of this Manor, for that the Nunnery was destroyed▪ he purchased for her Vdecester, that thereof she might live, so long as she made her abode at Barkley. Thus we see, a good and honest mind abhorreth whatsoever is evil gotten. How King Edward the second being deposed from his Kingdom through the crafty complotting and practice of his wife, was made away in the Castle here, by the wicked subtlety of Adam Bishop of Hereford, who wrote unto his keepers these few words without points between them: K. Edward the second murdered. Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est: that by reason of their divers sense and construction, both they might commit the murder, and he also cleanly excuse himself, I had rather you should seek in Historians, than look for at my hands. Beneath this Barkley, the little river Avon closely entereth into the Sea, at the head whereof scarce eight miles from the waterside, upon the hills near Alderley a small town, Wilkes of stone or Shellfish ston●fied. there are found certain stones resembling Cockles or Periwinkles and Oysters: which, whether they have been sometimes living creatures, or the gamesome sports of Nature, I leave it to Philosophers (that hunt after nature's works.) But Fracastorius the principal Philosopher in this our age; maketh no doubt, but that they were living creatures engendered in the Sea, and by waters brought to the mountains. For, he affirmeth, that mountains were cast up by the Sea, with the driving at first of sand into heaps and hillocks: Shellfish stonified. also that the sea flowed there where now hills do rise aloft: and that as the said Sea retired the hills also were discovered. But this is out of my race. TRAIECTUS, that is, The ferry, whereof Antonine the Emperor maketh mention over against Abone, where they were wont to pass over Severne salt water by boat, was in times past as I guess by the name, at Oldbury, which is by interpretation, The Old Burgh: like as we do ferry, in these days at Aust, a little town somewhat lower. This in ancient times was called Aust clive: for, a great craggy cliff it is indeed, mounting up a great height. And verily, memorable is the thing which that Mapaeus whom I spoke of writeth to have been done in this place. Edward the elder, saith he, Lay at Austclive, and Leolin Prince of Wales at Bethesley: now when Leolin would not come down to parley, nor cross Severn, Edward passeth over to Leolin; whom when Leolin saw and knew who he was, he cast off his rich robe (for he had prepared himself to sit in judgement) entered the water brest-high, and clasping the boat with an embrace, said, Most wise and sage King, thy humility hath overcome my insolency, and thy wisdom triumphed over my folly: Come, get upon my neck which I have (fool as I am) lifted up against thee, and so shalt thou enter into that land, which thy benign mildness hath made thine own this day:) and after he had taken him upon his shoulders, he would needs have him sit upon his robe aforesaid, and so putting his own hands jointly into his, did him homage. Upon the same shore also is situate Thornebury, where are to be seen the foundations brought up above ground of a sumptuous and stately house which Edward the last Duke of Buckingham, was in hand to build, in the year of our Lord, (as the engraving doth purport) 1511. when he had taken down an ancient house which Hugh Audeley E. of Gloucester had formerly built seven miles from hence, Avon shedding itself into Severn running cross before it, maketh a division between Glocestershire, and Sommersetshire, and not far from the bank thereof, Puclechurch appeareth, being in times past a town or Manor of the Kings called Pucle-Kerkes, wherein Edmund King of England, whiles he interposed himself between his Sewer, and one Leove a most villainous wretch, The Bradstones. for to part and end certain quarrels between them was thrust through the body, and so lost his life. Near bordering upon this place are two towns; Winterburne, which had for their Lords the Bradstons, amongst whom S. Thomas was summoned amongst the Barons in the time of King Edward the Third. From whom the Viscount's Montacute, the Barons of Wentworth, etc. fetch their descent: Acton, which gave name to the house of the Acton's, Knights: whose heir, being married unto Nicolas Points Knight in K. Edward the second his days, Deorham. Marianus. left the same to their offspring: Derham a little town, in the Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, where Ceaulin the Saxon slew three Princes or chief Lords of the Britan's, Commeail, Condidan and Fariemeiol, with others, whom he likewise put to the sword and dispossessed the Britan's of that country for ever. There remain yet in that place huge rampires and trenches as fortifications of their camps, and other most apparent monuments here and there of so great a war. This was the chief seat of the Barony of * james of Newmerch. james de novo Mercatu, who begat three daughters, wedded to Nicholas de Moelis, john de Boteraux, and Ralph Russell: one of whose posterity, enriched by matching with the heir of the ancient family of Gorges, assumed unto them the name of Gorges. But from Ralph Russell the heir this Deorham descended to the family of Venice. Above these is Sodbury known by the family of Walsh, and neighbours thereunto are Wike-ware the ancient seat of the family De-la-ware, * Woton under Edge, which yet remembreth the slaughter of Sir. Thomas Talbot Viscount Lisle here slain in the time of King Edward the Fourth in an encounter with the Lord Barkley, De-la-ware. Wotton under Edge. Viscount Lisle. about possessions, since which time have continued suits between their posterity until now, lately they were finally compounded. More Northward I had sight of Durisley reputed the ancientest habitation of the Barkleyes', hereupon styled Barkleis of Duresley, who built here a Castle now more than ruinous, and were accounted founders of the Abbey of Kings-wood thereby for Cistertian Monks, Douresley. derived from Tintern whom Maud the Empress greatly enriched. The males of this house failed in the time of King Richard the Second, and the heir general was married to Cantelow. Inq. 6. R. 2. Vleigh. Within one mile of this, where the river Cam lately spoken of, springeth, is Vleigh, a seat also of the Barkeleis descended from the Barons Barkeley, styled of Vleigh, Escaetria. 8. H. 4. Beverston Castle. and Stoke Giffard, who were found coheirs to I. Baron Boutetort, descended from the Baron Zouch of Richard's Castles, alias Mortimer, and the Somerus Lords of Dueley, Beverston Castle not far of Eastward appertained also to the name of Barkeleys, but in former times to the Gournois, and Ab-Adam a Baron in the time of King Edward the First. Cotswould. Would what it is in English Hitherto have we cursorily passed over the principal places in this Shire situate beyond and upon Severn, and not far from his bank: Now proceed we forward to the East part, which I said riseth up with hills, to wit, Cotteswold, which of woulds, and Cotes, that is, hills and Sheepfolds took that name. For, mountains and hills without woods, the Englishmen in old time termed Woulds: whence it is that an Old Glossary interpreteth Alps Italy, The Woulds of Italy. In these Woulds there feed in great numbers, flocks of sheep, long necked and square of bulk and bone, by reason (as it is commonly thought) of the weally and hilly situation of their pasturage: whose wool being most fine and soft is had in passing great account among all nations. Under the side of these hills, and among them are to be seen, as it were, in a row neighbouring together, these places following, of more antiquity than the rest, beginning at the North-east end of them. Campden. Campden, commonly Camden, a mercat town well peopled and of good resort, where, as john Castoreus writeth, all the Kings of Saxon blood assembled in the year of Salvation 689. and consulted in common about making war upon the Britan's. In William the conquerors time this Weston and Biselay were in the possession of Hugh Earl of Chester, Inqui. 2. Edward 1. and from his posterity came at last by Nicolaa de Albeniaco an inherice to the ancient Earls of Arundel unto Roger de Somery. near unto it standeth the said Weston, a place now to be remembered in regard of a fair house, which maketh a goodly show a far off, built by Ralph Sheldon for him and his Posterity. Hales in late time a most flourishing abbey built by Richard Earl of Cornwall and King of Romans, Hales. * who was there buried with his Wife Sanchia daughter to the Earl of Province: Alexander of Hales, he flourished. and deserving commendation for breeding up of Alexander of Hales a great Clerk and so deeply learned above all others in that subtle and deep Divinity of the School men, 1230. as he carried away the surname of Doctor Irrefragabilis, that is, Doctor ungain-said. Sudley. the Doctor ungain-said, as he that could not be gainsaid. Sudley, in times past Sudlengh, a very fair Castle, the seat not long since of Sir Thomas Seimor Baron Seimor of Sudley, and Admiral of England, attainted in the time of king Edward the Sixth, and afterward of Sir John Bruges whom Queen Mary created Baron Chandos of Sudley; Barons of Chan. because he derived his pedigree from the ancient family of Chandos; out of which there flourished in the reign of Edward the third Sir John Chandos a famous Baneret Viscount of Saint Saviour's, See Banerets before. Barons of Sudley. L▪ of Caumont, and Kerkito● in France, a martial man, and for military Prowess every way most renowned. But in old time certain Noblemen here dwelled, and of it had their addition de Sudley, descended of a right ancient English Race, to wit from Gorda K. Aetheldreds' daughter, whose son Ralph Medantinus Earl of Hereford begat Harold L. of Sudley, whose progeny flourished here a long time, until for default of issue male, the daughter and heir matched in marriage with Sir William Butler of the family of Wem, 20. H. 6. and brought him a son named Thomas: and he begat Ralph, Lord Treasurer of England, created by king Henry the Sixth Baron of Sudley, Escaetria 13. Edward 4. with a fee of 200. marks yearly, who repaired this castle and enlarged it with new buildings. His sisters and coheirs were married unto the houses of Northbury and Belk●ape: and by their posterity the possessions in short time were divided into sundry Families. Todington. Toddington also is next adjoining hereunto, where the Tracies Gentlemen of a right worshipful and ancient house flourished a long time, Tracies. who long since found the Barons of Sudley very bounteous unto them. But how in the first variance about Religion, William Tracy Lord of this place was proceeded against and punished after his death by digging up his corpse and burning it openly, for some few words put down in his last Will and Testament, which savoured (as those times judged) of heresy: as also how another William de Tracy long before, embrued his hands in the bloody murder of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, the Ecclesiastical Historiographers have written at large, and it is no part of my purpose to relate such like matters. Winchelcombe. There is here likewise Winchelcombe a great Town and well inhabited, wherein Kenulph the Mercian King erected an abbey, and on the same day that he hallowed and dedicated it, he freed and sent home Edbricht a King of Kent, whom he had kept before his Prisoner. A man would hardly believe how much haunted and frequented this abbey was long since, for the Relics of King Kenelm a child seven years old, whom his own sister to get the Inheritance unto herself, secretly made away, and our forefathers registered in the rank of holy Martyrs. The Territory adjoining hereto in times past was reckoned a County by itself or a Sherifdome: For, we read in an old manuscript, sometime belonging to the Church of Worcester, in this wise, Edris surnamed Stre●na, that is, The getter, or gainer, who first under King Aetheldred, and afterwards for a good while under Cnut or Canut governed the whole Kingdom of England, Sherifdome. and ruled as Vice Roy, adjoined the Sherifdome of Winchelcombe which was then an entire thing by itself, * unto the shire of Gloucester. Thence I found nothing memorable, Coberley. but near the fountain of Churn River, Coberley, a seat of a stem of Barkeleys so often named even from the Conquest, which matched with an heir of Chandos, and so came hereditarily to the Bruges progenitors to the Lords Chandos. Then by Bird-lip-hill, whereby we ascended unto this high Coteswold out of the vale, lieth Brimsfield, which had for the L. thereof the Giffords in times past, unto whom in right of marriage there came a goodly inheritance from the Cliffords, Clifford's Barons. and straight ways by the female heirs, the same fell to the Lords le Strange of Blackmer, to Audleys and diverse others. Thus much of the places among thee Woulds. But under the said Woulds I have seen that notable Roman highway by a well known name called the Fosse, Fosse way. which out of Warwickshire cometh down first by Lemington, (where it may seem there was a Station of the Romans by the pieces of Roman Coin ploughed there often times out of the ground: some of which Edward Palmer a curious and diligent Antiquary, whose Ancestors flourished here a long-time, hath of his courtesy imparted unto me) then, by Stow on the Would, where by reason of that high site, the Winds blow cold: and North-Leach bearing the name of a Riveret running hard by it: Circencester. and then to Circencester, which the River Corinus, now Churn rising among thee Woulds near Corberley, very commodious for Milles, passeth by into the South, and so giveth it his name. This was a City of as great antiquity as any other, Corinium. called by Ptolomee CORINIUM, by Antonine the Emperor, DUROCORNOVIUM, that is, The water Cornovium, just fifteen miles from Glevum or Gloucester, as he noteth. The Britan's named it Caer Cori, and Caer Ceri; the English Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we in these days Circester, and Circiter. The ruinated walls do plainly show that it was very large: for, by report they took up two miles in compass: That it was a famous place, the Roman Coins, the cherkerworke pavements, and the engraven marble stones that now and then are there digged up, (which, have been broken and to no small prejudice of Antiquity) do evidently testify: A Roman port-way. As also the Port Consular ways of the Romans, that here did cross one another, whereof that which led to GLEVUM or Gloucester, is yet extant with his high rigged evident to be seen as far as to Bird-lip-hill, and if a man look well upon it, seems to have been paved with stone. The British Chronicles record, that this City was burnt being set on fire by Sparrows, through a stratagem devised by one Gurmund, I wot not what Tyrant of Africa, whereupon Giraldus calleth it Passerum urbem, that is, the Sparrows City: and out of those Chronicles Necham writeth thus, Urbs vires experta tuas Gurmunde per annos Septem— This City felt for seven years' space, Thy forces Gurmund— Who this Gurmund was I know not. The Inhabitants show a Mount beneath the City which they report Gurmund did cast up, and yet they call it Grismunds' Tower. Marianus an Historian of good antiquity and credit, reporteth, that Ceaulin King of the West Saxons dispossessed the Britan's of it, what time he had discomfited and put to flight their forces at Deorham, and brought Gloucester to his subjection. Many years after this, it was subject to the West Saxons: for, we read, that Penda the Mercian was defeated by Cineglise King of the West Saxons, when he besieged it with a mighty Army. Howbeit, at length both it, and the whole Territory and country came under subjection of the Mercians, and so continued until the English Monarchy. Under which it sustained much sorrow and grievous calamity by the Danes: and peradventure at the hand of Gurmon that Dane, whom the Historiographers call both Guthrus and Gurmundus. * So that it may seem he was that Gurmund which they so much speak of. For certes when he raged, about the year 879. a rabblement of Danes rousted here one whole year. Now scarce the fourth part within the walls is inhabited: the remains beside are pasture grounds and the ruins of an abbey, built (as the report goeth) at first by the Saxons, and newly repaired afterwards by King Henry the First for Black Canons, wherein, I heard say, that many of the family of the Barons de * Samond. Sancto Amando were buried. But the Castle that it had, was by a Warrant from the King, overthrown in the first year of Henry the Third his Reign. The Townsmen raise the chief gain by the Trade of Clothing, and they make great reports of the singular bounty of King Richard the First towards them, who endowed the abbey with lands: and (as they say themselves) made them Rulers of the seven Hundreds adjoining, to hold the same jurisdiction in fee farm: by virtue whereof, they should have the hearing and determining of causes, and take unto themselves the fines, perquisites, amercements, and other profits growing out of the trials of such causes. Moreover King Henry the Fourth granted unto them certain privileges in consideration of their good and valiant service performed against Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, late Duke of Surrey, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, late Duke of Excester, john Montacute Earl of Salisbury, Thomas de Spenser Earl of Gloucester, and others, who being by him despoiled of their honours, and maligning his usurpation, conspired to take away his life, and here, by the townsmen intercepted, were some of them slain outright, and others beheaded. The river Churn when it hath left Circester behind him, six miles * Isis, afterwards Tamisis. near to Dounamveny an ancient seat of the hungerford's, joineth with Isis. For, ISIS, commonly called Ouse, that it might be by original of Gloucestershire, hath his head there, and with lively springs floweth out of the South border of this shire ne'er unto Torleton an upland Village, not far from that famous Port-way, called the Fosse. This is that Isis which afterwards entertaineth Tame, and by a compound word is called Tamisis, Sovereign as it were of all the Britain Rivers in Britain: of which a man may well and truly say as ancient Writers did of Euphrates in the East part of the World: that it doth both Sow and Water the best part of Britain. The poetical description of whose Source or first head, I have here put down out of a Poem entitled The Marriage of Tame and Isis, which whether you admit or omit, it skilleth but little. Lanigeros quà lata greges Cotswaldia pascit, Crescit & in colles faciles, visura Dobunos, Haud procul à Fossa longo spelunca recessu Cernitur, abrupti surgente crepidine clivi: Cujus inauratis resplendent limina tophis, Atria tegit ebur, tectúmque Gagate Britanno Emicat, alterno solidantur pumice posts. Materiam sed vincit opus, cedúntque labori Artifici tophus, pumex, ebur, atque Gagates. Pingitur hinc vitrei moder atrix Cynthia regni Passibus obliquis volventia sydera lustrans: Oceano tellus conjuncta marita marito Illinc caelatur, fraternáque flumina Ganges, Nilus, * Fosse way. Amazonius, tractúsque binominis Istri, Vicini & Rheni: sed & his intermicat auro Vellere Phrixae● dives, redimitáque spicis Clara triumphatis erecta BRITANNIA Gallis, etc. Vndoso hîc solio residet regnator aquarum ISIS, fluminea qui majestate verendus Caeruleo gremio ●esupinat prodigus urnam, Intonsos crines i●vis & arundine cinctus, Cornua cana liqu●nt, fluitantia lumina lymphis Dispergunt lucem, propexa in pectore barba Tota madet, toto distillant corpore guttae: Et salientis aquae prorumpunt undique venae. Pisciculi liquidis penetralibus undique ludunt, Plurimus & cygnus niveis argenteus alis Pervolitat circum, etc. Where Cotswald spread abroad doth lie and feed fair flocks of sheep, And Dobunes for to see in downs ariseth nothing steep, Within a nouke along not much the Fosse and it between, Just at the rising of a bank upright, a Cave is seen, Whereof the entry glistereth with soft stones richly guilt, The haul is seeled with Ivory, the roof aloft ybuilt Of Gait the best that Britain yields: The pillars very strong, With Pumish laid each other course are raised all along. The stuff full fair, yet Art doth it surpass, and to the feat Of Artisan, give place the gold, stones, Yv'ry, and Gait. here painted is the Moon that rules the Sea like Crystal Glass, As she through rolling Signs above with traverse course doth pass, And there again enchased are both land and Ocean wide, Conjoined as man and wife in one, with Rivers great beside, Like brethren all, as Ganges rich, strange Nilus, Tanais, Yea and the course of Ister large, which * Ister, and Danubius. double named is, Of Rhine also a neighbour stream. And here bedight in gold, Among them glitt'reth Britanny with riches manifold Of golden fleece; a Coronet of Wheat-eares she doth wear, And for her triumph over France, her head aloft doth rear, etc. In waving Throne here sits the King of waters all and some ISIS, who in that Majesty which Rivers doth become, All reverend, from his watchet lap powers forth his stream amain With weed and read his hairs tucked up that grow both long and plain, His hoary horns distilling run, with water stand his eyes, And shoot from them a lustre far: his kembed beard likewise, Down to the breast wet-through doth reach: his body drops again, All over and on every side breaks out some water vein. In secret waterish room's within the little fishes play, And many a silver Swan beside, his white wings doth display, And flutter round about, etc. Earls of Gloucester. As touching the Earls of Gloucester; some there be, who have thrust upon us one William Fitz-Eustace, for the first Earl: who this was, I have not yet found, and I verily believe he is yet unborn. The History of Tewksbury abbey. But that which I have found, I will not conceal from the Reader. About the coming in of the Normans, we read that one Bithricke an English Saxon was Lord of Gloucester, whom Maud wife to William Conqueror, upon a secret rancour and hatred conceived against him for his contempt of her beauty (for, Bithrick had before time refused to marry her) troubled and molested most maliciously. And when she had at length cast him in Prison, Robert Fitz-Haimon Lord of Corboile in Normandy, Fitz-Haimon. William of Malmesbury. was by the King endowed with his possessions, who in a battle having received a wound with the push of a pike upon the temples of his head, had his wits cracked therewith, and survived a good while after, as a man distraught and mad. His daughter Mabil, whom others name Sibyl, Robert the base son of King Henry the First by the intercession of his father, obtained for his wife, but not before he had made him Earl of Gloucester. This is he who is called commonly by Writers The Consul of Gloucester. A man of an haughty valorous mind and undaunted heart, as any one in that age; and who being never dejected with any adversity, won great praise for his fidelity and worthy exploits in the behalf of his sister Maude the Empress against Stephen then usurping the Crown of England. Register of Keinsham abbey, and Tewksbury. This honourable Title left he unto his son William, who dejected with comfortless grief when death had deprived him of his only son and heir, assured his estate with his eldest daughter to john son to King Henry the Second, with certain provisoes for his other daughters. Yet his three daughters brought this Earldom into as many families. For john when he had obtained the Kingdom repudiated her upon pretences, as well that she was barren, as that they were within prohibited degrees of consanguinity: and reserving the Castle of Bristol to himself, Pat. 15. Joan. R. 4. after some time, passed over his repudiated wife with the Honour of Gloucester, to Geffrey Mandevil son of Geffrey Fitz Peter, Earl of Essex for 20000. marks, who thus over-marrying himself was greatly impoverished, and wounded in Tournament died soon after issueless: and she being remarried to Hubert of Burgh died immediately. Then K. john upon an exchange granted the Earldom of Gloucester to Almary Earl of Eureux, son to the eldest daughter of the foresaid E. William, who enjoyed it a short time dying also without issue. So by Amice the second daughter of the forenamed Earl William married to Richard de Clare Earl of Hertford, Earls of Gloucester and Hertford. this Earldom descended to Gilbert her son, who was styled Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, and mightily enriched his house by marrying one of the heirs of William Martial Earl of Pembroch. His son and successor Richard in the beginning of the Baron's wars against king Henry the Third ended his life, leaving Gilbert his son to succeed him, who powerfully and prudently swayed much in the said wars, as he inclined to them or the king. He obnoxious to King Edward the First, surrendered his lands unto him, and received them again by marrying Joan the King's Daughter (surnamed of Acres in the Holy-land because she was there borne) to his second Wife, who bore unto him Gilbert Clare last Earl of Gloucester of this surname, slain in the flower of his youth in Scotland at the battle of Sterling in the 6. year of K. Edward the second. Howbeit while this Gilbert the third was in minority, Sir Ralph de Mont-hermer who by a secret contract had espoused his mother the King's daughter (for which he incurred the king's high displeasure, and a short imprisonment) but after reconciled was summoned to Parliaments by the name of Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. But when Gilbert was out of his minority, he was summoned amongst the Barons by the name of Sir Ralph de Mont-hermer, as long as he lived, which I note more willingly for the rareness of the example. Thomas De La Mare in the life of Edward●. After the death of Gilbert the third without children Sir Hugh Le De-Spenser (commonly named Spenser) the younger, was by writers called Earl of Gloucester, because he had married the eldest sister of the said Gilbert the third. But after that he was by the Queen and Nobles of the Realm hanged, for hatred they bore to K. Edward the 2. whose minion he was; Sir Hugh Audley, who had matched in marriage with the second sister, through the favour of King Edward the Third, received this honour. After his death King Richard the Second erected this Earldom into a Dukedom, and so it had three Dukes and one Earl between: and unto them all it proved Equus Sejanus, that is, Fatal to give them their fall. Thomas of Woodstock youngest son to King Edward the Third, was the first Duke of Gloucester advanced to that high honour by the said King Richard the Second, and shortly after by him subverted. For when he busily plotted great matters, the King took order that he should be conveyed secretly in all haste to Calis, where with a featherbed cast upon him he was smouthered: having before under his own band confessed (as it stands upon Record in the Parliament Rolls) that he by virtue of a Patent which he had wrested from the King, took upon him the King's regal authority, that he came armed into the King's presence, reviled him, consulted with learned about renouncing his allegiance, and devised to depose the King: for which being now dead he was by authority of Parliament attainted and condemned of high Treason. When he was thus dispatched, the same King conferred the Title of Earl of Gloucester upon Thomas Le De-Spenser in the right of his Great Grandmother; who within a while after sped no better than his great Grandfather Sir Hugh. For by King Henry the fourth he was violently displaced, shamefully degraded, and at Briston by the people's fury beheaded. After some years' King Henry the Fifth created his brother Humphrey, the second Duke of Gloucester, who styled himself the first year of King Henry the Sixth, as I have seen in an Instrument of his, Humphrey by the Grace of God, son, brother, and Uncle to Kings, Duke of Gloucester, Earl of Henault, Holland, Zealand, and Penbroch; Lord of Friesland, Great Chamberlain of the Kingdom of England, Protector and Defender of the same Kingdom, and Church of England. A man that had right well deserved of the common wealth and of learning, but through the fraudulent practice and malignant envy of the Queen brought to his end at Saint Edmunds Bury. The third and last Duke was Richard brother to King Edward the Fourth who afterwards having most wickedly murdered his Nephews, usurped the Kingdom, by the name of King Richard the third: and after two years lost both it and his life in a pitched field, finding by experience that power gotten by wicked means is never long lasting. Concerning this last Duke of Gloucester, Richard the third King o● England. and his first entry to the Crown, give me leave for a while to play the part of an Historiographer, which I will speedily give over again as not well able to act it. When this Richard Duke of Gloucester being now proclaimed Protector of the Kingdom had under his command his tender two Nephews, Edward the Fifth King of England, and Richard Duke of York, he retriving after the Kingdom for himself, by profuse liberality and bounty to very many, by passing great gravity tempered with singular affability, by deep wisdom, by ministering justice indifferently, and by close devises, won wholly to him all men's hearts, but the Lawyers especially to serve his turn. So shortly he effected that in the name of all the States of the Realm, there should be exhibited unto him a supplication, wherein they most earnestly besought him for the public Weal of the Kingdom, to take upon him the Crown, to uphold his Country, and the commonweal now shrinking and down falling, not to suffer it to run headlong into utter desolation; by reason that both laws of nature, and the authority of positive laws, and the laudable customs and liberties of England, wherein every Englishman is an inheritor, were subverted and trampled under foot through civil wars, rapines, murders, extortions, oppressions, and all sorts of misery. But especially ever since that King Edward the fourth, his brother bewitched by sorcery and amorous potions fell in fancy with Dame Elizabeth Greie widow, whom he married without the assent of his Nobles, without solemn publication of Banes, secretly in a profane place, and not in the face of the Church, contrary to the law of God's Church and commendable custom of the Church of England: and which was worse, having before time by a precontract espoused Dame Aeleanor Butler, She was married first to R. Butler, L. of Sudley. daughter to the old Earl of Shrewsburie: whereby most sure and certain it was, that the foresaid matrimony was unlawful and therewith the children of them begotten illegitimate, and so unable to inherit or claim the Crown. Moreover considering that George Duke of Clarence the second brother of King Edward the Fourth, was by authority of Parliament convicted and attainted of high treason, thereupon his children disabled and debarred from all right succession; evident it was to every man, that Richard himself remained the sole and undoubted heir to the Crown. Of whom they assured themselves, that being borne in England he would seriously provide for the good of England, neither could they make any doubt of his birth, parentage, and Filiation; whose wisdom also, whose justice, princely courage, warlike exploits most valiantly achieved in the defence of the State, and whose royal birth and blood, (as who was descended from the blood royal of the three most renowned Kingdoms of England, France, and Spain) they knew assuredly. Wherefore having throughly weighed these and such like motives, they willingly and withal hearty affection tendering the welfare of the land, by that their petition and one general accord of them all elected him for their King, and with prayers and tears lying prostrate before him, humbly craved and besought his gracious favour to accept and take upon him the Kingdoms of England, France, and Ireland, appertaining to him by right of inheritance, and now presented to him by their free and lawful election; and so for very pity and natural zeal to reach forth unto his Country now forlorn his helping hand, that after so great and grievous storms the son of grace might shine upon them to the comfort of all true hearted English men: This supplication being tendered privately to himself, before that he entered upon the Kingdom, was presented also afterwards unto him in the public assembly of all the States of the Realm, and there allowed, and so by their authority enacted and published, with a number of words (as the manner is) heaped up together, that according to the law of God, the law of Nature, the laws of England and most laudable custom, Richard was and is by lawful election, Inauguration, and Coronation the undoubted King of England, etc. and that the Kingdoms of England, France, and Ireland appertained rightfully to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And to use the very words as they stand penned in the original Record. By the authority of the Parliament it was pronounced, decreed and declared, that all, and singular the contents in the foresaid Bill were true and undoubted; and the Lord the King with the assent of the three States of the Kingdom, by the foresaid authority pronounceth, decreeth, and declareth the same, for true and undoubted. These things have I laid forth more at large out of the Parliament Rowel, that ye may understand, both what and how great matters, the power of a Prince, the outward show of virtue, the wily fetches of Lawyers, fawning hope, pensive fear, desire of change, and goodly pretences, are able to effect in that most wise assembly of all the States of a Kingdom, even against all Law and right. But this Richard is not to be accounted worthy to have been a Sovereign had he not been a Sovereign as Galba was reputed; who when he was a Sovereign, deceived all men's expectation: but most worthy indeed of Sovereignty, had he not being transported with ambition (which blasteth all good parts) by lewd practices, and mischievous means made foul way thereunto. For that by the common consent of all that are wise, he was reckoned in the rank of bad men, but of good Princes. Now remembering myself to be a Chorographer I will return to my own part, and leave these matters unto our Historiographers, when God shall send them. In this County there are Parishes. 280. OXONIENSIS Comitatus vulgo Oxfordshyre qui pars olim DOBUNORUM OXFORD-SHIRE. OXFORD-SHIRE, in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which, as we said, belonged also to the Dobuni, on the West side joineth upon Gloucestershire, on the South, which way it runneth out farthest in breadth, is dissevered from Bark-shire, by the River Isis or Tamis: Eastward, it bordereth upon Buckingham-shire: and Northward where it endeth pointed, in manner of a Cone, or Pineapple, hath North-hampton-shire of one side, and Warwickshire on the other side, confining with it. It is a fertile Country and plentiful: wherein the Plains are garnished with Corne-fields and meadows, the Hills beset with Woods, stored in every place not only with Corn and fruits, but also with all kind of game for Hound, or Hawk; and well watered with fishfull Rivers. For ISIS, or OUSE which afterwards comes to be named Tamis, maketh a long course and runneth under the South side; Cherwell also a pretty River well stored with fish, after it hath for a time parted North-hampton-shire and Oxford-shire passeth gently with a still stream through the midst of the Country, and divideth it, as it were, into two parts. And Tamis with his waters conforteth and giveth heart to the East part, until both of them together with many other Riverets and Brooks running into them be lodged in Isis. This Isis when it hath passed a small part of Wiltshire, no sooner is entered into Oxford-shire but presently being kept in and restrained with Rodcot bridge, Rodcot Bridge, Bablac. passeth by Bablac, where Sir R. Vere that most puissant Earl of Oxford, marquis of Dublin, and Duke of Ireland, who as he stood in most high favour and authority with King Richard the Second, so he was as much envied of the Nobles, taught us (as one said) that no power is always powerful. Who being there discomfited in a skirmish by the Nobles and constrained to take the River and swim over, found the Catastrophe of his fortune and subversion of his state: For, immediately he fled his country and died distressed in exile. Of whom the Poet in his Marriage of Tame and Isis, made these verses. — Hic Verus notissimus apro, Dum dare terga negat virtus, 1387. & tendere contrà Non sinit invictae rectrix prudentia mentis; Vndique dum resonat repetitis ictibus umbo, Tinnitúque strepit circum sua tempora cassis, Se dedit in fluvium, fluvius laetatus & illo Hospite, suscepit salvum, saluúmque remisit. here VERE, Wild Boar the badge of the Veres. well known by badge of savage Boar, While manhood shames to yield, yet strive again Stout heart may not, restrained by wisdom's lore; Whiles shield resounds by doubled blows amain, And helmet rings about his ears; is fain The stream to take: The River glad therefore, His Guest took safe, and set him safe on shore. Isis' from thence overflowing many times the flat and low grounds, is first increased with the Brook Windrush, which springing out of Cotteswold, hath standing upon the bank side Burford, Burford. in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, where Cuthred King of Westsaxons at that time by courtesy of the Mercians, when he could endure no longer the most grievous exactions of Aethelbald the Mercian, who began to oppress his people and suck their blood, came into the field against him, and put him to flight: having won his Banner, wherein, by report of Authors, there was a golden Dragon depainted. Barons Lovel. Then passeth it by Minster Lovel, the habitation in times passed of the great Barons Lovels of Tichmerch, who being descended from * Lovel. Lupellus a Noble man of Normandy flourished for many ages, and augmented their estate by rich marriages with the daughters and heirs of Tichmerch, with the heirs of the Lords Holland D'eyncourt, and the Viscount's Beaumont. But their line expired in Francis Viscount Lovel, Lord Chamberlain to King Richard the Third, (attainted by King Henry the Seventh, and slain in the battle at Stoke in the quarrel of Lambert that Counterfeit Prince) whose sister Fridiswid was Grandmother to Henry the first Lord Norris. Hence Windrush hodling on his course watereth Whitney an ancient Town, Whitney. and before the Normans days belonging to the Bishops of Winchester: to which adjoineth Coges, Arsic. the chief place of the Barony of Arsic, the Lords whereof branched out of the family of the Earls of Oxford are utterly extinguished many years ago. near unto this, the Forest of Witchwood beareth a great breadth and in time passed spread far wider. For King Richard the Third disforested the great Territory of Witchwood between Woodstock and Brightstow: which Edward the Fourth made to be a Forest, as john Rosse of Warwick witnesseth. Einsham. Isis' having received Windrush passeth down to Einsham in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Manor in times passed of the Kings, seated among most pleasant meadows, which Cuthwulfe the Saxon was the first that took from the Britan's whom he had hereabout vanquished, and long after Aethelmar a Nobleman beautified it with an abbey: the which, Aethelred King of England in the year of Salvation 1005. confirmed to the Benedictine Monks, and in his confirmation signed the privilege of the liberty thereof, (I speak out of the very original grant as it was written) with the sign of the sacred Cross: but now is turned into a private dwelling house and acknowledgeth the Earl of Derby Lord thereof. Beneath this, Evenlode a little river arising likewise out of Cotteswald speedeth him into Isis; which riveret in the very border of the Shire passeth by an ancient Monument standing not far from his bank, to wit, certain huge stones placed in a round circle (the common people usually call them Rolle-rich-stones, Rolle-rich-stones. and dreameth that they were sometimes men, by a wonderful Metamorphosis turned into hard stones. The draught of them, such as it is, portrayed long since, here I represent unto your view. For, without all form and shape they be, unequal, and by long continuance of time much impaired. The highest of them all, which without the circle looketh into the earth, they use to call The King, because he should have been King of England (forsooth) if he had once seen Long Compton, a little Town so called lying beneath, and which a man, if he go some few paces forward, may see: other five standing at the other side, touching as it were, one another, they imagine to have been knights mounted on horse back; and the rest the Army. But lo the foresaid Portraiture. These would I verily think to have been the Monument of some Victory and haply, erected by Rollo the Dane, who afterwards conquered Normandy. For, what time as he with his Danes and Normans troubled England with depredations, we read that the Danes joined battle with the English thereby, at Hoche Norton, and afterwards fought a second time at Scier stane in Huiccia, which also I would deem to be that Mere-stone standing hard by for a land Mark, and parting four shires: For, so much doth that Saxon word Scier-stane most plainly import. Certainly in an Exchequer book the Town adjacent is called Rollen-drich, where as it is there specified, Turstan le Dispenser held land by Serjeanty of the Kings Dispensary, that is, to be the King's Steward. As for that Hoch-Norton, which I spoke of before, for the rustical behaviour of the Inhabitants in the age afore going it grew to be a proverb, when folk would say of one rudely demeaning himself and unmannerly after an Hoggish kind, that he was borne at Hocknorton. This place, for no one thing was more famous in old time, than for the woeful slaughter of the Englishmen in a fought field against the Danes, under the Reign of King Edward the Elder. Afterwards, it became the seat of the Barony of the D' Oilies an honourable and ancient Family of the Norman race; of whom the first that came into England was Robert de Oily, who for his good and valiant service, received of William Conqueror this Town and many fair possessions, whereof he gave certain to his sworn brother Roger Ivery, which were called the Barony of Saint Valeric. But when the said Robert departed this life without issue male, his brother Niele succeeded him therein: whose son Robert the second was founder of Osney abbey. But at length the daughter and heir general of this house D' Oily, was married to Henry Earl of Warwick: and she bore unto him Thomas Earl of Warwick, who died without issue in the Reign of Henry the Third: and Margaret, who deceased likewise without children, abeit she had two husbands, John marshal, and John de Plessetis, both of them Earls of Warwick. But then, (that I may speak in the very words of the Charter of the Grant) King Henry the Third granted Hoch-norton and Cudlington unto John de Plessetis, which were in times past the possessions of Henry d'oy, and which after the decease of Margaret, wife sometime to the foresaid John Earl of Warwick, fell into the king's hand as an Escheat of Normans lands: To have and to hold, until the lands of England and Normandy were common. Howbeit out of this ancient and famous stock there remaineth at this day a family of D' Oilies in this shire. Evenlode passeth by no memorable thing else, but Lafoy Bruer, now Bruern sometime an abbey of white Monks, and after he hath run a good long course taketh to him a Brook, near unto which standeth Woodstock, in the English Saxon language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, A woody place, where King Etheldred in times past held an assembly of the States of the Kingdom and enacted Laws. here is one of the King's houses full of State and magnificence, built by King Henry the First, who adjoined also thereunto a very large Park compassed round about with a stone wall, which, John Rosse writeth to have been the first Park in England, although we read once or twice even in Doomsday Book, these words, Parcus silvestris bestiarum in other places. In which sense old Varro useth the word Parcus, which some think to be but a new word. But since that, Parks are grown to such a number that there be more of them in England, than are to be found in all Christendom beside; so much were our Ancestors ravished with an extraordinary delight of hunting. Our Historians report, that King Henry the Second being enamoured upon Rosamund Clifford, a damosel so fair, so comely, and well favoured without comparison, that her beauty did put all other women out of the Prince's mind, in so much as now she was termed Rosa mundi, that is, The Rose of the World; and for to hide her out of the sight of his jealous Juno the Queen, he built a Labyrinth in this house, with many inexplicable windings, backward and forward: Which notwithstanding is no where to be seen at this day. The Town itself, having nothing in it at all to show, glorieth yet in this, Geffrey Chaucer▪ that Geffrey Chaucer our English Homer was there bred and brought up. Of whom and of our English Poets I may truly avouch that, which that learned Italian said of Homer and the Greek Poets; — Hic ille est cujus de gurgite sacro Combibit arcanos vatum omnis turba furores. This is the man whose sacred stream hath served all the crew Of Poets, thence they drank their fill, thence they their furies drew. For, he surpassing all others without question in wit, and leaving our smattering Poet-asters by many degrees behind him: — jam monte potitus, Ridet anhelantem dura ad fastigia turbam. When once himself the steep top hill had won, At all the sort of them he laughed anon, To see how they the pitch thereof to gain Puffing and blowing do clamber up in vain. Isis' having now entertained Evenlode, divideth his Channel and severing itself maketh many and those most delectable Islands, near which stood Godstow a little Nunnery, which Dame Ida a rich widow built; and King John both repaired and also endowed with yearly Revenues, that these holy Virgins might relieve with their prayer (for by this time had that persuasion possessed all men's minds) the souls of King Henry the Second his father, and of Rosamund: For, there was she buried with this Epitaph in Rhyme: Hac jacet in tumbâ Rosa mundi, non Rosamunda, Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet. Rose of the World, not Rose the fresh pure flower Within this Tomb hath taken up her bower: She scenteth now and nothing sweet doth smell, Which erst was wont to savour passing well. * We read that Hugh the Bishop of Lincoln Diocesan of this place coming hither caused her bones to be removed out of the Church as unworthy of Christian burial for her unchaste life. Nevertheless the holy sisters there translated them again into the Church, and laid them up in a perfumed leather bag; enclosed in lead as was found in her Tomb at the dissolution of the house; and they erected a Cross there whereby the Passengers were put in mind with two rhyming Verses to serve God, and pray for her. But I remember them not. * Neither doth the Ouse or Isis as yet gather himself into one stream, when he meeteth with Cherwell, which out of Northamptonshire, runneth almost through the mids of this Country. This River first watereth Banbury sometime 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a fair large Town, at which Kinric the West Saxon King in old time put to flight the Britan's in a memorable battle fight manfully for their lives, state, and all they had: and in this later foregoing age, not far off Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick siding with the house of Lancaster gave such an overthrow to those of York, that forthwith also he took King Edward the Fourth now forlorn and hopeless. Now the fame of this Town is for zeal, cheese, and cakes, and hath a Castle for show, which Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, (for to the See of Lincoln it belongeth) first built, who having a mind to dwell stately rather than quietly, brought upon himself many adversities by his huge buildings. About this Town, (that I may observe so much by the way) pieces of the Roman Emperors Coin found, (as also elsewhere in the field near adjoining) make somewhat to prove the antiquity of the place. near to Banbury is Hanwell, where the Family of Cope hath flourished many years in great and good esteem. And near it again is Broughton the habitation of Sir Richard Fienes, or Fenis: unto whom and to the heirs of his body, the most mighty Prince King James, in the first year of his Reign, Recognized and confirmed the name, style, title, degree, dignity and honour of the Baron Say and Sele: as who lineally descended from Sir James Fienes Baron Say and Sele, and Lord high Treasurer of England, who was cruelly beheaded by a rabble of Rebels in the time of King Henry the Sixth. Cherwell carrying his Stream along from Banbury seeth nothing but pleasant fields passing well husbanded, and as plentiful meadows. Amongst which stand Heiford Warin, so denominated Warin Fitz-Gerold Lord thereof, Heyford Purcell likewise, so named of the Purcels, * or de Porcellis ancient Gentlemen the old owners, Blechindon an an ancient Possession of the ancient Family Le Power, Islip. and Islip in elder time Ghistlipe the natal place of that King Edward (whom for his religious Piety and continency our Ancestors, and the Popes vouchsafed the name of Saint Edward the Confessor) as he himself witnesseth in the originall-Charter, whereby he granted this place to the Church of Westminster. Here there runneth a riveret from the East in to Cherwell, Burcester. which passeth by Burcester, in the English Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a little town carrying an ancient name, but wherein I have observed no matter of antiquity, save that Gilbert Basset and Egelina Courteney his Wife, built here a Religious House in honour of Saint Eadburga, in the time of King Henry the Second, and that not long since the Barons Le Strange of Knocking were Lords of the place. But Westward, there lie some few remains of a decayed and forlorn ancient station Alchester, Aldchester. they call it happily, as one would say, Aldchester, that is, an old Town, by which a Port way from Wallengford, as the neighbour Inhabitants think, led to Banbury, and the same they called Akemanstreet way: the Tract whereof for certain miles together is yet most plainly to be seen in the plain of Otmore, Bath sometime called Akemancester. Hedindon. which oftentimes is strangely overspread with winter waters. Cherwell thus increased passeth Southward ne'er to Hedindon, which King john gave to Sir Thomas Basset for his Barony. * But where Cherwell is confluent with Isis, and pleasant Eights or Islets lie dispersed by the sundry dissevering of Waters; there the most Famous University of OXFORD, Oxford▪ called in the English Saxon tongue Oxenford, showeth itself aloft in a Champion plain. OXFORD, I say, our most noble Athens, The Muses-Seate, and one of England's stays; nay The Sun, the Eye, and the Soul thereof, the very Source and most clear Spring of good Literature and Wisdom: From whence, Religion, Civility and Learning are spread most plenteously into all parts of the Realm. A fair and goodly City, whether a man respect the seemly beauty of private houses or the stately magnificence of public buildings, together with the wholesome sight or pleasant prospect thereof. For, the hills beset with woods do so environ the plain, that as on the one side they exclude the pestilent southwind, and the tempestuous West wind on the other, so they let in the clearing Eastern-winde only, and the North-east wind with all, which free from all corruption: Whence it came to pass that of this Situation it was, (as writers record in ancient times) called Bellositum. Some are of opinion, that it hath been named Caer Vortigern and Caer Vember in the British language, and that I wot not, what Vortigerns and Memprices built it. But what ever it was in the Britan's time, the English Saxons called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and altogether in the same signification that the Grecians term their Bosphori, and the Germans their Ochen-furt upon Odera, to wit, of the fourd of Oxen: in which sense it is named of our Britan's in Wales at this day Rhyd-ychen: And yet Leland grounding upon a probable conjecture, deriveth the name from the River Ouse called in Latin Isis, and supposeth that it hath been named Ousford considering that the River Eights or Islands which Isis scattereth hereabout, be called Ousney. Sage antiquity, as we read in our Chronicles, consecrated this City even in the British age unto the Muses: whom from Greeke-lad (which is a small Town at this day in Wilt-shire) they translated hither as unto a more fruitful Plant-plot. For thus writeth Alexander Necham, Lib. 2. de Natur●erum. The skill of Civil Law Italy challengeth to itself: but for Heavenly Writ or Holy Scripture, the liberal Sciences also do prove, that the City of Paris is to be preferred before all others. Moreover according to the Prophecy of Merline, Wisdom and Learning flourished at Oxford, which in due time was to pass over into the parts of Ireland. But when during the English Saxons age next ensuing, there was nothing but continual wasting and rasing of Towns and Cities, according to the sway and current of those days it sustained in part the common calamity of that time, Frideswide. and for a great while was frequented only for the relics of Frideswide, who for the chastity and integrity of her life was canonised a Saint, upon this occasion especially, for that by a solemn vow she had wholly devoted herself unto the Service of GOD; and Prince Algar whiles he came a wooing unto her, was miraculously, as writers say, stricken blind. This Frideswide, (as we read in William of Malmesbury) triumphing for her virginity, erected here a Monastery, into which when certain Danes adjudged to die in King Etheldreds' time fled for refuge as to a Sanctuary, they were all burned with the buildings, (such was the unsatiable anger of the Englishmen against them.) But soon after, when the King repented this Act, the Sanctuary, was cleansed, the Monastery re-edified, the old Lands restored, new Possessions added, and at length the place was given by Roger Bishop of Salisbury unto a Cannon excellently well learned who there presented unto GOD many such Canons who should live regularly in their Order. But leaving these matters, let us return unto the University. When the tempestuous Danish storms were meetly well blown over, Aelfred that most devout and Godly King recalled the long banished Muses unto their own Sacred chancels and built three Colleges: one for Grammarians, a second for Philosophers, and a third for Divines. But this you may more plainly understand out of these words in old Annals of the new Abbey of Winchester. In the year of Christ's Incarnation * 806. and in the second year of Saint Grimbald his coming into England, was the University of OXFORD begun. The first Regent's in the same and Readers in the Divinity School were Saint Neoth an Abbot, and besides a worthy Teacher in Divinity; and holy Grimbald a right excellent Professor of the most sweet written Word of Holy Scripture. But in Grammar and Rhetoric, the Regent was Asserius a Monk, in the skill of Literature passing well learned. In Logic, Music and Arithmetic, the Reader was John a Monk of the Church of * Menevensis. Saint david's: In Geometry and Astronomy read John a Monk also and Companion of Saint Grimbald, a Man of a passing quick wit, and right learned every way: At which Lectures was present that most glorious and invincible King Aelfred, whose memorial in every Man's mouth shall be as sweet as honey. But presently after, as we read in a very good manuscript copy of the said Asserius, who at the same time professed learning here; There arose a most dangerous and pernicious dissension at Oxford, between Grimbald and these great Clerks whom he brought thither with him on the one side, and those old Schoolmen whom he there found, on the other side: who upon his coming refused altogether to embrace the Rules, Orders and Forms of reading prescribed and begun by him. For three years' space the variance and discord between them was not great, howbeit there lurked a secret hatred fostered and festered among them, which broke out afterwards in most grievous and bitter manner, and was most evident. For the appeasing whereof, that most Invincible King Aelfred being by a message and complaint from Grimbald certified of that discord, went to OXFORD to determine and end this controversy: Where also himself in Person took exceeding great pains in giving Audience to the quarrels and complaints of both sides. Now the main substance of all the contention stood upon this point. Those old Schoolmen hotly avouched, that before Grimbalds' coming to OXFORD Learning generally flourished there, although the Scholars and Students were fewer than in number than in former times, by reason that the most of them through the cruelty and tyranny of paynims were expelled. Moreover they proved and declared, and that by the undoubted testimony of old Chronicles, that the Orders and Ordinances of that place were made and established by certain Godly and learned men, as namely Gildas of holy memory, Melkin, Ninnius, Kentigern and others, who all of them studied and followed their books there until they were aged persons, managing and governing all things there in happy peace and concord: also that S. German came to Oxford and abode there half a year, what time as he traveled through Britan, with a purpose to preach against the Pelagian heresies, who wondrous well allowed of their former Orders and Ordinances. This Noble King with incredible and unexampled humility heard both parts most diligently, exhorting them in earnest wise, (interlacing godly and wholesome admonitions) to keep mutual society and concord one with another. And so the King departed with this mind, hoping they would all of both sides obey his counsel and embrace his orders. But Grymbald taking this unkindly and to the heart, forthwith went his ways to Winchester abbey newly founded by Aelfred: Shortly after he caused his own Tomb to be translated to Winchester, wherein he purposed after he had run his race in this life, that his bones should be bestowed, in an arched Vault made under the Chancel of Saint Peter's Church in Oxford: Which Church verily the same Grymbald had built from the very foundation out of the ground, with stone most curiously wrought and polished. Within some years after this new revived felicity, there ensued diverse disturbances from the Danes, and afterward followed one or two calamities. For the Danes in the reign of Etheldred by way of robbery and foul work and havoc there: and straight after, Herald surnamed Light foot raged against it with such barbarous cruelty, for that some of his followers were slain there in a fray, that there followed thereupon a most heavy banishment of the Students, and the University, (a sorrowful spectacle) lay as it were, half dead and past all recovery, until the days of king William the Conqueror. Whom some write falsely to have won it by assault: but Oxonia written amiss in the Copies, for Exonia, that is, Excester deceived them. And that it was at that time a place of Studies and Students, may be understood out of these words of Ingulph, who in that age flourished. ay, Ingulph (saith he) being first placed in Westminster, and afterwards sent to the * Studia, Schools of University. Study of Oxford, when as in learning of Aristotle, I had profited above my fellows of the same time, etc. For those Schools of Learning which we call Academies or Universities, that Age termed Studia, that is, Studies, as I will show anon. But at this very time, it was so empoverished, that whereas within the wall and without, (I speak out of William the Conqueror his doomsday book) there were about seven hundred and fifty houses, besides four and twenty Mansions upon the Walls, five hundred of them were not able to pay their Subsidy or Imposition. And to use the very words of that book, This City paid pro * Toll and Tribute. Theloneo et Gablo, and for other Customs by the year to the King twenty pounds and six quarts of Honey: and unto Earl Algar ten pounds. About this time, Robert d'oy a noble man of Normandy (of whom I have before spoken) when he had received at the hands of William the Conqueror in reward of his Service in the Wars, large Possessions in this Shire, built a spacious Castle in the West side of the City with deep Ditches, Rampires, an high raised Mount, and therein a Parish Church to Saint George, unto which when as the Parishioners could not have access, by reason that King Stephen most straight besieged Maude the Empress within this Castle; 1074. Saint Thomas Chapel in the street hard by was built. He also, Register of Osney abbey as it is thought, fortified the whole City with new walls, which by little and little time doth force, and as it were embreach with his assault. Robert likewise Nephew unto him by his brother Neale, and Chamberlain to King Henry the First, founded Ousney or Osney, Osney. a most stately abbey, as the ruins do yet show, amidst the divided waters, 1129. not far from the Castle: persuaded thereto by Edith his wife, (the daughter of Forne) who before time had been one of King Henry the First his sweet hearts and lig-bies. About those times as we read in the Chronicle of the said Osney abbey, Robert Pulein began to read in Oxford the Holy Scriptures, in England now grown out of request: Who afterwards, when as by his Doctrine the English and Frenchmen both had much profited; was called by Pope Lucius the second, and promoted to be Chancellor of the Church of Rome. To the same effect also writeth john Rosse of Warwick. By the procurement of King Henry the First, the Divinity Lecture which had discontinued a long time in Oxford, began again to flourish, and there he built a Palace, which King Edward the Second at length converted into a Covent of Carmelits. But long before this time, in this Palace was borne into the World that Lion-hearted Knight, Richard Cu● de Lion. Richard the First King of England; commonly called Ceeur de Lion, a Prince of a most haughty mind and full of resolution, borne for the weal of Christendom, the honour of England, and the terror of Infidels. Upon whose death a Poet in that age of no mean conceit versified thus, for that his remains were interred in divers places; Viscera Carcelorum, Corpus Fons servat Ebrardi, Et cor Rhothomagum, Magne Richard, tuum: In tria dividitur unus, qui, plus fuit uno, Nec superest uno gloria tanta viro. Hîc Richarde jaces, sed mors si cederet armis, Victa timore tui, cederet ipsa tuis. Thy Bowels keep's Carceolum, thy corpse Font Everard: And Rouen thy valiant Lion's heart, O noble great Richard. Thus one three fold divided is, for more he was then one, And for that one, so great he was, such glory is in none. Here liest thou Richard, but if death to force of arms could yield, For fear of thee he would to thee have given as lost the field. Thus after the City was refreshed again with these buildings, many began to flock hither as it were to a Mart of learning and virtue: and by the industrious means especially of that Robert Pulein, a man borne to promote the Commonwealth of learning, who refused no pains, but laboured all that he could to set open again those Well springs of good Literature which had been stopped up, through the favour especially of King Henry the First, King Henry the Second, and King Richard his son, of whom I spoke ere while. And these endeavours of Pulein sped so well and took so good effect, that in the reign of King john, there were here three thousand Students; who all at once every one changed their Habitation to Reding and partly to Cambridge, because the Citizens seemed to wrong and abuse overmuch these Students and Professors of Learning: but after this tumult was appeased, they returned within a short time. Then and in the age presently ensuing, as God provided this City for good learning, so he raised up a number of very good Princes and Prelates to the good thereof, who for the adorning and maintenance of learning extended their liberality in the highest degree. For, when King Henry the Third had by way of Pilgrimage visited Saint Frideswide, (a thing beforetime thought to be an heinous Offence in a Prince for the dishonour offered to her by Algar a Prince) and so removed that superstitious fear, wherewith some superstitious Priests had for a time frighted Princes from once coming to Oxford: and had assembled here a very great Parliament for the composing of certain controversies between him and the Barons, he confirmed the privileges granted by the former Kings, and conferred also some other himself. So that by this time there was so great store of learned men, that diverse most skilful in Divinity as well as in Humanity, were in great numbers spread from thence both into the Church and Commonwealth: and Matthew Paris, in plain terms called The University of Oxford, The Second School of the Church, nay, rather a ground work of the Church, next after Paris. For with the name of University the Bishops of Rome had before time honoured Oxford, which Title at that time by their Decrees they vouchsafed to none but unto that of Paris, this of Oxford, unto Bononia in Italy and Salamanca in Spain. And in the Council of Vienna, it was ordained that there should be erected Schools for the Hebrew, Greek, Arabic and Chaldaean tongues, in the Studies of Paris, Oxford, Bononie and Clementinarum Quinto. Salamanca, as the most famous of all others, to the end that the knowledge of those tongues might by effectual instruction be throughly learned. And, that Catholic men having sufficient knowledge in those tongues should be chosen, twain skilful in every of those tongues. For those who were to be Professors in Oxford, The same Council ordained, That the Prelates of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the Monasteries also, the Chapters, the Covents, the Colleges exempt, and not exempt, and Persons of Churches should provide competent stipends. Out of these words may be observed, both that Oxford was the chief place of Studies in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and also that those Schools which we now adays do call Academies and Universities, were aptly in old time named Studies: as S. Hierom termed the Schools of Gaul, Studia Florentissima, that is, Studia. Ad Rusticum Mon●●hum. most flourishing Studies. And as for the name of University, it was taken up about the time of King Henry the Third, for a Public School, and if I be not deceived in mine own observations, it was then in use not for the place but for the very body and society of Students, Vniversitas. as we read in books of that age, Vniversitas Magistrorum Oxoniae, Vniversitas Magistrorum Cantabrigiae, that is, The University of Masters of Oxford, etc. But happily this may seem beside my Text. Now by this time, good and bountiful Patrons began to furnish the City within, and the Suburbs without with most stately Colleges, Halls and Schools, and to endow them also with large Revenues: For the greatest part of the University was beforetime in the Suburbs without the North-gate. Colleges. In the reign of King Henry the third, john Balliol of Barnard's Castle in the Bishopric of Durham who died in the year 1269. the father of Balliol King of Scots, The book of Mailros. The first endowed College for Scholars. founded Balliol College and so named it: and straight after Walter Merton Bishop of Rochester, translated the College which he had built in Surrey to Oxford, in the year 1274. enriched it with Lands and Possessions, naming it The house of Scholars of Merton, but now it is called Merton College. And these two were the first endowed Colleges for Students in Christendom. William Archdeacon of Durham repaired and enlarged with new building that work of King Aelfred, which now they call, University College. At which time, the Students; for that they entertained somewhat coursely Otto the Pope's Legate, or Horseleech rather, sent out to suck the English Clergies blood, were excommunicate and with all indignities shamefully handled. And in those days, as Armachanus writeth, there were counted here thirty thousand Students. Under King Edward the Second, Walter Stapledon Bishop of Exeter founded Exeter College and Hart Hall, 1318. Register of Hide-Abby. and the King himself in imitation of him built the College commonly called Oriall, and S. Mary Hall. At which time a convert Jew read an Hebrew Lecture here, unto whom for a Stipend every one of the Clergy of Oxford for every Mark of his Ecclesiastical living, contributed a penny. Afterward Queen Philip wife to King Edward the Third, built Queen's College, and Simon Islip, Archbishop of Canterbury, Canterbury College. The Students then, having the world at will and all things falling out to their hearts desire, became insolent, and being divided into factions, under the names of Northern and Southrens men, struck up the Alarm to intestine and unreasonable tumults among themselves. Whereupon the Northern faction went their ways to Stanford and began there to set up Schools. But some few years after, when God's favour shining more lightsomely had scattered away the clouds of contention, they returned from Stanford recalled by Proclamation directed to the high-sheriff of Lincolnshire upon penalty to forfeit their books and the King's displeasure. And then it was ordained that no Oxford man should profess at Stanford, to any prejudice or hindrance of Oxford. Shortly after William Wickham Bishop of Winchester founded a magnificent College, which they call New-Colledge: into which out of another College of his at Winchester the best wits are yearly transplanted. And he about the same by the tract of the City wall built a fair high wall embatled and turrited. Also Richard Angervill Bishop of Durham, surnamed Philobiblos, that is Love book, furnished a Library for the public use of Students. His Successor Thomas Hatfield, laid the foundation of Durham College, for Durham Monks, and Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln founded likewise Lincoln College. Also at the same time the Monks of the order of Saint Bennet, by a Chapter held among them, laid their moneys together and increased Gloucester Hall: built before by I. Lord Gifford of Brimsfield for Monks of Gloucester, wherein one or two Monks out of every Covent of Benedictine Monks were maintained at study, who afterwards should profess good letters in their Abbays, unto which Gloucester Hall, Nicholas Wadham of Merifeld in the County of Somerset, hath assigned a fair portion of lands and money for the propagation of Religion and Learning, which I note incidently by way of congratulation to our Age, that there are yet some who graciously respect the advancement of good Learning. About that time, not to speak of the Canons of Saint Frideswide, Hide abbey. Locus Regalus. and Osney, or the Cistertian Monks of Reilew, there were erected four fair Friaries and other religious houses, where flourished also many profound Learned men. In the age ensuing, when Henry the Fifth reigned, Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury built two and those very fair Colleges, the one dedicated to the memory of All Souls, and the other to Saint Bernard. And there passed not many years between, when William Wainflet Bishop of Winchester founded Mary Magdalen College: for building rare and excellent, for sight commodious, and for walks passing pleasant. And at the very same time was built the Divinity School, so fine a piece of elegant work that this of Xeuxis may justly be engraven upon it: Invisurum facilius aliquem quam imitaturum: that is, Sooner will one envy me, than set such another by me. And Humphrey that good Duke of Gloucester, a singular Patron, and a respective lover of learning, increased the Library over it with an hundred twenty nine most select Manuscript books, which at his great charges he procured out of Italy. But such was the private avarice of some in the giddy time of K. Edward the sixth, Sir Thomas Bodley. that they for small gain envied the use thereof to Posterity. Yet now again (God bless and prosper it) Sir Thomas Bodley a right worshipful knight and a most worthy Nource-son of this University furnished richly in the same place a new Library with the best books of exquisite choice from all parts, with great charges and studious care, never sufficiently commended. Whereby the University may once again have a public Storehouse of knowledge and learning, and himself deserveth the Glory that may flourish freshly in the memory of all Eternity. And whereas by an ancient custom of the wisest men, those were wont to be dedicated within such Libraries in gold, silver or brass, by whose care they were erected; and whose immortal souls in them do speak: to the end that Time might not have power and prevail against men of worth, and the desires of mortal men might be satisfied who do all long to know what their persons and presence were. The Earl of Dorset late Chancellor of this University (that he might also leave some memorial of himself) hath in the very place dedicated unto Sir Thomas Bodley so passing well deserving of the Learned Commonwealth, his representation with this inscription: THOMAS SACKUILLUS DORSETTIAE COMES, SUMMUS ANGLIAE THESAURARIUS, ET HUJUS ACADEMIAE CANCELLARIUS, THOMAE BODLEIO EQUITI AURATO, QUI BIBLIO THE CAM HANC INSTITUIT, HONORIS CAUSSA PIE POSUIT. That is, THOMAS SACKUIL EARL OF DORSET, LORD HIGH TREASURER OF ENGLAND, AND CHANCELLOR OF THIS UNIVERSITY, UNTO SIR THOMAS BODLEY KNIGHT, WHO INSTITUTED THIS LIBRARY OF A PIOUS MIND ERECTED THIS MONUMENT TO DO HIM HONOUR. In the Reign of Henry the Seventh, for the better advancement of learning, William Smith Bishop of Lincoln built new out of the ground Brazen Nose College, (which that good and godly old man Master Alexander Nowell Deane of Saint Paul's in London lately augmented with Revenues) and Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester erected likewise that which is named Corpus Christi College: and Thomas Wolsey Cardinal of York following their example, began another (where the Monastery of Frideswide stood) the most stately and fairest of them all, for Professors and 200. Students, which Henry the Eighth, joining unto it Canterbury College assigned to a Deane prebend's and Students, endowed it with livings, and named it Christ's Church. And the same most puissant Prince, with money disbursed out of his own Treasury, ordained, both for the Dignity of the City a Bishop, and for the ornament and advancement of the University, public Professors. Likewise within our remembrance, for the furtherance of learning with new and fresh benefits, Sir Thomas Pope Knight reared a new Durrham College: and Sir Thomas White Knight Citizen and Alderman of London raised Bernard College, both which lay buried in the rubbish. They re-edified them, repaired them with new buildings, enriched them with fair lands and gave them new names: For the one of them they dedicated to Saint john Baptist, and that other to the holy and sacred Trinity. Queen Mary also built the common Schools. And now of late Hugh Prise Doctor of the Laws, hath begun a new College (with good speed and happy success as I wish) to the honour of jesus. With these Colleges which are in number 16. (and eight Haulls beside) all fair, and decently built, richly endowed and furnished with good Libraries, Oxford at this day so flourisheth, that it far surmounteth all other Universities of Christendom. And for Living Libraries, (for so may I well and truly with Eunapius term great Scholars and learned men) for the discipline and teaching of the best Arts, and for the politic government of this their republic of Literature, it may give place to none. But to what end is all this? Oxford needeth no man's commendation: the excellency thereof doth so much exceed, and (if I may use Pliny's word) superfluit, that is, Surmounteth. Let this suffice to say of Oxford as Pomponius Mela did of Athens, Clarior est quam ut indicari egeat, that is, More glorious it is of itself, than that it needeth to be out showed. But have here for an upshot and farewell, the beginning of Oxford story out of the Proctor's book. By the joint testimony of most Chronicles, many places in diverse Coasts and Climates of the world we read to have flourished at sundry times in the studies of diverse sciences; But the University of Oxford is found to be for foundation more ancient; for plurality of sciences more general, in profession of the Catholic truth more constant, and in multiplicity of Privileges more excellent, than all other Schools that are known among the Latins. The Mathematicians of this University have observed, that this their City is from the Fortunate Islands 22. Degrees, and the Arctic or North Pole elevated 51. Degrees, and 50. Scruples high. And thus much briefly of my dear Nurse-mother Oxford. But when a little beneath Oxford Isis and Cherwell have consociated their waters together within one Channel, Isis then entire of himself and with a swifter current runneth Southward, to find Tame whom so long he had sought for. And gone he is not forward many miles, but behold Tame streaming out of Buckinghamshire, meeteth with him: who is no sooner entered into this Shire, but he giveth name to Tame a market Town situate very pleasantly among Rivers. For, Tame passeth hard by the Northside, and two Riverers shedding themselves into it compass the same, the one on the East, and the other on the West. Alexander that liberal Bishop of Lincoln, Lord of the place, when his prodigal humour in sumptuous building of Castles was of every body privily misliked, to wash out that stain (as Newbrigensis saith) built a little abbey near unto the Town: and many years after the Quatremans', who in the age foregoing were men of great reputation in these parts, founded an Hospital for the sustentation of poor people. But both of these are now decayed and quite gone: Baron Williams of Ta●● and in stead thereof Sir john William's Knight, whom Queen Mary advanced to the Dignity of a Baron, by the Title of Lord William of Tame erected a very fair School, Baron William of Tame. and a small Hospital. But this Title soon determined when he left but daughters married into the Families of Norris and Wenman. From hence Tame runneth down near unto Ricot, a goodly house, which in times past belonged to those Quatremans': whose stock failing to bring forth Males, it was devolved at length after many sails and alienations passed by the Foulers and Herons, unto the said Lord Williams; and so by his daughter fell to Sir Henry, Lord Norris, whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron Norris of Ricot, a man of good mark in regard of his noble birth and parentage: for he descended from the lovel's, who were near allied by kindred unto the greatest houses in England: but most renowned for that right valiant and warlike Progeny of his, as the Netherlands, Portugal, little Bretagne, and Ireland can witness. At the length, Tame by Haseley, where sometimes the names of Barentines flourished as at Cholgrave cometh to Dorchester by Bede termed Civitas Dorcinia: by Leland Hydropolis, a name devised by his own conceit, yet fit enough, Dorchester. considering that Dour in the British tongue signifieth water. That this Town was in old time inhabited by Romans, their coined pieces of money oftentimes turned up do imply: and our Chronicles record, that it was for a long time much frequented by reason of a Bishops See, which Birinus the Apostle of the Westsaxons appointed to be there. For when he had baptised Cinigilse a petty King of the Westsaxons, unto whom Oswald King of Northumberland was Godfather, both these Kings, as saith Bede, gave this City unto the same Bishop to make therein his Episcopal residency. This Birinus, as we may read also in Bede, was wonderfully in those days admired, for a deep conceived opinion of his holiness: whereupon an ancient Poet who penned his life in Verse, wrote thus of him, Dignior attolli guàm sit Tyrinthius heros, quam sit Alexander Macedo; Tyrinthius hosts Vicit, Alexander mundum, Birinus utrunque. Nec tantùm vicit mundum, Birinus, & hostem, Sed sese bello vincens, & victus eodem. More worthy for to be extolled than Hercules for might, Or that great king of Macedon, who Alexander hight: For Hercules subdued his foes; and Alexander he Won all the World by force of Arms: But our Birinus, see, Did vanquish both: nor conquered he only the World and Foe, But in one fight subdued himself, and was subdued also. After 460. years, Remigus Bishop of this place lest the name of Bishop should lose credit in so small a City (a thing forbidden in the Canons) in the Reign of William the first translated his seat to Lincoln. At which time this City of Dorchester (as Malmesbury saith who then flourished) was but slender and of small resort, yet the majesty of the Churches was great, whether you respected either the old building, or the new diligence and care employed thereupon. Ever since it began by little and little to decay: and of late by turning London high way from thence, it hath decreased so, as that of a City it is scarce able now to maintain the name of a Town, and all that it is able to do, is to show in the fields adjoining ruins only and rubbish, as express tokens of what bigness it hath been. A little beneath this Town Tame and Isis meeting in one stream become handfast (as it were) and joined in Wedlock: Tame and Isis meet. and as in waters, so in name, they are coupled, as jor and Dan in the holy Land, Dor and Dan in France, whence come jordan and Dordan. For ever after this, the River by a compound word is called, Tamisis, that is, Tamis. He seemeth first to have observed this, who wrote the book entitled Eulogium Historiarum. Now as touching this marriage of Isis with Tame have here certain Verses taken out of a Poem bearing that Title, which you may read or leave unread at your pleasure: Hic vestit Zephyrus florentes gramine ripas, FLORAQYE nectareis redimit caput ISIDIS herbis, Seligit ambrosios pulcherrima GRATIA flores, Contexit geminas CONCORDIA laeta corollas, Extollitque suas taedas Hymenaeus in altum. Naiads aedificant thalamúmque thorúmque profundo, Stamine gemmato textum, pictisque columnis Vndique fulgentem. Qualem nec Lydia Regi Extruxit Pelopi, nec tu Cleopatra marito. Illic manubias cumulant, quas Brutus Achivis, Quas Brennus Graecis, rigidus Gurmundus Hibernis, Bunduica Romanis, claris Arthurius Anglis Eripuit, quicquid Scotis victricibus armis Abstulit Edwardus, virtúsque Britannica Gallis. Hauserat intereà sperati conjugis ignes TAMA Catechlaunûm delabens montibus, illa Impatiens nescire thorum, nupturaque gressus Accelerate, longique dies sibi stare videntur, Ambitiosa suum donec praeponere nomen Posset amatori. Quid non mortalia cogit Ambitio? notamque suo jam nomine * Tame. villam Linquit, Norrisiis geminans salvete, valete. Cernitur & tandem Dorcestria prisca petiti Augurium latura thori, nunc TAMA resurgit Nexa comam spicis, trabea succincta virenti, Aurorae superans digitos, vultumque Diones, Pestanae non labra rosae, non lumina gemmae, Lilia non aequant crines, non colla pruinae, Vtque fluit, crines madidos in terga repellit, Reddit & undanti legem formamque capillo, En subitò frontem placidis è fluctibus ISIS Effert, & totis radios spargentia campis Aurea stillanti resplendent lumina vultu, jungit & optatae nunc oscula plurima TAMAE, Mutuáque explicitis innectunt colla lacertis, Oscula mille sonant, connexu brachia pallent, Labra ligant animos: tandem descenditur unà In thalamum, quo juncta FIDE CONCORDIA sancta, Splendida conceptis sancit connubia verbis. Vndíque multifori strepitat nunc tibia buxi, Flucticolae Nymphae, Dryades, Satyríque petulci In numeros circùm ludunt, ducuntque choreas, Dum pede concutiunt alterno gramina laeti, Permulcent volucres sylvas modulamine passim, Certatímque sonat laetùm reparabilis ECHO. Omnia nunc rident, campi laetantur, AMORES Fraenatis plaudunt avibus per inania vecti: Personat & cythara quicquid vidêre priores, Pronuba victura lauro velata BRITÔNA. Haec canit ut toto diducta BRITANNIA mundo, cum victor rupes divulserit aequore Nereus, Et cur Neptuni lapidosa grandine natum Albionem vicit nostras delatus in oras Hercules illimes libatus Thamisis undas, Quas huc adveniens are as sacravit Ulysses, Vtque Corinaeo Brutus comitatus Achate Occiduos adiit tractus, ut Caesar anhelus Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis, etc. And after a few other verses: Dixerat, unito consurgit & unus amore Laetior exultans nunc nomine TAMISIS uno, Oceanúmque patrem quaerens jactantior undas Promovet. here Zephyrus with fresh green grass The Banks above doth spread, Flora. Fair Flora with ay-living herbs adorneth ISIS head, Most lovely GRACE selecteth forth Sweet flowers that never die And gladsome CONCORD plaits thereof Two guitlands skilfully. With all God HYMENAEUS lifts His torches up on high. A Bride-chamber the NAIADS Beneath of rare device And Bed do rear, ywov'n with warp Beset with stones of price. All shining eke with pillars tall, And wrought full curiously The like did neither Lydie for King Pelops edify, Nor thou, Queen Cleopatra, for Thine husband Antony. There lay they forth and make no spare, Those spoils that whilom Brut From Achives taken; what riches great From Grecians Brennus' stout, And from fierce Irish, Gurmund won, What either Bundwic Queen, From Romans got, or Arthur from Our English there are seen. What ever from the Scots by force Of fight our Edward King, Or valiant English from the French By arms away did bring. Mean while, down Catechlanian hills TAME gliding, kindled had The fire of love in hope of ICE Her husband wondrous glad. Impatient now of all delay She hasteneth him to wed, And thinks the days be long until They meet in marriage bed. Until I say, ambitious she, May now before her love Her own name set: see whereunto Ambition minds doth move! And now by this she leaves the * Tame. town That known is by her name, All hail, fare well redoubling to The Norris' by the same. Old Dorchester at length she sees Which was to give presage, And lucky Augury of this Long wished marriage. Up riseth Tame then, who knows Her locks with ears of corn Full well to knit, with kirtle green Her waist eke to adorn: The lightsome rays of morning bright She now doth far excel, Dione fair in countenance Looks not by half so well. Her lips the Pestane Rose surpass, Her eyes, gems of great cost, Her hair the Lilies fresh and white, Her neck the hoary frost. And as she runs, her hair all wet She doth behind her cast, Which waving thus she kembeth slick, And layeth even at last. Lo, Isis suddenly out of The Waves so mild doth show, His lovely face, his eyes withal Glitter with golden hue, As they from dropping visage send Their beams the fields throughout, Whiles one another's neck with arms Displayed they clip about, Full sweetly he doth Tama kiss Whom he hath wished so long, A thousand kisses 'twixt them twain Do now resound among. With clasping close their arms wax pale, Their lips their hearts link fast, To nuptial chamber thus they both Jointly descend at last: Where CONCORD with religious FAITH Together both ymet, Knit up the knot of wedlock sure With words in form yset. And now the pipes of thyrled box On every side resound; The water Nymphs, the Dryads The wanton Satyrs round About the place disport and dance The measures cunningly, Whiles on the grass they foot it fine, In rounds as merrily. The Birds herewith in every wood Melodiously do sing, And ECHO her redoubled notes In mirth strives forth to ring. All things now laugh, the fields rejoice The CUPIDS as they fly, Amid the air on bridled birds Clap hands right pleasantly BRITONA, hand-fast-maker she, All clad in Laurel green, Play's on the Harp what ever acts Our ancestors have seen. She sings how BRITANNY from all The world divided was, When Nereus with victorious Sea Through cloven rocks did pass: And why it was that Hercules When he arrived here, Upon our coast, and tasted once The mudlesse TAMIS clear, Did Neptun's son high Albion Vanquish in bloody fight And with an haile-like storm of stones Killed him in field outright. And when Ulysses hither came, What Altars sacred were By him? How Brute with Corinae His trusty friend and fere, Went forth into the Western parts And how that Caesar, he When he had sought and found, turned back With fear, from Britanny. And after some few verses interposed. This said, then Tame and Isis both In love and name both one, Height Tamisis, more joys therein, And hastening to be gone Ariseth up and leaping out, With hastfull hot desire, Advanceth forth his stream, and seeks The Ocean main his sire. Benson. From Dorchester, Tamis goeth to Benson, in old time Bensingston, which Marian calleth Villam Regiam, that is, The King's town, and reporteth, That Ceaulin took it from the Britan's in the year of our Lord, 572. and that the Westsaxons kept the possession of it 200. years after. For, then Offa the King of Mercians, thinking it would be for his commodity and honour both, that they should have nothing on this side the river, won it, and subjected it to him. But at this day it goeth for a village only, and hath a house of the King's hard by, sometime a fair place, but now running exceedingly to ruin, as being not very wholesome by reason of the foggy air and mists arising from a standing water adjoining. This house of certain Elms called Ewelme, Ewelme. but commonly New-Elme, was built by William de la pole Duke of Suffolk, who having taken to Wife Alice the only daughter of Thomas Chaucer, had by her fair lands hereabout as elsewhere: and beside this house, he erected also a fair Church, wherein the said Alice lieth buried, and a proper Hospital: But john Earl of Lincoln his Grand child, who by King Richard the Third had been declared heir apparent to the Crown, overthrew in some sort the happy estate of this Family. For whiles he plotted and projected seditiously to rebel against King Henry the seventh, he was attainted and slain in the battle at Stoke, and Edmund his brother being for like cause attainted, the possessions became C●owne-land. Then King Henry the Eighth made this house an Honour, by laying unto it certain Manors, and Wallingford among others, which before had a long time belonged unto the Dukes of Cornwall. The Tamis from hence having fetched a great compass about windeth in manner back again into himself, enclosing within it the Hundred of Henly, mounting high with Hills, and beset with thick Woods, which some do think the ANCALITES that yielded themselves unto Caesar's protection, Ancalites. did inhabit. Here is ●ix-br●nd and Stonor ancient Possessions of the Families of Stonores * who since the time of King Edward the Third when Sir john Stonore was chief Justice in the Common-pleas, Stonor. flourished with great alliance, and fair revenues until they were transferred by an Heir general to Sir Adrian Fortescue unhappily attainted, whose daughter, Heir to her mother was married to the first Baron Wen●worth. Next neighbour hereunto is Pus-hull which the Family of d'oy held by yielding yearly to the King a Tablecloth of three shillings price, Pus-hull Naper. Fin Mich. 10. R. 2. Grey of Rotherfield. or three shillings for all service. Under this Southward standeth Greys Rotherfield, a house which in times past Walter Grey the Archbishop of York gave freely unto William Grey his Nephew, the Inheritance whereof by the Baron of D'Eincourt was devolved upon the Lovels. Now it is the dwelling house of Sir William Knolles, Treasurer of the King's House, whom james our King for his faithful service performed unto Queen Elizabeth, and to be performed unto himself, Baron Knolles. Henly. advanced to the honourable title of Baron Knolles of Rotherfield. Near unto it, Henly upon Tamis, in old time called Hanleganz showeth itself in the very confines of the shires. The Inhabitants whereof be for the most part Watermen, who make their chiefest gain by carrying down in their Barges wood and Corn to London: neither can it make report of any greater antiquity than that in times past the Molinies' were Lords thereof, from whom by the hungerford's who procured unto the town, of King Henry the Sixth the liberty of holding two fairs, it came by right of Inheritance unto the honourable house of the Hastings. Xiphilinus. And where now the Tamis hath a wooden Bridge over it, they say in times passed there stood one of stone arched. But whether this Bridge were here, that Dio writeth the Romans passed over when they pursued the Britan's along this tract, who below had swom over the river, hard it is for a man to say. From Henly, the Chiltern-bils hold on with a continued ridge running Northward, and divide this Country from Buckinghamshire: at the foot whereof stand many small towns: among which these two are of greatest note, Watlington a little market town belonging sometime to Robert D' Oily: Shirburne. and Shirburne a pretty Castle of the Quatremans' in times past, but now the habitation of the Chamberlans descended out of the house of the Earls of Tankervill, who having been long ago Chamberlains of Normandy, their Posterity relinquishing that old name of Tankervills, became surnamed Chamberlans, of the Office which their ancestors bare. To omit Edgar, Earls of Oxford. Algar, and other English Saxons, official Earls of Oxford; Since after the Conquest, the title of the Earldom of Oxford hath flourished a long time in the Family of Vere, which derive their descent from the Earls of Guines, and that surname from Vere a town in Zealand. They received the beginning of their greatness and honour here in England from King Henry the First, who advanced Aubrey de Vere for his singular wisdom with sundry favours and benefits, as namely with the Chamberlainship of England, and Portgreveship of the City of London. To his son Aubrey, ● Henry the Second (before he was established King, and when he used only this style, Henry Son to King Henry's daughter, right heir of England and Normandy) restored first the Chamberlan-shippe, which he had lost in the civil broils, and then offered unto him which of the Titles he himself would choose, of these four Earldoms: Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire; that he might divert him from Stephen then usurping the Kingdom, and assure him to himself. And in the end both Maude the Empress, and Henry also her son being now come to the Crown by their several Charters created him Earl of Oxford. Among those that descended from him, (not to recount every one in their course and order) these were they that purchased greatest fame and honour: Robert de Vere, who being in very high favour with King Richard the second was honoured with these new and strange dignities not heard of before, namely, marquis of Dublin, and Duke of Ireland: of which, as one said, he left nothing at all to himself, but to his Tomb titles, and to the world matter of talk. For, shortly after through the spiteful envy of the Nobles as much against the King as against him, he was despoiled of his estate, and ended his days miserably in exile. john the First of that name so trusty and true to the House of Lancaster, that both He and his Son and Heir Aubrey lost their heads therefore together in the First year of King Edward the Fourth. john his second Son a right skilful, and expert Martial man, nevertheless was most firm and faithful to the said House of Lancaster, fought in sundry battles against King Edward the Fourth, defended and made good for a while Saint Michael's Mount, and was an especial assistant unto Henry the Seaventh in attaining to the Kingdom. Another john likewise in the reign of Henry the Eighth, a Man in all parts of his life so sincere, so religious, and so full of goodness, that he gained the surname of the Good Earl. He was great Grandfather of Henry that is now Earl, and the Eighteenth of this race in Lineal descent, and also Grandfather of Sir Francis and Sir Horatio Vere, brethren, who by their singular knowledge in Military affairs, and exploits most valiantly, and fortunately achieved in the Low-Countries, have added exceeding much honour and glory to themselves, and to the ancient Nobility of their Family. This County containeth Parish Churches. 280. CATTIEUCHLANI. Upon the DOBUNI Eastward there confined the people, which Ptolomee calleth according to the diversity of copies, CATTIEUCHLANI, CATTIDUDANI, CATHICLUDANI, and Dio CATTUELLANI. Which of these might be the truest name, I can not easily say. Yet give me leave I pray you in this place to cast forth my conjecture (although it is an abortive) concerning this point. I have been of opinion that these were in old time called CASSII, that of this Cassii their Prince was named Cassivellaunus or Cassibelinus: (for so we find it diversely written. Also that, of Cassivellaunus name, this very people were by the Grecians termed Cattuellani, Cathuellani and Cattieuchlani. For, Cassii. among the Nations of Britain, Caesar reckoneth the CASSII; who that they were seated in these parts it is most certain: and of whose name a pretty portion of this Tract is at this day called Caishow. And seeing that Cassivellaunus ruled this Country as it appeareth by Caesar, and in the said name of his this denomination of CASSII doth most plainly bewray itself; it may seem probable enough that Cassivellaunus, was so named, as one would say, The Prince of the Cassii. And unless it were so, why should Dio name this Cassivellaunus, Suellan, for Vellan, and Ninnius the Britain, Belin. call him, not Cassibellinus, but belinus; as though that belinus were the proper name either of the Man, or of his Dignity? Neither let it seem strange, that Princes in old time took names of their own Nations. The Cattis in Germany had their Cattimarus, the Teutons their Teutomarus and Teutobochus, the Daci their Decebalus, and the Goths their Gottiso. And what should let, but that our Cassii might have their Cassibelinus? Considering that Belinus hath been an usual name in this Island: and some have thought; that Cunobelinus who reigned amongst the Iceni, was so called, as one would say, the Belinus of the Iceni. From this Cassivellaunus therefore, if the Greek writers have not wrested these names Cattuellani and Cattieuchlani, etc. I confess, that in this matter mine eyesight faileth me altogether, and I see plainly nothing. But whence this people should come to be named CASSII, I know not, unless happily it were of their Martial prowess. For, Servius Honoratus writeth, that the ancient Gauls who spoke the same language that Britan's did, called hardy and valiant men, Gessos: Whence Ninnius interpreteth Cethilou (a British word,) The seed of Warriors. Now that these excelled in Warlike prowess it is manifest: for, before Caesar's coming, they had warred continually with their Neighbours, they had reduced part of the DOBUNI under their subjection; the Britan's had chosen their Prince, General over all their forces in the War against Caesar, and they had enlarged their Empire and name far abroad every way; For, all those generally were known by the name of CASSII, or CATTIEUCHLANI who now take up three Shires or Counties, to wit, Buckingham-shire, Bedford-shire and Hertford-shire. Of whom I am now to speak in order, and that briefly, because I have not much to say of any of them. Buckingham Comitatus, in quo olim insederunt CATTIEUCHLANI BUCKINGHAM-SHIRE. WHereas Buckingham-shire is given to bring forth Beech trees plentifully, which the English-Saxons in elder times called Bucken, it may seem conjecturally that Buckingham the chief Town, and so the whole shire took the name from Beech trees. For there is a Country in Germany bearing Beech trees, named Buchonia: and with us, a town in Norfolk called Buckenham, fruitful of Beech, as I have been informed. This shire carrying but a small breadth, runneth forth in length from the Tamis Northward. On the Southside it looketh into Berkshire, severed from it by the river Tamis: on the West, Oxford-shire; from the North it hath Northhampton-shire, and from the East first Bedford-shire, than Hertford-shire, and afterward Middlesex. The Country generally is of a rich plentiful soil, and passing full of Inhabitants, who chiefly employ themselves in graizing of cattle. It is divided into two parts, whereof the one bending into the South and East, and rising into hills, they call Chilterne, in the English-Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: the other lying under it Northward is named the Vale. Chiltern got that name according to the very nature of the soil of Chalky marvel, Chiltern. which the ancient English men termed Cylt or Chilt. For, all of it mounteth aloft with whitish hills, standing upon a mixed earth of Clay and Chalk clad with groves and woods, wherein is much Beech, and it was altogether unpassable in times passed by reason of trees, until that Leofstane Abbot of Saint Alban did cut them down, because they yielded a place of refuge for thiefs. In it, where the Tamis glideth at the foot of those hills with a winding course, Marlowe. standeth Marlowe, a pretty town of no mean credit taking name of the said Chalk commonly termed Marle: which being spread upon Corn ground eaten out of heart with long tillage, doth quicken the same again, so as that after one years' rest it never lieth fallow, but yieldeth again unto the Husbandman his seed in plentiful measure. Near unto this, a rill sheaddeth itself in the Tamis, making way through low places, Wickham. and where it turneth hath a town upon it called High Wickham or Wicombe rather, which happily thereof took the name, considering that the Germane Saxons term any winding reach of river and sea, a Wicke, and Comb a low Valle. And very many places we meet withal in England named in that respect. This town for largeness and fair building is equal to the greatest towns in this shire, and in that it hath a Major for the Head-Magistrate worthily to be preferred before the rest. About the time of the Normans coming in, Wigod of Wallengford was Lord both of the Burgh of Wicomb, and also of the Villa forinseca (I speak according to the Record of the ancient Inquisition) that is, The out Hamlet or Bery. After whose death King Henry the first laid it unto the Crown. But King John at the length, divided the said Out Berry between Robert de Vi-pa●●t and Alane Basset. North off Wicomb mounteth up aloft the highest place of this Region, and thereof it retaineth still the British name Pen. For the head or eminent top of a thing is with them called Pen: and hence it is that the Pennine Alps, the Apennine and many Mountains among us took their names. Near unto this Wickham or Wicomb is Bradenham seated in a very commodious and wholesome place, which now is become the principal habitation of the Barons of Windesor: (concerning whom I have already spoken in Berkshire) ever since that in the memory of our father's William Lord Windesor seated himself here, whose father S. Andrew descended from the old stem of ancient Barons, King Henry the Eighth dignified with the honour of Baron Windesor. Tamis having entertained the said Ri●● cometh down with a rolling stream by Aelan, See in Bashire. famous for a College, the nour●e garden (as it were) or plant plot of good letters, which that most virtuous and godly Prince K. Henry the sixth, as I have already said, first founded. And some few miles forward the river Cole entereth into Tamis, which running here between Buckinghamshire and Middlesexe giveth name unto the town Colbroke: Colbroke. Pontes. which was that PONTES, whereof Antonine the Emperor maketh mention, as the distance on both sides from Wallingford and London doth witness: Neither is there any other place else in the way that leadeth from Wallingford to London to which the name of Pontes, that is, Bridges, might be more fitly applied. For this Coal is here parted into four channels, over which stand as many bridges for the commodity of passengers; whereof that it took this name, the very signification of the word doth plainly show. Like as Gephyrae a town in Bo●etia, and another Pontes in France, where the County of Ponthieu, our Tunbridg, and others are so called, of Bridges. This County of Ponthieu (to note so much by the way) descended to the Kings of England in the right of Aeleanor the wife of King Edward the First, who by her mother's right was sole and entire Heir of the same. Cole by these several partitions of his streams compasseth in certain pleasant Lands, into which the Danes fled in the year of our Lord 894. when Aelfred pressed hard upon them, and there by the benefit of the place defended themselves, until the English for want of provisions were forced to break up Siege and leave them. At this divorce and division of the waters Ewer or Ever a little Town showeth itself, which when K. Richard the First had given unto Sir Robert Fitz-Roger, Lord of Clavering, his younger sons of this place assumed their surname, to wit, Hugh, from whom the Barons of Ewer; and Robert from whom the Family of Ewer in Axolme is sprung and spread. Farther within Land, are these places, which I may not pass over, Burnham better known by the Hodengs, Burnham. Lord Huntercombs, and Scudamores, who were Lords thereof and of Beacons-field successively by inheritance, than by itself. Stoke Pogeiss, Stoke Pogeiss. so called of the Lords thereof in old time named the Pogeiss, and from them hereditarily devolved upon the Hastings: of whose race Edward Baron Hastings of Loughborrow founded here an Hospital for poor people, making himself one of their society, and his nephew by the brother Henry Earl of Huntingdon built a very fair house: and Fernham, the very same, if I be not deceived, which was called Fernham Royal: Fernham▪ Royal. and which in times past, the Baron's Furnivall held by service of finding their Sovereign Lord the King upon the day of his Coronation a glove for his right hand, and to support the King's right arm the same day all the while he holdeth the rega●● Verge or Sceptre in his hand. From the Furnivalls it came by the daughter of Thomas Nevil, The book of Fines. unto the Talbots Earls of Shrewsbury, who although by exchange they surrendered up this Manor unto King Henry the Eight, yet they reserved this honourable Office still to them and their Heirs for ever. This Coal carrieth down with him another riveret also, which somewhat above from the West sheddeth itself into it: upon it we saw first Missenden, where stood a religious House that acknowledged the D'Ollies their founders and certain Gentlemen surnamed De Missenden their especial benefactors upon a vow for escaping a shipwreck. I. Rosse. And then in the Vale Amersham, Amersham. in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which vaunted itself not for fair buildings, nor multitude of inhabitants, but for their late Lord Fr●ncis Russe●● Earl of Bedford, who being the express pattern of true Piety and nobleness lived most dear beloved of all good men. But the principal seat of the Earls of Bedford is called Cheiney's, Cheneys. standing more Eastward, where both john the first Earl out of this Family, and that noble Francis his son lie entombed together. Latimers. Unto which adjoineth on the one side Latimers, (so named of the Lords thereof, I mean those more ancient Barons Latimer) before time called Islehamsted, where Sir Edwin Sands Knight, who took to wife the only daughter of the Baron Sands, dwelled, while he lived in a very fair house, and on the other Chesham Bois, where, and at Draiton Beauchamp the Family of Cheneis hath anciently flourished. From hence I passed scarce three miles Northward, but I came to the ridge of Chilturne-hils, which divideth the whole region a cross from the South-west to the North-east, passing by many villages and small towns, among which that of greatest note is Hamden, which gave name to an ancient and well spread Family in these parts. In the very East corner of these hills Ashridge a retiring house sometime of the kings standeth upon an ascent; Asheridg●● where Edmund Earl of Cornwall son to Richard king of the Romans founded a religious house for a new Order of religious men in those days, called Goodmen. Bon: Hommes by him first brought into England: Who professed the rule of S. Augustine, and were according to the manner of the Order of the Eremitans clad in sky coloured garments. From this ridge or edge of the Hills, there is a large prospect every way down into the Vale beneath, The Vale. which I said was the other part of the Shire. This almost throughout is a plain Champion, standing likewise upon a clay-soile, stiff, tough, and fruitful; with pasture meadows most plentiful of grass and fodder; feeding innumerable flocks of sheep, whose soft and passing fine fleeces are in request even as far as to the Turkish Nations in Asia. But it is all naked and bare of woods, unless it be on the West side, where among others is Bernewood whose Foresters surnamed the Borstall were famous in former times. About this Forest the year after Christ's Nativity 914. the Danes furiously raged: and then happily it was, that the ancient Burgh was destroyed, whose antiquity Roman coined pieces of money there found do testify, which afterwards became the royal house of King Edward the Confessor: Brill. But now it is a Country Village, and in stead of Burihill, they call it short, Brill. In this Vale although it be exceeding full of Towns and Villages, yet very few of them are memorable, Or Isa. and those either upon the River Tame or Vsa, that is, Ouse. Not far from Tame, which watereth the South part of the Vale, upon the rising of a pretty hill standeth a fair Mercat Town well occupied, and compassed about with many most pleasant green meadows and pastures, commonly called Ailesbury, Ailesbury. of which, the whole Vale is termed the Vale of Ailesbury. The Engish-Saxons called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, when Cuthwulf the Saxon won it in the year of our Lord 572. For the British name, whereby it was known before, in continuance of time is utterly lost. Famous it hath been in times passed especially for Ediths sake there fostered, who having obtained of her Father ●rewald this Town for her Dowry, forthwith by persuasion of the religious people bade the world and her husband farewell, and taking herself to the Vale for opinion of holiness and devotion in that most pregnant and fruitful age of Saints, became wonderfully renowned, even as far as to working of miracles, together with her sister Eadburg: of whose name there is a little Town among the Hills as yet called Eadburton. In the time of King William the Conqueror it was a Manor of the Kings: and certain yard-lands were here given by the King, with this condition, that the Possessor or Holder thereof (mark ye nice and dainty ones) should find 〈◊〉 for the King's bed when the King came thither. In the Reign of Edward the First, certain Gentlemen named the Ailesbury, who bore for their Arms A●ure, a Cross Argent, were by report (but I know not how truly) the Lords thereof; certain it is, they were in those day's men of the better sort and of great good note, and such as by marriage with the daughter and heir of the Caihaignes (who were in times past Lords of Meddleton Caihaignes) came to a fair and goodly inheritance, which at last by heirs general came to the * De Cadurcis. Chaworths, the Staffords of Gra●ton, etc. But now, the greatest name and reputation that it hath is by grazing and feeding of Cat-tail. Very much beholden also it is unto Justice Baldwin, who not only adorned it with public aedifices, but also made a passing fair causey to it (where the way was very deep and cumbersome) for three miles or thereabout in length. here round about in every side flocks of sheep pasture most plenteously in mighty numbers, laden with fleeces, to the great gain and commodity of their Masters especially at Quarendon, Quarendon. a Lordship belonging to Sir Henry Lee an honourable Knight of the Order of the Garter; Eythorp, which sometime was the Dinhams and now the Dormans' Knights, and also Winchindon appertaining to the Family of the Godwins Knights likewise, etc. Lower we meet with nothing memorable upon Tame, unless Cheardesley be (as many think it is) the place which was called in the Saxon-tongue Cerdick-flega, of Cerdic the Saxon, who fought a very sharp and bloody battle there with the Britan's. near unto it standeth Credendon, Crendon. now Crendon, which was the Capital house belonging to the Honour of Giffard, for so were those lands termed which fell unto Walter Giffard at the Conquest of England, whose son the second Earl of Buckingham and Ermingard his wife, Notesly. built the abbey of Noteley thereby in the year 1112. But his cousin Hugh de Bolebec, from whom by the females the Earls of Oxford are descended, Viscount's Bolebec. held of him no small possessions in these parts. And the ruins of Bolebec Castle are seen hard by within the Parish of Whitchurch. near unto which is Ascot, the principal Mansion house of the Dormers from whence descended the Duchess of Feria in Spain, and others of noble note. Usa or Ouse, in times past Isa, and the second Isis, which with a soft and still stream passeth through the North part of this Province arising in Northamptonshire, and presently from his head, when being yet but small he closely entereth into this Shire, runneth beside Bittlesden, Bittlesden. The Register of the abbey. which Robert de Mapertshall Lord of the place gave unto Osbert de Clinton Chamberlain to King Henry the First a powerful Courtier, that he might not be punished as a Felon for stealing away one of the King's Hounds. But he restored it unto him again with a cousin of his in marriage: yet lost he the same in the hot broil of the civil war under King Stephen; De Bosco. and Ernald Bois by way of a benefit and courtesy received it at the hands of Robert Earl of Leicester: And he in the year of Christ 1127. founded there a little Monastery for the Cistertien Monks. Then Ouse saluteth Buckingham the Shire Town, which, as Marian saith, King Edward the * Before the Conquest. elder in the year of our Lord 915. fortified with a Rampire and Sconces on both banks, against the Invasions and assaults of the Danes. Yet was it of no great name, as it may seem, in the first age of the Normans, seeing that in the Reign of King Edward the Confessor, (as we read in William conquerors doomsday book) it discharged itself for one Hide and no more, and had but six and twenty Burgesses. As for the Town it is seated upon a low ground, but the River Ouse, very commodious for Mils encircleth it about save only on the North side. The Castle standing in the midst raised upon an hill cast up, whereof no Relics in manner are now to be seen, divideth the Town as it were in twain. The greater part of the Town beareth North, wherein standeth the Town-house, the other toward the South is the less, wherein is the Church, and that of no great antiquity: but in it was the Shrine of S. Rumald a child, who being borne in Kings-Sutton a Village thereby was canonised by our forefathers for a childe-Saint, and much famed with many miracles. From hence Ouse hasteneth fair and softly into the North, and more Eastward from the River, Whaddon. near unto the woods, ye have a sight of Whaddon, the habitation in times passed of the Giffords, who were by Inheritance keepers of Whaddon Chase under the Earl of Ulster: and from whom it came to the Pigot's, who passed it away by sail and alienation. There standeth now a house of the warlike Family of the Greys, Barons of Wilton, Baron's Grey of Wilton. who held the Manor near adjoining named Acton, by Serjeanty of keeping one Gerfalcon of their Sovereign Lord the King. Whereupon that Family of the Greys hath for their Badge or Cognisance a Falcon Sejant upon a Glove. Not far from hence is Thor●ton an habitation of the Tirelles, and Saulden, where is a fair and lovely house built by Sir john Fortescue a right honourable knight and deeply learned withal, who for his wisdom was Chancellor of the Exchequer and Duchy of Lancaster, and of the Privy Counsel to Queen Elizabeth, and king james. On the other side of the River and not far from the bank stand neighbourlike, Stow a house of the Family of Temple, Leckhamsted an habitation of the Greenwaies, Lillinstone likewise the seat of the ancient Family De-Hairell, commonly called Dairell; and Luffeld, where in times past was founded a Monastery by Robert Earl of Leicester: but by reason that the Monks were all consumed with the plague, the house was utterly left desolate. Somewhat higher, on the South side of the River upon the very bank, standeth Stony-Stratford, a Town of all the rest most frequented, named so of Stones, The Street way, and a Fourd: For, the houses are built of a certain rough stone which is digged forth in great abundance at Caversham hard by, and it standeth upon the public Street commonly called Watling-streete, which was a Military high way made by the Romans, and is evidently to be seen yet beyond the Town with the bank or causey thereof, and hath a fourd but now nothing shallow, and hardly passable. The Town is of good bigness, and showeth two Churches, and in the mids a Cross, though it be none of the fairest, erected in memorial of Queen Aeleonor of Spain, wife to Edward the First with the Arms of England, Castille and Leon, etc. also of the Earldom of Ponthieu, whereof she was heir: And where sometimes there had been a Fourd, the River Ous● hath a stone bridge over it, which keepeth in the River that was wont, when it swelled with winter floods, to break out and overflow the fields with great violence. But upon the bank of the other side which riseth somewhat higher the Town sometime stood, as the inhabitants themselves report. And there hard by, is Pasham, a place so called of passing over the River, so that it may seem in times past to have been that passage, which King Edward the Elder kept against the Danes, whiles he fortified Torcester: But this passage or Ferry became quite forlet after that the Bridge was built at Stony-Stratford. Now if I should guess that LACTORODUM, which Antonine the Emperor mentioneth stood here; beside the situation upon the Military Highway of the Romans, and the distance from other places, the signification also of the old name LACTORODUM fetched out of the British language, Lactorodum. maketh for me and favoureth my conjecture. Which name acordeth passing well with this new English name. For, both names in both languages were imposed of Stone, and Fourd. From hence Ouse runneth hard by Wolverton anciently Woluerington the seat of an ancient family so surnamed: Leach in the British tongue signifieth stones, Rid and Rid a Fourd. Wolverton. Newport Paynell. whose lands are named in Records, The Barony of Wulverington, from whom it came to the house of the Longvilles of ancient descent in these parts: and by Newport Painell which took that name of Sir Fulcoà Painell the Lord thereof, and was from him devolved to the Baron's Someries of Dudley, who here had their Castle. Then, by Terringham, (which gave both name and habitation to a worshipful house and of great antiquity) it goeth to Oulney a meetly good market town. This far and a little further reacheth the County of Buckingham by Use the limit and bound thereof. The first Earl of Buckingham, Earls of Buckingham. so far as hitherto I could observe, was Walter surnamed Giffard, son to Osbern de Bolebec, a man of great name and reputation among the Normans: Who in a Charter of King Henry the First is cited among the witnesses thereto by the name of Earl of Buckingham. After him followed his son bearing the same name, who in the book of Abbingdon abbey is called Earl Walter the younger, and died issueless in the year 1164. Afterward in the reign of Henry the Second, that famous Richard Strangbow Earl of Pembroch called Conqueror of Ireland, who derived his descent from the sister and heir of Walter Giffard the second, in certain public instruments bore this title. Then for a long time after lay this title as it were out of use and quite lost, until that in the year 1377. King Richard the Second conferred this honour upon his Uncle Thomas of Woodstock, of whom I have already spoken among the Dukes of Gloucester. Of this Thamas his daughter married unto Edmund Earl of Stafford was borne Humphrey Earl of Stafford, created Duke of Buckingham, with an invidious precedence before all Dukes of England by King Henry the sixth, in whose quarrel he spent his life, fight most valiantly in the battle at Northampton. After him succeeded his Grandchild Henry, by his Son Humphrey, who made way for King Richard the Third the usurper unto the Kingdom, and streightwaies practised to depose him: for that he would not restore unto him the inheritance of the Bohuns by hereditary right belonging unto him: but he being intercepted lost his head for it: and found (but all too late) that Tyrants very often hue down the stairs and steps whereby they ascended: His son Edward being restored again through special favour of King Henry the Seventh, by the wicked slights and practices of Cardinal Wolsey fell into disgrace with King Henry the Eighth, and being condemned of high treason, for that among other matters he had consulted with a Wizard about succession of the Crown, was beheaded, a noble man exceeding much miss and lamented of good men. Which when the Emperor Charles the fifth heard, he said, as (it is written in his life) That a Butcher's dog had devoured the fairest Buck in all England: alluding to the name Buckingham, and the said Cardinal who was a Butcher's son. Ever since which time the splendour of this most noble family hath so decayed and faded, that there remaineth to their posterity the bare title only of Barons of Stafford, whereas they were styled before, Dukes of Buckingham, Earls of Stafford, Hereford, Northampton, and Perth; Lords of Brecknock, Kimbalton, and Tunbridge. There are reckoned in this small Shire Parishes 185. BEDFORD Comitatus olim pars CATHIFUCLANORUM BEDFORD-SHIRE. BEDFORD-SHIRE is one of the three Counties, which we said the Cattieuchlani inhabited: On the East-side and the South it joineth to Cambridge-shire and Hertford-shire, on the West to Buckingham-shire, and on the North to Northamton-shire and Huntingdon-shire, and by the river OUSE crossing over it is divided into two parts. The North-side thereof is the more fruitful of the twain and more woody: the other toward the South, which is the greater, standeth upon a leaner soil, but not altogether unfertile. For it yieldeth forth abundantly, full, white and big Barley. In the mids it is somewhat thick of woods, but Eastward more dry ground and bare of wood. Ouse, Barons Mordant. where it entereth into this shire, first visiteth Turvy the Lord Mordants house, who are beholden to King Henry the Eighth for their Barony: For he created john Mordant a wise and prudent man, who had wedded the daughter and one of the coheirs of H. Vere of Addington, Baron Mordant; then runneth it by Harwood a Village, in old time called Hareleswood, where Samson, surnamed Fortis founded a Nunnery, See Hypodigma pag. 153. and where in the year of our redemption 1399. a little before those troubles and civil broils wherewith England a long time was rend in pieces, this river stood still, The water divided. and by reason that the waters gave back on both sides, men might pass on foot within the very channel for three miles together, not without wondering of all that saw it, who took it as a plain presage of the division ensuing. Afterward it passeth by Odill or Woodhill, sometimes Wahull, which had his Lords surnamed also De Wahul, men of ancient Nobility (whose Barony consisted of thirty knights fees in diverse countries) and had here their Castle, which is now hereditarily descended to Sir R. Chetwood knight; as the inheritance of the Chetwoods came formerly to the Wahuls. Wahull. From hence Ouse no less full of crooked cranks and windings, than Maeander itself, Bletsho. goeth by Bletnesho, commonly called Bletso, the residence in times passed of the Pateshuls, after of the Beauchamps, and now of the Honourable family of S. john, which long since by their valour attained unto very large and goodly possessions in Glamorgan-shire, and in our days through the favour of Q. Elizabeth of happy memory, unto the dignity of Barons, when she created Sir Oliver the second Baron of her creation, Lord S. john of Bletnesho unto whom it came by Margaret Beauchamp an inheritrice wedded first to Sir Oliver S. john, Barons S. john de Bletnesh. from whose these Barons derive their pedigree, and secondly to john Duke of Somerset, unto whom she bore the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond, a Lady most virtuous and always to be remembered with praises; from whose loins the late Kings and Queens of England are descended. From hence Ouse hasteneth by Brumham a seat of the Dives of very ancient parentage in these parts to Bedford, Bedford. in the Saxon-tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the principal town, and whereof the Shire also taketh name: and cutteth it so through the midst, that it might seem to be two several towns, but that a stone bridge joineth them together. A town to be commended more for the pleasant situation and ancientry thereof, then for beauty or largeness, although a man may tell five Churches in it. That it was Antonines LACTODORUM, * Places to give entertainment by the way unto Travellers, Baiting and lodging places. I dare not as others do, affirm: considering that it standeth not upon the Romans Military road way, which is the most certain mark to find out the station and Mansions mentioned by Antonine: neither are there here any pieces of Roman money ever digged up, as far as I can learn. I have read that in the British tongue it was named Liswidur or Lettidur: but it may seem to have been translated so out of the English name. For Lettuy in the British language signifieth Common Inns, and so Lettidur, Inns upon a river: like Bedford in English, Beds or Inns at a fourd. Cuthwulf the Saxon, about the year of our salvation, 572. beneath this town so vanquished the Britan's in an open pitch field, that then presently upon it, finding themselves over-matched, yielded up many towns into his hands. Neither should it seem that the Saxons neglected it: For Offa the most puissant King of the Mercians choose here (as we read in Florilegus) for himself a place of sepulture; whose tomb the river Ouse swelling upon a time and carrying a more violent and swifter stream than ordinary in a flood swouped clean away. Afterwards also when it was razed down and lay along by occasion of the Danish depredations, * Before the Conquest. K. Edward the Elder repaired it, and laid unto it upon the Southside of the river a pretty townlet, which in that age, as we find in the best copy of Hovedon, was called Mikesgat. In the time of King Edward the Confessor, as we read in that book which King William the Conqueror caused to be written when he took the survey of England, It defended itself for half an Hundred in wars, expeditions, and shipping. The land belonging to this town was never bided. After this it suffered far more grievous calamities under the Normans: For when * Paganus. Pain de Beauchamp the third Baron of Bedford had built here a Castle, there arose not any storm of civil war but it thundered upon it so long as it stood. Stephen, when with breach of his oath he intercepted to himself the Kingdom of England, first forced this Castle, and with very great slaughter of men won it: afterwards when the Barons had taken arms against King john, William de Beauchamp Lord thereof, and one of the Captains of their side, surrendered it unto their hands: But a year or two after, Falco de Breaut laid siege thereto, and forthwith the Barons yielded, and the King in free gift bestowed it upon him. Yet the unthankful man raised up a world of war again upon King Henry the third: He pulled down Churches to strengthen this Castle, and exceedingly damnified the territory adjoining, until the King besieged it; and when after threescore days he had quelled the stubborn stomaches of these rebels, brought this nest and nurse of sedition into his own hands. It will not be, I hope, distasteful to the reader, if I set down here the manner of assaulting this Castle out of a writer who then lived, and saw it: to the end we may understand with what devises and engines that age (as witty well near as ours to work men mischief) used in their sieges of Towns. On the East-side (saith he) there was planted one Petrarie and two Mangonells which daily played upon the Tower, and on the Westside two Mangonells which battered the old Town: also one Mangonell on the South part, and another on the North, which made two breaches and entries in the next walls. Besides these there were two frames or engines of Timber made by Carpenters, erected higher above the top of the Tower and Castle for Shootters in brakes, and for discoverers. There were moreover there many frames wherein shooters out of Brakes and slingers were set in await: furthermore there was a frame or engine there, called the Cat, Cattus. under which the pioneers and underminers had their ingress and egress, whiles they digged under the Walls of Tower and Castle. Now, was this Castle taken by four assaults. In the first was the Barbican won: in the second, the out Ballie. At the third, fell the Wall down near the old Tower by the means of the Miners, where, by the help of a chink or breach with great danger they became possessed of the inner Ballie: At the fourth, the Miners put fire under the Tower, so that the smoke broke forth, and the Tower was rend asunder, in so much as the cliffs and breaches appeared wide, and then the enemies yielded themselves. Of these Mangonells, Patraries, Trabucks, Bricols, Espringolds, and of that which our ancestors termed the Warwolse, by which before that Guns were devised, they discharged volies of mighty huge stones, with great violence, and so broke through strong walls, much might here be said, were they not beside my purpose. But my author proceedeth thus: Falco remained Excommunicate until he restored unto the King the Castle of Plumpton and Stoke-curcy, with his plate of gold and silver both, and such money as that he had: and from thence was led to London. Mean while the Sheriff had commandment to demolish and raze the Tower and out Ballie. As for the inward Ballie, when the Bulwarks were cast down, and both Trench and Rampire laid level with the ground, it remained unto William Beauchamp for to dwell in: The stones were granted unto the Canons of Newenham and Chaldwell, and of Saint Paul's Church in Bedford. Neither yet for all this is there any thing here more worth the seeing, than the remains of this Castle on the East side of the town, hanging over the river. On both sides of Bedford stood two pretty and very fair religious houses, Helenstow now Eustow on the South part, consecrated by Judith wife to Waltheof Earl of Huntingdon unto Helena Great Constantine's Mother, and to sacred Virgins: on the East, Newenham, which Roise the wife of * Pagani. Pain de Beauchamp translated thither from Saint Paul's within Bedford. Ouse is not gone far from hence, Aeton. but he seeth the tokens of a decayed Castle at Eton, which was another seat of the family de Beauchamp, and bids Bedford-shire farewell hard by Bissemed, where Hugh de Beauchamp, and Roger his brother founded a little Monastery for the Canons of Saint Augustine's order, as appear by the Pope's Bull. These stand on the farther side of Ouse which yet before from the South is augmented with a nameless * Some call it, Ivell. brook, at whose confluents is to be seen Temsford, well known by reason of the Danes standing Camp, and the Castle there, which they then built, when they wintering in Camp, lay sore upon this Country, and threw down the Britan's Fort (as it is thought) The place whereof, Salenae seemeth to be that which Antoninus called Sulloniaca. now called Chesterfield and Sandie, showeth oftentimes pieces of Roman coin, as express tokens of the antiquity thereof: Neither do some doubt by the very situation, but that this was that SALENAE, which Ptolomee ascribeth to the Cattieuchlani, if Salndy be the name, Potton. as divers have avouched unto me. here I overpasse Potton a little mercat town, because I find nothing of it, but that john Kinaston gave it and the Lands adjoining freely unto Thomas Earl of Lancaster. Neither have I reason to make many words of such places as be situate upon this Brook, Chicksand. to wit, Chicksand, where Pain de Beauchamp built a little Monastery. Shelford a mercat, Wardon more inward where was a house of Cistertian monks, and was mother to the Abbays of Saulterey, Sibton and Tilthey, Biglesward much spoken of and frequented for the horse Fair there, and the stone bridge. Stratton. From whence Stratton is not far, the mansion place in times passed of the Barons Latimer, afterward of the Enderbeies, and from them hereditarily until our time of the Pigotts. Five miles from the head of this brook in the very heart and midst well near of the shire, Ampthill or Amethull. standeth Ampthill upon an hill, a parcel of the Barony of Kainho heretofore and lately a stately house, resembling a castle, and environed with Parks, built by Sir john Cornwall Baron Fanhop, in the reign of Henry the Sixth with the spoils won from the French; whose goods, as I have read, when Edward the Fourth had confiscated for taking part with the Family of Lancaster, and indicted him, or this house rather, as Fanhop himself saith, of high treason▪ forthwith it was granted unto Edmund Grey Lord of Ruthin, and afterwards Earl of Kent: whose grandchild Richard passed both it and Ruthin over to King Henry the Seventh, and he annexed the same unto the King's Sacred Patrimony, as the Civilians term it, or as our Lawyers use to say, unto the Crown, and shortly after with the Lands appertaining it was made the Honour of Ampthil. From hence more Northward lieth Haughton Conquest, Haughton Conquest. Woburn. so called of a worshipful and ancient family, which a long time dwelled therein: Westward is Woburn: where now is a free school founded by Francis Earl of Bedford: and where sometime flourished a notable monastery built by Henry de Bolebic for Cistercians, who himself entered into this order: Under which, at Aspley Gowiz, Earth turning wood into stone. there is a kind of earth, men say, that turneth wood into stones: and for proof and testimony thereof, I have heard say, there was a wooden ladder to be seen in that monastery, that having lain a good while covered all over in that earth, was digged forth again all stone. More into the East, Tuddington showeth a fair house, goodly to be seen, which Sir Henry Cheiney made by Queen Elizabeth Baron Cheyney of Tuddington built, and shortly after died Sans-issue, where also in old time Paulin Pever a Courtier, and Sewer to King Henry the Third (as Matthew Paris witnesseth) built a strong house with the hall, chapel, chambers, and other houses of stone, and the same covered with lead, with Orchards also and Parks to it, in such sort, as it caused the beholders to wonder thereat. We were not gone forward far from hence but we came to Hockley in the Hole, so named of the miry way in Winter time, very troublesome to Travellers: For the old Englishmen our Progenitors called deep mire hock, and hocks. So passing along fields smelling sweet in Summer of the best Beans, * which with their redolent savour do dull the quick sent of Hounds and Spaniels not without fuming and cha●ing of Hunters; we mounted up by a whitish chalkey hill into the Chiltern, and streightwaies were at Dunstable. Dunstable. This Town seated in a chalkey ground, well inhabited, and full of Inns, hath four Streets answering to the four quarters of the world: in every one of which (notwithstanding the Soil be most dry by nature) there is a large Pond of standing water, for the public use of the Inhabitants. And albeit they be fed only by rain water, yet they never fail nor become dry. As for spring-veines there are none to be found, unless they sink Wells or pits four and twenty Cubits deep. In the midst of the Town is a Cross or Column rather to be seen with the Arms of England, Castle and Ponthieu engraven thereon, adorned also with Statues and Images, which King Edward the First erected as he did some others in memorial of Aeleoner his Wife all the way as he conveyed her Corpse out of Lincolnshire with funeral pomp to Westminster. That this Dunstable was the very same Station which the Emperor Antonine in his Itinerary calleth MAGIONINIUM, MAGIOVINIUM and MAGINTUM no man needs to make doubt, Magiovinium. or to seek it else where. For, beside that it is situate upon the Romans high way, there are pieces of the Roman Emperors monies found otherwhiles in the fields adjoining round about by the Swineherds, which as yet they term, Madning money: and within a little of the very descent of the Chiltern hills there is a military model raised up round with a Rampire and Ditch, such as Strabo writeth the Britan's Towns were, containing nine Acres of ground, which the people use to call Madning-boure and Madin-boure: in which very name with a little change MAGINTUM most plainly showeth itself. But when the said MAGINTUM, by the injury of war or time was decayed, king Henry the First here re-edified a Town, built a royal house at Kings-bury, and planted a Colony to repress the boldness of Thiefs that here beset the ways and lay in wait, as the private History of the Priory, that himself founded for the ornament of this his Colony, doth evidently bear witness. But hear the very words out of that private History, although they savour of the Barbarism of that age. Note that the plot of ground where the two high ways Watling and Ikening meet, was first by Henry the elder King of England * Sartabatur. Or cleansed by stocking up. cleared, to keep under and bridle the wickedness of a certain most notorious Thief named Dun, and his Companions, and of that Dun the said place was named Dunstable. The King our Lord built there the Burgh of Dunstable, and made for himself a royal Manor, or house near under that place. The King had in the same Town both Fair and Mercat. Afterwards, he founded a Church, and by authority of Pope Eugenius the Third, placed therein Regular Canons: and feoffed the said Religious Canons in the whole Burgh by his Charter, and bestowed upon them very many liberties. As for Leighton Buzzard on the one side of Dunstable, and Luton on the other, neither have I read, * nor seen any thing memorable in them, unless I should say that at Luton I saw a fair Church, but the Quire then Roofelesse, and overgrown with Weeds; and adjoining to it an elegant Chapel founded by I. Lord Wenlocke, and well maintained by the Family of Rotheram planted here by Thomas Rotheram Archbishop of York, and Chancellor of England in the time of King Edward the Fourth. Dukes, Earls and Barons of Bedford. Franciscus Alovertus. As touching the Lords, Dukes, and Earls of Bedford. First, there were Barons of Bedford out of the Family of Beauchamp: who by right of inheritance were Almners to the Kings of England upon their Coronation day. Whose inheritance being by females parted among the Mowbrays, Wakes, Fitz-Ottes, etc. King Edward the Third created Engelrame de Coucy Earl of Suesons in France, son to Engelrame Lord of Coucy, and his Wife daughter to the Duke of Austria, the first Earl of Bedford, giving unto him his daughter in marriage. Afterwards King Henry the Fifth advanced Bedford to the title of a Dukedom: and it had three Dukes: the first was John, the third son of King Henry the Fourth, who most valiantly vanquished the French men in a Sea-fight at the mouth of * Sequana. Seyne, and afterwards (being Regent of France) slain in a battle on land, before Vernoil, who was buried in Rouen, and together with him all the Englishmen good fortune in France. At which time he was Regent of France, Duke of Bedford, Alaunson and Anjou, Earl of Maine, Richmond and Kendal, and Constable of England. For so was his style. Whose Monument when Charles the Eighth King of France came to see, and a Noble man standing by advised him to raze it, Nay answered he, let him rest in peace now being dead, of whom in war while he lived all France had dread. The second Duke of Bedford was George Nevil a very child, son to John marquis Mont-acute, both whom King Edward the Fourth so soon as he had raised them to that type of Honours, threw down again, and that by authority of the Parliament; the Father, for his perfidious disloyalty in revolting from him; the Son, in dislike of his Father: Howbeit there was a colourable pretence made, that his estate was too weak for to maintain the port and dignity of a Duke: and because great men of high place if they be not wealthy withal, are always grievous and injurious. The third was jasper of Hatfield, Earl of Pembroch, Honoured with that title by his Nephew King Henry the Seventh, for that he was both his Uncle, and had delivered him out of extreme dangers: who being aged and a bachelor, departed this life, some ten years after his Creation. But within the remembrance of our Fathers it fell back again to the title of an Earldom: what time as King Edward the Sixth created john Lord Russell Earl of Bedford: after whom succeeded his Son Francis, a man so religious and of such a noble courteous nature, that I can never speak aught so highly in his commendation, but his virtue will far surpass the same. He left to succeed him Edward his Nephew by his Son Sir Francis Russell, who was slain a day or two before his Father departed this life by Scotishmen in a tumult upon a True-day in the middle marches. 1585. This small Province hath Parishes 116. HERTFORDIAE Comitatus A. Cattifuclanis olim. Inhabitatus. HERTFORD-SHIRE. HERTFORD-SHIRE, which I said was the third of those that belonged to the Cattieuchlani, lieth on the East and partly on the South side of Bedford-shire: The West side is enclosed with Bedford-shire and Buckingham-shire: The South with Middlesex, the East with Essex, and the North with Cambridge-shire. A rich country in corn fields, pastures, meadows, woods, groves, and clear riverets. And for ancient towns it may contend with the neighbours even for the best: For, there is scarcely another shire in all England that can show more places of Antiquities in so small a compass. In the very limit thereof Northward, Roiston. Chronicles of Dunstable. where it boundeth upon Cambridge-shire, standeth Roiston, a town well known, but of no antiquity: as being risen since the Normans days. For one Dame Roise, a woman in that age of right great name, * Others say sh● was the wife of Richard de Clare. whom some think to have been Countess of Norfolk, erected there about a Cross in the high way, (which was thought in that age a pious work to put passengers in mind of Christ's passion) whereupon this place was for many years called Roises-Crosse, until that Eustach de Marc adjoined thereto a little Monastery in the honour of Thomas of Canterbury: for then, were Inns built, and by little and little it grew to be a town, which in stead of Roises Cross was called Roiston, that is, Roises town: unto which King Richard the First granted a Fair at certain set times and a mercat; Now, it is very famous and passing much frequented for Malt: For, it is almost incredible, how many buyers and sellers of corn, how many Badgers, yea and Corne-mongers or Regraters flock hither weekly every mercat day, and what a number of horses laden do then fill the high ways on every side. Over Roiston Southward is mounted Tharfield among the high hills, an ancient habitation of the family of berner's, Tharfield. berner's. descended from Hugh de berner's, unto whom in recompense of his valiant service in the Normans Conquest, King William the Conqueror granted fair lands in Eversdon within the county of Cambridge. And in so great worship and reputation flourished his posterity, that Sir John Bourchier, who married the right heir at common law of that family, being promoted by King Edward the Fourth to the honour of Baron, took his addition thereof, and was styled Baron Bourchier of berner's, and usually Lord berner's. Upon this confineth Nucelles, Nucelles. The family of Roffes. belonging in times passed to the house of the rochester's or Roffes: but all the repute and glory that it hath arose from the inhabitants thereof afterwards, namely the Barons of Scales descended out of Norfolk, but yet the heirs of Roffe. Barons de Scales. For King Edward the First gave unto Sir Robert de Scales in regard of his valorous service in the Scotish wars, certain lands to the value in those days of three hundred marks by the year, and called him among the Barons to the Parliament. Their Eschocheon Gules with six escallops argent is seen in many places. They flourished unto King Edward the Fourth his days, at what time the only daughter and heir of this family was wedded unto Sir Anthony Widevile Earl Rivers; whom being advanced by his own glorious prowess and the king's marriage with his sister, the malicious hatred and envy of his enemies most vilanouslie overwrought, and brought to utter destruction. For, King Richard the Third beheaded him, innocent man as he was. And, when as she died without issue, the inheritance was parted in King Henry the Sevenths' time between john Earl of Oxford, who by the Howards, and Sir William Tindale knight, who by the Bigods of Felbridge, were found next cousins and coheirs. The Manor of Barkway hereby appertained also to those Lords Scales, a well known throughfare. Beyond which is Barley that imparted surname to the ancient, * and well allied family of the Barleys; and on this side Anestie, Anestie. which was not long since the inheritance of the house of York, and in elder times the Castle there was a nest of rebels, wherefore Nicholas of Anesty Lord thereof, was expressly commanded by King Henry the Third to demolish so much of it as was raised since the Baron's wars against his Father King John. Cl. 2. H. 3. m. 11. But now time hath wholly razed it all. Ashwell. To return, though disorderly, Eastward is Ashwell, as one would say, The well or fountain among the Ashes: a Country town of good bigness and full of houses, situate on a low ground in the very North edge of the shire; where there is a source of springs bubbling out of a stony bank overshadowed on every side with tall ashes, from whence there floweth at certain veins continually running such store of water, that forthwith being gathered within banks it carrieth a stream able to drive a Mill and all of a sudden, as it were, groweth to a good big river. Of these wells and ashes together, as most certain it is that the English-Saxons imposed this new name Ashwell: so I have been sometime of this opinion, that the ancient Britan's, who, as Gildas witnesseth, heaped divine honours upon hills, rivers, fountains, and groves, from the very same thing and in the same sense called it Magiovinium, and that it was the same which Antonine named MAGIONINIUM. But time hath now discovered a more certain truth, neither am I ashamed to change mine opinion in this point, seeing I take no pleasure at all in mine own error. And yet to prove the ancientness of this town, the large quadrant adjoining, enclosed with a trench and rampire maketh much, which by the Roman pieces of coin digged up there oftentimes, showeth whose work it was, and in that * doomsday. book, wherein above 500 years since King William the Conqueror took the review and account of all the towns in England, it is in plain words termed a Burgh. Southward we saw Merkat-Baldock, situate upon a whitish soil, wherein as also in Hitching hard by, we read of no antiquity. Then is there seated in a well-husbanded and good ground Wimondley an ancient and famous Lordship, held by the most honourable tenure with us, Grand-Sergeantie. which our Lawyers term Grand-Sergeanty: namely, that the Lord thereof should serve unto the Kings of England upon their Coronation day the first cup, and be as it were the King's Cupbearer. Which honourable office in regard of this Lordship, certain Noble Gentlemen called Fitz-Tek. Fitz-Tek held in the beginning of the Normans reign; Argentons. from whom by a daughter it came unto the Argentons. These fetched their name and pedigree from David de Argenton a Norman and a martial knight, who under King William the Conqueror served in the wars, and they in remembrance hereof gave for their arms Three Cups Argent in a shield Gueules. But at last, for want of issue male in King Henry the Sixth his days, Elizabeth Argenton the sole and entire inheritrice, brought it unto her husband Sir William Allington knight, with fair lands thereby and this dignity, from whom Sir Giles Allington now the heir of this family is the seventh, a young Gentleman right courteous and of a generous nature, who I hope will give some new lustre by his virtues unto the ancient worship of his house. Hard by and near unto the road highway, between Stevenhaugh and Knebworth the seat of the worshipful house of the Littons descended from Litton in Darbyshire, I saw certain round hills cast up and raised by man's hands, such as the old Romans were wont to rear for Soldiers slain in the wars, of which the Captain himself laid the first turf. Unless some man would rather say they had a reference to the bounds: For such like little hills in old time were reared to signify the bounds of lands, In the County of Northampton. under which they used to lay ashes, coals, lime, brick, and tile beaten to powder, etc. as I will show elsewhere more at large. Beneath this, more Southward, the river Lea, by our forefathers named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, hath his head: who with a mild course passeth down, first, by Whethamsted a town plentiful in wheat, whereof it took name; which place, John of Whethamsted there borne and thereof named, a man in King Henry the Sixth his days much renowned by his due desert of learning, made of more estimation. From thence running by Brocket Hall, the residence in late time of the Brockets Knights, approacheth near unto Bishops Hatfield situate upon the fall and hanging of a little hill: in the upper part whereof stood a house of the Kings, now the Earl of Salisburies', in times past belonging to the Bishops of Ely, Bishops▪ Hatfield. whereupon it was named Bishops Hatfield, which John Morton Bishop of Ely re-edified. For in this place King Eadgar gave unto the Church of Ely forty hides of land. Afterwards it passeth under Hertford, which in some Copies of Bede is named Herudford, where he treateth of the Synod there holden in the year of our Salvation 670. which name some interpret: The red Ford, others, The Ford of Harts. This Town in William the conquerors time, discharged itself for ten hides and in it were 26. Burgesses, and at that time Ralph Limsey a Noble man built here a Cell for Saint Alban Monks. But now it is neither greatly inhabited nor much frequented: and in this respect most of all commended, because it is ancient. For why? it hath given name to the whole County, and is reputed the Shire-towne. A Castle it hath upon the River Lea, built, as men think, by King Edward the elder, and enlarged first by the house of Clare, whereunto it belonged. For Gislebert of Clare about King Henry the Second his days, was accounted Earl of this Hertford, and Robert Fitz-walter, of the same house of Clare, what time as Stephen seized into his hands all the Castles of England wheresoever, avouched frankly even to Stephen his face, as we read in Matthew of Paris, that the keeping of this Castle by ancient right appertained to himself. Afterwards it was laid unto the Crown: and King Edward the Third granted unto john of Gaunt his son, than Earl of Richmond, who afterward was Duke of Lancaster, this Castle with the Town and honour of Hertford: where (as the very words run in the Grant) he might according to his estate keep house and decently make his abode. From hence Lea falleth down forthwith to Ware, so named of a bar or damn made to stay water streams, which our Ancestors called a Wear or Ware. This Town, even at the very first did much harm unto Hertford, and afterwards by reason it became so greatly haunted, darkened, as it were, the light thereof. For, when the Baron's war against King John was waxed hot, this Ware presuming much upon their Lord the Baron Wake, turned London high way to it, whereas before it was but a little Village, and known by a Friary which he founded: neither was it lawful to pass that way with any Carts, considering that the Bridge was chained up, the Keys whereof were in the custody of the Bailiff of Hertford. near about which time Gilbert marshal Earl of Pembroch a principal and most potent Peer of the Realm, proclaimed here a disport of running on horseback with lances, which they call Tourneaments, under the name of Fortunie, making a scorn of the King's Authority, Tournament whereby such Toureneaments were inhibited. To which place when a great number of the Nobility and Gentry were assembled, it fortuned that himself as he ran at tilt, by occasion that his flinging horse broke bridle and cast him, was trampled under foot and so pitifully died. These Justs or Tourneaments were certain public exercises of Arms and more than flourishes, practised among noble Gentlemen, and instituted (if we believe Munster) in the year of our Lord 934. having also special laws thereto belonging, which you may find in the said Munster: and the same exercises were used a long time in such an outrageous manner, and with such slaughter of Gentlemen in all places, but in England most of all, since that King Stephen brought them in, that by diverse Decrees of the Church they were forbidden, upon pain that whosoever therein were slain should want Christian Burial in Church or Churchyard; and here with us King Henry the Third by advice of his Sages made an Act of Parliament, that their heirs who transgressed in this kind, should be disinherited. Howbeit, contrary to the said law so good and wholesome, Matth. Paris Anno 1248. this naughty and wicked custom was practised a great while, and grew not quite out of use before the happy days of King Edward the Third. Betwixt these two Towns, Hertford and Ware, distant scarce two miles a sunder, Lea is increased by two rilles from the North: Asserius termeth them Mimeram and Benefician. I would guess that to be Benefician upon which standeth Benington, where the notable family of Bensted had in old time a little Castle: Wood-hall. and also Woodhall an habitation of the Butlers, * who being branched from Sir Ralph Butler Baron of Wem in Shropshire, Butler. and his wife heir to William Pantulfe Lord of Wem, were Lords of Pulrebach, and enriched much by an heir of Sir Richard Gobion, and another of Peletot Lord of this place, in the time of King Edward the Third. I take Mimeran to be the other brook whereupon Pukerich is seated, which by the grant of King Edward the First, at the mediation of William le Bland had a market and Fair granted to it. Standon. Whereupon also neighboureth Standon with a seemly house built by Sir Ralph Sadleir Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Privy Counsellor to three Princes, and the last Knight Baneret of England: a man so advanced for his great services, and stayed wisdom. At the back of Pukerich, Munden Furnivall showeth itself, a place to be remembered if it were but for this, that Geffrey Earl of Britain gave it to Gerard de Furnivall (of whom also it bore the name) a younger son of Furnivall of Sheffeld. But now let us return to the River Lea and the Town of Ware, unto which the Danes being come with their light Pinnaces, and Shallops raised a Fort, as the said Asserius reporteth, which when King Aelfred could not win by force, he by digging three several Channels, turned aside the water of Lea, that they might not return with their Vessels; So as ever since it stood the neighbour Inhabitants in small or no stead; until being brought of late unto his ancient Channel, it is become more commodious for the carriages of all commodities, etc. Lea is not gone forward far from Ware, when he entertaineth a Riveret named Stort from the East, which first runneth down out of Essex by Bishops Stortford, Bishops Stortford. Castle of Way-more. a small Town fenced sometime with a little Castle set upon a mount cast up of purpose, within a pretty Island: which Castle King William the Conqueror gave unto the Bishops of London: and of those Bishops it came to be so called; but King John for hatred to Bishop William overthrew it. From thence it maketh his way by Sabridgworth a parcel of the Honour of Earl William Mandevile, and sometime the possession of Geffrey Say, near Shingle-hall honested by the Owners, the Leventhorpes of ancient Gentry. So on, not far from Honsdon forfeited by Sir William Oldhall to the Crown in the time of King Henry the Sixth, which gave a Title of Baron Hunsdon to Sir Henry Cary, through the favour of Queen Elizabeth, unto whom he was Lord Chamberlain, as who verily, besides his descent from the royal Family of the Dukes of Somerset was by his mother Mary Bolen cozen german to the said Queen. Lea having thus admitted into him this Riveret, hasteneth now with a merry glee to the Tamis, under Hodesdon a fair through Fair, Hodesdon. to which H. Bourchier Earl of Essex having a fair house at Base thereby (while it stood) procured a Mercat: and then as it were in gratulatory wise saluteth Theobalds', Theobalds'. commonly called Tibaulds, which our Nestor of Britain, the right honourable Baron Burghley, late Lord high Treasurer of England built: an house if we respect the workmanship none more fair and elegant; if the gardens, Orchards, and walks bedight with Groves, none more pleasant: unto whom especially this River willingly acknowledgeth itself beholden for the recovery again of his ancient Channel. But return we now to places more within the Country, and of greater antiquity. From Hertford twelve miles Westward, stood VEROLAMIUM, a City in times past very much renowned, and as greatly frequented: Tacitus calleth it VERULAMIUM, Ptolomee, Verolamium. Saint Alban. UROLANIUM and VEROLAMIUM, well known this is in these days, near unto Saint Alban in Caisho Hundred, which the CASSII of whom Caesar maketh mention, in all probability, held and inhabited. The Saxons named it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of the famous Highway Watling-streete, and also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Neither hath it as yet lost that ancient name, for commonly they call it Verulam, although there remaineth nothing of it to be seen, beside the few remains of ruined walls, the chequered pavements, and pieces of Roman Coin other whiles digged up there. It was situate upon the gentle descent or side of an hill Eastward, fenced about with passing strong walls, a double Rampire and deep Trenches toward the South: and Eastward watered with a Brook, which in old time made a great Mere, or standing Pool. Whereby it was guessed that this was the very same town of Cassibelaunus fortified with woods and marshes, Cassibelines town. which Caesar won: For there was not to be seen any other Pool or Mere in this Tract, to my knowledge. Municipia. In Nero his time it was counted a MUNICIPIUM: whence it is that in Ninius his Catalogue of Cities, it is named Caermunicip. So that probable it is, that this was the very same CAER MUNICIPIUM, which Hubert Golizius' found in an old Inscription. These Municipia were Towns endowed with the right of Roman Citizens, and this name came A Muneribus capiendis, that is, of public Offices and charges in the Commonwealth: and they had for their States and Degrees, * Decurions', that is, Gentlemen, and Commons: for their public Council, a Senate and People: For their Magistrates and Priests, Duum-virj, Triumvirs to sit in judgement and minister justice, CENSORS: AEDILES, Quaestors and Flamens. But whether this Municipium or town enfranchised were with suffrages or without, a man cannot easily affirm. A Municip with suffrages they termed that which was capable of honourable Offices: like as that other they called without suffrage, which was not capable. In the Reign of the same Nero, when Bunduica or Boadicia Queen of the Icenes in her deep love of her Country, and conceived bitter hatred against the Romans, raised bloody and mortal War upon them, it was razed and destroyed by the Britan's, as Tacitus recordeth. Hence it is that Suetonius wrote thus: To these mischiefs so great proceeding from the Prince, Verulam an● Maldon. there happened (to mend the matter) a grievous loss in Britain, wherein two principal Towers of great importance, with much slaughter of Roman Citizens and Allies, were put to the sack and spoiled. Nevertheless it flourished again and became exceeding famous and passing well frequented: yea and I have seen old Antiquities of money stamped, as it seemeth here, with this inscription, TASCIA, and on the reverse VER. Which that learned searcher of venerable antiquity David powel, Doctor in Divinity, interpreteth to be The Tribute of Verulamium. For Tasc, as he teacheth me in the British or Welsh tongue soundeth as much as Tribute, Tascia, A Tribute Penny, and Tascyd the chief Collector of Tribute. But lo here is the very piece of money portrayed for you to see, which heretofore also I have exhibited. Some would have this money to be coined before the coming in of the Romans: but I believe them not. For I have always thought them to be Tribute money, which being imposed upon the poll and the lands were yearly exacted and gathered by the Romans, as I have said before. For before that the Romans came, I can scarce believe the Britan's coined or stamped any money. Yet I remember what Caesar writeth of them: See pag. 97. Britan's coins. And they use, saith he, brass money or rings of iron weighed to a certain poise. Where the ancient books have Lanceis Ferreis, for which the Critics put in Laminis Ferreis, that is, plates of iron. But let my pen return again to the matter proposed, for my meaning is not here to wove the same web still. As for Verulam, it was famous for nothing so much as for bringing forth Alban a Citizen of singular holiness and faith in Christ, who when Dioclesian went about by exquisite torments to wipe Christian Religion quite out of the memory of men, was the first in Britain that with invincible constancy and resolution suffered death for Christ his sake. Whereupon he is called our Stephen, and the * Alban Martyr. Protomartyr of Britain, yea and Fortunatus Presbyter the Poet wrote thus of him, Albanum egregium foecunda Britannia profert. Fruitful Britain bringeth forth Alban a Martyr of much worth. And Hiericus a Frenchman, who flourished 700. years ago, of the same Alban and his executioner miraculously stricken blind, made these verses, In the life of Saint German. Millia poenarum Christi pro nomine passus, Quem tandem rapuit capitis sententia caesi, Sed non lictori cessit res tuta superbo, Utque caput Sancto, ceciderunt lumina saevo. Thousands of torments when he had endured for Christ his sake At length he died by doom thus given. [his head away to take] The Torture proudly did the feat, but clear he went not quite, That holy Martyr lost his head, this cruel wretch his sight. In reproach of this Martyr and for the terror of Christians as we find in an old * A Legend of his passion and Martyrdom. Agon of his, the Citizens of Verulam engraved his Martyrdom in a Marble stone, and inserted the same in their walls. But afterwards when the blood of Martyrs had conquered Tyrant's cruelty, the Christians built a Church, as Bede saith, of wondrous workmanship, in memorial of him: and Verulam carried with it so great an opinion of Religion, that there in was holden a Synod or Council in the year of the world's Redemption 429. when as the Pelagian Heresy, by means of Agricola son to the Bishop Severianus had budded forth a fresh into this Island, and polluted the British Churches so, as that to aver and maintain the truth they sent for Germane Bishop of Auxerre, and Lupus Bishop of Troy's out of France: who by refuting this heresy gained unto themselves a reverend account among the Britan's: but chiefly Germane, who hath throughout this Island many Churches dedicated to his memory. And ne'er unto the ruined walls of this razed city, Saint Germane Chapel. there remaineth yet a Chapel bearing S. Germane name still, although it be put to a profane use: in which place he openly out of the Pulpit preached God's word, as the ancient records of S. Alban church do testify. Which German (as Constantius flourishing in that time writeth in his life) commanded the Sepulchre of Saint Alban to be opened: and therein bestowed, certain Relics of Saints, that whom one heaven had received, should also in one Sepulchre be together lodged. Thus much I note by the way, that ye may observe and consider the fashions of that age. Not long after, the English Saxons won it: but Uther the Britain, firnamed for his serpentine wisdom, Pendragon, by a sore siege and a long recovered it. After whose death, it fell again into their hands. For, we may easily gather out of Gildas words, that the Saxons in his days were possessed of this City. God, saith he, hath lighted unto us the most clear Lamps of holy Saints, the Sepulchers of whose bodies, and places of their Martyrdom, at this day (were they not taken away by the woeful disseverance which the barbarous enemy hath wrought amongst us, for our many grievous sins) might kindle no small heat of divine charity in the minds of the beholders: Saint Alban of Verulam, I mean, etc. When Verulam by these wars was utterly decayed, Offa the most mighty King of the Mercians built just over against it about the year of our Lord 795. in a place which they called Holmehurst, a very goodly and large Monastery in memory of Saint Alban, or as we read in the very Charter thereof, Unto our Lord jesus Christ, and S. Alban Martyr, whose Relics God's grace hath revealed in hope of present prosperity, and future happiness: and forthwith with the Monastery there rose a Town, which of him they call Saint Alban. This King Offa and the succeeding Kings of England, assigned unto it very fair and large possessions, and obtained for it at the hands of the Bishops of Rome as ample privileges, which I will relate out of our Florilegus, that ye may see the profuse liberality of Princes toward the Church. Thus therefore writeth he. Offa the most puissant King gave unto Saint Alban the Protomartyr, that Town of his ancient Demesne which standeth almost twenty miles from Verulam and is named * Peradventure Wineslow. Uneslaw, with as much round about, as the Kings written Deeds at this day do witness, that are to be seen in the foresaid Monastery: which Monastery is privileged with so great liberty, that it alone is quite from paying that Apostolical custom and rent, which is called Rom-scot: whereas neither King nor Archbishop, Bishop, Abbat, Prior, nor any one in the Kingdom is freed from the payment thereof. The Abbot also, or monk appointed Archdeacon under him, hath pontifical Jurisdiction over the Priests and Laymen of all the possessions belonging to this Church, so as he yieldeth subjection, to no Archbishop, Bishop, or Legate, save only to the Pope of Rome. This likewise is to be known, that Offa the Magnificent King granted out of his Kingdom a set rent or imposition called * That is, of every house a penny. Rom-scot to Saint Peter's Vicar, the Bishop of Rome, and himself obtained of the said Bishop of Rome that the Church of Saint Alban the Protomartyr of the English nation, might faithfully collect, and being so collected reserve to their proper use, the same Rom-scot throughout all the Province of Hertford, in which the said Church standeth. Whence it is, that as the Church itself hath from the King all royal privileges, so the Abbot of that place for the time being hath all Pontifical ornaments. Pope Hadrian also the fourth who was borne hard by Verulam granted this indulgence unto the Abbats of this Monastery (I speak the very words out of the Privilege) that as Saint Alban is distinctly known to be the Protomartyr of the English nation: so the Abbot of this Monastery should at all times among other Abbats of England in degree of dignity be reputed first and principal. Neither left the Abbats ought undone that might serve either for use or ornament: who filled up with earth a mighty large pool under Verulam, which I spoke of. The name whereof yet remaineth still here in a certain street of the town named Fish-poole-streete. near unto which street, because certain anchors were in our remembrance digged up, diverse have verily thought (induced thereunto by a corrupt place in Gildas) that the river Tamis sometimes had his course and channel this way. But of this Mere or Fish-poole, have here what an old Historian hath written. Abbot Alfrike for a great piece of money purchased a large and deep pond, (an evil neighbour and hurtful to Saint Alban Church) which was called Fish-poole, appertaining to the Kings: And the King's officers and fishers molested the abbey, and burdened the Monks thereby. Out of which pool he the said Abbot in the end drained and derived the water, and made it dry ground. If I were disposed upon the report of the common people to reckon up what great store of Roman pieces of coin, how many cast images of gold and silver, how many vessels, what a sort of modules or Chapiters' of pillars, and how many wonderful things of antique work, have been digged up, my words would not carry credit: The thing is so incredible. Yet take with you some few particulars thereof, upon the credit of an ancient Historiographer. Ealred the Abbot in the reign of King Eadgar, having searched for the ancient vaults under ground at Verulam, overthrew all. About the year of Christ 960. and stopped up all the ways with passages under ground, which were strongly and artificially arched over head: For, they were the lurking holes of whores and thiefs. He leveled with the ground the ditches of the City and certain dens, into which malefactors fled as unto places of refuge. But the whole tiles, and stones which he found fit for building, he laid aside. near unto the bank they did light upon planks of oak with nails driven into them, cemented with stone-pitch: also the tackling and furniture of Ships as anchors half eaten with rust, and oars of fir. A little after he writeth. Eadmer his successor went forward with the work that Ealfred began, and his pioneers overthrew the foundations of a Palace in the mids of the old City, and in the hollow place of a wall as it were, in a little closet, they happened upon books covered with oaken boards and silken strings at them: whereof one contained the life of Saint Alban written in the British tongue; the rest the ceremonies of the Heathen. When they opened the ground deeper, they met with old tables of stone, with tiles also and pillars, likewise with pitchers and pots of earth made by Potters and Turner's work: vessels moreover of glass containing the ashes of the dead, etc. To conclude, out of these remains of Verulam, Eadmer built a new Monastery to Saint Alban. Thus much for the antiquity and dignity of Verulam; now have also with you for an overdeale in the commendation of Verulam an * Six verses. Hexastich of Alexander Necham, who 400. years since was there borne. Urbs infignis erat Verolamia, plus operosae Arti, naturae debuit illa minus. Pendragon Arthuri patris haec obsessa laborem Septennem sprevit cive superba suo. Hic est martyrii roseo decoratus honore Albanus, civis, inclyta Roma tuus. The famous town whilom called Verolam, To Nature ought less than to painful art; When Arthur's Sire Pendragon 'gainst it came, With force of Arms to work her people's smart; His seven years' siege did never daunt their heart. here Alban gained the Crown of Martyrdom, Thy Citizen sometime o noble Rome. And in another passage. Hic locus aetatis nostrae primordia novit Annos foelices, latitiaeque dies. Hic locus ingenuus, pueriles imbuit annos Artibus, & nostrae laudis origo fuit. Hic locus insignis, magnósque creavit alumnos, Foelix eximio Martyr, gente, situ. Militat hîc Christo, noctéque dieque labori Invigilans sancto religiosa cohors. This is the place that knowledge took of my Nativity, My happy years, my days also of mirth and Jollity. This place my childhood trained up in all Arts liberal, And laid the groundwork of my name and skill Poetical. This place great and renowned Clerks into the world hath sent: For Martyr blessed, for nation, for site, all excellent. A troop here of Religious men serve Christ both night and day, In holy warfare taking pains, duly to watch and pray. Saint Alban. Verolamium at this day being turned into fields: The town of Saint Alban raised out of the ruins thereof flourisheth; a fair town and a large, and the Church of that Monastery remaineth yet for bigness, beauty and antiquity, to be had in admiration: which when the Monks were thrust out of it, was by the Townsmen redeemed with the sum of 400. pounds of our money, that it might not be laid even with the ground, and so it became converted into a parish Church: and hath in it a very goodly Font of solid brass, wherein the King's children of Scotland were wont to be Baptised, which Font, Sir Richard Lea Knight, Master of the pioneers, brought as a spoil out of the Scottish wars, and gave unto the said Church, with this lofty and arrogant inscription. CUM LAETHIA OPPIDUM APUD SCOTOS NON IN CELEBRE, ET EDINBURGUS PRIMARIA APUD EOS CIVITAS INCENDIO CONFLAGRARENT, RICHARDUS LEUS EQUES AURATUS ME FLAMMIS EREPTUM AD ANGLOS PERDUXIT. HUJUS EGO TANTI BENEFICII MEMOR NON NISI REGUM LIBEROS LAVARE SOLITUS, NUNC MEAM OPERAM ETIAM INFIMIS ANGLORUM LIBENTER CONDIXI. LEUS' VICTOR SIC VOLUIT. VALE. ANNO DOMINI. M.D.XLIII. ET ANNO REGNI HENRICI OCTAVI XXXVI. When Leeth a Town of good account among the Scots, and Edinbrough their chief City were on fire: Sir Richard Lea Knight saved me from burning, and brought me into England. And I being mindful of this so great a benefit, whereas before I was wont to serve for Baptising of none, but King's Children, have now willingly offered my service even to the meanest of the English Nation. Lea the victor would have it so. Farewell. In the year of our Lord, M. D. XLIII. and of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, XXXVI. But to the matter. As antiquity consecrated this place to be an Altar of Religion: so Mars also may seem to have destined it for the very plot of bloody battle; For, to let other particulars go by, when England under the two houses of Lancaster and York bereft, as it were, of vital breath was ready through Civil War to sink down and fall in a sound, 1455. the chief Captains of both sides joined battle twice with reciprocal variety of fortune in the very Town. First, Richard Duke of York gave the Lancastrians here a sore overthrow, took King Henry the Sixth captive, and slew many Honourable personages. Four years after the Lancastrians under the conduct of Queen Margaret won here the field, put the house of York to flight, and restored the King to his former liberty. About this town (that I may let pass the mount or fortification which the common sort useth to call Oister-hils and I take to have been the Camp of Ostorius the famous Lieutenant of Britain) the Abbats in a pious and devout intent erected a little Nunnery at Sopwell, * De prato of the Meadow. and Saint julian's spital for leper, and another named Saint Mary de pray for diseased women: near unto which they had a great Manor named Gorumbery: where Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England built an house beseeming his place and calling. To this adjoineth Redborn, which is by interpretation Redwater, and yet the water running thereby (from Mergrate sometime a religious house, now a seat of the Ferrer out of the house of Groby) is no more red than is the Red-sea. Redborn. This Redborne in times past was a place renowned and resorted unto in regard of Amphibalus the Martyrs relics here found, who instructed Saint Alban in the Christian faith, and for Christ's sake suffered death under Dioclesian. At this day well known, for that it is seated upon that common and Military highway which we call Watling-streete, and hath hard by Wenmer called also Womer, a brook that never breaketh out and riseth, but it foretelleth dearth and scarcity of corn, or else some extremity of dangerous times, as the vulgar people do verily believe. Near unto this Redborn I have some reason to think that the Station Duro-Co-Brive stood, Duro-co-brive. whereof Antonine the Emperor maketh mention, although the distance of places gaine-saith it. For, as Redborn in our language, so Dur-coch in the British is all one in signification, with Redwater. And verily the truest conjectures that we can make of ancient places, are from antique inscriptions from the lying of Journeys every way, from the analogy and similitude of their names, and from rivers and lakes adjoining: although they answer not just to the exact account of miles between place and place, considering that the numbers may very soon be corruptly put down, and the ways for shorter passage are as easily altered. Certes it cannot otherwise be, but that Duro-Co-Brive, stood where that Roman Rode-way passeth over this water, to wit under Flansted: for even there, by the highway side, there is a good big spring breaking out of the ground about seven Italian miles from Verlam: (for which seven, through the careless negligence of the transcribers, twelve hath crept in.) Which brook presently, whiles it is yet but small cutteth the high way cross, and although it carry here no name at all, yet beneath S. Alban town it is called Cot, Briva, what it is. which is near to the name Co. As for that BRIVA, which is an adjection to many names of places, it signified, as I suppose, among the old Britan's and Gauls, a bridge, or a passage, seeing it is found only where there are rivers. In this Island there was one or two Durobrivae, that is to say, if I be not deceived Water passages; in Gauls, Briva Isarae now Pontoise, where in times past they passed over the river * Ysere. Isara, Briva-Oderae, where they passed over Oderam, and Samarobriva (for this is the true name) where there was passage over the river Some. Flamsted. Somewhat above, Flamsted showeth itself upon the hill, which in the time of King Edward the Confessor, Leostane the Abbot of Saint Alban gave unto three knights, Turnot, Waldefe and Turman, for to defend and secure the country thereby against thiefs. But William the Conqueror took it from them, and gave it to Roger of Todeney or Tony, a noble Norman, whose possession it was, but by a daughter it was transferred at length to the Beauchamps Earls of Warwick. Hemsted. From hence I went down Southward to Hempsted a little market town called Hehan-Hamsted (when King Offa gave it unto the monastery of Saint Alban) situate among the hills by a riveret side, which floweth anon into another, that runneth down by Berkhamsted. Berkhamsted. Where the Nobles of England, who devised how they might shake off the new yoke of the Normans, assembled themselves together by the persuasion of Fretherike Abbot of Saint Alban: and unto whom William the Conqueror repaired (as we read in the life of the same Fretherike) fearing lest he should lose the Kingdom with shame, which he had gotten with the effusion of so much blood. And after much debating of matters in the presence of the Archbishop La●frank, the King for the preservation of his peace swore upon all the relics of Saint Alban Church, and by laying hand upon the Holy Gospels unto Abbot Frederick, who ministered the oath, to observe and keep inviolably the good and approved ancient laws of the kingdom, which the holy and devout Kings of England his predecessors, and King Edward especially ordained. But most of those Peers and Nobles he forthwith evil entreated, turned out of all their possessions, and bestowed this Town upon Robert Earl of Moriton, and Cornwall his half brother: Who fortified the castle here with a duple trench and rampire: In which Richard King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall full of honours and years changed this life for a better. For default of whose issue and offspring King Edward the Third in the end made over this Castle with the Town unto Edward his eldest son, that most warlike Prince, whom he created Earl of Cornwall. Now that Castle is nothing else but broken walls and a rude heap of stones: above which Sir Edward Cary Knight, and Master of the King's Jewell-house descended from the family of the Caries in Devonshire, and the Beaufort's Dukes of Somerset built of late a very goodly and most pleasant house. In the very Town itself nothing is worth sight save only the school, which john Incent Deane of Paul's in London, a native of this place founded. Kings Langley. More into the South, standeth Kings Langley, sometime the King's house, in which was borne, and thereof took name Edmund of Langley King Edward the Third his Son, and Duke of York: where there was a small cell of Friar's preachers, in which that silly and miserable Prince King Richard the Second, after he had been wickedly deprived both of Kingdom and life, was first buried, and soon after translated to Westminster; requited there by way of amends with a brazen tomb for the loss of a Kingdom. Just in a manner over against this, there is another Langley also, Abbats Langley. which because it belonged to the Abbats of Saint Albans is called Abbats Langley: wherein was borne Nicholas surnamed Breakspeare, afterwards Bishop of Rome, Pope Hadrian the Fourth. known by the name of Pope Hadrian the Fourth: who was the first that taught the Norwegians to the Christian Faith, and repressed the Citizens of Rome aspiring to their ancient freedom; whose stirrup also as he alighted from his horse, Frederik the First Emperor of the Romans held, and whose breath was stopped in the end with a fly that flew into his mouth. Watford. Somewhat lower I saw Watford and Rickemansworth, two market towns: concerning which I have read nothing of greater antiquity than this, that King Offa liberally gave them unto Saint Alban; as also Caishobery next unto Watford. Caishobery. In which place Sir Richard Morisin Knight, a great learned man, and who had been used in Embassages to the mightiest Princes, under King Henry the Eighth and King Edward the Sixth began to build an house, which Sir Charles his Son finally finished. More into the East, the Romans Military high way went directly from London to Verolam by Hamsted-heath, Edgeworth and Ellestre: near unto which at the very same distance where Antonine the Emperor in his itinerary placeth SULLONIACAE, to wit, Sulloniacae, Salenae in Ptolomee, but misplaced. twelve miles from London and nine from Verolam, there remain yet the marks of an ancient Station, and much rubbish or rammell is digged up at an hill which in these days they call Brockley-hill. But when the Romans Empire ceased in this Island, as Barbarism by little and little crept in, whiles all parts smoked with the Saxons war, this, as every thing else, lay a great while relinquished, until that a little before the Normans coming in, Leofstane Abbot of Saint Alban restored it. For he, as we find written in his life, Caused the thick and shady Woods, which lie from the edge of * Chiltriae. Chiltern unto London, especially where the King's high way called Watlingstreete lay to be cut up, the rugged places to be leveled, Bridges to be built, and the uneven ways to be made plain and safer for passage. But about three hundred years since, this way was after a sort again forsaken, by reason that another way through licence of the Bishops of London was laid open through Highgate and Bernet. Bernet. This Bernet, for the beast mercat there kept, beginneth now to be famous, but it was more renowned for a field there fought, when in the war between the two Families of Lancaster and York, England dared to do against her own bowels, whatsoever ambitious treachery and disloyalty would command. For, upon Gledesmore hard by, even on Easter day in the morning there was a bloody battle most fiercely fought, and that with variable fortune for a great while, by reason that a most thick mist covered the face of the ground. But in the end the victory fell happily unto King Edward the Fourth, by occasion that Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick was there slain, whom as the favourable indulgence of Fortune made over-stout and bold, yea and dangerous unto Kings: * so his death freed England from all fear of civil Wars. Bernet hath for his neighbours Mimmes a seat of a Worshipful Family of the Coningesbies' descended to them by Frowick from the Knolles, Mimmes. ancient possessors thereof; and North-hall, North-hall. where Ambrose Dudley last Earl of Warwick raised a stately house from the foundations. This County of Hertford had Earls out of the Family de Clare, Earls of Hertford. who notwithstanding were oftener called Earls of Clare, from Clare in Suffolk their principal seat. The first to my knowledge was Gilbert, who under the title of Earl of Hertford is put down as a witness in a Charter of King Stephens. Likewise Roger de Clare in the time of King Henry the Second is in the Red-booke of the Exchequer named Earl of Hertford. Likewise his successors, See the Earls of Gloucester and in Suffolk. whom you may see in their places. But seeing both by right of inheritance, and also through the Prince's favour they attained to the Earldom of Gloucester, they bore both titles jointly, and were called unto Parliaments by the name of Earls of Gloucester and Hertford. And Richard de Clare who died in the year of our Lord 1262. is in plain terms by Florilegus of Westminster called Earl of Gloucester and of Hertford, where he reporteth this Epitaph composed for him in that age, to his great commendation. Hic p●d●r Hippolyti, Paridis gena, sensus Vlyssis, Aeneae pietas, Hectoris ira jacet. chaste Hippolyte, and Paris fair, Ulysses wife and sly, Aeneas kind, fierce Hector here jointly entombed lie. But not long since King Henry the Eighth honoured Sir Edward de Saint Maur or Seym●r with the title of Earl of Hertford, who also was created Duke of Summersault by King Edward the Sixth. After whom succeeded in this Earldom his Son bearing the same name, a right Honourable personage, and a singular lover of Learning. This Countiss hath Parishes. 120. TRINOBANTES. THey, whom Caesar calleth TRINOBANTES, Ptolomee and Tacitus, TRINOANTES, were next neighbours to the Cattieuchlani, inhabiting in those countries, which now having changed their names are commonly termed Middlesex and Essex. Whence that ancient name sprung, See among the Coins the piece stamped with TASCNOVANEI. I dare not verily so much as guess, unless it come of the British word Tre-Nant, which is as much as Towns in a vale. For this whole region in a manner lieth low in a valley upon the Tamis. But I do not greatly please myself in this my conjecture. And yet they that inhabited Galloway in Scotland, lying altogether low in valleys were of old time in the British tongue called Noantes and Novantes, and in the Veil of Rhine, in French named Le Vaule, the people in old time called Nantuates, had both their abode and their name thence: so that this conjecture of mine may seem as probable as that of others, who over curiously have derived Trinobantes, of Troy, as a man would say Troia Nova, that is, New Troy. But I wish them well, and that herein they may please themselves. These were in Caesar's time of all these countries well near the strongest City or State (for, evermore he termeth by the name of Civitas, Civitas, that is, City, what it signifieth in Caesar. a whole people living under the same law) and their King in those days, was Immanuentius, who being slain by Cassibelinus, his son Mandubratius saving his life by flight, went into Gaul to Caesar, and putting himself under his protection returned with him into Britain. At which time these Arinobantes petitioned Caesar by their Ambassadors, that he would defend Mandubratius from the injuries of Cassibelinus, and resend him to the State, that he might be Governor and bear rule over them: which being done, they gave forty Hostages, and were the first of all the Britanes that yielded themselves under his allegiance. This Mandubratius, that I may note so much by the way, is evermore called by Eutropius, Bede, Androgeus. and the later writers, Androgeus. But whence this diversity of the name should arise, I am altogether ignorant: unless that be true, which I have learned from a very skilful man in the British history and language both, that this name Androgeus was given unto him for his lewdness and perfidious treason. For, the signification of wickedness doth most plainly show itself in it: And in the Book of Triades, among the three Traitors of Britain, he is counted the most villainous; in that he was the first that made way to bring the foreign Romans into Britain, and betrayed his Country. After Mandubratius, when as now by reason of hot civil wars, Britain was neglected of the Romans and left unto his own Princes and laws, certain it is that Cunobeline ruled as King in these parts, of whose coin I exhibit here unto you one or two pieces, although I have already showed the very same and others heretofore. Suetonius. Admimus this man's Son banished by his Father fled with a small retinue about him to the Roman Emperor Cajus Caligula, and yielded himself. Which so puffed up the young Emperor's mind, that as if all the Island had absolutely and wholly yielded into his hands, he sent glorious letters to Rome, admonishing oftentimes the bearers thereof not to deliver them unto the Consuls, but in the Temple of Mars, and in a frequent assembly of the Senate. When Cunobelinus was dead, Aulius Plautius by commission from Claudius the Emperor set upon this Country. Fasti Capitolini. One of Cunobilinus his Sons named Togodumnus he slew, and another called Catacratus he overthrew in the field, over whom also, as we find in the Capitollin Record of the Roman Triumphs, he road Ovant in triumph: and that, with so great honour as Suetonius writeth, that Claudius the Emperor went side by side with him both in his going to the Capitol and also in his return from thence. And he himself shortly after transporting his forces hither, brought these parts within few Months into the form of a Province. Thenceforth the Trinobantes rested a while in peace, but that under the Empire of Nero they privily entered into a conspiracy with the Iceni to shake off the Romans yoke. But Suetonius Paulinus, as Tacitus recordeth, quickly quenched this flame of sedition with a great effusion of Britanes blood. When the Roman Empire was at length come to an end in Britain, Vortigern the Britain, gave to the Saxons (who kept him prisoner) for his ransom this Country with others, as Ninnius writeth: and it had his peculiar Kings for a long time together, but such as held by homage sometimes of the Kentish Kings, sometimes of the Mercians. Among whom Sebert in the year 603. was the first that became a Christian: and Suthred the last King, who being vanquished by Egbert in the year 804. left the Kingdom unto the Westsaxons: But hereof elsewhere more largely: Now let us survey the very Country. MIDDLE SEX OLIMA TRINOBANTIBUS habitata MIDLE-SEX. MIDLE-SEX taketh name of the Middle-Saxons, because the Inhabitants thereof were in the midst between East-Saxons, Westsaxons, South-Saxons, and those whom that age called Mercians. It is severed from Buckingham-shire by the River Cole which the Britan's called Co, on the Westside, from Hertford-shire on the North-side by a known crooked limit, from Essex on the East with the River Lea, from Surrey and Kent on the South by the Tamis. It being comprised within short Bounds lieth out in length, where it is longest twenty miles, and in the narrowest place it is scant twelve miles over. For air passing temperate, and for Soil fertile, with sumptuous houses and pretty Towns on all sides pleasantly beautified: and every where offereth to the view many things memorable. By the River Cole, Breakespeare, Pope Hadrian the fourth. Haresfield. where it entereth first into this Shire, we saw Breakespeare an ancient house belonging to a Family so surnamed, out of which came Pope Hadrian the Fourth, of whom erewhile I spoke: then, Haresfeld, in old time Herefelle, the possession in King William the conquerors days of Richard the * Fitz-Gislebert. Uxbridge. son of Count Gislebert. More Southward, Uxbridge anciently Woxbridge a Town of later time built, and full of Inns, stretcheth out in length. Beneath which is Draiton, re-edified by the Barons Paget; Colham, which from the Barons Le Strange came to the Earls of Derby: and Stanwell ever since the Normans coming in, unto our father's days the habitation of the Family of Windesore. And not far from hence, Cole after it hath made certain scattering meadow Islands, at two small mouths falleth into Tamis. Along the side whereof, as a German Poet in this our age prettily versified, Tot campos, Sylvas, tot regia tecta, tot hortos Artifici dextrâ excultos, tot vidimus arces, Ut nunc Ausonio Tamisis cum Tybride certet. So many fields and pleasant woods, so many princely Bowers, And Palaces we saw beside, so many stately Towers, So many gardens trimly dressed by curious hand which are, That now with Roman Tyberis the Tamis may well compare. At the very first entrance, Stanes. Stanes in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 offereth itself to our sight, where Tamis hath a wooden Bridge over it. This name it took of a meerestone here in times past set up to mark out the jurisdiction that the City of London hath in the River. Runingmead. near unto this stone is that most famous Meadow Runingmead commonly called Renimed: in which the Baronage of England assembled in great number in the year 1215. to exact their Liberties of King John. Whereof in the marriage of Tame and Isis the Poet wrote thus, speaking of the Tamis that runneth hard by. Subluit hic pratum, quod dixit Renimed Anglus, Quo sedere duces armis annísque verendi, Regis Joannis cuperent qui vertere sceptrum, Edwardi Sancti dum leges juráque vellent Principe contempto tenebroso è carcere duci: Hinc sonnere tubae plusquam civilia bella, Venit & hinc refugus nostras Lodovicus in orat. Hence runs it hard by Meadow green, in English RENIMED, Where close in counsel sat the Lords, as well for armour dread As ancient years right reverend: who sought their sovereign King John to depose from regal Throne: Whiles that they meant to bring (Contemning Prince) S. Edward's laws and liberties again, Enure, which had long time forlet a quite forgotten lain. Hence more than civil Wars, aloud the trumpets gan to sound, Hence Lewis of France, who soon retired, set foot on English ground. From thence it passeth by Coway-stakes at Lalam, where we said that Caesar crossed over the Tamis, and the Britan's fenced the bank and Fourd against him with stakes, whereof it had the name. Harrow hill. Tamis passing down from thence seeth above it Harrow, the highest hill of all this Country, under which Southward there lie for a long way together exceeding rich and fruitful fields, especially about Heston a small Village that yieldeth so fine flower for manchet that a long time it hath served for the King's mouth. Hanworth. Within a little of it is Hanworth, where stands a pretty house of the Kings which King Henry the Eighth took exceeding delight in, as being a retiring place for his solace and voluptuous pleasure. Hampton Court. Afterwards it runneth hard by Hampton Court a royal Palace of the Kings, a work in truth of admirable magnificence built out of the ground by Thomas Wolsey Cardinal, in ostentation of his riches, when for very pride, being otherwise a most prudent man, he was not able to manage his mind. But it was made an Honour, enlarged and finished by King Henry the Eighth so amply, as it containeth within it five several inner Courts passing large, environed with very fair buildings wrought right curiously, and goodly to behold. Of which Leland writeth thus: Est locus insolito rerum splendore superbus, Alluitúrque vaga Tamisini fluminis unda, Nomine ab antiquo jam tempore dictus Avona. Hîc Rex Henricus taleis Octavius aedes Erexit, qualeis toto Sol aureus orbe Non vidit. A stately place for rare and glorious show There is, which Tamis with wand'ring stream doth dowsse; Times past, by name of Avon men it knew; here Henry the vl of that name, built an house So sumptuous, as that on such an one (Seek through the World,) the bright Sun never shone. And another in the Nuptial Poem of Tame and Isis. Alluit Hamptonam celebrem quae laxior urbis Mentitur formam spacijs; hanc condidit aulam Purpureus pater ille gravis, gravis ille sacerdos Wolsaeus, fortuna favos cui ●elle repletos Obtulit, heu tandem foriunae dona dolores. He runs by HAMPTON, which for spacious seat Seems City-like: Of this fair Courtly Hall First founder was a Priest and Prelate great Wolsey, that grave and glorious Cardinal: Fortune on him had poured her gifts full fast, But Fortune's Bliss, Alas, proved Bale at last. And now with a winding reach the River bendeth his course Northward by Gistleworth, Thistleworth. for so was that called in old time, which now is Thistleworth. Where sometime stood the Palace of Richard King of Romans and Earl of Cornwall, which the Londoners in a tumultuous broil burnt to the ground. From hence Zion showeth itself, a little Monastery so named of the most holy Mount Zion: Which King Henry the Fifth, when he had expelled thence the Monks aliens, built for religious Virgins to the honour of our Saviour, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Bridget of Zion: like as he founded another on the River's side over against it for the Carthusian Monks, named Jesus of Bethelem. In this Zion, he appointed to the Glory of God so many Nuns, Priests, and lay brethren divided a part within their several walls, as were in number equal to Christ his Apostles and Disciples: upon whom when he had bestowed sufficient living he provided by a law, that contenting themselves therewith, they should take no more of any man: but what overplus soever remained of their yearly revenue, they should bestow it upon the poor. But after that in our forefather's time those religious Votaries were cast out, and it became a retiring house of the Duke of Somerset, who plucked down the Church, and there began a new house. Under this the small water Brent issueth into the Tamis, which springing out of a Pond vulgarly called Brounswell, for Brentwell, that is, in old English Frog-well, passeth down between Hendon, which Archbishop Dunstan borne for the advancement of Monks, purchased for some few gold Bizantines', Bezantes B●zantines of silver valued at two shillings anciently. which were Imperial pieces of Gold coined at Byzantium or Constantinople, and gave to the Monks of Saint Peter of Westminster: and Hamsted-hils (from whence you have a most pleasant prospect to the most beautiful City of London, and the lovely Country about it.) Over which the ancient Roman military way led to Verulam or Saint Alban by Edge-worth, and not by Highgate as now, which new way was opened by the Bishops of London about some 300. years since. But to return, Brent into whom all the small Rillets of these parts resort, runneth on by Brentstreat, an Hamlet to whom it imparted his name, watereth Hanger-wood, Hanwell, Oisterly Park, where Sir Thomas Gresham built a fair large house: and so near his fall into the Tamis giveth name to Brentford a fair throughfaire, and frequent Mercat. Near which in the year 1116. King Edmond surnamed Ironside, so fiercely charged upon the Danes whom he compelled by force to retire from the Siege of London, that as fast as their horses could make way, they fled, not without their great loss. From Stanes hitherto, all that lieth between London highway (which goeth through Hounslow) and the Tamis was called the Forest or Warren of Stanes, until that King Henry the Third, as in his Charter we read; disafforested and diswarened it. Fulham. Then by the Tamis side is Fulham, in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The place of Fowls: the greatest credit and honour whereof is the Bishop of London's house standing there conveniently, not far from the City, albeit not so healthfully. Chelsey, as one would say, Shelf●ey. Also Chelsey, so named of a shelf of Sand in the River Tamis as some suppose, but in Records it is named Chelche-hith: a place garnished with fair and stately houses, by King Henry the Eighth, by William Powlet the first marquis of Winchester, and by others. But LONDON, London. the Epitome or Breviary of all Britain, the seat of the British Empire, and the Kings of England's Chamber, so much overtoppeth all these, as according to the Poet, Inter viburna Cupress●s, that is, the Cypresse-tree amongst the Viornes. Tacitus, Ptolomee, and Antonine call it LONDINIUM, and LONGIDINIUM: Ammianus LUNDINUM and AUGUSTA; Stephen in his Cities 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, our Britan's Lundayn; the old Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Strangers Londra and Londres: the inhabitants London: Fabulous writers Troja nova, that is, New Troy, Dinas Belin, that is, Belin's City, and Caer Lud of King Lud, whom they write to have re-edified it and given it the name. But these few names and original derivations together with Erasmus his conjecture, who deriveth it from Lindum a City in the Isle Rhodes I willingly leave to such as well like it. For mine own part; seeing that Caesar and Strabo do write that the ancient Britain's called those Woods and groves by the names of Cities and Towns, which they had fenced with trees cast down and plashed to stop up all passage: seeing also I have understood that such woods or groves are in the British tongue named Ll●wn, Britan's towne● I incline a little to the opinion that London thence took name, as one would say, by way of excellency The City, or A City thick of trees. But if herein I fail of the truth, let me with good leave give my conjecture (and here would I have no man to charge me with inconstancy while I disport in conjecture) that whence it had the fame, thence also it took the name, even from ships, which the Britain's in their language call Lhong: so that Londinum may seem to sound as much as a ship-Rode, or City of ships. For, the Britain's term a City Dinas, whence the Latins have fetched their Dinum. Dinas. And hence it is, that elsewhere it is called LONGIDINIUM, and in the funeral song or Dump of a most ancient British * Poet. Bard, Lhong-porth, that is, an harbour or haven of ships; and by this very term Bononia, or Bolen in France, which Ptolomee calleth Gessoriacum Navale, in the British glossary is named Bolung-long. For, many Cities have drawn their names from Ships, as Naupactus, Naustathmos, Nauplia, Navalia Augusti, etc. But of these none hath better right to assume unto it the name of a Ship-Rode, or Haven, than our London. For, in regard of both Elements most blessed and happy it is, as being situate in a rich and fertile Soil, abounding with plentiful store of all things and on the gentle ascent and rising of an hill, hard by the Tamis side, the most mild Merchant, as one would say, of all things that the World doth yield: which swelling at certain set hours with the Ocean-tides, by his safe and deep channel able to entertain the greatest Ships that be, daily bringeth in so great riches from all parts, that it striveth at this day with the Mart-townes of Christendom for the second prize, and affordeth a most sure and beautiful Road for shipping. A man would say that seeth the shipping there, that it is, as it were, a very Wood of trees disbranched to make glades and let in light: So shaded it is with masts and sails. Who was the first founder, is by long time grown out of knowledge, and in truth very few Cities there are that know their own first founders, considering they grew up to their greatness by little and little. But as other Cities so this of ours fathereth her original upon the Trojanes, as verily believing that Brutus the Nephew in the third descent of Great Aeneas was the builder thereof. But whosoever founded it, the happy and fortunate estate thereof hath given good proof, that built it was in a good hour and marked for life, and long continuance. And that it is for antiquity honourable, Ammianus Marcellinus giveth us to understand, who called it in his times, and that was 1200. years ago, an old town: and Cornelius Tacitus in like manner, who in Nero his days 1540 years since, reported it to have been a place very famous for fresh Trade, concourse of Merchants, and great store of victuals and all things necessary. This only at that time was wanting to the glory thereof, that it had the name neither of Free City nor of Colony. Neither verily could it have stood with the Romans profit, if a City flourishing with merchandise should have enjoyed the right of a Colony or Free City. And therefore it was, as I suppose, that they ordained it to be a Praefecture: Praefecturae. for so they termed towns where Marts were kept and Justice ministered: yet so as that they had no Magistrates of their own, but rulers were sent every year to govern in them, and for to minister Law, which in public matters, namely of tax, tributes, tolles, customs, warfare, etc. they should have from the Senate of Rome. Hence it cometh that Tacitus the Panegyrist, and Marcellinus call it only a town. And although it was not in name loftier, yet in wealth, riches and prosperity it flourished as much as any other, yea and continued in manner always the same under the dominion of Romans, English-Saxons, and Normans, seldom or never afflicted with any great calamities. In the Reign of Nero, when the Britan's had conspired to recover and resume their liberty under the leading of Boadicia, the Londoners could not with all their weeping and tears hold Suetonius Paulinus, but that after he had levied a power of the Citizens to aid him, he would needs dislodge and remove from thence, leaving the City naked to the enemy: who forthwith surprised and slew some few, whom either weakness of sex, feebleness of age, or sweetness of the place had detained there. Neither had it sustained less loss and misery at the hands of the French, if it had not suddenly and beyond all expectation by God's providence been relieved. For when C. Alectus had by a deceitful wile made away C. Carausius a Clive-lander, C. Carausius. Panegyrice, pronounced before Constantius Caesar, and untruly entitled, unto Maximian. Frankes put to the sword. who taking vantage of our rough seas, of Dioclesian's dangerous wars in the East, and withal presuming of the French, and most venturous Mariners and servitors at sea, had withheld to himself the revenues of Britain and Holland, and borne for the space of six years the title of Emperor Augustus, as his coins very often found here do show: when M. Aurelius Asclepiodotus likewise had in a battle slain Alectus in the third year now of his usurpation of the imperial purple and state; those French, who remained alive after the fight, hasting to London forthwith would have sacked the City, had not the Tamis, which never failed to help the Londoners, very fitly brought in the Roman soldiers, who by reason of a fog at Sea were severed from the Navy. For, they put the Barbarians to the sword all the City over, and thereby gave the Citizens not only safety by the slaughter of their enemies, but also pleasure in the beholding of such a sight. And then it was, as our Chronicles record, that Lucius Gallus was slain by a little Brooks side, which ran through the middle almost of the City, and of him was in British called Nant-Gall, in English Walbrooke: which name remaineth still in a Street, under which there is a sewer within the ground to rid away filth; London stone▪ Milliarium. not far from London-stone, which I take to have been a miliary, or Milemarke, such as was in the market place of Rome: From which was taken the dimension of all journey's every way, considering it is in the very mids of the City, as it lieth in length. Neither am I persuaded that London was as yet walled. Howbeit within a little while after, our Histories report, that Constantine the Great at the request of his mother Helena, did first fence it about with a Wall made of rough stone and British bricks, Helen's money oftentimes found under the Walls. The Wall. which took up in compass three miles or thereabout: so as it enclosed the model of the City, almost four square but not equal on every side, considering that from West to East it is far longer, than from South to North. That part of this Wall which stood along the Tamis side is by the continual flowing and washing of the River fallen down and gone. Yet there appeared certain remains thereof in King Henry the Seconds time, as Fitz-Stephen, who then lived, hath written. The rest now standing is stronger toward the North, 1474. as which not many years since was re-edified by the means of Jotceline Lord Major of London, became of a sudden new, as it were, and fresh again. But toward East and West, although the Barons in old time during their wars repaired and renewed it with the Jews houses then demolished, yet is it all throughout in decay. For Londoners, like to those old Lacedæmonians laugh at strong walled Cities, as cotte houses for Women, thinking their own City sufficiently fenced when it is fortified with men and not with stones. The Gates. This Wall giveth entrance at seven principal Gates, (for wittingly I omit the smaller) which as they have been newly repaired, so they have had also new names given unto them. On the West side there be two: to wit Ludgate of king Lud, or Fludgate, as Leland is of opinion, of a little flood running beneath it (like as the Gate Fluentana in Rome) built again of late from the very foundation: 1586. and Newgate the fairest of them all, so called of the newness thereof, where as before it was termed Chamberlangate, which also is the public goal or Prison. On the North side are four; Aldersgate of the antiquity, or as others would have it, of * Aldrict. Aldrich a Saxon: Creplegate, of a Spittle of lame Creples sometime adjoining thereunto: More-gate of a moory ground hard by, now turned into a field and pleasant Walks: which Gate was first built by Falconer Lord Major in the year of our Lord 1414. and Bishopsgate of a Bishop, which Gate the Dutch Merchants of the Stilyard were bound by Covenant, Esterlings. both to repair and also to defend at all times of danger and extremity. On the East side there is Aldgate alone, so named of the oldness, or Elbegate, as others term it, which at this present is by the Cities charge re-edified. It is thought also that there stood by the Tamis beside that on the Bridge two Gates more, namely, Billingsgate, a Wharfe now, or a key for the receipt of Ships, and Douregate, that is, The Water-gate, commonly called Dowgate. Where the Wall endeth also toward the River there were two very strong Forts or Bastilions: The Tower. of which the one Eastward remaineth yet, usually called, The Tower of London: in the British tongue, Bringwin, or Tourgwin of the whiteness. A most famous and goodly Citadel, encompassed round with thick and strong Walls, full of lofty, and stately Turrets, fenced with a broad and deep ditch, furnished also with an Armoury or Magazine of warlike Munition, and other buildings beside: so as it resembleth a big town: and a man may truly suppose, that those two Castles which Fitz-Stephen recorded to have been at the East side of this City went both to the making of this one. The other Fort was on the West side of the City, where Fleet, a little Riveret (whence Fleetstreet took name) now of no account, but in times past able to bear Vessels, as I have read in the Parliament Rolls, sheddeth itself into the Tamis. Fitz-Stephen called this the Palatine Tower or Castle: and they write, that in the Reign of William the Conqueror it was consumed by fire. Out of the ruins whereof, both a great part of Paul's Church was newly built: and also in the very plot of ground where it stood, Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury founded a religious house for Dominican Friars (whereupon we call the place Black Friars.) Whereby, a man may easily guess of what bigness it was. Howbeit there stood in that place in the days of king Henry the second (Gervase of Tilbury in his book entitled Otia Imperiatia is mine Author) two Forts or Castles built with Walls and Rampires: The one whereof belonged to Bainard, the other to the Barons of Montfichet by right of succession. But nothing remaineth of them at this day. Yet some think, that Pembroch house was a piece of them, which we term Bainard's Castle, of William Bainard a Noble man Lord of Dunmow, Pat. 6.1. m. 21. whose possession sometime it was, whose successors the Fitz-walters were in right of inheritance the Ensign Bearers of the City of London, and amongst them Robert Fitz-walter had licence of king Edward the First to sell the site of Bainard Castle to the said Archbishop Robert. Neither was this City at that time walled only, but also when the Flamen or Pagan Priest was taken away, and Christian Religion established under that good Emperor, a Bishop was installed in his room. For, it appeareth, that at the Council of Arles which in the year of grace 314. was held under Constantine the Great, the Bishop of London was present. For, he subscribed, as is to be seen in the first Tome of the Counsels in this manner: RESTITUTUS Bishop in the City of London, out of the Province of Britain: which Restitutus and his successors had their seat and resiance, as some affirm, at Saint Peter in Cornhill. Hereafter, London flourished in such honour, that it began to be called AUGUSTA, and by that name was famous under the Emperor Valentinian. For, Amianus Marcellinus in his 27. book writeth thus: London called Augusta. And going forward to London an ancient Town, which the posterity called Augusta: and in the 28. book. He went from Augusta, which men of old time called Lundi, whence it came, that when after Constantine's time there was a Mint appointed therein. (For we read in his pieces of money, A Mint. which he stamped in honour of his father Constantius, and in others, this inscription P. LON. S. that is, Pecunia Londini signata, that is, Money stamped at London) he that had the charge and overseeing thereof under the Lord high Treasurer. Comes sacrarum largitionum, is in the book of Notice termed Praepositus Thesaurorum Augustensiam in Britannia, that is, Provost of the Treasury of Augusta, or London in Britain. For this name AUGUSTA was a name full of much dignity, full of majesty. And both founders and repairers of Cities when they either hoped or wished that such Cities would become flourishing and powerful, gave them significative names of good fortune. But among the most auspicious names that be, none is more magnificent, none more auspicate than AUGUSTA. For, this of AUGUSTUS, that most gracious and mighty Emperor Octavianus took unto himself not without the judgement of the best learned. Surnamed he was, saith Dio, Augustus, as one of great Majesty above the nature of man. For, what things be most honourable and sacred, are called AUGUSTA; Neither had London this name for so high an honour without the Licence of the Roman Emperors. For that names could not be imposed to Cities without licence, Virgil noteth in that Verse of his: Urbem appellabant, permisso nomine, Acestam. The City, by permission, ACESTA they did name. But as continuance of time hath outworn this so honourable a name of Augusta: so it hath confirmed that other more ancient name, Londinum. Whiles it enjoyed the foresaid name Augusta, it scaped fair from destruction by a rebellious rout of Ransackers: but Theodosius the father of Theodosius the Emperor did cut them in pieces whiles they were encumbered with their spoils, and entered, as Marcianus saith, with exceeding great joy in triumphant manner into the City distressed before and overwhelmed with grievous calamities. And marching with his Army from thence, he by his valiant prowess so freed Britain from those intolerable miseries and dangers wherewith it was beset, that the Romans, as witnesseth Symmachus, honoured him among other ancient worthies and men of honourable Renown, with the Statue of a man of Arms. Not long after, when the Romans Empire in Britain was come to an end, in that public destiny and fatal fall of the whole State, it fell into the English-Saxons hands: but in what sort, it is not agreed upon among Writers. For mine own part, I am of opinion, that Vortigern, to redeem himself being taken Prisoner, delivered it for his ransom unto Hengest the Saxon: considering that it belonged to the East-Saxons, whose Country, as Writers do record, Vortigerne upon that condition made over unto Hengest. At which time the State of the Church went to wrack and endured sore afflictions, the Pastors were either slain or forced to fly, their flocks driven away, and after havoc made of all, as well Church goods as others, Theon the last Bishop of London of British blood, was fain to hide the holy Relics of Saints, for a memorial (as mine Author saith) and not for any Superstition. Relics hidden for a remembrance. But although those days of the English-Saxons were such as that a man might truly say: Mars then brandished and shook his weapons, yet was London never the less, as Bede testifieth, a Town of Trade and Traffic, Frequented with many Nations resorting thither by sea and land. But afterwards, when a more gracious gale of peace breathed favourably upon this wearied Island, and the English-Saxons began to profess Christianity, 610. Saint Paul's Church. it also began a fresh to flourish again. For, Aethelbert King of Kent, under whom Sebert reigned in this Tract, as it were, his Vassal and by courtesy, founded here a Church and consecrated it to Saint Paul, which being eftsoons re-edified and repaired became at length most stately and magnificent, endowed also with fair Livings and Revenues, wherewith are maintained, a Bishop, a Dean, and Chaunter, a Chancellor, and a Treasurer, five Archdeacon's, thirty Prebendaries and diverse others. The East part of this Church, which seemeth to be the newer and curiously wrought, having under it a very fair Arched Vault, which also is Saint Faith's Church, was begun of the ruins of that Palatine Castle (which I speak of) by Maurice the Bishop; about the year of our Lord 1086. when as before time it had been consumed by a woeful accidental fire: whereof, William of Malmesbury writeth thus: The beauty thereof is so magnificent, that it deserveth to be numbered in the rank of most excellent Edifices: so large is that Arched Vault underneath, and the Church above it of such capacity, that it may seem sufficient to receive any multitude of people whatsoever. Bishop. Because therefore Maurice carried a mind beyond all measure in this project, he betook the charge and cost of so laborious a piece of work unto those that came after. In the end when B. Richard his Successor had made over all the Revenues belonging unto the Bishopric to the building of this Cathedral Church, sustaining himself and his Family otherwise in the mean while, he seemed in a manner to have done just nothing: so that he spent his whole substance profusely hereabout, and yet small effect came thereof. The West Part, as also the Crosse-yle are spacious, high built, and goodly to be seen by reason of the huge Pillars and a right beautiful arched Roof of stone. Where these four Parts cross one another and meet in one, there riseth uppe a mighty big and lofty Tower, upon which stood a Spire Steeple covered with Lead, mounting uppe to a wonderful height: for it was no less than five hundred and four and thirty foot high from the Ground; which in the year of our Lord 1087. was set on fire with Lightning, and burnt, with a great part of the City: but being rebuilt, was of late in mine own remembrance, when I was but a Child, 1560. fired again with Lightning, and is not as yet re-edified. The measure also and proportion of this so stately building, I will here put down out of an old Writer, which you may, if it please you, read: Saint Paul's Church containeth in length six hundred ninety foot: the breadth thereof is one hundred and thirty foot: the height of the West Arched Roof from the Ground carrieth an hundred and two foot: and the new Fabric from the Ground is four score and eight foot high. The stoneworke of the Steeple from the plain ground riseth in height two hundred and threescore foot: and the timber frame upon the same is two hundred seaventy four foot high, etc. The Temple of Diana. That there stood of old time a Temple of Diana in this place some have conjectured, and arguments there are to make this their conjecture good. Certain old houses adjoining are in the ancient records of the Church called Diana's Chamber: and in the Churchyard, while Edward the First reigned, an incredible number of Ox-heads were digged up, as we find in our Annals, which the common sort at that time made a wondering at, as the Sacrifices of Gentiles: and the learned know, that Taurapolia were celebrated in the honour of Diana. Sacrifice of Bulls. I myself also when I was a boy, have seen a stags' head sticking upon a speare-top, (a ceremony suiting well with the sacrifices of Diana) carried round about within the very Church in solemn pomp and procession, and with a great noise of Horne-blowers. And that Stag or Hart which they of the house de Bawd in Essex did present for certain lands that there held, as I have heard say, the Priests of this Church arrayed in their sacred vestments, and wearing Garlands of flowers upon their heads, were wont to receive at the steps of the choir. Now whether this were in use before those Bawds were bound to exhibit such a Stag, I wot not: but surely this rite and ceremony may seem to smell of Diana's worship and the Gentiles errors, more than of Christian Religion. And verily no man need to doubt, that from them certain strange, and foreign and heathenish rites crept into Christian religion. Which Ceremonies the first Christians, (as mankind is naturally a pliant Sectary to superstition) either admitted, or else at the first tolerated, thereby to train and allure the Heathen, from Paganism by little and little to the true Service and Worship of God. But ever since this Church was built, it hath been the See of the Bishops of London: and the first Bishop that it had under the English (about fifty years after that Theo● of the British Nation was thrust out) was Melitus a Roman consecrated by Austin Archbishop of Canturbury. In honour of which Austin, flat against the Decree of Pope Gregory the Great, the Ensigns of the archbishopric, and the Metropolitan Sec, were translated from London to Canturbury. Within this Cathedral Church, Who were buried in Paul's Church. About the year 680. (to say nothing of Saint Erkenwald, and the Bishops) there lie buried Sebba King of the East Saxons, who gave over his kingdom for to serve Christ; Etheldred or Egeldred, who was an Oppressor rather than a Ruler of this Kingdom, cruel in the beginning, wretched in the middle, and shameful in the end: 1016. so outrageous he was in his connivency to a Parricidie committed, so infamous in his flight and effeminacy, William Malmesbury. and so miserable in his death. Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln; john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Sir Simon de Burly a right noble Knight of the Garter executed by encroached Authority without the king's assent, Sir john de Beauchamp, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports; john Lord Latimer, Sir john Mason knight; William Herbert Earl of Pembroch, Sir Nicholas Bacon Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, a man of a deep reach and exquisite judgement; Sir Philip Sidney, and Sir Francis Walsingham, two famous knights, etc. and Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancellor of England, for whose perpetual memory Sir William Hatton his Nephew by sister, descended from the ancient Family of the Newports, whom he adopted into the name of Hatton, dutifully erected a sumptuous monument, well beseeming the greatness of his adoptive father. Beside this Church, there is not to my knowledge any other work of the English Saxons extant in London to be seen: for why? they continued not long in perfect peace; considering that in short space the Westsaxons subdued the East-Saxons; and London became subject to the Mercians. Scarcely were these civil Wars hushed, when a new Tempest broke out of the North: I mean the Danes, who piteously tore in pieces all this Country, and shook this City sore. For the Danes brought it under their Subjection: but Aelfred recovered it out of their hands, and after he had repaired it, gave it unto Aetheldred Earl of the Mercians, who had married his daughter. Yet those wasteful depopulators, did what they could afterwards many a time to win it by Siege; but * Or Cnute. Canut especially, who by digging a new Channel attempted to turn away the Tamis from it. Howbeit evermore they lost their labour; the Citizens did so manfully repulse the force of the enemy. Yet were they not a little terrified still by them, until they lovingly received and saluted as their King, William Duke of Normandy; whom God destined to be borne for the good of England against those Spoilers. Presently then, the winds were laid, the clouds disparkled, and golden days in deed shone upon it: Since when it never sustained any great calamity to speak of: but through the special favour and indulgence of Princes obtained very large and great Immunities, began to be called The King's Chamber, and so flourished a new with fresh trade and traffic of Merchants, that William of Malmesbury who lived well near about that time, termed it, A noble and wealthy City, replenished with rich Citizens, and frequented with the commerce of Occupiers and Factours coming out of all lands. And Fitz-Stephen living also in those days, hath left in writing, that London at that time counted an hundred and twenty two Parish Churches, and thirteen Covents of religious Orders: also that when a Muster and show was made of able men to bear Arms, they brought into the Field under their Colours forty thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen. Then was it enlarged with new buildings, and the spacious Suburbs stretched forth from the gates a great length on every side: but Westward especially which are the greatest, Inns of the Court. and best peopled: In which are twelve Inns, ordained for Students of our Common law: whereof four being very fair and large belong to the judicial Courts, the rest to the Chancery: besides two Inns moreover for the Sergeants at Law. Herein such a number of young Gentlemen do so painfully ply their books, and study the Law, that for frequency of Students, it is not inferior either to Angiers, Cane, or Orleans itself, as Sir john Fortescue in his small Treatise of the Laws of England doth witness. The New Temple. The said four principal houses, are The Inner Temple, the Middle Temple, Gray Inn, and Lincoln's Inn. Those two former named, Old Temple where new stands Southampton house in Holborn. Templars. stand in the very place where in times past, during the Reign of King Henry the Second, Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem consecrated a Church for Knights Templars, which they had newly built according to the form of the Temple, near unto the Sepulchre of our Lord at Jerusalem. For, at their first institution about the year of our Lord 1113. they dwelled in part of the Temple hard by the Sepulchre, whereof they were so named, and vowed to defend Christian Religion, the Holy Land, and Pilgrims going to visit the Lords Sepulchre, against all Mahometans, and Infidels; professing to live in chastity and obedience; whereupon all men most willingly and with right loving hearts embraced them: so that, through the bounteous liberality of Princes and devout people, having gotten in all places very fair Possessions, and exceeding great wealth, they flourished in high reputation for Piety and Devotion: yea and in the opinion, both of the holiness of the men, and of the place King Henry the Third, and many Noble men desired much to be buried in their Church among them. Some of whose Images are there to be seen, with their legs across. For, so they were buried in that Age that had Taken upon them the Cross (as they then termed it) to serve in the Holy Land, or had vowed the same. Among whom was William Martial the elder a most powerful man in his time, William and Gilbert his son's marshals of England and Earls of Penbroch. Upon William the elder his Tomb I some years since read in the upper part Comes Penbrochiae, and upon side this Verse: Miles eram Martis, Mars multos vicerat armis. Of Mars I was a doughty Knight, Mars vanquished many a man in fight. * But in process of time, when with insatiable greediness they had hoarded great wealth by withdrawing tiths from churches, Guil. Tyrius. appropriating spiritual livings to themselves, and other hard means; their riches turned to their ruin. For thereby their former piety was after a manner stifled, they fell at jar with other religious orders, their professed obedience to the Patriarch of jerusalem was rejected, envy among the common sort was procured, which hope of gain among the better sort so enkindled, that in the year of our salvation 1312. this order was condemned of impiety, and by the Pope's authority utterly abolished. The Statute as touching the Templars Lands. 17. Edward. 2. Howbeit their possessions were by authority of the Parliament assigned to the Hospitalier Knights of S. john of jerusalem, lest that such Lands given to pious and good uses, against the Donours will should be alienated to other uses. And yet it is apparent out of ancient writings, that this place, after the expulsion of the Templars, * See Hospitilars afterwards. was the seat and habitation of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and of Sir Hugh Spenser King Edward the Second his minion: afterwards of Sir Aimer de Valence Earl of Pembroch, and in the end turned into two Colleges or Inns of Lawyers. Of the rest of these Inns, I have found nothing at all by reading: But the general voice goeth, that the one was the dwelling house of the Lord Greys of Wilton, and the other of the Earls of Lincoln. Near unto this K. Henry the third erected between the New and the Old Temple an house of Converts, for the maintenance of those that were converted from judaism to the Christian Truth: which King Edward the Third appointed afterwards for rolls and records to be kept therein, The Rolls. and thereof at this day it is called The Rowls. These Suburbs with houses standing close together, and stately habitations of the Nobles and great Men of the Land along the Tamis side, reach out as far as to Westminster. Among which these are the most memorable here: Bridewell, where King Henry the Eighth built a royal house for the entertainment of Charles the Fifth Emperor: but now it is an House of Correction: Buckhurst house, or Salisbury Court, belonging sometimes to the Bishops of Salisbury: the White Freers, or Carmelite Freers: The Temples whereof I speak: Then without the Bars Essex house, built by the Lord Paget: Arondel house before called Hampton place, and Somerset house built by Edward Semer Duke of Somerset: The Savoy, so named of Peter Earl of Savoy, who there dwelled, which Queen Aeleonor wife to King Henry the Third purchased of the fraternity of Mont-joy, and gave it to her Son Edmund Earl of Lancaster. Whose Posterity dwelled in it a long time until that King Henry the Seaventh dedicated it as an Hospital for the Poor: * Montis-Jovis. Worcester-house, late Bedford-house, Salisbury-house, Durham-house, built by Antony Becke Bishop of Durham, and Patriarch of Jerusalem, and thereby the only ornament of this part the Britain-Burse, built by the Earl of Salisbury, and so named by King james: Yorke-house in times past, Bath-house, and Northampton-house now begun by Henry Earl of Northampton. But what mean I to name these places? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 None claim them wholly for their own: Fortune disposeth them every one. Westminster. By this Suburbs Westminster, which sometime was more than a mile distant, is conjoined so close unto the City of London, that it seemeth a member thereof: whereas it is a City of itself, having their peculiar Magistrates and Privileges. It was called in times past Thorney, of Thorns: but now Westminster, of the West situation, and the Monastery. Most renowned it is for that Church, the Hall of justice, and the King's Palace. This Church is famous especially by reason of the Inauguration and Sepulture of the Kings of England. Sulcard writeth, that there stood sometimes a Temple of Apollo in that place, and that in the days of Antoninus Pius Emperor of Rome it fell down with an Earthquake. Out of the remains whereof, Sebert King of the East-Saxons erected another to Saint Peter, which being by the Danes overthrown, Bishop Dunstane re-edified, and granted it to some few Monks. But afterwards, King Edward surnamed the Confessor with the tenth penny of all his revenues built it new for to be his own sepulture, and a Monastery for Benedictine Monks, endowing it with Livings and Lands lying dispersed in divers parts of England. But listen what an Historian faith who then lived: The devout King destined unto God that place, both for that it was ne'er unto the famous and wealthy City of London, and also had a pleasant situation amongst fruitful fields, and green grounds lying round about it: and withal the principal River running hard by, bringing in from all parts of the world great variety of Wares and Merchandise of all sorts to the City adjoining. But chiefly for the love of the chief Apostle, whom he reverenced with a special and singular affection: He made choice to have a place there for his own Sepulchre: and thereupon commanded, that of the tenths of all his Rents, the work of a noble edifice should be gone in hand with, such as might beseem the Prince of the Apostles: To the end, that he might procure the propitious favour of the Lord after he should finish the course of this transitory Life, both in regard of his devout Piety, and also of his free oblation of Lands and Ornaments, wherewith he purposed to endow and enrich the same. According therefore to the King's commandment, the work nobly began and happily proceeded forward: neither the charges already disbursed or to be disbursed are weighed and regarded, so that it may be presented in the end unto God and Saint Peter worth their acceptation. The form of that ancient building read if you please out of an old Manuscript book: The principal plot or groundwork of the building supported with most lofty Arches is cast round with a four square work and semblable joints. But the compass of the whole, with a double Arch of stone on both sides is enclosed with joynd-worke firmly knit and united together every way. Moreover the Cross of the Church which was to compass the mid Choir of those that chanted unto the Lord, and with a twofold supportance that it had on either side to uphold and bear the lofty top of the Tower in the midst, simply riseth at first with a low and strong Arch: then mounteth it higher with many winding Stairs artificially ascending with a number of steps: But afterward with a single wall it reacheth up to the roof of Timber well and surely covered with Lead. But after an hundred and threescore years' King Henry the Third subverted this fabric of King Edward's, and built from the very foundation a new Church of very fair workmanship, supported with sundry rows of Marble pillars, and the Rowfe covered over with sheets of Lead: a piece of work that cost fifty years' labour in building, which Church the Abbots enlarged very much toward the West end: and King Henry the Seventh for the burial of himself, and his children adjoined thereto in the East end a Chapel of admirable artificial elegancy (The wonder of the World) Leland calleth it: for a man would say that all the curious and exquisite work that can be devised, is there compacted: wherein is to be seen his own most stately magnifical Monument all of solid and massy Copper. This Church when the Monks were driven thence from time to time was altered to and fro with sundry changes. First of all it had a Dean and Prebendaries: soon after one Bishop and no more, namely T. Thurlebey, who having wasted the Church Patrimony surrendered it to the spoil of Courtiers, and shortly after were the Monks with their Abbot set in possession again by Queen Mary: and when they also within a while after were by authority of Parliament cast out, the most gracious Prince Queen Elizabeth converted it into a Collegiate Church, or rather into a Seminary and nurse-garden of the Church, appointed twelve Prebendaries there, and as many old Soldiers past service for Almesmen, forty Scholars, who in their due time are preferred to the Universities, and from thence sent forth into the Church, and Commonweal, etc. Over these she placed D. Bill Deane, whose successor was D. Gabriel Goodman, a right good man indeed and of singular integrity, an especial Patron of my studies. Within this Church are entombed (that I may note them also according to their dignity and time wherein they died) Sebert the first of that name, Princes interred in Westminster Church. and first Christian King of the East-Saxons: Harold the bastard son of Canutus the Dane, King of England, S. Edward King and Confessor, with his wife Edith: Maud, wife to King Henry the First, the daughter of Malcolm King of Scots: King Henry the Third, and his son, King Edward the First with Aeleonor his wife, daughter to Ferdinand● the first King of Castille and of Leon. King Edward the Third, and Philippe of Henault his wife: King Richard the Second and his wife Anne, sister to Wenzelaus the Emperor: King Henry the Fifth with Catharine his wife, daughter to Charles' the sixth king of France: Anne, wife to king Richard the Third, daughter to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick: king Henry the Seventh with his wife Elizabeth: daughter to king Edward the Fourth, and his mother Margaret Countess of Richmond: king Edward the Sixth: Anne of Cleve the fourth wife of king Henry the Eighth: Queen Mary: And whom we are not to speak of without praise, The Love and Joy of England Queen ELIZABETH of Sacred memory, Queen Elizabeth. our late Sovereign and most gracious Lady, a Prince matchless for her heroic Virtues, Wisdom and Magnanimity above that Sex, rare knowledge and skill in the Tongues, is here entombed in a sumptuous and stately Monument, which king james of a pious mind erected to her memory. But alas, how little is that Monument in regard of so Noble and worthy a Lady? Who of herself is her own Monument and that right magnificent. For, how great SHE was] RELIGION REFORMED, PEACE WELL GROUNDED, MONEY REDUCED TO THE TRUE VALUE, A NAVY PASSING WELL FURNISHED IN READINESS, HONOUR AT SEA RESTORED, REBELLION EXTINGVISHED, ENGLAND FOR THE SPACE OF XLIIII. YEARS MOST WISELY GOVERNED, ENRICHED AND FORTIFIED; SCOTLAND FREED FROM THE FRENCH, FRANCE RELIEVED, NETHERLANDS SUPPORTED, SPAIN AWED, IRELAND QUIETED, AND THE WHOLE GLOBE OF THE EARTH TWICE SAILED ROUND ABOUT, may with praise and admiraration testify one day unto all Posterity and succeeding ages. Dukes. Earls, and other Nobles entombed in Westminster. Of Dukes and Earls degree, there lie here buried: Edmund Earl of Lancaster second son of K. Henry the third, and his wife Aveline de fortibus Countess of Albemarle. William and Audomar of Valence of the family of Lusignian, Earls of Pembroch, Alphonsus john, and other children of King Edward the First, john of Eltham Earl of Cornwall, son to K. Edward the second, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester the youngest son of K. Edward the third, with other of his children, Aeleanor daughter and heir of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and of Essex wife to Thomas of Woodstock, the young daughter of Edward the fourth, and K. Henry the seventh, Henry a child two months old son of K. Henry the eight, Sophia the daughter of K. james, who, died, as it were, in the very first day-dawning of her age, Phillippa Mohun Duchess of York, Lewis Viscount Robsert of Henault in right of his wife, Lord Bourchier, Anne the young daughter and heir of john Mowbray Duke of Norfolk promised in marriage unto Richard Duke of York younger son to K. Edward the fourth, Sir Giles Daubency Lord Chamberlain to king Henry the Seventh, and his wife of the house of the Arundels in Cornwall, I. Viscount Wells, Francis Brandon Duchess of Suffolk, Mary her daughter, Margaret Douglasse Countess of Lennox, grandmother to james King of Britain, with Charles her son, Winifrid Bruges marchioness of Winchester, Anne Stanhop Duchess of Somerset and jane her daughter, Anne Cecil Countess of Oxford daughter to the L. Burghley Lord high Treasurer of England, with Mildred Burghley her mother, Elizabeth Berkeley Countess of Ormund, Francis Sidney Countess of Sussex, james Butler, Viscount Thurles son and heir to the Earl of Ormond. Besides these, Humphrey Lord Bourchier of Cromwall, Sir Humphrey Bourchier son and heir to the Lord Bourchier of berner's both slain at Bernet field, Sir Nicholas Carew, Baron Carew Baronesse Powisse, T. Lord Wentworth, Thomas Lord Wharton, john Lord Russell, Sir T. Bromley Lord Chancellor of England, Douglas Howard daughter and heir general of H. Viscount Howard of Bindon wife to Sir Arthur Gorges, Elizabeth daughter and heir of Edward Earl of Rutland wife to William Cecil. Sir john Puckering Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England, Francis Howard Countess of Hertford, Henry and George Cary, the father and son Barons of Hunsdon both Lords Chamberlains to Queen Elizabeth the heart of Anne Sophia the tender daughter of Christopher Harley, Count Beaumond Ambassador from the king of France in England, bestowed within a small guilt Urn over a Pyramid. Sir Charles' Blunt Earl of Devonshire, Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland. And (whom in no wise we must forget) the Prince of English Poets Geoffry Chaver: as also he that for pregnant wit and an excellent gift in Poetry of all English Poets came nearest unto him, Edmund Spencer. Beside many others of the Clergy, and Gentlemen of quality. There was also another College or Free-chapell hard by consisting of a Dean, and twelve Canons, dedicated to Saint Stephen: which King Edward the Third in his princely Magnificence repaired with curious workmanship and endowed with fair possessions, so as he may seem to have built it new what time as he had with his victories overrun and subdued all France, recalling to mind (as we read the Charter of the foundation) and pondering in a due weight of devout consideration the exceeding benefits of Christ, whereby of his own sweet mercy and pity he preventeth us in all occasions, delivering us, although without all desert, from sundry perils, and defending us gloriously with his powerful right hand against the violent assaults of our adversaries with victorious successes: and in other tribulations and perplexities wherein we have exceeding much been encumbered, by comforting us and by applying, and in-powering remedies upon us beyond all hope and expectation. There was adjoining hereto a Palace, the ancient habitation of the Kings of England from the time of King Edward the Confessor: which in the Reign of king Henry the Eighth, was burnt by casual fire to the ground. A very large, stately, and sumptuous Palace this was, and in that age for building incomparable, with a vawmur●, and bulwarks for defence: Fitz Stephen●. The remains whereof, are the Chamber, wherein the King, the Nobles, The higher house. with the Counsellors and Officers of State, do assemble at the high Court of Parliament, and the next unto it, wherein anciently they were wont to begin the Parliaments, known by the name of Saint Edward's painted chamber, because the tradition holdeth that the said king Edward therein died. But how sinful an Act, how bloody, how foul, how heinous, horrible, hideous, and odious both to God and man, certain brute and savage beasts in men's shape enterprised of late, The Treason of Robert Catesby. by the device of that Arch Traitor Robert Catesby, with undermining, and placing a mighty deal of gunpowder under these Edifices against their Prince, their Country and all the States of the Kingdom, and that under an abominable pretence of Religion, my very heart quaketh to remember and mention: nay, amazed it is and astonished but to think only into what inevitable darkness, confusion and woeful miseries, they had suddenly in the twinkling of an eye plunged this most flourishing Realm and Common wealth: But that which an ancient Poet in a smaller matter wrote, we may in this with grief of mind utter: Excidat illa dies aevo, nè postera credant Secula, nos certè taceamus, & obruta multa Nocte tegi propriae patiamur crimina gentis. That cursed day forgotten be: no future age believe That this was true: let us also at least wise now that live Conceal the same, and suffer such Designs of our own Nation Hidden to be and buried quite in darkness of oblivion. Adjoining unto this is the Whitehall, wherein at this day the Court of Requests is kept. Westminster hall. Beneath this is that Hall, which of all other is the greatest, and the very Praetorium or Hall of Justice for all England. In this are the Judicial Courts, namely: The King's Bench, the Common Pleas, and The Chancery: And in places near thereabout, The Star-Chamber, the Exchequer, Court of Ward, and Court of the D●teby of Lancaster, etc. In which at certain set times (we call them Terms) yearly causes are heard and tried: whereas before king Henry the Third his days, the Court of common Law and principal Justice was unsettled and always followed the kings Court. But he in the Magna Charta made a law in these words: Let not the Common Pleas follow our Court, but be holden in some certain place. William Lambert. Which notwithstanding some expound thus: That the Common Pleas from thenceforth be handled in a Court of the own by it self a part, and not in the King's Bench, as before. This Judgement Hall which we now have, king Richard the Second built out of the ground, as appear by his Arms engraven in the stone-worke, and many arched beams (when he had plucked down the former old Hall that king William Rufus in the same place had built before) and made it his own habitation. For kings in those days sat in Judgement place in their own persons: And they are indeed the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Judges, Whose mouth (as that Royal Writer saith) shall not err in Judgement. Prov. c. 16. But the foresaid Palace, after it was burnt down in the year of our Lord 1512. lay desolate, and king Henry the Eighth translated shortly after the king's Seat from thence to an house not far off, which belonged but a while before to Cardinal Wolsey, and is called White Hall. This house is a Princely thing: enclosed of the one side with a Park that reacheth also to another house of the kings named S. James (where anciently was a spital for Maiden Lepres) built by king Henry the Eighth, on the other side with the Tamis. A certain Poet termed the foresaid House according to the English name thereof Leucaeum in Latin, as appeareth in these Verses: — Regale subintrant Leucaeum Reges (dederant memorabile quondam Atria, quae niveo candebant marmore, nomen) Quod Tamisis prima est cui gloria pascere cygnos Ledaeos, ranco pronus subterluit aestu. To Royal Palace Kings enter in, sometime LEUCEUM hight. (This famous name those Courts it gave that shone with marble white.) Hard under it with low-sound stream Tamis down apace doth glide, A River feeding Swans, wherein he takes especial pride. The Mues. Hard by, near unto the Mues so called, for that it served to keep Hawks, and now is become a most fair Stable for the king's horses, there remaineth a monument in memorial of that most pious and kind Queen Aeleonor, erected by the king Edward the First her most dear beloved husband: and certes the memory of her loving kindness shall remain worthy to be consecrated to eternity. For she, the daughter of Ferdinand the Third, king of Castille, being given in marriage to Edward the first king of England, The love of a wife. accompanied him into the Holy Land: where, when as he was secretly forelaid, and by a certain Moor wounded with an envenomed sword, and by all the remedies that Physicians could devise was not so much eased as afflicted: she took her to a cure strange I must needs say and never heard of before, Rodericus Toletanum lib. 1. howbeit full of love and kind affection. For, her Husband's wounds infected with the poison, and which by reason of the malignity thereof could not be closed and healed, she day by day licked with her tongue, and sucked out the venomous humour which to her was a most sweet liquor. By the vigour and strength whereof, or to say more truly, by virtue of a wives lovely fidelity she so drew unto her all the substance of the poison, that the wounds being closed, and cicatrized, he became perfectly healed, and she caught no harm at all. What then can be heard more rare, what more admirable than this woman's faithful love? That a wife's tongue thus anointed, as I may so say, with faith and love to her Husband, should from her well beloved draw those poisons, which by an approved Physician could not be drawn: and that which many and those right exquisite medicines effected not, the love only and piety of a Wife performed. Thus much of Westminster jointly with London (although as I have said, it is a City by itself, and hath a several jurisdiction from it) because with continued buildings it so joineth thereto, that it may seem to be one and the same City. Moreover, at the West end of the City, other Suburbs run a great way in length, Holborn. with goodly rows of houses orderly ranged, as namely Holborn or rather more truly Oldborne: wherein stood anciently the first house of the Templars only in the place now called Southampton house. But now there stand certain Inns, or Colleges of Students in the Common Law: and a City-habitation of the Bishops of Ely, well beseeming Bishops to dwell in: for which they are beholden to John de Hotham Bishop of Ely under king Edward the Third. At the North side likewise there be Suburbs annexed to the City, wherein jordan Briset a man very wealthy and devout built an house for the Knight's Hospitalers of Saint john of jerusalem, Saint John's Hospitalers after called Knights of the Rhodes and now of Malt. which grew in time so great, that it resembled a Palace: and had in it a very fair Church and a Towre-steeple raised to a great height with so fine workmanship, that while it stood, it was a singular beauty and ornament to the City. These Knight's Hospitalers at their first institution, about the year 1124. and long after, were so lowly all the while they continued poor, that their Governor was styled Servant to the poor Servitors of the hospital of jerusalem, like as the Master of the Templars, Templars. who shortly after arose, was termed The humble Minister of the poor Knights of the Temple. This religious Order was instituted shortly after Geoffrey of Bollen had recovered Jerusalem. The Brethren whereof ware a white Cross upon their upper black Garment, and by solemn Profession were bound to serve Pilgrims, and poor people in the Hospital of Saint john at Jerusalem, and to secure the passages thither, they charitably buried the dead, they were continual in prayer, mortified themselves with watchings and fastings, they were courteous and kind to the poor whom they called their Masters, and fed with white bread, while themselves lived with brown; and carried themselves with great austerity. Whereby they purchased to themselves the love and liking of all sorts, and through the bounty of good Princes and private persons admiring their piety, and prowess, they rose from this low degree to so high an estate, and great riches, that after a sort they wallowed in wealth. For they had about the year of our Lord 1240. within Christendom nineteen thousand Lordships or Manors: like as the Templars nine thousand (the Revenues and rents whereof in England fell afterwards also to these Hospitalers.) And this Estate of theirs grown to so great an height made way for them to as great honours, so as their Prior in England was reputed the * Lords of S. John's. Prime Baron of the Land and able with fullness and abundance of all things to maintain an honourable Port, until that King Henry the Eighth advised by them, which respected their private profit, got their lands and livings into his own hands, like as he did of the Monasteries also. Albeit it was then declared that such religious places being of most pious intent consecrated to the Glory of God, might have been according to the Canons of the Church, bestowed in exhibition and Alms for God's Ministers, relief of the poor, redemption of Captives, and repairing of Churches. near unto it, Charter-house. where now is to be seen a sightly circuit of fair houses, was the Charter-house, founded by Sir Walter Many of Henault, who with singular commendation served under King Edward the Third in the French wars: and in that place heretofore was a most famous Cemitery, or burial place in which in a plague time at London, were buried in the year 1349. more than 50000. persons: a thing recorded to posterity by an inscription which continued there a long time engraven in Brass. On this North-West side likewise London hath other great Suburbs, and there stood in old time a Barbacan. Gal●ottus Martius. Watchtowre or military Forefense, whence the place was of an Arabic word called Barbacan, and by the gift of King Edward the Third became the dwelling house of the ufford; from whom by the Willoughbies it came to Sir Pengrine Bertey, Lord Willoughbey of Eresby, a man noble and generous, and one of Mars his brood. Neither less Suburbs run out on the North-East and East. In the fields of which Suburbs, whiles I was first writing these matters, there were gotten out of the ground many urns, funeral vessels, little Images, and earthen pots, wherein were small pieces of money coined by Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, etc. Glass vials also and sundry small earthen vessels, wherein some liquid substance remained which I would think to be either of that sacred oblation of Wine and Milk, which the ancient Romans used when they burned the dead, or else those odoriferous liquours that Statius mentioneth. — Pharijque liquores Arsuram lavere comam. And liquid baulmes from Egypt-land that came, Did wash his hair that ready was for flame. This place the Romans appointed to burn and bury dead bodies, who according to the law of the xii. Tables carried Courses out of their Cities, and interred them by the high ways sides, to put Passengers in mind that they are, as those were, subject to mortality: Thus much of that part of the City which lieth to the Land. London Bridge. Now for that side where the River runneth, toward the South bank thereof, the Citizens made a Bridge also over the Water reaching to that large Burrow of Southwark, whereof I have already spoken; First, of wood in that place where before time they used for passage a ferry boat in stead of a Bridge. Afterwards, under the Reign of King John they built a new Bridge with admirable workmanship of stone hewn out of the Quarry, See of Southwark, in Suthrey. upon 19 Arches, beside the drawbridge, and so furnished it on both sides with passing fair houses joining one to another in manner of a Street, that for bigness and beauty, it may worthily carry away the prize from all the Bridges in Europe. Saint Saviour. In this Burgh of Southwark, to speak only of things memorable, there stood sometime a famous abbey of Monks, of Saint Benet's Order, called Bermondsey, consecrated in times passed unto our Saviour, by Aldwin Child Citizen of London: also a stately house built by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, Suffolkehouse. which having served his turn but a small time, was shortly after pulled down. S. Thomas Hospital. These are extant, Saint Thomas Hospital, re-edified or founded rather by the City of London, for the sustenance of feeble and impotent persons: The Priory of the blessed Virgin Mary, called Saint Mary Over the because it standeth beyond the River of Tamis in regard of London, erected by William Pont del Arche a Norman for black Canons. The Bishop's house of Winchester built by William Giffard Bishop, for his Successors, about the year of our Lord 1107. From which along the Tamis bank there runneth Westward a continued range of dwelling houses: where within our father's remembrance was the Bordello or Lupanarie, for so the Latins term those little rooms or secret chambers of harlots wherein they filthily prostituted their bodies to sale, because they after the manner of ravening she-wolves catch hold of silly wretched men and pluck them into their holes. But these were prohibited by King Henry the Eighth, at which time England was grown to excessive lasciviousness and riot; which in other Nations are continued for gain, under a specious show of helping man's infirmity: Neither, of these Strumpets and brothelhouses, do I think that this place in our tongue took the name Stews, but of those Ponds or Stews, Stews. which are here to feed Pikes and Tenches fat, and to scour them from the strong and muddy fennish taste. here have I seen Pikes paunches opened with a knife to show their fatness: and presently the wide gashes and wounds come together again by the touch of Tenches, and with their glutinous slime perfectly healed up. Among these buildings there is a place in manner of a Theatre for baiting of Bears and Bulls with Dogs: and certain kenels appointed severally for Band-Dogges or Mastiffs, Band-dogges or Mastiffs. which are of that strength, and so sure of bit, that three of them are able to take and hold down a Bear, and four a Lion: so that the Poet in old time reported truly of our Dogs, in these words: Taurorum fracturi colla Britanni. The British Dogs are able well, To break the necks of Bulls so fell. Like as he that said, they were more fierce than the Dogs of Arcadian kind, which are thought to be engendered of Lions. What time as the Bridge was thus made between London and this Burrow, the City was not only enlarged; but also an excellent form of Common wealth was therein ordained, and the Citizens reduced into certain distinct Corporations and Companies. The whole City divided into six and twenty Wards: and the Counsel of the City consisted of as many ancient men, Societies or Companies of Citizens. ●●ibus. Wards. named of their age in our tongue Aldermen, as one would say, Senators, who each one have the overseeing and rule of his several Ward: and whereas in ancient time they had for their Head-Magistrate, a * Or Portgrave. Portreve, that is, a Governor of the City, King Richard the First ordained two Ballives: in stead of whom soon after King John granted them liberty, to choose by their voices yearly out of the twelve principal Companies a Major for their chief Magistrate: Praetor or Major. also two Sheriffs, whereof the one is called the Kings, the other the City's Sheriff. 1411. This form of Common wealth being thus established it is incredible to tell how much London grew, 1405. and groweth still in public and also private buildings, whiles all the Cities of England besides decrease. For, to say nothing of that beautiful piece of work, the Senat● house named Gild Hall, built by Sir Thomas Knowles Major: Leaden Hall, a large and goodly building, erected by Simon Eire, to be a common Garner in time of dearth to pull down the price of Corn; The Burse. the Merchant's meeting place standing upon Pillars, 1567. which the common people call the Burse, and Queen Elizabeth with a solemn ceremony named The Royal Exchange, Royal Exchange. for the use of Merchants, and an ornament to the City, set up by Sir Thomas Gresham Citizen and knight; a magnificent work verily, whether you respect the modull of the building, the resort of Merchants from all Nations th●ther, or the store of wares there. Which Sir Thomas Gresham, being withal an exceeding great lover of learning, consecrated a most spacious house his own habitation to the furtherance of learning, Grehams' College. and instituted there Professors of Divinity, Law, Physic, Astronomy, Geometry, and Music, with liberal salaries and stipends: to the end that London might be a place not only furnished with all sorts of Traffic, but also with the liberal Arts and Sciences. To pass over the House of the Society of the House, commonly called the Stilyard, as the Easterlings yard, and the waters conveyed by pipes under the ground, into all parts of the City, and very goodly conducts or cisterns castellated to receive the same: also the new conveyance of water devised by the skilful travel of Peer Maurice a Germane; who by means of a forcer or wheel, with pipes placed at a certain level, brought water of late out of the Tamis into a great part of the City; To omit all these, I say, it is so adorned every where with Churches, that RELIGION and GODLINESS seem to have made choice of their residence herein. For the Churches therein amount to the number of one hundred twenty and one, more verily than Rom● itself (as great and holy as it is) can show. Besides Hospitals for diseased persons, it maintaineth also six hundred Orphan children or thereabout, in Christ's Church Hospital, and poor people upon contribution of Alms about 1240. etc. A long time it would ask to discourse particularly of the good laws and orders, of the laudable government, of the port and dignity of the Major and Aldermen, of their forward service and loyalty to their Prince, of the Citizen's courtesy, the fair building and costly furniture, the breed of excellent and choice wits, their gardens in the Suburbs full of dainty arbours, and banqueting rooms, stored also with strange herbs from foreign countries, of the multitude, strength and furniture of their ships, the incredible store of all sorts of Merchandise (two hundred thousand broad-cloths, Guicciardin. beside other An●werp alone hath received from hence every year) and of the superabundance of all things which belong to the furniture or necessity of man's life. For, right truly wrote that Hadrianus junius in his Philippeis: — Tecti● opibúsque refertum Londinum, & si fas, numeroso cive superbum, Larga ubi foecundo rerum undat copia cornu. Thick built with houses London is, with riches stuffed full, Proud, (if we may so say) of men that therein live and dwell, Wherein most plenteous wise abound all things that tongue can tell. And jul. Scaliger in his Poem of Cities. Vrbs animis, numeróque potens, & rebore genti●. For peoples, courage, numbers, power, it is a City strong. And another Poet hath poured out these Verses also, concerning London, if you deign to read them, LONDINUM gemino procurrit littore longè Aemula materna tollens sua lumina Troia Clementer surgente jugo dum te●dit in ortum: Urbs peramaena situ, coelóque solóque beata. Urbs pietate potens, numeroso cive superba, Urbsque Britannorum quae digna BRITANNIA dici. Haec nova doctrinis Lutetia, mercibus Ormus, Altera Roma viris, Chrysaea secunda metallis. Along both banks out stretched far the City LONDON lies Resembling much her mother Troie, aloft she lifts her eyes, Whiles on a gentle rising hill she beareth toward East: A City pleasant for her site, in air, and soil much blessed. Religious, and populous: and hence she looks on high, And well deserves for to be called the Britan's Brittany. For learning new Lutetia, Ormus for Traffic mich, A second Rome for valiant men, Chrysae for metals rich. In this manner likewise versified Henry of Huntingdon in praise of London, while King Stephen reigned, about four hundred years since: Ibis & in nostros dives Londonia versus, Quae nos immemores non sinis esse tui. Quando tuas arces, tua moenia ment retracto, Quae vidi, videor cuncta videre mihi. Fama● loquax & not a loqui, moritura silendo, Laudibus crubait fingere falsa tuis. Thou also shalt of Verses ours Rich London have thy part, For why? we cannot thee forget, so great is thy desert. When I think of thy stately Towers, thy fair and spacious Wall Which I have seen, me thinks therewith I see no no less than all. This prattling fame, that's borne to prate, and talked she not would dye, In all the praise that goes of thee hath bashed to tell one lie. Another Poet in like manner pleasantly played upon London in this sort: Hac Urbs illa potens, cui tres tria dona ministrant Bacchus, Apollo, Ceres, pocula, carmen, ador. Hac Urbs illa potens, quam juno, Minerva, Diana Mercibus, arce, feris, ditat, adornat, alit. This is that City strong to which three gifts are given by three, By Bacchus, Ceres, and Phoebus, Wine, Wheat, and Poetree. This place stern Pallas, juno Queen, Diana Hunters-feer Adorns, enricheth, and doth feed, with towers, with wares, with deer. But in a more grave note and serious style, a friend of mine and a praise worthy person, Master john jonston, Professor of Divinity in the King's University of S. Andrew's. URBS AUGUSTA, cui coelúmque, solúmque, salúmque Cuíque favent cunctis cuncta elementa bonis. Mitius haud usquàm coelum est, uberrima Tellus Fundit inexhausti germina laeta soli. Et pater Oceanus Tamisino gurgite mistus, Convehit immensas totius orbis opes. Regali cultu; sedes clarissima Regum Gentis praesidium, cor, anima, atque oculus. Gens antiqua, potens virtute & robore belli, Artium & omnigenûm nobilitata opibus. Singula contemplare animo, attentúsque tuere, Aut Orbem aut Orbis dixeris esse caput. This City well AUGUSTA called, to which (a truth to say) Air, Land, Sea, and all Elements, show favour every way. The weather no where milder is, the ground most rich to see, Doth yield all fruits of fertile soil, that never spent will be. And Ocean, that with Tams stream his flowing tide doth blend Conveis to it commodities, all that the world can send. The noble seat of Kings it is for port and royalty, Of all the Realm the fence, the heart, the life, and lightsome eye. The people ancient, valorous, expert in chivalry, Enriched with all sorts and means of Art and mystery. Take heedful view of every thing, and then say thus in brief, This either is a world itself, or of the world the chief. But of these and such like particulars john Stowe Citizen of London, and a famous Chronicler hath discoursed more at large, and more exactly in that his Survey of London, which he lately published. Now will I take my leave of my dear native Country, and bid London a diew, after I have given this only note, that the Pole is here elevated fifty one degrees, and four and thirty scruples, and the Meridian distant from the farthest West-poynt three and twenty degrees and five and twenty scruples. That the * Orpheus' harp a star. Fidicula symbolising in nature with Venus and Mercury, is the Tropic star which glanceth upon the Horizon, but never setteth; and the Dragon's head is reputed by Astronomers to be the Vertical star over head. * Or beyond Radcliffe. Isle of Dogs. From London, the Tamis watering Redcliff, so called of the Red-cliffe, a pretty fine Town and dwelling place of Sailors, as he fetcheth almost a round compass with a great winding reach, taketh into him the River Lea at the east bound of this County, when it hath collected his divided stream and cherished fruitful Marish-medowes. Upon which there standeth nothing in this side worth the speaking of. For, neither Aedelmton hath aught to show, Edmonton▪ Waltham Crosse. but the name derived of Nobility; nor Waltham, unless it be the Cross erected there for the funeral pomp of Queen Aeleonor Wife to King Edward the First, whereof also it took name. Only Enfeld a house of the Kings is here to be seen, built by Sir Thomas Lovel knight (of the order of the Garter and one of King Henry the Seventh his Privy Counsel) and Durance neighbour thereunto a house of the Wraths of ancient name in this County. To Enfeld-house, Enfield Chase. Enfeld-chace is hard adjoining, a place much renowned for hunting: the possession in times passed of the Magnavils Earls of Essex, afterwards of the Bohuns who succeeded them: and now it belongeth to the Duchy of Lancaster, since the time that Henry the Fourth King of England espoused one of the daughters and coheirs of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex of that surname. And there are yet to be seen, in the midst well ne'er of this Chase, the rubbish and ruins of an old house, which the vulgar sort saith was the dwelling place of the Magnavils Earls of Essex. As for the title of Midlesex, the Kings of England have vouchsafed it to none, neither Duke, Marquis, Earl, or Baron. In this County, without the City of London, are reckoned Parishes much about 73. Within the City, Liberties, and Suburbs. 121. ESSEXIA COMITATUS. QVEM olim TRINOBANTES tenuerunt Continens in se opida marcatoria▪ xx. Pagos et Villas ccccxiiii. una Cunt singulis hundredis et flu: minibus in ●odem ESSEX. THE other part of the Trinobantes, toward the East called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the Norman language Exssesa, of the situation toward the East, and the Saxons which inhabited it, and commonly Essex, is a Country large in compass, fruitful, full of Woods, plentiful of Saffron, and very wealthy: encircled, as it were, on the one side with the main Sea, on the other with fishfull Rivers, which also do afford their peculiar commodities in great abundance. On the North side, the River Stour divideth it from Suffolk, on the East the Ocean windeth itself into it: On the South part, the Tamis being now grown great secludeth it from Kent like as in the West part the little River Ley from Midlesex, and Stort or Stour the less which runneth into it, from Hertfordshire. In describing of this Country, according to my method begun, first I will speak of the memorable places by Ley and the Tamis, afterwards of those that be further within, and upon the Sea-coast. By Ley, in the English Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, there stretcheth out a great way in length and breadth a Forest serving for game, stored very full with Deer, that for their bigness, and fatness withal, have the name above all other. In times past called it was by way of excellency Foresta de Essex, Waltham Forest. now Waltham Forest, of the town Waltham, in the Saxons speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; A wild or woody habitation. This standeth upon Ley, where, by dividing his Channel he maketh diverse Eights or Islands, and is not of any great Antiquity to make boast of. For, when the Kingdom of the Saxons began to decay, one Tovie, a man of great wealth and authority, as we read in the private History of the place, The Kings Staller, that is, Standard bearer, for the abundance of wild beasts there, first founded it, and planted threescore and six indwellers therein. After his death Athelstane his son quickly made a hand of all his goods and great estate: and King Edward the Confessor gave this Town to Harold Earl goodwin's son: Waltham abbey. and straight ways an abbey was erected there, the work and Tomb both of the said Harold. For, he being crept up by the error of men and his own ambition to regal Dignity built this abbey in honour of an Holy Cross found far Westward, and brought hither, as they write, by miracle. Herein made he his prayers and vows for victory when he marched against Normans, and being soon after slain by them, was by his mother, who had with most suppliant suit craved and obtained at the Conquerors hands his Corpse, here entombed. Baron Deny. But now it hath a Baron, namely Sir Edward Deny, called lately unto that honour by King james his Writ. Over this Town upon the rising of an Hill standeth Copthall, Copthall. and yieldeth a great way off, a fair sight to seed men's eyes. This was the habitation in times passed of Fitz-Aucher, and lately of Sir Thomas Heneage Knight, who made it a very goodly and beautiful house. near unto this River also was seated, Durolitum. no doubt, DUROLITUM, a Town of antique memory, which the Emperor Antonine maketh mention of, but in what place precisely, I am not able to show. For, the ancient places of this County, (I tell you once for all before hand) lie hidden so enwrapped in obscurity, that I, who elsewhere could see somewhat, herein, am here more than dim-sighted. But if I may give my guess, I would think that to have been DUROLITUM, which retaining still some mark of the old name, is called at this day Leyton: that is, The Town upon Ley, like as Durolitum in the British Tongue signifieth, The water Ley. A small Village it is in these days, inhabited in scattering wise, five miles from London, for which five, through the careless negligence of transcribers is crept into Antonine xv. That there was a common passage here in times passed over the River, a place nigh unto it called Ouldfourd seemeth to prove, in which when Queen Maud wife to King Henry the First hardly escaped danger of drowning, she gave order that a little beneath, at Stretford, there should be a Bridge made over the water. There, the River brancheth into three several streams, and most pleasantly watereth on every side the green meadows: wherein I saw the remains of a little Monastery which William Montfichet, a Lord of great name of the Normans race built, in the year of our Lord 1140. and forthwith Ley gathering itself again into one channel mildly dischargeth itself in the Tamis, whereupon the place is called Leymouth. The Tamis which is mightily by this time increased, doth violently carry away with him the streams of many waters, hath a sight (to speak only of what is worth remembrance) of Berking, Berking. which Bede nameth Berecing, a Nunnery founded by Erkenwald Bishop of London, Roding the river. The Book of Ely. where Roding a little River entereth into the Tamis. This running hard by many Villages imparteth his name unto them, as Heigh Roding, Eithorp Roding, Leaden Roding, etc. of the which, Leofwin a Nobleman gave one or two in times past, to the Church of Ely, for to expiate and make satisfaction for the wicked act he had committed in murdering his own mother: Chipping Anger. then, by Anger, where upon a very high Hill are the tokens of a Castle built by Richard Lucy Lord Chief Justice of England in the Reign of Henry the Second: of which Family, a daughter and one of the heirs, Liber Inq. de Ripariu. King john gave in marriage to Richard Rivers, who dwelled hard by at Stranford Rivers. * So it passeth by Lambourn Manor, which is held by service of the Wardstaffe, viz. to carry a load of straw in a Cart with six horses, two ropes, two men in harness to watch the said Wardstaffe when it is brought to the Town of Aibridge, etc. and then by Wansted Park, where the late Earl of Leicester built much for his pleasure. From the mouth of this Roding, this Tamis hasteneth through a ground lying very flat and low, Marshes. and in most places otherwhiles overflown, (whereby are occasioned strong and unwholesome vapours exceeding hurtful to the health of the neighbour Inhabitants) to Tilbury: Holes cut out. near unto which there be certain holes in the rising of a chalky Hill, sunk into the ground ten sathome deep, the mouth whereof is but narrow, made of stone cunningly wrought, but within they are large and spacious, in this form, which he that went down into them described unto me after this manner. Of which I have nothing else to say, but what I have delivered already. As for Tilbury, In Kent pag. 334. Tilbury. (Bede nameth it Tilaburgh) it consisteth of some few cottages by the Tamis side, yet was it in ancient time the seat of Bishop Chad, when about the year of our Salvation 630. he engrafted the East-Saxons by Baptism into the Church of Christ. Afterwards, this River passing by places lying flat and unwholesome, with a winding return of his Water, Convennos th● Isle. severeth the Island CONVENNON, which also is called COUNOS', (whereof Ptolomee maketh mention) from the firm land. Canvey. This hath not yet wholly foregone the old name, but is called Canvey. It lieth against the Coast of Essex, from Leegh to Hole Haven, five miles in length: some part whereof appertaineth to the Collegiate Church of Westminster. But so low, that oftentimes it is quite overflown, all save hillocks cast up, upon which the Sheep have a place of safe refuge. For, it keepeth about four hundred Sheep, whose flesh is of a most sweet and delicate taste, which I have seen young lads taking women's function, with stools fastened to their buttocks to milk, yea and to make Cheeses of Ewes milk in those dairy sheds of theirs, that they call there, Wiches. There adjoin to this Island along in order, Beamfleot. first Beamfleot, fortified with deep and wide Trenches (as saith Florilegus) and with a Castle, by Hasting the Dane, which King Aelfred won from them: Then Hadleigh, sometime the Castle of Hubert de Burgo, afterwards of Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, now defaced with ruins: and in the last place Leegh, a proper fine little Town and very full of stout and adventurous Sailors: with Pritlewel fast by where Sweno de Essex built long since a Cell for Monks. And here the land shooteth forward to make a Promontory, which they call Black-taile Point, S. Shobery. and Shobery Nesse of Shobery a Village situate upon it; which sometime, was a City an Havenet named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, For, in old Annals of the English-Saxons we read thus, Anno 894. The Danes being driven from Beamfleot, go to a City seated in Eastsex, called in the English Tongue Sceobirig, and there built themselves a sure and strong Fort. here by reason that the banks on both sides shrink back, the Tamis at a huge and wide mouth rolleth into the sea. This doth Ptolomee term Aestuarium TAMESAE, and corruptly in some other Copies TEMESAE, and we commonly, the Tamis Mouth. More inward is Rochfort placed, Rochfort. that hath given name to this Hundred: Now, it belongeth to the Barons Rich, but in old time it had Lords of ancient Nobility surnamed thereof: whose inheritance came at length to Butler Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, and from them to Sir Thomas Bullen, whom King Henry the Eighth created Viscount Rochfort, Lord Rochfo● and afterward Earl of Wiltshire, out of whose Progeny sprung that most gracious Queen ELIZABETH, and the Barons of Hunsdon. here I have heard much speech of a Lawless Court (as they called it) holden in a strange manner about Michaelmas, * in the first peep of the day upon the first cock crowing, Lawless Court. in a silent sort; yet with shroud fines eftsoons redoubled, if not answered, which servile attendance, they say was imposed upon certain Tenants thereabout for conspiring there at such unseasonable time, to raise a commotion. But I leave this knowing neither the original, nor the certain form thereof. Only I heard certain obscure barbarous rhymes of it. Curia de Domino Rege tenetur sin● lege. Ante ortum solis, luceat, nisi polus, etc. not worth remembering. Leaving the Tamis Bank, and going farther within the country, yea from West to East, these places of name above the rest standing thus in order show themselves. Havering an ancient retiring place of the Kings, Havering. so called of a Ring, which in that place a Pilgrim delivered as sent from S. J. Baptist (for so they write) unto K. Edward the Confessor: Horn-Church, named in times past Cornutum Monasterium, that is, the horned Minster, for there shoot out at the East end of the Church certain points of lead fashioned like horns: Rumford. See the the Annalles. Rumford, the glory whereof dependeth of a swine mercat; and Giddy-hall, an house adjoining to it, which belonged to that Sir Thomas Cook Major of London, whose great riches hoarded up together wrought him his greatest danger. For, being judicially arraigned▪ (innocent man as he was) of high treason, and through the incorrupt equity of Judge Markham acquit in a most dangerous time, yet was he put to a very grievous fine, Brent-wood. and stripped in manner of all that he was worth: Brentwood called by the Normans Bois arse, in the same sense, and by that name King Stephen granted a Mercat and a Fair there, to the Abbot of S. Osith; and many years after Isabella Countess of Bedford daughter to King Edward the Third built a Chapel to the memory of S. Thomas of Canterbury, for the ease of the Inhabitants: Engerstone a Town of note for nothing else but the Mercat and Inns for Travellers. here am I at a stand, and am half in a doubt whether I should now slip as an abortive fruit that conjecture, which my mind hath travailed with. Considering there hath been in this Tract the City CAESAROMAGUS, Caesaromagus called in the Itinerary table Baromagus. and the same doubtless in the Romans time of especial note, and importance; for, the very name, if there were nothing else, may evict so much, signifying as it doth Caesar's City, as DRUSOMAGUS the City of Drusus, which also should seem to have been built in the honour of Caesar Augustus. For, Suaetonius writeth thus, Kings, that were in amity and league, founded every one in his own Kingdom Cities named Caesareae in honour of Augustus. What if I should say that CAESAROMAGUS did stand near unto Brentwood, would not a learned Reader laugh at me, as one Soothsayer doth when he spieth another? Certes, no ground I have nor reason to strengthen this my conjecture from the distance thereof, seeing the numbers of the miles in Antonine be most corruptly put down, which nevertheless agree well enough with the distance from COLONIA and CANONIUM. Neither can I help myself with any proof by the situation of it upon the Roman highway, which in this enclosed country is no where to be seen. Neither verily there remaineth here so much as a shadow or any twinkling show of the name CAESAROMAGUS, unless it be (and that is but very slender) in the name of an Hundred, which of old time was called Ceasford, and now Cheasford Hundred. Surely, as in some ancient Cities the names are a little altered, and in others clean changed: so there be again, wherein one syllable or twain at most be remaining: thus CAESARAUGUSTA in Spain is now altered to be Saragosa: CAESAROMAGUS in France, hath lost the name clean and is called Beavois, and CAESAREA in Normandy, now Cherburg, hath but one syllable left of it. But what mean I thus to trifle, and to dwell in this point? If in this quarter hereby, there be not CAESAROMAGUS, let others seek after it for me: It passeth my wit, I assure you, to find it out, although I have diligently laid for to meet with it with net, and toil both of ears and eyes. South-Okindon. Bruin. Beneath Brentwood I saw South-Okindon: where dwelled the Bruins a Family as famous as any one in this Tract: out of the two heirs female whereof, being many times married to sundry husbands, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, the Tirels, berner's, Harlestones, Heveninghams' and others descended. And of that house there be males yet remaining in South-hampton-shire. Also, Thorndon, where Sir John Petre Knight raised a goodly fair house, Thorndon. Baron Petre. who now was by our Sovereign King James created Baron Petre of Writtle. That Thorndon was in times past the dwelling place of a worshipful Family of Fitzlewis: the last of which name if we may believe the common report, by occasion that the house happened to be set on fire in the time of his wedding feast, was piteously himself therein burnt to death▪ Burghsted, and more short Bursted, that is, the place of a Burgh, which name our forefathers used to give unto many places that were of greater antiquity. This I once supposed to have been CAESAROMAGUS: and what ever it was in old time, it is at this day but a good country Town near unto Byliricay, a Mercat town of very good resort. Likewise Ashdowne, Ashdowne. sometimes Assandun, that is, as Marian interpreteth it, the Mount of Asses, where long since a bloody battle was fought, in which King Edmund surnamed Ironside had at the beginning a good hand of the Danes and put them to rout, but straight ways the fortune of the field turning about, he was so defeated that he lost a great number of the English Nobility. In memorial of which battle we read that King Canutus the Dane built a Church afterward in that place, what time as upon remorse and repentance for the blood that he had shed, he erected Chapels in what part soever he had fought any field, and shed Christian blood. Not far from these, is Ralegh, a pretty proper town: and it seemeth to be Raganeia in doomsday book, wherein is mention made of a Castle that Suenus here built, in which also we read thus: There is one Park and six Arpennes of Vineyard, and it yieldeth twenty Modij of wine if it take well. Which I note the rather, both for the French word Arpenn and also for the wine made in this Isle. Arpen. Wine. Radulphus de Dicero. The family of the Essex. This Suenus was a man of great name and of noble birth, the son of Robert, son of Wiwarc, but father to Robert of Essex: whose son was that Sir Robert de Essex, who in right of inheritance was the King's Standard bearer, and who for that in a light skirmish against the Welsh, he had not only cast off his courage, but also cast away his Standard; being challenged for treason, vanquished in duel, or combat, and thereof thrust into a Cloystre, forfeited a goodly patrimony, and livelod, which was confiscate to King Henry the Second, and helped to fill his Coffers. As for the Barony, it lay dead from that time a great while in the King's hands, until Sir Hubert de Burgh obtained it of King John. Above this the shores retiring back by little and little admit two creeks of the Ocean entering within them: the one, the neighbour inhabitants call Crouch, the other Blackwater (which in old time was named Pant.) In the said Crouch, by reason of the waters division, there lie scattered four Islands carrying a pleasant green hue, but by occasion of inundations, grown to be morish and fenny, among which these two be of greatest name, Wallot and Foulness: that is, The Promontory of Fowls, which hath a Church also in it: and when the sea is at the lowest ebb, a man may ride over to it. Dengy hundred. Between these Creeks lieth Dengy Hundred, in ancient times Dancing, passing plentiful in grass, and rich in Cat-tail, but Sheep especially where all their doing is in making of Cheese: Essex cheese. and there shall ye have men take the women's office in hand and milk Ewes: whence those huge thick Cheeses are made that are vented and sold not only into all parts of England, but into foreign nations also, for the rustical people, labourers, and handicraftes men to fill their bellies, and feed upon. The chief Town hereof at this day is Dengy; so called as the Inhabitants are persuaded, of the Danes, who gave name unto the whole Hundred: Near unto which is Tillingham, given by Ethelbert the first Christian King of the English-Saxons, unto the Church of Saint Paul in London: and higher up to the North shore, flourished sometimes a City of ancient Record, which our forefathers called Ithancestre. For, Ralph Niger writeth thus out of S. Bede. Bishop Chad baptised the East-Saxons near to Maldon in the City of Ithancestre, that stood upon the bank of the River Pant, which runneth hard by Maldon, in Dengy Province; but now is that City drowned in the River Pant. To point out the place precisely I am not able, but I nothing doubt that the River called Froshwell at this day, was heretofore named Pant: seeing that one of the Springs thereof is called Pantswell, and the Monks of Coggeshall, so termed it. Doubtless, this Ithancester was situate upon the utmost Promontory of this Dengy Hundred, where in these days standeth Saint Peter's upon the wall. For, along this shore much a do have the inhabitants to defend their grounds with forced banks or walls against the violence of the Ocean, ready to inrush upon them. And I myself am partly of this mind, that this Ithancester was that OTHONA where a Band of the Fortenses with their Captain, in the declination of the Roman Empire, kept their station or Guard under the Comes or Lieutenant of the Saxon-shore, against the depredations of the Saxon Rovers: For the altering of OTHONA to ITHANA, is no hard straining: and the situation thereof upon a Creek into which many Rivers are discharged, was for this purpose very fit and commodious, and yet here remaineth a huge ruin of a thick Wall, whereby many Roman Coins have been found. It seemeth not amiss to set down, how King Edward the Confessor granted by a brief Charter the keeping of this Hundred to Ranulph The Normans call him Peverell. Peperking, which I will willingly here annex, to the end that we, who sift every prick and accent of the law, may see the upright simplicity and plain dealing of that age. And thus goeth the tenor of it, as it was taken forth of the King's Records in the Exchequer, but by often exemplifying and copying it out, some words are mollified and made more familiar. Iche Edward Koning In the Records Saint Hilary term E. 2.17. in the keeping of the Treasurer and Chamberlain of the Exchequer. Have given of my Forest the keeping. Of the Hundred of Chelmer and Dancing, To Randolph Peperking and to his kindling: With heorte and hind, do and bocke, Hare and Fox, Cat and Brock, Wild fowel with his flock, Partridge, Fesant hen, and Fesant cock: With green and wild stob and stock. To keep and to yeomen by all her might, Both by day and eke by night: And Hounds for to hold Good and swift and bold: Four Greahounds' and six racches, For Hare and Fox, and wild Cats. And therefore ich made him my book: Witness the Bishop Wolston And book ylered many on, And Swein of Essex our Brother And teken him many other, And our steward Howelin That by sought me for him. This was, the plain dealing, truth, and simplicity of that age, which used to make all their assurances whatsoever, in a few lines, and with a few gilt Crosses. For, before the coming in of the Normans, as we read in Ingulphus, writings Obligatory were made firm with golden Crosses and other small signs or marks: but the Normans began the making of such Bills and Obligations, Seals or signets first taken up among Englishmen. with a Print or Seal in wax, set to with every one's special Signet under the express entituling of three or four Witnesses. Before time many houses and land thereto passed by grant and bargain without script, Charter, or Deed only with the Landlord's sword or helmet, with his horn or cup. Yea and many Tenements were demised with a spur, or horse-cury-combe, with a bow, and some with an arrow. In the Creek of Blackwater, which as I said, closeth the North side of this Hundred, and is stored with those dainty Oysters, which we call Walfleot Oysters, their run two Rivers that water a great part of the Shire, Chelmer and Froshwell. The River Chelmer flowing out of the inner part of the country which is woody, runneth down first by Thaxted a little market Town seated very pleasantly upon an high rising hill; also by Tiltey, where Maurice Fitz-Gilbert founded in times past a small abbey, unto Estanues ad Turrim, now Eston, which noble Gentleman surnamed De Louvain inhabited, as descended from Godfrey of Louvain brother to Henry the Sixth of that name Duke of Brabant, who being sent hither to keep the Honour of Eye, his posterity flourished among the Peers of this Realm to the time of King Edward the Third, when the heir general was married into the house of Bourchier. Thence it glideth down to Dunmow, of old time called Dunmawg, and in the Tax book of England Dunmaw, a Town pleasantly situate upon an hill with a pretty gentle fall. Where, one Juga founded a Priory in the year 1111. But William Bainard, of whom Juga held (thus we find it written in the private history of this Church) the Village of little Dunmow, by felony lost his Barony, and King Henry the First gave it to Robert the son of Richard, son to Gislebert Earl of Clare, and to his heirs, with the honour of Bainard's Castle in London: which Robert at that time was King Henry's Sewar. These be the very words of the Author: neither do I think it lawful for me to alter or reform them otherwise than they are, although there be in them some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a putting or mistaking of one time for another, a thing that we meet with otherwhiles in the best Historiographers. For, there had not been, as then any Earl of Clare in the family of Clare. Now let us for a while digress and go aside a little on either hand from the River. Not far from hence is Plaisy seated, so called in French of Pleasing, in times past, named Estre, the habitation both in the last years of the English Saxons, and also afterwards, of the great Constables of England, as witnesseth Ely book. At this town the first William Mandevill Earl of Essex began a Castle, and two Princes of great authority, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Essex who founded here a College, and john Holland Earl of Huntingdon brother to King Richard the Second by the mother's side, deprived of lost honourable title of Duke of Excester, when they could not keep a mean between froward stubbornness and servile obsequiousness, found thence their subversion. For Thomas, upon his rash and headstrong contumacy was on a sudden violently carried from hence to Calais and there smothered: and John, for a seditious conspiracy was beheaded in this place by King Henry the Fourth, that he might seem to have been justly punished by way of satisfaction for the said Thomas of Woodstock, of whose death he was thought to be the principal practiser, and procurer. From thence passeth Chelmer down not far from Leezes, a little abbey of old time founded by the Gernons, which at this day is the chief seat of the Barons Rich, Barons Rich. who acknowledge themselves for this dignity beholden to Richard Rich a most wise and judicious person; Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward the Sixth, who in the first year of his reign created him Baron Rich. A little beneath, standeth Hatfield Peverell, so denominated of Randulph Peverell the owner thereof, who had to wife a Lady of incomparable beauty, in those days; the daughter of Ingelricke a man of great nobility among the English-Saxons: This Lady founded here a College, which now is in manner quite plucked down, The Book of Saint martin's in London. and in a window of the Church, whereof there remaineth still a small part, lieth entombed. She bore unto her husband William Peverell Castellane of Dover, Sir pain Peverell Lord of Brun in the County of Cambridge: and unto King William the Conqueror whose Paramour she was, William Peverell Lord of Nottingham. But now return we to Chelmer, which by this time speedeth itself to Chelmerford commonly Chensford (where, by the distance of the place from CAMALODUNUM, it may seem that old CANONIUM sometimes stood). Canonium. This is a good big Town situate in the heart of the Shire between two Rivers, who as it were, agreed here to join both their streams together: to wit Chelmer from the East, and another from the South, the name whereof if it be Can, as some would have it, we have no reason to doubt, that this was CANONIUM. Famous it was within the remembrance of our fathers in regard of a small religious house built by Malcome King of Scots, now of note only for the Assizes (for so they call those Courts of justice wherein twice a year the causes and controversies of the whole County are debated before the Judges.) It began to flourish, when Maurice Bishop of London, unto whom it belonged, built the Bridges here in the Reign of Henry the First, and turned London way thither, which lay before through Writtle, a Town right well known for the largeness of the Parish: which, King Henry the Third granted unto Robert Brus Lord of Anandale in Scotland: (whose wife was one of the heirs of john surnamed Scot, the last Earl of Chester) for that he would not have the Earldom of Chester to be divided among the distaves: and King Edward the Third, when as the posterity of the Bruises forsook their allegiance, bestowed it upon Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and of Essex. But now of late, when King james at his entrance to the Kingdom bestowed Baronies bountifully upon select persons, he created Sir john Petre a right respective Knight, Baron Petre of Writtle. Whose father Sir William Petre a man of approved wisdom and exquisite learning, memorable not so much for those most honourable places and offices of State which he bore, (as who was of the Privy Counsel to King Henry the Eighth, King Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, and sent oftentimes in Embassage to foreign Princes) as for that being bred and brought up in good learning, he well deserved of learning in the University of Oxford, and was both pitiful and bounteous to his poor neighbours about him, and at Egerstone, where he lieth buried. Froshwell the River, more truly called Pant, and near to his mouth, Blackwater issuing out of a small spring about Radwinter that belonged to the Barons of Cobham, after it hath gone a long course and seen nothing but Bocking a fat Parsonage, it cometh to Cogeshall, a market Town, well known in times passed for a Priory of Cluniacke Monks built by King Stephen, and the habitation of ancient Knights thence surnamed De Cogeshall, Cogeshall. from whose heir general married into the old family of Tirell, Tirell. there branched far a fair propagation of the Tirells in this shire and elsewhere. Easterford. Whitham. Then goeth on this water by Easterford, some call it East-Sturford: and leaving some mile of Whitham a fair throughfaire and built by King Edward the elder, in the year 914. which also afterward was of the Honour of Eustace Earl of Bollen; meeteth at length with Chelmer. Which now passing on whole in one channel not far from Danbury mounted upon an high Hill, the habitation for a time of the family of the Darcies, runneth hard by Woodham-walters, the ancient seat of the Lords Fitz-Walters: who being nobly descended were of a most ancient race, derived from Robert the younger son of Richard son to Earl Gislebert: but in the age more lately foregoing, translated by a daughter into the stock of the Ratcliffes, who being advanced to the Earldom of Sussex dwell now a little from hence in New Hall, a stately and sumptuous house. This New Hall appertained sometime to the Butler's Earls of Ormond, and then hereditarily to Sir Thomas Bollen Earl of Wiltshire, of whom King Henry the Eighth getting it by way of Exchange, enlarged it to his exceeding great charges, and called it by a new name Beaulieu, which for all that was never currant among the people. After this, Chelmer with other waters running with him, being divided by a River-Island, casting off that name, and now being called of some Blackewater and of others Pant, saluteth that ancient Colony of the Romans CAMALODUNUM, Camalodunum. which many hundred years since adorned this shore. Ptolomee termeth it CAMUDOLANUM, Antonine CAMULODUNUM and CAMOLUDUNUM: But, Pliny, Dio, and an old marble stone, induce us to believe that CAMALODUNUM is the right name. In the seeking out of this City, good God, how dim-sighted have some been? whereas it bewrayed itself by the very name and situation; and showed itself clearly to them that are half blind: A number have searched for it in the West part of this Isle, as that good man, who thought himself to carry, as one would say, the Sun of Antiquity in his own hand: others in the furthest part of Scotland: others wholly addicted in opinion to Leland affirmed it to be Colchester: when as (the name scarce any whit maimed) it is called at this day, in stead of CAMALODUNUM, Maldon, Maldon. in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the greater part of the word remaining yet entire and in use. Neither hath the express remain of the name only persuaded me to this, but also the distance set down in Pliny from Mona, and the very situation in the ancient Itinerary Table do afford a most evident proof thereof. That this name was imposed upon CAMALODUNUM, of the God CAMULUS, I hardly dare imagine. Howbeit that Mars was worshipped under this name Camulus, both an old stone at Rome in the house of Collotians, and Altars discovered with this Inscription CAMULO DEO SANCTO ET FORTISSIMO, Camulus a God. that is, TO CAMULUS THE HOLY AND MOST MIGHTY GOD, do jointly prove. And in an antique Coin of Cunobellinus, whose royal Palace this was, (as I have already said) I have seen the portrait stamped of an head having an helmet on it, also with a spear, which may seem to be that of Mars, with these letters, CAMV. But seeing this piece of money is not now ready at hand to show, I exhibit here unto you other express portraicts of Cunobellinus his pieces, which may be thought to have reference to this Camalodunum. This Cunobelin governed this East part of the Isle in the time of Tiberius the Emperor, and seemeth to have had three sons, Admimus, Togodumnus, and Catacratus. Admimus by his father banished, was entertained by Caius Caligula the Emperor what time as he made his ridiculous expedition into Batavia, that from thence he might blow, and breath out the terror of his own person over into Britain. As for Togodumnus, Aulus Plautius in a set battle defeated and slew him, and over Catacratus, whom, as I said, he discomfited and put to flight, he road ovant in petty triumph. This is that Plautius, who at the persuasion of C. Bericus, the Britain a banished man (for there never want quarrels one or other of War) was the first after julius Caesar that attempted Britain under Claudius: Claudius' in Britannia. whom Claudius himself, having shipped over the Legions, followed in person with the whole power of the Empire, and with Elephants (the bones of which beasts being found, have deceived very many) he passed over the Tamis and put to flight the Britan's, who upon the bank received and encountered him as he came toward them; and won with ease this Camalodunum the King's seat. For which exploit after he had named his son BRITANNICUS, and been himself oftentimes saluted Imperator, within six months after he set first forth in his voyage, returned to Rome. But hereof have I have written before more at large, neither list I to iterate the same in this place. When Camalodunum was thus brought under the Romans subjection, Claudius planted a Colony there with a strong Band of old tried Soldiers, and in memorial hereof ordained pieces of money to be stamped with this Inscription: COL. CAMALODUN. Out of which it is gathered, that this happened in the XII. year of his Empire, and in the year 52. after the Birth of Christ. And in regard of those old experienced soldiers of the fourteenth Legion called Gemina Martia Victrix, whom Tacitus termeth the Subduers of Britain, brought thither and placed in it, it was named COLONIA VICTRICENSIS, and the Inhabitants Cives Romani, that is, Citizens of Rome, in an old Inscription, which I here present to you. CN. MUNATIUS. M. F. PAL. AURELIUS BASSUS PROC. AUG. PRAEF. FABR. RRAEF. COH. III. SAGITTARIORUM, PRAEF. COH. ITERUM II. ASTURUM, CENSITOR CIVIUM ROMANORUM COLONIAE VICTRICENSIS QUAE EST IN BRITANNIA CAMALODUNI, etc. A Colony (if it may be material to know so much) is A Company of men that be all brought into one certain place, Servius. built with houses to their hands, which they are to have and hold by a certain right. For the most part, old soldiers that had served long, were brought to such a place, both that themselves might be provided for, and maintained, and also be ready in all extremity to help against Rebels, and inform withal the Provincials in their duties by law required. These Colonies also were of great estimation, as being petty resemblances and images, as it were, of the City of Rome. Moreover they had their peculiar Magistrates both superior and inferior: Of which because others have written sufficiently, I need not to stand either upon them, or such like points. In this first Colony that the Romans planted in Britain, there was a Temple built unto * Deified. The Altar and Temple of Claudius. Divus Claudius, Tacitus termeth it, The Altar of eternal dominion, Whereof Seneca maketh mention in his Play, after this manner. A small matter it is, saith he, and not sufficient, that Claudius hath a Temple in Britain which the Barbarous Nation adoreth, and prayeth unto, as to a God. There were Priests also elected in honour of him, by name Sodales Augustales, which under a show of Religion lavishly consumed the Britan's goods. But after ten years, fortune turned her wheel and down went this Colony. For, when those old soldiers brought into these territories which they had won, exercised extreme cruelty upon these silly people, the burning broils of War which before were quenched broke out into flames, with greater flashes. The Britan's under the leading of Bunduica, who also is called B●odicia, by main force sacked and set on fire this Colony, lying unfortified and without all fence, and within two days won the said Temple whereinto the soldiers had thronged themselves. The Ninth Legion coming to aid they put to flight, and in one word slew of Roman Citizens and associates together threescore and ten thousand. Dio saith, fourscore thousand. This slaughter was foretold by many Prodigies. The Image of Victory in this City was turned backward and fallen down: In their Senate house strange noises were heard▪ The Theatre resounded with howl and yell: Houses were seen under the water of Tamis, and the Arm of the sea beneath it overflowed the banks as red as blood to see to, which now (for what cause I know not) we call Black water, Idumanu●. like as Ptolomee termed it IDUMANUM aestuarium, under which is couched a signification of Blackness: for, Ydo, in the British tongue soundeth as much as Black. Yet, out of the very embers, the Romans raised it again: For, Antonine the Emperor made mention of it many years after. Howbeit in the English Saxons government it is scarce mentioned: Only Marianus hath written, that Edward the son of Aelfred repaired Maldun when it was sore shaken by the furious rage of the Danes, and then fortified it with a Castle. William the Norman, Conqueror of England, as we read in his * doomsday. Commentary, had in this Town 180 houses in the tenure and occupation of Burgesses, and 18. Mansions wasted. But at this day, for the number of the Inhabitants, and the bigness, it is worthily counted one of the principal Towns in all Essex, and in Records named, The Burgh of Maldon. It is a Haven commodious enough, and for the bigness very well inhabited, being but one especial street descending much about a mile in length. Upon the ridge of an hill answerable to the termination of Dunum which signified an hilly, and high situation, wherein I saw nothing memorable, unless I should mention two silly Churches, a desolate place of White Friars, and a small pile of Brick built not long since by R. Darcy, which name hath been respective hereabout. Hence passing down over the brackish water divided into two streamlets, by Highbridge, I sought for an ancient place which Antonine the Emperor placed six miles from Camalodunum, in the way toward Suffolk, and called it AD ANSAM. This I have thought to have been some Bound belonging to the Colony of Camalodunum, which resembled the fashion of Ansa, The bounds of Colonies. that is, The handle or ear of a pot. For, I had read in Siculus Flaccus, The Territories lying to Colonies were limited with diverse and sundry marks: In the limits there were set up for bound-markes here one thing, and there another: in one place little Images, in another long earthen Vessels: here you should have little sword blades, three square stones or Lozenges pointed, and elsewhere according to Vitalis and Arcadius, they were mere stones like flagons and small wine pipes: why might not therefore a stone fashioned like the handle of a pot be set for a bound? Seeing that Antony according to his wont manner called it Ad Ansam, and not Ansae? But how religiously and with what ceremonial compliments, these bound-markes were in old time set, I will by way of digression set down here out of the same Siculus Flaccus. When they were to place their bond marks, the very stones themselves they did set upon the firm ground, hard by those places wherein they meant to pitch them fast, in pits or holes digged for the purpose, they anointed them and with veils and garlands bedecked them. This done, in those pits wherein they were to put them, after sacrifice made, and an unspotted beast killed, upon burning firebrands covered over in the grave, they dropped in blood, and thereupon they threw Frankincense and corn, Honey combs also and wine with other things, as the manner is to sacrifice unto gods of bounds and limits, they threw after the rest into the said pit. Thus when all these Viands were consumed with fire, they pitched the foresaid bound marks upon the hot ashes thereof, and so with careful diligence fastened them strongly, and rammed them round about with fragments of stones, that they might stand the surer. But in what place soever this Ad Ansam was, I betake myself again to my former opinion for the signification of the word: namely, that Ad Ansam was either a bound mark, or only, a resting place or some Inn by the high way side under such a sign: and that I collect by the distance to have been near unto Cogeshall. Neither were they any things else but bound marks or Inns, that in the Roman age were named after the same form of speech, Cogeshall. Ad Columnam, Ad Fines, Ad tres Tabernas, Ad Rotam, Ad septem Fratres, Ad Aquilam minorem, Ad Herculem, etc. that is, At the Pillar, At the Bounds, At the three Taverns, At the Wheel, At the seven Brethren, At the less Eagle, At Hercules, etc. And therefore to search more curiously into these matters, were nothing else but to hunt after the winds. Yet I will here impart what I incidently happened upon in a private note, while I was inquisitive hereabout for Ad Ansam. In a place called Westfield three quarters of a mile distant from Cogeshall and belonging to the abbey there, was found by touching of a plough a great brazen Pot. The Ploughman supposing it to have been hid treasure, sent for the Abbot of Cogeshall to see the taking up of it; and he going thither met with Sir Clement Harleston, and desired him also to accompany him thither. The mouth of the Pot was closed with a white substance like paste or clay, as hard as burned brick, when that by force was removed, there was found within it another Pot but that was of earth; that being opened there was found in it a lesser Pot of earth of the quantity of a Gollon covered with a matter like Velvet, and fastened at the mouth with a silk-lace. In it they found some whole bones and many pieces of small bones wrapped up in fine silk of fresh colour, which the Abbot took for the Relics of some Saints, and laid up in his Vestuary. But this by way of digression, leaving it to your consideration. From Malden the Shore's drawn back entertain the Sea in a most large and pleasant Bay, which yieldeth exceeding great store of those Oysters of the best kind, which we call Walfleot. And (that our Coasts should not be defrauded of their due fame and glory) I take these to be those very Shores, which, as Pliny saith, served the Romans Kitchens: seeing that Mutianus giveth unto British Oysters the third place after those of Cizicum, in these very words of his: The Oysters of Cizicum be greater than those that come from Lucrinum, and sweeter than they of Britain. But neither at that time, nor afterwards, when Sergius Orata brought those Lucrine Oysters into such name and great request, did the British Shores, as he saith, Serve Rome with Oysters. Lib. 9 cap. 54. So that he may seem to have given the chief price unto British Oysters. Neither think I were those Oysters other than these which A●sonius called Mira, that is, Wonderful, in this Verse to Paulinus. Mira Caledonius nonnunquam detegit astus. The British Tides sometimes lay bare, Those Oysters huge, that wondrous are. But, of these Oysters and of their pits or stews in this Coast I will give those leave to write, who being dainty toothed are judicious Clerks in Kitchenry. Into this Creek, beside other Rivers, Coln sheddeth himself, which growing to an head out of diverse Springs in the North part of this County, passeth by the Town of Hedningham or Hengham, commonly called Heningham, where was a goodly fair proper Castle in times past, and the ancient habitation of the Earls of Oxford who procured a Mercat thereunto. Over against which, upon the other side of the River standeth Sibble Heningham, the place, as I have heard say, wherein was borne Sir john Hawkwood (the Italians corruptly call him Aucuthus) whom they so highly admired for his warlike prowess, Hawkwood. that the State of Florence in regard of his notable demerits adorned him with the statue of a man of Arms and an honourable Tomb, in testimony of his surpassing valour and singular faithful service to their state. The Italians resound his worthy Acts with full mouth, and Paulus jovius in his Elogia commendeth him. But for my part it may suffice to add unto the rest this * 4. Verses. Tetrasticon of julius Feroldus. Hawkwood Anglorum decus, & decus addite genti Italicae, Italico praesidiúmque solo. Ut tumuli quondam Florentia, sic simulachri, Virtutem Iovius donat honore tuam. The glory prime of Englishmen, then of Italians bold, O Hawkwood and to Italy a sure defensive hold: Thy virtue Florence honoured sometime with costly grave, And jovius adorns the same now with a statue, brave. This renowned Knight thus celebrated abroad, was forgotten at home, save that some of his kind soldierly followers founded a chantry at Castle Heningham for him and for two of his military Companions, * john Oliver and Thomas Newenton Esquires. 14. H. 4. From hence the River Coln, holding on his course by Hawsted, which was the seat of the Family of the Bourchiers, whence came Robert Bourchier Lord Chancellor of England in the time of King Edward the Third, and from him sprang a most honourable Progeny of Earls and Barons of that name. Thence by Earles Coln (so called of the Sepulture there of the Earls of Oxford) where Aubry de Vere in the time of King Henry the First founded a little Monastery and became himself a religious Monk; Colonia. it comes to Colonia, whereof Antonine the Emperor maketh mention, and which he noteth to be a different place from the Colony Camalodunum. Now whether this took name of a Colony hither brought, or of the river Coln, Apollo himself had need to tell us: I would rather derive it from the river, seeing, as I do, that many little Towns situate upon it, are named Coln. A Earles Colne, Wakes Colne, Colne Engaine, Colchester. Whites Colne, bearing the names all of their Lords. The Britain's called this Caer Colin, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we Colchester. A proper and fine Burrow it is, well traded and pleasantly seated, as being situate upon the brow of an hill, stretching out from West to East, walled about, beautified with 15. Churches, besides that large and stately one, without the walls, which Endo Sewar to King Henry the First consecrated unto Saint john, now ruinated, and converted into a private dwelling house. 1105. In the midst of the Town, there is a Castle now yielding to time ready to fall: which as our Historians write, Edward the son of Aelfred first raised from the ground, what time as he repaired Colchester defaced with wars, and long after Mawde the Empress gave it to Alberic Vere to assure him to her Party. The infinite deal of ancient Coin daily gotten out of the ground there doth most plainly show that this flourished in the Roman time in happy estate. Yet have I light of no pieces more ancient than of Gallienus. For, the most were such as had upon them the Inscriptions of the Tetrici, and the Victori●i, of Posthumus, C. Carausius, Constantine, and the Emperors that followed him. The Inhabitants affirm, that Flavia julia Helena the mother of Constantine the Great was borne and bred there, Helen Great Constantine's mother. being the daughter of King Coel: and in memory of the Cross which she found, they give for their Arms a Cross enragled between four Crowns: whence it is, that our Necham as touching her, and this place came out with these Verses, although Apollo was not greatly his friend therein, Effulsit sydus vitae, Colcestria lumen Septem Climatibus lux radiosa dedit. Sydus erat Constantinus, decus imperiale, Servijt huic flexo poplite Roma potens. From out of thee, O Cholchester, there shone a Star of life, The rays whereof to Climates seven gave great and glorious light, This Star was Constantine the Great, that noble Emperor, Whom Rome in all obedience lay prostrate to adore. Verily she was a woman of life most holy, and of invincible resolution and constancy in propagation of Christian Religion: Whereupon in ancient Inscriptions she is every where named PIISSIMA, and VENERABILIS AUGUSTA, that is, Most DEVOUT, and VENERABLE EMPRESS. Beneath this, where the River Coln runneth into the Sea, S. Osith. Chic. standeth to be seen Saint Osithes, a little Town, whose ancient name, which was Chic, is grown out of use by reason of Osith the Virgin of royal Parentage, who being wholly devoted to the Service of God, and stabbed there to death by the Danish Pirates, was of our Ancestors honoured for a Saint: and in her memorial Richard Bishop of London about the year 1120. built a religious house, of Regular Canons. But now it is the chief seat of the right honourable Lords Darcy, called De Chich, whom King Edward the Sixth advanced to the honour of Barons when he created Sir Thomas Darcy his Counsellor, Barons Darcy of Chich. Vice-chamberlaine, and Captain of the Guard, Lord Darcy of Chich. From hence the Shore shooting out, buncheth forth as far as to the Promontory Nesse, Nesse. which in the English-Saxon tongue is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. What hath been found in this place, have here out of the words and credit of Ralphe the Monk of Coggeshall, who wrote 350. years ago. In King Richard's time, on the Seashore, at a Village called Eadulphnesse, Giants. Giant's bones. were found two teeth of a certain Giant, of such a huge bigness, that two hundred such teeth as men have now a days might be cut out of them. These saw I at Coggeshall (quoth he) and not without wondering. And such another Giantlike thing (I wot not what) as this, was in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign digged up by R. Candish a Gentleman, near unto this place. Neither do I deny, but there have been men, that for their huge bodies, and firm strength were wondrous to behold: whom God, as S. Austin saith, would have to live upon the earth, thereby to teach us, that neither beauty of body, nor tallness of stature, are to be counted simply good things, seeing they be common as well to Infidels as to the godly. Yet may we very well think, that which Suetonius hath written, namely that the huge limbs of monstrous Sea-creatures else where, and in this Kingdom also, were commonly said and taken to have been Giants bones. From this Promontory, the shore bendeth back by little and little to the mouth of Stour, a place memorable for the battle at Sea there fought between the English and Danes in the year 884. where now lieth Harewich a most safe Road, Harewich. whence it hath the name: * For, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the English-Saxon tongue, betokeneth a Station, or a creek where an Army encamped. The Town is not great, but well peopled, fortified by Art and Nature, and made more sensible by Queen Elizabeth. The salt water so creeketh about it, that it almost insulateth it, but thereby maketh the Springs so brackish, that there is a defect of fresh water, which they fetch some good way off. This is the Stour, that running between Essex and Suffolk serveth as a bound to them both, and on this side watereth nothing else but rich and fruitful fields. But not far from the head thereof standeth Bumstead, which the Family of Helion held by Barony, from whom the Wentworths of Gosfield are descended. And what way this Country looketh toward Cambridge-shire Barklow showeth itself, Barklow. well known now, by reason of four little hills or Burries cast up by man's hand: such as in old time were wont to be raised (so some would have it) as Tombs for Soldiers slain, * whose Relics were not easy to be found. But when a fifth and sixth of them were not long since digged down, three troughes of stone were found, and in them broken bones of men, as I was informed. The country people say that they were reared after a field there fought against the Danes. Ancient tombs. For, Dane-wort which with blood-red berries, cometh up here plenteously, they still call by no other name than Danes-bloud, Danes-bloud. of the number of Danes that were there slain, verily believing that it blometh from their blood. Walden. A little below standeth upon a hill Walden of Saffron, called Saffron Walden, among the fields looking merrily with most lovely Saffron. A very good Mercat town incorporated by King Edward the Sixth with a Treasurer, two Chamberlains and the Commonalty. Commonly called Mandevilles. Famous in times past it was for a Castle of the Magnavilles (which now is almost vanished out of sight) and an abbey adjoining, founded in a place very commodious in the year 1136. wherein the Magnavilles founders thereof were buried. Geffrey de Magnavilla was the first that gave light and life (as it were) to this place. For Mawde the Empress in these words (out of her very Patent I copy them) gave unto him Newport (a good big Town, this is hard by). For so much as he was wont to pay that day whereon (as her words are) my father King Henry was alive and dead: and to remove the Mercat from Newport into his Castle of Walden, with all the customs that before time in better manner appertained to that Mercat, to wit in Toll, passage and other customs, and that the ways of Newport near unto the water bank be directed straight according to the old custom into Walden, upon the ground forfeited unto me: and that the Mercat of Walden be kept upon Sunday and Thursday: and that a Fair be holden at Walden to begin on Whitsunday even, and to last all the Whitsun week. (And from that time, by occasion of this Mercat, for a great while it was called Cheping Walden). Also as it is in the Book of Walden abbey, he the said Geffrey appointed Walden to be the principal place and seat of his honour and Earldom for him and his Successors. The place where he built the abbey had plenty of waters, which rising there continually do run and never fail. Late it is ere the Sun riseth and shineth there, and with the soon he doth set and carry away his light, for that the hills on both sides stand against it. That place now they call Audley End, of Sir Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor of England, who changed the abbey into his own dwelling house. This Thomas, created by King Henry the Eighth Baron Audley of Walden, Baron Audley of Walden. left one sole daughter and heir Margaret, second wife to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, of whom he begat Lord Thomas, Lord William, Lady Elizabeth, and Lady Margaret. The said Thomas employed in sundry Sea-services with commendation Queen Elizabeth summoned by Writ unto the High Court of Parliament, among other Barons of the Realm, by the name of Lord Howard of Walden. 1597. And King James of late girded him with the sword of the Earldom of Suffolk, and made him his Chamberlain: who in this place hath begun a magnificent Building. near to another house of his at Chesterford, there was a Town of far greater antiquity, hard by Icaldun, in the very border of the Shire, Burrow-banke. which now of the old Burgh, the rustical people use to call Burrow Bank, where remain the footings only of a Town lying in manner dead, and the manifest tract of the very walls. Yet will I not say, that it was VILLA FAUSTINI, which Antonine the Emperor placeth in this Tract: and albeit Ingrata haud lati spatia detinet campi, Sed rure vero, barbaróque laetatur: It takes not up large ground that yields no gain, But Country like, is homely rude and plain: Yet dare not I once dream that this is that Villa Faustini, which in these and other Verses is by that pleasant and conceited Poet Marshal, depaincted in his Epigrams. The fields here on every side (as I said) smell sweetly, and smile pleasantly with Saffron, Saffron. a commodity brought into England in the time of King Edward the Third. This in the month of ●uly every third year, when the heads thereof have been plucked up and after twenty days spitted or set again under mould, about the end of September they put forth a whitish blue flower, out of the middle whereof there hang three red fillets of Saffron (we call them Chives) which are gathered very early in the morning before the Sun rising, and being plucked out of the flower, are dried at a soft fire. And so great increase cometh hereof that out of every acre of ground there are made fourscore or an hundred pounds' weight of Saffron, while it is moist: which being dried yield some twe●●y pound in weight. And that, which a man would marvel more at, the ground which three years together hath borne Saffron, will bear abundance of Barley eighteen years together without any dunging or manuring, and then again bear Saffron as before if the inhabitants there have not misinformed me, or I mis-conceived them. More into the South is Clavering seated, Barons of Clavering. which King Henry the Second gave unto Sir Robert Fits-Roger (from whom the family of Evers are issued.) The posterity of this Sir Roger, after they had a long time taken their name of their father's forename, or Christen-name according to that ancient custom, as john Fitz-Robert, Robert Fitz-Iohn, etc. afterwards, by the commandment of King Edward the First, they assumed from hence the name of Clavering. See in Northumberland. But of these I am to speak in Northumberland. Stansted Montfichet here also putteth up the head: which I will not pass over in silence, considering it hath been the Barony or habitation in times passed of the family De Monte Fisco, Baron's Montfichet. The Montfichet Coat of Arms▪ Playz. commonly Mont-fitchet, who bore for their Arms three Cheverus Or, in a shield Gueles, and were reputed men of very great nobility. But five of them flourished in right line: and at the last three sisters were seized of the inheritance, Margaret wife of Hugh De Boleber, Aveline wedded to William De Fortibus Earl of Aumarle, and Philip wife to Hugh Playz. The posterity male of this Hugh flourished within the remembrance of our great Grandfathers, and determined in a daughter married to Sir john Howard Knight; from whose daughter by Sir George Vere, descended the Barons Latimer, and the Wingfeldes. And a little below, Haslingbury. is Haslingbury to be seen, the residence of the Barons Morley: of whom I shall speak more in Norfolk. And close to this, standeth an ancient Fort or Military fence thereof named Walbery: Barington. and more Eastward Barrington Hall, where dwelleth that right ancient Family of the barrington's, which in the Reign of King Stephen the Barons of Montfiche● enriched with fair possessions, and more ennobled their house in our father's remembrance by matching with one of the daughters and coheirs of Sir Henry Pole, Lord Montacute, son of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, descended of the Blood Royal. Neither is Hatfield Regis, Hatefield Brad-oke. commonly called of a broad spread Oak, Hatfield Brad-Oake to be omitted, where Robert Vere Earl of Oxford built a Priory, and there lieth entombed crosslegged with a French inscription, wherein he is noted to be first of that name Robert, and third Earl of Oxford. After the coming of the Normans, Manned the Empress, Lady of the English (for so she styled herself) created Geffrey De Magnavilla, Earls of Essex usually called Mandevil, son to William by Margaret daughter and heir of E●do the Steward or Shewar, the first Earl of Essex, that she might so by her benefits oblige unto her a man both mighty and martial. Who in those troublesome times under King Stephen despoiled of his estate made an end of his own turbulent life with the sword. And he verily for his wicked deeds (as I find in an old Writer) justly incurred the world's censure and sentence of excommunication: Register of Walden. in which while he stood, he was deadly wounded in the head at a little Town called Burwell. When he lay at the point of death ready to give his last gasp there came by chance certain Knights Templars, who laid upon him the habit of their religious Profession signed with a red Cross, and afterwards when he was full dead, taking him up with them, enclosed him within a Coffin of Lead, and hung him upon a tree in the Orchard of Old Temple at London. For in a reverend awe of the Church they durst not bury him, because he died excommunicated. After him succeeded Geoffrey his son, who was restored by Henry the Second to his father's honours and Estate for him, and his heirs; but he having no children left them to his brother William, who by his wife was also Earl of Albemarle, and died likewise in his greatest glory issueless. Some years after K. John promoted Geffrey Fitz-Petre, Justicer of England, a wise and grave Personage unto this honour in consideration of a great mass of money and Title by his wife Beatrice the eldest daughter of William de Say, who was the sister's son of that great Geffrey de Magnavill, the first Earl of Essex. This Fitz-Petre, a man (as an old Author writeth) Passing well moneyed had formerly dealt with the Bishop of Ely the King's chief Justicer, for a great piece of money presently paid and by entreaty beside; and then claimed, and demanded the Earldom in his wives right, as being the daughter of William Say eldest brother to Geffrey Say. Who gave him full Seisin thereof, (against Geffrey Say) and required the money that he promised: which within a short time he received of him every penny well and truly paid, for to be brought into the King's coffers. Thus being admitted, and confirmed by the King's Letters Patent, he held and possessed it taking Homage of all that held of him in Knight's service.. And so was girt with the sword of the Earldom of Essex by King John at the solemnity of his Coronation. This Geffrey Fitz-Petre was advanced to the high estate of Justicer of England by King Richard the First, when he removed Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury from that Office by the Pope's peremptory command: for that Bishops ought not to intermeddle in secular affairs. This Place the said Geffrey Fitz-Petre executed with great commendation preserving by his wisdom the Realm from that confusion which it after fell into by King John's unadvised carriage. Register of Walden Monastery. His two Sons Geffrey and William, assumed unto them the surname of Magnavill or Mandevill, and enjoyed this honour successively. As for Geffrey, he by his wife was Earl of Gloucester also, and being a young man lost his life at a Turneament. William took part with Lewis of France against King John, and departed out of this World without issue. These being thus dead childless, their sister's son Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and high Constable of England, succeeded in their room. See the Earls of Hereford. Of this man's Posterity male, there succeeded many years together one after another, Earls of H●reford and of Essex: of whom I will speak among the Earls of Hereford, seeing that they wrote themselves Earls of Hereford and of Essex. Aeleonor the eldest daughter of the last of these Bohuns, being given in marriage together with the Title of Essex unto Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, bare unto him a daughter named Anne, who had for her first Husband Edmund Earl of Stafford, from whom came the Dukes of Buckingham: and for her second Sir William Bourchier, unto whom King Henry the Fifth gave the Earldom of Ewe in Normandy. This William of her body begat Henry Bourchier, whom King Edward the fourth invested in the Dignity of the Earldom of Essex, in regard he had married his Aunt, Eliz. sister to Rich. Duke of York. and was descended from Thomas of Woodstock. He had to succeed him another Henry, his Grandchild, who being cast out of the saddle by a flinging horse, lost his life, leaving behind him one only daughter Anne, who being then little respected, King Henry the Eighth presently and all at once made Thomas Cromwell, (whom he had used as his Instrument to suppress and abolish the Pope's authority) Earl of Essex, Lord Great Chamberlain of England and Knight of the Order of Saint George: whom before for his reaching politic head, he had made Baron Cromwell of Ok●ham, The King's Vicar general in Spiritual matters, and Lord of the Privy Seal: and all these honours were heaped upon him within the compass of five years. But in the fifth month after he was Earl, he lost his head and so had the interlude of his life a bloody Catastrophe, as most of these have, who are busy managers of the greatest affairs. And then the same King thought Sir William Parr, upon whom he had bestowed in marriage Anne the only daughter and heir of the foresaid Henry Bour●●ier, worthy also to be entitled Earl of Essex. But at the last, after Parr was dead without issue, Walter D'Eureux Viscount Hereford, whose great Grandmother was Cecilie Bourgchier Sister to Henry Bourgchier whom I named right now, through the gracious favour of Queen Elizabeth, received this dignity of the Earldom of Essex, and left it to his Son Robert. Who being adorned with singular gifts of nature, and supported beside with the special favour of his most gracious Prince, grew so fast unto such honour, that all England conceived good hope he would have fully equalled, yea and far surpassed the greatest virtues and praises of all his progenitors. But (alas) whiles he was carried away with popularity, and made haste to out go his hopes, he cast himself headlong into destruction: as many more have done, who despising that which might come by patience with security, have made choice to hasten thereto before time with their final overthrow. But our most gracious Sovereign King james of his Royal benignity hath restored his son Robert to his blood, and honours by Parliament authority. There be counted in this County Parish Churches 415. ICENI. THe Region next unto the Trinobantes which afterwards was called East-England, and containeth Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridge-shire with Huntingdon-shire, was inhabited in times passed by the ICENI, called elsewhere amiss TIGENI: and in Ptolomee more corruptly SIMENI: whom also I have thought heretofore to have been in Caesar by a confused name, termed CENIMAGNI: and so to think induced I was, partly by that most near affinity between these names ICENI, and CENI-MAGNI, and in part by the consent of Caesar and Tacitus together. For Caesar writeth that the Cenimagni yielded themselves unto the Romans: which Tacitus recordeth that the Iceni likewise did, in these words: They willingly joined in amity with us. But (that which maketh most to the clearing of this point) in a Manuscript old book for CENIMAGNI, we find written with the word divided in twain, CENIAGNI. For which if I might not be thought somewhat too bold a Critic, I would read instead thereof ICENI, REGNI. Neither verily can you find the Cenimagni elsewhere in all Britain, if they be a divers people from the Iceni and Regni. But of this name ICENI, there remain in this tract very many footings, if I may so term them, as Ikensworth, Ikenthorpe, Ikbortow, Iken, Ikining, Ichlingham, Eike, etc. Yea and that high street-way, which went from hence, the Historians of the former age every where do name Ichenild-Street, Ichenild-street. as one would say, the Icenes street. What should be the reason of this name (so love me Truth) I dare not guess, unless one would fetch it from the Wedge-like-forme of the country, and say, it lieth Wedgwise upon the Sea. For the Britan's in their language call a Wedge Iken, and for the same cause a place in Wales, by the Lake or Mere Lhintegid, is of that form named Lhan-yken, as Welsh-britans' informed me: and in the very same sense a little country in Spain (as Strabo writeth) is cleped SPHEN, Sphen. that is, The wedge, and yet the same seemeth not to resemble a wedge so near, as this of ours doth. A mighty nation this was, as saith Tacitus, and after they had betaken themselves to the protection of the Romans, never shaken nor troubled unto Claudius his time. For then, when as Ostorius the Roman Lieutenant raised fortifications upon the rivers and disarmed the Britan's, they assembled their forces and made head against him: but after that the Romans had broken through the rampire, wherewith they had fenced themselves, they were vanquished not without great slaughter. In which fight verily, they performed many worthy acts, and M. Ostorius the Lieutenant's son won the honour of saving a Citizen's life. When this war was thus hushed, scarce 13. years had gone over their heads, when a new tempest of war arose upon these occasions. Prasutagus King of these Iceni, to secure (though it were with the hurt of his own private estate) his kindred from calamity, ordained by his last will and testament Nero the Emperor to be his heir, supposing that by this obsequious service of his (let Tacit. speak for me a while) his Kingdom and house both should be safe from all injury; which fell out clean contrary: so that his Kingdom was wasted by the Centurions, and his house by slaves, as if they had been subdued by force. And now first of all, his wife Boodicia, who also is called Bunduica was whipped, and her daughters deflowered. All the principal men of the Iceni, as though they had received the whole Country in free gift were stripped of their goods, and turned out of their ancient inheritance: those also of the King's stock and blood accounted no better than bondslaves. By occasions of which grievous injuries and for fear of greater indignities (for so much they had been reduced into the form of a province) in all hast they took arms, having withal solicited the Trinobantes to rebellion, and others also who had not as yet been enured to bondage: These by privy conspiracies agreed to resume their liberty, being incensed with most bitter and deadly hatred against the old soldiers planted at Maldon above said. Thus began a most dangerous war to kindle, which was set more on a light fire by the greedy covetousness of Seneca, Seneca his usury in Britanny. who about that time exacted with extremity 400000. Sesterces, an hundred times told, (which amount to three hundred thousand pounds of our money) so increased by his biting usurious contracts. In this war, that I may be brief, that Boodicia, whom Gildas seemeth to call the crafty Lioness, wife to Prasutagus, slew outright of Romans and their associates fourscore thousand, razed Caimalodunum their Colony, and the free town Verulamium. The ninth Legion she discomfited, and put to flight Catus Decianus the procurator: but at length she being put to the worst by Suetonius Paulinus in a pitched field, with an invincible courage and resolution died (as Tacitus writeth) by drinking a cup of poison; or as Dio saith, by sickness. In the heat of this war, Xiphilinus recordeth out of Dio, that the Britan's especially worshipped the Goddess VICTORY under the name of ANDATES, Andates or Andrastes. The Goddess Victory. which the Greek book in another place calleth Andrastes: also that in her sacred grove, they sacrificed prisoners alive in most barbarous and savage manner. And yet the Britan's in these days acknowledge no such name of Victory, neither know I what the meaning of it should be, unless, as the Latins have called Victory Victoriam, à vincendo, that is, of winning: the Sabins acunam, ab Vevacuando, that is, of emptying and making riddance: and the Grecians NIKHN, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, of not yielding or giving back: so the Britan's named it Anaraith, of overthrowing; For, so they term a mischievous and deadly overthrow. But thus much slightly by the way. From those times ever since no mention is there in authors of the Iceni, neither can any thing by reading be found, but that the Romans, when their Empire went apace to decay, In Kent. did set a new officer over the sea coasts along these and other countries to restrain the piracies and robberies of the Saxons, whom, as I have said heretofore, they called * Earl or Lieutenant. Comes of the Saxons shore along Britain. But when the English Saxons now had established their * Seven kingdoms. Heptarchy in this Island, this province became part of the Kingdom of East Angles, which of the site thereof Eastward they named in their language, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, East-Angle. The Kingdom of East English: and it had for the first King thereof, Vffa, Uff kines. whence his successors were a long time called Uff Kines, who seem to have been Vassals sometimes to the Kings of Mercia, and sometimes to the Kings of Kent. Whose offspring being come to an end in S. Edmund; the Danes overran this country most piteously for the space of 50. years or thereabout, afflicting it with all the calamities that accompany the wars: until that King Edward the elder having subdued them united it at length to his own Kingdom of the Westsaxons. But afterwards, it had peculiar Precedents and Governors: which honourable place at the first coming in of the Normans, Ralph Precedent of East-Angle. and a while after one Ralph born in the lesser Britain held; a man of a perfidious disposition and disloyal, who at a celebration of a marriage in most sumptuous manner, wickedly with many more conspired the death of William the Conqueror▪ but in vain it was to hope for secrecy and trust, among so many privy to the conspiracy: For, it was discovered, and he deprived of his dignity was attainted, and the rest beheaded. But these things are to be handled more at large by the Historians: and now let us go in hand with that which belongeth properly, to our purpose, that is, the places themselves. What kind of country this was, behold how Abbo Floriacensis, who lived in the year of Christ 970. hath pictured out in these words: This part which is called East Angle or East England is renowned, as for other causes, so in this regard, that it is watered almost on every side: being on the Southeast and East environed with the Ocean, and on the North-east with huge Fens soaked in moisture, which rising by reason of the level ground from the mids in manner of all Britain, for the space of a hundred miles and more doth descend with the greatest rivers into the sea. But of that side which lieth Westward the Province itself is continuate to the rest of the Island, and therefore passable throughout: but, lest it should be overrun with the often eruptions and break in of enemies, it is fenced along with a bank like unto a wall, and a Trench. Inwardly the soil is fruitful enough, and the country of a passing fresh hue, with pleasant Orchards, Gardens, and groves, most delectable for hunting, notable for pastures, and not meanly stored with sheep and other cattle. I say nothing of the fishfull rivers, considering that of the one side the sea licketh it with his Tongue: and of the other side there are by reason of the broad Fens and wide Marshes an infinite number of pools two or three miles over. Which Fens do afford to a multitude of Monks their wished private retyring of a recluse and solitary life: wherein as long as they are enclosed, they need not the solitariness of any desert Wilderness. Thus far Abbo. SVFFOL●IAE Comitatus (cuius Populi olim ic●m Dicti) Continens inse oppida mercatoria xxv Pagos et Villas CCCCLXIIII. una cum singulis Hundredis et fluminibus in codere Auc Fore Christ●ph●r● Saxton. SOUTH-FOLKE or SUFFOLK. SUFFOLK, which we must speak of first, in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, South-folke, or people in respect of Norfolk, hath on the West side Cambridge-shire, on the South the River Stour, which divideth it from Essex: on the East side the Germane Sea, and on the North two little Rivers; Ouse the least, and Waveney, which flowing out as it were of the same Fountain, run diverse ways, and sever it apart from Norfolk. A large country it is, and full of havens, of a fat and fertile Soil, (unless it be Eastward) being compounded (as it is) of clay and marvel: by means whereof, there are in every place most rich and goodly corn fields, with pastures as battable, for grazing and feeding of cattle. And great store of cheeses are there made, which to the great commodity of the Inhabitants are vented into all parts of England: Cheeses. Nay into Germany, France, and Spain also, as Pantaleon the Physician writeth, who stuck not to compare these of ours for colour, and taste both with those of Placentia: but he was no dainty toothed scholar out of Apicius school. Neither be there wanting woods here, which have been more plentiful, and parks; for many there are lying to Noble men's and gentlemen's houses replenished with game. This County was divided politically into three parts: whereof one is called the Geldable, because out of it there is gathered a Tribute: a second, Saint Edmund's liberty, for that it belonged to his abbey: the third Saint Audries liberty, because it appertained to Ely abbey, unto which our Kings in times past granted certain territories with Sach and Soch, as saith Ely Book, without any exception either of Ecclesiastical or secular jurisdiction. But let us survey it Chorographically, and beginning at the East side take a view of the better and more remarkable places. Where it lieth West and toward Cambridgeshire, in the very limit standeth Ixning, more famous in times past than now. For Audre the Virgin K. Anna's daughter and canonised for a Saint, was here borne, Ralph also Earl of this East England here entered into conspiracy against William the Conqueror, Novus mercatus. and Hervey the first Bishop of Ely made a causey or high way from hence to Ely. But now, for that Newmercate is so near, Newmercate. Newmarket Heath. whither men resort with their wares and commodities more frequently, it hath begun to decay. That this Newmercate is a Town of late days built, the very name itself doth import: and it is situate in such sort, that the South part thereof belongeth to Cambridgeshire, the North side to Suffolk: and both of them have their several small Churches: whereof this acknowledgeth Ixning, the former Ditton or Dichton, for their mother. Hereof I have found by reading nothing, but that under King Henry the Third, Sir Robert L' Isle gave one part of it in frank marriage with his daughter Cassandra unto Sir Richard de Argenton, from whom the Alingtons are descended. here lieth out a great way round about, a large Plain, named of this Town, Newmarket Heath, consisting of a sandy and barren ground yet green withal, wherein is to be seen that wonderful Ditch, which, as if it had been cast by the devil, the common sort call Devils Dike, whereas in very truth, most certainly it is known to be one of them, wherewith the Inhabitants, (as Abbo writeth) fenced themselves against the inroads of their enemies, as shall be showed more at large when we are come to Cambridgeshire. Yet in the mean time, I am here to advertise the Reader, that the least of all these ditches showeth itself two miles from hence between Snaile-well and Moulton. More within the Country is that renowned Town of Saint Edmund, S. Edmunds Bury. which in the Saxons age, men called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: and in the time of the Britan's, as it should seem, was that VILLA FAUSTINI, whereof Antonine maketh mention: for of that opinion was Talbot a man right skilful in antiquities, and very much conversant in this part of England. The distance also, as well from the Iciani, as from Colonia in Antonine agreeth well enough: And as Villa in the Latin Tongue signifieth some Gentleman's house standing upon his land, so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in old English betokened the same. Guord or worth. For, that Abbo aforesaid, interpreteth Bederics-gueord, by these words Bederici Cortis, that is, Villa, that is to say, Bederics-Court, Farm, or Mansion house. Besides that, the Englishmen may seem to have brought the significancy of that Latin word into their own Language: For as Faustinus in Latin implieth a certain meaning of prosperity: so doth Bederic in the Germane tongue, as writeth that most learned Hadrianus junius, where he interpreteth the name of Betorix (who in Strabo was the son of Melo the Sicambrian,) Full of happiness and favour. But if these were diverse persons, I willingly confess that I am ignorant, who that Faustinus, and who this Bedericus was. Sure I am that it was not that VILLA FAUSTINI, which Marshal in his Epigrams depainteth: and if I said it was the habitation of that Beric, Bery the Britan. who being driven out of Britain, as Dio writeth, persuaded the Emperor Claudius to war upon the Britan's, I should not believe myself. But whatsoever it was, if it be not that Faustini Villa, yet seemeth it to have been of famous memory, considering that when Christian Religion began to spring up in this Tract, King Sigebert here founded a Church; and Abbo called it Villam regiam, that is, A royal town: But after that the people had translated hither the body of Edmund that most Christian King, whom the Danes with exquisite torments had put to death, and built in honour of him a very great Church wrought with a wonderful frame of timber, it began to be called Edmundi Burgus, commonly Saint Edmundbury, and more shortly, Bury: and flourished marvellous much. But especially since that King Canutus for to expiate the sacrilegious impiety of his father Suenus against this Church, being affrighted with a vision of Saint Edmunds, built it again of a new work, enriched it, offered his own Crown unto the holy Martyr, brought into it Monks with their Abbot, and gave unto it many fair and large Manors, and among other things the Town itself full and whole: over which the Monks themselves by their Seneschal had rule and jurisdiction. Whereupon, joscelin de Branklond a Monk of this house, writeth thus: The men as well without the Burgh as within are ours, and all within Banna Leuca enjoy the same liberty. Afterwards, Herveie the Abbot coming of the Norman blood, compassed it round about with a wall, whereof there remain still some few Relics, and Abbot Newport walled the abbey. The Bishop of Rome endowed it with very great immunities and among other things granted, Malmesburiensis. That the said place should be subject to no Bishop in any matter, and in matters lawful depend upon the pleasure and direction of the Archbishop. Which is yet observed at this day. And now by this time the Monks abounding in wealth erected a new Church of a sumptuous and stately building, enlarging it every day more than other with new works; and whiles they laid the foundation of a new Chapel in the Reign of Edward the First, There were found (as Eversden a Monk of this place writeth) The walls of a certain old Church built round, Eversden. so as that the Altar stood (as it were) in the mids, and we verily think, saith he, it was that, which was first built to Saint Edmund's service: But what manner of Town this was, and how great the abbey also was while it stood, hear Leland speak: who saw it standing: The Sun (saith he) hath not seen either a City more finely seated, (so delicately standeth it upon the easy ascent or hanging of an hill, and a little River runneth down on the East side thereof:) or a goodlier abbey, whether a man indifferently consider, either the endowment with Revenues, or the largeness, or the incomparable magnificence thereof. A man that saw the abbey would say verily it were a City: so many Gates there are in it, and some of brass, so many Towers, and a most stately Church: Upon which attend * Now but two. three others also standing gloriously in one and the same Churchyard, all of passing fine and curious Workmanship. If you demand how great the wealth of this abbey was, a man could hardly tell, and namely how many gifts and oblations were hung upon the Tomb alone of Saint Edmund: and beside, there came in, out of lands and Revenues, a thousand five hundred and three score pounds of old rent by the year. If I should relate the broils severally that from time to time arose between the Townsmen and the Monks (who by their * Or Sc●eschal. Steward governed the Townsmen) and with how great rage they fell together by the ears, purposedly to kill one another, my relation would seem incredible. But as great a piece of work as this was, so long in building and still increasing, and as much riches as they gathered together for so many years with S. Edmund's shrine, and the monuments of Alan Rufus Earl of Britain and Richmond, Sir Thomas of Brotherton son to King Edward the first Earl of Norfolk, and Marshal of England, * Thomas of Beaufor, Duke of Excester, W. Earl of Stafford, Marry Queen Dowager of France Daughter to King Henry the Seaventh, and many other worthy personages there Entombed; were by King Henry the Eighth utterly overthrown. What time as at one clap he suppressed all Monasteries; persuaded thereto by such as under a goodly pretence of reforming religion preferred their private respects and their own enriching before the honour of Prince and Country, yea and before the Glory of God himself. And yet there remaineth still lying along the carcase, as one would say, of that ancient monument, altogether deformed, but (for ruins I assure you) they make a fair and goodly show, which who soever beholdeth, he may both wonder thereat, and withal take pity thereof. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. England also, that I may note this also by the way if ever else it had loss by the death of any Man, sustained here one of the greatest. For, that father in deed of his Country Humphrey Duke of Gloucester a due observer of justice, and who had furnished his noble wit with the better and deeper kind of studies, after he had under King Henry the Sixth governed the Kingdom five and twenty years with great commendation, so that neither good men had cause to complain of, nor evil to find fault with, was here in Saint Saviour's Hospital brought to his end by the spiteful envy of Margaret of Lorain. Who seeing her husband King Henry the Sixth, to be a man of a silly simple mind and faint hearted, to the end she might draw into her own hands the managing of the State, devised and plotted this wicked deed: but to her own loss, and this Realm, in the highest degree. For Normandy and Aquitane were thereby shortly after lost, and Wars more than civil enkindled in England. Near unto this Saint Edmunds Bury, is Rushbroke to be seen, the habitation of the worshipful Family of the jermins, Ikesworth. Blund. Knights: and not far from thence Ikesworth, where there stood an ancient Priory founded by Gilbert Blund, a man of great nobility and Lord of Ikesworth, whose issue male by the right line, ended in William, that in King Henry the Third his days was slain in the battle at Lewis, and left two sisters his Heirs, Agnes wife to William de Creketot, and Roise wedded to Robert de Valoniis. * Afterward, both here, at Haulsted near by Rougham, and elsewhere, the Family of Drury, Drury. (which signifieth in old English, A Precious jewel) hath been of great respect and good note, especially since they married with the heirs of Fressil, and Saxham. More Northward is Saint Genovefs Fernham, in this regard memorable, for that Richard Lucy Lord chief Justice of England took Prisoner there in a pight field Robert Earl of Leicester, 1173. making foul work and havoc here; and withal put to the sword above ten thousand Flemings, whom he had levied and sent forth to the depopulation of his Country. Here hard by, I had the sight of two very fair houses the one built by the Kitsons Knights, at Hengrave, the possession in times passed of Edmund de Hengrave, Hengrave. Culfurth. Sir Nicholas Bacon. a most renowned Lawyer under King Edward the First: the other at Culfurth, erected by Sir Nicolas Bacon, Knight, son unto that Sir Nicolas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the great Seal of England: who for his singular wisdom and most sound judgement, was right worthily esteemed one of the two Supporters of this Kingdom in his time. Lidgate. John Lidgate. And not far off standeth Lidgate a small Village, yet in this respect not to be passed over in silence, because it brought into the World john Lidgate the Monk, whose wit may seem to have been framed and shapen by the very Muses themselves: so brightly re-shine in his English verses, all the pleasant graces and elegancies of speech, according to that age. Thus much for the more memorable places on the West side of Suffolk. Stoke Clare. On the South side we saw the river Stour, which immediately from the very spring head spreadeth a great Mere, called Stourmeer: but soon after drawing itself within the banks runneth first by Clare a noble Village: which had a Castle, but now decayed, and gave name to the right noble Family of the Clares, descended from Earl Gislebert the Norman: and the title of Dukedom unto Leonel King Edward the Thirds son, who after he had married a wife out of that house was entitled by his father, Duke of Clarence. For he of this place with a fuller sound, than that of Clare, Earls of Clare. was styled Duke of Clarence, (like as before him the sons of Earl Gislebert and their successors, were hence surnamed De Clare) and called Earls of Clare. Who died at * Ad Albam Pompiam. Languvill in Italy, after he had by a second marriage, matched with a Daughter of Gal●acius Viscount of Milan: and in the Collegiate Church here lieth interred: as also joan Acres daughter to King Edward the first, married to Gislebert de Clare Earl of Gloucester. Here peradventure the Readers may look, that I should set down the Earls of Clare so denominated of this place, and the Dukes of Clarence, considering they have been always in this Realm of right honourable reputation: and verily so will I do in few words, for their satisfaction in this behalf. Richard the son of Gislebert Earl of * Aucensis, or Ew●. Augy in Normandy served in the wars under King William when he entered England, and by him was endowed with the Towns of Clare and Tunbridge. This Gislebert begat four sons, namely Gislebert, Roger, Walter, and Robert; Guliel. Gemi●icensis. Lib. 7. c. 37. from whom the Fitz-walters are descended. Gislebert by the daughter of the Earl of Clerimont had issue Richard, who succeeded him; Gislebert, of whom came that Noble Richard Earl of Pembroch and Conqueror of Ireland; and Walter. Richard the first begotten son was slain by the Welshmen and left behind him two sons Gilbert and Roger. Rob. Montensis Gilbert in King Stephen's days was Earl of Herford: howbeit both he and his Successors are more often and commonly called Earls of Clare, of this their principal seat and habitation, yea and so many times they wrote themselves. After him dying without issue, succeeded his brother Roger, whose son Richard took to wife Amice the daughter and one of the Heirs to William Earl of Gloucester, in right of whom his posterity were Earls of Gloucester. And those you may see in their due place. But when at length their issue male failed, Leonel Third son of King Edward the Third, (who had married Elizabeth the Daughter and sole Heir of William de Burgh Earl of Ulster, begotten of the Body of Elizabeth Clare) was by his Father honoured with this new Title, Duke of Clarence. But when as he had but one only Daughter named Phillippa, wife to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, King Henry the Fourth created Thomas his own younger son Duke of Clarence, Dukes of Clarence. who being withal Earl of Albemarle, High Steward of England and Governor of Normandy, and having no lawful issue was slain in Anjou by the violent assault of Scots and French. A long time after, king Edward the Fourth bestowed this honour upon his own brother George, whom after grievous enmity and bitter hatred, he had received again into favour, and yet at the last made an end of him in prison, causing him, as the report currently goeth, to be drowned in a Butt of Malmsey. 1421. A thing naturally engrafted in men, that whom they have feared, and with whom they have contended in matter of life, those they hate for ever, though they be their natural brethren. From Clare, by Long-Melford, a very fair Almshouse lately built by that good man Sir William Cordal Knight, and Master of the Rolls, Stour passeth on, and cometh to Sudbury, Sudbury. that is to say, the South-Burgh, and runneth in manner round about it, which men suppose to have been in old time the chief town of this Shire, and to have taken this name in regard of Norwich, that is, The Northern Town. Neither would it take it well at this day to be counted much inferior to the Towns adjoining: for, it is populous and wealthy, by reason of Clothing there, and hath for the chief Magistrate, a Major, who every year is chosen out of seven Aldermen. Not far from hence distant, Edwardeston. is Edwardeston, a Town of no great name at this day, but yet in times past it had Lords therein dwelling of passing great Honour, of the surname of * Barones'. Monte-chensie. Montchensie: out of which Family Sir Guarin Montchensie married the daughter and one of the heirs of that mighty William marshal, Earl of Pembroch, and of her begat a daughter named joan, who unto the style of her Husband William de Valentia of the family of Lusignie in France, brought and adjoined the title of Earl of Penbroch. Minor Histor. Matth. Paris. But the said Sir Guarin Montchensy, as he was a right honourable person, so he was a man exceeding wealthy, * in so much as in those days they accounted him the most potent Baron, and the rich Crassus of England. For his last will and testament amounted unto two hundred thousand Marks, no small wealth as the standard was then. Waldgrave. From a younger brother or cadet of this house of Montchensie, issued by an heir general the Family of the Waldgraves, who have long flourished in Knightly degree at Smalebridge nearer to Stour, as another Family of great account in elder ages at Buers, Buers. which was thereof surnamed. A few miles from hence Stour is enlarged with Breton a small Brook, at one of whose heads is seen Bretenham a very slender little town, where fcarce remaineth any show at all of any great building: and yet both the near resemblance and the signification of the name partly induced me to think it to be that COMBRETONIUM whereof Antonine the Emperor made mention in this tract. Cumbretonium. Bretenham. For like as Bretenham in English signifieth an Habitation, or Mansion place by Breton, so Combretonium in British or Welsh betokeneth a Valley, or a place lying somewhat low by Breton. But this in Peutegerius his Table is falsely named COMVETRONUM and ADCOVECIN. Somewhat Eastward from hence is Nettlested seen, Barons Wentworth. of whence was Sir Thomas Wentworth, whom King Henry the Eighth adorned with the title of Baron Wentworth, and near thereto is Offion, that is to say, The town of Offa King of the Mercians, where upon a clay Hill lie the ruins of an ancient Castle, which they say Offa built, after he had wickedly murdered Aethelbert King of the East-Angles, and usurped his Kingdom. But to return to the River Breton. * Upon another brook that joineth therewith standeth Lancham a pretty Mercat, Lancham. and near it the Manor of Burnt-Elleie, whereunto King Henry the Third granted a market at the request of Sir Henry Shelton Lord thereof, Hadley. whose posterity a long time here flourished. Hadley, in the Saxons language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is watered with the same brook: a town of good note in these days for making of Clothes: Gathrum or Garmo the Dane. and in old time much mentioned by our Historians, because Guthrum or Gormo the Dane was here buried. For, when Aelfred brought him to this pass, that he became Christian and was baptised, he assigned unto him these countries of the East-Angles, that he might (to use the words of mine Author) cherish them by right of inheritance under the Allegiance of a King, which he had overrun by robbing and ransacking. From hence Breton speedeth itself by Higham, whence the family of Higham is so named, Bentley. to Stour which jointly in one stream run not far from Bentley, where the Talmaches of a celebrate ancient house flourished for a long time, and after a few miles near unto Arwerton the house long since of the family of the Bacons; Arwerton. who held this Manor, and Brome, by conducting all the footmen of Suffolk and Norfolk from S. Edmund's dike in the wars of Wales. Now it belongeth to the Parkers haereditarily, who by the Father's side derive their descent from the Barons Morley, and by the Mothers from the calthrop's, a Family sometime of great account in these parts. Beneath this Stour falleth into the Ocean; and at the very mouth thereof, the river Orwell or Gipping dischargeth itself together with it. This River springeth up in the very navel or centre, as one would say, of this shire, Wulpet. out of two fountains, the one near to Wulpet, the other by Gipping a small Village. Wulpet is a Mercat town, and soundeth as much as, The Wolves pit, if we may believe Nubrigensis who hath told as pretty and formal a tale of this place as is that fable called the TRUE NARRATION of Lucian: Vera narratio. namely, how two little Boys (forsooth) of a green colour, and of Satyr's kind, after they had made a long journey by passages under the ground, from out of another world from the Antipodes and Saint Martin's Land, came up here: of whom if you would know more, repair to the Author himself, where you shall find such matter as will make you laugh your fill, Norton. if you have a laughing spleen. I wot not whether I were best to relate here, into what a vain hope of finding gold at Norton hard by, a certain credulous desire of having, enticed and alured king Henry the Eight; but the digging and undermining there sufficiently show it, although I say nothing. But between Gipping and Wulpet upon an high hill remain the tokens of Hawhglee an ancient Castle, Hagoneth. taking up much about two Acres of ground. Some affirm this to have been called Hagoneth Castle, which belonged to Ralph le Broc, and that in the year 1173. it was by Robert Earl of Leicester won and overthrown in the intestine war between king Henry the Second, and his unkindly disloyal son. Upon the same River are seen two little Mercat Towns, Stow and Needham, and not far from the bank, Hemingston: in which Baldwin Le Pettour (mark his name well) held certain lands, by Serjeanty, (the words I have out of an old book) for which on Christmas day, Farter, every year before our sovereign Lord the King of England he should perform one Saltus, one Suffletus, and one Bumbulus, or, as we read elsewhere, his tenor was, per saltum, sufflum, & pettum, that is, if I understand these terms aright, That he should dance, puff up his cheeks making therewith a sound, A pretty conceited tenure. and beside let a crack downward. Such was the plain and jolly mirth of those times. And observed it is, that unto this Foe, the Manor of Langhall belonged. Ipswich. near unto the mouth of this river we saw Ipswich, in times past Gippwich, a fair town resembling a City, situate in a ground somewhat low: which is the eye (as it were) of this shire, as having an Haven commodious enough; fenced in times passed with a trench and rampire, of good trade and stored with wares, well peopled, and full of Inhabitants, adorned with fourteen Churches, and with goodly, large and stately edifices. I say nothing of four religious houses now overturned, and that sumptuous and magnificent College which Cardinal Wolsey a Butcher's son of this place, here began to build, whose vast mind reached always at things too high. The body politic, or corporation of this town consisteth, as I was informed, of twelve Burgesses (Portmen they term them) out of whom are chosen yearly for the head Magistrates two Baillives, and as many Justices out of four and twenty others. As touching the Antiquity thereof so far as ever I could observe▪ the name of it was not heard of before the Danish invasion, whereof it smarted: For in the year of salvation 991. the Danes sacked and spoilt it, and all the Sea coast with so great cruelty, that Siritius Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Nobles of England thought it the safest and best course they could take, to redeem and buy their peace of them for the sum of ten thousand pounds. Nevertheless, within nine years, they made spoil of this town again, and presently thereupon the Englishmen valiantly encountered them in the field, but through the cowardly running away of one man alone, named Turkill, as writeth Henry of Huntingdon (for in matter of war things of small weight otherwise, are of right great moment, and sway very much) our men were put to flight, and let the victory slip out of their hands. In the reign of S. Edward, as we find in the Survey book of England, out of this town Queen Edeva had two parts, and Earl Guert a third part: and Burgesses there were eight hundred, paying custom to the King. doomsday book. But after the Normans had possessed themselves of England, they erected a pile or Castle here, which Hugh Bigod defended for a good while against Stephen the usurping King of England, but surrendered it in the end: This fort is now quite gone, so as there remain not so much as the ruins thereof. Some say it was in the parish of Westfield hard by, where is to be seen the rubbish of a Castle, and where old Gipwic, as men say, stood in times past. I think verily it was then demolished, Waleton. when K. Henry the second laid Waleton Castle near unto it even with the ground. For it was a place of refuge for Rebels, and here landed those three thousand Flemings whom the nobles of England had called in against him, what time as he unadvisedly he had made Prince Henry his son King, and of equal power with himself: and the young man knowing no mean, would be in the highest place or none, set upon a furious desire of the Kingdom, most unnaturally waged war against his own father. Albeit these Castles are now clean decayed and gone, yet this Shore is defended sufficiently with an huge bank, Langerston. they call it Langerston, that for two miles or thereabout in length lieth forth into the main Sea, as he saith, not without great danger and terror of such as sail that way: howbeit the same serveth very well for Fishermen to dry their fishes, and after a sort is a defence unto that spacious and wide Haven of Orwell. And thus much for the South part of this Shire. From hence the curving Shore (for all this East part lieth full against the Sea) shooting forth Northward straightway openeth itself to the * Others call it Thredling. Deben, a Riveret having his springhead near unto Mendelesham; unto which Town, the Lord of the place H. Fitz Otho, Master of the Mint, purchased the liberty of Mercat and Fair: by whose Heirs there fell no small Possessions unto the Boutetorts Lords of Wily in Worcestershire, Boutetort. and from them again in the Reign of Richard the Second, unto Frevil, Barkley of Stoke, Burnel, and others. This River Deben first floweth hard unto the little Mercat Town Debenham, and giveth it the name, which others would have to be called more truly Depenham, for that the ways every where about it, by reason of a clay ground and the same over moist, are very deep and cumberous. From thence it runneth by ufford the seat in times passed of Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk, and by a Town over against it on the other side of the River named Rendelisham, Rendelisham. that is, as Beda interpreteth it, Rendils Mansion place, where Redwald King of the East Saxons kept usually his Court, who was the first of all his Nation that was baptised, and received Christianity; but afterwards, seduced by his Wife, he had in the self same Church, as saith Beda, one Altar for Christ's Religion, and another for sacrifices unto Devils. In this place also Swidelm a King of the East-Angles was likewise afterwards baptised by Bishop * Cedde. Chadda. From hence the River Deben passeth down to Woodbridge, a little Town beautified with fair houses; where at certain set times are holden Assemblies for Saint Andrees Liberty: and after it hath gone some few miles, it is received into the Ocean at Bawdsey Haven. By this time now the Shore creepeth by little and little Eastward to the mouth of the River * Some name it Winchell. Framlingham. o'er, which runneth near to Framlingham Castle, belonging sometime to the Bigods by the bounty of King Henry the First: and forthwith on the West side thereof spreadeth (as it were) into a lake. A very fair and beautiful Castle this is, fortified with a bank, ditch, and walls of great thickness, wherein are thirteen towers, and inwardly furnished with buildings right commodious and necessary. From hence it was that in the year of our Redemption 1173. what time as King Henry the Second his rebellious son took arms against his father, Robert Earl of Leicester, with his mercenary Flemings infested this Country far and near: from this Castle also in the year 1553. Queen Mary entered upon her Kingdom, for all the ambitious fretting and fuming of john Dudley Duke of Northumberland against King Henry the Eighth his Daughters. Then cometh the River to Parrham a little Town, Parrham. Barons Willoughbey of Parrham. Oreford. the Lord whereof William Willoughby King Edward the Sixth honoured with the Estate of a Baron: and afterwards running by Glemham, which gave name to an ancient Family descended from the Bacons and Brandon's; at Oreford, that took the name of it, disburdeneth himself into the Sea. A big Town this was and of great resort, fenced also with a Castle of a reddish stone, and appertained in times passed to the Valoineis, and afterwards to the Willoughbies, but complaineth at this day of the seas unkindness which shrinketh back from it by little and little, and beginneth to envy the commodity of an Haven unto the Town. Neither have I any thing else to say of Oreford, unless it please you to run over these few words of Ralph Cogeshall an old Writer. In King Henry the Seconds days, saith he, when Bartholomew Glanvile kept the Castle of Oreford, it happened that the Fishermen caught a wild man within their nets, who in all parts and members of his body resembled a man, had hair on his head, a huge beard with a Piloe devant, about the breast exceeding hairy and rough: who notwithstanding slipped away secretly to the Sea and was never seen after: So that it may be very true, which is so rise with the common people, That there is nothing bred in any part of Nature, Tritons and Monsters of the Sea. but the same also is in the Sea: and that it is not altogether a feigned Fable, that Pliny hath reported of a Triton taken on the Shore of Portugal, and of the Seaman caught in the straits of Gibraltare. Not much higher, lieth Aldborough for Situation right safe and very pleasant within Slaughden vale, where from the East the Sea, and from the West the River beateth. Aldburgh. This name Aldburgh, is by interpretation the Old Burgh, or as others would have it, The Burgh upon the River Ald. Now it is an harbour very commodious for Sailors and Fishermen, and thereby well frequented, and acknowledgeth the Ocean Sea to be favourable unto it, how spiteful soever and malicious it is to other Towns in this Coast. Near unto it, what time as in the year 1555. by reason of unseasonable weather the Corn throughout all England was choked and blasted in the ear, there grew Pease miraculously among the rocks, without any earth at all about them about the end of September, Pease growing out of the Rocks. and brought down the price of Corne. Yet the wiser sort of men do say that Pulse being cast upon the Shore by Shipwreck is wont otherwhiles to come up again there, so that the thing is not to be thought miraculous: But, that the like usually every year grow of their own accord among the stones on the Shore of Kent, I have showed already. Dunwich. From hence coasting along the Shore, at ten miles' end, we met with Dunwich, in the English Saxon tongue Dunmoc, whereof Beda maketh mention: where Faelix the Burgumdium that reduced the Eastangles again into the faith, when they were backesliding from Christ, in the year of Grace 630. placed an Episcopal See, whose Successors for many years together were Bishops over all East England. But Bise the Fourth Bishop after Faelix, when he became very aged and sickly withal, being not able to discharge so great a Jurisdiction, divided it into two Sees: the one continued still in this Dunwich, the other he placed in North Elmham, a little Town. In the Reign of William the Conqueror, Dunwich had in it two hundred and six and thirty Burgesses: an hundred poor people: it was valued at fifty pounds, and threescore thousand Herring, of gift. For, so we read in Doomsday Book. In the foregoing Age, it was well peopled and frequented with Inhabitants: famous also for a Mint therein: and in the Reign of Henry the Second, Allectum or Halecum. as William of Newborough writeth, It was a Town of good note, and full stored with sundry kinds of Riches. At which time, when England was all on a light fire with new stirs and broils, it was so fortified, that it made Robert Earl of Leicester afraid, who with his Army overranne all the parts thereabout at his pleasure. But now by a certain peculiar spite and envy of Nature, that suffereth the greedy Sea to have what it will and encroach still without all end, the greatest part thereof is violently carried away with the waves, and by reason that the Bishops many years ago translated their Seat to another Place, it lieth (as it were) desolate. A little above it, the River Blithe voideth itself into the Sea, on whose bank Southward we saw Blithborow a small Town, Blithborrow. which for no other thing is memorable, but because Anna a Christian King was there buried, whom Penda the Mercian slew in a pitched Field. It was beautified by King Henry the First with a College of Canons, who granted the same as a Cell to the Canons of Saint Osiths. And it was made a market by the means of john Lord of Clavering, unto whom King Edward the Second gave this Liberty together with the Fair. And verily a goodly Inheritance he had in this Tract, as who derived his Descent from the Daughter and Heir of William * De Casineto. Cheney, who held the Barony of Horsford in the County of Norfolk, and erected the little abbey at Sibton. here the Promontory Easton-Nesse shooteth out, Easton-Nesse▪ and reacheth far into the East, which is deemed to be the farthest East point in all Britain; Ptolomee calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or EXTENSIO. And that you may not doubt, that this is the very same which we call Easton, be it known unto you, that Eysteney in the British tongue is the same that in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Extensio. A Promontory. and in Latin Extensio, that is, A stretching forth: although this name may seem with as good probability to have been imposed in our English Language, of the Situation Eastward. Upon the point of this Promontory standeth Easton a Village of Fishermen well near eaten up by Sea, and on South side of this Promontory, Southwold lieth in the Plain, full against the open shore of the sea: a Town well enough frequented through the benefit of an Haven that the River Blithe emptying itself there into the Sea maketh; and at every high water it is so environed with the waves, that it seemeth to be an Island, and a man would wonder that it is not overflown. In so much as when I saw the manner thereof, Lib. 3. de Natura Deorum. I called that saying of Cicero into my remembrance: What should I speak of the Sea Tides about Spain and Britain, and of their Flowing and Ebbing at certain times? Surely, they cannot be without the hand of God, who hath restrained and gauged the waves within their bounds. Wingfield. More within the land Wingfield showeth itself, where the walls of a Castle half down are to be seen: which hath given name to a family in this Tract that is spread into a number of branches, and is beside for knighthood and ancient Gentility renowned, and thereof it was the principal seat: Also Dunnington, Philip's. which standeth much upon the Lord thereof Sir john Philip's, father to that Sir William who married the daughter and Heir of Baron Bardolph, whose daughter and Heir likewise john Viscount Beaumond took to Wife: But now the Habitation it is of the ancient Family of the Rousses. Not far from hence standeth Huntingfield, Huntingfield. Henningham. which had a Baron of that name in King Edward the Third his time, and near unto it Heveningham, the residence of the Family of Heveningham, knights: who are known to be of very great antiquity: and not far off standeth Halesworth, Halesworth. in times past Healsworda, an ancient Town of the Argentons, and now of the Alingtons: unto which Sir Richard Argenton obtained at the hand of King Henry the Third the liberty of a market. I gave you to understand before, that two small Rivers, Ouse the least, and Waveney on the North side, divided this County from Norfolk; which Riverets rising out of a Marish ground by Lophamford, from two springs but a little a sunder one from another, take their courses diverse ways with creeks full of shallow fourds. Along by Ouse which runneth Westward, there is nothing in this Quarter to be seen worth the report. Hoxon. By Waveney side that tendeth Eastward, first is Hoxon in times past Hegilsdon ennobled by reason of King Edmund's Martyrdom. King Edmund's Martyrdom. For there the most cruel and bloody Danes (that I may use the words of Abbo) having bound the most Christian King to a tree, for that he would not renounce Christianity, shot him in with sharp arrows all his body over, augmenting the pains of his torment with continual piercing him with arrow after arrow, and thus inflicted wound upon wound, so long as one arrow could stand by another: And as a Poet of middle time versified of him. jam loca vulneribus desunt, nec dum furiosis Tela, sed hyberna grandine plura volant. Though now no place was left for wound, yet arrows did not fail, These furious Wretches; still they fly thicker than winter hail. In which place afterwards stood a very fair house of the Bishops of Norwich, until they exchanged it not long since for the abbey of Saint Benet. Hard by, at Brome, Cornwalleis. dwelled a long time the family of Cornwalleis, of knight's degree: of whom Sir john Cornwall was Steward of Edward the Sixth his Household while he was Prince; and his son Sir Thomas, for his wisdom and faithfulness became one of the privy counsel to Queen Mary, Eaye. and Controller of her royal House. Beneath it lieth Eay, that is, The Island; so called, because it is watered on every side with brooks, where are to be seen the rubbish, ruins, and decayed walls of an old Castle that belonged to Robert Malet a Norman Baron. But after that he under King Henry the First was deprived of his Dignity, Liber inquisitionum. because he sided with Robert Duke of Normandy against the King, the said King bestowed this Honour upon Stephen Earl of Bullen, who, being afterwards the * By intrusion reaping the commodities thereof. usufructuary King of England left it unto his son William Earl of Warren. But after he had surrendered his State to King Henry the Second, and lost his life in the expedition of Tholose, the King held it in his own hands until that King Richard the First conferred it upon Henry the Fifth of that name Duke of Brabant and of Lorain, together with King Stephen's Niece by his daughter, who had been a professed Nun. Long time after, when it was now devolved again upon the Kings of England, King Edward the third gave it, as I have read, to Sir Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk. Bedingfield. Neither must I pass over in silence Bedingfield near adjoining, which gave the name to a worshipful and ancient Family, that received very much reputation and credit from the Heir of the Family of Tudenham. From thence by Flixton, in stead of Felixton, Flixton. so named of Faelix the first Bishop of these parts; like as many other places in this Shire, the River Waveney runneth down to Bungey, and spreadeth itself in manner round about it; Bungey. where Hugh Bigod fortified a Castle both by artificial workmanship, and also by natural situation, when as the seditious Barons tossed all England to and fro with storms of rebellion. Concerning which Castle, as impregnable, he was wont to vaunt in these terms: Were I in my Castle of Bungey Upon the River of Waveney, I would ne care for the King of Cockeney. Yet notwithstanding afterwards he obtained at the hands of King Henry the Second (by giving him a great sum of money and pledges withal of his loyalty) that it might not be overthrown and razed. Not far thence from the bank, you may see Mettingham; Mettingham. where, upon a plain, Sir john surnamed De Norwich Lord of the place built a four square Castle and a College within it, whose daughter, and in the end the Heir of the same Family, Robert de Vfford aforesaid, Earl of Suffolk took to Wife with a goodly Inheritance. Now Waveney drawing nearer unto the Sea whiles he striveth in vain to make himself a twofold issue into the Ocean, the one together with the River You're, and the other by the mere Luthing, Luthingland. maketh a pretty big Demy Isle or Biland, which some name Lovingland, others more truly Luthingland, of Luthing the lake spreading in length and breadth, which beginning at the Ocean Shore is discharged into the River You're. Lestoffe. At the entrance whereof standeth upon the Sea, Lestoffe, a narrow and little Town: and at the issue of it Gorlston, where I saw the tower steeple of a small suppressed Friary, which standeth the Sailors in good stead for a mark. Within the land, Somerley town. hard by You're is situate Somerley town, the habitation in ancient time of Fitz Osbert, from whom it is come lineally to the worshipful ancient family of the jernegans Knights of high esteem in these parts: farther up into the land where You're and Waveney meet in one stream, there flourished Cnobersburg, that is, as Bede interprereth it, Cnobers' City, Cnoberi urbs. we call it at this day Burgh-Castle. Which, as Bede saith, was a most pleasant Castle, by reason of woods and Sea together, wherein a Monastery was built by Fursaey a holy Scot: by whose persuasion Sigebert King of the East-Angles became a Monk and resigned up his Kingdom: who afterwards being drawn against his will out of this Monastery to encourage his people in battle against the Mercians, together with his company lost his life. In that place now there are only ruinous walls in form, as it were, four square, built of flint stone and British Brick, but all overgrown with briers and bushes: among which otherwhiles are Roman pieces of coins gotten forth: So that it may seem to have been one of those fortifications that the Romans placed upon the River youare to repress the piracies of the Saxons: or rather that it was the ancient GARIANONUM itself, where the Stablesian Horsemen had their Station, and keep Ward, at the declination of the Roman Empire in Britain. Suffolk hath had Earls and Dukes out of sundry families. Dukes and Earls of Suffolk. There be of the later writers who report, that the glanvil's in times past were honoured with this title: But seeing they ground upon no certain authority, whereas men may easily mistake, and I have found nothing of them in the public records of the Kingdom, they must pardon me if I believe them not, until they produce more certainty. Yet in the mean while I confess, that the family of the glanvil's in this tract was of right good note and high reputation. Neither have I hitherto learned by witnesses of credit, that any one was entitled Earl of this Province severally before the days of King Edward the Third, who created Sir Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk a man much renowned both in peace and war, the son of Sir Robert Vfford Steward of the King's house under King Edward the Second, by Cecily de Valoniis Lady of Orford. After him succeeded his son William, who having four sons that were taken away by untimely death during his life, died himself suddenly in the Parliament house as he was about to report the mind of the Commonalty. And then Sir Robert Willoughby, Roger Lord Scales, and Henry Ferrars of Groby the next of his blood and his Heirs divided the Inheritance between them. Afterward King Richard the Second promoted Michael De-la-Pole to this Title, Inquisit. 5. Rich. 2. and made him L. Chancellor of England. Who, as Thomas Walsingham writeth, employed himself more in traffic and Merchandise, (as having been a Merchant and a Merchant's son) than in martial matters. For he was the son of William De-la-pole, that first Mayor of Kyngston upon Hull, Leland, in his Commentary upon his Cygnea Cantio. and for his wealthy Estate, adorned by King Edward the Third with the dignity of a Baneret. But when as in the prosperous confluence of so many advancements the man's nature was not capable of so great fortunes, he was enforced by his adversaries envy to depart out of his Country, and so died a banished man. His son Michael being restored, died at the siege of Harflew, and again within one month his son Michael was slain in the battle of Agincourt leaving daughters only. Walsingham pag. 358. Regist. Monal de Mels●. See Hull in Yorkshire. Then William his brother succeeded, whom King Henry the sixth so favoured that he made him also Earl of Penbroke, and then marquis of Suffolk, to him and the heirs males of his body. And that both he and the heirs of his body should carry the golden rod having a Dove in the top thereof, on the Coronation day of the King of England: and the like rod or verge Ivory at the Coronation of the Queens of England: And afterwards he advanced the same William for his great service and deserts to the honour and title of Duke of Suffolk. Certes he was an excellent man in those days, famous and of great worth. For whereas his father and three brethren had in the French wars lost their lives for their Country, he, as we find in the Parliament Rolls of the 28. of King Henry the Sixth, in the same war served full 34. years: For seventeen years together he never returned home from warfare; being once taken prisoner when he was as yet no better than a private Knight, he paid down for his ransom twenty thousand pounds of our English money: he was of the King's privy Counsel 15. years; and a Knight of the Order of the Garter 30. Hereupon, as he stood in especial grace and favour with his Prince, so he incurred therefore the greater envy of the common people, and some emulatours: being grievously charged with treason and misprisions. And therefore called before the King and Lords of the Parliament, after he had answered the Articles objected, referred himself to the King's order. Whereupon the Chancellor by the King's commandment pronounced, that whereas the Duke did not put himself upon his Peers, the King touching the Articles of treason, would be doubtful, and as for the Articles of misprision, not as a Judge by advice of the Lords, but as one to whose order the Duke had submitted himself, did banish him the realm and all other his dominions for five years. But when he was embarked for France, he was by his adversaries intercepted upon the sea and beheaded. He left a son named john De-la-Pole, who wedded K. Edward the fourth his sister, and of her begat john Earl of Lincoln by K. Richard the Third proclaimed heir apparent of the Crown: whose ambitious mind puffed up and giddy therewith could not contain itself, but soon after broke out against King Henry the Seaventh, to his own destruction (for in the battle at Stoke he was quickly slain) to his father's death also, (who for very grief of heart ended his days) and to the utter ruin of the whole family, which together with them was in a sort extinguished and brought to nothing. For, his brother Edmund being Earl of Suffolk fled into Flanders: began there to conspire and stir up rebellion against King Henry the Seaventh, who, albeit he feared him, would seem to favour him, and as a Prince better contented with repentance than punishment, freely pardoned him for sundry offences, that he might win him. But after he was thus fled, his estate was forfeited, and the King never thought himself secure from his practices, until he had so far prevailed with Philip Duke of Burgundy, that he was delivered into his hands (against the Law of hospitality toward strangers, as some than gave out) upon solemn promise in the word of a Prince that his life should be spared. Nevertheless he was kept close prisoner, and after executed by King Henry the Eighth (who thought himself not tied to his father's promise) what time as he first minded to make war upon France, for fear least in his absence some troubles might be raised at home in his behalf, yet his younger brother S. Richard de la Pole a banished man in France, usurped the title of Duke of Suffolk: who being the last male (to my knowledge) of this house, was slain in the battle of Pavia (wherein Francis the first, king of France was taken prisoner in the year of our Lord 1524.) fight manfully among the thickest of his enemies. For whom, in consideration of his singular valour, and high parentage the Duke of Bourbon himself, although he was his enemy, made a sumptuous funeral, and honoured the same with his presence in mourning black. In the mean time, king Henry the Eighth adorned Sir Charles Brandon, unto whom he had given in marriage his own sister Marie widow, and Dowager to Lewis the twelfth king of France, with the title of Duke of Suffolk, and granted to him all the Honours, and Manors which Edmund Earl of Suffolk had forfeited. After whom succeeded Henry his son a child, and after him his brother Charles: who both died of the English sweat upon one day in the year 1551. Then king Edward the Sixth honoured with that title Henry Grey marquis Dorset, who had married Francis their sister: but he enjoying the same but a small time lost his head in Queen mary's days for complotting to make his daughter queen, and was the last Duke of Suffolk. From that time lay this title of Suffolk void, until that very lately king James advanced to that honour Thomas Lord Howard of Walden, the second son of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, whom for his approved fidelity and virtue he also made his Lord Chamberlain, in his first entry into the kingdom. The Parishes in this County amount to the number of 575. NORFOLCIAE comitatus quem olin ICENI Insederunt. Centinens in Sc ovida Mercatoria. XXVI. Pagos et villas DCXXV ●na Cum Singulis hundredi●●t fluminibus in codem. An●●eri Christophere Saylon. NORFOLK. NORFOLK, commonly Norfolk, which is by interpretation, people of the North, lieth Norward of Suffolk, from which it is divided by those two little Rivers which I spoke of, Ouse the least, and Waveney, running diverse ways: on the East and North side the Germane Ocean which is plentiful of Fish beateth upon the shores with a mighty noise: On the West, the greater Ouse, a River disporting himself with his manifold branches and divisions secludeth it from Cambridge-Shire. It is a Region large and spacious, and in manner all throughout a plain champion, unless it be where there rise gently some pretty Hills; passing rich, exceeding full of Sheep, and stored with Coneys: replenished likewise with a great number of populous Villages: for, beside twenty seven Mercat towns, it is able to show Villages and Country Townes 625: Watered with diverse Rivers and Brooks, and not altogether destitute of Woods. The soil, according to the variety of places, is of a diverse nature: Some where, fat, rank, and full of moisture, as in Mershland and Flegg: otherwhere, but Westward especially, lean, light, and sandy: elsewhere, standing upon clay and chalk. But the goodness of the ground a man may collect by this (whence Varro willeth us to gather it) that the Inhabitants are of a passing good complexion: to say nothing of their exceeding wily wits, and the same right quick in the insight of our common laws: in so much as it is counted, as well now, as in times past, the only Country for best breed of Lawyers: so that even out of the meanest sort of the common people, there may be found not a few, who if there were nothing else to bear action, or able to fetch matter enough of wrangling controversies, even out of the very pricks, titles, and accents of the Law. But least, whiles I desire brevity, I become long by these digressions which may distaste; I will turn my pen from the people to the places; and beginning at the South side, run over briefly those which are more memorable, and of greater antiquity. Upon the least Ouse, where Thet a small brook breaking out of Suffolk, meeteth and runneth with him, in a low ground, was seated that ancient City SITOMAGUS which Antonine the Emperor maketh mention of, corruptly in the Fragments of an old Choragraphicall table called SIMOMAGUS and SINOMAGUS now Thetford, in the Saxon language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in which remaineth part of the former name with the addition of the English word Ford. Sitomagus. Thetford. Magus. For, like as Sitomagus in the British tongue implieth a City by the river Sat, which now is Thet for Magus as Pliny showeth, signified a City) so Thetford in English betokeneth the Ford of Thet; neither are these two names Sat and Thet much unlike in sound. There are in it at this day but few Inhabitants, although it be of a good bigness; but in times past it was very populous; and beside other tokens of antiquity it hath still to be seen a great Mount raised to a good height by men's hands; fenced with a double rampire, and as the report goeth, fortified in ancient time with walls: which was a Roman work as some think, or rather of the English Saxon Kings, as others would have it, under whom it flourished a long time. But after it was sacked, first by Suenus the Dane, who in a rage set it on fire in the year 1004; and six years after being spoilt again by the furious Danes, it lost all the beauty and dignity that it had. For the recovery whereof, Bishop Arfast removed his Episcopal See from Elmham hither, and Bishop William his successor did all he could to adorn and set it out: so that, under King Edward the Confessor, there were counted in it 947. Burgesses, and in William the conquerors time 720. Mansions: whereof 224. stood void, and the chief Magistrate was termed a Consul, which name may intimate that it was a Roman town. But when Bishop Herbert (surnamed Losenga, for that he was composed of Leafing and Flattery) the third Prelate that by evil means and Simony climbed up to this Dignity, had removed his seat from hence to Norwich, it fell again to decay, and as it were languished. Neither could it sufficiently be comforted for the absence of the Bishop, by the abbey of Cluniac Monks, which by his means was built. This abbey, Hugh Bigod built out of the ground: For so writeth he in the Instrument of the foundation. I Hugh Bigod Steward to King Henry, by his grant and by the advice of Herbert Bishop of Norwich, have ordained Monks of the Order of Clunie, in the Church of S. Marry which was the Episcopal seat of Thetford, which I gave unto them, and afterwards founded another more meet for their use, without the Town. Howbeit even then, the greatest part of the City that stood on the hithermore Bank by little and little fell to the ground: the other part although it was much decayed, yet one or two Ages ago flourished with seven Churches, besides three small religious Houses, whereof the one was, by report erected in the memorial of the Englishmen and Danes slain here. For hard by as our Historians do record, Edmund that most holy King a little before his death fought Seven hours and more with the Danes not without an horrible slaughter, and afterwards gave over the battle on even hand; such was the alternative fortune of the Field, that it drove both sides past their senses. By Waveney the other River of those twain, that bound this Shire and runneth Eastward, not far from the Spring head thereof, are seen Buckenham and Keninghall. This which may seem to have the name left unto it of the Iceni, is the Seat of that most honourable Family of the Howards, whose glory is so great, that the envy of Bucchanan cannot impair it. As for the other, so named, as I take it of Beech trees which the Saxons called Bucken; it is a fair and strong Castle, built by William de Aubigny the Norman, (unto whom the Conqueror had given the place) and by his heirs that were successively Earls of Arundel, it descended to the Tatsalls, and from them by Caly and the Clifton's unto the family of the Knevets. The Family of the Knevets. These are of an ancient house and renowned ever since Sir john Knevet was Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward the Third, and also honourably allied by great marriages. For over and beside these of Buckenham, from hence sprang those right worshipful knights, Sir Thomas Knevet Lord Knevet, Sir Henry Knevet of Wiltshire, and Sir Thomas Knevet of Ashellwell Thorpe and others. This Ashellwell Thorpe is a little Town ne'er adjoining, which from the Thorpes in times passed of Knight's degree, by the Tilneiss and the L. L. Bourchiers of berner's, Baron's Bourchiers of berner's. is devolved at length hereditarily unto that Sir Thomas Knevet before named. As for that Buckenham, aforesaid, it is holden by this tenure and condition, that the Lords thereof should at the Coronation of the Kings of England be the King's Butlers that day. Like as, (a thing that may beseem the noting) in Charleton a little neighbour village, Raulph de Carleton and some one other, held lands by this service, namely, To present an hundred Herring-Pies or Pasties, when Herrings first come in, unto their Sovereign Lord the King, wheresoever he be in England. But this river near to his spring runneth by and by under Disce, now Dis, a pretty town well known; which King Henry the First gave frankly to Sir Richard Lucy, and he straightways passed it over to Walter Fitz-Robert with his Daughter: of whose Posterity Robert Fitz-Walter obtained for this place the liberty of keeping Mercat, at the hands of King Edward the First. From thence, although Waveney be on each side beset with Towns, yet there is not one amongst them that may boast of any Antiquity: unless it be Harleston a good market, and Shelton that standeth farther of, both which have given surnames to the ancient Families of the Sheltons' and Harlestons': but before it cometh to the Sea, it coupleth itself with the river You're, which the Britan's called Guerne, the Englishmen Girn, and jere, of Alder trees, no doubt, so termed in British wherewith it is overshadowed. It ariseth out of the mids of this Country, not far from Gernston a little Town that took name thereof, and hath hard by it Hengham, Hengham. Lord of Rhia. which had Lords, descended from john marshal (Nephew by the brother to William marshal Earl of Penbroch) upon whom King John bestowed it with the Lands of Hugh de Gornay, a Traitor, and also with the daughter and coheir of Hubert de Rhia. From this Marescals it passed in revolution of time, unto the Lord Morleiss, and from them by Lovel unto the Parkers, now Lords Morley. A little from hence is Sculton, otherwise called Burdos' or Burdelois, which was held by this Tenure, * That the Lord thereof on the Coronation day of the Kings of England, Sculton. Wood rising. should be chief Lardiner. Joint-neighbour to Sculton is Wood-Rising the fair seat of the Family of Southwels, which received the greatest reputation and increase from Sir Richard Southwell Privy Counsellor to King Edward the Sixth; and his Brother Sir Robert Master of the Rolls. More Eastward is to be seen Wimundham, Windham. now short, Windham, famous for the Albineys' Earls of Arundel, there interred: whose Ancestor and Progenitor William D' Albiney, Butler to King Henry the First founded the Priory, and gave it to the abbey of Saint Alban for a Cell, which afterward was advanced to an abbey. Upon the Steeple whereof, which is of a great height, William Ke● one of the Captains of the Norfolk Rebels, in the year of our Lord 1549. was hanged on high. Neither would it be passed over in silence, that five miles from hence standeth Attilborrough, Attilborough. Mortimers. the seat of the Mortimers, an ancient Family, who being different from those of Wigmor, bare for their Arms, A Shield, Or, Semè de floures de Lyz Sables, and founded here a Collegiate Church, where there is little now to be seen. The Inheritance of these Mortimers hath by marriage long since accrued to the Ratcliffs, now Earls of Sussex, to the Family of Fitz-Ralph, and to Sir Ralph Bigot. But return we now to the River. The said You're holdeth not his course far into the East, before he taketh Wentsum a Riveret (others call it Wentfar) from the South, into his stream: upon which, near unto the head thereof, there is a four square Rampire at Taiesborrough, containing four and twenty Acres. It may seem to have been a Camp place of the Romans, if it be not that which in an old chorographical Table or Map published by Marcus Welserus, is called AD TAUM. Somewhat higher, upon the same River, stood VENTA ICENORUM, the most flourishing City, (for a little one) in times passed of all this people; Venta Icenorum. Caster. but now having lost the old name, it is called Caster. And no marvel, that of the three VENTAE, Cities of Britain, this only lost the name, seeing it hath quite lost itself. For, beside the ruins of the Walls, which contain within a square plot or quadrant, about thirty acres, and tokens appearing upon the ground where sometimes houses stood, and some few pieces of Roman money which are now and then there digged up, there is nothing at all remaining. But out of this ancient VENTA, in the succeeding ages, Norwich had her beginning, about three miles from hence, near unto the confluents of You're and another nameless River (some call it Bariden) where they meet in one: which River with a long course running in and out by Fakenham, which King Henry the first gave to Hugh Capell, and King John afterward to the Earl of Arundel; and making many crooked reaches, speedeth itself this way by Attilbridge to You're, Horsford. and leaveth Horsford North from it: where a Castle of William * De Casineto. Cheneys, who in the Reign of Henry the Second, was one of the great Lords and chief Peers of England, lieth overgrown with bushes and brambles. Norwich. Wic in the Saxons tongue what it signifieth. This NORWICH is a famous City, called in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a Northerly Creek, if Wic among the Saxons signifieth the creek or Cove of a River, as Rhenanus showeth unto us: for, in this very place the River runneth down amain with a crooked and winding compass: or, a Northern Station, if Wic, as Hadrianus junius would have it, betokeneth a sure and secure station or place of abode; where dwelling houses stand jointly and close together: or a Northerly Castle, if Wic sound as much as Castle, as our * In the English Saxon Grammar. Archbishop Alfrick the Saxon hath interpreted it. But if I should with some others be of opinion that Norwich by a little turning is derived from Venta, what should I do but turn awry from the very truth? For by no better right may it challenge unto itself the name of Venta, than either Basil in Germany, the name of AUGUSTA, or Baldach of BABYLON. For, like as Baldach had the beginning of Babylon's fall; Augusta Ra●racorum. and Basil sprang from the ruin of Augusta: even so our Norwich appeared and showed itself, though it were late, out of that ancient VENTA, which, the British name thereof Caer Guntum in Authors, doth prove: wherein, like as in the River Wentsum or Wentfar the name of Venta doth most plainly discover itself. For, this name Norwich we cannot read of any where in our Chronicles before the Danish wars. So far is it off, that either Caesar or Guiteline the Britain built it, as they write who are more hasty to believe all than to weigh matters with sound judgement. But now, verily, by reason of the wealth, the number of Inhabitants, and resort of people, the fair buildings, and fair Churches, and those so many, (for it containeth about thirty Parishes) the painful industry of the Citizens, their loyalty towards their Prince, and their courtesy unto strangers, it is worthily to be ranged with the most celebrate Cities of Britain. It is right pleasantly situate on the side of an Hill two and fifty Degrees and forty Scrupuls' from the Aequator, and four and twenty Degrees and five and fifty Scrupuls' in Longitude. The form is somewhat long: lying out in length from South to North a mile and an half: but carrying in breadth, about half so much, drawing itself in by little and little at the South end in manner, as it were, of a cone or sharp point. Compassed it is about with strong walls (in which are orderly placed many Turrets, and twelve gates) unless it be on the East-side; where the River (after it hath with many windings in and out watered the North part of the City, having four Bridges for men to pass to and fro over it) is a Fence thereto, with his deep Channel there, and high steep banks. In the very infancy, as I may so say, of this City, when Etheldred a witless and unadvised Prince reigned, Sueno or Swan the Dane who ranged at his pleasure through England with a great rabble of spoiling Ravenours, first put it to the sack, and afterwards set it on fire. Yet it revived again, and as we read in that doomsday book wherein William the Conqueror took the review of all England, there were by account in King Edward the Confessors time, no fewer than one thousand three hundred and twenty Burgesses in it. At which time (that I may speak out of the same Book) It paid unto the King twenty pounds and to the Earl ten pounds: and beside all this twenty shillings, and four Prebendaries, and six Sextars of Honey; also a Bear and six Dogs for to bait the Bear: but now it payeth seventy pounds by weight to the King, and an hundred shillings for a * Fine, as some take it. Gersume to the Queen, and an ambling Palfrey: also twenty pounds Blanc to the Earl, and twenty shillings for a Gersume by tale. But while the said King William reigned, that flaming fire of fatal sedition, which Raulph Earl of East England had kindled against the King, settled itself here. For, when he had saved himself by flight, his wife together with the French Britons endured in this place a most grievous Siege even to extreme famine: yet at length driven she was to this hard pinch that she fled the land, and this City was so impaired, that scarce 560. Burgesses were left in it, as we read in that doomsday book. Of this yielding up of the City Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury maketh mention in his Epistle to King William, in these words. Your Kingdom is purged of these villainous and filthy Britons, The Castle of Norwich is rendered up into your hands. And the Britons who were therein and had lands in England, having life and limb granted unto them, are sworn within forty days to depart out of your Realm, and not enter any more into it without your leave and licence. From that time began it again to recover itself by little and little out of this deluge of calamities, and Bishop Herbert, whose good name was cracked for his foul Simony, translated the Episcopal See from Thetford hither, and built up a very fair Cathedral Church on the East side and lower part of the City, in a certain place then called Cow-holme, near unto the Castle. The first stone whereof in the Reign of King William Rufus, and in the year after Christ's Nativity 1096. himself laid, with this inscription. DOMINUS HERBERTUS POSUIT PRIMUM LAPIDEM IN NOMINE PATRIS, FILII, ET SPIRITUS SANCTI. AMEN. That is. LORD [BISHOP] HERBERT LAID THE FIRST STONE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND HOLY GHOST, AMEN. Afterwards, he procured of Pope Paschal that it should be established, and confirmed for the Mother Church of Norfolk and Suffolk: he endowed it bountifully with as much lands, as might sufficiently maintain threescore Monks, who had there fair and spacious Cloisters. But after that they were thrust out by King Henry the Eight, there were substituted for them a Dean, six Prebendaries and others. The Church being thus built and an Episcopal See there placed, the Town now (as saith William of Malmesbury) became of great name for frequent trade of Merchants and resort of people. And in the 17. year of King Stephen, as we read in old Annals, Norwich was founded a new, became a well peopled City, and was made a Corporation. And most certain it is out of the king's Records, that king Stephen granted it unto his son William for his Appennage, as they term it, or inheritance. Out of whose hands King Henry the Second shortly after wrested it by composition and kept it for himself: And albeit his Son Henry, called the younger King, when he aspired ambitiously to the kingdom, had made a large promise thereof unto Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk whom he had drawn to side with him. At which time Bigod taking part with the young King, who could not contain his hope of the Kingdom within the bounds of duty and equity, most grievously afflicted and oppressed this City: and then as it is thought re-edified that Castle standing within the very City upon an high hill near unto the Cathedral Church, which being compassed with a ditch of a wonderful depth seemed in those days impregnable. Which notwithstanding, Lewis the Frenchman, with whom the seditious Barons of England combined against King John, won it easily by Siege. Now, that Bigod re-edified this Castle I verily believe, because I have seen Lions Salient engraven there in a Stone after the same form that the Bigods used in times passed in their Seals: of whom also there was one that in his Seal used a Crosse. These things fell out in the first age (we may say) of Norwich. But in the age next ensuing, it increased mightily and flourished, by reason that the Citizens grew to be passing wealthy, who exhibited a supplication in the Parliament house unto King Edward the First, that they might be permitted to wall their City about, which they afterwards performed to the exceeding great strengthening and honour thereof. They obtained moreover of King Richard the Second, that the Worsted made there might be transported: and in the year 1403. king Henry the fourth granted that they might choose every year a Major in stead of their Bailiffs, which before were the principal Magistrates. They built likewise a passing fair Town-house in the very midst of the City near unto the Mercat-place, which on certain set days is furnished exceeding well with all things necessary for man's life. And verily much beholden it is unto the * Or Dutchmen of the Low countries. Netherlanders, that being weary of Duke de Alba his cruelty, and hating the bloody Inquisition, repaired hither in great numbers and first brought in the making and trade of says, bays, and other stuffs now much in use. But why should I stand long upon these things, when as Alexander Nevil a Gentleman well borne and very learned hath notably described all these matters, together with the story of their Bishops, the orderly succession of their Magistrates, and the furious outrage of that most villainous Rebel Ke● against this City? This only will I add, that in the year 1583. the Citizens conveyed water out of the River through pipes by an artificial Instrument or water-forcer up into the highest places of the City. here I may justly commence an action both against Polydore Virgil an Italian, and also against Angelus Capellus a Frenchman, and put them to their answer before the Tribunal of venerable Antiquity, why they have avouched that the ancient ORDOVICES, who be seated, as it were in another world, inhabited this Norwich. I would have the same merry action also against our Country man D. Caius, but that I know for certain that the good old man, right learned though he were, was blinded in this point with the natural love of this his own native Country. Neither have I more to say of Norwich unless it may please you to run over these Verses of Master john jonston a Scottish-Britan written of the same. Vrbs speciosa situ, nitidis pulcherrima tectis, Grata peregrinis, delitiosa suis. Bellorum sedes, trepido turbante tumultu, Tristia Neustriaco sub duce damna tulit. Victis dissidijs, postquam caput ardua coelo Extulit, immensis crevit opima opibus. Cultus vincit opes, & cultum gratia rerum, Quam benè? si luxus non comitetur opes. Omnia sic adeò sola haec sibi sufficit, ut si for'rs regno desit, haec caput esse queat. A City seated daintily, most fair built she is known, Pleasing and kind to Strangers all, delightful to her own. The seat of war whiles civil stirs and tumults yet remained, In William the Normans days, she grievous loss sustained, These broils and jars once past, when as her head aloft again She bore, in richness infinite and wealth she grew amain. Her Port exceeds that wealth, and things all superfine, this Port How happy were it, if excess with such wealth did not sort. So all sufficient in herself, and so complete is she, That if need were, of all the Realm the Mistress she might be. From Norwich, the River You're having entertained other beackes and brooks as guests, yet all under his own name, passeth on still with many winding crooks very full of the fishes called Ruffs, A Ruff. De Rariorum animatium, Historia. which name because in English it soundeth like to Rough, D. Caius named it aptly in Latin Aspredo, that is, Rough. For, it is all the body over, rough and hath very sharp and pricky fins: it delighteth in sandy places; for shape and bigness like unto a Perch; in colour brown and duskish above, but palish yellow beneath: marked by the chaws with a double course of half-circles: the eye for the upper half of it of a dark brown, for the neither somewhat yellowish like delayed gold, the ball and sight thereof black. This special mark by it self it hath, that there is a line goeth along the back, and fastened to the body (as it were) with an overthwart thread, all to bespotted over the tail and fins with black speckes: which fins when the fish is angry stand up and bristle stiff and strong: but when the anger is allayed they fall flat again. The meat of this Ruff resembleth that of the Perch, much commended for wholesomeness; and for eating tender and short. * When Y●re is gone past Claxton, where there stands a Castlet built round, which Sir Thomas Gawdy knight Justice of the Common Pleas of late repaired, it receiveth a brook which passeth by nothing memorable but Halles-hall, Halles-hall. and that only memorable for his ancient Owner Sir james Hobart Attorney General and of the Privy Counsel to King Henry the Seventh (by him dubbed Knight at such time as he created Henry his son Prince of Wales) who by building from the ground the fair Church at Loddon being his Parish Church, Hobart. Saint Olaves bridge over Waveney that divideth Norfolk and Suffolk, the causeway thereby, and other works of piety, deserved well of the Church, his Country, and the Commonweal, and planted three houses of his own Issue, out of the second whereof Sir Henry Hobart his great Grandchild now likewise Attorney General to King james is lineally descended. Now You're approaching nearer to the Sea, Garieni● Ostium. Yarmouth. runneth down Southward, that so it may shed itself more gently into the salt sea waves, and thereby maketh a little languet of land like a tongue thrust out, which itself of one side watereth, and the Sea on the other beateth upon. On this languet I saw standing in a most open plain shore, Yarmouth, in the English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Yares-mouth, a very convenient Haven, and as fair a Town, beautifully built and passing well fenced both by the natural strength of the place and also by the skilful industry of man's Art. For although it be environed almost round with Water, on the West side with the River which hath a Drawer Bridge over it, and from other Parts with the Ocean, unless it be Northward where there is firm land: yet is it in most sightly manner enclosed with a good strong wall, which together with the River make a square form of four sides, but somewhat long: upon which wall, beside Towers, there is cast a mount toward the East, from whence the great Pieces of Ordnance use to thunder and flash all about into the Sea under it, which is scarce 60. paces off. It hath indeed but one Church, yet the same is very large, having a passing high spire steeple to adorn it, built by Herbert Bishop of Norwich hard by the North gate: under which are to be seen the foundations brought above ground of a goodly piece of work to enlarge the same. Garianon●●. That this was that old Town GARIANONUM, where, in times past, the Stablesian Horsemen kept their standing watch and ward against the barbarous enemies, I dare not affirm; neither do I think that Garianonum was where Caster is now (in times past the fair seat of Sir john Fastolfe, a most martial knight, and now appertaining to the Paston) albeit it is much celebrated among the Inhabitants for the antiquity thereof, and the fame goeth that the River youare had another mouth or passage into the Sea under it. But, as I am persuaded that GARIANONUM stood at Burgh-castle in Suffolk, which is on the other bank about two miles off, so I am easily induced to think, that both Yarmouth arose out of the ruins thereof, and also that the said Caster was one of the Roman Forts, placed also upon the mouth of You're, that now is stopped up. For, like as the * Caurus. North Western Wind doth play the Tyrant upon Holland over against it, and by drift of Shelves and Sand-heapes hath choked the midst of the Rhene-mouthes: even so the * Aquilo. North-East Winde afflicteth and annoyeth this Coast, and driveth the sand on heaps, so as it may seem to have dammed up this mouth also. Neither will it be prejudicial to the Truth, if I should name our Yarmouth, GARIANONUM, being so near adjoining as it is, unto the old Garianonum: considering that Gorienis the River, whence it took the name, having now changed his channel, entereth into the main Sea a little beneath this Town, which it hath also given name unto: For, I must needs confess, that this our Yarmouth is of later memory. For, when that ancient Garianonum aforesaid was decayed, and there was no Garrison to defend the Shore, Cerdicus the Saxon. Cerdick sand. Cerdick a warlike Saxon landed here (whereupon the Inhabitants at this day call the place Cerdick-sand, and the Writers of Histories, Cerdick-shore) and after he had made sore war upon the Iceni, took Sea and sailed from hence into the West parts, where he erected the Kingdom of the West Saxons. And not long after, the Saxons in stead of Garianonum, founded a new Town in that moist and waterish ground, near the West side of the River and named it Yarmouth: But finding the Situation thereof not to be healthful, they betook themselves to the other side of the River called then of the same Cerdicke, Cerdick-sand, and built this new Town, in which there flourished in King Edward the Confessor his days 70. Burgesses, William Worcester. as we find recorded in the * doomsday book. Notitia of England. After this, about the year of our Redemption 1340. the Townsmen strengthened it with a wall, and in short space it grew so rich and puissant, that oftentimes in seafights they set upon their neighbours of Lestoffe, yea and the * Portuenses. Portmen, for so termed they the Inhabitants of the Cinque Ports, not without much blood shed on both sides. For they were most spitefully bend against them, haply for being excluded out of the number of the Cinque Ports, and deprived of these privileges which old Garianonum or Yarmouth, and their Ancestors, enjoyed under the * Lieutenant. Comes of the Saxon Shore in elder times. But this their stoutness was repressed at length and taken down by the King's Authority: or as some think, their lusty courage became abated by that most grievous and lamentable plague, which in one year, within this one little Town brought 7000. to their graves. The which is witnessed by an ancient Latin Chronographicall Table hanging up in the Church, wherein are set down also their wars with the Portmen and Lestoffians aforesaid. Since that time, their hearts have not been so haughty, nor their wealth so great, Herting. to make them bold: howbeit painfully they follow the trade of Merchandise, and taking of * Halecum. Herrings (which the learned think to be Chalcides and Leucomaewides) a kind of fish more plentiful here than in any other Coast of the world again. For, it may seem incredible how great a Fair, and with what resort of people, is holden here at the Feast of Saint Michael, and what store of Herrings and other fish is then bought and sold. Portuenses. At which time, they of the Cinque Ports abovesaid by an old order and custom, appoint their Bailiffs, Commissioners, and send them hither, who, that I may speak out of their own Patent or Commission, together with the Magistrates of this Town, during the time of the free Fair, hold a Court, for matters concerning the Fair, do execute the King's justice, and keep the King's peace. As for the Haven below the Town, it is very commodious both for the inhabitants, and for Norwich-men also: but for fear that it should be barred and stopped up, they wrestle as it were, to their great cost and charges, with the main Sea: which to make them amends and to restore what it hath eaten and swallowed up elsewhere in this Shore, hath by heaping of earth and sand together, cast up here of late a pretty Island. The river Thyrn. At this mouth also, another River, which some call Thyrn sheddeth itself together with You're into the sea: This River springing up near unto Holt a town so called of an Holt or tuft of trees, and for the Mercat well known, running about five miles distant from You're, Blickling. holdeth on a joint course a great way and keepeth pace with him, by Blickling, Ailesham. now the seat of the ancient Family of Clere who in former times dwelled at Ormesby; * and by Ailesham a Mercat Town of good resort, where the Earl of Athole in Scotland had lands not far from Worsted, Worsted. Worsted Stuffe. whereas I read, the Stuff Worsted, in so great request amongst our Ancestors, was first made; and hence so named, as Dornicks, Cameric, Calcutta, etc. had in like manner their denomination from the places where they were first invented, Saint Benet's in the Holm. and made. Then passeth Thyrn near the decayed great abbey called Saint Benet in the Holm: which Knut the Dane built, and the Monks afterward so strengthened with most strong walls and bulwarks, that it seemed rather a Castle than a Cloister. In so much, that William the Conqueror could not win it by assault, until a Monk betrayed it into his hands upon this condition, that himself might be made Abbot thereof. Which was done accordingly: but forthwith, this new Abbot for being a Traitor, (as the Inhabitants make report) was hanged up by the King's commandment, and so justly punished for this treason. But the ground in this Island or Holme is so fenny and rotten, that if a man cut up the strings and roots of trees, and shrubs there growing, it floateth aloft on the water, and is ready to follow one whither he will have it. And some there be who think, by the Perwinkles and Cocles that other while are digged up there; that the Sea had broken in thither. Ludham. Clipsby. From thence runneth this River down by Ludham, an house of the Bishops of Norwich, and by Clipsby, which gave name to a Family of ancient note in his Tract, and straightway uniteth his own stream with the You're. From the mouth of You're the shore goeth directly (as it were) North, to Winterton a point or cape very well known to Sailors, which took that name, I suppose, of the cold and winterly Situation. For, it lieth full upon the Ocean, the father of winds and cold, A most fat and battle ground. who with exceeding violence rusheth against the banks and piles that are opposed against him. Howbeit, the Country adjoining round about, in many men's opinion hath the fattest Soil and softest mould of any country in all England, as which asketh least labour, and yieldeth most fruit. For, with a silly jade, (as Pliny writeth of Bizacium in Africa) and a poor old woman at one side of the yoke drawing the plough, it is easily broken up, and eared. From Winterton immediately the shore turning Westward, the sea retireth, without any bearing out in manner at all, along a flat and low coast, as far as to Eccles, which is almost overflowed and drowned with the Ocean. Bronholme. From thence it carrieth an higher shore, by Bronholme sometime a Priory founded and enriched by G. Glanvill, and seated upon the sharp top of an hill, the Cross whereof our ancestors had in holy reverence, * I know not for what miracles. Next it is Paston a small townlet which yet hath given surname to a Family grown great, Paston. Gimmingham. both in Estate and alliance, since they matched with an Heiress of Beary and Maultbye. Not far hence is Gimmingham, which with other Manors, John Earl of Warren and Surrie gave in times passed to Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and by Cromer where the neighbour Inhabitants with great expense went about to make an Havenet, but to small purpose, the Ocean so furiously played the Tyrant and made resistance. Wauburne▪ Thence the Shore runneth forth to Wauburne-hope; a Creek fortified in our time, so called of Wauburne a little Town, unto which by the intercession of Oliver de Bordeaux, King Edward the Second granted the Liberty of keeping a Mercat: Blackney. Next unto it is Clay, and over against it with a little River running between, Blackney, 1321. our Country man Bale calleth it Nigeria, a famous House of Carmelite Friars in this late age afore going, John Baconthorp. built by Sir Robert de Roos, Sir Robert Bacon, and John Bret: out of which came John Baconthorp, so named of the place of his nativity, (which now is the habitation of the Heidons, an ancient Race of Knight's degree) A man in that age of such variety and depth withal of excellent learning, that he was had in exceeding great admiration among the Italians, and commonly called The Resolute Doctor. The Resolute Doctor. Whence it is, that Paulus Pansa thus writeth of him. If thy mind stand to enter into the secret power of the Almighty and most merciful God, no man hath written of his Essence more exactly. If any man desireth to learn the causes of things, or the effects of Nature; if he wish to know the sundry motions of Heaven, and the contrary qualities of the Elements, this man offereth himself as a store-house to furnish him: The Armour of Christian Religion, of better proof and defence than those of Vulcan's making against the jews, this resolute Doctor alone hath delivered, etc. When you are past Wauburne, the Coast lieth more low and flat, as far as to Saint Edmund's Point, cut through and distinguished with many a rillet, and hardly defended from the injury of the Sea by heaps of sand which they use to call Meals, Meals o● Miles. opposed against it. More within the Country is Walsingham scarce four miles from hence: Walsingham. whereupon it is that of the vicinity unto the Sea Erasmus calleth it Parathalassia. Very famous now is this Village by reason of the best Saffron growing there: but of late time as much renowned through all England for a Pilgrimage to our Lady the Virgin Mary: whom he who had not in that former Age visited and presented with offerings, was reputed irreligious. But this shall Erasmus an eyewitness describe in his own very words. Not far from the Sea, (saith he) about four miles, there standeth a Town living almost of nothing else but upon the resort of Pilgrims. There is a College of Canons, Regulares. yet such, as unto whom the Latinists have given the addition of Regulares, a middle kind betwixt Monks and those Canons whom they term Secular: This College hath scarce any other Revenues than from the liberality of the said Virgin. For certain of the greater Presents and Oblations are laid up and preserved. But if there be any money offered or ought else, of small value, that goeth unto the maintenance of the Covent, and their Head or Precedent, whom they call Prior. The Church is fair and neat; yet in it the Virgin dwelleth not: that honour forsooth, she hath done unto her Son: she hath her Church by herself, but so, as that she may be on the right hand of her Son. Neither doth she dwell here for all this, for why, the Building is not yet finished, and the place hath a through light and air on all sides, with open doors and wide open windows; the Ocean Sea withal, the father and foster of winds is hard by. In that Church, which I said was unfinished, there is a small Chapel, but all of wood, whereinto on either side at a narrow and little Door are such admitted as come with their Devotions and Offerings. Small light there is in it, and none other in manner but by tapers or wax-candles, yielding a most dainty and pleasant smell. Nay if you look into it, you would say it were the Habitation of heavenly Saints indeed, so bright shining it is all over with precious Stones, with Gold and Silver. But within the memory of our fathers, when King Henry the Eighth had set his mind and eye both, upon the Riches and Possessions of Churches, all this vanished quite away. Touching Walsingham, I have nothing else to say more, but that the Family of the Walsinghams', Knights (as they will have it that curiously search after Genealogies) fetched first their name and Original from hence: Out of which house flourished that Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary unto Queen Elizabeth, a man as of deep insight, so also of as rare and painful industry in the weightiest affairs of the Realm. Houghton. The Neirfords. But hard by it at Houghton, flourished sometime the noble Family of the Neirfords, who by matching in marriage with * Petronillae Va●lx. Parnel de Vallibus (who had about Holt, Cley, and elsewhere a goodly Inheritance) was greatly enriched. But now let us look back again to the Shore. near unto Walsingham Westward, upon the Sea side, was that ancient Town BRANNODUNUM, Brannodunum. where when the Saxons first molested Britain with their Invasions, The Dalmatian Horsemen lay in Garrison under the Lieutenant of the Saxon Shore. But now it is a country Village, retaining nought but the remains of that name, and showing a Trench and Rampire (the neighbour Inhabitants call it the Castle) that containeth within it a plot of ground much about eight Acres, and is named Brancaster, Brancastor. where pieces of Roman money are many times gotten out of the earth. Very commodiously was there a Garrison planted in this place: for at S. Edmund's Chapel near adjoining, Hunstanton. and Hunstanton, built by that holy King Saint Edmund, the coast draweth back into the South, and so admitteth a larger creek for the Sea to enter into, lying open for Pirates, into which many Rivers also do void themselves. As for Hunstanton, it is to be remembered in this regard, if there were nothing else, Le Strange. for that it hath been the Habitation of the Family of Le Strange, Knights by degree, ever since that in the Reign of Edward the Second, john Baron Le Strange of Knockin, gave the same unto Hamon his younger Brother. The catching of Hawks, and the plentiful fishing, the jet and Amber also found oftentimes in this Shore I wittingly omit, seeing that there is great store of these things else where along this Tract. Sharnborn. Yet Sharnborn in this Coast is not to be omitted both for that Foelix the Burgundian who brought these East Englishmen to the Christian Faith and state of perpetual Felicity, Foelix a Bishop. built in this place the second Church of Christians in this Country (for the first, he founded at Babingley where he landed) as also because it is verily thought and that by the faithful testimony of old deeds and evidences, that an old Englishman Lord of this place before the coming of the Normans, by virtue of sentence given judicially in open Court by William Conqueror himself, recovered this Lordship against Warren, unto whom the Conqueror had given it. Which argument they enforce hard, who would prove that the said William entered upon the Possession of England by Covenant and agreement, and not by right of war and Conquest. The Washeses. Mecaru Aestuarium. The foresaid Creek or Bay, our Country men call the Washeses, Ptolomee termed it AESTUARIUM METARIS, haply for Malthraith, by which name the Britain's called the like Frithes and Arms of the Sea in other places: neither doth it signify among them any other thing than an Arm of the Sea uncertainly changing the channel such as this is: Upon this, where the River Ouse striveth forcibly against the Ocean, Lynne. standeth Linne, peradventure so named of the waters broad spreading; For that doth Lhyn import in the * Wel●h. British tongue. A large Town this is, encompassed with a deep trench and walls for the most part thereof, divided by two small Rivers that have fifteen bridges or thereabout over them: and although it be of no great antiquity and not long since called Linnum Episcopi, that is, Bishops Linne, because it appertained to the Bishops of Norwich, until King Henry the Eighth his days, for it had beginning out of the ruins of an elder Town which stood over against it in Marshland, and is at this day called Old Linne and Linnum Regis, that is, Kings Linne; yet by reason of the safe Haven which yieldeth most easy access, for the number also of Merchants there dwelling, and thither resorting, for the fair and the goodly houses, the wealth also of the townsmen, it is doubtless the principal town of this Shire except Norwich only. It hath likewise most large franchises and immunities, which the Inhabitants bought with their own blood of King John, whiles they took part with him and defended his quarrel, who ordained there a Major, and delivered unto them his own sword to be carried before him, yea and gave unto them a silver cup all gilt▪ which they still do keep. These their liberties being afterwards lost, they redeemed not without blood also, of King Henry the Third, when siding with him and serving under his Banner, they fought an unfortunate battle against the outlawed Lords in the Isle of Ely, as the book of Ely and Matthew Paris do both jointly witness. Over against Linne, on the farther side of the River lieth Mershland, a little moist mersh country, as the name implieth, divided and parted every where with ditches, trenches and furrows to drain and draw the waters away: a soil standing upon a very rich and fertile mould, and breeding abundance of cattle: in so much as that in a place commonly called Tilneysmeth there feed much about 30000. sheep: but so subject to the beating, and overflowing of the roaring main Sea, which very often breaketh, teareth, and troubleth it so grievously, that hardly it can be holden off with chargeable walls and works. The places of greater note in this Mershland, are these: Walpole, which the Lord of the place gave in times passed unto the Church of Ely together with his son, whom he had made a Monk there: Wigenhall, the possession of I. Howard in the Reign of Edward the First, whose Posterity spread, and became a most honourable and noble Family, whereof I have already spoken: Tilney, Tilney. whence in old time the stock of the Tilneys, Knights, took name; and Saint mary's the seat of the ancient race of the Carvils. S. mary's. Now have we passed along all the Sea-coast. As for the inner part of the Country, there are also very many Towns toward the West side, but because they be of later memory, I will briefly run them over. near to Linne upon an high hill standeth Rising-castle, almost marchable to the Castle of Norwich; the seat in times passed of the Albineys; afterwards of Robert de Monthault, by one of the sisters and coheirs of Hugh Albiney Earl of Arundel; and at last the mansion place of the Mowbrays: who, as I have learned, came out of the same house that the Albineys did. But now, after long languish, as it were, by reason of old age, the said Castle hath given up the ghost. Below it is Castle-acre, where was sometimes the habitation of the Earls of Warren, in a Castle now half down, on a little River's side: which carrying no name, ariseth not far from Godwicke a lucky good name, where there stands a small house, but greatly graced by the Lord thereof, Sir Edward Coke Knight, a man of rare endowments of nature, and as in the Common laws much practised, so of deep insight therein, which all England both took knowledge of whiles he discharged the function of Attorney General many years most learnedly, and now acknowledgeth while being Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, he administereth justice as uprightly and judiciously. Neither is he less to be remembered, for that he loveth learning, and hath well deserved of the present and succeeding ages by his learned labours. Reports. This Riveret or brook with a small stream and shallow water runneth Westward to Linne, Neirford. by Neirford, that gave name to the Family of the Neirfords famous in times past, and by Neirborrough: where near unto the house of the Spilmans, knights, upon a very high hill is to be seen a warlike Fort of passing great strength and of ancient work, so situated, as it hath a very fair prospect into the Country about it. After, upon the said Brook is seated Penteney, a pretty abbey, the ordinary burial place in ancient time of the Noblemen and Gentlemen in this Tract. near unto it lieth Wormegay, Wormegay. commonly Wrongey, which Reginald de Warren brother of William de Warren the second Earl of Surry had with his wife, of whom as I have read, the said Earl had the donation or Maritagium (as they use to speak in the law phrase) and by his son's daughter straightways it was transferred to the Bardolphs, Bardolphs' Barons. who being Barons of great nobility, flourished a long time in honourable state, and bare for their Arms Three Cinque-foiles or in a Shield Az●r, The greatest part of whose Inheritance together with the Title came to Sir William Phellips', and by his daughter passed away to the Viscount Beaumond. More Eastward are seated, Swaffham a Mercat Town of good note, sometime the Possession of the Earl of Richmond: Ashele Manor, by Tenure whereof the Hastings and Greies' Lords of Ruthin had the charge of table clothes and linen used at the solemn Coronation of the Kings of England: North Elmham, the Bishops See for a good time, when as this Province was divided into two Dioceses: Dereham, wherein Withburga King Anna's daughter was buried: whom because she was piously affected, far from all riotous excess, and wanton lightness, our Ancestors accounted for a Saint. Next unto which is Greshenhall, Greshenhall. Elsing. Folliots. and adjoining thereto Elsing, the possessions in ancient time of the Folliots, men of great worth and Dignity, which in right of dowry came by a daughter of Richard Folliot to Sir Hugh de Hastings, descended out of the Family of Abergevenny: and at length by the daughters and heirs of Hastings the last, Greshenhall aforesaid fell unto Sir Hamon le Strange of Hunstanton, and Elsing unto William Browne the brother of Sir Antony Browne the first Viscount Mount-acute. In this quarter also is Ickborrough, Ickborrough. Iciani. which Talbot supposeth to have been that ICIANI, whereof Antonine speaketh. Neither have I cause to write any more of these places. And now I think it is good time to set down the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, that I may proceed to Cambridgeshire. Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. William the Conqueror made one Raulph Governor of East-England, that is to say, of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, who forthwith gaping as I said, after an alteration and change in the State, was dispossessed of that place. After certain years, in the Reign of Stephen, Hugh Bigod was Earl of Norfolk: For, when peace was concluded between Stephen and Henry Duke of Anjou, Composition betwixt King Stephen and Henry Duke of Anjou. who became afterwards King Henry the second, by express words it was provided, that William King Stephen's son should have the whole Earldom of Norfolk, excepting among other things, The third penny of that County, whereof Hugh Bigod was Earl. Whom notwithstanding King Henry the Second created Earl again, of the third penny of Norfolk and Norwich. Who dying about the 27. year of Henry the Second, Roger his son succeeded, who, for what cause I know not, obtained at the hands of King Richard the first a new Charter of his creation: Him succeeded his son Hugh, who took to his wife Mawde the eldest daughter and one of the heirs of William marshal Earl of Pembroch. By whom he had issue one son named Roger, Earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, who at Tournament having his bones put out of joint, died without issue: and another, called Hugh Bigod Lord chief Justice of England slain in the battle of Lewis: whose son Roger succeeded his Uncle in the Earldom of Norfolk and dignity of marshal: but having incurred through his insolent contumacy the high displeasure of King Edward the First, was compelled to pass away his honours and well near his whole inheritance into the King's hands to the use of Thomas of Br●therton the King's son, whom he had begotten of his second wife Margaret sister to Philip the Fair, King of France. For thus reporteth the History, out of the Library of Saint Austin's in Canterbury. In the year 1301. Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk ordained King Edward to be his heir: and he delivered into his hands the rod of the Marshal's Office with this condition, that if his wife brought him any children, he should without all contradiction receive again all from the King and hold it peaceably as before: and the King gave unto him a 1000 pounds in money, and a thousand pound land during his life, together with the Marshalship, and the Earldom. But when he was departed this life without issue, King Edward the Second, honoured the said Thomas of Brotherton his brother, according to the conveyance aforesaid, with the Titles of Marshal and Earl of Norfolk. Parliament 21. Richard. 2. Whose daughter Margaret called Marshallesse and Countess of Norfolk wife to john Lord Segrave, king Richard the Second created in her absence Duchess of Norfolk for term of life: and the same day created Thomas Mowbray the daughter's son of the said Margaret, than Earl of Nottingham, the first Duke of Norfolk, To him and his heirs males; unto whom he had likewise granted before the State and style of Earl Martial of England. This is he, that before the king was challenged and accused by Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereford, for uttering inconsiderately certain reproachful, and derogatory words against the king. And when they were to fight a combat, at the very bar and entry of the Lists, by the voice of an Herald it was proclaimed in the king's name, That both of them should be banished, Lancaster for ten years, and Mowbray for ever: who afterwards ended his life at Venice, leaving two sons behind him in England. Of which, Thomas Earl Martial and of Nottingham, for no other Title used he, was beheaded for seditious plotting against Henry of Lancaster, who now had possessed himself of the Crown by the name of King Henry the Fourth. But his brother and heir John, who through the favour of King Henry the Fifth was raised up, and for certain years after called only Earl Martial and of Nottingham, at last in the very beginning of Henry the Sixth his Reign, Rot. Parl. 3. Hen. 6. By authority of Parliament and by virtue of the Patent granted by King Richard the Second, was declared, Duke of Norfolk, as being the son of Thomas Duke of Norfolk his father, and heir to Thomas his brother. After him succeeded John his son, who died in the first year of Edward the Fourth: and after him likewise John his son, who whiles his father lived was created by King Henry the Sixth Earl of Surry and of Warren. Whose only daughter Anne, Richard Duke of York, the young son of King Edward the Fourth took to wife, and together with her received of his father the Titles of Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial, Earl of Warren and Nottingham. But after that he and his wife both were made away in their tender years, Richard the Third, King of England conferred this Title of the Duke of Norfolk, and the dignity of Earl Martial upon John Lord Howard, who was found next cozen in blood and one of the heirs to the said Anne Duchess of York and Norfolk; as whose mother was one of the daughters of that first Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, and who in the time of King Edward the Fourth was summoned a Baron to the Parliament. This John lost his life at Bosworth field, fight valiantly in the quarrel of King Richard, against King Henry the Seventh. His son Thomas, who being by King Richard the Third created Earl of Surry, and by King Henry the Seventh made Lord Treasurer, was by King Henry the Eighth restored to the Title of Duke of Norfolk, and his son the same day created Earl of Surry: after that by his conduct, James the fourth, King of the Scots was slain, and the Scottish power vanquished at Branxton. Floddon field. In memorial of which Victory the said King granted to him and his heirs males for ever, that they should bear in the midst of the Bend in the Howards Arms, the whole half of the upper part of a Lion Geules, pierced through the mouth with an arrow, in the due colours of the Arms of the King of Scots. I translate it verbatim out of the Patent. After him succeeded his son Thomas as well in his honours, as in the Office of Lord Treasurer of England, and lived to the time of Queen Mary, tossed to and fro between the reciprocal ebbs and flows of fortune, whose grand son Thomas (by his son Henry, the first of the English Nobility that did illustrate his high birth with the beauty of learning) being attainted for purposing a marriage with Mary the Queen of Scots, See in the Adages of Hadrianus Junius, Achilleum Volume. lost his life in the year of our Lord 1572. and was the last Duke of Norfolk. Since which time his offspring lay for a good while half dead: but now watered and revived with the vital dew of King James, reflourisheth very freshly. In this Province there be Parish Churches about 660. CAMBRIDGE Comitatus quem olim ICENI Insederunt CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE. CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE, called in the English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lieth more inward, and stretched out in length Northward. On the East it butteth upon Norfolk and Suffolk, on the South upon the East-Saxons or Essexe, and Hertfordshire, on the West upon Bedford and Huntingdon shires, and Northward upon Lincolnshire: being divided into two parts by the river Ouse which crosseth it overthwart from West to East. The lower and Southpart is better manured, and therefore more plentiful, being somewhat a plain, yet not altogether level, for the most part or all of it rather (save only where it bringeth forth saffron) is laid out into corn fields, and yieldeth plentifully the best barley; of which steeped in water and lying wet therein until it spurt again, then after the said sprout is full come, dried and parched over a Kill, they make * been Malt. store of malt: By venting and sending out whereof into the neighbor-countries, the Inhabitants raise very great gain. The farther and Northern part, because it is Fennish ground, by reason of the many floods that the rivers cause, and so dispersed into Islands, is called The Isle of Ely, a tract passing green, fresh and gay by reason of most plenteous pastures: howbeit after a sort hollow, by occasion of the water that in some places secretly entereth in; yea and otherwhile when it overfloweth, surroundeth most part of it. Along the West side of the lower part runneth one of the two highways made by the Romans, (Ely book calleth it Ermingstreet) which passeth forth right to H●ntingdon through Roiston, Roiston. See in Hertfordshire, Caxton. that standeth in the very edge and entry of the Shire, a town well known, yet but of late built, whereof I have already spoken: also by Caxton, in times past the seat of the Barony of Stephen de Eschal●ers, and from whose Posterity in the reign of King Henry the Third it descended to the Frevills, and from them by the Burgoins to the jermins. Neither is Gamlinghay far distant from hence, where dwelled the Avenells, whose Inheritance came by marriage to the ancient Family of Saint George, (out of which there flourished many Knights since the time of King Henry the First) at Hatley, Hatley Saint George. which of them is called Hatley Saint George. Above Caxton before mentioned is Eltesley, where was in elder Ages a Religious house of Holy Virgins, among whom was celebrated the incertain memory of Saint Pandionia the daughter of a Scottish King, * as the tradition is. But long since they were translated to Hinchinbroke. And again above Eltesley, was the Priory of Swasey founded for black Monks by Alan la Zouch brother to the Viscount of Rohan in the Lesser Britain, and was the common Sepulture a long time for the Family of Zouch. More Westward a little river runneth through the middle of this part, which issuing down out of Ashwel, hasteneth from South to North with many turnings, to join itself with the Ouse, Shengay. A Commandery. running by Shengay (where be the goodliest meadows of this Shire) a Commandery in old time of the Knight's Templars; which Shengay, Sibyl the daughter of Roger Mont-gomery Earl of Shrewsbury, and wife of I. de Raines gave unto them in the year 1130. nor far from Burne Castle, Burne. Barones' de Burn. in ancient times the Barony of Picot Sheriff of this Shire, and of the Peverels, from whom by one of the daughters, this and other Possessions came unto Sir Gilbert Pech: the last of whose house, after he had otherwise advanced his children by his second wife, Barnwell History. The King heir to private persons. ordained King Edward the First, to be his Heir. For, in those days the Noble men of England brought into use again the custom of the Romans under their Emperors, which was to nominate them their heirs, if they were in any disfavour with their Sovereigns. But in the Baron's war in King Henry the Third his days, this Castle was burnt down, being set on fire by Ribald L' Isle: At which time Walter de Cottenham a respective person, was hanged for Rebellion. By what name writers termed this River, it is a question: some call it Granta, others Camus. And unto these I rather incline: both for that the course thereof is somewhat crooked; for, so much doth Cam in the British tongue signify, whence a certain crooked river in Cornwall is named Camel; and also because that ancient town CAMBORITUM, Camboritum. which Antonine the Emperor mentioneth in his third journey of Britain, stood upon this river as I am well near induced to believe, by the distance, by the name, and also by the pieces of Roman money found here nigh unto the bridge in great store. For, CAMBORITUM, signifieth A Fourd at Camus, or a Fourd with crooked windings. Rith what it signifieth in British and French. For Rith in our British or Welsh tongue betokeneth A Fourd, which I note to this end, that the Frenchmen may more easily perceive and see what is the meaning of Augustoritum, Darioritum, Rithomagus, and other such like in France. Howbeit the Saxons choose rather to call our Camboritum, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Grantcester. which name it keepeth still: but whence it was derived, I cannot yet see. If I should fetch it from Gron a Saxon word that signifieth a Fenny place, I might perhaps go wide: And yet Asserius termed once or twice, certain fennish and marish grounds in Somersetshire, by a mongrel name half Saxon and half Latin, Gronnas paludosissimas: and very well known it is, that a City in West Friesland, which is situate in such a ground is named Groningen. But let other hunt after the derivation of this name. About the year of Christ 700. this was a little desolate City, as saith Bede, whiles he reporteth that near unto the walls, there was found a little trough or coffin, very cunningly and finely wrought of Marble, and covered most fitly with a lid of the like stone. But now a small Village it is: one part whereof Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln gave unto his base son Henry, with this condition, that his sons and their posterity (which a good while since be clean worn out) should have no other Christian name but Henry: the other part, Henry the six King of England coming out of the house of Lancaster, into whose hands the Patrimony of Earl Lacie fell, granted unto the King's College in Cambridge: Cambridge. which was either a part or else a plant of that ancient Camboritum, so near it cometh unto it both in situation and name. Neither can I easily believe, that Grant was turned into Cam; for this might seem a deflexion some what too hardly strained, wherein all the letters but one are quite swallowed up. I would rather think that the common people retained the term of the ancient name of Camboritum or of the river Cam, although writers used more often the Saxon name Grantbridge. This City which being the other University of England, the other eye, the other strong-stay, as it were, thereof, and a most famous Mart and store-house of good Literature and Godliness, standeth upon the river Cam, which after it hath in sporting wise besprinkled the West side thereof with many Islets, turning into the East, divideth it into two parts, and hath a Bridge over it, whence arose this latter name Cambridge. Beyond the bridge is seen a large and ancient Castle, which seemeth now to have lived out his full time, nigh Maudlin College. On this side the Bridge, where standeth the greatest part by far of the City, you have a pleasant sight every where to the eye, what of fair streets orderly ranged, what of a number of Churches, and of sixteen Colleges, sacred mansions of the Muses, wherein a number of great learned men are maintained, and wherein the knowledge of the best Arts, and the skill in tongues so flourish, that they may be rightly counted the fountains of Literature, Religion, and all Knowledge whatsoever, who right sweetly bedew and sprinkle, with most wholesome waters the gardens of the Church and Commonwealth through England. Neither is there wanting any thing here, that a man may require in a most flourishing University, were it not that the air is somewhat unhealthful arising as it doth out of a fenny ground hard by. And yet peradventure they that first founded an University in that place, allowed of Plato's judgement. For, he being of a very excellent and strong constitution of body chose out the Academia, an unwholesome place of Attica, for to study in, that so the superfluous rankness of body which might overly the mind, might be kept under by the distemperature of the place. Nevertheless, for all this, our forefathers, men of singular wisdom dedicated this place, and not without divine direction unto learned Studies, and beautified it with notable works and buildings. And lest we should seem in the worst-kinde unthankful to those singular Patrons of learning, or rather that I may use the words of Eumenius, toward the Parents of our Children: Colleges. let us summarily rehearse both themselves, and the Colleges also which they founded and consecrated to good Literature, to their honourable memory, and that out of the Cambridge Story. The report goeth, that Cantaber a Spaniard, 375. years before the Nativity of Christ, first began and founded this University: Also that Sebert King of the East-Angles restored it again in the year after Christ's birth, 630. Afterwards being other while overthrown and destroyed with the Danish storms, John Caius. it lay a long time forlorn and of no account, until all began to revive under the Normans government. And not long after, Inns, Hostels and Halles were built for Scholars, howbeit endowed with no possessions. But Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely, in the year 1284. built the first College called Peter-house, and endowed it with Lands: whose example these ensuing did imitate and follow: Richard Badew with the good help and furtherance of Lady Elizabeth Clare Countess of Ulster, in the year 1340. founded Clare Hall: Lady Mary S. Paul Countess of Pembroch in the year 1347. Pembroch Hall: The Guild or Society of Corpus Christi Brethren, Corpus Christi College, which is called also S. Bennet College: William Bateman Bishop of Norwich, about the year 1353. Trinity Hall: Edmund Gonevil in the year 1348. and john Caius Doctor of Physic in our time, Gonevil and Caius College: Henry the Sixth King of England erected King's College in the year 1441. whereunto he joined a Chapel, which may rightly be counted one of the fairest buildings of the whole world. His wife Margaret of Anjou, in the year 1443. built Queens College: Robert Woodlarke Professor of Divinity in the year 1459. S. Katherine's Hall: john Alcocke Bishop of Ely in the year 1497. was the founder of jesus College: Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond mother to King Henry the Seaventh, about the year 1506. erected Christ's College, and S. john's, enlarged now in goodly manner with new buildings: Sir Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor of England, in the year 1542. built Maudlin College; which Sir Christopher Wray Lord chief Justice of England hath lately bewtified with new buildings and endowed with great possessions: And that most puissant King, Henry the Eight, in the year of our salvation 1546. made Trinity College of three others, to wit, of S. Michael's House or College, which Herveie Stanton in the reign of Edward the Second built, of King's Hall founded by King Edward the Third, and of Fishwicks Hostell. Which College, that the Students might inhabit more pleasantly, is now repaired, nay rather new built, with that magnificence, by the careful direction of Thomas Nevil Doctor of Divinity, Master of the said College, and Deane of Canterbury, that it is become a College for stately greatness, for uniform building and beauty of the rooms, scarce inferior to any other in Christendom: and he himself may be accounted in the judgement even of the greatest Philosopher Truly * Decently magnificent. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for bestowing so great cost in public and not in his own private uses. Also wherein I congratulate our Age, and ourselves in the behalf of good learning, that honourable and prudent man Sir Walter Mildmay knight, one of the Privy Counsel to Queen Elizabeth, who founded a new College in the honour of Emanuel: and Lady Francis Sidneie Countess of Sussex, in her last will gave a Legacy of 5000. pounds to the building of a College that should be called Sidney-Sussex, which is now fully finished. I let pass here little Monasteries and Religious houses because they were of small note, Barnewell. unless it were Barnewell Abbey, which Sir Pain Peverell a worthy and valiant warrior, Standard-bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy in the holy War against Infidels, translated, in the reign of Henry the first, from S. Giles Church, where Picot the Sheriff had ordained secular Priests, Historia Barnewallensis. unto this place, and brought into it thirty Monks, Historia Barnwellensis. for that himself at that time was thirty years of Age. The reason of that name Barnewell, you may read if it please you, out of the private History of that place, in these words: * Paganut. Sir pain Peverell obtained of King Henry the First, a certain plot of ground without the Burgh of Cambridge: Out of the very midst of that place there sprung up certain Fountains very pure and lively, which in English they called Barnewell in those days, as one would say the wells of Barnes, that is, Children; For that Boys and Youths meeting once a year there on the Even of Saint john Baptists Nativity, after the English manner exercised themselves in wrestling and other sports and pastimes befitting their age, yea and merrily applauded one another with songs and minstrelsy. Whence it came, that for the number of Boys and Girls running thither and there playing, grew to be a custom, that on the sudden a multitude of buyers and sellers repaired thither. Neither was Cambridge, (albeit it was consecrated to the Muses) altogether free from the furies of Mars. For, when the Danes robbed and spoilt up and down, many times they wintered here: and in the year of Redemption 1010. when Sueno the Dane, by most cruel and terrible tyranny, bore down all before him, they spared not the honour of the place, nor the Muses, (which we read that Sylla yet did at Athens) but pitifully burnt and defaced it all. Nevertheless at the first coming in of the Normans, it was sufficiently peopled. For, thus we read in the doomsday book of King William the Conqueror. The Burrow of Grentbridge is divided into ten Wards, and hath 387. Mansion houses. But eighteen houses were destroyed for building of the Castle, what time, as the said King William the First determined to over-awe the English every where (whom lately he had conquered) with Castles, as it were with bridles of servitude. Afterwards in the Baron's war, it sustained great loss by the outlawed Barons out of the Isle of Ely: therefore Henry the Third to repress their outrages caused a deep ditch to be cast on the East side, which is still called Kings ditch. Here happily there is a secret expectation of some, that I should give mine opinion as touching the antiquity of this University. But I will be no dealer in this case: For, I mean not to make comparison between these two most flourishing Universities of ours, to whom I know none equal. Howbeit I fear me, they have builded Castles in the Air, and thrust upon us devices of their own brains; who extolling the antiquity thereof far above any probability of truth, have written that this Cantaber of Spain straight after Rome was built, and many years before the Nativity of Christ erected this University. True and certain it is, that whensoever it was first ordained, it was a seat of learning about the time of King Henry the First. For, thus we read in an old Additament of Peter Blessensis unto Ingulph. Abbot joffred sent over to his Manor of Cotenham near Cambridge, Joffred made Abbot of Crowland. Anno 1109. Gislebert his fellow Monk, and professor of Divinity, with three other Monks: who following him into England, being throughly furnished with Philosophical Theorems, and other primitive sciences, repaired daily to Cambridge: and having hired a certain public Barn, made open profession of their sciences, and in short space of time drew together a great number of Scholars. But in the second year after their coming, the number of their Scholars grew so great, as well from out of the whole Country as the Town; that the biggest house and barn that was, or any Church whatsoever sufficed not to receive them all. Studium Aurelianense. Whereupon sorting themselves apart in several places, and taking the University of Orleans for their pattern, early in the morning, Monk Odo a singular Grammarian and Satirical Poet read Grammar unto Boys and those of the younger sort assigned unto him, according to the Doctrine of Priscian and of Remigius upon him. At one of the clock, Terricus a most witty and subtle Sophister taught the elder sort of young men, Aristotle's Logic, after the Introductions of Porphyry and the Comments of Averro. At three of the clock Monk William read a Lecture in Tully's Rhetoric and Quintilians Flores: But the great Master Gislebert, upon every Sunday, and Holidays, preached GOD'S Word unto the People. And thus out of this little Fountain, which grew to be a great River, we see how the City of GOD now is become enriched, and all England made fruitful, by means of very many Masters and Teachers proceeding out of Cambridge, in manner of the Holy Paradise, etc. But at what time it became an University by authority, Robert de Remington shall tell you. Under the Reign (saith he) of Edward the First, Grantbridge of a School was made an University (such as Oxenford is) by the Court of Rome. But what mean I thus unadvisedly to step into these lists? Wherein long since two most learned old men have encountered one with another: Unto whom verily, as to right learned men I am willing to yield up my weapons, and veil bonnet with all reverence. The Meridian line cutting the Zenith just over Cambridge, is distant from the furthest West point twenty three degrees, and twenty five scruples. And the Arch of the same Meridian lying between the Aequator and Vertical point, is fifty two degrees and II. scruples. Cam from Cambridge continuing his course by Waterbeach an ancient seat of Nuns, * which Lady Mary S. Paul translated from thence to Denny somewhat higher but nothing healthfuller, when in a low ground he hath spread a Mere, associateth himself with the River Ouse. But to return hard under Cambridge Eastward near unto Stir a little brook is kept every year in the month of September, Stourbridge Fair. the greatest Fair of all England, whether you respect the multitude of buyers and sellers resorting thither, or the store of commodities there to be vented. Hard by whereas the way was most cumbrous and troublesome to passengers to and fro, that right good and praiseworthy man G. Hervy Doctor of the Civil Law and M. of Trinity Hall in Cambridge, made not long since with great charges but of a Godly and laudable intent a very fair raised Causey, for three miles or thereabout in length toward Neumercat. near unto Cambridge on the Southeast side, there appear aloft certain high Hills; Gogmagog Hills. the Students call them Gogmagog-Hills: Henry of Huntingdon termed them Amoenissima montana de Balsham, that is, The most pleasant Mountains of Balsham, by reason of a little Village standing beneath them, wherein as he writeth, the Danes left no kind of most savage cruelty unattempted. On the top of these hills I saw a Fort entrenched, A Military Fort. and the same very large, strengthened with a threefold Rampire: an hold surely in those days inexpugnable, as some skilful men in feats of War be of opinion, were it not that water is so far off. Gervase of Tilbury seemeth to call it Vandelbiria. Beneath Cambridge (saith he) there was a place named Vandelbiria, for that the Vandals wasting the parts of Britain, Wandlesbury. with cruel slaughter of Christians, there encamped themselves: where upon the very top of the hill they pitched their Tents; there is a Plain enclosed round with a Trench and Rampire, which hath entrance into it but in one place as it were at a Gate. Touching the Martial spectre, or spirit that walked here, which he addeth to the rest, because it is but a mere toyish and fantastical devise of the doting vulgar sort; I willing overpass it. For it is not my purpose to tell pleasant tales, and tickle ears. In the Vale under these hills is Salston to be seen, Salston. which from the Burges of Burgh-Green, by Walter De-la-pole and Ingalthorp, came unto Sir john Nevil marquis Mont-acute, and by his daughter and one of his heirs to the Hudlestons, who have lived here in worship and reputation. More Eastward, first we meet with Hildersham, belonging sometimes to the Bustlers and now by marriage to the Parises: Horsheath. Further hard by the Woods, is Horsheath situate; the Possession whereof is known by a long descent to have pertained unto the ancient Families of the Argentons and Alingtons, See in Hertfordshire. of whom elsewhere I have written, and is now the habitation of the Alingtons. Adjoining hereunto is Castle Camps, Castle Camps the ancient seat also of the Veres Earls of Oxford, which Hugh Vere held (as the old book of Inquisition Records) That he might be the King's Chamberlain: whereas notwithstanding most true it is, that Henry the First King of England granted unto Aubry de Vere that Office in these words: Magistra Cameraria Angliae. Lord Great Chamberlain. The principal Chamberlaineship of all England in Fee and Inheritance, with all the Dignities, Liberties, and Honours thereto belonging, as freely and honourably, as Robert Mallet held the same, etc. The Kings notwithstanding ordained sometimes one, and sometimes another at their pleasure to execute this Office. The Earls of Oxford also, * Inq. 6. E. 2. that I may note it incidently, by the heir of R. Sandford held the Manors of Fingrey and Wulfelmelston by Serjeanty of Chamberlainship to the Queens at the Coronation of the Kings. Ditches. Not far from hence are seen here and there those great and long Ditches which certainly the East Angles did cast, to restrain the Mercians, who with sudden inroads were wont most outrageously to make havoc of all before them. The first of these beginneth at Hinkeston, runneth Eastward by Hildersham toward Horsheath, about five miles in length. The second near unto this, called Brentditch goeth from Melborne by Fulmer. Where D. Hervies causeway which I mentioned, endeth, there appeareth also a third forefence or ditch cast up in old time: which beginning at the East bank of the river Cam, reacheth directly by Fenn-Ditton, or more truly Ditch-ton (so called of the very Ditch) between great Wilberham and Fulburn, as far as to Balsham. At this day this is called commonly Seven mile Dyke, because it is seven miles from Newmercate: in times past, Fleamdyke. Fleam-Dyke in old English, that is, Flight-Dyke, of some memorable flight there, as it seemeth. At the said Wilberham sometimes called Wilburgham, dwelled in times past the Barons Lisle of * De Rubeo monte. Rong-mount, De Insula. men of ancient nobility: of whom John, for his Martial prowess was by King Edward the Third ranged among the first founders of the order of the Garter: and of that Family there yet remaineth an heir Male, a reverend old Man and full of Children, named Edmund Lisle, who is still Lord of this place. More East from hence five miles within the Country, is to be seen the fourth forefence or ditch, the greatest of all the rest, with a rampire thereto; which the common people wondering greatly at, as a work made by Devils and not by men, use to call Devils-Dyke: Devil's Dyke. others, Rech-Dyke, of reach a little market town, where it beginneth. This is doubtless that, whereof Abbo Floriacensis when he describeth the sight of East England, writeth thus. From that part whereas the Sun inclineth Westward, the Province itself adjoineth to the rest of the Island, and is therefore passable: but for fear of being overrun with many invasions and inroads of enemies, it is fortified in the front with a bank or rampire like unto an huge wall, and with a Trench or Ditch below in the ground. This for many miles together cutteth overthwart that Plain which is called Newmarket-heath, where it lay open to incursions, beginning at reach: above which the Country is fenny, and therefore impassable: and it endeth ne'er to Cowlidge, where the passage by reason of woods was more cumbersome. And it was the limit as well of the Kingdom, as of the Bishopric of the East Angles. Who was the author of so great a piece of work, it is uncertain. Some later writers say it was King Canutus the Dane: Abbo died anno. 1003. Canutus began his reign Anno. 1018. Anno. 905. whereas notwithstanding the said Abbo made mention of it, who died before that Canutus obtained the Kingdom of England: and the Saxon Chronicle, where it relateth the rebellion of Athelwolph against King Edward the Elder, calleth it simply Dyke; and showeth, That King Edward laid waste whatsoever lieth between the Dyke and the river Ouse, as far as to the North Fens: also that Aethelwold the rebel, and Eohric the Dane, were at that time slain there in battle. But they who wrote since Canutus' times, termed it, Saint Edmund's limit, and Saint Edmunds Dyke; and verily think, that King Canutus cast it up, who being most devoted to Saint Edmund the Martyr granted unto the religious Monks of Saint Edmunds Bury (for to make satisfaction for the wicked cruelty of Swan his father wrought upon them) very great immunities, even as far as to this Dyke: whence it is, that William of Malmesbury in his book Of Bishops writeth thus, The Customers and Toll gatherers, which in other places make foul work and outrage, without respect or difference of right and wrong, there in humble manner on this side Saint Edmunds Dike, surcease their quarrels and brawls. And certain it is that these two forefences last named were called Saint Edmund's Dykes. For Matthew Florilegus hath recorded that the said battle against Aethelwolph, was fought between the two Dykes of Saint Edmund. Burwell. Near unto reach, standeth Burwel, a Castle in later times of the Lord Tiptoft, which in those most troublesome times of King Stephen Geffrey Mandevill Earl of Essex, who by violent invasion of other men's possessions lost much honour, valiantly assaulted: until that being shot through the head with an arrow, he delivered those countries from the fear they had stood in a long time. Scarce two miles off, Lanheath. stands Lanheath, where for these many years the Cottons, right worshipful Gentlemen of Knight's degree have dwelled: Wicken. From which Wicken is not far distant, * which came to the Family of the Peytons by a daughter and coheir of the Gernons about Edward the Thirds time, Isleham. Peyton. as afterward Isleham descended to them by a coheir of Bernard in Henry the Sixth's time, which Knightly Family of Peytons flowered out of the same Male-stocke, whence the ufford Earls of Suffolk descended, as appeareth by their Coat-armour, albeit they assumed the surname of Peyton according to the use of that age, from their Manor of Peyton-hall in Boxford in the County of Suffolk. Upon the same Dyke also, Kirtling. Barons North. is seated Kirtling, called likewise Catlidge, famous in these days by reason of the principal house of the Baron's North; since Queen Marry honoured Sir Edward North, with that title for his wisdom: but in times past it was famous for a Synod held there, 977. what time as the Clergy men were at hot strife among themselves about the celebration of the feast of Easter. The higher and Northerly part of this Shire is wholly divided into river Isles: The Fens and Isle of Ely. and being distinguished by many Ditches, Channels and Drains, with a pleasant green hue all Summer time contenteth the eyes of the beholders: but in Winter wholly in manner over-covered with water, farther every way than a man is able to ken, resembleth in some sort a very Sea. They that inhabited this fennish Country and all the rest beside, (which from the edge and borders of Suffolk, as far as to Wainflet in Lincolnshire containeth threescore and eight miles, and millions of acres lying in these four Shires, Cambridge, Huntingdon, North-hampton and Lincoln) were in the Saxons time called Girvii, Girvi●. that is, as some interpret it, Fen-men or Fen-dwellers. A kind of people according to the nature of the place where they dwell rude, uncivil, and envious to all others whom they call Vpland-men: who stalking on high upon stilts, apply their minds, to grazing, fishing and fowling. The whole Region itself, which in winter season and sometimes most part of the year is overflowed by the spreading waters of the rivers Ouse, Grant, Nen, Welland, Glene, and Witham, having not loads and sewers large enough to void away: But again when their Streams are retired within their own Channels, it is so plenteous and rank of a certain fat gross and full hey, (which they call Lid) that when they have mown down as much with the better as will serve their turns, they set fire on the rest and burn it in November, that it may come up again in great abundance. At which time a man may see this Fennish and moist Tract on a light flaming fire all over every way, and wonder thereat. Great plenty it hath beside of Turf and Sedge for the maintenance of fire: of reed also for to thatch their Houses, yea and of Alders, beside other watery Shrubs. But chiefly it bringeth forth exceeding store of willows both naturally, and also for that being planted by man's hand they have served in good steed, and often cut down with their manifold increase, and infinite number of heirs (to use Pliny's word) against the violent force of the waters rushing against the banks. Whereof also as well here, as in other places there be baskets made, which seeing the Britain's call Bascades, I for my part, that I may note so much by the way, do not understand the Poet Marshal in that Distichon, unless he meaneth these, among the Presents and Gifts sent to and fro. Barbara de pictis veni Bascauda Britannis, Sed me jam mavult dicere Roma suam. By barbarous name, a Baskaud I from painted Britan's came, But now Rome fain would call me hers, although I be the same. Besides all this the herb, Scordium. Scordium, which also is called Water Germander, groweth plentifully here hard by the ditches sides: but as for these Fenny Lands, Foelix a writer of good antiquity hath depainted them forth in these words. There is a Fen of exceeding great largeness which beginning at the banks of the river Gront, arising somewhere with sedge plots, in other places with black waters yielding a duskish vapour, with woods also among the Isles, and having many winding turns of the bank, reacheth out in a very long tract, from South to North-East as far as to the Sea. And the very same Fen William a Monk of Crowland in the life of Guthlake hath thus described in verse. Est apud Angligenas à Grontae flumine, longo Orb per anfractus stagnosoes, & fluviales, Circumfusapalus, Orientalisque propinqua Littoribus Pelagi, sese distendit ab Austro In longum versus Aquilonem, gurgite tetro, Morbosos pisces vegetans, & arundine densa Ventorum strepitus, quasi quaedam verba susurrans. A spacious Fen in England lies from Gront that river's side, Among the winding cranks of Lakes and Rivers far and wide, YE spread, and near unto the banks of Eastern Sea doth stretch, Itself; and so from Southern side along North Eastward reach. In muddy gulf unwholesome fish it breeds: as reeds do shake There growing thick, of winds as words a whispering noise they make. Join hereunto if you please thus much out of Henry of Huntingdon: This Fenny country (saith he) is passing rich and plenteous, yea and beautiful to behold, watered with many Rivers running down to it, garnished with a number of Meres both great and small, trimly adorned likewise with many Woods and Lands. And for a small conclusion of this matter, take with you also these few words of William of Malmesbury speaking of his time. So great store there is here of Fishes that strangers coming hither make a wonder at it, and the Inhabitants laugh thereat, to see them wonder. Neither is Water-Foule less cheap; so that for one half penny and under, five men at the least may not only eat to slake hunger and content nature, but also feed their fill of Fish and Foule. As touching the drying up of this Fenny country, what discourse and arguing oftentimes there hath been either by way of sound and wholesome counsel, or of a goodly pretence and show of a common good, even in the High Court of Parliament, I list not to relate. Pausanias' in Corinth. But it is to be feared lest (that which often hath happened to the Pontine Marshes of Italy) it would come again to the former state. So that many think it the wisest and best course according to the sage admonition in like case of Apollo his Oracle, Not to intermeddle at all with that which God hath ordained. Upon the natural strength of this place and plenty of all things there, seditious Rebels have often presumed; and not only the English when they banded themselves against William Conqueror, but the Barons also whensoever they were Outlawed, from hence troubled and molested their Kings. But evermore they had ill success, albeit otherwhiles they built fortresses both at Eryth and also at Athered, at this day Audre, Audre. where the easiest entrance is into this Isle. And even yet near unto Andre, is to be seen a Military rampire of a mean height, but of a very large compass, which they call Belsars-hils, of one Belisar, I wot not who. Part of this Fenny country that lieth more South and is the greatest by far, which also is counted of this shire, was named in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 now The Isle of Ely, Ely. Saint Etheldreda common●y, S. Audrye. of the chief Island, which name Bede hath derived from E●les, and thereupon sometime termed it Insulam anguillariam, that is, The Isle of E●les. Polydore Virgil fetcheth the original thereof from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that signifieth Marish, others from Helig a British word betokening Willows or Sallowes, wherewith it doth most of all abound. Part of this Region, we read that one Tombert a Prince of the Southern Girvii gave as a dowry to his wife Audery, who after she had left her second husband Egfrid, King of the Nordan humberland, being fully resolved to serve Christ, built a Monastery for Nun's Votaries in the principal Island of these, properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which was then reckoned at 600 Hides or Families; and of this Monastery, she also herself the first Abbess. Yet was not this the first Church in the fenny country. For the book of Ely recordeth, that S. Austen of Canterbury founded a Church at Cradiden; which Penda the Mercian afterwards razed: and William of Malmesbury reporteth, that Foelix Bishop of the East English had his first See at Soham, which yet is within the Diocese of Norwich. Soham, saith he, is a village situate near unto a Fen, which was in times past dangerous for those that would pass into Ely by water: now by reason of a way or causey made through the Fenny ground overgrown with Reeds, men may go over thither by land. There be remaining still the tokens of a Church destroyed by the Danes, which with the ruins thereof overwhelmed the inhabitants, who were burnt together with it. At which time also that Monastery of S. Audery was overthrown by the furious Danes: but Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester re-edified it: For he, by a composition between the King and him, bought the whole Island a new, and having cast out the Priests thence, stored it with Monks, unto whom King Edgar, as we read in his letters patents, granted within the Fens, jurisdiction over the secular causes of two Hundreds, and without the Fens, of two Hundreds and an half in Wichlaw, within the province of the East-Angles, which are called at this day, The liberties of S. Audery. Afterwards Kings and great Noble men enriched it with large revenues: and Earl Brithnoth especially, Being now ready to join battle with the Danes in the year 999. gave unto the Church of Ely, Somersham, Spaldwic, Trumpinton, Ratindum, Heisbury, Fulburn, Tinerston, Triplestow, and Impetum, (for that the Monks had in magnificent manner entertained him) in case he should lose his life in that battle. But his fortune was to die at Maldun, after he had fought with the Danes 14. days together. And so rich was the Monastery, that the Abbot thereof, as witnesseth Malmsbury, laid up every year in his own purse a thousand and four hundred pounds. And Richard the last Abbot son, to Earl Gislebert, being over-tipled, as it were with wealth, disdaining to be under the Bishop of Lincoln, dealt with the King, what by golden words, as the Monks write, and what by great suit and politic means, that a Bishops See might be erected here: which, he prevented by death obtained not. Yet soon after, King Henry the first having gotten allowance from the Pope, made Herveie, who had been Bishop of Bangor and by the Welshmen cast out of his own seat, the first Bishop of Ely: unto whom and to his successors he laid for his Diocese Cambridge-shire, which had belonged before unto the Bishop of Lincoln, Saint Audrie● Liberty. and confirmed certain Royalties in these Lands. To the Bishops of Lincoln, from whose jurisdiction he had taken away this Island and Cambridge-shire, he granted for to make amends, Ely book. The Manor of Spaldwic: or as the book of Ely hath, The Manor of Spaldwic was given unto the Church of Lincoln for ever, in exchange for the Bishop's superintendency over the County of Cambridge. Herveie being now made Bishop, sought by all means possible to augment the dignity of his Church. He obtained that it might be every where Toll-free (these are the very words of the book of Ely:) He set it free from the yoke of service of watch and ward, that it owed to the Castle of Norwich: he made a way from Exning to Ely, through the Fens, six miles in length; he began the fair Palace at Ely for his Successors, and purchased to it fair Lands and not a few Lordships. And his Successors by abridging the number of Monks (for, from threescore and ten they brought them down to forty) flowed with riches and wealth in great abundance even unto our time; and their festival and solemn Holidays they celebrated with so sumptuous provision and stately pomp, that they won the praise and prize from all the Abbays in England: whereupon a Poet also in that age wrote these verses not unproperly. Pravisis aliis, Eliensia festa videre, Est, quasi praevisa nocte, videre diem. See, after others, Ely feasts, and surely thou wilt say, That having seen the night before, thou seest now the day. The Church likewise, which now began for age and long continuance to decay, they built up by little and little, and brought it to that ample stateliness which now it hath: For, large it is, high and fair, but somewhat defaced, by reason of Nobleman's and Bishops tombs (not without most shameful indignity) are broken down. And now in stead of that great Covent of Monks, there are established a Dean, Prebendaries, a Grammar school, wherein 24. children are maintained and taught. Four special things there are about this Church, that the Common people talk much of: The Lantern on the very top thereof, The Lantern. just over the Choir, supported with eight pillars, and raised upon them right artificially, by john Hothum the Bishop. Under the Church towards the North, standeth Saint Mary's Chapel a singular fine piece of work, built by Simon Montacute, Bishop. On the South side, there is an huge heap of earth cast up round of a great height, which they call the Mount, having had a wind mill upon it. And lastly, a Vine bearing fruit in great plenty, which now is withered and gone. These 4. a Monk of this place in times past knit up within this Rhyme. Haec sunt Eliae, Lanterna, Capella Mariae, Atque molendinum, Nec non dans vinea vinum. These things you may at Ely see, The Lantern, chapel of Saint Marie, A Windmill mounted up on high, A Vine-yard yielding Wine, yearly. As for Ely itself, it is a small City, nor greatly to be counted of, either for beauty, or frequency and resort, as having an unwholesome Air by reason of the Fens round about, although it be seated somewhat higher. near to it is Downham where the Bishop hath his retiring House with a Park: near to Downham is Cowney the ancientest seat of the Family surnamed for their habitation here, L'isle and De Insula, and first planted here by Nigellus the second Bishop of Ely their Allies in the time of King Henry the First, as is set down in a Lieger Book of Ely. Chateries or Cheaterich is not far hence Westward, were Alwena a devout woman founded a Nunnery upon a coppid ground encompassed with Fens, while her husband founded Ramsey. But higher Northward amidst the Fens, there stood another abbey of very great name, Thorney. called Thorney, of thorns and bushes that grow thick about it, but in times past Ankerige of Ankers or Eremites living there solitarily; where as we find in Peterborough book Sexvulph a devout and religious man built a Monastery with little Cells for eremites: Which being afterwards by the Danes thrown down, Aetbelwold Bishop of Winchester (that he might promote the Monastical profession) re-edified, stored it with Monks, and compassed it round about with trees. The place, as writeth William of Malmesbury, Representeth a very Paradise; for that in pleasure and delight it resembleth Heaven itself: in the very Marshes bearing Trees, that for their straight tallness, and the same without knots, strive to touch the Stars; a Plain is there as even as the Sea, which with green grass allureth the eye, so smooth and level that if any walk along the fields they shall find nothing to stumble at. There is not the least parcel of ground that lies waste and void there. Here shall you find the earth rising somewhere for Apple trees, there shall you have a field set with Vines, which either creep upon the ground, or mount on high upon poles to support them. A mutual strife there is between nature and husbandry, that what the one forgetteth, the other might supply and produce. What will be said of the fair and beautiful buildings, which it is a wonder to see how the ground amid those Fens and Marshes, so firm and sound, doth bear with sure and steadfast foundations? A wonderful solitary place is there afforded to Monks for quiet life, that so much the more constantly settle their minds upon Heavenly things for that they see men very seldom, and so are they seen in their state more mortified and lower brought. A wonder it is to have a Woman seen there: if come men thither; there is rejoicing as at so many Angels. In a word, I may truly say, that this Island is an Hostell of Chastity, an harbour of Honesty, and a School or College of Divine Philosophy. Touching Wisbich, Wisbich. the Bishop of Elies' Castle, about 13. miles off, situate among the fens and rivers, and made of late a prison to keep the Papists in hold, I have nothing else to say, Walepoole. but that this town together with Walepole, was in old time given by the owner thereof unto the monastery of Ely, what time as he consecrated Alwin his little son there to live a monks life: that King William the First built a Castle there, when the outlawed Lords made roads out of this fenny country: and that in the year of our salvation 1236. when the Ocean being disquieted with violent winds, for two days continually together had beaten upon the shore, made an exceeding wide breach and overwhelmed both land and people. But the Castle of brick that now is seen there, john Morton Bishop of Ely built within the remembrance of our great grandfathers: who also drew as straight as a line in this fenny country a ditch, Newleame. which they call the Newleame for better conveyance and carriage by water, that by this means the town being well frequented might gain the more and grow to wealth. Which fell out quite contrary: For it standeth now in no great steed, and the neighbour inhabitants complain that the course of Nen into the Sea by Clowcrosse, Clowcrosse. is by this means altogether hindered and stopped. The first Earl of Cambridge that I can find, Earl of Cambridge. was William the brother of Ranulph Earl of Chester, as we read in a patent or instrument of Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, bearing date in the year 1139. Afterwards, those of the royal blood in Scotland that were Earls of Huntingdon, we may think to have been Earls of Cambridge also: For that it appeareth certainly out of the Records of the realm, that David Earl of Huntingdon, received the third penny of the County or Earldom of Cambridge. Long time after, King Edward the Third advanced Sir john of Henault brother to William the third Earl of Holland and of Henault to this honour, for the love of Queen Philip his wife, who was cousin to the said john. For whose sake also when john was revolted from him and took part with the French, he honoured with the same title William marquis of juliers, the said Queen Philip's sister's son. After the death of these two Forainers, King Edward the Third translated this dignity to his fifth son Edmund of Langley, which after he had held four years (my warrant I have out of an old manuscript, being in the hands of that skilful Antiquary Francis Thinn) the Earl of Henault cousin to Queen Philip, came into Parliament house, put in a claim for his right, and returned back well contented. The said Edmund of Langly afterwards Duke of York had two sons, Edward Duke of York, who for a certain time held the Earldom of Cambridge, and was slain in the battle of Agin-court: and Richard by the grace and favour of King Henry the Fifth, and consent of his brother Edward, was created Earl of Cambridge. But when he (ungrateful and ambitious man that he was) contrived the destruction of that good and noble Prince, and so lost his head; the title of Cambridge died the same day that he did, or lurked at least wise among other titles of his son Richard, who was afterwards Duke of York and restored to his blood and estate, as being cousin and heir to his Uncle Edward Duke of York. This Shire containeth Parishes 163. HUNTINGDON Comitatus qui pars fuir ICENORUM HUNTINGDON-SHIRE. NExt unto Cambridge-shire, lieth HUNTINGDON-SHIRE, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; so situate, that Southward it confineth upon Bedford-shire; Westward upon Northamptonshire: like as Northwards, where by the River * Or Aufon. 1. Nen. Avon it is parted; and Eastward upon Cambridge-shire, a Country good for corn and tillage: and toward the East, where it is fenny, very rich and plentiful for the feeding of Cat-tail: elsewhere right pleasant, by reason of rising hills and shady groves: For, the Inhabitants report, that in ancient times, it was throughout beset with woods: and certain it is, that it was a Forest, until that king Henry the Second, in the beginning of his reign disafforested it, (as we find in an old perambulation) all save Waybridge Sapple and Herthei, which were Woods of the Lords demaine, and remain still forests. The South part thereof; the River Ouse (that I have so often spoken of) runneth by, and bedecketh with flowers. On which River among other of less note, there stand some Towns of good note. First, after it hath left Bedford-shire, and is entered into this County, Saint Needs. it visiteth Saint Neots, commonly called Saint Needs, so named of one Neotus, a man both learned and holy; who travailed all his life time in propagating of Christian Religion, whose body was translated from Neotstok in Cornwall hither, and in honour of him, Alfrick converted the Palace of Earl Elfride unto a Monastery. The which Dame Roisia Wife to Richard Lord of Clare, shortly after the coming in of the Normas enriched with many fair Possessions; But before it was named Ainulphsbury of one Ainulph likewise an holy and devout man, Ainsbury. which name continueth still also in one part of it. A little beneath this, at Aileweston a very small Village, there are two little Springs, the one fresh, the other somewhat brackish: of which the neighbours give out, Wholesome and medicinable wel●. that this is good against scabs and leprosy, the other against the dimness of the eyesight. From thence not far, Ouse passeth to Bugden a proper fair house of the Bishops of Lincoln, and so by Hinchingbrok, a religious house sometimes of Nuns whom King William the Conqueror translated hither from Eltesley in Cambridge-shire, and now the dwelling house of the Cromwel's, knights; cometh to Huntingdon, Huntingdon. in the English-Saxon tongue, as Marianus reporteth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the public seal Huntersdune, that is, the hill or down of hunters, as Henry Archdeacon of this place, who flourished 400. years since, interpreteth it: whence it used in their seal, an hunter; and Leland our Countryman alluding thereunto, hath coined a new Latin word for it, namely Venantodunum. This is the chief Town of all this Shire, (to which it hath given also the name) far excelling all the Towns about it, the same Archdeacon saith, as well for lightsome and pleasant situation, as for the beauty and fair show that it hath itself: as well also for the vicinity of the Fens as for great store of Deer and Fish. In King Edward the Confessors time, (that I may note so much out of doomsday book) There were in this Borough four Ferlings, that is, Quarters or Wards: In two of them were 116. Burgesses, paying custom and gelt, and under them 100 Bordarij; in the other two 111. Burgesses for all customs and the Kings gelt. It is seated upon the North-banke of Ouse, somewhat high, stretching out in length Northward, adorned with four Churches: and it had a little abbey founded by Maude the Empress and Eustace Lovetoft: the ruins whereof Eastward I have seen hard under the Town. By the River near unto the Bridge which is fair built of stone, the Mount and Plot of a Castle, is to be seen, which in the year of our Redemption 917. King Edward the Elder built anew: and David the Scotishman, unto whom, as an ancient Historiographer writeth King Stephen had given the Burrow of Huntingdon for an augmentation of his estate, enlarged with many new buildings and Bulwarks: but in the end King Henry the Second both because it was a place of refuge for seditious Rebels, and for that the Scots and the Saint Lizes had oftentimes raised quarrels and contention about it, to cut off all occasions of strife, laid it even with the ground; when as he, provoked with their unreasonable variance swore an oath, that neither they of Saint Lizes nor the Scottishmen should quarrel any more for it. From these Castle hills, where there is a goodly prospect a great way off, a man may behold below a meadow which they call Portsholme, environed round about with the River Ouse, the same very exceeding large, and of all others that the Sun ever shone upon, most fresh and beautiful: whereof in the Spring time this may be truly said: Ver pingit vario gemmantia prata colore: The pleasant Spring fair flowers do yield, Of diverse colours, in this field. With such a delectable variety of gay colours it pleaseth and contenteth the eye. On the hither bank over against Huntingdon, standeth the mother as it were thereof, from whence it had his Original, called in doomsday book Godmundcester, and at this day Good-man-chester, Godman-chester. for Gormonchester: A very great country Town, and of as great name for tillage; situate in an open ground, of a light mould, and bending to the Sun. Neither is there a Town again in all England that hath more stout and lusty husbandmen, or more ploughs going: For, they make their boast that they have in former time received the Kings of England as they passed in their progress this way, with nine score ploughs, brought forth in a rustical kind of pomp for a gallant show. Verily, of our Nation, ther● be none that apply their minds so seriously as they do to husbandry (which Columella termeth the near cousin of Wisdom) whether you respect their skill therein, or their ability to bear the expenses, and their willing mind withal to take the pains. Henry of Huntingdon before named, calleth it a Village, in his days, not unlovely: and truly writeth, that in times past it had been a noble City. For, to say nothing of Roman pieces of coin oftentimes there ploughed up, nor of the distance in the old Itinerary, the very signification of the name may probably prove, that this was the very same City, Durosiponte. which Antonine the Emperor termed DUROLIPONTE, amiss, in stead of DUROSIPONTE. For Durosiponte (pardon me I pray you for changing one letter) soundeth in the British tongue, A bridge over the water Ose. And that this River is named indifferently and without distinction, Use, Ice, Ose, and Ouse, all men confess. But when this name was under the Danes quite abolished, it began to be called Gormoncester, of Gormon the Dane, unto whom after agreement of peace King Aelfred granted these Provinces. Hereto, this old Verse giveth testimony. Gormonis à castri nomine, nomen habet. Gormonchester, at this hour, Takes the name of Gormons Tower. This is that Gormon of whom John Picus an old Author, writeth in this wise: King Aelfred conquered and subdued the Danes, so that they gave what hostages he would for assurance, either to be packing out of the Land, or else to become Christians. Which thing also was effected. For, their King Guthrum, whom they call Gormond, with thirty of his Nobles and well near all his people was baptised; and adopted by Aelfred as his Son, and by him named Athelstan. Whereupon he remained here; and the Provinces of the East-English and of the Northumbrians were given to him: that continuing in his allegiance, under the King's protection, he might cherish and also maintain them as his inheritance, which he had formerly overrun with spoil and robbery. Neither would this be omitted, that some also of those ancient Writers have termed this place Gumicester, and Gumicastrum, avoucheth withal, that Machutus a Bishop had here his Episcopal See. And by the name of Gumicester King Henry the Third granted it to his son Edmund Earl of Lancaster. Ouse making haste speedily from hence, when he was about to enter into Cambridgeshire, passeth through most delightsome meadows hard by a proper and fair town, which sometime in the English-Saxon tongue was called Slepe, Saint Ives. and now S. Ives, of Ivo a Persian Bishop, who, as they write, about the year of Christ 600. travailed through England, preached diligently the Word of God, and to this Town, wherein he left this life, left also his name. From whence notwithstanding shortly after the religious persons translated his body to Ramsey abbey. Turning aside from hence scarce three miles, Somersham. we saw Somersham a fair dwelling house, of late days belonging to the Bishops of Ely, which Earl Brithnot in the year 991. gave to Ely Church, and James Stanley, the lavish, and expenseful Bishop, enlarged with new buildings. A little above that most wealthy abbey Ramsey was situate amidst the Fens, where the Rivers become standing waters, when they have once found a soft kind of Soil. The description of this place have here if it please you, out of the private History of this abbey. Ramsey. Ramsey, that is, The Ram's Isle, on the West side (for on other sides fennish grounds through which one cannot pass, stretch out far and wide) is severed from the firm ground almost two bow-shots off by certain uneven and quaggy miry plots. Which place being won● in times past to receive gently within the bosom and brinks thereof, Vessels arriving there with mild gales of wind in a shallow River only: now through great labour and cost after the foul and dirty quagmires aforesaid were stopped up with heaps of wood, gravel and stones together, men may pass into on foot on the same side upon a dry causey: and it lieth out in length almost two miles, but spreadeth not all out so much in breadth: which notwithstanding is beset round about with beautiful rows of Alder-trees, and reed plots, that with fresh green canes and straight bulrushes among, make a fair and pleasant show; and before it was inhabited, garnished and bedecked all over with many sorts of trees, but of wild Ashes especially, in great abundance. But now after longer tract of time, part of these groves and woods being cut down, it is become arable ground of a very fat and plentiful mould, for fruit rich, pleasant for corn, planted with gardens, wealthy in pastures, and in the Spring time, the meadows arrayed with pleasant flowers smile upon the beholders: and the whole Island seemeth embroidered, as it were, with variety of gay colours. Besides that, it is compassed all about with Meres full of Eels, and pools replenished with fish of many sorts, and with fowl there bred and nourished. Ramsey Mere. Of which Meres, one is called after the name of the Island Ramsey Mere, far excelling all the other waters adjoining, in beauty and fertility, on that side where the Isle is counted bigger and the wood thicker, flowing daintily by the sandy bank thereof, yieldeth a very delectable sight to behold: in the very gulfs whereof by casting as well of great wide mashed nets, as of other sorts, by laying also of hooks baited, and other instruments devised by fisher's craft, are caught oftentimes and drawn certain Pikes of an huge and wonderful bigness, Hakeds. which the Inhabitants call Hakeds: and albeit the fowlers do continually haunt the place and catch great store of young waterfowl, yet there is abundance always that remaineth untaken. Furthermore that History showeth at large, how Ailwin a man of the blood royal, and for the special great authority and favour that he had with the King, surnamed Healf-Koning, that is, Half King, being admonished and moved thereunto by a Fishers dream built it; how Oswald the Bishop furthered and enlarged it; how Kings and others endowed it with so fair revenues, that for the maintenance of threescore Monks it might dispend by the year seven thousand pounds of our English money. But seeing it is now pulled down and destroyed, some may think I have already spoken overmuch thereof. Yet hereto I will annex out of the same Author the Epitaph of Ailwins Tomb, for that it exhibiteth unto us an unusual and strange title of a Dignity. HIC REQUIESCIT AILWINUS INCLITI REGIS EADGARI COGNATUS, TOTIUS ANGLIAE ALDERMANNUS, ET HUJUS SACRI COENOBII MIRACULOSUS FUNDATOR. HERE RESTETH AILWIN COUSIN TO THE NOBLE KING EADGAR, ALDERMAN OF ALICE ENGLAND, AND OF THIS HOLY abbey THE MIRACULOUS FOUNDER. From hence to Peterborough, which is about ten miles off, King Canutus, because travailing that way and finding it very cumbersome by reason of swelling Brooks and sloughs, with great cost and labour made a paved Causey, which our Historians call Kingsdelfe, Kingsdelfe. not far from that great Lake Wittlesmere. And as this abbey did adorn the East side of the Shire, Sawtry, commonly. Cunnington. Saltria. Turkill the Dane. so, the middle thereof was beautified by Salary, which the second Simon de Sancto Lizio Earl of Huntingdon built. From which not far, is Cunnington, holden anciently of the Honour of Huntingdon: where, within a four square Trench, are to be seen express remains of an ancient Castle, which as also Saltrie, was by the gift of Canutus, the seat of Turkill that Dane, who abode here among the East English, and sent for Sueno King of Denmark to make spoil of England. After whose departure, Waldeof the son of Siward Earl of Northumberland enjoyed it, who married Judith Niece to William the Conqueror by his sister on the mother's side: by whose eldest daughter it came to the royal family of Scotland. For she, by a second marriage, matched with David Earl of Huntingdon (who afterwards obtained the Kingdom of Scotland) being the younger son of Malcolm Canmor, King of Scots, and of Margaret his wife descended of the royal line of the English-Saxons: For, she was Niece to King Edmund Iron-side by his son Edward surnamed, Edwardus Exul. The Banished. David had a son named Henry, and Henry had another named David Earl of Huntingdon, by one of whose daughters, Isabel, Cunnington and other lands by right of marriage descended to Sir Robert Bruse: Bruse or Bruis. from whose eldest son Robert surnamed the Noble, James King of Great Britain lineally deriveth his Descent: and from Bernard his younger son, unto whom this Cunnington with Exton fell, Sir Robert Cotton Knight is lineally descended; who over and beside other virtues, being a singular lover and searcher of Antiquities, having gathered with great charges from all places the Monuments of venerable Antiquity, hath here begun a famous Cabinet, whence of his singular courtesy, he hath oftentimes given me great light in these darksome obscurities. Mosses. But these Quarters, considering the ground lying so low, and for many months in the year surrounded and drowned, in some places also floating (as it were) and hoven up with the waters, are not free from the offensive noisomeness of Meres and the unwholesome air of the Fens. Here for six miles in length and three in breadth that clear deep and fishfull Mere named Wittlesmere spreadeth itself, Wittlesmere Lake. which as other Meres in this Tract, doth sometimes in Calmes and fair weather suddenly rise tempestuously, as it were, into violent water-quakes to the danger of the poor fishermen, by reason, as some think, of evaporations breaking violently out of the bowels of the earth. As for the unhealthiness of the place, whereunto only strangers, and not the natives there are subject, who live long and healthfully, there is amends made, as they account it, by the commodity of fishing, the plentiful feeding, and the abundance of turf gotten for fuel. For, King Cnut gave commandment by Turkill the Dane, of whom ere while I spoke, That to every Village standing about the Fens, there should be set out a several Marsh: who so divided the ground, that each Village by itself should have in proper use and occupation so much of the very main Marsh, as the firm ground of every such Village touched the Marsh lying just against it. And be ordained that no Village might either dig or mow in the Marsh of another without licence, but that the pasture therein should lie all in common, that is, Horn under horn, for the preservation of peace and concord among them. But thus much of this matter. When the sons and servants of the said King Cnut, The little History of Ely. sent for from Peterborough to Ramsey, were in passing over that Lake, There fell upon them, as they were cheerful under sail and lifting up their voices with joyful shoutings, The foundation of Saltry. most untoward and unhappy winds, wherewith a turbulent and tempestuous storm arose, that enclosed them on every side, so that laying aside all hope, they were in utter despair of their life, security, or any help at all. But such was the merciful clemency of Almighty God, that it forsook them not wholly, nor suffered the most cruel Gulf of the waters to swallow them up all quite, but by his providence some of them he delivered mercifully out of those furious and raging waves: but others again according to his just and secret judgement he permitted amidst those billows to pass out of this frail and mortal life. And when the fame of so fearful a danger was noised abroad and come to the King's ears, there fell a mighty trembling and quaking upon him: but being comforted and relieved by the counsel of his Nobles and friends, for to prevent in time to come all future mishaps by occasion of that outrageous monster, he ordained that his soldiers and servants with their swords and skeins should set out and mark a certain Ditch in the Marshes lying thereby, between Ramsey and Whittlesey, and afterwards that workmen and labourers should scour and cleanse them: whereupon, as I have learned of ancient predecessors of good credit, the said Ditch by some of the neighbour Inhabitants took the name Swerdesdelfe, Swerdesdelfe differing from King's Delfe. upon that marking out by swords: and some would have it to be termed Cnouts-delfe according to the name of the same King. Yet commonly at this day they call it Steeds dike: and it is counted the limit and bound between this County and Cambridge-shire. In the East side of this Shire, Kimbolton. Kinnibantum Castle, now called Kimbolton, the habitation in times passed of the Mandevilles, afterwards of the Bo●uns and Staffords, and at this day of the wingfield's, doth make a fair show. Under which was Stoneley a pretty abbey founded by the Bigrames. A little from hence is Awkenbury, which King John gave to David Earl of Huntingdon: and John surnamed the Scot, his son, Stephen Segrave. Mat. Paris. unto Sir Stephen Segrave: of whom I am the more willing to make mention, for that he was one of those Courtiers who hath taught us, That there is no power always powerful. Hardly and with much ado he climbed to an eminent and high estate, with great thought and care he kept it, and as suddenly he was dejected from it: For, in his youth, of a Clerk he became a Knight, and albeit he was but of mean parentage, yet through his industry toward his later days so enriched and advanced, that being ranged with the great Peers of the Realm, he was reputed chief Justice of England, and managed at his pleasure after a sort all the affairs of State. But in the end he lost the King's favour quite, and to his dying day lay close in a Cloister: and who before time from a Clerkship betook himself through arrogancy to secular service, returning again to the office of a Clerk, resumed the shaved crown which he had forsaken without the counsel and advise of the Bishop. Leighton. Not far from hence is Leighton, where Sir Gervase Clifton knight, lately made Baron Clifton, began to build a goodly house, and close to it lieth Spaldwicke, which King Henry the First gave unto the Church of Lincoln for amends of a loss, when he erected the Bishopric of Ely, taken out of the Diocese of Lincoln, as I have before showed. But where the River Nen entereth into this Shire, Elton. it runneth fast by Elton the seat of the ancient Family of the Sapcots, where is a private Chapel of singular workmanship and most artificial glass windows, erected by Lady Elizabeth Dinham the widow of Baron Fitzwarin, married into the said Family. But a little higher, there stood a little City more ancient than all these, Walmsford. near unto Walmsford: which Henry of Huntingdon calleth Caer Dorm and Dormeceaster upon the River Nen, and reporteth to have been utterly razed before his time. Durobrivae. This was doubtless that DUROBRIVAE, that is, The River passage, that Antonine the Emperor speaketh of, and now in the very same sense is called Dornford near unto Chesterton, which beside pieces of ancient Coin daily found in it, sheweth apparent tokens of a City overthrown. For, to it there leadeth directly from Huntingdon a Roman Portway: and a little above Stilton, Stilton. which in times past was called Stichilton, it is seen with an high bank, and in an ancient Saxon Charter termed Ermingstreat. Ermingstreet This Street now runneth here through the midst of a four square Fort, the North side whereof was fenced with Walls, all the other sides with a Rampire of earth only. near unto which were digged up not long since Cofins or Sepulchers of stone in the ground of R. Bevill, of an ancient house in this Shire. Some verily think that this City took up both banks of the River; Caster in Northamptonshire. and there be of opinion that the little Village C●ster standing upon the other bank was parcel thereof. Surely to this opinion of theirs maketh much the testimony of an ancient story, which showeth that there was a place by Nen called Dormund-caster, in which when Kinneburga had built a little Monastery, it began to be called first Kinneburge-caster, and afterwards short Caster. This Kinneburga the most Christian daughter of the Pagan King Penda, and wife to Alfred King of the Northumbrians (changed her Princely State into the service of Christ, if I may use the words of an ancient Writer) and governed this Monastery of her own, as Prioress or mother of the Nuns there. Which afterwards, about the year of Salvation 1010. by the furious Danes was made level with the ground. But where this River is ready to leave this County, it passeth hard by an ancient house called Bottle-bridge (so is it now termed short for Botolph-bridge) which the Draitons and Lovets brought from R. Gimels' by hereditary succession into the Family of the Shirleys. Bottle Bridge. And to this house adjoineth Overton, now corruptly called Orton, which being by felony forfeit and confiscate, * Nigellus. Needle Lovetoft redeemed again of King John: and the said Noeles sister and coheir being wedded unto Hubert alias Robert de Brounford, brought him children, who assumed unto them the surname of Lovetoft. Earls of Huntingdon. This County of Huntingdon when the English-Saxons Empire began now to decline, had Siward an Earl by Office, and not inheritance: For as yet there were no Earls in England by inheritance, but the Rulers of Provinces, after the custom of that age were termed Earls, with addition of the Earldom of this or that Province whereof they had the rule for the time: as this Siward whiles he governed this County was called Earl of Huntingdon; whereas afterwards being Ruler of Northumberland, they named him Earl of Northumberland. See the Earls of Northampton. He had a son named Waldeof, who under the Title of Earl had likewise the government of this Province, standing in favour as he did with William the Conqueror whose Niece Judith by his sister of the mother's side, he had married, but by him beheaded for entering into a conspiracy against him. In the last book cap. 16. john Forden in Scotocronico l. 8. c. 3.6. & 39 The eldest daughter of this Waldeof (as William Gemiticensis reporteth) Simon de Senlys or S. Liz took to wife, together with the Earldom of Huntingdon, and of her begat a son named Simon. But after that the said Simon was dead, David brother to Maud the Holy, Queen of England (who afterwards became King of Scots) married his wife by whom he had a son named Henry. But in process of time, as fortune and Prince's favour varied, one while the Scots, another while the Scent Lizes enjoyed this dignity: First Henry the son of David aforesaid: then Simon S. Liz son of Simon the first: after him Malcolm King of Scots, son to Earl Henry: and after his death Simon Sent Liz the third who dying without issue, William King of Scots and brother to Malcolm succeeded: for, so wrote he that then lived, Ralph de Diceto in the year 1185. When Simon (saith he) the son of Earl Simon was departed without children, the King restored the Earldom of Huntingdon with the Pertinences unto William King of the Scots. Then his brother David, and David's son John surnamed Scot, Mat. Paris. 1243. Earl of Chester, who dying without issue, and Alexander the third that had married the daughter of our King Henry the Third, having for a time borne this Title, the Scots by occasion of incident wars, lost that honour, and with it a very fair inheritance in England. A good while after King Edward the Third created Sir William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon who died issueless: And in his room there was placed by King Richard the Second, Guiseard of Engolisme, a Gascoine, who was his Governor in his minority: and after his death succeeded john Holland, * john his son (who was styled Duke of Excester, Earl of Huntingdon and Ivory, See Dukes of Excester. Pa●. 26. H. 6. Lord of Sparre, Admiral of England and Ireland, Lieutenant of Aquitane, and Constable of the Tower of London) and his son likewise Henry, successively, who were Dukes also of Excester. This is that very same Henry Duke of Excester whom Philip Comines, as himself witnesseth, saw begging bare foot in the Low Countries, whiles he stood firm and fast unto the house of Lancaster, albeit he had married King Edward the Fourth his own sister. Then Thomas Grey, who became afterward marquis Dorset, a little while enjoyed that honour. Also it is evident out of the Records, that William Herbert Earl of Pembroch brought in again the Charter of creation, whereby his father was made Earl of Pembroch, into the Chancery for to be canceled: and that King Edward the Fourth in the seventeenth of his Reign created him Earl of Huntingdon, at such time as he granted the Title of Pembroch to the Prince his son. Afterward King Henry the Eighth conferred that honour upon George Lord Hastings: after whom succeeded his son Francis, and after him likewise his son Henry, a right honourable Personage, commended both for true Nobility and Piety. But whereas he died without issue, his brother Sir George Hastings succeeded: and after him his Grandchild Henry by his son, who at this day enjoyeth the said honour. In this little Shire are numbered Parishes. 78. CORITANI. NOw must we pass on to the CORITANI, who beyond the ICENI dwelling further within the Land, and spreading themselves very far through the Mediterranean part of the Island, inhabited as far as to the Germane Ocean, to wit in these Countries which now are commonly called NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, LEICESTER-SHIRE, RUTLAND-SHIRE, LINCOLNSHIRE, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, and DERBYSHIRE. With the Etymology of this their name I will not once meddle, for fear least putting down incertainties for certain and undoubted truths, I may seem to slip into an error. For, although this People were spread far and wide, which GUR-TATI signifieth in the British tongue, yet if I would boldly avouch, that these were thence called CORITANI, should I not play hazard at all aventure? Let them, for me, guess more safely, who can more happily. As for me, I will in the mean time according to my purpose survey as diligently as I may these shires which I have now named, each one by itself orderly in their several places. NORTHAMTONIAE COMITATVS DESCRIPTIO IN QVO CORITANI OLIM IN SEDERUNT NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. THis County of NORTHAMPTON, in the English-Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Northanton-shire, commonly called Northamptonshire, situate in the very middle and heart, as it were, of England, from the South-West side, where it is broadest, drawing itself narrower by little and little, reacheth out in length to the North-East. On the East lie Bedford and Huntingdon-shires: on the South Buckingham and Oxford-shires: Westward Warwickshire: and Northward Rutlandshire, and Lincolnshire, separated from it by Avon the less, and Welland, two Rivers. The East side thereof, from Ouse to Dowbridge, one of the Roman high ways which they call Watling-streat runneth through: The middle and East part the River Nen, which by Writers is named also Aufona, with his gentle stream parteth in twain. A champain country it is, exceeding populous, and passing well furnished with Nobleman's and gentlemen's houses, replenished also with Towns and Churches, in so much as in some places there are twenty, and in others thirty Steeples with Spires or square Towers within view at once. The Soil very fertile both for tillage and for pasture, yet nothing so well stored with Woods, unless it be in the further and hither sides. But in every place, as elsewhere also in England, it is overspread and as it were beset with Sheep: Utopia of Sir Thomas More. which according as that Hythodaus merrily said, Were wont to be so gentle and fed with so little; but now in our days, as the report goes, begin to be so ravenous and wild, that they devour men, they waste and depopulate fields, houses, and Towneships. On the South border, where the River Ouse so often mentioned first springeth, in a place rising with an easy ascent, and out of which there walm Springs in great plenty, standeth Brakley, as one would say a place full of Brake or Ferne, in old time a famous Mercat Town and staple as it were for wool: which how large and wealthy it was, it maketh now demonstration to travellers, only by the ruins thereof; and by a Major, whom it hath for the chief Magistrate. The Zouches Lords of the place, founded a College there: from whom it came successively as a possession in marriage right unto the Hollands and the Lovels. But when Lord Lovel in King Henry the Seventh his time was attainted, the Stanleys became Lords of it by the King's gift. But the College there, at this day ruinous, belongeth to the Students of Mawdlen College in Oxford, who use it for a retiring place. Neither came this place to the least name and reputation that it had, by occasion of the memory of Saint Rumbald a young Infant, who as we find written in his life, being a King's son, so soon as ever he was borne, after he had spoken I know not what holy words, and professed himself to be a Christian, was forthwith baptised, and so presently died, and being canonised by the people amongst the Saints, had his commemoration kept both here and at Buckingham. From hence Northward, when we had gone six miles forward, and all the way well wooded, first we saw Astwell, where Sir T. Billing sometime Lord chief Justice in the King's Bench with great state dwelled: from whom it descended hereditarily to the Shirleys by the ancient Family of the Lovels: then Wedon and Wapiham, which the Family of the Pinkeneys held by Barony, Barony of the Pinkeneys. until that H. de Pinkney ordained King Edward the First his heir. Whom being a right good and excellent Prince many evil men made their heir; whereas (according to Tacitus) a good father maketh no Prince, but a bad one his heir. Then came we strait ways to TRIPONTIUM, which Antonine the Emperor mentioneth, though not in due place: For, I am of opinion, that this was the very same, which now we call Torcester: and to prove it, there be some arguments of moment as yet remaining. If Trimontium in Thracia had that name of three hills, Triturrita in Tuskane of three Towers, and Tripoli likewise of three Cities conjoined in one; I have no reason to doubt, that this TRIPONTIUM of ours, might be so called of three Bridges. And here at this Torcester the Roman Port way which in many places most evidently showeth itself between it and Stony stratford, is cut through by three special Channels or streams that the little River there divideth itself into; which in times past, like as at this day had of necessity there several Bridges over them. Now, if you ask a Britain, how he saith in British [Three Bridges] you shall hear him by and by answer [Taer ponte]: and there be certain honest men, from whom I have received here pieces of Roman Coin, that constantly avouch, the true name of this place to be Torcester, and think it was so called of Towers. Howbeit Marianus nameth it Tovecester, if the book be not faulty, in whom we read, that this town was so fortified in the year of our Redemption 917. that the Danes by no means could win it by assault: and that King Edward the elder afterwards compassed it about with a stone Wall; yet we with all our seeking could see no tokens of any such Wall. Only there is a Mount remaining cast up with men's hands, they call it Berihill, now turned into private men's Gardens, and planted on every side with Cherry trees. And very time itself hath so conquered and subdued the town, that beholden it is to the situation, to the name, and old Coins other while here found, for that esteem which it hath of antiquity. For, no memorable thing there is in it but one only Church that it hath; and the same is a large and fair building, wherein D. Sponde sometime the Parson thereof, by report, a good benefactor to Church and town both, lieth entombed within a tomb of fine and curious workmanship. But hard by, at Easton-Nesson, there is to be seen, a fair and beautiful dwelling house belonging to the Knightly Family of the Farmers'. The River that watereth Torcester, as it goeth from hence toward Ouse, runneth beside Grafton, which now is reputed an Honour of the Kings, but in times past was the seat of the Family de Widdevil: out of which came Richard, a man highly renowned for his virtue and valour: who for that he took to wife jaquet the widow of John Duke of Bedford, and daughter to Peter of Luxenburgh, Earl of Saint Paul, without the King's licence, was by King Henry the Sixth fined at a thousand pounds of our money. Yet afterwards he advanced the same Richard to the honourable Title of Baron Widdevil de Rivers. With whose daughter Dame Elizabeth, King Edward the Fourth secretly contracted marriage: Parliament 27. H. 6. and verily he was the first of all our Kings since the Conquest that married his subject. But thereby, he drew upon himself and his wife's kinsfolk a world of troubles, as ye may see in our Histories. The said Richard Widdevil Lord of Rivers, Grafton, and de la Mote, by king Edward the Fourth now his son in Law, was erected (these be the very words out of the Charter of his creation) to be Earl Rivers, by cincture of the sword, To have unto him and his heirs, with the Fee of 20. pounds, by the hands of the Sheriff of Northampton. And soon after he was with exceeding great honour ordained High Constable of England, (I speak out of the king's Patent itself) To occupy, manage, and execute that Office, either by himself, or by sufficient Deputies for term of life, receiving yearly two hundred pounds out of the Exchequer, 7. Edw. 4. Constable of England. with full power and authority to take examinations, and to proceed in Causes of and concerning the crime of high Treason, or the occasion thereof: also to hear, examine, and in due time to determine the causes and businesses aforesaid, with all and singular matters arising from them, incident to them, or conjoined therewith, even summarily, and in any place whatsoever below, without noise or formal order of judgement, only upon sight of the Truth of the fact, and with the King's hand and power, if it shall be thought meet in our behalf, without all appeal. Moreover about that time he was made Lord Treasurer of England. But he having enjoyed these honours a small while, was soon after in the quarrel of the king his son in Law, aforesaid, taken in the battle at Edgcote, and beheaded. And albeit, in his sons this offspring, as it were half dead, took an end, what time as Anthony Earl Rivers was by Richard the third made shorter by the head, Richard also and his other brethren dead without issue: yet from the daughters there did spread forth most fair and fruitful branches. For, out of them flowered the royal Race and line of England, the Marquesses of Dorset, the Earls of Essex, Earls of Arundel, Earls of Worcester, Earls of Derby, the last Duke of Buckingham, and Barons of Stafford. Just behind Grafton lieth Sacy Forrest stored with Dear and fit for game. Sacy Forest. Foresta de Salceto. More Eastward, the Country all over is besprinkled with Villages and little Towns, among which, these are of greatest name, Blisworth, the habitation of the Wakes descended from that honourable race of the Barons of Wake and Estotevile: Pateshull, which gave name to the most worshipful family in times passed of the Pateshuls: Greenes-Norton, so named of the Green's men in the foregoing age right famous for their wealth: But it was called in foretime (if I be not deceived) Norton Dany, which those Green's held by knight's service, as also a moiety of Asheby Mares in this County, by service, Fines 18. Rich. 2. To lift up their right hand toward the King upon Christmas-day every year, wheresoever the King shall be in England. Also Wardon, an Hundred, which had Lords descended from Sir Guy of Reinbudcourt a Norman, whose inheritance came by the Folliots to Guiscard Leddet, whose Daughter Christian bore unto her husband Henry de Braibrooke many children: yet Guiscard the eldest of them took to him the surname of Leddet from his mother. But shortly after, those fair lands and possessions were by the females parted between William and john, both Latimers of Corby. From john, the Griphins in this Shire, and from William those Latimers, Barons of good antiquity, in Yorkshire, deduced their Descent. Higher into the Country Northward is the head of the River Aufona (for Avon in the British tongue is a general name of all Rivers) which the people dwelling thereby call Nen: and from the West side of the Shire, holdeth on his course with many reaches of his banks, after a sort through the middle part of this Shire; and all the way along it doth comfortable service. A notable River, I assure you, and if I have any sight into these matters, fortified in times passed with garrisons by the Romans. For, when as that part of Britain on this side the River, was now in Claudius the Emperor's time brought subject to the Roman government, so as the Inhabitants thereof were called Socij Romanorum, that is, the Romans consorts or associates, and the Britan's dwelling beyond the river oftentimes invaded this their country, and with great violence made incursions, and spoiled much: when as also that the Associates themselves who could better endure the Romans commands, than brook their vices, other while conspired with those on the further side of the River: P. Ostorius (as saith Tacitus) cinctos castris Antonaem (Aufonas I would read if I might be so bold) & Sabrinam cohibere parat, that is, if I understand the place a right, He by placing Forts and Garrisons, hard by the Rivers Antonae, or Aufona rather, and Severn, determined to restrain and keep in those Britan's on the further side; and these that were Provincials and associates, from conjoining their forces together, and helping one another against the Romans. Now what River this ANTONA should be no man is able to tell. Lipsius' the very Phoebus of our age hath either driven away this mist, or else verily a cloud hath dimmed mine eyesight. He pointeth with his finger to Northampton; and I am of opinion that this word Antona is closely crept into Tacitus, in stead of Aufona, on which Northampton standeth. For the very navel, heart and middle of England is counted to be ne'er unto it, where out of one hill spring three great Rivers running diverse ways: Cherwell into the South; Leame, Westward, which as it maketh speed to Severn, is strait ways received by a second Aufon; and this Aufona or Nen Eastward. Of which, these two Aufons so cross England overthwart, that whosoever comes out of the North parts of the Island must of necessity pass over one of these twain. When Ostorius therefore had fortified Severne, and these two Aufons, he had no cause to fear any danger out of Wales, or the North parts, to befall unto his people, either Romans or associates; who at that time had reduced the nearest and next part of the Island only into the form of a Province: as else where Tacitus himself witnesseth. Some of these Forts of Ostorius his making, may those great fortifications and military Fences seem to be, which are here seen at Gildsborough and Dantrey, between the Springheads of the two Aufons which run diverse ways, and where only there is passage into the hither part of Britain without any rivers to hinder it. That fort at Gildsborough, is great and large, but this at Dantrey is greater and larger: For, being four square, upon an high hill from whence all the country beneath may be seen far every way about, and having on the East side a Mount, which they call Spelwell, it encloseth within a bank cast up by man's hand, more than one hundred acres of ground or thereabout. Within which the country people other whiles find coined pieces of money of the Roman Emperors, as proofs of the antiquity thereof. Much deceived are they therefore, who will needs have it to be a work of the Danes, and that of them, the town under it, was named Dantrey: which being a thoroughfare well known at this day by reason of the Inns there, had a religious house of the Austen Friars, that Sir H. de Fawesley founded, as I have read. At the head of Aufona or Nen, standeth Catesby that gave name to an ancient Family, but now of foul tainted memory, for a most horrible and damnable complot, never in any age exampled, which that Robert Catesby of Ashby S. Leger, the shame and indelible stain of his house and name, detestably breathing forth savage cruelty in barbarous wise, and compassing impiously the destruction of Prince and Country, devised lately under a specious pretext of Religion. Of whom, let all times be silent, least by making mention of him, the foul stain and blot of our age appear unto Posterity; at the naming whereof we cannot choose but with horror grieve and groan again, seeing the very dumb and liveless creatures seem to be moved and troubled at so hellish Villainy imagined by him and his complices. Hard by it, is Fawesley, where have dwelled a long time the Knightleies worshipful Knights descended from those more ancient Knightleys of Gnowshall in the County of Stafford: and more Eastward hard by Nen, as yet very small, there is Wedon in the street, sometimes the royal seat of Wolpher K. of the Mercians, and converted into a Monastery by his daughter Werburg a most holy Virgin: of whose miracles in driving away Geese from hence, some credulous writers have made many a tale. Verily I should wrong the Truth, if I should not think, (albeit I have thought otherwise) that this Wedon is the very station that Antonine the Emperor nameth BANNAVENNA, BENNAVENNA, Bannavenna, which untruly is called, Isannaventa and Isanavatia. BENNAVENTA, and once corruptly ISANNAVENTA; notwithstanding there now remain no express tokens of that name, considering how Time changeth all, both names and things. For the distance from the next stations and baiting Towns which were in ancient times, answereth just: and in the very name of BANNAVENNA, the name of the River Aufon, the head whereof is near unto it in some sort doth plainly discover itself. Likewise, the high Port-way or Roman street goeth directly from hence Northward with a bridge or causey oft broken and worn out; but most of all over against a Village named Creek, where it was of necessity that there should be a bridge; but in other places the bridge showeth itself also as far as to Dowbridge, near Lilborne most apparently. Somewhat more Northward we saw Althorp, the habitation of the Spensers' knights, allied to very many and those most honourable and worshipful families: out of which house Sir Robert Spenser the fifth Knight in a successive continued Descent, a respective lover of virtue and learning, was by our most gracious Sovereign King James advanced to the honour of Baron Spenser of Wormeleighton. Althorp, or Oldthorp. Baron Spenser. Sir Christopher Hatton. He died anno 1591. Hard by Althorp, Holdenby house, a fair pattern of stately and magnificent building maketh a fair glorious show, which Sir Chistopher Hatton one of Queen Elizabeth's Privy Council, Lord Chancellor of England, and knight of the Order of the Garter, built upon the lands and inheritance of his great grandmother, heir unto the Family of the Holdenbeis, for the greatest and last monument, (as himself afterwards was wont to say) of his youth: A man, to say nothing of him but that which in truth is due, for Religion and godliness right devout, of approved faithfulness to the State, of incorrupt equity: for almesdeeds of all others most bountiful; and one (which is not the least part of his praise) that was most willing and ready to support and maintain learning. Who, as he lived a godly life, so as godly he slept in Christ: yet his commendation made known by the lightsome testimony of letters, shall shine forth more clearly than by that gorgeous Monument right well beseeming so great a Personage, which Sir William Hatton, his adopted son, consecrated to his memory, in the Church of Saint Paul in London. Beneath these places Nen passeth on forward with a still and small stream, Northampton. and anon taketh in a small Brook from the North, and is thereby augmented: where, at the very meeting and confluence of both, a City called after the River Northafandon, and short, Northampton, is so seated, that on the West side it is watered with the Brook, and on the South side with the foresaid Nen. Which City I was of late easily induced to guess, to have been that ancient BENNAVENTA; but if my conjecture miss the truth, the confession of my error may salve it. As for the name, it may seem to have been imposed of the situation thereof upon the North bank of the River Aufon. The City itself which seemeth to have been built all of stone, is, I assure you, for houses very fair, for circuit of good largeness, and walled about: and from the Wall ye have a goodly prospect every way to a wide and spacious plain Country. On the West side, 1075. Register of Saint Andrew's. it hath an old Castle, and the very antiquity thereof giveth a grace unto it, built by Simon de Sancto Lizio, commonly called Senlyz, the first of that name Earl of Northampton: who also joined unto it a beautiful Church called Saint Andrews, for a place of his own burial: and, as men say, re-edified the Town: Simon also the younger, his son, founded without the Town a Monastery commonly called * De Pratis. De la prey, for Nuns. During the Saxons Heptarchy, it seemeth to have lain forlorn and of none account, neither have Writers made any where mention of it, in all those depredations of the Danes, unless it were when Sweno the Dane in a furious and outrageous mood made most cruelly havoc throughout all England: for then, as Henry of Huntingdon recordeth, it was set on fire and burnt to the ground. In the Reign of Saint Edward the Confessor, there were in it, as we find in the Survey Book of England, LX. Burgesses in the King's Domain, having as many Mansions: Of these, in King William the conquerors time, Fourteen lay waste and void, and forty seven remained. Over and above these, there were in the new Burrough forty Burgesses in the Domain of King William. After the Normans time, it valiantly withstood the Siege laid unto it by the Barons, when they disquieted and troubled the whole Realm with injurious wrongs and slaughters, being maliciously bend against King John for private causes; which notwithstanding they so cloaked with pretences of Religion and the common good, that they termed themselves, God's host or Army. The Army of God and the holy Church; at which time, they say, that Trench and Rampire was made, which they call Hunshil: but it stood not out with like success against Henry the third their lawful King, as it did against these rebels: for, when those Barons being nuzzelled up in sedition, and rebellion, from hence displayed their banners and sounded the battle against him, he made a breach through the Wall, and soon won it by assault. After this, divers times, like as before the kings held their Parliaments here, because it standeth very ne'er in the midst of England: and in the year after Christ was borne 1460. here was a woeful and bloody field fought; wherein (such was the civil division of England in itself) Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, after many a noble man slain, led away captive that most unhappy king Henry the Sixth in a piteous spectacle, who was now the second time taken prisoner by his subjects. To conclude, the Longitude of Northampton our Mathematicians have described by 22. degrees and 29. scruples: and the Latitude by 52. degrees and 13. scruples. From hence Nen maketh haste away by Castle Ashby, where Henry L. Compton began to build a fair sightly house: * close unto which lieth Yardley Hastings, so named of the Hastings, Yardley. Lord Parr of Horton. sometimes ●arles of Pembroch, unto whom it belonged. And to turn a little aside, I may not omit Horton, when as king Henry the Eighth created Sir W. Par Lord thereof, uncle and Chamberlain to Queen Catharin Par, Baron Par of Horton, which honour shortly vanished with him when he left only daughters, who were married into the families of Tresham, and Lane. But to return: Nen goeth forward to Mercat Wellingborow, in old time Wedlingborough, and Wodlingborough, made a mercat by K. John at the suit of the Monks of Crowland; where there runneth into it a Riveret coming down by Rushton and Newton, belonging to the Treshams, by Geddington also where the King had a Castle, and where there remaineth yet a Cross erected in the honour of Queen Aeleonor wife to King Edward the First: by Boughton the seat of the Montacutes Knights: Kettering. The book of Inquisit. in the Exchequer. by Kettering a Mercat Town well frequented, near unto which standeth Rouwell much talked of for the horse Fair there kept: by Burton likewise the Barony (if I mistake not the name) of Alane de Dinant: For, king Henry the First gave unto him a Barony of that name in this Shire, for that in single fight he had slain the French Kings Champion at Gizors: and by Harrouden, the Lord whereof named Sir Nicolas Vaulx Captain of Guines in Picardy, Baron Vaulx. king Henry the Eighth created Baron Vaulx of Harrouden. From hence goeth the Aufon or Nen to Higham, a Town in times passed of the Peverels, Higham Ferrer. Matthew Parker. and after by them of the Ferrer, from whom it is named Higham Ferrer: who had here also their Castle: the ruins and rubbish whereof are yet seen ne'er unto the Church. But, the excellent ornament of this place was Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury, who built All-soules College in Oxford, and another here, wherein he placed Secular Clerks, and Prebendaries, and withal an Hospital for the poor. Then runneth it by Addington the possession in old time of the Veres, and by Thorpston commonly called Thrapston, belonging likewise to them: and over against it Draiton, the house in the foregoing age of Sir H. Greene: but afterwards by his daughter, of John and Edward Staffords, Earls of Wiltshire; but now the habitation of the Lord Mordaunt unto whom it descended hereditarily from those Green's noble Gentlemen and of right great name in this Country in their time. Then runneth it, in manner round about a proper little Town which it giveth name unto, Oundale. Oundale they now call it corruptly in stead of Avondale: where there is nothing worth sight, but a fair Church, and a free School for the instruction of children, and an Almeshouse for poor people, founded by Sir William Laxton, sometime Major of London. Barnwell. near adjoining to this, stands Barnewell, a little Castle, which now of late Sir Edward Mont-acute of the ancient family of the Montacutes, as may be collected by his Arms, hath repaired and beautified with new buildings. In times past it was the possession of Berengary le Moigne, that is, Monk, and not, as some think, of Berengary of Touraine, the great Clerk, whose opinion of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, was condemned in a Synod of an hundred and thirteen Bishops assembled by the Bishop of Rome. Fotheringhay. After this, it passeth on by Fotheringhay Castle, environed on every side with most pleasant meadows, which in the Reign of Henry the Third, when the strong holds encouraged the Lords and Nobles to revolt, William Earl of Aumarl surprised upon the sudden, and laid all the Country about waste, as Matthew of Paris recordeth. At which time it belonged unto the Earls of Huntingdon who were of the royal Race of Scotland. A good while after, King Edward the Third assigned it, as it were, for an inheritance or appennage as the French term it, unto his son Edmund of Langley, Duke of York, who re-edified the Castle, and made the highest fortification or Keep thereof in form of an horse-fetter, which both of itself, and with a Falcon in it, was his Devise, or Emprese; as implying that he was locked up from all great hope, as a younger brother. His son Edward Duke of York in the second year of Henry the fifth his Reign, and in the year of Christ 1415. (as appeareth by an inscription there in rude and barbarous Verses) founded a passing fair Collegiate Church, wherein himself, when he was slain in the battle at Ag●ncourt, as also Richard Duke of York, his brother's son, who lost his life at Wakefield, and his wife Cecily Nevil, Cecily Duchess of York. had stately and sumptuous Tombs, which were profanely subverted together with the upper part of the Church, in King Edward the Sixth his time. Yet in memorial of them, Queen Elizabeth coming thither commanded two Monuments to be erected in the neither part of the Church, that now standeth: which notwithstanding, (such was their pinching and sparing that had the charge of this work) are thought scarce beseeming so great Princes descending from Kings, and from whom Kings of England are descended. The form of the Keep beforesaid built like a fetter-locke occasioneth me to digress a little, * and I hope with your pardon, Fetter-locke. when the gravest Authors in as small matters have done the like: Edmund of Langley Duke of York who built that Keep, and garnished the glass-windows there with Fetter-lockes, when he saw his sons being young scholars gazing upon the painted windows, asked them what was Latin for a Fetter-locke? They studying and looking silently one upon another, not able to answer: If you cannot tell me, saith he, I will tell you, Hic, haec, hoc Taceatis, that is, Hic, haec, hoc, be silent and quiet: and therewithal added, God knoweth what may happen hereafter. This King Edward the Fourth his great Grandchild reported publicly, when he having attained the Crown created Richard his younger son Duke of York, and then commanding that he should use for his Badge the Fetter-locke open to verify the presage of his great Grandfather. But this by the way. The said Cecily mother to King Edward the Fourth saw plainly within the compass of a few years what disports unruly and powerful Fortune (pardon the word, for I acknowledge that God ruleth all) maketh herself out of the miseries of the mighty. For she saw Richard Duke of York her husband, even then when he thought himself sure of the Kingdom, and her son the Earl of Rutland, slain together in a bloody fought field, and some few years after her eldest son Edward the Fourth enjoying the regal Crown, deprived of the same, recovering it again, and taken away by untimely death, when he had before made away her second son and his own brother George Duke of Clarence. After that, she saw her other son Richard Duke of Gloucester aspiring to the Crown and making way to it by that lamentable murdering of his Nephews, and slandering of her his own Mother, (for he charged her openly with the greatest dishonour incident to a Lady:) and afterward she saw him when he was possessed of the Kingdom, within a while slain in battle: And these her miseries were so linked together, that the longer she lived the greater sorrow she felt, and every day was more doleful than other. As for that disaster which even here befell unto another most mighty Prince Mary Queen of Scots, I had leifer it should be enwrapped up in silence, than once spoken of: Let it be forgotten quite, if it be possible: if not, yet be it hidden, as it may in silence. Under the best Princes some there are who being once armed with authority, know how by secret slights to set a goodly show and fair pretence of conscience and Religion, thereby to cloak their own private designs: And there be again, that sincerely and from the heart tender true Religion, their Prince's security, yea and (which is the highest rule and law of all) the public safety. Neither can it be denied, but that even the best Princes themselves are otherwhiles violently carried away, as good Pilots with tempests, against their wills whither they would not. But what they do as Princes and Kings, let us leave to God who only hath power over Kings. Nen being now come unto the skirts of Huntingdon-shire, running under a fair stone Bridge at Walmesford, Durobrivae. passeth by DUROBRIVAE, a right ancient City, which being called in the English Saxon Tongue Dormancester, as I said before, took up a great space of ground on both banks of the River in both Counties. For, Caster. the little Village Caster which stands a mile off from the River, may seem to have been a part of it, by the pavements there found, wrought chequer wise with small square quarrels; although on the Church wall we read this inscription bearing date of a later time. XV. KL. MAII DEDICATIO HUJUS ECCLESIAE MCXXIIII. THE FIFTEENTH DAY BEFORE THE KALENDS OF MAY, IN THE YEAR ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FOUR, [WASPE] THE DEDICATION OF THIS CHURCH. And doubtless, of greater name and note it was: for in the corn fields adjoining, which in stead of Dormanton, they call Normanton Fields, so many pieces of Roman Coin are turned out of the ground, that a man would verily think they had been sowed there: and two Rode-wayes, whereof the Causeys are yet evident to be seen, went from hence, the one called Forty-foot-way, because it was forty foot broad, unto Stanford: the other named Long-ditch and High-streat by Lollham-bridges, Lollham-Bridges. (bridges I assure you of great antiquity, whereof eleven arches are in sight, now chinking and chawning for age) through West Deeping, into Lincolnshire. At the very division and parting of these two Port-ways standeth Upton highly situate, Upton. whereupon it took also that name: where Sir Robert Wingfield Knight, descended from that ancient Family of the wingfield's, which hath brought forth so many worshipful and worthy Knights, hath a fair house with most lovely walks. Peterborough. From DUROBRIVAE the River Aufon or Nen passeth on to Peterburgh seated in the very angle or nouke of this Shire, where Writers report there hath been a gulf or whirlpole in the River, of exceeding great depth, called Medeswell, and a Town hard by it named thereupon Medeswelhamsted and Medeshamsted; which Town, as we read in Robert de Swapham, was built in an excellent fine place, having of the one side fens, and passing good waters, and of the other many goodly woods, meadows, and pastures: fair and beautiful to the eye every way, and not accessable by land save only on the West side. The River Nen runneth by at the South side of the Burrow; in the middle of which River, there is a place as it were a gulf so deep and cold withal, that even in Summer no swimmer is able to duck or dive unto the bottom. Yet is it never for all that frozen over in Winter: for there is a spring there, whence the water welleth out. This place they called in old time Meddeswell; until that Wolpher King of the Mercians built there a Monastery in honour of Saint Peter. And seeing the place was all a marish ground, he laid the foundation, as that Robert writeth, with mighty huge stones, such as eight yoke of Oxen would hardly draw one of them, which I saw with mine own eyes, saith he, when this Monastery was destroyed. Afterward, of this Monastery dedicated to Saint Peter, it began to be called PETRIBURGUS, or PETROPOLIS, that is, Peterborow or Burgh, and the said Monastery was very famous and renowned. The original occasion, and the building whereof, I have thought it worth my labour briefly to put down, out of the said Robert de Swapham, a Writer of good antiquity. Peada, the son of Penda, who was the first Christian King of the Mercians, in the year of grace 546. for the propagation of Christian Religion, laid the foundation of a Monastery at Medeshamsted in the Girvians or Fen-country, which he could not finish, for that by the wicked practice of his mother, he was made away. After Peada succeeded his brother Wolpher, who being most averse from Christian Religion, murdered Wolphald and Rufin his own sons with cruel and barbarous immanity, because they had devoted themselves unto Christ, and embraced his Religion. But himself some few years after, embracing Christian Religion, for to expiate and wash away the stain of that his impiety with some good and godly work, set in hand to build up this Monastery which his brother had begun: which through the help of his brother Aetheldred, of Kineburga also and Kineswith his sisters, being fully finished in the year of our Lord 633. he consecrated unto Saint Peter, endowed it with ample Revenues, and ordained Sexwulft a right godly and devout man (who principally advised him to this work) the first Abbot thereof. This Monastery flourished afterward, and had the name and opinion in the world of great holiness, for the space of two hundred and fourteen years or thereabout, until those most heavy and woeful times came of the Danes, who made spoil and waste of all: For, then were the Monks massacred, and the Monastery quite overthrown lay buried, as one would say, many years together in the own rubbish and ruins. At the last, about the year of our Lord 960. Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester, who wholly gave himself to the furtherance of monastical profession began to re-edify it, having the helping hand especially of King Eadgar, and Adulph the King's Chancellor, who upon a prick of conscience and deep repentance, for that he and his wife together lying in bed asleep had overlaid and smothered the little infant their only son, laid upon the re-edifying of this monastery all the wealth he had: and when it was thus rebuilt, he became Abbot thereof. From which time, it was of high estimation and name, partly for the great riches it had and in part for the large privileges which it enjoyed: although in the reign of William the Conqueror, Herward an Englishman being proclaimed traitor and outlawed, made a road out of the Isle of Ely and rifled it of all the riches that it had gathered together: Mont. Turold against whom Turold the Abbot, erected the fort Mont-Turold: Yet was it esteemed exceeding wealthy even unto our father's days, when, King Henry the Eighth thrust out the Monks in all places, alleging that they declining from the ordinances, which those holy and ancient Monks held, wasted in riot and excess the goods of the Church, which was the Patrimony and inheritance of the poor; and in their places erected here a Bishopric assigning thereunto this county and Rutland-shire for his Diocese: and placed withal a Dean and certain Prebendaries. So that of a Monastery it became a Cathedral Church; which if you well consider the building, is for the very antiquity thereof, goodly to behold. The forefront carrieth a majesty with it, and the Cloisters are very large, in the glass-windows whereof is represented the history of Wolpher the founder, with the succession of the Abbots. Saint Mary's Chapel is a goodly large building, full of curirious work, and the choir fair: wherein two as infortunate Queens as any other, Katherine of Spain repudiated by King Henry the Eighth, and Mary Queen of Scotland being interred, found rest and repose there, from all their miseries. Beneath Peterburgh, The Fens. the river Aufon or Nen, which by this time is gone from his springhead much about forty five miles, and carrieth along with him all rils, brooks, and land floods occasioned by rain, that he hath taken into his channels, is divided sundry ways. And finding no way to carry his stream, by spreading his waters all abroad in winter time, yea and other whiles most part of the year, overfloweth all the plain country, so as it seemeth to be nothing but a vast sea lying even and level, with some few Islands that bear up their heads and appear above the water. The cause of such inundation the people inhabiting thereby, allege to be this, for that of the three channels or drains, by which so great store of water was wont to be issued into the sea, the first that went directly into the sea by Thorney abbey, and then a part by Clow Cross and Crowland: the second also by the trench cut out by Morton Bishop of Ely, called the New leam, and then by Wisbich; have a long time been forlet and neglected: and so the third which goeth down by Horsey-bridge, Witlesmer, Ramsey-mere and Salters-load, is not able to receive so much water: whereby it breaketh forth with more violence upon the flats adjoining. And the country complaineth for trespass done unto them, as well by those that have not scoured the said drains, as by them that have turned the same aside to their private uses: and as the Reatines said some time, so do they, That Nature herself hath well provided for man's use; in that she hath given all rivers their courses, and issues; and as well their-inlets into the Sea, as their heads and springs. But thus much of this matter may seem to some overmuch. In this place is the County lest in breadth: for between Nen and the River Welland the one limit on the North side, there are scarce five miles. Upon Welland, which Aethelward an old writer called Weolod, Braibroke. Lords of Braibroke. near unto the spring head, is Braibrock Castle, built by Robert May, alias, De Braybroke, a most inward minion of King John: whose son Henry having married Christian Ledet an inheritrice of a great estate, his eldest son adopted himself into the surname of the Ledet: from one of whose Nieces by his son, as I said before, it came unto the Latimers, and by them unto the Griphins, whose inheritance now it is. near unto it among the woods I saw some few relics of a Monastery, Pipwell. called in times past De Divisis, and afterward Pipwell; which William Buttevillein founded in the reign of Henry the Second for Cistertian Monks. Rockingham. From thence might Rockingham be seen, were it not for the woods, a Castle sometime of the Earls of Aumarle, built by King William the Conqueror, at what time it was a waist, (as we find in his doomsday book) fortified with Rampire and Bulwarks, and a duple range of Battlements, situate upon the side of an hill within a woody Forest, which thereupon is named Rockingham Forest. Haringworth. See Ashby De la Zouch, in Leicester shire. Baron's Zouch. After this it runneth beside Haringworth the seat in old time of the Cantlows and now of the Lord Zouch: who descended from Eudo a younger son of Alan de la Zouch, of Ashby De la Zouch, have grown up to a right honourable Family of Barons; whose honour and state was much augmented by marriage with one of the heirs of * De Cantelupo. Deane. Cantlow, as also with an other of Baron Saint Maur, who likewise drew his Pedigree from the heir of the Lord Zouch de Ashby, and the Lovels Lords of Castel-Cary in Somersetshire. Here also I saw Deane, belonging in ancient times to the Deans, afterwards to the Tindals, which place is worth the remembrance, if it were but for this, that it is now a proper and fair dwelling house of the Brudenells: out of which Family Sir Edmund Brudenell, late deceased, was a passing great lover and admirer of venerable Antiquity. Baron's de Engain. The Family likewise of Engain, which was both ancient and honourable had their seat hereby at Blatherwic (where now the Staffords of knight's degree inhabit, who descended from Ralph the first Earl of Stafford) and those Engaines changed their Castle named Humel before time, Or Hymell. into a Monastery called Finisheved. Their issue male failed about two hundred years since: but of their heirs the eldest was wedded unto Sir john Goldington, the second to Sir Laurence Pabenham, and the third to Sir William Bernak, all right worthy Knights. Apthorpe. here also is to be seen Apthorp, the seat of a most worthy knight, Sir Anthony Mildmay, whose father Sir Walter Mildmay, late one of Queen Elizabeth's Privy Counsel, for his virtue, wisdom, piety, and bounty to learning and learned men, by founding Emanuel College in Cambridge, hath worthily deserved to be registered among the best men in this our age. Thornhaugh. Hard by standeth Thornhaugh sometimes belonging to the Family De Sancto Medardo, contracted into Semar●, and now to the right honourable Sir William Russell, son to Francis Earl of Bedford descended from Semare, whom King James for his virtues and faithful service in Ireland whiles he was Lord Deputy there, advanced to the Dignity of Baron Russell of Thornhaugh. Welledon. Basset of Welledon. Neither is the Town Welledon to be passed over in silence, considering that it went in old time for a Barony, which by Mawde the Daughter and heir of Geffrey de Ridell (who together with King Henry the First his son was drowned) did descend to Richard Basset son of Ralph Basset, Lord Justice of England, in whose race it continued unto King Henry the Fourth his days: For then, by the females it accrued to the Kneveis and Alesburies'. Welland being past Haringworth goeth to visit Colliweston, where Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond, King Henry the Seaventh his mother built a goodly fair and stately house: Under which, the neighbour inhabitants use to dig great plenty of sclate stones for their buildings. Slate-stones. From whence Wittering Heath, a plain, runneth out far into the East, wherein the people there dwelling, report, that the Danes long since were discomfited in a memorable battle and put to flight. Burghley. Now by this time is Welland come to Burghley whereof the most prudent and right honourable Counsellor Sir William Cecil, Lord high Treasurer of England, yea a singular treasure and supporter of the same, received the Title of Baron Burghley, for his great good deserts, at the hands of Queen Elizabeth. Which Title he adorned with the lustre of his virtues, and beautified this place with magnificent sumptuous buildings, adjoining thereto a large Park encompassed about with a stone wall of a great circuit. Beneath it, there are ancient Quarries of stone at Bernack, out of which the abbeys of Peterburgh and of Ramsey were built. For here (to write the very words out of the History of Ramsey) The toiling strength of the Quarriers is often tried and held to work: yet ever still there remaineth work for them behind, wherein they being refreshed between while with rest, may be exercised and kept in ure. And thus we read in the Charter of king Edward the Confessor: In consideration of four thousand Eels in Lent, the Monks of Ramsey shall have out of the Territory of Saint Peter so much square astiler stone, as they need, at Berneck, and of rough building stone for walls, at Burch. Under Berneck that highway made by the Romans, which the neighbour Inhabitants, Forti foot- 〈◊〉 of the breadth that it carrieth, call The forty footway, from Caster to Stanford cutteth and divideth this Shire, and is to be seen with an high Causey, especially by the little Wood of Bernack, where it hath a Beacon set upon the very ridge, and so runneth forth along by Burghley Park wall toward Stanford. Some five miles hence, Maxey. Peag-Kyrk. Ingulfus. Welland running down by Maxey Castle, belonging sometime to the noble house of Wake, and by Peag-Kirk, (where, in the Primitive Church of the English Nation, Pega an holy woman who gave name to that place, and sister of Saint Guthlak, with other Nuns and devout virgins by their life and example gave good documents of piety and chastity; cometh to the Fens so often mentioned. And for as much as the bank on the South side thereof is in many places neglected, the River lieth sore upon the lands thereabout with great detriment: and thus being put out of his own Channel that before time went by Spalding, he entereth closely into Nen or Aufon, and overchargeth it exceedingly. Now the less Avon, which is the other of the limits, as I said, of this shire Northward, but serveth for a limit only about five or six miles in length, breaking out of the ground at Avon-well by Naseby, near by the Springhead of Welland, runneth Westward by Suleby sometimes an abbey of Black-Monkes, Stanford. and by Stanford upon Avon, The Caves. the habitation of the Caves' Family, out of which there is spread a notable offspring with many branches in all that Tract adjoining: also by Lilborne, the seat in times passed of the Canvilles. Which, that it hath been in old time a Mansion place or Station of the Romans, I am induced to think, by the site thereof hard by one of their Port-ways, by the ancient Trenches there, and a little piked hill cast up: into which when of late days some digged in hope of old hid treasure, in stead of gold they found coals. Bounds or Mere marl in old time. And when this river being as yet but small is once gone under Dowbridge, it leaveth Northamptonshire and entereth Warwickshire. By those coals digged forth from under the said hill, what if I should conjecture that this hill was raised up for a limit or bound-marke, seeing Siculus Flaccus writeth, that either ashes, or coals, or pot-sherds, or broken glasses, or bones half burnt, or lime, or plaster, were wont to be put under landmarks and limits: Lib. de Civi Dei 21. cap. and S. Augustine writeth thus of coals: Is it not a wonderful thing (saith he) whereas considering Coals be so brickle, that with the least blow they break, with the least crushing they are crushed; yet no time, be it never so long conquereth them: in so much as they that pitch Landmarks and limits, were wont to couch them underneath, to convince any litigious fellow whatsoever, that should come never so long time after, and avouch that a limit was not there pitched. And so much the rather incline I to this my conjecture, because they that have written of limits, do write that certain hillocks or piles of earth which they termed Botontines, Botontines' Hence perventure 〈◊〉 our Buttin●● were set in limits: so that I suppose most of these mounts and round hills which we every where see and call Burrowes, were for this purpose raised, and that ashes, coals, pot-sherds, etc. may be found under them, if they were digged down a good depth into the earth. The first Earl that this County had to my knowledge, Earls of Northamp was Waldeof (son of that warlike Siward) who being also Earl of Huntingdon, for his disloyal treachery unto William the Conqueror, lost his head: leaving two daughters only behind him, by judith the conquerors Niece by a sister of his mother's side. Simon de Saint Liz, The life of Waldeof. being scornfully rejected by judith the mother for that he was lame-legged, married Maud the eldest Daughter, and he built Saint Andrew's Church and the Castle at Northampton. After him succeeded his son, Simon the second, who a long time was in suit about his mother's possessions with David King of Scots his mother's second husband: and having sided with King Stephen, in the year of our Lord 1152. departed this life with this testimonial that went of him: A Youth full fraught with all unlawful wickedness, and as full of all unseemly lewdness. His son Simon the third, having gone to law with the Scots for his right to the Earldom of Huntingdon, wasted all his estate, and through the gracious goodness of King Henry the Second, married the Daughter and Heir of Gilbert de Gaunt Earl of Lincoln: and in the end having recovered the Earldom of Huntingdon, and disseized the Scots, died childless in the year 1185. Whereas some have lately set down Sir Richard Gobion to have been Earl of Northampton afterward, I find no warrant thereof either in Record, or History: Only I find, that Sir Hugh Gobion was a Ringleader in that rebellious rabble which held Northampton against king Henry the Third, and that the inheritance of his house came shortly after by marriage to Butler of Woodhall, and Turpin, etc. But this is most certain that King Edward the Third created William de Bohun a man of approved valour, Earl of Northampton: and when his elder brother Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and of Essex, High Constable also of England, was not sufficient in that warlike age, to bear that charge of the Constable, he made him also High Constable of England. After him his son Humphrey succeeding in the Earldom of Northampton, as also in the Earldoms of Hereford and of Essex, for that his Uncle died with issue, begat two Daughters; the one bestowed in marriage upon Thomas of Woodstock, the youngest son of King Edward the Third; the other upon Henry of Lancaster, Duke of Hereford, who afterwards attained to the Crown by the name of King Henry the Fourth. The Daughter of the said Thomas of Woodstock brought by her marriage this Title of Northampton with others, into the Family of the Staffords. But when they afterwards had lost their honours and dignities, King Edward the Sixth honoured Sir William Parr Earl of Essex, a most accomplished Courtier, with the Title of marquis of Northampton: who within our remembrance ended this life issueless. And while I was writing and perusing this Work, our most sacred Sovereign King James in the year of our Salvation 1603. upon one and the same day advanced Lord Henry Howard brother to the last Duke of Norfolk, a man of rare and excellent wit, and sweet fluent eloquence, singularly adorned also with the best sciences, prudent in counsel, and provident withal, to the state of Baron Howard of Marnehill, and the right honourable name, title, style, and Dignity of Earl of Northampton. There belong unto this Shire Parishes 326. LECESTRIAE COMITATUS. SIVE Leicestershyre. PARS OLIM CORITANORUM. LEICESTER-SHIRE. ON the North side of Northamptonshire boundeth LEICESTER-SHIRE, called in that Book wherein William the Conqueror set down his Survey of England, Ledecester-shire: a champain Country likewise throughout, bearing corn in great plenty, but for the most part without Woods. It hath bordering upon it on the East side, both Rutland-shire and Lincolnshire, on the North Nottingham and Derby-shires; and Warwickshire on the West. (For, the high Road way made by the Romans called Watling-streat, directly running along the West skirt, separateth it from Warwickshire:) and on the South side, as I noted even now, lieth Northamptonshire. Through the middle part thereof passeth the River Soar taking his way toward the Trent: but over the East-part a little River called Wreak gently wandereth, which at length findeth his way into the foresaid Soar. On the South side, where it is divided on the one hand with the River Avon the less, and on the other with the River Welland, we meet with nothing worth relation, unless it be, on Wellands' bank, (whiles he is yet but small and newly come from his head) with Haverburgh commonly called Harborrow, a Town most celebrate hereabout for a Fair of Cat-tail there kept: and as for Carleton, as one would say, the husband-mens' Town, (that is not far from it) wherein (I wot not whether it be worth the relating) all in manner that are borne, whether it be by a peculiar property of the Soil, or the water, or else by some other secret operation of nature, have an ill favoured, untunable, and harsh manner of speech, fetching their words with very much ado deep from out of the throat, with a certain kind of wharling. That Roman street way aforesaid, Watling street (the causey whereof being in some other places quite worn and eaten away, here most evidently showeth itself) passeth on directly as it were by a straight line Northward, through the West side of this Province. The very tract of which street I myself diligently traced and followed even from the Tamis to Wales, purposely to seek out Towns of ancient memory: (laugh you will perhaps, at this my painful and expenseful diligence, as vainly curious:) neither could I repose my trust upon a more faithful guide for the finding out of those said towns which Antonine the Emperor specifieth in his Itinerary. This Street-way, being past Dowbridge, where it leaveth Northamptonshire behind it, is interrupted, first with the River Swift, that is indeed but slow, although the name import swiftness, which it maketh good only in the Winter months. The Bridge over it now called Bransford and Bensford Bridge, which here conjoined in times past this way, having been of long time broken down, hath been the cause that so famous a way for a great while was the less frequented: but now, at the common charge of the country, Cester-Over. it is repaired. Upon this way lieth of the one side, Westward, Cester-Over, (but it is in Warwickshire) a place worth the naming, were it but in regard of the Lord thereof Sir Foulke Grevill, a right worshipful and worthy knight: although the very name itself may witness the antiquity, for, our ancestors added this word Cester to no other places but only cities. Cester. On the other side of the way Eastward, hard by water Swift which springeth near Knaptoft the seat of the Turpins' a knightly house descended from an heir of the Gobions, lieth Misterton belonging to the ancient family of the Poulteneis, who took that name of Poulteney a place now decayed within the said Lordship. Lutterworth. near to it is Lutterworth a market Town the possession in times passed of the Verdons, which only showeth a fair Church which hath been increased by the Feldings of knight's degree and ancient gentry in this Shire. That famous John Wickliff was sometime Parson of this Church, John Wickli●●● died 1387. a man of a singular, polite, and well wrought wit, most conversant also in the holy Scripture: who for that he had sharpened the neb of his pen against the Pope's authority, the Church of Rome, and religious men, was not only in his life time most grievously troubled, but also one and forty years after his death, his dead Corpse was cruelly handled, being by warrant from the Council of Sienna turned out of his grave and openly burned. Neither is it to be forgotten that near to this Town is a spring so cold that within a short time it turneth straws and sticks into stones. A spring turning straws and sticks into stones. From that Bensford bridge, the foresaid old High way goeth on to High-crosse, so called, for that thereabout stood sometime a Cross, in stead of which, is erected now a very high post with props and supporters thereto. The neighbours there dwelling reported unto me, that the two principal Highways of England did here cut one another overthwart, and that there stood a most flourishing City there, named Cleycester, Cley Cester. Cleybrooke. which had a Senate of Aldermen in it, and that Cleybrooke, almost a mile off, was part of it: also, that on both sides of the way, there lay under the furrows of the corn fields great foundations and ground works of four square stone: also that pieces of Roman money were very often turned up with the Plough: although above the ground, as the Poet saith, Etiam ipsae periere ruinae, that is, Even the very ruins are perished and gone. These presumptions together with the distance of this place from BANNAVENTA or Wedon, which agreeth just, and withal the said Bridge, leading hitherward, called Bensford, are inducements unto me to think verily, that the station BENNONES, Bennones. or VENONES, was here, which Antonine the Emperor placeth next beyond BANNAVENTA, especially seeing that Antonine showeth how the way divided itself here into two parts, which also goeth commonly currant. For, Northeastward, where the way lieth to Lincoln, the Fosse way leadeth directly to RATAE and to VERNOMETUM, of which I will speak anon: and toward the Northwest, Watling-streete goeth as straight into Wales by MANVESSEDUM, whereof I shall write in his due place in Warwickshire. Higher, yet near the same streetside standeth Hinkley, which had for Lord of it, Hugh Grantmaismill, a Norman, high Steward or Seneschal of England, during the Reigns of king William Rufus, and Henry the First. The said Hugh had two daughters, Parnell, given in marriage to Robert Blanchmains (so called of his fair white hands) Earl of Leicester, together with the High-Stewardship of England; and Alice, wedded to Roger Bigot. Verily, at the East end of the Church, there are to be seen Trenches and Rampires, yea and a Mount cast up to an eminent height, which the inhabitants say was Hugh's Castle. Three miles hence standeth Bosworth, an ancient Mercat Town, which liberty together with the Fair S. Richard Harecourt obtained for it at the hands of king Edward the First. Under this town in our great grandfathers days the kingdom of England lay hazarded upon the chance of one battle: For, Henry Earl of Richmond, with a small power encountered there in pitched field king Richard the Third, who had by most wicked means usurped the kingdom: and whiles he resolved to die the more valiantly, fight for the liberty of his country, with his followers and friends, the more happy success he had, and so overcame and slew the Usurper: 1487. Richard the Third slain. and then being with joyful acclamations proclaimed King in the very mids of slaughtered bodies round about; he freed England by his happy valour from the rule of a Tyrant, and by his wisdom refreshed and settled it being sore disquieted with long civil dissensions. Whereupon Bernard Andreas of toulouse, a Poet living in those days, in an Ode dedicated unto King Henry the Seventh, as touching the Rose his Devise, writ these Verses, such as they are: Ecce nunc omnes posuere venti Murmuris, praeter Zephyrum tepentem: Hic Rosas nutrit, nitidósque flores Veris amoeni. Behold now all the winds are laid, But Zephyrus that blows full warm: The Rose, and fair spring-floures in mead He keepeth fresh, and doth no harm. Other memorable things there are none by this Street, unless it be Ashby de la Zouch, that lieth a good way off: a most pleasant Lordship now of the Earls of Huntingdon, * but belonging in times passed to the noble Family De la Zouch, who descended from Alan Viscount of Rohan, Baron's Zouch. De Ashby. in Little Britain, and Constantia his wife daughter to Conan le Grosse Earl of Britain and Maude his wife the natural daughter of Henry the First. Of this house Alane De la Zouch married one of the heirs of Roger Quincy Earl of Winchester, and in her right came to a fair inheritance in this Country. But when he had judicially sued John Earl of Warren, who chose rather to try the Title by the sword point than by point of Law, he was slain by him even in Westminster Hall, in the year of our Lord 1269. and some years after, the daughters and heirs of his grand son transferred this inheritance by their marriages into the Families of the Saint Maures, The family of the Hollands. of Castle Cary, and the Hollands. Yet their father first bestowed this Ashby upon Sir Richard Mortimer of Richard's Castle his cousin, whose younger issue thereupon took the surname of Zouch, and were Lords of Ashby. But from Eudo a younger son of Alane who was slain in Westminster Hall, the Lords Zouch of Harringworth branched out, and have been for many Descents, Barons of the Realm. Afterward in process of time Ashby came to the Hastings, who built a fair large and stately house there, and Sir William Hastings procured unto the Town the liberty of a Fair in the time of King Henry the Sixth. Here I may not pass over the next neighbour Cole-Overton, now a seat of the Beaumontes' descended from Sir Thomas Beaumond Lord of Bachevill in Normandy, brother to the first Viscount. This place hath a Coal prefixed for the forename which Sir Thomas, as some write, was he, who was slain manfully fight at such time as the French recovered Paris from the English in the time of King Henry the Sixth. This place of the pit-coles (being of the nature of hardened Bitumen, Pit-cole or stone coal. which are digged up to the profit of the Lord, in so great a number that they serve sufficiently for fuel to the neighbour Dwellers round about far and near. I said before that the River Soar did cut this Shire in the middle, which springing not far from this Street, and increased with many small rils and Brooks of running water, going a long Northward with a gentle stream, passeth under the West and North side of the chief Town or City of this County, which in Writers is called Lege-Cestria, Leicester. Leogora, Legeo cester, and Leicester. This Town maketh an evident fair show both of great antiquity and good building. In the year 680. when Sexwulph at the commandment of King Etheldred divided the kingdom of the Mercians into Bishoprickes, he placed in this an Episcopal See, and was himself the first Bishop that sat there: but a few years after, when the See was translated to another place, this Dignity had an end, and therewith the stately part of the Town by little and little was impaired, until that Edelfleda a most virtuous and noble Lady in the year after our Saviour's Nativity 914. repaired and strongly walled it new about; in so much as Matthew of Paris in his lesser Story wrote thus, Legecester is a right wealthy City and notably well fenced with an indissoluble Wall, which if it had a strong foundation were inferior to no City whatsoever. About the Normans entering into this Land, it was well peopled and frequented, yea and had very many Burgesses in it; out of whom they were bound by an ancient custom (as we read in William the conquerors book) To send twelve with the King so often as he ●ent in person to the wars: But if he made a voyage by sea against his enemies, they sent four horses to carry armour as far as to London. This City paid yearly to the King 30. pounds by tale, and twenty in ora, that is, * Or in ore. by weight, also 25. measures called Sextaries of honey. But in the time of King Henry the Seconds Reign, it was sore overpressed with a world of great and grievous calamities, and the walls thrown down, what time as Robert surnamed Bossu, (that is, Crouch back) Earl of Leicester conspired and rebelled against the King. Which Matthew of Paris showeth in these words: For the obstinate stubborness of Earl Robert spurning against the King, the noble City of Leicester was besieged and overthrown by King Henry, and the Wall which seemed indissoluble, was utterly cast down all round about. For, that I may add thus much out of the lesser History abovesaid, when the Wall of the City wanting a good foundation was undermined, and the props that sustained it at length burnt, the pieces and fragments of the Wall fell down, which even to this day (such is the indissoluble tenacity and stiffness of the mortar) remain fast, and retain the bigness of sound rocks. Miserable also was the imposition of a fine upon the Citizens at that time, and their banishment as lamentable; who having obtained by paying sums of money licence to depart, took Sanctuary for extreme fear in Saint Alban and Saint Edmundsbury. The Castle likewise was dismantled of all Fortifications, which verily was a large and strong piece. Beneath which, there is a very fair Hospital or house for receipt of poor people, and a Collegiate Church wherein Henry Earl of Lancaster, and Henry of Lancaster his son, who was the first Duke of Lancaster, lie buried. For, the said Duke when he was now stepped far in years, of a pious mind built this Hospital for the maintenance of poor folk, and to that end dedicated it. Concerning which, Henry Knighton of Leicester who lived in that age, writeth thus in his story. Henry the first Duke of Lancaster built a Collegiate Church and an Hospital without the South Gate of Leicester; wherein he ordained a Dean with 12. Canon's Prebendaries, as many Vicars, and other Officers, an hundred poor and feeble people, and ten poor able women to give attendance upon the said feeble folk; and this Hospital he endowed with sufficient revenues. * As for this Hospital it continueth in some good state, as an other Bede-house in the Town built by W. Wigeston. But the Collegiate Church which was a magnificent work, and the greatest ornament of Leicester was demolished when religious houses were granted to the King. At the other side of the City among most goodly and pleasant meadows which the River Soar watereth, there was an abbey, called of that place, De Pree: of which, the said Knighton hath written thus, Robert de Bossu Earl of Leicester (when he begun Gerondon abbey for Cistertians) founded the Monastery of S. Marry De Pratis, at Leicester, endowed it richly with Lands, Possessions and Revenues, and himself with the consent of * Amiciae. Amice his Wife became a * Or Priest. Cannon Regular in the same, and, for the space of fifteen years, in habit of a Cannon served God there, and so slept in the Lord; That thus forsooth, he might make amends by repentance in a Canons' weed of that offence; which beforetime he had committed by rebelling with a traitorous mind against his Liege Prince. What name Leicester had in the Romans time, it is not known; In the Catalogue of Ninnius, I think it to be that, which is called Caer Lerion: But, that Leir a King, of whom there go many tales, built it, they that will, may believe it for me. But the situation thereof upon the Foss-way, and the distance both from BENNONES and VEROMETUM, agreeth so just with the description of Antonine, that I cannot but think it to be that RATAE which Ptolomee nameth RAGAE, although there is neither tip nor toe remaining in it of the name RATAE: unless peradventure it be in that old long Ditch and Rampire which they call Rawdikes, Or Road dikes. scarce half a mile without the South Gate. here am I at a stand, and look about me what way to follow for the seeking out of ancient Towns. Ranulph a Monk of Chester recordeth, that the ancient street way went through the wastes from hence to Lincoln, but he telleth us not, through what Wastes. The common voice goeth that it went on still full North through Nottinghamshire: Antonine the Emperor (if I have any insight at all) seemeth to insinuate, that it passed Northeastward through this County into Lincolnshire. And verily, this way there are places of antique memory that by some of their remains and tokens show themselves: but the other way, I could not myself ever yet meet with any; what others have done I know not, and would willingly learn. North-West from Leicester, and not far off is Grooby a large Lordship and Manor which from Hugh Grantmaismill whom King William the Conqueror had enriched with great possessions and revenues, came by the Earls of Leicester, and the Quincies, unto the house of the Ferrer: Ferrer and Greys the Grooby. out of which the Lord Ferrer of Grooby flourished a long time in the honourable state of Barons: and in the end, Isabel the only daughter remaining of the right line, brought it by her marriage into the name of the Greys, from whence it fell again at the last by Attainder into the King's hands. But whiles I was revising of this Work, our Sovereign Lord King James restored Sir Henry Grey a worthy Knight to the ancient honour of his noble Progenitors, creating him Baron Grey of Grooby in the first year of his Reign. Now let us return to the River Soar, Mont-Soar-hill. which being past Leicester, first giveth name to Montsorell, or rather Mont-Soar-hill, a name compounded of Norman and English both: which now is famous only for a market there kept: but in old time most renowned for the Castle, seated upon a steep and craggy Hill, hanging over the River, which before time belonged to the Earls of Leicester, but afterwards to Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester in the Baron's war; at this day nothing but a rude heap of rubbish: For, in the year 1217. the Inhabitants of the Town, when after a long Siege they had won it, Historia Minor. razed it down to the very ground, as being the Devil's nest, and a Den of thiefs, robbers, and rebels. Somewhat higher on the other side of the River standeth Barrow: where is digged lime, commended above all other for the strong binding thereof. After, some few miles from thence, Soar while he seeketh Trent, leaveth Leicester-shire, * a little above Cotes now the habitation of the Family of Skipwith originally descended out of Yorkshire, Skipwith. and enriched many years since with fair Possessions in Lincolnshire, by an heir of Ormesbie. On the opposite bank of Soar standeth Lough-borrough a market Town, Lough-borrough. which adorned one only man with the name of Baron, to wit, Sir Edward Hastings; and that in the Reign of Queen Mary. But when she, of whom he was most dear loved, departed this life, he taking a loathing to the World was not willing to live any longer to the World; but wholly desirous to apply himself to God's Service, retired into that Hospital which he had erected at Stoke Pogeiss in Buckingham-shire; where with poor people he lived to God, and among them finished the course of his life devoutly in Christ. That this Loughborrow is that Town of the Kings named in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which as Marianus saith Cuthwulph taken from the Britan's in the year of Christ 572. the near affinity of the name may yield some proof. But now among all the Towns of this Shire it rightfully challengeth the second place next unto Leicester, whether a man either regard the bigness or building thereof, or the pleasant Woods about it. For, within very little of it, the Forest of Charnwood or Charley stretcheth itself out a great way, Charnwood Forest. wherein is seen Beaumanour Park, which the Lords of Beaumond (as I have heard) fenced round about with a stone Wall. These Beaumont's descended from a younger son of John County of Brene in France, who for his high honour, and true valour was preferred to marry the heir of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, * and with great pomp crowned King of Jerusalem in the year of our Lord 1248. De Bello monte. Beaumond. Hence it is that we see the Arms of Jerusalem so often quartered with those of Beaumond in sundry places of England. Sir Henry Beaumond was the first that planted himself in England about the year 1308. who advanced to the marriage of an heir of Alexander Comine Earl of Boghan in Scotland (whose mother was one of the heirs of Roger Quincy Earl of Winchester) entered upon a very goodly and fair inheritance, and so a great Family was propagated from him. He in the Reign of Edward the Third, for certain years was summoned to the Parliament, by the name of Earl of Boghan, and John Lord Beaumont in the Reign of Henry the Sixth was for a time Constable of England, and the first to my knowledge, that in England received at the King's hands the state and Title of a Viscount. The first Viscount of Honour in Englan● But when William the last Viscount was dead without issue, his sister was wedded to the Lord Lovel, and the whole inheritance afterwards, which was rich and great, by attainder of Lovel fell into the hands of King Henry the Seventh. In this North part we meet with nothing at all worth the naming, unless it be a little religious house, which Roise Verdon founded for Nuns and called it Grace-Dieu, now belonging to a younger house of the Beaumont's: and where the Trent runneth, hard by, Dunnington. is Dunnington, an ancient Castle built by the first Earls of Leicester: which afterwards came to John Lacie Earl of Lincoln, who procured unto it from King Edward the First the privilege of keeping a market and Fair. But when as in that great proscription of the Barons under King Edward the Second the hereditaments of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and Alice Lacie his Wife were seized into the King's hands, and alienated in diverse sorts, the King enforced her to release this Manor unto Hugh Le Despenser the younger. The East part of this Shire which is hilly and feedeth great numbers of Sheep, was adorned with two places of especial note; Vernometum or Verometum. VERNOMETUM or VEROMETUM, whereof Antonine the Emperor hath made mention, and Burton-Lazers, both in the ages foregoing of very great name and reputation. VERNOMETUM, which now hath lost the name, seemeth to have stood (for I dare not affirm it) in that place, which at this day men call Burrowhill and Erdburrow: For, between VEROMETUM and RATAE, according to Antonine his reckoning are twelve Italian miles; and so many well near there be, from Leicester to this place. The name Burrow also that it hath at this day came from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which in the Saxon Tongue signifieth, a place fortified, and under it a Town called Burrough belonging to an old Family of Gentlemen so surnamed. But, (that which maketh most for proof) in that very place there riseth up an hill with a steep and upright ascent on every side, but South Eastward: in the top whereof appear the express tokens of a Town destroyed, a duple Trench, and the very Tract where the Walls went, which enclosed about eighteen Acres of ground within. At this day it is arable ground, and is nothing so famous, as in this, that the youth dwelling round about were wont yearly to exercise themselves in wrestling and other games in this place. And out of the very name a man may conjecture, that there stood there some great Temple of the Heathen Gods. What Vernometum signifieth in the ancient language of the Gaullois. For, VERNOMETUM in the ancient Gauls language, which was the same that the old Britan's tongue, soundeth as much as A great Temple; as Venantius Fortunatus in the first book of his Songs plainly showeth, writing of Vernometum a Town of Gaul in these Verses. Nomine Vernometum voluit vocitare vetustas, Quod quasi fanum ingens Gallica lingua sonat. In elder time this place they termed by name of VERNOMET, Which sounds in language of the Gauls, as much as Temple Great. Burton Lazars. As for Burton, surnamed Lazars, of Lazars (for so they used to term folk infected with the Elephantiasie or Leprosy) was a rich Spittle-house, or Hospital, under the Master whereof, were in some sort all other small Spitals or Lazer-houses in England, like as himself also was under the Master of the Lazars in Jerusalem. It was founded in the first age of the Normans, by a common contribution over all England, and the Mowbray's especially did set to their helping hands. At which time the Leprosy which the learned term Elephantiasis, Leprosy in England. (because the skins of leper are like to that of Elephants) in grievous manner by way of contagion ran over all England. For, it is verily thought that this disease did then first creep out of Egypt into this Island: which eft-once had spread itself into Europe: first of all in Pompeius Magnus his days: afterwards, under Heraclius, and at other times as we may see in the Histories, whether by celestial influence, or other hidden causes I leave to the learned. But so far as I could hitherto read, it did never set foot in England before that time. Besides these places before named of great name and mark, we must not overpasse neither Melton Mowbray near unto this Burton, Melton. a market Town bearing name of the Mowbray's sometime Lords thereof, wherein is nothing more worth the seeing, Skeffington. than a fair Church; nor Skeffington, standing farther off, which as it hath given name to a worshipful Family, * so again it hath received worship and credit from the same. The River that watereth this part of the Shire, is by the Inhabitants about it called the Wreken, along which upon resemblance of the name I have sought VERNOMETUM, but in vain. This Wreken gathereth a strong stream by many lively Brooks resorting unto it, Wimondham. whereof one passeth by Wimondham an ancient habitation of a younger branch of the house of the Lords Barkleis, well increased by an heir of Dela-Laund, and so on by Melton Mowbray before mentioned, by Kirkby Bellers; (where there was a Priory) having that addition of the Bellers, a respective, rich, and noble Family in their time, Brookesby. by Brokesby a seat now of the Villiers of an old Norman race, and descended from an heir of Bellers: which Brokesby imparted formerly the surname to the Brokesbies' of especial antiquity in these parts. Then the Wreken speedeth by Ratcliff high mounted upon a cliff and within few miles conjoineth itself to Soar, near unto Mont-Soar-hill, before mentioned. Whatsoever of this Shire lieth beyond the Wreken Northward, is not so frequently inhabited, and part of it is called the Wold, as being hilly without wood; wherein Dalby a seat of the old Family of the Noels, of whom I shall speak elsewhere, and Waltham on the Wold, a mean Mercat, are most notable. Through this part as I have been informed passeth the Fosse-way, made by the Romans from Lewing Bridge, by Segrave which gave surname to the honourable Family often mentioned, and the Lodge on the Would toward the Vale of Beaver, but the Tract thereof as yet I know not. This Shire hath been more famous from time to time by reason of the Earls thereof have been very renowned. Earls of Leicester. And seeing it had under the Saxons government Earls by inheritance, I will first reckon them up in order, as Thomas Talbot a skilful Antiquary hath delivered me a note of them out of the king's Records. In the time of Aethelbald King of the Mercians, and in the year of our Redemption 716. Leofrick was Earl of Leicester, whom there succeeded in direct line Algar the first, Algar the second, Leofrick the second, Leofstane, Leofrick the third buried in Coventry, Algar the third, who had issue two sons, Aeadwin Earl of March, Morkar Earl of Northumberland, and a daughter named Lucy, first married to Ivon Talboys of Anjou, afterwards to Roger of Romara, who begat of her William of Romara Earl of Lincoln. Now when as the issue male of this Saxon Family failed, and the name of the Saxons was trodden (as it were) under foot, Robert Beaumont a Norman Lord of Pont Audomar and Earl of Mellent, (after that Simon an officiary Earl of Leicester was dead) obtained his Earldom in the year of our Lord 1102. at the bountiful hand of King Henry the First: The words of Henry Huntingdon in his Epistle De Cor temptu mundi. which Robert, A man for skill and knowledge excellent, fair spoken, subtle, wise, and witty, and by nature wily, who while he lived in high and glorious estate, an other Earl carried away his wife from him: whereupon in his old age being much troubled in mind, he fell into deep melancholy. After him succeeded from father to son three Roberts, * the first surnamed Bossu because he was crookbacked, who after he had rebelled against King Henry the First, weary of his loose irregular life, became a Cannon Regular; the second surnamed Blanch-maines of his lily-white-hands, who sided with the young King against King Henry the Second, and died in the expedition of King Richard the First to the Holy Land; the third surnamed Fitz-Parnell, because his mother was Petronilla. Parnels daughter and one of the heirs to Hugh Grantmaismill the last, in whose right he was Seneschal or Steward of England, and died issueless in the time of King John. A few years after, Simon Montfort descended from a base son of Robert King of France, who had married the sister of Robert Fitz-Parnell, enjoyed this honour. But after that he and his were expelled in the year 1200. as wholly devoted to the French, Ranulph Earl of Chester attained unto this Dignity, not in right of inheritance, Matthew Paris but by his Prince's favour. Howbeit, afterwards Simon Montfort son of the foresaid Simon obtained this honour, when Almarik his eldest brother surrendered up his right before King Henry the Third. This Simon, stood in so gracious favour with King Henry the Third, that he called him home again out of France when he was banished, heaped upon him great wealth, admitted him unto the Earldom of Leicester, granted to him the Stewardship of England, and to honour him the more gave him his own sister in marriage. But he, thus over-heaped with honourable benefits, when he had no means to requite them (such is the perverse wilfulness of men) began hatefully to malign him, See Eovesham in Worcestershire. yea and did most wickedly molest the good King having so well deserved, making himself Ringleader to the rebellious Barons, and with them raising horrible tempests of civil war, in which himself also at length was overthrown and slain. As for his Honours and Possessions, King Henry the Third gave and granted them to Edmund his own younger son Earl of Lancaster. So afterward this honour lay as it were obscured among the Titles of the house of Lancaster: and Mawde the daughter of Henry Duke of Lancaster being married to Henry Duke of Bavaria, Earl of Henault, Holland, Zealand, etc. added unto his other Titles, this of Earl of Leicester also: For, in the Charter dated the five and thirty year of King Edward the Third, In the great Register of the Duchy. he is in plain terms styled William Earl of Henhault and of Leicester: yea and, as we find in the Inquisition made Anno 36. of the said King Edward the Third, she by the name of Duchess of Bavaria, held the Castle, Manor, and Honour of Leicester. After whose decease without issue, that honour reverted to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster who had wedded Blanch the other sister of Mawde. From which time it became united to the House of Lancaster, until in our remembrance it reflourished in L. Robert Dudley, who was by Queen Elizabeth girt with the sword of the Earldom of Leicester, and extraordinarily favoured: whereupon the State's General of the united Provinces in their great troubles chose him triumphantly for their absolute Governor, and soon after as contemptuously rejected him, reserving all Sovereignty to themselves. But after a short time he passed out of this transitory life in the year 1588. leaving the fame only of his greatness behind him. Within this Shire are 200. Parish Churches. RUTLANDIAE Omnium in Anglia Comitatu: 'em minimus Pars olim CORITANORUM. RUTLAND-SHIRE. RUTLAND, in the old English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is environed within Leicester-shire, unless it be on the Southside, where it lieth upon the river Welland, and on the East-side, where it butteth upon Lincolnshire. A Country nothing inferior to Leicester-shire either in fruitful quality of soil, or pleasantness, but in quantity only, as being the least County of all England. For, lying in form almost round like a circle, it is in compass so far about, as a light horseman will ride in one day. Whence it is, that the Inhabitants tell a tale of I wot not what king, who should give to one Rutilio so much land as he could ride about in one day: and that he, forsooth, road about this shire within the time appointed, and so had it given him, and named it by his own name Rutland. But let such fables be packing: I would not have the truth prejudiced with an extravagant tale. And where as the earth in this shire is every where red, The na●● Rutland. and so red that even the sheep's fleeces are thereby coloured red: whereas also the English-Saxons called Red in their tongue Roet and Rud; may we not suppose that this Country was named Rutland, as one would say a Redland? For, as saith the Poet. Conveniunt rebus nomina saepè suis. The names, as often times we see, With things themselves full well agree. Now, that places in all Nations have had their names of redness, Rutlan Castle in Wales, built on a shore of red earth, Redbay, Redhill, Redland, The Red Promontory, The Red-Sea also betwixt Egypt and Arabia, Erytheia in jonia, and a number beside may prove most evidently: So that there is no cause why we should give credit to fables in this behalf. As for this little County, it may seem to have been ordained a Shire or County but of late days. For, in King Edward the Confessors time, it was counted a part of Northamptonshire, and our Historiographers who wrote three hundred years ago and upward, reckoned it not in the number of Shires. Wash or Guash, a little river, which runneth from the West Eastward through the middle of it, divideth it in twain. In the hithermore or South part riseth Uppingham upon an high ascent, Upping whence that name was imposed, not memorable for any thing else, but because it is counted a well frequented Mercat town, and hath for to show a proper School, which together with another at Okeham R. Ihonson a Minister of God's word, in a good and laudable intent, for the training up of children in good literature lately erected, with the money he had gotten together by way of collection. Under this standeth Drystoke, which in no wise is to be passed over with silence, considering it hath been the habitation from old time of a right ancient race of the Digbyes: which (I grieve to utter it, but all men know it) hath now caught a deep stain by Sir Everard Digby drawn into that cursed crew, who most horribly complotted with one devilish flash of hellish Gunpowder to blow up both Prince, and Country. More Eastward upon the river Welland, I saw nothing remarkable, unless it be Berohdon, now Barodon, which Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick held, Fines 1 with South Leffingham, now South Luffenham, and other Hamelets, Edw. 3 by service to be the King's Chamberlain in the Exchequer. On the further part beyond the river, among the hills, there spreadeth below a very pleasant and fruitful vale, named at this day The vale of Catmose, happily of Coet maes, which signifieth in the British tongue a field full of woods. In the midst whereof Okeham showeth itself, which by the like reason may seem to have taken the name from Okes: where, hard by the Church which is large and fair, remain the cracked and decaying walls of an old Castle: which, Walkelin de Ferrari●s built in the first times of the Norman Kings. And that it hath been the dwelling place of the Ferrars, besides the credit of writers, and general report, the great horse shoes, which in times past that family gave in their arms, fastened upon the gate and in the hall, may sufficiently prove. Afterwards it belonged to the Lords of Tatteshall: But when King Richard the second had promoted Edward, the Duke of York's son, to the Earldom of Rutland, he gave unto him this Castle also. But within our Father's remembrance it befell unto Thomas Cromwell, Barons Cromwell. and was reputed the seat of his Barony: See Earls of Essex. whom King Henry the Eighth advanced to the highest pitch of dignity: and streightwaies when by his plotting and attempting of many matters he had cast himself into the tempestuous storms of envy and displeasure, bereft him on a sudden both of life and dignity. Burly. Over against it Eastward, there standeth Burley most daintily seated, and overlooking the vale: A stately and sumptuous house now of the harington's, who by marrying the daughter and heir of Colepeper, became Lords of so fair an inheritance; that ever since they have flourished in these parts, like as before time the Colepepers had done, unto whom by N. Green the wealthy and goodly Livelod of the Bruises in part had descended. As for those Bruises, being men of the chief Nobility in England, they were engrafted into the Royal stock and family of Scotland: out of whom by Robert the eldest brother, the race Royal of Scotland are sprung-like as by Bernard the younger brother, the Cottons of Connington in Huntingdon-shire (of whom I have written already) and these harington's. Baron Harington. In which regard and gracious respect King James advanced Sir john Harington branched from that stem that the ancient Lords Harington, to the title of Baron Harington of Exton, a town adjacent, where he hath also an other fair house. Moreover, on the East side, by the river Guash, stands Brigcasterton, whereof I will say more afterward, and Rihall: where, when superstition had so bewitched our ancestors, that the multitude of their petty Saints, had well near taken quite away the true God, one Tibba a petty Saint or Goddess, reputed to be the tutelar patroness, of Hawking, The Faulkoners Saint. Baron Cecill de Essendon. was of Foulers and Faulkoners worshipped as a second Diana: Essendon also is near adjoining; the Lord whereof Sir Robert Cecil, a good son of a right good father (the strength and stay of our Commonwealth in his time) was by King James created Baron Cecil of Essendon in the first year of his reign. This little County King Edward the Confessor, by his last Will and Testament bequeathed unto his wife Eadith, Earls of Rutland. yet with this condition, that after her death it should come to S. Peter of Westminster. For, these be the very words of the said Testament. I will, that after the death of Queen Eadith my wife, ROTELAND with all the appertenances thereto, be given to my Monastery of the most blessed Saint Peter, and be yielded up without delay for ever unto the Abbot and to the Monks there serving God: yet King William the Conqueror canceled and made voide this Testament, who reserving a great part of it to himself, divided the rest between Countess judith, whose daughter was married to David King of Scots, Robert Mallet, Oger, Gislebert of Gaunt, Earl Hugh, Aubrey the Clerk, and others: And unto Westminster, first he left the Tithes, afterwards the Church only of Okeham and parcels thereunto appertaining. This County hath not had many Earls. The first Earl of Rutland, was Edward, the first begotten Son of Edmund of Langley Duke of York, created by King Richard the Second upon a singular favour that he cast unto him during his Father's life, and afterwards by the same King advanced to the honour of Duke of Aumarle. This young man, wickedly projected with others a practice to make away King Henry the Fourth, and straight ways with like levity discovered the same: But after his Father's death, being Duke of York lost his life fight courageously amid the thickest troops of his enemies in the battle of Agincourt. Long time after, there succeeded in this Honour Edward the little young Son of Richard Duke of York, and he together with his Father, during those deadly broils of civil war, was slain in the battle fought at Wakefield. Many years after, King Henry the Eighth, raised up Sir Thomas Manors, to be Earl of Rutland, who in right of his Grandmother Aeleonor was possessed of a goodly and fair inheritance of the Barons Roos, lying in the countries round about, and elsewhere. In his room succeeded his Son Henry, and after him likewise Edward his Son, unto whom if I should say nothing else, that commendation of the Poet was most aptly and truly appliable. — Nomen virtutibus aequat, Nec sinit ingenium nobilitate premi. His name so great with virtues good, he matcheth equally, Nor suffreth wit smuthring to lie under Nobility. But he, by over hasty and untimely death, being received into Heaven, left this dignity unto John his Brother: who also departing this life within a while, hath for his successor, Roger his Son, answerable in all points to his ancient and right noble parentage. This small Shire hath Parish Churches 48. LINCOLNIAE Comitatus ubi olim insederunt CORITANI LINCOLNSHIRE. Upon Rutland on the East side, confineth the County of LINCOLN, called by the English-Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by the Normans Nicol-shire after their coming into the Land, with some transposition of letters, but usually LINCOLNSHIRE. A very large Country, as reaching almost threescore miles in length, and carrying in some places above thirty miles in breadth: passing kind for yield of Corn, and feeding of Cat-tail, well furnished and set out with a great number of Towns, and watered with many Rivers. Upon the Eastside, where it bendeth outward with a brow fetching a great compass, the Germane Ocean beateth on the shore: Northward it reacheth to Humber an arm of the sea: on the West side it butteth upon Nottinghamshire: and on the South it is severed from Northamptonshire by the River Welland. This whole Shire is divided into three parts, whereof one is called Holland: a second Kesteven, and the third Lindsey. Holland, which Engulf termeth Holland lieth to the sea, and like unto that Holland in Germany, it is so throughly wet in most places with waters, that a man's foot is ready to sink into it, and as one standeth upon it, the ground will shake and quake under his feet: and thence it may seem to have taken the name: unless a man would with Ingulph say that Holland is the right name, and the same imposed upon it, of Hay which our progenitors broadly called Hoy. This part throughout beareth upon that ebbing and flowing arm of the Sea, which Ptolomee calleth METARIS, Metaris aestu●rium. The Washeses. instead of Maltraith, and we at this day, The Washeses. A very large arm this is and passing well known, at every tide and high sea covered all over with water, but when the sea ebbeth, and the tide is past, a man may pass over it as on dry land, but yet not without danger. Which, King John learned with his loss. For, whilst he journied this way, when he warred upon the rebellious Barons, the waters suddenly broke in upon him, so that at Fosse-dyke, and Welstream he lost all his carriage and princely furniture, as Matthew of Westminster writeth. This Country which the Ocean hath laid to the land, as the Inhabitants believe, by sands heaped and cast together, they it term Silt, is assailed on the one side with the said Ocean sea, and in the other with a mighty confluence of waters from out of the higher countries, in such sort that all the Winter quarter the people of the country are fain to keep watch and ward continually, and hardly with all the banks and dams that they make against the waters, are able to defend themselves from the great violence and outrage thereof. The ground bringeth forth but small store of corn, but plenty of grass, and is replenished abundantly with fish and waterfowl. The Soil throughout is so soft, that they use their Horses unshod: neither shall you meet so much as with a little stone there, that hath not been brought thither from other places: nevertheless, there be most beautiful Churches standing there built of four square stone. Certain it is, that the sea aforetime had entered farther up into the Country, and that appeareth by those banks formerly raised against the waterwaves then in-rushing, which are now two miles off from the shore, as also by the hills near Sutterton, which they call Salt-Hils. Salt-hils. But, of fresh water there is exceeding great want in all places: neither have they any at all but rain water and that in pits, which if they be of any great depth, presently become brackish, if shallow, they dry up as soon. Neither are there Quicksands wanting, Quicksands. which have a wonderful force to draw to them and to hold fast, as both Shepherds and their poor Sheep also find other whiles not without danger. This Holland or Hoiland (whether you will) is divided into two parts. The Lower and the Higher: The Lower hath in it soul and slabby quavemires, yea and most troublesome Fens, which the very Inhabitants themselves for all their stilts cannot stalk through. And considering that it lieth very low and flat, fenced it is of the one side against the Ocean, on the other from those waters which overwhelm the upper part of the Isle of Ely, with mighty piles and huge banks opposed against the same. Of which, Southybanke is of greatest name; which lest it should have a breach made through it with that infinite mass of water that falleth from the South part, when the Rivers swell, and all is overflown by inundation, the people watch with great care and much fear, as against a dangerous enemy. And yet for the draining away of this water, the neighbour Inhabitants at the common charges of the country began to make a new channel at Clowcrosse in the year 1599 near unto this bank aforesaid, Crowland. we saw Crowland, which also is called Croyland, a Town of good note among the Fenne-people, the name whereof soundeth, as Ingulph the Abbot of this place interpreteth it, as much as A raw and muddy Land: A place, as they write, much haunted in times passed with I wot not what spirits and fearful apparitions, before that Guthlake a right holy and devout man led there an Eremits life. In whose memorial Aethelbald King of the Mercians founded to the honour of God at his great charges, in the year of our Salvation 716. an abbey very famous both for opinion of the religious life of the Monks, and also for their wealth. Concerning which, take here, if you please, these Verses of Foelix a Monk of good antiquity, out of the life of Guthlake. Nunc exercet ibi se munificentia Regis, Et magnum templum magno molimine conduit. At cum tam mollis, tam lubrica, tam malè constans Fundamenta palus non ferret saxea, palos Praecipit infigi quercino robore caesos, Leucarúmque novem spacio rate fertur arena; Inque solum mutatur humus, suffultáque tali Cella basi, multo stat consummata labour. His bounty now the King doth there bestow, An abbey fair with much expense to rear. But seeing that the waterish Fen below, Those groundworks laid with stone uneath could bear, (So quaving soft and moist the Bases were) He caused piles made of good heart of oak, Pitched down to be with main commanders stroke. Then nine leagues off, men sand in Barges brought, Which once fast rammed by painful workman's hand, Of rotten earth good solid ground was wrought; On which for aye such works might firmly stand; And thus by this devise of new plantation, The Church stands firm and hath a sure foundation. The Devils of Crowland. If I should exemplify unto you out of that Monk, the Devils of Crowland, with their blabber lips, fire-spitting mouths, rough and skaly visages, beetle heads, terrible teeth, sharp chins, hoarse throats, black skins, crump-shoulders, side and gor-bellies, burning loins, crooked and hawmed legs, long tailed buttocks, and ugly mishapes, which heretofore walked and wandered up and down in these places, and very much troubled holy Guthlake and the Monks, you would laugh full merrily: and I might be thought a simple sily-one full worthily. Howbeit, in regard of the admirable situation of this place, so far different from all others in England, and considering the abbey was so famous, I am well content to dwell a while in the description of these particulars. Amid most deep Fens and standing waters in a muddy and miry ground this Crowland lieth so shut up and divided round about from all entrance, that there is no access to it, unless it be on the North and East side, and that by narrow Cawsies. Seated it is for all the world, if I may resemble great and small things together, like unto Venice. Three streets it hath and those severed one from another by water courses between, planted thick with willows, and raised upon piles or posts pitched and driven down deep into the standing waters, having over them a triangle Bridge of admirable workmanship, under which for to receive the fall of the waters meeting in one confluence, the Inhabitants report there was a pit sunk of a mighty depth. Now, whereas beyond the Bridge in solum mutatur humus (as that Monk said) that is, The mould is changed, and is become firm and solid ground, there stood in times past that famous abbey, and the same verily taking up but a small plot of ground: about which, all (save where the Town standeth) is so rotten and moorish, that a man may thrust a pole down right thirty foot deep: and round about it every way is nothing but a plot of reeds; and next unto the Church a place planted with Alders. Howbeit, the Town is well enough peopled with Inhabitants, who have their Cat-tail a great way from the Town, and when they are to milk them, they go in little punts or boats that will carry but two a piece, (which they call Skerries:) yet the most gainful trade they have is by taking fish, and catching of water-foule; and that is so great, that in the month of August, they will spread a net and at once draw three thousand Mallards' and wild Ducks and such like together: and these pools or watery plots of theirs, they use to term their Corn fields: for, they see no Corn growing in five miles any way. In regard of this their taking of fish and fowl they paid yearly in times passed to the Abbot, as now they do to the King, three hundred pounds of our money. The private History of this abbey I list not to relate (seeing it is commonly extant and to be seen) out of Ingulph now printed and published: yet my mind serves me well, briefly to record, that which Peter of Bloys Vicechancellor to King Henry the Second reported at large, as touching the new building of this abbey in the year of our Redemption 1112. to the end, that by this one precedent we may learn, by what means and helps, so mighty, so huge, and so fair religious houses were raised and built up in those times. joffrid the Abbot obtained of the Archbishops and Bishops in England, An Indulgence for the third part of penance enjoined for sins committed, unto every one that helped forward so holy a work. With this Indulgence he sent out Monks every way and all about to gather money: wherewith when he was now sufficiently furnished, to the end that he might have an happy beginning of this work from some happy names of lucky presage, he solemnly appointed the day of Saint Perpetua, and of Saint Felicity, on which he would lay the first foundation. At which day there came flocking in great numbers, the Nobles, the Prelates, and Commons of all the Country thereabout. After the celebration of Divine Service, and Anthems sung in parts, Abbat joffrid himself laid the first Corner stone Eastward; then the Noble men and great persons every one in their degree couched their stones, and upon the said stones some laid money, others their sealed Deeds of lands, Advousons' of Churches, of Tenths of their Sheep, and of the Tithes of their Churches, of certain measures of wheat, and of a certain number of Workmen, as Masons and Quarriers, whom they would pay. The common sort again and towneships for their parts, offered with cheerful devotion, some money, others one days labour every month until the work were finished, some the building of whole Pillars, others of the bases to the said Pillars, and others again to make certain parts of the walls, striving a vie who should do most. This done, the Abbot after he had in a solemn speech commended their devout bounty to so holy a work, granted unto every one of them the fraternity of his abbey, and the participation beside of all spiritual benefits in that Church: as prayers, blessings, etc. and so when he had entertained them with a very sumptuous feast, he gave them his blessing and dismissed them cheerfully every man to his own home. But I will dwell no longer in this matter. But hereby you may see how by small contributions great works arose. From Crowland there goeth a Causeway planted on both sides with Willows, between the River Welland and the deep Marshes, Northward: upon which, two miles from Crowland, I saw the fragment of a Pyramid with this Inscription. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. I SAY, THAT SAINT GUTHLAKE, THIS STONE HIS BOND DOTH MAKE. Spalding. Higher yet upon the same River is seated Spalding, enclosed round about with Riverets and drains, a fairer Town I assure you than a man would look to find in this Tract among such slabbes and water-plashes: where Ivo Talbois, whom Ingulph elsewhere calleth Earl of Anjou, gave an ancient Cell to the Monks of Angiers in France. From hence as far as to Deeping, which is ten miles off, Egelrick Abbot of Crowland, afterwards Bishop of Durham, made for the ease of travellers, as saith Ingulphus, through the midst of a vast Forest, and of most deep Fens, a sound causey of wood and sand, after his own name called Elrich-road; which notwithstanding at this day is not to be seen. In higher Hoiland that bendeth more into the North, first we have in sight Kirkton, so named of the Church, which is passing fair; and then, where the River Witham hemnd in strongly with banks on both sides runneth in a main and full stream toward the sea, Boston. flourisheth Boston, more truly named Botolphs-towne. For, it carried that name from one Botolph a most holy and devout Saxon, who at Icanhoe, had a Monastery. A famous Town this is, standing on both sides of the River Witham, which hath over it a wooden bridge of a great height; and well frequented by the means of a commodious haven unto it: the Mercat place is fair and large, and the Church maketh a goodly show, as well for the beautiful building as the greatness thereof: the towre-steeple of it, which riseth up to a mighty height, doth, as one would say, salute passengers and travellers a great way off, and giveth direction also to the sailors. A lamentable overthrow it sustained in the Reign of Edward the first. For, when bad and Ruffianlike behaviour ruffled at that time over all England, certain military lusty fellows having proclaimed here a Justs or running at Tilt, at a Fair time, when there was much resort of people thither, came apparelled in the habit of Monks and Canons, Robbers in Monks habits. set fire on the Town in most places thereof, broke in upon Merchants with sudden violence, took away many things by force, burned a great deal more; in so much as our Historians write, that (as the ancient Writers record of Corinth when it was destroyed) molten gold and silver ran down in a stream together. The Ringleader Robert Chamberlan, after he had confessed the act, and what a shameful deed had been committed, was hanged: yet could he not be wrought by any means to disclose his complices in this foul fault. But happier times raised Boston again out of the ashes, and a staple for wool here settled, did very much enrich it, Stilyard. and drew thither merchants of the Hanse Society, who had here their Guild. At this day it is for building fair, and by good trade rich. For, the Inhabitants give themselves both to merchandise and also to grazing. The Register of Freston. Barons of Burton Croeun. De vallibus. Near unto this was the Barony de Croeun or de Credonio, out of which family, Alan de Croeun founded the Priory of Freston; and at length Parnel heir of the family being twice married transferred no small inheritance, first to the Longchamps, which came to the Pedwardins; and secondly to John Vaulx, from whom the Barons Roos are descended. Beyond it scarce six miles, reacheth Holland: all which Ivo Talboys of Anjo● received at the bountiful hands of king William the Conqueror, Herwardus Anglus. but Herward an English man, of good hope and full of douty courage, being son to Leofrick Lord of Brane or Burn not brooking his insolency, when he saw his own and his Country men's safety now endangered; after he had received the cincture with a military Belt by Brann Abbot of Peterborough, Ingulph of Crowland. whose stomach rose also against the Normans, raised war against him, oftentimes put him to flight, and at length carried him away captive, and suffered him not to be ransomed but with such conditions that he might be received into the King's favour, wherein he died his liege man. For so deserved his valour, which is always commended even in a very enemy. His Daughter being wedded to Hugh Enermeve Lord of Deping enjoyed his lands, which afterwards, as I understand, was devolved upon the Family of Wake, Barons de Wake. which being mightily enriched with the Possessions of the Estotevills, was of right great honour in these parts, until the Reign of Edward the Second: for then, by an heir General, their inheritance came by right of marriage unto Edmund of Woodstock youngest son to King Edward the First, and Earl of Kent. But of a younger son, the ancient Family of the Wakes of Blisworth in Northamptonshire yet remaining is descended. The second part of this Country commonly called Kesteven, Kesteven. and by Aethelward an ancient Author, Ceostefnewood, adjoining to Hoiland on the West side; is for air far more wholesome, and for Soil no less fruitful. Greater this is and larger than the other, yea and garnished every where with more fair Towns. At the entry thereinto upon the river Welland standeth Stanford, Stanford. in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, built of rough stone, whence it hath the name. A Town well peopled and of great resort, endowed also with sundry immunities, and walled about; It gave Geld or Tribute, as we read in doomsday Book, for twelve hundreds and an half, in the army, shipping, and Danegeld, and in it were six Wards. What time as King Edward the elder fortified the South banks of Rivers against the Danes breaking by force into the Land out of the North parts, Marianus recordeth, that he built a very strong Castle just over against this Town also on the South bank (which now is called Stanford Baron) yet there appeareth not any one token thereof at this day: for, See Burghley in the County of Northampton. that Castle which in time of the civil War Stephen strengthened against Henry of Anjou, was within the Town, as both the general report holdeth, and the very plot also whereon it stood as yet remaining, showeth. But soon after, the said Henry, being now King of England, gave the whole Town of Stanford, which was in his Demaine, excepting the fees or Feifs of the Barons and Knights of the same Town, unto Richard de Humez or Homets', who was Constable to the King, his Sovereign Lord, for his homage and service. And the same afterwards, held William Earl of Warren by the will and pleasure of King John. Under the Reign of Edward the Third, An Academy or University begun at Stanford. an University, and public profession of good learning began here, which the Inhabitants count no small credit unto them. For, when there was such hot debate and contention between the Northern and Southrens Students at Oxford, a great number of Scholars withdrew themselves hither: but after a small while they returned upon the King's Proclamation, to Oxford, and as they suddenly began, so they ended as soon this new University: And thenceforward provided it was by oath, That no Student in Oxford should publicly profess or read at Stanford to the prejudice of Oxford. Nevertheless it flourished with fresh trading and merchandise, until the civil war, between the two houses of Lancaster and York, grew so door, that the Northern Soldiers breaking into the Town destroyed all with fire and sword. Neither could it ever since that time fully recover the ancient Dignity. And yet now it is in good estate: and the civil government thereof consisteth of an Alderman and four and twenty Burgesses his brethren. Beautified it is with seven Parish Churches or thereabout, and showeth an old Hospital and that a very fair house founded by William Browne a Burgess there, besides another new one on this side the Bridge lately built by that Nestor of Britain, Sir William Cecil Baron Burghley, what time as he raised that stately and sumptuous house at Burghley, whereof I have spoken already in Northamptonshire, who lieth interred here in a goodly and gorgeous Tomb within the Parish Church of Saint George; a man (to say nothing else of him) who by course of nature, and for his own glory lived long enough, but in regard of his Country died oversoone. Although some tokens remaining of antiquity, and the * Commonly called High-Dike. High-street, made by the Romans, which so soon as you are without the Town leadeth you the direct way into the North, may sufficiently show, that sometimes there was a Ferry or Waterfare here. Gausennae. Yet that this Town should be that GAUSENNAE, which Antonine the Emperor placeth not far from hence, the said tokens of Antiquity do not afford sufficient proof. But seeing that a mile from hence there is a little Village called Bridge-casterton (which very name carrieth with it the mark of Antiquity) where the River Guash or Wash crosseth the said High-street; Bridge-Casterton. the affinity of this name Guash with Gausenna, and the distance also making not against it, hath made me to think that Gausennae was it which now is called Bridge-casterton, until time bring truth to light. If I should think, that Stanford grew out of the ruins of this Town, and that this part of the Shire was named Kesteven of GAUSENNAE, like as another part, Lindsey, of the City Lindum, let this I pray you, be but mine opinion, and judge ye thereof accordingly. It is supposed that this Gausennae was overthrown, when (as Henry Archdeacon of Huntingdon writeth) the Picts and Scots had spoiled all the Country, as far as to Stanford: where Hengist and his English-Saxons with their unwearied force and singular prowess hindered the passage of those furious Nations, so that after many of them were slain, and more taken prisoners, the rest betook themselves to flight. But let us proceed to the rest. On the East side of Kesteven which bendeth toward Hoiland, as we go Northward, these places stand in order: Deping. First, Deping, that is to say, (as Ingulph interpreteth it), Deep Meadow: Where, Richard de Rulos, Chamberlain to William Conqueror, excluding the River Welland with raising up an high bank (for that it often overflowed) and building upon the said Bank many Tenements, made a great Village. This Deping, Deping fen. or Deep Meadow, was very fitly so called, for, the plain lying under it, and which taketh up in compass many miles, is of all this fenny Country the deepest, and the very receptacle of most waters. And that which a man would marvel at, it lieth far under the Channel of the River Clen, which being held in with forced banks, Burne. passeth by from out of the West. Then have you Burn, well known by occasion that King Edmund was crowned and the Wakes had a Castle there, who obtained unto this Town, from King Edward the First, the liberty of a market. Lutterell. Sempringham. More Eastward is Irnham, a seat of the Barony in times passed of Sir Andrew Lutterell. Beyond it is Sempringham, famous in these days by reason of that passing fair house, which Edward Lord Clinton, afterwards Earl of Lincoln built; but renowned in old time for the religious Order of the Gilbertines, instituted by Gilbert Lord of the place: for he, a wonderful man, & in custodia mulierum gratiae singularis, that is, of singular grace in taking charge of women, in the year after Christ's Nativity 1148. contrary to Justinians Constitutions, which forbade Double Monasteries, that is to say, of men and women together; howbeit, well backed with the authority of Eugenius the third, Bishop of Rome, ordained a Sect consisting of men and women; which so grew and increased, that himself laid the foundations of thirteen religious houses of this Order, Gilbertine Freers and Sisters. and whiles he lived had in them 700. Gilbertine Brethren, and eleven hundred Sisters; but no honester than they should be, if we may believe Niele, a scoffing Poet in those days, who wrote thus of them: Harum sunt quadam steriles, quaedam parientes, Virgineóque tamen nomine cuncta tegunt. Qua pastoralis baculi dotatur honore, Illa quidem meliùs, fertiliúsque parit. Vix etiam quaevis sterilis reperitur in illis, Donec eis aetas talia posse negat. Some barren are of these, some fruitful be, Yet they by name of Virgins cover all: More fertile sure and better beareth she, Who blessed is once with croysier pastoral: Now, scarce of them is found one barren do, Till age debar, whether they will or no. Then see you Folkingham, Lords of Folkingham. which also is now a Lordship of the Clinton's, the Barony in times passed of the Gaunts, who were descended from Gilbert de Gaunt, nephew to Baldwin Earl of Flaunders, unto whom by the liberality of King William the Conqueror there fell great revenues. For, thus we read in an old manuscript: Memorandum, that with William Conqueror there came in one Gilbert de Gaunt, unto whom the said William gave the Manor of Folkingham, with all the Appertenances and the Honour thereunto belonging: and they expelled a certain woman named Dunmoch. Of the said Gilbert came one Walter de Gaunt his son and heir, and of the said Walter came Gilbert de Gaunt his son and heir, also Robert de Gaunt a younger son. And from the said Gilbert the son and heir, came Alice his daughter and heir, who was espoused to Earl Simon, and she gave many Tenements to religious men, and died without heir of her own body. Then descended the inheritance to Robert de Gaunt aforesaid her uncle: and of the foresaid Robert came Gilbert his son and heir, and of the aforesaid, came another Gilbert his son and heir, and of the aforesaid, came another Gilbert his son and heir, who gave the Manor of Folkingham with the Appertenances to Edward the son of Henry King of England. Pl. 27. H. 3. Rot. 13. Linc. This Gilbert as we find in the Pleas, out of which this Pedigree is proved, claimed service against Wil de Scremby. And at length it came by gift of the Prince to Sir Henry Beaumond: For, most certain it is, that he held it in the Reign of Edward the Second. Inqui. 4.8.2. Screkingham. near unto this, is Screkingham, remarkable for the death of Alfrick the second, Earl of Leicester, whom Hubba a Dane slew. Of which place, it seemeth that Engulf spoke, writing thus: In Kesteven were slain three great Lords or petty Kings of the Danes, whom they buried in a Village which was called before, Laundon, but now for the Sepulture of three Kings, Tre-King-ham. And more into the East, is Hather, in this regard only to be mentioned, Bussy. Sleford. that the Busseis or Busleis here dwell, who deduce their Race from Roger de Busly in the conquerors time. Then Sleford, a Castle of the Bishops of Lincoln, Baron Hussy. built by Alexander the Bishop: where Sir John Hussy the first and last Baron of that name created by King Henry the Eighth, built himself an house: who having unwittingly and unadvisedly in the year 1537. engaged himself with the common people in a tumultuous commotion, what time as the first dissension broke out in England about Religion, lost his head. Not many miles from hence standeth Kime, Kime. which gave name to a noble family called De Kime: but the possession of the place came at length to the Umfranvils: of whom three were called to the Parliament by the name of the Earls of Anguse in Scotland. But the first of them, the learned in our common laws would not acknowledge to be Earl, (for that Anguse was not within the limits of the Realm of England) until he produced openly in Court the King's Writ, by virtue whereof he had been summoned by the King to the Parliament, under the Title of Earl of Anguse. From the Umfravils this came unto the family of Talbois, Earls of Anguse. of whom Gilbert was created by King Henry the Eighth Baron Talbois, whose two sons dying without issue, the inheritance was by the females transferred to the Dimocks, Temple Bruer. Inglebeies, and others. More Westward we saw Temple Bruer, that is, as I interpret it, Temple in the Heath. For it seemeth to have been a Commaundery of the Templars: considering that the decayed broken Walls of the Church there are seen in form of the New Temple at London. Hard to it lieth Blankenay, Barons D'incourt. the Barony in times passed of the D'incourts, who flourished successively a long time one after another from the Normans coming in unto King Henry the Sixth his time: For then, their male line determined in one William, who had two sisters for his heirs, the one married to Sir William Lovel, the other to Sir Ralph Cromwell. Inquis. 21. H. 6. The more willingly have I made mention of this Family, to give satisfaction in some measure unto the longing desire of Edmond Baron D'eincourt, who long since being careful and earnest about the preservation of the memory of his name, as having no male Issue, put up an humble Petition to King Edward the Second, Patent. 10▪ Edw. 2. Whereas he foresaw that his surname and Arms after his death would be quite forgotten, and yet heartily desired that after his decease they might be still remembered, that he might be permitted to enfeoff whomsoever it pleased him, both in his Manors and Arms also. Which request he obtained, and it was granted under the King's Letters Patents: yet for all that is this surname now quite gone (to my knowledge) and had it not been continued by the light of learning, might have been clean forgotten for ever. In the West part of Kesteven and the very confines of this Shire and Leicestershire, standeth Belvoir, Belvoir or Bever Castle. or Beauvoir Castle, so called of the fair prospect (what name soever it had in old time) mounted upon the top of a good steep hill, built by Robert De Todeneie a Norman Nobleman, Tony. who also began the little Monastery adjoining, from whom by the Albeneys out of little Britain, and the Barons Roos, it came by inheritance to the Manors Earls of Rutland: of whom the first, that is to say, Thomas, as I have been informed, raised it up again with newbuildings from the ground, when as it had for many years lain buried as it were in his own ruins. For, in despite of Thomas Lord Roos, who took part with King Henry the Sixth, it was much defaced by William Lord Hastings, unto whom (after that the said Baron Roos was attainted) King Edward the Fourth had granted it with very fair Lands. But Edmond Baron Roos son of the said Thomas, by the gracious favour of king Henry the seventh recovered this ancient Inheritance again. Stones Astroites. About this Castle are found the Stones called Astroites, which resemble little Stars joined one with another, wherein are to be seen at every corner five Beams or Rays, and in every Ray in the midst is small hollowness. This Stone among the Germans got his name of Victory, for that, as George Agricola writeth in his Sixth Book of Minerals, they are of opinion, that whosoever carrieth it about him shall win his suit and get victory of his enemies. But whether this Stone of ours, as that in Germany, being put in vinegar, will stir out of his place, and turn itself somewhat round, I could never yet make trial. Under this Castle lieth a Vale and presenteth a most pleasant prospect thereunto, The vale of Beaver. whereupon it is commonly called, the Vale of Belver, which is very large and passing pleasantly beautified with Corn fields, and no less rich in pastures; lying stretched out in three Shires, of Leicester, Nottingham and Lincoln. If not in this very place, yet hard by it, in all probability, stood that MARGIDUNUM, Margidunum. which Antonine the Emperor placeth next after VERNOMETUM, as both the name and the distance also from VERNOMETUM and the Town PONT or Paunton, between which Antonine placeth it, may most plainly show. It should seem that ancient name Margidunum was borrowed from Marga and the situation of it: Marga. i Marle Dunum. For, Marga among the Britan's is a kind of earth named Marle wherewith they nourished and kept their grounds in heart: and DUNUM, which signifieth an Hill, agreeth only to places higher mounted than others. And yet in this Etymology of the name I am in a doubt, seeing that Marl in this place is very geason or scant (happily because no man seeketh for it) unless the Britan's by the name of Marga termed Plaister-stone, which is digged uppe hard by, as I have learned: the use whereof in white pargeting and in making of Images, was of especial request among the Romans, as Pliny witnesseth in his Natural History. River Witham. Witham a River plentiful in Pikes but carrying a small stream, watereth this part of the Shire and on the North-side encloseth it. It hath his beginning by a little town of the same name, Bitham. not far from the ruins of Bitham Castle, which, as we find in an old Pedigree King William the first gave to Stephen Earl of Albemarle and holderness, that he might from thence have wherewith to feed his son, as yet a little infant, with fine wheat bread (considering that in holderness they did eat in those days oaten bread only, although they use now such kind of bread little or nothing at all. Matthew Paris. ) But in the reign of King Henry the Third, when William de Fortibus Earl of Aumarle rebelliously kept this Castle, and thence foraged and wasted the country about it, it was laid well near even with the ground. Afterward, this was the capital seat, colvil. as it were, of the Barony of the Colvils, who along time flourished in very great honour: but the right line had an end under King Edward the Third: and then the Gernons and those notable Basset's of Sapcot, in right of their wives entered upon the inheritance. This river Witham presently beneath his head hath a town seated hard by it named Paunton, Paunton. which standeth much upon the antiquity thereof, where are digged up oftentimes pavements of the Romans wrought with chequer work: and here had the river a bridge over it in old time: Ad Pontes. For, that this is the town AD PONTEM, which Antonine the Emperor placed seven miles distant from MARGIDUNUM, the name Paunton, together with the distance not only from Margidunum but also from Crococalana doth easily convince: Crococalana for in Antonine, that town was called CROCOCALANA, which at this day is named Ancaster, Ancaster. and is no more but a long street, through which the Highway passeth: whereof the one part not long since belonged to the Veseys, the other to the Cromwell's. At the entry into it on the South part, we saw a rampire with a ditch, and certain it is, that aforetime it had been a Castle: like as on the other side Westward, is to be seen a certain summer standing camp of the Romans. And it may seem that it took a British name from the situation thereof. For it lieth under an hill: and Cruc-maur in British signifieth a Great hill, like as Cruc-occhidient, a mount in the West, as we read in Giraldus Cambrensis, and Ninnius: But what should be the meaning of that Calana, let others look. The memory of antiquity in this town is continued and maintained by the Roman Coins, by the vaults under ground oftentimes discovered, by the site upon the High-street, and by those fourteen miles that are between it and Lincoln through a green plain, which we call Ancaster-Heath; for, just so many doth Antonine reckon between Crococalana and Lindum. But now return we to the river. After Paunton, Grantham. we come to Grantham, a town of good resort, adorned and set out with a School built by Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, and with a fair Church, having a spire-steeple of a mighty height, whereof there go many fabulous tales. Beneath it, near unto Herlaxton a little village, a brazen vessel in our father's time was turned up with a plough, A golden ●●●●met. wherein a golden Helmet of a most antique fashion was found, set with precious stones: which was given as a present to Catherine of Spain, wife and Dowager to King Henry the Eighth. From hence Witham passeth with a long course Northward not far from Somerton Castle: Somerton. which Antonine Becc, Durham book. Bishop of Durham built, and gave to King Edward the First: but a little after it was bestowed upon Sir Henry de Beaumond, who about that time came into England and began the family of the Lords Beaumond: Lords of ●●●●●mont. which in the foregoing age in some sort failed, when as the sister and heir of the last Viscount was married to John Lord Lovel de Tichmersh. But of this house I have spoken before in Leicester-shire. From thence, the river bending by little and little to the Southeast, and passing through a Fenny Country, dischargeth itself into the Germane Sea beneath Boston, after it hath closed in Kesteven on the North. On the other side of Witham, Lindsey▪ lieth the third part of this shire, named Lindsey, which, of the chief City of the Shire Bede called Lindissi: and being greater than Hoiland and Kesteven, butteth with a huge bowing front upon the Ocean, beating upon the East and North sides thereof. On the West part it hath the river Trent, and is severed from Kesteven; on the South by that Witham aforesaid, and the Fosse Dike anciently cast and scoured by King Henry the First for seven miles in length from Witham into Trent, Fosse dike. Hoveden. that it might serve the Citizens of Lincoln for carriage of necessaries by water. Torksey. Where this Dike entereth into Trent, standeth Torksey, in the Saxon language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a little town, and in these days of small account, but in ancient times very famous. doomsday book. For, before the Normans coming in, as we find in that book wherein King William the first set down his survey of England, there were numbered in it two hundred Burgesses, who enjoyed many privileges, on this condition, that they should transport the King's Ambassadors whensoever they came this way in their own Barges along the Trent, and conduct them as far as YORK. But where this Dike joineth to Witham, there is the principal City of this Shire placed: which Ptolomee and Antonine the Emperor called LINDUM, the Britan's LINDCOIT, Lindum▪ Lincolne-Collis an hill. of the woods (for which we find it elsewhere written amiss Luitcoit) Bede, LINDE-COLLINUM, and LINED COLLINA CIVITAS, whether it were of the situation upon an hill, or because it hath been a Colony, I am not able to avouch. The Saxons termed it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Normans most corruptly Nichol, we Lincoln, and the Latin writers Lincolnia: whereupon Alexander Necham in his book entitled, Divine wisdom, writeth thus, Lindisiae columen Lincolnia, sive columna, Munificâ foelix gente, repleta bonis. Lincoln the stay or pillar sure of Lindsey thou mayst be, Blessed for thy people bounteous, and goods that are in thee. Others will have it to take that name of the river Witham, which they say was called by a more ancient name Lindis, but they have no authority to warrant them. Neither am I of their judgement: For, Necham is against it, who four hundred years ago called the said river, Witham in this verse. Trenta tibi pisces mittit Lincolnia, sed te, Nec dedigneris, Withama parvus adit. The Trent unto thee sendeth fish, O Lincoln, well we see; Yet little Witham, scorn it not, a riveret comes to thee. I for my part would rather derive it from the British word Lhin, which with the Britan's signifieth a Lake. For, I have been informed of the Citizens, that Witham below the City, by Swanpole was broader than now it is, and yet is it at this day of a good breadth: and to say nothing of Lindaw in Germany, by the Lake Acronius, and of Linternum in Italy standing by a Lake; I see that in our Britain, Tallhin, Glan-lhin, and Lhinlithquo, are towns by lakes sides. This City itself being large, well inhabited and frequented, standeth upon the side of an hill, where Witham bendeth his course Eastward, and being divided with three small channels, watereth the lower part of the City. That the ancient LINDUM of the Britan's stood on the very top of the hill, which had a very hard ascent up to it, and reached out beyond the gate called Newport, the express tokens of a rampire and deep ditches which are yet very evident, do plainly show. In this City, Vortimer that warlike Britan, who many a time discomfited the Saxons and put them to flight, ended his days, and was here contrary to his own commandment, buried. For, he was in a full and assured hope persuaded, that if he were interred in the sea shore, his very ghost was able to protect the Britan's from the Saxons, as writeth Ninius, the disciple of Elvodugus. But the English Saxons after they had razed this old Lindum, first possessed themselves of the South side of the hill, at the foot whereof they built, as it seemeth, the gate yet standing compiled of vast stones; and with the ruins of that more ancient Town fortified it. Afterwards they went down lower to the river side, built in a place that was called Wickanford, and walled it about on that side which is not fenced by the River: At which time, as saith Bede, Paulinus preached the Word of God unto the Province of Lindsey, and first of all converted unto the Lord, the Governor or Provost of Lincoln City, whose name was Blecca, with his family. In which very City, he built also a Church of goodly stone work, the roof whereof being either fallen for want of repair, or cast down by the violent hand of enemies, the walls are seen standing to this day. After this the Danes won it by assault once or twice: First, those troops of spoiling mates, out of whose hands King Edmund Ironside wrested it by force: then Canutus from whom Aetheldred regained it, when upon his return out of Normandy, he valiantly forced Canutus to abandon the town, and beyond all hope recovered England which before was lost. In the Reign of Edward the Confessor, there were in it, as doomsday book recordeth, a thousand and seventy Mansions, with lodgings to give entertainment, and twelve Lage men having Sac, and Soc. But in the Normans time, as saith William of Malmesbury, It was one of the best peopled Cities of England, and a place of traffic and merchandise, for all comers by sea and land: and as the same doomsday book saith, there were at that time counted and taxed in this City 900. Burgesses: and many Mansions were laid waste, 166. for the Castle, and other 74. without the precinct of the Castle, not through the oppression of the Sheriff and his Ministers, but by reason of mishap, poverty, and casualty by fire. The said King William the Conqueror for the strengthening of it and terror of the Citizens, raised a passing large and strong Castle upon the brow of the hill: and almost at the very same time, Remigius Bishop of Dorchester for to give credit and ornament thereto translated hither his Episcopal seat from Dorchester, which was in the most remote corner of his Dioecesse and a small Town. And when by this time that Church which Paulinus had built was quite gone to decay, the same Remigius having purchased certain houses with grounds lying unto them, in the very highest place of the City, near unto the Castle (as Henry of Huntingdon saith) mounting up aloft with high and stately towers, built in a strong place a strong Church, in a fair plot a fair Church, and dedicated it to the Virgin of Virgins; notwithstanding the Archbishop of York was enraged thereat, who challenged to himself the propriety of the soil: and in it ordained 44. Prebendaries. Which Church afterwards being sorely defaced with fire, as he saith, Alexander that most bountiful Bishop of Lincoln repaired, with skilful artificial workmanship. Of whom William of Malmesbury reporteth, because for his little low stature he was a dwarf among men, his mind laboured to rise aloft and show itself to the world, with outward works. And as concerning his bounty a Poet of that time among other things wrote thus: Qui dare festinans gratis, ne danda rogentur, Quod nondum dederat, nondum se credit habere. Who hastening frankly for to give, for fear that folk should crave: He never thought that he had that which yet he never gave. Besides these two Bishops already mentioned Robert Bloet who sat there before Alexander, R. de Beaumeis, Hugh a Burgundian and their Successors, by little and little brought this Church, which could not be one Bishops work, to the stately magnificence that now it carrieth. Certes, as it is built, it is all throughout not only most sumptuous, but also passing beautiful, and that with rare and singular workmanship: but especially that forefront at the West end, which in a sort ravisheth and allureth the eyes of all that come toward it. In this Church, although there be diverse Monuments of Bishops and others, yet these only seem memorable: That of Copper wherein the bowels of that right noble and virtuous Queen Aeleonor wife to King Edward the First are bestowed, who died at Hardby in this Shire: as also these following, wherein lie interred Sir Nicolas Cantlow, one or two of the Family of Burghersh: Lady Catherine Swinford the third wife of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and mother of the house of Somerset, with whom lieth buried Joan her daughter, second wife to Raulph Nevil the first Earl of Westmoreland, who enriched her husband with many happy children. The Bishop's Diocese of Lincoln not content with those strait limits, wherewith the Bishops of Sidnacester, Sidnacester. who had Episcopal jurisdiction over this shire contented themselves in the Primitive Church of the English Nation, contained under it so many countries, as that the greatness thereof was burdenous unto it: And although King Henry the Second took out of it the Province of Ely, and King Henry the Eighth the Bishoprics of Peterbourgh, and of Oxford, yet still at this day it is counted the greatest Diocese by far of all England, both for jurisdiction and number of shires: and the Bishop hath in his Diocese one thousand two hundred forty seven Parish Churches. Many and great Bishops since Remigius his time have governed this See, whom to reckon up is no part of my purpose. For, I will not insist either upon Robert Bloet, from whom King William Rufus wrung 50000. pounds, for securing his title in the very City of Lincoln itself, which was found defective: nor upon that prodigal and profuse Alexander, who in exceeding stately buildings was so excessively delighted: ne yet upon Hugh the Burgundian Canonised a Saint, R. Hoveden. whose corpse King John, with his Nobles and friends about him to perform (as mine author saith) a dutiful service to God and that holy Saint, late Bishop, carried upon their shoulders to his burial. Howbeit, the memory of two Prelates I must needs renew afresh: the one is Robert Grosthead, Grosthead, he died ann. 1233. Matth. Paris. Anonymus Chronographus. a man so well seen both in literature and in the learned tongues, in that age, as it is incredible: and to use the words of one then living, A terrible reproover of the Pope, an adviser of his Prince and Sovereign, a lover of verity, a corrector of Prelates, a director of Priests, an instructor of the Clergy, a maintainer of Scholars, a Preacher to the people, a diligent searcher into the Scriptures, a mallet of the Romanists, etc. The other is mine own Praeceptor, whom in all duty I must ever love and honour, that right reverend Father Thomas Cooper, who hath notably well deserved both of all the learned and also of the Church, in whose School I both confess and rejoice that I received education. The City itself also flourished a long time: being ordained by King Edward the Third for the Staple, The Staple. as they term it, that is, the Mart, of Wool, Leather, Led, etc. Which although it hath not been overlaied with any grievous calamities, as being once only set on fire, once also besieged in vain by King Stephen, who was there vanquished and taken prisoner, forced also and won by King Henry the Third, when the rebellious Barons, who had procured Lewis of France to challenge the Crown of England, defended it against him, without any great damage; yet incredible it is how much it hath been impaired by little and little, conquered as it were with very age and time: so that of fifty Churches which it had standing in our Great-grandfathers days, there are now remaining scarce eighteen. It is removed, that I may note this also, from the Aequator, 53. degrees and 12. scruples: and from the West point, 22. degrees and 52. scruples. Highdike. As that Street-way called Highdike goeth on directly from Stanford to Lincoln, so from hence Northward it runneth with an high and straight causey, (though here and there it be interrupted) forward for ten miles' space to a little Village called the spital in the Street, and beyond: By the which as I passed, I observed moreover, about three miles from Lincoln, another High-port-way also, called Ouldstreet, to turn out of this High dike Westward, carrying a bank likewise evident to be seen, which, as I take it, went to AGELOCUM, the next baiting town, or place of lodging, from LINDUM, in the time of the Romans. But I will leave these, and proceed in the course that I have begun. Witham being now past Lincoln, runneth down not far from Wragbye, a member of the Barony called Trusbut, Barons of Trusbut. the title whereof is come by the Barons Roos unto the Manors now Earls of Rutland. Then approacheth it to the ruins of a famous abbey in times past called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Bardney. Oswald's banner. commonly Bardney; where Bede writeth, that King Oswald was Entombed, with a Banner of gold and purple hanged over his Tomb. The writers in the foregoing age, thought it not sufficient to celebrate the memory of this most Christian worthy King Oswald, unless unto his glorious exploits they stitched also ridiculous miracles. But that his hand remained here uncorrupted many hundred years after, our Ancestors have believed, and a Poet of good antiquity hath written in this wise, Nullo verme perit, nulla putredine tabet Dextra viri, nullo constringi frigore, nullo Dissolvi fervore potest; sed semper eodem Immutata statu persistit, mortua vivit. The man's right hand by no worm perished is, No rottenness doth cause it putrify; No binding cold can make it stark, iwis, Nor melting heat, dissolve and mollify; But always in one state persist it will Such as it was: though dead, it liveth still. This abbey, In the Appendix of Ingulp● as writeth Peter of Bloys, being sometime burnt down to the ground by the Danes furious outrage, and for many revolutions of years altogether forlorn, that noble and devout Earl of Lincoln Gilbert de Gaunt re-edified, and in most thankful affectionate mind assigned unto it with many other possessions, the tithes of all his Manors wheresoever throughout England. Then, is Witham increased with Ban a little River, which out of the midst of Lindsey runneth down, Hornecastle▪ first by Horn Castle, which belonged in times passed to * Alice. Adeliza of Condie, and was laid even with the ground in the Reign of Stephen, afterwards became a capital seat of the Barony of Gerard de Rhodes, and pertaineth now, as I have heard, to the Bishop of Carlisle: From thence, by Scrivelby, a Manor of the Dimockes who hold it hereditarily devolved upon them from the Marmions, Dimockes. Inq. 23. E. 3. by Sir J. Ludlow, and that by service, (to use now the Lawyer's words) Of Grand Serjeanty, The King's Champion. viz. That whensoever any King of England is to be crowned, than the Lord of this Manor, for the time being, or some one in his name (if himself be unable) shall come well armed for the war, Fines Micha. Anno 1. H. 6. mounted upon a good horse of service, in presence of the Sovereign Lord the King upon his Coronation day; and cause Proclamation to be made, that if any man will avouch that the said Sovereign Lord the King, hath not right to his Kingdom and Crown, he will be pressed and ready to defend the right of the King, of his Kingdom, of his Crown and dignity, with his body, against him, and all others whatsoever. Somewhat lower, Tatteshall. The Ban at Tatteshall a little Town standing in a Marish Country, but very commodiously, well known by reason of the Castle, built for the most part of brick, and the Barons thereof, runneth into Witham. They write that Eudo and Pinso two Noblemen of Normandy, loving one another entirely as sworn brethren, by the liberal gift of King William the Conqueror received many Lordships and fair lands in this tract, which they parted so, as that Tatteshall fell to Eudo, which he held by Barony, from whose posterity it came by Dryby and the Bernacks unto Sir Raulph Cromwell, Cromwell. whose son bearing the same name, and being under King Henry the Sixth Lord Treasurer of England, departed out of this world without issue: but unto Pinso fell Eresby, Eresby. Lords Willoughbey. which is not far off: From whose progeny, the inheritance descended by the Becks unto the Willoughbeies: unto whom there came also an increase both of honour, and also of fair Livelods by their wives, not only from the Uffords Earls of Suffolk; Lord's Wells Lords the Engain. but also from the Lords of Welles, who brought with them very fair possessions and lands of the family de Engain Lords of ancient Nobility, and from the first coming in of the Normans of great power in these parts. Among these Willoughbeiss one excelled all the rest in the Reign of Henry the Fifth, named Sir Robert Willoughby, who for his martial prowess was created Earl of Vandosme in France, and from these by the mother's side descended Peregrine Berty, Baron Willoughby of Eresby, a man for his generous mind and military valour renowned both in France, and the Low-countries. Witham now approaching near unto the Sea, entertaineth out of the North another small nameless River; at the spring head whereof standeth Bollingbroke Castle, situate upon a low ground, and built of a soft and crumbling stone by William de Romara Earl of Lincoln, taken from Alice Lacey by King Edward the Second, because she married against his will; and ennobled in that it was the Birth-place of King Henry the Fourth, who thereof was named Henry of Bollingbroke. Bollingbroke. At which time it began to be reckoned among those Honourable Manors, which are termed Honours. And Witham, after it hath received this Riveret, having passed through Boston, as I have said, dischargeth itself at length into the Germane Sea. From the mouth of Witham the shore shutteth forth with a mighty swelling bent into the Germane Sea, as far as to Humber a great Arm of the Sea, being every where slashed and indented with many small Washeses and places which the salt water breaketh into: and hath but few Towns upon it, because there be few Havens there: and the shelves or bars of sand lie every where anent the land. Yet of these few Towns which take up this Coast, Wainfleet. some be memorable: and Wainefleet especially, if it were but for this cause only, that it bred William Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester, a worthy Prelate, founder of Mawdlen College in Oxford, a man that singularly well deserved of learning. Alford. Baron Welles. Then Alford, which for the market is beholden to Lion Lord Welles, who obtained for it this privilege from King Henry the Sixth. This Family of Welles, was very ancient and honourable: and the last of that name had to wife a daughter of King Edward the Fourth, and being by King Henry the Seventh created Viscount Welles, died having no issue. But the inheritance, by the Females came to the Willoughbeys, * Dimockes, De la Lands, Hoes, and others. More inward are Driby and Ormesby neighbour Towns, which gave surnames to two great families in their times; from the Dribyes descended the elder Lords Cromwell, now determined, and from Ormesbyes the house of Skipwith, still continuing. After this, ye have Louth a little market Town well frequented, which had the name of Lud a small River, that runneth under Cokerington the capital place in times passed of the Barony of Scoteney. And then Grimsby, Grimsby. which our Sabins or conceited persons dreaming what they list, and following their own fancies, will have to be so called of one Grime a Merchant, who for that he had brought up a little foundling of the Danes royal blood named Haveloke, when it had been cast forth to perish, or to take his luck or fortune, is much talked of, together with Haveloke that lucky foster-child of his: who having been first a skullen in the King's kitchen, and afterwards promoted to the marriage of the King's daughter for his heroical valour in feats of Arms, and I wot not what, worthy exploits. A narration right well beseeming and meetest for them that take pleasure to pass out the long nights with telling of old wives tales. But the honour and ornament of this place was the right reverend Doctor Whitgift late Archbishop of Canterbury, a peerless Prelate for piety and learning in our days. Scarce six miles from hence, more within the country there showeth itself an ancient Castle, Castor. Thongcaster. which at this day is called Castor, in the old English Saxons Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Thongcaster, in British Caer Egarry: in both languages it is aptly named so of the thing, Byrsa. to wit, of an hide cut into pieces, like as Byrsa, that Castle or Citadel of the Carthaginians so well known. For, our Annals record, that Hengist the Saxon, after he had vanquished the Picts and Scots, and received very large possessions in other places, obtained also in this tract of Vortigern, so much ground as he could compass round about with an Ox hide cut out into very small laners, that we call Thongs, wherein he founded and built this Castle. Whence it is that one, who hath written in verse a Breviary of the British History, turned Virgil's verses in this manner. Accepítque solum, facti de nomine * In Virgil, Byrsam. Thongum, Taurino quantum poter at circundare tergo. And ground he took, which Thong he called when he did first begin, As much as he, a Bull hide cut could well enclose within. From Grimsby, the Shore draweth in with a great reach to make way for to admit Humber, Thorton College. by Thornton a religious house in times past instituted for the Worship of God, by William the Gross Earl of Aumarle: also by Barton, where there is a very notable Ferry or passage over into Yorkshire. Barton upon Humber. Hard by, Ankam a little muddy River, and therefore full of Eels, emptieth itself into Humber: near unto the springhead whereof is Merket-Rasin, so called of a market there well resorted unto. Somewhat higher stands Angotby, now corruptly called Osgodby belonging in times passed to the family of Semarc, from whom it descended hereditarily to the Airmins: also Kelsay, a Lordship in old time of the Hansards, men of great name in this shire, from whom in right of the wives it came to the family of the Ascoghs, Knights. But after this, Ankam hath a bridge over it, at Glanford, a small market Town, which the common people, of the said bridge, so commonly call Brigg, that the true name is almost quite forgotten. Kettleby. Tirwhitt. Next unto it, within a Park I saw Kettleby the seat of the worshipful ancient family of the Tirwhits, Knights, descended from Grovil Oxenbridge, and Echingham. But in times past it was the habitation, as a man may gather by the name, of one Ketell (which was in the time of the Saxons and Danes an usual name). Buy what it is. For Buy in the English-Saxon language signifieth A dwelling place, and Byan, To dwell: whence it is that so many places both elsewhere in England, and here especially in this Shire do end in Buy. All this Tract-over at certain seasons, good God, what store of fowls (to say nothing of fishes) is here to be found! I mean not those vulgar birds which in other places are highly esteemed and bear a great price, Delicate fowls. as Teals, Quails, Woodcocks, Pheasants, Partridges, etc. but such as we have no Latin names for, the very delicate dainties, indeed, of service, meats for the Demigods, and greatly sought for by these that love the tooth so well, knots. Dotterels. I mean, Puitts, Godwitts, knots, that is to say Canutus or Knouts birds, (for, out of Denmark they are thought to fly thither), Dotterels, so named of their dotish foolishness, which being a kind of birds as it were of an apish kind, ready to imitate what they see done, are caught by candle light according to fowler's gesture; if he put forth an arm, they also stretch out a wing: sets he forward his leg, or holdeth up his head, they likewise do theirs: in brief, what ever the fowler doth, the same also doth this foolish bird until it be hidden within the net. But these things I leave to their observation, who either take pleasure earnestly to hunt after Nature's works, or being borne to pamper the belly delight to send their estates down the throat. More Westward, the River Trent also after he hath ended his long course, is received into the Humber, after it hath with his sandy bank bounded this shire from Fossedike hither; Stow. having run down first not far from Stow, where Godive the wife of Earl Leofricke built a Monastery; which for the low site that it hath under the hills, Henry of Huntingdon saith to have been founded Under the Promontory of Lincoln: Then, Knath. near unto Knath, now the habitation of Baron Willoughy of Parrham, in times passed of the family of the Barons Darcy, who had very much increase both in honour and also of possessions by the daughter and heir of the Meinills. This Family of the Darcyes proceeded from another more ancient, to wit, from one whose name was Norman de Adrecy or Darcy de Nocton, Darcy de Nocton and Knath who flourished in high reputation under King Henry the Third; and whose successors endowed with lands the little Nunnery at Alvingham in this County. But this dignity is as it were extinct, for that the last Norman in the right line which is more ancient, Fines 29. E. 3. left behind him only two sisters: of which the one was married to Roger Pedwardine, the other to Peter of Limbergh. Then runneth the Trent down to Gainesborrow, Gainesborrow a town ennobled by reason of the Danes ships that lay there at road, and also for the death of Suene Tiugs-Kege, a Danish Tyrant, who after he had robbed and spoiled the country, as Matthew of Westminster writeth, being here stabbed to death by an unknown man, suffered due punishment at length for his wickedness and villainy. Many a year after this, it became the possession of Sir William de Valence Earl of Pembroch, who obtained for it of king Edward the First the liberty to keep a Fair: From which Earl by the Scottish Earls of Athol, Baron's Borough. and the Piercies, descended the Barons of Bourough who here dwelled: concerning whom I have written already in Surry. In this part of the Shire stood long since the City Sidnacester, Sidnacester. which afforded a See to the Bishops of this Tract, who were called the Bishops of Lindifars: But this City is now so far out of all sight and knowledge, that together with the name the very ruins also seem to have perished, for by all my curious enquiry, I could learn nothing of it. Neither must I overpasse, that in this Quarter, at Melwood there flourished the family of Saint Paul, corruptly called Sampoll, Knights; which I always thought to have been of that ancient Castilion race of the Earls of Saint Paul in France. But, the Coat-Armour of Luxemburgh, which they bear, implieth that they are come out of France since that the said Castilion stock of Saint Paul, Saint Paul. was by marriage implanted into that of Luxemburgh, which happened two hundred years since or thereabout. Above this place the Rivers of Trent, Idle and Dane do so disport themselves with the division of their streams, and Marshes caused by them and other Springs, as they enclose within them the River-Island of Axelholme, Axelholme. in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is a parcel of Lincolnshire. It carrieth in length from South to North ten miles, and in breadth not passed half so much. The flat and lower part of it toward the Rivers is marish ground, Galls, a shrub. and bringeth forth an odoriferous kind of shrub which they term Gall. It yieldeth also Pets in the Moors, and dead roots of fir-wood which in burning give a rank sweet savour. There also have been found great and long firre-trees while they digged for Pet, both within the Isle, and also without, * at La●ghton upon Trent bank, the old habitation of the family of D'alanson, now contractly called Dalison. The middle parts of this Isle, where it riseth gently with some ascent is fruitful and fertile, and yieldeth flax in great abundance: also the Alabaster stone, Alabastrites. and yet the same being not very solid but brittle, is more meet for pargeting and plaister-worke, than for other uses. The chief Town called in old time Axel, is now named Axey, whence, by putting to the Saxon word Holme, which they used for a River-Island, the name no doubt was compounded. But scarce deserveth it to be called a Town, it is so scatteringly inhabited: and yet it is able to show the plot of ground where a Castle stood, that was razed in the Baron's war, and which belonged to the Mowbray's, who at that time possessed a great part of the Isle. In the year 1173. as writeth an old Chronographer, Roger de Mowbray forsaking his Allegiance to the Elder * Henry the Second, in regard of his son whom he had made King with him. King, repaired the Castle at Kinard Ferry in the Isle of Axholme, which had been of old time destroyed. Against whom a number of Lincolnshire men making head, when they had passed over the water in barges, laid siege to the Castle, forced the Constable thereof and all the soldiers to yield, and overthrew the said Castle. Somewhat higher is Botterwic, the Lord whereof Sir Edmund Sheffeld, King Edward the Sixth created the first Baron Sheffeld of Botherwic: who for his country spent his life against the Rebels in Norfolk, having begotten of Anne Vere the Earl of Oxford's daughter, a son named John, the second Baron, and father to Edmund now Lord Sheffeld, a right honourable Knight of the Garter, Precedent of the Council established in the North. But more into the North I saw Burton Stather standing upon the other side of Trent, whereof I have hitherto read nothing memorable. Earls of Lincoln. This Shire glorieth in the Earls which have borne Title thereof. After Egga who flourished in the year 710. and Morcar both Saxons, and who were Earls by office, only, William de Romara a Norman, was the first Earl after the Conquest, in whose room being dead (for neither his son, whereas he died before his father, nor his grandchild enjoied this title) King Stephen placed Gilbert de Gaunt. After whose decease Simon de Saint Lyz, 2. H. 2. the younger, the son of Earl Simon, (you read the very words of Robert Montensis, who lived about that time) Wanting lands, by the gracious gift of King Henry the Second took his only daughter to wife, with her his honour also. After this Lewis of France, who was by the seditious Barons brought into England girt a second Gilbert out of the Family de Gaunt, with the sword of the Earldom of Lincoln: but when the said Lewis was soon after expelled the land, no man acknowledged him for Earl, and himself of his own accord relinquished that title. Then Raulph the sixth Earl of Chester obtained this honour of King Henry the Third, who a little before his death gave unto Hawise or Avis his sister (the wife of Robert De Quincy) by Charter, the Earldom of Lincoln, so far forth as appertained unto him, that she might be Countess thereof: For in this tenor run the very words of the Charter. She likewise bestowed it upon John de Lacie Constable of Chester, and the heirs whom he should beget of the body of Margaret her daughter. This John had issue Edmund, who dying before his mother left this honour for Henry his son to enjoy, who was the last Earl of that line: For when his sons were taken away by untimely death, and he had but one little daughter only remaining alive named Alice, he affianced her, being but nine years old, to Thomas the son of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, Lib. Monaster. de Stanlow. with this condition, That if he should fortune to dye without heirs of her body, or if they happened to dye without heirs of their bodies, his Castles, Lordships, etc. should in Remainder come to the heirs of Edmund Earl of Lancaster for ever. But the said Alice had no child at all by her husband Thomas: But when Thomas her husband was beheaded, she that by her light behaviour had not a little steined her good name, took Sir Eubul le Strange, with whom she had lived before time too familiarly, for her husband, 2. Edw. ●. without the assent and privity of her Sovereign; who being hereat highly offended, seized her possessions into his own hands. Yet both Sir Eubul Strange, and Sir Hugh Frene her third husband, are in some Records named Earls of Lincoln. After Alice, now very aged, was departed this life without issue, Henry Earl of Lancaster Nephew to Edmund aforesaid by his second son, entered upon her large and fair patrimony by virtue of that conveyance (which I spoke of before) and from that time it accrued to the House of Lancaster. Escaet. 1. E. 3. N. 134. Howbeit the Kings of England at their pleasure have bestowed the name and honour of Earls of Lincoln, as, See Dukes of Suffolk. King Edward the Fourth gave it to Sir John De la Pole: and King Henry the Eighth, to Henry Brandon, both the Sons of the Dukes of Suffolk, who both ended this life without Issue; the first slain in the battle at Stoke, and the other taken away by the sweeting sickness. Anno 14. Elizabethae. Afterward Queen Elizabeth promoted Edward Baron Clinton Lord high Admiral of England, to the said honour, which his son Henry enjoyeth at this day. There are in this Shire Parishes much about 630. NOTINGAMIAES Comitatus olim pars CORITANORUM NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Upon the West side of Lincolnshire confineth the County of NOTTINGHAM, in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in English Nottinghamshire, being far less in quantity; limited Northward with Yorkshire, Westward with Derbyshire, and in some parts with Yorkshire, and on the South side with Leicester-shire. The South and East part thereof are made more fruitful by the noble and famous River Trent, with other Riverets resorting unto it. The West part is taken up with the Forest of Shirewood, which stretcheth out a great way. This part because it is sandy, the Inhabitants term The Sand, the other, for that it is Clayish, they call the Clay: and so have divided their Country into these two parts. The River Trent, The river Trent. in the old English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (which some Antiquaries of small note and account have called Triginta in Latin, for the affinity of the French word Trent that signifieth that number Triginta, that is, thirty) having gone a long journey, so soon as he is entered into this Shire, and hath (recepto Souro flumine ex agro Leicestrensi, taking in the River Sour from the field of Leicester) run by Steanford, where I have learned there be many tokens remaining of old antiquity, and pieces of Roman money oftentimes found; and then by Clifton, which hath given both habitation and surname also to the ancient family of the Clifton's, much enriched by one of the heirs of Cressy, Lin a riveret. taketh in from the West the little River Lin, which rising near unto Newsted, that is, New place, where sometime King Henry the Second founded a small abbey, and which is now the dwelling house of the ancient Family of the Burons, Byron. descended from Ralph de Buron, who at the first coming in of the Normans flourished in great state, * both in this Country and also in Lancashire; runneth hard by Wallaton rich in veins of coal, Wollaton▪ where Sir Francis Willoughby a Knight nobly descended from the Greis marquis Dorset, in our days built out of the ground with great charges (upon a vain ostentation of his wealth) a stately house with artificial workmanship, standing bleakely, but offering a very goodly prospect to the beholders far and near. Then runneth it by Linton or Lenton, Lenton. much frequented and famous in old time for the abbey there of the Holy Trinity, founded by William Peverell, the base son of King William the Conqueror; but now all the fame is only for a Fair there kept. Where, on the other bank at the very meeting well near of Lin and Trent, the principal Town that hath given name unto the Shire is seated upon the side of an hill now called Nottingham, Nottingham. (by softening the old name a little) for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; for, so the English Saxons named it of certain caves and passages under the ground, which in old time they hewed and wrought hollow under those huge and steep cliffs, which are on the South side hanging over the little River Lin, for places of receipt and refuge, yea and for habitations. And thereupon Asserius interpreteth this Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Speluncarum domum, that is, An house of Dens or Caves, and in the British Tui ogo bauc, which signifieth the very self same. The Town for the natural site thereof is right pleasant: as where, on the one hand lie fair and large Meadows by the River's side, on the other, rise hills with a gentle and easy ascent: and is plentifully provided of all things beside, necessary for man's life. On the one side Shirewood yieldeth store of wood to maintain fire, although many use for that purpose stinking pit coal digged forth of the ground: on the other, Trent serveth it abundantly with fish. And hence hath been taken up this odd barbarous Verse, Limpida sylva focum, * Trent. Triginta dat mihi piscem. Shirewood yields me fuel for fire, As Trent yields fish, what I require. At a word, for largeness, for building, for three fair Churches, a passing spacious and beautiful Mercat place, and a most strong Castle, it maketh a goodly show. The said Castle is mounted upon an huge and steep work on the West side of the City, in which place it is thought that Castle stood in times passed upon whose strength the Danes presuming held out against the Siege of Aethered and Aelfrid so long, until they frustrate of their purpose broke up their Siege, trussed up bag and baggage and dislodged. For when the Danes had taken this Castle, Burthred King of the Mercians (as mine Author Asserius writeth) and the Mercians, address their messengers to Aethered King of the West Saxons, and to Aelfred his brother, humbly beseeching them to come and aid them, that so they might give battle to the forenamed Army, which request they also easily obtained. For, those two brethren slacking no whit their promise, having levied from all parts a mighty Army, assembled their forces, entered Mercia, and seeking with one accord jointly to encounter the enemy, come as far as to Snottenga-ham. And when the Painims keeping themselves within the defence of the Castle refused to give battle, and the Christians with all their force could not batter the Wall, after peace concluded between the Pagans and Mercians, those two brethren with their bands returned home. But after this, King Edward the elder, built the Village Bridgeford just over against it, and compassed the Town about with a wall, which now is fallen down; and yet the remains thereof I have seen on the South side. And within very few years after, in King Edward the Confessors time, as we read in doomsday book, there were numbered in it one hundred and seventy three Burgesses, and from the two Minters, there were paid forty shillings to the King. Also the water of Trent, the Fosse dike, and the way toward York were warded and kept, that if any man hindered the passage of vessels, he was to make amends with the payment of four pounds. As for the Castle which now we see, it may be well of great name in regard both of the Founder, and the worthiness also of the work: for William of Normandy built it to bridle the English; and so strong it was, as William of Newborough writeth, as well by natural situation as hand labour, that it is held impregnable (if it may have sufficient men to defend it) unless it be by famine. Afterward also King Edward the Fourth bestowed great cost in the repairing of it, and beautified it with fair buildings: whereto King Richard also the Third set to his helping hand. Neither for all the changes and alterations of times, hath it undergone the common condition or destiny incident to such great Castles, being never forced and won by assault. Once was it in vain besieged by Henry of Anjou, at which time the soldiers lying in Garrison set fire upon the buildings joining unto it. 1175. Rog. Hoveden. Pag. 307. Once also it was suddenly surprised by Earl Robert de Ferrarijs in the Baron's war, who spoilt the Inhabitants of all their goods. The Castellanes report many stories of David King of the Scots prisoner in it, and of Roger Mortimer Earl of March, taken here in a hollow secret passage under the ground, who because he prised his faith and loyalty to his country lighter than Scotish gold, and with a vast mind designed other mischiefs, was afterwards hanged. Certes, in the first base Court of the Castle we went down by many steps or stairs with candle light into a Vault under the ground and certain close rooms wrought out of the very rock, in the walls whereof are engraven the stories of Christ's Passion and other things, by the hand (as they say) of David the Second, king of Scots, who was there imprisoned. But in the upper part of the Castle which riseth up aloft upon a rock, we came also by many stairs into another Cave likewise under the ground, Mortimer's hole. which they call Mortimer's Hole, for that in it the foresaid Roger Mortimer lay hidden, when as being guilty to himself of wickedness he stood in fear of his life. As for the position of Nottingham, it seeth the North Pole elevated fifty three Degrees, and hath the Meridian two and twenty Degrees and fourteen minutes distant from the utmost point of the West, whence Geographers begin to measure the Longitude. Pier pount. From hence the Trent runneth with a mild stream and passeth forward by Holme, called of the Lords thereof Holme * De Petrae ponte. Pierpount, whose Family is both ancient and noble, and out of which Robert Pierpount was summoned by King Edward the Third unto the high Court of Parliament, among the Barons of the Kingdom; unto Shelford where Ralph Hanselin founded a Priory, Barony of Sheleford. and the Lords Bardolph had a mansion, but now the seat of the worshipful stock of the Stanhopes, knights; whose state in this Tract hath grown great and their name renowned since they matched with an heir of Mallovell. From whence he runneth down with a rolling stream to Stoke, Battle of Stoke. a little Village, but well known for no small overthrow and slaughter that there happened: when Sir John de la pole Earl of Lincoln, who being by King Richard the Third declared heir apparent to the Crown, seeing by the coming of king Henry the Seventh himself debarred of the hope of the Kingdom, here in behalf of a counterfeit Prince rebelliously opposed himself against a lawful king, and so resolutely with his friends and followers lost his life. Not far from hence is Thurgarton where Sir Ralph D'eincourt founded a Priory, and somewhat higher Southwell showeth itself aloft, Suthwell. with a Collegiate Church of Prebendaries consecrated to the blessed Virgin Mary, a place not very fair in outward show, I must needs say, but strong, ancient, and of great fame. Which, as they write, Paulinus the First Archbishop of York founded, after he had baptised the Inhabitants of this Shire in the River Trent, and so regenerated them to Christ. Since which time, the Archbishops of York have had here a very fair and stately Palace and three Parks stored with Dear adjoining thereto. Tio-vul-Finga-cester. That this is the City which Bede calleth Tio-vul-Finga-cester, I do the more steadfastly believe, because, those things which he hath reported of Paulinus baptising in the Trent near unto Tio-vul-Finga-cester, the private History of this Church constantly avoucheth to have been done in this very place. From thence out of the East, Snite a little Brook runneth into Trent, which being but small and shallow watereth Langer, a place of name in regard of the Tibetots or Tiptofts Lords thereof, Tiptofts. who afterwards became Earls of Worcester: also Wiverton, which from Heriz a worshipful man long since in these parts, came by the Brets and Caltostes unto the Chaworthes, Chaworths. who fetch their name out of the * Cahors in Quercy. Cadurci in France, and derive their pedigree from the Lord of Walchervill. Now doth Trent divide itself, near Averham or Aram an ancient habitation of the Suttons Gentlemen of respective worth, and runneth hard under a good great Town called Newark, as one would say, The new work, of the new Castle, which Castle so fresh and of so beautiful building, as Henry of Huntingdon termeth it, Alexander that bountiful minded Bishop of Lincoln built: which Prelate, that I may use the words of an ancient Historian, carrying a most brave and gallant mind, builded both this Castle and another also with most profuse and lavish expense. And because such manner of sumptuous buildings little became the gravity and dignity of a Bishop, he to take away the envy and hard conceit of the world for such building, and to expiate, as it were, the offence that grew thereby, founded as many Monasteries and filled them with religious Brethren. Nevertheless, this vain prodigality and lavish spending that was in a military Bishop, was pursued afterwards with condign punishment. For, King Stephen, who laboured nothing more than to establish his tottering estate in his Kingdom by seizing into his hands all the strongest holds thereof, brought this Prelate, what with hard imprisoning, and, in a sort, with famishing him, to that pass, that willed he nilled he, 1216. at length he yielded up unto him both this Castle, and that other at Sleford in Lincolnshire. Neither is there any other memorable matter here to be related, but that King John finished in this place the most wearisome course of his troublesome life; and King Edward the Sixth incorporated it of one Alderman, and twelve Assistants. From hence the River gathering himself again into one Channel, runneth directly Northward, beset on both sides with Villages; neither affordeth it any matter worth remembrance before it come to Littleborrough, Littleborrough. a little Town in deed and truly answering to the name, where, as there is at this day a Ferry much used, so there was in times past that Station, whereof Antonine the Emperor once or twice made mention, Agelocum or Segelocum. and which according to sundry Copies is called AGELOCUM or SEGELOCUM. This Town have I heretofore sought for in vain, about the Country adjoining: but now I am verily persuaded and assured that I have found it out, both for that it standeth upon the old Port Highway, and also because the field lying to it showeth express tokens of Walls; and beside affordeth unto Ploughman every day many pieces of the Roman Emperors Coin: which because Swine many times rooting into the ground turn up with their snouts, the country people call Swinespeni●s. Who also according to their simple capacity are of opinion, that their forefathers in times past fenced and mounded that field with a stone. Wall against the water of Trent that useth in Winter time to overflow and make great floods. In the West part of this Shire, which they term The Sand, and where Erwash a little Riveret hieth apace into Trent, Strelley, in old time Strellegh showeth itself, a place that gave both surname and habitation to the Family of the Strelleis, commonly called Sturleyes', Knights; one of the most ancient Houses in all this Country. More inward, Shirewood. the Forest Shirewood (which some expound by these Latin names Limpida Sylva, that is, A Shire or Clear wood; others Praclara Sylva, in the same sense and signification) in ancient times over-shadowed all the Country over with green leaved branches, and the boughs and arms of trees twisted one within another, so implicated the Woods together, that a man could scarcely go alone in the beaten paths: But now the trees grow not so thick, yet hath it an infinite number of fallow Deer, yea and Stags with their stately branching heads feeding within it. Mansfield. Some Towns also: among which Mansfield carrieth away the name, as maintaining a great Mercat passing well served, and as well frequented. The name of which Town, they that delineat the Pedigree of the Graves of the great family of Mansfield in Germany, use as an argument to prove the same, and set down that the first Earl of Mansfield was one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, borne and bred at this Mansfield. Indeed our Kings used in old time to retire themselves hither for the love of hunting: and, that you may read the very words out of an ancient Inquisition, W. Fauconberge, tenebat Manerium de Cukeney in hoc Comitatu in Sergientia, per Servitium ferrandi Palsredum Regis quando Rex veniret ad Mansfield, that is, W. Fauconberge held the Manor of Cukeney in this County in Sergiency, by service to shoe the King's Palfrey when the King came to Mansfield. And the hereditary Foresters or Keepers of this Forest of Shirewood were men in their times of high estimation, viz. Sir Gerarde de Normanvile in the time of the Conquest, the Cauzes and Birkins, L. Everingham. by whose heir it came to the Everinghams'. Of which Family Sir Adam Everingham was summoned to Parliaments in the Reigns of King Edward the Second, and King Edward the Third: At which time they were seated at Laxton, anciently called Lexinton, Lexinton. where also flourished a great Family so surnamed, whose heirs were married into the Houses of Sutton of Averham and Markham. Out of this Wood there spring many Riverets that run into the Trent: but Idle is thought to be the chief: Idle the river. upon which near unto Idleton in the year 616. that felicity and prosperous success which for a long time had accompanied Ethered that most puissant King of Northumberland, was overtaken and forsook him quite. For, whereas before time he had always fought his battles most fortunately, here (fortune turning her wheel) he was by Redwald King of the East Angles vanquished and slain, who in his room made Edwin then banished from the Kingdom, due unto him from his Ancestors, Sovereign Ruler over the Northumber's. This little River Idle runneth down not far from Markham, Markham. a Village verily but small to speak of, yet gave it name to the Family of the Markham's, which for worth and antiquity hath been very notable, being descended from one of the heirs of Cressy, and formerly from an heir of Lexinton, as I lately showed. The greatest ornament of this Family was Sir John Markham, who sitting Lord chief Justice of England, guided the helm of Justice with so even an hand and so great equity (a thing that I would have you to read in the English Histories) that his honour and glory shall never perish. Six miles from it Westward, is Workensop, a Town well known for the Liquorice that there groweth and prospereth passing well: Workensop. Liquorice. famous also for the Earl of Shrewsburies' House which within our remembrance George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury built with that magnificence, as beseemeth so great an Earl, and yet such as was not to be envied. This Workensop from the Lovetofts first Lords thereof, under the Normans Reign, descended by the Furnivalles and Nevil, unto the L. Talbots with a very goodly inheritance. S. Marry of Radford. Of which Lovetofts, G. Lovetoft in the time of King Henry the First, founded here an abbey, the ruins whereof I have seen toward the East side of the Town, amidst most pleasant and plentiful pastures: and the West part of the Church standeth still passing fair to be seen with two tower steeples. A little higher upon the same River I saw Blithe a famous market Town, Blithe. which Bulley or Busly, a Noble man of the Normans blood, fortified with a Castle: but now the very rubbish thereof is hardly to be seen, time so consumeth all things. But the abbey there, was founded by Roger Busly and Foulke De Lisieurs: and this is the farthest Town almost in Nottinghamshire, Northward, unless it be Scroby a little Town of the Archbishops of York, situate in the very confines and frontiers of Yorkshire. William surnamed the Conqueror appointed over this Shire William Peverell his base son, Lords and Earls of Nottingham. Lib. M. Linton. Matth. Paris. p. 126. See Earls of Derby. Matth. Paris. p. 204. Hoveden. pag. 373. b. not with the Title of Earl, but of Lord of Nottingham: who had a son that died before his father, and he likewise had a son of the same name, whom king Henry the Second disinherited, for that he went about to poison Ranulph Earl of Chester. Much about this time Robert de Ferrarijs, who rifled and ransacked Nottingham, in a Donation which he made unto the Church of Tuttesbury, styled himself thus, Robertus Comes junior de Nottingham, that is, Robert the younger Earl of Nottingham. But afterwards King Richard the First gave and confirmed unto his brother John the Earldom and Castle of Nottingham with all the Honour of Peverell. Many years after, King Richard the Second honoured John Lord Mowbray with this Title of Earl of Nottingham; who dying a young man without issue, his brother Thomas succeeded after him: He being by king Richard the Second created Earl Mareshall and Duke of Norfolk, and soon after banished, begat Thomas Earl Mareshall, whom king Henry the Fourth beheaded; and John Mowbray, who, as also his son and Nephew, Inq. 6. Rich. 2. See Dukes of Norfolk. were likewise Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Nottingham. But when as their male issue failed, and that Richard the young son of King Edward the Fourth, being Duke of York had borne this Title with others by his Wife the heir of the Mowbray's, but a small while, King Richard the Third honoured William Viscount Barkley descended from the Mowbray's with this Title of Earl of Nottingham: and whereas he died without issue, king Henry the Eighth bestowed the same honour upon his illegitimate son H. Fitz Roy, when he created him Duke of Richmond; but he departed this life in the flower of his age, leaving no child. Afterward this Title lay extinct, until in the year of our Lord 1597. Queen Elizabeth by solemn investiture adorned therewith Charles Lord Howard of Effingham, and High Admiral of England, descended from the Mowbray's, in regard of his service (as appeareth in the Charter of his Creation) right valiantly and faithfully performed against the Spanish Armado in the year 1588. as also at the winning of Calais in Spain, where he was Lord General of the forces by sea, like as the Earl of Essex, of those by land. There are in this County Parish Churches 168. DERBYSHIRE. DERBYSHIRE, called in old English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth close to Nottinghamshire Westward, confining with Leicester-shire upon the Southside, like as with Stafford-shire on the West, and Yorkshire in the North, resembling, as it were, the form of a Triangle, but not with equal sides. For, whereas about the point of it lying Southward it is scarce six miles broad, it so enlargeth and spreadeth itself on both sides, that where it looketh into the North it carrieth much about thirty miles in breadth. The River Derwent, that runneth along the midst of it, divideth it after a sort in two parts, which River breaking out of the North limit thereof and taking his course Southward, sometimes with his black waters stained with the Soil and earth that it passeth by, rumbleth down apace into the Trent: For, Trent overthwarteth the said narrow point, that I spoke of, lying Southward. The East side and the South parts are well manured, not unfruitful, and beside, well stored with Parks; The West part beyond Derwent which they call the Peake being all of it hilly, or a stony and craggy ground, is more barren: howbeit rich in lead, iron, and coals, which it yieldeth plentifully, and also feedeth Sheep very commodiously. In the South corner the first place worth the naming that offereth itself to sight, Grisly Castle. The family of the Greisleys. is Greisely Castle, more than broken down, which together with a little Monastery was founded in times passed in honour of Saint George, by the Greiseleies Lords thereof, who fetching their descent from William the son of Sir Niele of Grieseley, about the very Conquest of England by the Normans, have flourished unto these days in great worship, the which they have not a little augmented long since by marrying with the daughter and heir of the ancient family of Gasteneys. Upon the River Dove, which until it entereth into Trent divideth this Country from Stafford-shire, we meet with nothing in this Shire but small country Villages, and Ashburne a market town, where the house of the Cokains flourished a long time; and Norbury, where the right ancient family of the Fitz-herberts' have long inhabited: out of which, Sir Anthony Fitz-Herbert hath deserved passing well of the knowledge and profession of our Commons law: The family of the Shirleys. Not far from which is Shirley an ancient Lordship of the well renowned Family of the Shirleys, who derive their pedigree from one Fulcher: unto whom, beside the antiquity of their house, much honour and fair lands have accrued by marriage with the heirs of the Breoses, the Basset's of Brailesford, the Stantons, Lovets, etc. And here stand round about many places which have given name and Habitation to worshipful Families: as Longford, Bradburne, Kniveton, from whence came those Knivetons of Mercaston and Bradley: of which house Saint Lo Kniveton is one, * to whose judicious and studious diligence I am deeply indebted: also Keidelston, where the Cursons dwelled, as also at Crokhall. But whether Sir Robert Curson knighted by King Henry the Seventh, Baron Curson. made a Baron of the Empire by Maximilian the Emperor in the year 1500. for his singular valour, and thereupon by King Henry the vl made a Baron of England with a liberal pension assigned, was descended from these Cursons, I dare not affirm. Hereby is Radborn, where Sir John Chandos knight, Lord of the place, laid a goodly foundation of a great and stately house: from whom by a daughter it came by hereditary succession unto the Poles, who dwell here at this day. But these particularities I leave for him who hath undertaken the full description of this Shire. But upon Trent, Repton. so soon as ever he hath taken to him the river Dove, is Repandunum to be seen, for so do our History-writers call it, the Saxons named it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we at this day Repton, which from a great and fair Town is become a poor small Village. For, in old time very famous it was, by reason both of the burial of Aethelbald that good King of the Mercians, who through the treachery of his own people lost his life, and of the other Kings of Mercia: as also for the unfortunate calamity of Burthred the last King of the Mercians, King Burthred. who when he had enjoyed his kingdom partly by way of entreaty and partly by means of bribery, full twenty years, was here deprived of his kingdom by the Danes, or rather freed and exempted from the glittering misery of princely State, and so became an example to teach men in how ticklish and slippery a place they stand which are underpropped only with money. Melborn. Than not far from Trent is Melborn a Castle of the Kings now decaying, wherein John Duke of Bourbon taken prisoner in the battle of Agincourt was detained nineteen years under the custody of Sir Nicholas Montgomery the younger. Scarce five miles hence Northward, the River Derwent hath his walk; who in the utmost limit, as I said before, of this Shire Northward deriving his head out of the Peak hills, being one while straightened between crags, and sometimes another while watering and cherishing the fresh green meadows, by mossy and morish grounds holdeth on his course for thirty miles or thereabout directly, as it were, into the South. Howbeit in so long a course he passeth by nothing worth looking on, Chattesworth. except Chattesworth, a very large, fair and stately house, which Sir William Candish, Cavendish. or Cavendish descended out of that ancient house of Gernon in Suffolk, began, and which his Wife Elizabeth, and after Countess of Shrewesbury, hath of late with great charges fully finished. But where Derwent turneth somewhat Eastward, when it is once past Little Chester, that is, Little City, where old pieces of Roman money are often times gotten out of the ground, Derby showeth itself, in the English-Saxon Tongue named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by the Danes (as Athelward that ancient Writer witnesseth) Deoraby, the chief Town of all this Shire: which name, being taken from the River Derwent and contracted from Derwentby, it hath bestowed upon the whole County. A proper Town it is, none of the least, not without good trade and resort unto it. On the East side of it, the River Derwent making a very fair show, runneth down carrying a full and lofty stream under a beautiful stone Bridge, upon which our devout forefathers erected a fair Chapel, which now is neglected and goeth to decay: Through the South part thereof runneth a pretty clear Riveret which they call Mertenbrooke. Five Churches there be in it: Of which the greatest named All Hallowes, dedicated to the memory of All-Saints, hath a Tower Steeple that for height and singular fine Workmanship excelleth. In which Church, the Countess of Shrewesbury, of whom erewhile I spoke, trusting herself better than her heirs, providently erected a Sepulture for herself, and as religiously founded an Hospital hard by, for the maintenance of twelve poor folk, eight men and four women. Memorable in old time was this place, because it had been a lurking hole and a Rendezvous for the Danes, until Ethelfleda that victorious Lady of the Mercians, by a sudden forceable surprise, made a slaughter of the Danes and became Mistress of it. In the time of King Edward the Confessor, as we find in doomsday book, it had 143. Burgesses, whose number notwithstanding decreased so, that in William the conquerors Reign there remained only an hundred: And these paid unto the King at the feast of Saint Martin 12. * Thraves of corn, as it should seem. Trabes of Corne. But now all the name and credit that it hath, ariseth of the Assizes there kept for the whole shire, and by the best ●appy ale, that is brewed there: a drink so called, of the Danish word Oela somewhat wrested, and not of Alica, Ale. Cervisia in latin, Curmi in Dioscorides: Ale in English, of Oel, a Danish word. as Ruellius deriveth it: the Britan's termed it by an old word Kwrw, in stead whereof Curmi is read amiss in Dioscorides; where he saith, that the Hiberi (perchance he would have said Hiberni, that is, The Irishmen) in lieu of wine use Curmi, a kind of drink made of Barley. For, this is that Barly-wine of ours, which Julian the Emperor, that Apostata, calleth merrily in an Epigram, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. This is the ancient and peculiar drink of the Englishmen and Britan's, yea and the same very wholesome, howsoever Henry of Aurenches the Norman, Archpoet to King Henry the Third, did in his pleasant wit merrily jest upon it in these Verses, Nescio quod Stygiae monstrum conforme paludi, Cervisiam plerique vocant: nil spissius illa Dum bibitur, nil clarius est dum mingitur, unde Constat, quòd multas faeces in ventre relinquit. Of this strange drink, so like to Stygian lake, (Most term it Ale) I wot not what to make: Folke drink it thick, and piss it passing thin, Much dregges therefore must needs remain within. Howbeit, Turnebus de Vino. Turnebus that most learned Frenchman maketh no doubt, but that men using to drink hereof, if they could avoid surfeiting, would live longer than those that drink wine: and that from hence it is, that many of us drinking Ale live an hundred years. And yet Asclepiades in Plutarch ascribeth this long life to the coldness of the air, which keepeth in and preserveth the natural heat in bodies, when he made report, that the Britan's lived until they were an hundred and twenty years old. But the wealth of this Town consisteth much in buying of corn and selling it again to the mountains: for all the Inhabitants be as it were a kind of hucksters, or badgers. Not far from hence doth Derwent carry his stream, where by Elwaston Sir Raulph Montjoye had lands, Barons Montjoye. in the time of Edward the First: from whence came Sir Walter Blunt, whom King Edward the Fourth advanced to the honour of Baron Montjoye with a pension: whose posterity have equalled the nobility of their birth with the ornaments of learning: and principally among them, Charles', late Earl of Devonshire, Baron Montjoy, Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland, and Knight of the Order of the Garter. Beneath this Elwaston, Derwent disburdeneth himself into the channel of Trent, which within a while admitteth into it the River Erewash, that in this part serveth as a limit to divide this country from Nottinghamshire. near unto this River standeth Riseley, a possession of the Willoughbeies: of which family was that Sir Hugh Willoughby, as I have heard say, who whiles he endeavoured to discover the Frozen Sea near unto Wardhous in Scandia, was frozen to death together with his company, in the same ship. Hard by it also is Sandiacre, or as others will have it, Saint Diacre, the seat of the Family of the Greys of Sandiacre: Greys of Sandiacre. whose inheritance Sir Edward Hilary in right of his wife was first possessed of; and whose son became adopted into the name of the Greys: and a few years after, the one of his daughters and heirs wedded to Sir John Leake, and the other to John Welsh. On the East side of this Shire there follow in order Northward these places, Codenor Castle. Codenor in old time Coutenoure Castle, which belonged to the Barons Grey, called thereupon Lords Grey of Codenor; Baron's Grey of Codenor. whose inheritance in the foregoing age came to the Zouches by the marriage that Sir John de la Zouch the second son of William Lord de la Zouch of Haringworth, contracted with Elizabeth the heir of Henry Grey the last Lord of Codenor. Then, Winfeld, a very great and goodly Manor, where Raulph Lord Cromwell in the Reign of Henry the Sixth built a sumptuous and stately house, for those days. Alfreton. After it, you see Alffreton, which men think to have been built by King Alfred, and of him to have taken that name: which Town had also Lords, entitled thereupon, de Alfreton: of whom the second named Robert, the son of Ranulph, built in the most remote angle and nouke of this shire the little abbey De Bello capite, commonly called Beauchiefe; but a few years after for default of heirs males the Family of Chaworth and the latham's in Lancashire possessed their inheritance, by two daughters. The Barons of Alfreton coat of Arms. Staveley. These bare for their Arms, Two Chevero●s, as they term them, Or, in a Shield Azure: which very same Coat the Musards, that is, The doubters and delaiers who were called Barons of Staveley in this County, changing the colours only gave, who during the Reign of King Edward the First had an end in Sir Nicholas Musard: Freshwell commonly. and his eldest sister was married to Ancher Freschevill, whose posterity flourisheth here still at this day. Higher yet in the very East frontier of this County, upon a rough and a craggy Soil standeth Hardwic, which gave name to a Family in which possessed the same: out of which descended Lady Elizabeth Countess of Shrewesbury, who began to build there two goodly houses joining in manner one to the other, which by reason of their lofty situation show themselves, a far off to be seen, and yield a very goodly prospect. This now giveth the Title of Baron to Sir William Cavendish her second son, Baron Cavendish. whom King James of late hath honoured with the honour of Baron Cavendish of Hardwic. More inward in the Country, is seated Chester-field in Scardale, that is, in a Dale compassed in with crags and rocks: For, such rocks the Englishmen were wont to term Scars. Both the new name itself, and the ruins of the old Walls do prove, that this Chester-field was of good antiquity: but the ancient name thereof is by continuance of time worn out and quite lost. King John made it a free Burrough when he gave it to William Briewer his especial favourite. In Writers it is famous only by occasion of the war betwixt King Henry the Third and his Barons, wherein Robert Ferrars the last Earl of Derby of that name, being taken prisoner and deprived of his honour by authority of the Parliament, lived afterwards as a private man: and his posterity flourished with the Title only of Barons. Hard to this Chesterfield Westward lieth Walton, Walton. which from the Bretons came hereditarily by Loudham to the Foliambs men of great name in this Tract: Sutton. and Eastward Sutton, where the Leaks held a long time a worshipful port, in Knight's degree. A little from hence is Bolsover an ancient Castle, situate somewhat with the highest: which belonged to the Hastings Lords of Abergavenney, in right of exchange with King Henry the Third: who being altogether unwilling that the Earldom of Chester, unto whom this Castle had appertained, should be divided and bestowed among distaves, assigned here and there other possessions unto the sisters of john Scot the last Earl. The West part beyond Derwent, which throughout riseth high and peaketh up with hills and mountains, whence in old time it was called in the old English tongue Peac-lond, The Peake. and is at this day, haply for that cause, named the Peake (for, that word among us signifieth to appear aloft) is severed from Stafford-shire by the Dove a most swift and clear River, of which I shall speak hereafter. This part although in some place it hath craggy, rough and bare scars, and crags; yet by reason that under the upper crust of the earth there is limestone which supplieth a batling fruitful slugh, or humour, there be in it green grassy hills and vales, which bring forth full oats, and feed safely both droves of greater beasts, and also many flocks of sheep: For, Wolves. there is no more danger now from Wolves which in times past were hurtful and noisome to this Country; and for the chase away and taking of which some there were that held lands here at Wormehill, who thereupon were surnamed Wolve-hunt, as appeareth plainly in the Records of the Kingdom: Inq. 2. Ed. 2. But so plentiful it is of lead, Lead. Brodaeus. that the Alchemists, who condemn the Planets as convict of some crime unto the metal mines, have upon a ridiculous error written, that Saturn, whom they make the Lord and Dominatour of lead, is liberally affected to England, in granting lead; but displeased with France, to which he hath denied the same. And verily, I think that Pliny spoke of this Country when he said this, In Britain in the very crust of the ground, without any deep mining, is gotten so great store of lead, that there is a law expressly made of purpose, forbidding men to make more than to a certain stint. For, in these mountains, fertile lead stones are daily digged up in great abundance, which upon the hill tops lying open to the West wind, near unto Creach and Workesworth (which hereupon took name of the lead-workes) when the Western wind begins to blow (which wind of all others they have by experience found to hold longest) they melt with mighty great fires of wood into lead, in troughes or trenches which they dig of purpose for it to run into, and so make it up into Sows. Neither only lead, but Stibium also called in the Apothecary's shops Antimonium, Antimony. is here found by itself in veins: which mineral the women of Greece used in old time to colour their eyebrows with, whereupon the Poet jon, in Greek termeth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Millstones. Millstones likewise are here hewed out, as also grinde-stones and whetstones, Grindstones. Whetstone's. Fluores. Crystal. to give an edge unto iron tools: and sometimes in these mines or quarries is found a certain white Fluor (for such stones coming out of Mines, that be like unto precious stones, learned mineral men call Fluores) which for all the world resembleth Crystal. Besides Workesworth, lately mentioned, we meet with never another place worth the remembrance, unless it be Haddon by the River Wie, the seat for many years together of the Vernons, Vernon. who as they were very ancient so they became no less renowned in these parts, in so much as Sir George Vernon knight, who lived in our time, for his magnificent port that he carried, the open house that he kept, and his commendable hospitality, got the name among the multitude of a Petty King in the Peake. By his Daughters and heirs a goodly and great Inheritance was transferred unto Sir John Manors son of Thomas Earl of Rutland, and to Sir Thomas Stanley son of Edward Earl of Derby. There adjoineth unto this, Bakewell upon the same Riveret, which among these hills maketh itself way into Derwent. This was by the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: And Marianus writeth, that King Edward the Elder erected there a Burrow. Now whether it borrowed this name or no of the hot waters, which the ancient Englishmen, as also the Germans in their language termed Bade and Baden, whence came Baden in Germany and Buda in Hungary, I know not. Certes, at the springhead of Wie not far from hence, there rise and walm up nine fountains of hot waters, Buxton. the place at this day is called Buxton well: which being found by experience wholesome for the stomach, sinews, and the whole body, George Earl of Shrewesbury lately beautified with buildings, and so they are begun again to be resorted unto, by concourse of the greatest Gentlemen and of the Nobility. At which time that most unfortunate Lady, Mary Queen of Scots bad farewell unto Buxton with this Distichon, by a little change of Caesar's Verses concerning Feltria, in this wise: Buxtona a quae calidae celebrabere nomine lymphae, Fortè mihi posthac non adeunda, vale. Buxton, that of great name shalt be, for hot and wholesome bane, Farewell, for I perhaps shall not thee ever see again. But that these hot waters were known in old time, The Port-way or High paved Street named Bath-gate, reaching for seven miles together from hence unto Burgh a little Village doth manifestly show. near unto this Burgh there standeth upon the top of an hill an old Castle sometimes belonging to the Peverels, called The Castle in the Peake, 46. Ed. 3. and in Latin De Alto Pecco, which King Edward the Third together with a Manor and an Honour, gave unto his son John Duke of Lancaster, what time as he surrendered the Earldom of Richmond into the King's hands. Under which, there is a Cave or hole within the ground, called, saving your reverence, The Devil's Arse, Devil's Arse in Peake. that gapeth with a wide mouth, and hath in it many turnings and retiring rooms: wherein, forsooth, Gervase of Tilbury, whether for wane of knowing truth, or upon a delight he had in fabling, hath written, that a Shepherd saw a very wide and large Country with Riverets and Brooks running here and there through it, and huge Pools of dead and standing waters. Notwithstanding, by reason of these and such like fables, this Hole is reckoned for one of the wonders of England: neither are there wanting the like tales of another Cave, but especially of that which is called Elden Hole, Elden hole. wherein there is nothing to be wondered at, but that it is of an huge wideness, exceeding steep, and of a marvelous depth. But whosoever have written that there should be certain tunnels and breathing holes, out of which winds do issue, they are much deceived: Neither do these Verses of Alexander Necham, which he wrote as touching the Marvels of England agree to any of these two holes. Est specus Aeolijs ventis obnoxia semper, Impetus è gemino maximus ore venit. Cogitur injectum velamen adire supernas Parts, descensum impedit aura potens. A Cave, to strong Aeolian winds always enthralled there is, From twofold tunnel main great blasts arise and never miss, A cloth or garment cast therein, by force aloft is sent, A mighty breath, or powerful puff doth hinder all descent. But all the memorable matters in this high and rough stony little Country, one hath comprised in these four Verses. Mira alto Pecco tria sunt, barathrum, specus, antrum; Commoda tot, plumbum, gramen, ovile pecus. Tot speciosa simul sunt, Castrum, Balnea, Chatsworth; Plura sed occurrunt, quae speciosa minùs. There are in High Peake Wonders three, A deep Hole, Cave and Den: Commodities as many be, Led, Grasse, and Sheep in pen. And Beauties three there are withal A Castle, Bath, Chatsworth: With places more yet meet you shall That are of meaner worth. * To these Wonders may be added a wonderful Well in the Peake Forest not far from Buxtons which ordinarily ebbeth and floweth four times in the space of one hour or thereabout, A strange Well. Th. Fitz-Herbert. p. 223. Lords and Earls of Derby. Simon Dunelm. Hovenden. Matthew Paris. 204. keeping his just Tides: and I know not whether Tideswell a market Town hereby hath his name thereof. The Peverels who I have said before were Lords of Nottingham are also reported to have been Lords of Derby. Afterward King Richard the First, gave and confirmed unto his brother John the Counties and Castles of Nottingham, Lancaster, Derby, etc. with the honours thereto belonging, with the honour also of Peverell. After him these were Earls of Derby out of the family of Ferrars (so far as I am able to gather out of the Registers of Tutbury, Merivall, and Burton Monasteries) William Ferrars, son to the Daughter and heir of Peverell, whom King John with his own hand, (as we find in an ancient Charter) invested Earl of Derby: Chart. antiq. 1. joban. William his son who bruised with a fall out of his Coach died in the year 1254. And this William's son, Robert; who in the Civil War lost this Title and a great estate by forfeiture, in such sort as that none of his posterity, although they lived in great port and reputation, were ever restored to that honour again: But most of this Robert's possession K. Henry the Third passed over unto Edmund his own younger son: and King Edward the Third (I write out of the very original Record) by authority and advise of the Parliament, ordained Henry of Lancaster, the son of Henry Earl of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, to him and his heirs, and withal assigned unto him a thousand marks yearly during the life of his father Henry Earl of Lancaster. From that time this Title was united to the line of Lancaster, until King Henry the Seventh, bestowed the same upon Thomas Lord Stanley, who before had wedded Margaret the King's mother, to him and the heirs males of his body. He had for his successor his Grandsonne Thomas begotten by George his son of joan the heir of the Lord Strange of Knocking: this Thomas had by the sister of George Earl of Huntingdon, Edward, the third Earl of this Family, highly commended for hospitality and affability, who by the Lady Dorothy Daughter to the first Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, begat Henry the fourth Earl, efts-once honourably employed, who left by Lady Margaret Daughter of Henry Earl of Cumberland, Ferdinand, and William successively Earls of Derby. Ferdinand died in strange manner, in the flower of his youth, leaving by Margaret his Wife Daughter of Sir John Spenser of Althorp three Daughters, Anne married to Grey Bruges, Lord Chandos, Francis Wife to Sir john Egerton, and Elizabeth Wife to Henry Earl of Huntingdon. William the sixth Earl now enjoyeth that Honour having issue by Elizabeth Daughter to Edward late Earl of Oxford. ANd thus much of the Counties of Nottingham and Derby: of which they inhabited a part who in Bedes time were called Mercij Aquilonares, Northern Mercians. that is, The Northern Mercians, for that they dwelled beyond the Trent Northward: and they held, as he saith, The land of seven thousand Families. This County holdeth in it Parishes 106. CORNAVII. HAving now travailed in order through the Countries of the ancient CORITANI, I am to survey the Regions confining, which in ancient time the people called CORNABII or CORNAVII, inhabited: The derivation or Etymology of whose name let others sift out. As for myself, I could draw the force and signification of that word to this and that diversely; but seeing none of them doth aptly answer to the nature of the place, or disposition of the people, I choose rather to reject them, than here to propound them. According therefore to my purpose, I will severally run over those Provinces which after Ptolomees description the CORNAVII seem to have possessed, that is to say, Warwickshire, Worcester-shire, Stafford-shire, Shrop-shire and Cheshire. In which, there remaineth no footing at this day, of the name Cornavij, although this name continued even until the declining State of the Roman Empire. For, certain Companies and Regiments of the CORNAVII served in pay under the later Emperors, as we may see in the Book of Notitia Provinciarum. WARWICI Comitatus a cor: naviis olim inha: bitatus Warwickshire. THe County of WARWICK, which the old English Saxons as well as we called WARWICKESHIRE, being bounded on the East side with Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and the Watling-street Way, which I spoke of: on the South with Oxford-shire and Glocestershire, on the West, for the greatest part with Worcester-shire, and on the North side with Stafford-shire, is divided into two parts, the Feldon and Woodland, that is, into a plain Champion, and a woody Country: which parts, the River Avon running crookedly from North-East to South-West, doth after a sort sever one from the other. The Feldon, Feldon. lieth on this side Avon Southward, a plain Champion Country, and being rich in Corn and green grass, yieldeth a right goodly and pleasant prospect to them that look down upon it from an Hill which they call Edge-hill. Where this hill endeth ne'er unto Wormington, we saw a round Fort or military fence cast up of a good bigness, which, as others of that kind, we may well think to have been made for the present, and not long to continue, by occasion of some enemies that in times past were ready to invade those parts. Of the ready Soil here, come the names of Rodway and Rodley: The Vale of Redhorse. yea and a great part of the very Vale is thereupon termed The Vale of Redhorse▪ of the shape of an Horse cut out in a red hill by the Country people hard by Pillerton. In this part the places worth naming are Shipston and Kinton, Shipston in Worcestershire. Kinton. Compton. the one in times past a market of Sheep, the other of Kine, whereupon they got those names: also Compton in the Hole, so called for that it lieth hidden in a Valley under the Hills; yet hath it delights and pleasures about it, and from thence a noble Family hath taken the name: out of which the most excellent Prince Queen Elizabeth advanced Sir Henry Compton to the honour of a Baron in the year of our Redemption 1572. Likewise Wormeleighton, so highly commended, and notorious for good Sheepe-pasture, but now much more notable since that King James created that right worshipful Sir Robert Spenser, of whom I have already spoken, Baron Spenser of Wormeleighton. Shugbury. Stones Astroites Sigstean. See in Lincolnshire. Leamington. Moreover, Shugbury, where the stones called Astroites, resembling little Stars, are found, which the Lords of the place surnamed thereupon Shugbury, have long showed in their Coat Armour: Southam a market Town well known: as also Leamington (so called of Leame a small Brook that wandereth through this part of the Shire) where there boileth out a spring of salt water: and Utrhindon, now Long Ichingdon, and Harbury. Neither verily are these two places memorable for any other cause, but for that Fremund son to King Offa was betwixt them villainously in times past slain by those that forelayed him, a man of great renown and singular Piety to God ward, unto whom nothing else procured envy and evil will, but because in an unhappy time he had by happy Conduct quelled the audacious Courage of his enemies. Which Death of his notwithstanding turned to his greater Glory. For, being buried at his Father's Palace, Off-Church. now called Off-Church, he liveth yet unto Posterity, as who being ranged in the Catalogue of our Saints hath among the multitude received Divine Honours: and whose life is by an ancient Writer set out in a good Poem, out of which let it be no offence to put down these few Verses following touching the Murderer, who upon an ambitious desire of a Kingdom, slew him. Non spera●s vivo Fremundo, regis honore, Optato se posse frui, molitur in ejus Immeritam tacitò mortem, gladióque profanus Irruit exerto servus, Dominí jacentis Tale nihil veritum saevo caput amput at ictu. Talis apud * In some Copies Radford. Wydford Fremendum palma coronat, Dum simul & sontes occîdit, & occidit insons. Past hope, whiles Fremund lived, to speed of wished regalty, All secret and unworthy means he plots to make him dye. With naked sword, profane slave he, assaileth cowardly His Lord unwares, and as he lay beheads him cruelly. At Wydford thus Prince Fremund did this glorious crown attain, Whiles slaying guilty folk, at once, himself is guiltless slain. Fosse way. Thus much of the Feldon, or Champion part, which, that ancient Fosse-way (a thing that would not be overpassed) cutteth overthwart: the ridge whereof is seen in pastures lying now out of the way, near unto Chesterton the habitation of that ancient Family of the Peitoes, Peito. out of which was that William Peito, a Franciscane Friar, whom Paul the Fourth, Pope of Rome, of stomach to work Cardinal Pole displeasure (would you think these heavenly Wights were so wrathful) created, though in vain, Cardinal and ●egate of England having recalled Cardinal Pole to Rome before, to be accused and charged as suspected corrupt in Religion: But Queen Mary, albeit she were most affectionately devoted to the Church of Rome, interposed or rather opposed herself so, that Peito was forbidden to enter into England, and the power Legantine left entire and whole to Cardinal Pole. here I wot not whether it would be material to relate, how in the Reign of Edward the Fourth certain Writers in Books of purpose penned made complaint of Covetousness, Rosse and T.B. against the destroyers of Villages. how that she having assembled here about flocks of Sheep as a puissant power of armed forces, besieged many Villages well peopled, drove out the Husbandmen, won the said Villages, destroyed, razed, and depopulated them in such miserable sort hereabout, that one of the said Writers a learned man in those days cried out with the Poet in these terms. Quid facerent hostes capta crudeliùs urbe? What could more cruelly be done, By enemies, to Cities won? But ne'er unto the River Avon, where carrying as yet but a small stream he closely entereth into this County, first offereth itself Rugby having a Mercat in it standing chiefly of a number of Butchers. Then Newenham Regis, that is, Kings Newenham standing upon the other side of the River, Newenham Regis. Wholesome Welles. where three fountains walm out of the ground strained, as it should seem, through a vein of Alum; the water whereof carrying both colour and taste of milk, is reported to cure the stone: Certes, it procureth urine abundantly, green wounds it quickly closeth up and healeth, being drunk with salt it looseth, and with sugar, bindeth the belly. After it, Bagginton, which had a Castle to it, and belonged sometime to the Bagottes, Bagginton. as noble a Family then, a most other. Within a little whereof standeth Stoneley, where King Henry the Second founded an abbey; and just over against it stood in old time a Castle upon Avon called Stoneley-holme, Stoneley. Register of Stoneley abbey. built in Holmeshull, which was destroyed when the flaming broils of Danish Wars under king Canutus caught hold of all England. Then runneth Avon unto the principal Town of the whole Shire, which we call Warwick, Warwick. the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Ninnius and the Britan's Caer Guarvic, and Caer Leon. All which names, considering they seem to have sprung from Guarth a British word which signifieth a Garrison, or from Legions, that were set in certain places for Guard and defence thereof, have in some sort persuaded me (although in these Etymologies I love rather to be a Sceptic than a Critic) that this is the very Town of Britain, Praesidium. which the Romans called PRAESIDIUM, where, as we find in the Noticia, or Abstract of Provinces, the Captain of the Dalmatian Horsemen abode under the command of Dux Britanniae. This Cohort or Band was enroled out of Dalmatia; and (to note thus much by the way) such was the provident wisdom and forecast of the Romans, that in all their Provinces they placed foreign Soldiers in Garrison, who by reason of their diversity as well of manners as of language from the natural Inhabitants, could not join with them in any conspiracy: Florus lib. 4. c. ult. for (as he writeth) Nations not enured to the bridle of bondage, easily otherwise start back from the yoke imposed upon them. Hereupon it was that there served in Britain, Foreign Soldiers in Provinces. out of Africa the Moors; out of Spain the Astures and Vettones; out of Germany the Batavi, Nervij, Tungri, and Turnacenses; out of Gaul the Lingones, Morini; and from other remoter places, Dalmatians, Thracians, Alani, etc. as I will show in their proper places: But now to the matter. Neither let any man think that the Britan's got that word Guarth from the Frenchmen, seeing the original is an Hebrew word (if we may believe Lazius) and in that Original most Nations do accord. But that this was PRAESIDIUM, that is, The Garrison Town, both the Authority of our Chronicles teacheth, which report that the Roman Legions had their abode here▪ and the site also itself in the very navel and mids almost of the whole Province doth imply. For equally distant it is of the one side from the East Coast of Norfolk, and on the other side from the West of Wales, which kind of situation PRAESIDIUM a Town of Corsica, had, standing just in the midst of the Island. And no marvel is it that the Romans kept here Garrison and a standing Company of Soldiers, seeing it standeth over the River Avon upon a steep and high Rock, and all the passages into it are wrought out of the very stone. That it was fortified with a Wall and Ditches it is apparent; and toward the South West it showeth a Castle passing strong, as well by Nature as handiwork, the seat in times passed of the Earls of Warwick. The Town itself is adorned with fair houses, and is much bound to Ethelfled, Lady of the Mercians, who repaired it (when as it was greatly decayed) in the year 911. In very good state also it was upon the Normans entering into this land, and had many Burgesses, as they term them: and twelve of them, as we find written in King William the conquerors doomsday Book, Were bound to accompany the King of England into his Wars. He that upon warning given went not, paid an hundred Shillings to the King: but if the King made a voyage by sea against his enemies, they sent either four Boteswans, or four pound of Deniers. In this Burgh the King hath in his Demeines one hundred and thirteen Burgesses, and the King's Barons have an hundred and twelve. Roger the second, of the Normans blood, Earl of Warwick, built afterwards in the very heart of the Town a most beautiful Church to the blessed Virgin Mary: Which the Beauchamps that succeeded adorned with their Tombs: but especially Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and Governor of Normandy, who died at Rouen in the year 1439. and after a sumptuous funeral solemnised, in this Church lieth entombed in a magnificent Tomb with this Inscription. Pray devoutly for the soul whom God assoil of one of the most worshipful Knights in his days of Manhood and cunning, Richard Beauchampe late Earl of Warwick, Lord Despenser, of Bergavenny, and of many other great Lordships, whose body resteth here under this Tomb, in a full fair Vault of stone, set in the bare Roche. The which visited with long sickness in the Castle of Rohan, therein deceased full Christianly the last day of April, in the year of our Lord God 1439. He being at that time Lieutenant General of France, and of the Duchy of Normandy, by sufficient authority of our Sovereign Lord King Henry the sixth. The which body by great deliberation and worshipful conduct by sea and land, was brought to Warwick the fourth of October, the year abovesaid, and was laid with full solemn exequys in a fair Chest made of stone in the West Door of this Chapel, according to his last Will and Testament, therein to rest till this Chapel by him devised in his life were made: the which Chapel founded on the Roche, and all the members thereof his Executors did fully make and apparel, by the authority of his said last Will and Testament. And thereafter by the said authority they did translate worshipfully the said body into the Vault aforesaid. Honoured be God therefore. Blacklow hill, which others call Gaversden. near unto Warwick Northward is Blaclow hill to be seen, on which Peers de Gaveston, whom King Edward the Second had raised from a base and low estate to be Earl of Cornwall, was by the Nobles of the Kingdom beheaded: who presuming of the King's favour and fortune's indulgence, took unto him so great and licentious liberty, that when he had once corrupted the King's heart, he despised all the best men, and proudly seized upon the estates of many, and as he was a crafty and old beaten Fox sowed discords and variance between the Prince and the Peers of the Realm. guy-cliff. Under this hill, hard by the River Avon standeth guy-cliff, others call it Gib-cliffe, the dwelling house at this day of Sir Thomas Beaufoe descended from the ancient Normans line, and the very seat itself of pleasantness. There have ye a shady little Wood, clear and crystal Springs, mossy bottoms and caves, meadows always fresh and green, the River rumbling here and there among the stones with his stream making a mild noise and gentle whispering, and besides all this, solitary and still quietness, things most grateful to the Muses. here, as the report goes, that valiant knight and noble Worthy so much celebrated, Sir Guy of Warwick, after he had borne the brunt of sundry troubles, J. Rosse of Warwick. Guy of Warwick. and achieved many painful exploits, built a Chapel, led an Eremits life, and in the end was buried. Howbeit, wiser men do think, that the place took that name of later time by far, from Guy Beauchamp Earl of Warwick; and certain it is, that Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick built Saint Margaret's Chapel here, and erected a mighty and giantlike statue of stone, resembling the said Guy. Charlecot. Avon now runneth down from Warwick with a fuller stream by Charlecot, the habitation of the renowned ancient family of the Lucy's knights, which place long ago descended hereditarily to them from the Charlecots: who upon a pious and devout mind founded a religious House at Thellisford, for entertainment of poor folk and Pilgrims: For, that little River was called Thelley, which by Compton Murdacke, the possession sometime of the Murdackes, and now of the Vernaies', Knights, and by this, Stratford upon Avon. Thellisford goeth into Avon, which within a while runneth hard by Stratford, a proper little market town, beholden for all the beauty that it hath to two men there bred and brought up, namely, John of Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury, who built the Church; and Sir Hugh Clopton Major of London, who over Avon made a stone Bridge supported with fourteen Arches, not without exceeding great expenses. This Hugh was a younger brother, out of that ancient family which from Clopton a Manor adjoining borrowed this surname, since the time that Walter de Cocksfeld called Knight marshal settled and planted both himself and his successors at Clopton. The inheritance of these Cloptons' is in our time descended to two sister's coheirs: the one of which is married to Sir George Carew knight, Vice chamberlain to our most gracious Lady Queen Anne: Baron Carew of Clopton. whom King James hath entitled Baron Carew of Clopton, and whom I am the more willing to name with honour in this respect, if there were none other, for that he is a most affectionate lover of venerable antiquity. Neither seeth Avon any other memorable thing upon his banks, but Bitford a market Town, and some Country Villages being now ready to enter into Worcester-shire. Now let us enter into the Woodland, Woodland. which beyond the River Avon spreadeth itself Northward much larger in compass than the Feldon: and is for the most part thick set with Woods, and yet not without pastures, corn fields, and sundry mines of Iron: This part, as it is at this day called Woodland, so also it was in old time known by a more ancient name Arden, but in the selfsame sense and signification, as I think. For, Arden. it seemeth that Arden among the ancient Britan's and Gauls signified a Wood; considering that we see a very great Wood in France named ARDEN, a Town in Flanders hard by another Wood, called Ardenburg, and that famous Wood or Forest in England by a clipped word likewise cleped DEN: Diana Ardwena. to say nothing of that DIANA, which in the ancient inscriptions of Gaul is surnamed ARDWENA and ARDOINA, that is, if I do not mis-conceive, Of the Wood; and was the same Diana which in the inscriptions of Italy went under the name of NEMORENSIS. Of this Forest, Turkill of Arden, who flourished here in all honour under King Henry the First, took his name: and his offspring which was of great worship and reputation, spread very much over all England for many years successively ensuing. In the West side of this Country, the River Arrow maketh haste to join himself in society with Avon, Studly. by Studly Castle; belonging sometime to John the son of Corbutio. But whether this River Arrow took name of swiftness, as Tigris in Mesopotamia (for Arrow with us, like as Tigris among the Persians, betokeneth a shaft) or chose, of the still stream and slow course, which Are in the old French and British Tongue implied, let other men look who have better observed the nature of this River. Upon this River standeth Coughton, Coughton. Throckmorton the principal mansion house of the Throckmortons a family of Knight's degree, which being spread into a number of fair branches, and fruitful of fine wits, flourished in this tract especially, ever since they matched in marriage with the daughter and heir of Speney. Ousley. Not far from hence is Ousley, which also was in ancient time well known by the Lords thereof, the Butlers, Barons of Wem; from whom it was devolved hereditarily to the Ferrars of Ousley. Whose inheritance, within a short time, was divided between John Lord of Greistocke and Sir Raulph Nevil. Beauchamps Court. Beneath it, upon Arrow, standeth Beauchamps-Court so named of Baron Beauchamp of Powicke, from whom by the only daughter of Edward Willoughbey, son to Robert Willoughbey Baron Broke, Grevills. it came to Sir Foulque Grevill a right worshipful person both for his Knight's degree, and for kind courtesy: whose only son, carrying likewise the same name, hath consecrated himself so to true Virtue and Nobility, that in nobility of mind he far surmounteth his parentage and unto whom for his exceeding great deserts toward me, although my heart is not able either to express or render condign thankfulness, yet in speech will I ever render thanks, and in silence acknowledge myself most deeply indebted. Under this Town there runneth into Arrow, the River Al●e, which holding on his course through the woods, Henly. passeth under Henly a pretty market town; a Castle joining whereunto belonged the Family of the Montforts, being Noblemen of great name, which for the pleasant situation among the Woods they called by a French name Bell-desert, but this together with the ruins is now buried quite and scant to be seen at all. These were descended not from the Almarian Family of the Mont-sorts of France, but from Turstan de Bastanberg a Norman: whose inheritance passed away at length by the daughters unto the Barons of Sudley, and to the Frevills. In the very place where Arrow and this Alne do meet together, Aulcester. we saw Aulcester, by Matthew Paris called (and that more rightly) Allencester, which the inhabitants affirm to have been a most famous and ancient Town, and thereupon they will have the name to be Ouldcester. This, (as we read in an old Inquisition) was a Frank-burogh of our Lord King Henry the First, and the same King gave that Burogh to Robert Corbet for his service, and when the said Robert died, it came by descent to Sir William of Botereux, and to Sir Peter Fitz-Herbert: A book in the Exchequer. and when William of Botereux died, the moiety of that Burogh fell by descent into the hand of Sir Reginald of Botereux as to the heir, who now holdeth it: and when Peter Fitz-Herbert died, that moiety descended into the hand of Herbert, the son of Peter: which Herbert gave it to Sir Robert de Chaundoys: But now it is decayed and of a very great Town become a small market of wares and trade. Howbeit exceeding much frequented for the Corn Fair there holden. This hath for a near neighbour Arrow according to the name of the River, Arrow. Burdet. whose Lord Thomas Burdet for his dependence upon George Duke of Clarence, words unadvisedly uttered, and hardly construed through the iniquity of the time, lost his life. But by his grand daughter married to Edward Conway brother to Sir Hugh Conway of Wales a gracious favourite of King Henry the Seventh, the knightly Family of the Conwaies have ever since flourished and laudably followed the profession of Arms. But East from the river, and higher among the Woods, which now begin to grow thin, Wroxhall. Badesley. Balshall. Register of the Templars, and Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. stand these towns under named, Wroxhall, where Hugh de Hatton founded a little Priory; Badesley belonging in times passed to the Clinton's, now to the Ferrars: Also Balshall, sometimes a Commandery of the Templars, which Roger de Mowbray gave unto them; whose liberality to the order of Templars was so great, that by a common consent in their Chapter they made a decree, that himself might remit and pardon, any of the brotherhood whomsoever, in case he had trespassed against the statutes and ordinances of that Order, and did withal before him acknowledge the crime: yea and the Knights of the Order of Saint john of jerusalem, unto whom the Templars possessions in England were assigned over (for our Ancestors in those days held it a deadly sin to profane things consecrated to God) granted in token of thankfulness unto john Mowbray of Axholme, See the Statute of Templars. the successor of the foresaid Roger, that himself and his successors in every of their Covents and assemblies should be received and entertained always in the second place next unto the King. More North-east, where wild Brooks meeting together make a broad pool among the Parks, and so soon as they are kept in with banks run in a Channel, is seated Kenelworth, Kenelworth commonly Killingworth. in times passed commonly called Kenelworde, but corruptly Killingworth: and of it taketh name a most ample, beautiful and strong Castle, encompassed all about with Parks, which neither Kenulph, nor Kenelm, ne yet Keneglise built, as some do dream, but Geffrey Clinton Chamberlain unto King Henry the First, and his son with him (as may be showed by good evidences) when he had founded there before a Church for Canons Regular. But Henry his Nephew in the second degree, having no issue, sold it unto King Henry the Third, who gave it in frank marriage to Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester together with his sister Aeleonor. And soon after when enmity was kindled between the King and Earl Simon: and he slain in the bloody wars which he had raised upon fair pretexts against his Sovereign, it endured six months siege, and in the end was surrendered up to the king aforesaid, who annexed this Castle as an inheritance to Edmund his son Earl of Lancaster. At which time, there went out and was proclaimed from hence an Edict, which our Lawyers use to call Dictum de Kenelworth, whereby it was enacted, That whosoever had taken Arms against the King should pay every one of them five years rend of their lands, etc. A severe, yet a good and wholesome course, without effusion of blood against rebellious subjects, who compassing the destruction of the State, built all their hopes upon nothing else but dissensions. But this Castle through the bountiful munificence of Queen Elizabeth, was given and granted to Robert Dudleie Earl of Leicester, who, to repair and adorn it, spared for no cost: in so much as if a man consider either the gallant building, or the large Parks, it would scorn (as it were) to be ranged in a third place amongst the Castles in England. Next after this, to keep on the journey that myself made, I saw Solyhill: but in it, Bremicham. setting aside the Church, there is nothing worth sight: Then, Bremicham, full of Inhabitants, and resounding with hammers and anvils, for the most of them are Smiths. The lower part thereof standeth very waterish: the upper riseth with fair buildings: for the credit and praise whereof, I may not reckon this in the last place, that the Noble and martial Family of the * Or Birmnighams'. Bremichams Earls of Louth, etc. in Ireland fetched their original and name from hence. Then, in the utmost skirt of this Shire Northwestward, Sutton Colfield standing in a woody and on a churlish hard Soil, glorieth of John Voisy Bishop of Excester there borne and bred: who in the Reign of king Henry the Eighth, when this little Town had lain a great while as dead, raised it up again with buildings, privileges, and a Grammar School. As I went down from hence Southward I came to Coleshull, a Town sometime of the Clinton's, and to Maxstocke Castle neighbouring to it, which acknowledged by a continual line of hereditary succession for his Lords, the Limseys, who were also Lords of Wolverley, the Odingsells that came out of Flanders, and the Cliton's, men of greatest worth and worship in their times. Lower yet, in the mids of this Woodland standeth Coventrey so called, as we take it, of a Covent of Monks, considering that we term in our tongue such a brotherhood, a Covent and Coven: Honoriu● 3. cap. 14. Decret. and it is oftentimes in our Histories and Pontifical Decrees named Coventria: as for example in this one passage: * The Bishop of Coventrey is either beside himself, or seemeth to have rejected knowledge and learning, too too much. Vel non est compos sui Episcopus Conventrensis, vel nimis videtur à se scientiam repulisse. Yet there be, that would have this name to be taken from that little Brook that runneth within the City at this day called Shirburn, and in an ancient Charter of the Priory, is written Cuentford. Well, whence so ever it was so called, in the foregoing age, growing wealthy by clothing and making of Caps, it was the only Mart and City of trade in all these parts, frequented also and peopled more than ordinarily a midland place: as being a City very commodiously seated, large, sweet, and neat, fortified with strong Walls, and set out with right goodly houses: among which there rise up on high two Churches of rare workmanship, standing one hard by the other, and matched, as it were, as concurrents, the one consecrated to the Holy Trinity, the other to Saint Michael. Yet hath it nothing within it, that one would say is of great antiquity. And the most ancient monument of all, as it may seem, was the Monastery or Priory, the ruins whereof I saw near unto those Churches: which Priory king Canutus founded first for religious Nuns, who when they were within a while after thrown out, in the year 1043 Leofricke Earl of the * Of middle England. Mercians enlarged, and in manner built anew, with so great a show and bravery of gold and silver (these be the very words of William Malmesbury) that the walls seemed too narrow for to receive the treasure of the Church, and the cost bestowed there was wonderful to as many as beheld it: for, out of one beam were scraped 50. Marks of silver. And he endowed it with so great livings, that Robert de Limseie, Bishop of Lichfield and Chester translated his See hither, as it were to the golden sand of Lydia: to the end (for so writeth the said Malmesbury) that out of the very treasure of the Church he might by stealth convey, wherewith to fill the King's hand, wherewith to avoid the Pope's business, and wherewith to satisfy the greediness of the Romanists. But this See, few years after was removed again to Lichfield: yet so, as that one and the self same Bishop, carried the name both of Lichfield and of Coventry: The first Lord of this City, so far as I can learn, Lords of Coventry. 1050. Florilegus. was this Leofricke, who being very much offended and angry with the Citizens, oppressed them with most heavy tributes, which he would remit upon no other condition, at the earnest suit of his wife Godiva, unless she would herself ride on horseback naked through the greatest and most inhabited street of the City: which she did in deed, and was so covered with her fair long hair, that (if we may believe the common sort) she was seen of no body, and thus she did set free her Citizens of Coventry from many payments for ever. From Leofricke it came into the hands of the Earls of Chester, by Lucy his son Algars daughter: for, she had been married to Ranulph the first of that name, and the third Earl of Chester out of this line: who granted unto Coventrey the same liberties that Lincoln had, and gave a great part of the City unto the Monks: the rest and Chilmore, which is the Lords Manor hard by the City, he reserved to himself and to his heirs. After whose death, when for want of issue male, the inheritance was divided between the sisters, Coventry came at length mediately by the Earls of Arundel unto Roger Monthault, whose grand son Robert, passed over all his right, for default of issue male of his body begotten, unto Queen Isabel mother to King Edward the Third: To have and to hold during the whole life of the Queen herself, and after her decease to remain unto john of Eltham the said King's brother, and to the heirs of his body begotten, and for default, the remainder to Edward King of England etc. For thus is it to be seen in the Fine, in the second year of King Edward the Third. Now, the said John of Eltham was afterwards created Earl of Cornwall, and this place became annexed to the Earldom of Cornwall. From which time it hath flourished in great state: Kings have bestowed sundry immunities upon it, and King Edward the Third especially, who permitted them to choose a Major and two Bailiffs, and to build and embattle a Wall about it: also king Henry the Sixth, who laying unto it certain small Towns adjoining, granted, That it should be an entire County corporate by itself, (the very words of the Charter run in that sort) in deed and name, and distinct from the County of Warwick. At which time in lieu of Bailiffs he ordained two Sheriffs, and the Citizens began to fortify their City with a most strong Wall: wherein are beautiful Gates: and at one of them called Gosford Gate, there hangeth to be seen a mighty great Shield bone of a wild Boar, which any man would think that either Guy of Warwick or else Diana of the Forest (Arden) slew in hunting, when he had turned up with his snout that great pit or pond, which at this day is called Swansewell, but Swinsewell in times past, as the authority of ancient Charters do prove. As touching the Longitude of this City, it is 25. Degrees, and 52. Scruples: and for the Latitude it is 52. Degrees, and 25. Scruples. Thus much of Coventrey: yet have you not all this of me, but (willingly to acknowledge by whom I have profited) of Henry Ferrars of Baddesley, a man both for parentage, and for knowledge of antiquity very commendable; and my especial friend: who both in this place and also elsewhere hath at all times courteously showed me the right way when I was out, and from his candle, as it were, hath lightened mine. Ausley. Brand. near unto Coventrey Northwest ward are placed Ausley Castle the habitation in times passed of the Hastings, who were Lords of Abergavenney: and Brand, the dwelling place in old time of the Verdons: Eastward standeth Caloughdon, commonly Caledon; the ancient seat of the Lords Segrave, Caledon. Barons Segrave. from whom it descended to the Barons of Berkley, by one of the daughters of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk. These Segraves since the time that Stephen was Lord chief Justice of England, flourished in the honourable estate of Barons, became possessed of the Chaucombes Inheritance, whose Arms also they bore, Segraves Coat of Arms. viz. A Lion rampant, Argent crowned, Or, in a Shield Sable. But John the last of them married Margaret Duchess of Norfolk, Daughter of Thomas Brotherton; and begat Elizabeth a daughter, who brought into the Family of the Mowbray's the Dignity of Marshal of England, and Title of Duke of Norfolk. Brinkl● also is not far from hence, where stood an ancient Castle of the Mowbray's, to which many possessions and fair lands thereabout belonged: Brinklo Castle. But the very rubbish of this Castle time hath quite consumed; Comb abbey. as Comb abbey is scant now apparent which the Camvills and Mowbray's endowed with possessions, and out of the ruins and relics whereof, a fair house of the Lord harington's in this very place is now raised. As you go Eastward, you meet anon with Cester-Over, whereof I spoke incidently before, belonging to the Grevills: near unto which the High port-way Watling-street, dividing this shire Northward from Leicester-shire, runneth on forward by High-crosse, whereof also I have already written, near unto Nun-Eaton, which in ancient time was named Eton. But when Amice wife to Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester, as Henry Knighton writeth, had founded a Monastery of Nuns, wherein herself also became professed, it began of those Nuns to be called Nun-Eaton. And famous it was in the former ages by reason of those religious Virgin's holiness, who devoting themselves continually to prayers, gave example of good life. A little from this there flourished sometimes Astley-Castle, Astley, or Estley. Baron Astley. the principal seat of the Family of Astley out of which flourished Barons in the time of King Edward the First, Second, and Third: the heir whereof in the end was the second wedded Wife of Reginald Lord Grey of Ruthin; from whom came the Greies' Marquesses of Dorset: some of whom were interred in a most fine and fair Collegiate Church which Thomas Lord Astley founded with a Dean and Secular Canons. Somewhat higher, Mand●essedum. Mancester. hard by Watling street (for so with the common people we call the Highway made by the Romans) where as the river Anchor hath a stone bridge over it, stood MANDVESSEDUM a very ancient town, mentioned by Antonine the Emperor, which being not altogether deprived of that name, is now called Mancester, and in Ninnius his Catalogue Caer Mancegued. Which name, considering there is a stone-quarry hard by, I may guess was imposed upon it, of the stones digged forth and hewed out of it. For, out of the Glossaries of the British tongue, we find, that Main in the British language signified a Stone, and Fosswad in the Provincial tongue to dig out: which being joined together, may seem very expressly to import that ancient name MANDVESSEDUM. But what, how great, or how fair soever it hath been in old time, a very small village it is at this day, containing in it scarce fourteen dwelling houses, and those but little ones, and hath no monument of antiquity to show, beside an ancient mount which they call Old-burie. For on the one side, Atherstone a market town of good resort, where there stood a Church of Augustine Friars, now turned into a Chapel (which nevertheless acknowledgeth Mancester Church for her mother) and Nun-Eaton on the other side, by their vicinity have left it bare and empty. Close unto Atherstone standeth Mery-Vale, Merivall. where Robert Ferrars erected a Monastery to God and the blessed Virgin Mary, wherein himself enwrapped in an Oxhide for a shrouding sheet was interred. Beyond these, Pollesworth. Northeastward is Pollesworth, where Modwena an Irish Virgin, of whom there went so great a fame for her holy life, built a religious house for Nuns, which R. Marmion a Noble man repaired, who had his Castle hard by at Stippershull. near unto this place also there flourished in the Saxons days, a town that now is almost quite gone, Seckinton. called then SECANDUNUM, and at this day Seckinton; where Aethelbald King of the Mercians in civil war about the year of our Lord 749. was stabbed to death by Beared: and soon after Offa slew Beared, so that as by bloody means he invaded the Kingdom of Mercia, he likewise lost the same suddenly. It remaineth now that we reckon up the Earls of Warwick: Earls of Warwick. for, to pass over Guare, Morind, Guy of Warwick, of whose acts all England resoundeth, and others of that stamp, whom pregnant wits have at one birth bred and brought forth into the world: Henry the son of Roger de Beaumont, and brother to Robert Earl of Mellent, was the first Earl descended of Normans blood: who had married Margaret the daughter of Ernulph de Hesdin Earl of Perch, a most mighty and puissant man. Out of this Family, there bare this Honourable title, Roger the son of Henry, William the son of Roger, who died in the thirtieth year of King Henry the Second, Walleran his brother, Henry the son of Walleran, Thomas his son, who deceased without issue in the six and twentieth year of King Henry the Third, leaving behind him Margery his sister, Placita E. 3. Rotulo 234. who being Countess of Warwick, and barren, departed this life: yet her two husbands, first, john Marshal, than John de Plessetis or Plessey, in their wives right and through their Prince's favour mounted up to the Honourable dignity of Earls of Warwick. Now when these were departed without any issue by that Margery, Waller and Uncle unto the said Margery succeeded them: After whom, dying also childless, his sister Alice enjoyed the inheritance: Afterwards her son William, called Malduit and Manduit of Hanslap, who left this world and had no children. Then Isabella the said William Malduits sister being bestowed in marriage upon William de Beauchamp Lord of Elmesly, brought the Earldom of Warwick into the Family of the Beauchamps; who, if I deceive not myself, for that they came of a daughter of Ursus de Abtot, Rot. Parl. 23. H. 6. gave the Bear for their cognisance, and left it to their posterity. Out of this house there flourished six Earls and one Duke: William the son of Isabella, John, Guy, Thomas, Thomas the younger, Richard and Henry, unto whom King Henry the Sixth granted this pre-eminence and prerogative without any precedent, to be the first and chief Earl of England, and to carry this style, Henricus Praecomes totius Anglia, & Comes Warwici, that is, Henry chief Earl of all England, and Earl of Warwick: he nominated him also King of the Isle of Wight, and afterwards created him Duke of Warwick, and by these express words of his Parent, granted, 24. H. 6. That he should take his place in Parliaments and elsewhere next unto the Duke of Norfolk and before the Duke of Buckingham. One only daughter he had named Anne, whom in the Inquisitions we find entitled Countess of Warwick, and she died a child. After her succeeded Richard Nevil who had married Anne sister to the said Duke of Warwick, a man of an undaunted courage, but wavering and untrusty, the very tennisse-ball, in some sort, of fortune; who although he were no King, was above Kings, as who deposed King Henry the Sixth (a most bountiful Prince to him) from his regal dignity, placed Edward the Fourth in the royal throne, and afterwards put him down too, restored Henry the Sixth again to the Kingdom, enwrapped England within the most woeful and lamentable flames of civil war, which himself at the length hardly quenched with his own blood. After his death Anne his Wife by Act of Parliament was excluded and debarred from all her lands for ever, and his two daughters, heirs to him, and heirs apparent to their mother, Ann. 12. Ed. 4. Dead by Parliament. being married to George Duke of Clarence, and Richard Duke of Gloucester, were enabled to enjoy all the said lands, in such wise as if the said Anne their mother were naturally dead. Whereupon the name, style and title of Earl of Warwick and Sarisbury was granted to George Duke of Clarence, who soon after was unnaturally dispatched by a sweet death in a Butt of Malvesey by his suspicious brother King Edward the Fourth: His young son Edward was styled Earl of Warwick, and being but a very child was beheaded by King Henry the Seventh to secure himself and his posterity. Period of the civil war between Lancaster and York. The death of this Edward our Ancestors accounted to be the full period, and final end of the long lasting war between the two royal houses of Lancaster and York. Wherein, as they reckoned, from the twenty eight year of Henry the Sixth unto this, being the fifteenth of Henry the Seventh, there were thirteen fields fought, three Kings of England, one Prince of Wales, twelve Dukes, one Marquis, eighteen Earls, with one Vicont, and twenty three Barons, besides Knights and Gentlemen, lost their lives. From the death of this young Earl of Warwick this title lay asleep, which King Henry the Eighth feared as a firebrand of the State, by reason of the combustion which that Richard Nevil, that whip-king (as some termed him) had raised, until that King Edward the Sixth conferred it upon john Dudley, that derived his pedigree from the Beauchamps, who, like unto that Richard abovesaid, going about in Queen Mary's days to turn and translate Sceptres at his pleasure, for his Traitorous deep ambition lost his head. But his sons, first john, when his father was now Duke of Northumberland, by a courteous custom usually received held this title for a while: and afterwards Ambrose a most worthy personage, both for warlike prowess and sweetness of nature through the favour of Queen Elizabeth received in our remembrance, the Honour of Earl of Warwick to him and his heirs males, and for defect of them, to Robert his brother, and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten. This Honour Ambrose bare with great commendation, and died without children in the year one thousand five hundred eighty nine, shortly after his brother Robert Earl of Leicester. In this County there be Parish Churches 158. WORCESTER-SHIRE. THe second region of the ancient CORNAVII, having now changed the name, is called in Latin Wigorniensis Comitatus, in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and now commonly of the principal Town in it WORCESTER-SHIRE: the inhabitants whereof, together with those who joining unto them round about in Bedes days, before that England was divided into Shires, Wichij. were termed Wiccii. Which name, if it were not given them of the river having so many windings, which they dwell by (for such turnings and curving reaches of a river, the English Saxons, as I have already said, called Wic) may seem to have been derived of those Salt-pits, that the old Englishmen in their language named Wiches. Salt-pits. For there be here very notable Salt-pits, and many salt springs often times have been found, which notwithstanding are stopped up, because it was provided (as we read) that for the saving of woods salt should not be boiled but in certain places. Neither let it seem strange, that places have their names given them from Salt-pits, considering that we may meet with many such here and there in every Country, and our Ancestors the Germans, as Tacitus writeth, had a religious persuasion and belief, that such places approach nearest to Heaven, and that men's prayers were no where sooner heard of the gods. This County, on which Warwickshire confineth on the East, Gloucestershire on the South, bounded Westward with Hereford-shire and Shrop-shire, North-east with Stafford shire, to say all in one word, hath so temperate an air and soil so favourable, that for healthfulness and plenty, it is not inferior to their neighbour Countries, King● Norton. and in one part for dainty Cheese surpasseth them: yielding such store of Pears, as none other the like; and albeit they are not so pleasing to these dainty and delicate mouths, yet out of their winish juice, they make a bastard kind of wine called Pyrry, Pyrry. which they drink very much, although it be (as other drinks of that kind) both cold and full of wind. Neither is it if you respect waters, less pleasant and commodious: for, in every place there be passing sweet rivers, which afford in great abundance the most delicate kind of Fishes. And to let those run by that are of less account, Severne that noble and renowned river carrieth his stream along, through the midst of the shire, from North to South: and Avon, that cometh down out of Warwickshire to meet with Severne, watereth the South part thereof. Severn, Kidderminster. Beawdley. first of all at his very entry, passeth between Kidderminster and Beawdley. This Beawdley worthily so called for the beautiful site thereof, standeth most pleasantly upon the hanging of an hill, and hovereth over the river on the West side: of late days well known for the admirable tallness of trees growing in the Forest of Wyre adjoining, which now in a manner be all gone. Whence our Poet and Antiquary Leland wrote thus. Delicium rerum Bellus Locus, undique floret Frond coronatus Virianae tempora Sylvae. Beawdley a fine and dainty thing, is goodly to be seen, All dight about with guirland fresh of Wire that Forest green. But now is this little Town in speech and request only for the pleasantness and beauty of itself; and withal for the King's house Tiken-hall: which King Henry the Seventh built to be a retiring place for Prince Arthur, at which time he granted some liberties to Beawdley. But farther from the river bank, Eastward is Kidderminster over against it, called also Kidelminster, a fair Town and hath a great market of all commodities, well frequented, parted in twain by the little River Stowre that runneth through it: and the greatest ornaments now belonging thereto are first, a passing beautiful Church, wherein some of the worshipful family of the Corkeseiss lie buried, and the goodly gallant house of the Blounts of knight's degree, descended from those of Kinlet: but in old time this place was of most note for the Lords thereof, the Bissets, men in their time right honourable: whose rich possessions being at length dismembered and divided among sisters, came partly to the Barons of Abergevenny and in part to a Lazarhouse of women in Wilt-shire, which one of the said sisters, being herself infected with the Leprosy built for them that had the same disease, and enriched it with her own patrimony and child's part. Afterwards it came to have a Baron, for King Richard the Second created Sir john Beauchamp Steward of his household, Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster. Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster, by letters Patents; and is accounted the first Baron so created. But he soon after by the Barons (who together with the Commons rose, and contemning the King's authority, called as many as were most dear unto the King to give an account for their misgovernement of the Commonweal) was with other right worthy persons, in malice to the King, condemned and beheaded. Hertlebury. Severne turning his course somewhat awry from thence, saluteth Hertlebury a Castle of the Bishops of Worcester not far distant, Holt, in old English, wood's. and goeth amain to Holt Castle, so called of a very thick wood there, belonging sometime to the Abtots; after to the Beauchamps; who springing from William Beauchamp surnamed the Blind Baron, grew up afterwards to be a most honourable family; the inheritance whereof descended at length to guise and Penyston: from hence runneth Severne down, feeding such a number of freshwater Lampreys, Lampreys. as that Nature may seem in this place to have made a very pond or Stew for them: such as the Romans devised in ancient times when they grew lavish in riotous excess. These fishes we call Lampreys of the Latin word Lampetra, as one would say of licking the rocks, are like to Eels, slippery and blackish, howbeit beneath on their bellies, somewhat blue: on either side of their throats they receive and let in water at seven holes, for that they want gils altogether. Most commendable they are in the spring time, as being then very sweet: for, in Summer, the inner nerve or string, which stands them instead of a back bone, waxeth hard. The Italians make them more delicate in taste, by a special and peculiar seasoning: For they take a Lamprey and in Malvesy kill it, the mouth they close up with a nutmeg, fill all the holes with as many cloves: and when it is rolled up round, putting thereto fillbard-nut kernels stamped, crumbs of bread, oil, malvesey, and spices, they boil it with great care and certain turnings over a soft and temperate fire of coals in a frying pan. But what have I to do with such cookery and Apicius? Beneath Holt, Severne openeth his East bank to let in the river Salwarp coming a pace toward him. * This hath his first veins out of Lickey hill most eminent in the North part of this Shire, near unto which at Frankeley the family of the Litletons' was planted by john Litleton, Litleton. alias Westcote the famous Lawyer, Justice in the King's Bench in the time of King Edward the fourth, to whose Treatise of Tenors the students of our Common Law are no less beholden, than the Civilians to justinian's Institutes. But to return: This Salwarp which we speak of runneth down by Bromesgrove a market town not of the meanest reckoning and not far from Grafton the seat of a younger family of the Talbots, Grafton. since King Henry the Seventh gave it to Sir Gilbert Talbot, a younger son of John, the second Earl of Shrewsbury: whom also for his martial valour and singular wisdom he admitted into the society of the Order of the Garter, and made Governor of Calais. Then runneth Salwarp down to Droitwich (Durtwich some term it, Durtwich. of the Salt pits and the wettish ground on which it standeth, like as Hyetus in B●etia took name of the dirty situation) where three fountains yielding plenty of water to make Salt of, Salt springs. divided a sunder by a little brook of fresh water passing between, by a peculiar gi●t of nature spring out: out of which most pure white Salt is boiled for six months every year, to wit, from Midsummer to Midwinter, in many set fornaces round about. Wherewith what a mighty deal of wood is consumed, Fekenham Forest. Fekenham Forest (where trees grew sometime thicker) and the woods round about, if men hold their peace, will by their thinness, make manifest more and more. * But if I should write that the learned Canonist Richard de la Which Bishop of Chichester, Richard de la Which. here borne, obtained with his fervent prayers these Salt springs out of the bowels of the earth, I fear me, lest some might think me both over injurious to the providence of God, and also too credulous of old wives traditions. Yet were our ancestors in their pious devotion so hasty of belief, that they did not only give credit hereto, yea and record it in their writings, but in consideration hereof, yielded unto that Prelate in some sort divine honour, when Pope Urban the Fourth had for his sanctity, and sincere integrity of life canonised him a Saint. But before that ever this Richard was borne, Gervase of Tilbury wrote thus of these Salt springs, though not altogether truly. In the Bishopric of Worcester there is a country town not far from the City named Which, in which at the foot of a certain little hill, there runneth a most fresh water: in the bank whereof are seen a few pits or wells, of a reasonable depth, and their water is most salt. When this water is boiled in Caudrons, it becometh thick and turneth into passing white Salt, and all the Province fetcheth and carrieth it, for that between Christmas and the feast of S. john Baptists Nativity, good the water floweth most Salt: The rest of the year it runneth somewhat fresh, and nothing good to make Salt: and that which I take to be more wonderful, when this salt water is run sufficiently for the use of the Country, scarcely overfloweth it to any waste: Also when the time is once come of the saltness, the same is nothing at all allayed for all the vicinity of the fresh river water, neither is it found in any place near unto the Sea. Moreover in the very King's book which we call doomsday, we read thus. In Which the King and Earl have eight salt pits, which in the whole week wherein they boiled and wrought, yielded on the Friday sixteen Bullions. Salwarp having now entertained a small brook descending from Chedesley, where anciently the family of Foliot flourished, as afterward at Longdon, maketh haste to Severne which hath not passed four miles farther, Worcester. before he runs hard by WORCESTER the principal City of this Shire; where he seemeth to pass with a flower stream, as it were, admiring, and wondering thereat all the while he passeth by: and worthy it is I assure you of admiration whether you respect either the antiquity, or the beauty thereof. Certes, for antiquity the Emperor Antonine hath made mention of it under the name of BRANONIUM, and Ptolomee (in whom through the negligence of the transcribers it is misplaced) under the name of BRANOGENIUM, Branogenium. after which name the Britan's call it yet Care Wrangon. In the Catalogue of Ninnius, it is named Caer Guorangon, and Caer Guorcon, the old English-Saxons afterward called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; I dare not say of Wire that woody Forest which in old time stretched far. Since the Conquest, the Latin writers named it Vigornia and Wigornia. Which name joseph the Monk of Excester a right elegant Poet in those days was one of the first that used (if my memory fail me not:) I mean him that is published under the name of Cornelius Nepos, in these his elegant verses unto Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury. In numerum jam crescit honour, te tertia poscit Insula, jam meminit Wigornia, Cantia discit, Romanus meditatur apex, & naufraga Petri Ductorem in mediis expectat cymba procellis. A mitre third now waits for thee, for still thine honour grows, Thee Wigorne still remembereth, now Canterbury knows: The See of Rome doth think of thee, and Peter's ship in fear Of wrack, amid the boisterous storms expects thee for to steer. Probable it is, that the Romans built it, what time as they planted cities at certain spaces and distances along the East bank of Severne, to keep in the Britan's beyond Severne, like as they did in Germany on the South bank of Rhine to repress the incursions of the Germans. It standeth, in a place rising somewhat with a gentle ascent, by the river's side that hath a fair bridge with a tower over it: proudly bearing itself in old time, as I find it written in an ancient Manuscript roll, of the Romans wall: and even now also it is well and strongly walled. But the fame and reputation that it now hath, ariseth from the Inhabitants, who are many in number, courteous and wealthy by the trade of clothing; from their fair and neat houses; from the number also of Churches, but most of all from the Bishops See, which Sexwulph Bishop of the Mercians erected there in the year of Christ 680. having built a Cathedral Church at the South side of the City, which hath been often repaired, and which the Bishops and Monks by little and little have drawn out in length Westward, almost to the very brink of Severn. Truly it is a passing fair and stately building adorned with the Monuments and Tombs of King john, Arthur Prince of Wales, and diverse of the Beauchamps; and in these days, it is no less notable by the Dean and Chapter, whom they call Prebendaries placed therein, than it was in times passed for the Monks, or the Cloister Priests: For, presently upon the first foundation, like as in other religious houses of England, Married Priests. Register of Worcester Church. Ann. 964. married Priests were placed here, who carrying a long time a great opinion of holiness governed the Churches, until that Danstane Archbishop of Canterbury had decreed in a Synod, That from thence forward the religious men in England should live a single life. For than Oswald Bishop of this City who promoted the Monastical life as busily as any whosoever, remooved the Priests, and brought in Monks. Which King Eadgar testifieth in these words, The Monasteries as well of Monks, as of Virgins have been destroyed, and quite neglected throughout England, which I have now determined to repair to the glory of God, for my soul's health, and so to multiply the number of God's servants and handmaidens. And now already I have set up seven and forty Monasteries with Monks and Nuns in them; and if Christ spare me life so long, I am determined in offering my devout munificence to God, for to proceed to fifty, even the just number of a jubilee. Whereupon at this present, that Monastery which the reverend Bishop Oswald in the Episcopal See of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amply enlarged to the honour of Mary the holy Mother of God, and by casting out those Clerks, etc. hath with my assent and favour appointed there Monks the religious servants of God; I myself do by my royal authority confirm, and by the counsel and consent of my Peers and Nobles, corroborate and consign to those religious men living a sole and single life, etc. Long time after when the state of the Church and Clergy here, partly by the Danes incursion, and in part by civil dissensions, was so greatly weakened and brought upon the very knees, that in lieu of that multitude of religious persons whom Oswald had here placed, scarce twelve remained: Wolstan Bishop of this Church about the year of the world's redemption 1090. S. Wolstan. put to his helping hand, raised it up again, and brought them to the number of 50. yea and built a new Church for them. Wolstan I say, a man not so learned (the times than were such) but of that simple sincerity without all hypocrisy, so severe also and austere of life, that as he was terrible to the wicked, so he was venerable to the good, and after his death the Church registered him in the number of Saints. But King Henry the Eighth suppressed and expelled the Monks after they had in all plenty and fullness lived more than 500 years, and in their rooms he substituted a Dean and Prebendaries, and withal erected a Grammar-schoole for the training up of youth. Hard by this Church the bare name and plot of a Castle remaineth, which (as we read in William of Malmesburies' book of Bishops) Ursus appointed Sheriff of Worcestershire by William the Conqueror, built under the very nose and in the mouth well near of the Monks, in so much as he cut away from them a part of their Churchyard. But this Castle through the iniquity of time and casuality of fire was consumed many years ago. The City itself also hath been burnt more than once: as being set on fire in the year of Christ 1041. Marianus Huscarles. by Hardy-Cnute, who exceedingly incensed against the Citizens, because they had slain his Huscarles (for so they termed those domestical Gatherers of the Danes tribute) did not only set fire on the City, but slew the Citizens every mother's son, unless it were those that saved themselves in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Island compassed in with the River. Howbeit, as we find written in King William the conquerors book, in King Edward the Confessors time, It had many Burgesses, and for fifteen Hides discharged itself: when the Mint went, every Minter gave twenty shillings at London for to receive coining stamps of money. In the year 1113. a skarfire that came no man knew how, burned the Castle, caught also with the flames to the roofs of the Church. Likewise in the Reign of Stephen, in the time of Civil Wars it was twice on fire: Anno 15. Stephen R. but most dangerously when King Stephen, who had to his own damage given this City unto Wallerand Earl of Mellent, seized it into his own hands: howbeit he was not able at that time to win the Castle. Nevertheless it raised itself up again out of the ashes in a goodlier form always than it had before: and flourished in a right good state of civil government, governed by two Bailiffs chosen out of 24. Citizens, two Aldermen, and two Chamberlains, with a Common Counsel consisting of 48. Citizens. As touching the Geographical position of this City, it is distant in Longitude from the West Meridian 21. Degrees and 52. Minutes: and the North Pole is elevated 52. Degrees and 12. Minutes. From Worcester the River Severn running on still Southward, Baron's de Powicke. passeth beside Powicke, the seat in times passed of Sir john Beauchamp, whom King Henry the Sixth raised up to the state of a Baron: and within a small time, the female heirs brought the inheritance to the Willoughbeies of Broke, the Reads, and the Lygons: then runneth it through most rich and redolent meadows by Hanley Castle, Hanley. belonging sometimes to the Earls of Gloucester, Upton. and by Upton a market Town of great name: where pieces of Roman money are oftentimes found. Not far from hence upon the bank on the right hand, Malvern hills. the Severn beholdeth Malvern-Hills, hills in deed or rather great and high mountains, which for the space of seven miles or thereabout, do as it were by degrees rise higher and higher, dividing this Shire from the County of Hereford. On the brow of which Hills, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester did cast a Ditch in times past, to make a partition between his possessions and the lands of the Church of Worcester; a piece of work which is at this day seen not without wonder. Over against those hills, Bredon hills. and in like distance almost from the other bank, Bredon Hills being far less, yet in emulation, as it were, to match them, mount aloft: among which Elmsley Castle belonging sometimes to Ursus or Urso D' Abtot maketh a goodly show: Elmesley Castle. by whose daughter and heir Emeline, it came hereditarily to the Beauchamps. At the foot of these hills lieth Bredon a Village, Bredon. The book of Worcester. concerning the Monastery whereof Offa King of the Mercians saith thus: I Offa King of the Mercians will give land containing seven times five Acres of Tributaries unto the Monastery that is named Breodun in the Province of the Wiccijs, and to the Church of blessed Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles there and in that place standing, which Church Eanwulph my grandfather erected to the praise and glory of the everliving God. Under these Bredon hills Southward you see two villages named Washborne (whence Washborne. came the surname to a very ancient and worshipful Family in this Tract) standing in a parcel of this Province dismembered as it were from the rest of the body: Parcels of shires severed from the rest of the body. of which kind there be other parcels here and there scattering all about. But what should be the cause, I am not able to resolve, unless haply those that in old time were governor's, adjoined to their government their own lands that lay near unto the Region which they then governed. Now Avon, from above runneth down and speeds himself to Severn, Eovesham. who in this shire watereth Eovesham, so called, as the Monks write, of one Eoves, Swinheard to Egwin Bishop of Worcester, whereas before time, the name of it was E●th-home and Heath-field. The book of Evesham Monastery. About the year 1157. A very proper Town situate upon an hill arising from the River: in the Suburb, as it were, whereof, was sometime Bengeworth Castle at the Bridge head; which Castle William de Audevill the Abbot recovered by law against William Beauchamp, utterly razed it, and caused the place to be hallowed for a Churchyard. A Town this is, well known by reason of the abbey, which that noble Egwin, with the help of King Kenred the son of Wolpher King of the Mercians founded about the year of our Lord 700. known likewise for the vale under it, The Vale of Evesham. named thereof, The Vale of Evesham, which for plentiful fertility hath well deserved to be called the Garnary of all these countries; so good and plentiful is the ground in yielding the best corn abundantly. But most known in elder time by occasion of the great overthrow of the Barons and our Catiline, Simon Montfort. Simon Montfort, Earl of Leicester. For, this man being of a lewd disposition and profound perfidiousness, hath taught us that which another truly said, That good turns are so long acceptable, as they may be requitable. For, when King Henry the Third had with full hand heaped upon him all the benefits he could, yea and given him his own sister in marriage, what other fruit reaped he of his so great bounty, but most bitter and deadly hatred? For, he raised a most dangerous War, he spoilt shamefully a great part of England; under pretence of restoring the common wealth and maintaining liberty: neither left he any thing undone, to bring the King under, to change the State, and of a Monarchy to bring in an Oligarchy. But in the end, after that fortune had for a good while favourably smiled upon him, he was slain at this place with many others of his complices by the prowess of Prince Edward: and forthwith, the sink of lawless rebels, being as it were pumped and emptied out of the common weal, joyful peace which he had banished, shone again most comfortably on every side. Upon the same River hard by, Charleton. standeth Charleton, the possession sometime of the ancient family of Hansacres, Knights, but now of the Dinleys, or Dingleies, who being descended from that ancient stock of the Dinleies in Lancashire, came unto this by hereditary succession. More beneath, in the primitive Church of our English Nation, there was another place wherein religious men lived to God, Flatbury. then called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, now, Flatbury: Pershor. and near unto it Pershor, in the English Saxons language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, taking the name from Pears: which, as we read in that worthy Historiographer William of Malmesbury, Egelward Duke of Dorset, a man bearing no niggardly mind, but exceeding liberal, founded and finished in King Eadgars' time. But what detriment hath it sustained? one part of it the ambition of the rich seized upon, another part oblivion hath buried; but the greatest portion King Edward the Confessor, and King William bestowed upon the Church of Westminster. Then receiveth Avon a Riveret from the North, upon which standeth Hodington a seat of the Winters, out of which were Robert Winter and his brother Thomas, who when as they were of the hellish damned crew in the Gunpowder Treason, let their memory lie damned. From thence Avon running gently down by Strensham the habitation of the russel's, Knights by degree, of ancient descent, in the end out-ladeth his own stream into Severn. near to these places, on this South side, is Oswaldslaw Hundred, so called of Oswald Bishop of Worcester, Oswaldslaw Hundred. who obtained it for himself of King Eadgar. The immunity whereof, when William Conqueror made a Survey and taxation of all England, was registered in the doomsday book, after this manner: The Church of Saint Mary of Worcester hath the Hundred called Oswaldslaw wherein lie 300. Hides, out of which the Bishop of the same Church by ancient order and custom hath all the revenues of Soches and all customs or duties there, appertaining to the Lords victual, and the King's service and his own: so that no Sheriff may hold there any action or suit, neither in any plea nor in any other cause whatsoever. This witnesseth the whole County. A place there is about this Shire, but precisely where it should be, is not certainly known, Augustine's oak. called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Augustine's Oak, at which Augustine the Apostle of the Englishmen and the Bishops of Britain met, and after they had disputed and debated the matter hotly for a good while, Anno Christi 603. touching the celebration of Easter, preaching God● Word also to the English Nation, and of administering Baptism according to the rites of the Roman Church, in the end when they could not agree, they departed on both sides with discontented minds, upon their dissenting opinions. Earls of Worcester. Or, D'Abtot. This Province since the Normans coming in, had for the first Sheriff, Vrsus or Vrso de Abtot, unto whom and his heirs, King William the Conqueror granted that office together with fair and large possessions. After him succeeded his son Roger, who (as William of Malmesbury the Historiographer reporteth) enjoying his father's possessions, through the high displeasure and indignation of King Henry the first was disseized thereof, because in a furious fit of anger he had commanded one of the King's Officers to be killed. But this Sheriffedome was by Emeline this Rogers sister, translated hereditarily into the Family of the Beauchamps. For, she was married to Walter Beauchamp, whom king Stephen, after he had put down Miles of Gloucester, ordained Constable of England. Within some few years king Stephen created Walleran Earl of Mellent twin-brother to Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester, Robert de Monte. the first Earl of Worcester, having given unto him the City of Worcester: who afterwards, became a Monk and died at Pratellae in Normandy, in the year 1166. As for his son Robert, who had wedded the daughter of Reginald Earl of Cornwall, and advanced the Standard of rebellion against King Henry the Second, and Peter his son, who in the year 1203. revolted to the French, neither of them used the title of Worcester, but only of Mellent, so far as ever I could yet read. For King Henry the Second who succeeded Stephen, would not easily suffer that any under him should enjoy the honours received from Stephen an usurper, and his enemy. For (as I find in the Annals of Waverley abbey) he put down those imaginary and counterfeit Earls, among whom King Stephen had inconsiderately distributed, and given away all the revenues pertaining to the Exchequer. Neither to my knowledge, was there any one that bore the title of the Earldom of Worcester, until the days of King Richard the Second. For he bestowed it upon Sir Thomas Percy, who, when he conspired against King Henry the Fourth, was taken at the battle of Shrewsbury, and there beheaded. Then Sir Richard Beauchamp descended from the Abtots, received afterward this honour at the hands of King Henry the Fifth. Who shortly after in the French war lost his life at the siege of Meaux in Brye, leaving one only daughter married to Sir Edward Nevil, from whom descended the late Lords of Abergevenny. Afterward King Henry the Sixth created John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester: But when he presently taking part with King Edward the Fourth, had applied himself in a preposterous obsequiousness to the humour of the said King, and being made Constable of England played the part, as it were, of the butcher in the cruel execution of divers men of quality, himself, when as King Henry the Sixth was now repossessed of the crown, came to the block. Howbeit, his son Edward recovered that honour when King Edward recovered his Kingdom: * But after that this Edward died without issue, and the inheritance became divided among the sisters of the said John Tiptoft Earl of Worcester, Orig. 1. H. 7. R. 36. of whom one was married to the Lord Roo●, another to Sir Edmund Ingoldesthorpe, and the third to the Lord Dudley; Sir Charles Somerset, base son to Henry Duke of Somerset, Lord Herbert, and Lord Chamberlain to King Henry the Eighth, was by him created Earl of Worcester. After whom succeeded in lineal descent, Henry, William, and Edward who now flourisheth, and among other laudable parts of virtue and Nobility, highly favoureth the studies of good literature. There are in this Shire Parishes. 152. STAFFORDIAE COMITATVS PARS olim Cornaviorum STAFFORD-SHIRE. THE third Region of the old CORNAVII, now called STAFFORD-SHIRE, in the English Saxons Language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Midland English men. the Inhabitants whereof because they dwelled in the midst of England, are in Bede termed Angli Mediterranei, that is, Midland Englishmen, having on the East Warwickshire, and Derbyshire, on the South side Worcester-shire, and Westward Shropp-shire bordering upon it, reacheth from South to North in form of a Lozenge, broader in the midst and growing narrower at the ends. The North part is full of Hills and so less fruitful: the middle being watered with the River Trent is more plentiful, clad with Woods, and embroidered gallantly with Corn fields and meadows: as is the South part likewise, which hath Coles also digged out of the earth and mines of Iron. Iron. But whether more for their commodity or hindrance, I leave to the Inhabitants who do, or shall best understand it. In the South part in the very confines with Worcester-shire upon the River Stour standeth Stourton Castle, sometimes belonging to the Earls of Warwick, the natal place of Cardinal Pole; Dudley castle. and than Dudley Castle towereth up upon an hill built and named so of one Dudo, or Dodo an English Saxon, about the year of our Salvation 700. In King William the conquerors days, as we find in his doomsday Book, William Fitz-Ausculph possessed it: afterwards it fell to Noble men surnamed Somery; and by an heir general of them to Sir Richard Sutton knight descended from the Suttons of Nottinghamshire: whose Posterity commonly called from that time Lords of Dudley, but summoned to Parliament first by King Henry the Sixth, grew up to a right honourable Family. Under this lieth Pensueth Chase, * in former times better stored with game; wherein are many Coalpits, in which, as they reported to me, there continueth a fire begun by a candle long since through the negligence of a grover or digger. The smoke of this fire, and sometime the flame is seen, but the savour oftener smelled: and other the like places were showed unto me not far off. North-West ward upon the Confines of Shropp-shire, I saw Pateshull a seat of the Astleies descended from honourable progenitors; and Wrotesley an habitation of a Race of Gentlemen so surnamed, out of which Sir Hugh Wrotesley, for his approved valour, was chosen by King Edward the Third Knight of the Garter, at the first institution, and so accounted one of the founders of the said honourable Order. Next after this, the memorable places that we meet with in this Tract, more inwardly, are these, Chellington. giffard's. Chellington, a fair house and Manor of the ancient Family of the giffard's: which in the Reign of Henry the Second Peter Corbuchin gave to Peter Giffard, upon whom also Richard Strongbow, that Conqueror of Ireland, bestowed in free gift Tachmelin and other Possessions in Ireland. * Theoten's hall, which is by interpretation, The habitation of Heathens, Tetnall. or Pagans, at this day Tetnall embrued with Danish blood in the year 911. by King Edward the Elder in a bloody Battle. Ulfrunes Hampton, so called of Wulfruna a most godly and devout woman, who enriched the Town (called before simply Hampton) with a religious House: Wolverhampton. and for Wulfrunes Hampton it is corruptly called Wulver Hampton: The greatest name and note whereof, ariseth by the Church there, annexed to the Warden or Deane and Prebendaries of Windsor. Weddsborro● Weadsbury, in these days Weddsborrow fortified in old time, by Aethelfled Lady of the Mercians: and Walshall a market Town, none of the meanest. Tame River. near unto which the River Tame carrieth his stream, which rising not far off, for certain miles wandereth through the East part of this Shire seeking after Trent, Draiton Bass●● near unto Draiton Basset, the seat of the Basset's, who springing out from Turstan Lord of this place in the Reign of Henry the First, branched forth into a great and notable Family. Basset's. For, from hence as from a stock flourished the Basset's of Welleden, of Wiccomb, of Sapcot, of Cheddle, and others. But of this of Draiton, Raulph was the last, who being a right renowned Baron had married the sister of John Montfort Duke of Britain, and in the Reign of Richard the Second died without issue. Then Tame passing through the Bridge at Falkesley (over which an ancient high way of the Romans went) runneth hard under Tamworth, in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Tamworth. Marianus calleth it Tamawordia, a Town so placed in the Confines of the two Shires, that the one part which belonged sometime to the Marmions, is counted of Warwickshire, the other which pertained to the Hastings, of Stafford-shire. As for the name, it is taken from Tame the River running beside it, and of the English Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which signifieth a Barton, Court, or Ferme-house, and also, an Holm or River Island, or any place environed with water: seeing that Keyserwert and Bomelswert in Germany, betoken as much as Caesar's Isle and Bomels' Isle. Whiles the Mercians Kingdom stood in state, this was a place of their King's resiance, and as we find in the Lieger Book of Worcester, a Town of very great resort and passing well frequented. Afterward, when in the Danes War it was much decayed, Aethelfled Lady of Mercia repaired and brought it again to the former state: also Edith King Eadgars' Sister, who refusing Marriage, for the opinion that went of her for holiness was registered in the roll of Saints, founded here a little house for Nuns and veiled Virgins, which after some years, was translated to Pollesworth by the Marmions of Normandy, Lords hereof; at what time they erected here a Collegiate Church, wherein are seen some of their Sepulchers; and builded a fair Castle, which from them by the Frevills came to the house of those Ferrars, that descended from a younger brother of the Barons Ferrars of Groby. The King's Champion. Those Marmions as we find written, were by inheritance the King's Champions of England. For, whensoever any new king of England is crowned, the heir of this Family was bound to ride armed in complete harness upon a barbd horse into the King's hall, See in Lincolnshire. and in a set form of words challenge to combat with whosoever durst oppose himself against the king's right and Title. Inquisit. 2. E 3. And verily it appeareth upon Records, that Alexander Frevill, under king Edward the Third, by the same service, held this Castle. Howbeit at the Coronation of king Richard the Second, when Baldwin Frevill exhibited his petition for the same, it was adjudged from this Family to Sir John Dimock his competitor, descended also from Marmion, as producing better Records and evidences. At Falkesley Bridge aforesaid (that I may retire a little) that Roman High way Watling street, Watling street. of which I have already spoken and must often speak, entereth into this Shire, and cutting it through (as it were by a straight line) goeth Westward into Shropp-shire. Which Street I have I assure you throughly viewed and perused, Etocetum. to find out that ETOCETUM which Antonine the Emperor setteth down for the next station from MANVESSEDUM or Mancester in Warwickshire: and surely by good hap I have now found it; and freely confess that heretofore I was far wide and quite out of the way. For, just at the same distance that Antonine setteth between MANVESSEDUM, and ETOCETUM, I lighted upon the carcase of an old little Town upon the said High way, and scarce a mile Southward from Lichfield, a Bishops See right well known. The name of the place at this day is in our common language, Wall. Wall, of the Relics of an old wall there remaining and taking up much about two acres of ground, which they call Castle croft, as one would say, The Castle Field. Over against which on the other side of the street the Inhabitants relate by a tradition from their forefathers, that there stood an ancient Town, destroyed long before the Conquest. And they show the very place, where by the main foundation they guess the Temple there stood, and with all they produce pieces of money, coined by the Roman Emperors and found there, as most certain testimonies in this behalf. But (that which maketh most for the proof hereof) from hence leadeth the Roman Way called Watling street, with a fair, apparent, and continued causey, in manner, throughout, until it be broken off with the River Penck, and hath upon it a Stone-bridge at PENNOCRUCIUM, so named of the River, just at the same distance that Antonine setteth down. Which hath not yet laid away so much as the name, for in steed of PENNOCRUCIUM it is now called Penck-ridge. Penck-ridge. But at this day it is little better than a Village, famous for an Horse-fair which the Lord of the place Hugh Blunt, obtained of King Edward the Second. From hence, that way hath nothing memorable upon it in this Shire, but a little way off is Brewood a market Town, where the Bishops of this Diocese had an habitation before the Conquest: and then near unto Weston is a clear Poole spread very broad, by which that notable way holdeth on a direct course to Oken-Yate in Shrop-shire. Now are we to visit the middle part of this Shire which Trent watereth: in the description whereof, I purpose to follow the course and windings of the River, from the very spring and head thereof, The River Trent. as my best guide. Trent that by his due right challengeth to himself the third place among all the Rivers of England, runneth out of two Fountains being near neighbours together in the North part of this shire among the moors. Certain unskilful, and idle headed, have dreamt that it was so named of Trent a French word that signifieth Thirty, and thereupon also have feigned, that thirty Rivers run into it, and as many kinds of fishes live therein, the names whereof the people dwelling thereby were wont to sing in an English rhyme: neither make they doubt to ascribe that unto this Trent, which the Hungarians avouch of their River Tibiscus, namely, that two parts of it are water, and the third fish. From his spring heads Trent trickleth down first Southward fetching many a compass, not far from New Castle under Lime, New Castle under Lyme. so called of another more ancient Castle that flourished in times past hard by at Chesterton under Lime: where I saw tottered and torn the walls of a Castle; which by the gift of King John, belonged first unto Ranulph Earl of Chester, and afterwards by the bounteous favour of King Henry the Third, Trentham. unto the House of Lancaster. Thence by Trent-ham, sometime Tricing-ham, a little Monastery of that holy virgin Saint Werburg of the blood royal, he hasteneth to Stone a market Town, Stone. which having the beginning in the Saxons time, took that name of the Stones, that our Ancestors after a solemn sort had cast on a heap to notify the place where Wolpher that heathenish King of the Mercians, most cruelly slew his two sons Wulfald and Rufin, because they had taken upon them the profession of Christianity. In which place when Posterity in memorial of them had consecrated a little Church, strait ways there arose and grew up a Town, which of those stones, had the name Stone given unto it, as the History of Peterborrough hath recorded. Beyond Stone runneth Trent mildly by Sandon, the seat in times passed of the Staffords, most worthy Knights, Erdeswick. but lately by inheritance from them, of Samson Erdeswicke, a very great lover, and diligent searcher of venerable Antiquity, and in this regard no less worthy of remembrance than for that he is directly in the male line descended from Sir Hugh Vernon Baron of Shipbroc, Names altered according to diverse habitations. the name being changed, by the use of that age according to sundry habitations, first into Holgrave, and afterwards into Erdeswicke. here Trent turneth his course aside Eastward, and on the South hath Canocwood, commonly called Cankwood, Cankwood. spread far and wide, and at length entertaineth the River Sow, which breaketh out in a hard Country near Healy Castle, built by the Barons of Aldalegh, LL. Audley. or Audley, unto whom Hervey Lord Stafford gave that place; like as Theobald Verdon, gave Aldelegh itself. This hath been a Family of high respect and great honour, * and of the same stem out of which the Stanleies Earls of Derby derive their Descent. Strange it is to read, what lands King Henry the Third confirmed unto Henry Audeley, which were bestowed upon him by the bounty of the Peers; yea and private Gentlemen, not only in England but also in Ireland, where Hugh Lacie Earl of Ulster gave him lands with the Constableship of Ulster. So that doubtless he was either a man of rare virtue, or a gracious favourite, or a great Lawyer; or else all jointly. His posterity matched in marriage with the heirs of the Lord Giffard of Brimsfield, of Baron Martin Lord of Keimeis, and Barstaple; and a younger brother of this house with one of the heirs of the Earl of Gloucester, and was by King Edward the Third created Earl of Gloucester. About which time James Lord Audley flourished in Chivalry, who (as the French write) being grievously wounded in the battle at Poitiers, when the black Prince with many comfortable commendations had given him 400. Marks of yearly revenues; he bestowed the same forthwith upon his four Esquires, who always valiantly attended him, and satisfied the Prince, doubting that his gift was too little for so great service, with this answer, dutifully acknowledging his bounty: It is meet that I do well for them who deserved best of me. These my Esquiers saved my life amidst my enemies: And God be thanked, my ancestors have left me sufficient revenues to maintain me in your service. Whereupon the Prince approving this prudent liberality, both confirmed his gift to his Esquires, and assigned him moreover lands to the value of six hundred Marks yearly. But by his daughter one of the coheirs to her brother, the Title of Lord Audley came afterward to the Touchets, and in them continueth. Neither must I here pass over in silence an house in this tract called Gerard's Bromley, both for the magnificence thereof, and also because it is the principal seat of Sir Thomas Gerard, whom King James in the first year of his Reign created Baron Gerard of Gerard's Bromley. This Sow as it were a parallel river unto Trent runneth even with him, and keeping an equal distance still from him, by Chebsey, which had in times passed for Lords thereof the Hastangs reputed among the prime Nobility in the time of King Edward the First; Hastange. not far from Eccleshall the habitation of the Bishop of Lichfield, and Ellenhall which was sometime the seat of the Noels a worshipful house, Noel. who founded here a Monastery at Raunton, Harcourt. and from whom it descended hereditarily to the Harcourts, who being of the ancient Norman nobility, flourished a long time in great dignity. But yet of the male heirs of the Noels there remain still Sir Edward Noel of Dalby in Leicester-shire, and the Noels of Wellesborow in Leicester-shire, with others. Then runneth Sow under Stafford, Stafford. Cap grave. in times past called Statford, and before time Betheney, where Bertelin reputed a very holy man led in ancient times an Eremits life in serving God. And King Edward the Elder built on the South bank of the River a Castle in the year of Christ 914. Marianus. What time as King William the Conqueror registered the Survey of all England, as we read in his doomsday Book, The King had in it only 18. Burgesses in his own domain, and 20. Mansions of the honour of the Earl: it paid for all customs nine pounds of deniers, and had thirteen Canons, Prebendaries who held in frank Almoine: and the King commanded a Castle to be made, which now is destroyed. But then, * as now also, it was the head Town of the whole Shire: howbeit the greatest credit and honour thereof came from Stafford Castle adjoining, which the Barons of Stafford, of whose progeny were the Dukes of Buckingham, built for their own seat, who procured of King John that it was made a Burrow with ample liberties, caused it to be partly fenced with a Wall, and erected a Priory of Black Canons to the honour of Saint Thomas of Canterbury: Beneath which, the Riveret Penke, which gave name to Pennocrucium or Penkridge, whereof I have already spoken, joineth with that Sow aforesaid. And near unto the confluence of Sow and Trent standeth Ticks hall, Ticks hall. the dwelling place of the Astons, a Family which for antiquity, kindred, and alliance, is in these parts of great name. Trent having harboured these rivers in his channel, passeth now through the mids of the Shire with a gentle stream, Chartley. taking a view of Chartley Castle standing two miles aside from the bank on the left hand: which Castle came from Raulph Earl of Chester, L. Ferrars of Chartley. who built it, unto the Ferrars by Agnes his sister, whom William Ferrars Earl of Derby had married: out of whose Race the Lords Ferrars of Chartley flourished: and Anne the Daughter of the last of them brought this Honour as her dowry unto Sir Walter D'Eureux her husband: from whom Robert D'Evereux Earl of Essex and Lord Ferrars of Chartley is lineally descended. On the right side of the river about the same distance, standeth most pleasantly among the woods, Beaudesert. L L. Paget. Beaudesert, the lodge in times passed of the Bishops of Lichfield, but now the house of the Lord Paget. For Sir William Paget, who for his approved wisdom both at home and abroad, stood in high favour with King Henry the Eight, and King Edward the Sixth, and obtained at their hands fair possessions, was by the said K. Edward the Sixth created Lord Paget of Beaudesert. He was (that I may note so much out of his Epitaph) Secretary, and Privy Counsellor to King Henry the Eighth, and appointed by his Testament Counsellor and aidor to King Edward the Sixth, during his minority. To whom he was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Controller of the house, and by him made, as I said, Baron and knight of the Garter, as by Queen Mary Lord Privy Seal: Whose grandsonne William is now the fourth Baron Pagets, and for his virtue and studies of the best arts, is an honour to his house, and in this respect deserveth to be honourably remembered. From thence may you descry Lichfield, Lichfield. scarce four miles from this rightside bank of Trent. Bede calleth it Licidfeld, which Rosse of Warwick interpreteth, Cadaverum campus, that is, The field of dead bodies, and reporteth that a number of Christians were there Martyred under the persecutor Dioclesian. This City is low seated, of a good largeness and fair withal, divided into two parts with a shallow pool of clear water: which parts notwithstanding join in one by the means of two bridges or causeys made over, that have their sluices to let out the water. The South part, which is on the hither side is the greater, consisting of diverse streets, hath in it the school, and an hospital of Saint John, founded for relief of the poor. The farther part is the less, but beautified with a very goodly Cathedral Church, which being round about compassed with a fair wall castle-like, and garnished beside with fair houses of Prebendaries, and with the Bishop's palace also, doth mount upon high with three pyramids or spires of stone making an excellent show, and for elegant and proportional building, yieldeth to few Cathedral Churches. In this place many ages past, a Bishops See was established, for in the 656. year after the World's redemption, Oswie King of Northumberland, having vanquished the Mercians, as then Pagans, for the propagation of Christ's true religion, built here a Church, and ordained Duina the first Bishop: whose successors found such favour at their Prince's hand, that they had not only the pre-eminence among all the Bishops of the Mercians, and the greatest possessions given unto them for their use, as Cankwood or Canock a very great wood, and other fair lands and Lordships; but also this Church had an Archbishop that sat in it, namely Eadulph, unto whom Pope Adrian granted an archiepiscopal Pall, and subjected under him all the Bishops of the Mercians and East Angles; moved thereunto with golden reasons by Offa King of the Mercians, About the year 779. History of Rochester. to spite Lambert the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had promised to aid Charles the Great, if he would invade England. But this archiepiscopal dignity died together with Offa and Eadulph. But, among all the Bishops of this See * Cedda. Chadd was of greatest fame, and canonised a Saint for his holiness, who, as Bede saith, when riotous excess had not yet possessed the hearts of Bishops, made himself a mansion house standing not far remote from the Church, wherein he was wont secretly to pray and read, together with a few, that is to say, seven or eight religious men, as oft as he had any vacant time from painful preaching and ministry of the word unto the people. Wil Malmesbur. A. In those days, Lichfield was a small town far short of the frequency of Cities; the Country about it full of woods: and a little river runneth hard by it. The Church was seated in a narrow room, evidently showing the mean estate and abstinence of our ancestors. When as in the Synod holden in the year of our Lord 1075. it was forbidden that Bishops Sees should lie obscure in mean and small Towns, Peter Bishop of Lichfield translated his See to Chester: but Robert Linsey his successor removed the same unto Coventry. A little after, Roger Clinton brought it back again to Lichfield, and began to build in the year of Christ 1148. this most beautiful Church in the honour of the blessed virgin Mary at Saint Ceda, or Chad: and repaired the Castle which now is utterly vanished. As for the town, it was made first an Incorporation in our Father's remembrance by King Edward the Sixth, by the name of Bailiffs and Burgesses. It seeth the Pole Arctic elevated two and fifty degrees and two and forty minutes: and from the farthest point of the West counteth one and twenty degrees and twenty minutes. This Pool of Lichfield being by and by kept and restrained within banks, and spreading broader the second time, but gathering again into a channel is quickly swallowed into Trent, who continueth his course Eastward, until he meeteth with the river of Tame from the South: with whom Trent being now coupled, turneth aside his stream Northward through places that yield great store of Alabaster, Alabaster. Burton upon Trent. that he might the sooner entertain Dow, and so almost insulateth or encompasseth Burton, a Town in times passed of name, by reason of workers in Alabaster, a Castle of the Ferrars built in the Conqueror's time, an ancient abbey founded by Ulfrick Spot Earl of Mercia, Who also it named Mown. and the retiring place of Modwen that holy Irish woman, who there dedicated herself first to the service of God. Concerning which abbey, 1904. the Leger-booke of Abingdon recordeth thus. A certain servitor of King Aetheldred named Ulfrick Spot, built the abbey of Burton, and gave unto it all the inheritance that came by his Father, esteemed worth seven hundred pounds, and that this his donation might stand good and sure, he gave unto King Aetheldred three hundred Mankus of gold for his confirmation, and to every Bishop five Mankus, and beside to Alfrick Archbishop of Canterbury, the Town Dumbleton. Whereby we may understand, that there was a golden world then, and that gold swayed much yea in Church matters, and among Churchmen. In this abbey, the said Modwen, whose holiness was much celebrated in this tract, lay buried, and upon her Tomb were engraven for an Epitaph these verses. Ortum Modwennae dat Hibernia, Scotia finem. Anglia dat tumulum, dat Deus astra poli. Prima dedit vitam, sed mortem terra secunda, Et terram terrae tertia dedit: Auffert Lanfortin quam * Tir Conell. terra Conallea profert, Foelix Burtonium virginis ossa tenet. In Ireland Modwen who began, in Scotland took her end, England on her a Tomb bestowed, to Heaven God did her send: The first of these lands gave her life, the second wrought her death, And earth to earth in decent sort, the third land did bequeath. Lanfortin taketh that away, which once Tir-Connell gave, And Burton blessed, whose hap it is this virgins bones to have. The River Blithe. Needwood Forest. near unto Burton, betwixt these three rivers, Dove, Trent and Blithe the which watereth and nameth Blithfield a fair house of the ancient and worthy Family of the Bagot's; Needwood a very large wood and full of parks spreadeth itself. Wherein the Nobility and Gentlemen dwelling thereabout, take their jolly pleasure and disport themselves in hunting. Thus much of the places in the middle part of this shire. Mooreland. The North part riseth up and swelleth somewhat mountainous, with moors and hills, but of no great bigness, which beginning here, runs like as Apennine doth in Italy, through the midst of England with a continued ridge, rising more and more with diverse tops and cliffs one after another even as far as to Scotland, although oftentimes they change their name. For here they are called Mooreland, after a while the Peak, Blackstone edge, then Craven, anon as they go further Stanmore, and at length being parted diversely, as it were into horns, Cheviot. This Mooreland, so called for that it riseth higher into hills and mountains, and is withal less fruitful (which kind of places we call in our language Moores) is a small country verily, so hard, so comfortless, bare and cold, that it keepeth snow lying upon it a long while: in so much as that of a little country village named Wotton lying here under Woverhill the neighbour inhabitants have this rhyme rise in their mouth, as if God, forsooth, had never visited that place. Wotton under Wever, Where God came never. Yet in so hard a soil it breedeth and feedeth beasts of large bulk, and fair spread. The people here dwelling observe, that when the wind sitteth West, it is always rain: but the East and southwind, which in other places brew and broach rain, bring fair weather, unless the wind turn from West into the South: and this they ascribe unto the vicinity of the Irish Sea. Out of these Moors most rivers in this shire do spring, but the chief are, Dove, Hanse, Churnet, Teyn, Blithe, and Trent himself who receiveth every one of them, The River Dove. and conveieth them all to the Sea. Dow or Dove, whose banks are reared out of solid hard lime stone, which they burn and use for compassed to manure and enrich their fields with all, doth swiftly run along the most part of the East side of this Country, and separateth it from Derbyshire, holding on his course in a Cleyish channel without any beds or shelves of mud, through a soil consisting of the said Limestone: from whence it sucketh out such fertility, that in the very midst of Winter, the Meadows on both the banks sides carry a most pleasant and fresh green hue: but if it chance to swell above the banks and overflow the Meadows in April, it battelleth them like another Nilus, and maketh them so fruitful that the inhabitants use commonly to chant this joyful note. In April Doves flood, Is worth a King's good. This river in twelve hours' space useth so to rise, that it harieth and carrieth away with it sheep and other cat-tail, to the great terror of the people dwelling thereby: but within the same time again it falleth and returns within his own banks: whereas Trent being once up and over his banks floweth upon the fields four or five days together: Hans. Churnet. De-la-cres. but now come we to the rivers that run into it. The first is Hans, which being swallowed up under the ground, breaketh up again three miles off. Then admitteth he the fellowship of the river Churnet, who passeth by De-la-Cres abbey, built by Ranulph the third of that name Earl of Chester: by Leike also a well known Mercat town, Aulton. and by Aulton a Castle in times past belonging to the Barons Verdon (who founded here the abbey of Croxden) from whom by the Furnivals' it descended to the Talbots Earls of Shrewsbury. Teyn. A little below runneth Teyn a small brook into Dove, which having his head not far from Cheddle the ancient seat of the Basset's, who derive their pedigree from the Basset's of Draiton, creepeth on in such a winding and crooked channel, that within one mile I was fain to pass over it four times. Checkley. near unto it in Checkley Church-yard, there stand three stones upright erected in manner of a Pyramids; two of them have little images engraven upon them: but that in the midst is highest. The inhabitants report by tradition, that a battle was fought there between two hosts, of which the one was armed, the other unarmed; and that in it were three Bishops slain, in memorial of whom these stones were set up. But what Historical truth indeed lieth herein enfolded, I know not as yet: As for Blithe, it hath in this Moreland Careswell a Castler situate upon it which Sir William Careswell built with great ponds having their heads made of square stones, and Draicot, which gave surname to a family of great antiquity in this County. But Dove after it hath received Tine having a fair bridge made over it of most hard stone, Utcester. and defended with piles runneth under Vtcester, in ' the Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Vttoxather, situate upon the side of an hill with a gentle ascent: a town more rich in gay flowering meadows, and in cat-tail, than fair built; which before I saw it (the name was so favourable to my conjecture) I thought, in vain, to have been the ancient ETOCETUM. But now, time hath taught me more certainty. After this, Tutesbury. when Dove is now come nearer unto Trent, it visiteth Tutbury Castle, in times past a large and stately thing, which also is called Stutesbury, and from an Alabaster hill top on which it stands, threateneth, as it were, the whole country underneath. It was built together with a little Monastery by Henry de Ferrars a Noble man of Normandy, unto whom King William the First had given great lands and revenues in this shire: all which Robert de Ferrars Earl of Derby lost after he had revolted a second time from King Henry the Third. For, this Robert, when, after many troubles which he had raised in the Baron's war, he was received into the King's favour, and had bound himself with a corporal oath in express and formal words that he would continue ever after loyal to his liege Lord, yet was the man of such a stirring and restless spirit, that to break and knap in pieces quite that fortune which he could not bend, he put on arms against his Sovereign, and being at length taken prisoner (that I may use the very words of the Record, according to the form of his obligation) made this great forfeiture both of his fortunes and dignities. There is in some place of this shire a lake, if Alexander Necham deceive us not, into which no wild beast will in any wise enter: but since the place is uncertain and the thing itself more uncertain, I will only put down underneath these his verses, In his book entitled the praises of Divine wisdom. before which he prefixed this Title. De Lacu in Staffordia. Rugitu Lacus est eventus praeco futuri, Cujus aquis fera se credere nulla solet. Instet odora canum virtus, mors instet acerba, Non tamen intrabit exagitata lacum. Of a Lake in Stafford-shire. A Lake there is that roareth loud, whereby things are foreshown, The water whereof once to take wild beasts were never known. Let hounds, let death pursue apace them for to overtake, For all this chase and hot pursuit, none enter will the Lake. Gervase of Tilbury. Of another Pool or Lake also in this Country thus writeth Gervase of Tilbury in his Otia Imperialia, unto Otho the fourth. In the Bishopric of Coventry and County of Stafford, at the foot of an hill, which the inborn people of the Country have named Mahull, there is a water spread abroad in manner of a Mere, in the territory of a Village which they term Magdalea. In this Mere or Marsh there is a most clear water (and an infinite number of woods beside joining one unto another) which hath such an effectual virtue in refreshing of bodies, that so often as Hunters have chased Stags and other Dear until their Horses be tired, if in the greatest heat of the scorching Sun they taste of this water, and offer it unto their Horses for to drink, they recover their strength of running again which they had lost, and become so fresh, as one would think they had not run at all. But whereabout this is I cannot yet learn by all my diligent inquiry. Earls and Barons of Stafford. As for the title of Stafford, it remaineth ever since Robert de Stafford, whom King William of Normandy enriched with great possessions, even until our time in his line and progeny. A family as noble and ancient as any other: but upon which fortune hath otherwhiles by turns both frowned and fawned. For, first they were Barons of Stafford, than five of them Earls of Stafford, Ralph created by King Edward the Third, Earl of Stafford, who married the heir of Sir Hugh Audley Earl of Gloucester, Hugh his son who died in Pilgrimage at Rhodes, and his three sons successively, Thomas and William, both issueless, and Edmund who married the daughter and heir of Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Buckingham. See Dukes of Buckingham. Afterward three of them were Dukes of Buckingham and Earls of Stafford, etc. as is before showed. By the attainder of the last of them, those so great inheritances which their most honourable marriages brought unto them, floated away as it were, and scattered here and there. In lieu whereof hath ensued a more secure quietness, which can never cohabite with Greatness. There are accounted in this Shire Parishes. 130. SALOPIAE Comitatus quem CORNAVII olim inceluarunt descriptio SHROPP-SHIRE. THe fourth Country of those, which, as I said, the CORNAVII in times past inhabited, the English Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we SHROPP-SHIRE, and the Latinists Comitatus Salopiensis, is far greater than the rest in quantity, and not inferior to them either for plenty or pleasure. On the East side it hath Stafford-shire, on the West Montgomery shire, and Denbigh-shire, on the South side Worcester, Hereford, and Radnor-shires, and on the North Cheshire. It is replenished with Towns and Castles standing thick on every side, by reason that it was a Frontier Country, or (that I may use the term of Siculus Flaccus) Ager arcifinius, in regard of repelling and repressing the Welshmen in the Marches bordering heerupon: whereupon our Ancestors by an ancient word, named the Confines of this Shire toward Wales the Marches, for that they were bounds and limits between the Welsh and English, The Marcher● L. Marchers. Marchiones i● old Histories. and diverse Noblemen in this Tract were called Barons of the March, and Lords Marchers, who had every one in their Territory a certain peculiar jurisdiction, and in their own Courts ministered law unto the Inhabitants, with sundry privileges and immunities, and this among other, that Writs out of the King's Courts, should in certain cases have no place nor run among them. Nevertheless, if any controversy arose about a Lordship itself, or the limits of Lordships, they were to resort unto the King's Courts of justice. These also were in times past named in Latin Records Marchiones de Marchia Walliae, as Marquesses of the Marches of Wales, or Lords Marchers, as appeareth evidently by the Red Book in the King's Exchequer, where we read, how at the Coronation of Queen Aeleonor, Wife to King Henry the Third, Marchiones de Marchia Walliae, etc. that is, The Marquesses of the Marches of Wales, (or Lord Marchers) john Fitz-Alane, Raulph Mortimer, john of Monmouth, and Walter Clifford, in the name of the Marches, The Canopy said it was the right of the Marches to find silver spears and to bring them for to support the four square purple silk cloth at the Coronation of Kings and Queens of England. But the happy tranquillity of peace between Wales and England, and the King's authority hath by little and little abrogated all those royalties, prerogatives, and privileges, which the Lords Marchers enjoyed, and insolently exercised over the poor Inhabitants in the Marches. Neither yet do I think (I thought good to say so much aforehand) that all this Country belonged anciently to the CORNAVII, but that part only which is on this side Severn: as for that on the farther side of Severn, it pertained to the ORDOVICES, who inhabited here a great Country in this Tract: a parcel whereof, as also some little Territories on this side Severn, which belonged unto the Lords Marchers, 27. Hen. 8. were not long since laid to this Shire by authority of the Parliament. For, into these two parts the whole Shire may be fitly divided, seeing that the River Severn cutteth it through in the mids from the West to the Southeast. In that part beyond Severn, the River Temd, in British Tifidia●c, for some space maketh the South limit, Clun River into which at length the River Colun, in British Colunwy, and called contractly Clun, issueth itself. This River Clun breaking forth farther within the Country, Bishop's 〈◊〉 not far from a pretty Town well frequented, named Bishop's Castle, (because it belonged to the Bishops of Hereford whose Dioecese and jurisdiction is large in this Shire) giveth name to * Coluno ca strum. Clun Castle Clun Castle: which, the Fitz alan's descended from one Alan the son of Flaold a Norman (who were afterwards Earls of Arundel) built, when they were Lords Marchers against the Welshmen, and annoyed them with continual inroads into their Country. But where it meeteth with Temd, among diverse doubtful Fourds, there mounteth up an Hill of a very ancient memory, which they call Caer Caradoc, because about the year of our Salvation 53. Caer Caradoc. King Caratacus, Tacitus. Caratacus a most noble and renowned British King, raised in the front of it a mighty Wall or Rampire of stone, and with his people resolutely made it good against Ostorius Lieutenant for the Romans and the Legionary Roman Soldiers. Until the Romans having forcibly broken through that fence of stones so rudely laid, (the remains whereof are to be seen at this day) forced the unarmed Britan's, to quit the place, and High up to the mountains. Caratacus himself notwithstanding escaped by flight, but his wife, daughter, and brethren were taken prisoners: And he afterwards, (as adversity in no place findeth safety) being delivered into the hands of Ostorius by Queen Cartismandua (unto whose protection he had committed himself) was carried away to Rome, after he had vexed and wearied the Romans in a long and troublesome war. Where he obtained pardon for himself and his, of Claudius the Emperor, not by way of any base suppliant entreaty, but by a generous and honourable liberty of speech. For the winning of this hill and taking of this King captive, See the 43. and 44. page. it was decreed, that Ostorius should have Triumphal Ornaments: neither did the Senate judge the taking of Caratacus less honourable, than when Publius Scipio showed Syphax, and L. Paulus presented Perses, two vanquished Kings in triumphant manner at Rome. And although the compiler of our History hath made mention neither of this War, nor of this worthy Britan, yet the memory thereof is not quite gone with the common people. For, they confidently give out by tradition, that a King was discomfited and put to flight upon this hill: and in the British Book entitled Triades, among three of the most renowned Britan's for warlike exploits, Caradauc * With the strong arm. Ludlow. Vrichfras is named first; so that, as I think, we should make no doubt, but that he was this very Caratacus. Then Ludlow, in British formerly named Dinan, and in later ages Lys-twysoc, i. The Prince's Palace, standeth upon an hill at the meeting of the same Temd with the River Corve, a Town more fair than ancient. Roger Montgomery first laid unto it a Castle no less beautiful, than strong, which hangeth over Corve, and then raised a Wall about the Town that taketh about a mile in compass. But when his son Robert was attainted, King Henry the First kept it in his own hands: and afterwards, when it was besieged, it valiantly endured the assaults of King Stephen: and during that straight siege, Henry son of the King of Scots, Iron hooks. 1139. being plucked from his saddle with an iron hooked engine, had like to have been haled violently within the Town walls, had not Stephen in person rescued him, and with singular valour delivered him from so great a danger. After this, King Henry the Second gave this Castle together with the Vale underneath along Corve, which commonly is called Corvesdale, to Sir Foulque of Dinan. Afterwards it belonged to the Lacies of Ireland, and by a daughter fell to Sir Geffrey de jenevile a Poictevin, Jenevile. or, as some will have it, of the house of Lorain: from whose heirs it descended again by a daughter to the Mortimers, and from thence hereditarily, to the Crown. Then the Inhabitants in process of time, built in the very bosom of the Town, and on the highest ground a very fair Church, and the only Church they have. And so it began to be of great account and to excel other neighbour Townes adjoining. And although by King Stephen, Simon Montfort, and King Henry the Sixth it suffered much damage in the civil Wars, yet it always flourished again: and now especially, ever since that King Henry the Eighth ordained the Council of the Marches, The Council in the Marches. not unlike to those Parliaments in France: the Lord Precedent whereof doth for the most part keep Courts and Term here: which a man could hardly have seen at any time without Suits, whether it were for the great state and authority that it carried, or because the Welshmen are so forward and hot to go to Law. This Council consisteth of the Lord Precedent, so many Counsellors as it shall please the Prince to appoint, a Secretary, an Attorney, a Solicitor, and the four justices of the Counties in Wales. Burford. Somewhat lower, upon the River Temd, is seen Burford, which from Theodoricke Say and his Posterity, came unto Robert Mortimer, and from his posterity likewise unto Sir Geffrey Cornwall, Cornwall. who derived his Descent from Richard Earl of Cornwall and King of the Alemans': and his Race even unto these days hath flourished under the name of Barons of Burford (but not in the dignity of Parliamentary Barons) whereas it is holden (as we read in the Inquisition) of the King for to find five men for the Army of Wales, Inquis. 40. Ed. 3 and by service of a Barony. As for those (that I may note thus much by the way) who held an entire and whole Barony, they were commonly in times past reputed Barons; and as some learned in our common laws are of opinion, Baron and Barony Conjugata. Baron and Barony, like as Earl and Earldom, Duke and Dukedom, King and Kingdom, were Conjugata, that is, Originally yokefellowes. When Temd now is leaving Shropp-shire behind it, not far from the banks thereof, there raise themselves up Northward certain hills of easy ascent, Cleehill. Cleehill they call them, much commended for yielding the best Barley in great plenty, neither are they without iron mines: at the descent whereof, in a Village called Cleybury, Hugh Mortimer built a Castle, which King Henry the Second forthwith so razed (because it was a nursery of sedition) that scarce there remain any tokens thereof at this day: also hard by standeth Kinlet where the Blunts flourished. Blunt in the Norman language signifieth yellow hair of the head. Bridg-North. Their name in this Tract is very great, so surnamed at first of their yellow hair; the Family noble and ancient, and the branches thereof far spread. Then saw we on the right hand bank of Severn, Brug Morfe (commonly, but corruptly called Bridg-North,) so called of Burg or Burrbugh, and Morfe, a Forest adjoining, whereas before time it was named simply Burgh. A Town, fortified with walls, a ditch, a stately Castle, and the Severn, which between the Rocks runneth down with a great fall: seated also upon a Rock, out of which the ways leading into the upper part of the Town were wrought out, Achelfleda Lady of the Mercians first built it, and Robert de Belesme Earl of Shrewesbury walled it: who, trusting to the natural strength of the place rebelled against King Henry the First, like as afterward Roger Mortimer against King Henry the the Second: but both of them with ill success; for they were both forced to yield, and submit themselves, absolutely to the King's command. At the Siege of this Castle, (as we read in our Annals) King Henry the Second being leveled at with an arrow, had been shot therewith quite through the body, had not Sir Hubert Syncter a noble and trusty Servitor to the King interposed himself, * De Saneta Clara. and to save the King received both the arrow and his deaths wound withal. Before time also Sir Raulph de Pichford bore himself so valiantly here, that king Henry the First gave unto him the little Burgh hard by, Lib. Inquis. To hold by service, for to find dry wood for the great chamber of the Castle of Burgh against the coming of his Sovereign Lord the King. Willey or Willeley. Willeley or Willey is not far from hence, the habitation in old time of Sir Warner De Willeley, from whose Posterity by the Harleiss and Peshall, it came to the notable Family of Lacon; advanced by marriage long since with the heir of Passelew, and of late by the Possession of Sir I. Blunt of Kinlet. There be in like manner other Towns and Castles here and there in this Tract, as Newcastle, Lib. Inquis. Hopton Castle, Shipton, and upon the River Corve, Corvesham, which Walter Clifford had by the gift of king Henry the Second, also Brancroft and Holgot, commonly Howgate: which belonged sometime to the Manduits, then, to Robert Blunt Bishop of Bath, Wenlock. and afterwards to the lovel's. More higher, are Wenlocke, now known for the lime, but in king Richard the Seconds time for a mine of Copper there: William Malmesbury. But much more known in the Saxons days for a most ancient Nunnery, where Milburga that most holy virgin lived in great devotion, and was entombed: the which Nunnery Earl Roger de Montgomerie repaired and replenished with Monks. Or Wivell. In later times Sir john Winell, called also Wenlocke because he here inhabited, * for his faithful service to king Henry the Sixth, was by him advanced to the state and honour of Baron Wenlocke, Lord Wenlocke. and elected knight of the Garter; in whose cause he manfully lost his life in the Battle of Tewksbury, leaving no issue: but from his cousin and heir general the Lawleys of this County are lineally descended. A little more West is Acton Burnell, Claus. 17. Edw. 4. a Castle of the Burnels, and after of the Lovels, made famous by the Court of Parliament there held in the time of king Edward the First. This Family of the Burnells was in old time of great name and antiquity, Acton Burnel very much enriched also by that Bishop aforenamed. But it failed and had an end in the Reign of Edward the Second, when Mawde the heir was married unto John Lovel first, and secondly to John Haudlow, whose son Nicholas assumed to himself the name of Burnell: from whom the Ratcliffes' Earls of Sussex and others draw their pedigree. Scarce a mile from hence standeth Langley, Langley. seated very flat and low in a Park full of Woods, the dwelling place of the Leas, which may well challenge to be ranged among the Families that are of the better worth and greater Antiquity in this Tract. Next unto these is Condover, Condover. a Manor sometimes of the lovel's, but of late, the possession of Thomas Owen, justice of the Common Pleas and a very great lover of learning. But he hath now taken his quiet sleep in Christ, and left his son Sir Roger Owen; for his manifold learning, a right worthy son of so good a father. This is holden of the King, as we read in the Records, In chief, to find two footmen one day in the army of Wales, in time of war. Which I note here once for all, to this end, that I may give to understand, that Gentlemen and Noblemen hereabout held their inheritances of the Kings of England by this tenure, to be ready in service with Soldiers for defence of the Marches, whensoever there should be any war between England and Wales. Pichford. near unto this, there is a little Village named Pichford, that imparted the name in times passed to the ancient Family of Pichford: A fountain of Pitch, or Birumen. now the Possession of R. Oteley, which our Ancestors (for that they knew not pitch from Bitumen) so called of a fountain of Bitumen there in a private man's yard; upon which there riseth and swimmeth a kind of liquid Bitumen daily, scum it off never so diligently, even as it doth in the Lake Asphaltites in jewry, in a standing water about Samosata, and in a spring by Agrigentum in Sicily. But whether this be good against the falling sickness, and have a powerful property to draw, to close up wounds, etc. as that in jewry, none that I know as yet have made experiment. More Westward, you may see Pouderbach Castle, Pouderbach. now decayed and ruinous, called in times past Pulrebach the seat of Sir Raulph Butler a younger son of Raulph Butler Lord Wem, from whom the Butlers of Woodhall in Hertford-shire are lineally descended. Beneath this, Huckstow Forest, spreadeth a great way among the mountains: where, at Stipperstons' bill there be great heaps of stones, Stipperstons. and little rocks as it were, that rise thick together: the * Or Welshmen. Britan's call them Carneddau tewion. But whereas as these seem natural I dare not with others so much as conjecture, that these were any of those stones which Giraldus Cambrensis seemeth to note in these words: Harald in person being himself the last footman in marching with footmen, and light Armours, and victuals answerable for service in Wales, valiantly went round about and passed through all Wales, so as that he left but few or none alive. And for a perpetual memory of this Victory, you may find very many stones in Wales erected after the antique manner upon hillocks, in those places wherein he had been Conqueror, having these words engraven. HIC FVIT VICTOR HARALDUS. here was Harald Conqueror. Course. Routon. More Northward, Course Castle standeth, which was the Barony of Sir Peter Corbet; from whom it came to the Barons of Stafford: and Routon Castle near unto it, the most ancient of all the rest, toward the West borders of the Shire, not far from Severn, which Castle sometimes belonged to the Corbets, and now to the ancient Family of the Listers. Before time it was the possession of john le Strange of Knocking; in despite of whom Lhewellin Prince of Wales laid it even with the ground, as we read in the life of Sir Foulque Fitzwarin. It flourished also in the Romans time under the same name, Rutunium. termed by Antonine the Emperor, RUTUNIUM. Neither can we mistake herein, seeing both the name and that distance from URICONIUM a town full well known, which he putteth down, do most exactly agree. near unto this are Abberbury Castle and Watlesbury, which is come from the Corbets to the notable family of the leighton's Knights. As for the name, it seemeth to have taken it from that High Port-way called Watling street, which went this way into the farthest part of Wales (as Ranulph of Chester writeth) by two little Towns, of that street called Strettons: between which in a valley, are yet to be seen the rubbish of an old Castle called Brocards Castle, Brocards Castle. and the same set amidst green meadows, that before time were fishpools. But these Castles with others which I am scarce able to number and reckon up, for the most part of them are now ruinated not by the fury of war, but now at length conquered even with secure peace, and process of time. Now crossing over Severne unto that part of the shire on this side the River, which I said did properly belong to the ancient CORNAVII. This again is divided after a sort into two parts by the river Terne running from the North Southward: so called, for that it issueth out of a very large Pool in Stafford-shire, such as they of the North parts call Tearnes. In the hither part of these twain, which lieth East, near to the place where turn dischargeth his waters into Severn stood the ancient URICONIUM (for so Antonine the Emperor termeth it) which Ptolomee calleth VIROCONIUM, Uriconium. Ninnius, Wroxcester. Caer Vruach, the old English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we Wreckceter and Wroxcester. This was the chief City of the CORNAVII, built as it seemeth by the Romans, what time as they fortified this bank of Severn in this place where the river is full of fourds, as it is not elsewhere lower toward the mouth thereof. But this being sore shaken in the Saxons war, fell to utter decay in the Danish broils: and now it is a very small country Town of poor Husbandmen, and presenteth often times to those that air the ground, Roman Coins, to testify in some sort the antiquity thereof. Besides them I saw nothing of antiquity but in one place some few parcels of broken walls (which the common people call The old work of Wroxceter) This Wall was built of rough stone distinguished outwardly with seven rows of British bricks in equal distance, and brought up with arched work inwardly. I conjecture, by the uneven ground, by the Rampires and the rubbish of the wall here and there on either side, that the Castle stood in that very place where these ruins remain. But where the plot of the City lay (and that was of a great compass) the Soil is more blackish than elsewhere, and plentifully yieldeth the best barley in all this quarter. Beneath this City that Port-way of those Romans, known by the name of Watling street, went, as I have heard say, directly (albeit the ridge thereof now appeareth not) either through a fourd or over a Bridge (the foundations whereof were of late, a little higher, discovered, when they did set a Wear in the River) unto the Strattons, Strattons. that is to say, Towns upon the Street, whereof I spoke even now. The ancient name of this decayed URICONIUM, showeth itself very apparently in an hill loftily mounting near thereunto, Wreken-hill. called Wreken hill (some Writers term it Gilberts hill) from the top whereof, which lieth in a plain pleasant level, there is a very delightful prospect into the Country beneath on every side. This Hill runneth out in length a good space, as it were attired, on the sides, with fair spread trees. But under it, where Severn rolleth down with his stream, at Buldewas, Bildas. commonly Bildas, there flourished a fair abbey, the Sepulture in times passed of the noble Family of the Burnels, Patrons thereof. Higher into the Country there is a Mansion or Baiting Town named Watling street of the situation upon the foresaid Road way or street. Dalaley. And hard by it are seen the Relics of Castle Dalaley, which after that Richard Earl of Arundel was attainted, King Richard the Second by authority of the Parliament annexed to the Principality of Chester, which he had then erected. And not far from the foot of the foresaid Wreken, in an hollow Valley, by that high street before mentioned, Okenyate, a little Village well known for the plentiful delfe there of pit-cole, lieth so beneath, and just at the same distance as Antonine placeth VSOCONA both from URICONIUM and also from PENNOCRUCIUM that no man need to doubt, Usocona. Okenyate. but that this Okenyate was that USOCONA. Neither doth the name itself gainsay it: for, this word Is, which in the British tongue signifieth Low, may seem added for to note the low situation thereof. On the other side, Charleton. beneath this Hill, appeareth Charleton Castle, in ancient times belonging to the Charletons', Lords of Powis: and more Eastward next of all unto Staffordshire, Tong-Castle, called in old time Toang, Tong. which the Vernons not long since repaired, as also the College within the Town, which the Pembridges, as I have read, first founded. Neither have the Inhabitants any thing here more worth showing, than a Bell for the bigness thereof very famous in all those parts adjoining. Hard to this, lieth Albrighton, which in the Reign of King Edward the First, was the seat of Sir Raulph de Pichford, but now of the Talbotts, branched from the Family of the Earls of Shrewesbury. But above Tong was Lilleshul abbey in a woodland Country, founded by the family of Beaumeis, whose heir was married into the house of De La Zouch. But seeing there is little left but ruins, I will leave it and proceed forward. Beyond the river turn, Draiton. on the brink thereof standeth Draiton, where in the civil wars between the houses of Lancaster and York, a field was fought that cost many a Gentleman of Cheshire his life. 1459. For they, although the battle was given up almost on even hand, when they could not agree among themselves but took part with both sides, were slain by heaps and numbers on either side. Beneath this Draiton, and ne'er enough to turn, lieth Hodnet, wherein dwelled sometimes Gentlemen of the same name, Inq. 2.10. E. 2. from whom hereditarily it is come by the ludlow's unto the Vernons. It was held in times past, of the Honour of Mont-Gomery, by service, to be Seneschal or Steward of the same Honour. After this, turn, having passed ha●d by certain little rural Towns, taketh in unto him the Riveret Roden, and when he hath gone a few miles further, near unto Uriconium, of which I spoke even now, falleth into the Severn. Upon this Roden, whiles he is but new come from his spring head, standeth Wem, Wem. where are to be seen the tokens of a Castle long since begun there to be built. This was the Barony, after the first entry of the Normans, of William Pantulph, from whose Posterity it came at length to the Butlers, and from them by the Ferrars of Ousley, and the Barons of Greystock, unto the Baron's D'acre of Gillesland. Within a little of this, upon an high hill well wooded, or upon a cliff rather which sometime was called Radcliffe, stood a Castle mounted aloft, called of the reddish stone Red-Castle, Red-castle. and in the Normans language Castle Rous, the seat in old time of the Audleys, through the liberal bounty of Lady Maude Le Strange. But now there remaineth no more but desolate walls, which yet make a fair show. Scarce a mile from hence lieth all along the dead carcase, as it were, of a small City now well near consumed. But the pieces of Roman money, and those bricks which the Romans used in building there found, do testify the antiquity, and founders thereof. The neighbour Inhabitants use to call it Bery, as one would say Burgh, and they report that it was a most famous place in King Arthur's days, as the common sort ascribe whatsoever is ancient and strange to King Arthur's glory. Morton Corbet. Then, upon the same River Morton Corbet, anciently an house of the Family of Turet, afterward a Castle of the Corbets, showeth itself, where within our remembrance, Robert Corbet, carried away with the affectionate delight of Architecture, began to build in a barren place a most gorgeous and stately house, after the Italians model: But death prevented him, so that he left the new work unfinished and the old Castle defaced. These Corbets are of ancient Nobility in this Shire, and held Lordships by service, of Roger Montgomery Earl of this County, about the coming in of the Normans, for Roger the son of Corbet held Huelebec, Hundeslit, Acton, Fern-leg, etc. Robert, Corbet, a forename. the son of Corbet, held land in Ulestanton, Rotlinghop, Branten, and Udecot. And in later ages this family far and fairly propagated received increase both of revenue and great alliance by the marriage of an heir of Hopton. * More Southward standeth Arcoll the habitation of the Newports knights of great worship, descended from the Barons Grey of Codnor, and the Lords of Mothwy: and near unto it is Hagmond abbey, which the Lords Fitz Alanes if they did not found, yet they most especially endowed. Not much lower upon Severn standeth most pleasantly the famousest City (for so it was called in doomsday book) of this Shire (risen by the ruin of Old Uriconium) which we at this day call Shrewsbury and Shrowsbury, having mollified the name, Shrewsbury. whereas our Ancestors called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for that it was anciently a very thicket of shrobs upon an hill. In which sense both the greeks termed their Bessa, and our Welsh Britan's named this also Pengwerne, that is, The high plot planted with Alders, and a Palace so named continued here a long time. But whence it is that it is called now in the British tongue Ymwithig, and by the Normans Scropesbery, Sloppesbery, and Salop, and in the Latin tongue Salopia, I am altogether ignorant, unless it should be the ancient name Scobbes-beng diversely distorted and dis-jointed. Yet some skilful in the British tongue, think verily it is called Ymwithig, as one would say, Placentia or Plaisance, of a British word Mewithau, and that their Poets the Bardi so named it, because of all others, it best pleased the Princes of Wales in times past. It is seated upon an Hill of a reddish earth, and Severn, having two very fair Bridges upon it, gathering himself in manner round in form of a circle, so compasseth it, that were it not for a small bank of firm land, it might go for an Island. And thence it is that Leland the Antiquarian Poet wrote thus: Edita Penguerni latè fastigia splendent, Urbs sita lunat● veluti mediamnis in orbe, Colle tumet modico, duplici quoque ponte superbit, Accipiens patriâ sibi linguâ nomen ab alnis. The buildings high of Shrewsbury do shine both far and ne'er, A Town within a River set, an Island as it were, Mounted upon a pretty hill, and Bridges hath it twain, The name it took of Alder trees in British tongue they say. Neither is it strengthened only by nature, but fortified also by art: for Roger of Montgomery, unto whom by the Conqueror's gift it was allotted, pulling down 50. houses or thereabout, built a strong stately Castle on the North side upon a rising rock, and Robert his son when he revolted from King Henry the First, walled it about, on that side where it was not fenced with the River, which notwithstanding never, that I know of, suffered assault or hostility but once in the Baron's War against King John. At the first entering of the Normans it was a City well inhabited and of good trade. For, as we read in doomsday book, In King Edward the Confessors time it paid Gelt according to an hundred Hides: In the conquerors time, it paid yearly seven pounds and sixteen shillings de Gablo: They were reckoned to be two hundred and fifty two Citizens: whereof twelve were bound to watch about the Kings of England when they lay at this City, and as many to accompany them when they went forth on hunting. Which I would verily think to have been ordained, because not many years before Edricke Streona Duke of the Mercians, a man notoriously distained with wickedness, lay in wait here for Prince Ashelm, and slew him as he road on hunting. At which time (as that Book showeth) the custom was in this City, That a woman taking, howsoever it were, a husband, if she were a widow, gave unto the King twenty shillings; if a maid, ten, in what manner soever she took a man. But to return unto our matter, the said Earl Roger not only fortified it, but also adorned it with other buildings both public and private, yea and founded a very goodly abbey to the honour of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, unto which he granted many Possessions, and therewith, Saint Gregory's Church, And namely in that tenor, (I exemplify the words out of the private History of the said abbey) That when the Canons who held prebend's therein should any of them die, Prebend● passing hereditarily. the said prebend's should come unto the Demaine and Possession of the Monks. Whereupon arose no small controversy: For, the sons of the said Canons sued the Monks at Law, that they might succeed in their father's prebend's. For, at that time, the Canons and Priests in England were married, and it grew to be a custom, that Ecclesiastical livings should descend by inheritance to the next of the blood. But this controversy was decided under King Henry the First, and concluded it was, that the heir should not succeed in Ecclesiastical Livings; yea and about that time laws were enacted touching the single life of Priests. Soon after in process of time, other Churches also were here erected. For, to say nothing of the houses or Friaries of Dominicans, Franciscans, and Augustine Friars, which the Charletons', Jenevils, and Staffords founded, there were two Collegiate Churches erected, Saint Chadds with a Dean and ten Prebendaries, and Saint mary's with a Dean likewise and nine Prebendaries. And even at this day, a fair and goodly City it is, well frequented and traded, full of good merchandise, and by reason of the Citizens painful diligence, with cloth making and traffic with Welshmen, rich and wealthy. For, hither, almost all the commodities of Wales, do conflow as it were to a common Mart of both Nations. Whereupon it is inhabited both with Welsh and English speaking both languages: who among other things deserve especial commendation for this, in that they have set up a School for the training up of children, wherein were more Scholars in number, when I first saw it, than in any one School throughout all England again: unto which Thomas Aston the first head Schoolmaster a right good man procured by his means a very honest Salary and Stipend for the Teachers. It shall not now I hope be impertinent to note, that when divers of the Nobility conspired against King Henry the Fourth with a purpose to advance Edmund Mortimer Earl of March to the Crown, * as the undoubtful and right heir, Battle of Shrewsbury. 1463. whose father King Richard the Second had also declared heir apparent: and Sir Henry Percy called Hote-spurre then addressed himself to give the assault to Shrewsbury: upon a sudden all their designs were dashed, as it were, from above. For the King with speedy marches was upon his back before he imagined. To whom yet the young Hote-spurre with courageous resolution gave battle, and after a long and doubtful fight, wherein the Scotishmen, which followed him, showed much manly valour, (when the Earl of Worcester his Uncle, and the Earl of Dunbar were taken) he despairing of Victory ran undaunted upon his own death amidst the thickest of his enemies. Of this battle the place is called Battailefield. Battailefield. Where the King after Victory erected a Chapel and one or two Priests, to pray for their souls, who were there slain. As for the position of this Shrewsbury, it is from the Islands Azores twenty Degrees, and seven and thirty minutes distant in Longitude, and from the Equinoctial Line two and fifty Degrees and three and fifty minutes in Latitude. From out of this city (I wot not whether it may be thought worth my labour, or pertinent to my purpose to relate so much) broke forth the last time, namely in the year of our Salvation 1551. The British sweat, or sweeting sickness. that dismal disease, The English Sweat, which presently dispersed over the whole Realm, made great mortality of people especially those of middle age: for, as many as were taken suddenly with this Sweat, within one four and twenty hours either died or recovered. But a present remedy was found, namely that such as in the day time fell into it, should presently in their clothes as they were go to bed; if by night and in bed, should there rest, lie still and not stir from thence for four and twenty hours: provided always, that they should not sleep the while but by all means be kept waking. Whereof this disease first arose, the learned of Physicians know not for certain. Some strangers ascribe it to the ground in England, Hieronymus Fracastorius. standing so much upon plastre (and yet it is but in few places of that nature.) In certain moist Constitutions of weather (say they) it happeneth that vapours arise out of that kind of Soil, which although they be most subtle, yet they are corrupt▪ which cause likewise a subtle contagion, and the same is proportionate either unto the spirits or to the thin froth that floateth upon the blood. But whatsoever the cause is, no doubt there is an Analogy between it and the subtle parts of blood: by reason whereof within one day the Patient either mends or ends. As for the cause let others search: for mine own part, I have observed that this malady hath run through England thrice in the age aforegoing; and yet I doubt not, but long before also, it did the like (although it were not recorded in writing:) first, in the year of our Lord 1485. in which King Henry the Seventh began his Reign, a little after a great conjunction of the superior Planets in Scorpio. A second time yet more mildly, although the plague accompanied it, in the thirty three year after, anno 1518. upon a great opposition of the same Planets in Scorpio and Ta●rus, at which time it plagued the Netherlands and high Almain also. Last of all, three and thirty years after that, in that year 1551. when another conjunction of those Planets in Scorpio took their effects. But perhaps I have insisted too long herein; for, these may seem vain toys to such as attribute nothing at all to celestial influence, and learned experience. near unto this City, Severne fetcheth many a compass, turning and winding in and out, but specially at Rossall, where he maketh such a curving reach that he cometh well near round and meeteth with himself. here about is that most ancient kind of boat in very great use which in the old time they called in Latin Rates commonly, Floats. to wit, Floats, certain pieces of timber joined together with rough planks and raf●ers running overthwart, which serve to convey burdens down the River with the stream: the use and name whereof our countrymen have brought from Rhine in Germany, and term them as the Germans do Flores. By the River side, stand Shrawerden, Shrawerden. a Castle sometime of the Earls of Arundel, but afterwards, belonging to Sir Thomas Bromley, Knocking. late Lord Chancellor of England: Knocking Castle, built by the Lords Le Strange, from whom it descended hereditarily unto the Stanleies Earls of Derby; Nesse. and near unto it Nesse, over which there mounteth up right a craggy cliff, with a cave much talked of: which together with Cheswarden, King Henry the Second gave unto John Le Strange; Barons Le Strange. from whom by diverse branches are sprung the most Honourable families of the Stranges de Knocking, Avindelegh, Ellesmere, Blackmere, Lutheham and Hunstanston in Norfolk. Now from those of Knocking, 20. Ed. 4. when as the last died without any issue male, the inheritance descended by Joan a sole daughter, and the wife of George Stanley, unto the house of Derby. Farther from the River, Oswestre. even upon the West frontier of the shire, lieth Oswestre, or Oswaldstre, in British Croix Oswalds, a little Town enclosed with a ditch and a wall, fortified also with a pretty Castle: and in it there is great traffic, especially of Welsh Cottons of a slight and thin web, Welsh Cortons. which you may call in Latin Levidensas, whereof there is bought and sold here every week great store. It hath the name of Oswald King of the Northumber's (whereas before time it was called Maserfield) whom Penda the Pagan Prince of the Mercians both slew here in a bloody battle, 642. and after he had slain him, with monstrous cruelty tore in pieces. Whence a Christian Poet of good antiquity versified thus of him. Cujus & abscissum caput, abscissosque lacertos, Oswald slain. Et tribus affixos palis pendere cruentus Penda jubet: per quod reliquis exempla relinquat Terroris manifesta sui, regemque beatum Esse probet miserum: sed causam fallit utrámque. Ultor enim fratris minimè timet Oswius illum, Imò timere facit: nec Rex miser, imò beatus Est, qui fonte boni fruitur semel & sine fine. Whose head and limbs dismembered thus, that bloody Penda takes, And causeth to be hanged up, fast fixed on three stakes: His meaning was hereby to strike a terror to the rest, And make him seem a wretched wight, who was a King much blessed. But this his purpose fails in both. Oswy, his brother dear, In his revenge was not afraid, but rather makes him fear: Nor miserable is this Prince, but happy we may say, Who now enjoys the spring of good, and shall enjoy for aye. This Town seemeth to have had the first original from devotion and religion: for, See in Norhthumberland. the Christians of that age, counted it a most holy place; and Bede hath recorded, that here where Oswald was slain, strange miracles have been wrought. But Madoc brother of Mereduc (as Caradoc of Lancarvan writeth) built it, and the Norman Fitz-Allans, who were Lords afterwards thereof, and Earls of Arundel, walled it about▪ The Eclipses of the sun in Aries have been most dangerous unto it: Eclipses in Aries. for, in the years of our Lord 1542. and 1567. when the Eclipses of the sun in Aries wrought their effects, it suffered very grievous loss by fire. And namely after this later Eclipse, the fire spread itself so far, that there were burnt within the Town and suburbs about two hundred houses. A little beneath this Northwestward there is an hill entrenched round about with a threefold ditch (they call it Hen-Dinas, that is, The old palace) The neighbour dwellers say confidently, it hath been a City: but others there be that think it was the Camps of Penda, or Oswald. Scarce three miles from hence standeth Whittington, Whittington. a Castle not long ago of the Fitz-Guarins, who deduced their pedigree from Sir Guarin de Metz, a Loraineis: but he took to wife the daughter and heir of William Peverell, who is reported to have built Whittington, and begat Fulke the Father of that most renowned Sir Fulke Fitzwarin, The life of Fulke, written in French. of whose doubtful deeds and variable adventures in the wars our Ancestors spoke great wonders, and Poems were composed. In the reign of Henry the Third, I find that licence was granted unto Foulk Fitzwarin to strengthen the Castle of Whittington, in competent manner, as appeareth out of the Close rolls in the fifth of King Henry the Third. The dignity of these Barons Fitzwarins, Barons Fitzwarin. had an end in an heir Female, and in the age aforegoing passed by Hancford unto the Bourchiers now Earls of Bath. Beneath this Whittington, one Wrenoc son of Meuric held lands, who for his service ought to be Latimer, Latimer what it signifieth. that is, Truchman or Interpreter, between the English and the Welshmen. This note I out of an old Inquisition, that men may understand what the said name Latimer importeth: which no man almost knew heretofore, and yet it hath been a surname very currant and rise in this kingdom. At the Northwest border of this shire, there offer themselves to be seen, first Shenton the seat of the respective family of the needham's; White-Church. Album Monasterium. Blackemere an ancient Manor of the Lords Le Strange; and than Whitchurch, or Album Monasterium, where I saw some Monuments of the Talbots, but principally of that renowned English Achilles Sir John Talbot the first Earl of Shrewsbury out of this house: whose Epitaph, that the reader may see the form of the Inscriptions, according to that age, I will here put down, although it is little beseeming so worthy and heroical a Knight. ORATE PRO ANIMA PRAENOBILIS DOMINI, DOMINI JOANNIS TALBOT QVONDAM COMITIS SALOPIAE, DOMINI TALBOT, DOMINI FURNIVALL, DOMINI VERDON, DOMINI STRANGE DE BLACK-MERE, ET MARESCALLI FRANCIAE, QUI OBIIT IN BELLO APUD BURDEWS. VII. JULII, M. CCCC.LIII. That is: Pray for the Soul of the right Noble Lord, Sir John Talbot, sometimes Earl of Shrewsburie, Lord Talbot, Lord Furnivall, Lord Verdon, Lord Strange de Black-Mere, and Mareshall of France: Who died in the battle at Burdews. VII. JULII, M. CCCC. LIII. Unto this Family of the Talbots there accrued by marriage-right the inheritance of the Barons Le Strange of Blackmere, who were surnamed Le Strange commonly, and Extranei in Latin records, for that they were strangers brought hither by King Henry the Second, and in short time their house was far propagated. These of Blackmere were much enriched by an heir of W. de Albo-monasterio, or this Whit-Church, and also by one of the heirs of John Lord Giffard of Brimsfield, of ancient Nobility in Gloucestershire, by the only daughter of Walter Lord Clifford. More Westward lieth Ellesmer a little territory, Ellesmer. 1205. but rich and fruitful, which, as the Chronologie of Chester testifieth, King John gave with the Castle, to Lhewellin Prince of North-Wales in marriage, with Joan his base daughter. Afterwards in the time of King Henry the Third it came to the Family of the Stranges. But now it hath his Baron Sir Thomas Egerton, Baron of Ellesmer. a man whom for his singular wisdom and sincere equity Queen Elizabeth chose to be Lord Keeper of the great Seal, and King james making him Lord Chancellor advanced to the highest Honour of the long robe, and withal adorned with the Honourable title of Baron of Ellesmer. Now let us briefly add somewhat of the Earls of Shrewsbury: Earls of Shrewsbury. Roger de Belesmo, otherwise, Montgomery, was created the first Earl of Shrewsbury by King William the Conqueror, unto whom he allotted also the greatest part of this Shire. After him succeeded first, H. Huntingdot in his book of the miseries of life. his eldest son Hugh, slain in Wales without issue. Then Robert another of his sons, a man outrageously cruel toward his own sons and hostages, whose eyes with his own hands he plucked out and gelded. But afterwards being convict of high Treason, he was kept in perpetual prison by King Henry the first, and so suffered condign punishment for his notorious wickedness. Then was his Earldom made over unto Queen Adeliza for her dowry. Many ages after, King Henry the Sixth in the 20. year of his reign, promoted to this honour john Lord Talbot, whom both Nature bred, and his disposition enured unto warlike prowess. And in the 24. year of his reign he bestowed moreover upon the same john, See in Ireland whom in the Patent he calleth Earl of Shrewsbery, and of Weisford, the title of Earl of Waterford, the Barony of Dongarvan, and the Seneschalsie or Stewardship of Ireland. But when he was slain at Castilion upon Dordon near Bordeaux together with his younger son Sir John Talbot Viscount L'isle, after he had four and twenty years together marched with victorious arms over a great part of France; his son john by the daughter and one of the heirs of Sir Thomas Nevil Lord Furnivall, succeeded: who siding with the house of Lancaster was slain fight valorously in the forefront of the battle of Northampton. From him by a daughter of the Earl of Ormond came john the third Earl of Shrewsbury, and Sir Gilbert Talbot Captain of Calais, from whom the Talbots of Graston descended. This third john had by his wife Katherine daughter to H. Duke of Buckingham, George the fourth Earl, who served King Henry the Seventh valiantly and constantly at the battle of Stoke. And he by Anne his wife, daughter of William Lord Hastings, had Francis the fifth Earl who begat of Mary daughter to Thomas Lord Dacre of Gillesland George the sixth Earl, aman of approved fidelity in weighty affairs of State, whose son Gilbert by his wife Gertrud daughter to Thomas Earl of Rutland, the seventh Earl maintaineth at this day his place left unto him by his ancestors, with right great honour and commendation for his virtues. In this region there are Parishes much about 170. CESTRIAE Comitatus- (Romanis Legionibus-et Colonijis olim insignis) vera et. obseluta descriptio CHESHIRE. THE fifth and last of those Countries, which in old time the CORNAVII held, is the County of CHESTER; in the Saxons Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly CHESHIRE, and The County Palatine of Chester, (for that the Earls thereof had Royalties and princely Privileges belonging to them; and all the Inhabitants owed Allegiance and fealty to them, as they did to the King.) As for this term Palatine, County Palatine. that I may rehearse again, that which I have said before of this name, was in times past common to all those, who bore any Office in the King's Court or Palace: and in that age Comes Palatinus, was a Title of Dignity conferred upon him who before was Palatinus, Petr. Pitbaus in the description of Campaine. with authority to hear and determine Causes in his own Territory; and as well his Nobles, whom they called Barons, as his Vassals were bound to repair to the Palace of the said Count, both to give him advise and also to give their attendance, and furnish his Court with their presence. This Country (as William of Malmesbury saith) Is scarce of Corn, Joh. Tilius. but especially of Wheat, yet plentiful in Cat-tail and fish. Howbeit Ranulph the Monk of Chester, affirmeth the contrary: Whatsoever Malmesbury dreamt (saith he) upon the relation of others, it aboundeth with all kind of victuals, plenteous in Corn, flesh, fish, and salmon especially, of the very best: it maintaineth trade with many commodities, and maketh good return. For why, in the Confines thereof it hath salt pits, mines, and metals. And this moreover will I add: the grass and fodder there, is of that goodness and virtue, that cheeses be made here in great number of a most pleasing and delicate taste, The most commendable Cheeses. such as all England again affordeth not the like; no, though the best dayriwomen otherwise and skilfullest in cheese making be had from hence. And whiles I am writing this, I cannot choose but marvel by the way at that which Strabo writeth, That in his time some Britan's could not skill of making Cheese: and that Pliny afterwards wondered: That barbarous Nations, who lived of milk, either knew not or despised, for so many ages, the commodity of Cheese, who otherwise had the feat of crudding it to a pleasant tartness, and to fat butyr. Whereby it may be gathered, that the devise of making Cheese came into Britain from the Romans. But howsoever this Region in fertility of soil cometh behind many Countries in England, yet hath it always bred and reared more Gentry than the rest: For, you have not in all England again any one Province beside, that in old time either brought more valorous Gentlemen into the field, or had more Families in it of Knight's degree. On the Southside it is hemmed in with Shropp shire, on the Eastside with Stafford-shire and Derbyshire, on the North with Lancashire, and on the West, with Denbigh and Flint-shires. Toward the North-West it runneth far into the sea with a long cantle * Wirrall. or Promontory, which being enclosed within two Creeks receiveth the Ocean on both sides entering into the land: into which two Creeks also all the Rivers of this Shire do discharge themselves. Into that Creek which is more Western passeth the River Dee that divideth the country from Denbigh-shire: into that on the Eastside, both Wever, which runneth through the mids of the Shire, and Mersey also, that parteth it from Lancashire, issue themselves. Neither see I any better way of describing this County, than if I follow the very tracts of these Rivers. For, all the places of greatest note, are situate by the sides of them. But before I enter into any particular description, I will first propose out of Lucian the Monk, thus much in commendation of Cheshire: for he is a rare Author and lived a little after the Conquest. If any man be desirous (saith he) either fully, Lucian the Monk, of the praise of Chester. or as near as may be, to treat of the Inhabitants, according to the disposition of their manners, in respect of others that live in sundry places of the Realm. They are found to be partly different from the rest of English, partly better, and partly equal unto them. But they seem especially (the best point to be considered in general trial of manners) in feasting friendly, at meat cheerful, in giving entertainment liberal, soon angry, but not much, and as soon pacified, lavish in words, impatient of servitude, merciful to the afflicted, compassionate toward the poor, kind to their kindred, spary of their labour, void of dissimulation and doubleness of heart, nothing greedy in eating, far from dangerous practices, yet by a certain licentious liberty, bold in borrowing many times other men's goods. They abound in Woods and pastures, they are rich in flesh and Cat-tail, confining on the one side upon the Welsh Britan's, and by a long intercourse and transfusion of their manners, for the most part like unto them. This also is to be considered, in what sort the Country of Chester enclosed upon one side with the limit of the Wood Lime, by a certain distinct privilege from all other Englishmen is free, and by the Indulgences of Kings and Excellencies of Earls hath been wont in Assemblies of the people to attend upon the Earl's sword rather than the King's Crown: and within their precinct to hear, and determine the greatest matters with more liberty. Chester itself is a place of receipt for the Irish, a neighbour to the Welsh, and plentifully served with Corn by the English: Finely seated, with Gates anciently built, approved in hard and dangerous difficulties. In regard of the River and prospect of the eye together, worthy according to the name to be called a City: guarded with watch of holy and religious men, and, through the mercy of our Saviour, always fenced and fortified with the merciful assistance of the Almighty. Deva. The River * The River Dee. Dee, called in Latin Deva, in British Dyffyr-dwy, that is, the water of Dwy, breeding very great plenty of Salmon, ariseth out of two fountains in Wales; and thereof men think it took the name: for Dwy in their tongue signifieth Two. Yet others, observing also the signification of the word, interpret it Blackwater, others again, God's water, or Divine water. But although Ausonius noteth that a Spring hallowed to the Gods was named Diuvona in the ancient Gauls tongue (which was all one with the British) and in old time all Rivers were reputed, Divona. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Descending from Heaven, yea and our Britan's yielded divine honour unto Rivers, as Gildas writeth, yet I see not why they should attribute Divinity to this River Dwy above all others. The Thessalians, as we read, gave to the River Paeneus divine honour, for the pleasantness thereof; the Scythians to Danubius for the largeness; the Germans to Rhine because it was counted a judge in the question of true and undefiled wedlock: But wherefore they should impose a divine name upon this River I see no reason, as I said before, unless peradventure, because now and then it changed the Channel, and thereby foreshowed a sure token of Victory to the Inhabitants upon it, when they were in hostility one with another, according as it inclined more to this side or to that, after it had left the Channel: for, thus hath Giraldus Cambrensis recorded, who in some sort believed it: Or else, because they observed that contrary to the wont manner of other Rivers, upon the fall of much rain it arose but little, and so often as the South wind beateth long upon it, it swelleth and extraordinarily overfloweth the grounds adjoining. Peradventure also the Christian Britan's thought the water of this River to be holy: For, it is written, that when they stood ready to join battle with the English Saxons and had kissed the earth, they drank also very devoutly of this River, in memorial of Christ's most sacred and precious blood. But, Dee which seemeth to rush rather than to run out of Wales, no sooner is entered into Cheshire but he passeth more mildly with a slower stream by BONIUM, Bonium. in some written copies of Antonine, BOVIUM, a City that had been of great name in that age, and afterward a famous Monastery. Of the Chore or choir whereof, it was called by the Britan's Bon-chor and Banchor, Banchor. of the ancient English 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Banchor, and among many good and godly men, it fostered and brought up (as some write) that most wicked Arch-heretick Pelagius, who injuriously derogating from the grace of God, troubled a long time the West Church with his pestiferous Doctrine. Prosper Aquitanus in this Verse of his, termeth him the British Adder, or Land-snake. Pestifero vomuit coluber sermone Britannus. A British Snake, with venomous tongue, Hath vomited his poison strong. Neither have I made mention of him for any other reason, but because it is behoveable to each one to know vices and venims. In this Monastery, as saith Bede, There was such a number of Monks that being divided into seven portions, which had every of them a several head and Ruler over them, yet every one of these had no fewer than three hundred men who were wont to live all of their handy labour, Of whom Edilfred King of the Nordanhumbers slew 12. hundred, because they had implored in their prayers Christ's assistance for the Christian Britan's against the English-Saxons, Monkery. than infidels. The profession of this Monastical life (that I may digress a little) began, when Pagan Tyrant's enraged against Christians pursued them with bloody persecutions. For than good devout men, that they might serve God in more safety and security, withdrew themselves into the vast Wildernesses of Egypt, Rutilius Claudius. and not (as the Painims are wont with open mouth to give it out) for to enwrap themselves willingly in more miseries because they would not be in misery. Where they scattered themselves among Mountains and Deserts, living in caves and little cells here and there in holy meditations. At first solitary and alone, whereupon in Greek they were called Monachi, that is, Monks: but after they thought it better (as the sociable nature of mankind required) to meet together at certain times to serve God, and at length they began to cohabite and live together for mutual comfort, rather than like wild beasts to walk up and down in the Deserts. Their profession was to pray, and by the labour of their own hands, to get living for themselves, and maintenance for the poor, and withal they vowed poverty, obedience and chastity. Athanasius first brought this kind of Monks consisting of Laymen into the West Church. Whereunto after that Saint Austen in Africa, Saint Martin in France, and congel in Britain and Ireland had adjoined the function of Regular Clergy: It is incredible, how far and wide they spread, how many and how great Coenobies were built for them, so called of their communion of life; as also Monasteries, for that they kept still a certain show of solitary living: and in those days none were more sacred and holy than they, and accordingly they were reputed; considering how by their prayers to God, by their example, Doctrine, labour, and industry, they did exceeding much good not only to themselves, but also to all mankind. But as the world grew worse and worse, so those their holy manners, as one said, rebus cessere secundis, that is, Gave backward in time of prosperity. Now let me return unto my matter, craving your pardon for this short digression. After these days, this Monastery fell utterly to ruin; That Banchor of which Saint Bernard speaketh in the life of Malachi was in Ireland for, in the time of William of Malmesbury who lived presently after the Normans coming in, There remained here, as he saith, so many tokens of Antiquity, so many walls of Churches half down, so many windings and turnings of Gates, such heaps of rubbish and rammell, as hardly a man should have found elsewhere. But now is left to be seen scarcely the face and outward show of a dead City or Monastery, and the names only remain of two Gates Port Hoghan and Port Cleis, which stand a mile asunder, between which are found very oft pieces of the Romans money. Bonium or Banchor is of Flintshire. But, that I may tell you of one thing, this BoNIUM or Banchor is not reckoned within this County but in Flintshire; a piece whereof severed (as it were) from the rest lieth here between Cheshire and Shropp-shire. Dee, where he entereth first into this shire seeth above him not far from his bank, Malpas, upon an high hill: which had in it a Castle; and for the bad, narrow, and cumbrous way was termed in Latin Mala platea, that is, Ilstreet, and thence also took this later name Mal-pas from the Normans, Out of the Rol of doomsday of Chel-shire, Barons of Mal-pas. whereas in times past the Englishmen, almost in the very same sense, called it Depenbach. The Barony hereof Hugh Earl of Chester gave to Robert Fitz-Hugh: In the Reign of Henry the Second, William Patrick the son of William Patrick held the same: of whose line Robert Patrick standing outlawed, lost it. After some few years David of Mal-pas by * Per breve recognitionis. a Writ of Recognisance, got the one half of that Town which was Gilbert Clerks: But a great part of this Barony went afterwards hereditarily to those Suttons that are Barons of Dudley: and a part also thereof came to Urian Sampire. And from Philip a younger son of David of Mal-pas, is descended that worshipful family of the egerton's, who took this name from the place of their habitation: like as from other places, divers Gentlemen of this Race received their surnames Cotgrave, Overton, Codington, and Golborn. As touching the name of this place, give me leave before I depart hence, in this serious work, to insert a pretty jest out of Giraldus Cambrensis. It happened, saith he, in our dates, that a certain Jew travailing towards Shrewsbury, with the Archdeacon of this place, Itinerar. lib. 2. cap. 13. whose surname was Peche, that is, Sin, and a Deane named Devil; when he heard by chance the Archdeacon telling, That his Archdeaconry began at a place called Ilstreet, and reached as far as to Mal-pas toward Chester: He considering and understanding withal as well the Archdeacon's surname as the Deans, came out with this pleasant and merry conceit, Would it not be a wonder (quoth he) and my fortune very good, if ever I get safe again out of this country, where Sin is the Archdeacon, and the Devil the Dean; where the entry into the Archdeaconry is Ilstreet, and the going forth of it, Mal-pas. Shoclach. From hence Dee runneth down amain by Shoclach, where sometime was a Castle, by Aldford, belonging in times passed to the Arderns; by Poulefourd, where in the Reign of Henry the Third, Sir Raulph of Ormesby had his Castle, and by Eton the seat of the famous Family of Gros-venour, Gros-venour. that is, The great Hunter, whose posterity now corruptly go under the name of Gravenor. Somewhat higher, upon the same River near unto Deemouth, which Ptolomee calleth SETEIA for Deia, standeth the noble City which the said Ptolomee named DEUNANA, Deunana. Deva. Antonine the Emperor DEVA, of the River, the Britan's Caerlegion, Caer-Leon Vaur, Caer-Leon are Dufyr Dwy, and by way of excellency Caer, like as our Ancestors, the English Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, of the Legions Camp, and we more short, Chester. West-Chester, of the West situation, and simply Chester, according to the Verse. Cestria de castris nomen quasi Castria sumpsit. Chester of Castria took the name, As if that Castria were the same. For these British names, without all doubt were derived from the Twentieth Legion named Victrix: This Legion in the year that Galba the Emperor was the second time Consul, together with Titus Vinius, was transported over into Britain which being out of awe and therefore dreaded of the Lieutenants, as well those which had been Consuls as Pretours, had Julius Agricola appointed Lieutenant over it by Vespasian the Emperor; was at length placed and seated in this City which I suppose was not built many years before, and set as one would say at the back of the ORDOVICES, to restrain them: although there are some, who avouch it to be of greater antiquity, as they say than the Moon: as founded forsooth by Leon-Vaur the Giant, I know not how many hundred years before. But the very name itself might give the check unto these trivial Antiquaries, and withhold them from so gross an error. For, they cannot deny, but that Leon-Vaur in British signifieth A great Legion. Now, whether it stands more with reason and equity, that a City should take name of a Great Legion, than of Leon a Giant, let the learned judge; seeing, that in the part of Spain called Tarraconensis, there is a Realm now called Leon of the seventh Legion Germanica; considering also, that the twentieth Legion, which they termed Britannica, Valens Victrix, and some falsely Valeria Victrix, abode in this City, as Ptolomee, Antonine, and the ancient Coin of Septimius Geta do prove: by which, it appeareth for certain, that this City also was a Colony: For, in the reverse or backside thereof standeth this Inscription COL. DIVANA LEG. XX. VICTRIX. Chester, a Colony of the Romans. But to testify the Romans magnificence, there are remaining indeed at this day very few tokens, beside pavements of four square chequer work: howbeit in the former ages it presented many: which, Ranulph a Monk of this City shall tell you out of his Polychronicon in these his own words. There be ways here under the ground vaulted marveilously with stone work, chambers having arched roofs over head, huge stones engraven with the names of ancient men: here also are sometimes digged up pieces of money coined by Julius Caesar and other famous persons, and stumped with their inscriptions. Likewise Roger of Chester in his Policraticon, When I behold (saith he) the ground work of buildings in the streets laid with monstrous big stones, it seemeth that it hath been founded by the painful labour of Romans or Giants, rather than by the sweat of Britan's. This City built in form of a quadrant, four square, is enclosed with a wall that taketh up more than two miles in compass, * and hath eleven parishes. But that of S. John's without the Northgate was the fairest, being a stately and solemn building, as appeareth by the remains, wherein were anciently Prebendaries, and, as some write, the Bishops See. near unto the River standeth the Castle upon a rocky hill, built by the Earls: where the Courts Palatine, and the Assizes, as they call them, are kept twice a year. The houses are very fair built and along the chief streets are galleries or walking places, The Rows. they call them Rows having shops on both sides, through which a man may walk dry from one end unto the other. But it hath not continued evermore in one tenor of prosperity. First it was razed by Egfrid King of Northumberland, then by the Danes, yet re-edified again by Aedelfled Lady of the Mercians: and soon after it saw King Eadgar in magnificent manner triumphing over the British Princes. For, Marianus Scotus. sitting himself in a Barge at the foredeck, Kennadie King of the Scots, Malcoline King of Cumberland, About the year. Macon King of Mann and of the Islands, with all the Princes of Wales brought to do homage, 960. and like watermen working at the Ore, rowed him along the River Dee, in a triumphant show, to his great glory and joy of the beholders. Certain years after, and namely about the year of our Redemption 1094. when as in a devour and religious emulation, as one saith, Princes strove avie, That Cathedral Churches and Ministers should be erected in a more decent and seemly form, Churches repaired. Rodulphus Glaber. and when as Christendom roused as it were herself, and casting away her old habiliments, did put on every where the bright and white robe of Churches; Hugh the first of the Norman blood, that was Earl of Chester, repaired the Church which Earl Loefrick had formerly founded in honour of the Virgin Saint Werburga, and by the advice of Anselm, whom he had procured to come out of Normandy granted the same unto Monks. And now, it is notorious for the Tomb of Henry the Fourth, Emperor of Almain, who as they say gave over his Empire and lived here an Eremits life; and for the Bishops See, therein established. Which See immediately after the Normans Conquest, Peter Bishop of Lichfield, translated from Lichfield hither: but when it was brought to Coventry, and from thence into the ancient seat again, West-Chester lay a long time bereavest of this Episcopal Dignity, until in our father's days King Henry the Eighth, having thrust out the Monks, ordained Prebendaries, and restored a Bishopagaine, under whom for his Dioecesse he appointed this County, Lancashire, Richmond, etc. and appointed the same to be within the Province of the Archbishop of York. But return we now to matters of greater antiquity. When as now the said Cathedral Church was built, the Earls that were of the Normans line, fortified the City both with Walls and Castle. For as the Bishop held of the King that which belongeth to his Bishopric (these are the words of doomsday book made by King William the Conqueror) so the Earls with their men held of the King wholly, all the rest, of the City. It paid Geld or Tribute for fifty hides: and four hundred and thirty and one houses were thus Geldable: and seven Mint-masters. When the King himself in person came thither every Carrucata yielded unto him two hundred Hestas, and one turn full of Ale, and one Rusca of butyr. And in the same place, for the reedification of the City wall and the bridge, the Provost gave warning by an edict, that out of every hide in the County one man should come: and look whose man came not, his Lord or Master was sinned in forty shillings to the King and the Earl. If I should particulate the scufflings and skirmishes here about between the Welsh and the English in the beginning of the Normans time, their inroads and outrodes, the often scarfires of the Suburbs of Hanbrid beyond the Bridge, whereupon the Welshmen call it Treboeth, that is, The burnt town, as also the Wall made there of Welshman's skulls that went a great length, I should seem to forget myself and thrust my sickle into the Historians Harvest. But ever since the said time, hath Chester notably flourished, and King Henry the Seventh made it a County by itself incorporate. Neither wanteth any thing there that may be required in a most flourishing City, but that the Ocean being offended and angry (as it were) at certain Mills in the very channel of the River Dee, hath by little withdrawn himself back, and affordeth not unto the City the commodity of an Haven, as heretofore. The Longitude of this place is twenty Degrees and three and twenty Scruples: the Latitude three and fifty Degrees and eleven Scruples. If you desire to know more touching this City, have here these reports out of Lucian that Monk abovesaid, who lived almost five hundred years ago. First, it is to be considered, that Chester is built as a City, the site whereof inviteth and allureth the eye, which being situate in the West parts of Britain, was in time past a place of receipt to the Legions coming a far off to repose themselves, and served sufficiently to keep the Keys, as I may say, of Ireland, for the Romans, to preserve the limit of their Empire. For, being opposite to the North-East part of Ireland, it openeth way for passage of ships and Mariners with spread sail passing not often but continually to and fro, as also for the commodities of sundry sorts of Merchandise. And whiles it casteth an eye forward into the East; it looketh toward not only the See of Rome and the Emperor thereof, but the whole world also: so that it standeth forth as a kenning place to the view of eyes: that there may be known valiant exploits, and the long train and consequents of things; as also whatsoever throughout the world hath been done by all persons, in all places, and at all times: and what ever hath been all done may also be avoided and taken heed of. Which City having four Gates from the four cardinal Winds on the East side, hath a prospect toward India, on the West toward Ireland, Northeastward the greater Norway, and Southward that straight and narrow Angle, which divine severity, by reason of civil and home-discords, hath left unto the Britan's. Which long since by their bitter variance have caused the name of Britain to be changed into the name of England. Over and beside, Chester hath by God's gift a River to enrich and adorn it, the same fair and fishfull, hard by the City Walls: and on the South side a road and harbour for ships coming from Gascoine, Spain, and Germany, which with the help and direction of Christ, by the labour and wisdom of Merchants, repair and refresh the heart of the City with many good things: that we being comforted every way by our God's Grace, may also drink Wine often, more frankly and plenteously: because those Countries enjoy the fruit of the Vineyards abundantly; Moreover the open Sea ceaseth not to visit it every day with a Tide, which according as the broad shelves and bars of sands are opened or hidden by Tides and Ebbs incessantly, is wont more or less, either to send or exchange one thing or other, and by his reciprocal Flow and returns, either to bring in or to carry out somewhat. From the City, Northwestward, there shooteth out a languet of land, or Promontory of the main land into the Sea, enclosed on the one side with Dee mouth, on the other side with the River Mersey: Wirall. we call it Wirall: the Welsh Britan's, for that it is an Angle, term it Kill-gury. In old time it was all forest and not inhabited, as the Dwellers report, but King Edward the Third disforested it: Yet now, beset it is with Towns on every side: howbeit more beholding to the Sea than to the Soil: for, the land beareth small plenty on Corn, the water yieldeth great store of fish. At the entry into it on the South side standeth Shotwich a Castle of the Kings, upon the salt water: Upon the North standeth Hooten, a Manor, which in King Richard the Second his time, came to the Stanleys, who fetch their Pedigree from Alane Silvestre upon whom Ranulph the first of that name, Earl of Chester, conferred the Bailly-wick of the Forest of Wirall, by delivering unto him an horn. Close unto this is Poole, from whence the Lords of the place that have a long time flourished, took their name: and hard by it Stanlaw, as the Monks of that place interpret it, Law, what it is. A Stony hill: where John Lacie Connestable of Chester founded a little Monastery, which afterward by reason of inundations was translated to Whaley in Lancashire. 1173. In the utmost brink of this Promontory, lieth a small, hungry, barren, and sandy Isle, Il-bre. called Il-bre, which had sometime a little Cell of Monks in it. More within the Country and Eastward from Wirall, you meet with a famous Forest, named the Forest of Delamere, the Foresters whereof by hereditary succ●ssion, are the Dawns of Vtkimon, descended of a worshipful stock, from Ranulph de Kingleigh, unto whom Ranulph the first, Earl of Chester gave that Forestership, to be held by right of inheritance. In this Forest Aedelfled, the famous Mercian Lady, built a little City called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, by interpretation, Happy Town, which now having quite lost itself hath likewise lost that name, and is but an heap of rubbish and rammell, which they call, The Chamber in the Forest. And about a mile or two from hence, are to be seen the ruins of Finborrow, Finborrow. another Town built by the same Lady Aedelfled. Through the upper part of this Forest the River Wever runneth, which ariseth out of a Pool in the South side of the Shire at Ridly, Ridly. the dwelling house of the worshipful Family of the egerton's: who flowered out of the Barons of Melpas, as I have said. near hereunto is Bunbury contractly so called for Boniface Bury, for Saint Boniface was the Patron Saint there, where the Egertous built a College for Priests. Over against which is Beeston which gave surname to an ancient family, and where upon a steep rising hill, Beeston. Beeston Castle towereth aloft with a turretted wall of a great circuit. This Castle the last Ranulph Earl of Chester built: whereof Leland our Countryman being rapt both with a Poetical and Prophetical fury, writeth thus. Assyrio rediens victor Ranulphus ab orbe, Hoc posuit Castrum terrorem gentibus olim Vic●uis, patriaeque suae memorabile vallum. Nunc licet indignas patiatur fracta ruinas, Tempus erit quando rursus caput exeret altum, Vatibus antiquis si fas mihi credere vati. When Ranulph from Assyria returned with victory; As well the neighbour Nations to curb and terrify, As for to sense his own Country, this famous Fort he raised, Whilom a stately things, but now the pride thereof is razed. And yet though at this present time, it be in mean estate With cracks and breaches much defaced, and foully ruinate; The day will come when it again the head aloft shall heave, If ancient Prophets I myself a Prophet, may believe. But to return to the River, Wever first holdeth his course Southward, not far from Woodhay, Woodhay. where dwelled a long time that family of the Wilburhams knights in great reputation; Bulkley. also by Bulkeley and Cholmondley which imparted their names to worshipful houses of knight's degree; not far off on the one hand from Baddeley the habitation in times passed of the ancient Family de Praerijs: of the other, from Cumbermer, in which William Malbedeng founded a little religious house. 1134. Where this River cometh to the South limit of this Shire, it passeth through low places; wherein, as also elsewhere, Trees under ground. the people find oftentimes and get out of the ground, trees that have lain buried, as it is thought, there, ever since Noah's flood. But afterwards, watering fruitful fields, he taketh to him out of the East a riveret by which standeth Wibbenbury, so called of Wibba, King of the Mercians. Hard to it lie, Hatherton, the seat in old time of the Orbetes, then of the Corbetts, but now of the Smiths; Dodinton, the possession of the Delvesies; Batherton, of the Griphins; Shavinton of the Wodenoths (who by that name may seem to have descended from the English Saxons) beside the places of other famous Families wherewith this County every where aboundeth. From thence runneth Wever down by Nant-wich, Saltpits. not far from Middlewich, and so to Northwich. These are very famous Salt-wiches, five or six miles distant asunder, where brine or salt water is drawn out of Pits, which they pour not upon wood while it burneth; as the ancient Gauls and Germans were wont to do, but boil over the Fire, to make Salt thereof. Neither doubt I, that these were known unto the Romans and that form hence was usually paid the Custom for salt called Salarium. For, there went a notable high way from Middlewich to Northwich, raised with gravel to such an height, that a man may easily acknowledge that it was a work of the Romans, seeing that all this Country over, gravel is so scarce: and from thence at this day it is carried to private men's uses. Matthew Paris writeth, that King Henry the Third stopped up these Salt-pits, when in hostile manner he wasted this Shire: because the Welshmen, so tumultuous in those days, should not have any victuals or provision from thence. But when the fair beams of peace began once to shine out, they were opened again. Nantwich, Nantwich. which the River Wever first visiteth, is reputed the greatest and fairest built Town of all this Shire after Chester, the Britan's call it Hellath wen, that is, The white Which, or Salt pit, because the whitest salt is there boiled: and such as writ in Latin named it Vicus Malbanus, haply of one William named Malbedeng and Malbanc, unto whom, at the Normans Conquest of England, it was allotted. It hath one only Salt pit, they call it the Brine pit, about some fourteen foot from the River, out of which they convey salt water by troughes of wood into houses adjoining, wherein there stand little barrels pitched fast in the ground, which they fill with that water, and at the ringing of a bell, they begin to make fire under the leads; whereof they have six in every house, and therein seeth the said water: then certain women, they call them waller's, with little wooden rakes fetch up the salt from the bottom, and put it in baskets, they call them Salt barrow's, out of which the liquor runneth, and the pure salt remaineth. The Church (and but one they have) is passing fair, and belonged, as I have heard, unto to abbey of Cumbermer: from hence, Wever holding on his course crooked enough, is augmented with a brook coming out of the East, which runneth down from Crew, a place inhabited in old time by a notable family of that name. And farther yet from the West side of the River, Calveley. Calveley showeth itself, which gave both habitation and name to the worthy Family of the Calveleys, out of which in the Reign of Richard the Second, Sir Hugh Calveley Knight, was for his Chivalry in France so renowned, that there occurred no hardy exploit but his prowess would go through it. From thence Wever hieth apace by Minshall, the house of the Minshuls, Vale royal. and by Vale Royal, an abbey founded by King Edward the First in a most pleasant valley, where now dwelleth the ancient Family of the Holcrofts, unto Northwich, Northwich. in British called Hellath Du, that is, The black salt pit: where also very near the brink of the river Dan, there is a most plentiful and deep Brine-pit, with stairs made about it, by which they that draw water out of it in leather buckets, ascend half naked into the troughes, and pour it thereinto, by which it is carried into the which houses, about which there stand on every side many stakes and piles of wood. here Wever receiveth into his Channel the River Dan, whose tract and stream I will now follow. This Dan or more truly Daven, flowing out of those hills which on the East side sever Staffordshire from Cheshire, runneth along to CONDATE a town mentioned by Antonine the Emperor, now called corruptly Congleton, the middle whereof the little brook Howty, on the East side Daning-schow, and Northward Dan itself, watereth. And albeit this Town for the greatness and frequency thereof, hath deserved to have a Major and six Aldermen, yet hath it but a Chapel and no more: and the same made of timber, unless it be the choir and a little Towre-steeple, which acknowledgeth Astbury about two miles off, her mother-Church: which verily is a very fair Church, the West Porch whereof is equal in height to the very Church as high as it is, and hath a spire steeple adjoining thereto. In the Churchyard lie two portraitures of Knights upon Sepulchers, in whose Shields are two bars. But for that they be without their colours, hardly can any man say, whether of the Breretons, Manwarings or Venables, which are the most noble Families in those parts, and indeed such Bars do they bear in their Coats of Arms, but in diverse colours. Then cometh Daven to Davenport, commonly Damport, which hath adopted into her own name a notable family: and Holmeschappell, a Town well known to waifaring men: where within the remembrance of our Grandfathers, I. Needham built a Bridge: near unto which, at Rudheath there was sometimes a place of refuge and Sanctuary as well for the Inhabitants of this Shire as strangers, who had trespassed against the laws; that there they might abide in security for a year and a day. Then runneth it under Kinderton the old seat of the ancient race of the Venables; who ever since the first coming in of the Normans have been of name and reputation here, and commonly are called Barons of Kinderton. Beneath this, Southward, the little river Croco runneth also into Dan, which flowing out of the Pool called Bagmere passeth by Brereton: which, as it hath given name to the worshipful, ancient and numerous family of the Breretons knights; so Sir William Brereton knight, hath of late added very much credit and honour to the place, by a magnificent and sumptuous house that he hath there built. A wonder it is that I shall tell you, and yet no other than I have heard verified upon the credit of many credible persons, and commonly believed: That before any heir of this house of the Breretons dyeth, there be seen in a Pool adjoining, bodies of trees swimming for certain days together. Like unto that which Leonardus Vairus reporteth from the testimony of Cardinal Granvell, namely, Lib. 2. de Fascino. that near unto the abbey of Saint Maurice in Burgundy, there is a fishpond, in which are fishes put according to the number of the Monks of that place: And if any one of them happen to be sick, there is a fish seen also to float, and swim above the water half dead: and if the Monk shall dye, the said fish a few days before dieth. As touching these matters, if they be true, I wrote not what to say: for, I am no Wizard to interpret such strange wonders; But these and such like things are done either by the holy trutelar Angels of men, Angels, Devils. or else by the devils who by God's permission mightily show their power in this inferior world. For, both the sorts of them being intelligent natures, upon a deliberate purpose and to some certain end, and not for nought, work strange things. The Angels seek after and aim at the safety and health of mankind: the devils chose plot to mischieve, vex, or else to delude them. But all this may seem impertinent to our purpose. Croak the Riveret aforesaid, being past Brereton, within a while after visiteth Middlewich, Middlewich. near unto his confluence with Dan, where there be two Welles of sale water parted one from the other by a small Brook; Sheatbes they call them: the one stands not open, but at certain set times, because folk willingly steal the Water thereof, as being of greater virtue and efficacy. From hence runneth Dan to Bostoke, Bostock. in times past Botestoc, the ancient seat of the Family of the Bostokes Knights, which by the marriage with A●ne only Daughter of Raulph, son of heir to Sir Adam Bostokes knight, passed together with a very great livelode unto Sir John Savage. Out of this ancient house of the Bostokes, as out of a stock, sprung a goodly number of the same name, in Cheshire, Shropp-shire, Berkshire and elsewhere. When as Dan now, beneath Northwich that I spoke of, hath united his steam with Wever, Pever. than Wever runneth forthright, and taketh in from the East, Pever, that floweth hard by Pever and giveth it the name: where, that ancient notable Family of Meinilwarin, commonly Manewaring is seated; out of which Raulph married the daughter of Hugh Kevelioc Earl of Chester, as appeareth by an old Charter in the custody of Ranulph the heir now of the samehouse. From thence speedeth Wever by Winington which gave both habitation and name to the renowned family of the Winingtons'; and not far from Merbury, which being so called of a Mere under it, conferred likewise the name upon that respective ancient Family of the Merburies'. Hence the River holdeth on his course near unto Dutton, Dutton. the Inheritance of that great and worthy Family of Duttons, who derive their descent from one Hudard, allied to the Earls of Chester: and who by an old order and custom have great authority over all the pipers, fiddlers, and minstrels of this Province, ever since that one of the Duttons a young Gentleman full of spirit and active withal, having hastily gathered a tumultuary power of those kind of people, Chronicle of Walls. valiantly delivered Ranulph the last Earl of Chester from danger, when he was beset with Welsh enemies. Neither must I pass over in silence Nether Whitley in this tract, Towchet. out of which came the Tuschetts or Towchetts, who are now Barons Audley. By this time Wever aforesaid flowing between Prodesham a Castle of ancient note and Clifton, Rock-Savage. now Rock-Savage, an house of the Savages new built, who here by marriage attained to rich and fair revenues; entereth at length into Mersey mouth. And this is so called of the River Mersey, which running as a bounder between Cheshire and Lancashire, is there at length discharged into the Sea, after it hath among other small towns of meaner note watered Stockport, which had sometime a Baron, of the Earls of Chester, and Warburgton so named of S. Werburgh, the habitation of a family thereof surnamed, but branched from the Duttons: Hereby it entertaineth the River Bollin out of that spacious Forest of Maclesfield. Upon this Bollin standeth Maclesfield one of the fairest Towns of this Country, Maclesfield. which gave name unto that Forest: where T. Savage, first Bishop of London, and afterwards Archbishop of York, built a College, wherein some of that Race of the Savages lie entombed: also Dunham, which from Sir Hamon of Masey, by the Fittones and Venables descended hereditarily unto the Family of Booth. From thence Mersey cometh to Thelwall before it be far passed Knotsford, that is, Canutus his Ford; which is divided into the upper and the neither: also to Lee; from whence there is a Family bearing the same surname, that is not only of gentle blood and of especial note, but also far and fairly propagated into a number of branches. Thelwall. As for Thelwall, now it is an obscure Village, but in times past a large Town, built by King Edward the elder, and so called, as Florilegus witnesseth, of bodies of trees the boughs being cut off, firmly fastened in the ground wherewith he walled it round. For the Saxons in their tongue called the Trunks and bodies of Trees, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and a Wall, as we do now. Runkhorne. Elfled or Ethelfled At the very mouth of the River standeth Runkborne, founded in the same age by Lady Edelflede commonly called E●fled, and brought now by the mutability of time to a few cottages. This lady Edelfleda (to tell you at once, of whom I have oft made mention) sister to K. Edward the elder, and wife to Ethelred a pe●y King of the Mercians, after her husband's death, governed the Mercians in most dangerous and troublesome times, for eight years, with high commendation: touching whom these laudatory Verses in praise of her, we read in the History of Henry of Huntingdon. O Elfleda potens, o terror virgo virorum, Victrix naturae, nomine digna viri. To, quo splendidior fieres, natura puellam, Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri. Te mutare decet, sed solam, nomina sexus, Tu regina potens, Rexque trophaea parans, Jam nec Caesarci tantum meruere triumphi, Caesare splendidior virgo virago, vale. O mighty Elfled, vigin pure, that men dost terrify, And nature pass, right worthy thou, in name, man to be. To grace thee more, dame Nature once thee shaped a maiden brave, But virtue thee hath caused now the name of man to have. It thee becomes, but thee alone, the name of Sex to change: Of great Queens and triumphant Kings thou standest in the range. From Caesar's triumphs for desert thou bearest away the bell, No Caesar ever was thy match: Thus, Manly-maide, fare well. Beneath Runckhorne, somewhat within the Country, Haulton, the Town and Castle both show themselves, which Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester gave unto Niel a Norman, to be by tenure and service Constable of Chester: by whose posterity, through the variable change of times, it is come unto the House of Lancaster. Neither would this be overpassed in silence, that William the said Nieles son, founded the abbey adjoining, at Norton, which now appertaineth to the Broks of ancient descent. Whether I should place in this Shire, or elsewhere the CANGI, an ancient Nation of Britan's, that have been so much and so long sought for, I have as long and as much doubted: For continuance of time hath now so obscured them, that hitherto by no footings they could be traced and found out. And albeit Justus Lipsius that Flower of exquisite learning taketh me for a Judge herein, I frankly confess, I know not what judgement to give, and rather would I commend this office of judging to any other man, than assume it to myself. Yet nevertheless, if CEANGI and CANGI were the same, as why not? it may be probable enough, that they were seated in this tract. For, whiles I perused these my labours, I understood by some of good credit, that there were here upon the very shore gotten out of the ground twenty sows of lead long in form, but four square: On the upper part whereof in an hollow surface is to be read this inscription. IMP. DOMIT. AUG. GER. DE CEANG. But on the other. IMP. VESP. VII. T. IMP. V. COSS. In the year of Christ 78. Which Monument seemeth to have been erected for a Victory over the Cangi. Hereto maketh also the very site upon the Irish sea: Anno. 51. For, thus writeth Tacitus in the 12. book of his Annals. Whiles Nero was Emperor; There was an Army led by Ostorius against the Cangi: the fields were wasted, booties raised every where, for that the enemies durst not come into the field: but if they attempted closely and by stealth to cut off the Army as it marched, they paid for their deceitful cunning. Now were they no sooner come near unto the Sea-Coast toward Ireland, but certain tumults and insurrections among the brigants, brought the General back. But by the inscription abovesaid, it should seem that they were not subdued before Domitian's time: and then by computation of the times; when as that most warlike Julius Agricola was Propretour in Britain. Ptolomee likewise placed the Promontory KARRAN●N, that is, of the Cangi on this shore. Neither dare I seek elsewhere than in this tract that Station CONGANII, where, in the declining estate of the Roman Empire, a Company or Band called Vigiles, that is, watchmans, with their Captain under the Dux Britanniae, kept watch and ward. Notwithstanding I leave to every man for me his own judgement herein, as in all things else of this nature. Touching the Earls, that I may pass over the English Saxons, Earls only by office and not by inheritance: Earls of Chester. king William the first created Hugh surnamed Lupus, son to the Viscount of Auranches in Normandy the first hereditary Earl of Chester and Count Palatine, and gave unto him and his heirs all this County to be holden as freely by his sword, as the King himself held England by his Crown (For these are the words of the Donation:) who forthwith appointed under him these Barons, viz. Niele Baron of Haulton, whose posterity afterwards took the name of Lacy's, for that the Lacy's inheritance had fallen unto them, Barons to the Earls of Chester. and were Earls of Lincoln: Robert Baron of Monthault, Seneschal of the County of Chester, the last of whose line, having no issue, ordained by his last Will Isabel Queen of England, and John of Eltham Earl of Cornwall, his heirs: William Malbedeng Baron of Malbanc, whose nephews daughters, by marriage brought the inheritance to the Vernons and Basset's: Richard Vernon Baron of Shipbroke, whose inheritance for default of heirs males in the end came by the sisters unto the Wilburbams, Staffords, and Littleburies': Robert Fitz-Hugh Baron of Malpas, who, as it seemeth, died, as I said before, without issue: Hamon de Masey, whose possessions descended to the Fittens of Bollin: Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton, whose posterity in the right line have continued and flourished unto these our days: N. Baron of Stockeport; to whom at length the Warrens of Pointon, budded out of the honourable family of the Earls of Warren and Surry, in right of marriage succeeded. And these were all the Barons of the Earls of Chester that ever I could hitherto find: Who, as it is written in an old Book, Had their free Courts of all Pleas and Suits or Complaints, except those Pleas which belong unto the Earl's sword. And their Office was, To assist the Earl in Council, to yield him dutiful attendance, and oftentimes to repair unto his Court for to do him honour, and, as we find in old parchment Records, Bound they were in time of war in Wales, to find for every Knight's fee, one horse with caparison and furniture, or else two without, within the Divisions of Cheshire: Also, that their Knights and Freeholders should have Corslets and * Haubergella. Haubergeons, and defend their * Lands and possessions. Foces by their own bodies. After Hugh the first Earl beforesaid, succeeded Richard his son, who is his tender years perished by shipwreck, together with William the only son of King Henry the First, and other Noblemen between Normandy and England in the year 1120. After Richard, succeeded Ranulph de Meschines, the third Earl, son to the sister of Earl Hugh: and left behind him his son Ranulph, named de Gernonijs, the fourth Earl of Chester, a Warlike man, and who at the Siege of Lincoln took King Stephen Prisoner. Hugh surnamed Keveltoc, his son was the Fifth Earl; who died in the year 1181. and left his son Ranulph named the Blundevill the sixth Earl, who after he had built the Castles of Chartley and Beeston, and the abbey also De la Cress, died without children, and left four sisters to be his heirs, Maude the wife of David Earl of Huntingdon, Mabile espoused to William D' Albeney Earl of Arundel, Agnes married to William Ferrars Earl of Derby, and Avis wedded to Robert de Quincy. After Ranulph the sixth Earl, there succeeded in the Earldom John surnamed the Scot, the son of Earl David by the said Maude the eldest daughter. Who being deceased likewise without any issue, King Henry the Third casting his eye upon so fair and large an inheritance, laid it unto the Domain of the Crown, and assigned other revenues elsewhere to the heirs: not willing, as the King himself was wont to say, that so great an estate should be divided among distaves. And the Kings themselves, in person, after that this Earldom came unto their hands, for to maintain the honour of the Palatineship, continued here the ancient rights and Palatine privileges, and Courts, like as the Kings of France did in the County of Champan. Afterward, this honour of Chester was deferred upon the King's eldest sons, and first unto to Edward, King Henry the Third his son, who being taken prisoner by the Barons and kept in ward delivered it up for his ransom unto Simon Montford Earl of Leicester: But when Simon was soon after slain, it returned quickly again unto the blood Royal, and King Edward the Second summoned his eldest son, being but a child, unto the Parliament by the Titles of Earls of Chester and Flint. Afterwards, King Richard the Secondary by authority of the Parliament, made it of an Earldom a Principality, and to the same Principality annexed the Castle of Leon with the territories of Bromfield and Yale, Chircke Castle with Chircke land, Oswalds-street Castle, the whole hundred and eleven towns belonging to that Castle, with the Castles of Isabella and Delaley, and other goodly lands, which, by reason that Richard Earl of Arundel stood then proscript and outlawed, had been confiscate to the King's Exchequer: and King Richard himself was styled Prince of Chester: but within few years after, that Title vanished away, after that King Henry, the Fourth had once repealed the Laws of the said Parliament, and it became again a County or Earldom Palatine: and at this day retaineth the jurisdiction Palatine: and for the administration thereof, it hath a Chamberlain who hath all jurisdiction of a Chancellor within the said County Palatine, a Justice for matters in Common Pleas, and Pleas of the Crown, to be heard and determined in the said Country, two Barons of the Exchequer, Sergeants at Law, a Sheriff, and Attorney, an escheator, etc. And the Inhabitants of the said County for the enjoying of their liberties were to pay at the change of every Owner of the said Earldom a sum of money (about 3000. marks) by the name of a Mize, as the County of Flint being a parcel thereof about 2000 marks, if I have not been misinformed. This County containeth about 68 Parishes. The Kingdom of the Mercians. NOw have I superficially surveyed the Regions of the CORNAVII, which together with the CORITANI, DOBUNI, and CATVELLANI, made that Kingdom in the Saxons Heptarchy, which they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latin Writers Mercia of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, an old English word, that signified a Limit; for, all the other Kingdoms bordered and confined upon it. This was the largest Kingdom by far of all the rest, begun by Crida the Saxon, about the year of our Lord 586. augmented by Penda, who extended the Marches there of every way, and within a while after instructed in Christian Religion. But having come to the full period, within the revolution of 250. years, fell at last, into the Dominion of the Westsaxons, after that the Danes had spoiled, weakened, and wasted it many years in all manner of barbarous hostility. SILURESES. I Think it now my best way, before I treat of the other parts of England, to digress a while and turn a little aside toward Wales, called in Latin Cambria, or Wallia, where the ancient Britan's have yet their seat and abode: neither shall I in so doing, as I think, digress, but directly follow the order of nature. For, it lieth adjacent to the CORNAVII, and seemeth, as it were, of right and equity to demand, that it may be spoken of in due course and place: especially seeing the Britan's or Welsh, the inhabitants thereof, enjoy the same laws and rights that we do, and have long since been engrafted and incorporate with us into our Commonwealth. WALES therefore, Wales. which name comprised in times passed before the Conquest, the whole Country beyond Severn, but afterward reached not so far, was when the Romans ruled in Britain, inhabited by three sorts of people, the SILURESES, Silureses. Dimetae. Ordovices. DIMETAE, and ORDOVICES. For, these held not only the twelve Shires, as they call them, of Wales, but those two also beyond Severn, Hereford-shire, and Monmouth-shire, which have been now long reckoned among the Counties of England. And to begin first with those that we first come unto and which lie next unto us; the SILURESES, according to Ptolomees description, inhabited those Regions which in Welsh are called by one name Deheubarth, that is, the Southpart, and at this day by new names, Hereford-shire, Radnor-shire, Brecknockshire, Monmouth-shire, and Glamorgan-shire, wherein are as yet some remains also of the name SILURES. As for the derivation of that name, I have nothing that sorteth with the nature of the Nation. Tacitus. But touching the original of the people, Tacitus ghesseth by their coloured faces, their countenances, their curled hair, and their situation over against Spain, that they had their original from the Spaniards: But Florianus del campo a Spaniard flatly affirmeth it, who troubleth and toileth himself exceedingly to find the Silureses in Spain, and thrusts upon us, I know not what, of Soloria and Siloria in Biscaie. But to speak of the nature of these Silureses: they were a Nation very great (for as we may gather out of Pliny and Tacitus, they seem to have possessed all South-Wales) fierce, valiant, given to war, impatient of servitude, forward to adventure with a resolution (the Romans call it Pervicacia) and who would not be brought in either with fair means or soul; in all and every of which qualities their Posterity have in no point as yet degenerated from their Ancestors. When the Romans upon an ambitious desire of rule did set upon them, they trusting to the strength and prowess of King Caratacus, provoked also and exasperated with a word that Claudius the Emperor let fall, who had said, These were so to be destroyed, and their name to be extinguished as the Sugambri had been rooted out aforetime, annoyed the Romans with so dangerous a War, by intercepting their Bands of auxiliary forces, by putting to flight that Legion over which Marius Valens was Captain, and by wasting the lands of their Associates; that P. Ostorious Propraetor of Britain being tired with travail and with the sense of these griefs and troubles gave up his ghost. Veranius also Governor under Nero, assailed them in vain: For, whereas we read in Tacitus; illum modicis excursibus sylvas populatum esse, that is, That he made spoil and forraied the woods with small outrodes; read in lieu of Sylvas, that is, woods, Siluras, that is, The Silureses, as our friend that most learned Lipsius doth, and you shall read aright. Yet was not this War hushed and finished before the time of Vespasian. For then, julius Frontinus subdued them by force, and kept them under with Bands of Legionary Soldiers. But whereas a Countryman of ours hath wrested this Verse of juvenal against Crispin, to these SILURESES. magnâ qui voce solebat Silures mistaken for Siluros. Vendere municipes, fractâ de merce Siluros. who with loud voice, was wont, and knew full well, Of broken ware, his country fish, the Sturgeons for to sell. As though our Silureses being taken prisoners were set to sale at Rome: upon my credit he hath not attained to the right and proper sense of the Poet: For by that word Siluros he that will read the place and weigh it well, shall easily perceive he spoke of fishes, and not of men. HEREFORD-SHIRE. THE County which we call HEREFORD-SHIRE, and the Britan's name Erei●uc, lying in compass round, as it were a Circle, is bounded on the East side with Worcester, and Glocester-shires, on the South with Monmouth-shire, on the West side with Radnor and Brecknor-shires, and on the North with Shropshire; This Country besides that it is right pleasant, is for yielding of Corn, and feeding of Cat-tail, in all places most fruitful, and therewith passing well furnished with all things necessary for man's life: In so much, as it would scorn to come behind any one Country throughout all England for fertility of Soil, and therefore say that for three W.W.W. wheat, wool, and water it yieldeth to no Shire of England. And verily, it hath also divers notable rivers, namely Wye-Lug and Munow, which after they have watered the most flowering meadows and fruitful corn fields, at length meet together and in one channel pass on to the Severn sea. Munow springing out of Hatterell hills, The River Munow. which resembling a chair do rise aloft, and sense this shire on the South-West, as it descendeth down, first struggleth to pass through by the foot of the said hills to BLESTIUM, Blestium. a town which Antonine the Emperor so placeth that for situation and distance it can be no other than that, which standing by the side of this River is in British called Castle Hean, that is, The Old Castle, Old town. and in English, The Old Town: A poor small Village now, but this new name is a good proof for the antiquity thereof: for, in both tongues it soundeth as much as an Old Castle or town. Alterynnis. Next unto this Old Town, Alterynnis lieth in manner of a River-Island, insulated within waters: the seat in old time of that ancient family of the Sitsilts or Cecils, knights, whence my right honourable Patron, The seat of the Cecils. accomplished with all the ornaments of virtue, wisdom, and Nobility, Sir William Cecil, Baron of Burghley, and Lord high Treasurer of England derived his descent. From hence, Munow turning Eastward, for a good space separateth this Country from Monmouth-shire and at Castle Map-harald, Harald Ewias. The Family of Ewias. Their coat of Arms. or Harold Ewias, is increased with the River Dor. This Ewias Castle (that I may speak out of K. William the First his Book) was repaired by Alured of Marleberg. Afterwards it pertained to one Harold a Gentleman, who in a Shield argent bare a Fez Geules between three Estoiles Sable for his Arms: of whom it began to be called Harold Ewias: but Sibyl his niece in the second degree and one of the heirs, Tregoz and Grandison. Pag. 286. Snod hill. by her marriage transferred it to the Lords of Tregoz, from whom it came at length to the Lords of Grandison descended out of Burgundy. But of them elsewhere. Now the said Dor, which running down from the North by Snodhill, a Castle, and the Barony sometime of Robert Chandos (where is a quary of excellent marble) cutteth through the midst of the Vale, Marble. which of the River the Britan's call Diffrin Door: but the Englishmen that they might seem to express the force of that word termed it the Gilded Vale, Gilded Vale. which name it may by good right and justly have, for the golden, wealthy and pleasant fertility thereof. For, the hills that compass it in, on both sides are clad with woods; under the woods lie corn fields on either hand, and under those fields most gay and gallant meadows: then runneth in the midst between them a most clear and crystal River, on which Robert Lord of Ewias placed a fair Monastery, wherein most of the Nobility and Gentry of these parts were interred. Part of this shire, which from this Vale declineth and bendeth Eastward, is now called Irchenfeld, Irchenfeld. in doomsday Book Archenfeld, which, as our Historians write, was laid waist with fire and sword by the Danes in the year 715. at what time Camalac also a Britain Bishop was carried away prisoner. Kilpect. In this part stood Kilpeck a Castle of great name, and the seat it was of the noble Family of the Kilpecks, who were as some say the Champions to the Kings of England in the first age of the Normans: And I myself also will easily assent unto them. In the Reign of Edward the First, there dwelled here Sir Robert Wallerond, whose nephew Alane Plugenet lived in the honourable state of a Baron. In this Archenfeld likewise, as we read in doomsday book, certain revenues by an old custom were assigned to one or two Priests, on this condition that they should go in Embassages for the Kings of England into Wales, and to use the words out of the same book, The men of Archenfeld, whensoever the Army marcheth forward against the enemy by a custom make the Avantgard, and in the return homeward, the Rearward. The river Why. Clifford Castle. As Munow runneth along the lower part of this shire, so Why with a bending course cutteth over the midst; upon which River in the very West limit Clifford Castle standeth; which William Fitz Osborn Earl of Hereford built upon his own West (as it is in King William the conquerors book) but Raulph de Todenay held it. Afterward it seemeth to have come unto Walter the son of Richard Fitz Punt a Norman; for he was surnamed De Clifford, The Clifford Inquis. 26. E. 1. and from him the right honourable family of the Earls of Cumberland do truly deduce their descent. But in the days of King Edward the First, John Giffard who married the heir of Walter L. Clifford had it in his hands. Then Why with a crooked and winding stream rolleth down by Whitney, which hath given name to a worshipful Family, and by Bradwardin Castle, which gave both original and name to that famous Thomas Bradwardin Archbishop of Canterbury, who for his variety of knowledge, and profound learning, was in that age termed The Profound Doctor: The Profound Doctor. and so at length cometh to Hereford the head City of this Country. How far that little Region Archenfeld reached I know not, but the affinity between these names, Ereinuc, Archenfeld, the town ARICONIUM, of which Antonine in the description of this Tract maketh mention, Hereford. and Hareford or Hereford, which now is the chief City of the Shire, have by little and little induced me to this opinion, that I think every one of these was derived from ARICONIUM. Yet do I not think that Ariconium and Hereford were both one and the same: but like as Basil in Germany challenged unto it the name of Augusta Rauracorum, and Baldach in Assyria the name of Babylon, ●or that as one had original from the ruins of Babylon, so the other from the ruins of Augusta: even so this Hariford of ours, (for so the common people call it) derived both name and beginning, in mine opinion, from his neighbour old ARICONIUM, which hath at this day no shape or show at all of a Town: as having been by report, shaken to pieces with earthquake. Only it retaineth still a shadow of the name, Kenchester. being called Kenchester, and showeth to the beholders some ruins of walls, which they term Kenchester walls; about which are often digged up four square paving stones of Chequer work, British-brickes, pieces of Roman money and other such like remains of Antiquity. But Hereford, her daughter, which more expressly resembleth the name thereof, standeth Eastward scarce three Italian miles from it, seated among most pleasant meadows and as plentiful corn fields, compassed almost round about with Rivers, on the North side and on the West with one that hath no name, on the South side with Why, thath hasteneth hither out of Wales. It is thought to have showed her head first what time as the Saxons Heptarchy was in the flower and prime, built as some write by King Edward the Elder: neither is there, as far as I have read, any memory thereof more ancient. For, the Britan's, before the name of Hereford was known, called the place Tresawith, of Beech trees: and Hereford of an Old way: and the Saxons themselves 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of ferns. 793. The greatest increase, if I be not deceived, that it had, came by Religion and by the Martyrdom of Ethelbert King of the East England. S. Ethelbert Martyr. Who when he wooed himself the daughter of Offa K. of the Mercians, was villainously forlaid and murdered by the procurement of Quendred, Offaes' wife, respecting more the countries of the East England, than the honest and honourable match of her daughter: which Ethelbert being registered in the Catalogue of Martyrs, had a Church here built and dedicated unto him by Milfrid a petty K. of the country, wherein when a Bishops See was established, it grew to great wealth, first, through the devout liberality of the Mercians, and then of the West Saxons kings: for they at length were possessed of this City, as may be gathered out of William of Malmesbury, where he writeth, That Athelistan the West Saxon brought the Lords of Wales in this City of so hard pass, that by way of Tribute they were to pay every year (besides Hounds and Hawks) twenty pounds of gold, and three hundred pound of silver by weight. This City as far as I can read, had never any misfortune, unless it were in the year of our Lord 1055. wherein Gruffith Prince of South Wales, and Algar an English man, rebelling against King Edward the Confessor, after they had put to flight Earl Ralph, sacked the City, destroyed the Cathedral Church, and led away captive Leofgar the Bishop. But Harold straightways after that he and daunted their audacious courage, fenced it, as Floriacensis saith, with a broad and high Rampire. Hence it is, that Malmesbury writeth thus in his treatise of Bishops, Hereford is no great City, and yet by the height of those steep and upright banks cast up, it showeth that it hath been some great thing: and, as we read in the doomsday book of King William the Conqueror: there were in all but an hundred and three men within the Walls and without. The Normans afterwards near the East end of the Church along the side of Why, built a mighty great and strong Castle: the work as some report, of Earl Miles, which now yieldeth to Time, and runneth to ruin. After this, they walled the City about. Bishop Reinelm, in the reign of Henry the First founded that beautiful Cathedral Church, which now we see there, whose successors enlarged it by adjoining thereto a proper College for Priests, and fair houses for the Prebendaries. For, besides the Bishop who hath 302. Churches in his Dioecese, there are in this Church, a Dean, two Archdeacon's, a chanter, a Chancellor, 2 Treasurer and eight and twenty Prebendaries. In the Church, I saw in manner no Monuments, but the Bishop's Tombs. And I have heard that Thomas Cantlow the Bishop, a man of Noble birth, had here a very stately and sumptuous Sepulchre, who for his holiness being canonised a Saint, went within a little of surmounting that princely Martyr King Ethelbert, such was the opinion of singular piety and devotion. Geographers measure the position or site of this City by the Longitude of twenty degrees and four and twenty scruples: and by the Latitude of two and fifty degrees and six scruples. Why is not gone full three miles from hence, but he intercepteth by the way the river Lugier, who running down a main out of Radnor hills, with a still course passeth through the mids of this country, from the Northwest of the Southeast. At the first entrance, Brampton Brian. it seeth a far off, Brampton Brian Castle, which, a famous family named hereof de Brampton, wherein the forname was usually Brian, held by continual succession unto the time of King Edward the First: but now, by the female heirs it is come to R. Harleie: Wigmore. near at hand it beholdeth Wigmore, in the English Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, repaired in elder times by King Edward the elder, afterward, fortified by William Earl of Hereford with a Castle, in the waist of a ground (for so read we in doomsday book) which was called Marestun, in the tenure of Radulph de Mortimer, Barons Mortimer. from whom those Mortimers that were afterwards Earls of March lineally descended, of whom, you may read more in Radnor-shire. Three miles off, there is another neighbour Castle, Richard's Castle. Lords of Richard's Castle. called Richard's Castle, the possession first of the Says, then of the Mortimers, and afterwards of the Talbots by hereditary succession. At length by the heirs of Sir john Talbot, the inheritance was divided between Sir Guarin Archdeacon and Sir Matthew Gurnay. Beneath this Castle, Nature, who no where disporteth herself more in showing wonders, then in waters, hath brought forth a pretty well, which is always full of little bones, or as some think, of small frog-bones, although they be from time to time drawn quite out of it, whence it is commonly called Bone well. Bone well. And not far off, is placed Croft Castle, the possession of that very ancient family of the Crofts Knights, who have there now a long time flourished in great and good esteem. Thence passeth Why too Lemster, Lemster. which also was called Leon Minister, and Lion's Monastery, of a Lion that appeared to a religious man in a vision (as some have dreamt.) But whereas the Britan's call it Lhan Lieni: which signifieth a Church of Nuns, and that it is certainly known, that Merewalc a King of the Mercians, built here a Church for Nuns (that afterwards became a Cell belonging to the Monastery of Reading) to seek any other original of the name, than from those Nuns: what were it else but to hunt after the winds? Yet there want not some, who derive it from Line, whereof the best kind groweth here. The greatest name and same that it hath at this day is of the wool in the territories round about, Lemster o'er the best wool. Lemster bread and Webley Ale. (Lemister o'er they call it) which setting aside that of Apulia and Tarentum all Europe counteth to be the very best. so renowned also it is for Wheat, and bread of the Finest flower, that Lemster bread and Weabley Ale (a town belonging to the noble Family D'Eureux) are grown unto a common proverb. By reason of these commodities the mercates at Lemster were so frequented, that they of Hereford and Worcester complaining that the confluence of people thither impaired their mercates, procured that by Royal authority the mercat day was changed. Now have I nothing more concerning Lemster, but that William Breosa Lord of Brecknock, when he revolted from King John, Webley. did set it on fire and defaced it. As for that Webley aforesaid, it is situate more within the Country, Baron's Verdons. and was the Barony of the Verdons: the first of which house named Bertram de Verdon came into England with the Normans; whose posterity by marriage with an inheretrice of Laceys of Trim in Ireland, were for a good while hereditary Constables of Ireland: and at last the possessions were by the daughters devolved to the Furnivalls, Burghersh, Ferrars of Groby, Crop-hulls, and from the Crop-hulls by the Ferrars of Chartly, unto D'Eureux Earls of Essex. near neighbours unto Webley, more Westward are these places, Huntingdon Castle, the possession in times passed of the Bohuns Earls of Hereford and of Essex: Kinnersley, belonging to the ancient Family De la-bere, and Erdsley: where the ancient Family of the Baskervills, Basservile. See Gemition, lib. ult. have long inhabited, which bred in old time so many worthy Knights, who deduce their pedigree from a Niece of Dame Gunora that most famous Lady in Normandy, and long ago flourished in this Country and Shrop-shire adjoining, and held, (that I may note so much by the way) the Hamelet of Lanton in chief, Fin. Hilarii 20. Ed. 3. as of the Honour of Montgomery, by the service of giving to the King a barbdheaded Arrow, whensoever he cometh into those parts to hunt in Cornedon Chase. Lugg hasteneth now too Why, first by Hampton, where that worthy Knight Sir Roland Lenthal, who (being Master of the Wardrobe unto King Henry the Fourth, had married one of the heirs of Thomas Earl of Arundel) built a passing fair house, which the Coningsberes (men of good worship and great name in this tract) have now a good long time inhabited: Marden. Sutton. then, by Marden and Southton, or Sutton: of which twain, Sutton showeth some small remains of King Offaes' Palace, so infamous for the murdering of Ethelbert: and Marden is counted famous for the Tomb of the said Ethelbert, who had lain here a long time without any glorious memorial, before that he was translated to Hereford. near unto the place where Lugg and Why meet together, Eastward, a hill which they call Marcley hill, Marcley hill. in the year of our redemption, 1571. (as though it had wakened upon the sudden out of a deep sleep) roused itself up, and for the space of three days together moving and showing itself (as mighty and huge an heap as it was) with roaring noise in a fearful sort, and overturning all things that stood in the way, A Mountain moving. advanced itself forward to the wondrous astonishment of the beholders: by that kind of Earthquake which as I deem, natural Philosophers call Brasmatias. And not far from this hill, toward the East also, under Malvern hills (which in this place bound the East part of this shire) standeth Ledbury upon the River Leaden, a Town well known, which Edwin the Saxon, a man of great power, gave unto the Church of Hereford, being assuredly persuaded that by Saint Ethelberts intercession he was delivered from the Palsy. Touching the Military fort on the next hill, I need not to speak, seeing that in this tract which was in the Marches, and the ordinary fight ground plot, first between the Romans and Britan's, afterwards between the Britain's and the English, such holds and entrenchments are to be seen in many places. But Why now carrying a full stream, after it hath entertained Lugg runneth down with more bend and bowings, first by Holm Lacie, the feat of the ancient and noble Family of Scudamore unto which accrued much more worship by marriage with an heir out of the race of Ewias in this shire, Scudamore or Escudamor. and Huntercombe, etc. else where. From hence passeth Why down between Rosse, made a free Burrough by King Henry the Third, now well known by reason of iron smith's and Wilton over against it, Wilton. Baron's Grey de Wilton. a most ancient Castle of the Greis, whence so many worthy Barons of that name have drawn their original. This was built as men say by Hugh de Longchamp, but upon public and certain credit of Records it appeareth, that King John gave Wilton with the Castle to H. de Longchamp; and that by marriage it fell to William Fitz-Hugh, and likewise not long after to Reinold Grey in the days of King Edward the first. Goderich Castle. Now, when Why hath a little beneath saluted Goderick Castle, which King John gave unto William Earl marshal, and was afterward for a time the principal seat of the Talbots, he speedeth himself to Monmouth-shire, and bids Hereford-shire farewell. When the state of the English-Saxons was now more than declining to the downfall, * Ralph son to Walter Medantinus by Goda King Edward the Confessours● sister, Earls of Hereford. governed this County, as an Official Earl: but the infamous for base cowardice, was by William the Conqueror remooved, and William Fitz-Osbern of Crepon a martial Norman who had subdued the Isle of Wight, and was near allied to the Dukes of Normandy, was substituted in his place: When he was slain in assistance of the Earl of Flanders, his son Roger surnamed De Bretevill succeeded, and soon after for conspiracy against the Conqueror was condemned to perpetual prison, and therein died leaving no lawful issue. Then King Stephen granted to Robert Le Bossu Earl of Leicester who had married Emme or Itta (as some call her) heir of Bretevill (to use the words of the Grant) the Burrow of Hereford, with the Castle, Constables of England. and the whole County of Hereford, but all in vain. For Maude the Empress who contended with King Stephen for the Crown, advanced Miles the son of Walter Constable of Gloucester unto this Honour, and also granted to him Constabulariam Curiae suae, i. The Constableship of her Court, whereupon his posterity were Constables of England, as the Marshalship was granted at the first, by the name of Magistratus Marescalsiae Curiaenostrae. Howbeit, Stephen afterwards stripped him out of these Honours which he had received from her. This Miles had five sons; Roger, Walter, Henry, William, and Mahel, men of especial note, who were cut off every one issueless by untimely death, after they had all but William, succeeded one another in their Father's inheritance. Unto Roger King Henry the Second among other things gave, The Mote of Hereford with the whole Castle, and the third penny issuing out of the revenues of Pleas of the whole County of Hereford, whereof he made him Earl. But after Roger was deceased, the same King, if we may believe Robert Abbot De Monte, kept the Earldom of Hereford to himself. The eldest sister of these named Margaret, 1156. was married to Humphrey Bohun the third of that name, and his heirs were high Constables of England, namely, Humphrey Bohun the Fourth; 2. Par. Chart an. 1. Reg. Joan. Matth. Paris Joan. The book of Walden. The book of Lanthony M●●nastery. Henry his son, unto whom King john granted twenty pounds yearly to be received out of the third penny of the County of Hereford, whereof he made him Earl. This Henry married the sister and heir of William Mandevill Earl of Essex, and died in the fourth year of Henry the Third his reign: Humphrey the Fifth his son, who was also Earl of Essex: whose son Humphrey the Sixth of that forename died before his Father, having first begotten Humphrey the Seventh by a daughter and one of the heirs of William Breos Lord of Brecknock: His son Humphrey the Eighth was slain at Burrowbrig, leaving by Elizabeth his wife, daughter unto King Edward the First and the Earl of Holland's widow, among other children, namely, john Bohun, Humphrey the Ninth, both Earls of Hereford and Essex, and dying without issue: and William Earl of Northampton, unto whom Elizabeth a daughter and one of the heirs of Giles Lord Badlesmer, bare Humphrey Bohun the Tenth and last of the Bohuns who was Earl of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton, Constable beside of England: who left two Daughters, Aeleonor the Wife of Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, and Mary, wedded to Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, who was created Duke of Hereford, and afterwards Crowned King of England. Henry the Fourth King of England. But after this, Edward Stafford last Duke of Buckingham was styled Earl of Hereford, for that he descended from Thomas of Woodstock his Daughter, who was after remarried to Sir William Burchier called Earl of Ewe. And in our memory, King Edward the Sixth Honoured Walter D'Eureux, the Lord Ferrars of Chartley descended by the Bourgchiers from the Bohuns, with the title of Viscount Hereford, whose Grandsonne Walter Viscount Hereford, Queen Elizabeth created afterwards Earl of Essex. There are contained in this County Parishes 176. RADNOR Comitatus quem SILVRES Osim Incosuerunt RADNOR-SHIRE. Upon Hereford-shire, on the North-West, joineth Radnor-shire, in the British tongue, Sire Maiseveth; in form three square, and the farther West it goeth, the narrower still it groweth. On the Southside, the River Why separateth it from Brecknockshire, and on the North part, lieth Montgomery-shire. The East and South parts thereof be more fruitful than the rest, which lying uneven and rough with Mountains, is hardly bettered by painful Husbandry: yet it is stored well enough with Woods, watered with running Rivers, and in some places with standing Meres. The East-side hath to beautify it, besides other Castles of the Lords Marchers, now all buried well near, in their own ruins, Castle Pain; built and so named of Pain a Norman, and Castle Colwen, which, if I be not deceived, was sometime called the Castle of Maud in Colewent. Castle Colwe or Mauds' Castle in Colwe●● For a very famous Castle that was, and Robert de Todeney a great Noble man, in the reign of Edward the Second was Lord of it. It is verily thought, that it belonged aforetime to the Breoses, Lords of Brechnoc, and to have taken the name from Maude of Saint Valeric, a very shrewd, stout, and malapert stomachful woman, wife to William Breos, who discovered a rebellious mind against King John. Which Castle being cast down by the Welsh, King Henry the Third, in the year 1231. re-edified strongly with stone, Matth. Paris and called it in despite of Lhewellin Prince of Wales Maugre Lhewellin. But of especial name is Radnor the principal Town of the whole Shire, Radnor in British Maiseveth, fair built, as the manner of that Country is, with thatched houses. In times past it was firmly fenced with a Wall and Castle: Owen Glendour. but after that Owen Glendower dwy that notable Rebel had burnt it, it began by little and little to decrease, and grow to decay, tasting of the same fortune that the mother thereof did before, I mean Old Radnor, called in British Maiseveth hean, and for the high situation Pencrag; which in the reign of King John, Rhese Ap Gruffin had set on fire. If I should say, that this Maiseveth or Radnor was that ancient City MAGI, which Antonine the Emperor seemeth to call MAGNOS, where, as we find in the book of Notices, the Commander of the Pacensian Regiment lay in garrison, under the Lieutenant, or Lord General of Britain, in the reign of Theodosius the younger; in mine own opinion surely, and perhaps in other men's conceit also, I should not vary from the truth. For we read in Writers of the middle age, Magesetae. of inhabitants of this coast called MAGESETAE; also of Earls Masegetenses and Magesetenses: and the distance, if it be counted both from Gobannium or Abergevenny, and also from Brangonium or Worcester, differeth scarce an hair breadth from Antonines computation. Scarce three miles Eastward from hence, Prestaine. you see Prestaine, in British Lhan Andre, that is, Saint Andrews Church; which of a very little village within the memory of our Grandfathers, is by the means of Richard Martin Bishop of Saint david's, grown now to be so great a market Town and fair withal, that at this day it dammereth and dimmeth the light in some sort of Radnor. From whence also scarce four miles off, stands Knighton, Knighton. a Town able to match with Prestaine, called in British, as I have heard say Trebuclo, in steed of Trefyclaudh, of a famous ditch lying under it, which Offa King of the Mercians with admirable work and labour, caused to be cast from Deemouth unto Wy-Mouth, by this Town, for the space of foureskore and ten miles, to separate the Britan's from his Englishmen: whereupon, in British it is called Claudh Offa, that is, Offaes' ditch. Concerning which, John of Salisbury in his Policraticon writeth thus. Harald ordained a law, that what Welshmen soever should be found with a weapon, Offa dike. on this side the limit which he had set them, that is to say, Offaes' Dike, he should have his right hand cut off by the King's Officers. When ye are passed this place, all the ground that lieth toward the West and South limits, being for the most part barren, lean, and hungry, is of the inhabitants called Melienith, for that the Mountains be of a yellowish colour. Yet remain there many footings as it were of Castles to be seen here and there, but especially Kevenles and Timbod which standing upon a sharp pointed hill, Lhewellin Prince of Wales overthrew in the year 1260. This Melienith reacheth as far as to the River Why, which cutteth overthwart the West corner of this shire, and being hindered in his stream with stones lying in his way, upon a sudden for want of ground to glide on, hath a mighty and violent downfall: whereupon the place is termed, Raihader Gowy, that is, The fall or Floodgates of Why: And I cannot tell, whether thereupon that British word Raihader, the English men forged this name first for the whole shire, and afterwards for the chief Town. By this Floudgate or fall of the water there was a Castle which Rhese Prince of Southwales (as we read) repaired under King Richard the First. Hard by, there is in some sort a vast and wide wilderness, hideous after a sort to behold, by reason of the turning and crooked byways and craggy Mountains, into which as the safest place of refuge, Vortigern. Vortigern that pestilent wretch and bane of his native Country, odious both to God and man, and (whose memory the Britain's may wish damned) withdrew himself, when after he had called the Saxons into this Island, and in horrible incest married his own daughter. And here he fell at length too too late into serious consideration of the greatness of his vile and wicked acts. But by revenging fire from Heaven, the flying dart of God above, he was burnt with his City Caer Guortigern, which he had here built for his refuge. And not far from hence, as if the place had been fatal, not only this Vortigern the last Monarch of British blood, but also Lhewellin the last Prince of Wales of the British race being forelaid, Lewellin. was slain by Adam Francton in the year of our Redemption 1282. Of the said Vortigern, Ninnius nameth a little Country here Guortiger-maur; neither is that name as yet altogether lost: but of the City, there remaineth no memory at all, but our of writers. Some are of opinion, that Guthremion Castle arose out of the ruins and rubbish thereof, which in the year 1201. the Welsh for malice they bore to Roger Lord Mortimer and in spite of him laid even with the ground. Moreover, this part of the Country was in old time called Guarthenion, Guarthenion. as Ninnius restifieth, who wrote, that the said wicked Vortigern, when he was plainly and sharply reproved by that godly Saint German, did not only not turn from his lewd and licentious life to the worship and service of God, but also let fly slanderous speeches against that most holy man: Wherefore, Vortimer the son of Vortigern, Guarish in British, slander, and Eniawn, just. as Ninnius saith, for the slander which his Father had raised of Saint German, decreed, that he should have the land as his own for ever, wherein he had suffered so reproachful an abuse: whereupon, and to the ened that Saint German might be had in memory, it was called Guarthenion, which signifieth in English, A slander justly retorted. Earls of March. The Mortimers, descended from the Niece of Gonora Wife of Richard the First, Duke of Normandy, were the first Normans that having discomfited the English Saxon Edricke Sylvaticus, that is, The wild, won a great part of this little Country to themselves: And after they had a long time been eminent above all others in these parts, at length King Edward the Third, about the year of Salvation 1328. Created Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigmore, Earl of this Welsh limit, or, according to the common speech, Earl of March, who soon after was sentenced to death, because he had insulted upon the Commonwealth, favoured the Scots to the prejudice of England, conversed over familiarly with the ●ings mother, and contrived the destruction and death of King Edward the Second, The book of Lanthony abbey. the King's Father. He by his Wife Joan Jenevell, (who brought him rich revenues, as well in Ireland as in England) had Edmund his Son, who felt the smart of his Father's wickedness, and lost both patrimony and title of Earl. Howbeit, his Son Roger was fully restored, recovered the title of Earl of March and was chosen a fellow of the order of the Garter, See Earls of Ulster. at the first institution thereof. This Roger begat of Philip Montacute, Edmund Earl of March: and he took to Wife Philip the only daughter of Leonell Duke of Clarence the third son of King Edward the Third, whereby came unto him the Earldom of Ulster in Ireland and the Lordship of Clare. After he had ended his life in Ireland where he governed with great commendation; his son Roger succeeded, being both Earl of March and Ulster, whom King Richard the Second declared heir apparent, and his successor to the Crown, as being in right of his Mother the next and undoubted heir. But he dying before king Richard, left issue, Edmund and Anne. Edmund, in regard of his Royal blood and right to the Crown stood greatly suspected to Henry the Fourth, who had usurped the kingdom; and by him was first exposed unto dangers, in so much as he was taken by Owen Glendour a Rebel, and afterward whereas the Percies purposed to advance his right, he was conveyed into Ireland, kept almost twenty years' prisoner in the Castle of Trim suffering all miseries incident to Princes of the blood while they lie open to every suspicion; and there through extreme grief ended his days; leaving his sister Anne his heir. She was married to Richard Earl of Cambridge, in whose right, his heirs and posterity were Earls of March, and made claim to the kingdom, which in the end also they obtained, as we will show in another place. In which respect King Edward the Fourth created his eldest Son being Prince of Wales, See in Yorkshire, toward the end. Duke of Cornwall, etc. Earl of March also, for a further augmentation of his Honour. As for the title of Rad-nor, no man ever bore it to my knowledge. In this are Parishes 52. BRECKNOC Comitaus pars Osim SILURUM BRECHNOCKSHIRE. BEneath Radnor-shire Southward lieth BRECHNOCKSHIRE, in the British Brechineau so named, as the Welshmen relate, of a Prince named Brechanius, whom they report to have had a great, and an holy Offspring, to wit, twenty four Daughters all Saints. far greater this is than Radnor-shire, but thicker set with high Hills; yet are the valleys fruitful every where. On the East side it is bounded with Hereford-shire. On the South with Monmo●th, and Glamorgan-shires: and on the West with Caermardenshire. But seeing there is nothing memorable or material to the description of this small Province, which is not set down by the curious diligence of Giraldus Cambrensis who was an Archdeacon hereof above four hundred years since. I think I may do well for myself to hold my peace a while, and to admit him with his style into the fellowship of this labour. Brecknock, saith he, in his Book called Itinerarium Cambriae, is a Country having sufficient store of Corn; and if there be any defect thereof, it is plentifully supplied out of the fruitfulness of England bordering so near upon it; a Country likewise well stored with pastures and Woods, with wild Dear and herds of Cat-tail, having abundance beside of fresh water fish, wherewith uske on the one side and Why on the other serveth it: For, both these Rivers are full of Salmon and Trout, but Why of the twain is the better, affording the best kind of them which they call Vmbras. Enclosed it is on every side with high hills, unless it be on the North part. In the West it hath the mountains of Canterbochan: On the Southside likewise the Southern mountains, the chief whereof is called Cadier Arthur, that is, Arthur's chair, of the two tops of the same (for it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, shaped with two capes) resembling the form of a Chair. And for that the Chair standeth very high and upon a steep downfall, by a common term it was assigned to Arthur the greatest and mightiest King of the Britan's. In the very pitch and top of this hill, there walmeth forth a spring of water: And this fountain in manner of a Well is deep, but four square, having no brook or Riveret issuing from it, yet are there Trout found therein. And therefore having these bars on the South side, the air is the colder, defendeth the Country from the excessive heat of the Sun, and by a certain natural wholesomeness of the air, maketh it most temperate. But on the East side the mountains of Talgar and Ewias do as it were foresense it. On the North side, as he said, it is more open and plain, namely where the River Why severeth it from Radnor-shire, by which stand two Towns well known for their antiquity, Buelth and Hay. Buelth is pleasantly situate with Woods about it, fortified also with a Castle, but of a later building, by the Breoses and Mortimers, when as Rhese ap Gruffin had razed the ancient Castle. Now, the market much resorted unto maketh it more famous thereabout, but in times past it seemeth to have been for the own worth of great name, because Ptolomee observed the position thereof according to the Longitude and Latitude: Bulleum. who called it BULLEUM Silurum. Of this town the country lying round about it, being rough and full of hills; is named Buelth: wherein, when as the Saxons were now spoiling and harrying the whole Island, and Vortigern had withdrawn himself into these parts, Pascentius his son ruled all as Lord, by the permission of Aurelius Ambrose, as Ninnius writeth, who in his Chapter of Mervails, reporteth I wot not what wondrous thing here, of a heap of stones, wherein, forsooth, was plainly to be seen the footing of King Arthur's hound. And as for Hay, Hay. which in British is called Trekethle, that is, The Town in a grove of Hasell trees, in the very utmost skirt of this Shire next unto Hereford-shire, it standeth hard by the river Wye: well known, as it seemeth to the Romans, whose coins is often digged up there, and it showeth also by the ruins, that in old time it was walled. But being now as it were decayed it complaineth of that most lewd Rebel Owen Glendowerdwy for his furious outrages, who in wasting and spoiling all those Countries, most villainously did depopulate it and set it on fire. As this River Why washeth the North side of this Shire, so doth Vske a notable River likewise run through the midst thereof, which Vske springing out of the Blacke-Mountaine, Brecknock. passeth along with a shallow stream, beside Brechnock the Shire Town, standing in the very heart in manner of the Country, which the Britan's call Aber-Hodney, because the two Rivers Hodney and Uske do meet in that place. That this Town was inhabited in the Romans time, appeareth by the Coins of Roman Emperors now and then digged up here. Bernard Newmarch, who conquered this little Shire, built here a goodly great Castle, which the Breoses and Bohuns repaired: and in our father's remembrance King Henry the Eighth in the Friary of the Dominicans appointed a Collegiate Church of fourteen Prebendaries, which he translated hither from Aberguilly in Caermardenshire. Two miles hence Eastward, there spreads itself abroad a large Pool, which the Britan's call Linsavethan and Linsavathen, Linsavethen Mere. that is, A Lake of standing water, Giraldus termeth it Clamosum, that is, Clamorous, or Crying loud, because it maketh a strange noise like thunder, as often as the Ice thereon doth thaw. In English we name it Brecknock-Meere. Brecknock Mere. Two miles it is in length and as much in breadth: breeding in times past many Otters, now full of Perches, Tenches, and Eels, which the Fishers rowing in small pliant boats do take. Leveney a little River, after it is run into this Pool keepeth his own hue and colour still by himself; as disdaining to be mingled therewith, (which the very colour showeth) is thought to carry out his own water entertained a while there by the way, and no more than he brought in with him. It hath been a currant speech of long continuance among the neighbours thereabout, that where now the Mere is, there was in times past a City, which being swallowed up in an earthquake, resigned up the place unto the waters. And beside other reasons, they allege this for one, that all the high ways of this shire come directly hither on every side. Which if it be true, what other City should a man think stood by the River Leveney, than LOVENTIUM, which Ptolomee placeth in this tract: Loventium. and in no place hitherto could I find it (albeit I searched diligently for it) either by the name, or situation, or ruins remaining. Marianus Scotus (which I had almost forgotten) seemeth to call this Lake Bricena● Mere, Bricenaw Mere. who recordeth that Edelfled the Mercian Lady, in the year 913. entered into the land of the Britan's to win by assault a Castle at Bricenau Mere; and that she took there the King of the Britan's wife prisoner. Whether this Castle were Brechnock itself or Castle Dinas, Brecknock. which standeth over it upon a rockey hill, and which the higher it riseth the slenderer and smaller it becometh, it is not certainly known. Blean Leveney. But that Blean Laveney Castle hard by, was the chief place of the Barony, that Petre Fitz Herbert the son of Herbert Lord of Deanforest by Lucy the daughter of Miles Earl of Hereford held, appeareth evidently upon Record. Lords of Brechnock. In the Reign of King William Rufus, Bernard Newmarch the Norman, a man both hardy and politic withal, having levied a great Army of Englishmen and Normans together, was the first that entered into this territory by force and arms, won it and wrested it out of the Welshman's hands by bloody encounters, raised fortresses here for his fellow soldiers (among which the chief were the Aubreeis, Gunters, Haverds, Waldbeofes and Prichards') allotted lands and lordships, and that he might set sure footing, and establish his seat among the Welsh, who repined maliciously at him, he took to wife Nesta the daughter of Gruffin: who being a woman of a shameless and revengeful spirit, both bereft herself of her own good name, and also defeated her son of his inheritance. For, when Mahel the said Bernard's only son, did shake up in some hard and sharp terms a young Gentleman, with whom she used more familiarly than was beseeming: she, as the Poet saith, iram atque animos à crimine s●mens, growing angry and stomachful upon this imputation, took her corporal oath before King Henry the Second, and protested that her son Mahel was begotten in adultery, and not by Bernard her Husband: whereupon Mahel being disinherited, Sibyl his sister entered upon that fair Inheritance, and with the same enriched her Husband Miles, Earl of Hereford. But after that five sons of Miles died without issue, Called also Braus and Breus. this Brechnockshire in the partition of the inheritance fell to Bertha his daughter: who by Philip de Breos had a son William de Breos Lord of Brechnock, upon whom the seditious spirit and shrewd tongue of his wife drew a world of calamities. For when she had with her intemperate and unbridled language contumeliously abused King John, Red Book in the Exchequer. the King thereupon (because her Husband William was very deeply indebted unto him) fell to be quick and rigorous in demanding the debt: But he, not able to make payment, after he had shifted it off many times, and by breaking day, still made default, in the end mortgaged unto the King three of his Castles; namely Hay, Brecknock and Radnor, and put them into his hands. But soon after, levying certain forces, such as he could muster up in haste, upon a sudden, surprised them, slew the Garrison Soldiers and wrested the said pieces perforce from them, burned the Town of Lemster, and thus killing, slaying and driving away booties, he made foul work and havoc every way, with all such outrages as Rebels do commonly commit. But when the King pursued him, he conveyed himself and all that he had into Ireland, complotted and combined with the King's enemies there: yet under a colour, as if he would make submission, he came unto the King upon protection and assurance given of safety when he was upon his return into Ireland. And notwithstanding many goodly promises of the contrary, he raised new stirs and troubles eftsoons in Wales: But forced in the end to leave his native Country, he died a banished man in France. As for his wife being taken prisoner, and famished in prison (the extremest misery that can befall unto man or woman) she paid most dearly for her wicked and malapert tongue. His son Giles, Bishop of Hereford, by the favour and consent of King John, having recovered his father's inheritance neglecting his nephew the right heir, left it unto his brother Reginald, whose son William, Lhelin Prince of Wales having taken him in bed with his wife, hanged. But by the daughters of that William, the Mortimers, Cantelows, and Bohuns Earls of Hereford entered upon a great and goodly inheritance. And this Brechnock fell in partition unto the Bohuns, and in the end by them unto the Staffords: and when Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham was attainted, many very goodly revenues fell unto the King in this Shire, and elsewhere. It reckoneth Parishes 61. MONMOUTH-SHIRE. BEneath Brechnock and Hereford-shire Southward, lieth the County of Monmouth, commonly called in English MONMOUTH-SHIRE, in times past Went-set and Wents-land, in British Guent, of an ancient City so called. It is enclosed on the North side with the River Munow that separateth it from Hereford-shire: on the East side with Wye running between it and Gloucestershire: on the West with the River Remney, which severeth it from Glamorgan-shire, and on the South with the Severn sea, whereinto the said Rivers together with uske, that cutteth through the midst of the Country, are discharged. As for commodities necessary to man's life, it hath not only sufficient for itself, but also affordeth them in plentiful manner to the neighbours adjoining. The East part is full of grass and woods: the West is somewhat hilly and stony, yet not unthankful to the Husbandman. The people, as saith Giraldus writing of his own age, most enured to martial conflicts, is in feats of strength and valour right commendable, and for skill of archery and shooting far surpassing any Country in Wales. In the utmost angle called Ewias toward the North-West, Ewias Lacy. not far from the River Munow, among Hatterell hills which because they rise up in height like a chair, they call Munith Cader, Lanthony. Barons Lacy. there stood Lanthony a little ancient abbey, which Walter Lacie founded; unto whom William Earl of Hereford gave fair lands here, and from whom are descended those renowned Lacies, worthily reputed among the most noble Conquerors of Ireland. The situation of which abbey Giraldus Cambrensis, who knew it better than I, shall pensile it out unto you for me. In the most deep Valley of Ewias, saith he, which is about an arrow-shoote over, standeth a Church of Saint john Baptist, Saint John Baptist. enclosed on every side in a round compass, with hills mounting up into the air, covered with lead, and built sightly, as the nature of the place would permit, with an arched roof of stone, in a place where had stood aforetime a poor Chapel of Saint David the Archbishop, adorned only with wild moss, and wreathes of clasping ivy. A fit place for true Religion, and of all the Monasteries in the Island of Britain most convenient for Canonical Discipline, being founded first by two Eremits in the honour of an Eremite, far removed from all stirs and noise of people, in a certain desert and solitary nouke, seated upon the River Hodney running along the bottom of the Vale, whereof and of Hodney together, it is called Lanhodeny: For, Lhan signifieth, a Church or Ecclesiastical place. But if we will speak more exquisitely, it may be said, that the proper name of that place is in Welsh Nanthodeny: For even to this day, they that dwell thereabout call it Lhan Devi Nanthodeny. Hodney. That is, David's Church upon the River Hodeney. Now, the rain, which mountains breed, falleth here very often, the winds blow strong, and all Winter time almost it is continually cloudy and misty weather. And yet notwithstanding (such is the healthful temperature of the air, which the grosser it is, the gentler and milder it is) very seldom there are any diseases here. The Cloisterers sitting here in their Cloistures, when to refresh and breathe themselves they chance to look up, they see on every side of them, over the high roofs and ridges of their houses, the tops of the hills touching as it were the sky, and the very wild Deer for the most part, whereof there is here great store, feeding aloft (as one would say) in the farthest Horizon or kenning of their sight. And it is between one and three of the clock, or thereabout in a fair clear day, ere they can see here the body of the Sun, so much ado he hath to get above the hill tops by that time. And a little after. The fame that went of this place drew Roger Bishop of Salisbury hither, being then the chief Governor of the Realm under the King, who when he had a good while considered with admiration, the nature of the place, the desert solitariness, the eremetical state and condition of the religious men there serving God without complaining, together with their conversation in every respect without murmuring and grudging, returned home to the King, and making report unto him of such things there as were worth relation, when he had spent the most part of the day in commendation of the foresaid place; at length knit up all the praises thereof in this one word: What should I say more, quoth he, All the treasure both of King and Kingdom, will not suffice to build this Cloisture: when as therefore he had held a good while as well the King as the whole Court in suspense, wondering as they did at this speech, at length he expounded the dark riddle of his words, by meaning the Cloistures of those hills, wherewith it is enclosed on every side. But hereof enough, if not too much. Grossemont. Skinffrith. By the River Munow are to be seen Grossemont and Skinffrith Castles belonging in times passed by the grant of King John to the Breoses, afterwards to Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent, who, that he might calm the Court-tempests of displeasure and for the renewing of peace and recovering former favour, Historia Minor Matth. Paris. resigned both these and withal Blanc-castle and Hanfield into the hands of King Henry the Third. In the other corner Northeastward, Munow and Wye at their confluence do compass almost round about the chief Town of the Shire, and give it the name. For in the British tongue it is called Mongwy, Monmouth. and in ours Monmouth. On the North-side, where it is not defended with the Rivers, it was fortified with a wall and ditch. In the midst of the Town hard by the market place standeth a Castle, which, as it is thought, John Baron of Monmouth built, from whom it came to the house of Lancaster, after that King Henry the Third had taken from him all his inheritance; for that he had sided with the Barons and stood rebelliously against him, or rather, as we read in the King's Prerogative, because his heirs had given their faith and allegiance to the Earl of Britain in France. And ever since that time, the Town hath flourished and been of name in regard of their privileges and immunities granted unto them by the Family of Lancaster. But for no one thing it is so much renowned, as for this, that it was the birth place of King Henry the Fifth that Triumpher over France, and the second ornament of English Nation. That Henry I say, who by force of arms and military prowess maugre the French, conquered France and brought Charles the Sixth King of France to that extremity, that after a sort he surrendered up his Crown unto him. In regard of whose success and fortunate exploits in War, John Seward a Poet in those days not of the lowest rank, in a joily lofty verse thus speaketh to the English: Ite per extremum Tanain, pigrósque Triones, Ite per arentem Lybiam, superate calores Solis, & arcanos Nili deprendite fontes, Herc●leum finem, Bacchi transcurrite metas; Angli juris erit quicquid complectitur orbis. Anglis rubra dabunt pretiosas aequora conchas, Indus ebur, ramos Panchaia, vellera Seres: Dum viget Henricus, dum noster vivit Achilles, Est etenim laudes longè transgressus avitas. Pass on to Tanais far remote, to frozen Northern Coast: Through Libye dry, beyond the line where Sun's heat parcheth most. On forth and find where all the springs of Nilus' hidden lie, Those pillars fixed by Hercules, and bounds that mount on high Surpass; the Limit-markes also which father Bacchus pight; For why? what all the earth contains is under England's right. To English shall the Red Sea yield the precious pearly wilke, India ivory, sweet-frank-incense Panchaea, Seres silk, Whiles Henry lives, that Champion Achilles-like of ours, For he the praises far surmounts of his progenitors. Geffrey Ap-Arthur, or of Monmouth. Monmouth glorieth also that Geffrey Ap Arthur or Arthurius Bishop of Asaph the compiler of the British History was borne and bred there: a man to say truth well skilled in antiquities, but, as it seemeth, not of antique credit, so many toys and tales he every where enterlaceth out of his own brain as he was charged while he lived, in so much as now he is ranged among those Writers, whom the Roman Church hath censured to be forbidden. From hence Why with many windings and turnings runneth down Southward, yielding very great plenty of delicate Salmon from September to April. And is at this day the bound between Gloucestershire and Monmouth-shire, in times passed between the Welsh and Englishmen, according to this Verse of Nechams making. Ind vagos vaga Cambrenses, hinc respicit Anglos. By Wales on this side runneth Why, And of the other England he doth eye. Who when he is come almost unto his mouth, Chepstow. runneth by Chepstow, that is, if one interpret it after the Saxons tongue, a Mercat: The Britan's call it Castle-went. A famous Town this is and of good resort, situate upon the side of an Hill, rising from the very River, fortified round about with a Wall of a large circuit, which includes within it both fields and orchyards. It hath a very spacious Castle situate over the River: and just against it stood a Priory: the better part whereof being pulled down, the rest is converted into a Parish Church. As for the Bridge that standeth over Why, it is of timber and very high built, because the River at every tide riseth to a great height. The Lords hereof were the Earls of Pembroch out of the Family of Clare, Earls of Strigh●ll or Pembrock. who of Strighull Castle their seat a little way off, were commonly called Earls of Strighull and of Pembrock. The last of whom named Richard, a man of an invincible courage, and having wonderful strong arms and long withal, surnamed Strongbow, because he shot in a bow of exceeding great bent, and did nothing but with strong arm, was the first that by his valour made way for the English into Ireland. By a daughter of his it came to the Bigots, etc. but now it belongeth to the Earls of Worcester. This Town is not very ancient to speak of. For, many there be that constantly affirm, and not without good reason, that not many ages ago it had his beginning from VENTA a very ancient City, that in the days of Antonine the Emperor flourished about four miles hence Westward and was named VENTA SILURUM, Venta. (as one would say) the principal City of the Silureses: Which name neither hostile fury nor length of time hath as yet discontinued: for it is called even at this day Caer went, Caer-went. that is, The City Went. But, as for the City itself, either time or hostility hath so carried it away, that now were it not only for the ruinated walls, the chequer work, pavements and pieces of Roman money, it would not appear there was such a City. It took up in compass above a mile: on the South side a great part of the Wall standeth, and there remain little better than the rubbish of three Bulwarks. And yet of how great account it was in ancient times, we may gather, if it were but by this, that before the name of Monmouth once heard of, all this whole Country was of it, called Guent, Went-set and Wents-land. Moreover, as we read in the life of Tathaius a British Saint; The Book of Landaffe Church. it was an Academy, that is to say, a place dedicated to the study of good letters, which the said Tathaie whom King Caradock the son of Inirius procured to come thither out of the desert wilderness, governed with great commendation, and there founded a Church. Five miles from hence Westward, Strighull Castle. is seated Strighull Castle, at the foot of the mountains, we call it at this day Struggle, the Normans named it Estrighill: which as we read in King William the First his doomsday book, William Fitz Osborn Earl of Hereford built: and afterwards it became the seat of the Earls of Pembrock out of the house of Clare. Whereupon they were usually called Earls of Strighull, as I even now intimated. Beneath these places upon the Severn sea, Portskeweth. ne'er unto Wy-mouth, standeth Portskeweth, which Marianus nameth Potescith: who hath recorded, that Harald in the year 1065. erected a Fort there against the Welshmen, * which they streightwaies under the conduct of Caradock, Sudbroke. overthrew. And adjoining to it is Sudbrok, the Church whereof called Trinity Chapel standeth so near the sea, that the vicinity of so tyrannous a neighbour, hath spoiled it of half the Churchyard, as it hath done also of an old Fortification, lying thereby, which was compassed with a triple Ditch and three Rampires as high as an ordinary house, cast in form of a bow, the string whereof is the sea-cliffe. That this was a Roman work the Britain bricks, and Roman coins there found are most certain arguments, among which, the Reverend Father in God Francis Bishop of Landaffe (by whose information I write this) imparted unto me of his kindness one of the greatest pieces that ever I saw coined of Corinthian copper by the City of Elaia in the lesser Asia to the honour of the Emperor Severus with this Greek Inscription, Coin of Severus. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, THE EMPEROR CAESAR. LUCIUS' SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS PERTINAX. And in the Reverse, an Horseman with a Trophaee erected before him, but the letters not legible, save under him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Of the Elaians', which kind of great pieces the Italians call Medaglionj, Medailes. and were extraordinary coins, not for common use, but coined by the Emperors either to be distributed by the way of Largesse in triumphs, or to be sent for tokens to men well deserving, or else by free Cities to the glory and memory of good Princes. What name this place anciently had, is hard to be found, but it seemeth to have been the Port and landing place for Venta Silurum, when as it is but two miles from it. Then Throgoy, a little River near unto Caldecot entereth into the Severn Sea, where we saw the wall of a Castle that belonged to the High Constables of England: Inq. 3. E. I. and was holden by the service of Constableship of England. Hard by, are seen Wondy and Penbow, Woundy. the seats in times passed of the noble Family of Saint Maur, now corruptly named Seimor. For, G. Mareshall Earl of Pembrock about the year of our Lord 1240. was bound for the winning of Wondy out of the Welsh men's hands, to aid William Seimor. From him descended Roger de Saint Maur Knight, who married one of the heirs of I. Beauchamp of Hach, a very noble Baron, who derived his Pedigree from Sibyl Heir unto William Mareshall, that most puissant Earl of Pembrock, from William Ferrars Earl of Derby, from Hugh de Vivon, and William Mallet, men in times past most highly renowned. The Nobility of all these and of others besides, as may be evidently showed, hath met together in that right honourable personage Edward Saint Maur or Seimor, The Family of Saint Maur or Seimor. now Earl of Hartford, a singular favourer of virtue and good learning, worthy in that behalf to be honoured and commended to posterity. The Moor. Beneath this, lieth spread for many miles together a Mersh, they call it the Moor, which, when I lately revised this work, suffered a lamentable loss: For when the Severn Sea at a spring Tide in the change of the Moon what being driven back for three days together with a South-West Wind, An Inundation in January. 1607. and what with a very strong pirry from the sea troubling it, swelled and raged so high, that with surging billows it came rolling and in-rushing amain upon this Tract lying so low, as also upon the like flats in Somerset-shire over against it, that it overflowed all, subverted houses and drowned a number of beasts, and some people withal. Where this Mersh Coast bearing out by little and little runneth forth into the sea, in the very point thereof standeth Goldclyffe aloft, Gold-cliffe. that is, as Giralaus saith, A Golden Cliff, so called, because the stones there, of a golden colour, by reverberation of the Sun shining full upon them, glitter with a wonderful brightness: neither can I be easily persuaded (saith he) that Nature hath given this brightness in vain unto the stones, and that there should be a flower here without fruit, were there any man that would search into the Veins there, and using the direction of Art enter in the inmost and secretest bowels of the Earth. near to this place there remain the Relics of a Priory, that acknowledge those of Chandos for their founders and Patron. Passing thence by the Merish Country, we came to the mouth of the River Isca, River Uske. which the Britan's name Usk and Wijsk, and some Writers term it Osca. This River as it runneth through the midst, as I said before, of this County, floweth hard by three Towns of especial antiquity. The first, in the limit of the Shire North-West, Antonine the Emperor calleth GOBANIUM, at the very meeting of Uske and Geveny, whereof it had the name: and even at this day, keeping the ancient name, as it were, safe and sound is termed Abergevenny, Abergevenny. and short Aber-genny, which signifieth the confluents of Gevenny or Gobanny. Fortified it is with Walls and a Castle, which as saith Giraldus of all the Castles in Wales hath been most defamed and stained with the foul note of treason. First, by William, Earl Miles his son, afterwards by William Breos: for both of them after they had trained thither, under a pretence of friendship, certain of the Nobles and chief Gentlemen of Wales, with promise of safe conduct, villainously slew them. But they escaped not the just judgement and vengeance of God. For, William Breos, after he had been stripped of all his goods, and lost his wife and some of his children, who were famished to death, died in banishment: the other William, being brained with a stone, whiles Breulais Castle was on fire, suffered in the end due punishment for his wicked deserts. The first Lord to my knowledge of Aber Gevenny was one Sir Hameline Balun who made Brien of Wallingford or Brient de L'isle called also the Fitz-Count his heir. He having built here a Lazarhouse for his two sons that were leper, ordained Walter the son of Miles Earl of Hereford, heir of the greatest part of his inheritance. After him succeeded his brother Henry, slain by the Welshmen, who seized upon his lands, which the King's Lieutenants and Captains could not defend without great peril and danger. By a sister of this Henry it descended to the Breoses, and from them in right of marriage, by the Cantelowes to the Hastings, Lords of Abergevenny. which Hastings being Earls of Pembrock enjoyed it for diverse descents, and John Hastings having then no child borne devised both it, and the Earldom of Pembrock as much as in him lay to his cousin Sir William Beauchamp, conditionally that he should bear his Arms. And when the last Hastings ended his life issueless, Reginald Lord Grey of Ruthin being found his Heir, passed over the Barony of Abergevenny to the said William Beauchamp who was summoned afterward to Parliament by the name of W. Beauchamp de Abergevenny. Clausae 49. Edw. 3. He entailed the said Barony, reserving an estate to himself and his wife, and to the lawful issue male of their bodies; and for default of such issue, to his brother Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick and his heirs males. This William Beauchamp Lord of Abergevenny, had a son named Richard, * who for his martial valour was created Earl of Worcester, and slain in the French wars, leaving one only daughter, whom Sir Edward Nevil, took to wife▪ Since which time the Nevils have enjoyed the honourable title of the Barons of Abergevenny (howbeit the Castle was by virtue of the entail aforesaid detained from them a long time.) The fourth Baron of this house dying in our remembrance, left one only daughter Mary, married to Sir Thomas Fane Knight, betwixt whom being the heir general, and Edward Nevil the next heir male (unto whom by a will and the same ratified by authority of the Parliament, the Castle of Abergevenny and the greatest part of the lands was fallen) there was great competition, for the title of Abergevenny argued in the High Court of Parliament in the second year of King James; and their several claims debated seven several days by the learned Counsel of both parts, before the Lords of the Parliament. Yet when as the question of precise right in law was not sufficiently cleared, but both of them in regard of the nobility and honour of their family were thought of every one right worthy of honourable title; and whereas it appeared evidently by most certain proofs, that the title as well of the Barony of Abergevenny, as of Le Despenser appertained hereditarily to this Family. The Lords humbly and earnestly besought the King, that both parties might be ennobled by way of restitution, who graciously assented thereunto. Hereupon the Lord Chancellor proposed unto the Lords, first whether the heir male should have the title of Abergevenny or the heir female: and the most voices carried it, that the title of the Barony of Abergevenny should be restored unto the heir male. And when he propounded secondly, whether the title of the Barony Le Despenser should be restored unto the female, they all with one accord gave their full consent. Which being declared unto the King, he confirmed their determination with his gracious approbation and royal assent. Then was Edward Nevil by the Kings Writ called unto the Parliament by the name of Baron Abergavenney, and in his Parliament Robes between two Barons, as the manner is, brought into the house, and placed in his seat above the Baron Audley. And at the very same time, were the letters Patents read, whereby the King restored, erected, preferred, etc. Marry Fane, Baronesse Le Despenser. to the state, degree, title, style, name, honour, and dignity of Baronesse Le-Despenser, To have and to hold the foresaid state and unto the above named Mary and her heirs, and that her heirs, successively should be Barons Le-Despenser, etc. And upon a new question moved, unto whether the Barony of Abergavenney, or the Barony Le-Despenser, the priority of place was due. The Lords referred this point to the Commissioners for the Office of the Earl marshal of England, who after mature deliberation and weighing of the matter, gave definitive sentence for the Barony Le-Despenser, set down under their hands and signed with their seals, which was read before the Lords of the Parliament, and by order from them entered into the Journal Book, out of which I have summarily thus much exemplified: John Hastings (for I have no reason to pass it over in silence) held this Castle by homage, Wardship, and marriage when it happened (as we read in the Inquisition) and if there should chance any war between the King of England and the Prince of Wales, 6. Ed. 2. he was to keep the Country of Over-went at his own charges in the best manner he can, for his own commodity, the King's behoof, and the Realm of England's defence. Burrium. The second little City which Antonine named BURRIUM, and setteth down twelve miles from Gobannium, standeth where the River Birthin and Uske meet in one stream. The Britan's at this day, by transposing of the letters, call it Brunebegy for Burenbegy, and Caer Uske: Giraldus termeth it Castrum Oscae, that is, The Castle of Uske, Uske. and we Englishmen, Uske. At this day it can show nothing but the ruins of a large and strong Castle, situate most pleasantly between the River Uske, and Oilwy a Riveret, which beneath it runneth from the East by Ragland, a fair house of the Earl of Worcester's, built Castle-like. The third City which Antonine nameth ISCA, and LEGIO SECUNDA, is on the other side of Uske twelve Italian miles just distant from BURRIUM, Isca Legionis. C●er Lheon are Uske. as he hath put it down. The Britan's call it Caer Leon, and Caer LEON are Uske, that is, The City of the Legion upon Uske, of the second Legion Augusta, which also is called Britannica Secunda. This Legion being ordained by the Emperor Augustus, and translated by Claudius out of Germany into Britain, under the conduct of Vespasian, being ready at his command, when he aspired to be Emperor, and which procured the Legions in Britain to take his part, was here at last placed in Garrison by Julius Frontinus (as it seemeth) against the Silureses. How great this ISCA was in those days listen unto our Girald out of his Book called Itinerarium Cambriae, who thus describeth it out of the ruins. It was an ancient and Authentic City excellently well built in old time by the Romans with brick Walls. here may a man see many footings of the antique nobility and dignity it had, mighty and huge Palaces with golden pinnacles in times past, resembling the proud stateliness of the Romans, for that it had been found first by Roman Princes, and beautified with goodly buildings. There may you behold a giantlike Tower, notable and brave baines, the remains of Temples, and Theatres, all compassed in with fair walls, which are partly yet standing. There may one find in every place, as well within the circuit of the Wall, as without, houses under ground, water pipes and Vaults within the earth, and (that which you will count among all the rest worth observation) you may see every where ho●e houses made wondrous artificially, breathing forth heat very closely at certain narrow Tunnels in the sides. here lie interred two noble Protomartyrs of greater Britain, and next after Alban and Amphibalus the very principal here crowned with Martyrdom, namely Julius and Aaron: and both of them had in this City a goodly Church dedicated unto them. For, in ancient times there had been three passing fair Churches in this City: One of Julius the Martyr, beautified with a chair of Nuns devoted to the service of God: A second founded in the name of blessed Aaron his companion, and ennobled with an excellent Order of Canons. Amphibalus also, the Teacher of Saint Alban and a faithful informer of him unto faith was borne here. The site of the City is excellent, upon the River Oske, able to bear a pretty Vessel at an high water from the Sea, and the City is fairly furnished with woods and meadows: here it was that the Roman Ambassadors repaired unto the famous Court of that great King Arthur. Where Dubritius also resigned the archiepiscopal honour unto David of Menevia, when the Metropolitan See was translated from hence to Menevia. Thus much out of Giraldus. But for the avouching and confirming of the Antiquity of this place, I think it not impertinent to adjoin here those antique Inscriptions lately digged forth of the ground, which the right reverend Father in God Francis Godwin Bishop of Landaffe, a passing great lover of venerable Antiquity and of all good Literature, hath of his courtesy imparted unto me. In the year 1602. in a meadow adjoining, there was found by ditchers a certain image of a personage girt and short trussed, bearing a quiver (but head, hands and feet were broken off) upon a pavement of square tile in chequer work: also a fragment of an Altar with this Inscription engraven in great capital letters three inches long, erected by Haterianus the Lieutenant General of Augustus and Propretour of the Province Cilicia. The next year following, These Inscriptions are to be seen at Mathern in the Bishop of Landaffes house. hard by, was this Table also gotten out of the ground, which proveth that the foresaid Image was the personage of Diana: and that her Temple was repaired by Titus Flavius Posthumius Varus, an old soldier haply of a Band of the second Legion. T. FL. POSTUMIUS VARUS V. C. LEG. TEMPL. DIANAE RESTITUIT. Veteranu● Cohortis. Also, a votive Altar, out of which GETA the name of Caesar may seem then to have been razed, what time as he was made away by his brother Antonine Bassianus, and proclaimed an Enemy, yet so, as by the tract of the letters it is in some sort apparent. PRO SALUTE AUGG. N. N. SEVERI ET ANTONINI ET GETAE CAES. P. SALTIENUS P. F. MAECIA THALAMUS HADRI. PRAEF. LEG. II. AUG. C. VAMPEIANO, In printed Copies, Claudius Pompeianum and L●llianus Avitus Coss. Anno Christi 210. ET LUCILIAN. This most beautiful Altar also though maimed and dismembered, was there found, which I think is thus to be made up. Also these fragments. * Centurio. 7. VECILIANA. VIII. 7. VALERIA. MAXSIMI. Moreover a little before the coming in of the English Saxons, There was a School here of 200. Philosophers, who being skilful in Astronomy and all other Arts, diligently observed the course and motion of the Stars, as wrote Alexander Elsebiensis, a rare Author and hard to be found; Thomas James. out of whom Thomas James of Oxford (a learned man and a true lover of Books, who wholly addicted to learning, and now laboriously searching the Libraries of England, to the public good purposeth that (God bless his labour, which will be to the great benefit of all Students) hath copied out very many notes for me. In the Reign of Henry the Second (what time Giraldus wrote) it seemeth that this City was of good strength. For Yrwith of Caer Leon a courageous and hardy Britan, defended it a great while against the English, until he was vanquished by the King, and so disseized of the possession thereof. But now, that it may serve for an ensample, that as well Cities have fatal periods of their flourishing state, as men of their lives; it is decayed, and become a very small Town, which in times past was of that greatness and reaching out so far in length on both sides of the River, that Saint julian's, an house of the late Sir William Herbert Knight, was, by report, sometime within the very City, where Saint Julius the Martyr's Church stood, which now is much about a mile out of the Town. Also, out of the ruins thereof a little beneath, Newport. at the mouth of uske, grew up Newport, which Giraldus nameth in Latin Novus Burgus, a Town of later time built, and not unknown, by reason of the Castle and commodiousness of the Harbour: in which place there was in times past some one of these Roman High ways or Streets, whereof Necham hath made mention in these Verses, Intrat, & auget aquas Sabrini fluminis Osca, Praceps, testis erit Julia Strata mihi. Vske into Severn headlong runs and makes his stream to swell, Witness with me is Julia Street, that knoweth it full well. This Julia Strata, was no doubt some Port-high way, and (if we may be allowed to make a conjecture) what great absurdity were it to say, that it was cast up and made by Julius Fr●ntinus the vanquisher of the Silureses? There creepeth, saith Giraldus, in the bounds of this New-burgh or Newport a little River named Nant Pencarn, which cannot be waded and passed over but at certain Fourds, not so much for any depth that the water is of, as for the hollowness of the Channel, and the easy mud in the bottom: and it had of old a Fourd named Rydpencarn, that is, The Fourd under the top of a Rock. Which when Henry the Second King of England chanced at a venture to pass over, even then when it was almost grown out of remembrance, the Welshmen, who were over credulous in believing of Prophecies, as if now all had been sure on the King's side, and themselves hopeless of all help, were quite out of heart and hope of good success, because Merlin Silvester, the British Apollo, had prophesied, that then the Welshman's power should be brought under, when a stout Prince with a freckled face (and such a one was King Henry the Second) should pass over that Ford. Under the Saxons Heptarchy, this Region was subject to the mountain Welshmen whom the English called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) who notwithstanding, Dun-settan. as the ancient laws do show, were under the command of the West Saxons. But at the first coming in of the Normans, the Lords Merchers most grievously plagued and annoyed them, but especially Hamelin Balun, of whom I spoke, Hugh Lacie, Walter and Gilbert, both surnamed of the house of Clare, Miles of Gloucester, Robert Chandos, Pain Fitz-Iohn, Richard Fitz Punt, and Brien of Wallingford: unto whom after that the Kings had once given whatsoever they could get and hold in this tract by subduing the Welsh, some of these before named by little and little reduced under their subjection the upper part of this Shire which they called Over-went: others the lower part which they termed Netherwent. And this Shire is not accounted among the Shires of Wales. This Shire containeth Parish Churches 127. GLAMORGAN-SHIRE. THE last Country of the Silureses was that, Whence came the name of Glamorgan. I think, which we at this day call GLAMORGAN-SHIRE, the Britan's Morganuc, Glath-Morgan, and Glad Vorganuc, that is, The Region of Morganuc: so named, as most suppose, of one Morgan a Prince, as others think of Morgan an abbey. But if I derived it from Mor, which in the British tongue signifieth The Sea; I know not verily whether I should dally with the truth or no? Howbeit, I have observed that a Town in little Britain standing upon the Sea-coast, now called Morlais, was of Ptolomee and the ancient Gauls termed Vorganium or Morganium (for M. and V. consonant are often changed one for another in this tongue) and whence I pray you but from the sea? And this our Morganuc also lieth upon the sea: for, stretching out directly more in length, than it spreadeth in breadth, on the South side it is accosted with the Severn sea. But where it looketh toward the Land, it hath on the East side Monmouth-shire, on the North Brechnockshire, and on the West Caermardenshire bordering upon it. The North part by reason of the Mountains is rough and unpleasant, which as they bend down Southward by little and little become more mild and of better soil; and at the foot of them there stretcheth forth a Plain open to the South-Sunne, in that position of situation which Cato judged to be the best, and for the which, Pliny so highly commendeth Italy. For, this part of the Country is most pleasant and fruitful, beautified also on every side with a number of Towns. Jestine a great Lord in the Reign of William Rufus, The subduing of Glamorgan-shire. Robert Fitz-Haimon. after he had rebelled against Rhese his Prince, and not able to make his part good with him, very rashly, and inconsiderately (which he afterward repented too late) sent Enion a Nobleman to whom he had affianced his daughter; to procure Robert Fitz Haimon son to Haimon Dentatus Lord of Corboil in Normandy, to come out of England and aid him against Rhese: who forthwith having mustered certain forces, and taking for to associate him in his journey twelve Knights, 12. Knights. first gave Rhese Battle and slew him, and afterwards being alured with the fertility of the Country, whereof before hand he made full account to be Lord, turning his power upon Jestine himself, because he had not kept touch with Enion nor performed his promise, easily thrust him out of his ancient Inheritance, and shared the Country among his Companions. The hard and barren hill Country he granted to the said Enion, the more fertile parts he divided between him and those twelve Knights whom he termed Peres, on this condition, that they should hold them in Fee, and vassalage of him as their chief Lord, to maintain one another in common with their aids and auxiliary forces; to defend every one his own Ward in his Castle of Caerdiffe, Caerdiffe. and to be present and assist him in his Courts in the administration of Justice. It shall not be amiss to put down their names out of a little Pamphlet, which Sir Edward straddling or Sir Edward Mounsel both Knights men of ancient descent and most skilful in Antiquity, I wot not whether (for it goeth abroad under both their names) wrote concerning this matter. And these be their names, William of London, or de Londres. Richard Granvil. Pain Turbervill. Oliver Saint John. Robert de Saint Quintin. Roger Bekeroul. William Easterling, for that he was borne in Germany, whose heirs are now called straddlings. Gilbert Hamfranvill. Richard Siward. John Fleming. Peter sore. Reinald Sully. The River Remnie falling from the Mountains, is the limit on the East side, whereby this Country is divided from Monmouth-shire; and Remnie in the British tongue signifieth to Divide. Not far from it where the River holdeth on his course through places hardly passable, among the hills, in a Marish ground are to be seen the tottering walls of Caer-philli Castle, Caer Philli. which hath been of so huge a bigness, and such a wonderful piece of work beside, that all men well near say, it was a garrison for't of the Romans. Neither will I deny it, although I cannot as yet perceive by what name they called it: and yet it may seem to have been re-edified anew, considering it hath a Chapel built after the Christians manner (as I was informed by John Sanford a man singular well learned, and of exact judgement) who diligently took view of it. In later ages it was the possession of the Clares Earls of Gloucester descended from Fitz-Haimon aforesaid; neither do any of our Chronicles make mention thereof before king Edward the Seconds time. For then, after that the Spensers by underhand practices had set the King, Queen, and Barons at debate, the Barons besieged a long time Hugh Spenser the younger whom they called Hugolin herein, and could not prevail. By this river also (but the place is not certainly known) Faustus a very good son, as Ninnius writeth, of Vortigern so bad a father, built a great Place; where, with other holy men he prayed daily unto God, that himself, whom his father, committing most abominable incest had begotten of his own daughter might not be punished grievously for his father's faults, also that his father might at length repent heartily, and his native Country be eased from the bloody wars of the Saxons. A little beneath, hath Ptolomee placed the mouth of RATOSTABIUS or RATOSTABIUS, The mouth of Ratostabius Traith Taff. using a maimed word in stead of Traith Taff, that is, The sandy Trith of the River Taff. For, there the said River Taff, sliding down from the Hills, runneth toward the Sea, by Landaff, Landaff. that is, The Church by Taff, a small City and of small reputation, situate somewhat low, yet a Bishops See, having within the Dioecesse 154. Parishes, and adorned with a Cathedral Church consecrated to Saint Telean Bishop of the same: which Church Germane and Lupus, French Bishops, then erected, when as they had suppressed the Heresy of Pelagius that was dangerously spread all Britain over, History of Landaff. and preferred Dubricius a most holy man to be the first Bishop there, unto whom Meurioke a British Lord freely gave all the land that lieth between the River's Taff and Elei. Caerdiffe. From hence goeth Taff, to Caer diff, called of the Britan's Caerdid a proper fine Town (as Towns go in this Country) and a very commodious Haven: which the foresaid, Fitz Haimon, fortified with a Wall and Castle, that it might be both a seat for war and a Court of Justice: wherein, beside a Band of choice soldiers those twelve Knights were bound to keep Castleguard. Howbeit a few years after, Your Bach a British Mountainer, a little man of person but of great and resolute courage, marching with a Band of men by night, without any stir suddenly surprised, took Prisoner William Earl of Gloucester, Fitz Haimons daughter's son, together with his wife and young son, and detained them in hold with him, until he had made him full satisfaction for all wrongs and losses. But how, Robert Curthose, Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy. William the conquerors eldest son, a man over venturous and fool hardy in warlique exploits, quite put by his hope of the Crown of England by his younger brethren and bereft of both his eyes, lived until he was an old man in this Castle, you may see if you please in our Historians, and understand withal, that royal Parentage is never assured either of ends, or safe security. Scarce three miles from the mouth of Taff, in the very bending in of the shore, there lie afloat as it were two small, but pleasant Islands, separated one from another and from the main Land with narrow inlets of the Sea. Sully, haply so called of the Silureses. The hithermore is called Sully, of the Town right over against it, which took the name, as it is thought, of Robert Sully (for it fell to his part in the division) if you would not rather have him to take his name of it. Barry. The farther more is named Barry, of Baruch an holy man buried there, who as he gave name to the place, so the place gave the surname afterwards to the Lords thereof. For that noble Family of Viscount's Barries in Ireland had their original from hence. In a Rock, or cliff hereof by the sea side, saith Giraldus, there appeareth a very little chincke into which if you lay your ear you shall hear a noise as it were of Smiths at work, one while the blowing of bellowes, another while the striking of sledge and hammer, sometime the sound of the Grindstone and iron tools rubbing against it, the hissing sparks also of steele-gads within holes, as they are beaten, yea and the puffing noise of fire burning in the furnace. Now, I should easily be persuaded that such a sound may come of the sea water closely getting into the Rock, were it not the same continued as well when the sea ebbeth at a low water when the shore is bare, as it doth at an high water when it is full sea. Not unlike to this was the place which Clemens Alexandrinus maketh mention of in the seventh Book of his Stromata in these words. They that have written Histories do say, A wonderful Cave or hole. that in the Isle of Britain, there is a certain hole or Cave under the bottom of an hill, and on the top thereof a gaping chaune or chink: And whensoever the wind is gathered into that hole, and tossed to and fro in the womb or concavity thereof, there is heard above a sound of Cymbals. For, the wind driven back gives the stronger sound. Beyond these Islands, the Shire runneth directly Westward, and giveth entrance and passage to one River, Cowbridge. upon which more within the Land, standeth Cowbridge (the Britan's, of the Stone-bridge call it Pont-van) a Merdare Town, and the second of those three which Fitz Haimon the Conqueror kept for himself. Now, whereas Antonine the Emperor in this very Coast, at the same distance from ISCA, Bovium. placed BOVIUM, which also is corruptly read BOMIUM, my conjecture liked me so well, that I have been of opinion, this Town was the said BOVIUM: but seeing that three miles from hence there standeth Bovirion, which fitly acordeth in sound with Bovium, so love me truth, I dare not seek for BOVIUM elsewhere. And that it is no strange and new thing that places should be fitted with names from Kine and Oxen, I report me to Bosphorus in Thracia, Bovianum in Samnium, and Bauli in Italy, as it were, Boalia, if we may believe Symmachus. But let this one argument serve for all; fifteen miles from BOVIUM, hath Antonine placed, even with a Latin name the Town NIDUM, which although our Antiquaries have been this great while a hunting after in vain: yet, at the very same distance there showeth itself Neath, Neath. a Town very well known, retaining still the old name, in manner whole and sound: and here at La●twit, that is, The Church of Iltut, that joineth close thereto, are seen the foundations of many houses, for it had diverse Streets in old time. A little from hence in the very bout well near of the shore standeth Saint Donats' Castle, Saint Donats. straddling. a fair Habitation of the ancient and notable Family of the straddlings: near unto which, were very lately digged up, Antique pieces of coin. antique pieces of Roman money, but those especially of the thirty Tyrants, yea and some of Aemilianus and Marius, which are seldom found. The River Ogmor somewhat higher, Ogmor river. maketh himself way into the Sea, falling down from the mountains by Coitie, which belonged sometimes to the Turbevills, afterwards to the Gamages, and now to Sir Robert Sidney Viscount Lisle, in right of his wife: also by Ogmor Castle, which came from the Family of London to the Duchy of Lancaster. A fountain ebbing and flowing. Some few miles from hence there is a Well at Newton (as Sir John straddling a very learned Knight hath signified unto me) a little Town, on the bank of the River Ogmor Westward, an hundred paces well near from Severn side, in a sandy plain. The water thereof is none of the clearest, Sandfords' well. yet pure enough and good for use: It never springeth and walmeth up to the brink, but by certain stairs folk go down into the Well. At any flowing of the Sea (in Summer time) you shall hardly get up a dish full of water: Whereas if you come anon when it ebbeth, you may well lad up water with a good big bucket or pail. The like instability remaineth also in Winter time, saving that it is nothing so evident, by reason of the Veins of water coming in from above by showers, and otherwise. Many of the Inhabitants thereabouts men of good credit constantly avouched thus much unto me. But I, distrusting Fame, that oftentime doth but prate, went myself of late once or twice to the said Well. For even then had I great desire to write thus much unto you. When I was first come unto the place, and had stayed the third part of an hour viewing and considering every thing (while Severn surged and rose high, and no body came thither to draw) the water was fallen about three inches. I go my ways. And not long after when I was returned again, I find it to be risen a foot higher. The compass of this Well beneath within the walls is almost six foot. Concerning which my Muse also enditeth this Ditty. Te Nova-Villa fremens, odioso murmure Nympha Inclamat Sabrina: Soloque inimica propinquo, Evomit infestas ructu violenter arenas. Damna pari sentit vitinia sort: sedilla Fonticulum causata tuum. Quem virgo, legendo Littus, ad amplexus vocitat: latet ille vocatus Antro, & luctatur contra. Namque astus utrique est Continuo motu refluus, tamen ordine dispar. Nympha fluit propiùs: Fons defluit. Illa recedit. Isteredit. Sic livor inest & pugna perennis. With troublous noise and roaring loud, the Severn Nymph doth cry, Newtowne, on thee; and bearing spite unto the ground thereby, Casts up and sends with violence main drifts of hurtful sand. The neighbour parts feel equal loss, by this her heavy hand: But on thy little Well she lays the weight, which she would woe And fain embrace, as Virgin she along the shore doth go. Called though he be, he lurks in den, and striveth hard again, For, ebb and flow continually by tides they keep, both twain Yet diversely: for as the Nymph doth rise, the Spring doth fall, Go she back, he comes on, in spite and fight continual. A fountain at Cales or Cadiz. The like Fountain Polybius reporteth to be at Cadyz, and this reason he giveth thereof, namely that the wind or air, when it is deprived of his wont issues, returneth within forth, and so by shutting and stopping up the passages and veins of the Spring, keepeth in the waters, and chose when the surface thereof is void and empty of water the veins of the source or Spring are unstopped and set free, and so the water than boileth up in great abundance. From hence coasting along the shore, you come within the sight of Kinefeage, the Castle in old time of Fitz-Haimon himself; also of Margan, hard by the sea side, sometime an abbey founded by William Earl of Gloucester, but now the Habitation of the worshipful Family of the Maunsells, Knights. near unto this Margan, in the very top of an Hill called Mynyd Margan, there is erected of exceeding hard grit, a Monument or grave-stone, four foot long, and one foot broad with an Inscription, which whosoever shall happen to read, the ignorant common people dwelling thereabout, give it out upon a credulous error, that he shall be sure to dye within a little while after. Let the Reader therefore look to himself, if any dare read it; for, let him assure himself that he shall for certain die after it. CAERMARDIN Comitatus in quo DIMETAE Olim habitarunt. Those latter words I read thus Aeternali in domo, that is, In an eternal house: For, Sepulchers in that age, Eternal habitations. were termed AETERNALES DOMUS, that is, Eternal habitations. Moreover, between Margan and Kingseage by the high way side, there lieth a stone four foot long with this Inscription. PUNP ●IUS CAR ANTOPIUS. Which the Welsh Britan's by adding and changing letters, thus read and make this interpretation, as the right reverend Bishop of Landaff did write to me, who gave order that the draught of this Inscription should be taken likewise for my sake. PIM BIS AN CAR ANTOPIUS, that is, The five fingers of friends or neighbours killed us. It is verily thought to be the Sepulchre of Prince Morgan, from whom the Country took name, who was slain, as they would have it, eight hundred years before Christ's Nativity. But Antiquaries know full well, that these Characters and forms of letters be of a far later date. After you are past Margan, Nidus flu. i. the river Neath. the shore shooteth forth into the North-East, by Aber-Avon, a small market Town upon the River Avons mouth (whereof it took the name) to the River Nid or Neath infamous for a quicksand, upon which stands an ancient Town of the same name, which Antonine the Emperor in his Itinerary called NIDUM. Which, when Fitz-Haimon made himself Lord of this Country, fell in the partition to Richard Granvills share, Nidum the town Neath. who having founded an abbey under the very Town's side, and consecrated his own portion to God and to the Monks, returned again to his own ancient and fair inheritance, which he had in England. Logho●▪ Gower. Beyond this River Neath, whatsoever lieth between it and the River Loghor, which boundeth this shire in the West, we call Gower: the Britan's and Ninnius, Guhir: wherein, as he saith, the sons of Keian the Scot planted themselves, and took up a large room, Th. Walsingh. until that by Cuneda a British Lord they were driven out. In the Reign of Henry the First, Henry Earl of Warwick won it from the Welsh, but by a conveyance and composition, passed between William Earl of Warwick and King Henry the Second, Book of Neth Monastery. Joh. R. 5. it came to the Crown. Afterward King john gave it unto William Breos who had taken Arthur Earl of Britain prisoner, to be held by service of one Knight for all service: and his heirs successively held it not without troubles unto King Edward the Seconds days: for then, William Breos, when he had alienated and sold this inheritance to many, and in the end by mocking and disappointing all others, set Hugh Spenser in possession thereof, to curry favour with the King. And this was one cause, among other things, that the Nobles hated the Spensers so deadly, and rashly shaken off their Allegiance to the King. Howbeit this Gower came to the Mowbray's by an heir of Breos. This is now divided into the East part and the West. Swinsey. In the East part Swinesey, is of great account, a Town so called by the Englishmen, of Sea-Swine, but the Britan's Aber-Taw of the River Taw running by it; which, the foresaid Henry, Earl of Warwick fortified. But there is a Town far more ancient than this by the River Loghor, which Antonine the Emperor called LEUCARUM, Leucarum Loghor. and we, by the whole name, Loghor. Where, a little after the death of King Henry the First, Howel Ap Meredic invading the Englishmen on a sudden, with a power of the mountainers slew diverse men of quality and good account. Beneath this, lieth West-Gower, and by reason of two arms of the Sea winding in, on either side one, it becometh a Biland, more memorable for the fruitfulness, than the Towns in it, and in times passed of great name, in regard of Kined canonised a Saint, who lived here a solitary life: of whom if you desire to know more, read our Countryman Capgrave, who hath set out his miracle with great commendation. Since this Country was first conquered by the English. The Lords thereof were those that lineally descended from Fitz-Haimon, Lords of Glamorgan-shire. as Earl of Gloucester, Clares, Spensers, Beauchamps, and one or two Nevils: and by a daughter of Nevil, who came likewise of the Spensers' blood, Richard the Third King of England: But when he was slain, king Henry the Seventh entered upon the inheritance of this Country, and gave it to his uncle jaspar Duke of Bedford: and when he died without issue, the king resumed it unto his own hands, and left it to his son king Henry the Eighth: whose son king Edward the Sixth sold the greatest part thereof to Sir William Herbert, whom he had created Earl of Pembrock and Baron of Cardiff. But of the race of those twelve knights there remain only in this shire the straddlings, a notable house and of long continuance, the Turbervills, and some of the Flemings: the greatest man of which house dwelleth at Flemingston, now corruptly called Flemston, as one would say, Flemingstone which took the name of them. And in England, there are remaining yet the Lord Saint john of Bletso, the Granvills in Devonshire; and the Siwards, as I am informed, in Somerset-shire. The issue male of all the rest is long since extinct and worn out, and their lands by daughters passed over to diverse houses with sundry alterations. Parishes 118. DIMETAE. PLinie was of opinion that the SILURESES inhabited also the other part beside of this Country, West-Wales. which bearing out farther Westward, is called in English by some, West-Wales, and containeth Caermardenshire, Pembrock-shire, and Cardiganshire: But Ptolomee, who knew Britain far better, placed here another people, whom he called DIMETAE, and DEMETAE. Gildas likewise and Ninnius both, have used the name of DEMETIA for this Tract. Whereupon, the Britan's that inhabit it, changing M. into F. according to the propriety of their tongue commonly call it at this day Difed. If it would not be thought strained curiosity, I would derive this denomination of the Demetae, from Deheu Meath, that is, A plain champion toward the South: like as the Britan's themselves have named all this South-Wales, Deheubarth, that is, The South part: yea and those verily who inhabited another champion Country in Britain were called in old time, Meatae. Neither, I assure you, is the site of this Region disagreeing from this signification: For, when you are come hither once, by reason that the high hills gently settle downward, and grow still lower and lower, it spreadeth by little and little into a plain and even champion Country. CAERMARDENSHIRE. CAERMARDENSHIRE, Caer Marden-shire. is plenteous enough in Corn, stored abundantly with Cartaile and in some places yieldeth pit coal for fuel. On the East side it is limited with Glamorgan, and Brechnock-shires, on the West with Pembrock-shire, on the North with Cardiganshire severed from it by the River Tivie running between, and on the South with the Ocean, which with so great a Bay or Creek getteth within the Land, that this Country seemeth as it were for very fear to have shrunk back, and withdrawn itself more inwardly. Upon this Bay, Kidwelly. Kidwelly first offereth itself to our sight, the Territory whereof, K●tani the Scot his sons held for a time, until they were driven out by Cuneda the Britan. But now it is counted part of the inheritance of the Duchy of Lancaster by the heirs of Maurice of London or De Londres: who making an outroad hither out of Glamorgan-shire, after a dangerous war made himself Lord hereof, and fortified old Kidwelly with a wall and Castle to it, which now for very age is grown to decay and standeth, as it were, forlet and forlorn. For, the Inhabitants having passed over the little River Vendraeth Vehan, built a new Kidwelly, enticed thither by the commodity of the haven, which notwithstanding at this day being choked with shelves and bars, is at this present of no great use. Whiles Maurice of London invaded these parts, Guenliana, a woman of manly courage. Guenliana the wife of Prince Gruffin, a stout and resolute woman in the highest degree, to recover the losses and declining state of her husband, came with displayed banner into the field and fiercely assailed him, but the success not answerable to her courage, she with her son Morgan, and other men of especial note (as Girald recordeth) was slain in battle. By Hawis or Avis the daughter and heir of Sir Thomas of London: this passing fair and large patrimony, together with the Title of Lord of Ogmor and Kidwelly came unto Patricke-Chaworth, and by his son Patrick's daughter, unto Henry Earl of Lancaster. Now the heirs of the said Maurice of London (as we learn out of an old Inquisition) for this inheritance, Lords of Og●mor and Kidwelly. were bound to this service, that if their Sovereign Lord the King, or his chief Justice came into the parts about Kidwelly with an Army, they should conduct the foresaid Army with their banners and their people through the midst of Nethland as far as to Loghar. A few miles beneath Kidwelly, River Tovie. the River Tovie, which Ptolomee calleth TOBIUS falleth into the the Sea, after he hath passed through this Region from North-East to South, first by Lanandiffry, so called, as men think, of Rivers meeting together; which Hoel the son of Rhese overthrew for malice that he bore unto the English: Dinevor. then by Dinevor, a princely Castle, standing aloft upon the top of an hill, and belonging unto the Princes of South Wales whiles they flourished: and last of all, by Caer Marden, which the Britan's themselves call Caer-Firdhin, Maredunum. Caer merdin. Ptolomee, MARIDUNUM, Antonine, MURIDUNUM, who endeth his Journeys there, and through negligence of the transcribers is in this place not well used. For they have confounded the Journeys from Galena to Isca, and from Maridunum to Viriconium. This is the chief City of the country, for meadows and woods pleasant, and in regard of antiquity to be respected; Compassed about very properly, as Giraldus saith, with brick walls, which are partly yet standing upon the famous river Tovit, able to bear small ships, although there be now a bar of sand cast up against the very mouth thereof. Merlin. In this City was borne the * Divinour or Prophet. Tages of the Britan's, I mean Merlin: For like as Tages being the son of an evil Angel taught his Countrymen the Tuscans the art of Sooth saying, so this Merlin the son of an Incubus Spirit, devised for our Britan's prophecies, nay rather mere fantastical dreams. Whereby, in this Island he hath been accounted among the credulous and unskilful people a most renowned Prophet. Strait after the Normans entering into Wales, this City was reduced (but I wot not by whose conduct) under their subjection, and for a long time sore afflicted with many calamities and distresses, being oftentimes assaulted, once or twice set on fire, first by Gruffin ap Rise, then by Rise the said Gruffins brother: at which time, Henry Turbervill an Englishman succoured the Castle, and hewed down the Bridge. But afterwards by the means of Gilbert de Clare, who fortified both the walls thereof, and the Castles adjoining, it was freed from these miseries: and being once eased of all grievances, and in security, endured afterwards more easily from time to time the tempests of war and all assaults: And the Princes of Wales of the English blood, I mean the first begotten sons of the Kings of England, ordained here their Chancery and Exchequer, for all South Wales. Cantred Bitham. Cantred. near unto this City on the East side lieth Cantred-Bichan, that is, The less Hundred (for the Britan's term a portion of land that containeth 100 Villages a Cantred) in which, beside the ruins of Careg Castle situate upon a Rock, rising on every side steep and upright, Caves under the ground. there are many under-mines or caves of very great wideness within the ground, now covered all over with green-sord and turf, wherein it is thought the multitude unable to bear arms hid themselves, during the heat of war: there is also here a Fountain, that as Giraldus writeth, Twice in four and twenty hours ebbing and twice flowing resembleth the unstable motions of the main Sea. Cantredmaur. But on the North-East side, there stretcheth itself a great way out, Cantredmaur, that is, The great hundred, a most safe refuge for the Britan's in times past, as being thick set with woods, cumbersome to travail in, by reason the ways are intricate by the windings in and out of the hills, Southward stand Talcharn and Lhan-Stephan Castles upon rocks of the Sea, Talcharn. Lhan-Stephan. which are most notable witnesses of martial valour and prowess as well in the English as in the Welsh. Beneath Talcharn, Taff sheddeth itself into the Sea, by the side whereof was in times past that famous Twy Gwin are Taff, Taff River. that is, The white house upon the River Taff, because it was built of white Hazels for a summer house: where, in the year of our Redemption 914. * Haelius. Hoel, surnamed Dha, that is, Good, Prince of Wales, in a frequent Assembly of his States (for there met there beside others, of the Clergy one hundred and forty) abrogated the ancient ordinances, and established new laws for his Subjects, as the Prooeme to the very laws themselves do witness: In which place afterward, a little abbey named White land, Whiteland. was built. Not far from whence is Killmayn Lhoyd; where, of late days certain country people happened upon an earthen Vessel, in which was hourded a mighty deal of Roman Coin, Pieces of Roman Coin. of embased silver: from the time of Commodus the Roman Emperor, who first embased silver, unto the fifth Tribuneship of Gordian the third, which fell just with the year of Christ 243. Among these, were certain pieces of Helvius Pertinax, of Marcus Opellius, of Antoninus Diadumenianus, of Julius Verus Maximus the son of Maximinus, of Calius Balbivus, of Clodius Pupienus, of Aquilia Severa the wife of Elagabalus and of Sall. Barbia Orbiana, which among Antiquaries are of greatest price and estimation, as being most rare of all others. Now it remaineth that I should relate, how upon the river Tivy, that separateth this County from Cardiganshire, New Castle. there standeth Newcastle (for so they call it at this day) which Sir Rhise ap Thomas that warlike Knight who assisted Henry the Seventh when he got the Crown, and was by him right worthily admitted unto the Society of the Knights of the Garter, renewed: whereas before time it was named Elmelin. Which name, if the Englishmen gave unto it of Elme-trees, their conjecture is not to be rejected, Loventium. who will have it to be that LOVENTIUM of the DIMETAE, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention: For, the Britan's call Elmes Llwiffen. But seeing I can find by no record in Histories, which if the Normans first wrested this Country out of the hands of the Princes of Wales, I am to proceed now orderly to the description of Pembroch-shire. It hath Parishes 87. PENBROK Comitatus olim Pars DEMETARUM PENBROKE-SHIRE. THE Sea now retiring Southward, and with a mighty compass and sundry Bays incurving the shores, presseth on every side upon the County of PENBROKE, commonly called PENBROKE-SHIRE, which in the old Books is named * Legalis Comitatus. The lawful County of Pembroch, and of some, West-Wales; unless it be in the East side, where Caermardenshire, and on the North, where a part of Cardiganshire boundeth upon it. A Country plentiful in Corn, stored with Cat-tail, and full of marvel, and such kind of fatty earth to make the ground fertile, and not destitute of pit coal. This Land, as saith Giraldus, is apt to bear Wheat, plentifully served with sea-fish and saleable wine, and (that which is far above the rest, by reason that Ireland confineth so near upon it) of a very temperate and wholesome air. First and foremost upon the shore descending Southward, Tenby, Tenby a proper fine Town well governed by a Major, and strongly walled toward the Land, looketh down into the sea from a dry cliff, very famous because it is a commodious road for ships, and for abundance also of fish there taken; whereupon in the British tongue it is called Tenby-y-Piscoid, and hath for Magistrates a Major and a Bailiff. From thence the shore giving back Westward, Manober Castle. showeth the Relics of Manober Castle, which Giraldus calleth, The Mansion of Pyrrhus, in whose time as himself writeth, It was notably fortified with Towers and Bulwarks, having on the West side a large Haven, and on the North-West and North under the very walls, an excellent fish-poole, goodly to behold, as well for the beauty thereof, as the depth of the water. From hence runneth the shore along not many miles continuate, but at length the land shrinketh back on both sides giving place unto the sea, which encroaching upon it a great way, Milford Haven. maketh the Haven which the Englishmen call Milford Haven, than which there is not another in all Europe more noble or safer, such variety it hath of nouked Bays, and so many coves and creeks, for harbour of ships, wherewith the banks are on every side indented, and that I may use the Poet's words: Hic exarmatum terris cingentibus aequor, Clauditur, & placidam discit servare quietem. The Sea disarmed here of winds, within high bank and hill, Enclosed is, and learns thereby to be both calm and still. For to make use of the Mariners words and their distinct terms, there are reckoned within it 16. Creeks, 5. Bayss, and 13. Rhodes, known every one by their several names. Neither is this Haven famous for the secure safeness thereof more, than for the arrival therein of King Henry the Seventh a Prince of most happy memory, who from hence gave forth unto England then hopeless the first signal to hope well, and raise itself up, when as now it had long languished in civil miseries and domestical calamities within itself. Upon the innermore and East Creek of this Haven, Pembroke. in the most pleasant Country of all Wales, standeth Penbroke the Shire-towne, one direct street upon a long narrow point all rock, and a forked arm of Milford Haven ebbing and flowing close to the Town walls on both sides. It hath a Castle but now ruinate, and two Parish Churches within the walls, and is incorporate of a Major, Bailiffs and Burgesses. But hear Giraldus who thus describeth it, A tongue of the sea shooting forth of Milford Haven, in the forked end, encloseth the principal town of the whole Country and chief place of Dimetia seated upon the ridge of a certain craggy and long shaped Rock: And therefore, the Britan's called it Penbro, which signifieth as much as a head of the Sea, and we in our tongue Penbroke. Arnulph of Montgomery brother to Robert Earl of Shrewsbury, first in the time of King Henry the First fortified this place with a Castle, a very weak and slender thing, God wot, of stakes and turfs, which afterwards he returning into England delivered unto Girald of Windsor, his Constable and Captain, to be kept with a Garrison of few Soldiers: and immediately, the Welshmen of all South Wales laid siege unto the said Castle. The beginning of the Giralds' family in Ireland. But such resistance made Girald and his company, more upon a resolute courage than with any forcible strength, that they miss of their purpose and dislodged. Afterwards, the said Girald fortified both Town and Castle; from whence he invaded the Country, round about it, far and near: and at length, that as well his own estate, as theirs that were his followers and dependants, might the better grow to greatness in these parts he took to wife Nesta sister to Gruffin the Prince, of whom he begat a goodly fair Progeny, by the which (as saith that Giraldus who descended from him) The Englishmen both kept still the Sea Coasts of South Wales, and won also the walls of Ireland. For, all those noble families of Giralds or Giraldines in Ireland, whom they call Fitz Girald, fetch their descent from the said Girald. The Roll of Services. In regard of the tenure of this Castle and Town, of the Castle and Town likewise of Tinbigh, of the Grange of King's Wood, of the Commot of Croytarath, and of the Manors of Castle Martin and Tregoire, Reinold Grey at the Coronation of King Henry the Fourth made suit to carry the second sword: but in vain: For, answer was made, that those Castles and Possessions were in the King's hands, as Pembroke Town still is. Upon another Creek also of this haven, Carew Castle showeth itself, which gave both name and original to the notable Family de Carew, Carew Castle. who avouch themselves to have been called aforetime, de Montgomery; and have been persuaded, that they are descended from that Arnulph de Montgomery, of whom I spoke erewhile. Into this Haven there discharge themselves with their outlets joined almost in one, Gledawgh. two rivers, which the Britan's term Gledawh, that is, if you interpret it, Swords: whereupon themselves use to term it Aber du gledhaw, that is, The outlet of two swords. Hard by the more Easterly of them standeth Slebach, a Commandery in times passed of Saint John's Knights of Jerusalem, which with other lands, Wizo and Walter his son, gave in old time unto that holy Order of Knighthood, that they might serve as God's Knights to recover the Holy Land. That part of this Country which lieth beyond the Haven, and hath only these two Rivers to water it, the Britan's do call Ros, making the name answerable to the thing, for that it lieth for the most part all low on a flat, and green plain. Flemings in Wales. This Tract was inhabited by Flemings out of the Low Countries, who by the permission of King Henry the First were planted here, when the Ocean by making breaches in the banks had overwhelmed a great part of the said Low Countries. These are distinctly known still from the Welsh, both by their speech and manners, and so near joined they are in society of the same language with Englishmen, who come nighest of any Nation to the low Dutch Tongue, that this their little Country is termed by the Britan's Little England beyond Wales. Little England beyond Wales. A Nation this is, as saith Giraldus, strong and stout, and continually enured in wars with the Welsh: a Nation most accustomed to seek gain by clothing; by traffic also and merchandise by sea and land, undertaking any pains and perils whatsoever. A Nation of very great power, and as time and place requireth, ready by turns to take plough in hand and till the ground, as ready also to go into the field and fight it out: And that I may add thus much moreover; a Nation most loyally devoted to the Kings of England, and as faithful to Englishmen: and which in the time of Giraldus, was wonderful skilful in Sooth-saying by the Inspection of Beasts inwards: whose work also is here seen (as they are a people passing industrious) namely, The Flemish High way reaching out a great length. The Welshmen have many a time banded all their Forces in one, and to recover this country belonging sometimes unto their ancestors, have violently set upon these Flemings and overrun their lands, spoiling and wasting where ever they went: yet they most courageously have always from time to time defended their estates, their name, and life. Whereupon concerning them, and King William Rufus, the Historian Malmesbury writeth thus. Many a time and often King William Rufus had but small success against the Welsh men: which any man may well marvel at, considering that always otherwise, he spread most fortunately in all adventures of War. But I take it; that as the unevenness of the ground, and sharpness of the air maintained their Rebellion; so the same impeached his valour: But King Henry who now Reigneth, a man of an excellent wit, found means to frustrate all their devices, by placing Flemings in their Country, who might be always ready to repress and keep them in. And in the fifth book, King Henry with many a warlike expedition went about to force the Welsh men, who ever and anon rose up in Rebellion, for to yield and submit themselves: and resting in the end upon this good and wholesome policy, for to take down and abate their swelling pride, he brought over thither all the Flemings that dwelled in England. For, a number of them who in those days, in regard of his Mothers' 〈◊〉 by her Father's side flocked thither, were closely shrouded in England▪ in so much 〈◊〉 they for their multitude seemed burdensome unto the Realm. Wherefore, he sent them altogether with their substance, goods, Wives, and Children unto Ros a Country in Wales, as it were ●●to a common avoidance, thereby both to purge and cleanse his own Kingdom, and also to quail and repress the rash boldness of his enemies there. By the more westward of these two Rivers, Harford we● is Harford West, called by the English men in times past Haversord, and by the Britan's Hulphord, a fair Town and of great resort, situate upon an hill side, having scarce one even street, but is steep one way or other, which being a County by itself, hath for Magistrates, a Major, a Sheriff, and two Bailiffs. The report goeth, that the Earls of Clare fortified it with Rampire and Wall on the North side, Filium Tan credi. and we read that Richard Earl of Clare made R. Fitz-Tancred, Castellan of this Castle. Beyond Ros, there shooteth out with a mighty front far into the West Ocean, a great Promontory, Octopitarum which Ptolomee called OCTOPITARUM, the Britan's Pebidiauc, and Cantred Devi; we Saint David's land. A stony, barren, and unfruitful ground, as Giraldus saith, Saint David Laud. Neither clad with Woods, nor garnished here and there with Rivers, ne yet adorned with Meadows, lying always open to winds only and storms. Yet a retiring place for most holy men, and a nursery of them. For, Calphurnius a Britain Priest, as some (I know not how truly) have written, here in the vale of Ros begat of his Wife Concha Sister to Saint Martin of Tours, Saint Patr●● Patrick the Apostle of Ireland and Devi a most religious Bishop translated the archiepiscopal See from Isca Legionum into the most remote and farthest angle hereof, even to Menew, or Menevia: which afterwards the Britan's, of his name called Twy Dewy, that is, Devi his house, the Saxons Davy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Saint David the English men at this day Saint david's; and was for a long time an Archbishops See. But by occasion of a pestilence that contagiously raged in this Country, whereby the Pall was translated into little Britain in France, to Dole, this archiepiscopal dignity had an end. Yet in the foregoing ages the Welsh men commenced an action here about against the Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan of England and Wales, but they were cast in the Law. What this Saint david's was, and what manner of thing in times past, a man can hardly tell, considering it hath been so often by Pirates razed: but now it is a very small and poor City, and hath nothing at all to make show of but a fair Church dedicated to Saint Andrew, and David: which, having been many times overthrown, Petre the Bishop, in the reign of King John, and his successors, erected in that form which now it showeth, in the vale (as they term it of Ros) under the Town: and hard by it standeth the Bishop's Palace, and fair houses of the chanter (who is next unto the Bishop, for there is no Dean here) of the Chancellor, Treasurer, and four Archdeacon's who be of the number of the XXII. Canons, all enclosed round within a strong and seemly wall, whereupon they call it the Close. This Promontory thrusteth itself so far Westward, that in a clear Sunshine day a man may from thence see Ireland, and from hence is the shortest cut to Ireland: and by Pliny's measure, which he took false, was from the Silureses (for, he thought that the Silureses reached thus far) thirty miles. But that this land ran out farther, and that the form of the Promontory hath been changed, it may be gathered out of these words of Giraldus. What time (saith he) as King Henry the Second made his abode in Ireland, Bodies of trees in the Sea. by reason of an extraordinary violence of storms, the sandy shores of this coast were laid bare as far as to the very hard ground, and the face of the earth which had lain covered many ages before was discovered. Also the trunks of trees standing in the very Sea, that had aforetime been lopped on every side, yea and the strokes of axes, as if they had been given but yesterday were seen apparently. Yea and the earth showed most black, and the wood withal of the said trunks like in all the points to Ebony: so as it seemed now no shore but a lopped grove: as well impaired through the wonderful changes of things; either haply from the time of Noah's flood, or long after; but, doubtless, long ago, as worn by little and little, and so swallowed up with the rage of the Sea getting always more ground and washing the earth away. Neither were these two lands severed here with any great Sea between, as may appear by a word that King William Rufus cast out: who when he kenned Ireland from the rocks and cliffs of this Promontory▪ said (as we read in Giraldus) that he could easily make a bridge with English Sips; on which he might pass over the Sea on foot into Ireland. Falcons. A noble kind of Falcons have their Airies here and breed in the Rocks, which King Henry the Second, as the same Giraldus writeth, was wont to prefer before all others. For, of that kind are those, if the inhabitants thereby do not deceive me, which the skilful Falconers call Peregrine's: for, they have (that I may use no other words than the verses of Augustus Thuanus Esmerius that most excellent P●et of our age in that golden book entitled HIERACOSOPHIOY. Depressus capitis vertex, oblongique tot● Corpore pennarum series, pallentia crura, Et graciles digiti ac sparsi, naresque rotundae. Head flat and low, the plume in rues along The body laid: legs pale and wan are found. With slender claws and talons there among And those wide spread: the bill is hooked round. But from this Promontory, as the land draweth backward, the Sea with great violence and assault of waters inrusheth upon a little Region called Keimes, Keimes Barony. Fisgard. which is reputed a Barony. In it standeth, First, Fishgard, so called in English of the taking of fish, in British Abergwain, that is, the mouth of the River Gwain, situate upon a steep Cliff, Newport. where there is a very commodious harbour and road for Ships: then Newport at the foot of an high Mountain by the River Neverns side, in British Tref-draeth, i. the Town upon the sands, and in Latin Records, Novus Burgus; which Martin of Tours built, his posterity made an incorporation, adorned with privileges, and set over it for government a Portgreve and Bailive: erected also for themselves a Castle over the Town, Saint Dogmael the Welsh call him Saint Tegwel. Lords of Keimes. Martin's. which was their principal seat. Who founded likewise Saint Dogmales abbey according to the order of Tours, by the River Tivy low in a vale environed with hills, unto which the Borough adjoining (as many other Towns unto Monasteries) is beholden for the original thereof. This Barony, Martin of Tours first wrested out of the Welsh men's hands by force and arms, from whose heirs successively called martin's, it came by marriage to the Barons of Audley, who held it a long time, until that in the reign of Henry the eighth, William Owen that derived his pedigree from a daughter of Sir Nicholas Martin Knight, after long suit in law for his right, in the end obtained it, and left it to his son George: who being a singular lover of venerable antiquity hath informed me, that in this Barony over and above three Borroughs, Newport, Fishgard, and Saint Dogmaels, there are twenty Knights fees, and twenty six Parishes. Kilgarran. More inward, upon the River Tivy aforesaid is Kilgarran, which showeth the relics of a Castle built by Girald: but being at this day reduced unto one only street, it is famous for nothing else but the most plentiful fishing of Salmon. For there, have you that notable Salmon Leap, where the River from on high falleth downright, and the Salmon from out of the Ocean coveting to come up further into the River, when they meet with this obstacle in the way, Salmon's leap. bend back their tail to the mouth, other whiles also to make a greater leap up, hold fast their tail in the mouth, and as they unloose themselves from such a circle, they give a jerk, as if a twig bended into a rondle were suddenly let go, and so with the admiration of the beholders mount and whip themselves aloft from beneath, as Ausonius hath most elegantly written. Nec te paniceo rutilantem viscere Salma, Transierim, latae cujus vaga verbera caudae Gurgite de medio summas reseruntur in undas. Nor can I thee let pass, all red within, (Salmon) that art, whose jerkes and frisks full oft, From mids of stream and channel deep therein With broad tail flirt, to floating waves aloft. There have been diverse Earls of Pembroke out of sundry houses. Earls of Penbroke. As for Arnulph of Montgomery, who first won it, and was afterwards outlawed, and his Castellan Girald, whom King Henry the First made afterward Precedent over the whole Country, I dare searcely affirm that they were Earls. The first that was styled Earl of Penbroke was Gilbert, surnamed Strongbow son of Gislebert de Clare, in the time of King Stephen. And he left it unto his son Richard Strongbow, the renowned Conqueror of Ireland, who as Giraldus saith, was descended ex clarâ Clarentium familiâ, that is, out of the noble Family of Clare or Clarence. His only daughter Isabella brought the same honour to her Husband William named marshal (for that his Ancestors had been by inheritance Mareschals of the King's Palace) a man, most glorious both in war and peace, and Protector of the Kingdom in the minority of King Henry the Third. Concerning whom this pithy Epitaph is extant in Rodburns annal. Sum quem Saturnum sibi sensit Hibernia, solemn Anglia, Mercurium Normannia, Gallia Martem. Whom Ireland once a Saturn found, England a Sun to be, Whom Normandy a Mercury, and France Mars, I am he. After him his five sons were successively one after another Earls of Penbroke, viz. William called The younger; Richard, who after he had rebelled against King Henry the Third went into Ireland, See Pag. 407. where he was slain in battle; Gilbert, who in a Tournament at Ware was unhorsed and so killed; Walter, and Anselm, who enjoyed the honour but a few days, who every one dying in a short space without issue, King Henry the Third invested in the honour of this Earldom, William de Valentia, of the house of Lusignian in Poicta his brother by the mother side, who had to wife Joan the daughter of Gwarin de Montchensy: by the daughter of the foresaid William marshal. After William of Valence, succeeded his son Aimar, who under King Edward the First was Regent of Scotland: whose eldest sister Elizabeth, and one of his heirs wedded unto John Lord Hastings, brought this Dignity unto a new Family: For, Laurence Hastings his grandsonne, Lord of Welshford and Abergevenny was made Earl of Penbroke by virtue of King Edward the Third his Brief. The Copy whereof I think good to set down here, that we may see what was the right by heirs general in these honorary Titles. Rex omnibus ad quos, etc. salutem. The King, to all unto whom, etc. Greeting. Know ye, that the good presage of circumspection and virtue, which we have conceived by the towardly youth and happy beginnings of our most well-beloved cousin Laurence Hastings, induce us worthily to countenance him, with our especial grace and favour, in those things which concern the due preservation and maintenance of his honour. Whereas therefore, the inheritance of Aimar of Valence sometime Earl of Penbroke (as he was styled) deceased long since without heir begotten of his body, hath been devolved unto his sisters, proportionably to be divided among them and their heirs: because we know for certain, that the foresaid Laurence who succeedeth the said Aimar in part of the inheritance, is descended from the elder sister of Aimar aforesaid, and so by the avouching of the learned with whom we consulted about this matter, the prerogative both of name and honour is due unto him. We deem it just and due, that the same Laurence claiming his Title from the elder sister, assume and have the name of Earl of Penbroke, which the said Aimar had whiles he lived. Which verily we, as much as lieth in us, confirm, ratify, and also approve unto him: willing and granting, that the said Laurence, have and hold the prerogative and honour of Earl Palatine in those lands which he holdeth of the said Aimars' inheritance, so fully and after the same manner, as the same Aimar had and held them, at the time of his death. In witness the King, at Mont-Martin, the thirteenth day of October, and in the thirteenth of our Reign. After Laurence succeeded his son John, who being taken prisoner by the Spaniards in a battle at sea, and in the end ransomed, died in France in the year 1375. After him followed his son John, who in a running at Tilt at Woodstock was slain by Sir john Saint john casually in the year 1391. And it was observed that for five generations together in this Family (I know not by what destiny) the father never saw his son. Now, for default of his issue, there fell very many possessions and fair revenues into the King's hands, Some write that John Duke of Bedford was first for a short time Earl of Penbroke. as our Lawyers use to speak: and the Castle of Penbroke was granted unto Francis At-Court, a Courtier in especial great favour, who thereupon was commonly called Lord of Pembroke. Not long after, Humphrey son to King Henry the Fourth before he was Duke of Gloucester, received this title of his brother King Henry the Fifth, and before his death King Henry the Sixth granted the same in reversion (a thing not before heard of) to William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, after whose downfall, the said King, when he had enabled Edmund of Hadham, and jasper of Hatfield, the sons of Queen Katharin his mother to be his lawful half brethren; created jasper, Earl of Penbroke, and Edmund, Earl of Richmond with pre-eminence to take place above all Earls. For Kings have absolute authority in dispensing honours. But King Edward the Fourth depriving jasper of all his honours by attainder and forfeiture, gave the Title of Pembroke to Sir William Herbert for his good service against jasper in Wales, but he shortly after lost his life at the battle of Banbury. Then succeeded his son, bearing the same name, whom King Edward the Fourth when he had recovered the Kingdom, invested in the Earldom of Huntingdon, and bestowed the Title of Penbroke, being surrendered, upon his eldest son and heir Edward Prince of Wales. A long time after King Henry the Eighth invested Anne Bollen (to whom he was affianced) marchioness of Pembroke with a mantle and Coronet in regard both of her Nobility, and also her virtues (for so run the words of the Patent). At length king Edward the Sixth adorned Sir William Herbert Lord of Caerdiffe with the Title of Earl of Penbroke: after whom succeeded his son Henry who was Lord Precedent of Wales under Queen Elizabeth. And now his son William richly accomplished with all laudable endowments of body and mind enjoyeth the same Title. This Family of the Epirotes in these parts of Wales is honourable, and of great antiquity. As lineally propagated from Henry Fitz Herbert Chamberlain to king Henry the First, who married the said kings Paramor, the mother of Reginald Earl of Cornwall, as I was first informed by Robert Glover a man passing skilful in the study of Genealogies, by whose untimely death that knowledge hath sustained a great loss. There are in this Shire Parishes 145. CARDIGANSHIRE. FRom Saint David's Promontory the shore being driven back aslope Eastward, letteth in the Sea within a vast and crooked Bay, upon which lieth the third Region of the Dimetae, in English called CARDIGANSHIRE, Cardiganshire. in British Sire Aber-Tivi, by old Latin Writers Ceretica (if any man think) of King Caratacus, this may seem a conjecture proceeding out of his own brain, and not grounded upon any certain authority; and yet we read that the worthy Caratacus, King Caratacus. so worthily renowned, was the Sovereign Ruler in these parts. A plain and champion Country it is Westward, where it lieth to the Sea, as also on the South side, where the River Tivie separateth it from Caermardenshire: But in the East and North sides, which bound upon Brechnock and Montgomery-shires: there is a continued range, or ridge of hills that shoot along, yielding goodly pasture ground, under which there be spread sundry large Pools. That in ancient times this Shire, as the rest also of Wales, was not planted and garnished with Cities but with little cottages, it may be gathered by that speech of their Prince Caratacus, who being taken Prisoner, when he had throughly viewed the glorious magnificence of Rome, Zonaras. What mean you (saith he) when ye have these and such like stately buildings of your own, to covet our small cottages? Howbeit the places here of most Antiquity let us briefly view over. The River Tivie, Tuerobius 〈◊〉 river. which Ptolomee calleth TUEROBIUS, but corruptly, in stead of Dwr-Tivius, that is, The River Tivie, issueth out of the Pool Lin-Tivy, beneath the hills: whereof I spoke before: first cumbered, as it were, with stones in the way, and rumbling with a great noise without any channel, and so passeth through a very stony tract (near unto which at Rosse, Rosse. Stratfleur. the Mountainers keep the greatest Fair for cat-tail in all those parts) until it come to Stratfleur, a Monastery long since of the Cluniack Monks, compassed about with hills. From thence, being received within a channel, it runneth down by Tregaron, and Lhan-Devi-brevi, built and so named in memorial of David Bishop of Menevia, where he in a frequent Synod refuted the Pelagian Heresy springing up again in Britain, both by the holy Scriptures and also by a miracle, while the earth whereon he stood as he preached, arose up under his feet, by report, to an hillock. Thus far and somewhat farther also Tivie holdeth on his course Southward to Lan-Beder a little market Town. From hence Tivie turning his stream Westward carrieth a broader channel, Kilgarran. The Salmon leap. and near unto Kilgarran falleth down right headlong (as it were) from aloft, and maketh that Salmon Leap, whereof I spoke ere while. For, exceeding great store of Salmon it yieldeth, and was in times past the only British River, as Giraldus Cambrensis was of opinion, that had Bevers in it. Castore● Bevers. This Beaver is a creature living both on land and water, footed before like a Dog and behind like a Goose, with an ash-coloured skin somewhat blackish, having a long tail, broad and griftly, which in his floating he useth in lieu of a stern. Concerning the subtle wiliness of which creatures, the said Giraldus hath observed many things, but at this day none of them are here to be seen. Scarce two miles from hence standeth upon a steep bank Cardigan, Cardigan. which the Britan's name Aber-Tivy, that is, Tivy-mouth, the Shire-towne, strongly fortified by Gilbert the son of Richard De Clare, which afterwards being by treason yielded up, Rhise Ap Gruffin razed; Fitz-Stephen. when he had taken prisoner Robert Fitz-Stephen, whom some call Stephanides: who (after he had stood a long time at the devotion of the Welshmen, his heavy friends for his life, being at length delivered on this condition, that he should resign up into their hands all his possessions in Wales) was the first of the Norman race that with a small power of men, fortunately set foot in Ireland, and by his valour made way for the English to follow, and second him for subduing Ireland under the Crown of England. From Tivie mouth, the shore gently giveth back, and openeth for itself the passage of many Riverets; The River S●●ccia. among which in the upper part of the Shire, STUCCIA, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention, is most memorable, when as the name of it continueth after a sort, Ystwith. whole at this day, being called in common speech, Ystwith: at the head whereof are veins of Lead, and at the mouth the Town Aber-y-stwith, the most populous and plenteous place of the whole Shire, which that noble Gilbert de Clare also fenced with walls, and Walter Bec an Englishman defended a great while against the Welsh right manfully. Hard hereunto lieth Lhan Badern vaur, that is, The Church of Pattern the great, who being borne in little Britain, as we read in his life, both governed the Church by feeding, and fed it by governing. Unto whose memory the posterity consecrated here as well a Church, as also an Episcopal See. But the Bishopric, as Roger Hoveden writeth, quite decayed many years since when the people had wickedly slain their Pastor. The river Ridol. At the same mouth also the River Ridol dischargeth itself into the Irish sea. This River, descending out of Plinlimon, an exceeding steep and high hill, that encloseth the North part of the Shire, and poureth out of his lap those most noble Rivers Severn and Why, whereof I have already often spoken. And not much above Ystwith mouth, the River Devi that serveth in stead of a limit between this and Merionith-shire, is lodged also within the Sea. Scarce had the Normans settled their Kingdom in Britain, when they assailed this Coast with a Fleet by Sea, and that verily with good success. For, by little, and little, in the Reign of King William Rufus, they wrested the maritime Coasts out of the Welshman's hands: but the greatest part thereof they granted unto Cadugan Ap Blethin, Lords of Cardiganshire. a right wise and prudent Britain: who was highly esteemed, and of great power throughout all Wales, and evermore showed much favour and friendship to the English. But when his son Oën, a furious and heady young man, who could at no hand away with peace, infested the Englishmen and Flemings newly come thither with continual invations, the unhappy father was fined with the loss of his lands, and punished for the offences of his son, who was himself also constrained to relinquish his native Country and to fly into Ireland. Then this Cardiganshire was given by King Henry the First unto Gilbert de Clare, who placed Garrisons and fortified Castles there. But Cadugan with his son Oën, received into favour again by the English, recovered also his own lands and inheritance. But Oën returning to his old bias and rebelling afresh, was slain by Girald the Castellan of Penbroke, whose wife Nesta he had carried away and ravished. And his father being had away into England, long expected for a change of better fortune, and at length in his old age being restored to his own home and friends, was upon the sudden by Madoc his Nephew stabbed through the body. After this, Roger de Clare through the liberality of King Henry the Second had Cardiganshire bestowed upon him: but when Richard of Clare, his Nephew, if I be not deceived, whiles he came hither by land was slain by the Welsh, Rhise Prince of South-Wales, having made a great massacre of English and driven them out, at length with his victorious Army became Lord thereof: nevertheless it fell again by little and little into the hands of the English without any bloodshed. There are in this Shire Parishes 64. ORDEVICES. THese Countries of the Silureses and Dimetae, which we have hitherto travailed over, the Posterity, when Wales was subject to three Princes, called in their tongue Deheubarth, that is, The part lying on the right hand: and Englishmen, South-Wales, as ●ath been said before. The other two Principalities, which they term Guineth and Powis, we North-Wales and Powisland, were inhabited in ancient times by the ORDOVICES, Ordovices. who also be named ORDEVICES, ORDOVICAE, and in some places although most corruptly, Ordolucae. A puissant and courageous Nation, by reason they keep wholly in a mountainous Country, and take heart even of the Soil; and which continued the longest free from the yoke both of Romans and also of English dominion: neither was it subdued by the Romans, before the days of the Emperor Domitianes: (For, then julius Agricola conquered almost the whole Nation) nor brought under the English before the days of King Edward the First. For a long time they lived in a lawless kind of liberty, as bearing themselves bold both upon their own valour, and the strength of the Country, hard to be won: and which may seem after a sort naturally accommodated for ambushments, and to prolong wars. To lay out and limit the bounds of the ORDEVICES in a generality, is not so hard a matter; but to set down the true etymology and reason of their name, I think it very difficult. Yet have I conceived this conjecture, that seeing they were seated over the two Rivers Devi, that arising from two springs near together, take their course diverse ways; and considering that Oar-Devi in their British tongue signifieth Upon, or, above Devi, they were thence named Ordevices: like as the Aruerni had that name, because they dwelled upon the river Garumna, the Armorici their name, for that they inhabited upon the Seaside, and the Horesci theirs, because their inhabitation was upon the river Eske. Neither is the very name of Ordevices quite vanished without any remains thereof, in this Tract: For, a great part of it which lieth to the Seaside, is yet by the inhabitants usually called Ardudwy, whereof it may seem the Romans have made these terms Ordovic and Ordevices carrying a softer and gentler sound. But, the whole Country (excepting one small Shire) is called of the Latin Writers by one name of a later stamp, Veneti. Guineth. Guinethia, and Venedotia, and of the Britan's Guineth, and the same, from the * Vannes. Veneti of Armorica as some think, who, as Caesar writeth, Were wont very oft to sail unto Britain. But if I might be allowed to change one only letter, I would suppose, that this name was known to the greeks, and to Pausanias, who in his Arcadica recordeth, that Antoninus Pius the Emperor grievously punished the brigants, for that they had made inroads into GENOUNIA a Province of the Romans in Britain. Genounia. Certes, if it might be lawful to read Genouthia, for Genounia, so near in sound cometh that word to Guinethia, and this Guinethia bordereth so near to the brigants, that unless Pausanias meant this region, let Sibylla herself declare where it was, and what it should be. But these Countries belonged to the old ORDOVICES which are now called in English by new names, Montgomery-shire, Merioneth-shire, Caernarvonshire, Denbigh-shire, and Flintshire. MONGOMERY Comitatus qui olim pars ORDOVICUM. MONTGOMERY-SHIRE. MONTGOMERY-SHIRE, in British Sire Tre-Faldwin, so called of the principal Town therein, bounded on the Southside with Cardigan and Radnor-shires, on the East with Shropp-shire, on the North with Denbigh-shire, and on the West with Merionith: although it hath many an high Hill in it, yet by reason of plentiful Valleys, it is a good Country as well for Corn as Pasture: and in old time a fruitful breeder of the best kind of Horses, which, as Giraldus saith, by nature's workmanship pourtraying, as it were, in a picture their noble shapes, were very commendable as well for the * Membrosa sua majestate. Majesty of their making and big limbs, as for their incomparable swiftness. In the utmost corner of this Shire Westward, where it endeth pointwise in manner of a Cone or Pine apple, standeth Machleneth, haply that which the Romans called MAGLONA: where under the General of Britain in the time of the Emperor Theodosius the younger lay in Garrison the Captain of the Regiment of the Solenses, for to repress and keep under the Mountainers: and two miles from hence near unto Penal, there is a place to be seen, named Keven Caer, that is, The back or ridge of a City, where pieces of Roman Coin are other whiles digged up, and a circular form of Walls of no small circuit, are apparently seen by the remains. Five miles hence, the Hill Plinlimon whereof I spoke, raiseth itself up to a wonderful height, The head of Severn. and on that part where it boundeth one side of this shire, it poureth forth SABRINA, the greatest River in Britain next to Thamis, which the Britan's term Haffren, Severn. and Englishmen Severn. Whence the name was derived I could never read. For, that seemeth to smell of a fable, which Geffrey hath devised of the Virgin Sabrina therein drowned, and which a late Poet following his steps hath delivered thus in Verse. — In flumen pracipitatur Abren, Nomen Abren fluvio de virgine, nomen eidem Nomine corrupto, deinde Sabrina datur. Into the stream was Abren headlong cast; The River then taking that Virgin's name, Height Abren, and thereof Sabrin at last, Which term in speech corrupt implies the same. This River immediately from his spring head maketh such a number of windings in and out in his course, that a man would think many times he returns again to his fountain: yet for all that he runneth forward, or rather slowly wandereth through this shire, Shropp-shire, Worcester-shire, and last of all Gloucestershire, infusing a certain vital moisture into the soil every where as he passeth, until at length he mildly dischargeth himself into the Severn Sea. But in this shire it being overshadowed with Woods, after much struggling he getteth out Northward by Lanidlos, Trenewith, Newtowne. or Newtowne, and Caerfuse, which, as they say, is both ancient, and enjoyeth also ancient privileges; and not far from his East bank, leaveth behind him the Castle, and Town of Montgomery upon the rising of a Rock, having a pleasant Plain under it. The Englishmen named the Castle Montgomery, and the Latins Mons Gomericus, of Roger de Montgomery Earl of Shrewesbury; who winning much land hereabout from the Welsh, built it, as we find in doomsday book. But when his son Robert was attainted for Rebellion, King Henry the First gave this Castle, and the honour of Montgomery to Baldwin bolers in marriage with Sibyl of Falais his Niece. According to whose name the Welshmen call the Town standing a little from the Castle, Tre-Faldwin, that is, Baldwins Town. From this Baldwin descended Vital Engain who claimed this Honour as right Heir in the time of king Henry the Third. About which time, the said king Henry the Third raised it up again out of the very ashes: For, the Welsh had slain the Garrison Soldiers and overthrown it; and so it lay desolate for many years, and Florilegus fableth, That he, of the situation of the place than first named it Montgomery. Certain it is, Anno xj. that the said king then granted by his Patent, That the Burrow of Montgomery should be a free Burrough, with other Liberties. Now the Herber●s are here seated, branched out from a brother of Sir William Herbert the first Earl of Penbroke of that name. Corndon hill. Hard by this, Corndon Hill mounteth up to a very great height, in the top whereof are placed certain stones in a round circle like a Coronet, whence it taketh that name, in memorial as it should seem of some victory. A little higher, Severn glideth down by Trellin, that is, The Town by a Pool, whereupon it is called Welsh Pool in English. Welsh Poole. It hath a Castle joining unto it on the South side, called Castle Coach of a kind of reddish stone wherewith it is built, Red Castle. which within the compass of one wall, containeth two Castles: the one belonged to the Lord of Powis, the other to the Baron Dudley. Cadugane the son of Blethin, that renowned Britain, of whom I spoke, whiles he was busy about the building of this Castle, was, as we find in the Epitome of Lancarbanensis, slain by his nephew Madock. Right over against this Castle on the other side of the River, standeth Buttington, well known by reason of the Danes wintering there; out of which, Adhered Earl of the Mercians expelled them in the year of Christ 894. as Marianus writeth. Severn being past these places, turneth by little and little Eastward, that he may the sooner entertain the small River Tanet, which being once received into his society, he goeth on forward to Shropp-shire. That MEDIOLANUM a Town of the Ordovices, which both Antonine the Emperor, and Ptolomee speak of, stood in this Shire, I am in a manner persuaded, upon probability. The footings whereof, I have sought after with all diligence, but little or nothing have I found of it; For time consumeth the very carcases even of Cities. Yet if we may ground any conjecture upon the situation, seeing the Towns which Antonine placeth on either side, be so well known, to wit, BONIUM, now Bangor by Dee on the one side, and RUTUNIUM, now Rowton Castle on the other side (for he setteth it twelve Italian miles distant from this, and from the other twenty) The lines of Position, if I may so term them, or of the distance rather, do cut one another cross between Matrafall and Lan-vethlin, Matrafall. which are scarce three miles asunder, and show as it were demonstratively the site of our Mediolanum. For, this cannot choose but be an infallible way to find out the situation of a third place, by two others that are known, when as there are neither hills interposed, nor any troublous turnings of the ways. As for this Matrafall, which standeth five miles Westward from Severn, although it be now but a bare name, was sometime the regal seat of the Princes of Powis (which may be an argument of the antiquity thereof) and the same much spoken of by Writers, who record, that after the Princes had once forsaken it, Robert * De veteri Ponte. Lan-vethlin. Vipont an Englishman built a Castle. But Lan-vethlin, that is, Vethlius Church, being a little market Town, although it be somewhat farther off from the crosse-meeting of the said lines, yet cometh it far nearer in resemblance of name to Mediolanum. For, of Methlin, by the propriety of the British tongue, is made Vethlin, like as of Caermerden, is come Caer Verden, and of Ar-mon, Arvon. Neither doth Methlin, more jar and disagree in sound from Mediolanum, than either Millano in Italy, Le Million in Xantoigne, or Methlen in the Lowcountries, which Cities no man doubteth were all in times past known by the name of Mediolanum. Which of these conjectures cometh nearer to the truth, judge you: for me it is enough to give my guess. If I should say, that either Duke Medus, or Prince Olanus built this Mediolanum of ours, and those Cities of the same name in Gaul, or that whiles they were a building Sus mediatim Lanata, that is, That a Sow half fleeced with wool, was digged up, might I not be thought (think you) to catch at Clouds, and fish for Nifles? Yet notwithstanding the Italians write as much of their Mediolanum. But seeing that most true it is, that these Cities were built by nations of the same language (and that the Gauls and Britan's spoke all one language I have proved already) it is probable enough, that for one, and the same cause they had also one and the same denomination. Howbeit, this our Mediolanum, in nothing so far as I know, agreeth with that of Italy, unless it be, that both of them are seated upon a plain between two riverets: and a learned Italian derived the name of their Mediolanum hence, because it is a City standing in the midst between Lanas, that is, little rivers, according to his own interpretation. But this may seem overmuch of MEDIOLANUM, which I have sought here, and about Alcester not far off. This County hath adorned no Earl with the name, Earl of Montgomery. title, and Honour thereof until of late, our Sovereign King James created Philip Herbert, second Son of Henry Earl of Penbroke by Mary Sidney, for the singular love and affectionate favour toward him, and for the great hope that he conceived of his virtues, both Baron Herbert of Shurland, and also Earl of Montgomery, upon one and the same day at Greenwich, Princes of Powise. in the year 1605. But, the Princes of Powis, descended from the third Son of Rotherike the great, held this shire with others in a perpetual line of succession (although Roger and Hugh of Montgomery, had encroached upon some part thereof) until the days of King Edward the Second. For then Oenone ap Gruffin, ap Guenwinwyn, Lords of Powise. the last Lord of Powis of the British blood (for the name of Prince had long before been worn out of use) left one only daughter named Hawise, whom Sir john Charleton an English man, the King's * Servitor or Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, Valect married, and in right of his wife, was by King Edward the Second made Lord of Powise; who (as I have seen in very many places) gave for his Arms, a Lion Geules Rampant, in a shield, Or, which he received from his wife's progenitors. Of his posterity there were four males that bore this Honourable title, until that in Edward, the succession of males had an end: for he, the said Edward, begat of Aeleonor the daughter and one of the heirs of Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, jane, Wife to Sir john Grey Knight, and Joice married unto john Lord Tiptoft, Dupli. Norm. 6. Henr. 5. from whom the Barons of Dudley and others derive their descent. The said Sir john Grey, for his martial prowess, and by the bountiful favour of King Henry the Fifth, Earl of Tanquervill. received the Earldom of Tanquervill in Normandy, to have unto him and his heirs males, by delivering one Bassinet at the Castle of Rouen every year on Saint George's day. This John had a son named Henry, Lord of Powis, in whose race the title of Powis with the Honour thereof continued until Edward Grey died well near in our time, leaving no issue lawfully begotten. This Shire hath Parishes 47. MERIONITH Comitatus olim pars ORDOVICUM MERIONETH-SHIRE. FFrom the backside of Montgomery-shire, MERIONETH-SHIRE, in British Sire-Verioneth, in Latin Mervinia, and as Giraldus calleth it, Terra filiorum Canaeni, that is, Canaens son's Land, reacheth to that crooked Bay, I spoke of, and to the main Sea, which on the West side beateth so sore upon it, that it is verily thought to have carried away by violence some part thereof. Southward, for certain miles together it is severed from Cardiganshire, by the river Dovy; on the North it boundeth upon Caer-narvon, and Denbigh-shires. As for the inland part, Mountains exceeding high. it so riseth with mountains standing one by another in plumps, that as Giraldus saith, it is the roughest and most unpleasant Country to see to, in all Wales. For, it hath in it mountains of a wonderful height, yet narrow and passing sharp at the top in manner of a needle, and those verily not scattering, here and there one, but standing very thick together, and so even in height that Shepherds talking together, or railing one at another on the tops of them if haply they appoint the field to encounter and meet together, they can hardly do it from morning till night. But let the Reader herein rely upon Giraldus credit. Great flocks of Sheep graze all over these mountains, neither are they in danger of Wolves, who were thought then to have been rid quite out of all England and Wales, when King Eadgar imposed upon Ludwall Prince of these Countries to present three hundred Wolves yearly unto him by way of Tribute. Wolves in England destroyed. For, when, as William of Malmesbury writeth, he had for three years performed this, at the fourth year, he gave over, upon his protestation, that he could find no more. Yet long time after this, there remained some still, See Derbyshire and York shire▪ as appear for certain, by irreproveable testimonies of Record. The inhabitants, who for the most part wholly betake themselves to breeding and feeding of cat-tail, and live upon white meres, as butter, cheese, etc. (how ever Strabo mocked our Britan's in times past, as unskilful in making of cheese) are for stature, clear complexion, goodly feature, and lineaments of body, inferior to no Nation in Britain: but they have an ill name among their neighbours, for being too forward in the wanton love of women, and that proceeding from their idleness. They have but few towns: Mouthwy. Eastward where Dovy runneth, standeth Mouthwy a Commot very well known, which fell for a child's part of inheritance to William, alias, Wilcock of Mouthwy, a younger son of Gruffeth Ap Gwenwynwin Lord of Powis: and by his son's daughter it came unto Sir Hugh Burgh, and by his son's daughters likewise unto the Families of Newport, Leighton, Lingein, and Mitton, of especial respect in these parts. Dolegethle. Where the ●iver Avon runneth down more Westward, there is Dolegethle a little mercat town, so called of the Vale wherein it is built. Hard by the sea in the little territory named Ardudwy, the Castle Arlech, in times past, named Caer Colun standeth advanced upon a very steep rock, and looketh down into the sea from aloft, which being built, as the Inhabitants report, by King Edward the First, took name of the situation. For, Arlech in the British tongue signifieth as much, as upon a Stony rock. Whiles England was disjointed, and lay torn with civil broils, David Ap jenkin Ap Enion a noble Gentleman of Wales, who took part with the house of Lancaster, defended it stoutly against King Edward the Fourth: until that Sir William Herbert Earl of Pembrock making his way with much ado through the midst of these mountains of Wales, no less passable than the Alps, assaulted this Castle in such furious thundering manner, that it was yielded up into his hands. Incredible it is almost what a cumbersome journey he had of it, and with what difficulty, he got through, whiles he was constrained in some places to climb up the hills creeping; in others, to come down tumbling, both he and his company together. Whereupon, the dwellers thereabout call that way at this day Le Herbert. Herbert's way. A little higher, in the very confines of the Shires, two notable arms of the Sea enbosome themselves within the Land, Traith Maur, and Traith Bachan, that is, The greater Wash, and the less. Fastineog. And not far from hence, near unto a little Village called Fastineog, there is a street or Port-way paved with stone, that passeth through these cumbersome and in manner, unpassable Mountains. Which considering that the Britan's name it Sarn Helen, Helen's street. that is, Helen's Street, it is not to be thought, but that Helena mother to Constantine the Great, who did many such like famous works throughout the Roman Empire, laid the same with stone. Neither standeth far from it Caer-Gai, that is, The Castle of Caius, built by one Caius a Roman, touching whom the common people dwelling thereby report great wonders. The Sources of Dee. In the East side of the Shire, the River Dee springeth out of two Fountains, whence some think it took the name, for, they call it Dwy, which word importeth also among them the number of two (although others would needs have it so termed of some Divinity, other of the black colour) and forthwith passeth entire and whole through Lhintegid, Pimble-meare. in English Pimble-Meare, and Plenlin-Meare; a Lake spreading far in length and breadth: and so runneth out of it with as great a stream as it entered in. For, neither shall a man see in Dee the fishes called Guiniad, which are peculiar to the Mere, Guiniad fishes. nor yet Salmon in the Mere, which nevertheless are commonly taken in the River. But see if you please the description of this Lake or Meare, in verse by the Antiquarian Poet. Hispida quà tellus Mervinia respicit Eurum, Est locus antiquo Penlinum nomine dictus, Hîc lacus illimeis in valle Tegeius alta Latè expandit aquas, & vastum conficit orbem, Excipiens gremio latices, qui fonte perenni Vicinis recidunt de montibus, atque sonoris Illecebris captas demulcent suaviter aures: Illud habet certè lacus admirabile dictu, Quantumvis magna pluvia non astuat: atqui Aëre turbato, si ventus murmura tollat, Excrescit subito rapidis violentior undis, Et tumido superat contempias flumine ripas. On th' East side of Merioneth, a Country rough that is, A place there lies by ancient name cleped Penlin, iwis, Whereas, within a Valley deep, there spreadeth far a Lake With waters clear without all mud, which compass huge doth take. Receiving sundry pearls to it and many a running rill, That spring and fall continually from every neighbour hill. And with shrill noise and pleasant sounds alured ears do fill. And verily a wondered is, of this Lake strange to tell, Although the rain pour down amain, the waters never swell. But if the air much troubled be, and winds aloft do blow, It swells at once, no stream so much, and banks doth overflow. Bala. On the brow, or edge hereof standeth Bala a little Town, endowed with many immunities, but peopled with few inhabitants, and as rudely and unhandsomely built, nevertheless it is the chief market Town for these Mountainers. Hugh Earl of Chester was the first of the Normans that took this Country, and held it with planting Garrisons, what time as he kept Gruffin Ap Conan, that is, the son of Conan prisoner: But Gruffin afterwards recovered it with the rest of his Principality, and left it unto his heirs, until it came unto the fatal Period, and so ended in Lhewellin. It reckoneth Churches 37. CAERNARVON Comitatus pars olim ORDOVICUM CAERNARVONSHIRE. ABove Merionith-shire, lieth that Country which the Britan's call Sire Caer-ar-von, and English men CAERNARVONSHIRE, of the principal Town therein; and before that Wales was laid out into Shires, they termed it, by the name of Snowden-Forest, and the Latin Historians Snaudonia, of that Forest, and Ar-vonia, out of the British name because it hath Mona, that is, Anglesey just over against it. The North side and the West butteth upon the Irish Sea: the Southside is enclosed with Merioneth-shire, Conway Ri● and the East with Denbigh-shire, from which it is severed by the River Conwy. On that part which looketh toward the Sea, especially where it shooteth forth a great way South-west with a Promontory and stretcheth out the shores with crooked turning full against OCTOPITARUM, or Saint David's Land, it is of a very fruitful soil and garnished all a long with pretty Towns. As for the more inland part of the Shire, Nature hath loftily areared it up far and near with Mountains standing thick one by another, as if she would here have compacted the joints of this Island within the bowels of the earth: and made this part thereof a most sure place of refuge for the Britan's in time of adversity. For there are so many roughes and Rocks, so many vales full of Woods, with Pools here and there crossing over them, lying in the way between, that no Army, nay not so much as those that are lightly apppointed, can find passage. A man may truly, The Alps Brittany. if he please, term these Mountains, the British Alps: for besides that they are the greatest of the whole Island, they are no less steep also with cragged and rend Rocks on every side than the Alps of Italy, yea and all of them compass one Mountain round about, which over-topping the rest so towereth up with his head aloft in the air, as he may seem not to threaten the Sky, but to thrust his head up into Heaven. And yet harbour they the Snow, for, all the year long, they be hoary with Snow, or rather with an hardened crust of many Snows felted together. Whence it is, that all these hills are in British by one name termed Craig Eriry, in English Snow-don, Snow-don hills. which in both languages, sound as much as Snowy Mountains: like as Niphates in Armenia, and Imaus in Scythia, took their names, as Pliny witnesseth of Snow. Nevertheless, so rank are they with grass, that it is a very common speech among the Welsh, That the Mountain's Eriry will yield sufficient pasture for all the Cat-tail in Wales, if they were put upon them together. Concerning the two Meres on the top of these, in the one of which floreth a wand'ring Island, and in the other is found great store of Fishes, but having all of them but one eye a piece, I will say nothing left I might seem to foster fables: although some confident upon the authority of Giraldus, have believed it for a verity. Yet certain it is, that there be in the very top of these Mountain's Pools in deed and standing Waters: whereupon Gervase of Tilbury in his Book entitled Otia Imperialia, writeth thus. In the Land of Wales within the bounds of great Britain, there be high Hills that have laid their foundations upon most hard Rocks, and in the top thereof the earth is crusted over with such a coat of waterish moisture, that wheresoever a man do but lightly set his foot, he shall perceive the ground to stir the length of a stones cast from him: whereupon when the enemies came, the Welsh with their agility and nimbleness lightly leaping over the boggy ground, either avoid the enemy's assaults, or to their loss resolutely expect their forces. These Mountainers John Salisbury in his Polycraticon, by a new forged Latin name termed Nivicollinos, Nivicollini. that is, Snow-down inhabitants, of whom in King Henry the Second his days he wrote thus. The Snow-downe Britan's make inroads, and being now come out of their Caves and lurking holes of the Woods, enlarge their borders, possess the plains of the Noble men: and whiles themselves look on, they assault, they win, and overthrow them, or else keep the same to their own behoof; because our youth, which is so daintily brought up, and loves to be house-birds and to live lazy, in the shade, being borne only to devour the fruits of the earth and to fill the belly, sleeps until it be broad day light, etc. But come we down now from the Mountains into the Champion Plains, which because we find no where else but by the Sea side, it may suffice to coast only along the shore. The Promontory which I said before shooteth out toward the South-west, Canganum. is in Ptolomee called according to the diversity of copies, CANGANUM, JANGANUM, and LANGANUM. Which is the truest name I know not, but LANGANUM it may seem; considering that the inhabitants name it at this day Lhein, Lhein. which runneth forth with a narrow and even by-land, having larger and more open fields than the rest of the Country, and the same yielding Barley most plenteously. Two little Towns it showeth and no more, that are memorable. Farther within upon the Creek, Pulhely. Nevin. is Pullhely, that is, that Salt Meare or Poole: more outward, by the Irish Sea (hat beateth upon the other side of the Bi-land) is Nevin, a Village having a Merket kept in it: wherein the Nobility of England, in the year of our Lord 1284. in a Triumph over the Welsh did celebrate the memory of Arthur the great, as Florilegus writeth, with justes, Tournaments and festival pomp. If any other Towns flourished here, then were they destroyed, when Hugh Earl of Chester, The life of Gruffin. Robert of Rudland, and Guarin of Salop, entering into this Country first of all the Normans, so wasted this Promontory, that for the space of seven whole years, it lay dispeopled and desolate. From Nevin, the shore pointed and indented with one or two elbows lying out into the sea tendeth Northward, and then turning affront North-east, by a narrow sea or Frith (they call it Menai) it serveth the Isle Anglesey from the firm land. Menai. Upon this strait or narrow sea stood SEGONTIUM, Segontium. a City which Antonine the Emperor maketh mention of: some relics of the walls I saw near unto a little Church built in honour of Saint Pulblicius. Lhan Beblin. It took the name of a River running by the side of it, which yet at this day is called Seiont, and issueth out of the Pool Lin-Peru. In which, there is a kind of fish peculiar to that water, and seen no where else, called by the dwellers there Tor-coch; Tor-coch fishes. of the belly that is somewhat red. Now, seeing that in an ancient copy of Ptolomee, SETANTIORUM PORTUS is here placed, which according to other copies is set farther off, if I should read in stead of it, SEGONTIORUM PORTUS, that is, the Haven of the Segontians, and say it stood upon the mouth of this River, I should perhaps aim at the truth: if not, yet should I obtain pardon for my conjecture of a courteous Reader. This City Ninnius called Caer Custenith; and he that wrote the life of Gruffin the Son of Conan, recordeth, that Hugh Earl of Chester built a Castle in Hean Caer Custenith, that is, as the Latin Interpreter translateth it, in the ancient City of Constantine the Emperor. And Matthew of Westminster writeth (but let him make it good if he can) that the body of Constantius, Father to Constantine the Great was here found in the year of our Lord 1283. and honourably bestowed in the Church of the new City by the commandment of King Edward the First. Who out of the ruins of this Town, at the same time raised the City Caer-narvon somewhat higher, upon the River's mouth, so, as that on the West and North-sides it is watered therewith. Which, Caer-narvon. as it was called Caer-narvon because it standeth right over against the Island Mona (for so much doth the word import) so, it hath communicated that name unto the whole Country; for, hereupon the English men call it Caernarvonshire. This is encompassed with a very small circuit of walls about it and in manner round, but the same exceeding strong, and to set it the better out, sheweth a passing fair Castle which taketh up the whole West side of it. The private buildings (for the manner of that Country) are sightly enough, and the inhabitants for their courtesy much commended, who think it a point of their glory, that King Edward the First, founded their City; that his Son King Edward the Second was here borne and surnamed of Caer-narvon; who also was of the English line the first Prince of Wales; and also the Princes of Wales had here their Chancery, their Exchequer, and their justice for North-Wales. About seven miles hence by the same narrow Sea standeth Bangor or Banchor low seated, Banchor as or would say Pe●●chor, that is, principal Qui as others thin enclosed on the South side with a Mountain of great height, on the North with a little hill: so called A choro pulchro, that is, of a fair choir, or as some would have it, quasi Locus Chori, that is, as if it were the place of a choir. Which being a Bishops See, hath within the Diocese thereof 96. Parishes. The Church, was consecrated unto Daniel sometime Bishop thereof: but that which now standeth is of no especial fair building: for, Owen Glendoverdwy that most notorious Rebel, who had purposed utterly to destroy all the Cities of Wales, set it on fire, for that they stood for the King of England, and defaced the ancient Church, which albeit Henry Deny Bishop of the same repaired about the time of King Henry the Seventh, yet it scarcely recovered the former dignity. Now the Town is small, The life of Gruffin. but in times passed so large, that for the greatness thereof it was called Banchor Vaur, that is, Great Banchor, and Hugh Earl of Chester fortified it with a Castle, whereof I could find no footings at all, though I sought them with all diligent inquiry: But that Castle was situate upon the very entry of the said narrow Sea. Over the Menay, or straight hereby, King Edward the First, that he might transport his Army into Mona, or Anglesey (whereof I must treat anon in due order) went about with great labour to make a bridge, but all in vain. Albeit Suctonius Paulinus conveyed over his Roman Soldiers long before into Mona, his Horsemen at a Fourd, and the Footmen in little flat botomed boats, as we read in Tacitus. From hence the shore raising itself with a bending ascent, runneth on by Penmaen-maur, Pen-maen-maur. that is, The great stony head, a very exceeding high and steep Rock, which hanging over the Sea when it is flood, affourdeth a very narrow path way for passengers, having on the one side huge stones over their heads, as if they were ready to fall upon them, on the other side the raging Ocean lying of a wonderful steep depth under it. But after a man hath passed over this, together with Pen-maen bychan, that is, the lesser stony head, he shall come to an open broad plain, that reacheth as far as to the River Conwey, Conwey Rive● which limiteth this Shire on the East side. This River in Ptolomee after a corrupt manner of writing Greek, is called TOISOVIUS, for CONOVIUS. It issueth out of a Pool of the same name in the South border of the Shire, and being penned in, and, as it were, strangled runneth apace within a very narrow channel, as far almost as to the mouth thereof, breeding certain Shell-fish, which being conceived of an Heavenly dew, Pearls. Conwey Town. bring forth Pearls; and there, giveth he name unto the Town CONOVIUM which Antonine mentioneth. And although it now lie all along, and that name there be utterly extinct, yet by a new name it doth covertly imply the antiquity. For a very small and poor village standing among the rubbish thereof is called Caer hean, that is, the ancient City. Out of the spoil and ruins whereof, King Edward the First built a new Town at the very mouth of the River, which thereupon they call Aber-Conwey, that is, the mouth of Conwey; which place Hugh of Chester had beforetime fortified. But this New Conovium, or Aber-Conwey, being strongly situated and fenced both with walls, and also with a very proper Castle by the River's side, deserveth the name rather of a pretty City than of a Town, but that it is not replenished with Inhabitants. Opposite unto this Town, and yet on this side of the River which is passed by ferry, and not by bridge, reacheth out a huge Promontory with a bending elbow as if nature purposed to make there a road and harbour for Ships) which is also counted part of this Shire, Gogarth. and is named Gogarth: wherein stood Diganwy, an ancient City just over the River Conwey, where it issueth into the Sea: which was burnt many years ago with lightning. Dictum. And I am of opinion, that it was the City DICTUM; where, under the later Emperors the Captain over the band of the Nervians Dictenses kept their guard. Diganwy. Ganoc. And for that, afterwards it was called Diganwy, who seeth not that the said Canwey came of Conwey, and from thence the English name Ganoc? For, so was that Castle called, which afterwards King Henry the Third built in that place to bridle the Welsh. Strait after the Normans coming into this Island, Gruffin ap Conan, governed this Country, who being not able to repress the English troops who swarmed into Wales, yielded otherwhiles unto the tempest: and at length when with his integrity and uprightness he had regained the favour of King Henry the First, he easily also recovered his own lands of the English, and left them to his heirs successively, until the time of Lhewelyn ap Gruffith, who when he had provoked his own Brethren with wrongs, and the English men with inroads, was brought to this pass, that he held this hilly Country together with the Isle Anglesey of King Edward the First as Tenant in Fee, and paid for it yearly a thousand Marks. Which conditions afterward when he would not stand unto, and following rather his own and his Brothers stubborn wilfulness, than any good hope to prevail, would needs put all once again to the hazard of war, he was slain, and so both ended his own life and withal the British government in Wales. It hath in it Parish Churches 68 ANGLESEY Conitatus, olim MONA INSULA Druidum sedes, Britannice Tir Mon THE ISLE MONA, or of ANGLESEY. THe County of Caer-Nar-von, which I last ran through, took name as I said erewhile, of the chief Town therein: and the said Town, of the Isle Mona which lieth over against it: and requireth, as it were of right, that I should treat of it in his due place, which unwillingly heretofore (I confess) I referred to the out Islands: whereas by right, it is to be placed among the Shires. This Isle called of the Romans MONA, Mona. Anglesey. of the Britan's Mon, and Tir-Mon, that is, the land of Mon and Ynis Dowil, that is, A shadowy or dark Island, of the ancient Anglo-Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and at last, after that the English men became Lords of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉- ea, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as one would say, The English men's Island, being severed from the Continent of Britain with the small narrow straight of Menai, and on all parts beside beaten upon with that surging and troublous Irish Sea, lieth in form unequal; in length from East to West reaching out twenty miles, in breadth scarce seventeen. And albeit, as Giraldus saith, the ground may seem dry and stony, nothing sightly and unpleasant, and for the outward quality resembleth wholly the land Pebidia●c, that lieth hard unto Saint david's: yet for the inward gift of nature, it is far unlike. For, above all the Coasts of Wales it is without comparison most plentiful of Wheat, in so much as by way of a Proverb they are wont to say of it in the Welsh language, Mon Mam Cymbry, which is as much in English, As Mon is the mother of Wales: because when all other Countries round about do fail, this alone with the exceeding fat soil, and plentiful increase of Corn was wont to sustain all Wales. In Cat-tail also it is passing rich, and sendeth out great multitudes. It yieldeth also Grind stones, and in some place an earth standing upon Alum; out of which some not long since began to make Alum and Coperose. But when they saw it not answerable to their expectation at first, without any farther hope they gave over their enterprise. This is that most notable Isle MONA, Druids. the ancient seat of the Druids, attempted first by Paulinus Suetonius, and brought under the Roman Empire by julius Agricola. This Suetonius Paulinus under the reign of Nero, as Tacitus writeth, made all preparation to invade the Isle Mona inhabited by a strong and stout Nation, and then the receptacle of Fugitives. He built Flat-bothom vessels, because the Sea is shallow, the landing-shore uncertain. Thus their footmen passed over, and after them the Horsemen following by the shallow fourd, or swimming where the waters were deep with their Horses. Against them stood the Enemy's armies on the shore thick set in array, well apppointed with Men and weapons, and Women also running in, to and fro among them, like furies of Hell, in mourning attire, their hair about their ears, and with firebrands in their hands. Round about them also were the Druida, who lifting up their hands to Heaven, and pouring out deadly curses, with the strangeness of the sight, so daunted the Soldiers, as they stood stock-still, and not able to stir their joints presented their bodies unto wounds. At length, what with the exhortation of their Captain, and what with encouraging and animating one another not to fear a flock of Frantic Women, and fanatical persons, they displayed and advanced forward their Ensigns: Down they go with all in their way, and thrust them within their own fires. Which done, Garrisons were placed in their Towns, and the Groves consecrated to their cruel Superstitions cut down: For they accounted it lawful to Sacrifice with the blood of Captives, and by inspection of men's fibres and bowels to know the will of their gods. But as Paulinus was busy in these exploits, news came unto him of a sudden revolt through the whole Province, which stayed his enterprise. Afterwards, as the same Tacitus writeth, julius Agricola, purposed with himself to subdue the Island Mona, from the possession whereof, as I said before Paulinus was revoked by a general rebellion of all Britain: But (as in a purpose not prepensed before) vessels being wanting, the policy and resoluteness of the Captain devised a passage over, causing the most choice of the Auxiliaries, to whom all the shallowes were known, and who after the use of their Country were able in Swimming to govern themselves with their Armour and Horses; laying aside their carriage, to put over at once and suddenly to invade them. Which thing so amazed the Enemies who supposed they would pass over by Shipping and therefore attended for a Fleet, and the tide, that they believed verily nothing could be hard or invincible to men that came so resolute to War. Whereupon they humbly entreated for Peace and yielded the Island. Thus by this service Agricola became famous indeed, and of great reputation. Many ages after, it was Conquered by the English men, and took their name, as being called in old time in the Saxons language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, now commonly Anglesey, as one would say, The English men's Island. But seeing that Humphrey Lhuid in a very learned Epistle to that learned Ortelius, hath restored this Island to the due name and dignity, there is no reason that any man here should require my diligence. Yet thus much will I add unto the rest. When the Empire of the Romans in Britain now was in declining and going downward, some out of Ireland, entered in by stealth into this Isle also and nestled there. For, besides certain Mounts of earth entrenched about, which they call The Irish men's cottages, there is a place also, named Yn Hericy Gwidil of the Irish men, who as we find it recorded in the book of Triades, under the leading of Sirigus, put the Britan's to flight in that place. Neither was it grievously infested only by the English men, but also by the Norvegians. Likewise in the year of our redemption 1000 King Aethelreds' fleet having scoured the Seas round about the said Isle, wasted it in all hostile manner. After this, the two Norman Hughes, the one Earl of Chester, and the other Earl of Shrewsburie greatly afflicted it, and built Castle Aber-Llienioc for to restrain and keep under the Inhabitants. But Magnus the Norwegian arriving here at the very same time, shot the said Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury through with an Arrow, and after he had ransacked the Island, departed. The English men moreover afterward from time to time invaded it, until that King Edward the First brought it wholly under his subjection. There were in ancient time reckoned in it 363. Villages, and even at this day it is well peopled. The principal Town therein at this time is Beaumarish, which King Edward the First built in the East-side of the Isle upon a marish ground, and for the situation thereof gave it this goodly fair name, whereas before time it was called Bonover, who also fortified it with a Castle, which notwithstanding may seem never to have been finished: the Governor whereof is the right Worshipful Sir Richard Bulkley Knight, whose courtesy toward me when I came to visit these places, I cannot choose but evermore acknowledge with most hearty thankfulness. Lhan-vays. Hard unto Beaumarish, lieth Lhan-vays, a famous religious house in times passed of the Friar's Minors, unto whom the Kings of England showed themselves very bountiful Patrons, as well in regard of the Friar's holiness, who there conversed, as also because there (that I may speak out of the public records of the Kingdom) were buried a daughter of King john, 2. Pars Pat. anno 2. H. 5. a son of the King of the Danes, the bodies also of the Lord Clifford, and of other Lords, Knights, and Squires, who in the time of the noble and renowned Kings of England, were slain in the Wars against the Welsh. Newburg. The next Town in name to Beaumarish, is Newburg called in British Rossur standing ten miles off Westward, which having been a long time greatly annoyed with heaps of sand driven in by the Sea, complaineth that it hath lost much of the former state that it had. Aberfraw. Aberfraw is not far from hence, which is now but an obscure and mean Town, yet in times past it excelled all the rest far in worth and dignity, as having been the Royal seat of the Kings of Guineth, or North-Wales. And in the utmost Promontory Westward, Holy head. which we call Holy-head, there standeth a little poor Town, Saint Kibie. As touching the Islands a●●joyning to A●●glesey, See among the British Isles. in British Caer-Guby so named of Kibie a right holy man, and a disciple of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, who therein devoted himself to the service of God, and from whence there is an usual passage over into Ireland. All the rest of this Island is well bespread with Villages, which because they have in them nothing materially memorable, I will cross over into the Continent, and view Denbigh-shire. In this County there are reckoned Parishes 74. DENBIGH Comitatus pars Olim ORDOVICUM DENBIGH-SHIRE. ON this side of the River Conwey, DENBIGH-SHIRE, in Welsh Sire Denbigh, retireth more within the Country from the Sea, and shooteth Eastward in one place as far as to the River Dee. On the North North-West, first the Sea for a small space, and then Flintshire, on the West Merionith and Montgomery-shires, on the East Cheshire, and Shropp-shire encompass it. The West part is barren, the middle where it lieth flat in a Valley, most fruitful. The East side when it is once past the Valley, hath not Nature so favourable unto it, but next unto Dee, it findeth her far more kind. The West part, but that it is somewhat more plentiful and pleasant toward the sea side, is but here and there inhabited, and mounteth up more with bare and hungry hills: but yet the painful diligence and witty industry of the husbandmen hath begun a good while since to overcome this leanness of the soil, where the hills settle any thing flattish, as in other parts of Wales likewise. For, after they have with a broad kind of spade pared away the upper coat, as it were, or sord of the earth, into certain turfs, they pile them up artificially on heaps, put fire to them and burn them to ashes, which being thrown upon the ground so pared, and flayed, causeth the hungry barrenness thereof so to fructify, that the fields bring forth a kind of Rhie or Amel corn in such abundance as it is incredible. Neither is this a new devise thus to burn the ground, but very ancient, as we may see in Virgil and Horace. Among these Hills there is a place commonly called Cerigy Drudion, that is, The stones of the Druidae, and certain little columns or pillars are seen at Yvoellas, with inscriptions in them of strange Characters, which some imagine to have been erected by the Druids: and not far from Clocainog, this inscription is read in a stone. AMILLIN TOVISATOC. By the Vale side where these mountains begin now to wax thinner, Denbigh. upon the hanging of a rock standeth Denbigh, called of our Britan's by a more ancient name, Clad Fryn-yn Ross, that is, A rough hill in Ross, for so they call that part of the Shire: which King Edward the First gave with other fair lands and possessions to David the brother of Lhewellin. But when he soon after being found guilty of high treason was beheaded, Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln obtained it by the grant of the said King Edward: and he fortified it with a wall about, not large in circuit, but strong, and on the South side with a proper Castle, strengthened with high Towers. In the well whereof, after that his only son fortuned to be drowned, the most sorrowful father conceived such grief, that he gave over the work and left it unfinished. And after his death, the Town with the rest of the possessions descended unto the house of Lancaster by his daughter Alice, who survived: From whom notwithstanding it came first through the liberality of King Edward the Second (when the said house was dejected) unto Hugh Spenser Earl of Winchester; then, to Roger Mortimer by covenant and composition with King Edward the Third: and the said Mortimer's Arms are to be seen upon the chief gate. But after that he was executed, it with the canters of Ross, and Riewinoc, etc. were granted to William Montacute after Earl of Salisbury, for supprising of Mortimer, and shortly after it was restored unto the Mortimers, and by them at length descended to the Family of York. At which time, they of the House of Lancaster for the malice they bore unto Edward the Fourth, who was of the family of York, did much hurt unto it. And then, either because the inhabitants like not the steep situation thereof (for the carriage up and down was very incommodious) or by reason that it wanted water, they remooved down from thence by little and little, so as that this ancient Town hath now few or none dwelling in it: But a new one fare bigger than it sprung up at the very foot, of the hill: which is so well peopled and inhabited, that by reason, that the Church is not able to receive the multitude, they began to build a new one in the place where the old Town stood, partly at the charges of their Lord Robert Earl of Leicester, and partly with the money which they have gathered of many well disposed throughout England: For, the said Robert, in the year 1564. was created by Queen Elizabeth Baron of Deubigh, to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Neither is there any one Barony in all England that hath more Gentlemen holding thereof in fee, and by service. Diffrin Cluid. Now are we come into the very heart of the shire, where Nature having removed the hills out of the way on both sides, to show what she could do in a rough country, hath spread beneath them a most beautiful pleasant vale reaching 17. miles in length from South to North, and five miles or thereabout in breadth, which lieth open only toward the sea and the clearing North wind: otherwise environed it is on every side with high hills, and those from the East side, as it were embatled. For such is the wonderful workmanship of nature, that the tops of these mountains resemble in fashion the battlement of walls. Among which the highest is Moilenlly, on the top whereof I saw a warlike fence with trench and rampire; also a little fountain of clear water. This vale for wholesomeness, fruitfulness and pleasantness excelleth. The colour and complexion of the Inhabitants is healthy, their heads are sound and of a firm constitution, their eyesight continuing, and never dim, and their age long lasting and very cheerful. The Vale itself, with his green meadows, yellow Corne-fields, Villages, and fair houses standing thick, and many beautiful Churches, giveth wonderful great contentment to such as behold it from above. Cluid River. The river Cluid, increased with becks and brooks resorting unto it from the hills on each side, doth from the very springhead part it in twain running through the midst of it, whence in ancient time it was named Strat Cluid; For, Marianus maketh mention of a King of the Strat-Clud of the Welsh; and at this day it is commonly called Diffryn Cluid, that is, The Vale of Cluid: wherein, as some have recorded, certain Britan's which came out of Scotland, after they had driven forth the English, erected a petty Kingdom. On the East bank of Cluid, in the South part of the vale, standeth Ruthin, in Latin writers Ruthunia, in British Ruthun, the greatest mercat town in all the Vale, full of Inhabitants, and well replenished with buildings; famous also not long since by reason of a large and very fair Castle able to receive and entertain a great household. Which with the Town, Reginald Grey to whom King Edward the First granted it, and Roger Grey, built, having obtained licence of the King, the Bishop of Saint Asaph, and the Parson of the Church of Lhan-Ruth, in whose Parish the place is sited. Unto him in recompense for his part of the good service performed against the Welsh, King Edward the First had given in manner the whole Vale: and it was the seat of his heirs, men of great honour; and at length styled with the Title of Earl of Kent, until that Richard Grey Earl of Kent and Lord of Ruthin having no issue nor care of his brother Henry, passed away for a sum of money this his ancient inheritance unto King Henry the Seventh: But of late days the bounteous magnificence of Queen Elizabeth bestowed it upon Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, together with rich revenues in the Vale. When you ascend out of the vale Eastward, you come to Yale, a little hilly country, and in comparison of the Regions beneath and round about it passing high, so that no river from elsewhere cometh into it, and it sendeth forth some from it. By reason of this high situation it is bleak, as exposed to the winds on all sides. Whether it took that name of the riveret allen, which rising first in it, undermineth the ground and once or twice hideth himself, I know not. The Mountains are full of Neat, sheep, and Goats: the valleys in some plenteous enough of Corn, especially East, on this side of Alen. But the more Westerly part is not so fruitful, and in some places is a very heath, and altogether barren. Neither hath it any thing memorable, save only a little abbey, now wholly decayed, but standing most richly and pleasantly in a Vale, which among the woody hills cutteth itself overthwart in manner of a cross, Valle Cruel●. Vale of the Crosse. whereupon it was called in Latin Vallis Crucis, that is, The Vale of the Cross, and in British Lhane-Gwest. From hence more Eastward, the Territory called in Welsh Mailor Gymraig, that is, Welsh Mailor, in English Bromfield, reacheth as far as to the river Dee. A small Territory, Lead. Wrexham but very rich and pleasant, plentiful withal of Lead, especially near unto Moinglath, a little Town which took the name of Mines. here is Wrexham to be seen, in the Saxons tongue. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, much spoken of for a passing fair tower Steeple that the Church hath, and the musical Organs that be therein. And near unto it is Leonis Castrum, happily so called of the twenty Legion denominated Victrix, which a little higher on the other bank of Dee lay garrisoned: now it goeth commonly under the name of Holt: Holt▪ and is thought to have been re-edified of late by Sir William Stanley, and long since by John Earl of Warren, who being a Guardian of trust unto Madock a Welsh Lord, conveyed falsely from his Ward, this Lordship together with Yale unto himself. But from the Earls of Warren, it came unto the Fitz-Alans Earls of Arundel, * and from them to Sir William Beauchamp Baron of Abergevenney, and afterward to Sir William Stanley Chamberlain to King Henry the Seventh, who contesting with his Sovereign about his good services (when he was honourably recompensed) lost his head, forgetting that Sovereigns must not be beholding to Subjects, howsoever Subjects fancy their own good services. Beneath Bromfield, Southward lieth Chirke, in Welsh Gwain, being also very hilly, but well known in elder ages for two Castles, Chirkes'. Chirke which gave it the name, built by Roger Mortimer, Castle Dinas Bran. and Castle Dinas Bran, situate in the hanging of a mighty high hill pointed in the top: where of note there remaineth nothing but the very ruins. The common sort affirm, that Brennius the General of the Galls both built and so named it: others interpret the name to this sense, The Castle of the King's Palace. For, Bren in British signifieth a King: Bren. Brennus▪ whence perhaps that most puissant King of Gauls and Britan's both, was by way of excellency called Brennus: But others again draw this name from the high situation upon an hill, which the Britan's term Bren, and in mine opinion this their conjecture carrieth with it more probability. In the time of King Henry the Third, it was the mansion place of Gruffith Ap Madoc, who when he took part with the English against the Welsh, was wont here to make his abode: but after his death, Roger Mortimer who had the charge and tuition of his son Lhewellin, like as john Earl of Warren, of whom I spoke seized Bromfield; so he seized also this Chirck, into his possession. When the State of the Welsh by reason of their own civil dissensions, and the invasions of English, now ready to ruin, could not well subsist, the Earls of Chester and of Warren, the Mortimers, Lacie, and the Greys, that I spoke of, first of all the Normans brought this little Country of Denbigh by little and little into their own hands and left possession thereof to their heirs. Neither was it made a Shire before King Henry the Eighth his days: at which time Radnor, Brechnock, and Montgomery, by authority of the Parliament were ordained to be Shires. In this Shire there be Parishes 57, FLINT Comitatus quem ORDOVICES Olim Incosuerunt FLINTSHIRE. RIGHT over against Denbigh-shire North-East-ward lieth FLINTSHIRE, a small Territory, more in length than in breadth: hemmed in on the North side with the Irish Sea, or rather with an Arm of the same: on the East with Cheshire, on other parts with Denbigh-shire. It is no mountain Country to speak of, yet rising somewhat with the bearing up of Hills, and gently falleth and sloopeth itself down with fruitful fields, which towards Dee an Arm of the Sea, especially every first Year that they be new broken uppe and sown, bear in some places Barley, in others Wheat, but generally throughout Rye with twenty fold increase and better, and afterwards four or five Crops together of Oats. In the Confines of this Shire and Denbigh-shire where the hills grow more flat and plain with a softer fall, and an easier descent down into the Vale, in the very gullet and entry thereof, Varis▪ the Romans placed a little City named VARIS, which Antonine the Emperor placeth nineteen miles from CONOVIUM. This without any maim of the name is called at this day Bodvari, Bodvari. that is, Mansion Vari, and the next little hill hard by which the inhabitants thereabout commonly call Moyly Gaer, that is, The Mountain of the City, showeth the footings of a City indeed, that hath been destroyed. But what the name should signify it appeareth not. I for my part have been of opinion elsewhere, that Varia in the old British language signified a Passage, and accordingly have interpreted these words Durnovaria and Isannaevaria, The passage of a water, and the passage of Isanna. And for this opinion of mine maketh well the situation of VARIS in that place where only there lieth open an easy passage betwixt the hills. And not three miles from hence standeth Caer-wisk, Caer-wisk. the name whereof although it maketh some show of Antiquity, yet found I nothing ancient there, nor worth the observation. Beneath this VARIS, or Bodvari, in the vale glideth Cluid, and straightways Elwy a little Rivere● conjoineth itself with it, where there is a Bishops See. This place the Britan's call, according to the River Llan-Elwy, the Englishmen of Asaph the Patron thereof Saint Asaph. Saint Asaph. And the Historiographers, Asaphensis. Neither is the Town for any beauty it hath, nor the Church for building or bravery memorable: yet something would be said of it, in regard of Antiquity. For, Capgrave. about the year of our Redemption 560. Kentigern Bishop of Glasco, being fled hither out of Scotland placed here a Bishops See, and erected a Monastery, having gathered together six hundred threescore and three in a religious brotherhood. Whereof three hundred being unlearned did give themselves to husbandry, and as many more to work and labour within the Monastery, the rest to Divine Service. Whom he divided so by Covents, that some of them should continually give attendance in the Church to the scervie of God. But when he returned into Scotland, he ordained Asaph a most godly and upright man Governor over this Monastery, of whom it took the name which now it hath. The Bishop of this See hath under his Jurisdiction about 128. Parishes, the Ecclesiastical Benefices whereof, were wont to be bestowed, when the See was void by the Archbishop of Canterbury, without interruption until the time of King Henry the Eighth, and that by his archiepiscopal right, which now is counted a Regality. For so we read in the History of Canterbury. Above this, Ruthlan. Ruthlan, taking the name of the ruddy and red bank of C●uid, on which it stands, maketh a good show with a Castle, but now almost consumed by very age. Lhewellin Ap Sisil Prince of Wales, first built it; and Robert surnamed the Ruthland, Nephew of Hugh Earl of Chester, was the first that by force won it from the Welsh, as being Captain Lieutenant to the said Hugh, who fortified it with new works, and bulwarks: Afterward (as Rob. Abbat de Monte hath written) King Henry the Second, when he had repaired this Castle gave it unto Hugh Beauchamp. Beneath this, Cluid straightways emptieth itself into the Sea; And albeit the Valley at the very mouth seemeth to carry a lower level and to lie under the Sea, yet the water never overfloweth into the Vale; but as it were, by a natural obstacle, stayeth within the very brinks of the shore, not without the exceeding great admiration of God's Providence. From hence the shore tending by little and little Eastward, shooteth forward first by Disart Castle, so called because it was situate on the rising of a cliff, Basin work. or as some would have it, as it were Desert: then by Basin work, which also King Henry the Second granted unto Hugh Beauchamp. Haly-well. Beneath this we saw the little Town Haly-well, as one would say, holy well, where there is that fountain frequented by Pilgrims for the memorial of the Christian Virgin Winefride, Saint Winefrid. ravished there perforce and beheaded by a Tyrant, as also for the moss there growing of a most sweet and pleasant smell. Out of which Well there gusheth forth a Brook among stones, which represent bloody spots upon them; and it carrieth so violent a stream that presently it is able to drive a mill. Over the very Well there standeth a Chapel built of stone right curiously wrought, whereunto adjoineth a little Church, in a window whereof is portrayed and set out the History of the said Winefride, how her head was cut off, and set on again by Saint Benn●. near unto this place in the time of Giraldus, who yet knew not this Well, There was, as himself writeth, a rich Vein and gainful Mine of silver, where men in seeking after silver pierced and pried into the very bowels of the Earth. This part of the Country, because it smileth so pleasantly upon the beholders with a beautiful show, and was long since subject unto Englishmen, the Welsh named Teg-Engle, that is, Fair England. But whereas one hath termed it Tegenia, and thought that the Igeni there planted themselves, take heed I advise you, that you be not overhasty to believe him. Certes, the name of the Iceni wrong put down here deceived the good man. Flint. Then upon the shore, you may see Flint Castle, which King Henry the Second began, and King Edward the First finished: and it gave the name unto this Shire: * where King Richard the Second circumvented by them who should have been most trusty, was cunningly induced to renounce the Crown as unable for certain defects to rule; and was delivered into the hands of Henry of Lancaster Duke of Hereford, who soon after claimed the Kingdom and Crown being then void by his session, as his inheritance descended from King Henry the Third, and to this his devised claim the Parliament assented, and he was established in the Kingdom. After Flint by the East border of the Shire, near to Chesshire, standeth Hawarden commonly called Harden-Castle, Harden. not far from the shore; out of which when David Lhewellins brother had led away prisoner Roger Clifford, justice of Wales, he raised thereby a most bloody War against himself and his people, wherein the Princedom of the Welsh Nation was utterly overthrown. But this Castle anciently holden by the Seneschalship of the Earls of Chester, was Barons of Monthault▪ Or de monte Alto. the seat of the Barons de Mount-hauls, who grew up to a most honourable family, and gave for their Arms in A Shield Azure a Lion rampant Argent: and bettered their dignity and estate by marriage with Cecily one of the coheirs of Hugh D'Albeney Earl of Arundel. But in the end, for default of male issue Robert the last Baron of this race, made it over as I have said already, to Isabella Queen of England wife to King Edward the Second. Howbeit the possession of the Castle was transferred afterward to the Stanleys', now Earls of Derby. Through the South part of this Shire lying beneath these places above named, wandereth Ale● a little River: near unto which in an hill hard by Kilken, a small village, there is a Well. The water whereof at certain set times riseth and falleth, after the manner of the Sea-tides. Hope Castle. Upon this allen, standeth Hope Castle in Welsh Caer-Gurle, in which King Edward the First retired himself when the Welshmen had upon the sudden set upon his soldiers being out of array: and where good millstones are wrought out of the rock: Millstones. Mold. also, Mold, in Welsh Guide Cruc a Castle, belonging in ancient time to the Barons of Monthault: both which places show many tokens of Antiquity. near unto Hope, a certain Gardiner, when I was first writing this work, digging somewhat deep into the ground, happened upon a very ancient piece of work, concerning which there grew many diverse opinions of sundry men: But he that will with any diligence read M. Vitruvius Pollio, shall very well perceive, it was nothing else but a Stouph or hot house begun by the Romans, who as their riotous excess grew together with their wealth, Baths or hot waters. used Baths exceeding much. In length it was five elns, in breadth four, and about half an eln deep, enclosed with Walls of hard stone, the paving laid with brick pargetted with lime mortar: the arched roof over it supported with small pillars made of brick, which roof was of tiles pargetted over likewise very smooth, having holes here and there through it, wherein were placed certain earthen pipes of Potter's work, by which the heat was conveyed, and so as he saith, Volvebant hypocausta vaporem, that is, the Stuples did send away a waulming hot vapour. And who would not think this was one of these kinds of work which Giraldus wondered at especially in Isca? writing thus as he did of the Romans works. That (saith he) which a man would judge among other things notable, there may you see on every side Stouphs made with marvellous great skill, breathing out heat closely at certain holes in the sides, and narrow tunnels. Whose work this was the tiles there did declare being imprinted with these words LEGIO XX. that is, The twentieth Legion, which, as I have showed already before, abode at Chester scarce six miles a side from hence. near unto this River allen, in a certain straight set about with woods standeth Coleshull, Coleshul. Giraldus termeth it Carbonarium collem, that is, Coals Hill, where when King Henry the Second had made preparation with as great care as ever any did, to give Battle unto the Welsh, the English by reason of their disordered multitude drawing out their Battalions in their ranks, and not ranged close in good array, lost the Field and were defeated: yea and the very King's standard was forsaken by Henry of Essex, who in right of inheritance was Standerdbearer to the Kings of England. For which cause he being afterwards charged with treason, and by his challenger overcome in combat, had his goods confiscate and seized into the King's hands, and he displeased with himself for his cowardice, put on a cowl, and became a Monk. Another little parcel there is of this Shire on this side the River Dee, dismembered as it were from this, English Mailor which the English call English Mailor. Of this I treated in the County of Chester, whiles I spoke of Bangor: and there is no reason to iterate the same here which hath been already spoken of before. Neither doth it afford any thing in it worth the reporting, Ha-meere. unless it be Han-meere, by ae Meres side, whereof a right ancient and worshipful Family there dwelling, took their surname. The Earls of Chester as they skirmished by occasions, Earls of Chester. and advantage of opportunity with the Welsh, were the first Normans that brought this Country under their subjection, whereupon we read in ancient Records. The County of Flint appertaineth to the Dignity of the sword of Chester: and the eldest sons of the K.K. of England were in old time styled by the Title of Earls of Chester and of Flint. But notwithstanding King Edward the First, supposing it would be very commodious both for the maintenance of his own power and also to keep under the Welsh, held in his own hands both this and all the sea Coast of Wales. As for the inland Countries, he gave them to his Nobles as he thought good: following herein the policy of the Emperor Augustus, The prudent policy of Edward the First. who undertook himself to govern the Provinces that were strongest and lay outmost, but permitted Proconsul's by lot to rule the rest. Which he did in show to defend the Empire, but in very deed to have all the arms and martial men under his own command. In this County of Flint there be Parishes in all. 28. PRINCE'S OF WALES. AS concerning the Princes of Wales of British blood in ancient times, you may read in the History of Wales published in print: For my part I think it requisite and pertinent to my intended purpose to set down summarily those of latter days, descended from the Royal line of England. King Edward the First, unto whom his Father King Henry the Third had granted the Principality of Wales, when he had obtained the Crown, and Lhewellin Ap. Gryffith the last Prince of the British race was slain, and thereby the sinews as it were of the Principality were cut: in the twelfth year of his Reign, united the same unto the Kingdom of England: See page 114 And the whole Province swore fealty and allegiance unto Edward of Caernarvon his Son whom he made Prince of Wales. But King Edward the Second conferred not upon his Son Edward, the title of Prince of Wales, but only the name of Earl of Chester and of Flint, so far as I ever could learn out of the Records, and by that title summoned him to Parliament being then nine years old. King Edward the Third first Created his eldest Son Edward surnamed the Black Prince the mirror of Chivalry (being then Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester) Prince of Wales by solemn investure, See page 164 with a cap of estate, and Coronet set on his head, Afterward a golden verge was used. a gold ring put upon his finger, and a silver verge delivered into his hand, with the assent of the Parliament: who in the very flower of his martial glory was taken away by untimely death too too soon, to the universal grief of all England. Afterwards King Edward the Third invested with the said honour Richard of Bordeaux the said Prince's Son, as heir apparent to the Crown, who was deposed from his Kingdom by King Henry the Fourth, and having no issue was cruelly dispatched by violent death. The said King Henry the Fourth at the formal request of the Lords and Commons bestowed this Principality with the title of Chester and Flint, with solemn investure, and a kiss in full Parliament upon his eldest Son, who gloriously bore the name of King Henry the Fifth. His Son King Henry the Sixth who at his Father's death was an Infant in the cradle, conferred likewise this honour which he never had himself, upon his young Son Edward, whose unhappy fortune it was to have his brains dashed out cruelly by the faction of York, being taken prisoner at Tewksbury field. Not long after King Edward the Fourth having obtained the Crown created Edward his young Son Prince of Wales, who was afterwards in the lineal succession of Kings, Edward the Fifth of that name. And within a while after his Uncle King Richard the Third who made him away, ordained in his room, Edward his own Son, whom King Edward the Fourth had before made Earl of Salisbury, but he died quickly after. Then King Henry the Seventh created his eldest son Arthur, Prince of Wales, and when he was dead, Henry, his other Son well known in the world by the name of King Henry the Eighth. Every one of these had the Principality of Wales given unto them by the foresaid solemn investure, and delivery of a Patent, To hold to themselves and their Heirs, Kings of England. For Kings would not bereave themselves of so excellent an occasion to do well by their Eldest Sons, but thought it very good policy by so great a benefit to oblige them when they pleased. Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and King Edward, the Children of King Henry the Eighth, although they never had investure, nor Patent, yet were commonly named in their order Princes of Wales. For, at that time, Wales was by authority of Parliament so annexed and united to the Kingdom of England, that both of them were governed under the same Law: or, that you may read it abridged out of the Act of Parliament. The King's Country or dominion of Wales shall stand and continue for ever incorporated, united, and annexed, to and with the Realm of England and all and singular person and persons borne and to be borne in the said Principality, Country, or Dominion of Wales, shall have, enjoy, and inherit all and singular freedoms, liberties, rights, privileges, and Laws, within this Realm, and other the King's Dominions, as other the King's Subjects naturally borne within the same, have, enjoy, and inherit: and the Laws, Ordinances, and Statutes of the Realm of England for ever, and none other shall he had, used, practised, and executed in the said Country, or Dominion of Wales, and every part thereof, in like manner, form, and order, as they be and shall be in this Realm, and in such like manner and form, as hereafter shall be further established and ordained. This Act, and the calm command of King Henry the Seventh preparing way for it, effected that in a short time, which the violent power of other King's arms, and especially of Henry the Fourth with extreme rigour also of Laws, could not draw on in many years. For ever sithence the British Nation hath continued as faithfully and dutifully in their Loyal Allegiance to the Crown of England, as any other part of the Realm whatsoever. Now am I to return out of Wales into England, and must go unto the brigants. brigants. BRITAIN, which hitherto hath, as it were, launched out with huge Promontories, looking on the one side toward Germany, on the other side toward Ireland, now as if it were afraid of the Sea violently inrushing upon it withdraweth itself farther in, and by making larger separations of lands retireth back, gathered into a far narrower breadth. For, it is not past one hundred miles broad from coast to coast, which on both sides pass on in a manner with strait and direct shores Northward, as far as to Scotland. All this part well near of the Island, while the Roman Empire stood upright and flourished in Britain, was inhabited by the brigants. For, Pliny writeth, that they dwelled from the East Sea to the West. A nation this was right valiant, populous withal, and of especial note among ancient Authors, brigants whereof they took name. who all do name them, brigants, unless it be Stephanus only, in his book Of Cities; who called them BRIGAE: in which place, that which he wrote of them is defective at this day in the books, by reason that the sentence is imperfect. If I should think that these were called brigants, of Briga, which in the ancient Spanish tongue signified A City, I should not satisfy myself; seeing it appeareth for certain out of Strabo, that it is a mere Spanish word. If I were of opinion with Goropius that out of the Low Dutch tongue, they were termed brigants, as one would say Free-hands, should I not obtrude upon you his dreams for dainties? Howsoever the case standeth, our Britanes, or Welsh-men, if they see any of a bad disposition, and audaciously playing lawless and lewd parts, use to say of them by way of a common merry quip, Wharret Brigans, that is, They play the Brigants. And the Frenchmen at this day, alluding as it seemeth to the ancient language of the Gauls, usually term such lewd fellows Brigans like as Pirate's Ships, Brigantins. See Pasquier i● Les Recherche de France. lib. cap. 40. But whether the force of the word was such in old time in the Gauls or Britanes language, or whether our brigants were such like men, I dare not determine. Yet, if my memory fail me not, Strabo calleth the brigants (a people about Alps) Grassatores, that is, Robbers, and julius a Belgian a young man of desperate boldness, who counted power, authority, honesty, and virtue to be nothing but naked names, is in Tacitus surnamed Briganticus. With which kind of vice, our old brigants may seem to have been tainted, when they so robbed and spoiled the neighbour inhabitants, that the Emperor Antoninus Pius for this cause took away a great part of their Country from them, as Pausanias witnesseth, who writeth thus of them: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, Antoninus Pius cut the brigants in Britain short, of a great part of their Country, because they began to take arms and in hostile manner to invade Genunia, a Region subject to the Romans. Neither will any, I hope, take this as a reproach: Surely I should seem far unlike myself, if I fell now to tax ignominiously any private person, much less a Nation. Neither was this counted a reproachful imputation in that warlike age, when all Nations reckoned that their right, which they could win, or hold by might and dint of sword. Roberies, saith Caesar, among the Germans are not noted with infamy, such I mean as are committed without the borders of every State, and they allow the practice thereof to exercise their youth withal, and to keep them from idleness. And for a reason not unlike, the Paeones, among the greeks are so called, quia Percussores, that is, because they were cutters: Reinerus Reinecciu●. The Quadi among the Germans, and the Chaldaei likewise, are reported to have gotten those names, because they used to rob and kill. Now, in that Florianus Del-Campe, a Spaniard, hath with too much affectation derived our brigants from Spain into Ireland, and from thence into Britain, grounding upon no other conjecture, but that he found the City Brigantia in his own country Spain; he hath I fear me, swarved from the truth. For in case our brigants and those in Ireland had not the same name both for one cause, I had rather with my friend, the right learned Thomas Savil judge, that as well diverse of our brigants, as also other nations of Britain, from the first coming of the Romans hither, departed into Ireland, some for desire of quietness and ease; others, that the Lordly dominion of the Romans might not be an eyesore unto them: Yet are they in Ireland called brigants in some Copies. and others again, because they would not by their good will lose that liberty in their old age, which by nature they were endowed with in their childhood. But that Claudius the Emperor was the first of all the Romans who set upon these our brigants, and brought them under the Roman dominion, Seneca in his Play showeth by these verses: Ille Britannos Ultra noti littora Ponti & caerueleos Scuta brigants, dare Romulaeis colla catenis Jussit, & ipsum nova Romanae jura securis Tremere Oceanum. The Brigants such as seated are beyond the known Sea-coast, And Brigants with blue painted shields, he forced with his host, To yield their necks in Roman chains, as captive to be led; And even the Ocean this new power of Romane-ax to dread. And yet I have been of this mind, that they were not then conquered, but committed themselves rather into the tuition and protection of the Romans. For, that which he Poetically indicted, the Historiographers do not mention. And Tacitus recordeth how by occasion at that time of certain discords risen among the brigants, Ostorius who now made preparation for new wars, was hindered and pulled back, which he with the execution of a few, easily appeased. At which time, the brigants had Cartismandua, a right noble and puissant Lady for their Queen, who intercepted Caratacus, and delivered him into the Romans hands. Hereupon ensued wealth of wealth and prosperity, riotous and incontinent life: in so much, as forsaking her Husband Venutius his bed, she joined herself in marriage with Vellocatus his Esquire, and made him King. Which foul fact was the overthrow shortly after of her house, and thereby a bloody and mortal war was enkindled. The love and affection of the Country went generally with the lawful Husband, but the Queen's untemperate lust and cruelty were peremptory, in maintaining the adulterer. She, by crafty plots and mischievous means intercepteth the Brother and kinsfolk of Venutius. Venutius again for his part pricked forward with shameful disgrace, by the help of friends whom he procured, and the rebellion withal of the brigants themselves, Cartismandu●. Tacitus. brought Cartismandua into great extremities. Then, upon her instant unto the Romans for aid, Garrisons were set, Cohorts and wings o● foot and horse were sent, which after sundry skirmishes with variable event delivered her person out of peril: yet so, as that the Kingdom remained to Venutius, and the war with the Romans: who were not able to subdue the brigants before the time of Vespasian. For, then Petilius Cerealis having invaded this Country, fought many battles, and some of them very bloody: and either conquered, or else wasted a great part of the brigants▪ Whereas Tacitus writeth, that this Queen of the brigants delivered Caracus prisoner unto Claudius the Emperor, there is in that excellent author a manifest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, * The putting of one time for another. and the same noted a good while since by justus Lipsius deeply insighted in understanding old authors. For, neither was this Caratacus Prince of the Silureses and Ordevices led in pomp at that triumph of Claudius, nor yet Caratacus the Son of Cunobelinus (for so is he called in the Roman Fasti, whom Dio nameth Catacratus.) Of whom Aulus Plautius, if not in the very same year, yet in the next following triumphed by way of Ovation. But let others sift out these matters, and thereof I have already said somewhat. In the Emperor Hadrians time, when, as Aelius Spartianus saith, The Britain's could not be contained under the Romans dominion, it may seem that these our brigants revoited from the Romans and made a turbulent insurrection. For, had it not been so, there was no cause why juvenal who then lived should thus write. Dirue Maurorum attegias, & castra Brigantum. Down with the Moors sheep coats and folds, Down with the brigants forts and holds. Neither afterward in the time of Antoninus Pius, was their courage, as it may seem, very much abated, when he took away part of their territories from them, because they had made roads, as I have said before, into Genunia, or Guinethia, a Province confederate with the Romans. If I durst by our Critics good leave (who in these days presuming so much of their great wits are supercriticall) me thinks, I could here clear Tacitus of a fault or two, which sitteth close to him, as concerning the brigants. The one is in the twelfth Book of his Annals, where I would read, (for Venutius out of the State of the jugantes) out of the State of the brigants: A place in Tacitus corrected. which Tacitus himself seemeth to insinuate in the third Book of his Histories▪ The other, in the life of Agricola. The brigants, saith he, under the leading of a Woman, burned the Colony, etc. Where truth would have you read, The Trinobantes. For he speaketh of Queen Boadicia, who had nothing to do with the brigants. But, the Trinobantes, she stirred indeed to rebellion, and burned the Colony * Maldon. Camalodunum. But, this Country of theirs so exceeding large, which the further it goeth the narrower it waxeth, riseth on high in the mids with continued ridges and edges of hills, (as Italic is raised up with Apenninus) which make a partition between those Counties into which it is now divided. For, beneath those hills toward the East and the Germane Sea, lieth Yorkshire, and the Bishopric of Duresme; and on the West side, Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, all which Countries in the first infancy of the English-Saxons Empire, were contained within the Kingdom of the Deiri. For, they call these Countries, the Kingdom of the Nordanhumbers', and divided them in two parts; Deira, called in that age 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is nearer unto us and on this side Tine; and Bernicia, which lying beyond Tine, reached as far as Edenborrough Frith in Scotland: which parts although they had their several Kings for a long time, yet at length grew all to be one Kingdom. And, that I may note this one thing by the way, whereas in the life of Charles the Great it is read thus, Eardulph King of the Nordanhumbers', that is, De-Irland, being driven out of his Country unto Charles the Great, etc. We must read jointly, Dierland, and understand the place of this Country, and not of Ireland, as some have misconceived. EBORACENSIS Comitatus pars Occiden●a●is vulgo WEST RIDING YORKSHIRE. THE County of YORK, in the Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly YORKSHIRE, the greatest Shire by far, of all England, is thought to be in a temperate measure fruitful. If in one place there be stony and sandy barren ground, in another place there are for it Corne-fields as rich and fruitful: if it be void and destitute of Woods here, you shall find it shadowed there with most thick Forests: so providently useth Nature such a temperature, that the whole Country may seem by reason also of that variety more graceful and delectable. Where it bendeth Westward, it is bounded with the Hills, I spoke of, from Lancashire and Westmoreland. On the North side it hath the Bishopric of Durham, which the River Tees with a continued course separateth from it. On the East side the German Sea lieth sore upon it: and the South side is enclosed first with Cheshire and Derbyshire, then with Nottinghamshire, and after, with Lincolnshire, where that famous arm of the Sea Humber floweth between, Humber. into which all the Rivers well near that water this shire empty themselves, as it were, into their common receptacle. This whole Shire is divided into three parts: which according to three Quarters of the world are called The Westriding, The East-Riding, and The North-Riding. Westriding, for a good while is compassed in with the River * First called Ure and Your Westriding. Ouse, with the bound of Lancashire, and with the South limits of the shire, and beareth toward the West and South. East-Riding, looketh to the Sunrising and the Ocean, which together with the River Derwent encloseth it. North-Riding reacheth Northward, hemmed in, as it were, with the River Tees with Derwent and a long race of the River Ouse. In that West part, out of the Western Mountains or Hills in the Confines, issue many Rivers which Ouse alone entertaineth every one, and carrieth them all with him unto Humber. Neither can I see any fitter way to describe this part, than to follow the streams of Done, Calder, Are, Wherse, Nid and Ouse, which springing out of these Hills, are the Rivers of most account, and run by places likewise of greatest importance. The River Danus, The river Do● commonly called Don, and Dune, so termed, as it should seem for that it is carried in a channel somewhat flat, shallow and low by the ground (for so much signifieth Dan in the British language) after it hath saluted Wortley, Wortley. which gave surname to a worshipful Family, Wentworth. as also Wentworth hard by, whence beside other Gentlemen as well in this Country, as elsewhere, the Barons of Wentworth have derived both their original and name; Sheafield. runneth first by Sheafield a Town of great name (like as other small Towns adjoining) for the Smiths therein (considering there be many iron Mines thereabout) fortified also with a strong and ancient Castle, Furnivall. which in right line descended from the Lovetofts, the Lords Furnivall, and Thomas Lord Nevil of Furnivall, unto the Talbots, Earls of Shrewesbury. From thence Don clad with alders, Rotheram. and other trees goeth to Rotheram, which glorieth in Thomas Rotheram sometime Archbishop of York, a wise man, bearing the name of the Town, being borne therein, and a singular benefactor thereunto, who founded and endowed there a College with three Schools in it to teach children writing, Grammar, and Music, which the greedy iniquity of these our times hath already swallowed. Then looketh it up to Connisborrow or Conines-borrough an ancient Castle, Connisborrow. Florilegus. 487. in the British tongue Caer Conan, seated upon a Rock, into which, what time as Aurelius Ambrose had so discomfited and scattered the English Saxons at Maisbelly, that they took them to their heels, and fled every man the next way he could find, Hengest their Captain retired himself for safety: and few days after brought his men forth to battle before the Captain against the Britan's that pursued him, where he fought a bloody field to him and his: For, a great number of men were there cut in pieces: and the Britan's having intercepted him, chopped off his head, if we may believe the British History rather than the English-Saxon Chronicles, which report that he being outworn with travel and labour, died in peace. But this Coningsborough in latter ages was the possession of the Earls of Warren. Afterwards, he runneth under Sprotburg the ancient seat of that ancient family of the Fitz-Williams Knights, who are most honourably allied and of kin to the noblest houses of England, and from whom descended Sir William Fitz-Williams Earl of Southampton, The Family of Fitz-Williams. in our father's remembrance, and Sir William Fitz-Williams late Lord Deputy of Ireland. But in process of time this is fallen to the Copleys, like as Elmesly with other possessions of theirs in this Tract, are come by right of inheritance to the Savils. From hence Done running with a divided stream hard to an old town, giveth it his own name, which we at this day call Dancastre, the Scots Don-Castle, the Saxons Dona- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Dancastre. Ninius, Caer Daun, but Antonine the Emperor DANUM, like as the book of Notices: which hath recorded that the Captain of the Crispinian Horsemen, lay there in Garrison under the General of Britain. This about the year of our Lord 759. was so burnt with fire from heaven, and lay so buried under the own ruins, that it could scarce breathe again. A large plot it showeth yet, where a Citadel stood, which men think was then consumed with fire: in which place I saw the Church of S. George's, a fair Church, and the only Church they have in the Town. Tickhill. Beneath this Town Southward scarce five miles off is Tickhill, which I am not willing to omit, an old town, fenced with as old a Castle, large enough, but having only a single Wall about it, and with an high Mount whereon standeth a round Keep. It carried in old time such a Dignity with it, that the Manors and Lords belonging thereto were called The Honour of Tickhill. In the Reign of Henry the First Roger Busly held the possession thereof: Afterwards the Earls of Ewe in Normandy were long since Lords of it by the gift of King Stephen. Pla●. anno. 3. joan. Reg. Pl. M. 4. H. 3. Then King Richard the First gave it unto John his brother. In the Baron's War Robert de Vipont detained it for himself, which that he should deliver unto the Earl of Ewe, King Henry the Third put into his hands, the Castle of Carleol, and the County. But when the King of France would not restore unto the English again their possessions in France, the King of England retained it unto himself, when as John Earl of Ewe in the right of Alice his great Grandmother claimed of King Edward the First restitution thereof. At length Richard the Second King of England liberally gave it unto John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. But now by this time Done that often riseth here and overfloweth the fields, gathering his divided waters into one stream again, when he hath for a while run in one Channel through Hatfeld Chase (where there is great game and hunting of red Deer) being divided eftsoon, speedeth himself on the one hand to idle a River in Nottinghamshire, on the other to Are, that he and they together may fall into Humber. In which very place there are environed with these rivers Diche-marc● and Marshland, Marshland. little Mersh Countries or River-Islands rather, taking up in circuit much about fifteen miles, most plentiful of green grass, passing good for feeding of Cat-tail, and on every side garnished, as it were, with pretty Towns. Yet some of the Inhabitants are of opinion, that the land there, is hollow and hanging, yea and that, as the waters rise, the same also is heaved up: a thing that Pomponius Mela hath written concerning Antrum an Isle in France. But among those Beakes and Brookes that convey their streams hither, I must not overpasse Went, Nosthill. Saint Oswalds. which floweth out of a standing Pool near unto Nosthill, where sometime stood an abbey consecrated to Oswald, both a King and a Saint which A. Confessor to King Henry the First re-edified. But since the dissolution it hath been the dwelling house of the Gargraves, Knights of especial good respect. Calder springing in the very Confines of Lancashire, The River Calder. runneth along certain Towns of no account; among which, at Gretland in the top of an Hill (whereunto there is no ascent but of one side) was digged up this Votive Altar; erected, as it should seem, to the tutelar God of the whole State of the Brigants: which Altar was to be seen at Bradley, in the house of the right worshipful Sir John Savill Knight, Baron of the Exchequer, but now among Sir Robert Cottons Antiquities. On the other side. DUI CI. BRIG. ET NUM. AUGG. T. AUR. AURELIAN US DD PRO SE ET SUIS. S. M. A. G. S. ANTONINO III. Anno Christi 209. ET GET. COSS. That is, To the God of the whole Communality and state of the brigants, and to the sacred Majesty of the Augusti, Titus Aurelius Aurelianus hath dedicated for himself and his. (The letters that be last of all pass my skill altogether) When Antonine the third time, and Geta were Consuls. Now whether that DUI, DVI. The Genii of Places. be God, whom the Britan's now call Diw, or a peculiar local God, or Genius of the brigants, I leave for to be discussed by them, that are better learned. Like as the souls are divided and distributed among them that are borne (saith Symmachus) even so are Fatal Genij, Lib. Ep. 40. among Nations. And the divine mind allotteth sundry keepers and Guardians to particular Countries. For, thus they were in old time persuaded in their Divinity, and thus they believed. And, to say nothing of foreign Nations, whose History is very full of such peculiar and local Gods; the Britan's had in that part which now is called ESSEX, ANDATES: in Cumberland, BELLOTUCADRUS: in Northumberland, VITERINUS, and MOGONTUS, as shall appear more evidently out of those Inscriptions, which I will set down in due place. Servius Honoratus likewise hath well and truly observed, that these Local or Topick Gods do never pass unto other Countries. But to return unto the River Calder: which when by the coming in of other waters he is grown big and carrieth a fuller stream, hath a fair Bridge over it at Eland: near unto which, at Grimscarre, were bricks found with this Inscription. COH. FOUR BRE. For, the Romans flourishing in military prowess, in great wisdom and policy exercised both their Legions and Cohorts in time of peace, Vopiscus in Probus. to withstand Idleness; by casting of ditches, making of Highways, baking of bricks, building of Bridges, etc. Calder afterward among the very Hills leaveth on the left hand Halifax a most famous Town, Halifax. Some would have it to be called aforetime, the Chapel in the Grove. lying from West to East upon the steep descent of an Hill. And not many ages since, took it this name; whereas before time it was called Horton, as some of the Inhabitants do report, who tell this pretty story also, touching the alteration of the name. A certain Clerk, as they call him, was far in love with a maiden who when he might not have his purpose of her, for all the fair means and enticements he could use, his love being turned unto rage (villainous Wretch that he was) cut off the Maid's head; which being hung afterwards upon an Yew tree, the common people counted as an hallowed Relic, until it was rotten, yea and they came devoutly to visit it, and every one gathered and carried away with him a branch or sprig of the said tree. But after the tree was bare and nothing left but the very stock (such was the credulity of that time) it maintained the opinion of reverence and Religion still. For, the people were persuaded, that the little veins that are stretched out and spread between the bark and body of the Yew tree in manner of hairs or fine threads, were the very hairs indeed of the Virgin's head. Hereupon they that dwelled thereabout repaired on Pilgrimage hither, and such resort there was unto it, that Horton being but a little Village before, grew up to a great Town, Fax, what it is. and was called by a new name Halig-Fax, or Hali-fex, that is Holy hair. For, the Englishmen dwelling beyond Trent, called the hair of the head Fax. Whence also there is a Family in this Country, of Gentlemen, named Fairefax, of the fair bush of their hair. They therefore, which by resemblance of the name gather this to be Ptolomees Olicana, Halifax law. be far deceived. Now this place is become famous as well among the multitude by reason of a Law there, whereby they behead streightwaies whosoever are taken stealing: as also amongst the learned: for they report that Joannes de Sacro Bosco the Author of the Sphere, was here borne: yet more famous it is, for the greatness of the Parish, which reckoneth in it eleven Chapels; whereof two, be Parish-Chappels, and to the number of twelve thousand people therein. So that the Inhabitants are wont to give out, that this Parish of theirs maintaineth more men and women, than other living creatures of what kind soever. Whereas you shall see elsewhere in England, in the most fruitful and fertile places, many thousands of Sheep, and very few men, as if folk had given place to flocks of Sheep, and herds of Neat, or else were devoured of them. Moreover, the industry of the Inhabitants here is admirable, who in a barren Soil, wherein there is no commodious, nay scarce any dwelling and living at all, have so come up and flourished by Clothing (a trade which they took to not above threescore and ten years ago at the farthest) that they greatly every their own estates, and win the praise from all their neighbours: yea, and have proved the saying to be true, That barren places give a good edge to industry: and that hence it is, that Norinberg in Germany, Venice and Genua in Italy, and Lymoges in France, situate all in barren places are become right flourishing Cities. Six miles from hence and not far from the right side of the River Calder, near unto Almond-bury a little Town, Almond-bury. standing upon an high and steep Hill which hath no easy passage on even ground unto it but of one side, are seen the manifest tokens of a Rampire, some ruins of walls and of a Castle, which was guarded about with a triple strength of Forts and Bulwarks. Some will have this also to have been OLICANA: Cambodunum. But the truth saith otherwise, and namely that it is CAMBODUNUM, which Ptolomee calleth amiss CAMULODUNUM, and Beda by a word divided CAMPO-DUNUM. This is proved by the distance thereof, on the one side from MANCUNIUM, on the other from CALCARIA, according to which Antonine placeth it. Moreover, it seemeth to have flourished in very great honour, when the English Saxons first began to rule. For, the King's Town it was, and had in it a Cathedral Church built by Paulinus the Apostle of these parts, and the same dedicated to Saint Alban: whence in stead of Albon-bury, it is now called Almon-bury. But when Ceadwall the Britain and Penda the Mercian made sharp war upon Edwin the Prince of these Countries, it was set on fire by the enemy, as Beda writeth, which the very adust and burnt colour as yet remaining upon the stones doth testify. Yet afterwards there was a Castle built in the same place, which King Stephen, as I have read, confirmed unto Henry Lacy. Hard unto it lieth Whitly, Whitley. the habitation of an ancient and notable Family of Beaumond, which notwithstanding is different from that House of the Barons and Viscount's Beaumont, yet it was of great name in this Tract before their coming into England. Calder now leaving these places behind him, Kirkley. and having passed by Kirkley an house in times passed of religious Nuns; and the Tomb of Robin Hood that right good and honest Robber (in which regard he is so much spoken of) goeth to Dewsborrough seated under an high Hill. Dewsborrough. Whether it had the name of DVI that tutelar God of the place, of whom I wrote a little before, I am not able to say: Surely the name is not unlike, for it soundeth as much as Duis Burgh, and flourished at the very first infancy, as it were, of the Church springing up amongst the Englishmen in this Province: for, I have heard, that there stood a Cross here with this Inscription. PAULINUS HIC PRAEDICAVIT ET CELEBRAVIT. that is, PAULINUS HERE PREACHED AND CELEBRATED DIVINE SERVICE. And that this Paulinus was the first Archbishop of York, about the year of our Redemption 626. all Chronicles do accord. From hence Calder running by Thornhill (which from Knights of that surname is descended to the savil) passeth hard by Wakefield a Town famous for clothing, Wakefield. for greatness, for fair building, a well frequented market, and a Bridge: upon which King Edward the Fourth erected a beautiful Chapel, in memorial of those that lost their lives there in battle. The Possession sometime this was of the Earls of Warren and of Surry, as also Sandall Castle adjoining, which John Earl of Warren (who was always fleshly lustful) built, when he had used the wife of Thomas Earl of Lancaster more familiarly than honesty would require, to the end he might detain and keep her in it securely, from her Husband. 1460. By this Town's side, when the civil war was hot here, in England and settled in the very bowels thereof, Richard Duke of York, father to King Edward the Fourth (who chose rather to hazard his fortune: than to stay the good time thereof) was slain in the field by those that took part with the House of Lancaster. The Tract lying here round about for a great way together, is called The Seignory or Lordship of Wakefield, and hath always for the Seneschal or Steward one of the better sort of Gentlemen dwelling thereby. Which Office the savil have oftentimes borne, who are here a very great and numerous Family, and at this day Sir John Savill Knight beareth it, The Savils. Howley. who hath a very sightly fair house not far off at Howley, which maketh a goodly show. Calder is gone scarce five miles farther, when he betaketh both his water and his name also to the River Are. Where, at their very meeting together standeth between them Medley, Medley. in times past 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, so called for the situation, as it were, in the midst between two Rivers. The seat it was in the age aforegoing, of Sir Robert Warerton Master of the Horse to King Henry the Fourth, but now of Sir John Savill a right worshipful Knight, and a most worthy Baron of the King's Exchequer, whom I acknowledge full gladly in his love and courtesy to have favoured me, and out of his learning to have furthered this work. The River Are. This river Are springing out of the bottom of the hill Pennigent, which among the Western hills mounteth aloft above the rest, doth forthwith so sport himself with winding in and out, as doubtful whether he should return back to his springhead, or run on still to the sea, that myself in going directly forward on my way was fain to pass over it seven times in an hours riding. It is so calm, and mild, and carrieth so gentle and slow a stream, that it seemeth not to run at all but to stand still, whence I suppose it took the name. For, as I have said before, Ara in the British tongue betokeneth Mild, Still, and Slow; whereupon that slow River in France Araxis hath his name. Araxis in France. Craven. The Country lying about the head of this River, is called in our tongue Craven, perchance of the British word Crage, that is, a Stone. For, the whole Tract there, is rough all over and unpleasant to see to, with craggy stones, hanging rocks, and rugged ways: in the midst whereof, as it were in a lurking hole, Skipton. not far from Are, standeth Skipton: and lieth hidden and enclosed among steep Hills, Latium. in like manner as Latium in Italy, which Varro supposeth to have been so called, because it lieth close under Apennine and the Alps. The Town (for the manner of their building among these Hills) is fair enough, and hath a very proper and a strong Castle, which Robert de Rumeley built, by whose posterity it came by inheritance to the Earls of Aumarle. And when their inheritance for default of heirs fell by escheat into the King's hands, Robert de Clifford, whose heirs are now Earls of Cumberland, by way of exchange obtained of King Edward the Second both this Castle, and also fair lands round about it every way, delivering into the King's hands in lieu of the same, the possessions that he had in the Marches of Wales. When Are is once past Craven, he spreadeth broader and passeth by more pleasant fields lying on each side of it, Kigheley. and Kigheley among them, which gave name to the worshipful Family of Kigheley, so surnamed thereof. Of which Family, Henry Kigheley obtained of king Edward the First for this Manor of his The Liberty of a market and Fair, and free warren. So that no man might enter into those lands to bunt and chase in them, or to take any thing that pertained to the Warren, without the licence and good will of Henry himself and his Successors. Which was counted in that age for a special favour, and I note it once for all, that we may see, what Free Warren was. But the male issue of this Family in the right line ended in Henry Kigheley of Inskip. Howbeit, the daughters and heirs were wedded to William Cavendish, now Baron Cavendish of Hardwick, and to Thomas Worseley of Booths. From hence Are passeth beside Kirkstall, an abbey in times passed of no small reckoning, founded by Henry Lacie, in the year 1147. Leedes. and at length visiteth Leedes, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which became a house of the Kings, when CAMBODUNUM was by the enemy burnt to the ground: now a rich Town by reason of clothing, where Oswy king of Northumberland put to flight Penda the Mercian: And, as Bede saith, this was to the great profit of both Nations: for he both delivered his own people from the hostile spoiling of the miscreants, and also converted the Mercians themselves to the grace of Christian Faith. The very place wherein they joined battle, Winwidfield. the writers call Winwidfield, which name I suppose was given it of the Victory: like as a place in Westphalia, where Quintilius Varus with his legions was slain, is in the Dutch tongue called Winfield, that is, The fields of victory, as that most learned man and my very good friend Abraham Ortelius hath observed. The little Region or Territory about it, was in times passed by an old name called Elmet: Elme●. which Eadwin king of Northumberland, the son of AElla, after he had expelled Cereticus a British king, Ninius. Calx viva. conquered in the year of Christ 620. Herein is digged limestone every where, which is burnt at Brotherton, and Knottingley and at certain set times, as it were, at Fairs, a mighty quantity thereof is conveied to Wakefield, Sandall, and Stanbridge: and so is sold unto this Western Country which is hilly and somewhat cold, for to manure and enrich their Corn fields. But let us leave these things to Husbandmen: as for myself I profess my ignorance therein, and will go forward as I began. At length Are entertaineth Calder aforesaid with his water as his Guest, where near unto the meeting of both Rivers, Castleford. standeth Castleford a little Village, Marianus nameth it Casterford: who reporteth, that the Citizens of York slew many of king Ethelreds' Army there, whom in their pursuit they set upon and charged here and there at advantages; what time as he invaded and overranne this Country for breaking the allegiance they had sworn unto him. But in Antonine, this place is called by a more ancient name LEGEOLIUM and LAGETIUM: Legeolium▪ Wherein beside express and notable tokens of Antiquity, a mighty number of Roman pieces of money (the common people there term them, Saracens head) were found at Beanfield (a place so called now of Beans) hard by the Church: The distance also from DAN and YORK, between which he placed it, doth most clearly confirm as much: to say nothing of the situation thereof hard by the Romans High Street, and last of all for that Roger Hoveden in plain terms calleth it A City. From hence Are being now bigger, after it hath received Calder unto it, leaveth on the left hand Brotherton a little Town; in which Queen Margaret, turning thither out of the way as she road on hunting, was delivered of child, and brought forth unto her Husband king Edward the First, Thomas de Brotherton, so named of the place, who was afterward Earl of Norfolk; and Mareshall of England. And not far beneath, Are after it hath received into it Dan, looseth himself in Ouse. On the right hand, where a yellower kind of mark is found, which being cast and spread upon the fields maketh them bear Corn for many years together, he passeth by Ponttract, T. de castle ford. commonly called Pontfret, situate not far from the river bank, which Town got life, as it were, by the death of old Legeolium. In the Saxons time it was called Kirkby, but the Normans of a broken Bridge named it in French Pontfract. Upon this occasion, it is commonly thought, that the wooden Bridge over Are hard by, was broken, Saint Willi●● of York. when a mighty multitude of people accompanied William Archbishop a great number fell into the River, and yet by reason that the Archbishop shed many a tear at this accident, and called upon God for help: there was not one of them that perished. Seated it is in a very pleasant place, that bringeth forth Liquirice and skirworts in great plenty, adorned also with fair buildings, and hath to show a stately Castle as a man shall see, situate upon a rock no less goodly to the eye, than safe for the defence, Lacie the Norman. well fortified with ditches and bulwarks. Hildebert Lacie a Norman, unto whom king William the First, after that Alricke the Saxon was thrust out, had given this Town with the land about it, first built this Castle. But Henry Lacie his nephew, Placit. 11. came into the field at the battle of Trenchbrey (I speak out of the Pleas) against King Henry the First: wherefore he was disseised of the Barony of Pontfract, and the King gave the Honour to Wido de Lavall, who held it until King Stephen's days: at which time, the said Henry made an entry into the Barony, and by mediation of the King compounded with Wido, for an hundred and fifty pounds. This Henry had a son named Robert; who having no issue, left Albreda Lizours his sister by the mother's side, and not by the father, to be his heir, because he had none other so near in blood unto him: whereby she, after Robert's death, kept both inheritances in her hand, namely of her brother Lacy's, and her father Lizours. And these be the very words of the book of the Monastery of Stanlow. The book Stanlow M●●nastery. This Albreda, was married to Richard Fitz Eustach, Constable of Chester, whose Heirs assumed unto them the name of Lacy's, and flourished under the title of Earls of Lincoln. See Earles ● Lincoln. By a daughter of the last of these Lacies, this goodly inheritance by a deed of conveyance was devolved in the end to the Earls of Lancaster, who enlarged the Castle very much, and Queen Elizabeth likewise bestowed great cost in repairing it, and began to build a fair Chapel. This place hath been infamous for the murder and bloodshed of Princes: For, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, Thomas 〈◊〉 of Lancaste● the first of Lancastrian House that in right of his wife possessed it, stained and imbrued the same with his own blood. For, King Edward the Second to free himself from rebellion and contempt showed upon him a good example of wholesome severity, and beheaded him here. Whom notwithstanding standing the common people enroled in the Bead-roll of Saints. here also was that Richard the Second King of England; whom King Henry the Fourth deposed from his Kingdom with hunger, cold, and strange kinds of torments, most wickedly made away. And here King Richard the Third caused Antony Earl Rivers, King Edward the Fifth his Uncle by the mother's side, and Sir Richard Grey knight, half brother to the same King by the mother's side, both innocent persons, to lose their heads. For the Usurper feared, lest those courageous and resolute men would stop his passage, aspiring as he did by wicked means to the Crown; As for the abbey, which the Lacies here founded for religious persons, and the Hospital which Sir Robert Knolles erected for poor people, I let pass wittingly, seeing there is scarce any rubbish now remaining of those good works. From LEGEOLIUM or Castleford abovesaid, leaving behind us Shirburne, a little Town but well inhabited, which took name of the clear bourn or Riveret, and which King Athelstane granted unto the Archbishops of York, by the high ridge or Port way raised up of a great height, Aberford. we came to Aberford, a little Village situate upon the said way, famous only for making of pins, which by women's judgement are especially commended as the best. Under this the little River Coc (in books, named Cokarus) runneth, and in the descent down thereunto, the foundations of an old Castle, Cary Castle. which they call Castle Cary, are to be seen. Scarce two miles from hence, at the spring head of Coc, Barwic in Elmet. standeth Barwic in Elmet the royal house or seat, by report, in times passed of the kings of Northumberland, which was environed about with walls, as the very ruins and ruble thereof seem to testify. On the other side is placed Hesselwood the principal seat of that worthy and right ancient family of the Vavasours, Hesselwood. Vavasores or Valvaforces. who by their Office (for the kings Valvasors in times past they were) took to them this name: and in the latter days of King Edward the First Sir William Vavasor was called among other Barons of the Realm unto the high Court of Parliament, as appear in the very Writs, as they call them, of Summons. Under this place lieth that most famous delfe or quarry of stone, Petres-post. called Peter's post, for that with the stones hewed out of it, by the liberal grant of the Vavasors, that stately and sumptuous Church of Sant Peter at York was re-edified. From Aberford the said Riveret Coc speedeth immediately to the River Wherf, as it were, sad, sorrowful, and with heavy cheer, in detestation of all civil wars, since time that he ran all died with English blood. For, upon his bank near unto Towton a little country Village, was (as I may truly say) that our English Pharsalia. In no place ever saw our England such puissant forces, The battle at Towton. so much Gentry and Nobility together: an hundred thousand fight men, and no fewer, of the one side and the other: Never were there leaders and Captains on both parts more fierce, hardy, and resolute, never more cheerful and forward to fight; who upon Palm Sunday, in the year 1461. in battle array with banner displayed, entered the field and encountered. And when they had continued a doubtful and variable fight a great part of the day, at length the Lancastrians not able to abide any longer the violence of their enemies (the chief cause of whose overthrow was the disordered unwealdinesse of their own Army) turned back and fled amain: And those that took part with York, being eager upon execution, followed them in chase so hotly, that they had the kill of a number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and thirty thousand Englishmen were that day left dead in the field. But I leave this to the Historians. Somewhat lower, near unto Shirburne, at Huddleston a little Village, is a famous stone quarry, A quarry of stone. out of which the stones when they are newly hewn be very soft, but after they be seasoned with wind and weather, they become of themselves exceeding solid and hard. But (to return) Coc making no long course sheddeth himself into Wherf. The River Wherf. This Wherf or Wharf, in the English Saxons language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, cometh down out of Craven, and for a great while runneth in a parallel distance even with Are. If a man should think the name to be wrested from the word Guer, which in British signifieth Swift and violent, verily, the nature of that River concurreth with his opinion; For, he runneth with a swift and speedy stream, making a great noise as he goeth, as if he were froward, stubborn and angry; and is made more fell and tasty with a number of stones lying in his channel, which he rolleth and tumbleth before him in such sort that it is a wonder to see the manner of it, but especially when he swelleth high in Winter. And verily it is a troublesome River and dangerous even in Summer time also, which I myself had experience of, not without some peril of mine own, when I first travailed over this Country. For, it hath such slippery stones in it, that an horse can have no sure footing on them, or else the violence of the water carrieth them away from under his feet. In all his long course which from the spring head unto Ouse is almost fifty miles, he passeth only by little Towns of no especial account: Kilnesey Cra●●● running down by Kilnesey Cragge, the highest and steepest rock that ever I saw in a midland Country by Burnsall, where Sir William Craven Knight and Alderman of London there borne, is now building of a Stone bridge: who also hard by, of a pious mind and beneficial to his Country hath of late founded a Grammar School; also by Barden-Towre, a little turret belonging to the Earl of Cumberland, where there is round about good store of game and hunting of fat Deer: by Bolton, where sometime stood a little abbey: by Bethmesley, the seat of the notable Family of Claphams, out of which came John Clapham a worthy Warrior, in the civil broils between Lancaster and York. From thence cometh he to Ilekeley, Ilekeley. Olicana. which considering the site in respect of York out of Ptolomee, and the affinity of the name together, I would judge to be OLICANA. Surely that it is an old Town (beside the Columns engraven with Roman work lying in the Churchyard and elsewhere) and was in Severus time re-edified by the means of * Of him Utopian maketh mention lib. ● de Vulgari & pupillari substitutione. Virius Lupus, Lieutenant General and Propraetor then of Britain, this inscription lately digged up hard by the Church doth plainly show. IN. SEVERUS. AUG. ET ANTONINUS CAES. DESTINATUS RESTITUERUNT, CURANTE VIRIO LUPO. * Legato. LEG. EORUM * Pro Praetor's PR. PR. That the second Cohort of the Lingones abode here, an Altar beareth witness, which I saw there, upholding now the stairs of an house, and having this Inscription set upon it by the Captain of the second Cohort of the Lingones, to VERBEIA, haply the Nymph or Goddess of Wherf, the River running thereby, which River they called VERBEIA as I suppose, out of so near affinity of the names. VERBEIAE SACRUM CLODIUS FRONTO PRAEF. COH. TWO LINGON. For, Rivers, as Gildas writeth, in that age, had by the blind and ignorant people of Britain, divine honours heaped upon them. And Seneca showeth, that in times past, Altars were erected unto them: Epist. 41. We worship, saith he, The heads of great Rivers, and the sudden breaking forth of an huge River out of an hidden and secret place hath Altars consecrated unto it. Again, All waters, as Servius Honoratus saith, had their several Nymphs, to take the rule and protection of them. Moreover in a Wall of the Church is fastened this broken and unperfect Inscription. — RUM CAES. AUG.— ANTONINI ET VERI JOVI DILECTI CAECILIUS PRAEF. COH. But in the very Church itself, whiles I sought diligently for monuments of Roman Antiquity, I found nothing but the Image in stone all armed, of Sir Adam Midleton: who seemeth to have flourished under King Edward the First, and whose posterity remaineth yet in the Country hereby, at Stubbam. Oteley. More beneath standeth Oteley a Town of the Archbishops of York: but it hath nothing memorable, unless it be one high and hard craggy cliff, called Chevin under which it is situate. Chevin. Chervin, what it signifieth. For, the ridge of an hill, the Britan's term Chevin: whence I may conjecture that that continued ridge of mountains in France, where in old time they spoke the same language that Britan's did, Gevenna. was called Gevenna and Gebenna. After this, Wherf runneth hard by, with his banks on both sides reared up, and consisting of that Limestone which maketh grounds fat and fertile: where I saw Harewood Castle of good strength, Harewood. which by the alteration of times, hath often changed his Lords. Placit. 1. Joan. Rot. 10. in D. Monstr. le Droit. 35. F. 1. Long since it belonged to the Curcies, but by Alice an inheritrice it came to Warin Fitz-Gerold, who had taken her to wife; whose daughter Margery and one of his heirs, being endowed with a very great estate of living, was first married unto Baldwin de * Rivers or Red●ers. Ripariis, the Earl's son of Devon-shire, who died before his father: afterwards to Folque de Brent, by the beneficial favour of King John, for his approved service in pilling, polling, and spoiling most cruelly. But when at length Isabella de * Rivers or Red●ers. Ripariis Countess of Devon-shire departed this life without issue: This Castle fell unto Robert de L'isle the son of Warin, as unto her cousin in blood and one of her heirs: in the end by those of Aldborrough, it descended to the ●ithers, as I am informed by Francis Thinn, who very diligently and judiciously hath a long time hunted after Pedigree antiquities. Neither is Gawthorp adjoining hereby to be concealed in silence, when as the ancient Family of Gascoignes descended out of Gascoigne in France as it seemeth, Gascoignes. hath made it famous both with their virtue and Antiquity. From hence runneth Wherf hard by Wetherby, Wetherby. a market Town of good note, which hath no antiquity at all to show, but a place only, beneath it (they call it usually now, Saint Helen's Fourd) where the high Roman street crossed over the river. From thence he passeth down by Tadcaster, Tadcaster. a very little town, yet I cannot but think as well by the distance from other places, as by the nature of the soil, and by the name, that it was CALCARIA. Calcaria. For, it is about nine Italian miles from York, according as Antonine hath set CALCARIA. Also the limestone which is the very soader and binder of all mortar, and hardly elsewhere in this tract to be found, here is digged up in great plenty and vented as far as to York and the whole Country bordering round about, for use in building. Considering then that the said Lime, was by the Britan's and Saxons in old time, Calcarienses. De Decurionibu L. 27. The Roman language in Provinces. and is by the Northern Englishmen called after the Roman name Calc (For, that imperious City Rome, imposed not their yoke only, but their language also upon the subdued Nations) seeing also that in the Code of Theodosius, those be termed Calcarienses who are the burners of limestone: it may not seem absurd, if the Etymology of the name be fetched from Calx, that is, Chalk or Lime: even as Chalcis, Augustin. lib. 19 de Civitate Dei of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, brass, Ammon of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Sand, Pteleon, of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Elms, and Calcaria a City of Cliveland, haply of Calx, that is, Lime, took their names: especially seeing that Bede calleth it also Calca-cester. Where he reporteth, that Heina the first woman in this Country that put on the Veil and religious habit of a Nun, retired herself apart to this City, and therein made her abode. Moreover, an Hill near to the Town is called Kelc-bar, in which there lieth couched somewhat of the ancient name. Neither are there other arguments wanting, to prove the antiquity thereof: For, to say nothing how it is situate upon a port high way, there be pieces of the Roman Emperor's money oftentimes digged up, and the tokens of the Trenches and Banks that compassed it about, the plot also where an old Castle stood, yet remaining, out of the relics whereof, not many years ago was a Bridge built, which when Wherf is once passed under, he becometh more still, and so gently intermingleth his water with Ouse. And verily a thing it is in my judgement to be wondered at, That Wherf being increased with so many waters, in Summer time runneth so shallow under this Bridge, that one coming hither about Midsummer, when he saw it, prettily and merrily versified thus: Nil Tadcaster habet Musis, vel carmine dignum, Praeter magnificè structum sine flumine pontem. Nought hath Tadcaster worth my Muse, and that my verse deserves, Itinerarium. T. Edes. Unless a fair Bridge stately built, the which no river serves. But had he come in Winter time, he should have seen the Bridge (so great as it was) scarce able to receive so much water. But natural Philosophers know full well, that both Welles and rivers according to the seasons, and the heat or cold, without or within do decrease or increase accordingly. Whereupon in his return he finding here dirt for dust, and full currant water under the Bridge, recanted with these verses. Quae Tadcaster erat sine flumine, pulvere plena; Nunc habet immensum fluvium, & pro pulvere lutum. Somewhat higher Nid a muddy river runneth down, The river Nid. well beset with woods on either side, out of the bottom of Craven hills, first by Niderdale, a vale unto which it giveth name: Rippley. and from thence carrieth his stream by Rippley a market Town, where the Inglebeys a Family of great antiquity, flourished in good reputation. Afterwards, with his deep channel he fenceth Gnaresburg commonly called Knarsborow Castle, Knarsborrow Castle. situate upon a most ragged and rough Rock, whence also it hath the name: which, Serle de Burgh, Uncle by the father's side to Eustace Vescy built, as the tradition holdeth: Afterward it became the seat of the Estoteviles, and now is counted part of the lands, belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster. Under it there is a well, in which the waters spring not up out of the veins of the earth, but distil and trickle down dropping from the rocks hanging over it, Dropping well. A Well turning wood into stone. whence they call it Dropping well: into which what wood soever is put, will in short space be covered over with a stony bark and turn into stone, as it hath been often observed. In the Territory there by Liquirice groweth in great abundance, and a yellower and softer kind of marvel is there found, passing good to make the ground fertile. The Keeper or chief Ranger of the Forest adjoining, was in times past one Gamell: whose posterity, of their habitation at Screven assumed the name of Screven: and from them descended the Slingsbey, who received this Forestership of king Edward the First, and to this day live here in great and good regard. Nid having passed by these places not far from Allerton, the seat of a very ancient and famous family of the Malliveries, who in old Deeds and Records are called Mali Leporarij, goeth on a little way, and then meeting Ouse, augmenteth the stream of Ouse by his confluence. As for Vre, he also springing out of these Western hills, but on the other side of the Country, in North-Ricding, when by this name he hath watered the North part of the Shire, a little before he cometh to Rippon, serveth for the limit dividing the North and West Ridings one from another. This Rippon, in the Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, being placed between Vre and Skell a rill, is beholden to religious Houses for all the dignity it had, and especially to a Monastery built in the primitive Church of the English-Saxons by Wilfride Archbishop of York, and that with such arched and embowed Vaults, with such flooring and stories of stone-worke, with such turnings and windings in and out of Galleries (so saith William of Malmesbury) that it was wonderful: Which, the Danes afterward, being so violent and outrageous that they spared neither God nor man, razed, together with the Town. Yet flourished it again, repaired by means of Odo Archbishop of Canterbury: who being a very great master of ceremonial mysteries, translated from hence to Canterbury the Relics of Wilfride. But since the Normans arrival, it prospered most, when the Castles as one saith, of Monks began to be built in greater number: For then both the Town grew famous partly under the chief Magistrate, whom they call by an old Saxon word, Wakeman. Wakeman as one would say, Watchman, and partly by their industry in clothing which at this day is much diminished: and the Monastery likewise under the tuition and protection of the Archbishops of York began marveilously to reflourish. Besides, a very fair Church was there also built, at the charitable charges of the Noblemen and Gentry dwelling thereabout, and of their own Treasurer: which with three high Spire-steeples doth welcome those that come to the town, and did as it were emulate in workmanship, the wealthy abbey of Fountains, built within the sight of it by Thurstin Archbishop of York. On the one side of this Church we saw a little College of ●inging men, which Henry Bath Archbishop of York erected: on the other side a very great mount of earth called Hilshow, cast up, as they report, Saint Wilfrides' Needle. by the Danes. Within the Church, Saint Wilfrides' Needle, was in our Grandfather's remembrance, very famous: A narrow hole this was, in the Crowds or close vaulted room under the ground, whereby women's honesty was tried: For, such as were chaste did easily pass through, but as many as had played false, were miraculously, I know not how, held fast and could not creep through. The abbey Fountains aforesaid, most pleasantly seated in a right plentiful Country, and having Led mines near it, had the original from twelve precise Monks of York, who fervently, zealous, to serve God in a more strict kind of life, forsook their cloistures and addicted themselves to the ordinances of Saint Bernard. For whom, after they had reaped many Harvests of troubles, Thurstine Archbishop of York built this abbey, which was acknowledged an immediate daughter of Clarevalle, and in a few years became a mother to many others, as Kirkstall, Salley, Meaux, etc. I have made more willingly mention of these, because Saint Bernard in his Epistles so highly approved their life, and discipline. Not far beneath, there standeth by Vre a little Town called Burrow bridge, of the bridge that is made over the River: which now is built very high and fair of stone work, but in King Edward the Second his time, it seemeth to have been of wood. For, we read, that when the Nobles of England disquieted the King and troubled the State, Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford in his going over it; was at a chink thereof thrust through the body about his groin, by a soldier lying close under the Bridge. near unto this Bridge Westward, we saw in three diverse little fields, four huge stones, of Pyramidal form, but very rudely wrought, set as it were in a straight and direct line. Pyramids. The two Pyramids in the midst whereof the one was lately pulled down by some that hoped, though in vain, to find treasure, did almost touch one another: the uttermore stand not far off, yet almost in equal distance from these on both sides. Of these I have nothing else to say, but that I am of opinion with some, that they were Monuments of victory erected by the Romans, hard by the High Street that went this way. For I willingly overpasse the fables of the common people, Devil's bolts. who call them the Devils Bolts which they shot at ancient Cities and therewith overthrew them. Yet will not I pass over this, that very many and those learned men think they are not made of natural stone indeed, but compounded of pure sand, lime, vitriol (whereof also they say there be certain small grains within) and some unctuous matter. Of such a kind there were in Rome cisterns, so firmly compact of very strong lime and sand, as Pliny writeth, that they seemed to be natural stones. A little Eastward from this Bridge, Is-Urium. IS-URIUM BRIGANTUM an ancient City, so called of the River Vre running by it, flourished in ancient times, but was razed to the very ground many ages past. Nevertheless the Village risen up near the place, giveth testimony of the Antiquity thereof, for it is called Ealdburgh and Aldborrow. Aldborrow. i Old Borrow. But, in that very plot of ground where the said City stood, are now arable grounds and pastures, so that scarce any footing thereof doth appear. Surely, the very credit of Writers should have had much ado to make us believe, that this had been IS-URIUM, but that URE the River's name, the Roman Coin daily digged up, and the distance according to Antonines account betwixt this and York, warranted it. For, by that Vre (which the Saxons afterward named Ouse because it hath entertained Ousburne a little River) is gone sixteen Italian miles from hence, Eboracum. York. he runneth through the City EBORACUM or EBURACUM, which Ptolomee in the second book of his Great Construction calleth BRIGANTIUM (if the said book be not corrupted) because it was the chief City of the brigants. Ninnius calleth it Caer Ebrauc, the Britan's Caer Effroc, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and we at this day, York. The British History reporteth, that it took name of King Ebra●c the Founder: yet give me leave to deem conjecturally, without the prejudice to others that the name EBURACUM is derived from nothing else but from the River Vre, so that it soundeth as much as by Vre, or along the side of Vre: for, even so the EBUROVICES in France, were seated by the River Eure, near unto Eureux in Normandy: Semblably the EB-URONES in the Netherlands, near unto the river Our in the Dioecese of Lhuick: and EB-LANA in Ireland standeth hard by the river Lefny. This is the second City of England, the fairest in all this Country, and a singular safeguard and ornament both, to all the North parts. A pleasant place, large, and stately, well fortified, beautifully adorned as well with private as pulique buildings, rich, populous, and to the greater dignity thereto it hath an archiepiscopal See. Ure, which now is called Ouse, flowing with a gentle stream from the North part Southward cutteth it as I said in twain, and divideth it, as it were, into two Cities, which are conjoined with a stone Bridge, having the mightiest Arch one of them, that ever I saw. The West part, nothing so populous, is compassed in with a very fair Wall and the River together, fouresquarewise, and giveth entrance to those that come thither at one only Gate, named Mikel Bar, as one would say, The great Gate. From which a long street and a broad, reacheth to the very Bridge, and the same street beset with proper houses having gardens and orchards planted on the backside on either hand, and behind them fields even hard to the Walls, for exercise and disports. In the South angle whereof which they and the River make between them, I saw a Mount, raised, as it seemeth, for some Castle to be built upon it, called The old Bale; which, William Melton Archbishop, as we read in the Archbishop's lives, strongly enclosed, first, with thick planks, eighteen foot long; afterward with a stone wall: yet there is nothing of all that, now to be seen. The East side wherein the houses stand very thick and the streets be narrower, in form resembleth as it were a lentil, and is fortified also with very strong walls and on the Southeast, Fosse-river. defended with the deep channel of Fosse a muddy River, which entering into the heart of the City by a blind way, hath a Bridge over it, with houses standing upon it so close ranged one by another, that any man would judge it, to be not a Bridge, but a continued street; and so a little lower runneth into Ouse: where at their confluence, and meeting together, right over against the Mount that I spoke of, King William the Conqueror in a very convenient place raised a most strong Castle to awe the Citizens. Upon which, time hath now a great while without impeachment wrought his will; ever since that Englishmen fell to neglect strong Holds, as receptacles for those whose hearts would not serve to fight in open field. On this side also toward the North-East, standeth the Cathedral Church dedicated to Saint Peter, an excellent fair Fabric and a stately; near unto which, without the Walls of the City, but yet enclosed within walls and by the River, flourished a renowned abbey called Saint mary's, which Alan the Third, Earl of Little Britain in Armorica and of Richmund, built and endowed with rich livings: but now it is converted into the Prince's house, and is commonly called The Manor. The Manor. Whence I should fetch the original of York but from the Romans I cannot tell, seeing the Britan's before the Romans coming had no other Towns, than woods fenced with trenches and rampire, as Caesar and Strabo unreprovable Authors do testify. To say nothing therefore of King Ebrauk, whom some men both curious and credulous, as it should seem, have imagined out of the name of Eboracum (for so is York in Latin termed) to have been the Founder thereof: most certain it is, that the Sixth Legion Victrix, which Hadrian there Emperor brought out of Germany over into Britain was placed here in Garrison. And that it was a Colony of the Romans, it appeareth both by the authority of Ptolomee, and Antonine, and also by an ancient Inscription, which I saw in a certain Alderman's house there in these words. M. VEREC. DIOGENES JIIII I VIR COL. EBOR. IDEMQ. MORT CIVES BITURIX. HAEC SIBI VIVUS FECIT. As also by a piece of money coined by the Emperor Severius, in the reverse whereof we read. COL. EBORACUM. LEG. VI VICTRIX. But how it is, That Victor whom Andre● Scot set forth of late. that Victor in his History of the Caesars, hath called York Municipium or free town of Britain, being, as it was a Colony, I require farther time to deliberate thereupon, unless it were, that the inhabitants of York, like as sometime the Praenestines did choose rather from a Colony to be brought unto the state of a free-Burgh. For, Colonies having, as Agellius writeth, laws, customs and rights at the will of the people of Rome and not at their own pleasure, seemed more obnoxious, and their condition not so free: whereas free Cities, such as in Latin are named Municipia, used rights, Laws and orders of their own, and the Citizens or Burgesses thereof were partakers with the people of Rome in their honourable Offices only, and bound of necessity to nothing else. No marvel therefore, if Colonies were changed into Free Burroughs. But to what end stand I upon this point? This difference of the name is not in the story of the Emperors so exactly observed, but that one and the self same place is called both a Colony, and a Municipium, or Free City. Severus▪ Howbeit out of that piece of money I dare not constantly affirm, that Severus first conducted and planted this Colony, seeing that Ptolomee and Antonine himself writeth it was the seat of the sixth Legion in the antonine time. But we read that Severus had his Palace in this City, and here at the hour of death gave up his last breath with these words: I entered upon a state every where troublesome, and I leave it peaceable even to the Britan's. His body was carried forth here to the funeral fire by the soldiers, after the military fashion, and committed to the flames, honoured with Justs and Turneaments of his soldiers and his own sons, in a place beneath this City Westward near to Ackham, where is to be seen a great Mount of earth raised up, which as Raulph Niger hath recorded, was in his time, of Severus, called Sivers. His ashes being bestowed in a little golden pot, or vessel of the Porphyrite stone, were carried to Rome, and shrined there in the Monument of the Antonines. At which time there was in this City the Temple of Goddess Bellona. The Temple of Bellona. For, Spartianus speaking of Severus and this very City, saith thus, When Severus returned and came into the City, purposing to offer sacrifice, he was led first of all to the Temple of Bellona, by the error of a rustical Augur or Soothsaying Priest. At which time the Tribunal or Justice Haul of this City was in this respect most happy, because therein sat to minister justice that Oracle of the law, Aemelius Paulus Papinianus, as Forcatulus witnesseth. And from this place it was, for certain, that Severus and Antoninus Emperors being consulted in a case or question of Right, gave forth their Imperial constitution De rei Vindicatione. L.I.C. Constantius An hundred years or thereabout after the death of Severus, Fl. Valerius Constantius surnamed Chlorus, an Emperor surpassing in all virtue and Christian piety, who came hither When the Gods, as the Panegyrist saith, called him now to the inmost entry and door of the earth, ended his life also in this City and was deified, as we may see by ancient Coins. And albeit Florilegus recordeth, that his Tomb was found in Wales, as I have said; yet men of credit have informed me, that in our father's remembrance, when Abbays were suppressed and pulled down, in a certain Vault or crowds or a little Chapel under the ground wherein Constantius was supposed to have been buried, there was found a Lamp burning: for, Lazius writeth, that in ancient time they preserved light in Sepulchers, by resolving gold artificially into a liquid and fatty substance, which should continue burning a long time and for many ages together. This Emperor begat of his former wife Helena CONSTANTINE THE GREAT, Constantine the Great. THE DELIVERER OF ROME CITY, as ancient inscriptions give testimony, THE FOUNDER OF PEACE, AND THE REPAIRER OF THE COMMON WEALTH: Who was present in York at his father's last gasp, and forthwith proclaimed Emperor, The soldiers, as the panegyrical Orator saith, regarding rather the good of the State, than private affections, cast the purple robe upon him, whiles he wept and put spurs to his horse, to avoid the importunity of the Army attempting and requiring so instantly to make him Emperor: But the happiness of the State overcame his modesty. Whence it is that the Author of the panegyrical oration crieth out in these words, O fortunate Britain and now blessed above all lands, which first sawest Constantine Emperor. Hence it may be gathered, in what, and how great estimation York was in those days, seeing the Roman Emperor's Court was there held. For, our own Country Writers record, that this City was by Constantius adorned and graced with an Episcopal See: But yet, that Ta●rinus the Martyr Bishop of Eureux sat here and governed, Vincentii Speculum historiale. I will not say as others do. For, Vincentius out of whom they sucked this error, would by his own words convince me of untruth. But when the Romans were departed and had left Britain for a prey to barbarous Nations, this City sore afflicted with many calamities, suffered her part also of miseries, and was little or nothing better about the end of the Scottish or Saxons Wars, than a poor small shadow of a great name. For, when Paulinus preached Christian Religion to the English Saxons in this Country, it lay so desolate, that there remained not so much as a Chapel in it, for King Edwin to be baptised in. Who in the year after Christ's Birth 627. built a little Oratory of wood: and when as afterward he went in hand with building a greater Church of stone, scarce had he laid the foundation thereof, when he was prevented by death and left it to be finished by his Successor Oswald. Ever since that time, Scotland in times past, subject to the Archbishop of York. the Ecclesiastical Dignity in this Church increased, and by a Pall sent unto it from Honorius the Pope, became a Metropolitan City; which beside twelve Bishoprickes in England, exercised the power of a Primate over all the Bishops of Scotland. But many years since, Scotland withdrew itself from this her Metropolitan: and the Metropolitan City itself hath so devoured other Bishoprickes adjoining, being but little to say truth and of small account, that it hath now but four within the own Dioecese, namely, the Bishoprickes of Durrham, of Chester, of Carlisle, and of Man, or Sodorensis in the Isle of Man. And the Archbishop Egbert, who flourished about the year of our Salvation 740. erected at York, See in Scotland. A Library. Flaccus Alcwinus or Albinus flourished. anno. 780. A most famous Library, the Cabinet as I may so term it (these be the words of William of Malmesbury) and Closet of all liberal Arts. Touching which Library, Alcwin of York Schoolmaster to Charles the Great, first Founder of the University of Paris, and the only Honour of this City, in an Epistle to the said Charles wrote thus. Give me the books of deeper and more exquisite scholastical learning, such as I had in mine own Country by the good and most devout industry of the Archbishop Egbert. And if it please your wisdom, I will send back some of your own servants, who may exemplify out of them all those things that be necessary, and bring the flowers of Britain into France, that there may not be a Garden of learning enclosed only within York walls; but that streams of Paradise may be also at Towers. Then also it was that Princes bestowed many and great livings and lands upon the Church of York, especially Ulphus the son of Toral (I note so much out of an old book, that there may plainly appear a custom of our ancestor in endowing Churches with livings). This Ulphus aforesaid ruled in the West part of Deira, and by reason of the debate that was like to arise between his sons the elder and the younger, about their Lordships and Signiories after his death, forthwith he made them all alike. For, without delay he went to York, took the horn with him out of which he was wont to drink, filled it with wine, and before the Altar of God and blessed Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles, kneeling upon his knees he drank, and thereby enfeoffed them in all his lands and revenues. Which horn was there kept as a monument (as I have heard) until our father's days. I might seem to speak in derogation of the Clergy, if I should report what secret heartburning, or rather open enmities flashed out between the Archbishops of York and of Canterbury upon worldly ambition; whiles with great waist of their wealth, but more loss of their credit and reputation, they bickered most eagerly about the Primacy. For, the Church of York, as he writeth, (inferior though it were unto that of Canterbury in riches) yet being equal in dignity, albeit of later time founded: and advanced on high with the same power that Canterbury hath, confirmed also with the like authority of Apostolical Privileges, took it ill to be subject unto that of Canterbury by virtue of a Decree of Alexander of Rome, who ordained, That the Church of York ought to be subject unto Canterbury, and in all things to obey the constitutions of the Archbishop thereof, as Primate of all Britain, in such matters as appertain to Christian Religion. Concerning the Archbishops of York, it is no part verily of my purpose to write any thing here, although there be very many of them who deserve for their virtue and piety to be renowned. Let it suffice to note in a word, that from Paulinus the first Archbishop, consecrated in the year of our Redemption 625. there have sitten in that See threescore and five Archbishops, unto the year 1606. in which D. Toby Matthew a most reverend Prelate, The sixty six Archbishop. for the ornaments of virtue and piety, for learned eloquence, and continual exercise of teaching, was translated hither from the Bishopric of Durrham. This City for a time flourished very notably under the English Saxons dominion, until the Danes like a mighty storm thundering from out of the North-East, defaced it again with merveilous great ruins, and by killing and slaying distained it with blood, which, that Alcuine aforesaid in his Epistle to Egelred King of Northumberland may seem to have presaged before What signifieth (saith he) that raining of blood which in Lent we saw at York the head City of the whole Kingdom, in Saint Peter's Church, to fall down violently in threatening wise from the top of the roof, in the North part of the house, and that in a fair day. May it not be thought, that blood is coming upon the Land from the North parts? Verily soon after it was embrued with blood, and did pine away with most miserable calamities, when the Danes spoiled, wasted, and murrhered all where ever they came. And verily in the year 867. the walls were so battered and shaken by reason of continual Wars, that Osbright and Ella Kings of Northumberland, whiles they pursued the Danes easily broke into the City: who being both of them slain in a most bloody battle in the very midst of the City, left the victory unto the Danes. Whereupon William of Malmesbury writeth in this manner, York, always exposed first to the rage of the Northern Nations, sustained the barbarous assaults of the Danes, and groaned being piteously shaken with manifold ruins. But as the very same Author witnesseth, King Athelstone won it perforce out of the Danes hands, and overthrew the Castle quite, which they had here fortified. Neither for all this, was it altogether free from wars in the times next ensuing whiles that age ran fatal for the destruction of Cities. But the Normans as they ended these miseries, so they made almost a final hand of York also. For, when the sons of Sueno the Dane had landed in these parts with a Danish Fleet of 240. Alfred of B●●verley, in t●● Library of 〈◊〉 Lord Burg●● Treasurer 〈◊〉 England. Sail, the Normans lying in Garrison, who kept two Forts within the City, fearing lest the houses in the Suburbs might stand the enemy in stead to fill up the Ditches withal, set them on fire: but by reason the wind rose highly, the fire was so carried and spread throughout that City, that now it was set a burning, when the Danes breaking in upon them made pitiful slaughter in every place, having put the Normans to the sword, and keeping alive William Mallet and Gilbert Gant two principal persons, that they might be tithed with the soldiers. For, Decimation Execution 〈◊〉 very tenth 〈◊〉 every tenth man of the Normans they chose out by lot, to be executed. Whereupon King William the Conqueror was so incensed with desire of revenge, that he showed his cruelty upon the Citizens by putting them all to death, as if they had taken part with the Danes: and upon the City itself by setting it on fire afresh; and as William of Malmesbury saith, He so depopulated and defaced the Villages adjoining, and the sinews of that fertile Region were so cut by the spoils there committed and booties raised, and the ground for the space of threescore miles lay so untilled, that if a stranger had then seen the Cities that in times were of high account, the Towers which with their lofty tops threatened the sky, and the fields that were rich in pastures, he could not but sigh and lament, yea and if an ancient inhabitant had beheld the same, he could not have known them. How great York had been aforetime, doomsday book shall tell you in these words. In King Edward the Confessors time, there were in York City six Divisions or Shires, besides that of the Archbishops. One was laid waste, for the Castles or Forts. In the five Divisions were 1428. dwelling Mansions to give entertainment: And, in the Archbishop's Shire or Division 200. dwelling Mansions likewise. After these woeful overthrows our countryman Necham thus versified of it. Visito quam foelix Ebrancus condidit urbem, Petro se debet pontificalis apex. Civibus hac toties viduata, nouísque repleta, Diruta prospexit moenia saepe sua. Quid manus hostilis queat, est experta frequenter, Sed quid? nunc pacis otia longa fovent. The City that Great Ebrauk built, I come now for to view, Whereof the See pontifical, is to Saint Peter due. This, many times laid desolate, and peopled new hath been, Her walls cast down and ruinate full often hath it seen. What mischief hostile hands could work, not once nor twice it found, What then? since now, long time of peace, doth keep it safe and sound. For, in his time, when after these troublesome storms a most pleasant calm of peace presently ensued, it rose of itself again and flourished afresh, although the Scots and Rebels both, did oftentimes make full account to destroy it. But under the Reign of King Stephen, it caught exceeding great harm by casualty of fire, wherein were consumed the Cathedral Church, the abbey of Saint Mary and other religious houses: yea and that noble and most furnished Library (as it is thought) which Alcuin hath recorded to have been founded by Archbishop Egeldred his Praeceptour. As for the abbey of Saint Mary it quickly recovered the former dignity by new buildings: but the Cathedral Church lay longer ere it held up head again, and not before King Edward the First his time: For then, John Roman Treasurer of the Church laid the foundation of a new work, which his son John, William Melton, and John Thoresby, all of them Archbishops, brought by little and little to that perfection and beauty which now it showeth, yet not without the helping hand of the Nobility and Gentry thereabout, especially of the Percies and the Vavasours, which the arms of their houses standing in the very Church, and their images at the West gate of the Church do show, Percies portrayed with a piece of timber, and Vavasours with a stone in their hands, for that the one supplied the stone, the other the timber for this new building. This Church as he reporteth who wrote the life of Aeneas Silvius, Commentar▪ of Pope Pius. Lib. prim. who was Pope Pius the second, and that upon the Pope's own relation, For workmanship and greatness, is memorable over all the world, and the Chapel most lightsome, the glass-windows whereof are fast bound between pillars that be most slender in the mids. This Chapel is that most dainty and beautiful Chapter-house, in which this verse stands painted in golden letters. Ut Rosa flos florum, sic est Domus ista Domorum. The flower of flowers, a Rose men call: So is this house of houses all. About the same time also, the Citizen's fenced the City round about with new walls and many towers and bulwarks set orderly in diverse places, yea and ordained very good and wholesome laws for the government thereof. King Richard the Second granted it to be a County incorporate by itself, and King Richard the Third began to repair the Castle. And that nothing might be wanting, King Henry the Eighth within the memory of our fathers, The Council established in the North. appointed here a Council not unlike to the Parliaments in France, for to decide and determine the causes and controversies of these North parts according to equity and conscience, which consisteth of a Lord Precedent, certain Counsellors at the Prince's pleasure, a Secretary and under Officers. As touching the Longitude of York our Mathematicians have described it to be two and twenty Degrees and twenty five Scruples: the Latitude 54. degrees and 10. scruples. Hitherto have we treated of the West part of this shire and of York City, which is reckoned neither in the one part, nor the other, but enjoyeth peculiar liberties, and hath jurisdiction over the Territory adjoining on the West side. Which they call the Liberty of Ansty, others the Ancienty of the Antiquity, but other have derived it very probably from the Dutch word Anstossen, which betokeneth limits. And now for a conclusion have here what Master John Jonston of Aberden hath but a while since written in verse, of York. Praesidet extremis Arctoae finibus orae Urbs vetus, in veteri facta subinde nova. Romans Aquilis quondam Ducibúsque superba. Quam post barbarica diripuere manus. Pictus atrox, Scotus, Danus, Normannus, & Anglus Fulmina in hanc Martis detonuere sui. Post diras rerum clades, tótque aspera fata, Blandiùs aspirans aura serena subit. LONDINUM caput est, & regni urbs prima Britanni: EBORACUM à primâ jure secunda venit. In parts remote of Northern tract, there stands as sovereign, A City old, but yet of old eftsoons made new again. Whilom of Roman Legions and Captains proud it was: But since by forces barbarous sacked and spoiled, alas. The Picts so fierce, the Scots and Danes, Normans and Englishmen, Against it their bolts of dreadful war have thundered now and then. Yet after sundry bitter blasts, and many a cursed clap, A milder gale of peaceful days, hath brought it better hap. Of British Kingdom LONDON is chief seat and principal, And unto it there goes by right York City next of all. Ouse now leaving York, being otherwhiles disquieted and troubled with that whirling encounter of contrary waters, and forceable eddies which some call Higra, runneth down through Bishops Thorpe, Bishops Thorpe. called Saint Andrew's Thorpe, before that Walter Grey Archbishop of York purchased it with ready money, and to prevent the King's Officers who are wont rigorously to seize upon Bishop's Temporalties when the See is vacant, gave it to the Dean and Chapter of York, with this condition, that they should always yield it to his Successors. Of whom, Richard Le Sicrope Archbishop of York, a man of a fiery spirit, and ready to entertain rebellion, was condemned in this very place, of high Treason by King Henry the Fourth, against whom he had raised an insurrection. Cawood. Afterward Cawood a Castle of the Archbishops standeth upon the same River, which King Athelstan, as I have read, gave unto the Church: Just against which on the other side of the River lieth Ricall, where Harald Haardread arrived with a great Fleet of Danes. Then Ouse passeth hard by Selby a little Town, well peopled and of good resort; where King Henry the First was borne, and where his father King William the First built a fair abbey in memory of Saint German, who happily confuted that venomous Pelagian Heresy, which oftentimes (as the Serpent Hydra) grew to an head again in Britain. The Abbats of this Church, as also of Saint mary's in York, were the only Abbats in the North parts that had place in the Parliament house. And so Ouse at length speedeth away to Humber, leaving first Escricke a seat of the Lascelles sometimes to be remembered for that King James advanced Sir Thomas Knivet the owner thereof Lord Knivet to the honour of Baron Knivet of Escricke, L. Knivet. in the year 1607. And afterward passing by Drax, a little Village famous long since for a Monastery founded there by Sir William Painell, and whereas William of Newburgh writeth, Philip of Tollevilla had a Castle most strongly fenced, with Rivers, Woods, and Marshes about it, which he, confident upon the courage of his followers, and his provision of victuals and armour, defended against King Stephen; until it was won by assault. EBORACENSIS Comitatus (ovius Incolae olin brigants appellabantur) pars Orientalis, vulgo EAST RIDING EAST-RIDING. EAST-RIDING the second part of this Region, wherein Ptolomee placed the PARISI, lieth Eastward from York. On the North side and the West, it is bounded with the River East-riding. Darwent, that runneth down with a winding course: on the South with the Salt water of Humber, and on the East with the Germane Ocean. Upon the Sea side and along Darwent the Soil is meetly good and fertile: But in the mids it is nothing else but an heap of Hills rising up on high, which they call York's would. Darwent springing not far from the shore, first taketh his way Westward: then, he windeth into the South by Aiton and Malton; whereof, because they belong to the North part of the Shire, I will speak in due place. No sooner is he entered into this Quarter, but down he runneth not far from the ruins of the old Castle Montferrant. Montferrant History of Meaux. The Lords whereof were in times past the Fossards, men of noble parentage and wealthy withal: But when William Fossard Ward to the King, being committed unto William le Grosse Earl of Aumarle as to his Guardian, and now come to his years, abused his sister; the Earl in wreckful displeasure for this fact of his, laid this Castle even with the ground, and forced the young Gentleman to forsake his Country. Howbeit, after the Earl's death, he recovered his inheritance again, and left one only daughter behind him: who being married unto R. de Torneham, bore a daughter married to Peter de * de Malolacu. Mauley: whose heirs and successors being bettered in their estate by this inheritance of the Fossards, became great and honourable Barons. Not far from hence is situate upon the River side, Kirkham, as one would say of Church-place: For, a Priory of Canons was there founded by Walter Espec a man of high place and calling, by whose daughter a great estate accrued to the family of the Lord Rosses. Then, but somewhat lower, Darwent had a City of his own name, which Antonine the Emperor calleth DERVENTIO, and placeth it seven miles from YORK. The book of Notices maketh mention of a Captain over the Company Derventiensis under the General of Britain, that resided in it; and in the Saxons Empire it seemeth to have been that Town, where the King used to lie, which Bede saith, was situate near unto the River Doroventio. In which, as he also writeth, Eumer, that murderous Villain thrust at Edwin King of Northumberland with a sword and had run him through, but that one of his men stepped between, and saved the King's life with the loss of his own. Yet could I never have said precisely which was the very place, had not that most judicious Robert Marshal given me a light thereof. For, he gave me to understand, that just at the very same distance from York which I spoke of, there stands hard upon the River Darwent, a little Town named Auldby, that is, if you interpret the Saxon word, The old Habitation: where, are extant yet in sight some tokens of Antiquity, and upon a very high Hill near unto the River, the rubbish of an ancient Fortification, so that it cannot choose, but to have been the said City Derventio. From hence glideth the River hard under Stanford-Bridge, which also of the battle there fought is called Battlebridge. Battlebridge. For, at that Bridge, Harald King of England, after a great execution done upon the Danes flew in a pight field Harald Hardread King of Norway, who with a Fleet of 200. sail grievously annoyed the Isle of Britain, and was now landed at Richall, spoiling and wasting all in his way. The King of England who having the honour of the field, found among the spoils such a mass of Gold, as that twelve lusty young men, had much ado to carry it on their backs, as Adam Bremensis recordeth. This field was fought scarce nine days before the arrival of William Conqueror, what time the dissolute and roiotous life of the Englishmen, seemed to foretell their imminent overthrow and destruction. But of this I have spoken before. Derwent, which when it is increased with rain, and as it were provoked to anger doth oftentimes contemn his banks and surround the meadows lying about it, passing from hence by Wreshil a proper and a strong Castle, which Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester built, runneth amain under Babthorpe, which yieldeth both name and habitation to a worshipful Family of Knight's degree: and so at length dischargeth himself into Ouse. Out of this stock it was (for let us not think much to tell of those who performed faithful service to their Prince and Country) that both father and son fight together under the banner of King Henry the Sixth lost their lives in the Battle of Saint Alban, and were there buried together with this Epitaph: Cum patre Radulpho Babthorp jacet ecce Radulphus Filius, hoc duro marmore pressus humo, Henrici Sexti dapifer, pater Armiger ejus, Mors satis id docuit, fidus uterque fuit. etc. Behold where two Raulph Babthorps', both the son and father lie, Under a stone of marble hard, interred in this mould dry: To Henry the Sixth the father Squire, the Son he Sewer was, Both true to Prince, and for his sake they both their life did pass. Howden. And now Ouse by this time carrying a fuller stream, runneth near Howden a market Town, famous not so much for any beauty in it, or great resort thereto, as because it hath given name to a little Territory adjoining, called of it Howdenshire, and had therein not long since a pretty Collegiate Church of five Prebendaries: unto which joineth the Bishop's house of Durrham who have great lands thereabout. One of which, namely Walter Skirlaw, who flourished about the year of our Lord 1390. as we read in the book of Durrham, built a very great and large steeple to this Church, that if there happened by chance any inundation, it might serve the inhabitants for a place of refuge to save themselves in. Metham. And not far from hence stands Metham, which gave both surname and habitation also to the ancient house of the Methams. Now the River Ouse being very broad, swift and roaring beside, out poureth his stream into the Frith or salt water ABUS: Abus. Humber●. For so calleth Ptolomee that arm of the Sea, which the English Saxons and we term Humber, whereof also the Country beyond it, by a general name was called Northumberland. Both these names may seem to have been drawn with some little change, from the British word Aber, which among them signifieth the mouth of a River: and I would think it was imposed upon this River by way of excellency: because Ure or Ouse having entertained and lodged many Rivers, carrieth them all with him along into this, yea and other Rivers of right great name are emptied into it. And verily it is one of the broadest arms of the sea and best stored with fish in all Britain. It riseth high as the Ocean, at every tide floweth, and when the same ebbeth and returneth back, it carrieth his own stream and the currant of the Sea together most forcibly and with a mighty noise, not without great danger of such as sail therein, whence Necham writeth thus of it. Fluctibus aequoreis nautis suspectior Humber, Dedignans Urbes visere rura colit. More feared of shipmen Humber stream, than waves of sea so deep; Disdaining cities great to see, near country towns doth keep. And following the British History, as if it had been so called of a King of the Huns, he addeth this moreover. Hunnorum princeps ostendens terga Locrino Submersus, nomen contulit Humbris aquae. A Prince of Huns, whiles that he showed his back to Locrine brave, Was drowned here, and so the name, to Humber water gave. Touching whom, another Poet also: Dum fugit, obstat ei flumen, submergitur illic; Dèque suo tribuit nomine nomen aquae. Whiles he turned back, and took his flight, the River stopped the same, There drowned was he, and then of him the water took the name. Neither were there indeed any Cities seen to stand by this Arm of the Sea in Nechams days: but before and after, there flourished one or two Cities in these places. Under the Roman Empire, not far from the bank, by Foulness a River of small account, where Wighton a little Town of Husbandry well inhabited is now seen, stood, as we may well think, in old time DELGOVITIA: and that I may not take hold of the distance from DERVENTIO for a proof, both the resemblance, and the signification also of the name, do concur. For, Delgwe in the British tongue signifieth The Statues or Images of the Heathen Gods, and in a small Village adjoining to this little Town, there was a Temple of Idols even in the Saxons time, of exceeding great name, and request: which, of those Heathen gods was then termed Godmundingham, Bede. and now is called in the same sense * God's Church or habitation. Godmanham. Neither doubt I, but that even when the Britan's flourished, it was some famous Oracle much frequented when superstition spread, and swaying among all Nations had wholly possessed the weak minds of ignorant people. But when Paulinus preached Christ, unto Northumberland men, Coy-fi, who had been a Pontife or Bishop of the heathen rites and ceremonies, after he had once embraced Christian Religion, First of all profaned this Temple, the very habitation of impiety, by lancing a spear against it, yea he destroyed it, and as Bede writeth, Set it on fire, with all the enclosures and Isles belonging unto it. From hence, something more Eastward, the River Hull bendeth his course to Humber, Drifeild. which River hath his spring head near unto Driffeild, a Village well known, by reason of the Tomb of Alfred that most learned King of Northumberland; and the mounts that be raised here and there about it. The said River hasteneth thitherward, not far from Leckenfielde, an house of the Percies Earls of Northumberland: near unto which, standeth the dwelling place of a very famous and ancient Progeny of the hotham's at Schorburg; together with the rubbish of an old Castle of Peter Mauley at Garthum. And now approacheth the River Hull nearer unto Beverley, Beverley. in the English Saxon tongue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which Bede seemeth to name, the Monastery in Deirwand, that is, In the word of the Deiri, a great Town, very populous and full of trade. A man would guess it by the name and situation to be PETUARIA PARISIORUM, Betnatia. although it affordeth nothing of greater antiquity, than that John surnamed the Beverley, Archbishop of York, a man as Bede witnesseth, both godly and learned, after he had given over his Bishopric, as weary of this world, came hither, and ended his life in contemplation, about the year of our Redemption 721. The life of John of Beverley. The Kings held the memorial of this John so sacred and reverend, especially King Athelstan who honoured him as his tutelar Saint, after he had put the Danes to flight, that they endowed this place with many and those very great privileges, Pat. 5. H. 4. and Athelstane granted them liberties in these general words, All's free make I thee, as heart may think, or eye may see. Yea and there was granted unto it the privileges of a Sanctuary, so that bankrupts and men suspected of any capital crime worthy of death, might be free and safe there from danger of the Law. In which there was erected a Chair of stone with this Inscription. HAEC SEDES LAPIDEA Freedstoll DICITUR i. PACIS CATHEDRA, AD QUAM REUS FUGIENDO PERVENIENS OMNIMODAM HABET SECURITATEM. That is, This seat of Stone is called Freedstooll, that is, The chair of Peace, unto which what Offender soever flieth and cometh, hath all manner of security. Hereby, the Town grew great, and daily there flocked hither a number to dwell as inmates; and the Townsmen for conveyance of commodities by sea made a channel for a water course out of the River Hull sufficient to carry boats and barges. Hull river. For the chief Magistracy there, it had twelve Wardens; afterwards Governors and Wardens. And now, by the gracious grant of Queen Elizabeth, a Major and Governors. More Eastward, The Register of Meaux abbey. there flourished Meaux abbey, so called of one Gamell borne at Meaux in France, who obtained it at William the conquerors hands for a place to dwell in: and here was founded an abbey for the Monks of the Cluniacke order by William Le Grosse Earl of Aulbemarle, to be released of his vow that he had made to visit Jerusalem. A little lower runneth out in a great length Cottingham, a country Town of husbandry, Cottingham. where by licence granted from King John, Robert Estotevill the Lord thereof built a Castle now utterly fallen to ruin. Estotevill. Which Robert, was descended from Robert Grondebeofe, or Grandebeofe a Baron of Normandy, and a man of great name and reputation: whose inheritance fell by marriage to the Lord de Wake, Wake. and by a daughter of John de Wake it came to Edmund Earl of Kent, who had a daughter named Joan wife unto that most warlique Knight Edward Prince of Wales, who so often victoriously vanquished the French in diverse places. The River Hull aforesaid, after it hath passed six miles from hence sheddeth himself into Humber, and near unto his mouth hath a Town of his own name called Kingston upon Hull, Kingston upon Hull. but commonly Hull. This Town fetcheth the beginning from no great antiquity: For, King Edward the First, who in regard of his Princely virtues deserveth to be ranged among the principal and best Kings that ever were, Placit. Anno. 44. Edw. 3. Ebon. 24. having well viewed and considered the opportunity of the place which before time was called Wike, had it by right of exchange from the Abbot of Meaux, and in lieu of the * Pro Vaccariis & Beycariis. Beasts stalls and sheep pastures, as I conceive it, which there he found, built a Town that he named Kingston, as one would say, The King's Town; and there, as we read in the Records of the Kingdom, he made an haven and free Burgh, the Inhabitants thereof also, free Burgesses, and he granted diverse liberties unto them. And by little and little it rose to that dignity, that for stately and sumptuous buildings, for strong blockhouses, for well furnished ships, for store of Merchants and abundance of all things it is become now the most famous town of merchandise in these parts. All which the inhabitants ascribe partly to Michael de la-Pole, who obtained their privileges for them, after that King Richard the Second had promoted him to the honour of Earl of Suffolk, and partly their gainful trade by Island fish dried and hardened which they term Stockfish: whereby they gathered a main mass of riches. Hence it came to pass, that within a little while, they fenced their City with a brick wall, strengthened it with many Towers and Bulwarks, where it is not defended with the river: and brought such a deal of coblestones for ballais to their ships, that therewith they have paved all the quarters and streets of the town most beautifully. For the chief Magistrate it had (as I have been informed) first a Warden or Custos: then Bailives, afterward a Major and Bailives: and in the end they obtained of K. Henry the Sixth that they might have a Major and a Sheriff, and that the very town should be a County, as our lawyers use to say incorporate by itself. Neither will I think it much to note, although in Barbarous terms, out of the book of Meaux abbey, De la Pole. as touching the Major of this City. William De la Pole knight, was beforetime a merchant at Ravens-rod, skilful in merchandise and inferior to no English merchant whatsoever. He making his abode afterwards at Kingston upon Hull, was the first Major that ever the said town had: he began also and founded the monastery of Saint Michael hard by the said King-ston, which now is an house of the Carthusian or Charter-house monks. And he had for his eldest son Sir Michael De la Pole Earl of Suffolk, who caused the said Monastery to be inhabited by Carthusian Monks. And verily William De la Pole aforesaid, lent many thousand pounds of gold unto King Edward, whiles he made his abode at Antwerp in Brabant, wherefore the King in recompense of the said gold, made him Lord chief Baron of his Exchequer, conferred upon him the whole Seignory or Lordship of holderness, together with other lands belonging unto the Crown; and that by the King's Charter, yea and ordained that he should be reputed a Baneret. Yet if any man make doubt hereof, the Records I hope may satisfy him fully, Cl. 5. E.R. 3. M. 28. Valectus or Valettus. I. Tisius. in which William De la Pole is in plain terms called Dilectus Valectus, et Mercator noster, that is, Our wellbeloved Valect and our Merchant: now, Valect, to tell you once for all, was in those days an honourable title as well in France as in England: but afterward applied unto servants and grooms: whereupon when the Gentry rejected it, by changing the name they began to be called Gentlemen of the Bedchamber. From Hull, Ocellum. holderness. a Promontory runneth on forward and shooteth out a far into the sea, which Ptolomee calleth OCELLUM, we holderness, and a certain monk, Cavam Deiram, as it were, the hollow Country of the Deirians, in the same signification that Coelosyria is so termed, as one would say Hollow Syria. In this Promontory, the first town we meet with in the winding shore is Headon, Headon. in times past (if we list to believe fame that useth to amplify the truth, and which for my part I will not discredit) risen to exceeding great account by the industry of merchants and seafaring men: from which (so uncertain is the condition as well of places as of people) it is so much fallen by the vicinity of Hull, and the choking up of the haven which hath empoverished it, that it can show scarce any whit of the ancient state it had. Although King john granted unto Baldwin Earl of Aulbemarle and of holderness, and to his wife Hawis, free Burgages here, so that the Burghers might hold in free Burgages, with those customs that York and Nichol, that is, Lincoln. Yet now it beginneth by little and little to revive again, in hope to recover the former dignity. There standeth hard by the Pomontorie, Praetorium. Patrington. an ancient town, which Antonine the Emperor called PRAETORIUM, but we in our age Patrington, like as the Italians have changed the name of a town sometime called Praetorium, into Petrovina. That I do not mistake herein, both the distance from DELGOVITIA, and the very name yet remaining doth prove: which also in some sort implieth, that this is the very same that in Ptolomees copies is written PETVARIA corruptly, for Praetorium. But whether this name were given it, either from Praetorium, that is, the hall of Justice, or from some large and stately house, such as the Romans termed Praetoria, it doth not appear for certain. The inhabitants glory much yet as touching their Antiquity and the commodiousness of the haven in ancient times: and they may as well glory for the pleasantness thereof. For, it hath a most delectable prospect: on the one side lieth the main sea brim upon it, on the other Humber a famous arm of the sea; and over against it the fresh and green skirts of Lincolnshire. The high way of the Romans from the Picts wall which Antonine the Emperor followed, here endeth. For, Ulpian hath written, that such high ways commonly end at the sea, at rivers, or at Cities. Somewhat lower standeth Winsted, the habitation of the Hildeards' knights of ancient descent: and higher into the Country, Rosse: from whence the honourable family of the Barons Rosse took their name, Winsted. Baron's de Rosse. like as they were seated there in times past: and hard by the seaside, Grimstons-garth: where the Grimstons for a long time have lived in good reputation: and a little from hence standeth Rise, the mansion house in old time of certain noble men bearing the name of Falconberg. And then, in the very neck of the promontory, where it draweth in most narrow into a sharp point, Ravenspur and Ravens-burg. Kelnsey. and is called Spurnhead, is KELNSEY a little village: which plainly showeth that this is the very OCELLUM mentioned by Ptolomee: for, as from OCELLUM Kelnsey is derived: so Ocellum doubtless, was made of Y-kill, which as I have said before signifieth in the British tongue a Promontory or narrow neck of land. From Spurnhead, the shore withdraweth itself back by little and little, and gently bending inward shooteth Northward by Overthorne and Witherensey two little Churches, Sister's Kirkes'. Constable. called of the sisters that built them Sisters kirks: and not far from Constable-Burton, so called of the Lords thereof, who being by marriages linked to right honourable houses, flourish at this day in great worship: and out of which family Robert (as we read in the book of the abbey of Meaux) was one of the Earl of Aulbemarls knights, who being aged and full of days took upon him the Cross and went with King Richard in his voyage toward the holy land. Then, by Skipsey, which Dru the first Lord of holderness fortified with a Castle. When the shore beginneth to spread again and bear out into the sea, it maketh room for a bay or creek, that Ptolomee calleth EYAIMENON GABRANTO VICORUM, which the Latin Interpreters have translated, some PORTUOSUM SINUM, that is, the barbarous Creek; Sinus salutari●. Suerby. others, SALUTAREM, that is, the safe Creek. But neither of them both better expresseth the nature of the Greek word, than the very name of a little village in the nouke thereof, which we call Sureby. For, that which is safe and sure from danger, the Britan's and French men both, term Seur, as we Englishmen (sure) who peradventure did borrow this word from the Britan's. There is no cause therefore, why we should doubt, but that this creek was that very EYAIMENON of the GABRANTOVICI, Gabrantovici. who dwelled there about. Hard by, standeth Bridlington a town very well known by reason of john of Bridlington a poetical monkish prophet whose ridiculous prophecies in Rhyme I have read albeit they were not worth the reading. And not far from hence, for a great length toward Driffield, was there a ditch cast up and brought on by the Earls of holderness, to confine and bond their lands, which they called Earles Dyke. But whence this little nation here inhabiting were named GABRANTOVICI, I dare not search, unless happily it were of goats which the Britan's term Gaffran, and whereof there is not greater store in all Britain than hereabout. Neither ought this derivation of the name to seem absurd, seeing that Aegira in Achaia borroweth the name of goats, Nebrodes in Sicily of fallow Deer, Flamborrough-head. and Boeotia in Greece, of Kine and Oxen. That little Promontory which with his bent made this creek, is commonly called Flamborough head, and in the Saxon tongue Fleam- 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Authors, who write that Ida the Saxon, who first subdued these Countries, arrived here. Some think it took the name from a watchtowre which did by night put forth a flame or burning light for to direct sailors into the haven. For, the Britan's retain yet out of the provincial language this word, Flame: and Mariners paint this creek in their sea-cards with a blazing flame on the head. Yet others are of opinion, that this name arrived in this Island with the English out of Angloen in Denmark, the ancient seat of the English nation; for, there is a town called Flemsburg, Flamborough. and that the Englishmen from hence called it so: like as the Gauls, as Livy witnesseth, termed Mediolanum, that is, Milan, in Itali●, after the name of Mediolanum in Gaul, which they had left behind them. For, there is a little village in this Promontory named Flamborrough, where an other notable house of the Constables had anciently their seat, Constable de Flamborough. which some do derive from the Lacy's Constables of Chester. Being in these parts I could learn nothing for all the enquiry that I made, as touching the bournes commonly called Vipseys, Vipseys waters. which (as Walter of Heminburgh hath recorded) flow every other year out of blind springs and run with a forcible and violent stream toward the sea ne'er unto this Promontory. Yet take here with you, that which William Newbrigensis who was borne near that place writeth of them. Those famous waters which commonly are called Vipseys, rise out of the earth from many sources not continually, but every second year, and being grown unto a great bourn run down by the lower grounds into the sea. Which when they are dry, it is a good sign: for, their breaking out and flowing is said to be an infallible token portending some dearth to ensue. From thence the shore is drawn in, whereby there runneth forth into the sea a certain shelf or slang, like unto an out-thrust tongue, such as englishmans in old time termed a File, whereupon the little village there Filey took name: and more within the land you see Flixton, where, in King Athelstanes time was built an Hospital, for the defence (thus word for word it is recorded) of way-faring people passing that way from Wolves, lest they should be devoured. Whereby it appeareth for certain, that in those day's Wolves made foul work in this Tract, Wolves. which now are no where to be seen in England, no not in the very marches toward Scotland; and yet within Scotland there be numbers of them in most places. This little territory or Seignory of holderness, Earls of Aumarle and holderness. King William the First gave to Drugh Buerer a Fleming, upon whom also he had bestowed his Niece in marriage; whom when he had made away by poison and thereupon fled to save himself, he had to succeed him Stephen the son of Odo, Fitz. Odo. An ancient Genealogy or pedigree. Lord of Aulbemarle in Normandy who was descended from the Earls of Champagne: whom King William the First because he was his Nephew by the half sister of the mother's side, as they write, made Earl of Aulbemarle: whose posterity in England retained the Title, although Aulbemarle be a place in Normandy. His successor was William surnamed Le Grosse: Cr●ssu●. whose only daughter Avis was married to three husbands one after another, namely to William Magnavill Earl of Essex, to Baldwine De Beton, and William Forts, or de Fortibus, by this last husband only she had issue William, who also had a son named William. His only daughter Avelin, being the wedded wife of Edmund Crouchbacke, Gibbosus. Earl of Lancaster, died without children. And so, as we read in the book of Meaux abbey, for default of heirs, the Earldom of Aulbemarle and honour of holderness, were seized into the King's hands. Howbeit in the age's ensuing King Richard the Second created Thomas of Woodstock his Uncle, and afterwards Edward Plantagenet Earl of Rutland, the Duke of York's son, Duke of Aulbemarle, in his father's life time: likewise King Henry the Fourth made his own son Thomas, Duke of Clarence and Earl of Aulbemarle: which Title King Henry the Sixth afterward added unto the style of Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, for the greater augmentation of his honour. EBORACENSIS Comi●a●us pars Septentrionalis vulgo NORTH RIDING NORTH-RIDING. SCarce two miles above Flamborrough-head, beginneth the NORTH-RIDING or the North part of this Country, North Riding. which affronting the other parts, and beginning at the Sea, is stretched out Westward, and carrieth a very long Tract with it (though not so broad) for threescore miles together, even as far as to Westmoreland: limited on the one side with Derwent, and for a while with the River Ure, on the other side with Tees running all along it, which on the North Coast separateth it from the Bishopric of Durrham. And very fitly may this part be divided into, Blackamoor, Cliveland, Northallverton-shire, and Richmondshire. That which lieth East, and bendeth toward the Sea is called Blackamoor, that is, The black moorish land: For it is mountainous and craggy. The Sea coast thereof, hath Scarborrough Castle, Scarborrough Castle. for the greatest ornament a very goodly and famous thing, in old time called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, A Burgh upon the Scar, or steep Rock. The description whereof have here out of William of Newburgh his History. A Rock of a wonderful height and bigness, which by reason of steep crags and cliffs, almost on every side is unaccessible, beareth into the Sea; wherewith it is all compassed about, save only a certain straight in manner of a gullet, which yieldeth access, and openeth into the West: having in the top a very fair, green, and large Plain containing about threescore acres of ground or rather more; a little Well also of fresh water springing out of a stony Rock. In the foresaid gullet or passage, which a man shall have much ado to ascend up unto, standeth a stately and Princelike Tower: and beneath the said passage beginneth the City or Tower, spreading two sides South and North, but having the sore part Westward: and verily it is fenced affront with a wall of the own: but on the East fortified with the rock of the Castle: and both the sides thereof are watered with the Sea. This place William Le Grosse, Earl of Aulbemarle and holderness viewing well, and seeing it to be a convenient plot for to build a Castle upon, helping Nature forward with a very costly work closed the whole plain of the Rock with a Wall, and built a Tower in the very straight of the passage: which being in process of time fallen down, King Henry the Second caused to be built in the same place a great and goodly Castle; after he had now brought under the Nobles of England, who during the loose government of King Stephen had consumed the lands of the Crown: but especially amongst others, that William abovesaid of Aulbemarle, who had in this Tract ruled and reigned like a King, and possessed himself of this place as his own. Touching the most project boldness of Thomas Stafford, who to the end he might overthrow himself with great attempts, with a few Frenchmen surprised this Castle of a sudden in Queen Mary's Reign and held it for two days together, I need not to speak: See Dier 144. ne yet of Shirley's, a Gentleman of France, who having accompanied him, was judicially indicted and convict of high treason, albeit he was a foreigner, because he had done against the duty of his Allegiance, the peace then between the Kingdom of England and of France being in force. These are matters better known than that the World can take notice of them by any writings of mine. Yet may this seem a thing worth my labour and expedient, The gainful fishing for Herrings. to note, how the Hollanders and Zelanders use to take marvellous plenty of herrings (call them in Latin Haleces, Leucomenida, or Chalcides, which of them you please) upon this coast, and make a very gainful trade thereof, having anciently first obtained licence by an ancient custom, out of this Castle. For the Englishmen granted licence to fish, reserving the honour to themselves, but resigning for laziness, as it were, the profit unto strangers. For, it is almost incredible, what infinite sums of money the Hollanders raise unto themselves by this their fishing in our shore. These Herrings (pardon me I pray you if briefly by way of digression I do make mention of God's goodness towards us) which in our great grandfathers days kept as it were their station only about Norway: now in our time not without the divine Providence, swim yearly round about this Isle of Britain by skulls in wonderful great numbers. About Midsummer they shoole out of the deep and vast Northren-sea to the coasts of Scotland, at which time because they are then at the fattest, they be streightwaies sold: Thence come they to the English East coast, and from the midst of August unto November, is the best and most plenteous taking of them between Scarborrough, and Tamis mouth. Afterwards by force of some great storm, they are carried into the British sea, and there until Christmas offer themselves to the fisher's nets; from hence dividing themselves and swimming along both sides of Ireland, after they have coasted round about Britain, they take their course into the Northern Ocean, as their home, and there settle themselves as it were and rest until June: where after they have cast their spawn and brought forth a young fry, they return again in mighty great skulls and so march about these Isles. Whiles I am writing hereof, that comes into my mind which sometimes I read in Saint Ambrose. Fishes (saith he) by infinite numbers, meeting, as one would say, by common consent out of many places from sundry creeks of the Sea, with a joint float, as it were, make toward the blasts of the North wind, and by a certain direction and instinct of Nature haste into that Sea of the Northern parts. A man that saw the manner of them would say a certain tide were coming down from the current, Hexameron. lib. 5. cap. 80. they rush so forward and cut the waves, as they pass, with a violent power, through Propontis into Pontus Euxinus. But to my matter again. From thence, the shore indented and interlaced with rocks, bendeth in, as far as to the River Teise, The River Teise. and by a compass that the said shore fetcheth, there is made a Bay about a mile broad, which of that Outlaw Robert Hood, so much talked of, we call Robin Hoods Bay. Robin Hoods Bay. For he (as John Major the Scotishman writeth) flourished in the Reign of Richard the First; and the said Author setteth him out with this commendation, that He was indeed an Archrobber but the gentellest Thief that ever was. Dunum. Then DUNUS SINUS, a creek mentioned by Ptolomee streightwaies by giving back of the shore on both sides showeth itself; near unto which standeth Dunesley a little village, Dunsley. Whitby. and hard by it, Whitby, in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; which Beda expoundeth to be, The Bay of a Watch-Towre. Neither will I call that interpretation into question, although in our language it doth resemble Sinum Salutis, that is, The Bay of health; so, that I would say this very same was Salutaris Sinus, that is, The Bay of safety, but that the situation in the Geographer did persuade me otherwise. here are found certain stones fashioned like Serpents folded and wrapped round as in a wreath even the very pastimes of Nature disporting herself: Stony Serpents of Hildas. who, as one saith, when she is wearied as it were with serious works, forgeth and shapeth some things by way of game and recreation. A man would think verily they had been sometime Serpents, which, a coat or crust of stone had now covered all over. But people too credulous ascribe this to the Prayers of Saint Hilda, as if she had thus transformed and changed them: who in our Primitive Church withstood to her power the shoring and shaving of Priests, and the celebration of Easter according to the order of Rome, when a Synod was held touching these matters in the year of our Lord 664. in the abbey which she had built in this place, and whereof herself was first Governess. Unto whose holiness also they ascribe, that those wild Geese, which in Winter time fly by flocks unto Pools and Rivers that are not frozen over, in the South parts; whiles they fly over certain fields here adjoining, suddenly fall down to the ground, Geese falling down. to the exceeding great admiration of all men: a thing that I would not have related, had I not heard it from very many persons of right good credit. But such as are not given to superstitious credulity, attribute this unto a secret propriety of this ground, and to an hidden dissent between this soil and those geese, such as is between wolves and Squilla roots. For provident Nature hath infused such like secret mutual combinations, and contrarieties, which the learned term Sympathies and Antipathies, as all men acknowledge, for their preservation. Afterwards Edelfleda King Oswins' daughter enriched this abbey with most large revenues, where also she solemnised her father's funeral obsequies. But at length the Danes robbing and spoiling where ever they came, utterly overthrew it: and although Serle Percy re-edified it, being immediately upon the coming in of the Normans head-ruler of the same; yet now it scarce affordeth any footing at all of the ancient dignity. Hard by, upon a steep hill, howbeit between two others higher than it, Duke Wade from whom th● families of the Wades derive▪ toward the Sea, stood by report, the Castle of Wada a Saxon Duke, who in that confused Anarchy of the Northumber's, and massacre of Princes and Nobles, having combined with those that murdered King Ethered, gave battle unto King Ardulph at whaley in Lancashire: but with so disastrous success, that after his own power was discomfited and put to flight, himself was fain to fly: and afterwards by a languishing sickness ended his life; and here within the hill between two entire and solid stones about seven foot high lieth entombed: which stones because they stand eleven foot asunder, the people doubt not to affirm, that he was a mighty Giant. near unto this place, long time after, Peter * Mauley▪ the Maloulacy built a Castle, which being full as it were of grace and beauty he named in French Moult-Grace, as we read in the History of Meaulx, but because it became a most grievous yoke unto the neighbour Inhabitants, the people masters always of our usual speech, Moul grave Castle. by change of one letter termed it Moult-grave, by which name although the reason thereof be not so well known, the world takes knowledge of it. This Peter de Mololacu, commonly called Mauley (that I may in this point satisfy the curious) borne in Poictou in France, married the only daughter of Robert de Turnham, in the Reign of King Richard the First: in whose right he entered upon a very great inheritance here: Barons of Mauley. after whom succeeded in order seven Peter's called Lords Mauley: who give for their Arms A Bend Sables in an Eschocheon Or. But when the seventh died issueless, this the Manors of Dancaster, Bainton, Bridesalle, etc. were parted by the sisters, between the families of the Salvains and Bigots. near unto this place, Gait. as elsewhere in this shore, is found black Amber or Geate: Some take it to be Gagates, Gagates. which in old time they held to be one of the rare gems and precious stones. It groweth among the cliffs and rocks, where they chink and gape asunder. Before it be polished, it is of a reddish and rusty colour: but after it be once polished, it becometh, as saith Solinus, as a * Others are opinion that our pit coal o● stone coal wa● the old Gagates. Gem of a bright radiant black colour. Touching which, Rhemnius Palamon out of Dionysius Afer thus versifieth: Praefulget nigro splendore Gagates. Hic lapis ardescens austro perfus●s aquarum, Ast oleo perdens flammas, mirabile visu Attritus rapit hic teneras seu succina fr●ndes. The Gait is black and shineth passing bright, Which Stone in water dipped and drenched, takes fire and burneth light. In oil, a wonder for to see, the flame is quickly done, And like to Amber rub it hard, small sticks it catcheth soon. And Marbodaeus in his little book of precious stones, Nascitur in Lycia lapis, & prope gemma Gagates, Sed genus eximium foecunda Britannia mittit, Lucidus & niger est, levis & lavissimu● idem: Vicinas paleas trabit attritu calefactus, Ardet aqua lotus, restinguitur unctus olivo. Gait is a Stone, and Gem well ne'er, that men in Lycia find, But fruitful Britan yields the best simply of all that kind. Of colour black, yet bright it is, most smooth and light withal; Well rubbed and enchauled thereby, thin straws and fescues small That are near hand it draws thereto: it burns in water drenched, Anoint the same with fatty oil, the flame streigthwaies is quenched. Hear also what Solinus saith; In Britain there is great store of Gagates, or Gait, and an excellent stone it is: If you demand the colour, it is a bright radiant black: if the quality, it is in manner nothing weighty: If the nature, it burneth in water, and is quenched with oil: if the virtue, being made hot with rubbing, it holdeth such things as are applied thereto. From Whitby the shore gives back Westward: Cliveland. by which lieth Cliveland, taking that name as it seemeth of steep banks, which in our language we call Cliffs; for, there run all along the side thereof cliffy hills; at the foot of which, the country spreadeth into a Plain full of fertile fields. Upon the shore, Sken grave a little Village is much benefited by taking great store of fish: where also, by report, was caught a Seaman about 70. years since, that for certain days together fed of raw fishes: but espying his opportunity escaped away unto his proper element again. Whensoever the winds are laid, and that upon still weather the sea is most calm, and the water lieth as one would say level and plain without any noise: there is heard here many times on a sudden a great way off, as it were, an horrible and a fearful groaning: at which time the fishermen dare not launch out far into the deep, as believing according to their shallow reach, that the Ocean is a fell and cruel beast, and being then very hungry desireth greedily in that sort to devour men's bodies. Beneath Sken-grave, is situate Kilton Castle within a Park, which belonged sometime to the habitation of the Thwengs, whose patrimony descended to the Barons of Lumley, Hilton, and Daubeneie: And there joineth almost close unto it Skelton Castle, appertaining to the ancient family of the Barons Brus, Brius of Skelton. who derive their descent from Robert Brus the Norman. The said Robert had two sons, Adam Lord of Skelton, and Robert of Anan-dale in Scotland: from whom is descended the royal stem of Scotland. But Peter Brus the fifth Lord of Skelton died without issue, and left his sisters to inherit: namely Agnes, wife to Walter Falconberg: Lucy, Barons Falconberg. wedded to Marmaduke Thweng, of whom is come the Baron Lumley: Margaret, married to Robert Ros; and Laderina to John Belle-eau, men in that age of honourable reputation. The heirs successively of Walter Falconberg flourished a long time; but in the end by a female, the possessions came to Sir William Nevil, who was a redoubted Knight for martial prowess, and by King Edward the Fourth advanced to the title of Earl of Kent. And his daughters were bestowed in marriage upon Sir John Cogniers, N. Bedhowing, and R. Strangwaies. near unto hunt-cliff, and not far from the shore there appear aloft at a vale water certain Rocks, about which the fishes that we call Seals, short (as some think) for Sea-veales, meet together in droves to sleep and sun themselves: and upon that rock which is next unto the shore, there lieth one, as it were to keep the Sentinel: and as any man approacheth near, he either by throwing down a big stone, or by tumbling himself into the water with a great noise, giveth a signal to the rest to look unto themselves and get into the water. Most afraid they be of men: against whom when they chase them, they being destitute of water fling backward with their hinder feet a cloud, as it were, of sand and gravel stones, yea and often times drive them away: For women they care not so much: and therefore whosoever would take them, use to be clad in women's apparel. In the same coast are found stones, some of yellowish, others of a reddish colour, and some again with a rough cast crust over them of a certain salt matter, which by their smell and taste make show of Coperose, Nitre, and Brimstone: and also great store of Marquesites in colour resembling brass. Hard by, at Huntly Nabb, the shore that lay for a great way in length open, rises now up with craggy rocks, at the roots whereof there lie scattering here and there stones of diverse bigness, so artificially by nature shaped round in manner of a Globe, that one would take them to be big bullets made by the turners hand for shot to be discharged out of great ordinance. In which, if you break them, are found stony serpents enwrapped round like a wreath, but most of them are headless. Then see you from thence Wilton Castle, sometime the Bulmers: and above it at Dobham the river Tees voideth into the Sea after it hath lodged sundry rivers, and at the last one that is nameless, You're. Stokesley. beside You're a market town well known, which river watereth Stokesley, a little market town, likewise that hath a long time appertained to the Noble family of Eure. Beneath which places, Wharton Castle belonging in times passed to the Baron's Menill, and Harlsey to the family of Hotham and afterward to Stragwaies, now wrestle with old age, and hardly hold up their heads. The mouth of Tees aforesaid, suspected in times passed of sailors, is now found to be a sure road and harbour: and to give direction for safe access and entrance unto it, there are erected on both sides thereof within our remembrance high turrets with light. Gisburgh. Four miles from this Tees mouth, standeth Gisburgh on high; now a small town, but whiles it stood in flourishing estate, it was right glorious for a very fair and rich abbey, built by Robert de Brus, Lord of the place, about the year of our Salvation 1119, and for the common burial place of all the gentry and nobility in this tract; which also brought forth Walter de Heminford no unlearned Historiographer. This verily is a passing good place, and may well for pleasantness, delightsome variety, and rare gifts of Nature, contend with Puteoli in Italy, which in regard of healthy situation it also far excelleth. The air is mollified and made more mild by the mountains seated between it, and what way the sea yieldeth a cold and winterly disposition: the soil fruitful and plenteous in grass affordeth delectable flowers a great part of the year, and richly aboundeth with veins of metal and Alum-earth of sundry colours, but especially of ocher and murray, likewise of iron, out of which they have now begun to try very good Alum, and Coperose. Which with learned skill and cunning not many years since, Sir Thomas Chal●ner Knight (a learned searcher into nature's works, and unto whose charge, our most high and mighty King hath committed his son Prince Henry, the lovely joy and delight of Britain) first discovered, by observing, that the leaves of trees were of a more weak green colour here than in other places; that the oaks had their roots spreading broad but very ebb within the ground, the which had much strength but small store of sap, that the earth standing upon clay, and being of diverse colours, whitish, yellowish, and blue, was never frozen, and in a clear night, glittered in the paths like unto glass. Onusbery hill or Rosebery-Topping. Not far off, Onusbery or Rosebery Topping mounteth up a mighty height, and maketh a goodly show a far off, serving unto sailors for a mark of direction, and to the neighbour inhabitants for a prognostication: For, so often as the head thereof hath his cloudy cap on, lightly there followeth rain: whereupon they have a Proverbial Rhyme, when Rosebery Topping wears a cap: Let Cliveland then beware a clap. near unto the top of it, out of an huge rock there floweth a spring of water medicinable for diseased eyes: and from hence there is a most goodly and pleasant prospect down into the valleys below lying a great way about, to the hills full of grass, green meadows, delightsome pastures, fruitful corn fields, riverets stored with fish, the river Tees mouth full of roads and harbours, the ground plain and open without danger of inundation, and into the sea with ships therein under sail. Beneath it, standeth Kildale, a Castle of the Percies Earls of Northumberland: and more Eastward Danby, which from Brus also by the Thwengs came unto the Baron latimer's, from whose heir descended the Willoughbeies, Barons of Brook. But this Danby with other possessions was sold to the nevil's, of which family Sir George Nevil was by King Henry the sixth called among the Barons to the Parliaments, under the name of Lord Latimer, in whose progeny and posterity this dignity hath continued unto our days. There remaineth nothing else here for me to note, but that the Barons Meinill held certain lands in this shire of the Archbishops of Canterbury, The History of Canterbury. and for the same, the Coigniers, Strangwaies and Darcies, descended from them, are bound to perform certain service to the said Archbishops. And whereas the King of England by his Prerogative shall have the Wardship (these be the very words of the Prerogative) of all their lands who hold of him in chief by Knight's service, Praerogativae Reg. 17. Ed. 2. of which themselves as tenants shall be seized in their Demesne as of Fae, the day whereon they die, of whomsoever they held by the like service, so that themselves notwithstanding hold of the King any tenement of the ancient demesne of the Crown, unto the full and lawful age of the heir: Yet are excepted these Fees and others of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Durrham, between Tine and Tees, etc. so that they may have the Wardship of such lands, although elsewhere they held of the King. Farther within the country among the mountains of Blaca amore, there offereth itself (besides wandering beaks and violent swift brooks, which challenge the valleys every where, as their own to pass through) no memorable thing, unless it be Pickering; a good big town belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster, situate upon an hill and fortified with an old Castle, unto which a number of small villages lying there round about do appertain: whereupon the country adjoining is commonly called Pickering Lith, The Liberty of Pickering, and Forest of Pickering, the which King Henry the Third gave unto his younger son Edmund, Earl of Lancaster. Wherein, near unto the river Darwent standeth Atton, that gave name unto the right noble family of the Attons Knights, descended from the Lords Vescy: the inheritance of which family, was by the daughters parted between Edward Saint john, the Evers, and the Coigniers. Now from Edward Saint john a great portion thereof came by a daughter to Henry Bromflet. 17. Hen. 6. Bromfleet Lord Vescy. Which Henry verily was summoned to the High court of Parliament by these express terms, elsewhere not to be found in Summons. Our Will is, that both ye and your heirs males, of your body lawfully issuing, be Barons of Vescy. Afterwards, that title passed away by a daughter to the Cliffords. On the otherside, four miles from Pickering, near unto Dow, a swift running riveret, lieth Kirkby-Morside hard unto the hills, whereof it had that name, a Market town not of the meanest reckoning, and the possession sometime of the Estotevilles. Behind these, Westward, Rhidal lieth low, a goodly, pleasant and plentiful vale adorned with three and twenty Parish-churches, through the mids whereof runneth the river Rhie: A place (as saith William of Newburrough) wast, desolate, and full of horror, before that Walter Espec had granted it to the Monks of the Cluniak order, and founded there an abbey. In this vale is Elmesly seated, which, if I deceive not myself, Bede called Vlmetum; where, that Robert called the Rosse, surnamed Fursan built a Castle; ne'er unto which the river Recall hideth itself under the ground. More beneath, hard by the river side standeth Riton, an ancient possession of the ancient family of the Percihays, commonly named Percies. From thence Rhie carrieth with him the streams of many a brook into Derwent, which watereth in this vale Malton a Market town well known and frequented, for corn, horses, fish, and implements of husbandry: where are to be seen the foundations of an old Castle, belonging, Escaetria ●. Edw. 2 n. 63. Barons Vescy as I have heard say, in old time to the Vescies, Barons in these parts of great estate and honour. Their pedigree as appeareth evidently by the King's records, is derived from William Tyson, who being Lord of Malton and of Alnewicke in Northumberland, was slain in the battle at Hastings against the Normans. Whose only daughter was given in marriage to Ivo de Vescy a Norman, and he left behind him his only daughter likewise named Beatrice, with whom Eustach the son of Fitz john * Mon●●uli. with one eye contracted marriage, who in the reign of Stephen founded the religious houses at Malton, and Watton. For, his second wife daughter to William, Constable of Chester, was Lady of Watton. William the son of Eustach by Beatrice, being ripped out of his mother's womb, assumed unto him the name of Vescy, and the Arms, a Cross-floury Argent, in a shield Gueles. This William begat of Beatrice daughter to Robert Estotevill of Knaresburg, two sons, Eustach de Vescy, who took to wife Margaret daughter to William King of the Scots, and Sir Warin de Vescy Lord of Knapton. As for Eustach, father he was of William, who begat John, that died without issue, The Vescies' coat of Arms. Matth. Paris. M.S. and William, so renowned for his exploits in Ireland; and these changed the Arms of their house, into a shield Or with a cross Sables. But William, after that his legitimate son John, died in the war of Wales, granted unto King Edward certain lands in Ireland, that his illegitimate son William surnamed of Kildare, might inherit his father's estate. And he ordained Anthony Bec Bishop of Durrham his feofie in trust to the use of his son: but he was scarce trusty as touching Alnewic, Eltham in Kent, and other lands; which he is reported to have conveied indirectly to his own use. This illegitimate son young Vescy was slain in the Battle of Sterling in Scotland. And at length the title fell back unto the line of the Attons, considering that Margaret the only daughter of Sir Gwarin Vescy was wedded unto Gilbert de Atton. But, hereof enough if not too much, and of it I have spoken before. near unto this vale there flourished two famous Abbays, Newborrough (unto which we are indebted for William of Newborrough, a learned and diligent writer of the English History) now, the habitation of the worshipful family of Bellasise, descended out of the Bishopric of Durrham: and Bellelanda commonly Biland, Mowbraie. both founded and endowed by Robert Mowbray. This family of the Mowbrays was for power, nobility, and wealth comparable to any other, and possessed very fair lands with the Castles of Slingesby, Threske, and others in this Tract. The original of this race if you desire to understand, I will compendiously set it down. When Roger de Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, and R. In other places he is named De Fronte-bovis. de Grunde-beofe for their disloyalty were dissezed of all their possessions, King Henry the First bestowed a great part thereof upon Nigell, or Niele de Albenie of the same family that the Albeneis Earls of Arundel were descended; a man of very high birth in Normandy, who had been Bowbearer to King William Rufus: and so enriched him thereby, The Register of Fountains abbey. that he held in England 140. Knight's fees, and in Normandy 120. He commanded also that Roger his son should assume the name of Mowbray: from whom flowered out the Mowbray's Earls of Nottingham, and Dukes of Norfolk. To these Mowbray's also belonged in times past Gilling Castle standing hard by: but now unto that ancient and worshipful family, which of their fair bush of hair got their name Fairfax. Fair-fax. Fax. For Fax in the old English tongue signifieth hairs, or the hair of the head: whereupon our progenitors called a Comet or blazing star, A Faxed star, like as a place, whereof I have spoken before, Haly-fax, of holy hairs. Then beneath these, Southward, lieth Calaterium Nemus, commonly called, The Forest of Galtres, shaded in some places with trees, in other some a wet flat, full of moist and moorish quavemires: very notorious in these days by reason of a solemn horse running, A solemn Horse-running. wherein the horse that outrunneth the rest hath for his prize a little golden bell. It is almost incredible what a multitude of people conflow hither from all parts to these games, and what great wagers are laid on the horses heads for their swift running. In this Forest standeth Creac, which Egfrid King of Northumberland in the year 684, gave with three miles round about unto Saint Cuthbert: by whom it came to the Church of Durrham. Scarce four miles hence is situate most pleasantly among little woods and groves Sherry-Hutton, a very proper Castle built by Sir Bertrand Bulmer, and re-edified by Raulph Nevil, the first Earl of Westmoreland. near unto which standeth Hinderskell a little Castle, built by the Barons of Greystocke, which others call Hunderdskell, of a number of fountains that spring up and rise there. Behind the hills Westward, where the country spreadeth itself out again into a more fresh and plain champion, lieth Alvertonshire, commonly called Northallerton-shire, North-Al●erton shire. a little country watered with the riveret Wiske, and taking the name of Northalverton a town, sometime called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is nothing else but a long broad street; howbeit, having in it on S. Bartholomewes' day the greatest Fair of Kine and Oxen, and of most resort, that ever I saw in all my life. King William Rufus gave this with the territory adjoining unto the Church of Durrham, to the Bishops of which See it is very much beholden. For, William Coming who by force held the Bishopric of Durrham, built the Castle there, and granted it unto his nephew, which now is in manner quite decayed and gone. The Bishops likewise his successors granted unto it certain liberties and immunities. For, in the Book of Durrham we read that Hugh Pudsey Bishop of Durrham fortified the town, Cap. 126. having obtained licence of the King, that among those unlawful castles, which by Commandment were then destroyed in many places of England, this only should have the privilege to stand still: which notwithstanding, the King commanded afterward to be laid even with the ground. Battle of Standard. Hard by this, was that field fought, which they commonly call the Battle of the Standard: in which, David King of Scots, who with his unexampled cruelty had made this country almost a wilderness, was after so great a slaughter of his people put to flight; that then and never before our countrymen thought they were fully revenged. For, that indeed came to pass in this battle, which Raulfe the Bishop said, when before the battle in an oration he encouraged the English to fight: A confused multitude untrained, is an impediment to itself, in prosperous success to hurt others; and in adverse fortune, to escape itself. This was called The battle of the Standard, because the English keeping themselves close together about the standard received the first onset and shock of the Scotish, endured it, and at length put them to flight. And this Standard as I have seen it pictured in ancient books, was a mighty huge chariot supported with wheels, wherein was set a pole of a great height in manner of a mast, and upon the very top thereof stood a cross to be seen, and under the cross hung a banner. This when it was advanced was a token, that every one should prepare himself to fight, and it was reputed as an holy and sacred altar that each man was to defend with all power possible, resembling the same for all the world that Carrocium of the Italians, which might never be brought abroad but in the greatest extremity and danger of the whole state. Within this little shire also, Threske, commonly called Thruske is worth to be mentioned: which had sometime a most strong Castle out of which Roger Mowbray displayed his banner of rebellion, and called in the king of Scots to the overthrow of his own native Country: what time as King Henry the Second had rashly and inconsiderately digged, as it were, his own grave, by investing his son King, in equal authority with himself. But this rebellion was in the end quenched with blood, and this Castle quite dismantled: so that beside a ditch and rampire, I could see nothing there of a Castle. Another firebrand also of rebellion flamed out here in the Reign of Henry the Seventh. For when the unruly Commons took it most grievously that a light subsidy granted by the States of the Kingdom in Parliament, was exacted of them, and had driven away the Collectors thereof, forthwith (as it is commonly seen that Rashness speeding once well can never keep a mean nor make an end) they violently set upon Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland slain by Rebels. Earl of Northumberland, who was Lieutenant of these parts, and slew him in this place: and having John Egremond to be their leader, took arms against their Country and their Prince: but a few days after they felt the smart of their lawless insolency grievously and justly as they had deserved. here hard by are Soureby and Brakenbake, belonging to a very ancient and right worshipful family of the L●scelles: also more Southward Sezay, sometime of the Darels (from whence a great family branched) and afterwards the Dawnies who for a long time flourished here maintaining the degree and dignity of Knights right worthily. Earls and Dukes of York. The first and only Earl of York (after William Mallet, and one or two Estotevils of the Norman blood, who they say were Sheriffs by inheritance) was Otho son to Henry Leo Duke of Bavar and Saxony, by Maude the daughter of Henry the Second, King of England, who was afterwards proclaimed Emperor and styled by the name of Otho the fourth. From whose brother William, another son of Maud, are descended the Dukes of Brunswick and Luneburgh in Germany, who for a token of this their kindred with the Kings of England give the same Arms that the first Kings of England of Norman blood bare, to wit two Leopards or Lions Or, in a shield Gueles. Long after, King Richard the Second created Edmund of Langley, fifth son of King Edward the Third, Duke of York: who by a second daughter of Peter King of Castille and of Leon had two sons. Edward the eldest, in his father's life time, was first Earl of Cambridge, afterwards Duke of Aumarle, and in the end Duke of York; who manfully fight in the battle at Agincourt in France lost his life, leaving no children: and Richard his second son Earl of Cambridge, who having married Anne sister of Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March. whose grandmother likewise was the only daughter of Leonell Duke of Clarence, and practising to advance Edmund his wife's brother to the royal dignity, was streightwaies intercepted and beheaded, as if he had been corrupted by the French to destroy King Henry the Fifth. Sixteen years after, his son Richard, was restored in blood through the exceeding, but unadvised favour of King Henry the Sixth: Parliament. 10. Hen. 6. as being son to Richard Earl of Cambridge brother to Edward Duke of York, and cousin also to Edmund Earl of March. And now being Duke of York, Earl of March and of Ulster, Lord of Wigmore, Clare, Trim, and Conaght, he bore himself so lofty, that shortly he made claim openly in Parliament, against King Henry the Sixth, as in his own right, for the Crown: which he had closely affected by indirect courses before in making complaints of the misgovernment of the State, spreading seditious rumours, scattering Libels abroad, complotting secret Conspiracies, and stirring up tumults, yea and open Wars: laying down his Title thus, as being the son of Anne Mortimer, who came of Philip the daughter and sole heir of Leonel Duke of Clarence, third son of King Edward the Third, and therefore to be preferred by very good right, in succession of the Kingdom, before the children of John of Gaunt the fourth son of the said Edward the Third. And when answer was made unto him, that the Nobles of the Realm and the Duke himself had sworn Allegiance unto the King, Out of the Rolls of the Parliament. 39 of Hen. the 6. that the Kingdom by authority of Parliament had been conferred and entailed upon Henry the Fourth and his heirs; that the Duke claiming his Title, from the Duke of Clarence never took upon him the Arms of the Duke of Clarence, that Henry the Fourth held the Crown in right from King Henry the Third; he easily avoided all these allegations: namely, that the said oath unto the King taken by man's law was in no wise to be performed, when as it tended to the suppression of the truth and right, which stand by the Law of God: That, there was no need of Parliamentary authority to entail the Crown and Kingdom unto the Lancastrians, neither would they themselves seek for it so, if they had stood upon any right thereunto. As for the Arms of the Duke of Clarence which were his by right he forbore of purpose to give them until then; like as he did, to claim his right to the Imperial Crown: And as for the right or Title derived from king Henry the Third, it was a mere ridiculous devise and manifest untruth to cloak the violent usurpation of Henry the Fourth, and therefore condemned of all men. Albeit these pleas in the behalf of the Duke of York stood directly with law: yet, for remedy of imminent dangers the matter was ordered thus by the wisdom of the Parliament: That Henry the Sixth should enjoy the right of the Kingdom for term of life only and that Richard Duke of York should be proclaimed heir apparent of the Kingdom, he and his heirs to succeed after him: provided always, that neither of them should plot or practise aught to the destruction of the other. Howbeit the Duke immediately was transported so headlong with ambition, War between the House of Lancaster and York, or the red Rose and the white. that he went about to preoccupate and forestall his own hopes, and so he raised that deadly War between the Houses of York and Lancaster, distinguished by the white and red Rose, wherein himself soon after lost his life at Wakefield, King Henry the Sixth was four times taken Prisoner, and in the end despoiled both of his Kingdom and life. Edward Earl of March son to the said Richard, obtained the Crown, and being deposed from the same, recovered it again (thus inconstant fortune disported herself, See pag. 570. lifting up and throwing down Princes at her pleasure) many Princes of the royal blood, and a number of the Nobility lost their lives: those hereditary and rich Provinces in France belonging to the Kings of England were lost, the wealth of the Realm wholly wasted, and the poor people thereof overwhelmed with all manner of misery. Edward now being established in his royal Throne, and in the rank of Kings carrying the name of Edward the Fourth, gave unto Richard his second son the Title of Duke of York, who together with king Edward the Fifth his brother was by their Uncle Richard the Third murdered. Then king Henry the Seventh granted the same Title unto his younger son, who afterwards was crowned king of England by the name of Henry the Eight. And even now of late King James invested Charles his second son (whom before, 1604. he had created in Scotland Duke of Albany, marquis of Ormond, Earl of Rosse and Baron of Ardmanoch) a child not full four years of age, Duke of York, by cincture of a sword, imposition of a Cap and Coronet of gold upon his head, and by delivering unto him a verge of gold: after he had according to the order with due compliments made the day before, both him and eleven more of Noble Parentage, Knights of the Bath. Reckoned there are in this County Parishes 459. under which he very many Chapels, for number of Inhabitants equal unto great Parishes. RICHMONDSHIRE. THE rest of this Country which lieth toward the North-West and carrieth a great compass, is called Richmondshire, or Richmount-shire, taking the name from a Castle, which Alan Earl of little Britain had built: unto whom William the Conqueror gave this Shire (which before time belonged to Eadwin an Englishman) by these short letters Patents as it is set down in the book of Richmond Fees. I William surnamed Bastard, King of England, do give and grant unto thee my Nephew Alane Earl of Britain, He was his son in law. and to thine heirs for ever, all and every the Manor houses and lands which late belonged to Earl Eadwin in Yorkshire, with the Knight's fees and other liberties and customs, as freely and in as honourable wise, as the said Eadwin held the same: Given at our Leaguer before the City of York. This Shire most of it lieth very high, with ragged rocks and swelling mountains, whose sloping sides in some places bear good grass, the bottoms and valleys are not altogether unfruitful. The hills themselves within, are stored with lead, Copper, lead, and stone-cole, or pit-cole. pit-coale, and Coper. For, in a Charter of king Edward the Fourth, there is mention made of a Mine or Delfe of Copper, near unto the very town of Richmond. But covetousness, which driveth men even as far as to hell hath not yet pierced into these hills, affrighted perchance with the difficulty of carriage: whereas there have been found in the tops of these mountains, as also in other places stones like unto sea winkles or cockles and other sea fish, Stone cocles and winkles. if they be not the wonders of nature, I will with Orosius a Christian Historiographer deem them to be undoubted tokens of the general deluge that surrounded the face of the whole earth in Noah's time. When the Sea (saith he) in Noah's days overflowed all the earth, and brought a general flood, so that the whole Globe thereof, being therewith surrounded and covered, there was one face, as of the Firmament, so also of the Sea. The soundest Writers most evidently teach, That all mankind perished, a few persons excepted, who by virtue of their faith were reserved alive for offspring and propagation. Howbeit even they also have witnessed that some there had been, who although they were ignorant of the times past, and knew not the Author himself of times, yet gathered conjecturally as much by giving a guess by those rough stones, which we are wont to find on hills remote from the Sea, resembling Cocles and Oysters, yea and oftentimes eaten in hollow, with the waters. Where this Country bordereth upon Lancashire; amongst the mountains it is in most places so waste, solitary, unpleasant, and unsightly, so mute and still also, that the borderers dwelling thereby have called certain Riverets creeping this way, Hell-beckes. Hell-beckes. But especially that, about the head of the River Ure, which having a Bridge over it of one entire stone falleth down such a depth, that it striketh in a certain horror to as many as look down. And in this Tract there be safe harbours for Goats and Dear, as well red as fallow, which for their huge bigness with their ragged and branching horns are most sightly. The River Ure, which we have often spoken of before, hath his fall here out of the Western Mountains; and first of all cutting through the midst of the Vale called Wentsedale, Wentsedale. whiles it is yet but small as being near unto his Springhead, where great flocks of Sheep do pasture, and which in some places beareth Led stones plentifully, is increased by a little River coming out of the South called Baint, which with a great noise streameth out of the Pool Semer. At the very place where these Rivers meet, and where there stand a few small Cottages which of the first Bridge made over Ure, they call Baintbrig, there lay in old time a Garrison of the Romans: whereof the very Relics are at this day remaining. For, on the top of an hill, which of a Fort, or Burge they now call Burgh, appear the ground works of an ancient Hold, containing about five acres of ground in compass; and beneath it Eastward, many tokens of some old habitation and dwelling places. Where, amongst many other signs of Roman Antiquity, I have seen of late this fragment of an antique Inscription in a very fair letter, with Winged Victory supporting the same. IMP CAES. L. SEPTIMIO PIO PERTINACI AUGU.— IMP CAESARI. M. AURELIO APIO FELICI AUGUSTO— The name of Geta razed out. BRACCHIO CAEMENTICIUM VI NE'ER VIORUM SUB CURALA SENECINON AMPLISSIMIO PERIL. VISPIUS— PRAELEGIO.— Bracchium. By this we may guess, that the said hold at Burgh, was in times past named BRACCHIUM, which before time had been made of turf, but now built with stone and the same laid with good mortar. Also, that the sixth Cohort of the Nervians lay there in Garrison who may seem to have had also their place of Summer abode in that high hill hard by fenced with a bank and trench about it, which now they term Ethelbury. And not long since, there was digged up the Statue of Aurelius Commodus the Emperor: The statue of Emperor Commodus. who, as Lampridius writeth, was surnamed by his flattering clawbacks, BRITANNICUS, even when the Britan's would have elected an Emperor against him. And then it may seem, was this Statue of his set up, when he prising himself more than a man, proceeded to that folly, that he gave commandment he should be called, The Roman Hercules, jupiters' son. For, he was portrayed in the habit of Hercules, and his right hand armed with a club: under which there lay, as I have heard, such a mangled Inscription as this, broken here and there with void places between: the draught whereof was badly taken out, and before I came hither was utterly spoiled. — CAESARI, AUGUSTO MARCI AURELII FILIO — SEN JONIS AMPLISSIMI VENTS PIUS. This was to be seen in Nappa, an house built with turrets, and the chief seat of the Medcalves, thought to be at this day the greatest family for multitude of the same name, The great family of the Medcalfes. in all England: for, I have heard that Sir Christopher Medcalfe knight, and the top of this kindred being of late high-sheriff of the shire, accompanied with three hundred men of the same house all on horseback and in a livery, met and received the Justices of Assizes, and so brought them to York. From hence runneth Vre down a main, Creifish. full of Creifish, ever since Sir Christopher Medcalfe in our remembrance brought that kind of fish hither out of the South part of England: and between two rocks, whereof the place is named Att-scarre, it runneth head long down, Bolton Castle. not far from Bolton, a stately Castle, the ancient seat of the Barons Scrops, and which Richard Lord le Scrope, Baron's le Scrope. and Chancellor of England under king Richard the Second built with exceeding great cost: and now bending his course Eastward, cometh to Midelham, Midleham. the honour, whereof (as we read in the Genealogy or Pedigree of the Nevils) Alan Earl of Richmond bestowed upon his younger brother Rinebald, with all the lands, which before their coming belonged to Gilpatrick the Dane. Lords of Midleham. His nephew by his son Raulph, named Robert Fitz-Raulph, had all Wentsedale also by gift of Conan Earl of Britain and of Richmond: and at Midleham raised a most strong Castle. His son Ranulph erected a little abbey for Canons at Coverham (called now short, Corham) in Coverdale: whose son Raulph had a daughter named Mary, Genealogia antiqua. Coverham. who being wedded to Robert Lord Nevil with this marriage, translated this very fair and large inheritance as her portion into the family of nevil's. Which Robert Nevil having had many children by his wife, was taken in adultery unknown; and by the husband of the adulteress: being for revenge bereavest of his genitors, shortly after died with extremity of pain. Then Ure after it hath passed a few miles forward watereth jervis or jorvalle abbey of Cistertians founded first at for'rs, and after translated hither by Stephen Earl of Britain and Richmond, Masham. but now wholly ruinated; and after that, Masham, which was the possession of the Scropes' of Masham; who as they sprung from the stock of the Scropes' of Bolton, so they were by marriages ingraffed again into the same. On the other side of this River but more inward standeth Snath, Snath. the principal house of the Barons Latimer, Barons Latimer. who derived their noble descent from George Nevil, younger son of Raulph Nevil the first Earl of Westmoreland, and he received this Title of honour from king Henry the Sixth; when as the ancienter house of the Latimers expired in a female, and so by a continued succession they have flourished unto these our days: when for default of male issue of the last Baron Latimer, that goodly and rich inheritance was divided among his daughters, married into the families of the Percies, Cecils, D'anvers and Cornwallis. Neither are there any other places in this part of the shire worth the naming that Ure runneth by, Tanfeld. unless it be Tanfeld, the habitation in times passed of the Gernegans knights: from whom it descended to the Marmions: Marmions'. Inq. 6. H. 6. the last of whom left for his heir Amice second wife to John Lord Grey of Rotherfeld: by whom he had two sons; John that assumed the surname of Marmion and died issueless: and Robert who left behind him one only daughter and sole heir Elizabeth, wife to Sir Henry Fitz-Hugh, a noble Baron. After this, Small a sacred River. Ure entertaineth the River Small, so called (as Th. Spot writeth) of his swiftness, self, into it with a main and violent stream: which Small runneth down Eastward out of the West Mountains also, scarce five miles above the head of Ure: a River reputed very sacred amongst the ancient English, for that in it, when the English Saxons first embraced Christianity, there were in one day baptised with festival joy by Paulinus the Archbishop of York, See pag. 136. above ten thousand men, besides women and little children. This Small passeth down along an open Vale of good largeness, which of it is called Swaldale; having good plenty of grass, Marrick. but as great want of wood: first, by Marrick, where there stood an abbey, built by the Asks men in old time of great name: also by Mask, a place full of lead over. Then runneth it through Richmond, Richmond. the chief town of the Country, having but a small circuit of walls, but yet by reason of the Suburbs lying out in length at three Gates well peopled and frequented. Which, Alan the first Earl thereof built, reposing small trust in Gilling (a place or Manor house of his hard by) to withstand the violence of the Danes and English, Gilling. whom the Normans had despoiled of their inheritance, and he adorned it with this name, as one would say, The rich Mount: he fenced it with a wall and a most strong Castle, which being set upon a rock, from an high looketh down to Small, that with a mighty rumbling noise rusheth rather than runneth among the stones. For, the said house or Manor place of Gilling was more holy in regard of devout religion, than sure and strong for any fortification it had, ever since that therein (Beda calleth it Gethling) Oswy King of Northumberland being entertained guestwise, was by his host forelaid and murdered: for the expiation whereof, the said Monastery was built, highly accounted of among our ancestors. More Northward, Ravenswath. Barons Fitz-Hugh. Ravenswath Castle showeth itself compassed with a good large wall, but now fallen, which was the seat of the Barons named Fitz-Hugh, extracted from the ancient line of the English Nation: who were Lords of the place before the Normans Conquest, and lived in great name unto King Henry the Seventh his days, enriched with fair possessions by marriage with the heirs of the noble houses of Furneaux, and Marmion: which came at last by the females unto the Fienes' Lords Dacres in the South, and to the Parrs. Three miles beneath Richmond, Swale runneth by that ancient City which Ptolomee and Antonine call CATURACTONIUM and CATARRACTON, Caturactonium. Catarrick. but Bede Catarractan, and in another place, the Village near unto Catarracta: whereupon I suppose it had the name of Catarracta, that is, a Fludfall, or water-fall, considering hard by there is such a fall, but nearer unto Richmond; where, Small rusheth rather than runneth as I have said with foaming waters, meeting here and there with rocks, whereby his stream is interrupted and broken. And wherefore should he call it the Town near unto Catarracta, if there were not there a water-fall? That it was in those days a most famous City may be gathered out of Ptolomee: because he took there an observation of the heaven's position: for, in the second book and 6. chapter of his Great Construction, he describeth and setteth down the 24. Parallel, through Catarractonium in Britain, and maketh it to be distant from the Aequator 57 degrees: yet in his Geographical Tables he defineth the longest day to be 18. Equinoctial hours: so that by his own calculation and account, it is distant from the Aequator 58. degrees. But at this day, as said that Poet. — Magnum nil nisi Nomen habet. Nothing hath the same But only a great name. Catarrick bridge. For it is but a small Village, called Catarrick and Catarrick-bridge; howbeit well known both by the situation thereof ne'er unto the High street way which the Romans made, that here passeth over the river; and also by the heaps of rubbish here and there dispersed, which carry some show of Antiquity, especially about Kettercikswart and Burghale, somewhat farther off from the Bridge, and more Eastward hard by the river, where we beheld a mighty Mount and four Bulwarks raised as it were with exceeding great labour up to a great height. What sorrow it sustained in times passed at the Picts and Saxons hands, when with fire and sword they made foul havoc of all the Cities in Britain, I cannot certainly tell: but it seemeth to have flourished after the Saxon Empire was established: (Although Bede in every place calleth it Vicum, that is, a Village) until that in the year 769. it was set on fire and burnt by Eanred or Beanred the Tyrant, who pitifully mangled the Kingdom of Northumberland. But both he straight after miserably perished by fire; and Catarractoninum also began to revive again out of the very ashes: For, in the 77. year after King Etheldred solemnised here his marriage with the daughter of Offa King of the Mercians. Notwithstanding, it continued not long in good and flourishing estate: for, in that confusion immediately ensuing of the Danes who laid all waste, it was quite destroyed. Small driveth on with a long course, not without some lets here and there in his stream, Hornby. not far from Hornby Castle, belonging to the Family of Saint Quintin, which afterwards came to the Cogniers: and seeth nothing besides fresh pastures, country houses, and Villages, unless it be Bedal, standing by another River running into him: Fitz-Alan. which Bedal glorieth much of a Baron it had named Sir Brian Fitz-Alan who flourished in the days of King Edward the First, in regard of his worth, and his ancient Nobility, as descended from the Earls of Britain, and Richmond: But for default of heirs males the inheritance came by the daughters, to Stapletons, and the Greys of Rotherfeld. By this time Small having left Richmondshire behind, cometh nearer unto Ure or Ouse, where he visiteth Topcliffe the chief seat of the Percies; Marianus calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; who writeth, that in the year of our Redemption 949. the States of Northumberland bound themselves there by an oath of Allegiance unto King Eldred the West-Saxon. And at the very confluence of these Rivers standeth Mitton, a small Village, but remarkable by no small slaughter. For, the Scottish in the year 1319. when the pestilence had consumed in manner all the manhood of England, having made an inroad thus far robbing and ransacking all where they came, soon discomfited and put to flight no small power of Priests and country people, which the Archbishop of York had led forth, with banner displayed into the field. But to return back again to our matter. From CATARACTONIUM, the high street or Port way divided itself in twain: where it taketh Northward, Caldwell. Aldburgh. it leadeth by Caldwell and Aldburgh, which betokeneth An old Burrough. By what name it was known in ancient times I cannot easily guess. By the great ruins it should seem to have been some notable place: and near at hand there is seen a ditch by Stanwig a little Village, that runneth eight miles in length between the River Tees and Small. Where the said High way goeth Northwestward about twelve miles off you meet with Bows, which also is written Bowgh; now, a little Village: where in the ages aforegoing the Earls of Richmond had a pretty Castelet, a certain custom called Thorough-toll, and there Furcas, i. power to hang. But that in old time it was called in Antonines Itinerary, LAVATRAE and LEVATRAE, both the account of distance, and the site thereof by the High street, which here is evidently apparent by the ridge thereof, do easily prove. But, that which maketh much to confirm the antiquity of it, is an ancient large Stone in the Church, sometimes used by them for an altar stone, with this inscription upon it, to the honour of Hadrian the Emperor. IMP. CAESARI DIVI TRAIANI PARTHICI. Max. filio DIVI NERVAE NEPOTI TRAIANO. Hadria NO AUG. PONT. MAXIM.— COS. I.— P. P. COH. FOUR F.— IO. SEV. This fragment also was there digged up. — — NOL. CAESAR FRONTINUS. COH. I. THRAC. — Whiles under Severus the Emperor, Virius Lupus ruled as Lieutenant General and Propraetor of Britain, the first Cohort of the Thracians lay here in Garrison: for whose sake, he re-edified the Bath or hot house: as appeareth by this inscription, which from hence hath been translated to Cunnington, unto the house of that right worshipful and learned Sir Robert Cotton, Knight. Fortè Dia Fortunae. DAE. i. FORTUNAE VIRIUS LUPUS LEG. AUG. PR. PR. BALINEUM VI IGNIS EXUSTUM. COH. I. THRACUM RESTITUIT. CURANTE VAL. FRONTONE PRAE F— EQ. ALAE VETTO. here must I cause them to forgo their error, who by this Inscription falsely copied forth, Bathea. whiles they read untruly BALINGIUM, for BALINEUM, are of opinion, that the name of the place was BALINGIUM. But if a man look nearer to the words, he shall find it most evidently engraven in the stone BALINEUM: which word they used in old time, Balineum or Balneum. as the learned know, for BALNEUM, that is, A BATH, or Hote-house: who also are not ignorant that soldiers, as well as others, used ordinarily to bathe, both for health, and cleanliness: as who every day, before they did eat, in that age were wont to bathe: as also, that such like bathing houses both public and private were made every where with so great cost and superfluous excess, Seneca. That he thought himself poor and a very beggar, who had not the walls of his bathing house resplendent with great and costly embossed Glasses. In which Baths men and women both, washed one with another: albeit this had oftentimes been prohibited as well by the Imperial laws, as the Synodall decrees. In the declining estate of the Roman Empire the Company or Band of the Exploratores, with their Captain kept their station here, under the dispose of the General of Britain: as appeareth for certain out of the NOTICE of Provinces, where it is named LAVATRES. But whereas such Baths as these, were called also in Latin Lavacra, some Critic, no doubt, will pronounce, that this place was named LAVATRAE in stead of LAVACRA: yet would I rather have it take the name of a little river running near by, which, as I hear say, is called Laver. As for the later name Bows, considering the old Town was here burnt down to the ground (as the inhabitants with one voice do report) I would think, it grew upon that occasion. For, that which is burnt with fire the Britan's still at this day, do term Both; and by the same word, the Suburbs of Chester beyond the River Dee, which the Englishmen call Hanbridge, the Britan's or Welshmen name Treboeth, that is, The burnt Town, because in a tumult of the Welshmen it was consumed with fire. here beginneth to rise that high hilly and solitary Country exposed to wind and rain, Stane More. which because it is stony, is called in our native language Stane more. All here round about is nothing but a wild Desert, unless it be an homely Hostelry, spital on Stane More. or Inn, in the very midst thereof, called The Spittle on Stane more, for to entertain waifaring persons, and near to it is a fragment of a Cross, which we call Rerecrosse, the Scots Reicrosse, as one would say, The Kings Crosse. Which Cross, Hector Boetius the Scottish Writer recordeth to have been erected as a mere stone confining England and Scotland; what time as King William the Conqueror granted Cumberland unto the Scots on this condition, that they should hold it of him as his Tenants, and not attempt any thing prejudicial or hurtful to the Crown of England. And a little lower, upon the Romans high street, there stood a little Fort of the Romans built four square, Maiden Castle. which at this day they call Maiden-Castle. From whence, as the borderers reported, the said High way went with many windings in and out, as far as to Caer Vorran in Northumberland. There have been diverse Earls of Richmond according as the Prince's favour inclined, Earls of Richmond. and those out of diverse families: whom I will notwithstanding set down as exactly and truly as I can, in their right order. The first Earls were out of the house of little Britain in France, whose descent is confusedly intricate amongst their own Writers, for that there were two principal Earls at once, one of Haulte Britain, and another of Base Britain for many years, and every one of their children had their part in Gavell kind, and were styled Earls of Britain without distinction. But of these the first Earl of Richmond, Guil. G●mit. L. 7 c. 34. according to our Writers and Records, was Alane surnamed Feregaunt, that is, The Red, son of Hoel Earl of Britain, descended from Hawise great Aunt to William Conqueror, who gave this Country unto him by name of the lands of Earl Eadwin in Yorkshire, and withal bestowed his daughter upon him by whom he had no issue. Book of Richmond Fees. Register of Swasey. He built Richmond Castle, as is before specified, to defend himself from disinherited and outlawed Englishmen in those parts: and dying left Britain to his son Conan Le Grosse by a second wife. But Alane the Black son of Eudo son of Geffrey Earl of Britain and Hawise aforesaid, succeeded in Richmond, and he having no child, lest it to Stephen his brother. This Stephen begat Alan surnamed Le Savage his son and successor, who assisted king Stephen against Maude the Empress in the battle at Lincoln, Overus de S. Martino is about this time named Earl of Richmond. and married Bertha one of the heirs of Conan Le Grosse Earl of Hault Britain by whom he had Conan Le Petit Earl of both Britaines by hereditary right, as well as of Richmond. He by the assistance of King Henry the Second of England dispossessed Endo Viscount of Porhoet his Father in Law who usurped the Title of Britain in right of the said Bertha his Wife: and ended his life leaving only one daughter Constance by Margaret sister to Malcolne king of the Scots. Geffrey third Son to King Henry the Second of England was advanced by his Father to the marriage of the said Constance, whereby he was Earl of Britain and Richmond; and begat of her Arthur who succeeded him, and as the French write was made away by King john his Uncle. True it is indeed, that for this cause, the French called King john into question, as Duke of Normandy: And notwithstanding he was absent, and not heard once to plead, neither confessing aught, nor convicted, yet by a definitive sentence they condemned him, and awarded from him, Normandy and his hereditary possessions in France: Normandy awarded away from the K.K. of England. Albeit himself had promised, under safe conduct to appear in personally at Paris, there, to make answer as touching the death of Arthur: who as a Liege subject had bound himself by oath to be true and loyal unto him, and yet started back from his allegiance, raised a rebellion, and was taken prisoner in battle. At which time this question was debated, whether the Peers of France might give judgement of a King anointed, and therefore superior? considering that a greater dignity drowneth the lesser; and now one and the same person was both King of England and Duke of Normandy. But whither do I digress? After Arthur, these succeeded orderly in the Earldom of Richmond. Guy Viscount of Thovars, unto whom the foresaid Constance was secondly married. Ranulph the third, Earl of Chester, the third husband of the said Constance. Peter of Dreux, descended from the blood royal of France; who wedded Alice the only daughter of Constance by her husband abovenamed Guy. Then upon dislike of the house of Britain, Peter of Savoy, Uncle by the mother's side unto Eleonor the wife of king Henry the Third, was made Earl of Richmond, who for fear of the Nobles and Commons of England that murmured against strangers preferred to honours in England, voluntarily surrendered up this Honour which was restored to john Earl of Britain, son to Peter of Dreux. After whom succeeded john his son, the first Duke of Britain, who wedded Beatrice daughter to Henry the Third King of England. Whose son Arthur was Duke of Britain, Robert de Arthois was not Earl of Richmond as Frossard writeth, but of Beaumond. The book of Tenors or Fees of Richmond. and as some write, Earl of Richmond. Certes, John of Britain his younger brother, immediately after the father's death, bore this honourable Title. And he added unto the ancient Arms of Drewx with the Canton of Britain, the Lions of England in Bordeur. He was Guardian of Scotland under King Edward the Second, and there taken and detained prisoner for three years' space, and died at length without issue, in the Reign of Edward the Third. And John Duke of Britain, his nephew, the son of Arthur succeeded in this Earldom. After his decease without children, when there was hot contention about the Duchy of Britain, between John Earl of Montfort of the half blood, and Joan his brother's daughter and heir of the whole blood married to Charles of Bloys: King Edward the Third affecting the said John Earl of Montfort, and to strengthen his own party in France, favoured the Title of the said John Earl of Montfort for that he was a man and nearer in degree, and therefore seemed to have better right and to be preferred before his Niece (to whom the Parliament of France had adjudged it) and which is more for that he swore fealty to him as King of France, for the Duchy of Britain. In these respects he granted the Earldom of Richmond unto the said john until he might recover his own possessions in France, which being soon after recovered by aid of the English, the said King bestowed it upon john of Gaunt his son. And he afterward surrendered it again into the King his father's hands for other possessions. Who forthwith created john Earl of Montfort Duke of Britain surnamed The valiant Earl of Richmond unto whom he had given his daughter to wife, that thereby he might more surely oblige unto him a warlique person, and then ill affected to the French. But in the fourth year of Richard the Second he by authority of the Parliament forfeited his Earldom because he adhered unto the French King against England: howbeit he kept still the bare Title, and left it unto his posterity: But the possession was granted to Dame joan of Britain his sister, and the widow of Ralph Lord Basset of Draiton. After her decease first Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, had the Castle and Earldom of Richmond for the term of his own life, by the gift of King Henry the Fourth. And after him john Duke of Bedford. Then king Henry the Sixth conferred the Title of Earl of Richmond upon Edmund of Hadham his half brother by the mother's side, with this special and peculiar prerogative, To take his place in Parliament next unto Dukes. After him succeeded Henry his son who was King of England by the name of Henry the Seventh. But during his exile George Duke of Clarence, and Richard Duke of Gloucester received the Signiory of Richmond, but not the Title from their brother king Edward the Fourth. Last of all Henry the base son of king Henry the Eighth was by his father invested Duke of Richmond, who departed this life without issue 1535. Duke of Richmond. As for Sir Thomas Grey who was made Baron of Richmount by king Henry the Sixth, was not Lord of this Richmond, but of a place in Bedfordshire called Rugemound, and Richmount Greys. There are contained in this Shire Parishes 104. beside Chapels. BISHOPRIC OF DURHAM. THe Bishopric of Durham or Duresme, bordering on the North side upon Yorkshire is shaped in fashion of a triangle, the utmost angle whereof is made up, toward the West, where the Northern limit and the Springhead of Tees do meet. One of the sides which lieth Southward is bounded in with the continued course of the river Tees running down along by it: the other that looketh Northward, is limited first, with a short line, from the utmost point to the river Derwent, then, with Derwent itself, until it hath taken unto it Chopwell a little river, and afterward with the river Tine. The Sea coast fashioneth out the Base of the Triangle which lieth Eastward, and the Germane Ocean with a mighty roaring, and forcible violence beareth thereupon. On that part where it gathereth narrow to the Western angle, the fields are naked and barren, the woods very thin, the hills bare without grass, but not without mines of iron. As for the Valleys, they are reasonably grassy, and that high hill which I termed the Apennine of England, cutteth in twain this angle. But on the East part or Base of the Triangle, as also on both sides, the ground being well manured, is very fruitful, and the increase yieldeth good recompense for the husbandman's toil: it is also well garnished with meadows, pastures, and cornfields, beset everywhere with towns and yielding plenty of Sea coal, which in many places we use for fuel. Some will have this coal to be an earthy black Bitumen, others, to be Gagates, and some again the L●pis Thracius; all which that great Philosopher in Minerals, George Agricola, hath proved to be one and the same thing. Surely this of ours, is nothing else but Bitumen, or a clammy kind of clay hardened with heat under the earth, and so throughly concocted: For, it yieldeth the smell of Bitumen, and if water be sprinkled upon it, it burneth more vehemently and the clearer: but, whether it may be quenched with oil, Obsidianus lopis Canole coal▪ I have not yet tried. And if the Stone called Obsidianus be in our country, I would take that to be it, which is found in other places of England, and commonly called Canole coal: For it is hard, bright, light, and somewhat easy to be cloven piece meal into flakes, and being once kindled it burneth very quickly. But let us leave these matters to those that search more deeply into Nature's closerts. All this country with other territories also thereto adjoining the Monastical writers term the Land, Saint Cuthberts' Patrimony. or Patrimony of Saint Cuthbert. For, so they called whatsoever belonged to the Church of Durham, whereof S. Cuthbert was the Patron: who in the primitive state of the English Church, being Bishop of Lindefarn, led all his life in such holiness and so sincerely, that he was enroled among the English Saints. Our kings also, and Peers of the Realm, because they verily persuaded themselves that he was their Tutelar Saint and Protector against the Scots, went not only in Pilgrimage with devotion to visit his body (which, they believed to have continued still found and uncorrupt) but also gave very large possessions to this Church, and endowed the same with many immunities. King Edgfride bestowed upon Cuthbert himself whiles he lived, great revenues in the very City of York, and Creak also whereof I spoke, and the City Luguballia, as we read in the History of Durham. King Aelfred and Guthrun the Dane, whom he made Lieutenant of Northumberland, gave afterwards all the Lands between the Rivers Were and Tine unto Cuthbert, and to those who ministered in his Church, to have and to hold for ever, as their rightful Possession. (These be the very words in effect of an ancient Book) whence they might have sufficient maintenance to live upon, and not be pinched with poverty: over and beside, they ordained his Church to be a safe Sanctuary for all fugitives: that whosoever for any cause fled unto his Corpse, should have peaceable being for 37. days, and the same liberty never for any occasion to be infringed or denied. Edward and Athelstan, Kings; Knute also or Canutus the Dane, who came on his bare feet to Cuthberts' Tomb, not only confirmed but enlarged also these liberties. In like manner King William the Conqueror, since whose time it hath always been deemed a County Palatine: yea and some of the Bishops, as Counts Palatine have engraven in their seals a Knight or man at arms in complete harness sitting upon an horse all trapped, with one hand brandishing a sword, and in the other holding out the Arms of the Bishopric. The Bishops also have had their royalties and princely rights, so that the goods of outlawed and attainted persons out of the King's protection, fell into their hands and not into the Kings: yea and the Commons of that Province standing upon their privileges have refused to serve in war under the King in Scotland. For, they pleaded (the Story of Duresme shall speak for me) That they were Haliwerke folks, and held their lands to defend the Corpse of Saint Cuthbert; neither ought they to go out of the precincts of the Bishopric, namely beyond Tine and Teese, for King or Bishop. But King Edward the First, was the first that abridged them of these liberties. For, when as he interposed himself as arbitrator between the Bishop Antony Bec, and the Prior who contended most eagerly about certain lands, and they would not stand to his award, He seized, as saith mine Author, the liberty of the Bishopric into his own hand, and there were many corners searched, many flaws found, and the Liberty in many points much impaired. Howbeit, the Church afterward recovered her rights, and held them inviolate unto the days of King Edward the Sixth, unto whom, upon the dissolution of the Bishopric, the States in Parliament granted all the revenues and liberties thereof. But forthwith Queen Mary by the same authority repealed this Act, and restored all things safe and sound unto the Church again, which it enjoyeth at this day. For, the Bishop, James Pilkinton of late time entered his action against Queen Elizabeth, about the possessions and goods of Charles Nevil Earl of Westmoreland and of others that stood attainted for treason in this precinct, because they had most wickedly levied war against their native Country: and he the said Bishop had followed the suit to a trial, if the authority of Parliament had not interposed and adjudged the same for that time, unto the Queen, because to her exceeding great charges she had delivered both Bishop and Bishopric from the outrage of the Rebels. But leaving these matters, let us proceed forward to the descripton of places. The river that boundeth the South part of this country, is called by Latin writers Teisis, The River Teise, or Teisis. and Teesa, commonly Tees: by Polydore Virgil the Italian (whose mind ran of Athesis in his own country Italy) without any reason, Athesis. In Ptolomee it seemeth to be called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: and yet I think that in him it is removed out of his proper place through the negligence of transcribers. For, considering that he hath placed TUESIS and TINA in the more remote part of Britain, where the Scots now inhabit; and seeing that this Region is enclosed within Tees and Tine; If I durst, as a Critic, correct that ancient Geographer, I would recall them home again hither into their own places, though they have been long displaced, and that with the Scots good leave I hope, who have no Rivers upon which they can truly father these names. TEES springeth out of that stony country called Stanemore, and carrying with him away in his channel along, many brooks and becks on each side, and running through rocks (out of which at Egleston, where there is a marble Quarroy, and where Conan Earl of Britain, and Richmond founded a small abbey) first beateth upon Bernard Castle, built and so named by Bernard Balliol the great grandfathers father of John Balliol King of the Scots. But this John Balliol, whom King Edward the First had declared King of Scotland, lost the same with other his possessions, because he had broken his allegiance which he swore unto Edward. At which time the King being highly displeased with Antony Bishop of Durrham, took this Castle (as witnesseth the book of Duresme) with the appertinences thereto from him, and conferred the same upon the Earl of Warwick: as Herkes also and Hertnes, which he gave unto Robert Clifford: Kewerston also, which he bestowed upon Geffrey of Hertpole, which the Bishop had by the forfeiture of john Balliol, Robert Bruse, and Christopher Seton. But a few years after, Lewis Beaumount the Bishop, a man royally descended, but altogether unlettered, brought his action for this Castle and the rest of those possessions, and obtained his suit, by virtue of judgement given in this tenor, The Bishop of Durham ought to have the forfeiture of Wars within the Liberties of his Bishopric, as the King hath it without. Stretlham. Hard by it is Stretlham seen, where dwelled for a long time the worshipful family of the Bows, Bowes. Knights: who from time to time in the greatest troubles have performed passing good service to Prince and Country: and derive their pedigree from W. de Bowes, unto whom, as I have read, Alanus Niger Earl of Britain and Richmond granted, that he might give for his Arms, The * Ermine. Scutcheon of Britain with three bend Bows therein. Not full five miles from hence, standeth somewhat farther from Tees bank Standrop, which also is called Stainthorpe, that is, Stony Village, a little market Town, where there was a Collegiate Church, founded by the nevil's, and was their Buriall-place. near unto it is Raby, Raby Castle. which Cnut or Canute the Danish King gave freely unto the Church of Durham together with the land lying round about it, and Stanthorpe, to be held for ever. Since which time, as mine Author informeth me, The Family of the nevil's, or De nova villa, held Raby of the Church, paying yearly for it four pounds and a Stag. The family of the Nevils. These Nevils deduce their Descent from Waltheof Earl of Northumberland, out of whose posterity, when Robert the son of Maldred, See in Westmoreland. Lord of Raby had married the daughter of Geffrey Nevil the Norman (whose Grandsire Gilbert Nevil is reported to have been Admiral to King William the Conqueror) their succeeding Progeny took unto them the name of Nevils, and grew up into a most numerous honourable, and mighty house: who erected here a great and spacious Castle, which was the first and principal seat. These two places Stainthorpe and Raby are severed one from another only by a little rill which after some few miles runneth into Tees, near unto Selaby, where now is the habitation of the Brakenburies', Selaby. a Family of right good note both in regard of their own Antiquity, as also for their marriages contracted with the heirs of Denton and of Wicliff. Tees passing on from thence by Sockburne, the dwelling house of the ancient and noble Family of the Coigniers, Baron's Coigniers. out of which were the Baron's Coigniers of Hornby (whose inheritance much bettered by matching in marriage with the heirs of the Lord Darcy of Metnill, and of William Nevil Earl of Kent, and Lord of Fauconberg, is descended from them in the memory of our fathers, to the Atherstons and the Darcies') holdeth his course near unto Derlington, Derlington. a market Town of good resort, which Seir, an English Saxon the son of Ulph, having obtained leave of King Etheldred gave unto the Church of Durham: and Hugh Pudsey adorned it with a fair Church and other edifices. In this Town field are three pits of a wonderful depth, the common people term them Hell-Kettles, Hell Kettles, Deep pits. because the water in them by the Antiperistasis or reverberation of the cold air striking thereupon, waxeth hot. The wiser sort and men of better judgement do think, they came by the sinking down of the ground swallowed up in some earthquake, Earthquake. and that by a good probable reason. For, thus we read in the Chronicles of Tinmouth. In the year of our Lord 1179. on Christmas day, at Oxenhall in the Territory of Derlington, within the Bishopric of Durham, the ground heaved itself up aloft like unto an high Tower, and so continued all that day as it were unmoveable, until the evening: and then, fell with so horrible a noise, that it made all the neighbour dwellers afraid: and the earth swallowed it up and made in the same place a deep pit, which is there to be seen for a testimony, unto this day. That these Pits have passages under the ground Bishop Cuthbert Tonstall first observed, by finding that Goose in the River Tees, which he for the better trial and experience of these Pits, had marked and let down into them. Beyond Derlington, Certain Gentlemen called Sur. Tees hath no Towns of any great account standing upon it, but gliding along the skirts of green fields, Teis i. upon Teis, sometime flourished here. and by country Villages, winding in and out as he passeth; at length dischargeth himself at a large mouth into the Ocean, whence the base or bottom of the Triangle aforesaid towards the Sea beginneth. From hence the shore coasteth Northward, holding on entire still, save that it is interrupted with one or two little Brooks and no more, Gretham. near unto Gretham; where Robert Bishop of Durham having the Manor given freely unto him by Sir Peter de Montfort, founded a goodly Hospital. Next unto it is Claxton, which gave name unto a Family of good and ancient note, in this Tract: whereof, I have been the more willing to make mention, because of the same house was T. Claxton, an affectionate lover of venerable Antiquity. From thence, the shore shooteth forth into the Sea with one only Promontory scarce seven miles above Tees mouth, on which standeth very commodiously Hartlepoole, Hartlepoole. a good Town of trade, and a safe harbour for shipping. Bede seemeth to call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which Henry of Huntingdon, interpreteth The Hearts or Stag's Island, where he writeth, that Heiu a religious woman founded a Monastery in times past. If Heorteu be not rather the name of that little Territory, which the Book of D●resme seemeth to imply and in another place calleth Heortnesse, A Promontory in our language is called Nesse. because it lieth out somewhat far into the Sea. From this for fifteen miles together the shore being in no place broken off, but here and there embroidered as it were and garnished with Towns, smileth pleasantly upon those that sail that way, until it openeth itself to make room for the River VEDRA; for, The river Vedra, or Were. so Ptolomee calleth that, which Bede nameth Wirus, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and we Were. This river first groweth into one out of three riverets Burden-hop, Welhop, and Kel-hop, in the utmost part of this Country Westward: which when they are joined in one channel is called by one name Were, and speedeth into the East, by vast moors and heathes, Witton. by great Parks of the Bishops, and by Witton a little Castle or pile belonging to the Lords Evers, Barons Evers. or D'Eure. who are Noblemen in this Country of great antiquity, as descended from the Lords of Clavering and Warkworth, as also from the Vescyes and the Attons, by Daughters: renowned for their martial prowess, which Scotland may well witness. For, King Edward the First, gave unto them for their valiant service Kettnes a little Town in Scotland, and King Henry the Eighth within our father's remembrance honoured them in that respect with the Title of Barons. Then Were after a few miles taketh into him from the South Gaunlesse a Riveret; where, at the very meeting of them both together, there standeth upon an high hill Aukland so called of Okes (like as Sarron in Greece) which showeth an house of the Bishop's stately built with Turrets by Antony Bec, Aukland. and withal a beautiful Bridge, made by Walter Skirlaw a Bishop of Durham about the year 1400. who also enlarged this house and built the Bridge over Tees at You're. From hence Were turneth his course Northward, that he might water this shire the longer, and then forthwith looketh up to the remains of an ancient City not now a dying, but dead many years ago, standing on the brow of an hill: which Antonine the Emperor called VINOVIUM, Vinovium. Ptolomee BINOVIUM, in whom it is so thrust out of his own place, and set as it were in another Climate, that it would for ever have lain hid, had not Antonine pointed at it with his finger. Binchester. We call it at this day Binchester, and it hath in it a very few houses: yet it is very well known to them that dwell thereabout, both by reason of the heaps of rubbish, and the relics of walls yet to be seen, as also for pieces of Roman Coin often digged up there, which they call Binchester Penies, yea and for the Inscriptions of the Romans, amongst which I happened of late when I was there upon an Altar with this Inscription. DE AB. As concerning the Mother Goddesses. See in Lancashire. MATRIB. Q. LO— CL. QUIN TIANUS— COS V. S. L. M. Anno Christi. 236. Votum solvit. li been. merito i. Paid his vow willingly and duly. Another stone also was here lately gotten out of the ground, but defaced with void places, where the letters were worn out: which notwithstanding, if one beheld it wishly, seemeth to show this Inscription. —— TRIB. COHOR. I. CARTOV— MARTI VICTORI GENIO LOCI. ET BONO EVENTUI. Neither have I read any thing else of it, but that an old book maketh mention, how the Earls of Northumberland, long since plucked away this with other Villages from the Church, what time as that accursed and unsatiable hunger after Gold swallowed up also the sacred patrimony of the Church. On the other bank of Were, Branspath Castle. among the mounting Hills appeareth Branspeth Castle, which the Bulmers built, and the daughter of Sir Bertram Bulmer coupled in marriage unto Geffrey Nevil, adjoined with other great Possessions unto the Family of the nevil's. Within a while after Were runneth down much troubled and hindered in his Course with many great Stones apparent above the water, which unless the River do rise and swell with great store of rain, are never over covered: and upon which (a thing that happeneth not elsewhere) if ye pour water, and temper it a little with them, it sucketh in a saltish quality. Nay, that which more is, at Butterby a little Village, when the River in Summer time is very ebb and shallow, Salt stones. there issueth out of those stones a certain salt reddish water, which by the heat of the Sun waxeth so white, and withal groweth to a thick substance, that the people dwelling thereby gather from hence salt sufficiently for their use. And now the River, as though it purposed to make an Island, compasseth almost on every side the chief City of this Province standing on an hill, whence the Saxons gave it the name Dunholm. For, as you may gather out of Bede, they called an hill Dun, and a river Island Holme. Dunelmus. Durham, or Duresme. Hereof, the Latin Writers have made DUNELMUM, the Normans Duresme, but the common people most corruptly name it Durham. It is seated on high, and passing strongly withal, yet taketh it up no great circuit of ground; shaped in form, as one would say, of an egg, environed on every side save on the North with the River, and fortified with a wall. Toward the South side almost, whereas the River fetcheth itself about, standeth the Cathedral Church aloft, making a solemn and a sightly show with an high Tower in the midst and two Spires at the West end. In the midst there is a Castle placed, as it were between two stone bridges over the river, the one Eastward, the other Westward. From the Castle Northward is seen a spacious Mercate-place and Saint Nicholas Church: from whence there runneth out a great length North-East a Suburb compassed on two sides the River: like as others on both sides beyond the River, which lead unto the Bridges, and every of them have their several Churches. The original of this City is of no great Antiquity. For, when the distressed Monks of Lindisfarn driven hither, and thither by the Danes Wars, wandered up and down without any certain place of abode with the corpse of Saint Cuthbert, at length here they settled themselves by divine direction, about the year of our Salvation 995. But hear the whole matter out of mine Author of Durham. All the people accompanying the corpse of that most holy Father Cuthbert came into Dunholme, a place verily strong of itself by nature, but not easily to be inhabited, as being wholly beset on every side with a most thick Wood: only in the midst was a little Plain, which was wont to be tilled and sowed with Corn: where Bishop Aldwin built afterwards a fair Church of stone. The foresaid Prelate therefore, through the help of all the people and the assistance of Uthred Earl of Northumberland, stocked up all the Wood and in short time made the whole place habitable. To conclude, the people generally from the River Coqued as far as to Tees, came right willingly, as well to this work, as after that to build a Church: and until it was finished ceased not to follow that business devoutly. Wherefore after the Wood was quite grubbed up, and every one had their mansion places assigned out by lot; The said Bishop in a fervent love to Christ and Saint Cuthbert, upon an honest and godly intent began (no small piece of work) to build a Church, and endeavoured by all means to finish the same. Thus far mine Author. Not many years after, those Englishmen who could not endure the insolent command of the Normans, presuming upon the natural strength of the place, chose it for their chief Hold and seat of resistance, yea and from thence troubled the Conqueror not a little. For, William Gemeticensis writeth thus. They went into a part of the Country which for waters and woods was inaccessible, raising a Castle with a most strong trench and rampire, which they called Dunholme: out of which making many roads sundry ways, for a certain space they kept themselves close there, waiting for the coming of Swene King of the Danes. But when that fell not out according to their expectation, they provided for themselves by flight: and King William coming to Durham, granted many privileges for establishing the liberty of the Church, and built the Castle whereof I spoke, on the highest part of the hill, which afterwards became the Bishop's house: and the keys thereof when the Bishopric was void, were wont by an ancient custom to be hanged upon Saint Cuthberts' shrine. When this Castle was once built, William of Malmesbury who lived about that time, describeth this City in these words. Durham is a pretty hill rising by little and little from one plain of the Valley with a gentle ascent, until it come to be a mount: and although by reason of the rough and steep situation of the Rocks, there is no way for the enemy to enter it; yet they of these days have erected a Castle upon the hill. At the very foot and bottom of the Castle, runneth a River, wherein is great store of fish, but of Salmon especially. At the same time well near (as that ancient Book reporteth) William de Careleph the Bishop, who gathered again the dispersed Monks hither (for, the Danes in every place had overthrown their Cloistures) pulled down that Church which Aldwin had formerly built, and began the foundation of another of a fairer work, which his successor Ralph finished. And after that, Nicholas Feruham Bishop, and Thomas Mescomb Prior, adjoined a new Fabric or frame unto it, in the year of Christ 1242. And a good while after, W. Skirlaw the Bishop, built at the West end of the Church a fair piece of work which they call Gallilee, Gallilee. whereinto he translated the marble Tomb of Venerable Bede. In which place Hugh Pudsey, began in times past an house, wherein (I use the words of an ancient Book) women might lawfully enter, For no woman might enter into Durham Church. that whereas they had not corporal access unto the more secret holy places; yet they might have some comfort by the beholding of the holy mysteries. But, that Ralph the Bishop aforesaid, as our Historian writeth, reduced the place between the Church and the Castle, which had been taken up with many dwelling houses, into a plain and open ground; for fear least either any annoyance by filth, or dangers by fire, might come near unto the Church. And all be it the City was strong enough by the natural site, yet he made it more strong, and stately with a Wall, reaching in length from the Chancel of the Church, unto the Keep and Tower of the Castle: Which wall now by little and little giveth place unto time, and never that I could hear, suffered any assault of enemy. For, when David Brus, King of Scots, had forraied the Country with fire and sword, Beereparke. 1346. as far as to Beanparke or Beereparke, which is a Park near unto the City, whiles King Edward the Third besieged Calais, Henry Percy and William Zouch Archbishop of York, with their Companies of men mustered up in haste, encountered the Scots, and so courageously charged them, that having taken the King prisoner they slew the most of the first and second battle; and put the third to a fearful flight: neither stayed they at most steep and cumbersome places, until they recovered their own Holds. This is that famous Battle, which our people call The Battle at nevil's Crosse. Battle of Nevil's Cross For, the chiefest of the Scottish Nobility being slain, and the King taken prisoner at this field, they were enforced to yield much ground within their Confines, yea and to render many Castles. But this may suffice as touching Durham: which I will take my leave of, if you think good, with a Distichon of Necham, and an Hexastichon of John Jonston. Art, sitúque loci munita Dunelmia salve, Qua floret sancta religionis apex. VEDRA ruens rapidis modò cursibus, agmine leni, Séque minor celebres suspicit urbe viros, Quos dedit ipsa olim, quorum & tegit ossa sepulta; Magnus ubi sacro marmore BEDA cubat. Se jactant aliae vel religione, vel armis; Haec armis cluit, haec religione potens. Durham by art and site of place well fenced now farewell, Where for devout Religion the Mitre doth excel. The River Were that ran most swift ere while, with stream now soft And channel less, to famous men in town looks up aloft; Whom once it bred: and of whose bones in grave it is possessed: Where under sacred marble stone, Great Beda now doth rest. Of Arms or of Religion, may other boast, I grant: For Arms and for Religion both, this City makes her vaunt. Concerning the Monks that were cast out at the suppression of the Abbays, the twelve Prebendaries and two Arch-Deacons placed in this Church, and the Priours name changed into the Dignity of a Dean, I need not to say any thing: for, they are yet in fresh memory. And unwilling I am to remember how this Bishopric was dissolved by a private Statute, and all the possessions thereof given to Edward the Sixth, when private greediness edged by Churchmen did grind the Church, and withdrew much from God, wherewith Christian Piety had formerly honoured God. But Queen Mary repealed that Statute and restored the said Bishopric with all the Possessions, and Franchises thereof, that God might enjoy his own. The Longitude of this City is 22. Degrees. The Latitude 54. Degrees and 57 minutes. Beneath Durham, that I many not overpasse it, Shrirburne Hospital. standeth Eastward a very fair Hospital, which Hugh Pudsey that most wealthy Bishop, and Earl of Northumberland, so long as it was, Being very indulgently compassionate to Lepres (as Neubrigensis writeth) built with cost (I must needs say profuse enough) but in some sort not so honest: as who laid no small deal of other men's right (so great was his power) upon this devotion, whiles he thought much to disburse sufficient of his own. Howbeit he assigned unto it revenues to maintain threescore and five leper, besides Mass Priests. From Durham Were carrieth his stream Northward with a more direct course, by Finchdale; Finchdale. where, in the Reign of King Henry the Second Goodrick a man of the ancient Christian simplicity, and austerity wholly devoted to the service of God, led a solitary life and ended his days: being buried in the same place, wherein, as that William of Neuborrow saith, he was wont either to lie prostrate whiles he prayed, or to lay him down when he was sick. Who with this his devout simplicity, drew men into so great an admiration of him, that R. brother unto that rich Bishop Hugh Pudsey built a Chapel in memorial of him. Lumley. Barons Lumley. From thence Were passeth by Lumley Castle standing within a Park, the ancient seat of the Lumleys, who descended from Liulph, a man in this tract of right great Nobility in the time of King Edward the Confessor, who married Aldgitha the daughter of Aldred Earl of Northumberland. Of these Lumleys, Marmaduke assumed unto him his mother's Coat of Arms (in whose right he was seized of a goodly inheritance of the Thwengs) namely, Argent of Fez Gueles between three Poppinjaes Vert, whereas the Lumleys before time had borne for their Arms, Six Poppinjaes Argent, in Gueles. For she was the eldest daughter of Sir Marmaduke Thweng Lord of Kilton, and one of the heirs of Thomas Thweng her brother. But Ralph son to the said Marmaduke was the first Baron Lumley, created by King Richard the Second: which honour John the ninth from him enjoyed in our days a man most honourable for all the ornaments of true Nobility. Just over against this place, not far from the other bank of the River standeth Chester upon the Street, Chester upon the street. Condercum. as one would say, the Castle or little City by the Port way side: the Saxons called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: whereupon, I would deem it to be CONDERCUM, in which as the book of Notices recordeth, the first wing of the Astures, in the Romans time kept station and lay in Garrison, within the Line or precinct (as that book saith) of the WALL. For it is but a few miles distant from that famous WALL, whereof I am to speak hereafter. The Bishops of Lindifarre lived obscurely here with the corpse of Saint Cuthbert, whiles the raging storms of the Danes were up, for the space of an hundred and thirteen years. In memory whereof, when Egelricke Bishop of Durham laid the foundation of a new Church in that place, he found such a mighty mass of money buried within the ground, as is thought by the Romans, that wallowing now in wealth, he gave over his Bishopric: and being returned to Peterborrow whereof he had been Abbot before, made causeys through the Fens and raised other Works, not without exceeding great charges. And a long time after Anthony Bec, Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of Jerusalem erected here a Collegiate Church, a Dean, and seven prebend's. In which Church, the Lord Lumley abovesaid placed and ranged in goodly order the Monuments of his Ancestors in a continued line of succession even from Liulph unto these our days; which he had either gotten together out of Monasteries that were subverted, or caused to be made a new. And further within, almost in the midst of the Triangle, there is another little Village also known of late by reason of the College of a Dean and Prebendaries founded by that Antony Bec at Lanchester, which I once thought to have been LONGOVICUM a station of the Romans. But let us return unto Were, which now at length turneth his course Eastward, and running beside Hilton a Castle of the Hiltons, Hilton Castle. a Family of ancient Gentry; venteth his waters with a vast mouth into the sea at Wiran-muth, as Bede termeth it, now named Monks Weremouth, because it belonged to the Monks. Touching which mouth or outlet, thus writeth William of Malmesbury. This Were where he entereth into the Sea, entertaineth Ships brought in with a fair Gale of Wind, within the gentle and quiet bosom of his Outlet. Both the Banks whereof, Benedict Bishop beautified with Churches and built Abbays there, one in the name of Saint Peter and the other of Saint Paul. The painful industry of this man he will wonder at, who shall read his life; for that he brought hither great store of books, and was the first man that ever procured Masons and Glasiers for windows to come into England. Glasiers, first in England. Five miles higher, the River Tine doth also unlade itself, which together with Derwent for a good way lineth out (as it were) the North side of this Country. Upon Derwent which hath his spring head near unto the top of the Triangle, there standeth nothing of note, Ebchester. Saint Ebba. unless it be a little Village which now they call Ebchester, of Ebba a virgin of the blood royal of the Northumber's, of whom there went so great a name and opinion for her sanctimony and devotion about the year 630. that being canonised among the Saints, she hath many Churches in this Island dedicated unto her, Saint Tabbs. which the common sort usually call Saint Tabbs for Saint Ebbs. But by Tine there is situate a memorable Town called Gateshead in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by Latin Historians, Caprae Caput, which is the same, as one would say, Goat's head: and is as it were the Suburbs of Newcastle, standing on the hither side of Tine, whereunto also it was annexed by King Edward the Sixth, when the Bishopric was dissolved. But Queen Mary soon after restored it again unto the Church. The common people think it is far more ancient than Newcastle itself. And if I also should say, that this and Newcastle together (for one Town it may seem in old time to have been, divided only by the River) was that Frontier Station, which under the later Emperors they called GABROSENTUM, and was kept by the second Band of the Thracians, and that it retained still the ancient name in sense and signification, whereas, Newcastle hath gotten once or twice a new name, I hope my opinion would be nothing dissonant from the truth: For, Gaffr in the British tongue signifieth a Goat, and Hen in ordinary speech is used for Pen, which betokeneth an Head: and in the very same signification our old Historiographers term it in Latin Caprae Caput, like as Brundisium, in the Messapians Language took that name, from a Stag's head. I would think that this name was given unto this place, by occasion of some Inn that had a Goat's head for the sign: even as Gallus Gallinaccus, that is, The Housecocke, Tres Sorores, that is, Three sisters, and Pirum, that is, The Pear, Places in Africa, Spain, and Italy, whereof Antonine maketh mention: which, of such signs (as some learned men suppose) took their names. And our Historians all with one accord, name this Town Caprae Caput, when they record, that Walcher Bishop of Durham, whom King William the First had made Governor over Northumberland with the authority of an Earl, was slain in this place by the furious multitude, for misgoverning the Country. Beneath this Town, Girwy. jarrow. Bede. almost at the very mouth of Tine, is to be seen Girwy, now jarrow, the native soil of venerable Bede, where also in ancient times flourished a little Monastery: The Founder whereof and the time of the foundation, this inscription showeth, which is yet extant in the Church wall. DEDICATIO BASILICAE S. PAULI VIII. KL. MA II. ANNO XVI. ECFRIDI REG. CEOLFRIDI ABB. EIUSDEMQ. ECCLES. DEO AUCTORE, CONDITORIS ANNO FOUR These greater Churches when the Saving light of Christ shone upon the world (let it not seem impertinent to note so much by occasion of the word Basilica) were termed BASILICAE, Basilicae. for that the Basilicae of the Gentiles which were large and spacious Hauls', wherein Magistrates sat in judgement and ministered Justice, were converted into Christian Churches. Whence Ausonius wrote thus, Basilica olim negotijs plena, etc. The Basilica [or haul of Justice] in times past full of businesses, is now as full of Prayers and vows: or else because they were built in form somewhat long, in manner of those Basilicae. Saint Bede. here our Bede, the singular glory and ornament of England, who for his Piety and learning got the surname of VENERABILIS, bestowed all diligence, as himself saith, in meditation of the Scriptures, and amid the most boisterous billows and surging waves of Barbarism wrote many most learned Volumes. When he was once dead, there was buried with him, as William of Malmesbury saith, all the knowledge, well near of Acts and Monuments, until our time. For, when there succeeded ever one more lazy than another, the heat of good studies was abated, and cooled through the whole Land. And the Danes for their part, plagued this holy place in such wise, that shortly after the Conquest, when some in these Countries went in hand to re-establish the Monks again, and Walcher the Bishop assigned this place for them: Only walls, as saith mine Author, were standing without any roof, and it scarcely retained any sign of the ancient dignity: howbeit for all that, they framing a roof over head of rough hewn wood such as they could get, and thatching it with straw, began to celebrate Divine Service therein. Bishops of Durham. I need not to make a Catalogue of the Bishops of Durham who are reputed Count-Palatines. Let it suffice to intimate thus much, that since the first time, a See was here erected, in the year of our Redemption 995. there have sitten in it 35. Bishops unto our days. Of which these were most eminent: Hugh Pudsey nobly descended, and allied to King Stephen: who for a thousand and thirteen pounds presently disbursed, purchased of King Richard the First, the Country of Northumberland for his life; See the Earls of Northumberland. and Sathbrege, to his successors for ever, and built that goodly Hospital whereof I spoke: between whom and the Archbishop there arose a most bitter controversy, Whiles (as he writeth of them) hic praesse, ille non subesse, & neuter prodesse contenderet, that is, One would be superior, the other would not be inferior, and neither of them would do any good. Antony Bec, Patriarch of Jerusalem, who spent infinite sums of money, upon vast buildings, and glorious furniture. Thomas Wolsey Cardinal, who in his high prosperity wanted nothing but moderation (but his History is sufficiently known.) And Cuthbert Tunstall, who died in our time, for singular knowledge in the best Sciences, sincere holiness of life, and great wisdom approved in domestical, and foreign employments, was (without offence be it spoken) equivalent to them all, and a singular Ornament to his native Country. In this Province and in Northumberland beside very many Chapels, are counted Parish Churches 118. LANCASTRIAE Comitalus palatinus olim pars BRIGANTUM LANCA-SHIRE. I Must now turn the course of my journey another way, unto the rest of the brigants, who were planted on the farther side of the Hills toward the Irish Sea: and first unto LANCA-SHIRE, which I go unto (God speed me well) after a sort somewhat against my will: For I fear me that I shall not satisfy myself, and much less the Reader. For very few things fell out to my desire, when I travailed over the greatest part thereof, the old names in every place have been so worn out by the continual assault of Time. But lest I might be thought to neglect the hearty good Lanca-shire men, I will proceed, in hope that God's assistance, which hitherto hath been favourable unto me, will not now fail me. Under those mountains, which (as I have often said heretofore) shoot along through the middle of England, and interpose themselves as umpires and Bounders between diverse shires, Lanca-shire lieth toward the West, in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly termed Lonka-shire, Lanca-shire, and The County Palatine of Lancaster, because it is notably known by the title of a County Palatine. It is so enclosed between Yorkshire on the East side, and the Irish sea on the West, that on the South side where it boundeth upon Cheshire it is broader, and by little and little the more Northward it goeth, where it confineth upon Westmoreland, the narrower it groweth. And there, by an Arm of the sea insinuating itself, is interrupted, and hath a good part of it which butteth upon Cumberland, beyond the said Arme. Where the ground is plain and champion, it yieldeth good store of Barley and Wheat: that which lieth at the bottom of the hills, is better for Oats: The soil every where is meetly good and tolerable, unless it be in certain moist places and unwholesome called Mosses, Mosses. which notwithstanding make amends for these their discommodities, with more plentiful commodities. For, if their upper coat be pared away, they yield certain unctuous or fattish * Cespites. Turfs for fuel, and some times underground tree, or which have lain a long time buried there. Underneath also in diverse places they afford abundance of marvel, which serveth in stead of muck to enrich their grounds. Whereby, the soil that in man's opinion was held most unapt to bear Corn, beginneth now to be so kind and arable, that it may be justly thought, men's idleness in times past was greater than any natural barrenness of the soil. But a man may judge of the goodness of the soil, partly by the constitution and complexion of the Inhabitants, who are to see to, passing fair and beautiful, and in part, if you please, by the Cat-tail. For, Lanca-shire b●ufes. in their Kine and Oxen which have goodly heads and fair spread horns, and are in body well proportionate withal, you shall find in manner no one point wanting, that Mago the Carthaginian doth require, as Columella specifieth out of him. On the South part, it is separated from Cheshire with the River Mersey which springing forth of the midland hills, having passed a little from his head, becometh a bound to distinguish the Shires, and with a slow current runneth Westward, calling as it were, other rivers (to use the words of the Poet) into his sky coloured and azure lap, and forthwith gladly biddeth welcome unto Irwell from the North, which river bringeth along with him all the rivers of this Eastern part. Among these, Roch is of greatest name, Rochdale. which hath standing upon it in the Vale, Rochdale a market Town well frequented; like as Irwell itself hath situate upon it Bury a market Town nothing inferior to the other: and hard by, whiles I carefully sought for COCCIUM, Cockley. mentioned by Antonine the Emperor, I saw Cockley, a Chapel built of timber, beset round about with trees: Also Turton Chapel among very steep downfalls, and overgrown unpleasant places: Turton Tower, and Entweissoll a proper fair house: which had in times past Gentlemen of that name, as Turton is the seat at this day of the right ancient family of Orell. But, where Irk and Irwell meet together, on the left hand bank raised of a reddish kind of stone, scarce three miles from Mersey, flourished that Town of right great antiquity which we now call Manchester, and Antonine the Emperor called MANCUNIUM, Mancunium. and MANUCIUM, according to the variety of the Copies. This retaining the first part of his ancient name, far excelleth the Towns lying round about it, for the beautiful show it carrieth, for resort unto it, and for clothing: in regard also of the Mercate-place, the fair Church, and College, founded by Thomas Lord De-la-ware, a Priest (the last heir male of his Family) and summoned to the Parliament among the Lords Temporal by the name of Magister Thomas de-la-ware. For he descended from the Greleys, who were the ancient Lords of this Town, and by joan sister of the said Sir Thomas, it came to west's now Lords De-la-ware. But, in the foregoing age, this Town was of far greater account, both for certain woollen clothes there wrought and in great request commonly called Manchester Cottons, and also for the liberty of a Sanctuary, which under King Henry the Eighth, was by Parliamentary authority, translated to Chester. In a Park of the Earl of Derbies near adjoining, called Alparke, where the Brook Medlocke entereth into Irwell, I saw the plot and groundwork of an ancient Fortress built four square, commonly called Mancastle: which I will not in any wise say, was that ancient MANCUNIUM, it is contained in so narrow a piece of ground, but rather the Fort of Mancunium, and station of the Romans where they kept watch and ward: at which I saw this ancient Inscription in a long stone to the memory of Candidus a Centurion. * Centurionis, ● CANDIDI FIDES XX. FOUR As for this other; john Dee that most famous Mathematician, and Warden of Manchester College, who had a sight of the same here, copied it out for me. COHO. I. FRISIN ● MASA VONIS P. XXIII. Both which may seem erected in honour of those Centurious, for their loyalty and honesty so many years approved. In the year of our Salvation 920. King Edward the Elder, as Marianus writeth, sent an Army of Mercians into Northumberland, To re-edify the City of Manchester, and to place a Garrison there (for it belonged formerly unto the Kings of Northumberland) and seemeth to have been quite destroyed in the Danish war: against whom, because the inhabitants had borne themselves as valiant men, they will have their town to be called Manchester, that is, as they expound it, The City of Men, and in this conceit which implieth their own commendation, they wonderfully please and flatter themselves. But full little know the good honest men, that MANCUNIUM was the name of it in the Britan's time, so that the Etymology thereof, out of our English tongue, can by no means seem probable. I for my part therefore would derive it rather from Main a British word which signifieth a Stone: For, upon a stony hill it is seated, and beneath the very Town, at Colyhurst, there are very good and famous quarries of stone. But, to return again. Mersey now by this time carrying a fuller stream by reason of Irwell consociating with him, holdeth on in his journey toward the Ocean, by Trafford, Trafford. from whence the Traffords a Family of great good note took their name as they had their habitation: also by Chatmosse, a low mossy ground, lying a great way in length and breadth: a good part whereof, the Brooks swelling high within our father's remembrance carried quite away with them not without much danger: Whereby, the Rivers were corrupted, and a number of fresh fish perished. In which place now lieth a Vale somewhat low, watered with a little Brook, and trees have been discovered lying along. So that it may be thought, when the ground lay neglected, and the channels were not scoured in those open and flat Valleys for riverets and Brooks to pass away, but the water-lades stopped up either through negligence, or depopulation: that then all the grounds that lay lower than others, became such boggy plots, Mosses when they come. as we call Mosses, or else standing Mere. Which if it be true, we need not marvel that so many trees in the like places every where throughout England (but in this shire especially) lie overwhelmed, and as it were, buried. For, when their roots were loosened through over much moisture, the trees could not choose but fall, and in such soft ground sink and be quite swallowed up. They that dwell thereabouts, assay and try with poles and spits, where they lie hidden, and when they light upon them mark the place, dig them out, and use them for fire wood: For they burn clear and give light, as well as torch wood, which haply is by reason of a bituminous and clammy fat earth wherein they lie: whence the common sort take them for Firres: Fir trees in Caesar's time grew not in Britain. which notwithstanding Caesar denieth to have grown in Britain. I know it is an opinion currant with the most, that these trees overturned with the force of waters, have lain ever since Noah's Flood, when the World was drowned, and so much the rather, because they are elsewhere digged out of very high places: and yet they deny not, but those high grounds are very marish and waterish. Such mighty trees also are found oftentimes in Holland, a Country of Germany: which the learned men there, suppose were either undermined by waves working into the shore, or by winds driven forward and brought unto those lower and moist places; where they settled and sunk down. But let the curious company of Philosophers search into these matters to whom I commend them, and to their further inquiry, whether there are not Subterranean trees growing under earth, as well as plants and other Creatures. After Chatmosse, Holcroft showeth itself, which, as it afforded the seat, Holecroft. so it gave the name also, to that right ancient family of the Holcrofts: whose estate in old time was much amended by marriage with one of the heirs of Culchit a place seated hard by, which Gilbert de Culchit held, Of the Fee of Almaricke Butler, as he himself did of the Earl of Ferrars, in King Henry the Third his time. Whose eldest daughter and heir, when Richard Fitz-Hugh of Hindley had married, he assumed to himself the name of Culchith: like as his brother Thomas, who wedded the second daughter, was of the possession, called Holcroft: another also by the same reason was named the Peasfalong, and a fourth de Riseley. Which I note, that the Reader may understand, how our Ancestors, as they were in other things constant and grave, so in leaving and taking up names out of their possessions, they were as vain and variable as might be. But even in other parts of England also, this was in old time a thing in usual practice. here lie there round about every way little Towns, which (as throughout this whole County, and Cheshire, and other Northern parts) as they imparted their names to worshipful houses, so they to have their Lords even unto these days, men of the very same name with them. As for example, Aston of Aston: Atherton of Atherton, Tillesley of Tillesley, Standish of Standish, Bold of Bold, Hesket of Hesket, Worthington of Worthington, Torbec of Torbec, etc. And an endless piece of work it were to name them one by one, neither is it any part of my purpose to reckon up all families of name and worship, but to take a view and survey of the more ancient places. And as virtue and wealth laid the foundations of these and such like Families in these North Countries, and elsewhere (that I may speak it once for all) and provident moderation with simplicity standing contented with their own estate, both preserved and increased them: So, in the South part of England, riotous expense and superfluity, usurious contracts, voluptuous and vicious life, together with indirect courses and crafty dealings; have in short space utterly overthrown most flourishing houses, in so much as men complain, that the offspring of the ancient Gentry hath now a long time faded: But Families as plants have their times of increasing and decreasing, I and overpassing this, will follow on with the course of Mersey, which now by this time runneth down by Warrington, a Town known by reason of the Lords thereof surnamed * Pincerne. Butlers, who obtained of King Edward the First the liberty of a market for it: Winwicke. From which, Northward, Winwicke is not far distant: a place among other fat Benefices of England of greatest name: in the upmost part of the Church whereof, are read these rude Verses engraven in an old Character, concerning King Oswald. Hic locus oswald quondam placuit tibi valde. Northanhumbrorum fuer as Rex, nuncque Polorum Regna tenes, loco passus Marcelde vocato. This place sometime thee pleased well, Oswald, King thou hadst been once of Northumberland, Thou suffered'st in a place Marcelde called, Thy Kingdom now is heaven, that aye doth stand. From Warrington, the River M●rsey spreading abroad, and straightways drawing in himself again, with a wide and open outlet, very commodious for merchandise entereth into the Irish Sea, where Litherpoole, called in the elder ages 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly Liverpool is seated, so named, as it is thought, of the water spreading itself in manner of a Pool: whence there is a convenient passage over into Ireland and much frequented, and in that respect more notorious, than for any Antiquity. For, there is no mention extant thereof any where in ancient Writers, but that Roger of Poitiers, who was Lord, as they spoke in those days, of the Honour of Lancaster, built a Castle here. Whereof the worthy family of the Molineaux Knights have had the custody now a long time, whose chief seat is hard by at Sefion, which, the said Roger of Poitiers gave unto Vivian de Molineaux, shortly after the first entry of the Normans. For, all that Territory between the two Rivers Ribel and Mersey, the same Roger held: as appeareth evidently by the authentical Record of doomsday book. near unto Seston, Alt a little River seeketh a way into the Sea, and when he hath found it, giveth name to a small Village Attmouth standing by, and hath Ferneby near unto it: wherein the moist and mossy soil turfs are digged up, which serve the inhabitants for fuel and candle light. Under the said turfs, there is a certain dead and blackish water, upon which there swimmeth, I wot not what unctuous matter, and in it swim little fishes that are caught by the diggers of turf: Fishes digged out of the ground. So that we may say, there be fishes digged here out of the earth, no less than about Heraclea, and Ti●s in Pontus. And no marvel, seeing that in such watery places fishes otherwhiles seeking for moisture get under the ground, and men go a fishing with spades. But, that in Paphlagonia many and those good fishes are gotten by digging in places nothing watery, there is some secret and peculiar reason thereof in Nature: and pleasantly wrote Seneca, Why should not fishes enter and pass into the land, if we pass over the Sea? From hence the open shore shooteth out with a great bent; and more within land from the sea standeth Ormeskirke a market town, Ormeskirk. well known by reason of the sepulture there of the Stanleys', Earls of Derby, whose chief seat Latham is hard by: a stately house, which they have enlarged continually, ever since King Henry the Fourth his days, what time Sir John Stanley knight, father to John Lord deputy of Ireland, descended of the same stem whence the Barons de Audley, married the daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Latham, a right noble knight, who brought to him for her dowry this fair inheritance, Stanleys' Earls of Derby. with many other possessions. And from that time have the Stanleys' planted their seat here: of whom Thomas, the son of Thomas Lord Stanley, was by King Henry the seventh created Earl of Derby; and had issue by Eleonor Nevil daughter to the Earl of Salisbury, George Lord Strange, for he had wedded Joan the only daughter and heir of John Baron Le Strange of Knockin, who dying in his father's life time, begat a son named Thomas, the second Earl of Derby; unto whom Anne, the daughter of Edward Lord Hastings, bare Edward the third Earl of Derby, who begat of Dorothea, daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Henry the fourth Earl; who married Margaret, daughter of Henry Clifford Earl of Cumberland, mother unto Ferdinando the fifth Earl lately deceased, and to William now the sixth Earl, who succeeded his brother: but I forget myself now, when as I have formerly remembered as much. Duglesse a riveret, Duglesse a riveret. creepeth and stealeth along quietly by this place; near unto which our noble Arthur, as Ninnius writeth, put the Saxons to flight in a memorable battle. Wiggin. At the head hereof standeth the town Wiggin, called in ancient times 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: of which name I have nothing else to say, but that in Lancashire they call buildings and houses Biggins: Biggin, what it is. neither of the town, but that it is fair, and a Corporation also with a Mayor and Burgesses: and the parson of the Church, as I have learned, is Lord of the town. The family of the Hollands. Hard by it Holland showeth itself, out of a younger brother, whereof that most noble and renowned race of the Hollands Earls of Kent, and Dukes also of Surry and Excester, fetched both their original and their surname. But the daughter and heir of the eldest brother, who flourished here in knight's degree, being in the end married into the house of the Lovels, brought unto them an addition of possessions, The Holland's coat of Arms. with her Arms, viz. in a shield Azure * With flowers de Lyz. florete Argent a Lion rampant gardant Arg. Near unto the mouth of Duglesse is Merton, a very great & large pool, which emptieth itself into this river, and then straight ways meeteth with the river Ribell, near his outlet; for this is the next river after Mersey that runneth into the sea, and hath not yet lost quite his former ancient name; for Ptolomee calleth the salt water or arm of the sea here BELLISAMA, Bellisama. and we Ribell, perhaps by addition of the Saxon word the unto it, that signifieth a River. This river coming with a quick and hasty stream out of the hills in Yorkshire, taketh his course first Southward, by three exceeding high mountains, Ingleborow hill at the spring head, which I wondered at to see how it ascendeth as it were by degrees with a huge and mighty ridge Westward, and at the farthest end mounteth up into the air, as if an other hill were set upon the head of it: Penigent. Penigent, haply so called of his whitish & snowy top, for so Pengwin signifieth in the british tongue: and he riseth aloft with an huge bulk, howbeit not altogether so high as the other. But when Ribell cometh into Lancashire (for those two stand in Yorkshire) Pendle-hill advanceth itself up to the sky with a lofty head, Pendle hill. and in the very top thereof bringeth forth a peculiar plant, Clowdesbery. which, as though it came out of the clouds, they term Clowdesbery. But this mountain is most notorious for the harm that it did not long since to the country lying beneath it, by reason of a mighty deal of water gushing out of it: as also for an infallible prognostication of rain, so often as the top thereof is covered with a mist. Of these hills I have made mention the more willingly, both because they are the highest in our Apennine: whence cometh this vulgar Rhyme. Ingleborow, Pendle, and Penigent, Are the highest hills between Scotland and Trent. As also that the reader may understand, as I said before, why the highest Alps were called of the old Gauls Penninae, Penninae Alps. and why the very top of the hills, named Pennum, and Apennini, Pen in British what it is. Clithero. Whaley. were of them so termed. For Pen in the British tongue signifieth the tops of hills. By an out corner or parcel of Pendle hill, standeth Clithero castle, built by the Lacies near unto Ribell, and a neighbour unto it Whaley, in the Saxon tongue Walalez, famous for the monastery that the said Lacy's founded, which was translated from Stanlaw in Cheshire hither, in the year 1296. where in the year 798. duke Wade unfortunately gave battle to Ardulph King of Northumberland, at Billangho, which is more short called Langho. This Ribell no sooner turneth into the West, Riblechester. but imparteth his name to a small town, which in our age is called Riblechester: where are digged up from time to time so many monuments of Roman antiquity, statues, pieces of coin, Pillars, Piedestals & Chapters of pillars, heathen altars, Marble-stones and inscriptions, that the inhabitants may seem not without cause to have this hobbling rhyme so rise in their mouths. It is written upon a wall in Rome, Ribchester was as rich as any town in Christendom. And the port high ways came directly hither, rai●ed up with eminent cause is: one from York, another out of the North, through Bowland-Forrest, a spacious piece of ground, which as yet is most evidently to be seen for many miles together. But the country folk have so disfigured the inscriptions, that although I did see many, yet could I scarce read one or two of them. At Salesbury hall, an house of that ancient family of the Talbots, standing near by, I saw the base or foot of a pillar with this inscription. DEO MARTI, ET VICTORIAE DD. AUGG. ET. CC— NN In a wall near unto it, there is another great stone infixed, showing in the forepart Cupid and another little image; out of the backside or reverse whereof this was exemplified for me: but the inscription carrieth no sense with it, which because it troubled me a long time, I will set down here underneath, to see what the opinion of other men is of it. SEOESAM ROLNASON OSALVEDN AL. Q. Q. SAR. BREVENM BEDIANIS ANTONI US MEG. VI IC. DOMU ELITER. For mine own part, I can make nothing else thereof, but that most of these words were the British names of places adjoining. In the year 1603. when I went a second time to see this place, I happened upon the greatest and fairest Altar that ever I saw, dedicated to the Mother Goddesses by a Captain of the Asturians, with this inscription. DEISMATRIBUS M. In the house of Thomas Rhodes. INGENVIUS ASIATICUS * Haply, Decúrio Alae Asturum, susceptum solvit (●. votum) libens, lubens, meritò. DEC. AL. AST. SS. LL. M. Concerning these DEABUS, Deae Matres. Mother Goddesses. See in the Bishopric of Durham. Plutarch in M. Marcellus. or THIS MATRIBUS, that is, Mother's Goddesses, what they were I cannot find out with all my searching: for in the volumes of Inscriptions gathered through the world, save in another Altar beside found among us, they are not mentioned, as far as I remember. Only I read that Enguium, a little town in Sicily, was ennobled for the presence of the MOTHER GODDESSES, wherein were showed certain spears and brazen helmets, which Metio and Ulysses consecrated to those Goddesses. Another little Altar I saw there, cast out among rubbish stone, with this inscription. PACIFE RO MARTI ELEGAUR BASILIUS POS UIT EX VO TO. So small a one this was, that it may seem to have been some poor man's little altar to carry with him to and fro, serving only to burn and offer incense or salt, and meal upon it: whereas that other was far bigger, and made for to sacrifice and offer greater beasts upon it. Altars of the Gentiles. Genes. 8. In these altars the posterity no doubt imitated Noah, even after they had fallen away and revolted from the true worship of God. Neither erected they altars to their Gods only, but also unto their Emperors by way of servile flattery, with this impious title, NUMINI MAIESTATIQUE EORUM, that is, unto their GODHEAD and Majesty. Unto these they kneeled in humble manner, these they clasped about and embraced as they prayed, before these they took their oaths: and in one word, in these and in their sacrifices consisted the main substance of all their religion, so far forth, that whosoever had no altar of their own, they were thought verily to have no religion, nor to acknowledge any God at all. Moreover, very lately, and but the other day, a stone was digged up here, wherein was engraven the naked portrait or image of a man on horseback, without saddle, without bridle, with both hands seeming to lance his spear, and ready to ride over a naked man lying down along at his foot, who holdeth before I wot not what four square piece. Between the horse and him that lieth along are these letters D.M. and under him so lying, are read these words CAL. SARMATA. Haply C. Al. for Centurio Alae Sarmatarum. All the letters beside, which were many, are so worn out and gone, that they could not be read, neither list I to guess any farther what they were. That ALA SARMATARUM, that is, a wing of Sarmatian horsemen abode in this place, it may seem, as well by that former inscription, as by this, that many years before was found hard by. HIS. TERRIS. TEGITUR. AEL. MATRONA QUEEN— Out of William Lambards' notes. VIX. AN. XXVIII. M. II. D. VIII. ET. M. JULIUS MAXIMUS. FIL. VIX. AN. VI M. III. D. XX. ET CAM PANIA. DUBBA. MATER VIX. AN. L. JULIUS. MAXIMUS — ALAE. SAR. CONJUX CONJUGI. INCOMPARABILI ET. FILIO. PATRI. PIENTIS SIMO. ET SOCERAE. TENA CISSIMAE MEMORIAE. P. But hence have we no light at all toward the finding out of the ancient name of this place which now is in question, unless it hath now and then changed the name, which otherwhiles usually happeneth. For in this place Ptolemy hath set RIGODUNUM: if for RIBODUNUM, Ribodunum. the name is not altogether unlike to Ribbechester: and just at this distance from Mancunium, Coccium. that is, Manchester, that is to say 18. miles off, doth Antonine place COCCIM, which also in some copies we read GOCCIUM. But when the flourishing fortune of this City, having run the full and fatal period, was faded, either by war, or earthquake, as the common sort do think, somewhat lower where Ribell suffereth the violence of the flowing tides of the Sea, and is called of the Geographer BELLISAMA AESTUARIUM, that is, the salt-water BELLISAMA, near unto Peneworth, Pennyworth, otherwise called Penverdant. Preston. where in the Conqueror's reign there was a little castle (as appeareth by the Records of the said King) out of the fall of Riblechester arose in steed of it her daughter Preston, a great, and (for these Countries) a fair town, & well inhabited, so called of religious men; for in our speech the name soundeth as much as Priest's town. Beneath this Ribell, Derwen a rill cometh in with his water: and the first market town that he watereth is Blacke-borne, so called of the Blackewater, which town belonging in times passed to the Lacies, gave name unto Blackburne-shire, a little territory adjoining; Houghton. from thence it runneth by Houghton-towre, which communicated the name unto a notable family that long time dwelled in it: and by Waleton, which William, Walton. Lord of Lancaster, King Stephen's son, gave unto Walter de Walton: and afterward it was the possession of the ancient race of the Langtons, who descended from the said Waltons. But now let us return. The said Preston whereof I spoke, is by the common people called Preston in Andernesse, for Acmundes-nesse, Andernesse. for so the English Saxons termed this part of the shire, which lying between the two rivers, Ribel and Cocar, stretcheth out with a promontory in manner of a nose, which afterwards they also called Acmundernesse. Wherein were no more but 16. villages inhabited in King William the Conqueror's time; the rest lay waste, as we read in Doomsday book, and Roger of Poitiers held the same. But afterwards it belonged to Theobald Walter: from whom the Bottelers of Ireland derive their beginning: for thus we read in a Charter of K. Richard the first, Know ye, that we have given, and by this present Charter confirmed unto Theobald Walter, for his homage and service, Agmondernesse full and whole, with all the appertenences, etc. This part yieldeth plenty of oats, but not so apt to bear barley. Howbeit it is full of fresh pastures, especially to the sea side, where it is partly Champion ground, The file. and thereupon it seemeth that a good part of it is called The File, for the Field (and yet in the King's Rolls it goeth under the Latin name LIMA, that is, a File, namely, that Smiths tool or instrument wherewith Iron, or any other thing is smoothed.) But because elsewhere it is marish ground, they hold it not very wholesome. Wie, a little river speedily cutting over this part, cometh rolling down out of Wierdale, Grenhaugh crystle. a very solitary place, and runneth by Grenhaugh Castle, which Thomas Stanley, the first Earl of Derby out of this family, built: what time as he stood in fear of certain outlawed Gentlemen of this shire, whose possessions King Henry the seventh had freely given unto him. For many an assault they gave him, and other while in hostile manner made inroads into his lands, until the moderate carriage of the good and worthy man, and process of time pacified these quarrels. Here along the sea shore, A new man of making 〈◊〉. you may see in many places heaps of sand, whereupon they pour water, until it gather a saltish humour, which afterwards with turfs they boil until it be white salt. There be also here uncertain sands not to be trusted, but ready to catch and swallow (they call them Quicksands) so dangerous for travellers, whiles at a low water, when tide is past, they seek to go the nearest way, that they had need to take very good heed lest in going a foot (I use Sidonius his words) they suffer not shipwreck, and be cast away on the land. But especially about the mouth of Cocar, Quicksands. where, as it were, in a field of Syrts or Quicksands, Cokar sand Abbey, an Abbey not long since of the Cluniack Monks, built by Ranulph de Meschines, but open to the violence of winds, stood between the mouths of Cocar and Lune or Lone, The river Lu●● or Lone. Salmon. and hath a bleak prospect into the wide Irish sea. This river Lone, commonly called Lune, springing out of the mountains of Westmoreland, running Southward in a channel now broad, now narrow, with many a reach in and out hindering his stream, enricheth the dwellers thereby in Summer time with great store of Salmon: which because they delight in clear water, and especially in shallow places that are sandy, come up thick together into this, and other rivers of this coast. As soon as Lune is entered into Lancashire, Lace, a little brook from out of the East, Overburrow joineth his stream with it. In which place now standeth Over-Burrow, a very small village of husbandmen; which, as the inhabitants informed me, had been sometimes a great City, and took up all those large fields between Lacce and Loan, and after it had suffered all miseries that follow famine, was driven to composition through extremity. This tradition they received from their ancestors, delivered as it were from hand to hand unto them. And in very truth by diverse and sundry monuments exceeding ancient, by engraven stones, pavements of square chequer work, pieces of Roman coin, and by this new name Burrow, which with us signifieth a Burgh, that place should seem to be of great antiquity. But if it recover the ancient name, it may thank other and not me, although I have sought as narrowly, and diligently for it, as for Aunt's paths: neither is any man to think, that the several names of every town in Britain are precisely noted and set done in Ptolomee, Antonine, The Notice of Provinces, and other approved and principal Authors. But if a man may go by guess, I would willingly think that it was BREMETONACUM (which Jerome Surita, a Spaniard, in his notes upon Antonine, Bremetonacum. or Riblechester deemeth truly to be a different place from BREMENTURACUM) and that by the distance from COCCIUM, or Riblechester. From this Burrow the river Lune runneth beside Thurland Tunstalls, a fortress built by Sir Thomas Tunstall in the time of King Henry the fourth, when the King had given him Licence to fortify and kernel his mansion house; Kernellare what it is. Hornby castle Baron's Mon●●Eagle. that is, to embatle it: also by Hornby a fair castle, which glorieth much of the first founder, N. de Mont Begun, and of the Lords thereof, The harrington's and Stanleys', Barons Stanleyes of Mont-Eagle, descended from Thomas Stanley, the first Earl of Derby of that house, and advanced to that title by King Henry the eighth, of whom the third and the last named William, left behind him his only daughter and heir, Elizabeth, wife to Edward Parker Baron Morley, mother to Sir William Parker, whom in that regard King James commanded to be summoned to Parliament by the title of Lord Mont-Eagle, and whom we and all our posterity may acknowledge to have been borne for the good of all Britain. For, by a short letter, obscurely penned, and secretly sent unto him, and by him dutifully discovered, in a happy hour was detected, at the very last hour, in a manner, when the whole State was at the point to perish by the most horrible and detestable treason, that ever any barbarous impiety could contrive: what time certain godless and irreligious monsters of men, The Gunpowder treason. masking under the mantle of religion, having bestowed a great quantity of gunpowder under the Parliament house, stood ready with match in hand to give fire thereto, for to blow up both Prince and Country with one blast in a moment. Lone having passed on some few miles from hence, cometh within the sight of Lancaster, Lancaster. standing on his South bank, the chief town of this region: which the inhabitants more truly call Loncaster, as the Scots also, who name it Loncastell, of the River Lone. Both the name still remaining, and the river running under it, do argue in some sort that it is LONGOVICUM, where, under the Lieutenant General of Britain, as we find in the Notice of Provinces, a company of the Longovicarians, who of the place borrowed that name, kept their station. Although the town at this day is not very well peopled, nor much frequented, and all the inhabitants thereof are given to husbandry (for the territory all round about is well manured, lying open, fresh and fair, and not void of woods:) yet for proof of Roman antiquity, they find otherwhiles pieces of the Emperor's coin, especially where the Friary stood: for there, they say, was the plot upon which the ancient City was planted, which the Scots, after they had with a sudden out-road wasted all in their way, in the year of our Redemption 1322. set on fire and burnt. Since which time they have begun to build nearer unto a green hill by the river side, on which standeth the castle, great I cannot say, nor of any antiquity, but fair and strong. And hard by it standeth upon the height of the hill, the only Church they have, where the Monks aliens had in times past a cell founded by Roger of Poitiers. A little beneath which, by a fair bridge over Lone, in the descent and side of the hill where it is steepest, hangeth a piece of a most ancient wall of Roman work, seeming ready to reel; Weary wall they call it, after a later British name, as it should seem, of this town. For they called it Caer Werid, as one would say, The Green City, happily of that fresh green hill. But I leave this to others. John Lord of Moriton and of Lancaster, afterwards King of England, confirmed by Charter to his Burgesses of Lancaster, all the liberties which he had granted unto the Burgesses of Bristol. And King Edward the third in the six and thirtieth year of his reign, granted unto the Mayor and Bailives, and Commonalty of the town of Lancaster, that Pleas and Sessions should not elsewhere be holden. This town seeth the Pole Arctic (that I may note so much) elevated four and fifty degrees and five minutes, and standeth removed from the utmost line of the West, twenty degrees and forty eight minutes in Longitude. Whiles I looked round about from the top of the said castle hill, to see the mouth of Lone, Fournesse. that issueth itself into the sea a little lower, Fornesse the other part of this shire appeared in sight, which the sea hath after a sort violently rend apart from the rest. For when as the shore did from hence shoot out a main way into the West, the Ocean, as it were much displeased and angry hereat, obstinately ceased not to flash and mangle it, nay, which is more, hath with his fell flowing at boisterous tides devoured the shore: and thereby maketh three wide cre●kes or bays; namely, Kentsand, at which the river Ken poureth itself forth; Levensand, and Duddensand: between which (two) the land beareth out so much, that thereupon it took the name. For with us in our language, Fornesse & Foreland is all one with the Latin Promontorium anterius (that is, a Fore-promontory.) All this part, unless it be hard by the sea side, mounteth up aloft with high topped hills, and huge fells standing thick together (which they term Forness-fells. Among which the Britan's lived safe a great while, trusting upon these strong natural fences: although the victorious English Saxons made way through all in the end. For in the year 228. after there coming in, I gather that the Britan's had their abode here, because Egfride King of Northumberland, Carthmell. gave unto Holy Saint Cuthbert, the land called Carthmell, and all the Britan's in it (thus we find written in his life) and it is very well known that Carthmell is a part of this shire by Kentsand, and a little town in it retaineth yet the same name: Wherein William marshal the elder, Earl of Pembroch built a Priory, and endowed it with living. If you read in Ptolomee SETANTIORUM 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Setantians Mere, as some Copies have; and not Setantiorum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Setantians Haven, I durst boldly avouch that these Britan's here were called SETANTII. For among these mountains the greatest standing water in all England, now called Winander-mere; Winander-mere. in the English Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (haply of his winding and turning in and out) lieth stretched out for the space of ten miles or thereabout with crooked banks, and is all paved (as it were) with stone in the bottom: in some places of wonderful depth, and breeding a peculiar kind of fish found no where else, The fish Chare. which the inhabitants there by call A Chare. And a little village standing hard by carrieth the name thereof: In which Eathred King of Northumberland, in the year of Christ 792. when he had by force fetched King Elfwolds sons out of York, slew them, that by his own wickedness, and their blood, he might secure the Kingdom to himself and his. Betwixt this Mere and the river Dudden, the promontory runneth out, which we commonly call Fornesse, and hath the Island Walney, as a fore-fence or countremure lying along by it, with a small arm of the sea between: The gullet or entry into which is defended with a fort, called the Pile of Fouldrey, standing in the midst of the waves upon a rock, erected there by the Abbot of Fornesse, in the first year of King Edward the third. As for the Promontory itself, The book of Fournesse. there is nothing worth the sight in it, unless it be the ruins of a monastery of Cistertian Monks, called Fornesse Abbey, which Stephen Earl of Bullen, afterwards King of England, in the year of our redemption 1127. built in a place called sometimes Bekensgill, or translated rather from Tulket in Andernesse. Out of the Monks whereof, and from no place else (as they themselves have reported) the Bishops of the Isle of Man (that lieth just over against) were by an ancient custom wont to be elected: as having been the mother (as it were) of many Monasteries in the said Man, Aldingham. harrington's. and in Ireland. More Eastward standeth Aldingham, an ancient hereditament belonging to the family of the Haveringtons, or harrington's, unto whom it came from the Flemings, by the Cancefelds; and whose inheritance descended by a daughter unto William Bonvill of Somersetshire, and at last by him unto the Greys, Marquesses of Dorset. And somewhat higher is Ulverston, in this regard not to be passed over in silence, for that King Edward the third gave a moiety thereof unto Sir John Coupland, a most brave warrior: whom also he advanced to the dignity of a Banaret, because in the battle at Durham, he took David the second King of the Scots prisoner. But after his decease, the same King granted it with other fair lands in this tract, and the title also of Earl of Bedford, unto Ingelram Lord Coucy of France, as who had married his daughter Isabel, and whose ancestors in right of Christiana Lindsey, had great revenues in England. Touching the noble men which have borne the title of Lancaster, Lords of La●●caster. there were in the first infancy of the Norman Empire three styled Lords of the Honour of Lancaster: namely, Roger of * Pictavensis, or of Poitiers Poictou, the son of Roger Mont-gomery, who was surnamed Pictavensis, as William of Malmesbury writeth, because he had married a wife from out of Poictou in France. But when he had by his perfidious disloyalty lost this honour, William the son of King Stephen, and Earl of Moriton and Warren, had the same given unto him by his Father. After whose death King Richard the first bestowed it upon his brother John, who was afterward King of England. For thus we read in an old History: King Richard declared his singular love to his brother john. For beside Ireland, Walter Hemingford. Ro. Hoveden pag. 373. b. and the Earldom of Moriton in Normandy, he heaped upon him so many dignities in England, that he was in manner a Tetrarch there: Finally, he conferred upon him Cornwall, Lancaster, Nottingham, Derby, with the country adjoining, and many more beside. A good while after King Henry the third, the son of John, first advanced Edmund his second son, called by some Crouth-backe, to the title of Earl of Lancaster, unto whom he conveyed and made over the inheritances and honours of Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester, Robert Ferrars Earl of Derby, and John of Monmouth, because they had risen, and rebelliously born arms against him: and he gave this Honour of Lancaster unto him in these words, The Honour, County, Castle and Town of Lancaster, with the Cow-pastures, & forests of Wiresdale, & Lownsdale, New castle under Lime, the manor, forest, and Castle of Pickering, the manor of Scaleby, the town of Gomicester, and the rents of the town of Huntendon, etc. After he the said Edmund had miss the kingdom of Sicily, in which the Pope had invested him in vain by a ring, and not without ridiculous disgrace to the English nation, caused in honour of him certain pieces of gold to be stamped, with this title, AIMUNDUS REX SICILIAE, Earl of Lancaster, King of Sicily. having first cunningly sucked a great mass of money from the credulous King in this regard. This Edmund (when his first wife Avelina, daughter and heir to William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, was dead issueless, who nevertheless in her Will had made him her heir) married Blanch of Artois, of the royal family of France, to his second wife, and by her had Thomas, Henry, and John, that died an infant. Thomas was the second Earl of Lancaster, who took to wife Alice, the only daughter and heir of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln: who by her deed passed over unto the house of Lancaster her own inheritance, and her mothers, that which belonged to the family of Long Espee, who were Earls of Salisbury, like as her father the said Henry Lacie had made the like conveyance before of his own lands, in case Alice should dye without issue, as it afterward happened. But this Thomas, for behaving himself insolently toward his sovereign Edward the second, and still supplying fuel to civil wars, being taken prisoner in the field, lost his head, leaving no issue. Howbeit, when this sentence of death pronounced against him, was afterwards by authority of Parliament reversed, because he had not his trial by his Peers, according to the Law, and great Charter, his brother Henry succeeded after him in all his possessions and honours. He also was advanced in estate by his wife Maude, daughter and sole heir of Sir Patrick * De Cadurcis. Chaworth, who brought unto him not only her own patrimony, but also great inheritances in Wales, of Mauric of London, and of Siward, from whom she descended. This Henry left behind him Henry his only son, whom King Edward the third from an Earl raised unto the honour of a Duke: Dukes of Lancaster. and he was second man of all our Nobility which received the name of Duke. But he, having no issue male, departed this life, leaving behind him two daughters, Maude and Blanch, between whom the inheritance was divided. Maud was married to William of Bavaria, who was Earl of Holland, Zealand, Friesland, Henault, and in his wives right, of Leicester. And when as she deceased without children, John of Gaunt, so called because he was borne at Gaunt in Flanders, fourth son of King Edward the third, who had married Blanch, the other daughter of Henry aforesaid, entered upon the whole inheritance: and now being for wealth equivalent to many Kings, and created withal by his father Duke of Lancaster, he obtained also at his hands great royalties; for he, having related what noble service he had performed to his country, at home and abroad in the wars, preferred the County of Lancaster to the dignity of a County Palatine, by his letters Patent, the tenor whereof runneth in this wise. We have granted for us and our heirs, unto our foresaid son, that he may have for term of his life, his Chancery within the County of Lancaster, and his writs to be sealed under his own seal to be appointed for the office of the Chancellor: also justices of his own, as well to hold Pleas of the Crown, as also other pleas whatsoever touching common Law: also the hearing and deciding of the same, yea and the making of all executions whatsoever, by virtue of their own writs and officers there. Moreover, all other liberties and Royalties whatsoever to a County Palatine belonging, as freely and in as ample manner, as the Earl of Chester within the same County of Chester is known to have etc. Neither was he Duke of Lancaster only, but also by his marriage with Constance the daughter of Peter King of Leon and Castille, John of Gau King of Castille. he for a time was styled by the name of King of Leon and of Castille. But by a composition he gave this over; and in the thirteenth year of King Richard the Second, by consent of Parliament was created Duke of Aquitaine, to have and hold the same for term of life of the King of England, as King of France: but to the universal dislike of Aquitaine, repining, and affirming that their Seignory was inseparably annexed to the Crown of England. At which time his style ran thus, john, son to the King of England, Duke of Aquitaine and of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester, and high Steward of England. After him, King Henry the fourth. Henry of Bollinbroke his son succeeded in the Dukedom of Lancaster, who when he had dispossessed Richard the second, and obtained the Kingdom of England; he considering that being now King he could not bear the title of Duke of Lancaster, and unwilling that the said title should be discontinued, ordained by assent of Parliament, that Henry his eldest son should enjoy the same, and be styled, Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitain, Lancaster, and Cornwall, and Earl of Chester: and also that the liberties and franchises of the Duchy of Lancaster, should remain to his said son severed from the Crown of England: and to make better assurance to himself, his heirs and successors in these inheritances, by authority of Parliament he ordained in these words. Parliament Roll 1. H. 4. We, not willing that our said inheritance, or the liberties of the same, by occasion of this present assumption upon us of our regal state & dignity, should be in any thing changed, transferred, diminished, or impaired, will that the same our inheritance, with the foresaid rights and liberties thereof, be kept, continued, and held fully and wholly, to us & our said heirs in the said Charters specified, in the same manner and form, condition and state, as they descended and came unto us: and also with all and every such liberties and franchises, and other privileges, commodities, and profits whatsoever, in which our Lord and father whiles he lived had and held it for term of his own life, by the grant of Richard late King. And by the tenor of these presents, of our own certain knowledge, with the consent of this our present Parliament, we grant, declare, decree, and ordain for us and our heirs, that as well our Duchy of Lancaster, as all other things and every one, Counties, Honours, Castles, Manors, Fees, or Inheritances, Advocations, Possessions, Annuities, and Seignories whatsoever, descended unto us before the obtaining of our Regal dignity, howsoever & wheresoever, by right of inheritance in service, or in reversion, or any way whatsoever, remain for ever to us and our said heirs, specified in the Charters abovesaid, in form aforesaid. After this, K. Henry the fifth by authority of Parliament dissevered from the crown and annexed unto this Duchy a very great and large inheritance, which had descended unto him in right of his mother Dame Mary, who was daughter and one of the heirs of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford. In this form and estate it remained under Henry the fifth, and Henry the sixth: but King Edward the fourth in the first year of his reign, when he had in Parliament attainted and forfeited Henry the sixth, appropriated it, as they use to speak, unto the Crown, that is to say, unto himself, and his heirs Kings of England: From which King Henry the seventh notwithstanding forthwith separated. And so it continueth, having several officers, namely, A Chancellor, an Attorney, a Receiver, a Clerk of the Court, six Assistants, a Messenger, two Auditors, 23. Receivers, and three Supervisors, etc. There are counted in this shire, beside very many Chapels, Parishes 36. and no more: but those wonderful populous, and which for multitude of inhabitants, far exceed the greatest parishes elsewhere. WESTMORLANDIAE Comitatus qui olim Spectaint ad BRIGANTAS WESTMORELAND. BEYOND the furthest part of Lancashire more Northward, lieth another lesser country of the brigants, called by late Latin writers Westmaria, and Westmorlandia, in our tongue West-more-land, and of some later Latin writers Westmoria: bounded on the West and North side with Cumberland, on the East with Yorkshire, and the Bishopric of Durham. Which because it lieth all of it among moors and high hills reaching one to another (for our Apennine waxeth here broader and broader still as it runneth) and was for the most part un-manured, came by this name in our language. For such barren places, which cannot easily by the painful labour of the husbandman be brought to fruitfulness, the Northern Englishmen call Moores: and West-more-land is nothing else with us, but A western moorish country. Let that dream therefore as touching King Marius, be excluded out of the school of reverend antiquity, who forsooth, as our Chroniclers have dreamt, subdued the Picts, and called this country after his own name. The more Southerly part of this shire, contained in a narrow room between the river Lone and Winander mere, is reputed fruitful enough in the valleys, although it can show many fells, The Barony of Kendale. with rough and stony rocks, lying ever bare without grass: and is all termed by one name, The Barony of Kendale and Candale, that is, The Dale by Can: for it took name of the river Can, which running rough upon stones, cutteth through it. On the west bank whereof standeth Kandale or Kendale, called also Kirke by Kandale, a town of very great trade and resort, with two broad and long streets crossing the one over the other; and a place for excellent clothing, and for industry so surpassing, that in regard thereof it carrieth a great name: For the inhabitants have great traffic and vent of their woollen clothes throughout all parts of England. Lords of Kendale. History of Fournesse. They count it also much for their credit, that it hath dignified Barons and Earls with the title thereof. As for their Barons, they were the offspring of Iuo Taleboys: of whose race, William, by consent of King Henry the second, called himself William of Lancaster, The family o● Lancaster. whose Niece and heir was wedded unto Gilbert, the son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid, by whose daughters (after her son William was dead) the inheritance went to Peter Brus, Lord of Skelton, the second of that forename, and unto William Lindesay; L. Par of Kendale. from whom by the mother's side, as we learn out of the Lieger book of Fornesse Abbey, Ingelram Lord of Coucy in France, fetched his descent. By which Peter Brus his daughter, the sister and heir of Peter Brus the third, came this Barony to the Rosses of work, and from them by right of inheritance this possession was devolved upon the Parres, of whom Sir William Par was made Lord Par by King Henry the eighth. As for the Castle, the ancient seat of these Lords, standing over against the town, it runneth to decay through age and neglect. As for Earls of Kendale, Earls of Ke●dale. there have been three in number: John Duke of Bedford, advanced to that honour by his brother King Henry the fifth: John Duke of Somerset: and John de Foix, of that most noble and honourable family of the Foix in France, whom King Henry the sixth, for his faithful service in the French wars, had preferred to that dignity. Whence perhaps it is, that some of this house of Foix in France, retain the name still of Candale. As for any glory else of antiquity, Kendal to my knowledge challengeth none. And yet I was once of opinion, that it was CONCANGII, a station place sometimes of the Romans; but time hath now instructed me better. Catadupe or Forses. Somewhat beneath, in the river Can, are two Catadupae, or water falls, where the waters have a downfall with a mighty noise: the one is by Levens, a little village; the other more Southward, near to Betham; which to the neighbour inhabitants are as good as true prognostications: for when that which standeth North from them soundeth more clear and aloud in their ears, they look certainly for fair weather: when that on the South side doth the same, they expect no other than showers of rain, and foggy mists. Thus much for the South and narrower part of this region, which Westward is bounded with the river Winster, and the spacious Lake Winander-mere, whereof I spoke erewhile, and Eastward with the river Lone or Lune. At the upper corner of Winander-mere lieth the dead carcase, as one would say, of an ancient City, with great ruins of walls, and many heaps of rubbish one from another, remaining of buildings without the walls yet to be seen. The fortress thereof was somewhat long, fenced with a ditch and rampire; for it took up in length 132. els, and in breadth 80. That it had been the Romans work is evident, by the British bricks, by the mortar tempered with little pieces of brick among, by small earthen pots or pitchers, by small cruets or vials of glass, by pieces of Roman money oftentimes there found, and by round stones as much as millstones or quernstones, of which laid and couched together they framed in old time their columns, and by the paved high ways leading unto it. Now the ancient name thereof is gone, Ambleside. Amboglana. unless a man would guess at it, and think it were that AMBOGLANA, whereof the book of Notices maketh mention, seeing at this day it is called Ambleside. On the East side the river Lone serveth for a limit, and after his name the tract lying about it is called Lonsdale: the principal town whereof is Kirkby Lonsdale, whither all the people round about repair to Church and market. Above the Springhead of Lone, the country spreadeth broader, and the hills shoot out with many turnings, between which there lie some valleys marvellous steep and deep withal, with many hollow places in manner of caves. Among these hills that notable river Eden, which Ptolomee calleth ITUNA, showing his head first in Yorkshire, carrying a small and faint stream in the beginning, but afterwards growing by little and little bigger, with sundry becks still augmenting it, seeketh a way Northwest, by Pendragon Castle, which hath nothing left unto it unconsumed by time, besides the bare name, Baron Whatton. and an heap of stones: From thence he passeth by Wharton Hall, the seat of the Barons Wharton; of whom the first was Sir Thomas Wharton, advanced to that dignity by King Henry the Eighth, whom succeeded his son of the same name; and after him Philip that now liveth, the third Baron, a right honourable person. Afterwards it runneth down by Kirkby Stephen, a market town well known, and both the Musgraves, two little villages, which gave name unto that martial and warlike family of the Musgraves: out of which in the reign of King Edward the third, Thomas Musgrave flourished, and was by solemn writ of summons called to the Parliament in the rank of Barons: and these Musgraves had their principal habitation in Heart'ly castle adjoining. Heart'ly castle. here Eden doth, as it were, make stay with his stream, to give meeting unto other petty rivers: upon one of which, scarce two miles off from Eden itself, stood VERTERAE, a town of ancient memory, mentioned by Antonine the Emperor, and the book of Notices: wherein it is notified, that in the declining age of the Roman Empire, a Roman Captain made his abode there, with a band of the Directores. But now the town is decayed, and become a small poor village fenced with a little Fortress, and the name turned into Burgh, for it is commonly named * Burgus subs●xeto. Burgh under Stanmore. Burgus. Vegetius lib. 4. cap. 10. Burgh under Stanemore. For in the time of the later Emperors (and willing I am to note so much once for all) little castles, meet for war occasions, and furnished with store of corn, began to be termed Burgi, that is, burgh's, by a new name: which after that the Empire was translated into the East, the Germans and others may seem to have borrowed of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hence also came the name of Burgundians, because they inhabited burgh's; for so in that age they used to call those dwelling places which were planted here and there, along limits and marches. Neither have I read any thing else of that Burgh, but that in the beginning of the Norman government, the Northern English conspired here against William the Conqueror. That this Burgh was VERTERAE, I dare be bold to affirm, because the distance thereof from Levatrae of the one side, and from Brovonacum on the other, being reduced into Italian miles, doth exactly agree with Antonines numbers: and for that the high street of the Romans, as yet evidently apparent by the ridges thereof, leadeth this way to BROVONACUM by ABALLABA, whereof mention is made in the book of Notices, which hath hitherto kept the ancient name so well, that it doth most evidently descry and show itself, yea in some sort remove all doubt. Aballaba. Apelby. For we call it short in steed of ABALLABA Apelby. Memorable is it, for the antiquity and situation only. In the Romans time, no doubt, the Aurelian Maures kept a station there. It standeth also in a pleasant site, encompassed for the most part with the river Eden: but so slenderly inhabited, and the building so simple, that were it not that by reason of the antiquity it had deserved to be counted the chief town of the shire, and to have Sessions and Assizes kept in the castle, which is the common gaol for malefactors, it would be little better than a village. For all the beauty of it is in one broad street, which from North to South riseth with an easy ascent of the hill: in the upper part whereof standeth the castle aloft, environed wholly almost with the river. In the neither end of it is the Church, and thereby a school, which Robert Langton and Miles Spenser, Doctors of the law founded; the Master whereof is Reginald Bainbrige, a right learned man, who governeth the same with great commendation; and who of his courtesy hath exemplified for me many antique inscriptions, and brought some hither into his garden. Neither verily was it for nought, that William of Newborrough calleth this town and Burgh Princely holds, where he writeth that William King of Scots, surprised them on the sudden, a little before himself was taken prisoner at Alnewick. Which King John afterwards having recovered, gave liberally unto Robert Vipont, in consideration of his singular good service to him and the state. From hence the river with his full course passeth directly Northwest by Buley, a castle of the Bishops of Carlisle; and by Kirby Thore, under which are seen great ruins of an old town, and pieces of Roman coin otherwhiles digged up; and not long since this inscription. DEO BELATV CADRO LIB VOTV M. FECIT. JOLUS. But tract of time hath quite outworn the old name, and it is called at this day Whealop-Castle. Whellep castle. Gallatum. If I might without prejudice to the Judges of antiquity, I would say it were GALLAGUM mentioned by Ptolomee, which Antonine nameth GALLATUM, the distance of journey's accord so well, and the name doth not altogether gainsay. For what words the Britan's began with GALL, the English turned into Wall. Thus they called GALENA Wallingford, and Gall Sever Wall of Sever, Gall dour Wall-broke, etc. Doubtless it was a place in old time of better note, seeing that from hence there leadeth a paved street (Maiden way they call it) to Caer Vorran near the Picts wall, Maiden way. 20. miles or thereabouts in length, by fells, wastes, and moors. Along which street I would willingly think, were placed those Stations and Mansions mentioned by Antonine in the ninth journey of Britain; although no man is able precisely to say in what places they stood: and no marvel, considering that time, which devoureth and consumeth all things, hath continually fed upon their carcases so many ages together. Not far from Whellop, hard by Crawdundale, there are evident remains of ditches, trenches, and mounts cast up: and among them this Roman inscription (the draught whereof Reginald Bainbrig before named, head schoolmaster of Applebey, took out for me) was engraven in a craggy rock, the forepart of which was quite eaten out with continuance of time, or thrust out by the root of a tree there growing. — VARRONIUS— ECTUS LEG. XX. V. V.— AEL. LUCANUS— P. LEG. II. AUG. C. That is to say, by my reading— Varronius Praefectus legionis vicesimae valentis victricis— Aelius Lucanus Praefectus legionis secundae Augustae, castrametati sunt— Varronius captain of the xx. legion valens victrix— Aelius Lucanus Captain of the second legion Augusta, encamped, or did some such thing. For the twentieth legion called Valens victrix, which kept resience at DEVA, that is, Westchester: and the second legion named Augusta, that abode at ISCA, that is, Caer-Leon in Wales, may seem to have been employed against the enemies in these parts, and here to have stayed and kept their standing camp for a time, and that their Captains or Colonel's in memorial hereof engraved this upon the crag. The just time I may not easily set down. Yet to the pointing out of the very time, there remain to be seen in a rock there by, these great capital letters engraven, CN. OCT. COT. COSS. But in the Consular Rolls among all the Pairs of Consuls, I can meet with no such names. Yet have I observed thus much, that from the time of Severus unto Gordian and afterwards, the letter A. in all the inscriptions of that age, every where in this Island, wanteth the overthwart little line or stroke, and is made thus, A. for A. A. Eden holdeth on his course from hence, not far from howgil castle, belonging to the family of the Sandfords: but the Roman highway goeth strait into the West by Whinfield, Northern men call that a whin, which the Southern men a burr. Brovoniacum. Brougham. a large Park shaded with trees, hard by BROVONIACUM, standing twenty Italian miles, or seventeen English miles from VERTERAE, as Antonine hath set it, who also hath called it Brovocum, like as the book of Notices, Broconiacum; which specifieth, that a company or band of Defensors had here their abode. The beauty and buildings of this town although time hath consumed, yet the name remaineth almost untouched, for we call it Brogham. Here the river Eimot, flowing out of a great lake, & for a good space dividing this shire from Cumberland, receiveth the river Loder into it: near unto the spring head whereof, hard by Shape, in times past Hepe, a little monastery built by Thomas the son of Gospatrick, son of Orms, there is a Well or Fountain, which after the manner of Euripus ebbeth and floweth many times in a day: also there be huge stones in form of Pyramids, some 9 foot high, and fourteen foot thick, ranged directly as it were in a row, for a mile in length, with equal distance almost between: which may seem to have been pitched and erected for to continue the memorial of some act there achieved; but what the same was, by the injury of time it is quite forgotten. Hard by Loder, there is a place bearing the same name, which, like as Stricland near unto it, hath imparted their names to families of ancient gentry and worship. Somewhat above, where Loder and Eimot meet in one channel, in the year of our Lord 1602. there was a stone gotten out of the ground, erected in the honour of Constantine the Great, with these words. IMP. C. VAL. CONSTANTINO * Pientissimo Augusto. PIENT. AUG. When Eimot hath served a good while for a limit between this shire and Cumberland, near unto Isan-parles, Isan-parles. a rock full well known unto the neighbour inhabitants, whereunto nature hath left difficult passage, and there framed sundry caves, and thosefull of winding cranks, a place of safe refuge in time of danger: he lodgeth himself after some few miles, both with his own stream, and with the waters of other rivers also, in Eden, so soon as he hath entertained Blencarne, a brook that boundeth this county on Cumberland side: near unto which I have heard there be the strange ruins of an old Castle, Hanging walls of Mark Antony. Fines Term. Mich. R. 6. H. 8. Vipounts' Arms. Earls of Westmoreland. the people call them the hanging walls of Marcantoniby, that is, of Mark Antony, as they would have it. As for such as have borne the title of Westmoreland, the first Lord, to my knowledge, was Robert de Vipont, who bore Gules, six Annulets Or in his coat armour. For King John gave unto him the balliwicke and revenues of Westmoreland, by the service of four Knights: whereupon the Cliffords his successors, until our days held the office of the Sherifdome of Westmoreland. For Robert de Vipont, the last of that name, left behind him only two daughters, Isabel wife to Roger Lord Clifford, and Idonea married unto Sir Roger Leybourne. Long time after, K. Richard the second created Ralph Nevil of Raby the first Earl of Westmoreland, a man of the greatest and most ancient birth of English nobility, as descended from Ucthred Earl of Northumberland: whose heirs successively by his former wife Margaret, daughter to the Earl of Stafford, flourished in that honour, until that Charles by his wilful stomach, and wicked conspiracy, casting off his allegiance to Q. Elizabeth, and covering treason under the mantle of religion, most shamefully dishonoured that most noble house, and foully stained his own reputation by actual rebellion, in the year 1599 Whereupon he fled into the Low countries, led a miserable life, and died as miserably. The said first Earl, to note so much incidently, by his second wife Catharine, daughter to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, had so fair issue, and the name of Nevil thereby so greatly multiplied, that almost at one and the same time there flourished out, beside the Earl of Westmoreland, an Earl of Salisbury, an Earl of Warwick, an Earl of Kent, marquis Montacute, a Duke of Bedford, Lord Latimer, and Lord Abergevenny, all Nevils. In this shire are contained Parishes 26. CUMBRIA Sive CVMBERLANDIA Quae olim pars Brigantum CUMBER-LAND. WEstward, Northward from Westmoreland lieth CUMBERLAND, the utmost region this way of the realm of England, as that which on the North side boundeth upon Scotland: on the South side and the West the Irish sea beateth upon it: and Eastward above Westmoreland it butteth upon Northumberland. It took the name of the inhabitants, who were the true and natural Britan's, and called themselves in their own language Kumbri, and Kambri. For the Histories testify, that the Britan's remained here a long time, maugre the English Saxons, howsoever they stormed thereat: yea and Marianus himself recordeth as much, who termed this country Cumbrorum terram, that is, Th● land of the Cumbri, or Britan's: to say nothing of the places, that every where here bear British names, as Caer-Luel, Caer-dronoc, Pen-rith, Pen-rodoc, etc. which most evidently declare the same, and as clearly prove mine assertion. The country, although it be somewhat with the coldest, as lying far North, and seemeth as rough by reason of hills, yet for the variety thereof it smileth upon the beholders, and giveth contentment to as many as travail it. For after the rocks bunching out, the mountains standing thick together rich of metal mines, and between them great meres stored with all kinds of wild foul, you come to pretty hills good for pastorage, and well replenished with flocks of sheep; beneath which again you meet with goodly plains spreading out a great way, yielding come sufficiently. Besides all this, the Ocean driving and dashing upon the shore, affordeth plenty of excellent good fish, and upbraideth, as it were, the inhabitants thereabouts with their negligence, for that they practise fishing no more than they do. The South part of this shire is called Copeland, Copeland. and Coupland, for that it beareth up the head aloft with sharp edged and pointed hills, which the Britan's term Copa: or, as others would have it, named Copeland, as one would say Coperland, of rich mines of copper therein. In this part, at the very mouth of the river Duden, whereby it is severed apart from Lancashire, Millum castle▪ standeth Millum Castle, belonging to the ancient house of the Hodlestones; from whence as the shore fetcheth about with a bent Northward, two rivers very commodiously enclose within them Ravenglasse, Raven-glas. a station or road for ships, where also, as I have learned, were to be ●eene Roman inscriptions: some will have it called in old time Aven-glasse, as one would say, the blue river, and they talk much of King Eueling, Hard-knot near Wrinofe. that here had his Court and royal palace. One of these rivers named Eske springeth up at the foot of Hard-knot, an high steep mountain; in the top whereof were discovered of late huge stones and foundations of a castle, not without great wonder; considering it is so steep and upright, that one can hardly ascend up to it. Somewhat higher, Irt a riveret. Irt a little river maketh way toward the sea, wherein the muscles and cochles, after they have with a kind of yawning or gaping sucked in dew, which they lust after to conceive by, See Pliny. Pearls. bring forth pearls; or, to speak as the Poet doth, Shell-berries; which the inhabitants there by search after at a low water, and our Lapidaries and Jewellers buy of the poor needy people for a little, but sell again at an high rate: of these and such like Marbodaeus seemeth to speak in this verse, Gignis & insignes antiqua Britannia baccas. And Brittany of ancient fame Breeds and brings forth pearls of great name. Now by this time the shore extendeth out more and more, and encloseth Westward, where it maketh a little promontory, which the common sort for Saint Bega call St. Bees. Saint Bees. For Bega, a devout and religious Irish woman, led there a solitary life; unto whose holiness are ascribed certain vain miracles, as the taming of a wild bull, and the procuring of a mighty deep snow, which in the longest summers day by her prayers fell, and lay thick upon the valleys and tops of hills. Scarce a mile hence standeth Egremont Castle on the top of an hill, Egremont castle. Lords of Copeland. Liber Inq. the seat in times passed of William de Meschines, unto whom King Henry the first gave it, to hold by one knight's service, and that he should serve at the King's commandment in the army for Wales and Scotland. Who left behind him a daughter, the wife of William Fitz-Duncan, of the blood royal of Scotland: by whose daughter also the inheritance came into the family of the Lucy's: from them likewise by the Moltons and Fitzwater, the title of Egremont descended unto the Ratcliffes' Earls of Sussex. And yet Sir Thomas Percy, through the favour of King Henry the sixth, enjoyed it for a time, being summoned to the Parliament by the name of Th. Percy of Egremont. From hence the shore drawing itself back by little and little, and as it appeareth by the heaps of rubbish, The sea side fenced. it hath been fortified all along by the Romans, wheresoever there was easy landing. For it was the outmost bound of the Roman Empire, and the Scots lay sorest upon this coast, and infested it most, when (as it were with continual surges of war) they flowed and flocked hither by heaps out of Ireland: Moresby. and certain it is that Moresby, a little village where is a road for ships, was one of these fortifications. For there are many monuments of antiquity, as vaults under the ground, great foundations, many caves, which they use to term Picts-Holes; many fragments of stones with inscriptions engraven in them are there often times found in the ground: of which upon one I read this, LUCIUS' SEVERINUS ORDINATUS, on another, COH. VII. And this Altar I saw lately digged out there, with a little horned image representing Sylvanus, erected to his honour by the second Cohort of the Lingones. Deo Sylvano Cohors secunda Lingonum, cui praest G. Pompeius M. Saturninus. DEO SYLVAN— COH. II. LING CVI PRAEES— G. POMPEIUS M— SATURNIN— As also this fragment, which I. Fletcher Lord of the place transcribed out for me, and sent unto me. —— OB PROSPE. RITATEM CULMINIS INSTITUTI. Morbium. But no stone hitherto hath been found, that assureth us that it was MORBIUM, where the Cataphractarii horsemen, or men at arms served, notwithstanding the name in some sort implieth as much. Neither is Hay-castle which I saw hard by, to be passed over with silence, Hay castle. a place verily to be regarded for antiquity sake, which by report of the inhabitants belonged successively in elder time to Gentlemen surnamed Moresby and Distinton. After this, the river Derwent hideth himself in the Ocean, which having his first beginning in Borrodale, a valley hemmed in with crooked hills, creepeth between the mountains called Derwent Fels; wherein at newland's & elsewhere, copper mines were discovered by Thomas Shurland, Copper or brass mines. and Daniel Hotchstat●er, a Germane of Auspurge, in our days: and yet the same were known before, as appeareth by close rolls of King Henry the third n. 18. Upon the discovery of these mines, there was a memorable case in law between the late QUEEN ELIZABETH of sacred memory, Veins of gold gold and silver. and Thomas Percy Earl of Northumberland, in whose Lordship they were found: but in regard of the Queen's royal prerogative, and for that there were in them veins of gold and silver, they were adjudged to the Queen. But hereby it is well seen how untrue it was, that Cicero wrote in his Epistles unto Atticus: This is for certain known, saith he, that there is not in the Island Britain so much as one scruple of silver. See Ploidens Reports. Neither would Caesar, if he had known of these mines, have written, That the Britan's had use of copper brought in to them from other parts beyond sea, seeing that the mines not only serve all England over, but also afford great plenty beside, that is carried yearly forth of the realm. Here also is commonly found that mineral kind of earth, or hardened glittering stone (we call it Black-lead) with which Painters use to draw their lines, and make pictures of one colour in their first draughts: which whether it be Pnigitis or Melanteria, spoken of by Dioscorides, or Ochre, a kind of earth so burnt with heat, that it becometh black, or whether it were unknown unto the old writers, I cannot certainly aver, and let others for me search it out. Derwent, after it hath passed through these hills, spreadeth abroad into a large lake, Bede termeth it praegrande stagnum, that is, a very great pool, wherein are three Lands eminent above the water: The one hath an house in it of the Ratcliffes, a family of Knight's degree: the second is inhabited by the Dutch Mineral men: the third is thought to be that, wherein, as Bede writeth, Saint Herbert lived an Heremeticall life. On the very skirt of this bottom, in a pleasant soil compassed about with dewy hills; and fenced on the North side with that high mountain Skiddaw, Keswike. lieth Keswike, a little town which King Edward the first made a market, by the procurement of S. Thomas of Derwentwater Lord of the place, from whom it lineally descended to the family of the Ratcliffs: It was well known many years ago by reason of the mines of copper, as we may see in a certain Charter of King Edward the fourth, and is at this day much inhabited by Mineral men, who have here their smelting house by Derwent side, which with his forcible stream, and their ingenuous inventions, serveth them in notable steed for easy bellowes works, hammer works, forge works, and sawing of boards, Skiddaw hill. not without admiration of such as behold it. As for that mountain Skiddaw aforesaid, it riseth up to such an height with two heads like unto Parnassus, and with a kind of emulation beholdeth Scruffel hill before it in Anandale within Scotland, that from these two mountains, according as the misty clouds arise or fall, the people there by dwelling, make their prognostication of the change of weather, and commonly sing this note. If Skiddaw hath a cap, Scruffell wots full well of that. Like as there goes also this usual byword concerning the height as well of this hill, as of other twain in this tract. Skiddaw, Lawellin, and Castic and, Are the highest hills in all England. From hence Derwent sometimes within a narrow channel, other while with a broader stream, speedeth him very fast Northward, to entertain Cockar. Which when they meet, do encompass almost round about Cokarmouth a market town of good wealth, and a castle of the Earls of Northumberland. The town is built fair enough, but standeth somewhat with the lowest between two hills: upon the one of which the Church is seated, and upon the other right over against it, a very strong castle, the gate whereof carrieth in the front the Arms of the Molions, Humfranvills, Lucy's, & Percies. Opposite unto this, beyond the river two miles off, lieth the carcase of an ancient castle, called Papcastle, which by a number of monuments layeth claim to be a Roman antiquity: whether this were Guasmoric, Guasmoric. which, as Ninnius writeth, King Vortigern built near unto Luguballhia, and the Englishmen of old time called Palme-castle, I cannot so easily affirm. Where among many monuments of antiquity, was found a broad vessel of a greenish stone, artificially engraven with little images: which whether it had been a Laver to wash in, or a font, or as one calleth it, Sacrarium Regenerationis, for which purpose it serveth now at Brid-kirke, that is, at S. Brigids' Church hard by, I dare not say. But I have read that Fonts were adorned with the pictures of holy men, to the end that such as were baptised might afterward have before their eyes, whose deeds they were to imitate, as saith Pontius Paulinus. Epist. ad Sever. For in the first plantation of Christianity among the Gentiles, such only as were of full age, after they were instructed in the Principles of Christian Religion, were admitted to Baptism; and that but twice in the year, at Easter and Whitsuntide, Catechumeni, or hearers. except upon urgent necessity. At which times, they which were to be baptised were attired in white garments exorcised, and exsuffled, with sundry ceremonies, which I leave to the learned in Christian antiquities: but this Font we speak of was thus inscribed. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But what they signify, or what nations characters they should be, I know not, let the learned determine thereof. The first and eighth differ not much from that which in the time of the Emperor Constantine the great, Christians used for the name of Christ: the rest in form, though not in sound, come very near unto those which are seen in the tomb of Gormon, a King of the Danes, at jelling in Denmark, the which Peter of Lindeberge did put forth, in the year 1591. These places which erewhile I have named, together with a fourth part of the Barony of Egremond, Wigton, Lewsewater, Aspatric, Uldal, etc. a right fair and goodly inheritance, Maud Lucy (who was the heir of Anthony Molton or de Lucy her brother) gave unto her husband Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland; and albeit she had no issue by him, yet made she the family of the Percies her heirs, upon this condition, That they should bear quarterly the Lucy's Arms, Arms of the Lucy's and Percies. sz. three * Pikes. Luce's Argent in a shield Gueles, with their own Arms: or that I may use the words of the original, On condition, to give their own arms Gueles with three * Luce's. Luce's Argent, together with the Arms of Percy, Or, a Lion Azure quarterly; and the same condition by a fine levied. Afterwards Derwent having gathered his waters into one stream, entereth into the Ocean at Wirkinton, a place famous for taking of Salmon, and now the seat of the ancient family of the Curwens' Knights, Culwen, commonly Curwen. who fetch their descent from Gospatric Earl of Northumberland, and their surname they took by covenant and composition from Culwen a family in Galloway, the heir whereof they had married; and here have they a stately house built Castle-like, and from whom (without offence or vanity be it spoken) myself am descended by the mother's side. From hence some think there was a wall made to defend the shore in convenient places, for four miles, or thereabout, by Stilico the potent Commander in the Roman state, what time as the Scots annoyed these coasts out of Ireland. For thus speaketh Britain of herself, in Claudian. Under Honorius and Arcdius. Me quo que vicinis pereuntem gentibus, in quit, Munivit Stilico, totam cum Scotus Hibernem Movit, & infesto spumavit remige Thetis. And me likewise at hands (quoth she) to perish, through despite Of neighbour-Nations, Stilico fenced against their might, What time the Scots all Ireland moved offensive arms to take, etc. There are also as yet, such continued ruins and broken walls to be seen as far as to Elne Mouth, which river holding no long course, hath at his spring head jerby, a good big market town standing upon it. I judge it to have been that ARBEIA, where the Baccarii Tigrienses kept their standing guard: and at his mouth Elenborrough, that is, the Burgh upon Elen, where the first band of the Dolmatians together with their Captain in old time made their abode. The near resemblance of the name Elenborough with OLENACUM, where the First Herculean Wing lay in Garrison in the time of Theodosius the younger, Olenacum. is some motive to think that this was that OLENACUM, but yet I dare not affirm it. Seated it was upon the height of a hill, and hath a goodly prospect far into the Irish sea: but now Corn grows where the town stood; nevertheless many express footings thereof are evidently to be seen: The ancient vaults stand open, and many altars, stones with inscriptions, and Statues are here gotten out of the ground. Which 1 Sinhous, a very honest man, in whose grounds they are digged up, keepeth charily, and hath placed orderly about his house. In the mids of his yard there standeth erected a most beautiful four square Altar of a reddish stone, right artificially in antique work engraven, five foot or thereabouts high, with an inscription therein of an excellent good letter: but lo the thing itself all whole, and every side thereof, as the draught was most lively taken out by the hand of Sir Robert Cotton of Connington Knight, a singular lover of antiquity, what time as he and I together, of an affectionate love to illustrate our native country, made a survey of these coasts, in the year of our redemption 1599 not without the sweet food and contentment of our minds. And I cannot choose but with thankful heart remember that very good and worthy Gentleman; not only in this regard that most kindly he gave us right courteous and friendly entertainment, but also for that being himself well learned, he is a lover of ancient literature, and most diligently preserveth these inscriptions, which by others that are unskilful and unlettered be strait ways defaced, broken, and converted to other uses, to exceeding great prejudice and detriment of antiquity. In the inscription all is as plain as may be; only in the last line save one (Et and AEDES) are read by implication of the letters: the last part being maimed, may haply be amended in this wife, DECURIONUM ORDINEM RESTITUIT, etc. These Decurions were in free towns (called Municipia) the same that Senators were in Rome and Colonies, Decuriones. Isidor. l. 9 c. 4. so called, because they executed the office of Curiae, whereupon they were named also Curiales, who had the ordering and managing of civil offices. On the backside of this Altar in the upper edge & border thereof, are read, as you see, these two words, VOLANTII VIVAS; which do perplex me, neither can I expound them, unless the Decurions, Gentlemen, and Commons (for of these three states consisted a Municipium, or free Corporation) added this as a well-wishing, and votive inscription unto G. Cornelius Peregrinus (who restored houses, habitations and Decurions) that so bounteous and beneficial a man VOLANTII VIVERET, that is, might live at Volantium. Hence I suppose, if conjecture may carry it, that VOLANTIUM in times past was the name of the place. Volantium. Underneath are engraven instruments belonging to sacrifice, an Axe or Cleaver, and a chopping Knife. On the left side, a Mallet and a great Basin: in that on the right side, a platter, a dish, and a pear, if my sight serve me well; or as others would have it, a drinking cup or jugge; for these were vessels pertaining to sacrifice: and others beside, as a Cruet, an Incense pan or Censer, a footlesse pot, the Priest's mitre, etc. which I have seen expressly portrayed upon the sides of other altars in this tract. The second Altar, which I have here adjoined, was digged up at Old Carlisle, and is now to be seen in the Barhouses house at Ilkirk: an inscription it had with that intricate connexion of letters one in another, as the Graver hath here very lively portrayed, and thus it seemeth they are to be read. jovi Optimo Maximo. Under Commodus Anno Christi 193. Ala Augusta ob virtutem appellata, cui praest Publius Aelius, Publii filius Sergia Magnus de Mursa ex Pannonia inferiore Praefectus. Aproniano (& fortasse) Bradua Consulibus. Unto most gracious and mighty Jupiter. The Wing named for their virtue Augusta, the Captain whereof is Publius Aelius, son of Publius Magnus of Mursa, from out of the lower Pannonia, Praefect. When Apronianus, and (haply) Bradua were Consuls. The third Altar, with an inscription to Belatucadrus the tutelar God of the place, is in this wise to be read. Belatucadro julius Civilis Optio, id est, Excubiis Praefectus, votum solvit libens, merito. Unto Belatucadrus, julius-civilis Opi●o, that is, Perfect over the watch and ward, hath performed his vow willingly and duly. In the fourth Altar, which is of all the rest the fairest, there is no difficulty at all, and this is the tenor of it. Diis, Deabusque Publius Posthumius Acilianus Praefectus Cohortis primae Delmatarum. To the Gods and Goddesses, Publius Posthumius Acilianus, Perfect or Captain of the first Cohort of the Dalmatians. Such Altars as these (neither need we think much to observe those ancient rites, which now long since the most sacred Christian religion hath chased away, and banished quite) they were wont to crown with green branches, Gentiles or Heathen altars. like as they did the beasts for sacrifice, and themselves: and then they used with frankincense and wine to make supplication, See in Lancashire▪ to kill, and offer their sacrifices: yea, and their manner was to enhuile or anoint their very altars all over. Concerning the demolishing and overthrow of which, as Christian religion came in place and began to prevail, Prudentius the Christian Poet wrote thus. Exercere manum non poenitet, & lapis illic Si stetit antiquus, quem cingere sueverat error Fasciolis, aut gallinae pulmone rigare, Frangitur.— Men thought not much their hands thus to employ, And if in place some antique stone there stood, Which folk were wont in error, with much joy To garnish round with ribbons, and with blood Of Hens to imbrue, they broke it in that mood. These inscriptions likewise hereunder I saw there. Publii filius. PROSA— ANTONINI AU-PII F— P. AULUS P. F. PALATINA POSTHUMIUS ACILIANUS PRAEF. COH. I. DELMATAR. * Diis Manibus D M INGENVI. AN. X. JUL. SIMPLEX PATER * Faciendum curavit. F C. D M. MORI REGIS FILII HEREDES EIUS SUBSTITVE RUNT VIX. A. LXX. HICEXSEGERE FATA— ENUS SC GERMA—— S REGISTER VIX. AN— S VIX AN—— IX— D M LUCA. VIX ANN. IS XX. D M JULIA MARTIM A. VIX. AN XII III D. XX. H. There is a stone also here seen, workmanly cut, and erected for some victory of the Emperors; in which two winged Genii hold up between them a guirland, as here is represented. That is, for the victory of the Augusti (or Emperors) our Lords. When the shore hath passed on right forward a little way from hence, it bendeth so back again with an arm of the sea retiring inward, that it may seem to be that MORICAMBE which Ptolomee setteth here, Moricambe. the nature of the place and the name do so just agree. For a crooked creek it is of salt water, and Moricambe in the British tongue signifieth a crooked sea. Hard by this, David the first King of Scots built the Abbey de Ulmo, Holme Cultrain. commonly called Holme Cultrain: and the Abbots thereof erected Ulstey a fortress near unto it, for a treasury and place of surety to lay up their books, charters, and evidences, against the sudden invasions of the Scottish: wherein the secrets works, they say, of Michael the Scot, lie in conflict with moths; Michael Scotus. which Michael professing here a religious life, was so wholly possessed with the study of the Mathematics and other abstruse arts, about the year of our Lord 1290. that being taken of the common people for a Necromancer, there went a name of him (such was their credulity) that he wrought diverse wonders and miracles. Beneath this Abbey, the brook called Waver runneth into the said arm of the sea; which brook taketh into it the riveret Wiza, at the head whereof lie the very bones and pitiful relics of an ancient City: which showeth unto us, that there is nothing upon earth, but the same is subject to mortality. The neighbours call it at this day Old Carlisle. What name it had in old time I know not, unless it were CASTRA EXPLORATORUM, Castra Exploratorum. that is, The Espials or Discoverers Castle. The distance put down by Antonine (who doth not so much seek after the shortest ways, See as touching the Areans afterward in the Picts Wall. as reckon up the places of greater note and name) as well from Bulgium as Lugo-vallum suiteth thereto very aptly; the situation also to discover and descry afar off is passing fit and commodious: for seated it is upon the top of a good high hill, from whence a man may easily take a full view of all the country round about. Howbeit, most certain it is that the wing of Horsemen, which for their valour was named AUGUSTA, Ala Augusta Gordiana at Ilkirk. and AUGUSTA GORDIANA, kept resiance here in Gordian the Emperor's time, as appeareth evidently by these inscriptions, which I saw hard by. * jovi optimo maximo. I O M. ALA AUG. OB— RTUT. APPEL. CUI PRAEEST TIB. CL. TIB. F. P IN- G- N JUSTINUS PRAEF. * jovi optimo maximo. FUSCIANO TWO SILANO TWO COS. DM MABLI NIUSSEC VNDUS * jovi optimo maximo. EQUIS ALE AUG STE STIPES This votive altar also of a rude stone was erected for the happy health of the Emperor Gordian the third, and his wife Furia Sabina Tranquilla, and their whole family, by the troup of horsemen surnamed Augusta Gordiana, when Aemilius Chrispinus a native of Africa governed the same under Nonnius Philippus Lieutenant general of Britain in the year of Christ 243. as appeareth by the Consuls therein specified. * An. Christ. 243 I O M PRO SALUTE IMPERATORIS M. ANTONI GORDIANIS. P. F. INVICTI AUG ET SABINIAE TUR JAE TRANQUILE CONJUGI EJUS TO TA QUE DOMU DIVIN. EORUM A LA AUG. GORDIA. OB VIRTUTEM APPELLATA POSUIT: CUI PRAEEST AEMILIUS CRISPINUS PRAEF. EQQ. NATUS IN PRO AFRICA DE TUIDRO SUB CUR. NONNII PH LIPPI LEG- AUG. PROPRETO— ATTICO ET PRETEXTATO COSS. From hence also were altars brought, which are erected in the high way by Wigton, Wigton. in the sides whereof are to be seen a drinking cup or mazzard, a footlesse pot, a mallet, a bowl etc. all vessels appertaining to sacrifice. But time hath so worn out the letters, that nothing can be read. And not far from hence just by the high street way there was digged up a long rude stone in manner of a column which we saw at Thoresby, Thoresby. with this inscription, to the honour of Philip the Emperor and his son, who flourished about the year of our Lord 248. IMP CAES. M. JUL PHILIPPO PIO FELI CI AUG ET M. JUL. PHI LIPPO NOBILIS SIMO CAES TR. P. COS— This also with others Oswald Dikes a learned minister of God's word copied out for me, and now is to be seen in the house of T. Dikes Gentleman at Wardal. DEO SANCTO BELA TUCADRO AURELIUS DIATOVA * For Aram ex vot●. ARAE X VOTO POSUIT LL. MM. Likewise another such like altar to a private tutelar God of the place, was there found, with this unperfect inscription. DEO CE AIIO AUR M RTI. ET MS ERURACIO PRO SE ET SUIS. V.S. LL. M. Besides an infinite number of petty images, statues of horsemen, Aegle, Lions, Ganymedes, and many other monuments of antiquity, which are daily discovered. Something higher a little promontory shooteth out, Which the Scots call Solway Frith. and a great frith or arm of the Sea lieth under it, being now the common limit confining England and Scotland, serving in times past to make a separation between the Roman Province, and the Picts. Blatum-Bulgium. Upon this standeth that ancient town, BLATUM-BULGIUM (happily of Butch a Britain word, that signifieth a separation) from which, as from the most remote place, and the limit of the Roman province, Antonine the Emperor beginneth his journeys through Britain. Bulnesse▪ The inhabitants at this day call it Bulnesse: and as small a village as it is, yet hath it a pile, and in token of the antiquity thereof, besides the tracts of streets, ruinous walls, and an haven now stopped up with mud; there led a paved highway from hence along the seashore, as far as to Elen Borrough, if we may rely upon the report of the by-dwellers. Beyond this a mile (as is to be seen by the foundations at a nepe tide) began that WALL, The beginning of the Picts Wall. the most renowned work of the Romans, which was the bound in times passed of the Roman province; raised of purpose to seclude and keep out the barbarous nations, that in this tract, were evermore barking and baying (as an ancient writer saith) about the Roman Empire. I marvailed at first, why they built here so great fortifications, Solway Frith. considering that for eight miles, or thereabout, there lieth opposite a very great frith and arm of the sea: but now I understand, that at every ebb the water is so low, that the borderers and beast-stealers may easily wade over. That the form of these shores hath been changed, it doth evidently appear by the tree roots covered over with sand a good way off from the shore, which oftentimes at a low ebb are discovered with the winds. Trees within the ground. I know not whether I may relate here, which the inhabitants reported concerning trees without boughs under the ground, oftentimes found out here in the mosses, by the direction of dew in summer: for they have observed that the dew never standeth on that ground under which they lie. By the same Frith, more within the land standeth Drumbough Castle, belonging of later time to the Lords of Dacre, a station in times passed of the Romans. Some will have it to have been EXPLORATORUM CASTRA, notwithstanding the distance utterly controlleth it. There was also another station of the Romans beside it, Burgh upon sands. which now being changed into a new name is called Burgh upon Sands: whence the territory adjoining is named the Barony of Burgh, the which R. Meschines, 1307. Called Morvils de Burgh upon Sands. Lord of Cumberland, gave unto Robert de Trivers: but from him it came to the Morvils: the last of which house, named Hugh, left behind him a daughter, who by her second husband, Thomas de Molton had issue Thomas Molton, Lord of this place: whose son Thomas, by marriage with the heir of Hubert de Vaulx adjoined Gillesland to his possessions: Liber. Inq. which in the end were devolved all unto Ranulph Dacre, who married M. the heir of Moulton. But for no one thing was this little Burgh upon Sands more famous, than that King Edward the first, Edward the first. that triumphant Conqueror of his enemies, was here taken out of this world by untimely death. A right noble and worthy Prince, to whom God proportioned most princely presence and personage, as a right worthy seat to entertain so heroical a mind. For he not only in regard of fortitude and wisdom, but also for a beautiful and a personal presence was in all points answerable to the height of royal majesty: whom fortune also in the very prime and flower of his age enured to many a war, and exercised in most dangerous troubles of the State, whiles she framed and fitted him for the Empire of Britain: which he, being once crowned King, managed and governed in such wise, that having subdued the Welsh, and vanquished the Scots, he may most justly be counted the second ornament of Great Britain. Solway Frith. Under this Burgh, within the very Frith where the salt water ebbeth and floweth, the Englishmen and Scotish, by report of the inhabitants, fought with their fleets at full Sea, and also with their horsemen and footmen at the ebb. A thing which may seem no less marvellous than that which Pliny hath reported, not without wonder, of the like place in Caramania. This arm of the sea both nations call Solway Frith, of Solway a town in Scotland standing upon it. The river Ituna, or Eden. History of Malrosse. But Ptolomee more truly termeth it ITUNA: For Eden, that notable river, which wandreth through Westmoreland, and the inner parts of this shire, poureth forth into it a mighty mass of water, having not yet forgotten what ado it had to pass away struggling and wrestling as it did, among the carcases of free-butters, lying dead in it on heaps, in the year of salvation 1216. when it swallowed them up loaden with booties out of England, and so buried that rabble of robbers under his waves. This river Eden when it is entered into this shire, receiveth from the West the river Eimot, flowing out of Ulse, a great lake heretofore mentioned: near unto the bank whereof, Dacre. Barons Dacre. hard by the riveret Dacor, standeth Dacre Castle, of signal note, for that it hath given surname to the honourable family of the Barons Dacre; and mentioned anciently by Bede, for that it had a monastery in those days; as also by William of Malmesbury, in regard that Constantine King of Scots, and Eugenius or Ewain King of Cumberland, yielded themselves there, together with their kingdoms, unto Athelstane King of England, upon condition to be protected by him. Not much higher, and not far from the confluence of Eimot and Loder, where is seen that round trench of earth, which the country people term Arthur's Table, stands Penrith, which is, if you interpret it out of the British language, The Red head or hill (for the soil, and the stones there are of a reddish colour:) but commonly called Perith: a little town, and of indifferent trade, fortified on the West side with a castle of the Kings, which in the reign of King Henry the sixth was repaired out of the ruins of a Roman fort thereby called Maburg, adorned with a proper Church: and the market place is large, with an edifice of timber therein, for the use of those that resort thither to market, garnished with Bears at a ragged staff, which was the devise of the Earls of Warwick. It belonged in times passed unto the Bishops of Durham: but when Antony Bec the Bishop, overweening himself with over much wealth, waxed proud and insolent, King Edward the first (as we find in Durham book) took from him Werk in Tividale, Perith, and the Church of Simondburne. But for the commodious use of this Town, Perith. William Stricland, Bishop of Carlisle, descended from a worshipful Family in this tract, at his own charges caused a channel for a watercourse to be made out of Petter-rill, that is, the little Petter, Called in old time Haia de Plompton. which near unto the bank had Plumpton park, a very large plot of ground which the Kings of England allotted in old time for wild beasts, but King Henry the eighth disparked it, and wisely appointed it for habitation of men, as being in the very merches well near, where the Realms of England and Scotland confine one upon the other. Just by this place I saw many remains of a decayed town, which they there for the vicinity thereof, do now call Old Perith: I for my part would deem it to be PETRIANAE. Petriana. For the fragment of an antique inscription erected by ULPIUS TRAIANUS, EMERITUS an old discharged and pensionary soldier of the Petreian wing, doth convince and prove that the wing Petriana made abode here. But behold both it and others which we copied out here. — GADUNO ULP TRAI EM. AL. PET MARTIUS'. * Annos. F P. C. D M. AICETU OS MATER VIXIT * Haply, Faciendum procuravit. A XXXXV ET LATTIO FIL. VIX A XII. LIMISIUS CONJU. ET FILIAE PIENTISSIMIS POSUIT. D M FL. MARITO SEN IN * Peradventure in cohort. C. CARVETIOR QUESTORIO VIXIT AN XXXXV MARTIOLA FILIA ET HERES PONEN * Dum — CURAVIT. D M. CROTILO GERMANUS VIX ANIS XXVI. GRECA VIX ANIS FOUR VINDICIANUS * Fratri & filiae Titulum posuit. FRA. ET FIL. TIT. PO. After that Eden hath now given Eimot entertainment, he turneth his course Northward, by both the Salkelds, watering as he goes obscure small villages, and fortresses. Amongst which at the less Salkeld, there be erected in manner of a circle seventy seven stones, every one ten foot high, and a special one by itself before them, at the very entrance riseth fifteen foot in height. This stone the common people thereby dwelling, name Long Meg, like as the rest, her daughters. And within that ring or circle, are heaps of stones, under which, they say, lie covered the bodies of men slain. And verily there is reason to think that this was a monument of some victory there achieved, for no man would deem that they were erected in vain. From thence passeth Eden by Kirk-Oswald, Kirk Oswald. consecrated to Saint Oswald, the possession in old time of that Sir Hugh Morvill, who with his associates slew Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury: and in memorial of this fact, the sword which he then used, Armanthwayt. Corby castle. was kept here a long time: and so goeth on by Armanthwayte, a Castle of the Skelton's, by Corby Castle; belonging to the worthy and ancient family of the Salkelds, Wetherall. well advanced by marriage with the heir of Rosgill; by Wetherall, sometime a little Abbey or Cell, which acknowledged the Abbey of Saint Mary in York for her mother; where within a rock are to be seen certain little habitations or cabins hewed hollow for a place of sure refuge in this dangerous country. Virosidum. Thence by Warwic (VIROSIDUM, as I supposed) where the sixth Cohort of the Nervians in old time held their station within the limit of that Wall against the Picts and Scots: and there in the latter age was built a very strong bridge of stone, Linstock. Crosby. at the charges of the Salkelds and Richmonds: by Linstock castle also belonging to the Bishop of Carlisle in the Barony of Crosby, which Waldeof, the son of Earl Gospatrick, Lord of Allerdale granted unto the church of Carlisle. And now by this time Eden being ready to lodge himself in his own arm of the sea, taketh in two rivers at once, namely, Peterill & Caud, which keeping an equal distance asunder march along from the South, and hold as it were a parallel pace just together. By Peterill, beside PETRIANAE, which I spoke of, standeth Greistock, a castle belonging not long since to an honourable house, which derived their first descent from one Ranulph Fitz-Walter: Greystock. The ancient Genealogy. Baron's de Greystock. of which line William, called de Greistock, wedded Mary a daughter and one of the coheirs of Sir Roger Merley, Lord of Morpath: and he had a son named John, who being childless, by licence of King Edward the first, conveyed his inheritance to Ralph Granthorpe, the son of William, and his Aunt's son by the father's side: whose male progeny flourished a long time in honour with the title of Lord Greistock, but about King Henry the seventh his days expired and came to an end, and so the inheritance came by marriage unto the Barons of Dacre: and the female heirs general of the last Baron Dacre, were married unto Philip Earl of Arundel, and Lord William Howard, sons of Thomas Howard, late Duke of Norfolk. Mines of Brass. Upon Caud, beside the copper mines near unto Caudbeck, standeth Highgate, a castle of the Richmonds, of ancient descent, and a proper fine castle of the Bishops of Carlisle, Congavata. called the Rose castle: it seemeth also that CONGAVATA was hereabout, in which the second band of the Lergi served in garrison: for Congavata in the British tongue signifieth, The valley by Gavata, which now is called short Caud. But the very place where this town stood I cannot precisely point out. Betwixt the meeting of these rivers, Carlisle. the ancient City Carlisle is passing commodiously and pleasantly seated, guarded on the North side with the channel of Eden, on the East with Peterill, on the West with Caud: and beside these natural fences it is fortified with strong walls of stone, with a castle and a citadel, as they term it. In fashion it lieth somewhat long, running out from West to East: on the West side is the Castle of a good large compass, which King Richard the third, as appear by his Arms, repaired. In the midst almost of the City, riseth on high the Cathedral Church, the upper part whereof being the newer, is very artificially and curiously wrought: yet the neither part is much more ancient. But on the East side it is defended with the Citadel, that K. Henry the eighth built strongly with sundry bulwarks. The Romans and Britan's called this city LUGU-VALLUM, Luguvallum. and LUGU-BALLIUM, or LUGUBALIA: the English Saxons, Luell, as Bede witnesseth: Ptolomee, as some think, LEUCOPIBIA. Ninnius, Caer Lualid: the ridiculous prophecies of the Britan's, termed it The City of Duball, we, Carlisle, and Latin writers by a newer name, Carleolum. For our Historiographers accord with common consent, that Luguballia and Carleolum were the same. But in searching out the Etymology thereof, good God, how hath Leland bestirred him, being in the end driven to this point, that he thought verily Eden was called Lugus, and Ballum came from Vallis, that is, a vale, so that Lugu-ballum soundeth as much as the Vale by Lugus. But I, if so be I may also hatch a conjecture, would rather suppose, but without prejudice, that the said termination Vallum and Vallia, are derived from that most famous military Vallum or Trench, that standeth apparent a little from the City. For that Picts Wall, which was afterwards set upon the Trench, or rampire of Severus, appeareth somewhat beyond the River Eden, which now hath a wooden bridge over it, near unto a little village called Stanwicke, and went over the very river just against the Castle: where within the channel of the river, mighty stones, the remains thereof, are yet extant. Also Lugus or Lucus amongst the ancient Celis, or Gauls, who spoke the same language that once the Britan's did, Lucus and Lugus what they signify among the Britan's and old gaul's. signifieth a Tower, as we may learn by Pomponius Mela. For that which in Antonine is named LUGO-AUGUSTI, he calleth TURRIM AUGUSTI, that is, The Tower of Augustus: so that Luga-Vallum is as much to say, as the Tower or Fort by the wall. From this original if the Frenchmen had derived Lugudunum, as it were, The tower on an hill; and Lucotecia, (for so in old time they called that city which we do● Lutetia) that is Paris, Lugdunum. Lucotecia or Lutetia in France. The old itinerary lately imprinted, showeth that Lugdunum implieth, a Desirable hill. as it were, The fair Tower, (for so those words signify in the British tongue) peradventure they had aimed nearer unto the mark, than in fetching the one from Lutum, that is, Dirt, and that other from Lugdus an imagined King. That this Carlisle flourished in the time of the Romans, diverse tokens of antiquity now and then digged up there, and the famous mention of it in those days, do sufficiently prove. After the furious outrages also of the Picts and Scots were allayed, it retained some part still of the ancient dignity, and was counted a City. For in the year of Christ 619. Egfrid King of Northumberland passed a gift unto that holy Saint Cuthbert, in this form, I have given unto him also the City called Luguballia, and ●5. miles round about it: at which time also it was walled strong. The Citizens, saith Bede, brought Cuthbert to see the walls of their City, and a fountain or Well in it, built in times past according to the wonderful workmanship of the Romans: who at the very same time, as saith the book of Durham, ordained there a Covent of Nuns, with an Abbess and Schools. Afterwards being defaced and brought to exceeding ruin by the Danes, it lay about 200. years buried under his own ashes: until it began again to flourish under the government and favour of King William Rufus, who repaired it with new edifices, built the Castle, and placed a Colony there first of Flemings (whom streightwaies upon better advice he removed into Wales) but afterwards of Southern Englishmen. Then was there seen, as William of Malmesbury writeth, A dining chamber after the Roman fashion, built of stone, & arched with vaults, so that no spiteful force of tempests, nor furious flame of fire could ever shake or hurt it: in the forefront whereof was this Inscription, MARII VICTORIAE, that is, ●o the victory of Marius. This Marius some will needs have to be Arviragus the Britain: others, that Marius, who being proclaimed Emperor against Gallienus, was named to be of wonderful strength, that as writers report of him, He had in his fingers no veins, but all sinews. Yet have I learned, that another, making mention of this stone, saith it was not inscribed MARII VICTORIAE, but MARTI VICTORI, that is, To victorious Mars, which perhaps may better content some, and seem to come nearer unto the truth. * Or de Micenis. Carlisle being now better peopled, and of greater resort, had, as they write, for Earl▪ or more truly for Lord thereof, Ralph * Or de Micenis. Meschines; from whom came the Earls of Chester: and at the same time, being raised by King Henry the first to an Episcopal dignity, had Artalph for the first Bishop. Which the Monks of Durham have written was prejudicial to their Church, when Ranulph (say they) Bishop of Durham was banished, and the Church had none to defend her, certain Bishops laid Carlisle and Tividale to their Dioceses. But how the Scotish under the reign of Stephen won this City, and King Henry the second recovered it: how also King Henry the third committed the castle of Carlisle and the County to Robert Vipont: how likewise in the year 1292. it was burnt, together with the Cathedral Church and the Suburbs: and how Robert Bri● King of Scots, in the year 1315. land siege unto it in vain, you may find in the common Chronicles. And yet it seems it would quit my pains to adjoin here two inscriptions that I saw here, the one in Thomas Aglion by his house, near unto the Citadel, but made in the worse age. DIIS MANIBU SMARCI TROJANI AUGUSTINANI * Tumulum. TUM. FA CIENDUM CUR A VIT AFEL. AMMILLUSIMA CONJUX * Carissima. KARISS. Whereunto is adjoined the image of a man of Arms on horseback, armed at all pieces, with a lance in his hand. As for the other, it standeth in the garden of Thomas Middleton, in a very large and fair letter, thus. LEG. VI VIC. P. F. G. P. R. F. Which is, as I guess, Legio Sexta, Victrix, Pia, Felix: the rest let some other decipher. Andrew Harcla Earl of Carlisle. The only Earl that Carlisle had, was Sir Andrew de Harcla, whom King Edward the second created Earl (that I may speak out of the very original instrument of his Creation) for his laudable & good service performed against Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and other his abetters, in vanquishing the King's enemies and disloyal subjects, & in delivering them up into the King's hands when they were vanquished, gi●t with a sword, and created Earl under the honour and name of the Earl of Carlisle: Who notwithstanding proved a wretched Traitor himself, unthankful and disloyally false both to his Prince and country: and being afterwards apprehended, was with shame and reproach paid duly for the desert of his perfidious ingratitude, degraded in this manner: first by cutting off his spurs with an hatchet, afterwards disgirded of his military * Or girdle. Belt: then despoiled of his shoes and gauntlets: last of all, and was drawn hanged, beheaded, and quartered. As for the position of Carlisle, the Meridian is distant from the utmost line of the West 21. degrees and 31. minutes; and elevation of the North pole 54. degrees and 55. minutes: and so with these encomiasticall verses of M. I. jonston, Ibid Carlisle adieu. CARLEOLUM. Romans quondam statio tutissima signis, Ultimaque Ausonidum meta, labosque Ducum Especula laiè vicinos prospicit agros, Hic ciet & pugnas, arcet & inde metus. Gens acri ingenio, studiis asperrima belli, Doctaque bellaci fig ere tela manu. Scotorum Reges quondam tenuere beati, Nunc iterum priscis additur imperiis. Quid? Roman putas extrema hîc limina mundi? Mundum retrò alium surgere nonne vides? Sit vidisse satis; docuit nam Scotica virtus Immensis animis hîc posuisse modum. CARLISLE. Unto the Roman legions sometimes the surest Station, The farthest bound and Captain's toil of that victorious nation. From prospect high, far all abroad it looks to neighbour fields: Hence fight and skirmish it maintains, and thence all danger shields. People quick witted, fierce in field, in martial feats well seen, Expert likewise right skilfully to fight with weapons keen. Whilom the Kings of Scots it held, whiles their state stood upright, And once again to ancient crown it now reverts by right. What? Roman Cesar thinkest thou the world hath here an end? And seest thou not another world behind doth yet extend? Well mayst thou see this and no more: for Scotish valour taught Such haughty minds to gauge themselves, and here to make default. If you now cross over the river Eden, you may see hard by the bank Rowcliffe, a little castle erected not long since by the Lords de Dacres for the defence of their Tenants. And above it the two rivers, Eske and Leven, running jointly together enter at one out-gate into the Solway Frith. As for Eske, he rumbleth down out of Scotland, and for certain miles together confesseth himself to be within the English dominion, and entertaineth the river Kirsop, where the English and Scottish parted asunder of late, not by waters, but by mutual fear one of another, having made passing good proof on both sides of their great valour and prowess. near this river Kirsop, where is now seen by Nether-By a little village with a few cottages in it, where are such strange and great ruins of an ancient City, and the name of Eske running before it doth sound so near, that we may imagine AESICA stood there: wherein the Tribune of the first band of the Astures kept watch and ward in old time against the Northern enemies. But now dwelleth here the chief of the Grayhams' family, Grayhams'. very famous among the Borderers for their martial disposition: and in a wall of his house this Roman inscription is set up, in memorial of Hadrian the Emperor, by the Legion surnamed Augusta Secunda. IMP. CAES. TRA. HADRIANO AUG. LEG. II. AUG. F. But where the River Lidd and Eske conjoin their streams, Barony of Liddel. Liddesdale. there was sometimes, as I have heard, Liddel castle, and the Barony of the Estotevils, who held lands in Cornage; which Earl Ranulph, as I read in an old Inquisition, gave unto Turgill Brundas: But from Estotevill it came hereditarily unto the Wakes, and by them unto the Earls of Kent of the blood royal. And John Earl of Kent granted it unto King Edward the third, and King Richard the second, unto John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. Beyond this river Eske, the land for certain miles together is accounted English ground: battle at Sol●m moss. 1542. wherein Solom Moss became very famous, by reason especially of so many of the Scottish Nobility taken there prisoners in the year 1543. What time as the Scottish resolute to set upon Sir Thomas Wharton, Lord warden of the English marches: so soon as they understood that their King had committed the command of the army to Oliver Sincler (whom they disdained) they conceived such indignation thereat, that with their own shame and loss, breaking their arrays in tumultuous manner, they made a general confusion of all: which the English beholding from the higher ground, forthwith charged violently upon them, and put them to flight: many they took prisoners, who flinging away their weapons, yielded themselves, after some few soldiers on both sides slain, into the hands of the English, and of the borderers. Presently whereupon James the fifth, King of Scots was so disjected, that weary of his life he died for very sorrow. The land thereabout is called Batable ground, Batable ground. as one would say, Litigious; because the English and the Scottish have litigiously contended about it. For the inhabitants on both sides, as borderers in all other parts, are a military kind of men, nimble, wily, always in readiness for any service, Leven. yea and by reason of often skirmishes, passing well experienced. Leven, the other river whereof I spoke, springing in the limit just of both kingdoms, runneth by no memorable place, unless it be Beucastle (as they commonly call it) a Castle of the Kings, which standing in a wild and solitary country, hath been defended only by a ward of soldiers. But this in public records is written Bueth-castle, so that the name may seem to have come from that Bueth, who about King Henry the first his days, after a sort ruled all in this tract. Certain it is that in the reign of Edward the third it was the patrimony of Sir John of Strivelin a Baron, who married the daughter and one of the heirs of Adam of Swinborne. In the Church, now much decayed, there is laid for a grave-stone this old inscription, translated thither from some other place. LEG. II. AUG. FECIT. In the Churchyard there is erected a Cross about 20. foot high, all of one entire four square stone, very artificially cut and engraven, but the letters are so worn and gone, that they cannot be read. But whereas the Cross is chequy, in that manner as the shield of Arms belonging to the family of Vaulx, sometime Lords in this tract, we may well think that it was erected by them. More into the South, and farther within the country lieth the Barony of Gillesland; a little region so encumbered, by reason of sudden rising brooks, which they call giles, that I would have deemed it took the name of them, had I not read in a book, belonging to the Abbey of Lanercost, that one Gill Fitz-Bueth, who is called also Gilbert in a Charter of King Henry the second, held it as Lord in old time, of whom it is probable this name was rather given to it. Through this Gillesland, the wall of Severus, that most famous monument of all Britain, runneth straight, as it were by a line, Scalby Castle. from Carlisle Eastward, by Stanwicks, a little village; by Scalby castle, belonging in times passed to the Tilliols' (sometimes a name in this tract of good worship and reputation) from whom it came to the Pickering; then Cambec, a small brook runneth under the wall: near unto which the Barons of Dacre built Askerton castle, Askerton. a little pile, where the Governor of Gillesland, whom they call Land-Sergeant, had a ward. Beneath the wall it conjoineth itself with the river Irthing, where standeth Irthington a chief Manor, as they term it, of this Barony of Gillesland: And great ruins are here to be seen at Castle-steed. near unto it, is Brampton a little market town, Brampton. Brementuracum. which we suppose to be BREMETURACUM, at the very line and range of the wall, for it is scarce a mile from the said wall: where in times past, lay the first Band of the Tungri out of Germany in the declining state of the Roman Empire, and a company of Armaturae, under the general of Britain. These were horsemen armed at all pieces. But whether these Armatures were Duplar or Simplar, Armaturae Veget. l. 2. c. 7. it is doubtful. Duplar or Duple Armaturae they were called in those days, who had double allowances of corn: Simplar, that had but single. Neither verily must I overpasse in silence, that hard by Brampton, there mounteth up an high hill, fortified in the very top with a trench; they call it the Mote: from which there is a fair prospect every way into the country. Beneath this, and by Castle-steeds, like as at Trederman joining unto it, were found these inscriptions, exemplified for me by the hand of the right honourable Lord William Howard of Naworth, third son unto Thomas late Duke of Norfolk, a singular lover of venerable antiquity, and learned withal, who in these parts in right of his wife, a sister and one of the heirs of the last Lord Dacre, enjoieth fair possessions. This stone also was found there in an old Hothouse: wherein by ill fortune the name of the Emperor's Lieutenant, and Propretour of Britain is worn out. near to Brampton, Gelt a riveret runneth down, by the bank whereof in a crag called Helbecke, are read these antiquities (wherein the words hang not well together) erected, as it seemeth, by a Lieutenant of the second Legion Augusta, under Agricola the Propraetour: and others beside, which the injury of time hath envied us. In the same rock these words also are read, written in a more modern and newer letter. OFFICIUM ROMANORUM. This Gelt emptieth himself into the river Irthing, which with a swift and angry stream holdeth his course by Naworth Castle, belonging unto the Lord William Howard aforesaid, who now repaireth it: but lately to the Barons of Dacre, of whom when the last died in his tender years, Leonard Dacre his Uncle, who chose rather to try the title of inheritance with his Prince by force of arms, than with his Nieces by wager of law, seized into his hands this Castle, and levied a band of rebels against his Prince: whom the Lord of Hunsdon, with the garrison soldiers of Berwick soon discomfited and put to flight: in which conflict many were slain, but more ran away, amongst whom Leonard himself escaped. But of him more in my Annals. Nearer unto the wall beyond the river Irthing, was lately found this fair votive altar, erected to the Goddess Nymph of the brigants, for the health of the Empress Plautilla, wife to M. Aurelius Antoninus Severus, and the whole Imperial family, by M. Cocceius Nigrinus a Treasurer to the Emperor, when Laetus was second time Consul, with intricate connexion of letters, which I read thus. DEAE NYMPHAE BRIGantum QUOD VOVERAT PRO SALUTE PLAUTILIAE COnjugis INVICTAE DO Mini NOSTRI INVICTI IMP. M. AURE Lii SEVERI ANTONINI PII. FE Licis C A Saris AU Gusti TOTIUSQUEDO MUST DIVINAE EJUS M. COCCEIUS NIGRINUS Questor AU Gusti Numini DEVOTUS LIBENS SUSCEPTUM Solvit LAETO II.— In the year of Christ 216. Here by was the Priory of Lanercost, founded by R. de Vaulx, Lord of Gillesland: and hard by the wall Burd Oswald. Beneath which, where that Picts wall passed over the river Irthing by an arched bridge, was the station of the first band Aelia Dacica, or of the Dacians (the place is now named Willoford) which the book of Notice of Provinces, and many altars bearing inscriptions to jupiter Optimus Maximus, reared by that Cohort here, do plentifully prove: Of which I thought good to add these unto the rest, although time hath almost worn them out. I. O. M. OH. I. AEL. DA C.— C.— A. GETA IRELSAURNES— I. O. M. CoH. I. AEL. DAC. C. P. STATU LoN GINUS, TRIB. PRO SALUTE D. N MAXjMIANO * Fortissimo Caesari. FOR— CAESAR VA— OAED LEG. VI VIC. P.F. F. I. O. M. COHIAEL. DAC TETRICIANORO— C. P. LUTIC— V S. DESIG NATUS TRIB. I.O.M. COH. I. AEL. DAC. GORED. ANA. C. P— EST I. O. M.— H. I. AEL. DAC.— C. PRAEE SI.— — FLIUS FAVORINA— S TRIB.—— PETUO.—— COS. Lords of Gillesland. Out of an old Missal. Also R. Cook Clarenceux calleth him Radulph i. Raulph. So doth Manuscript books of Fountains and Holme. The first Lord of Gillesland, that hitherto I have read of, was William Meschines, the brother of Ralph Lord of Cumberland (I mean not that William brother to Ranulph Earl of Chester, from whom came Ranulph de Ruelent, but the brother of Ralph) yet could he never wrest it wholly out of the Scots hands: for Gill, the son of Bueth held the greatest part of it by force and arms. After his death, King Henry the second gave it to Hubert de Vaulx, or de Vallibus, whose shield of Arms was Chequy Or & Gueles. His son Robert founded and endowed the Priory of Lanercost. But the inheritance after a few years was by marriage translated to the Moltons, and from them by a daughter to Ranulph Lord Dacre, whose line hath flourished unto our days in very great honour. Having now in some sort surveied the maritime coasts, and more inward parts of Cumberland; the side that lieth more Easterly, being lean, hungry, and a waist, remaineth to be viewed: and yet it showeth nothing but the springhead of South-Tine in a moorish place, and an ancient Roman highway eight else broad, paved with great stone (commonly called Maiden Way) which leadeth out of Westmoreland; Maiden way. and where the riveret Alon, and the aforesaid South Tine meet together in one channel, by the side of an hill of gentle descent, there remain yet the footings of a very great and ancient town: which was toward the North enclosed within a fourfold rampire, and Westward, with one and an half: the name of the place is now Whiteley Castle: and for to testify the antiquity thereof, there remaineth this imperfect inscription, with letters inserted one in another, after a short and compendious manner of writing, whereby we learn that the third Cohort of the Nervians erected there a Temple unto the Emperor Antonine, son of Severus. IMP. CAES. Lucii Septimi Severi AraBICI, ADIABENICI, PARTHICI, MAX. FIL. DIVI ANTONINI Pii Germanici SARMA. NEP. DIVIANTONINI PII PRON. DIVI HADRIANI ABN. DIVI TRAIANI PARTH. ET DIVI NERVAE ADNEPOTI. M. AURELIO ANTONINO PIO FEL. AUG. GERMANICO PONT. MAX. TR. POT— X— IMP.— COS. FOUR P. p.— PRO PIETATE AEDE— VOTO— COMMUNI CURANTE—— LEGATO AUG. PR— COH. III. NERVIO— RUM— G. R.POS. Whereas therefore the third Cohort of the Nervii served in this place, which Cohort the book of Notices in a latter time placeth at ALIONE, Alone. or as Antonine nameth it ALONE, and the little river running underneath is named Alne: if I should think this were ALONE, it might seem rather probable than true, considering the injury of devouring time, and the fury of enemies have long ago outworn these matters out of all remembrance. Albeit when the State of the Roman Empire decayed most in Britain, this country had been most grievously harried and spoiled by the Scots and Picts, yet it preserved and kept long the ancient and natural inhabitants the Britan's, and late it was ere it became subject to the English Saxons. But when again the English Saxons state, sore shaken by Danish wars, Kings of Cumberland. ran to ruin, it had peculiar Governors, called Kings of Cumberland, unto the year of our Lord 946. at what time, as the * Florilegus. Floure-gatherer of Westminster saith, King Edmund, by the help of Leoline Prince of South-wales, wasted and spoiled all Cumberland, and having put out the eyes of both the sons of Dunmail King of the same Province, he granted that kingdom unto Malcolm King of Scots, to be holden of him, that he might defend the North parts of England by land and sea from the inroads and invasions of the common enemies. Captains or Rulers of Cumberland. Whereupon the eldest sons of the Kings of Scotland were for a while under the English Saxons, and Danes both, called the Prefects, or Deputy Rulers of Cumberland. But when England had yielded itself into the hands of the Normans, this part also became subject unto them; and fell unto the lot of Ralph de Meschines, whose eldest son Ranulph, was Lord of Cumberland, and partly in his mother's right, and partly by his Prince's favour together, Earl also of Chester. But King Stephen, to purchase favour with the Scots, restored it unto them again, that they should hold it of him and the Kings of England. Howbeit K. Henry the second, who succeeded after him, perceiving that this over great liberality of Stephen was prejudicial both to himself and his realm, demanded again of the Scot Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmoreland: And the K. of Scots (as Newbrigensis writeth) wisely considering that the King of England had in those parts both the better right and also greater power, although he might have pretended the oath, which he was said to have made unto his grandfather David, what time he was knighted by him: yet restored he the foresaid marches, according to his demand, fully and wholly, and received of him again the Earldom of Huntingdon, which by ancient right appertained to him. Earls of Cumberland: As for Earls of Cumberland, there were none before the time of King Henry the eighth, who created Henry Lord Clifford (who derived his pedigree from the Lords Vipont) the first Earl of Cumberland: who of Margaret, the daughter of Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, begat Henry the second Earl: he by his first wife, daughter to Charles' Brandon Duke of Suffolk, had issue Margaret Countess of Derby; and by a second wife, the daughter of Lord Dacre of Gillesland, two sons, George and Francis: George the third Earl, renowned for sea-service, armed with an able body to endure travail, and a valorous mind to undertake dangers, died in the year 1605. leaving one only daughter, the Lady Anne, now Countess of Dorset. But his brother, Sir Francis Clifford, succeeded in the Earldom; a man whose ardent and honourable affection to virtue, is answerable in all points to his honourable parentage. As for the Wardens of the West-marches against Scotland in this County, which were Noblemen of especial trust, I need to say nothing, when as by the union of both kingdoms under one head, that office is now determined. This shire reckoneth beside chapels, 58. Parish Churches. VALLUM, SIEVE MURUS PICTICUS: That is, THE PICTS WALL▪ THrough the high part of Cumberland shooteth that most famous Wall (in no case to be passed over in silence) the limit of the Roman Province, Frontier senses or Forts, writers termed Clusurae, because they excluded the enemies; and Praetenturae, because they were set against or affront the enemies. the Barbarian Rampire, the Forefence and Enclosure, for so the ancient writers termed it, being called in Dion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a cross Wall; in Herodian, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a Trench or Fosse cast up; by Antonine, Cassiodore, and others, VALLUM, that is, the Rampire; by Bede, MURUS, that is, the Wall; by the Britan's, Gual-Sever, Gal-Sever, Bal, Val, and Mur-Sever; by the Scottish, Scottishwaith; by the English, and those that dwell thereabout, See P. Pithoeus in adversariis lib. 1. cap. 14. the Picts Wall, or the Pehits Wall, the Keep Wall, and simply by way of excellency, The Wall. When the ambitious and valiant Romans, The Limits or Bounds of the Empire. finding by the guidance of God and assistance of virtue, their success in all their affairs above their wishes, had enlarged their Empire every way, so as that the very unwealdinesse thereof began now to be of itself fearfully suspected; their Emperors thought it their best and safest policy to limit and contain the same within certain bounds: for in wisdom they saw, That in all greatness there ought to be a mean, like as the heaven in self reacheth not beyond the limited compass, and the seas are tossed to and fro within their own precincts. Now those limits or bounds, according to the natures of the places, were either natural, as the sea, greater rivers, mountains, wastes and desert grounds; or artificial, as frontier-fenses, namely trenches or dikes, castles, keeps or fortresses, wards, mounds, and baricadoes by trees cut down and plashed, banks, rampiers and walls: along which were planted garrisons of soldiers against the barbarous nations confining. Whence it is that we read thus in the Novellae of Theodosius the Emperor, Tit. 43. Whatsoever lieth included within the power and regiment of the Romans, is by the appointment and dispose of our Ancestors defended from the incursions of Barbarians with the rampire of a Limit. Vallo Limitis. Along these limits or borders soldiers lay garrisoned in time of peace within frontier-castles and cities: but when there was any fear of waste and spoil from bordering nations, Hence come Stationes Agartae in Vegetius. some of them had their field-stations within the Barbarian ground, for defence of the lands: others made outrodes into the enemy's marches, to discover how the enemies stirred; yea, and if good occasion were offered, to encounter with them before they came to the Limits. In this Island the Romans, The first forefense. when they perceived that the farther parts of Britain lying North were cold, and a rough barren soil, and inhabited by the Caledonian Britan's and barbarous nations, in subduing whereof they were sure to take much pains, and reap very small profit, built at sundry times diverse forefenses, as well to bound, as to defend the Province. Bodo●●ia and Glotta. The first of these seemeth to have been made by julius Agricola, when he fortified with holds and garrisons that narrow space of ground that lieth between Edenborrough Frith and Dunbretten Frith, which afterwards was eftsoons strengthened. When TERMINUS the god of bounds, S. Austin. de Civ. Dei, l. 4. c. 19 who would not give place to Jupiter himself, was so enforced to yield to Hadrian the Emperor, that he withdrew the Limit of the Roman Empire in the East to the river Euphrates, The second forefense. whether for envy to Trajan's glory, under whom the Empire extended furthest, or for fear; he likewise withdrew the limits fourscore miles, or thereabout, within this Island, to the river Tine, and there made the second fore-fence. He, saith Spartianus, brought a wall on for fourscore miles in length (which should divide the Barbarians and the Romans asunder) raised with great stakes or piles pitched deep in the ground, and fastened together in manner of a mural or military mound for defence, as may be gathered out of that which followeth in Spartianus. And this is that forefense wherewith we are now in hand: for it goeth out in length Lxxx. Italian miles. About which were PONS AELIUS, CLASSIS AELIA, COHORS AELIA, ALA SABINIANA, which took their names from Aelius Hadrianus and Sabina his wife. And that Scottish Historiographer who wrote The wheel of Times, Rota temporum. writeth thus, Hadrian was the first of all that made a rampire or wall of a huge and wonderful bigness, like unto a mountain, all of turfs digged out of the ground, with a ditch lying to it affront from the mouth of Tine unto the river Eske, that is, from the Germane Sea unto the Irish Ocean; which Hector Boetius accordingly witnesseth in the same words. The third Fence. Lollius Urbicus, Lieutenant of Britain under the Emperor Antoninus Pius, by his fortunate fights did enlarge the bounds again as far as to that first frontier fence that was made by julius Agricola, and even there raised up a third fence with a wall. He, saith Capitolinus, vanquished the Britan's, and having driven out the Barbarians, made another wall of turfs beyond that of Hadrianus. The honour of which war happily dispatched and finished in Britain, Fronto, as the panegyrical Orator saith, ascribed unto Antonine the Emperor, and hath testified that he, although sitting still at home in the very Palace of Rome, had given charge and commission to another General for the war, yet like unto the Pilot of a Galley sitting at the stern, and guiding the helm, deserved the glory of the whole voyage and expedition. But that this Wall of Antoninus Pius, and of his Lieutenant Lollius Urbicus, was in Scotland, shallbe proved hereafter. The fourth Fence. When the Caledonian Britan's, whiles Commodus was Emperor, had broken through this wall, Severus, neglecting that far and huge big Country, made a fortification cross over the Island from Solway Frith to Tinmouth, in that very place (if I have any judgement) where Hadrian made his wall of stakes and piles: and of mine opinion is Hector Boetius: Severus, saith he, commanded Hadrians wall to be repaired with Bulwarks of stone and Turrets, placed in such convenient distance, as that the sound of a trumpet, though against the wind, might be heard from the one unto the other. And in another place, Our Chronicles report, that the wall begun by Hadrian was finished by Severus. Also Hierom Surita, a most learned Spaniard, who writeth, That the Fence of Hadrian was extended farther by Sept. Severus with great fortifications, by the name of Vallum. Semblably, Guidus Paucirolus, who affirmeth, that Severus did but re-edify and repair the wall of Hadrian being fall'n down. He, saith Spartianus, fenced Britain (which is one of the chief acts recorded in his time) by erecting up a wall overthwart the Island, to the bound of the Ocean on both sides the Isle: whereupon he got the title of BRITANNICUS. After he had driven out the enemies, as saith Aurelius Victor, he fenced Britain so far forth as it was commodious unto him, etc. As also Spartianus: Again Eutropius, To the end that he might fortify with all safety and security the Provinces which he had recovered, he made a wall for 35. or rather more truly, 80. miles in length, even from sea to sea: That part of the Island which he had recovered, as Orosius writeth, he thought good to sever from other untamed Nations by a rampire or wall: and therefore he cast a great ditch, and raised a most strong wall, fortified with many turrets for the space of an hundred and twenty two miles, from sea to sea: with whom Bede agreeth, who will not willingly hear that Severus made a wall; for that he laboureth to prove that a wall is made of stone, and a rampire, named Vallum, of stakes or piles that be called Valli, and of turfs (whereas in very truth Vallum and Murus, Murus. Vallum. that is, a wall, be indifferently used on for another.) And yet Spartianus called it Murus, that is a wall, and should seem to show that he made both a wall and a trench, by these words, Post murum apud vallum in Britannia missum, etc. Howbeit, we gather out of Bede, that the said Vallum or Rampire was nothing else but a wall of turfs: and no man can truly say that the wall of Severus was built of stone. Lib. 1. c 5. But have here the very words of Bede himself: Severus having gotten the victory in civil wars at home, which had fallen out to be very dangerous, was drawn into Britain upon general revolt almost of all the allies there. Where, after great and sore battles many times fought, when he had regained part of the Island, he thought good to have the same divided from other wild and untamed nations, not with a wall, as some think, but with a rampire: for a wall is made of stones, but a rampire whereby Camps are fortified to repel the force of enemies, is made of turfs cut out of the earth round about, but raised high in manner of a wall above ground; so that there be a ditch or trench affront it, whereout the turfs were gotten, upon which are pitched piles of very strong timber. And so Severus cast a great ditch, and raised a most strong rampire, strengthened with many turrets thereupon, from sea to sea. Neither is it known by any other name in Antonine, or the Notice of Provinces, than by Vallum, that is, a Rampire, and is in the British tongue termed Gual-Sever. Hereto we may annex the authority also of Ethelward our ancientest writer next unto Bede; who, as touching Severus, hath these words, He did cast a ditch or trench cross over the Island, from sea to sea; within it also he built a wall with turrets and bulwarks. Which afterwards he calleth Fossam Severiam, that is, Severs fossae or ditch: like as we read in the most ancient Annals of the English-Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Severus foregirded and fenced Britain with a ditch from sea to sea. And other later writers in this wise, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Severus in Britain made and finished a wall of turfs, or a rampire from sea to sea. William of Malmesburie likewise nameth it a famous and most notorious trench. In which very place, two hundred years after, or much thereabout, a wall of stone was set up, whereof I am to speak anon. Whereas Eutropius hath set down the length of it to be 35. miles, Victor 32. and other Authors 132. I suppose some faults have crept into the numbers. For the Island is not so broad in that place, although a man should take the measure of the wall as it stood winding in and out, rising also and falling here and there. Nay, if one should reduce it into Italian miles, he should find little above fourscore, as Spartianus hath truly reckoned them. Some few years after, this Munition, as it seems, was forlet. Howbeit, Why lands were given to the Captains of the Marches. when Alexander Severus the Emperor, as we read in Lampridius, had once given unto the Captains and soldiers of the marches, those grounds and lands which were won from the enemies, so that they should be their propriety, if their heirs served as soldiers, and that they should never return to any private men; supposing they would go to the wars more willingly, and take the better care, if they should defend their own peculiar possessions. Note these words well I pray you: for hence may be deduced either a kind of Feudum, or the beginning of Feuds. After this the Romans marching beyond the wall, and building themselves stations within the out-land and barbarian soil, fortifying also and furnishing them accordingly, enlarged the limits of the Roman Empire again as far as to Edinburgh Frith. Nevertheless, the savage and barbarous people, never ceasing to assail them upon advantages, drove them back now and then as far as to Severus Trench. Dioclesian the Emperor had a provident eye to these limits, under whom when as the whole command in Britain was committed unto Carausius, for that he was reputed the fitter man to war against these warlike nations, he did set up again the forefense between Dunbritton Frith and Edinburgh Frith, as I will show in place convenient. The first that ever had blame for neglecting these limits was Constantine the Great: for thus writeth Zosimus, Whereas the Roman Empire by the providence of Dioclesian was in the utmost marches thereof every where surely fenced with Towns, Castles, and burgh's, and all their military companies made their abode in them, it was impossible for the barbarous nations to pass in, but they were so met withal at every turn by forces there set to repel them back. Constantine abolishing this munition of Garrisons, placed the greater part of the soldiers, whom he had removed from out of the marches, in towns that had no need of Garrisons and defence. So he left the marches open to the inroads of barbarous nations, without garrisons, and pestered the Cities that were at peace and quiet with a sort of soldiers, whereby most of them are now already become desolate, and the soldiers themselves, addicted to Theatrical sports and pleasures, grew by his means debauched. To conclude, and simply to speak in one word, he it was that gave the first cause and beginning that the state of the Empire runneth to wreck and ruin. Marcellinus lib. 38. About the year 367. The Country that lay between these enclosures or forefenses, Teodosius father unto Theodosius the Emperor recovered: he re-edified and repaired the Cities, strengthened the garrison castles and the limits with such watch, and ward, and fortications, yea and when he had recovered the Province, restored it to the ancient estate, in such wise, as that it had a lawful Governor by itself, and was afterward in honour of Valentinian the Emperor called VALENTIA. Theodosius also his son, having now by his own virtue attained unto the Imperial Majesty, had a provident care of these limits, and gave commandment that the * M●gister Off●ciorum. Master of the Offices should year by year give advice and advertisement unto the Emperor how all things went with the soldiers, and in what sort the charge of castles, holds, and forefenses was performed. But when the Roman Empire began once to decay apparently, and the Picts, together with the Scots, breaking through the wall of Turfs by Edenborrow-frith, cruelly wasted and overranne these parts, the Roman legion sent to aid the Britan's under the leading of Gallio of Ravenna, after they had driven away and quite removed the Barbarians, being now called back again for the defence of France, exhorted the Britan's (these be the very words of Gildas and Bede) to make a wall overthwart the Island between the two seas, The wall between Edenborrow Frith and Dunbrit●on Frith. which might serve for a defence to keep off the enemies, and so returned home with great triumph. But the Islanders fall to building of a wall as they were willed, not so much with stone as with turfs, considering they had no workman to bring up so great a piece of work, and so they did set up one good for nothing. Which, as Gildas saith, being made by the rude and unskilful common multitude, without any one to give direction, not so much of stone as of turf, served them in no stead. As touching the place where this wall was made, Bede proceedeth to write in this manner: They raised it between the two friths or arms of the sea, for the space of many miles, that where the fence of water failed, there by the help of a rampire they might defend the borders from the invasion of enemies. And such a forefense, reaching a great length, secured Assyria from the inroads of foreign nations, as Ammianus Marcellinus writeth. And the Seres at this day, as we read in Osorius, fortify their vales and plain champion with walls, that they might thereby shelter and defend themselves from the violent incursions of the Scythians. Of which work there made (saith Bede) that is to say, of a most broad and high rampire, a man may see the express and certain remains to this day: which beginneth almost two miles from a Monastery called Abercurving, Eastward, at a place named in the Picts language Penvahel, in the English tongue Penveltun, and reaching Westward, endeth near the City Alcluid. But the former enemies no sooner perceived that the Roman soldiers were returned, but presently sailing thither by water, break through the bounds into the marches, kill and slay all before them, and whatever stood in their way, they went down with it under foot, they over-trample it, as if it had been standing corn ready for harvest. Whereupon Ambassadors were dispatched again to Rome, making piteous moan, and with tears craving aid, that their miserable country might not utterly be destroyed, nor the name of a Roman Province, which had so long time flourished among them, wax contemptible, being now overwhelmed with the outrage of strange nations. About the year of Christ 420. Hereupon a Legion was sent over, which being arrived unlooked for toward Winter, made great slaughter of the enemies: as for the rest that were able to shift away and escape, they drove beyond the seas, who before time made it a practice every year, while no soldiers made head against them, to pass over the said seas, and raise booties. Now by this time the Romans were retired back unto the Wall or Rampire of Severus, Alciatus calleth it the Breviary of Theodosius. and Perlineam Valli (as the book of Notices termeth it, which was written toward the later end of Theodosius the younger his reign) that is on both sides as well within as without the wall, they kept a standing watch and ward in their several Stations appointed, Soldiers placed in garrisons, and along the Wall. namely five wings of Horsemen with their Captains, 15. Cohorts of footmen with their Colonels, one band, and likewise one squadron; which I have mentioned and will again in due place. As touching the time immediately ensuing, Bede goeth forward to relate in these words. Then the Romans denounced unto the Britan's, that they could endure no longer to be out-toyled and wearied with such painful voyages and expeditions for defence of them, advising them to take weapon in hand themselves, and endeavour to fight with the enemy, who could not by any means be stronger than themselves, unless they would give way to idleness, and become feeble therewith: Moreover, the Romans, because they thought this also might serve their allies in some stead, whom they were forced to leave, placed a wall of strong stone from sea to sea, directly between the Cities, which had been built there for fear of the enemies (where Severus also in times past had made a rampire.) Here will I also put down the words of Gildas, from whom Bede borrowed all this. The Romans directly level a wall after their usual manner of building, not like unto the other, at the common and private charges, adjoining unto them the poor & miserable natural home born inhabitants, from sea to sea betwixt the cities, which chanced to have been placed there for fear of the enemies. And now hear what Bede saith again: Which wall, that hath been hitherto famous and conspicuous, they with public and private cost, having with them the Britan's helping hand also, built eight foot broad and twelve foot high, in a direct line from East forward to West, as is evident even at this day to the beholders. Out of which words of Bede you may see that a great learned man, whiles he thinketh to hit the bird in the eye, hath miss the mark, straining and striving mightily to prove against Boetius and other Scottish writers, that Severus his wall of turf was in Scotland. Doth not Bede write in plain terms, after he had spoken of the Earth-wall at Abercuruing in Scotland, that a wall was reared of strong stone where Severus had made his of turf? and where I pray is that wall of stone but in this place, between Tine-mouth and Solwey frith? where was then that wall of Severus? As for the wall, there are yet such express tokens of it in this place, that you may track it as it were all the way it went: and in the * In Vastis. The Wastes, Wastes, as they term them, I myself have beheld with my own eyes on either side, huge pieces thereof standing for a great way together, only wanting their battlements. Verily I have ●eene the tract of it over the high pitches and steep descents of hills, wonderfully rising and falling: and where the fields lie more plain and open, a broad and deep ditch without, just before it, which now in many places is grounded up: and within a bank or military highway, but in most places interrupted. It had many towers or fortresses, about a mile distant from another, which they call Castle-steeds; and more within little fenced towns, termed in these days chester's, the plots or ground works whereof are to be seen in some places four square: also turrets standing between these, wherein soldiers being placed might discover the enemies, and be ready to set upon them: wherein also the Areani might have their Stations, whom the foresaid Theodosius, after they were convicted of falsehood, displaced and removed from their Stations. Areani, certain discoverers, lib. 28. These Areani (as Marcellinus saith) were a kind of men ordained in old time, whose office it was to run a great way too and fro from place to place, to intimate or give intelligence unto our Leaders what stir and noise there was abroad among the neighbour nations. So that the first founders of this wall may seem to have been directed by his counsel, who wrote unto Theodosius and his sons as touching military affairs in this manner. Among the commodities of State and Weale public, right behooveful is the care concerning the limits, which in all places do guard and enclose the sides of the Empire: The defence whereof may be best assured by certain castles built near together, so that they be erected with a steady wall & strong towers a mile asunder one from another: Which munitions verily the Landlords ought to arreare without the public charge, by a distribution of that care among themselves, for to keep watch and ward in them and in the field forefences, that the peace and quiet of the Provinces being guarded round about therewith, as with a girdle of defence, may rest safe and secure from hurt and harm. The dwellers hereabout talk much of a brazen trunk (whereof they found pieces now and then) that set and fitted in the wall artificially, ran between every Fortress and Tower, so as that if any one in what tower soever, conveyed the watchword into it, the sound would have been carried straightways without any stay to the next, then to the third, and so to them all one after another, and all to signify at what place the assault of the enemy was feared. The like miraculous device of the Towers in Byzantium, Xiphiline relateth out of Dion in the life of Severus. But since the wall now lies along, and no pipe remaineth there, many tenants hold farms and lands of our Kings here round about in Cornage, Cornage. as our Lawyers speak: that is, that they should give knowledge unto their neighbours of the enemies approaching, by winding of an horn: which some think, had the first original from an ancient custom of the Romans: who also were bound to go by the King's precept in the army and service for Scotland (these be the words of the Record) as they marched forth in the Vantward, as they returned home in the Rearward. But that I may follow the tract of this wall more directly in particular, it beginneth at the Irish sea, hard by BLATUM BULGIUM or Bulnesse, and goeth on along the side of Solway frith, and so by Burgh upon Sands unto LUGU-VALLUM or Carlisle, where it passeth over Eden. From thence it runneth forth, and hath the river Irthing beneath it, crossing over Camberke, a little brook running crooked with many turnings in and out, where are great tokens to be seen of a fortification. After this having cut over the river's Irthing and Poltrosse, it entereth into Northumberland, and among the mountains huddled together, goeth along by the side of the river which they call South-Tine without any interruption (save only that it is divided by North-Tine, where in ancient time there was a bridge over it) as far as to the Germane Ocean: as I will show in due place when I am come once into Northumberland. Yet this admirable work could not avert and keep out the tempestuous storms of foreign enemies: But when the Roman armies were retired out of Britain, the Picts and Scots assaulting the wall upon the sudden with their engines and hooked weapons, plucked and pulled down the garrison soldiers, broke through the fence, and overranne Britain far and near, being then disarmed and shaken with civil broils, and most miserably afflicted with extreme famine. But the most woeful and lamentable misery of these heavy times, Gildas a Britain, who lived not long after, pensilleth out lively in these words. As the Romans were returning homeward, there appear striving who could come first out of their Caroches, The high-land Sco●s at this day call their little barges Caroches. in which they had passed over the vale * The Paris edition hath Scytica Vallem, and meaneth haply the Scottish sea. Stitica, like unto duskish swarms of worms, coming forth of their little caves, with most narrow holes at noon day in summer, and when the heat of he sun is at the highest, a rabble of Scots and Picts, in manners partly different, but in one and the same greedy design of bloodshed: And having knowledge once that our friends and associates were retired home, and had denied ever to return again, they with greater confidence and boldness than before time attempt to possess themselves of all the North side, and the utmost part of the land from out of the Inlanders hands, as far as to the very wall. Against these invasions there stands placed on high in a Keep, a lazy crew, unable to fight, unfit (God he knows) for service, trembling and quaking at the heart, which night and day sat still as benumbed, and stirred not abroad. Mean while the hooked engines of their naked and bareshanked enemies cease not, wherewith the most miserable inhabitants were plucked down from the walls, and dashed against the hard ground. This good yet did such an untimely death unto those that thus lost their lives, that by so quick a dispatch and end, they were freed from the view of most piteous pains and imminent afflictions of their brethren and children. What should I say more? when they had left the Cities and high wall, they were again driven to fly and hide themselves; and being thus dispersed, in more desperate case they were than they had been before. The enemies likewise press still sorer upon them, and semblably hasten bloody carnage and slaughters one in the neck of another. And even as lambs are torn in pieces by butchers, so are these lamentable inhabitants by the enemies; insomuch as their abode and continuance together might be well compared to wild beasts. For both they preyed one upon another, and by robbing also forbore not the short pittance of food that the poorer sort of the inhabitants had for their own small sustentation: & also these outward calamities were increased with domestical commotions, so that by reason of so great robbing, pilling, and spoiling, the whole country wanted the stay of all kind of food, save only that which they got by hunting, to comfort their poor pining bodies. But this is worth the observation, The policy and wisdom of the Roman in setting of this wall. that as by the wisdom of the Romans this wall was so built, that it had two very great rivers near to it on the inner side (as it were) for another defence, namely, Tine and Irthing, that are divided one from the other with a very narrow parcel of ground: So on the other side the barbarous people were so cunning, that in the same place especially they made their first entrance betwixt these rivers, where they might have free passage farther into the heart of the Province, without hindrance of any river: according as we will show by and by in Northumberland. The fabulous tales of the common people concerning this wall, I do wittingly and willingly overpasse. Yet this one thing, which I was informed of by men of good credit, I will not conceal from the Reader. There continueth a settled persuasion among a great part of the people thereabout, and the same received by tradition, Plants medicinable and wholesome. That the Roman soldiers of the marches did plant here every where in old time for their use certain medicinable herbs, for to cure wounds: whence it is that some Empiric practitioners of Chirurgery in Scotland, flock hither every year in the beginning of summer, to gather such Simples and wound-herbes; the virtue whereof they highly commend as found by long experience, and to be of singular efficacy. OTTADINI. AFter the brigants, Ptolomee placeth those who (according to the diverse readings in Copies) are called OTTALINI, OTTADENI, and OTTADINI: In steed of all which names, I would, if I durst presume so far, with a very easy alteration substitute OTTATINI, that it might signify, On the farther side of, or above the river Tine. And so verily would the name of the Inhabitants be consonant with the position and site of the country. For these are planted beyond Tine. And the Welsh-britans' at this day call a country in Wales beyond the river Conwey, Such Conwey: beyond the hills, Uchmynith: beyond the wood, Uch-Coed: beyond the river Gwyrway, Uch-Gwyrway. Neither can it be, I assure you, altogether absurd, if after the same manner they termed this country beyond Tine, Such Tin: whence the Romans may seem to have framed this name OTTADINI, by a word somewhat disjointed, but more smooth and pleasanter to the ear. And whereas Xiphilinus reporteth out of Dio, that all the Britan's that dwelled near unto the wall, which we spoke of even now, MAEATAE. were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or MAEATAE, good reason it is that we should think these our Ottadini dwelling by the said wall, were among those Maeatae, who in that memorable revolt and rebellion of the Britan's, called in the Caledonians to assist them, and take arms with them. At which time Severus the Emperor commanded his soldiers peremptorily to kill all the Britan's, using these verses of Homer. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Let none scape cruel death, Nor dint of sword: no not the child unborn In mother's womb that lies: his death is sworn. But the tempestuous storm of this rebellion was calmed by the death of Severus, who in his very preparation for war died at York. Long after, Valentia. this Country seemeth to have been a part of VALENTIA. For so Theodosius called it in honour of Valentinian the Emperor, after he had subdued the barbarous people, and recovered this tract or Province, which before had been lost. But these ancient names were quite worn out of use in the English Saxon war, and all the Countries lying North on the other side of the Arm of the sea called Humber, began by a Saxon name to be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Kingdom of Northumberland: which name notwithstanding being now clean gone in the rest of the Shires, remaineth still, as it were, surviving in Northumberland only. Which when that state or kingdom stood, was known to be a part of the Kingdom of Bernicia, which had peculiar petty Kings, and reached from the River TEES to Edinburgh Frith. NORTHHUMBERLAND. NOrth-umber-land, which the English Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth after a sort enclosed in fashion of a Triangle, but not with equal sides. The South side is shut in with Derwent running into Tine, and with Tine itself, where it butteth upon the Bishopric of Durham. The East side the Germane sea lieth and beateth upon it. But the West side, which reacheth out from South-west to North-east, is first parted from Cumber-land, afterward with Cheviot and hills linked one to another, and lastly with the river Twede it affronteth Scotland, and so was the limit of both kingdoms: over which were set in this county two Governors, the one called L. Warden of the middle Marches, Wardens of the Marches. the other of the East marches. The ground itself for the most part rough, and hard to be manured, seemeth to have hardened the inhabitants, whom the Scots their neighbours also made more fierce and hardy, while sometimes they keep them exercised in wars, and other while in time of peace intermingle their manners among them, so that by these means they are a most warlike nation, Rank-riders. and excellent good light-horsemen. And whereas they addicted themselves as it were wholly to Mars and Arms, there is not a man amongst them of the better sort, Very many Baronies in Northumberland. that hath not his little tower or pile: and so it was divided into a number of Baronies, the Lords whereof in times past, before King Edward the first his days, went commonly under the name Barons, although some of them were of no great living. But a wise and politic device this was of our Ancestors, to cherish and maintain martial prowess among them in the marches of the kingdom, if it were nothing else but with an honourable bare title. Howbeit this title came to nothing among them, what time as under King Edward the first, those only began to enjoy the name and honour of Barons, whom the Kings summoned unto the high Court of Parliament by special summons. Toward the sea and Tine, by diligence and good husbandry it becometh very fruitful; but elsewhere it is more barren, rough, and as it were unmanurable: And in many places those stones Lithanthraces', Sea-coals. which we call Sea-coals, are digged up in great plenty, to the great gain of the inhabitants, and commodity of others. The hithermore part bending toward the South-west, Hexam-shire. and called Hexam-shire, acknowledged a long time the Archbishop of York for the Lord thereof, and challenged unto itself, by what right I know not, the privilege of a County Palatine. But after it became of late annexed unto the crown land, upon an exchange made with Robert the Archbishop, by authority of Parliament it was laid unto the county of Northumberland, that it should be subject to the same jurisdiction, and in all causes have recourse unto the high Sheriff thereof. South Tine (a river so called, The river South-Tine. if we may believe our Britan's, for that by reason of his narrow banks he is strait penned in, for so signifieth Tin, as they say, in the British tongue) having his spring head in Cumberland, near unto Alsten-more, where there was an ancient copper mine, holding on his course by Lambley, sometime a Nunnery built by the Lucy's, and now with floods for the most part undermined and fallen down: also by Fetherston-Haugh, the seat of the ancient and well descended family of Fetherston, when he is come as far as Bellister Castle, turning Eastward, runneth directly forward with the WALL, which is in no place three miles distant from it toward the North. For the Wall having left Cumberland behind it, and crossed over the Irthing, passed likewise with an arch over the swift riveret Poltrosse, where I saw within the wall high mounts of earth cast up, as it were to over look and discover the country. Near this standeth Thirl-wale Castle, which is not great, but strongly built; yet it gave both habitation and surname to the ancient and noble family, which was first called Wade: where the Picts and Scottish made their passage into the Province, between Irthing and Tine (and that verily upon good forecast) in that place where they had free entrance by reason of no river in their way, Joh. Fordon. into the inmore parts of England. But you shall better understand this, and the name of the place, out of John Fordon the Scottish Historian, whose words it will not be amiss, as I think, to set down here, because the book is not every where to be had. The Scots (saith he) when by conquest they had gotten the possession of those countries, Scotochronicon. which are on this side the wall, toward Scotland, began to inhabit them, and having of a sudden raised a sort of the Country people, with their mattocks, pickaxes, rakes, three tined forks and spades, make wide gaps, and a number of holes in it, by which breaches they might pass in & out readily at their pleasure. Of those holes therefore this mound of the wall afterward took the name Thirlwall, which it hath at this day in this place: for in the English tongue that very place is called Thirlwall, which is as much as a wall pierced through. Then saw we Blenkensop, which gave name unto a generous family, as also their habitation in a right pleasant country Southward; which was part of the Barony of Sir Nicholas of Bolteby, a Baron of renown in the time of King Edward the first. Ca●r Vorran. When you are past Thirlwall, the said wall openeth itself unto the raging river Tippall, where in the descent of an hill, a little within the wall, is to be seen the ground work of a Castle of the Romans, in form four square, every side whereof taketh an hundred and forty paces. The very foundations likewise of houses, and tracks of streets still appear most evidently to the beholders. The Ranke-riders, or taking men of the borders do report, that a great port-way, paved with flint and big stone, led from hence through wastes unto Maiden castle in Stanemore. Certes, it passed directly to Kirkby Thor, whereof I spoke. A poor old woman that dwelled in a little poor cottage hard by, showed unto us an ancient little altar-stone, in testimony of some vow, with this inscription unto VITIRINEUS, a tutelar God, as it seemed, of the place. DEO VITI RIND—— LIMEO ROV Posuit libens merito. P. L. M. This place is now named Caer Vorran; what it was in old time it passeth my wit to find out, seeing that amongst all the stations mentioned along the range of the Wall, there is not one cometh near to it in name; neither have we any light out of inscriptions to lead us thereunto. What ever it was, sure the wall thereby was both strongest and highest by far: for scarce a furlong or two from hence, upon a good high hill, there remaineth as yet some of it to be seen fifteen foot high, and nine foot thick, built on both sides with four square ashler stone, although Bede reporteth it was not above twelve foot in height. From hence the wall goeth forward more aslope by juerton, Forsten, and Chester in the Wall, near to Busie-Gap, a place infamous for thieving and robbing: where stood some Castles, chester's they call them, as I have heard (but I could not with safety take the full survey of it, for the ranke-robbers thereabout.) As for Chester, the neighbours told us that it was a very great building, so that we may well think it to have been that second station of the Dalmatians, which is called in the old book of Notice, MAGNA, where this inscriptions was found upon an ancient altar. PRO SALUTE DESIDIENI A— LIANI PRAE ET SUA. S. POSUIT VOT— AO SOLVIT LIBE NS. TUSCO ET BAS SO COSS. Anno Christ. 259. This broken and imperfect altar likewise brought from thence, we read at Melkrig, where now women beat their bucks on it. DEAE SURI These two inscriptions are yet to be seen in Sir Robert Cottons house at Connington. A SUB CALP UR NIO AGNOSTUS— ICOLA. LEG. AUG PR. PR. A. LICINIUS — LEMENS PRAEF— III. A. JOR—— Which if I were able to read, The goddess Suria. thus would I willingly read it, and the draught of the letters maketh well for it. Deae Suriae, sub Calphurnio Agricola Legato Augusti, Propraetore Licinius Clemens Praefectus; that is, Unto the goddess Suria, under Calphurnius Agricola Lieutenant of Augustus, Capitolinus. Some will have her to be Juno, others Venus. and Propraetor, Licinius Clemens the Captain. This Calphurnius Agricola was sent by Antoninus Philosophus against the Britan's, what time as there was likely to be war in Britain, about the year of Christ 170. At which time some Cohort under his command erected this Altar unto THE GODDESS SURIA, whom with a turreted crown on her head, and a Tqabor in her hand, was set in a coach drawn with Lions, as Lucian showeth at large in his Narration of the goddess Suria. Suetonius in Nero. cap. 56. Which goddess also Nero, albeit he contemned all religion, especially worshipped for a time; and soon after so aviled and despised, that he defiled her with his urine. From hence we saw Willy●otes-wicke, the seat of a respected family of the Ridleyes; and hard by it the river Alon, Alon River. tunning with a surging stream and rise of waters into Tine, namely, when both the Alons are met together in one channel. By the Eastern of the two Alons, there is to be seen a town, now called Old-towne, but what the old name was, will not easily be found. Now to the wall again. The next station upon the wall beyond Busie-gap, Seavenshale. is called Seavenshale: the name whereof, if any man would think with me to come from the wing Saviniana or Sabiniana, I might the more confidently say that it was that HUNNUM where the Notice of Provinces reporteth the wing Sabiniana kept watch and ward. Then beyond Carraw and Walton, stands Walwick, which some conjecturally would have to be GALLANA in Antonine: Gallana. in all which places there be evident remains of old fortifications. North-Tine. Here there runneth through the wall North Tine, which being now come down amain out of the mountains in the marches of England and Scotland, first as he passeth Eastward, Tin-dale. watereth Tindale, a place taking the name of him, and in the end receiving into his bosom the river Rhead, which springing out of Readsquire, a steep mountain, True plane. where oftentimes was the True-place, that is, a place of parley and conference for the East marches (for the LL. Wardens of the East marches to both Kingdoms were wont here to decide matters and controversies between the borderers) giveth his own name to a dale, too too void of inhabitants by reason of depredations. Rhedesdale. Both these dales breed notable light horsemen: and both of them have their hills hard by, so boggy and standing with water in the top, that no horsemen are able to ride through them: whereupon (and that is wonderful) there be many very great heaps of stone, Laws. called Laws, which the neighbour inhabitants be verily persuaded were in old time cast up and laid together, in remembrance of some there slain. In both of them also there be many ruinous remains of old Castles. In Tindale are Whitchester, Delaley, Tarset, sometimes belonging to the Comins. In Rheadsdale are Rochester, Green-chester, Rutchester, and some others, whose ancient names are abolished and lost by the injury of long time. But seeing that at Rochester which standeth nearer into the head of Rhead, in the brow of a rocky high mountain, that overlooketh the country underneath a great way (whence it seemeth to have taken this new name) there hath been found an antique altar among the rubbish of an old castle, with this inscription, D. R. S. * i. Duplares Numeri exploratorum Bremenii Aram instituerunt Numini cjus Caepione Charitino Tribuno votum solverunt libentèr meritò. DUPL. N. EXPLOR. BREMEN. ARAM. INSITVERUNT N EIUS C CAEP CHARITINO TRIB VSLM. May we not hence guess that BREMENIUM, for which there hath been made so long and great search, was here, whereof Ptolomee hath made mention in this very si●e and position of the country, and from which Antonine the Emperor beginneth the first journey of Britain, as from the utmost limit of the Roman Province in Britain at that time? And the limits or bounds of a Dominion were seas, great rivers, Mountains, Desert lands, and unpassable, such as be in this tract. Trenches also with their rampires, walls, mounds of trees cut down or plashed, and Castles especially built in places more suspected and dangerous than others: to all which there are to be seen remains here every where about. Certes, when the Barbarous nations, after they had broken through the wall of Antoninus Pius in Scotland, harried all over the country, and laid all waist before them, and the wall of Hadrian lay neglected unto the time of Severus, we may well think that even here was set down the limit of the Roman Empire: and that from hence the old Itinerary which goes about under the name of Antoninus began thus, A limit, that is, From the Bound. As for that which is set to it, id est, A vallo, that is, From the wall or rampire, may seem a gloss put down by the transcribers, considering that BREMENIUM is fourteen miles Northward distant from the said wall: unless it may seem to have been one of those out Field-stations, which, as I said even now, were placed within the Barbarians ground, beyond the Wall. Scarce five miles from old BREMENIUM Southward, standeth Otterburne, where there was a field most valiantly fought between the Scottish and English; in which the victory waved alternatively too and fro three or four times, and fell in the end to the Scottish. For Sir Henry Percy, for his overforward spirit and youthful heat bynamed Hotspur, who had the leading of the English, lost 15. hundred of his men in fight, and was himself led away prisoner: William Douglas also the leader of the Scots, with most of his company was slain, so that the martial valour of both nations was never more illustrious. There is also another town beneath of ancient memory, which Rhead watereth, or rather hath now well near washed away: they call it at this day Risingham, which is in the ancient English and Germane language, The Giant's Habitation, as Risingberg in Germany, the Giants Hill. Many shows are there, and those right evident of antiquity. The inhabitants report that God Magon defended and made good this place a great while against a certain Sultan, that is, an Heathenish Prince. Neither is this altogether a vain tale. For that such a God was here honoured and worshipped, is plainly proved by these two altar stones lately drawn out of the river there, with these Inscriptions. * Deo Mogonti Cadenorum & numini Domini nostri Augusti M.G. Secundinus Beneficiarius Consulis, Habitanci Primas tam pro se & suis posuit. DEO MOGONTI GOD. ET. N. DN. AUG. M. G. SECUNDINUS BF. COS. HA●ITA NCI PRIMAS TA— PRO SE ET SUIS POSUIT DEO MOUNO GOD. INVENTUS DO V. S. Out of the former of these, Primas. we may in some sort gather that the name of the place was HABITANCUM: and that he who erected it was * Either promoted to that place by him, or by a dispensation exempt from soldier's services. Beneficiarius to a Consul, and Primate beside of the place. For certain it is out of Codex Theodosii, that the chief Magistrates of Cities, Towns, and Castles, were called Primates. Now whether this God were the tutelar and appropriate Genius of the Gadeni, whom Ptolomee placed as next neighbours to the Ottadini, I cannot aver, let others sift and search it out. Moreover, these inscriptions also were here found: for which with others, we are to thank the right worshipful Sir Robert Cotton of Connington Knight, who very lately both saw them, copied them out, and most kindly imparted them to this work. D. M. BLESCIUS DIOVICUS FILIAE SVAE VIXSIT AN. I. ET DIES XXI. — CUIPRAEEST. M. PEREGRINIUS SUPER TRIB. COH. I. VANG FECIT CURANTE JUL. PAULO TRIB. DEAETER TIANAESA CRUM AEL. TIMOTHEA— P. V. S. LL. M. HERCU LIJUL. paulus TRIB. V. S. VR. ANTONI NI. PII AUG. M MESSORIUS DILIGENS TRI▪ BUN US SACRUM. DEO. INVICTO HERCULI. SACR L. AEML. SALVANUS TRB. COH. IVANGI V. S. P. M. Cohors prima Vangionum. Vetusta●e conlabsum. And that which far surmounteth all the rest for curious workmanship, a long table in this form artificially engraven, set up by the fourth Cohort of the Gauls-Horsmen, and dedicated to the sacred Majesty of the Emperors. But now leaving these particularities, Rhead a little lower carrieth both his own stream, and also other swelling brooks, that he receiveth unto him by the way into Tine, and so far reacheth Rhedesdale. Which as we find in a book of the King's Exchequer, Testa Nevilli. the Umfran Vills held of ancient feofament by regal power and service, that they should keep the vale from thiefs and robbers. Here every way round about, in the * In Vastis. Nomades. Wastes as they term them, as also in Gillesland, you may see as it were the ancient Nomads, a martial kind of men, who from the month of April unto August, lie out scattering and summering (as they term it) with their cattle, Sheales and Shealing, Clipches. in little cottages here and there, which they call Sheales and Shealing. Then North-Tine aforesaid passing down by Chipches, a tower belonging sometime to the Umfranvills, afterward to the Herons, and not far from Swinborne a little Castle or Pile, which gave name unto a worthy family, and was in old time parcel of the Barony of the Hairuns, now commonly called Heron, a warlike generation, now a seat of the Wodering tons; and so cometh to the Wall, running under it beneath Collerford, where a bridge of arches was made over, and where now are seen the ruins of a large castle. Cilurnum. Scilcester. Hoveden. Which if it were not CILURNUM, wherein the second wing of the Astures lay in garrison, it was hard by at Scilicester in the wall: where, after that Sigga a nobleman had treacherously murdered Ethwald King of Northhumberland, there was a Church built by the faithful Christians in honour of Saint Cuthbert and King Ofwald; whose name so obscured the light of the other, that the old name being quite gone, St. Oswald. it is now called Saint Oswalds. This Oswald King of Northumberland, Cedwella, or Caswallo. being at the point to give battle unto Cedwall the Britain (for so Bede calleth him, whom the Britan's themselves named Caswallon) King, as it seemeth, of Cumberland, erected a Cross, and humbly upon his knees prayed unto Christ, that he would vouchsafe his heavenly aid unto his devoted servants: and presently with a loud voice cried unto the army in his wise: Bedel. 2. c. 2. About the year 634. Christian religion first began in Northumberland. Let us all kneel down, and beseech the Almighty, living, and true God, of his mercy to defend us from our proud and cruel enemy. No sign (saith Bede) do we find of Christian faith, no Church, no altar throughout the whole nation to have been erected, before that this new leader & conductor of an army, directed thereto by faithful devotion, did set up this sign of the holy Cross, when he was to fight against a most savage & bloody enemy. For when Oswald perceived in this battle the present assistance of Christ, which he had so earnestly implored, streightwaies he bacame a professed Christian, and sent for Aidan the Scot, to catechise and instruct his people in the Christian religion. The very place of victory was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Heafonfield, now Haledon. that is, Heavenfield; which at this day in the same sense, as some will have it, is named Haledon. Concerning which have here these verses, such as they be, out of the life of the said Oswald. Tune primum scivit causam cur nomen haberet Heafenfeld, hoc est, caelestis campus, & illi Nomen ab antiquo dedit appellatio gentis Praeteritae, tanquam belli praesaga futuri. Nominis & caussam mox assignavit ibidem Caelitùs expugnans caelestis turba scelestam. Neve senectutis ignavia possit honorem Tam celebris delere loci, tantíque triumphi, Ecclesiae fratres Hangustaldensis adesse Devoti, Christúmque solent celebrare quotannis. Quoque loci persistat honos in honore beati Oswaldi Regis, ibi construxêre capellam. Then wist he first, and not before, why this place took the name Of Heafenfield, that is, the field of Heaven; for the same By those that lived in alder time unto it given had been, As if by skill divine they had this future war foreseen. And even the reason of this name he there streightwaies expressed, For that from heaven an heavenly troop, a wicked crew suppressed. Now that in time through negligence the same might not miscarry Both of the place so memorable, and this so noble victory, The Monks of Hangustald-Church in great devoutness here, Are wont to be, and Christ to praise duly from year to year. And that the honour of this place might still remain entire, In honour of Saint Oswald King, they built a Chapel there. And another in praise of him wrote in that unlearned age, not unlearnedly, thus. Quis fuit Alcides? quis Caesar julius? aut quis Magnus Alexander? Alcides' se superasse Fertur. Alexander mundum, sed Iulius hostem: Se simul Oswaldus, & mundum vicit, & hostem. What was to Oswald Hercules? What julius Caesar? what Great Alexander? Hercules is named much for that Himself he won: Xander the world: julius made foes to fly, Oswald at once conquered himself, the world, and enemy. Beneath Saint Oswald's both Tines meet in one, after that South-Tine (which keepeth just pace in parallel, as it were, with the wall, about two miles from it) hath passed by Langley Castle, where sometimes, under King John, Sir Adam de Tindale had his Barony, which afterwards came to Sir Nicolas Bolteby, and of late belonged to the Percies: and at Aidon runneth under the wooden weak bridge, and shaking through the violence of the stream Tine, by this time being now broader and broader, continueth his course in one channel apace toward the Ocean, by Hexham, Hexham. which Bede calleth Hangustald, but the old English-Saxon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. That this was named in the Romans time AXLELODUNUM (where the first Cohort of the Spaniards had their station) both the name implieth, Axelodunum. & the high situation upon an hill answerable to the name, Dunum. when as the ancient Britan's called an hill Dunum. But as touching this, hear what Richard Prior of this place saith, who flourished 500 years ago. Not far from the river Tine Southward there standeth a town, now in these days verily but of mean bigness, and slenderly inhabited, but in times past, as the remains of antiquity do bear witness, very large and stately. This place, of the little river Hextold running down by it, and swelling otherwhiles like unto a flood, with a swift stream, is name Hextoldesham: which town Etheldreda the wife of King Egfrid gave unto Saint Wilfrid in the year 675. that he should exalt it with an Episcopal See; who built there a Church, that for the artificial frame and passing beauty went beyond all the Ministers in England. Take with you also that which William of Malmesbury wrote: This was Crown-land, when Wilfrid the Bishop exchanged with Queen Etheldreda other lands. It was wonderful to see what buildings were erected there with mighty high walls, and how they were set out & contrived with diverse turning in & out by winding stairs, all polished and garnished by the curious workmanship of Masons and Pargetters, whom the hope of his liberality had alured from Rome; so that these buildings carried a show of the Romans stately magnificence, and stood very long struggling with time. The foresaid King Egfrid placed an Episcopal See in this little City. But that dignity, after the eighth Bishop, vanished clean away, whilst the Danish wars were at the hottest. And so ever since it was counted only a manor or Township belonging to the Archibishops of York, before the exchange made with King Henry the eighth; whereby they resigned up their right. This place was also renowned by reason of that bloody battle wherein John Nevil, marquis Montacute, encountered the leaders of the Lancastrian Faction with much courage, and with greater success put them to flight: and therefore was created Earl of Northumberland by King Edward the fourth. But now all the glory that it hath is in that ancient Abbey, a part whereof is converted into a fair dwelling house, belonging to Sir John Foster Knight. As for the Church, it standeth whole and sound, save that the West end only thereof is pulled down. and I assure you a right stately and sumptuous building it is: within the choir whereof is to be seen an ancient tomb of a nobleman, of that warlike family of the Umfranvils, Men buried with their legs a cross. as appeareth by his Escutcheon of Arms, lying with his legs across. After which fashion in those days were they only interred (that I may note so much by the way) who took upon them the cross, and were marked with the badge of the cross for sacred warfare, to recover the Holy land from the Mahometans and Turks. Hard by the East end also of this Church, upon the brow of an hill, are erected two most strong bulwarks of free stone, which belong, as I have heard, unto the Archbishop of York. From hence we went Eastward, and came to Dilston, a mansion house of the Ratcliffes: In old evidence it is found written Divelstone, of a little river running into Tine, Bede lib. 3. cap. 1. which Bede called Divelesburn, where, as he writeth, Oswald having the faith of Christ for his armour and defence, in a set battle slew Cedwalla the Britain, that wicked and horrible Tyrant, who had already slain two Kings of Northumberland, and depopulated the country all over. On the other bank of Tine lieth CURIA OTTADINORUM, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention; it may seem by the distance thereof to be CORSTOPITUM in Antonine, called at this day of the bridge, Corbridge; in Hovedons' Annals, Corobridge; and in Henry of Huntingdon, Cure. It can show nothing now but a Church, and a little tower hard by, which the Vicars of the Church built, and wherein they dwell. Howbeit there remain still sundry relics of antique work: Treasure in vain. Hoveden. Tacitus. among which King John searched for ancient treasure, supposed to have been buried there: But he was overtaken in his own vanity, and deceived of his great expectation, no less than Nero, when he searched for the hidden wealth of Dido at Carthage. For nothing found he but stones signed with brass, iron, and lead. But whoso shall see the heap of rubbish that lieth thereby, and is called Colecester, Colecester. will soon say it was some hold of a Roman garrison. Forward still upon the same bank, we saw Biwell a proper fair castle, which in the reign of King John was the Barony of Sir Hugh Balliol; for which he did owe to the Ward of Newcastle upon Tine, thirty Knights [service.] Beneath this Castle there is a very goodly Wear for the catching of Salmon: and two solid piles of most firm stone, which in times past supported the bridge, stand up in the midst of the river. From hence Tine running underneath, looketh up to Prudhow Castle, in ancient books written Prodhow, situate very pleasantly upon the ridge of an hill. This may I guess to have been PROTOLITIA, which also is called PROCOLITIA, the station of the first band of the Batavians, till time tell me more, and instruct me better. But it is famous in this regard, that in King Henry the second his days it valiantly gave the check unto William King of Scots laying siege unto it; when, as William of Newborrough writeth, he had taken great pains to no purpose, to his loss and hurt. Afterwards it belonged to the Umfranvils, men of great estimation, among whom Sir Gilbert Umfranvill flourishing in the profession of arms, in right of his wife attained the title of Earl of Anguish in Scotland, in the reign of K. Edward the first, and left that honour to his posterity. But Eleanor, daughter to the sister, and heir of the last Earl, was married at length into the family of Talebois: and afterward this castle by the Prince's bountiful gift came to the Duke of Bedford. But to retire to the Wall. Beyond Saint Oswald's there are seen in the wall the foundations of two sorts, which they call Castle-steeds: then a place named Portgate, where there stood a gate in the wall, as may appear by the word, that in both languages importeth as much. Beneath this, more within the country, is Halton-Hall: where flourisheth the family of the Carnabies, in great name for their antiquity and military prowess: near unto which is seated Aidon castle, sometimes part of the Barony of that Hugh Balliol before named. But for as much as many places about the wall carry this name Aidon, and the very same signifieth a Militare Wing or a troop of horsemen, in the British tongue, of which sort there were many wings placed along the Wall (as plainly appeareth by the book of Notices) in their stations; I would have the reader throughly to consider, whether this name was not thereupon imposed upon these places, like as Leon, upon those towns where the Legions had their standing camp. Well, hard by there was digged up the fragment of an antique stone, wherein is the express portrait or image of a man lying in bed, leaning upon his left hand, and with the right touching his right knee, with these inscriptions. — NORICI. AN. XXX.— ESSOIRUS MAGNUS FRATER EJUS DUPL. ALAE SABINIANAE. M. MARI US VELLI ALONG US. A QUI SHANC POSUIT V. S. L. M. Then the river Pont, having his spring head more outwardly, and running down near to Fenwick-Hall, Fenwick. the dwelling house of the worthy and martial family of the Fenwickes', for certain miles together guardeth the wall, and upon his bank had for a defence in garrison the first Cohort of the Cornavii, Pons Aelii-Pont-Eland. at a place called PONS AELII, built as it seemeth by Aelius Hadrianus the Emperor, now called Pont-eland: at which King Henry the third, in the year 1244. concluded a peace; and near unto this the first Cohort of the Tungri had their abode at Borwick, Borrovicus. Borwic. which in the Notice of Provinces is called BORCOVICUS. From Port-gate the wall runneth along to Waltowne, which, seeing the signification acordeth so well with the name, Walton. Admurum. and that it standeth twelve miles from the East sea, I believe verily it is the same royal town which Bede called ADMURUM, wherein Segbert King of the East Saxons was by the hands of Finanus baptised and received into the Church of Christ. Near unto this was a fortification, Vindolana. Old Winchester. called Old Winchester (I would gladly take it to be that VINDOLANA) which that Book of Notice so often cited, recordeth to have been the Frontier-station in times passed of the fourth Cohort of the Gauls. And then have ye Rouchester, where we beheld very plainly the express footings, in form four square, of a garrison Castle, that joined hard to the wall. near unto it Headon showeth itself, which was part of the Barony of Sir Hugh de Bolebec, Barony de Bolebec. who fetched his descent by his mother from the noble Barons of Montfichet; and had issue none but daughters, matched in wedlock with Ralph Lord Greistock, I. Lovel, Huntercomb, and Corbet. Now where the wall and Tine almost meet together, Newcastle upon Tine. Newcastle showeth itself gloriously, the very eye of all the towns in these parts, ennobled by a notable haven, which Tine maketh, being of that depth, that it beareth very tall ships, and so defendenth them, that they can neither easily be tossed with tempests, nor driven upon shallowes and shelves. It is situate on the rising of an hill, very uneven, upon the North-banke of the river (which hath a passing fair bridge over it.) On the left hand whereof standeth the Castle: after that, a steep and upright pitch of an hill riseth: on the right hand you have the Mercat place, and the better part of the City in regard of fair buildings. From whence the ascent is not easy to the upper part, which is larger by far. It is adorned with sour Churches, and fortified with most strong walls that have eight gates in them, with many towers, what it was in old time it is not known. I would soon deem it to have been GABROSENTUM, Gabrosentum. considering that Gates-head the suburb, as it were, thereof, doth in the own proper signification express that British name Gabrosentum derived from Goats, as hath been said before. The Notice also of Provinces placeth Gabrosentum and the second Cohort of the Thracians in it, within the range of the wall. And most certain it is that both the Rampire and the Wall went through this City, and at Pandon gate there remaineth, as it is thought, one of the turrets of that wall. Surely for workmanship and fashion it is different from the other. Moreover, whereas it was named before the Conquest Monkchester, because it was as it seemeth in the possession of Monks; this addition Chester, which signifieth a place fortified, implieth that it was anciently a place of strength. But after the Conquest of the New castle, which Robert the son of William the Conqueror built out of the ground, it got this new name Newcastle, and by little and little increased marveilously in wealth, partly by intercourse of traffic with the Germans, and partly by carrying out sea-coals, wherewith this country aboundeth, both into foreign Countries, and also into other parts of England. In the reign of Edward the first a rich man chanced to be haled way prisoner by the Scottish, out of the middle of the town: who after he had ransomed himself with a great sum of money, began with all speed to fortify the same: and the rest of the inhabitants moved by his example finished the work, and compassed it with fair strong walls. Since which time it hath with security avoided the force and threats of the enemies and robbers, which swarmed all over the country, and withal fell to trading & merchandise so freshly, that for quick commerce & wealth it became in very flourishing estate; in which regard King Richard the second granted that a sword should be carried before the Mayor, and King Henry the sixth made it a County, incorporate by itself. It is distant from the first Meridian or West line 21. degrees and 30. minutes, and from the Equinoctial line toward the North pole 34. degrees and 57 minutes. As touching the suburbs of Gateshead, which is conjoined to Newcastle with a fair bridge over the river, and appertaineth to the Bishops of Durham, I have already written. Now in regard of the site of Newcastle, and the abundance of sea-coal vented thence, unto which a great part of England and the Low Countries of Germany are beholden for their good fires, read these verses of Master John jonston, out of his Poem of the Cities of Britain. NOVUM CASTRUM. Rupe sedens celsa, rerum aut miracula spectat Naturae, aut solers distrahit illa aliis. Sedibus aethereis quid frustra quaeritis ignem? Hunc alit, hunc terrae suscitatista sinu. Non illum torvo terras qui turbine terret; Sed qui animam terris, datque animos animis. Eliquat hic ferrum, as, hic aurum ductile fundit, Quos non auri illex conciet umbra animos? Quin (aiunt) auro permutat bruta metalla. Alchimus hunc igitur praedicat esse deum. Si deus est, ceu tu dictas divine Magister, Haec quot alit? quot alit Scotia nostra deos? NEW-CASTLE. Seated upon high rock she sees dame Nature's wonders strange, Or else to others wittily doth vent them for exchange. In vain why seek ye fire to fetch from heaven to serve your turn? The ground here either keeps it close, or quickly makes it burn. Not that which folk with stony flash or whirlwind grim affrights, But giveth life to earthly things, and minds to living wights. This melteth iron, brass and gold so pliable and soft: What minds th'allective shade of gold stirs not, nor sets aloft? Nay more than so, men say it doth dull metals change to gold, To say therefore he is a God our Alchemists are bold. If God he be, as thou giv'st out (Great Master) of thy word, How many Gods then doth this place, and our Scotland afford? Scarce three miles hence (for I over pass Gosseford, Baron's Sur-Teis. which was the Barony in old time of Richard Sur-Teis, who came up under King Henry the first, and lived in great honour) standeth a village named Walls-end. The very signification of the name showeth, that this was a station of the second Cohort of Thraciens, which in the book of Notices is called VINDOBALA, Vindobala. Vindomora. Walls end. in Antonine VINDOMORA: for it may seem that in the provincial language of the Britan's, as the latter of them betokened The Walls-end, so the former the Rampiers-end, considering that long since they termed a Wall Mur, and a Rampire Bal, Val, and Gual. Neither is it credible that the Rampire or Wall reached any farther, seeing that beyond this place there are no tokens thereof: and Tine being now very near unto the Ocean, with his exceeding deep channel ferveth in stead of a most strong sense. Yet some there be who think, Tinmouth. that the rampire, and not the wall, went as far as to the very mouth of Tine, which is called Tinmouth; and stiffly affirm that it was termed Pen-bal-crag, that is, the head of the rampire in the rock, whom I will not contradict. But I durst almost avouch, Tunnocellum. that this was in the Romans time TUNNOC●LLUM, seeing that Tunnocellum soundeth as much as the Promontory of Tunn or Tine, where the first Cohort Aelia Classica, enroled (as it is probable by the very name) by Aelius Hadrianus the Emperor, was in pay for sea service. For the Romans had certain light Foists or Pinnaces, Naves Luforiae. termed Lusoria, upon the rivers in the marches: as well to repress the outrodes of them that dwelled there by, as to quit them with like inroads, as we may see in the books of Theodosius his Code, Code. under the title, de Lusoriis Danubii, that is, touching The pinnaces of the river Danow. Under the Saxons Heptarchy it was called Tunna 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not of Tunna the Abbot, as Bede writeth, but doubtless of the river; and a little Monastery it had, which was oftentimes rifted by the Danes: But now it is called Tinmouth Castle, and takes great glory in a stately and strong castle, which, as an ancient writer saith, on the East and North side i● impossible to be entered, by reason of a mighty high rock over the sea, and in other places such is the height of it, that it needs but small defence: Whereupon Robert Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland, made choice of it for his strongest hold, when he rebelled against King William Rufus. But, as commonly it falleth out with rebels, he had but ill success: who being forthwith very straight besieged, withdrew himself into a monastery hard by, which was counted a Sanctuary, and therefore not to be forced and broken; nevertheless he was drawn out thence, and kept a long time close prisoner in misery; a just reward for his so perfidious treachery. Now must I coast along the shore. On the back side of the Promontory, on which Tinmouth is situate, Seton. next unto Seton, which under King Henry the third was part of the Barony Delavall; Segedunum. Seghill. Seghill showeth itself called in old time SEGEDUNUM, a station of the third Cohort of the Lergi, by the wall or Rampire: and verily SEGEDUNUM in British, is all one with Seghill in English. Some few miles from hence, the shore maketh room for the river Blithe to fall into the sea: which river watering Belsey, belonging in times passed to the Midletons, and Ogle, Barons Ogle. a Castle of the Barons Ogle, is here, together with the river Pont, discharged into the sea. These Ogles, from the very beginning of Edward the fourth his reign, flourished in the dignity of Barons, enriched by marrying the heirs of Sir Berthram Bothall, of Alan Heton, and of Alexander Kirkby. The issue male of these Barons went out lately, and expired in Cuthbert, the seventh Baron of that house: who begat two daughters, Joan married to Edward Talbot, a younger son of George Earl of Shrewsbury; and Katherine wife to Sir Charles Cavendish Knight. Wentsbeck. Barony of Mitford. A little higher the river Wentsbeck is swallowed up of the Ocean; it runneth beside Mitford, which King John and his Rutars set on fire, when in most grievous manner they overranne these Countries. That age called foreign and willing soldiers, Rutarii or Ruptarii. Alias de Breant. Rutars, whom Falques de Brent, and Walter Buc brought out of the Low-Countries, and from other parts, to aid King John. Brent a wild madbraine, was at length banished out of the Realm: But Buc a more stayed man, after he had done the King stout service, had given unto him by the King possessions in Yorkshire and Northamptonshire: and his race flourished there, until that John Buc was attainted under King Henry the seventh: whose great grandson is Sir George Buc knight, a man well learned, of great reading, and Master of the King's Revels; who (for I take pleasure to profess by whom I have profited) hath observed many things in history, and gently imparted the same to me. This was sometimes the Barony of William Berthram, whose issue male soon had an end in Roger his grandsonne; and his three daughters inheritrices were bestowed in marriage upon Sir Norman Darcy T. Penbury, and William of Elmeley. Morpeth. From thence Wentsbeck passeth through Morpeth, a famous little town. For on the North bank of the river is the town situate, and on the South bank standeth the Church, and the Castle by it, upon a shady hill beset with trees; which, together with the town, came from Sir Roger M●rley, whose Barony it was, unto the Lords of Greistock, and so from them to the Barons Dacre of Gillesland. Nothing I have of any antiquity to say of this town, but that in the year of Christ 1215. it was set on fire by the inhabitants themselves in spiteful malice to King John. From hence the river Wentsbeck passeth by Bothall Castle, Histor. Malrosse. and the Barony sometimes of Richard Berthram, from whose posterity it was devolved unto the Barons of Ogle: Upon the bank whereof, I have thought this great while (whether truly, or upon a bare supposal I know not) that in old time GLANOVENTA stood, Glanoventa. which was fortified by the Romans with a garrison of the first Cohort of the Morini, for defence of the marches. Which the very situation doth as it were persuade; and the rivers name, together with the signification of the same, induceth me to think. For it is seated within the range of the rampire or wall, even where the book of Notices placeth it: the rivers name is Wants-beck, and GLANOVENTA in the British tongue signifieth the shore or bank of Venta. Whence also Glanon, a city in France upon the seashore, whereof Pomponius Mela hath made mention, may seem to have drawn that appellation. Not far hence, to let pass little piles and towers of less account, is to be seen near unto the shore Withrington or Woderington, Withrington. in the English Saxon tongue of old time called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an ancient Castle, which gave the name unto the Withringtons, Gentlemen of good birth, and Knights, whose valour in the war hath been from time to time remarkable. Coqu●da the river. Then the river Coquet falleth into the sea, which springing among the rough and stony mountains of Cheviot, not far from his head, hath Billesdun upon it; from whence sprang the ancient family of the Selbies: and somewhat lower Southward, Harbottle. Harbottle, in the English Saxons tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, The station of the Army, whence the family of the Harbottles descended, that in the ages aforegoing flourished. A Castle it had in times past, but in the year of our salvation 1314. the Scots razed it. Haliston. Close unto this standeth Halyston, as one would say Holy stone, where the report goeth, that Paulinus in the primitive Church of the English nation baptised many thousands. Warkworth. And at the very mouth of Coquet, Warkworth a proper fair Castle of the Percies standeth and defendeth the shore, where there is a chapel wonderfully built out of a rock hewn hollow, and wrought without beams, rafters, or any pieces of timber. This Castle King Edward the third gave unto Henry Percy, together with the Manor of Rochburie. Afore time it had been the Barony of Roger Fitz-Richard, Rot. Parliament 5. Ed. 3. Clavering by the gift of Henry the second King of England, who gave also unto his son, Clavering in Essex, whereof at the commandment of King Edward the first, they assumed unto them the surname of Clavering, leaving the ancient manner of taking their names from the forename, or Christian name of the father: for before that time they were surnamed according to the forename of the father, as Robert Fitz Roger, Roger Fitz john, etc. Part of this inheritance the Nevils entered upon by Fine and Covenant, who afterward were Earls of Westmoreland; and part of it a daughter named Eve inherited, who was wedded to Sir Th. Ufford; from whose posterity it came hereditarily unto the Fienes' Barons of Dacres. But from the younger sons branched the Barons of Evers, the Evers of Axholme, and the Claverings of Kalaly in this County, and others. Hard unto this also lieth Morwick, Morwick. which may likewise boast of the Lords it had, whose issue male had an end about the year of our Lord 1258. and so the inheritance passed over by the daughters unto the Lumleies, Seimors', Bulmers, and Roscells. The shore after this openeth itself to give passage unto the river ALAUNUS, Aulne river. which being not yet bereft of that name, whereby it was known unto Ptolomee, is called short Alne: Upon the bank whereof, besides Twifford, that is, A double fourd (where was holden a solemn Synod under King Egfrid) and Eslington, the habitation of the Collingwoods (men renowned for their warlike exploits) there showeth also itself Alan-wic, Alnewick. in the English Saxon tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, now commonly called Anwick, 1174. a town ennobled by the victory of Englishmen (wherein our ancestors showed such valour and prowess, that they took William King of Scots, and presented him prisoner unto King Henry the second) and fortified beside with a goodly castle: 1097. which when Malcome the third, King of the Scots, had by long siege enforced to such extremity, that it was at the point now to be yielded up, he was slain by a soldier, that making semblance to deliver unto him the keys of the Castle hanging at the head of a spear, ran him into the body with it. And withal, his son Edward, whiles to revenge his father's death he charged unadvisedly upon the enemy, was so wounded, that he died thereof shortly after. This was a Barony sometimes belonging to the Vescies. Testa Nevilli. For King Henry the second gave it unto Eustach Fitz-Iohn, father to William Vesci, to be held by the service of twelve knights. Sir John Vescy, of this race, returning out of the sacred war in the Holy-land, was the first that brought with him into England the Friars Carmelites, Carmelites. and built for them a Covent here in Holme, a desert place, not unlike to Mount Carmel in Syria. William, the last of the Vescies, made Antonine Bec Bishop of Durham his feofie upon trust, that he should deliver this Castle, with all the lands lying thereto, unto his base son, History of Durham. the only child that he left behind him; but the Bishop falsely conveied away from him the inheritance, and for ready money sold it unto William Lord Percy: since which time it hath evermore belonged to the Percies. From hence the shore making diverse angles and points, Dunstaburg, Bebban. passeth by Dunstaburge, a Castle belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster, which some have untruly supposed to be Bebhan; for Bebhane standeth higher, and in stead of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is now called Bamborrow. Bamborrow. Our Bede, where he reports that this Castle was besieged and burnt by Penda King of the Mercians, writeth that Queen Bebba gave it this name: but the Floure-gatherer recordeth, that Ida the first King of Northumberland built it, which he sensed first with great stakes or piles of timber, and afterward with a wall. But take here with you the description thereof out of Roger Hoveden: Bebba (saith he) is a most strong City, not very great, but containing the space of two or three fields, having into it one hollow entrance, and the same raised on high with stairs after a wonderful manner, and on the pitch of an hill, a very fair Church, and Westward on the top thereof, there is a well set out with marvelous workmanship, sweet to drink of, and most pure to see to. But in our age it is counted a castle rather than a city, yet so big and large, as that it may seem to match with a city. * Male vicina. Neither went it for any other but a castle, when King William Rufus having raised over against it a tower called Mal-voisin, gave assault continually to Mowbray, while he rebelled and lurked there, who at length privily stole away, & escaped by flight. The greatest part of the beauty thereof was lost long time after, in the civil war, when Bressie the Norman, redoubted soldier, who sided with the house of Lancaster, exercised his rage against it very outrageously. Since than it hath been sore beaten with time, and the winds together, which have blown by drifts an incredible deal of sand of the sea into the fortresses. Viscounts. Hereto adjoineth Emildon, sometime the Barony of John Le Viscont, but Rametta the heir of that house sold away the possessions to Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Jo. Scotus the subtle Doctor flourished in the year 1300. In this was borne John Duns, called Scotus, because he was descended of Scotish blood, who being brought up in Merton College at Oxford, became wonderful well learned in Logic, and in that crabbed and intricate Divinity of those days: yet as one still doubtful and unresolved, he did overcast the truth of religion with mists of obscurity. And with so profound and admirable subtlety, in a dark and rude style he wrote many works, that he deserved the title of the Subtle Doctor: and after his own name erected a new sect of the Scotists. But he died pitifully, being taken with an Apoplexy, and overhastily buried for dead; whiles upon return of life, nature (though too late) was about to discuss the violence of the disease, and he, making means in vain by a lamentable noise to call for help, after he had a long time knocked his head against the grave stone, dashed out his own brains, and at last yielded up his vital breath. Whereupon a certain Italian wrote thus of him. Paul. Jovius in Elogiis Doctorum. Quaecunque humani fuerant, jurisque sacrati, In dubium veniunt cuncta vocante Scoto. Quid? quod & in dubium illius sit vita vocata, Morte illum simili ludificante strophâ. Quum non ante virum vitâ jugularit ademptâ, quam vivus tumulo conditus ille foret. All learning taught in humane books, and couched in holy writ, Dan Scotus dark and doubtful made by subtlety of wit. No marvel that to doubtful terms of life himself was brought, Whiles with like wile and subtle trick death on his body wrought. When as her stroke to kill outright she would not him vouchsafe, Until the man (a piteous case) was buried quick in grave. That he was borne here in England, I avouch it out of his own manuscript works in the Library of Merton College in Oxford, and upon their faithful testimony, which conclude in this manner: Explicit Lectura, etc. that is, Thus endeth the Lecture of the subtle Doctor in the University of Paris, john Duns, borne in a certain little village or hamlet within the Parish of Emildon, called Dunston, in the county of Northumberland, pertaining to the house of the scholars of Merton Hall in Oxford. On this shore forward there is nothing to be seen worth relation, but the Holy Island (whereof I will write in due place) until a man come to the mouth of tweed, which parteth England and Scotland a great way asunder, The river tweed. and is called the East limit: and thereupon our Necham thus writeth, insinuating that the hither part of Scotland was called Pict-land. Anglos à Pictis sejungit limit certo Flumen, quod Tuedam pristina lingua vocat. The river tweed, a certain bound, Divides * Pict-land from English ground. This river breaking forth at a number of Springs out of the mountains of Scotland, wandereth a great while with many a crooked winding in and out, among the ranke-riders and borderers (to give them no worse term) whose manner is, as one saith, to try their right by the sword's point. But when he is come hard to a village called Carram, Carram. waxing a great deal bigger by reason of many waters fallen unto him, he begins to distinguish the Confines of the Kingdoms. And when he hath watered work, Werk. a Castle often assaulted by the Scottish, belonging in times passed to the Rosses, and now to the Gray, who by feats of arms have won much honour, he is increased more with the stream of Till, a river that hath two names. For at the head, River Bramish. which is in the innermore part of this country, it is called Bramish, and upon it standeth Bramton, a little village, very obscure and almost of no reckoning: from whence it goeth Northward by Bengeley, Bramton. which together with Brampton itself, with Broundum, Rodam (which hath given name to a stock in this tract of good note) Edelingham, etc. was in King Henry the third his time the Barony of Patrick Earl of Dunbar: who also, as we read in the book of Inquisitions, was Inborow and Outborow between England and Scotland, Inborow and Outborow what they signify. that is to say if I mistake it not, he was to allow and observe in this part, the ingress and egress of those that travailed too and fro between both Realms. For Englishmen in ancient time called in their language an Entry, and fore Court or Gatehouse, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Higher somewhat standeth Chevelingham, now called Chillingham, hard by the river, which, like as Horton not far distant from it, had their Castles belonging to the Greys, ever since that those two families of the Greys were conjoined in one by marriage. There lieth near unto it Wollover, Wollover. a Barony which King Henry the first gave to Robert * De Musco Campo. Fin. 35. H. 3. Glendale. Lib. 2. cap. 14. Muschampe, who bore Azure three Butterflies or Papilions Argent: of whose race descended Robert, who in Henry the third his reign was reputed the mightiest Baron in these North parts. But the inheritance was quickly dismembered and parted among the females: one of whom was married unto the Earl of Stratherne in Scotland, a second to Sir William de Huntercombe, and a third to Odonell Ford. Then the river of Glen from out of the West augmenteth Till with his waters, and nameth the vale that he runneth thorough Glendale. Touching this little river Bede writeth thus: Paulinus coming with the King and Queen into a Manor or house of the Kings, called Ad-Gebrin (at this day Yeverin) abode with them 36. days there, employed wholly in the catechising and baptising: during all which time he did nothing from morning but instruct the people resorting to him in the saving word of Christ, and being thus instructed, he baptised them to the forgiveness of their sins in the river of Glen, which was hard by. This house was in the time of the succeeding Kings neglected, and another made for it in a place called Melmin, Melfeld. but at this day Melfeld. Here within a little of Brum-ridge, The battle of Brunford. by Brumeford, K. Athelstan fought a pitched field with Aulase the Dane, Constantine K. of Scots, and Eugenius or Owein Prince of Cumberland, with so fortunate success, that this battle was most famous far and near, See Henry Huntingdon. William Malmesbur. and Ingulph. yea and triumphantly described by the Historians and Poets of that time in the highest degree, with stately style and lofty verse in the language of that age, in barbarous Latin. Here Bramish, losing his own name, comes to be called Till, and first saluteth Ford Castle, Fort. etal. belonging sometimes to the warlike and valiant house of the Herons, now to the family of the Cars: then etal, where the family surnamed De Maneriis, or Manors sometimes inhabited, reckoned in the rank of worshipful Knights, out of which flourish the right honourable Earls of Rutland at this day. Many small castles and piles in this tract I wittingly let pass: For an endless piece of work it were to go through them all one by one, considering it is certain that in King Henry the second his time there were eleven hundred and fifteen Castles in England. Castles 1115. in England. Right over against this Ford westward, there mounteth aloft an high hill called Floddon near Bramton, memorable in regard of James the fourth, King of Scots, who was there slain, and his army overthrown: who, whiles King Henry the eighth lay at the siege of Tournay in France, marched forward in great courage, and greater hope with Banner displayed against England. But Thomas Howard Earl of Surry, arraunged in good order of battle, valiantly in this place received him: where the fight continued sharp and hot on both parts, until the night came upon them, uncertain as then whether side had the victory. But the day ensuing manifested both the Conqueror and conquered: and the King of Scots himself with many a mortal wound, was found among the heaps of dead bodies. And hereupon was granted a new augmentation unto the Arms of the Howards, as I have formerly specified. tweed having now entertained Till, runneth down with a fuller stream by Nor●ham or Northam, in old time called Ubbanford, a town belonging to the Bishops of Durham. For Egfrid the Bishop built it, and Raulph his successor erected a Castle upon the top of an high steep rock, and fortified it with a trench: in the utmore wall whereof, which is of greater circuit, are placed sundry turrets in a Canton toward the river: within there is another enclosure or wall much stronger: in the midst of which there riseth up the Keep of great height: But the secure peace of our age, hath now a long time neglected these fortifications, albeit they stand in the borders. Under it lieth the town in a plain Westward, and hath in it a Church, wherein was interred Ceolwulph King of Northumberland, unto whom Venerable Bede dedicated his book of the Ecclesiastical history of England; and who afterwards renouncing the world, became a Monk in Lindiffarn Church, and served as a Christian soldier for the Kingdom of heaven, and his body was conveyed after that into the Church of Norham. Also when the Danes harried and spoiled the Holy Island, where Saint Cuthbert, whom Bede so highly extolleth, both sat as Bishop, and lay buried: and some went about by a devout and religious kind of stealth, to transport his body over; William Malmesbury lib. 1. de Gestis Pontificum In printed books corruptly ye read Bubbeford. by occasion that the winds were against them, They laid the sacred body down with due honour at Ubbanford, (whether it were an Episcopal See or no, it is uncertain) hard by the river tweed, and there it lay for many years together, until the coming of K. Etheldred. Of this, and of other things, I had information (for I will never conceal by whom I have found any good) by George Carleton borne here, as who was the Castellanes son of this place; whom for that I have loved in regard of his singular knowledge in Divinity (which he professeth) and in other more delightful literature, and am loved again of him, I were not worthy I assure you of love, if I did not acknowledge thus much. Beneath Norham, at Killey a little village hard by, were found, as I have heard old men say, in our grandfathers remembrance, the ornaments or Harnish of a Knight's belt, and the hilt of a sword of massy gold, which were presented unto Thomas Ruthall then Bishop of Durham. A little lower appeareth the Mouth of tweed; upon the farther side whereof standeth Berwicke, the utmost town in England, and the strongest hold in all Britain. Which name some derive from one Berengarius a Duke, Ingulph expoundeth Berwicke a Manor. whom they never heard of, unless it were in a dream. Leland fetcheth it from Aber, which in the British tongue signifieth the mouth of a river, so that Aberwic should sound as much as The town by the river's mouth. But he that knows what Berwic in the Charters of our Kings signifieth, wherein nothing is more common than these words, I give C. and D. that is, such and such towns, cum suis Berwicis, surely he must needs understand the true Etymology of this Berwicke. For mine own part I cannot conjecture what it meaneth, unless it be a Village or Hamlet annexed, as it were a parcel of the Demesne, unto some place of greater reckoning. For in the donations of Edward the Confessor, Totthill is called the Berwicke of Westminster, and Wandlesworth the Berwicke of Patricseie, and a hundred such. But to what end is all this? Surely we do but lose this labour, if, as some will have it, the name thereof were in old time 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the English Saxon tongue, that is, The town or village of the Bernicians. Now that these countries were named Bernicia, it is better known than can be said, and I have already notified as much. But whence soever it hath the name, it is so situate that it shooteth far into the sea, in so much as it is well near compassed about with the sea, and tweed together; and seated betwixt two most mighty Kingdoms, as Pliny hath reported of Palmyra in Syria. It was the first thing always that both nations took care of whensoever they were at any discord: so that since the time that King Edward the first of that name, first wrested it perforce out of the Scots hands, the Scots have oftentimes repossessed it, and the Englishmen as often recovered it from them again. But let us here (if you please) abridge the History thereof. Of this Berwicke I have read nothing of greater antiquity than this, that William King of Scots being taken Prisoner in the field by the English, delivered it up unto our King Henry the second for his enlargement out of prison, on this condition, that unless by a certain day appointed he paid a sum of money for his ransom, it should belong unto the Crown of England for ever; and presently, as it is in the Polychronicon of Durham, the said King Henry fortified it with a Castle. Howbeit King Richard the first, upon payment of the money released it again unto the Scotish. Afterwards King John, as we read in the history of Melrosse, won both the town and Castle of Berwick, what time as he with his Rutars burnt work, Roxburgh, Mitford and Morpath, yea and laid all Northumberland most, because the Barons of Northumberland had done homage at Felton to Alexander King of Scots. Many years after, when john Balliol King of Scots had broken his oath, King Edward the first, in the year of salvation 1297. brought Berwick under his subjection: yet within a little while after, when the fortune of war began to smile upon the Scots, they surprised it standing for-let and neglected, but straightways it was yielded up, and the English became Masters of it. Afterward, in that loose reign of King Edward the second, Peter Spalding betrayed it unto Robert Bru● King of the Scots, who hotly assaulted it: and the English laid siege unto it in vain, until that our Hector, King Edward the third, in the year of Christ 1333. setting valiantly upon it, won it as happily. Howbeit in the reign of Richard the second, certain Scottish robbers upon a sudden surprised the Castle: but within nine days Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland regained it. Scarce seven years were overpassed, when the Scots recovered it again, not by force but by money: For which cause, the said Henry Percy, Governor of the place, was accused of high treason: but he, with money likewise corrupted both their faith and fortitude, and straightway got it in his hands again. A great while after, when England was even pining by reason of civil war, King Henry the sixth being now fled the Realm into Scotland, surrendered it up into the hands of the Scot, for to be secured of his life and safety in Scotland. But after twenty two years were expired, Sir Thomas Stanley, not without loss of his men, reduced it under the command of King Edward the Fourth. Since which time, our Kings have at diverse times fortified and fenced it with new works: but especially Queen Elizabeth, who of late, to the terror of the enemy, and safeguard of her state, enclosed it about in a narrower compass within the old wall, with an high wall of stone most strangely compacted together; which she hath so forewarded again with a counterscarp, a bank round about, with mounts of earth cast up by man's hand, and open terraces above head, that either the form of these munitions, or strength thereof may justly cut off all hope of winning it. To say nothing all this while of the valour of the garrison soldiers, the store of great Ordnance and furniture of war, which was wonderful. He that was wont to be chief Governor of this town (that I may note thus much also) was always one of the wisest and most approved of the Nobility of England, and withal Warden of these East marches against Scotland. The Longitude of this town, as our Mathematicians have observed, is 21. degrees and 43. minutes: the Latitude 55. degrees and 48. minutes. And by this inclination and position of the heaven, the longest day is 17. hours and 22. minutes, and the night but six hours and 38. minutes: so that that there was no untruth in Servi●● Honoratus, Britain hath day plenty. when he wrote thus, Britanni lucis dives, etc. that is, Britain is so plentiful of day light, that it affordeth scarce any time for the nights. Neither is it any marvel that soldiers without other light do play here all night long at Dice, considering the side light that the sun beams cast all night long: and therefore this verse of juvenal is true: Minimá contentos nocte Britannos. The Britain's who with least night stand content. Concerning Berwicke, have here now for an Overdeale, these verses of Master I. jonston. Scotorum extremo sub limit, meta furoris Saxonidum: gentis par utriusque labour. Mille vices rerum, quae mille est passa ruinas, Mirum, quî potuit tot superesse malis: Quin superest, quin extremis exhausta ruinis, Funere sic crevit firmior usque suo: Oppida ut exaequet jam munitissima. Civis Militis & censum, & munia Martis obit. Postquàm servitio durisque est functa periclis, Effert laetitiae signa serena suae: Et nunc antiquo felix sejactat honore, Cum reddit Domino debita jura suo: Cujus ab auspiciis unita Britannia tandem Excelsum tollit libera in astra caput. Affront the bound of Scottish ground, where stayed the furious broil Of English wars; and Nations both were put to equal toil. Now won, then lost, a thousand turns it felt of fortunes will, After so many miseries, wonder, it standeth still. And still it stands: although laid waste it were and desolate, Yet always after every fall it rose to firmer state: So that for strength best fenced towns it matcheth at this day. The Citizens were soldiers all, and served in wars for pay. But after service long performed, and hard adventures past, Of joy and mirth the gladsome signs it putteth forth at last. And now her ancient honour she doth vaunt in happy plight, When to her Sovereign Lord she yields all service due by right. Whose blessed Crown united hath great Britain now at last, Whereby her head she lifts on high, since quarrels all be past. The Commentary of Pim Secundus, set forth in the name of john Gebellin. That which Aeneas Silvius, or Pope Pius the second, who when he was a private person was Ambassador into Scotland about the year 1448. hath reported in his own life, by himself penned, and published under the name of another, touching the borderers that dwelled there round about, I think good here to put down, considering that as yet they have nothing degenerated. There is a river (saith he) which spreading broad from out of an high hill, confineth both the lands: This river when Aeneas had ferried over, and turned aside into a great village about sun setting, where he supped in a countryman's house, with the Priest of the place and his host, many sorts of gruels and pottage, hens and geese, were set on the board, but no wine nor bread at all, and all the men & women of the village came running thither, as it were to see some strange sight: and as our countrymen are wont to wonder at Blacka-Moors, or men of Ind, so they stood gazing & gaping, as astonished at Aeneas, ask of the Priest what countryman he was? upon what business he came? and whether he were a Christian or no? Now Aeneas having been informed before what scarcity of victuals he should find in those parts, had received at a certain Abbey some loaves of white bread, and a rundlet of red wine: which when they had brought forth, the people made a greater wonder than before, as who had never seen either wine or white bread. There approached unto the table great bellied women and their husbands, who handling the bread, & smelling to the wine, craved some part thereof, and there was no remedy but to deal and give all away among them. Now when we had sitten at s●pper until it was two hours within night, the Priest and our Host, together with the children and all the men, left Aeneas, and made haste away; for they said they were to fly for fear of the Scots unto a certain pile, that stood a great way off: which Scots, at a low water when the tide was past, used to pass over the river, and fall to boot-haling. But they would in no wise take Aeneas with them, although he entreated them very instantly; no nor any woman, albeit amongst them there were many both young maids, and wives passing fair: For they are persuaded verily, that the enemies will do them no hurt, as who reckon whoredom no hurt nor evil at all. So Aeneas remains there alone with two servants and his Guide, in company of an hundred women; who sitting round in a ring, with a good fire in the mids before them, fell to hitchell and dress hemp, sat up all night without sleep, and had a great deal of talk with his Interpreter. When the night was far spent, what with barking of dogs, and gaggling of geese, a mighty noise and outcry was made: then all the women slipped forth diverse ways, his Guide also made shift to be gone, and all was of an hurry, as if the enemies had been come. But Aeneas thought it his best course to expect the event within his bedchamber, (and that was a stable) for fear lest if he had run forth of doors, knowing not the way, he should become a prey and booty to him that should first meet him. But see, streightwaies the women returned with the Interpreter, bring word all was well, and that they were friends and not enemies were come thither. There have been in this country certain petty nations, Scovenburgenses. Fisburgenses. called Scovenburgenses and Fisburgingi; but to point out precisely the very place of their abode, in so great obscurity, passeth my skill: Neither can I define whether they were Danes or English. But Florentius of Worcester, 1013. published by the right honourable Lord William Howard, writeth, That when there was an assembly or Parliament holden at Oxenford, Sigeferth and Morcar, the worthier & mightier ministers of the Scovenburgenses, were secretly made away by Edrike Streona. Clitonem. Prince of Fisburging. Also that Prince Edmund against his father's will married Alfrith the wife of Sigefrith, and having made a journey to the Fisburging, invaded Sigeferth his land, and brought his people in subjection to him. But let others inquire farther into these matters. 1015. This region of Northhumberland being brought under the English Saxons dominion by Osca Hengists brother, Kings, Dukes, and Earls of Northumberland. Bernicii. and by his son Jebusa, had first official governors under the fealty of the Kings of Kent. After that, when the kingdom of the Bernicii, whom the Britan's call Guir a Brinaich, as it were, Mountainers, was erected; that which reached from Tees to the Scottish Frith, was the best part thereof, and subject to the Kings of Northhumberland: who having finished their period, whatsoever lay beyond tweed, became Scottish and was counted Scotland; Then Egbert King of the Westsaxons laid it to his own kingdom, when it was yielded up to him. Afterwards King Aelfred permitted the Danes to possess it, whom Athelstane some few years after dispossessed and drove out: yet after this the people set up Eilrick the Dane for their king, whom King Ealdred forthwith displaced and expelled. From which time forward this country had no more Kings over it, but such as governed it were termed Earls: Amongst whom these are reckoned up in order successively in our Histories, Osulfe, Oslake, Edulph, Walde of the elder, Uchtred, Adulph, Alred, Siward, Tostie, Edwin, Morcar, Osculph, and that right valiant Siward, who as he lived in arms, so would he dye also armed. Then his Earldom and these parts were given unto Tostie the brother of Earl Harold: but the Earldoms of Northampton and Huntingdon, with other lands of his, were assigned to the noble Earl Walde of his son and heir. These words of Ingulphus have I put down, because some deny that he was Earl of Huntingdon. And now will I add moreover to the rest, that which I have read in an old manuscript memorial of this matter, in the Library of john Stow, a right honest Citizen, and diligent Antiquary of the City of London. Copso being made Earl of Northumberland by the gift of King William Conqueror, expelled Osculph, who notwithstanding within a few days after slew him. Then Osculph being run through with a Javelin by a thief, ended his life. After this, Gospatricke purchased the Earldom of the Conqueror, who not long after deposed him from that honour; and then succeeded after him Walde of Siwards son. His fortune was to lose his head; and in his room was placed Walcher Bishop of Durham, who (like as Robert Coming his successor) was slain in a tumultuous commotion of the common people. Afterwards Robert Mowbray attained to the same honour, which he soon lost through his own perfidious treachery, when he devised to deprive King William Rufus of his royal estate, and to advance Stephen Earl of Albemarle, a son to the Conqueror's sister, thereunto. Then K. Stephen made Henry, the son of David King of Scotland (as we read in the Poly Chronicon of Durham) Earl of Northumberland: whose son also William, that afterwards was King of Scots, writ himself, William de Warrenna Earl of Northumberland: for his mother was descended out of the family of the Earls of Warren, as appeareth out of the book of Brinkburne Abbey. After some few years, King Richard the first passed away this Earldom for a sum of money, unto Hugh Pudsey Bishop of Durham for term of his life, scoffing that he had made a young Earl of an old Bishop. But when the said King was imprisoned by the Emperor in his return out of the Holy-land, and Hugh for his delivery had contributed only 2000 pounds of silver, which the King took not well at his hands, because he was deemed to have performed but a little, whom he understood to have raised and gotten together a huge mass of money, under pretence of his ransom and release, he devested and deprived him of his Earldom. After which time the title of the Barledome of Northumberland lay discontinued about an hundred and fourscore years. Percies descended from Charlemagne. But at this day the family of the Percies enjoyeth the same, which family being descended from the Earls of Brabant, inherited together with the surname of Percy the possessions also of Percy, ever since that Joscelin of Louvain, younger son of Godfrey Duke of Brabant, the true issue of the Emperor Charles the Great by Gerberga, the daughter of Charles, a younger brother to Lothar, the last King of France of the line of Charles, took to wife Agnes the daughter and sole heir of William Percy: of which William the great grandfather William Percy, coming into England with King William the Conqueror, was rewarded by him for his service, with lands in Tatcaster, Linton, Normanby, and other places. Between this Agnes and Joscelin it was covenanted, that he should assume the name of Percies, and retain still unto him the ancient Arms of Brabant, viz. A Lion azure (which the Brabanters afterwards changed) in a shield Or. The first Earl of Northhumberland out of this family, was Henry Percy, begotten of Marie daughter to Henry Earl of Lancaster, who being descended of ancient blood, and renowned for his martial prowess, was rewarded also by King Edward the third with fair possessions in Scotland, created Earl of Northhumberland by King Richard the second on the day of his Coronation, and much enriched by his second wife Dame Maud Lucy (although by her he had no issue) upon a fine levied unto her, that he should bear quarterly the Arms of the Lucy's with his own, and lived in great honour, confidence, and favour with King Richard the second. Yet full badly he requited him again for all his singular good demerits. For in his adversity he forsook him, and made way for Henry the fourth to the kingdom, who made him Constable of England, and bestowed upon him the Isle of Man: against whom within a while, he feeling the corrosive and secret prick of conscience, for that King Richard by his means was unjustly deposed, and beside, taking at the heart indignantly, that Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, the true and undoubted heir of the Kingdom, and his near ally, was neglected in prison, he conceived inward enmity, grievously complaining, John Harding Manuscript. and charging him with perjury, that whereas he had solemnly sworn to him, and others that he would not challenge the Crown, but only his own inheritance; and that King Richard should be governed during his life by the good advice of the Peers of the realm: he to the contrary had by imprisonment and terror of death enforced him to resign his Crown, and usurped the same, by the concurrence of his faction, horribly murdering the said K. and defrauding Edmund Mortimer Earl of March of his lawful right to the Crown, whom he had suffered to languish long in prison under Owen Glendour, reputing those traitors who with their own money had procured his enlargement. After the publication of these complaints, he, confident in the promises of his confederates, who yet failed him, sent his brother Thomas Earl of Worcester, and his courageous son Henry surnamed Hotspur, with a power of men against the King, who both lost their lives at the battle of Shrewesbury. Whereupon he was proclaimed traitor, and attainted; but shortly after, by a kind of connivency, received again into the King's favour (unto whom he was a terror) yea and restored to all his lands and goods, save only the Isle of Man, which the King resumed into his own hands. Howbeit within a while after, being now become popular, and over forward to entertain new designs, and having procured the Scots to bandy and join with him in arms, himself in person entered with banner displayed into the field, against the King, as an Usurper, and on a sudden at Barrhammore in a tumultuary skirmish in the year 1408. was discomfited and slain by Thomas Rokesby the high Sheriff of Yorkshire. Eleven years after, Henry, this man's nephew by his son Henry Hotspur (whose mother was Elizabeth, daughter to Edmund Mortimer the elder, Earl of March, by Philippe the daughter of Leonel Duke of Clarence) was restored in blood and inheritance by authority of Parliament, in the time of King Henry the fifth: which Henry Percy, whiles he stoutly maintained King Henry the sixth his part against the house of York, was slain at the battle of Saint Alban, like as his son Henry, the third Earl of Northumberland, who married Aelenor, the daughter of Richard Lord Poinings, Brian, and Fitz-Pain, in the same quarrel lost his life in the battle at Towton, in the year 1461. The house of Lancaster being now kept under, and down the wind, and the Percies with it trodden under foot, King Edward the fourth made john Nevil, Lord Montacute, Earl of Northumberland: but he after a while surrendered this title into the King's hands, and was created by him marquis Montacute. After this Henry Percy, the son of Henry Percy aforesaid, recovering the favour of King Edward the fourth, obtained restitution in blood, and hereditaments; who in the reign of Henry the seventh was slain by the country people, that about a certain levy of money exacted by an Act of Parliament, rose up against the Collectors and Assessors thereof. After him succeeded Henry Percy, the fifth Earl, whose son Henry by a daughter and Coheir of Sir Robert Spenser, and Eleanor the daughter likewise and Coheir of Edmund Beaufort Duke of Somerset, was the sixth Earl; who (having no children, and his brother Thomas being executed for taking arms against King Henry the eighth, in the first difference about Religion) as if now that family had been at a final end for ever) prodigally gave away a great part of that most goodly inheritance unto the King and others. Some few years after, Sir john Dudley Earl of Warwick, got to himself the title of Duke of Northumberland, by the name of john Earl of Warwick, Marshal of England, Viscount Lisle, Baron Somery, Basset, and Ties, Lord of Dudley, Great Master and Steward of the King's house; when as in the tender age of King Edward the sixth, the Chieftains and leaders of the factions shared titles of honour among themselves, their fautors, and followers. This was that Duke of Northumberland, who for the time, like unto a tempestuous whirlwind, began to shake and tear the public peace of the state, whiles he with vast ambition plotted and practised to exclude Mary and Elizabeth the daughters of King Henry the eighth from their lawful right of succession, and to set the Imperial Crown upon Lady Jane Grey, his daughter in law (being seconded therein by the great Lawyers, who are always forward enough to humour and soothe up those that be in highest place.) For which being attainted of high treason, he lost his head, and at his execution embraced and publicly professed Popery, which long before, either seriously or colorably for his own advantage, he had renounced. When he was gone, Queen Mary restored Thomas Percy, nephew unto Henry the sixth Earl by his brother Thomas, unto his blood, and by a new Patent created him first Baron Percy, and anon Earl of Northumberland, to himself and the heirs males of his body, 3. & 4. Philip and Mary. and for default thereof, to his brother Henry, and his heirs males. But this Thomas the seventh Earl, for his treason to Prince and country, under mask of restoring the Romish religion again, lost both life and dignity in the year 1572. Yet through the singular favour and bounty of Queen Elizabeth, according to that Patent of Queen Mary, his brother Henry succeeded after him, as the eighth Earl; who in the year 1585. ended his days in prison, and had for his successor Henry his son, by Katherine the eldest daughter, and one of the heirs of John Nevil, Lord Latimer, the ninth Earl of Northumberland of this family. Parishes in Northumberland about 46. SCOTLAND. SCOTIA Regnum SCOTLAND. NOw am I come to SCOTLAND, and willingly I assure you will I enter into it, but withal lightly pass over it. For I remember well that said saw, In places not well known less while we must stay: as also admonition of that Grecian, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, Art thou a stranger? be no meddler. And verily I should play an unadvised part, if I would insist long in that, wherein I am but little conversant. But yet seeing Scotland also joyeth in the name of BRITAIN, let it be lawful for me (reserving the due honour to the Scottish) according to my purpose, having boldly undertaken to illustrate BRITAIN, to proceed with their good favour, leave, and licence, and by drawing aside in some sort the curtain of obscure antiquity, to point out with my finger, if I shall be able, some places of ancient note and memory. Certes, I assure myself that I shall be easily pardoned in this point, the people themselves are so courteous and well meaning, and the happiness of these days so rare and admirable, since that by a divine and heavenly opportunity is now fallen into our laps, which we hardly ever hoped, & our Ancestors so often and so earnestly wished: namely, that Britain, so many age's dis-joined in itself and unsociable, should all throughout, like one uniform City, under one most sacred and happy Monarch, the founder of perpetual peace, by a blessed Union be conjoined in one entire body. Who being through the propitious goodness of Almighty God, elected, borne, and preserved to the good of both nations, as he is a Prince of singular wisdom and providence, and fatherly affected to all his subjects, doth so cut off all causes and occasions of fear, of hope, of revenge, complaint, and quarrel; that the dismal DISCORD which hath set these nations (otherwise invincible) so long at debate, might be stifled and crushed for ever; and sweet CONCORD triumph joyously with endless comfort, when (as one sometimes sung this tenor) Jam cunctigens una sumus, that is, We all one Nation are this day, whereunto as a Chorus both nations resound, Et simus in aevum, that is, God grant we may be so for aye. But before my pen cometh to Scotland, thus much I think it good to advertise the Reader aforehand, that I leave the first original of the Scottish nation to their own Historians: also the primitive derivation of their name to the learned among them, banishing all conjectures whatsoever of others, which either hasty credulity or careless negligence hath forged, as well in the late foregoing age, as in these our days. And according to the same order which I kept before in England, I will premise some few lines touching the division of Scotland, the States of the Kingdom, and the Tribunals or Courts of justice: then will I briefly touch the situations and Commodities of the soil in every several Region: what places there be of greater fame and name, and what Families more noble and notable than the rest, have most flourished with the title and honour of Earls and Barons of the Parliament, so far forth as hitherto I could find by reading or enquiry: And that so circumspectly, with such an honest desire and sincere affection to truth, that I hope I shall not give offence to the malicious; and with so compendious brevity, that I will not prevent their curious diligence, who are in hand to set out these matters with a fuller pencil, and to polish the same with more lively and lasting colours. THE DIVISION OF SCOTLAND. THe North part of the Island of Britain, was of old time inhabited throughout by the Picts, who were divided into two Nations, the DICALIDONII, and VECTURIONES: of whom I have spoken already out of Ammianus Marcellinus. But when the Scots became Lords and Rulers over all this part, it was shared into seven parts among seven Princes, as we find in a little ancient pamphlet touching the division of Scotland, in these words and old name. The first part contained Enegus and Maern. The second, Atheodl and Goverin. The third, Stradeern and Meneted. The fourth was Forthever. The fifth, Mar with Buchen. The sixth, Muref and Ros. The seventh Cathanes, which Mound, a mountain in the midst divideth, running on forward from the West sea to the East. Then afterwards the same Author reporteth, according to the relation of Andrew Bishop of Cathanes, that the whole Kingdom was divided likewise into seven territories. The first from Frith, in the British tongue, called by the Romans Worid, now Scotwade, to the river Tae. The second to Hilef, according as the sea fetcheth a compass, to a mountain in the North-east part of Strivelin, named Athran. The third from Hilef to Dee. The fourth from Dee to the river Spe. The fifth from Spe to the mountain Brunalban. The sixth, Mures and Ros. The seventh, the kingdom Argathel, as it were the border and skirt of the Scots: who were so called of Gathelgas their Captain. Also according to the habitation of the people, Scotland is now divided into Highland-men and Lawlandmen: Highlandmen Lawlandmen. These being more civil, use the English language and apparel: the other, which are rude and unruly, speak Irish, and go apparelled Irish-like, as I have already said. Borderers. Out of this division I exclude the Borderers, because by reason of peace shining now upon them on every side, by a blessed and happy Union, they are to be ranged and reckoned in the very heart and midst of the British Empire, as who begin to be weary of wars, and to acquaint themselves with the delightful benefits of peace. Moreover, according to the situation and position of the places, the whole Kingdom is divided into two parts: the South, on this side the river Tay, and the North beyond Tay; besides a number of Islands lying round about. In the South part these countries are more remarkable than the rest. Teifidale. Merch. Lauden. Liddesdale. Eskedale. Annandale. N●ddesdale. Galloway. Carrick. Kyle. Cunningham. Arran. Cluydesdale. Lennox. Stirling. Fife. Strathern. Menteith. Argile. Cantire. Lorn. In the North part are reckoned these Countries. Loquabrea. Braidalbin. Perth. Athol. Anguish. Mern. Marr. Buquhan. Murray. Rosse. Sutherland. Cathanes. Strathnavern. These are subdivided again according to their civil government, into counties, which they call Sherifdomes, Seneschalfies, commonly Stewarties, and Bailiwicks, or Bailerries. Counties, or Sheriffedomes. Edinburgh. Linlythquo. Selkirk. Roxburgh. Peblis. Berwick. Lanark. Renfrew. Dunfreis. Wightou. Aire. Bute. Argyle and Tarbet. Dunbarton. Perth. Clackmannan. Kinros. Fife. Kincardin. Forfaire. Aberd●ne. Bamff. Elgin. Forres. Narne. Innerness. Cromartie. Orknay and Shetland. Seneschalsies or Stewarties. Menteith. Strathern. Kircudbricht. Annandale. Bailiwickes' or Baileries. Kile. Carick. Cunningham. Hadingtona's Constablery. Bishoprics. As touching the administration of that divine City and commonwealth, which we term the Church, like as the Bishops in all the world beside, had no certain dioceses, before that Dionysius Bishop of Rome, about the year 268. did set out dioceses for Bishops: so the Bishops of Scotland executed their Episcopal functions in what place soever they came, indifferently and without distinction, until the time of King Malcolm the third, that is, about the year of our redemption 1070 at which time the dioceses were confined within their bounds and limits. Afterwards, in process of time, this Hierarchy, or Ecclesiastical government, was established in Scotland. Two Archbishops, one of Saint Andrews, the other of Glasco; whereof the former is counted Primate of all Scotland: under whom there be eight Bishoprickes. Dunkeld. Aberdon. Murray. Dunblan. Brechin. Rosse. Cathanes. Orkney. Under the Archbishop of Glasco there be only three. * Whiterne. Candida Casa, or Galloway. Lismore, or Argile. The Iles. THE STATES OR DEGREES OF SCOTLAND. THe Republic, or Commonwealth of the Scots, like as that of Englishmen, consisteth of a King, the Nobility or Gentry, and Commons. The King, that I may use the words of their own Record, is Directus totius Dominus, that is, The direct Lord of the whole Domain, or Dominion, and hath royal authority and jurisdiction over all the States and degrees, as well Ecclesiastical as Lay or Temporal. Next unto the King is his eldest son, who is called PRINCE OF SCOTLAND, and by a peculiar right Duke of Rothsay, and Seneschal or Steward of Scotland. But all the rest of the King's children are named simply Princes. Among the Nobles, Thanes. the greatest and most honourable were in old time, The Thanes, that is, those who (if my judgement be aught) were ennobled only by the office which they administered. For the word in the ancient English Saxon tongue signifieth, The King's Minister. Of these, they of the superior place were called Abthanes, the inferior, Under Thanes. But these names by little and little grew out of use, ever since that King Malcolm the third conferred the titles of Earls and Barons, after the manner received from the English, upon Noble men of good desert. Since when, in process of time new titles of honours were much taken up, and Scotland as well as England, hath had Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscount's, and Barons. As for the title of Duke, the first that brought it into Scotland was King Robert the third, about the year of Salvation 1400. like as the honourable titles of marquis and Viscount were first brought in by our most gracious Sovereign, King James the sixth. These are counted Nobles of the higher degree, and have both place and voice in the Parliaments, Knights. and by a special name are called Lords, like as also the Bishops. Among the Nobles of a lower degree, in the first place are ranged Knights, who verily are dubbed with greater solemnity than in any other place throughout all Europe, Lairds. by taking of an oath, and are proclaimed by the public voice of an Herald. Of a second sort are they, who are termed Lairds and Barons: among whom none were reckoned in old time, but such as held immediately from the King, lands in Chef, and had jus furcarum, that is, power to hang, etc. In the third place are all such as being descended from worshipful houses, Gentlemen. and not honoured with any especial dignity, be termed Gentlemen. All the rest, as Citizens, Merchants, Artisans, etc. are reputed among the Commons. THE JUDICATORIES, OR COURTS OF JUSTICE. Parliament. THe supreme Court, as well for dignity as authority, is accounted the Assembly of the States of the Kingdom, which is called by the very same name as it is in England, A Parliament: & hath the same very power as absolute. It consisteth of three States, of Lords Spiritual, namely, Bishops, Abbots, and Priors: and of Lords Temporal, to wit, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscount's, and Barons: and Commissioners for Cities & burgh's. Unto whom were adjoined not long since for every County also two Commissioners. It is appointed and solemnly called by the King at his pleasure, at a certain set time, before it be holden. When these States abovesaid are assembled, and the causes of their assembly delivered by the King or the Chancellor, the Lords Spiritual choose out, apart by themselves, eight of the Lords Temporal. Semblably, the Lords Temporal make choice of as many out of the Lords Spiritual: then the same all jointly together nominate 8. of the Commissioners for the counties, & as many of the Commissioners for the free burgh's regal, which make up in all the number of 32. And then these * Domini pro articulis. Lords of the Articles (so they are termed) together with the Chancellor, Treasurer, Keeper of the Privy Seal, King's Secretary, etc. do admit or reject every bill proposed unto the States, after they have been first imparted unto the King. Being allowed by the whole assembly of the States, they are throughly weighed and examined, and such of them as pass by the greater number of voices, are exhibited unto the King, who by touching them with his Sceptre, pronounceth that he either ratifieth and approveth them, or disableth and maketh the same void: But if any thing disliketh the King, it is razed out before. The Second Court, or next unto the Parliament, is the College of justice, or as they call it, The Session. The Session, which King James the fifth 1532. instituted after the form of the Parliament of Paris, consisting of a Precedent, 14. Senators, seven of the Clergy, and as many of the Laity (unto whom was adjoined afterward the Chancellor, who hath the chief place, and five other Senators) three principal Scribes or Clerks, and as many Advocates as the Senators shall think good. These sit and minister justice, not according to the rigour of law, but with reason and equity, every day (save only on the Lord's day and Monday) from the first of November to the fifteenth of March; and from Trinity Sunday unto the Calends of August. All the space between, as being the times of sowing and harvest, is vacation and intermission of all suits and law matters. They give judgement according to the Parliament Statutes and Municipal Laws, and where they are defective, they have recourse to the Imperial Civil Law. There are beside in every County inferior civil Judicatories or Courts kept, wherein the Sheriff of the shire, or his deputy, decideth the controversies of the inhabitants, about violent ejections, intrusions, damages, debts, etc. From which Courts and Judges, in regard of hard and unequal dealing, or else of alliance and partiality, they appeal sometime to the Session. These Sheriffs are all for the most part hereditary. For the Kings of Scots, like as of England also, to oblige more surely unto them the better sort of Gentlemen by their benefits and favours, made in old time these Sheriffs hereditary and perpetual. But the English Kings soon perceiving the inconveniences thereby ensuing, of purpose changed this order, and appointed them from year to year. There be civil Courts also in every regality, holden by their Bailiffs, to whom the Kings have graciously granted royalties: as also in free Burroughs, by the Magistrates thereof. There are likewise Judicatories, which they call Commissariats, the highest whereof is kept at Edinburgh: in which before four Judges, actions are pleaded concerning Wills and Testaments, the right of Ecclesiastical benefices, Tithes, Divorces, and such other Ecclesiastical causes. In every other several part almost throughout the Kingdom, there sitteth but one Judge alone in a place about these matters. In criminal causes, Courts of criminal matters. the King's chief Justice holdeth his Court for the most part at Edinburgh (which office the Earls of Argile have executed now for some years.) And he doth depute two or three Lawyers, who have the hearing and deciding of capital actions concerning life and death, or of such as infer loss of limbs, or of all goods. In this Court the Defendant is permitted, yea in case of high treason, to entertain a Counsellor or Advocate to plead his cause. Moreover, in criminal matters there are sometimes by virtue of the King's commission and authority, Justices appointed for the deciding of this or that particular cause. Also the Sheriffs in their territories, and Magistrates in some burgh's, may sit in judgement of manslaughter (in case the manslayer be taken within 24. hours after the deed committed) and being found guilty by a Jury, put him to death. But if that time be once overpast, the cause is referred and put over to the King's justice, or his Deputies. The same privilege also some of the Nobility and Gentry enjoy against thiefs taken within their own jurisdictions. There be likewise that have such Royalties, as that in criminal causes they may exercise a jurisdiction within their own limits, and in some cases recall those that dwell within their own limits and liberties from the King's Justice, howbeit with a caution and proviso interposed, That they judge according to Law. Thus much briefly have I put down, as one that hath but slightly looked into these matters, yet by the information of the judicious Knight, Sir Alexander Hay, his Majesty's Secretary for that kingdom, who hath therein given me good light. But as touching SCOTLAND, what a noble country it is, and what men it breedeth (as sometimes the Geographer wrote of Britain) there will within a while more certain and more evident matter be delivered, since that most high and mighty Prince hath set it open now for us, which had so long time been shut from us. Mean while I will come unto the description of places, the project that I intended especially. GADENI, or LADENI. UPon the Ottadini, or Northumberland, bordered as next neighbours the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is GADENI, who also by the inversion or turning of one letter upside down, are called in some Copies of Ptolomee, LADENI, seated in that country which lieth between the mouth of the river Twede and Edinburgh Forth: and is at this day divided into many petty Countries: the chief whereof are Teifidale, Twedale Merch, and Lothien, in Latin Lodeneium, under which one general name alone the Writers of the middle time comprised all the rest. TEIFIDALE. TEifidale, that is to say, the Vale by the river Teifie, or Teviat, lying next unto England, among the edges of high craggy hills, is inhabited by a warlike nation, which by reason of so many encounters in foregoing ages between Scottish and English, are always most ready for service and sudden invasions. The first place among these that we meet with, is jedburgh, a Burrow well inhabited and frequented, standing near unto the confluence of Teifie and jed, whereof it took the name: also Mailros, a very ancient Monastery, wherein, at the beginning of our Church, were cloistered Monks of that ancient order and institution, that gave themselves to prayer, and with their hand-labour earned their living; which holy King David restored, and replenished with Cistertian Monks. Roxburg. And more Eastward, where tweed and Teifie join in one stream, Rosburg showeth itself, called also Roxburg, and in old time MARCHIDUN, because it was a town in the Marches; where stands a Castle, that for natural situation and towered fortifications, was in times past exceeding strong. Which being surprised and held by the English, whiles James the second King of Scots encircled it with a siege, he was by a piece of a great Ordnance that broke, slain untimely in the very flower of his youth; a Prince much miss and lamented of his Subjects. As for the castle, it was yielded; and being then for the most part of it laid even with the ground, is now in a manner quite vanished and not to be seen. The territory adjoining, called of it the Sherifdome of Roxburg, hath one hereditary Sheriff out of the family of the Douglasses, who is usually called the Sheriff of Teviot Dale. And now hath Roxburg also a Baron, Robert Kerr, through the favour of King James the sixth, out of the family of the Kerrs, a famous house, and spread into a number of branches, as any one in that tract: out of which the Fernhersts, and others enured in martial feats, have been of great name. tweed aforesaid runneth through the midst of a Dale, taking name of it, replenished with sheep that bear wool of great request. A very goodly river this is, which springing more inwardly Eastward, after it hath passed, as it were, in a straight channel by Drimlar Castle, by Peblis a market town, which hath for the Sheriff thereof Baron Zeister, like as Selkirk hard by hath another out of the family of Murray of Fallohill, entertaineth Lauder a riveret; at which appeareth Lauder, together with Thirlestan: where stands a very fair house of Sir John Mettellan, late Chancellor of Scotland, whom, for his singular wisdom, King James the sixth created Baron of Thirlestan. Then Twede beneath Roxburg, augmented with the river of Teviot resorting unto him, watereth the Sherifdome of Berwick throughout; a great part whereof is possessed by the Humes (wherein the chief man of that family exerciseth now the jurisdiction of a Sheriff) and so passeth under Berwick, the strongest town of Britain (whereof I have spoken already) where he is exceeding full of Salmon, and so falleth into the sea. MERCHIA, MERCH, or MERS. MERCH, which is next, and so named because it is a march country, lieth wholly upon the Germane sea. In this, first Hume Castle showeth itself, the ancient possession of the Lords of Home, or Hume, who being descended from the family of the Earls of Merch, are grown to be a noble and fair spread family: out of which Alexander Hume, who before was the first Baron of Scotland, and Sheriff of Berwick, was of late advanced by James King of great Britain to the title of Earl Hume. Earl Hume. Kelso. near unto which lieth Kelso, famous sometime for the monastery, which with thirteen others, King David the first of that name built out of the ground, for the propagation of God's glory, but to the great impairing of the Crown land. Coldingham. Colania. Then is to be seen Coldingham, which Bede calleth the City Coldana, and the City of Coludum, haply COLANIA mentioned by Ptolomee, a place consecrated many ages since unto professed Virgins or Nuns, whose chastity is recorded in ancient books. For that they, together with Ebba their Prioress, cut off their own noses and lips, choosing rather to preserve their virginity from the Danes, than their beauty and favour: and yet for all that the Danes burned their monastery, and them withal. Hard by is Fast-castle, a castle of the Lords Humes, so called for their firmness and strength thereof, at the Promontory of the said Saint Ebb, who being the daughter of Edilfria King of Northumberland, when her Father was taken prisoner, got hold of a boat in Humber, and passing along the raging Ocean, landed here in safety, became renowned for her sanctimony, and left her name unto the place. But this Merch is mentioned in the Historiographers, a great deal more for the Earls thereof, than for any places therein, who for martial prowess were highly renowned, and descended from Gospatricke Earl of Northumberland, whom after he was fled from William Conqueror of England, Malcom Canmor, that is, With the great head, King of Scotland, entertained, enriched him with the castle of Dunbar, and honoured with the Earldom of Merch. Whose posterity, besides other goodly and fair lands in Scotland, held (as appeareth plainly in an old Inquisition) the Barony of Bengeley in Northumberland, that they should be Inborow and Utborow, between England and Scotland. What the meaning should be of these terms let others guess, what my conjecture is I have said already. In the reign of King James the first, George de Dunbar Earl of Merch by authority of Parliament, for his Father's rebellion lost the Propriety and possession of the Earldom of Merch, and the Seignory of Dunbar. And when as he proved by good evidences and writings brought forth, that his father had been pardoned for that fault by the Regent's of the Kingdom, he was answered again, that it was not in the Regent's power to pardon an offence against the State; and that it was expressly provided by the Laws, that children should undergo punishment for their father's transgressions, to the end that being thus heirs to their father's rashness, as they are to their goods and lands, they should not at any time in the haughty pride of their own power, plot any treason against Prince or country. This title of Earl of March, among other honourable titles, was given afterward to Alexander Duke of Albany, and by him forfeited. And in our remembrance, this title of honour was revived again in Robert, the third brother of Matthew Earl of Lennox, who being of a Bishop of Cathanes made Earl of Lennox, resigned up that title soon after unto his nephew, then created Duke of Lennox: and he himself in lieu thereof received of the King the name and style of the Earl of Merch. LAUDEN, or LOTHIEN. LOTHIEN, Lauden▪ which is also called Lauden, named in times passed of the Picts, Pictland, shooteth out along from Merch unto the Scottish sea, or the Forth, having many hills in it, and little wood; but for fruitful cornfields, for courtesy also and civility of manners, commended above all other countries of Scotland. About the year of our salvation 873. Eadgar King of England (between whom and Keneth the third, King of Scots, there was a great knot of alliance against the Danes, common enemies to them both) resigned up his right unto him in this Lothien, as Matthew the * Florilegus. Flour-gatherer witnesseth: and to win his heart the more unto him, He gave unto him many mansions in the way, wherein both he and his successors, in their coming unto the Kings of England, and in return homeward might be lodged: which unto the time of K. Henry the second continued in the hands of the Kings of Scotland. In this Lothien, the first place that offereth itself unto our sight upon the sea side is Dunbar, a passing strong castle in old time, Earls of Dunbar. and the seat of the Earls of Merch aforesaid, who thereupon on were called Earls of Dunbar. A Piece many a time won by English, and as often recovered by the Scottish. But in the year 1567. by authority of the States in Parliament it was demolished, because it should not be an hold and place of refuge for rebels. But James King of great Britain conferred the title and honour of Earl of Dunbar upon Sir George Hume, for his approved fidelity, whom he had created before Baron Hume of Barwick, to him, his heirs, and assigns. Hard by, Tine a little river after it hath run a short course, falleth into the sea; near unto the springhead whereof standeth Zeister, which hath his Baron out of the family of the Haies Earls of Aroll, who also is by inheritance Sheriff of the little territory of Twedall, or Peblis. By the same riveret, some few miles higher, is seated Hadington or Hadina, in a wide and broad plain: which town the English fortified with a deep and large ditch, with a mure or rampire also without, four square, and with four bulwarks at the corners, and with as many other at the inner wall: and Sir james Wilford, an Englishman valiantly defended it against Dessie the Frenchman, 1548. who with ten thousand French and Dutch together fiercely assaulted it, until that by reason of the plague, which grew hot among the garrison soldiers, Henry Earl of Rutland coming with a royal army, raised the siege, removed the French, and having laid the munitions level, conducted the English home. And now of late, King James the sixth, hath ranged Sir john Ramsey among the Nobles of Scotland, with title and honour of Viscount Hadington, Viscount Hadington. for his faithful valour, as whose RIGHT HAND was the DEFENDER OF PRINCE AND COUNTRY, in that most wicked conspiracy of the Gowries against the King's person. Touching this Hadington thus hath Master I. jonston versified. Planities praetensa jacet prope flumina Tinae, Flumini● arguti clauditur ista sinu. Vulcani & Martis quae passa incendia, fati Ingemit alterno vulnere fracta vices. Nunc tandem sapit icta. Dei praecepta secuta Praesidio gaudet jam potiore Poli. Before it lies a spacious plain, the Tine his stream hard by, In bosom of that river shrill, this town enclosed doth lie. Which having suffered grievous smart of fire and sword by turns, Groans under these misfortunes much, and for her losses mourns. But now at length selfe-harmes have made it wise, and by God's lore Directed, help it hath from heaven, which steedeth it much more. Athelstanford. Within a little of Hadington standeth Athelstanford, so called of Athelstane, a chief leader of the English, slain there with his men about the year 815. But that he should be that warlike Athelstane, which was King of the Westsaxons, both the account of the times, and his own death do manifestly control it. Above the mouth of this Tine, in the very bending of the shore, standeth Tantallon Castle; from whence Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus, wrought James the fifth, King of Scots, much teen and trouble. Here by retiring back of the shores on both sides, is room made for a most noble arm of the sea, and the same well furnished with Lands, which by reason of many rivers encountering it by the way, and the tides of the surging sea together, spreadeth exceeding broad: Ptolomee calleth it BODERIA, Bodotria. Tacitus BODOTRIA, of the depth, as I guess; the Scots The Forth, and Frith; we Edinburgh Frith; others the Fresian sea, and the Scottish sea, and the Eulogium, Tantallon. Morwiridh. Upon this, after you be past Tantallon, are seated, first, North-Berwick, a famous place sometime for an house there of religious Virgins: and then Dyrlton, Dyrlton. which belonged in times passed to the notable family of the Haliburtous, and now to S. Tho. Ereskin Captain of the guard, whom James K. of great Britain for his happy valour, in preserving him against the traitorous attempts of Gowrye, first created Baron of Dirlton, and afterward advanced him to the honourable title of Viscount Felton, Viscount Felton. making him the first Viscount that ever was in Scotland. Against these places there lieth in the sea, not far from the shore, the Island Bas, which riseth up as it were all one craggy rock, and the same upright and steep on every side: yet hath it a Block-house belonging to it, a fountain also and pastures: but it is so hollowed with the waves working upon it, that it is almost pierced through. What a multitude of sea-foules, and especially of those geese which they call Scouts and Soland geese, flock hither at their times (for, by report, their number is such, that in a clear day they take away the sun's light) what a sort of fishes they bring (for as the speech goeth, Soland Geese, which seem to be Pliny's Picarinae. a hundred garrison soldiers that here lay for defence of the place, fed upon no other meat but the fresh fish that they brought in) what a quantity of sticks and little twigs they get together for the building of their nests, so that by their means the inhabitants are abundantly provided of fuel for their fire; what a mighty gain groweth by their feathers and oil, the report thereof is so incredible, that no man scarcely would believe it, but he that had seen it. Then as the shore draweth back Seton showeth itself; Seton. which seemeth to have taken that name of the situation by the sea side, and to have imparted the same unto a right noble house of the Seton's, branched out of an English family, and from the daughter of King Robert Brus: out of which the marquis Huntley, Robert Earl of Wentoun, Earl of Wentoun. Alexander Earl of Dunfirmling, advanced to honours by K. James the sixth, are propagated. After this the river Eske dischargeth itself into this Frith, Borthwick. when it hath run by Borthwic (which hath Barons surnamed according to that name, and those deriving their pedigree out of Hungary) by Newbottle, Newbottle. that is, The new building, sometimes a fair monastery, now the Barony of Sir Mark Ker: by Dalkeith, Dalkeith. Musselborrow. a very pleasant habitation of the late Earls of Morton, and Musselborrow, hard under which, in the year of our Lord 1547. when Sir Edward Seimor Duke of Somerset, with an army royal had entered Scotland, to claim and challenge the keeping of a covenant made, concerning a marriage between Marie Queen of Scotland, and Edward the sixth King of England, there happened the heaviest day that ever fell, to the adventurous youth of the most noble families in all Scotland, who there lost their lives. Here I must not overpass in silence this Inscription, which John Napier, a learned man, hath in his Commentaries upon the Apocalypse recorded to have been here digged up, and which the right learned Knight Sir Peter Young, teacher and trainer of King James the sixth in his youth, hath in this wise more truly copied forth. APOLLINI GRANNO Q. LUSIUS SABINIA NUS * Procurator. PROC AUG * Votum susceptum solvit lubens merito. V. S.S.L.U.M Who this Apollo Granus might be, Apollo Grannus. and whence he should have this name, not one, to my knowledge, of our grave Senate of Antiquaries hitherto could ever tell: But if I might be allowed, from out of the lowest bench, to speak what I think, I would say that Apollo Granus amongst the Romans, was the same that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Apollo with long hair amongst the greeks. for Isidor calleth the long hair of the Goths, Grannos. But here I may seem to wander out of my way, and therefore will return to it. Lower yet, Edenborrow. and near unto the Scotish Forth, is seated EDENBUROUGH, which the Irish Scots call Dun Eaden, that is, the town Eaden, or Eden Hill, and which no doubt is the very same that Ptolomee named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, The Winged Castle: for Adain in the British tongue signifieth a wing; and Edenborrow (a word compounded out of the British and Saxon language) is nothing else but The Burgh with wings. From Wings therefore we must fetch the reason of the name: and fetched it may be, if you think good, either from the Companies of Horsemen, which are called Wings, or else from those Wings in Architecture, which the great Master bvilder's term P●eroma●●, that is, as Vetruvius showeth, two Wall● so rising up in height, as that they resemble a show of Wings: which, for that a certain City of Cyprus wanted, it was called in old time (as we read in the Geographers) Aptera, that is, Without Wings. But if any man believe that the name was derived from Ebr●●k a Britain, or from Heth a Pic●, good leave have he for me, I will not confront them with this my conjecture. This City in regard of the high situation, of the wholesome are and plentiful soil, and many Noble men's towered houses built round about it, watered also with clear springing fountains, reaching from East to West a mile out in length, and carrying half as much in breadth, is worthily counted the chief City of the whole Kingdom; strongly walled, adorned with houses as well public as private, well peopled and frequented, by reason of the opportunity from the sea which the neighbour haven at Leth affordeth. And as it is the seat of the Kings, so is it the oracle also, or closet of the Laws, and the very Palace of Justice. For the high Courts of Parliament are here for the most part holden, for the enacting or repealing of Laws: also the Session, and the Court of the King's Justice, and of the Commissariat, whereof I have spoken already, are here settled and kept. On the East side, hard unto the Monastery of Saint Cross, or Holy ruide, is the King's palace, which King David the first built: over which, within a Park stored with game, riseth an hill with two heads, called of Arthur the Britain, Arthur's Chair. On the West side a most steep rock mounteth up aloft to a stately height every way, save only where it looketh toward the City: on which is placed a Castle with many a tower in it, so strong that it is counted impregnable, which the Britan's called Castle Myned Agne●, the Scots, The Maiden's Castle, and the Virgin's Castle, of certain young maidens of the Picts royal blood, who were kept there in old time, and which may seem in truth to have been that Castrum Alatum, or Castle with AWING, abovesaid. How Edenborrow in the alternative fortune of wars was subject one while to the Scots, and another while to the English, who inhabited this East part of Scotland, until it became wholly under the Scots dominion, about the year of our salvation 960. what time the English Empire, sore shaken with the Danish wars, lay as it were gasping and dying. How also, as an old book Of the division of Scotland, in the Library of the right honourable Lord Burghley late high Treasurer of England, Oppidum Eden. showeth: Whiles Indulph reigned, the town of Eden was voided and abandoned to the Scots unto this present day, as what variable changes of reciprocal fortune it hath felt from time to time, the Historiographers do relate, and out of them ye are to be informed. Mean while read if you please these verses of that most worthy man Master I. Jonston, in praise of Edenborrow. Monte sub acclivi Zephyri procurrit in auras Hinc arx celsa, illinc Regia clara nitet. Inter utramque patet sublimibus ardua tectis Urbs armis animis, clara frequensque viris. Nobile Scotorum caput, & pars maxima regni, Penè etiam gentis integra regna suae. Rarae arts & opes, quod mens optaverit aut hîc Invenias, aut non Scotia tota dabit. Compositum hîc populum videas, sanctum que Senatum, Sanctáque cum puro lumine jura Dei. An quisquam Arctoi extremo in limit mundi Aut haec aut paria his cernere posse putet? Dic hospes, postquàm externas lustraveris urbes, Haec cernens, oculis credis an ipse tuis? Under the rising of an hill, Westward there shoots one way A castle high; on th'other side the King's house gorgeous gay. Between them both the city stands, tall buildings show it well, For arms, for courage much renowned, much people therein dwell. The Scots head city large and fair, the kingdom's greatest part, Nay, even the nations kingdom whole well near, by just desert. Rare arts and riches: what ones mind can wish is therein found, Or else it will not gotten be throughout all Scottish ground. A civil people here a man may see, a Senate grave, God's holy laws with purest light of Preachers here ye have. In parts remote of Northern clime would any person ween, That ever these, or such like things might possibly be seen? Say Traveller, now after that thou foreign town hast known, Beholding this, believest thou these eyes that are thine own? A mile from hence lieth Leth, Lyth. a most commodious haven, hard upon the river Leth, which when Dessey the Frenchman for the security of Edenborrow had fortified, by reason of many men repairing thither, within a short time from a mean village it grew to be a big town. Again, when Francis the second, King of France, had taken to wife Marie the Queen of Scots, the Frenchmen, who in hope and conceit had already devoured Scotland, and began now to gape for England, in the year 1560. strengthened it with more fortifications. But Elizabeth Queen of England, solicited by the Nobles of Scotland that embraced the reformed religion to side with them, by her puissance and wisdom effected, that both they returned into France, and these their fortifications were laid level with the ground, and Scotland ever since hath been freed from the French. Where this Forth groweth more and more narrow, Caer Guidi. it had in the midst of it the city Caer-Guidi, as Bede noteth, which now may seem to be the Island named Inch-Keith. Whether this were that VICTORIA which Ptolomee mentioneth, I will not stand to prove: although a man may believe, that the Romans turned this Guidh into Victoria, as well as the Isle Guith or Wight into Victesis or Vecta: certes, seeing both these Islands be dissevered from the shore, the same reason of the name will hold well in both languages. For Ninius hath taught us, that Guith in the British tongue betokeneth a separation. More within, upon the same Forth is situate Abercorn, in Bedes time a famous Monastery, which now by the gracious favour of King James the sixth, Earl of Abercorn. Blackness. giveth unto James Hamilton the title of the Earl of Abercorn: And fast beside it standeth Blackness Castle; and beneath it Southward, the ancient city LINDUM, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention: which the better learned as yet call Linlithquo, Linlithquo. commonly Lithquo, beautified and set out with a very fair house of the Kings, a goodly Church, and a fishfull lake; of which lake it may seem to have assumed that name: for Lin, as I have already showed, in the British tongue soundeth as much as a Lake. A Sheriff it had in times passed by inheritance out of the family of the hamilton's of Peyle: Earl of Linlithquo. and now in our days it hath for the first Earl, Sir Alexander Levingston, whom King James the sixth raised from the dignity of a Baron, wherein his Ancestors had flourished a long time, to the honour of an Earl: like as within a while after he promoted Mark Ker, Earl of Lothien. Baron of Newbottle aforesaid, to the title of Earl of Lothien. SELGOVAE. BEneath the GADENI, toward the South and West, where now are the small territories of Lidesdale, Eusdale, Eskdale, Annandale, and Nidesdale, so called of little rivers running through them, which all lose themselves in Solway Frith, dwelled in ancient times the SELGOVAE; the relics of whose name seem unto me, whether unto others I know not, to remain in that name Solway. Liddesdale. In Lidesdale there riseth aloft Armitage, so called, because it was in times past dedicated to a solitary life; now it is a very strong Castle, which belonged to the Hepburns, Hepburnes Earls of Bothwell. who draw their original from a certain Englishman a prisoner, whom the Earl of March, for delivering him out of a danger, greatly enriched. These were Earls of Bothwell, and a long time by the right of inheritance Admirals of Scotland. But by a filter of James Earl of Bothwel, the last of the Hepburns, married unto John Prior of Coldingham, base son to King James the fifth (who begat too too many bastards) the title and inheritance both came unto his son. Brakensey. Hard by is Brakensey, the habitation of the warlike family of Baclugh, Backlugh. surnamed Scot; beside many little piles or sorts of military men every where. Eusdale. Uzbllhum. In Eusdale, I would deem by the affinity of the name, that old UZBLLUM, mentioned by Ptolomee, stood by the river Euse. In Eskdale some are of opinion that the HORESTI dwelled, into whose borders julius Agricola, when he had subdued the Britan's inhabiting this tract, brought the Roman army: especially if we read Horesci in stead of Horesti. For Ar-Esc in the British tongue betokeneth a place by the river Eske. Eskedale. Horesci. As for Aesica in Eskdale, I have spoken of it before in England, and there is no cause wherefore I should iterate the same. ANNANDALE. Annandale. UNto this on the West side adjoineth ANNANDALE, that is, The vale by the river Annan; into which the access by land is very difficult. The places of greater note herein are these: Lough Maban. a castle by Lough-Mahan, three parts whereof are environed with water, and strongly walled; and the town Annandale, at the very mouth almost of the river Annan: which lost all the glory and beauty it had, by the English war in the reign of Edward the sixth. In this territory, the jonstons are men of greatest name; a kindred even bred to war: between, whom and the Maxwels there hath been professed an open enmity over long, even to deadly feud and bloodshed: The Stewartie of Annandale. which Maxwels by right from their ancestors, have the rule of this Seneschalsie, for so it is accounted. This vale Eadgar King of Scots, after he was restored to his kingdom by auxiliary forces out of England, gave in consideration and reward of good service, unto Robert Bruse or Brus Lord of Cliveland in Yorkshire; who with the good favour of the King bestowed it upon Robert his younger son, when himself would not serve the King of Scots in his wars. The Bruises. From him flowered the Bruse's Lords of Annandale, of whom Robert Brus married Isabel, the daughter of William King of Scots by the daughter of Robert Avenall: his son likewise, Robert the third of the name, wedded the daughter of David Earl of Huntingdon and of Gariosh: whose son Robert, surname The Noble, when the issue of Alexander the third King of Scots sailed, challenged in his mother's right the Kingdom of Scotland, before Edward the first King of England, (as the direct and superior Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland (so the English give it out) or, an honourable arbitrator (for to say the Scots) as being nearer in proximity, in degree and blood, to King Alexander the third and Margaret, daughter to the King of Norway, although bee were the son by a second sister: who soon after resigning up his own right, granted and gave over to his son Robert Brus Earl of Carrick, and to his heirs (I speak out of the very original) all the right and claim, which he had or might have to the Kingdom of Scotland. But the action and suit went with John Balliol, who sued for his right, us descended of the eldest sister, although in a degree farther off: and sentence was given in these words, For that the person more remote in the second degree descending in the first line, is to be preferred before a naperer in a second line, in the succession of an inheritance that cannot be parted. How be it, the said Robert, son to the Earl of Carrick, by his own virtue at length recovered the Kingdom unto himself, and established it to his posterity. A Prince, who as he flourished notably in regard of the glorious ornaments of his noble acts, so he triumphed as happily with invincible fortitude and courage, over fortune that so often crossed him. NIDISDALL. CLose unto Annandale on the West side lieth NIDISDALE, sufficiently with corne-fields and pastures; so named of the river Nid, The river Nid which in Ptolomee is wrongly written NOBIUS, for NODIUS or NIDIUS: of which name there be other rivers in Britain, full of shallow fords and muddy shelves, like as this NID is also. It springeth out of the Lake Logh-Cure, by which flourished CORDA, Corda. a town of the Selgova. He taketh his course first by Sauqhuera Castle of the Creightons, Creightons Barons de Sauquer. Earls of Morton. who a long time kept a great port, as enjoying the dignity of the Barons of Sauqhuer, and the authority beside of hereditary Sheriffs of Nidisdale: then by Morton, which gave title of Earl to some of the family of Douglas: out of which others of that surname have their mansion and abiding at Drumlanrig, by the same river: near unto the mouth whereof standeth Danfreys between two hills, Dunfreis. the most flourishing town of this tract: which hath to show also an old Castle in it, famous for making of woollen clothes, and remarkable for the murder of John Commin, the mightiest man for manred and retinue in all Scotland; whom Roberts Brus, for fear he should foreclose his way to the kingdom, ran quite through with his sword in the Church, and soon obtained his pardon from the Pope, for committing that murder in a sacred place. Nearer unto the mouth, Solway, a little village retaineth still somewhat of the old name of Selgova. Upon the very mouth is situate Caer Laverock, Caer Laverock. which Prolomee I supposed called CARBANTORIGUM, accounted an imprenable sort, when King Edward the first, accompanied with the flower of English Nobility, besieged and hardly won it: but now it is a weak dwelling house of the Barons of Maxwell, who being men of an ancient and noble lineage, were a long time Wardens of these West matches, and of late advanced by marriage with the daughter one of the heirs of the Earl of Morton; whereby John Lord Maxwell was declared Earl of Morson: as also by the daughter and heir of Hereis Lord Toricles, whom I a younger son took to wife, and obtained by the title of Baron Hereis. Baron's Hereiss, Clencar. Moreover, in this vale by the Lake side lieth Glencarn, whence the Cunninghams', of whom I am to write more in place convenient, bare a long time the title of Earl. This Nidisdale, together with Annandale, nourisheth a warlike kind of men, who have been infamous for robberies and depredations: for they dwell upon Solway Frish, a fourdable arm of the sea at low waters, through which they made many times outrodes into England for to fetch in booties, Salmon. and in which the inhabitants thereabout on both sides with pleasant pastime and delightful sight on horseback with spears hunt Salmon, whereof there is abundance. What manner of cattailestealers these be, that inhabit these vales in the marches of both kingdoms, John Lesley, The behaviour of Scottish burderers. himself a Scottish man, and Bishop of Rosse, will tell you in these words. They go forth in the night by troops out of there own borders, through desert byways, and many winding cranks. All the day time they refresh their burses, and recreate their own strength in lurking places appointed before band, until they be come thither as length, in the dark night, where they would be. When they have laid hold of a booty, back again they return home likewise by night, through blind ways only, and fetching many a compass about. The more skilful any leader or guide is, to pass through those wild deserts, crooked turnings, and steep downfalls, in the thickest mists and deepest darkness, he is held in grea●●ter reputation, as one of an excelling wit. And so crafty and 〈◊〉 these are, that seldom or never they forgo their booty, and suffer it to be taken out of their hands, unless it happen otherwhiles that they be caught by their adversaries following continually after, and tracing them directly by their footing, according as quick-senting Slugh-bounds do lead them. But say they be taken, so fair spoken they are and eloquen, so many sugared words they have at will, sweetly to plead for them, that they are able to move the judges and adversaries both, he they never so austere and severe, if not to mercy, yet to admiration, and some commiseration withal. NOVANTES, GALLOWAY. FRom Nidisdale as you go on Westward, the NOVANTES inhabited in the vales, all that tract which runneth out far and wide toward the West, between the sea and Dunbritain Frith, or Clydsforth: yet so indented and hollowed with nooks and creeks, that here and there it is drawn into a narrow room: and then again in the very utmost skirt it openeth and spreadeth itself broad at more liberty: whereupon some have called it the CHERSOMESUS, that is, The Biland of the NOVANTES. But at this day their country containeth Galloway, Carick, Kyle, and Cunningham. Galloway. Galloway, in the Latin Writers of the middle time Gaelwallia and Gallovidia, so called of the Irish, who in times past dwelled there, and term themselves short in their own language Gael, is a country rising up every where with bills, that are better for feeding of cattle than bearing of corn: the inhabitants practice fishing, as well within the sea lying round about them, as in little rivers, and the Loches or meres in every place standing full of water at the foot of the hills: out of which in September they take in Weeles and Weere-ners, an incredible number of most sweet and favourite eels, Galloway nags. whereby the make no less gain than others do by their little nags, which for being well limmed, fast knit, and strongly made for to endure travail, are much in request and bought from hence. Among these, the first place that offereth itself by the river DEA, The river Dee. mentioned in Prolomee, which keeping the name still full and whole, Kircoubright. they call Dee, is Kircoubright, the most commodious port of this coast, & the second Stewartie of Scotland, which belongeth also to the Maxwels: then Cardines, a sort set upon a craggy and high rock by the river Fleet, and fenced with strong walls. near unto it the river Ken, corruptly read in Ptolomee JENA, runneth into the sea: after it is Wigton, an haven town with a narrow entrance unto it, between the two rivers, Bluidnoo and Crea, which also is counted a Sheriffdome, over which Agnew is Sheriff. Earls of Wigton. In times past it had for Earl Archibald Douglasse, renowned in the French war, and at this day, by the favour of King James the sixth, John Lord Fleming, who deriveth his pedigree from the ancient Earls of Wigton. Leucopibia. near unto this Ptolomee placed the City LEUCOPIBIA, which I know not, to say truth, where to seek. Yet the place requireth that it should be that Episcopal seat of Ninian, which Bede calleth Candida Casa, and the English and Scottish in the very same sense whit-berne: what say you then if Ptolomee after his manner translated that name in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Herna house or habitation. that is, white-houses (in stead whereof the * Or Copiers. Transcribers have thrust upon us Leucopibia) which the Britan's termed Candida Casa. In this place Ninia or Ninian the Britain, an holy man, the first that instructed the South-Picts in Christian saith, in the reign of the Emperor Theodofius the younger, had his seat, and built a Church consecrated to the memory of Saint Martin, after a manner unusual among the Britan's, as Bede saith, who wrote that the English in his time held this country, and when the number of the faithful Christians multiplied, an Episcopal See was erected at this Candida Casa. A little higher there is a Bi-land having the sea insinuating itself on both sides with two Bays, that by a narrow neck it is adjoined to the firm land: and this is properly called CHERSONESUS, and PROMONTORIUM NOVANTUM, commonly, the Mull of Galloway. Beyond this Northward, there is a Bay taking a great compass, and full of Lands, into which very many rivers on every side do out-lade themselves. But first of all, from the very cape or top of the promontary is ABRAVANUS, which being set little out of his own place, is so called of Ptolomee, for Aber-Ruanus, that is, The mouth of Ruan. For at this day that river is named Rian, and the lake out of which it floweth, Logh-Rian, exceeding full of Herrings and Stone-fish. This Galloway had in times past Princes and Lords over it: Lords of Galloway. of whom the first recorded in Chronicles was Fergus, in the reign of Henry the first, King of England, who gave for his Arms, A Lion rampant Arg, crowned Or in a shield Azure: who after many troubles that he had stirred, was driven to this exigent by King Malcolm, that he gave his son Ucthred to the King for an hostage, and himself weary of this world, took the habit of a Cannon at Holy Rood house in Edinburgh. As for Ucthred, Gilbert his younger brother took him prisoner in battle, and when he had cut out his tongue, and plucked his eyes forth of his head, he cruelly bereft him both of life and inheritance. But within some few years, when Gilbert was dead, Ucthreds son recovered his father's inheritance, who of a sister of William Morvill Constable of Scotland, Constables of Scotland. begat Alan Lord of Galloway, and Constable of Scotland: This Alan, by Margaret the eldest daughter of David Earl of Huntingdon, had Dervolgilda wife to john Balliol, and the mother of John Balliol King of Scotland, who contended with Robert Brus for the Kingdom of Scotland; and by a former wife, as it seemeth, he had Helen, married to Roger Quincy Earl of Winchester, who thereby was Constable of Scotland; like as William Ferrars of Groby, the Nephew of the said Roger by a daughter and one of the heirs. But these Englishmen soon lost their inheritance in Scotland, as also the dignity of Constable: which the Comnins Earls of Bucquan, descended likewise from a daughter of Roger Quincie, obtained, until it was translated unto the Earls of Arroll. But the title of the Lords of Galloway fell afterward to the family of the Douglasses. CARRICTA. CARRICT. NOw followeth Carrict upon Dunbritain Frith, Berigonium, Bargenie. fair to be seen with fresh pastures; supplied both by land and sea with commodities abundantly. In this province Ptolomee placed RERIGONIUM a Creek, and RERIGONIUM a Town. For which BERIGONIUM is read in a very ancient copy of Ptolomee, printed at Rome in the year 1480. so that we cannot but verily think it was that which now is called Bargeney. A Lord it hath out of the family of the Kennedies, which came forth of Ireland in the reign of Robert Brus, and is in this tract of high birth, spread into many branches, and of great power. The chief of which lineage is Earl of Cassile: for this is the name of a Castle wherein he dwelleth by the river Dun: upon the bank whereof he hath also another Castle, named Dunnur: and he is the hereditary Bailiff of this Country. For this Carrict, together with Kyle and Cunningham, are counted the three Baillerries of Scotland, because they that govern these with an ordinary power and jurisdiction are called Ballives, by a term that came up in the middle times, and among the Greeks, Sicilians, and Frenchmen signifieth a Conservatour or Protector. But in the age aforegoing Carrict had Earls: Earls of Carrict. Book of Malrosse. for, to say nothing of Gilberts of Galloway, son unto whom King William gave all Carrict to be possessed for ever, we read that Adam of Kilconath was about the year 1270. Earl of Carrict, and died serving in the Holy-land: whose only daughter Mariha fell extremely in love with Robert Brus, a beautiful young Gentleman, as she saw him hunting, and thereupon made him her husband, advanced him with the title of Earl, and with possessions: unto whom she bore Robert Brus, that most renowned King of Scots, from whom the royal line of the Kings is descended. But the title of the Earl of Carrict being left for a time to the younger sons of the family of Brus, afterwards among other honours increased the style of the Princes of Scotland. KYLE. Anno 750. MOre inward from Clids-forth followeth KYLE, plentiful in all things, and as well inhabited. In Bedes Auctarium it is called Campus Cyel, that is, The Field Cyel, and Coil: where it is recorded, That Eadbert King of Northumberland annexed this with other territories unto his own Kingdom. In Ptolomees time there was known a place here named VIDOGARA, haply Air, which is a Sherifdome, hath a townlet also of merchandise, and a well known port by a little river of the same name. Touching which I can think of no better thing to write, than these verses sent unto me from Master john jonstoun. AERA, sive AERIA. Parva urbs, hast ingens animus in fortibus haeret, Inferior nulli nobilitate virûm. Aeris è campis haurit purissima coelum, Incubat & miti mollior aura solo. Aeria hinc, non Aera prius credo illa vocata est, Cum duris quid enim mollia juris habent? Infera cum superis quod si componere fas est, Aurea for'rs dici debuit illa prius. A City small, but yet great minds in valiant bodies rest, For nobleness of Gentlemen matching the very best. Out of the fields what air it draws is right pure, fresh, and kind, The soil is mild, and upon it there breathes a gentle wind. Hence I suppose AERIA first, not Aera called it was, For what have elements to do with matters hard as brass? But to compare low things with high if that I may be bold, Then haply well it should have been named AUREA of old. Besides the river Aire there be other two riverets that water this little territory, having many villages scattering along their banks: namely, Longar, near unto which the Caufords', and Cesnocke, by which the Cambels, families (in this tract) of good worship, dwell: upon the bank whereof standeth Uchiltre castle, the seat of the Stewarts that are of the blood royal, as who issued from the Dukes of Albany; and thereupon are the Barons of Uchiltrey, out of which house was that noble Robert Stewart, who kept continually with the Prince of Condie, as an inseparable companion, and was with him slain in France in battle. The government of Kyle belongeth by an heritable right to the Cambells of Louden, as Bailiff thereof. CUNNINGHAM. CUNNINGHAM adjoining to Kyle on the East side and the North, butteth upon the same Forth so close, that it restraineth the breadth thereof, which hitherto lay out and spread at large. The name, if one interpret it, is as much as the King's Habitation: by which a man may guess how commodious and pleasant it is. This territory is watered with Irwin, that divideth it from Kyle: at the springhead well near whereof, Kilmarnock showeth itself, the dwelling place of the Barons Boids: of whom in the reign of James the first, Thomas, by a prosperous gale of Court favour, was advanced to the authority of Regent or Viceroy, Robert his son to the dignity of Earl of Arran, and marriage with the King's sister. But soon after, when the said gale came about, and blue contrary, they were judged enemies to the State: Robert also had his wife taken from him, and given unto James Hamilton; their goods were confiscate, fortune made a game of them, and when they had lost all they died in exile. Howbeit their posterity recovered the ancient honour of Barons, and honourably enjoy it at this day. At the mouth of the river Irwin, standeth Irwin a Burrough, with an haven so barred up with shelves of sand, and so shallow withal, that it can bear none other vessels but small barks and boats: Ardrossan also, a pile belonging to the Montgomeries, more above standeth higher over the Creek: this is a very ancient and famous familiy as any other, who have to show for witness of their warlike prowess, Poununy, a fort built with the ransom money of Sir Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur, whom I. Montgomerie with his own hand took prisoner in the battle at Otterburne, and led away captive. Not far from Ardrossan is Largesse, embrued with the blood of the Norwegians by King Alexander the third. From whence, as you follow the shore bending and giving in, you meet with Eglington, a fair castle, which was the possession of certain Gentlemen highly descended of the same surname: from whom it came by marriage unto the Montgomeries, Montgomeri● Earls of Eglington. who thereby received the title of Earls of Eglington. But whence the said surname should come, a man can hardly tell: this I know, that out of Normandy it came into England, and that diverse families there were of the same name: but that in Essex, from which Sir Thomas Montgomerie, Knight of the order of the Garter, descended, in the reign of Edward the fourth gave Arms a little different from these. This noble lineage is fair and far spread, and out of those of Gevan was that Gabriel de Lorges, called Earl of Montgomerie, Captain of the guard of Scots (which Charles the fifth King of France instituted for defence of his own person, and his successors, in testimony of their fidelity, and his love toward them) who in running at tilt slew Henry the second King of France, by occasion that a broken splint of his spear, where the helmet chanced to be open, entered at his eye, and pierced into his brain; and afterwards in that civil war, wherein all France was in a broil, whiles he took part with the Protestants, Cunningham Earls of Glencarne. he was apprehended and beheaded. But the Cunninghams' in this tract are counted to be the greater and more numerous family, the chief whereof, enjoying the honour of Earl of Glencarn, dwelleth at Kilmauris, and fetcheth his descent out of England, and from an English Gentleman, who, together with other, killed Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury. How true this is I know not, but they ground it haply upon a probable conjecture, taken from an Archbishop's pall, which the Cunninghams' give in their coat of Arms. ISLE GLOTTA, OR ARRAN. WIthin the sight of Cunningham, among sundry other Lands, GLOTA, the Isle mentioned by Antonine the Emperor, beareth up his head, in the very Forth and salt water of the river Glota, or Cluyd, called at this day Arran, of a castle bearing the same name. Inwardly it mounteth up altogether with high rising hills, at the bottom and foot whereof, along the shore it is well inhabited. The first Earl hereof, that I can read of, was Robert Boide, Earls of Arran. whose wife and Earldom together, when Boide was banished the realm, James L. Hamilton, as I said erewhile, obtained, and his posterity enjoyed the same Earldom, saving that of late Sir James Steward, appointed guardian to James Hamilton Earl of Arran, when he was so defective in understanding that he could not manage his estate, took this title in the right of being guardian. near unto this standeth Buthe, so called of a little religious Cell which Brendanus founded (for so is a little Cell termed in the Scottish tongue.) In this Island is Rothsay Castle, Rothsay Dukedom. which giveth the title of Dukedom unto the King of Scots eldest son, who is borne Prince of Scotland, Duke of Rothsay, and Seneschal of Scotland, since time that King Robert the third invested Robert his eldest son Duke of Rothsay, the first in Scotland that ever was created Duke. With which title also Queen Marry honoured Henry Lord Darly before she took him to be her husband. Then show themselves Hellan, sometimes called Hellan Leneow, that it, as john Fordon interpreteth it, The Saints Lands, and Hellan Tinoc, that is, The Swine's Island, with a great number of other Lands of less note and reckoning in the same Forth. DAMNII, CLUYDSDALE, etc. BEyond the NOVANTES, more inward, by the river Glotta or Cluyd, and farther still even to the very East sea, dwelled in times past the DAMNII, in those countries, if I have any judgement, (for in things so far remote from our remembrance, and in so thick a mist of obscurity, who can speak of certainty?) which are now called Cluydsdale, the Barony of Renfraw, Lennox, Strivelinshire, Menteth, and Fife. near unto the head of Cluyd in Crawford Moor, among the wild wastes, certain husbandmen of the country, after great store of violent rain, happened to find certain small pieces like scrape of gold, which have this long time given great hope of much riches, but most of all in our days, since that Sir Beamis Bulmer undertook with great endeavour to find out here a Mine of gold. Certes there is Azure gotten forth every day, without any pains in manner at all. Now the Castle of Crawford, Earls of Crawford. together with the title of the Earl of Crawford, was by Robert the second, King of Scots, given unto Sir James Lindesey, who by a single combat performed with Baron Welles an Englishman, won high commendation for his valour. These Lindeseyes have deserved passing well of their country, and are of ancient nobility, ever since that Sir William Lindesey married one of the heirs of William of Lancaster Lord of Kandale in England, whose niece in the third degree of lineal descent, was married into the most honourable family of Coucy in France. Cluyd, after he hath from his spring head with much struggling got out Northward by Baron Somervils house, Barony Somervils. Douglasse. receiveth unto him from out of the West the river Duglasse or Douglasse, so called of a blackish or greenish water that it hath: which river communicateth his name both to have the vale through which he runneth, called Douglasdale, and also to Douglasse castle therein: which name that castle likewise hath imparted unto the family of the Douglasses. Which I assure you is very ancient, but most famous ever since that Sir James Douglasse stuck very close at all times as a most fast friend unto King Robert Brus, and was ready always with singular courage, resolution, and wisdom, to assist him, claiming the kingdom in most troublesome and dangerous times: and whom the said King Robert charged at his death to carry his heart to Jerusalem, that he might be discharged of his vow made to go to the Holy-land. In memorial whereof the Douglasses have inserted in their Coat of Arms a man's heart. From which time this family grew up to that power and greatness, and namely, after that King David the second had created William Earl of Douglasse, that they after a sort awed the Kings themselves. For at one time well near there were six Earls of them, namely, of this Douglasse, of Angus, of Ormund, of Wigton, of Murray, and of Morton: among whom, the Earl of Wigton, through his martial prowess and desert, obtained at the hands of Charles the seventh king of France, the title of Duke of Tourain, and left the same to two Earls of Douglasse his heirs after him. Above the confluence of Douglasse and Cluyd is Lanric, Sheriffdome o Lanric. the hereditary Sheriffdom of the hamilton's, who for their name are beholden unto Hamilton castle, which standeth somewhat higher upon Cluyds bank, in a fruitful and passing pleasant place; but they refer their original, as they have a tradition, to a certain Englishman surnamed Hampton, who having taken part with Robert Brus, received from him fair lands in this tract. Much increase of their wealth and estate came by the bounteous hand of King James the third, who bestowed in marriage upon Sir James Hamilton his own eldest sister, whom he had taken perforce from the Lord Boide her husband, together with the Earldom of Arran; but of honours and dignities by the States of the kingdom, who after the death of King James the fifth, ordained James Hamilton grandsonne to the former James, Regent of Scotland, whom Henry also the second, King of France, advanced to be Duke of Chasteau Herald in Poictou: as also by King James the sixth, marquis H●milton. who honoured his son John with the title of marquis of Hamilton, which honourable title was then first brought into Scotland. The river Glotta or Cluyd runneth from Hamilton by Bothwell, which glorieth in the Earls thereof, Earls of Botwell. namely, John Ramsey, whose greatness with King James the third was excessive, but pernicious both to himself and the King: and the Hepburns, whom I have already spoken of, & so straight forward with a ready stream through Glascow, in ancient times past a Bishop's seat: but discontinued a great while, until that King William restored it up again: but now it is an Archbishops See, and an University, which Bishop Turnbull, after he had in a pious and religious intent built a college in the year 1554. first founded. This Glascow is the most famous town of merchandise in this tract: for pleasant site, and apple trees, and other like fruit trees much commended, having also a very fair bridge supported with eight arches. Of which town I. jonstoun thus versified. Non te Pontificum luxus, non Insula tantùm Ornavit, diri quae tibi caussa mali. Glottiadae quantùm decorant te, Glascua, Musae, Quae celsum attollunt clara sub astra caput. GLOTTA decus rerum, piscosis nobilis undis, Finitimi recreat jugera laeta soli. Ast Glottae decus, & vicinis gloria terris Glascua foe cundat flumine cuncta suo. The sumptuous port of Bishops great hath not adorned thee so, Nor mitre rich, that hath been cause of thine accursed woe, As Cluyds Muses grace thee now, O Glascow town: for why? They make thee bear thy head aloft up to the starry sky. Cluyd the beauty of the world, for fishfull stream renowned, Refresheth all the neighbour fields that lie about it round: But Glascow beauty is to Cluyd, and grace to countries nigh, And by the streams that flow from thence, all places fructify. Reinfraw Barony. Along the hithermore bank of Cluid yeth the Barony of Reinfraw, so called of the principal town, which may seem to be RANDVARA in Ptolomee, by the river Cathcart, that hath the Baron of Cathcart dwelling upon it, carrying the same surname, and of ancient nobility: near unto which (for this little province can show a goodly breed of nobility) there border Cruikston, the seat in times passed of the Lords of Darley, from whom by right of marriage it came to the Earls of Lennox, whence Henry the Father of King James the sixth was called Lord Darly; Halkead, the habitation of the Barons of Ros, Barons de Ros. descended originally from English blood, as who fetch their pedigree from that Robert Ros of Work, who long since left England, and came under the allegiance of the King of Scots: Pasley. Pasley, sometimes a famous Monastery founded by Alexander the second of that name, high Steward of Scotland, which for a gorgeous Church, and rich furniture was inferior to few: but now, by the beneficial favour of King James the sixth, it yieldeth both dwelling place, and title of Baron to Lord Claud Hamilton, a younger son of Duke Chasteu Herald: and Sempill, the Lord whereof Baron Sempill, Baron Sempill. by ancient right is Sheriff of this Barony. But the title of Baron of Reinfraw, by a peculiar privilege doth appertain unto the Prince of Scotland. LENNOX. ALong the other bank of Cluyd above Glascow, runneth forth Levinia or LENNOX Northward, among a number of hills close couched one by another, having that name of the river Levin, which Ptolomee calleth LELANONIUS, and runneth into Cluyd out of Logh Lomund, which spreadeth itself here under the mountains twenty miles long and eight miles broad, passing well stored with variety of fish: but most especially with a peculiar fish that is to be found no where else (they call it Pollac) as also with Lands, concerning which many fables have been forged, and those ri●e among the common people. As touching an Island here that floateth and waveth too and fro, I list not to make question thereof. For what should let, but that a lighter body, and spongeous withal in manner of a pumice stone, may swim above the water? and Pliny writeth, how in the Lake Vadimon there be Lands full of grass, and covered over with rushes and reeds, that float up and down. But I leave it unto them that dwell nearer unto this place, and better know the nature of this Lake, whether this old Distichon of our Necham be true or no: Ditatur fluviis Albania, saxea ligna Dat Lomund multa frigiditate potens. With rivers Scotland is enriched, and Lomund there a Lake So cold of nature is, that sticks it quickly stones doth make. Round about the edge of this Lake there be fisher's cottages, but nothing else memorable, unless it be Kilmoronoc, a proper fine house of the Earls of Cassiles on the East side of it, which hath a most pleasant prospect into the said Lake. But at the confluence where Levin emptieth itself out of the Lake into Cluyd, standeth the old City called Al-Cluyd. Al-Cluyd. Bede noteth that it signified (in whose language I know not) as much as The rock Cluyd. True it is, that Ar-Cluyd signifieth in the British tongue, upon Cluyd, or upon the rock; and Cluyd in ancient English sounded the same that a Rock. The succeeding posterity called this place Dunbritton, Dunbritton. Britannodunum. that is, The Britan's town (and corruptly by a certain transposition of letters, Dunbarton) because the Britan's held it longest against the Scots, Picts, and Saxons. For it is the strongest of all the castles in Scotland by natural situation, towering upon a rough, craggy, and two-headed rock, at the very meeting of the rivers in a green plain. In one of the tops or heads abovesaid, there standeth up a lofty watchtower or Keep: on the other, which is the lower, there are sundry strong bulwarks. Between these two tops on the North side, it hath one only ascent, by which hardly one by one can pass up, and that with a labour by grease or steps, cut out aslope travers the rock. In steed of ditches, on the West side serveth the river Levin; on the South, Cluyd; and on the East a boggy flat, which at every tide is wholly covered over with waters; and on the North side the very upright steepness of the place is a most sufficient defence. Certain remains of the Britan's, presuming of the natural strength of this place, and their own manhood, who, as Gildas writeth, got themselves a place of refuge in high mountains and hills, steep and naturally fenced, as it were, with rampires and ditches, in most thick woods and forests, in rocks also of the sea, stood out and defended themselves here, after the Romans departure, for three hundred years, in the midst of their enemies. For in Bedes time, as himself writeth, it was the best fortified city of the Britan's. But in the year 756. Eadbert King of Northumberland, and Oeng King of the Picts, with their joint forces enclosed it round about by siege, R. Hoveden. and brought it to such a desperate extremity, that it was rendered unto them by composition. Of this place the territory round about it is called the Sherifdome of Dunbarton, and hath had the Earls of Lennox this long time for their Sheriffs, by birthright and inheritance. As touching the Earls of Lennox themselves, Earls of Lennox. to omit those of more ancient and obscure times, there was one Duncane Earl of Lennox in the reign of Robert the second, who died and left none but daughters behind him. Of whom one was married to Alan Steward, Steward. descended from Robert, a younger son of Walter the second of that name, High Steward of Scotland; and brother likewise to Alexander Steward the second, from whom the noblest and royal race of Scotland hath been propagated. This surname Steward was given unto that most noble family, in regard of the honourable office of the stewardship of the kingdom, as who had the charge of the King's revenues. The said Alan had issue John Earl of Lennox, A troop of Scots in France. and Robert, Captain of that company of Scottishmen at Arms, which Charles the sixth K. of France first instituted, in lieu of some recompense unto the Scottish nation, which by their valour had deserved passing well of the kingdom of France; who also by the same Prince for his virtue's sake was endowed with the Signiory of Aubigny in Auvergne. John had a son named Matthew Earl of Lennox, who wedded the daughter of James Hamilton by Marion daughter to King James the second; on whom he begat John Earl of Lennox: he taking arms to deliver King James the fifth out of the hands of the Douglasses and the hamilton's, was slain by the Earl of Arran his Uncle on the mother's side. This John was father to Matthew Earl of Lennox, who having sustained sundry troubles in France and Scotland, found fortune more friendly to him in England, through the favour of King Henry the eighth, considering that he bestowed upon him in marriage his Niece, with fair lands. By the means of this happy marriage were brought into the world Henry and Charles. Henry, James King of Britain. by Marie Queen of Scots, had issue JAMES the sixth, King of Britain, by the propitious grace of the eternal God, borne in a most auspicate and lucky hour, to knit and unite in one body of an Empire the whole Island of Britain, divided as well in itself, as it was heretofore from the rest of the world, and (as we hope and pray) to lay a most sure foundation of an everlasting security, for our heirs and the posterity. As for Charles, he had issue one only daughter Arbella, who above her sex hath so embraced the studies of the best literature, that therein she hath profited and proceeded with singular commendation, and is comparable with the excellent Ladies of old time. When Charles was dead, after that the Earldom of Lennox, whereof he stood enfeoffed, was revoked by Parliamentary authority in the year of our Lord 1579. and his Uncle by the father's side, Robert Bishop of Cathanes, had some while enjoyed this title (in lieu whereof he received at the King's hands the honour of the Earl of March) King James the sixth conferred the honourable title of Duke of Lennox upon Esme Steward, son to John Lord D'Aubigny, younger brother to Matthew aforesaid Earl of Lennox, which Lodowic Esme his son at this day honourably enjoieth. Lords of Aubigny or Obigny. For since the time of Charles the sixth, there were of this line Lords of Aubigny in France, the said Robert before named, and Bernard or Eberard under Charles the eighth & Lewis the twelfth, who is commended with great praise unto posterity by P. jovius, for his noble acts most valerously exploited in the war of Naples, a most firm and trusty companion of King Henry the seventh when he entered into England. Who used for his Emprese or devise, a Lion between buckles, with this Mot, DISTANTIA JUNGIT: for that by his means the Kingdoms of France and of Scotland, severed and dis-joined so far in distance, were by a straighter league of friendship conjoined: like as Robert Steward Lord D'Aubigny of the same race, Paradine. who was Marshal of France under King Lewis the eleventh, for the same cause used the royal Arms of France, with buckles Or in a border Gueules: which the Earls and Dukes of Lennox have ever since borne quarterly with the Arms of Steward. STIRLING Sheriffdome. UPon Lennox Northeastward bordereth the territory of STERLING, so named of the principal town therein: for fruitful soil, and numbers of Gentlemen in it, second to no province of Scotland. Here is that narrow land or straight, by which Dunbritton Frith and Edenborrough Frith (that I may use the terms of this our age) piercing far into the land out of the West and East Seas, are divided asunder, that they meet not the one with the other. Which thing julius Agricola, who marched hitherto and beyond, first observed; and fortified this space between with garrisons, so as all the part of Britain in this side was then in possession of the Romans, and the enemies removed and driven, as it were, into another Island, in so much as Tacitus judged right truly, There was no other bound or limit of Britain to be sought for. Neither verily in the time ensuing, did either the VALOUR of Armies, or the GLORY of the Roman name, which scarcely could be stayed, set out the marches of the Empire in this part of the world farther, although with inroads they other while molested and endamaged them. But after this glorious expedition of Agricola, when himself was called back, Britain, as faith Tacitus, became for-let, neither was the possession kept still thus far: for the Caledonian Britan's drove the Romans back as far as to the river Tine: in so much as Hadrian, who came into Britain in person about the fortieth year after, and reform many things in it, went no farther forward, but gave commandment that the GOD TERMINUS, God Terminus. which was wont to give ground unto none, should retire backward out of this place, like as in the East on this side Euphrates. Hence it is that S. Augustine wrote in this wise: Aug. de Civ. Dei l. 4. c. 29. God TERMINUS, who gave not place to jupiter, yielded unto the will of Hadrianus, yielded to the rashness of julian, yielded to the necessity of jovian. In so much as Hadrian had enough to do, for to make a wall of turf between the rivers Tine and Esk, well near an hundred miles Southward on this side Edenborrough Frith. But Antoninus Pius, who being adopted by Hadrian bore his name, styled thereupon TITUS AELIUS HADRIANUS ANTONINUS PIUS, under the conduct of Lollius Urbicus, The wall of Antoninus Pius. whom he had sent hither Lieutenant, repelled the Northern enemies back again beyond BODOTRIA, or Edenborrough Forth, and that by raising another wall of turf, namely, besides that of Hadrianus, as Capitolinus writeth. Which wall, that it was reared in this very place whereof I now speak, and not by Severus (as it is commonly thought) I will produce no other witnesses, than two ancient Inscriptions digged up here: of which the one fastened in the wall of an house at Cader, showeth how the second Legion Augusta, set up the wall for the space of three miles and more: the other, now in the house of the Earl Martial at Dunotyr, which implieth, that a band of the twentieth Legion Victrix raised the said wall three miles long. But see here the very inscriptions themselves, as Servatius Riheley, a Gentleman of Silesia, who curiously travailed these countries, copied them out for me. IMP. CAESARI T. AELIO HADRIANO ANTONINO. AUG. PIO. P. P. VEXILLATIO LEG. XX. VAL. VIC. F. PER. MIL. P. III. IMP. CAES. TIT.— IO AELIO HADRIANO ANTON. AUG. PIO. PP. LEG. II. AUG. PER. M. P. III. D. CIXVIS. At Cadir, where this latter inscription is extant, there is another stone also erected by the second Legion Augusta, wherein within a Laurel garland, supported by two little images resembling victory, are these letters. LEG. TWO AUG. FEC. And in a village called Miniabruch, out of a Ministers house there was removed this inscription into a Gentleman's house, which is there new built out of the ground: D. M. C. JULI. MARCELLINI PRAEF. * Cohors prima Hamiorum. COH. I. HAMIOR: But when the Northern nations in the reign of Commodus, having passed once over this wall, had made much waist and spoil in the country, the Emperor Severus, as I have already said, repaired this wall of Hadrian. Howbeit afterwards the Romans brought eftsoons the country lying between, under their subjection. For Ninius hath recorded, that Carausius under Diocletian strengthened this wall another time, and fortified it with seven castles. Lastly, the Romans fenced this place (when Theodosius the younger was Emperor) under the conduct of Gallio of Ravenna. Now, saith Bede, they made a turf wall, rearing it not so much with stone as with turfs (as having no canning Artificer for so great a piece of work) and the same to no use, between two Friths or Arms of the sea, for many miles in length: that where the fence of water was wanting, there by the help of a wall they might defend their borders from the invasion of enemies: of which work, that is to say, a very broad and high wall, a man may see to this day most certain and evident remains. This wall began, as the Scots in these days give out, at the river Aven, that goeth into Edenborrough Forth, Ninius. and having passed over the riveret Carron, reacheth unto Dunbritton. But Bede, as I said erewhile, affirmeth that it beginneth in a place called Pen vaell, that is, in the Picts language, as much as The head of the wall; in the Britan's tongue Pen-Gual, in English Penwalton, in Scottish Cevall: all which names no doubt are derived from Vallum in Latin: and he saith, That place is almost two miles from Abereurvig or Abercurving. Abercorn. And it endeth, as the common sort think, at Kirk-Patricke, the native soil (as some writeth) of Saint Patrick the irishmen's Apostle, near unto Cluyd; according to Bede, at Alcluid; after Ninius, at the City Pen Alcloyt, which may seem all one. graham's dyke. Now this wall is commonly called graham's dyke; either of Graham a warlike Scot, whose valour was especially seen when the breach was made through it, or else of the hill Grampie, at the foot whereof it stood. The author of Rota Temporum calleth it the wall of Aber-corneth, that is, of the mouth of the river Corneth: where, in Bedes time, there was a famous monastery standing, as he hath recorded, upon English ground, but near unto that frith or arm of the sea, which in those days severed the lands of the English and the Picts. Hard by this wall of turf, what way as the river Carron crosseth this Sheriffdome of Sterling, toward the left hand are seen two mounts cast up by man's hand, which they call Duni pacis, Duni pacis. that is, Knolles of peace: and almost two miles lower there is an ancient round building, four and twenty cubits high, and thirteen broad, open in the top, framed of rough stone without lime, having the upper part of every stone so tenanted into the neither, as that the whole work still rising narrow, by a mutual interlacing and clasping, upholdeth itself. Some call this the Temple of God TERMINUS, Arthur's oven. others Arthurs-Oven, who father every stately and sumptuous thing upon Arthur. Others again, julius Hoff, and suppose it to have been built by julius Caesar. But I would think rather that julius Agricola built it, who fortified this frontier part, were it not that Ninius hath already informed us, that it was erected by Carausius for a triumphal Arch. For he, as Ninius writeth, built upon the bank of Charon, a round house of polished stone, erecting a Triumphal Arch in memorial of a victory: he re-edified also the wall, and strengthened it with seven Castles. In the midst space between Duni pacis and this building, on the righthand-banke of Carron, there is yet to be discerned a confused face of a little ancient City: where the vulgar people believeth there was sometimes a road for ships, who call it Camelot, by a name that is rife in King Arthur's book; and they contend, but all in vain, to have it that Camalodunum which Tacitus mentioneth. But it would seem rather, by the name of the river Carron running underneath, to have been CORTA DAMNIORUM, Coria Damniorum. which Ptolomee mentioneth in this tract. And now take with you that which George Buchanan, that excellent Poet, wrote of the limit of the Roman Empire at Carron. Roma securigeris praetendit maenia Scotis, Hîc spe progressus positâ, Carronis ad undam Terminus Ausonii signat divertia regni. Against warlike Scots with axes armed, a mighty frontier wall The Romans raised: and limit there, which TERMINUS they call, Near Carron stream, now past all hope more British ground to gain, Marks out the Roman Empires end, whence they to turn were fain. In this territory of Sterling on the East side, calendar. Barons Levingston. there showeth itself Castle calendar, belonging to the Barons of Levingston; and the family of the Barons Fleming dwelleth hard by at Cumbernald, which they received at the hands of King Robert Brus, for their service valiantly & faithfully performed in defence of their country: whereby also they attained unto the hereditary honour to be Chamberlains of Scotland. And even very lately the favour of King James the Sixth hath honoured this house with the title of Earl, Fleming Earl of Wigton. what time as he created I. Baron Fleming Earl of Wigton. In a place near adjoining standeth Elpheingston, which likewise hath his Barons, advanced to that dignity by King James the fourth: And where Forth full of his windings and crooked cranks runneth down with a rolling pace, and hath a bridge over him, standeth Sterlin, commonly called Strivelin, and Sterlin Burrough; where on the very brow of a steep rock there is mounted on high a passing strong Castle of the Kings, which King James the sixth hath beautified with new buildings, and whereof this long time the Lords of Ereskin have been Captains, unto whom the charge and tuition of the Princes of Scotland during their minority hath been otherwhiles committed. Whereas some there be, that would have the good and lawful money of England, Sterling money▪ which is called Sterling money, to take the name from hence, they are much deceived: for that denomination came from the Germans, of their Easterly dwelling termed by Englishmen Esterlings; whom King John of England first sent for to reduce the silver to the due fineness and purity: and such moneys in ancient writing are ever more found by the name of Esterling. But concerning Sterlin town the verses that I. Jonston hath made shall supply all the rest. Regia sublimis celsa despectat ab arce Pendula sub biferis maenia structa jugis. Regum augusta parens, Regum nutricula natis, Hinc sibi Regifico nomine tota placet. Hospita sed cuivis quovis sub nomine, amicus Sive es, seu non es, hospes an hostis item. Pro lucro cedit damnum. Discordia tristis Heu quoties procerum sanguine tinxit humum? Hoc uno infelix, at felix coetera, nusquam Laetior aut caelifrons, geniusve soli. A regal palace stately set, beholds from mount aloft, Town wall, built hanging on the side of hill with double cost. The sacred mother unto Kings, of King's babes eke the nurse, Hence is it that she prides herself in King's names and no worse. But entertaineth every one, by name it skils not what, A friend or foe, friend guest or no, she reckoneth nought of that. In steed of gain this turns to loss. Besides, how oft alas, Hath discord foul with Nobles blood stained hence both ground and grass? In this alone unhappy she, else not; nor shall ye find, Else where the air more mild and clear, or soil of better kind. Banocbourn. About two miles hence the Banocbourn runneth between exceeding high banks on both sides, and with a very swift stream in winter, toward the Forth: a bourn most famous for as glorious a victory as ever the Scots had, what time as Edward the second King of England was put to flight, who was fain to make hard shift, and in great haste and fear to take a boat and save his life: yea and the most puissant army which England had before sent out, was discomfited through the valiant prowess of King Robert Brus; insomuch as for two years after the English came not into the field against the Scots. Alauna. About Sterlin Ptolomee seemeth to place ALAUNA, which is either near the little river Alon, that here entereth into the Forth; or else by Always, an house of the Ereskins, who by inheritance are the Sheriffs of all this territory without the Burgh. But I have not yet read of any one dignified by the title of Earl of Sterlin. CALEDONIA. WHat soever part of Britain lieth Northward beyond Grahames Dyke, or the wall of Antoninus Pius before named, and beareth out on both seas, is called by Tacitus CALEDONIA, like as the people thereof, Britan's inhabiting CALEDONIA. Ptolomee divideth them into many nations, as CALEDONII, EPIDII, VACOMAGI, etc. who were all of them afterward, for continuing their ancient manner and custom of painting their bodies, named by the Romans and the Provincial people, PICTS: divided by Ammianus Marcellinus into two nations, the DICALEDONES and VECTURIONES, touching whom I have spoken already before. Howbeit in the approved and best writers they go all under the name of Caledonians: whom I would think to have been so called of Kaled, a British word that signifieth Hard, and in the plural number maketh Kaledion: whence the word Caledonii may be derived, that is to say, hard, rough, uncivil, and a wilder kind of people, such as the Northern nations for the most part are: who by reason of the rigorous cold of the air, are more rough and fierce, and for their abundance of blood more bold and adventurous. Moreover, beside the position of the climate, this is furthered by the nature and condition of the soil, which riseth up all throughout with rough and rugged mountains: and mountainers verily all men know and confess to be hardy, stout, and strong. But whereas Varro allegeth out of Pacuvius, that Caledonia breedeth and nourisheth men of exceeding big bodies, I would understand the place rather of Caledonia the region of Epirus, than this of ours; although ours also may justly challenge unto itself this commendation. Among this was the Wood CALEDONIA, Caledon forest. termed by Lucius Florus, Salius Caledonius, that is, the forest of Caledonia, spreading out a mighty way, and impassable by reason of tall trees standing so thick, divided also by Grampe hill, now called Grantzbaine, that is, Ulysses his Altar. the crooked bending mountain. That Ulysses arrived in Caledonia (saith Solinus) appeareth plainly by a votive altar with an inscription in Greek letters; but I would judge it to have been rather erected to the honour of Ulysses, than reared by Ulysses himself. Caledonian Bears. Martial the Poet likewise in this verse maketh mention of Caledonian bears. Nuda Caledonio sic pectora praebuit urso. Thus yielded he his naked breast To bear of Caledon forest. Plutarch also hath written, that Bears were brought out of Britain to Rome, and had there in great admiration; whereas notwithstanding Britain for these many ages past hath bred none. What Caledonian monster that should be, whereof Claudian wrote thus, — Caledonio velata Britannia monstro, With monster Caledonian Britain all attired, to tell you truth, Caledonian bulls. I know not. Certes, it nourished in times past a number of white wild bulls, with thick manes in manner of Lions (but in these days few) and those very cruel, fierce, and so hateful of mankind, that for a certain time they abhor whatsoever they had either handled or breathed upon: yea, they utterly scorn the forcible strength of dogs; albeit Rome in times past wondered so much at the fierceness of Scottish dogs, that it was thought there, they were brought thither within iron grates and cages. Well, this term and name CALEDONII grew so rife with Roman writers, that they used it for all Britain, and for all woods of Britain whatsoever. Hereupon L. Florus writeth, that Caesar followed the Britan's unto the Caledonian woods, and yet he never saw them in his life: Hence also Valerius Flaccus writeth thus to Vespasian the Emperor, — Caledonius postquam tua carbasa vexit Oceanus: that is, the British Ocean. Hence likewise it is that Statius versified thus unto Crispinus, son of Vectius Volanus Propretour of Britain about the time of Vitellius. Quanta Caledonios attollet gloria campos, cum tibi long aevus referet trucis incola terrae? Hîc suetus dare jura parens, hoc cespite turmas Affari, ille dedit, cinxitque baec moenia fossâ: Belligeris haec dona this, haec tela dicavit, Cernis adhuc titulos: hunc ipse vacantibus armis Induit, hunc regi rapuit thoraca Britanno. How much renowned shall the fields of Caledonia be, When as some old inhabitant of that fierce land to thee Shall in these terms report and say? Behold, thy father oft Was wont in judgement here to sit: upon this bank aloft To th'armed troops to speak; also 'twas he that walled this fort, That built thus strong, and it with ditch entrenched in this sort. By him to gods of war these gifts and arms were consecrate, The titles (lo) are extant yet; himself this brave breastplate In time of battle did put on, this cuirace, finally, In fight he plucked by force of arms from King of Britanny. But in these, as in other things, I may say, Crescit in immensum facunda licentia vatum. Poetical licence is boundless. For neither Caesar, nor Volanus so much as ever knew the Caledonians. In Pliny's time, as himself witnesseth, thirty years almost after Claudius, the Romans with all their warlike expeditions, had discovered no farther in Britain than to the vicinity of the Caledonian wood. For julius Agricola under Domitian, was the first that entered Caledonia: Galgacus the Britan. whereof at that present Galgac was Prince (who is named Galauc ap Liennauc in the book of * Triadum. Triplicites, among the three worthies of Britain) a man of a mighty spirit and stout stomach: who having put to flight the ninth Legion, in exceeding heat of courage joined battle with the Romans, and most manfully defended his country so long, until fortune rather than his own valour failed him. For then, as he saith, These Northern Britan's, beyond whom there was no land, and beside whom none were free, were the utmost nation verily of this Island, like as Catullus called the Britan's the utmost of all the world, in that verse unto Furius. Caesaris visens monumenta magni, Gallicum Rhenum, horribiles & ultimosque Britannos. Great Caesar's monuments to see in his memorial, The Rhine in Gaul, and Britan's grim, the farthest men of all. Argetecoxus. In the days of Severus, as we read in Xiphilinus, Argetecox a petty Prince reigned over this tract; whose wife being rated and reviled as an adulteress by julia the Empress, frankly and boldly made this answer: We Britain Dames have to do with the bravest and best men, and you Roman Ladies with every lewd base companion secretly. FIFE. Clarkmans. IN this large country of the Caledonians, beyond the Territory of Sterlin, whereof I wrote last, and two countries or Sheriffedomes of less note, Clackmans', over which a Knight named the Carsse; and Kinros, over which the Earl of Morton are Sheriffs, FIFE, a most goodly Biland, wedged, as it were, between the two Arms of the Sea, Forth and Tau, shooteth out far into the East. This land yieldeth plenty of corn and forage, yea and of pit coals: the sea, besides other fishes, affordeth Oysters and Shellfish in great abundance: and the coasts are well bespread with pretty townlets, replenished with stout and lusty mariners. In the South side hereof by Forth, first appeareth Westward Culros, which giveth the title of a Barony to Sir I. colvil: then standeth Dunfermling, Dunfermling. a famous monastery in old time, both the building and burial place of King Malcolm the third. But now it giveth both name and honour of an Earl unto Sir Alexander Seton a most prudent Counsellor, whom lately James King of great Britain worthily raised from Baron of Fivie to be Earl of Dunfermling, Earl of Dunfermling. Earl of Kinghorn. and Lord Chancellor of the realm of Scotland. Then Kinghorne standeth hard upon the Forth, from which place Sir Patrick Lion, Baron Glamys, lately received at the bountiful hand of King James the sixth the title and honour of an Earl. After this, Disert. there is upon the shore Disert, situate on the rising of an hill, from whence there lieth an open Heath of the same name, where there is a good large place which they call the Cole-plot, that hath great plenty of an earthy Bitumen, and partly burneth, to some damage of the inhabitants. Unto it adjoineth Ravins-Heuch, as one would say, The steep hill of Ravens, the habitation of the Baron's Seincler. Above it the river Levin hideth himself in the Forth: River Levin. which river running out of the Lake Levin, wherein standeth a Castle of the Douglasses now Earls of Morton, hath at the very mouth of it Wemmis Castle, Wemmis. the seat of a noble family, bearing the same surname: which King James the sixth hath of late honoured with the dignity of a Baron. From hence the shore draweth back with a crooked and winding tract unto Fif-nesse, Saint Andrews. Saint Regulus. that is, The Promontory or Nose of Fife. Above it Saint Andrews an archiepiscopal City hath a fair prospect into the open main sea. The more ancient name of the place, as old memorials witness, was Regimund, that is, Saint Regulus mount: in which we read thus, Oeng or Ung King of the Picts, granted unto God and Saint Andrew, that it should be the chief and mother of all Churches in the Picts Kingdom. Afterward there was placed here an Episcopal See, the Bishops whereof, like as all the rest within the Kingdom of Scotland, were consecrated by the Archbishop of York, until at the intercession of King James the third, by reason of so many wars between the Scottish and Englishmen, Pope Sixtus the fourth ordained the Bishop of Saint Andrew's to be Primate and Metropolitan of all Scotland; and Pope Innocentius the eighth bound him and his successors to the imitation and precedent of the Metropolitan of Canterbury, Ex Camera Apostolica lib. 24. fol. 24. in these words: That in matters concerning the archiepiscopal state, they should observe and firmly hold the offices, droits, and rights of Primacy, and such like Legacy, and the free exercise thereof, the honours, charges, and profits: and that they should endeavour to perform inviolably the laudable customs of the famous Metropolitan Church of Canterbury, the Archbishop whereof is Legatus natus of the Kingdom of England, etc. Howbeit before that, Laurence Lundoris and Richard Corvel, Doctors of the Civil law, publicly professed here good literature, laid the foundation of an University: which now, for happy increase of learned men, for three Colleges and the King's Professors in them, is become highly renowned. In commendation whereof Master jonston, the King's Professor there in Divinity, hath made these verses. FANUM REGULI, SIVE ANDREAPOLIS. Imminet Oceano paribus descripta viarum Limitibus, pingui quam benè septa solo! Magnificis opibus, staret dum gloria prisca Pontificum, hîc fulsit Pontificalis apex. Musarum ostentat surrecta palatia coelo, Delicias hominum, deliciasque Deûm. Hîc nemus umbriferum Phoebi, Nymphaeque sorores, Candida quas inter praesitet Uranie. Quae me longinquis redeuntem Teutonis oris Suscipit, excelso collocat inque gradu. Urbs nimium felix, Musarum si bona nôsset Munera, & aetherei regna beata Dei. Pelle malas pestes urbe, & quae noxia Musis Alme Deus, coeant Pax pietásque simul. SAINT REGULUS, OR S. ANDREWS. Seated it is hard by the sea, at even and equal bounds Of streets, how well enclosed beside with fat and fertile grounds! Whilom, when Prelates state was great and glorious withal, There flourished here in sumptuous port a See Pontifical. Now Schools it shows and Colleges, both Gods and man's delight, To Muses which be dedicate, and built to stately height. Here Phoebus hath his shady grove, here dwell the Sisters nine, And chief of them the Lady bright, Uranie divine. Who when I was returned from far coasts of Germany, With welcome kind here did me place in chair of high degree. Most happy town, wist it what were the gifts of learning true, The blessed Kingdom, if withal of God in heaven it knew. All plagues, good God, all nocive things to Muses hence repel, That in this City Godliness and Peace may jointly dwell. Hard by there loseth itself in the sea Eden or Ethan, a little river, which springing up near unto Falkland (belonging in times passed to the Earls of Fife, Falkland. but now a retiring place of the Kings, very well seated for hunting pleasures and disports) runneth under a continued ridge of hills, which divide this country in the midst, by Struthers (a place so called of a Reedplot) a Castle of the Barons Lindsey; Studer. and by Cupre, Cuper. a notable Burrough, where the Sheriff sitteth to minister justice. Concerning which the same I. jonston hath thus versified. CUPRUM FIFAE. ARVA inter nemorísque umbras & pascua laeta, Lenè fluens vitreis labitur Eden aquis. Hûc veniat si quis Gallorum â finibus hospes, Gallica se hîc iterum fortè videre putet. Anne etiam ingenium hinc & fervida pectora traxit? An potius patriis hauserit illa focis? By rich corn fields, by shady woods and pastures fresh among, The river Eden glideth soft with crystal stream along. Hither to come from coasts of France if any stranger chance, Here haply may he think he hath a sight again of France. What? drew this place from thence their wit and spirit hot trow ye? Or rather had the same at first by native property? Now where the shore turneth inward a front Northward, hard by the salt water of Tau, there flourished in old time two goodly Abbeys, Balmerinoch, built by Queen Ermengard, wife to King William, daughter of Viscount Beaumond in France. But lately King James of great Britain advanced Sir james Elphinston to the honour of Baron Balmerinoch: Balmerinoch. Lundoris. and Lundoris, founded among the woods by David Earl of Huntingdon, and at this day the Barony of Sir Patrick Lesley: between which standeth Banbrich, the habitation of the Earl of Rothes, strongly built castle wise. But as touching the towns of Fife planted along the sea side, have here now, if it please you, these verses of Master jonston. Oppida sic toto sunt sparsa in littore ut unum Dixeris, inque uno plurima juncta eadem: Littore quot curvo Forthae volvuntur arenae, Quotque undis refluo tunditur orasalo. Penè tot hîc cernas instratum puppibus aequor, Urbibus & crebris penè tot ora hominum. Cuncta operis intenta domus, foeda otia nescit, Sedula cura domi, sedula curaforis. Quae maria, & quas non terras animosa juventus Ah! fragili fidens audet adire trabe? Auxit opes virtus, virtuti dura pericla juncta etiam lucro damna fuere suo. Quae fecêre viris animos, cultumque dedêre, Magnanimis prosunt damna, pericla, labour. Who sees how thick towns stand upon this coast, will say anon, They are but one, and yet the same all joined in that one. How many sands on crooked shore of Forth are cast by tides, Or billows at the seas return beat hard upon banks sides. So many ships well near you may here see to sail or ride, And in those towns so thick, almost as many folk abide. In every house they ply their work, no idle drones they are: Busy at home with diligence, busy abroad with care. What seas or lands are there to which a voyage for to make, In brittle barks will not their youth courageous undertake. By valour be they grown to wealth, yet valour meet with pains, And perils too; some losses too have they had with their gains. These things have made them valiant, civil withal and courteous: Loss, peril, painful toil avail all such as be magnanimous. The Governor of this province, like as of all the rest in this Kingdom, was in times past a Thane, that is, in the old English tongue, The King's Minister: as it is also at this day in the Danish language: but Malcolm Canmore made macduff, who before was Thane of Fife, Earls of Fife. the first hereditary Earl of Fife; and in consideration of his good desert and singular service done unto him, granted that his posterity should have the honour to place the King, when he is to be crowned, in his chair; to lead the Vanguard in the King's army; and if any of them should happen by casualty to kill either Gentleman or Commoner, to buy it out with a piece of money. And not far from Lundoris there is to be seen a Cross of stone, which standing for a limit between Fife and Strathern, had an inscription of barbarous verses, and a certain privilege of Sanctuary, that any Manslayer allied to macduff Earl of Fife within the ninth degree, if he came unto this Cross, and gave nine kine with an * Coplindas●▪ hei●er, should be quit of manslaughter. When his posterity lost this title I could never yet find: but it appeareth out of the Records of the kingdom, that K. David the second gave unto William Ramsey this Earldom, with all and every the immunities and law which is called Clan-Mac-Duffe: and received it is for certain, that the lineage of the Wemesies and Douglasse, yea and that great kindred Clan-Hatan, the chief whereof is Mac-Intoskech, descended from them. And the most learned I. Skerne Clerk of the King's Register of Scotland, hath taught me in his significations of words, that Isabel daughter and heir to Duncane Earl of Fife, granted upon certain conditions unto Robert the third King of the Scots, for the use and behoof of Robert Stewart Earl of Menteith, the Earldom of Fife: who being afterwards Duke of Albany, and affecting the Kingdom, with cruel ambition caused David the King's eldest son to be most pitifully famished to death, which is highest extremity of all misery. 1424. But his son Murdac suffered due punishment for the wickedness both of his father, and his own sons, being put to death by King James the first for their violent oppressions, and a decree passed, that the Earldom of Fife should be united unto the Crown for ever. But the authority of the Sheriff of Fife belongeth in right of inheritance to the Earl of Rothes. Earls of Rothes. STRATHERN. AS far as to the river Tau, which boundeth Fife on the North-side, julius Agricola, the best Propretour of Britain under Domitian the worst Emperor, marched with victorious arms in the third year of his warlike expeditions, having wasted and spoiled the nations hitherto. near the outlet of Tau, the notable river Ern intermingleth his waters with Tau: The river Ern. which river beginning out of a Lake or Loch of the same name, bestoweth his own name upon the country through which he runneth: For it is called Straith Ern, which in the ancient tongue of the Britan's, signifieth the Vale along Ern. The bank of this Ern is beautified with Drimein Castle, belonging to the family of the Barons of Dromund, Barons of Dromund. advanced to highest honours ever since that King Robert Stewart the third took to him a wife out of that lineage. For the women of this race have for their singular beauty and well favoured sweet countenance won the prize from all others, insomuch as they have been the Kings most amiable paramours. Upon the same bank Tulibardin Castle showeth itself aloft, Earls of Tulibardin. but with greater jollity, since that by the propitious favour of King James the sixth, Sir john Murray Baron of Tulibardin, was raised to the honour and estate of Earl of Tulibardin. Upon the other bank, Duplin. Baron Oliphant. more beneath, Duplin Castle, the habitation of the Barons Oliphant, reporteth yet what an overthrow (the like to which was never before) the Englishmen that came to aid King Edward Balliol, gave there unto the Scots; insomuch as the English writers in that time do write, that they won this victory not by man's hand, but by the power of God: and the Scottish writers relate, how that out of the family of the Lindeseys there were slain in the field fourscore persons, and that the name of the Haies had been quite extinguished, but that the chief of that house left his wife behind him great with child. Not far from it standeth Innermeth, well known by reason of the Lords thereof, the Stewarts out of the family of Lorn. Inch-Chafra, that is in the old Scottish tongue, the Isle of Masses, hereby may be remembered when as it was a most famous Abbey of the order of Saint Augustin, founded by the Earl of Strathern about the year 1200. When Ern hath joined his water with Tau in one stream, so that Tau is now become more spacious, he looketh up to Aberneth seated upon his bank, the royal seat in old time of the Picts, and a well peopled City: which, as we read in an ancient fragment, Nectane King of the Picts gave unto God and S. Brigide until the day of Doom, together with the bounds thereof, which lie from a stone in Abertrent, unto a stone nigh to careful, that is, Loghfoll, and from thence as far as to Ethan. But long after it became the possession of the Douglasses Earls of Anguse, who are called Lords of Aberneth; and there some of them lie interred. Earls of Strathern. Fines 35 H. 3. n. 1. The first Earl of Strathern, that I read of, was Malisse, who in the time of King Henry the third of England married one of the heirs of Robert Muschamp, a potent Baron of England. Long afterward Robert Stewart, in the year 1380. Then, David a younger son of King Robert the second, whose only daughter given in marriage to Patrick Graham begat Mailise or Melisse Graham, from whom King James the first took away the Earldom as escheated, after that he understood out of the Records of the Kingdom, that it was given unto his mother's grandfather, and the heirs males of his body. This territory, as also that of Menteith adjoining, the Barons Dromund govern hereditarily by Seneschals authority, as their Stewarties. Menteith Stewartie. Menteith hath the name of Teith, a river which also they call Taich, and thereof this little province they term in Latin Taichia; upon the bank of which lieth the Bishopric of Dunblan, Dunblan. which King David the first of that name erected. At Kirkbird, that is, Saint Brigids' Church, the Earls of Menteith have their principal house, or Honour: as also the Earls of Montrosse coming from the same stock, at Kin-Kardin not far off. This Menteith reacheth, as I have heard, unto the mountains that enclose the East side of the Logh or Lake Lomund. Earls of Menteith. The ancient Earls of Menteith were of the family of Cumen, which in times past being the most spread & mightiest house of all Scotland, was ruinated with the over-weight and sway thereof: but the latter Earls were of the graham's line, ever since that Sir Mailise Graham attained to the honour of an Earl. ARGATHELIA, OR ARGILE. BEyond the Lake Lomund and the West part of Lennox, there spreadeth itself near unto Dunbriton Forth the large country called Argathelia, & Argadia in Latin, but commonly ARGILE, more truly Argathel, and Ar-Gwithil, that is, near unto the Irish; or, as old writings have it, The edge or border of Ireland: For it lieth toward Ireland, the inhabitants whereof, the Britan's term Gwithil and Gaothel. The country runneth out in length and breadth, all mangled with fishfull pools, and in some places with rising mountains, very commodious for feeding of cattle; in which also there range up and down wild kine and red Deer: but along the shore it is more unpleasant in sight, what with rocks, and what with blackish barren mountains. In this part, as Bede writeth, Britain received after the Britan's and Picts, a third nation of Scots, in that country where the Picts inhabited: who coming out of Ireland under the leading of Reuda, either through friendship, or by dint of sword, planted here their seat amongst them, Dalreudin● Dal. which they still hold. Of which their leader they are to this very day called Dalreudini: for in their language Dalinea signifieth (a part). And a little after, Ireland (saith he) is the proper Country of the Scots, for, being departed out of it, they added unto the Britan's and Picts a third nation in Britain. And there is a very great Bay or arm of the sea, that in old time severed the nation of the Britan's from the Picts, which from the West breaketh a great way into the land, where standeth the strongest City of all the Britan's even to this day, called Alchith. In the North part of which Bay, the Scots aforesaid when they came, got themselves a place to inhabit. Of that name Dalreudin, no remains at all, to my knowledge, are now extant; neither find we any thing thereof in Writers, Dalrieta▪ unless it be the same that Dalrieta. For, in an old Pamphlet, touching the division of Albany, Dalrea. we read of one Kinnadie (who for certain was a King of Scots, and subdued the Picts) these very words; Kinnadie two years before he came into Pictavia (for so it calleth the country of the Picts) entered upon the Kingdom of Dalrieta. Also in an history of later time there is mention made of Dalrea in some place of this tract, where King Robert Brus fought a field unfortunately. That Justice should be ministered unto this Province by Justice's Itinerant at Perth, whensoever it pleased the King, King James the fourth by authority of the States of the Kingdom enacted a law. But the Earls themselves have in some cases their royalties, as being men of very great command and authority, followed with a mighty train of retainers and dependants: who derive their race from the ancient Princes and Potentates of Argile, by an infinite descent of Ancestors, and from their castle Cambell took their surname: but the honour and title of Earl was given unto them by King James the second, who, as it is recorded, invested Colin Lord Cambell, Earl of Argile, in regard of his own virtue, and the worth of his family. Whose heirs and successors standing in the gracious favour of the Kings, have been Lords of Lorn, and a good while General Justices of the Kingdom of Scotland, Earls of Agile. or, as they use to speak, justices ordained in General, and Great Masters of the King's royal household. CANTIRE. Logh Fin. LOgh Fin, a lake breeding such store of herrings at a certain due season, as it is wonderful, severeth Argile from a Promontory, which for thirty miles together growing still toward a sharp point, thrusteth itself forth with so great a desire toward Ireland (betwixt which and it there is a narrow sea, scarce thirteen miles over) as if it would conjoin itself. Ptolomee termeth this, Epidium. the Promontory EPIDIORUM, between which name, and the Islands EBUDAE lying over against it, there is, in my conceit, some affinity. At this day it is called in the Irish tongue (which they speak in all this tract) CAN-TYRE, that is, The lands Head; inhabited by the Mac-Conells, a family that here swayeth much, howbeit at the pleasure and dispose of the Earl of Argile: yea and otherwhiles they make out their light pinnaces and galleys for Ireland, to raise booties and pillage, who also hold in possession those little provinces of Ireland, which they call Glines and Routs. This Promontory lieth annexed to Knapdale by so thin a neck (as being scarce a mile broad, and the same all sandy) that the mariners find it the nearer way to convey their small vessels over it by land. Plinius. Which I hope a man may sooner believe, than that the Argonauts laid their great ship Argos upon their shoulders, and so carried it along with them five hundred miles, from Aemonia unto the shores of Thessalia. LORN. SOmewhat higher toward the North lieth LORN, bearing the best kind of barley in great plenty, and divided with Leave a vast and huge lake: Berogomum. by which standeth Berogomum a castle, in which sometime was kept the Court of Justice, or Session: and not far from it Dunstafag, that is, Stephen's Mount, the King's house in times past: above which Logh Aber, a Lake insinuating itself from out of the Western sea, windeth itself so far within land, that it had conflowed together with Nesse, another Lake running into the East sea, but that certain mountains between kept them with a very little partition asunder. The chiefest place of name in this tract is Tarbar in Logh Kinkeran, where King James the fourth ordained a Justice and Sheriff, to administer justice unto the Inhabitants of the out Islands. These countries and those beyond them, 1503. Lib. 3. cap. 4. in the year of our Lord's Incarnation 655. the Picts held: whom Bede calleth the Northern Picts, where he reporteth, that in the said year Columbane a Priest and Abbot, famous for his Monkish profession and life, came out of Ireland into Britain, to instruct these in Christian religion, that by means of the high rough ridges of the mountains were sequestered from the Southern countries of the Picts: and that they, in lieu of a reward, allowed unto him the Island Hii, over against them, now called I-Comb-Kill, of which more in place convenient. The Lords of Lorna in the age aforegoing were the Stewarts: but now, by reason of a female their heir, the Earls of Argile; who use this title in their honourable style. BRAID ALBIN, or ALBANY. MOre inwardly, where the uninhabitable, lofty, and rugged ridges of the Mountain Grampius begin a little to slope and settle downward, Albany. is seated BRAIDALBIN, that is, The highest part of Scotland: for they that are the true and right Scots indeed, call Scotland in their mother tongue Albin; like as that part where it mounteth up highest, Drum Albin, that is, the Ridge of Scotland. But in an old book it is read Brun Albin, where we find this written: Fergus filius Eric, etc. that is, Fergus the son of Eric was the first of the seed or line of Chonare, that entered upon the Kingdom of Albany, from Brun-Albain unto the Irish sea and Inch-Gall. And after him the Kings descended from the seed or race of Fergus reigned in Brun-Albain or Brunhere unto Alpin the son of Eochall. But this Albany is better known for the Dukes thereof, Dukes of Albany. than for any good gifts that the soil yieldeth. The first Duke of Albany that I read of, was Robert Earl of Fife, whom his brother King Robert the third of that name advanced to that honour: yet he (ungrateful person that he was) pricked on with the spirit of ambition, famished to death his son David, that was heir to the crown. But the punishment due for this wicked fact, which himself by the long-sufferance of God felt not, his son Mordac, the second Duke of Albany, suffered most grievously, being condemned for treason and beheaded, when he had seen his two sons the day before executed in the same manner. The third Duke of Albany was Alexander, second son to King James the second, who being Regent of the Kingdom, Earl of March, Marr, and Garioth, Lord of Annandale and of Man, was by his own brother, King James the third outlawed, and after he had been turmoiled with many troubles, in the end, as he stood by to behold a Justs and Tournament in Paris, chanced to be wounded with a piece of a shattered lance, and so died. His son John, the fourth Duke of Albany, Regent likewise and made Tutor to King James the fifth, taking contentment in the pleasant delights of the French Court, after he had wedded there the daughter, and one of the heirs of John Earl of Auverne and Lauragveze, died there without issue: Whom in a respective reverence to the blood royal of the Scots, Francis the first King of France gave thus much honour unto, as that he allowed him place between the Archbishop of Langres, Tillet. and the Duke of Alenson, Peers of France. After his death there was no Duke of Albany until that Queen Marie in our memory conferred this title upon Henry Lord Darly, whom within some few days after she made her husband, like as King James the sixth granted the same unto his own second son Charles being an Infant, who is now Duke of York. There inhabit these regions a kind of people, rude, warlike, ready to fight, querulous, and mischievous: High-land-men. they be commonly termed High-landmen, who being in deed the right progeny of the ancient Scots, speak Irish, & call themselves Albinich; their bodies be firmly made and well compact, able withal and strong, nimble of foot, high minded, inbread and nuzzeled in warlike exercises, or robberies rather, and upon a deadly feud and hatred most forward and desperate to take revenge. They go attired Irish-like, in stripped or streaked mantles of diverse colours, wearing thick and long glibbes of hair, living by hunting, fishing, fowling, and stealing. In the war their armour is an head-piece or Morion of iron, and an habergeon or coat of mail: their weapons be bows, barbed or hooked arrows, and broad backe-swords: and being divided by certain families or kindreds, which they term Clannes, they commit such cruel outrages, what with robbing, spoiling, and killing, that their savage cruelty hath forced a law to be enacted, whereby it is lawful, That if any person out of any one Clanne or kindred of theirs hath trespassed aught and done harm, Parliament. 1581. whosoever of that Clanne or lineage chance to be taken, he shall either make amends for the harms, or else suffer death for it; when as the whole Clan commonly beareth feud for any hurt received by any one member thereof, by execution of laws, order of justice, or otherwise. PERTHIA, OR PERTH Sheriffdome. The river Tau. OUt of the very bosom of Mountains of Albany, Tau the greatest river of all Scotland issueth: and first runneth amain through the fields, until that spreading broad into a lake full of Islands, he restraineth and keepeth in his course. Then gathering himself narrow within his banks into a channel, and watering Perth, a large, plentiful and rich country, he taketh in unto him Amund, a small river coming out of Athol. Athol. This Athol, that I may digress a little out of my way, is infamous for witches and wicked women: the country, otherwise fertile enough, hath valleys bespread with forests: Caledon wood. namely, where that WOOD CALEDONIA, dreadful to see to for the sundry turnings and windings in and out therein, for the hideous horror of dark shades, for the burrows and dens of wild bulls with thick manes (whereof I made mention heretofore) extended itself in old time far and wide every way in these parts. As for the places herein, they are of no great account, but the Earls thereof are very memorable. Thomas, a younger son of Rolland of Galloway, was in his wives right Earl of Athol, Earls of Athol. whose son Patrick was by the Bissets his concurrents murdered in feud, at Hadington in his bedchamber, and forthwith the whole house wherein he lodged burnt, that it might be supposed he perished by casualty of fire. Chroniron Vailrosse. In the Earldom there succeeded David Hastings, who had married the aunt by the mother's side of Patrick; whose son that David surnamed of Strathbogie may seem to be, who a little after, in the reign of Henry the third King of England, being Earl of Athol, married one of the daughters and heirs of Richard, base son to John King of England, and had with her a very goodly inheritance in England. She bore unto him two sons, John Earl of Athol, who being of a variable disposition and untrusty, was hanged up aloft on a gallows fifty foot high; and David Earl of Athol, unto whom by marriage with one of the daughters and heirs of John Coming of Badzenoth, by one of the heirs of Aumar de Valence Earl of Penbroch, there fell great lands and possessions. His son David, who under King Edward the second was otherwhiles amongst English Earls summoned to the Parliaments in England, and under King Edward Balliol made Lord Lieutenant General of Scotland, was vanquished by the valorous prowess of Andrew de Murray, and slain in battle within the Forest of Kelblen in the year of our Lord 1335. And his son David left two young daughters only, Elizabeth wedded unto Sir Thomas Percy, from whom the Barons of Burrough are descended: and Philip, married to Sir Thomas Halsham an English Knight. Then fell the title of Athol unto that Walter Stewart, son to King Robert the second, who cruelly murdered James the first, King of Scotland, and for this execrable cruelty suffered most condign punishment accordingly: in so much as Aeneas Silvius, Ambassador at that time in Scotland from Pope Eugenius the fourth, gave out this speech: That he could not tell whether he should give them greater commendations that revenged the King's death, or brand them with sharper censure of condemnation, that distained themselves with so heinous a parricide. After some few years passed between, this honour was granted unto John Stewart of the family of Lorne, the son of James, surnamed The Black Knight, by Joan the widow of King James the first, daughter to John Earl of Somerset, and Niece to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, whose posterity at this day enjoy the same. Tau bearing now a bigger stream, by receiving Almund unto him, holdeth on his course to Dunkelden, Dunkelden. adorned by King David with an Episcopal See. Most writers grounding upon the signification of that word, suppose it to be a town of the Caledonians, and interpret it, The Mount or hill of Hazeles, as who would have that name given unto it of the Hazel trees in the wood Caledonia. From hence the Tau goeth forward by the carcase of Birth, Birth. a little desolate City, remembering well enough what a great loss and calamity he brought upon it in times past, when with an extraordinary swelling flood, he surrounded all the fields, laid the goodly standing corn along on the ground, and carried headlong away with him this poor City, with the King's child and infant in his cradle, and the inhabitants therein. In steed whereof in a more commodious place, Perth. King William builded Perth, which straightways became so wealthy, that Necham, who lived in that age, versified of it in this manner: Transis ample Tai per rura, per oppida, per Perth, Regnum sustentant istius urbis opes. By villages, by towns, by Perth, thou runnest great Tay amain, The riches of this City Perth doth all the realm sustain. But the posterity ensuing called it of a Church founded in honour of Saint John, Saint john's town: Saint John Town. and the English, whiles the wars were hot between the Bruises and the Balliols', fortified it with great bulwarks, which the Scots afterwards, for the most part overthrew, and dismantled it themselves. Howbeit it is a proper pretty City, pleasantly seated between two Green's: and for all that some of the Churches be destroyed, yet a goodly show it maketh; ranged and set out in such an uniform manner, that in every several street almost there dwell several artificers by themselves, and the river Tau bringeth up with the tide sea commodities by lighters: whereupon J. Jonston, so often now by me cited, writeth thus. PERTHUM. Propter aquas Tai liquidas, & amoena vineta, Obtinet in medio regna superba solo. Nobilium quondam regum clarissima sedes, Pulchra situ, & pinguis germine dives agri. Finitimis dat jura locis, moremque modumque, Huic dare, laus illis haec meruisse dari. Sola inter patrias incincta est moenibus urbes, Hostibus assiduis ne vaga praeda foret. Quanta virûm virtus, dextrae quae praemia, nôrunt Cimber, Saxo ferox, & genus Hectoridum. Felix laude nouâ, felix quoque laude vetustâ, Perge recens priscum perpetuare decus. PERTH. near to the waters clear of Tay, and pleasant plains all green, In middle ground between them stands Perth proudly like a Queen. Of noble Kings the stately seat and palace once it was, Fair for the site, and rich with all for spring of corn and grass. To neighbour places all it doth laws, customs, fashions give, Her praise to give; theirs to deserve the same for to receive. Of all the Cities in these parts walled alone is she, Lest she to foes continual a scambling prey might be. What Knights she bred, and what rewards they won to knighthood due, Danes, Saxons fierce, bold Britan's eke the Trojans offspring knew. Happy for praises old, happy for praises new of late, New as thou art, thine honour old strive to perpetuate. Earl of Perth. And now of late King James the sixth hath erected it to the title of an Earldom, having created James Baron Dromund Earl of Perth. Baron Methwen. Unto Perth these places are near neighbours, Methven, which Margaret an English Lady, widow unto King James the fourth, purchased with ready money for her third husband Henry Steward descended of the royal blood, and for his heirs; and withal obtained of her son King James the fifth for him the dignity of a Baron. More beneath is Rethuen, Rethuen, or Reuven. a castle of the Rethuens, whose name is of damned memory, considering that the three states of the kingdom hath ordained, that whosoever were of that name, should forgo the same, and take unto them a new; after that the Rethuens, brethren in a most cursed and horrible conspiracy, had complotted to murder their sovereign King James the sixth, who had created William their father Earl of Gourie, and afterward beheaded him being lawfully convicted, when he would insolently prescribe laws to his sovereign. But of men condemned to perpetual oblivion I may seem to have said overmuch, although it concerneth posterity also for a Caveat, that wicked generations be notified, as well as noisome weeds and venomous plants. Gourie. As for the country Gourie aforesaid, famous for the cornfields, and singular fertility of the soil, it lieth more plain and flat along the other bank of Tay. In this tract over against Perth, Scone. on the farther side of Tay, standeth Scone, a renowned monastery in old time, and of reverend respect for the coronation therein of the Kings of Scotland: since that time K. Keneth having hard by put the Picts for the most part to the sword, placed a stone here enclosed within a chair of wood for inauguration of the Kings of Scotland, that had been transported out of Ireland into Argile: which stone Edward the first King of England, caused to be conveied unto Westminster. Touching which I have put down this prophecy, so rise in every man's mouth, since it hath now proved true and taken effect, as very few of that sort do. Ni fallat fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum Inveniunt lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem. Except old saws be vain, And wits of wizard's blind, The Scots in place must reign, Where they this stone shall find. Baron of Scone. But now Scone giveth title of Baron of Scone to Sir David Murray, whom K. James for his good service advanced lately to that honour. Arrol. Earls of Arrol. Where Tay now grown bigger enlargeth himself, there appeareth over it Arrol, the habitation of the noble Earls of Arrol, who ever since the Bruse's days have been by inheritance the Constables of Scotland: and verily they deduce an ancient pedigree from one Hay, a man of exceeding strength and excellent courage; who together with his sons, in a dangerous battle of Scots against the Danes at Longcartie, caught up an Ox yoke, and so valiantly and fortunately withal, what with fight, and what with exhorting, reinforced the Scots at the point to shrink and recoil, that they had the day of the Danes, and the King, with the States of the kingdom, ascribed the victory and their own safety unto his valour and prowess. Whereupon in this place, the most battle & fruitful grounds were assigned unto him and his heirs; who in testimony hereof have set over their coat a yoke for their crest, over their Arms, Huntly castle. Three Escotcheons Geules in Argent. Touching Huntley castle, that joineth unto it, I have nothing to write, but that it hath given title to a very potent, great, and honourable family, whereof I am to speak hereafter. ANGUSIA, or ANGUS. BY the outlet or mouth of Tay, and more within, beside the river North-Eske, Anguis called by the natural and true Scots Aeneia, lieth extended with goodly fields bearing wheat and corn of all kinds plentifully, with large hills also and pools, forests, pastures, and meadows, and also garnished with many forts and castles. In the very first entry into it from Goury, standeth Glamis, Baron's Glamies. a castle, and the Barony of a family surnamed Lions, which arose to honour and reputation, ever since that Sir I. Lion standing in the high favour of King Robert the Second, received this and the dignity of a Baron with the King's daughter, for her marriage portion, and therewith, as I find written, the surname of Lion: with a Lion in his Arms, within a Treassure Floury, as the Kings themselves do bear, but in different colours: like as Sir Patrick Lion, Lord Glamis, who now liveth, was advanced very lately by King James the Sixth of that name to the honour of the Earl of Kinghorn. Not far hence standeth Forfare, Forfar Sherdome. where for the administration of justice, the Baron's Greys are hereditary Sheriffs, who being descended from the Greys of Chillingham in the county of Northumberland, came into Scotland with King James the first, at his return out of England: upon the first of whom named Andrew, the King of his bounteous liberality bestowed the Signiory of Foulis, together with Helen Mortimer in marriage for his advancement. Hard by the mouth of Tay is situate Dundee, Jo. Skene de Verbor. signi sometimes called Alectum: others term it in Latin Taodunum; a town verily of great resort and trade, and the Constable whereof by a special privilege is Standard-bearer to the King of Scots. Hector Boetius, who was here born, expoundeth this name Dundee by way of allusion, to Donum Dei, Hector Boetus. that is, God's gift. This Hector, in the reflourishing time of learning, wrote the Scottish history elegantly, and that out of such hidden and far fetched monuments of antiquity, that Paulus jovius wondered in his writings, there should be records extant for above a thousand years, of these remote parts of the world, Scotland, the Hebrides, and the Orcadeses: considering that Italy, the nurse of fine wits, for so many ages after the Goths were cast out, was defective of writers and records. But of this place Master jonston, borne not far from it, writeth thus. TAODUNUM, OR DEIDONUM. Quâ Notus argutis adspirat molliter auris, Hâc placidè coeunt Taus & Oceanus. Hîc facili excipiens venientes littore puppes Indigenis vasti distrahit orbis opes. Saepè dolis tentata, & belli exercita damnis, Invictis animis integra praestat adhuc. Fama vetus crevit cum Relligione renatâ, Lucis & hinc fulsit para nitela aliis. Alectum dixêre prius; si maxima spectes Commoda, for'rs Donum dixeris esse Dei. Tu decus aeternum genrisque urbisque Boeti, Caetera dic patriae dona beata tuae. DONDEE, or DUNDEE. Where South wind with his whistling blasts aloft doth mildly blow, There Tay with stream, and sea with tide do friendly meet below. And here Dundee, ships under sail harbouring in gentle road, The wide world's wealth to Inlanders both sells and sends abroad. By wiles betrayed, by force assailed oft times like to have been, With heart undaunted to this day it stands sound to be seen. With new spring of religion her old fame more did grow: Hence shone pure light, hence to the rest clear beams full bright did show. At first Alectum cleped it was: but if you mark withal Her gifts so great, perhaps you will it * Gift of God. Donum Dei call. Thou Both now, this people's praise, and City's joy for aye, The blessings all beside of thine own native place shalt say. Brochtie Crag. 1547. From hence standeth within sight Brochty-cragge, a good fortress, which the English garrison soldiers manfully defended and made good for many months together, what time as in their affectionate love to a perpetual peace, they desired and wished for a marriage between Marie, heir apparent of Scotland, and Edward the sixth King of England; and upon promise thereof, demanded it by force of arms: and in the end, of their own accord abandoned the said piece. Then there lieth full against the open Ocean Aberbroth, Arbroth. short Arbroth, a place endowed with ample revenues, and by King William dedicated in old time to Religion, in honour of Thomas of Canterbury; beside which the * Red-head, a Promontory. Red-head shooteth into the deep sea, and is to be seen a far off: Hard by South Eske voideth itself into the Ocean; which river flowing amain out of a lake, passeth by Finnevim Castle, well known by reason of the Lindeseys Earls of Crawford keeping residence there; of whom I have already written. Brechin. Then upon the said river standeth Brechin, which King David the first adorned with a Bishops See; Mont-Rose. and at the very mouth thereof Mont-rose, as one would say the Mount of Roses; a town in times past called Celurca, risen by the fall of another town bearing the same name, which is seated between the two Eskes, and imparteth the title of Earl to the family of the graham's. Concerning which town jonston hath these verses. CELURCA, five MONS ROSARUM. Aureolis urbs picta rosis, mons molliter urbi Imminet, hinc urbi nomina facta canunt. At veteres perhibent quondam dixisse Celurcam, Nomine sic prisco & nobilitata novo est. Et prisca atque nova insignis virtute, virumque Ingeniis, patriae qui perperere decus. MONT-ROSE. With Roses gay the town is decked, an easy Mount withal Stands near the same, and hence they say MONT-ROSE folk did it call. In former times by ancient name Celurca men it knew, Ennobled thus you see it is by name both old and new: Both old and new renown it hath for prowess and for wit, Of men that have their country graced and honour won to it. Boschain. Not far from hence is Boschain, belonging to the Barons of Ogiluy, of very ancient nobility, lineally descended from Alexander Sheriff of Angus, who was slain in the bloody battle at Harley against the Mac Donald of the out Isles. As touching the Earls of Angus; Earls of gus. Gilchrist of Angus, renowned for his brave exploits under King Malcolm the fourth, was the first Earl of Angus that I read of. About the year 1242. john Coming was Earl of Angus, who died in France; and his widow (haply inheritrice to the Earldom) was married to Sir Gilbert Umfranvill an Englishman. For, both he and his heirs successively after him, were summoned to the Parliaments in England (until the third year of King Richard the second) by the title of Earls of Angus. Howbeit the Lawyers of England refused in their Brieves and instruments to acknowledge him Earl, for that Angus was not within the kingdom of England, until he had brought forth openly in the face of the Court, the Kings writ and warrant, wherein he was summoned to the Parliament by the name of Earl of Angus. In the reign of David Brus, Thomas Stewart was Earl of Angus, who by a sudden surprise won Berwick, and streightwaies lost it; yea, and within a while after died miserably in prison at Dunbritton. But the Douglasses, men of haughty minds and invincible hearts, from the time of King Robert the third have been Earls of Angus (after that George Douglasse had taken to wife the King's daughter) reputed the chief and principal Earls of Scotland, and to whom this office belongeth, to carry the regal Crown before the Kings at all the solemn assemblies of the kingdom. The sixth Earl of Angus out of this stock, was Archebald, who espoused Margaret daughter to Henry the seventh K. of England, and mother to James the fifth King of Scots, by whom he had issue Margaret wife to Matthew Stewart Earl of Lennox; who after her brother's decease, that died childless, willingly resigned up her right and interest in this Earldom, unto Sir David Douglasse of Peteindreich, her uncle's son by the father's side, and that with the consent of her husband and sons; to the end that she might bind the surer unto herself, by the link also of a beneficial demerit, that family, which otherwise in blood was most near; what time as Henry her son went about to wed Marie the Queen: by which marriage King JAMES our Sovereign, the mighty Monarch of great Britain, was happily borne to the good of all Britain. MERNIS. THese regions were in Ptolomees time inhabited by the VERNICONES, the same perhaps that the VECTURIONES mentioned by Marcellinus. But this their name is now quite gone, unless we would imagine some little piece thereof to remain in Mernis. For many times in common speech of the British tongue, V. turneth into M. This small province Mernis abutting upon the Germane Ocean, and of a rich and battle soil, lieth very well, as a plain and level Champion. But the most memorable place therein is Dunnotyr, Dunotyr. a Castle advanced upon an high and unaccessible rock, whence it looketh down to the underflowing sea; well fenced with strong walls and turrets, which hath been a long time the habitation of the Keiths, of an ancient and very noble stock; Keith. Earls Mar. shall. who by the guidance of their virtue became hereditary Earls Mareschals of the kingdom of Scotland, and Sheriffs of this province. In a porch or gallery here, is to be seen that ancient inscription which I mentioned even now, of a company belonging to the twentieth legion, the letters whereof the right noble and honourable Earl now living, a great lover of antiquity, caused to be guilded. Fordon. Sherifdome Kinkerdin, Mernis. Somewhat farther from the sea standeth Fordon, graced in some sort and commendable in regard of John de Fordon; who being borne here, diligently and with great pains compiled Scoti Chronicon, that is, The Scottish Chronicle: unto whose laborious studies the Scottish Historiographers are very much indebted: but more glorious and renowned in old time, for the relics of St. Palladius, St. Palladius bestowed and shrined sometime, as is verily thought, in this place; who in the year 431. was by Pope Caelestinas appointed the Apostle of the Scottish nation. MARRIA, or MAR. FRom the sea in the mediterranean or inland parts above Mernis, MARTINO enlargeth itself, and runneth forward threescore miles, or thereabout: where it lieth broadest Westwards, it swelleth up with mountains, unless it be where the rivers Dee, which Ptolomee calleth DIVA, and Done make way for themselves, and enfertile the fields. Kildrummy. Upon the bank of Done, Kildrummy standeth as a fair ornament to the country, being the ancient seat of the Earls of Marre: and not far distant from it the habitation of the Barons Forbois, Barons Forbois. who being issued from a noble and ancient stock, assumed this surname; whereas before time they were called Bois, after that the heir of that family had manfully killed a savage and cruel Bear. But at the very mouth of this river, there be two towns that give greater ornament, which of the said mouth, that in the British tongue they call Aber, borrowing one name, are divided asunder by one little field lying between: the hithermore of them, which standeth nearer to Dee mouth, is much ennobled by an Episcopal dignity (which King David the first translated hither from Murthlake a little village) by fair houses of the Canons, an Hospital for poor people, and a free Grammar school; which William Elphinston, Bishop of the place in the year 1480. consecrated to the training up of youth, and is called New Aberdon: The other beyond it, named Old Aberdon, is most famous for the taking of Salmon. Salmon. But J. jonston, a native hereof, in these his verses depainteth Aberdon thus. ABERDONIA. Ad Boream porrecta jugis obsessa superbis, Inter connatas eminet una Deas. Mitior algentes Phoebus sic temperat auras, Non aestum ut rabidum, frigora nec metuas. Faecundo ditat Neptunus gurgite, & amnes Piscosi: gemmis alter adauget opes. Candida mens, frons laeta, hilaris, gratissima tellus Hospitibus: morum cultus ubique decens. Nobilitas antiqua, opibus subnixa vetustis, Martiaque invicto pectore corda gerens. justitiae domus, & studiorum matter honoris Ingenio ars, certant artibus ingenia. Omnia ei cedunt, meritos genetricis honores Pingere non ulla Ars, ingeniumuè valet. Beset with lofty tops of hills, and Northward lying spread, Among her sister-townes alone she beareth up her head. The warm sunbeams such temper give to sharpness of the air, That neither scorching heat you need, nor pinching cold to fear. The sea, the fishfull rivers eke, with plenteous gulfs and streams, Make this place rich, and one of them enriches it with gems. plainhearted men, of lightsome looks, and cheerful, passing kind To strangers: decent every thing and neat you shall there find. Their noble gentry ancient, their livings ancient were And their demesnes: undaunted hearts and martial minds they bear. The Justice Hall, as mother kind, she honours due doth deign Professions all; art strives with wit, and wit with arts again. All short of her. But praises all of this my genitresse That she deserves, no wit nor art is able to express. It is almost incredible what abundance of * Bede, and ovi writers called them in Lati● Isicii. Salmon as well these rivers, as others also in Scotland on both sides of the realm, do breed. This fish was altogether unknown unto Pliny, unless it were that Esox of the Rhine: but in this North part of Europe passing well known, shining and glittering (as he saith) with his red bowels. In Autumn they engender within little rivers, and in shallow places for the most part, what time they cast their spawn, and cover it over with sand: and then are they so poor and lean, that they seem to have nothing else in a manner but their small bones. Of that spawn in the spring next following there comes a fry of render little fishes, which making toward the sea, in a small time grow to their full bigness: and in returning back again to seek for the rivers wherein they were bred, they strive and struggle against the stream: and look whatsoever lieth in their way to hinder their passage, with a jerk of their tail, and a certain leap (whence haply they had their name Salmon) to the wonder of the beholders, they nimbly whip over; and keep themselves within these rivers of theirs until they breed. During which time it is enacted by law they should not be caught; namely, from the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, to the feast of Saint Andrew in winter. And it should seem they were reputed among the greatest commodities of Scotland, when likewise it was ordained that they should not be sold unto Englishmen, but for English gold, and no other contentation. But these matters I leave for others. To come now unto the Earls of Marre. Earls of Mar. In the reign of Alexander the third, William Earl of Marre is named among those that were sore offended and displeased with the King. Whiles David Brus reigned, Donald Earl of Marre, Protector of the Kingdom, was before the battle at Dyplin murdered in his bed, by Edward Balliol, and the Englishmen that came to aid him: whose daughter Isabel King Robert Brus took to be his former wife, on whom he begat Marjorie mother to Robert Stewart King of Scots. Under the same David there is mention also made of Thomas Earl of Marre, who was banished in the year 1361. Likewise in the reign of Robert the third, Alexander Stewart is named Earl of Marre, who in the battle at Harley against the Islanders lost his life, in the year 1411. In the days of King James the first we read in Scotochronicon thus: Scotochronicon lib. 12. cap. 33. Alexander Earl of Marre died in the year 1435. the base son of Alexander Stewart Earl of Bucquan, son to Robert the second King of Scots; after whom, as being a bastard, the King succeeded in the inheritance. John the second son of King James the second afterwards bare this title; who being convict for attempting by art magic to take away the King his brother's life, was let blood to death. And after him Robert Cockeran was promoted from a Mason to this dignity by King James the third, and soon after hanged by the Nobility. Since which time this honourable title was discontinued, until that Queen Marie adorned therewith James her bastard brother: and not long after, when it was found that by ancient right the title of Earl of Marre appertained to John Lord Ereskin, in lieu of Marre she conferred upon him the honour of Earl Murray, and created john Ereskin, a man of ancient and noble birth Earl of Marre; whose son bearing the same Christian name, now enjoieth also the same dignity, and is in both realms one of the King's Privy Council. BUCHANIA OR BUQUHAN. THe TAIZALI mentioned by Ptolomee, in ancient times inhabited where now Buquhan, in Latin Boghania and Buchania, above the river Done beareth forth toward the Germane sea. Some derive this latter name a Bobus, that is, From Oxen and Kine; whereas notwithstanding the ground serveth better to feed sheep, whose wool is highly commended. Albeit the rivers in this coast every where breed great store of Salmon, River Ratra. yet do they never enter into the river Ratra, as Buchanan hath recorded. Neither let it be offensive if I cite his testimony, although his books by authority of Parliament in the year 1584. were forbidden: because many things in them contained are to be dashed out. An admirable water. Who also hath written, That on the bank of Ratra there is a cave near unto Stangs Castle, the nature whereof seemeth not to be passed over. The water distilling by drops out of a natural vault, presently turneth into Pyramidal stones, and were not the said cave or hole otherwhiles rid and cleansed by man's labour, the whole space as far as up to the vault would in short time be filled therewith. Now the stone thus engendered is of a middle nature between ye and hard stone: for it is brittle and easy to crumble, neither groweth it ever to the solidity and hardness of marble. Claik-geeses. Concerning those Claik-geeses, which some with much admiration have believed to grow out of trees, both upon this shore & elsewhere, and when they be ripe to fall down into the sea, it is scarce worth the labour to mention them. That there be little birds engendered of old and rotten keels of ships, they can bear witness, who saw that ship wherein Francis Drake sailed about the world, standing in a dock near the Tamis; to the outside of the keel whereof a number of such little birds without life and feathers stuck close. Yet would I gladly think that the generation of these birds, was not out of the logs of wood, but from the very Ocean, which the Poets termed the Father of all things. Amber. A mighty mass likewise of Amber, as big as the body of an horse, was not many years since cast upon this shore. The learned call it Succinum, Glessum, and Chryso-Electrum: and Sotacus supposed that it was a certain juice or liquor which distilleth out of trees in Britain, and runneth down into the sea, and is therein hardened. Tacitus also was of the same opinion, when he wrote thus: I can verily believe, that like as there be trees in the secret and inward parts of the East, Concerning the manners of the Germans. which sweat out frankincense and balm, so in the Lands and other countries of the West, there be woods and groves of a more fatty and firm substance, which melting by the hot beams of the Sun approaching so near, runneth into the sea hard by, and by force of tempest floateth up to the shores against it. But Serapio, and the Philosophers of later times write that it ariseth out of a certain clammy and bituminous earth under the sea, and by the sea side; and that the billows and tempests cast up part thereof a land, and fishes devour the rest: But I digress extravagantly, I will into my way again, and since I acknowledge my fault, let my confession purchase pardon. Earls of Buquhan. In the reign of King Alexander the second, Alexander Coming rose up to the honour of Earl of Buquhan, who married the daughter and one of the heirs of Roger the Quincie Earl of Winchester in England, and his Niece by a son brought the same title unto Henry de Beaumond her husband: for he, in King Edward the third his days had his place in the Parliament of England, by the name of Earl of Buquhan. Afterwards, Alexander Stewart, son to King Robert the second, was Earl of this place; unto whom succeeded John, a younger son of Robert Duke of Albany, who arriving in France with seven thousand Scottishmen to aid Charles the seventh King of France, bore himself valiantly, and performed singular good service against the Englishmen, and that with so great commendation, as having victoriously slain Thomas Duke of Clarence brother to Henry the fifth King of England at Baugie, and discomfited the English, The valour of Scots in the wars of France. he was made Constable of France. But in the third year following, when the fortune of war turned, he, with other most valiant Knights, to wit, Archibald Douglasse Earl of Wigton, and Duke of Touraine, etc. was vanquished at Vernoil by the English, and there slain. Whom notwithstanding, as that Poet said, — aeternum memorabit Gallia cives Grata suos, titulos quae dedit & tumulos. France thankfully will aye recount, as citizens of her own, On whom both titles glorious, and tombs she hath bestown. Certes, whereas under the K.K. Charles the sixth and seventh France was preserved, and Aquitain recovered, by thrusting out the English, the Frenchmen cannot choose but acknowledge themselves much beholden to the fidelity and fortitude of the Scottish. But afterwards King James the first gave the Earldom of Buquhan unto George of Dunbar, moved thereto upon pity and commiseration, because he had deprived him before of the Earldom of March by authority of Parliament, for his father's crime: and not long after, James the son of James Stewart of Lorn, surnamed the Black Knight, whom he had by Q. Joan sister to the Duke of Somerset, and widow to King James the first, obtained this honour, and left it to his posterity: but for default not long since of heirs male, it came by a daughter married to Robert Douglas, a younger brother of Douglas of Lochlevin, to the family of the Douglasses. From Buquhan, as the shore bendeth backward and turneth full into the North, lieth Boena, Boen. Barons of Salton. Strathbolgy. and Bamff a small Sherifdome, also Ajuza a little territory of no especial account, and Rothamay castle, the dwelling place of the Barons of Salton, surnamed Abernethy. Beneath these lieth Strathbolgy, that is, the vale by Bolgy, the habitation in times passed of the Earls of Athol, who of it assumed their surname; but now the principal seat of marquis Huntly. marquis Huntly. For this title K. James the sixth conferred upon George Gordon, Earl Huntly, Lord Gordon and Badzeneth, a man of great honour and reputation for his ancient nobleness of birth, and the multitude of his dependants and followers: whose ancestors descended from the Seton's, by Parliamentary authority took the name of Gordon (when as Sir Alexander Seton had taken to wife the daughter of Sir john Gordon Knight, by whom he had a large and rich inheritance) and received the honour of the Earl of Huntly at the hands of King James the second, in the year 1449. MORAVIA, or MURRAY. THe VACOMAGI, Vacomagy. Murray bay. Sinus Vararis. remembered by Ptolomee, anciently inhabited on the further side of Crantz-baine-mountain, which, as it were in a continued range, by hills hanging one by another, driveth out his ridge with many a winding as far as to Murray frith, where now lieth Murray, in Latin Moravia, celebrated for the fertility, pleasant site, and commodity of fruitful trees. By this Province, The river Spey. History of John Lesley Bishop of Rosse. Spey a famous river maketh his issue into the sea, wherein he lodgeth, when he hath watered Rothes Castle, whence the family of the Lesleys took the title of Earl, ever since that K. James the second conferred the honour of Earl of Rothes upon Sir George Lesley. Concerning this Spey our Poet Necham hath thus written. Spey loca mutantis praeceps agitator arenae, Inconstans certas nescit habere vias. Officium lintris corbis subit, hunc regit audax Cursus labentis nauta fluenta sequens. Spey raising heaps of sand amain, that shift oft times their place, Inconstant he doth change eftsoons, and keeps no certain race. A panier serves here for a boat, some venturous swain it guides, Who followeth still the river's course, while down the stream it glides. The river LOXA mentioned by Ptolomee, The river Loxa. which now is called Loss, hideth himself in the sea hard by, near unto which Elgina appeareth, in which and in Forres adjoining I. of Dunbar of Cumnock, descended from the stock of the Earls of March, hath his jurisdiction as Sheriff by inheritance. But where it is now ready to enter into the sea, he findeth a more plain and soft soil, and spreadeth abroad into a Mere full of swans, wherein the herb Olorina plentifully groweth, he hath Spiny Castle standing upon it, Baron of Spiny. whereof now the first Baron is Alexander, of the lineage of the Lindseys; like as Kinlosse also a neighbour by, sometime a famous Monastery (some call it Kill-flos, of certain flowers miraculously there springing up on a sudden, when the carcase of King Duff, murdered and hidden in the same place, was found) hath also for the Lord thereof Edward Brus, M. of the Rolls in England, & of the King's Majesties Privy Counsel, Baron Kinlos. whom King James the sixth created Baron Brus of Kinlosse. Thus much for the shore. More inward, where now standeth Bean Castle (thought to be BANATIA that Ptolomee mentioneth) Banatia. there was found in the year 1460. a vessel of marble artificially engraven, and full of Roman coin. Hard by is Nardin, or Narne, Narne Sherifdome. an hereditable Sherifdome of the Cambels of Lorne; where there stood within a Biland, a fortress of a mighty height, built with wonderful bulwarks, and in times past defended by the Danish forces against the Scottish. A little off is Logh-Nesse, a very great Lake, Logh-Nesse. as reaching out 23. miles in length; the Water whereof is so warm, that even in this cold and frozen climate it never freezeth: from which, by a very small Isthim or partition of hills, the Logh Lutea or Louthea, which by Aber letteth itself forth into the West sea, is divided. near unto these Loghs, there stood in old time two notable fortifications, innerness. the one named innerness, the other Innerlothea, according to the names of the said Loghs. Innernes hath for Sheriff thereof by right of inheritance the marquis Huntly, who is of great command hereabout. But have here what M. Jonston hath written jointly of these two. INNERNESSUS', & INNERLOTHEA. Imperii veteris duo propugnacula quondam, Prim●que regali moenia structa manu. Turribus oppositis adverso in limine spectat Haec Zephyrum, Solis illa orientis equos. Amnibus hinc atque hinc cincta, utraque piscibus amnes Faecundi, haec portu perpete tuta patet. Haec fuit, at jacet heu, jam nunc sine nomine tellus, Hospita quae Regum, est hospita facta feris. Altera spirat adhuc tenuis sufflamina vitae, Quae dabit & fati turbine victa manus. Dic ubi nunc Carthago potens? ubi Martia Roma? Trojáque, & immensae ditis opes Asiae? Quid mireris enim mortalia cedere fatis Corpora? cum videas oppida posse mori. innerness, AND INNERLOTHEA. Two mighty forts and holds these were in ancient kingdoms days, The first walled fences, as they say, that hand of Kings did raise. Affront with towers opposed they stand, for one of them regards The Western wind, but th'other looks the Sunrising towards. On both sides they their rivers have, and rivers full of fish: One hath an haven frequented aye, and safe as heart can wish. Such was it once; but now alas to waist and desert fields Is turned, and that which lodged Kings to wild beasts harbour yields. The other yet draw's breath, though deep, and shows that it doth live, But over matched, to destiny at length doth bucklers give. What's now become of Carthage great? where is that martial Rome? Where Troy? of wealthy Asia the riches all and some? No marvel now that mortal wights to death be subject, why? Because you plainly see that Towns and Cities great may dye. Earls of Murray. Under the reign of Robert Brus, Thomas Randolph his sister's son, who in his Country's behalf undertook exceeding great pains, and most grievous quarrels, was highly renowned by the title of Earl of Murray. Under King Robert the Second, John of Dunbarre taken to wife the King's daughter, to make amends for her devirgination, received this Earldom of Murray with her in marriage. Under King James the second William Creichton Chancellor of the Realm, and Archebald Douglas grew to great variance and eager contention about this Earldom, when as against the laws and ancient customs, Douglas who had married the younger daughter of James of Dunbar Earl of Murray, was preferred to the Earldom before Creighton who had wedded the elder, and that through the powerful authority that William Earl Douglasse had with the King; which was so great that he advanced not only him to the Earldom of Murray, but also another brother to the Earldom of Ormund; and made two cousins of his Earls, the one of Angus, and the other of Morton. But this greatness of his, not to be trusted upon because it was excessive, turned soon after to his own confusion. Under King James the fifth, his own brother, whom he appointed his Vicegerent in the government of the Kingdom, enjoied this honour: and within our remembrance, James the base son of King James the fifth received this honour of Queen Mary his sister: but he requited her basely, when conspiring with some few of the Nobility, he deposed her from her Royal estate and kingdom; a foul precedent, and prejudicial to all Kings and Princes. Which notwithstanding was revenged, for shortly after he was shot through with a bullet. His only daughter brought this title unto her husband Sir James Stewart of Down, who was also of the blood royal from the Dukes of Albany: who being slain by his concurrents left his son James to succeed him in this honour. LOQHUABRE. WHatsoever beyond the Nesse bendeth to the West coast, and adjoineth to the Lake Aber, is thereupon called Loghuabre, that is in the ancient tongue of the Britan's, The mouth of the Lakes, as what lieth toward the North is commonly called Rosse. Loqhuabre is full of fresh pastures and woods, neither is without iron mines, but not so free in yield of corn; but for most fishfull pools, and rivers scarce inferior to any country thereabout. At Logh-Lothey, Innerlothe. Innerlothey, fenced with a fort, and well frequented with Merchants, was of great name and importance in times past, but being razed by the piracies and wars of Danes and Norwegians, it hath lain for these many ages so forlet, that there remaineth scarce any show of it; which those verses that I alleged even now do imply. Loqhuabre hath had, so far as I have read, no Earls: but about the year of our salvation 1050. there was a Thane over it of great fame, Thane of Loqhuabre. Banqhuo. and much spoken of, named Banqhuo, whom Macbeth the bastard, when with murder & bloodshed he had usurped the crown, being fearful and suspicious, caused to be made away; for that he had learned by a Prophecy of certain wise women, that his posterity, when the line of Macbeth was expired and extinct, should one day obtain the Kingdom, and by a long successive descent reign in Scotland. Which verily hath fallen out accordingly. For Fleanch the son of Banqhuo, who unknown in the dark escaped the trains laid for him, ●led into Wales, where for a time he kept himself close: and having taken to wife Nesta the daughter of Griffith ap Lewellin Prince of North-wales, begat Walter; who returning into Scotland, with so great fame of his fortitude repressed the rebellion of the Islanders, and with as great wisdom managed the King's revenues in this tract, that the King made him Seneschal, whom they commonly call Stewart of the whole Kingdom of Scotland. Whereupon this name of Office imposed the surname Stewart unto his posterity: The beginning of the Stewarts family. who spreading throughout all parts of Scotland into a number of noble branches, after many honours heaped upon them, have flourished a long time, and from out of them, three hundred years ago and thirty, Robert Stewart by Marjorie his mother, daughter to King Robert Brus, obtained the Kingdom of Scotland: and now lately James Stewart of that name the sixth King of Scots, by Margaret his great grandmother, daughter to King Henry the seventh (the divine power of that most high and almighty Ruler of the world so disposing) is ascended with the general applause of all nations, to the height of Monarchical majesty over all Britain, and the Isles adjacent. ROSSIA. THe Province ROSSE, so called by an old Scottish word, which some interpret to be a Promontory, others a Biland, was inhabited by the people named CANTAE (which term in effect implieth as much) in the time of Ptolomee. The people Cantae. This extendeth itself so wide and large, that it reacheth from the one sea to the other. What way it beareth upon the Vergivian or Western Ocean, by reason of huge swelling mountains advancing their heads aloft, and many woods among them, it is full of stags', roe bucks, fallow Deer, and wild foul: but where it butteth upon the Germane sea, it is more lovely bedecked with corn fields and pastures, and withal much more civil. In the very first entrance into it Ardmanoch, Baron of Ardmanoch. no small territory, whereof the second sons of the Kings of Scotland bear the title, riseth up with high mountains, that are most trusty preservers of snow. The height of hills, and depth of sea. Plutarch. in Pub. Aemilius, concerning Olympus. As touching their height, some have reported unto me strange wonders: and yet the ancient Geometers have written, that neither the depth of sea, nor height of hills exceed by the plumb line ten stadia, that is, one mile and a quarter. Which notwithstanding, they that have beheld Tenariffe, amongst the Canary Lands, which is fifteen leagues high, and sailed withal the Ocean near unto them, will in no wise admit for truth. In this part standeth Lovet Castle, and the Barony of the worthy family of the fraser's, whom for their singular good service for the Scottish kingdom, King James the second accepted into the rank of Barons: and whom the Clan-Ranalds, a most bloody generation, in a quarrel and brawl between them, had wholly destroyed every mother's son, but that by the providence of God, fourscore of the principal persons of this family left their wives at home all great with child, who being delivered of so many sons, renewed the house, and multiplied the name again. But at Nesse mouth there flourished sometimes Chanonrie, so called of a rich College of Canons, whiles the Ecclesiastical state stood in prosperity, in which there is erected a See for the Bishop of Rosse. Hard by is placed Cromartie, where Urqhuart, a Gentleman of noble birth, by hereditary right from his ancestors, ministereth justice as Sheriff to this Sheriffdome: and this is so commodious and safe an harbour for any fleet, be it never so great, that both Sailors and Geographers name it PORTUS-SALUTIS, Portus Salutis. Littus Altum. that is, The Haven of safety. Above it is LITTUS ALTUM, whereof Ptolomee maketh mention, called now, as it seemeth, Tarbarth: for there indeed the shore riseth to a great height, enclosed on the one side with Cromer a most secure and safe haven; and on the other with CELNIUS, The river Celnio. Cerones. now kilian the river: and thus much of the places toward the East Ocean. Into the west sea the river LONGUS, mentioned in Ptolomee, at this day named Lough Longus, runneth: then the CERONES anciently dwelled where now is Assinshire, a country much mangled with many inlets and arms of the sea in bosoming itself with manifold commodities. Earls of Rosse. As for the Earls of Rosse, it is full of difficulty to set them down in order successively out of writers. About four hundred years past, we read that Ferqhuard flourished & enjoied this title: But for default of issue male, it came by a daughter to Walter Lesley, who for his noble feats of arms courageously achieved under Lewis the Emperor, was worthily named The Noble Knight: he begat Alexander Earl of Rosse, and a daughter married unto Donald Lord of the Islands Hebrides. This Alexander had issue one only daughter, who made over by her deed all her own title and right unto Robert Duke of Albany: whereat the said Donald of the Islands being highly enchafed and repining, styled himself in the reign of James the third, King of the Islands, and Earl of Rosse, having with fire and sword laid waste his native country far & near. At length, the said K. James the third by authority of Parliament, in the year 1476. annexed the Earldom of Rosse to the crown, so as it might not be lawful for his successors to alienate by any means from the crown, either the Earldom itself, or any parcel thereof; or by any device to grant the same unto any person, save only to the King's second sons lawfully borne: whence it is that Charles the King's second son, Duke of York, at this day holdeth an enjoieth the title of Earl of Rosse. SUTHERLAND. BEyond Rosse, Sutherland looketh toward the East Ocean; a land more meet to breed cattle than to bear corn: wherein there be hills of white marble (a wonderful thing in this so cold a climate) but of no use almost, Mountains of white marble. considering excess in building, and that vain ostentation of riches, is not yet reached to these remote regions. Here is Dunrobin, Dunrobin. a castle of very great name, the principal seat of the ancient Earls of Sutherland, descended, if I be not deceived, Earls of Sutherland. out of the family of Murray. Among whom, one William under King Robert Brus is most famous, who married the sister of the whole blood to K. David, and had by her a son, whom the said David declared heir apparent of the crown, and compelled his Nobles to swear unto him allegiance: but he within a little after departed without issue, and the Earldom in the end came by a daughter and heir hereditarily unto A. Gordon, one of the line of the Earls of Huntly. CATHANES. HIgher lieth CATHANES, butting full upon the said East sea bending inward with a number of creaks and compasses, which the waves as it were indent: In which dwelled in Ptolomees time the CATINI, Catini a people. but written falsely in some copies CARINI, among whom the self same Ptolomee placeth the river Ila, which may seem to be the Wifle at this day. The inhabitants of this province raised their greatest gain and revenues by grazing and raising of cattle, and by fishing. The chief castle therein is called Girnego, in which the Earls of Catnesse for the most part make their abode. The Bishop's sea is in Dornock, a little mean town otherwise; where also King James the fourth appointed the Sheriff of Catnesse to reside, or else at Wik, as occasions should require, for the administration of justice. The Earls of Catnesse in ancient times were also Earls of the Orcadeses, Earls of Cathnesse. but at last they became distinct, and by the eldest daughter of one Malise given in marriage to William Seincler the King's Pantler, his heirs successively came to be Earls of Catnesse, and do still enjoy the same honour. STRATH-NANERN. THe utmost and farthest coast of all Britain, which with the front of the shore looketh full against the North point, and hath the midst of the greater Bears tail, which, as Cardan was of opinion, causeth translations of Empires, Cornabii. The river Nabe. just over head, was inhabited, as we may see in Ptolomee, by the CORNABII, among whom he placeth the river NABEUS, which names are of so near affinity; that the nation may seem to have drawn their denomination from the river that they dwelled by: neither doth the modern name Strath-Navera, which signifieth the Valley by Navern, jar altogether in sound from them. The country itself is for the soil nothing fertile, and by reason of the sharp and cold air, less inhabited; and thereupon sore haunted and annoyed with most cruel wolves. Wolves. Which in such violent rage not only set upon cattle, to the exceeding great damage of the inhabitants, but also assail men with great danger; and not in this tract only, but in many other parts likewise of Scotland, in so much as by virtue of an act of Parliament, the Sheriffs and inhabitants in every country, are commanded to go forth thrice a year a hunting, for to destroy the wolves and their whelps. But (if in this so Northerly a country this be any comfort to speak of) it hath of all Britain again the shortest night, The longest days. and the longest day. For, by reason of the position of heaven here distant from the Equinoctial line 59 degrees and forty minutes, the longest day containeth 18. hours and 25. scruples: and the shortest night not above five hours and 45. scruples. So that the Panegyrist is not true in this, who made report in times past, That the sun in manner setteth not at all, but passeth by, and lightly glanceth upon the Horizon: haply relying upon this authority of Tacitus, for that the extreme points, and plain levels of the earth, with their shade so low raised up no darkness at all. But more truly Pliny (according to true reason) where he treateth of the longest days, according to the inclination of the sun's circle to the Horizon. The longest days (saith he) in Italy are 15. hours, in Britain 17. where the light nights do prove that undoubtedly by experience, which reason forceth credibly, that in Midsummer days, when the sun approacheth near to the Pole of the world, the places of the earth under the Pole have day 6. months, though the light having but a narrow compass, the night chose when he is far remote in middle winter. In this utmost tract, which Ptolomee extendeth out far East, whereas indeed it beareth full North (for which Roger Bacon in his Geography taxed him long since) where Tacitus said, That an huge and enorm space of ground running still forward to the farthest point, groweth narrow like a wedge. There run out three Promontories, mentioned by the old writers, Berubium. namely BERUBIUM, now called Urdehead, near to Bernswale a village: Virvedrum. Orcas. VIRVEDRUM, now Dunsby, otherwise named Duncansby, which is thought to be the most remote promontory of Britain: ORCAS, now named Howburn, which Ptolomee setteth over against the Islands Orcadeses, as the utmost of them all: Tarvisium, or Tarvodunum in Marcianus. Tarvus' what it is. Shetland. this also in Ptolomee is called TARVEDRUM, and TARVISIUM, and so named, if my conjecture fail me not, because it is the farthest end of Britain: for Tarvus' in the British tongue hath a certain signification of ending. With which I accordingly will end this book, purposing to speak of the out-Isles, Orcadeses, Hebudes or Hebrides, and of Shetland, in their due place. THus have I briefly run over Scotland, and verily more briefly than the worth of so great a kingdom requireth: neither doubt I but that some one or other will set it forth more at large, and depaint it (as I said) with a more flourishing pencil, in greater certainty, and upon better knowledge; when as our most mighty Monarch now openeth those remote places, hitherto foreclosed from us. Mean while, if I have at any time dropped asleep (for the most watchful may sometimes be taken napping) or if some error in this unknown tract hath misled me from the truth (as nothing is more rife and easy than error) I hope the courteous Reader will pardon it upon my acknowledgement; and of his kindness recalling me from error, direct me in the right way to the truth. HIBERNIAE IRELAND Anglis. YVERDON BRITANNIS ERIN in●elis. JERNA Orphaeo & Arist. IRIS Diodoro Siculo IVVERNA Iwelalj JOYERNIA Ptol. IRELAND, AND THE SMALLER LANDS IN THE BRITISH OCEAN. THE BRITISH OCEAN. NOw have I rather passed over than throughly surveied all BRITAIN, namely, those two most flourishing Kingdoms, ENGLAND and SCOTLAND: And whereas I am now to cross the seas for IRELAND, and the rest of the Isles, if I premise some few lines touching the British sea, The British sea▪ I hope it shall not seem a crooked course, or an extravagant digression. BRITAIN is encompassed round about with the vast open and main Ocean, which ebbeth and floweth so violently with main tides, that, as Pytheas of Marsiles hath reported, Lib. Hexameron. cap. 3. it swelleth 80. cubits about Britain: and St. Basile hath termed it Mare Magnum, etc. The great sea and dreadful to Sailors: yea and S. Ambrose wrote thus of it; The great sea not adventured on by sailors, British sea in times past unknown. nor attempted by Mariners, is that which with a roaring and surging current environeth Britain, and reacheth into far remote parts, and so hidden out of sight, as that the fables have not yet come hither. Certes this sea sometimes overfloweth the fields adjoining, otherwhiles again it retireth & leaveth all bare: and that I may use the words of Pliny, by reason of this open largeness, it feeleth more effectually the force and influence of the Moon, exercising her power thereupon without impeachment: and it floweth always up within the land with such violence, that it doth not only drive back the streams of rivers, but also either overtaketh and surpriseth beasts of the land, or else leaveth behind it those of the sea. For there have been seen in every age, to the great astonishment of the beholders, so many and so huge Seamonsters left on dry land on our shore, that Horace sang this note not without good cause: Belluosus qui remotis Obstrepit Oceanus Britannis. The Ocean of sea-monsters fraight with store, Upon the Britan's far remote doth roar. And Juvenal in the like tune. Quanto Delphino Balaena Britannica major. As much as Whales full huge, that use to breed In British Sea, the Dolphins do exceed. And so great an adventure and exploit it was thought, but to cross only this our sea, that Libanius the Grecian sophister, in a Panegy●icall oration unto Constantinus Chlorus, cried out in these words: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, This voyage into Britain seemed comparable to the greatest triumph. jul. Firmicus. And Julius Firmicus, not that famous ginger, but another that was a Christian, in a little treatise of the error of profane religions, written unto the Emperor's Constans & Constantius, broke out into this exclamation. In winter time (a thing that never was done before, nor ever will be done again) ye trampled under your oars the swelling and raging billows of the British Ocean. The waves of the sea, unknown in a manner before times unto us, than trembled and quaked, and the Britan's were terrified at the sudden presence of the Emperor: What will ye more? the very elements yielded themselves as conquered unto your valorous virtues. The famous learned man Julius Scaliger in his Poeticalls, affirmeth that Caurus the Northwest wind ariseth and bloweth out of this British sea, The wind Caurus. and that against the opinion of Lucan, who wrote thus: Primus ab Oceano caput exeris Atlantaeo, Caure, movens aestus. From Ocean called Atlantic, Caur thou first Thy head dost show, making seas fell and cursed. Certes in Ireland he keeps foul work, and plays the tyrant; and Caesar writeth that a great part of the year he stands in this coast. But whereas some write that in this our sea ships were first devised & used, I am not disposed to believe them. But Pliny witnesseth that the Britan's used small wicker vessels, The old twiggen or wicker ships of the Britan's. covered over with hides (which at this day they term Corraghs') and with Pliny acordeth Lucan, who versifieth in this wise. Primùm cana salix madefacto vimine parvam Texitur in puppim, caesóque induta juvenco, Vectoris patiens tumidum super emicat amnem: Sic Venetus stagnante Pado, fusoque Britannus Navigat Oceano. At first wet twigs of willow grey, that long in soak had lain, And covered over close with hide of Ox or Bullock slain, (But wrought before unto the form of little bark or boat) Used to carry passengers, the swelling streams afloat. Thus over Po, that river large, sails the Venetian, And thus the Britain maketh way upon the spacious Ocean. Semblably Solinus Polyhistor. In the sea between Britain and Ireland they sail in wicker bottoms, which they cover round about with Ox hides. And how long soever as the course holdeth, so long the sailors forbear food. As for the commodities which this sea affordeth, the warmth whereby it comforteth and cherisheth the earth, the vapours wherewith it nourisheth the air, and bedeweth the fields: touching also the great variety of fishes that it breedeth, as Salmon (which Bede calleth Isicios, as Pliny Esox) Plaice, Pungers, Cod, Haddocks, Whiting, Herrings, Basse, Maccarell, Mullets, Turbits, Seals or Sea-calves, Rochets, Soles, Pilchards, Raifish or Scale, Thornback, Oysters, Lobsters, Crabfish, and an infinite number of others, whereof it maintaineth and feedeth innumerable skulls and beds, it is not material to speak, Pearls. they are so well known. Yet the pearls are not to be overpassed in silence, which King Jubas reporteth to be shaped round, and to swim in the British sea by flocks or swarms, in manner of bees, following their Captain and Leader. And Marcellinus, when he had spoken of the Persian and Indian pearls; which kind of gem (saith he) we are not ignorant to be engendered and gathered in the creeks of the British sea, although they be not of that beauty and worth. Which although they be accounted by Pliny small ones, and ill coloured, yet Suetonius writeth, that Caesar made his voyage into Britain in hope of them; and that they were of such bigness, as he took the poise of some of them by hand, and dedicated a breastplate made of them unto Venus Genitrix, which he also witnessed by a subscription. Origen likewise as touching these pearls writeth thus: Sea-pearles, such as be most notable, are found among the Indians, but the best are bred in the Red sea: In the next place are those pearls which are taken in the British Ocean: but of a third sort, and inferior in goodness not to those first only, but also to these of the second degree, are they that be found in Bosphorus near Scythia. And after a few lines: But that kind which they say is gotten in Britain, for the superficial colour verily somewhat resembleth a golden hue, but cloudy it is and troubled, and for the lustre with the dimmest Furthermore, our Venerable Bede writing of the Shell-fish of this our sea: Among them (saith he) there be * Musculae. Muscles, wherein they find enclosed oftentimes the best pearl of all colours, of purple, violet, and green, but especially of bright white. There be cochles also in exceeding great abundance, wherewith they die a scarlet colour: the most beautiful red hue whereof, no heat of sun, nor injury of rain is ever able to make pale; but the * Vetu●tior Venustior. older it is, the fairer it showeth. And Tertullian reproving the lavish expense and superfluity in his time: If ambitious pride (saith he) may be maintained from the British or Indian seas, there is a kind of shellfish more pleasant in taste, I say not than the purple fish or oyster, but than the very scallop itself. This sea, which generally is called MARE BRITANNICUM, and OCEANUS CALEDONIUS, according to the diverse situation of places hath sundry and distinct names. Eastward, where it hath Germany opposite unto it, they call it the GERMANE sea: Northward, it is termed the Hyberborean sea, which ancient writers reported untruly, to be dead, dull, and heavy for the oar, and in that respect not raised with winds: and Tacitus believed it was so, belike, because, as he writeth, the Lands and Mountains be rare, which minister cause and matter of tempests, and for that a deep mass of continuat sea is more slowly stirred to work and rage. On the West side it is named OCEANUS DEUCALEDONIUS, and VERGIVIUS, both South and West from Ireland: but all the way that it runneth between Britain and Ireland, the HIBERNICUS, that is, Julius Solinus. Irish sea, and by Seamen at this day S. George's Channel, And ancient writers have recorded that it rageth all the year long, with surging billows and counter seas, and never is at rest nor navigable, unless it be in some few summer days. But Southward, where it interfloweth France and Britain, it is properly called the BRITISH sea, and by the common mariners, the Channel, by English sailors the SLEEVE; and in the same sense Le Manche in French, because it groweth narrow in manner of a sleeve. And this name of the BRITISH sea extended as far as to Spain, as writeth Pomponius Mela, Lib. 2. c. 4. being himself also a Spaniard, where he reporteth that the Pyrene Mountain runneth forth into the BRITISH OCEAN. Moreover, there be certain Lands, which, as it were for a show, Nature hath be sprinkled along these seas, fewer toward the East and South parts, but Westward and Northward more in number. For there, by their thick standing together, they do after a sort garnish the sea, yea and depaint it as it were with their colours, in most pleasant sort. But for as much as Ireland far excelleth all the rest, in regard of the greatness thereof and frequency of resort thereto, it requireth by due right, that it should first be treated of. HIBERNIA, IRELAND. IN the Vergivian sea, The Ocean Vergivian. which name is derived, not à vergendo, that is, of bending towards, as some are of opinion, but of Mor-weridh; for this name the Britan's gave it: or else of Farigi, by which name the Irish men call it, the most famous Island HIBERNIA, that is to say, IRELAND, encloseth the West side of Britain; an Island which in times past challenged the third place amongst all the Isles of the then known world. For thus as touching Lands writeth the ancient Geographer. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Libro magnae constructionis. that is, Of all Lands for greatness the Indian TAPROBANE is prime and principal; next after it BRITAIN; and in a third degree another British Island, named HIBERNIA, that is, Ireland; and thereupon Ptolomee called it LITTLE BRITAIN. This Isle by Orpheus, Aristotle, and Claudian is named JERNA; by juvenal & Mela JUVERNA; by Diodorus Siculus IRIS; by Martian of Heraclea JOYEPNIA; by Eustathius OYERNIA and BERNIA; by the native inhabitants Erin; by the Britan's Yuerdon, and of English men Ireland. Whence these names have had their original, sundry and diverse opinions have been conceived from time to time, as in a doubtful matter. Some derive Hibernia from Hiberno tempore, that is, from the Winter season; others from Hiberus a Spaniard; and some again from the river Iberus: the author of the book entitled Eulogium, from Duke Irnalph: Postellus, a fanciful man, when he read Pomponius Mela publicly in Paris, because he would seem to have a reach beyond other men, fetcheth the original thereof from the Hebrews: so that Irin should be as much as jurin, that is, the Jews land: The jews, forsooth saith he, being most wise Sages, and learned Philosophers, knowing by their learning that the Empire of the world should be settled in the strongest Angle, which lieth West, seized upon those parts, and Ireland with the first: The Syrians also and Tyrians, to lay the foundation of their future Empire, endeavoured all they could to inhabit those Regions. Pardon me I pray you if I dare not subscribe hereto, no nor give my consent to that opinion most received, as touching the Winter season aforesaid: although I have read, that in this Island the air upon every wind is cold and winterlike. As for Hibernia, juverna, and Ouernia, they came doubtless from JERNA, spoken of by Orpheus and Aristotle: and the same jerna, as also Iris, Yuerdhon, and Ireland, from Erin, the term that the inhabitants use. From this Erin therefore, a word proper unto the nation, the original must be deduced. Here I, with those great Philosophers, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, hold off and suspend my judgement: neither know I what to divine and ground my conjecture upon, unless peradventure that name may come from Heir, an Irish word, which with them signifieth the West, or a Western coast; whence Erin may seem to be derived, as one would say, a Western country. Of this opinion have I been a good while since, induced thereto with my own conceit and flattering conjecture, both because it lieth furthest Westward of any region in all Europe (as being no more than twelve degrees distant from the utmost West point) as also for that the river running in the most remote West part of this Island, is in Ptolomee called JERNUS, like as the Promontory or Cape bearing out farthest West in Spain (from whence our Irishmen came) is named by Strabo JERNE, and as the next river unto it, which also is most West of all the rivers in Spain, is called by Mela JERNA. Moreover, by reason of the Western situation Spain is named Hesperia, and that West Cape in afric, Hesperium cornu, yea and even in Germany these countries, Westrich, Westphalen, etc. have their denomination from that position and site: so that it is no marvel if Ireland were termed Erin of the Western situation. Besides, these names of Ireland which I have spoken of, the Irish Bards or Poets have usually taken up in their ballads these terms, Tirvolas, Totidanan, and Banno, as the most ancient names of this Island, but upon what reason I wot not, Bannomanna. unless Banno were that Bannomanna which Pliny mentioneth out of Timaeus, whiles his pen coasteth along the outmost sides and skirts of Europe, and the shore of the Northern Ocean on the left hand from Scythia, even as far as Cadis in Spain. For what country that same Bannomanna should be, the Geographers have not yet found out But Biaun in Irish signifieth Sacred or Holy, and verily Festus Av●enus calleth Ireland SACRAM INSULAM, The holy Island. Orae Maritimae. that is, The holy Island, in that little book entitled ORAE MARITIMAE, that is, The Sea coasts, which he compiled out of most ancient Geographers: namely, Hecataeus of Miletum, Hellanicus of Lesbos, Philaeus of Athens, Caryandaeus, Pausymachus of Samos, Damastus, Euctemon, and others. But I will write down his verses: for when he had spoken of the Island Ostrymides, thus he versifieth: Ast hinc duobus in SACRAM, sic insulam Dixêre prisci, solibus cursus rati est. Haec inter undas multum cespitem jacit, Eamque latè gens Hibernorum colit. Propinqua rursus insula Albionum patet. But to the SACRED Isle (for so They used to call it long ago) From hence a course who so desires, Just two days sailing it requires. Much turf it casts the waves among, And Irish dwell therein along. Now very near to it again, The Albion's Isle is kenned plain. Ogygia. In his book De macula in Luna, that is, Of the spot in the Moon. If that OGYGIA, which Plutarch placed on the West side of our Britain were not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not a vain dream, but a matter in truth, he may seem by that name plainly to point at Ireland, although the reports that he so sadly telleth of it, be mere poetical fictions & Milesian toys. Neither can any man readily tell, why they called it Ogygia; unless haply of the antiquity: For the Grecians termed nothing by the name of Ogygia but that which was very ancient. And Robert Constantine seemeth to have shot wide all the world over, Isle Cerne. when he affirmeth that CERNE, mentioned in Lycophron, was our Ireland: for Lycophron himself, and Tzetzes that commenteth upon him, do place Cerne toward the sun rising: and all the best learned men think it to be Madagascar, situated as it were in another world, right under the Tropic of Capricorn, right over against Aethiopia. Thus much touching the names of Ireland, yet so, as we remember withal to take this by the way, that in these later times it was called also SCOTIA, Hibernia called Scotia. that is, Scotland by Isidor and Bede, of the Scots who inhabited it: and that thence the name of Scotland, together with the Scots themselves, came into Britain. But of this we have spoken already once before, and therefore have no cause to repeat here. This Island is stretched out from South to North not broader than it is long, as Strabo hath recorded, but shaped in form of a lentile, or an egg; nor of twenty days sailing, as Philemon in Ptolomee hath set it down: but according to the later writers, The state of Ireland. it taketh up three hundred miles and no more in length, and is scarcely one hundred and twenty miles broad. On the East side it hath England severed from it with a troublous and tempestuous sea, which is called the Irish sea: on the West the huge main Western Ocean; on the North the Deucaledonian sea, and on the South the Vergivian sea worketh upon it. The country, Giral. Cambrensis in Topographia Hibernia. if you would hear Giraldus Cambrensis to speak, is uneven, full of hills, soft, waterish, and boggy, wild and overgrown with woods, lying open to the winds, and so full of meres or loghs, that a man may see ponds and standing waters even upon the mountains. The air (as Mela saith) is nothing good and favourable for ripening of corn: but the ground is so rank of grass, and the same not only fresh and long, but sweet also withal, that the cattle may fill their bellies in a small piece of the day, and unless they be kept from grazing, cattle. and not suffered to feed long together, their bellies will burst. Hence it is that they have such an infinite number of cattle, as being indeed the chief and principal wealth of the inhabitants, and many goodly flocks of sheep, which they shear twice a year, Irish mantles and rugs. Horses called Hobbies. Hawks. and make of their course wool, rugs or shag mantles, caddowes also or coverlets, which are vented into foreign countries. They have likewise excellent good horses (we term them Hobbies) which have not the same pace that other horses in their course, but a soft and round amble, setting one leg before another very finely. Their hawks also are right commendable, but these, as all other living creatures (besides men, women, and greyhounds) are smaller here than in England. Now as well the air as the ground is excessive moist; whence it is that very many there be sore troubled with looseness, and rheums, Diseases. but strangers especially: yet for the staying of the same they have an * Uskebah. Aqua vitae of the best, which inflameth a great deal less, and drieth much more than ours. Whereas Giraldus writeth, that those which are borne here sick en never of any of the three kinds of fevers, it is daily found by experience to be false. As for the land itself (that I may use the testimony here of the said Giraldus) it is of all countries most temperate; neither doth any frying heat of Cancer drive folk to seek shade, nor chilling cold of Capricorn call them in to the fire: but all times in manner, by reason of the pleasantness and temperate disposition of the air, have a gentle kind of warmth. Of Bees there are such numbers, that they be found not only in hives, but also within the bodies of trees, and holes of the earth. Likewise it hath vines, but more for shade, Why grapes are not ripe in Britain. than for any fruit they yield. For no sooner is the sun passed out of Leo, but cold blasts here in this our climate are wont presently to follow, and in Autumn the afternoon heats are less effectual and shorter, both here and in our Britain, than to give the full and kind ripening unto Grapes. Besides this, there is no snake in this country, nor any venomous thing whatsoever: howbeit much noisance they have every where by wolves. And that I may speak all at a word, whether a man respect the fertility of the soil, or the commodiousness of sea and havens, or the inhabitants themselves, who are stout, hardy, warlike, witty, proper men of body, and goodly feature, of a wondrous soft skin, by reason also of the tenderness of muscles passing nimble; the Island aboundeth in so many blessings, that Giraldus said not without just cause, That nature had cast into this Western kingdom of Zephyrus, a more gracious eye than ordinary. Now that otherwhiles there goeth of it an ill name, it is for that the inhabitants are in some places wild and very uncivil, who in a marvellous contrariety of nature, both love idleness, and withal hate quietness: who also are immoderately given to fleshly lust, and that over soon. For among the wilder sort they bestow their maidens in marriage, as ripe and ready for husbands, when they be once ten or twelve years of age. Neither will they by any means stay for a competent maturity of years, a thing observed in all other countries. But as touching the manners and qualities of the Irish nation, I will discourse more at large in the end of this book. And now, if it please you, give Ireland the hearing, whiles she speaketh of herself and her commodities, in these verses of that most learned man Hadrianus junius. Illa ego sum Graiis olim glacialis jerne Dicta, & jasoniae puppis bene cognita nautis: Quae Tarthessiaco propior se tingere soles Flumine conspicio, Cauro subjecta procaci: Cui Deus, & melior rerum nascentium origo Ius common dedit cum Creta altrice tonantis, Noxia ne nostris diffundant sibila in oris Terrificae creti tabo Phorcynidos angues: Et fortè illati compressis faucibus atris Viroso pariter vitam cum sanguine ponant. En ego cum regni sceptro, Mavortia bello Pectora, & horriferas hominum, nil fingo, figuras, Qui cursu alipedes norint praevertere cervos, Dedico, piscososque lacus, volucrumque paludes Omnigenum lustris foetas, stannique fodinas, Et puri argenti venas, quas terra refossis Visceribus manes imos visura recludit. I am that frozen Isle, which Greeks once did jerne call, Well known to Argo Jason's ship, and to her sailors all. Which subject unto Caurus cursed have sun more near in sight, When in Tartessus flood he sets and seems to drench his light. Whom God and better Nature hath secured from this fear (A gift imparted eke to Crete which Jupiter did rear) That snakes of grim Medusa's blood so filthy that were bred, Should dare in these my coasts to hiss, and hurtful venom spread. And say, that some by chance there were brought thither of that brood, Throttled anon they lose at once their life with poisoned blood. Lo here with regal sceptre I present most martial minds, And dreadful shapes (I fable not) of men who hearts and hinds So swift of foot in running can outstrip and leave behind. With fishfull lakes beside and fens, where fowls of every kind Their eiries have and harbours safe: moreover Delfes of tin, Rich Mines likewise of silver pure, which wondrous far within The earth hath kept, whose bowels now digged up for men to pry, As if she meant even hell to see, she shows them to the eye. Ireland why called Ogygia. If that be true which the Irish Historiographers record, this Island was not without cause by Plutarch termed Ogygia, that is, very ancient. For they fetch the beginning of their histories from the most profound and remote records of antiquity, so that in comparison of them, the antientness of all other nations is but novelty, and, as it were, a matter of yesterday. They write that one Caesaria Noah his Niece, inhabited it before Noah's flood: Then that Bartholanus a Scythian came hither about three hundred years after the said Noah's flood, and fought right doughty battles with giants: That many years after Nemethus a Scythian arrived here, and forthwith was cast out by the Giants: After this, that Dela with certain Grecians seized upon this Island; and soon after, that Gaothel with Scota his wife, daughter to Pharaoh King of Egypt landed here, and nominated after his wife's name the Island Scotia, and according to his own name the language Gaothela; and that, about the time of the Israelites departure out of Egypt. And the British history reporteth how some few ages after, Hiberus and Hermion (Ever and Erimon the Irish writers term them) the sons of Milesius King of Spain, by the sufferance of Gurguntius King of the Britan's, planted colonies in this country, after it had been dispeopled by a pestilence. My purpose is not either to aver these reports for true, nor yet to refute them: In such things as these let Antiquity be pardonable, and enjoy a prerogative. Surely, as I doubt not but that this Island became inhabited even of old time, when as mankind was spread over all quarters of the world: so it is evident, that the first inhabitants thereof passed thither out of our Britain: For (to say nothing of an infinite number of British words in the Irish tongue, together with the ancient names which favour of a British original); Britan's the first inhabitants of Ireland. Little Britain. the natures of the people, and their fashions, as Tacitus saith, differ not much from Britain: of all ancient writers it is called A British Island: Diodorus Siculus termed Irin a part of Britain: and Ptolomee named the same BRITANNIA PARVA, that is, little Britain, as you may see, if you list to compare his Geographickes with his book of Great Construction. And the Epitome of Strabo calleth the inhabitants in plain words, BRITAN'S: the old Geographers also named it The Britan's Island: yea and Festus Aveienus showeth this out of Dionysius Afer, when he treateth of British Lands, in these verses. Eminus hic aliae gelidi prope flabra Aquilonis Exuperant undas, & vasta cacumina tollunt, Hae numero geminae, pingues sola, cespitis ampli, Conditur occidui quà Rheni gurgitis unda, Dira Britannorum sustentant agmina terris. Here other Islands near unto the chilling North winds blast, The waves of sea surmount aloof, and show their mountains vast, In number twain, their soil is fat, their ground both large and wide What way the Western Rhine his gulf and waters deep doth hide: These Lands fierce Britain troops maintain, and thereon they abide. Neither is there any other country, out of which by reason of the vicinity they might pass over more commodiously into Ireland than out of Britain: from whence there is the like passage thither, in respect of the space of sea between, as is out of France into Britain. But afterwards, when the Romans had enlarged their Empire every way, many there were no doubt who out of Spain, Gaul, and Britain withdrew themselves hither, that they might shake off that intolerable yoke of the Romans slavery: Neither do some otherwise understand these words of Tacitus: Ireland being situate in the midst between Spain and Brittany, lying also very fitly for the French sea, would aptly have united, to the great use & advantage of the one and the other, the strongest members of the Empire together: the landing places and ports whereof, by intercourse of traffic, were better known than those of Britain. And albeit julius Agricola also kept with him a petty King or Prince of Ireland, who was driven thence by occasion of civil dissension, that he might have the more advantageous opportunity thereby to invade the Island, which he thought would be subdued and held with a legion, and a small power of aid forces; and was persuaded withal, that the same would avail much for the affairs of Britain, in case the Roman forces were planted every where, and hope of liberty banished, as it were, far out of sight: yet we read not that the Romans gave any attempt that way. Notwithstanding some are verily persuaded that they assayed the conquest of it, and do gather the same hardly out of this place of juvenal. — Arma quid ultra Littora juvernae promovimus, & modò captas Orcadas, & minimâ contentos nocte Britannos? Why warred we past Irish coasts, and the Orkneiss lately won, Beyond the Britan's eke that have least night and longest Sun? Yet the panegyrical oration pronounced before Constantius the Emperor, implieth that Ireland was under his government: Britain (saith he) is so recovered, that even those nations also which join upon the coasts of the same Island, are become subject and obedient unto your command. Also we find written in the Chronicles of later historians, that Ireland, together with Britain and Thule, at the division of the Empire fell unto Constantine, Caesarea. the son of Constantine the Great. And that very fond fable of Caesarea Noah's Niece, carrieth before it the name of Caesar's, so as that therein may seem covertly couched the coming of some Caesar into Ireland. Howbeit I can hardly persuade myself to believe, that this country at any time became subject to the Romans. Roman Conquests. But a blessed and happy turn had it been for Ireland, if it had at any time been under their subjection: surely, it had then been reduced from barbarism to civility. For wheresoever the Romans were victors, they brought them whom they conquered to civility: neither verily in any place else throughout Europe was there any civility, learning, and elegance, but where they ruled. And very inconsiderately also they may seem to have neglected this Island. For from hence (to the plague and spoil of Britain) broke out most dangerous enemies: which August●● seemeth to have foreseen, when he took so small care of Britain, for the danger which he presaged to hover and approach from the nations round about adjoining. But when the Roman Empire began now to decay, the nation of the Scots or Scythians (for, in times past, as Strabo writeth, all people Westward were termed Celto-Scythae) grew mighty in Ireland, and began to be renowned. Furthermore, under the Emperor's Honorius and Arcadius it was inhabited by the Scottish nations, as Orosius hath written. Whereupon Claudian living in the same age wrote thus: Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis jerne. Yce-frozen Ireland wept amain, To see the Scots on heaps lie slain. And in another place, — Totam cum Scotus Hibernem Movit— What time as Scots did make, All Ireland arms to take. For from hence it was that the Scots made their forcible invasions into Britain, and hither they were otherwhiles with great losses and overthrows repulsed. But whence they came into Ireland, Ninnius a disciple of Elvodugus, an author of good antiquity, shall inform you by his own words; who lived, as himself witnesseth, in the year 830. under Anaraugh King of Anglesey and Guineth, or North-Wales. For after he had related, that in the third age of the world the Britan's came into Britain, and in the fourth age, the Scythians or Scots into Ireland, he proceedeth thus: Last of all came the Scots, Irishmen out of Spain. In other copies Tholanus. from the parts of Spain into Ireland. But the first that arrived there, was Partholanus, with a thousand men and women together, and they grew after to be four thousand: and there fell a mortality among them, so that in one week they all died, and there remained of them not so much as one alive. The second that landed in Ireland was one Nemeth, the son of Aguomenes, who, by report, sailed upon the sea one year and an half: and afterward, when he had suffered shipwreck, fell with an haven in Ireland, and he returned into Spain. And after that came three sons of a Spanish knight, with thirty Ciules with them, and in every Ciule thirty wives; and they continued there for the space of one year. Last of all came Elam-Hoctor, and dwelled there with all his progeny and generation, even to this day. With this Ninnius acordeth Henry of Huntingdon. The Britan's (saith he) in the third age of the world came into Britain, and the Scots in the fourth into Ireland. And how ever these reports be not most certain, yet sure it is that they came out of Spain into Ireland: and part of them departing thence, came and added a third nation unto the Britan's & Picts in Britain. The received opinion of the Irish is agreeable hereunto, for they most willingly acknowledge themselves to be an off spring of the Spaniards. Neither verily can it be a marvel, that a number of them withdrew themselves into Ireland out of the North part of Spain, which, as S●rabo writeth, is most barren, and wherein men live most miserably. Out of those words of Ninnius a man may see, that those entries made of Bartholanus and Nemethus, which fabulously they fetch so far off, out of most profound and remote antiquity, are to be drawn back unto later times. Neither is it needful for me to note again, that this Island was of the Scottish inhabitants called SCOTIA. Not many years after, these Scots in Ireland began to profess Christianity, although they would needs appropriate unto themselves that history out of Rufinus, concerning the conversion of the Hiberians in Asia, and Celestin Pope of Rome sent unto these Scots Palladius the Bishop. Anno Christi 431. Palladius. Vincent. l. 9 c. 7 Whereupon Prosper Aquitanus writeth in this manner against Collator. Celestin delivered the Britan's from the Pelagians heresy, when he secluded certain enemies of grace, who held their own native country, even from that unknown part of the Ocean: and having ordained a Bishop among the Scots, whiles he laboured to keep an Island of the Romans in the Catholic faith, he brought also a barbarous nation to be Christian. Yet Ninnius writeth, that Palladius being taken away by untimely death in Britain, effected nothing: who also reporteth out of the Irish writers, that Christian religion was published and preached throughout Ireland by Saint Patrick. For he being a Britain borne, and that as some will in Cluidsdale, allied also to Sir Martin of Tourain, and a disciple of Saint German, was appointed successor by Pope Celestin to Palladius deceased; who with so good success taught and sowed the seed of Christian religion over all Ireland, that he converted the greatest part by far thereof unto Christ, and deserved the name of the Apostle of the Irish nation. Touching whom an ancient writer, Hierieus Ant●siodorensis in his book of Saint Germane miracles; For as much as (saith he) the glory of a Father appeareth bright in the governance of his own sons, among many sons whom we believe St. German had in Christ, and Disciples in religion, it shall suffice by way of compendious brevity to insert here the mention of one only, and the same of all others most famous: namely Patrick, as the whole course of his acts declareth, the peculiar Apostle of the Irish nation, wholly addicted for 18. years unto his most holy discipline, out of the vein of so worthy a fountain drew no mean knowledge & learning in the heavenly scriptures. Whom also that most divine and godly Bishop, considering to be in religion magnanimous, in virtues excellent, and in learning powerful: and deeming it mere folly, that so strong and able an husbandman should live idle in the tillage and ordering of the Lords cornfield, directed him unto holy Celestine Pope of Rome, by Segetius a Priest of his, who should give testimony unto the Apostolical See, of Ecclesiastical honesty in the behalf of that right excellent man. Being therefore approved with the judgement, supported with the authority, and lastly strengthened with the blessing of him, he made a voyage into Ireland, and being peculiarly appointed an Apostle of that nation, as he then lightened them with his doctrine & miracles, so now also and for ever adorneth them with wonderful privileges of his Apostleship. Monks of Ireland holy men and learned. The Irish scholars of Patrick profited so notably in Christianity, that in the age next following, Ireland was termed Sanctoram-patria, that is, The native country of Saints; and the Scottish Monks in Ireland and Britain highly excelled for their holiness and learning, yea and sent out whole flocks of most devout men into all parts of Europe, who were the first founders of Luxeul Abbey in Burgundy, of Bobie Abbey in Italy, of Wirtzburge Abbey in Francland, of St. Gallus in Sweitzerland, of Malmesburie, Lindisfarn, and of many other Monasteries in Britain. For out of Ireland came Caelius Sedulius a Priest, Columba, Columbane, Colman, Aidan, Gallus, Kithan, Maidulph, Brendan, and many other celebrated for their holy life and learning. Of these Monks is that Hieric above named of Auxerre to be understood, when he writeth thus to the Emperor Charles the Bald: What should I speak of Ireland, which setting light by the dangers of sea, flitteth all of it well near with whole flocks of Philosophers unto our shores? of whom so many as are more skilful and learned than the rest, do voluntarily banish themselves, to attend dutifully upon the most wise Solomon, and be at his command. This Monastical profession, although but then newly come up, was far different in those days from that of our time. They desired to be that indeed which they were named to be: they were far from colourable dealing or dissembling: Erred they in any thing? it was through simplicity, not through lewdness, much less of wilful obstinacy. As for wealth and these worldly things, they so highly contemned them, that they did not only not seek after, but also refused the same, though they were offered unto them descended by inheritance. For a notable apophthegm was that of Columbane (a Monk of Ireland) who, as the Abbot Walafride writeth, when Sigebert King of the Franckners dealt very earnestly with him, and that by way of many large and fair promises, that he should not depart out of his kingdom, answered him after the same sort, as Eusebius hath reported of Thaddeus, namely, That it became not them to embrace other men's riches, Contempt of riches. who for Christ's sake had forsaken their own. And the Bishops of Britain seemed no less to have despised riches, seeing they were so poor, that they had nothing of their own. For, as we read in Sulpitius Severus, three Bishops of Britain, in the Council holden at Rimine, for want of their own lived of the public charges. The English Saxons also in that age conflowed and resorted from all parts into Ireland, as it were to the mart of good learning: and hence it is that we read so often in our writers, concerning holy men thus, Such a one was sent over into Ireland, for to be trained up in learning: and in the life of Sulgen, who flourished 600. years ago. Exemplo patrum commotus, amore legendi, Ivit ad Hibernos, sophiâ, mirabile, claros. The father's old he following, for love to read good works, Went unto Irish men, who were (O wonder) famous Clerks. English Saxons seem to have had their letters and writing from the Irish. And from thence it may seem our forefathers the ancient English learned the manner of framing their letters, and of writing; considering that they used the self same character, which the Irish commonly use at this day. And no cause have we to marvel that Ireland, which now for the most part is rude, half barbarous, and altogether void of any polite and exquisite literature, was full of so devout, godly, & good wits in that age, wherein good letters throughout all Christendom lay neglected and half buried, seeing that the divine providence of that most gracious and almighty ruler of the world, soweth the seeds and bringeth forth the plants of sanctity and good arts, Arts and piety sowed among nations in sundry ages. one whiles in one nation and other while in another, as it were in garden beds and borders, and that in sundry ages: which being removed and translated hither and thither, may by a new growth come up one under another, prosper, and be preserved to his own glory, and the good of mankind. But the outrage of wars by little and little quenched these hot affections and studies of holiness and good literature. For in the year 644. after Christ's nativity, Egfrid King of Northumberland with fire and sword made spoil and havoc of Ireland, a nation most friendly unto England; for which cause Bede chargeth him after a sort, in most grave and important terms. Afterward the Norwegians, under the leading of Turgese their Captain, spoiled and wasted the country in most lamentable manner for the space of 30. years: But when he was once slain by a train and ambush laid for him, the inhabitants fell upon the Norwegians, and made such a bloody massacre of them, that scarce any one survived to be a messenger of so great a slaughter. These Norwegians were no doubt those Normans, who, as Rhegino saith, in the time of Charles the great, setting upon Ireland, an Isle of the Scots, were by the Scots put to flight. Oustmanni, who haply are those that Tacitus nameth Aestiones, and Egivardus Aisti. After this the Oustmen, as one would say Esterlings, or Eastmen, came out of the seacoasts of Germany into Ireland; who having entered into certain Cities under the pretence of great traffic, in a short space raised a most dangerous war. About the very same time in manner, Eadgar that most puissant King of England, conquered also a great part of Ireland: For thus we read in a certain Charter of his: Unto whom God of his gracious favour hath granted, together with the Empire of England, dominion over all the kingdoms of the Isles lying in the Ocean, with their most stout and fierce Kings, even as far as to Norway, yea and to subdue under the English Empire the greatest part of Ireland, with her most noble City Dublin. After these tempestuous foreign wars were allayed, there followed a most grievous storm of civil dissension at home, which made way for the English to conquer Ireland. For Henry the second King of England, taking occasion and opportunity, by the privy dislikes, heartburning, and malicious emulations among the Irish Princes, grew into a serious deliberation with the Nobles of England, in the year of Salvation 1155. about the conquest of Ireland, for the behoof of his brother William of Anjou: But through the counsel of his mother Maude the Empress, this project was rejected unto another time. Howbeit not many years between, Dermicius, Dermot Mac Morrog. the son of Murchard (Dermot Mac Morrog they call him) who reigned over the East part of Ireland, which in Latin is called Lagenia, and commonly Leinster, being for his tyranny and lustful lewdness thrust out of his kingdom (for he had ravished the wife of O Rorke, a petty King of Meth) obtained aid and forces of Henry the second King of England, to be restored into his kingdom again: and made a covenant with Richard Earl of Pembroch, Richard Strongbow. surnamed Strongbow, of the house of Clare, that he for his part should aid him in the recovering of his Kingdom, and that himself would assure unto the Earl, together with his daughter Eva, the said Kingdom in succession after him. Hereupon the said Earl having forthwith mustered up and raised an army of Welsh and English together, and joined unto him to accompany him in the wars, the Fitz-Giralds, Fitz-Stephans, and other Gentlemen out of England and Wales, restored his father in law Dermot into his former Kingdom again: and within few years got by conquest so great a part of Ireland into his own hands, that his power became now suspected to the King of England; who by proclamation, and that with grievous menaces, recalled home the said Earl and his followers out of Ireland, and unless they obeyed without delay, pronounced them traitors, and their goods confiscate. Whereupon the Earl granted unto the King by covenant and writing, whatsoever he either inherited in right of his wife, or won with his sword, and as his tenant in vassalage received from him the Earldoms of Weisford, Henry the second entereth Ireland. Ossorie, Caterlogh, and Kildare, with certain Castles. Then King Henry the second, having gathered a power together in the year of Christ 1172. sailed over into Ireland, and obtained the Princely title of sovereign rule of the Island. For the States of Ireland passed over unto him all their rule and power, Girald. Camb and a Manuscript in the hands of Baron Houth. namely, Rothericke O Conor Dun, that is, The Brown, Monarch of Ireland, Dermot Mac Carti King of Cork, Donald O Bren King of Limi●icke, O carel King of Uriel, Macshaglin King of Ophaly, O Rorke King of Meth, O Neale King of Ulster, with the rest of the Nobles and their people, and the same under their Charters subscribed, signed, delivered, and transmitted to Rome. Which was ratified and confirmed moreover by a Patent of Pope Hadrian, by a ring delivered unto him in token of his investiture, and also by the authority of certain Provincial Synods. This King Henry afterward delivered up the Signiory of Ireland, into the hands of his son john; which conveyance Pope Urban confirmed by his Bull, and in testimony of his confirmation sent him a Coronet of Peacock's feathers broided and embroidered with gold. Whom, after he was once established in his Kingdom, diverse authors affirm to have granted by his Charter or Patent, Ireland and England both unto the Church of Rome, to be held of it ever after in fee, and to have received it again from the Church, as a feudatory: also to have bound his successors to pay three hundred Marks unto the Bishop of Rome: But that most worthy and famous Sir Thomas Moor, who took the Pope's part even unto death, affirmeth this to be false: For he writeth that the Romanists can show no such grant; that they never demanded the foresaid money, and that the Kings of England never acknowledged it. But by his leave, as great a man as he was, the case stood otherwise, as evidently appeareth by the Parliament Records, the credit whereof cannot be impugned. For in an assembly of all the States of the Realm, in the reign of Edward the third, the Lord Chancellor of England proposed and related, that the Pope would judicially sue the King of England, as well for the Homage as the tribute, which was to be yielded for England and Ireland, to the performance whereof King john in times past had obliged himself and his successors: and of this point which he put to question, required their opinion. The Bishops desired to have a day by themselves for to consult about this matter: the Nobles likewise and the people or Commonalty. The day after, they all met, and with one general accord ordained and enacted: That for as much as neither King john, nor any other King whatsoever, could impose such servitude upon the Kingdom, but with the common consent and assent of a Parliament; which was not done: and whatsoever he had passed was against his oath at his coronation by him in express words religiously taken before God: Therefore in case the Pope should urge this matter, they were most ready, to the uttermost of their power, to resist him resolutely with their bodies and goods. They also who are skilful in scanning and sifting every prick and tittle of the laws, cry out with one voice, That the said Grant or Charter of King john was void in Law, by that clause and reservation in the end thereof; Saving unto us and our heirs, all our Rights, Liberties, and Regalities. But this may seem beside my text. Ever since King John's time, the Kings of England were styled Lords of Ireland, until that King Henry the eighth in the memory of our fathers was in a Parliament of Ireland, by the States thereof declared King of Ireland, because the name of Lord seemed in the judgement of certain seditious persons, nothing so sacred and full of majesty as the name of King. This name and title of the Kingdom of Ireland were by the Pope's authority (what time as Queen Marie in the year 1555. had by her Ambassadors in the name of the Kingdom of England tendered obedience unto the Pope Paul the fourth) confirmed in these words. To the laud and glory of almighty God, and his most glorious mother the Virgin Mary: to the honour also of the whole Court of heaven, and the exaltation of the Catholic faith, as the humble request and suit made unto us by King Philip and Queen Marie about this matter, we, with the advice of our brethren, and of plenary power Apostolical by our Apostolical authority, erect for ever Ireland to be a Kingdom, and endow, dignify, and exalt with the title, dignity, honour, faculties, rights, ensigns, prerogatives, preferments, preeminencies royal, and such as other Realms of Christians have, use, and enjoy▪ and may have, use, and enjoy for the times to come. And seeing that I have happened upon those Nobleman's names, who first of all English gave the attempt upon Ireland, and most valiantly subdued it under the imperial crown of England, lest I might seem upon envy to deprive both them and their posterity of this due and deserved glory, I will set them down here out of the Chancery of Ireland, according as the title doth purport. The names of them that came with Dermot Mac Morrog into Ireland. Richard Strongbow Earl of Pembroch, who by Eve the daughter of Morrog the Irish petty King aforesaid, had one only daughter, and she brought unto William marshal the title of the Earldom of Pembroch, with fair lands in Ireland, and a goodly issue, five sons, who succeeded one another in a row, all childless: and as many daughters, which enriched their husbands, Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, Guarin Montchensey, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester, William Ferrars Earl of Derby, and William Breose, with children, honours, and possessions. Robert Fitz-Stephen. Harvey de Mont-Marish. Maurice Prendergest. Robert Barr. Meiler Meilerine. Maurice Fitz-Girald. Redmund nephew of Fitz-Stephen. William Ferrand. Miles de Cogan. Richard de Cogan. Gualther de Ridensford. Gualther and sons of Maurice Fitz-Girald. Alexander sons of Maurice Fitz-Girald. William Notte. Robert Fitz-Bernard. Hugh Lacie. William Fitz-Aldelm. William Maccarell. Humphrey Bohun. Hugh de Gundevill. Philip de Hasting. Hugh Tirell. David Walsh. Robert Poer. Osbert de Herloter. William de Bendenges. Adam de Gernez. Philip de Breos. Griffin, nephew of Fitz-Stephen. Raulfe Fitz-Stephen. Walter de Barry. Philip Walsh. Adam de Hereford. To whom may be added out of Giraldus Cambrensis, john Curcy. Hugh Contilon. Redmund Cantimore. Redmund Fitz-Hugh. Miles of S. David's, and others. The Government of the Kingdom of Ireland. EVer since that Ireland became subject unto England, the Kings of England have sent over thither, to manage the state of the Realm, their Regent's or Vice-gerents, The Viceroys of Ireland. whom they termed in those writings or letters Patents of theirs (whereby authority and jurisdiction is committed unto them) first, * Custodes, or Wardens. Keepers of Ireland: then afterwards, according as it pleased them, justices of Ireland, lieutenants, and Deputies. Which authority and jurisdiction of theirs is very large, ample, and royal; whereby they have power to make war, to conclude peace, to bestow all Magistracies and Offices, except a very few; to pardon all crimes, unless they be some of high treason, to dub Knights, etc. These letters Patents, when any one entereth upon this honourable place of government, are publicly read, and after a solemn oath taken in a set form of words before the Chancellor, the sword is delivered into his hands, which is to be borne before him; he is placed in a chair of estate, having standing by him the Chancellor of the Realm, those of the Privy Council, the Peers and Nobles of the kingdom, with a King of Arms, a Sergeant of Arms, and other Officers of State. And verily there is not (look throughout all Christendom again) any other Viceroy that cometh nearer unto the majesty of a King, whether you respect his jurisdiction and authority, or his train, furniture and provision. There be assistant unto him in counsel, the Lord Chancellor of the Realm, the Treasurer of the Kingdom, and others of the Earls, Bishops, Barons, and Judges, which are of the Privy Council. For Ireland hath the very same degrees of States that England hath, The states of Ireland. namely, Earls, Barons, Knights, Esquires, etc. The Courts of Justice, or Tribunals of Ireland. THe supreme Court of the Kingdom of Ireland is the Parliament, which at the pleasure of the Kings of England is usually called by the Deputy, and by him dissolved: although in the reign of King Edward the second, a Law was enacted, Parliamentum claus. anno 12. The Tribunals of Ireland. That every year there should be Parliaments holden in Ireland, which seemeth yet not to have been effected. There be likewise four Terms kept, as in England, yearly: and there are five Courts of Justice; The Star-chamber, the Chancery, the King's Bench, the common Pleas, and the Exchequer. There are also justices of Assizes, of Nisi prius, and of Oyer and Determiner, according as in England: yea and justices of Peace in every county, for the keeping of peace. Moreover, the King hath his Sergeant at law, his Attorney General, his Solicitor, etc. Over and beside, in the more remote Provinces there be Governors to minister Justice; as a principal Commissioner in Connaught, and a Precedent in Monster: who have to assist them in Commission certain Gentlemen and Lawyers, and yet every of them are directed by the King's Lieutenant deputy. As for the common laws, Ireland is governed by the same that England hath. For we read in the Records of the Kingdom thus: King Henry the third, in the 12. year of his reign, gave commandment to his justice of Ireland, that calling together the Archbishops, Bishops, Barons, and Knights, he should cause there before them to be read the Charter of King john; which he caused to be read accordingly, and the Nobles of Ireland to be sworn, as touching the observation of the laws and customs of England, and that they should hold and keep the same. Nevertheless the mere Irish did not admit them, but retained their own Brehon laws and lewd customs. And the Kings of England used a connivance therein upon some deep consideration, not vouchsafing to communicate the benefit of the English laws, but upon especial grace to especial families or sects; namely, the O Neales', OH Conors, O Brien, O Maloghlins, and Mac Murough, which were reputed of the blood royal among them. The Parliamentary or Statute laws also of England being transmitted, were usually in force in Ireland unto the time of K. Henry the seventh. For in the tenth year of his reign, those were ratified & confirmed by authority of Parliament in Ireland, in the time of Sir Edw. Poinings government, but ever since they have had their Statutes enacted in their own Parliaments. Besides these civil Magistrates, they have also one military officer, named the Mareshal, who standeth here in great stead, to restrain as well the insolency of soldiers, as of rebels, who otherwhiles commit many & great insolences. This office the Barons de Morley of England bore in times passed by inheritance, as appeareth by Records for King John gave it to be held by right of inheritance, Mareshall of Ireland. in these very express words, We have given and granted unto john Marshal for his homage and service, Anno 9 R. johannis. our Mareshalship of Ireland, with all appurtenances. We have given also unto him for his homage and service, the Cantred in which standeth the town of Kilbunny, to have and to hold unto him and his heirs of us and our heirs. From whom it descended in the right line to the Barons of Morley. This marshal hath under him his Provost Martial, and sometime more than one, according to the occasions and troubles of the time, who exercise their authority by limitation under the great seal of Ireland, with instructions. But these, and such like matters, I will leave to the curious diligence of others. Touching the order of justice and government among those more uncivil and wild Irish, I will write somewhat in place convenient, when I shall treat of their manners. THE DIVISION OF IRELAND. Division of Ireland. IRELAND, according to the manners of the inhabitants, is divided into two parts: for they that refuse to be under laws, and do live without civility, are termed the Irishry, and commonly the Wild Irish: but such as being more civil do reverence the authority of laws, and are willing to appear in Court, and judicially to be tried, are named English-Irish, and their country goeth under the term of The English Pale, because the first Englishmen that came thither did impale for themselves certain limits in the East part of the Island, and that which was most fruitful: Within which there be even at this day, those also that live uncivilly enough, and are not very obedient unto the laws: like as others without the pale are as courteous and civil as a man would desire. But if we look into higher times, according to the situation of the country, or the number rather of governors in old time, it containeth five portions (for it was sometimes a Pentarchy) namely, Monster Southward: Leinster Eastward: Connacht in the West: Ulster in the North: and Meth, well near in the very midst. In Monster are these Counties, Kerry. Desmond. Cork. Waterford. Limiricke. Tipperary, with the county of holy Cross in tipperary. In Leinster be these Counties, Kilkenny. Caterlough. Queen's County. King's County. Kildare. Weishford. Dublin. In Meth are these Counties, East Meath. West Meath. Longford. In Connaght are these Counties, Clare Galloway. Majo. Slego. Letrim. Roscoman. In Ulster be these Counties, Louth. Cavon. Fermanagh. Monaghan. Armagh. Down. Antrim. London-Derry. Tir-Oen. Tir-Conell, or Donegall. The Ecclesiastical State of Ireland was ordered anciently by Bishops, Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. whom either the Archbishop of Canterbury consecrated, or they themselves one another. But in the year 1152. as we read in Philip Flatesburie, Christianus Bishop of Lismore Legate of all Ireland, held a most frequent and honourable Council at Mell, whereat were present the Bishops, Abbats, Kings, Captains, and Elders of Ireland. In which, by authority Apostolical, and by the counsel of Cardinals, with the consent of Bishops, Abbats, and others, there in Consistory he ordained four Archbishoprics in Ireland, Armach, Dublin, Cassile, and Tuem or Toam. The Bishoprics which were Diocessans under these, seeing that now some of them are by the covetous iniquity of the times abolished, others confounded, and conjoined, others again translated another way, I am disposed here to put down (according as they were in old time) out of an ancient Roman PROVINCIAL, faithfully exemplified out of the original. Under the Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland, are the Bishops of Meath, or— Elnamirand. Dune, alias— Dundalethglas. Chlocor, otherwise— Lugundun. Conner. Ardachad. Rathbot. Rathluc. Daln-Liquir. Dearrih or Derri●. Clo●macnois. Dromor. Brefem. To the Archbishop of Dublin are subject the Bishops of Glendelach. Fern. Ossery, alias— De Canic. Lechlin. Kil-dare or Dare. Under the Archbishop of Cassile are the Bishops of Laonie, or— De Kendalnan. Limric. The Isle Gathay. Cellumabrath. Melite or of Emileth. Rossi, alias Roscree. Waterford, alias— De Baltifordian. Lismore. Clon, alias— De Cluanan. Corcage, that is, Cork. De Rosalither. Ardefert, or Kerry. Unto the Archbishop of Tuam or Toam are subject the Bishops of Duac, alias— Kilmacduoc. Mage. Enachdun. De Celaiar. De Rosconmon. Clonfers. Achad, or Achonry Lade or Killaleth. De Conany. De Kilmunduach. Elphin. MOMONIA, or MONSTER! MOMONIA, in Irish Mown, and in ordinary construction of speech Wown, in English Monster, lieth Southward open to the Vergivian sea; separated in some place from Connaght by the river Siney or Shanon, and elsewhere from Lemster by the river Neor. In times past it was divided into many parts, as Towoun, that is, North Monster, Deswoun, that is, South Monster; Higher woun, that is, West Monster; Mean woun, that is, Middle Monster; and Urwoun, that is, The Front of Monster: but at this day into two parts, that is, into West Monster, and South Monster. In the West Monster there dwelled in old time the LUCENI, the VELABRI, and UTERINI: in the South, the OUDIAE or VODIAE, and the CORIONDI: but at this day it is distinguished into seven Counties, Kerry, Desmund, Cork, Limiric, Tipperary, Holy Cross, and Waterford. Where Ireland lieth out most Westward, and treanding toward the Cantabrian Ocean, looketh afar off South-west, with a large interspace, to Gallitia in Spain, there inhabited in old time the VELABRI and LUCENI, as Orosius writeth. The LUCENI of Ireland (who may seem to have had their name and beginning from the LUCENSII of Gallitia, Luceni. in the opposite coast of Spain, and of whose name some relics still remain in the Barony of Lyxnaw) were seated as I suppose in the County of Kerry, and in Conoglogh hard by upon the bank of the river Shanon. THE COUNTY OF KERRY. THe County of Kerry near unto the mouth of Shanon, runneth forth like a little tongue into the sea, beaten on with barking billows on both sides: a country mounting aloft with woody, wild, and solitary mountains: between which there lie many valleys, in some places garnished with cornfields, in others beset also thick with woods. This is reputed a County Palatine, and the Earls of Desmond had in it the dignity and privileges of a Count-Palatine, and that by the bountiful gift of K. Edward the third, who granted unto them all Regal liberties, except four pleas, namely, of Burning, Rape, Forstall, and Treasure trowe, with the profit growing de Croccis, reserved for the Kings of England. But through the licentious iniquity of the men, who neither would nor knew how to use this liberty, it became of late a very sink of mischiefs, and a common receptacle for rebels. In the entrance into this country there is a territory called Clan-Moris, Clan-Morys. of one Moris descended from the stock of Raimund le Grosse, whose heirs successively were called the Barons of Lixnaw. A little river now nameless (which the situation in some sort implieth to be DUR in Ptolomee) cutteth through the midst of this, The river Dur. running by Trayley a small town, laid now in manner desolate, (where the Earls of Desmund had an house. Bishopric of Ardart. ) Hard by standeth Ardart, where the Bishop called of Ardefert, a poor one God wot, hath his poor See. In the farthest point well near of this, where it maketh a promontory, Dingle. there showeth itself on the one side Dingle, a commodious port, Smerwic. on the other side Smerwic Sound a road for ships, for so they term it short in steed of S. Mary-wic: at which of late, when Girald Earl of Desmund, a man notorious for deep treachery to his Prince and country, wickedly wasted Monster with continual harrying and raising booties out of the fields, there arrived certain companies of Italians and Spaniards, sent underhand to aid him from Pope Gregory the thirteenth, and the King of Spain; who here fortifying a place which they called Fort deal o'er, made their bragging bravadoes, and thundered out many a terrible threat. Arthur Baron. Grey. But the most noble and martial Baron, Arthur Lord Grey, Lord deputy, with his very coming and first onset that he made upon them, decided the matter, and ended the quarrel. For immediately they yielded themselves, and the most part of them were put to the sword, which was in policy thought the wisest and safest course, considering in what ticklish terms the state of this Realm than stood, and how the rebels in every place were up in arms. And the Earl of Desmund himself at length in his fearful flight being forced to take the woods hard by for his refuge, was soon after in a poor cottage by a soldier or two rushing in upon him, 1583. first wounded, and afterwards being known, cut shorter by the head, and so paid worthily for his perfidious treason, and the wasting of his country. Here some man happily would think it not correspondent to the gravity of this work, A ridiculous conceit. if I should but relate what a ridiculous opinion hathfully possessed the minds of a number of the Irishry, yea and persuaded them verily to believe that he who in that barbarous Pharaoh and out cry of the Soldiers, which with great straining of their voice they use to set up when they join battle, doth not cry and hout as the rest do, is suddenly caught up from the ground, and carried as it were flying in the air, into these desert valleys, out of any country of Ireland whatsoever: where he eateth grass, lappeth water, knoweth not in what state he is, good or bad, hath some use of reason but not of speech, but shall be caught at length with the help of hounds and the hunters, and brought home to their own homes. DESMONIA, or DESMOND. BEneath those ancient LUCENI lieth DESMOND, stretched out far and wide toward the South, called in Irish Deswown, in Latin Desmonia, inhabited in ancient times by the VELLABRI and IBERNI, which in some copies are written UTERINI. Velabri. As for these VELABRI, they may seem so named of ABER, that is, salt water washes, for that they dwelled upon such Friths, divided one from another by many and those notable arms of the sea running between: whence also the Artabri and Cantabri in Spain had their denomination. Among these arms of the sea, three promontories, beside Kerry aforesaid, with crooked and winding shores run out into the South-west, and those the inhabitants termed in old time Hierwoun, that is, West-Mounster. The first of them between Dingle bay and the river Mair, is named Clancar, and hath a castle built at Dunkeran by the carew's of England. In this dwelled Donald Mac Carty More, a Lord of the Irish blood, who in the year 1566. resigned up unto Queen Elizabeth's hands his possessions and lands, 1565. and took them again of her, to hold the same after the English manner by fee, Barons of Valentia. Barle Clan-Ca●r. doing homage and fealty. And at the same time he was 〈◊〉 created Baron of Valentia (an Island adjoining) and Earl of Clancar. A man in this tract of great name and power, a most deadly foe in times passed of the Fitz-Giralds, who disseized his ancestors, Kings (as he stiffly avoucheth) of Desmond, of their ancient seat and habitation. But long enjoied not he this honour: and having but one only daughter legitimate, he matched her in marriage with Florence Mac Carty, and departed out of this life an aged man. The second promontory enclosed within two bays, More and Bantre, is named Bear, Bear. standing for the most part upon hungry gravel, and a lean stony soil: In which live O Swillivant Bear, O Swilivant. and O Swillivant Bantre, descended both of one and the same stock, men of great nobility in their country. The third is called Eraugh, lying between Bantre and Balatimore or Baltimore, a Bay or Creek passing well known by reason of the abundance of Herrings taken there: whereunto resorteth every year a great fleet of Spaniards and Portugals, even in the mids of winter, O Mahon. to fish for Cod. In this the O Mahons by the beneficial gift of M. Carew received fair lands and Lordships. This is that Ptolomee calleth NOTIUM, Notium Promontorium. The river I●rnus. that is, the South-Promontorie, at this day named Missen-head, under which (as we may read in him) the river JERNUS is disgorged into the Ocean. But what name the said river now hath, in so great obscurity I hardly dare divine, unless it be that which they call More, and runneth hard under Dunkeran aforesaid. Neither wot I how to guess at those people, whom the same Ptolomee placeth upon these promontories, seeing that according to the variety of copies they have sundry names, as IBERNI, OUTERNI, IBERI, and IVERNI, unless peradventure, like as their neighbours the LUCENI and CONCANI did, they flitted hither from among the Iberi of Spain. Well, this name of Desmond in the foregoing ages stretched far and wide in this tract, even from the sea unto the river Shanon, and was called also South-Mounster. Earls of Desmond. The Fitz-Giralds descended out of the house of Kildare, having subdued the Irish, became Lords here of very large and goodly possessions: and of them Maurice Fitz-Thomas (unto whom T. Carew heir unto the Seignory of Desmond, had before passed away his right of Desmond) was in the third year of King Edward the third created the first Earl of Desmond. Among whose posterity many there were, great men for their valour and wealth, whose credit also and reputation reached far. But a bad name there went, and still doth, of James; who having excluded his nephew from the inheritance, entered himself by force upon it, and imposed upon the people those most grievous tributes of Coin, Livery, Cocherings, Bonaghty, etc. for the maintenance of Galloglasses and Soldiers to spoil and harry the country. Which when his son Thomas exacted and gathered of the poor people, he was by the commandment of John Tiptoft Deputy Lieutenant beheaded in the year 1467. and so suffered due punishment for his own and his father's wickedness. Howbeit when his children were restored again, in their offspring this honour continued, and descended in right of inheritance unto Girald that rebel, whom erewhile I named, who wilfully overthrew a most noble and potent family. And when he was attainted by Parliamentary authority, Desmond was adjudged and annexed to the Crown land, reduced into the rank of counties, and a Sheriff was ordained to govern it from year to year. Nevertheless in the last rebellion the rebels erected a titulary Earl; and against him Queen Elizabeth granted the title of Earl of Desmond unto james Fitz-Girald, son to the foresaid rebel, who shortly after died issueless in the year 1601. They that herein bear the greatest name and most puissance are of the race of the Giraldines, or Fitz-Giralds, although they have for sundry respects assumed unto themselves diverse surnames. VODIAE, and CORIONDI. AFter the Iberi, Vodiae a people. there dwelled far in the country the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, who are termed also VODIAE, and UDIAE: the footing of which name doth more expressly show itself in Idou and Idouth, two small territories: like as the name of CORIONDI, Coriandi a people. in the county of Cork bordering upon them. These nations inhabited the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Limericke, and Waterford. COMITATUS CORCAGIENSIS, commonly called THE COUNTY OF CORK. THe County of Cork, which in old time was reputed a Kingdom, comprised the whole tract along the sea from Lismore unto Saint Brend, where it affronteth Desmond Westward, hath in the midland parts thereof Mu●keray, Muskeray. a wild and woody country; wherein Cormac Mac-Teg is of great name: and toward the sea coast Carbray, Carbray. in which the Mac-Carties bear the most sway. By the sea side, the first place that we meet with is Rosse, a road and port in times passed well frequented, but now less resorted unto by reason of a bar of sand. From thence with a narrow neck runneth out a biland, called the Old head of Kinsale, near unto which the family of the Curcies flourished in ancient times, famous for their wealth; descended from a brother of john Curcy the Englishman that subdued Ulster; and out of which there remaineth here still Curcy Baron of Ringrom; but at this day (this is the world) of weak and mean estate. After it, at the mouth of the river Bany, in a fertile soil and well woodded, standeth Kinsale, a very commodious port, and a town fortified with old walls: under which in the year 1601. the kingdom of Ireland lay a bleeding, and put it was upon the hazard, as it were, of one cast of a die, whether it should be subject to England or Spain: what time as the Island was endangered both with foreign and domestical war, Spaniard landed in Ireland, and from thence driven. and eight thousand old trained soldiers under the conduct of Don john D' Aquila, had of a sudden surprised and fortified it, confident upon the censures and excommunications of Pius the fifth, Gregory the thirteenth, and Clement the eighth, Popes of Rome, discharged like thunderbolts upon Queen Elizabeth, and presuming confidently upon the aids of rebels, who had sent for them, under a goodly show of restoring religion (which in this age and variance about religion, is every where pretended for to mask and cloak most ungracious and wicked designs.) But Sir Charles Blunt Baron Mountjoy, L. Deputy, presently belayed it round about both by sea and land, albeit his soldiers were tired, toiled out, and the season of the year most incommodious, as being midwinter: and withal, made head also against a rabble of rebels, whom the Earl of Tir-Oen, O-Donel, Mac-Gwyre, and Mac-Mahound had raised and gotten thither; and with such valour and fortitude so fortunately daunted and repressed their malapert boldness, that with one victory he both had the town with the Spaniards in it yielded unto him, and also wrested, as it were, out of the hands of all Ireland throughout, now at the point of revolt, (for they that deliberate are revolted already) both sword and fire. On the other side of the river from Kinsale lieth Kerry-Wherry, Kerry-wherry. a little territory of late belonging to the Earls of Desmond. Just before which runneth the river that Ptolomee calleth DAURONA, Giraldus Cambrensis, by changing only one letter, Sauranus and Saveranus, which issuing out of Mu●kerey mountains, passeth along by that principal City of the county, graced with an Episcopal dignity (whereunto is annexed the Bishops See of Clon) which Giraldus nameth Corragia, Englishmen Cork, and the natural inhabitants of the country Coreach: enclosed within a circuit of walls in form of an egg, with the river flowing round about it and running between, not passable through but by bridges, lying out in length, as it were, in one direct broad street, and the same having a bridge over it: Howbeit a pretty town of merchandise it is, well peopled, and much resorted unto; but so beset on every side with rebels neighbouring upon it, that they are fain to keep always a set watch and ward, as if they had continual siege laid unto their City, and dare not marry their daughters forth into the country, but make marriages one with another among themselves; whereby all the Citizens are linked together in some degree or other of kindred and affinity. The report goeth that Brioc that most devout and holy man (who in that fruitful age of Saints flourished among the Gauls, and from whom the Diocese of Sanbrioch in Britain Armorica, commonly called S. Brieu took the name) was borne and bred here. Beneath Cork the river parting in twain, environeth a large and very pleasant Island, over against the principal dwelling house of that most ancient and noble family of the Barries, which thereupon is called Barry Court. For that family is derived from Robert de Barry an Englishman, a personage of great worth, and renowned: who notwithstanding chose rather among the first to be chief indeed, than to seem chief; who in the winning of Ireland received wounds and hurt, and the first man he was in Ireland that manned and brought the Hawk to hand. His posterity by their long approved loyalty and martial prowess, deserved to receive of the Kings of England, first the title of Baron Barry, Viscount Butiphant. afterwards of Viscount Butiphant, & for their great lands and wealth, got among the people the surname Barry more, that is, Barry the great. Below Barry-court, the river Saveren, hard by Imokelly a fair possession long since of the Earl of Desmond, loseth itself in the Ocean, affording at the very mouth commodious harbours and havens. As Saveren watereth the neither part of this country, so Broodwater, called in times past Aven-more, that is, The great River, moisteneth the upper: upon which inhabiteth the Noble family of Roch, Baron Roch Viscount Fermoy. which being transplanted out of England hath grown up and prospered here very well, and now enjoieth the title of Viscount Fermoy. Certain it is, that in the reign of Edward the second, they were entitled with the honour of Parliament-Barons, considering that George Roch was fined in two hundred Marks, because upon summons given, he came not to the Parliament at Dublin: where Broodwater (which for a good while runneth as a bound between this county and the county of Waterford) entering into the sea maketh an haven, standeth Yoghall; Yoghall. no great town, but walled round about, built in fashion somewhat long, and divided into two parts: the upper, which is the greater part, stretching out Northward, hath a Church in it, and without the wall a little Abbey which they call North Abbey: the neither part reaching Southward, called the Base-towne, had also an Abbey called South Abbey; and the commodiousness of the haven, which hath a well fenced Key belonging unto it, The Key. and the fruitfulness withal of the country adjoining, draweth Merchants unto it, so as it is well frequented and inhabited, yea and hath a Mayor for the head Magistrate. Thus far in these days reacheth the county of Cork, The kingdom of Cork. which in times past, as I said even now, was counted a kingdom, and went farther, as which contained within it Desmond also. This kingdom King Henry the second gave and granted unto Sir Robert Fitz-Stephen, and to Sir Miles de Cogan in these words: Know ye that I have granted the whole kingdom of Cork, excepting the City and Cantred of the Oustmen, to hold for them and their heirs, of me and john my son, by the service of 60. knights. And the carew's of England were heirs to that Fitz-Stephen, from whom Sir George Carew, now Baron Carew of Clopton, lineally and directly deriveth his descent, who not long since was the Lord Precedent of Monster, and in some of these obscure Irish matters (which I willingly acknowledge) hath directed me by the light of his knowledge. THE COUNTY OF WATERFORD. ON the East coast of Ireland the county of WATERFORD extendeth itself between the rivers Broodwater West, Shower East, the Ocean from the South, and the county of Tipperary Northward: a goodly country, as well for pleasant site as fertile soil. Upon Broodwater, so soon as it hath left Cork county behind it, Lismor. Christian a Bishop. Lismore showeth itself, well known for an Episcopal See in it, where Christian sat sometime the Bishop, and Legate of Ireland about the year 1148. a Prelate that deserved passing well of the Irish Church, trained in his youth at Clarevall in the same cloister with St. Bernard and Pope Eugenius. But now, since that the possessions in manner all have been alienated, it is united unto the Bishopric of Waterford. But near unto the mouth of the said river, standeth Ardmor a little town, so called because it standeth near the sea, of which, and of this river Necham long since versified thus. Urbem Lisimor pertransit flumen Avenmor, Ardmor cernit ubi concitus aequor adit. Ardmor. The river named Avenmor through Lismor town doth run, Ardnor him sees, and there apace to sea he speeds anon. The little territory adjoining unto it is called Dessee, Dessee. the Lord whereof, one of the family of Desmond, received in our remembrance the honourable title of Viscount Dessee: but for that he had no issue male, it vanished with him in a short time. Not far from hence standeth Dungarvan upon the sea, Dungarvan. a town well fortified with a castle, and as commodious by reason of the road for ships: which together with the Barony of Dungarvan King Henry the sixth bountifully granted unto John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury: but afterward, seeing it stood handsomely to that part of Monster which was to be brought under and reduced to order, it was by authority of Parliament annexed to the Imperial Crown of the Kings of England for ever. Near unto it flourished the Poers of ancient nobility (from the very first time that Ireland was conquered by the English) and afterward advanced to the honourable title of the Barons of Curraghmore. Poers' Barons of Curraghmore. Waterford. But upon the bank of the river Suyr, Waterford the chief and principal city of this county maketh a goodly show. Concerning which old Necham writeth in this wise. Suirius insignem gaudet ditare Waterford, Aequoreis undis associatur ibi. The river Suyr hath great desire, Fair Waterford rich to make: For in this place he hies apace, His course with sea to take. This city which the Irish and Britan's call Porthlargy, the English Waterford, was built by certain Pirates of Norway; and although it standeth in an air somewhat gross, and upon a soil not very fruitful, and the streets therein be with the narrowest, thrust close and penned together; yet such is the convenience and commodiousness of the haven, that for wealth, fresh trading, and frequent resort it is the second City in all Ireland, and hath always showed a singular loialty, fidelity, and obedience to the Imperial Crown of England. For ever since that Richard Earl of Pembroke won it, it hath continued so faithful and quietly disposed, that it performed at all times safe and secure peace unto the English on their backs, whiles they went on in the conquering of Ireland. Whence it is that the Kings of England have granted unto it very many, and those right large Franchises, which King Henry the seventh augmented, and confirmed, because the Citizens had demeaned themselves most valiantly and wisely against that Mock-Prince Perkin Warbeck, who being a young man of base condition, by hoising up the full sails of impudence went about to mount up aloft unto the Imperial diadem, whiles he a mere suborned counterfeit took upon him to be Richard Duke of York, the second son of King Edward the fourth. Earl of Waterford. This county of Waterford together with the city, King Henry the sixth gave unto john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury aforesaid, by these words, which because they testify the valorous virtue of that most martial Knight, to the end that virtue might have the due honour thereto belonging, I think it worth my labour, and haply any man else would deem no less, to put down out of the Record; which may be Englished thus. We therefore, saith the King, (after other eloquent terms penned by the Secretaries of that age, when there was but simple Latin) weighing with due consideration the valiant prowess of our most dear and faithful cousin, John Earl of Shrewsbury and of Weisford, Lord Talbot, Furnivall, and Le Strange, sufficiently tried and approved even unto his old age in the wars aforesaid, upon his body no less bedewed with sweat many a time than embrued with blood; and considering in what sort our County and City of Waterford in our land of Ireland, the Castle, Seignory, Honour, Land, and Barony of Dungarvan, and all the Lordships, Lands, Honours, and Baronies with the pertinences within the same County, which by forfeiture of rebels, by reversion or decease of any person or persons, by escheat, or any other title of law ought to come into our hands or our progenitors, or in the same to be by reason of the hostile invasions of our enemies and rebels in those parts, are become so desolate, and lie so much exposed to the spoils of war, wholly as it were wasted, that they turn us to no profit, but have and do redound oftentimes to our detriment: in this regard also, that by the same our Cousin our foresaid land of Ireland may the more valiantly be defended in those parts against such attempts and invasions of our enemies and rebels, do ordain, promote, and create him Earl of Waterford, together with the style, title, name, and honour thereto belonging. And because as the highness of his state and degree groweth, all things consequently of necessity grow withal, upon our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, and for the estate of the Earl himself our Cousin to be maintained in more decent manner, we have given, granted, and by these our letters confirmed unto the same Earl the County aforesaid, together with the foresaid style, title, name, and honour of Earl of Waterford; yea and the foresaid City, with the fee ferme of the same, the Castles, Lordships, Honours, Lands and Baronies, with the pertinences within the County: likewise all and every sort the Manors, Hundreds, Wapentakes, etc. all along the sea coast, from the town of Yoghall unto Waterford City aforesaid, To have and to hold the foresaid County of Waterford, the style, title, name, and honour of Earl of Waterford, and the City Waterford aforesaid, the Castle, Seignory, Honour, Land, and Barony of Dungarvan, and all other Lordships, Honours, Lands and Baronies within the said county: as also all and every the foresaid Manors, Hundreds, etc. unto the above named Earl and the heirs males issuing out of his body (to have I say and to hold) of us and our heirs, by homage, fealty, Steward of Ireland. and the service of being and to be our Seneschal or Steward, and that his heirs be the Seneschals of Ireland to us and our heirs, throughout our whole land of Ireland, to do and that he do, and ought himself to do in the same his office, that which his predecessors Seneschals of England were wont to do hitherto in that office, for ever. In witness whereof, etc. But when as (whiles the Kings of England and the Nobles, who had large and goodly possessions in Ireland, were much busied and troubled a long time; first, with the wars of France, and afterward with civil wars at home) Ireland lay in manner neglected, and the State of English there falling still to decay, was now in manner come to nothing: but the Irishry, by occasion of the others absence, grew exceeding mighty: for to recover these losses, and to abate the power of the Irish, it was ordained and enacted by the States of the Realm in Parliament, An. 28. H. 8. that the Earl of Shrewsbury, for his absence and carelessness in maintaining of his own, should surrender into the hands of the King and his successors the Earldom and town of Waterford: the Duke of Norfolk likewise, the Baron Barkley, the heirs general of the Earl of Ormond, and all the Abbats, Priors, etc. of England, who had any lands, should surrender up all their possessions unto the King and his successors for the same absence and neglect. THE COUNTY OF LIMERICK. HItherto have we gone over the Maritime counties of Monster: two there remain yet behind that be in-lands, Limericke and Tipperary, which we are now to go unto. The county of LIMERICK lieth behind that of Cork Northward, between Kerry, the river Shanon, and the county of Tipperary. A fertile country, and well peopled, but able to show very few places of any good account and importance. The more Western part of it is called Conilagh; Conilagh. Knoc-Patric. wherein among the hills, Knock-Patric, that is Patrick's hill, mounteth up of a mighty height, and yielding a pleasant prospect into the sea, beholdeth afar off the river Shanon, falling with a wide and waste mouth into the Vergivian or Ocean. Under which hill a sept of Fitz-Giralds, or Giraldines, lived honourably a long time, Knight of the Valley. Anno 11. Reg. Eliz. until that Thomas, called the Knight of the Valley, or of the Glin, when his graceless son that wicked firebrand suffered death (for to set villages and houses a fire is by the laws of Ireland high treason) because himself advised his son, and set him on to enter into these lewd actions, by authority of the Parliament was disseized of his goodly and large possessions. The head City of this county is Limerick, which Shanon, a most famous river, by parting his channel compasseth round about. The Irish call it Loumeag, Limirick. and the English Limirick. A Bishops See this is, and a very famous mart town of Monster; first forcibly won by Reimundo the Gross, an Englishman, the son of William Girald, afterwards burnt by Duvenald an Irish petty King of Thuetmond: and then in process of time Philip Breos an Englishman was enfeoffed in it, & King John fortified it with a castle. At this day it is counted two towns. The upper (for so they call it) wherein stand the Cathedral Church and the castle, hath two gates opening into it, and each of them a fair bridge unto it of stone, with bulwarks and little draw bridges: the one leading into the West, the other into the East, unto which the neither town joineth, fenced with a wall, with a castle also thereto, and a foregate at the entrance into it. More into the East standeth Clan-William, Clan-William. so named of the sept or kindred of William, who came out of the family de Burgo (the Irish call it Burke) which dwelleth therein: and out of which house Queen Elizabeth conferred upon William, who slew james Fitz-Moris that tempestuous troubler of his country, Baron of Castle Conell. the title and honour of Baron of Castle-Conel, (where Richard the Red Earl of Ulster, had strengthened a castle) together with a yearly pension, as a reward of his valour, and to his comfort and meed for the loss of his sons, slain in that encounter. In the South part of this county is Kil-Mallo, the second town next to Limirick both for wealth and for number of inhabitants, enclosed also with a wall about it: likewise Adar, a little town in old time fortified, standing upon the same river; which streightwaies emptieth itself into Shanon: Clan-Gibbon. hard unto which lieth Clan-Gibbon, the Lord whereof john Fitz-Girald, called john Oge Fitz-Iohn Fitz Gibbon, and for the grey hairs of his head, The white Knight, was attainted by Parliament for his wicked acts: but his son through the clemency of Queen Elizabeth was restored to his full estate. Of great note and name above the rest in this tract, besides those Bourks', 13. Elizab. Fitz-Geralds. Giraldines, and Fitz-Giralds, are the Laceys, brown's, Hurleys, Chaceys, Sapells, and Pourcels, all of the English race: also the Mac-Shees, Mac-Brien O-Brian, etc. of Irish breed. THE COUNTY OF TIPPERARY. THe county Tipperary Westward is bounded with Limirick-shire aforesaid and the river Shanon, Eastward with the county of Kilkenny, toward the South with the counties of Cork and Waterford, and North with the territory of the O-Carolls. The South part is an exceeding fertile country, and yieldeth corn abundantly, furnished also sufficiently with good and frequent buildings. The West part of it the river Glason passeth through, and watereth with a long course: Emely. not far from the bank whereof standeth Emely, or Awne, a Bishops See, which hath been in times past, by report, a City very populous and of great resort. Through the midst of it runneth the noble river Shower, or Swire, The lower Ossery. which streaming out of Bladin hill, speeding through the lower Ossery (which by the bountiful favour of King Henry the eighth entitled the Butler's Earls of Ossery) and through Thurles, which honoureth them with the dignity of Viscount's, first goeth unto Holy Cross, a right famous Abbey in times past (whence the country also adjoining is commonly termed the County of the Holy Cross of Tipperary) and enjoieth certain peculiar freedoms, The county of Holy Cross of Tipperary. Wood of the Crosse. granted in honour of a piece of Christ's cross there sometimes preserved. The whole world (saith Saint Cyrill) is full of pieces of this wood, and yet by a continual miracle (as Paulinus saith) it hath never been impaired. Thus were Christians persuaded in ancient times. And incredible it is what a confluence there is even yet of people continually upon devotion hither, as unto an holy place. So firmly doth this nation persevere in the old Religion of their forefathers, which the careless negligence of their Prelates, and ignorance together, hath beyond all measure increased, when as there be none to instruct and teach them otherwise. Then Shower passeth beside Cassile, Cassile. beautified with an archiepiscopal dignity by Engenius the third Bishop of Rome, which had under it in times past many Bishops as Suffragans. From thence runneth the river down, sprinkling Islands here and there in the way, and fetcheth a compass about Cahir Castle: which out of the family of the Butlers hath a Baron advanced to that dignity by Queen Elizabeth: Baron de Cahir. but his son stained himself with perfidious disloialty, and suffered for it, when as the Castle was by the Earl of Essex taken in the year 1599 and himself cast into prison. Clomell. Then holding on his course by Clomell, a market town well frequented and fenced, as also by Carick Mac-Griffin, situate upon a rock, whereof also it took name (the habitation of the Earls of Ormond, which together with the honour of Earl of Carrick King Edward the second granted unto Edmund Boteler or Butler) it leaveth Tipperary behind it, Earl of Caricke. Anno 9 Ed. 2. and serveth in steed of a limit to confine the Counties of Waterford and Kilkenny. Thus much of the places in the South side of this county. As for that which lieth Northward, lean it is and very barren, peaking up with high tops of mountains, and twelve above the rest, as it were, huddled up together, which they term Phelemge Modona. Ormond. This part in Latin is called Ormondia, in Irish Orwowon, that is, the Front of Monster, in English Ormond, and most men name it very corruptly Wormwood. All the name and glory whereof ariseth from the Earls, Butler's Earls of Ormond. Anno 2. Ed. 3. of whom there hath been a number since james Butler, upon whom and his heir's King Edward the third conferred this title of honour for term of life, with the Royalty also and other liberties with Knights fees in the county of Tipperary, the which his posterity through the favour of the Kings of England still enjoy: whence this County is reputed Palatine, and he of some was styled Earl of Tipperary. Earl of Tipperary. The ancestors of this James were in old time the Butlers (an honourable office) of Ireland; and from thence came this surname Le Boteler or Butler imposed upon them: and certain it is that they were linked in most near alliance unto St. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury (as who derive their descent from his sister): and that after he was murdered, they were by King Henry the second removed into Ireland, who supposed that he should disburden himself of the world's hatred for that fact, in case he advanced the kinsfolks and allies of the said Thomas to rich revenues and high honours. The first Earl of Ormond in this family, was James son to Edmund Earl of Carrack, who wedded the daughter of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford, whom he had by a daughter of King Edward the first: and here was his first step unto this honour. Hereupon James his son by this marriage came to be commonly named among the people, The noble Earl. The fifth Earl of these named James (that I may not stand particularly upon every one) received at the hands of King Henry the sixth the title and honour of Earl of Wiltshire, to him and to the heirs of his body: who being Lord Deputy of Ireland, as diverse others of this race, and Lord Treasurer of England, standing attainted by King Edward the fourth, was strait ways apprehended and beheaded: but his brethren John and Thomas, likewise proclaimed traitors, kept themselves close out of the way: John died at Jerusalem without issue. Thomas, through the special favour of King Henry the seventh, was in the end restored to his blood: who departed this life in the year 1515. leaving behind him two daughters, Anne married to Sir james de sancto Leodegano, called commonly Sellinger; and Margaret unto Sir William Bollein, who bore unto him Sir Tho. Bollein: whom King Henry the eighth created first Viscount Rochfort, afterwards Earl of Wiltshire and of Ormond, and afterward took Anne Bollein his daughter to wife; who brought forth for England Queen Elizabeth, a Prince of most happy memory, and with all thankfulness to be always remembered by the English and Irish. When Thomas Bollein was dead leaving no issue male, Sir Pierce Butler, a man of great power in Ireland, descended of the Earl's race, whom Henry the eighth had before time created Earl of Osserie, attained also to the title of Ormond, and left the same unto his son James, who had issue by the daughter and heir of James Earl of Desmond a son named Thomas Earl of Ormond now living; whose faith and loyalty hath been passing well tried and approved in many troubles and dangerous affairs: who also hath joined in marriage his only daughter unto Theobald Butler his brother's son, whom King James hath advanced lately to the title of Viscount Tullo. Whereas some of the Irish, Wolfmen. and such as would be thought worthy of credit, do affirm, that certain men in this tract are yearly turned into Wolves: surely I suppose it be a mere fable: unless haply through that malicious humour of predominant unkind Melancholy, they be possessed with the malady that the Physicians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The disease Lycanthropia. which raiseth and engendereth such like fantasies, as that they imagine themselves to be transformed into Wolves. Neither dare I otherwise affirm of those metamorphosed Lycaones in Liveland, concerning whom many Writers deliver many and marvellous reports. Thus far as touching the Province of Monster, for the government whereof Queen Elizabeth, when she bethought herself most wisely, politicly, and princely, which way she might procure the good and wealth of Ireland, ordained a Lord Precedent to be the reformer and punisher of inconsiderate rashness, the director also and moderator of duty, together with one Assistant, two learned Lawyers, and a Secretary: and the first Precedent that she made was Sir Warham S. Leger Knight, a man of great experience in Irish affairs. LAGENIA, or LEINSTER. THe second part of Ireland, which the inhabitants call Leighnigh, the Britan's Lein, the English Leinster, and Latin writers Lagenia, and in the ancient lives of the Saints, Lagen, lieth all of it on the Seaside Eastward, bounded toward Monster with the river Neor (which notwithstanding in many places it passeth beyond) on Connaght side for a good space with Shanon, and toward Meath with the peculiar known limits. The Country is fertile and fruitful, the air most mild and temperate, and the people there inhabiting come nearest of all other to the gentle disposition and civil conversation of England their neighbour Island, from whence they are for the most part descended. In Ptolomees days therein were seated the brigants, MENAPII, CAUCI, and BLANI: and peradventure from these Blani are derived and contracted these later and modern names, Lein, Leinigh, and Leinster. But now it is divided into the Counties of Kilkenny, Caterlogh, Queen's County, King's County, Kildare, Weisford, and Dublin: to say nothing of Wicklo and Fernes, which either be already, or else are to be laid thereto. brigants, or BIRGANTES. THe brigants seem to have planted themselves between the mouth of the river and the confluence of Neor and Barrow, which in Ptolomee is called BRIGUS. Now because there was an ancient City of the brigants in Spain, named BRIGANTIA, Florianus del Campo laboureth tooth and nail to fetch these brigants out of his own country Spain. But if such a conjecture may take place, others might with as great probality derive them from the brigants of Britain, a nation both near and also exceeding populous. But if that be true which I find in certain copies, that this people were called BIRGANTES, both he and the other have miss the mark: For, that these took their denomination of the river BIRGUS, about which they do inhabit, the very name is almost sufficient to persuade us. These brigants, or BIRGANTES, whether you will, dwelled in the Counties of Kilkenny, Ossery, and Caterlogh, watered all with the river BIRGUS. THE COUNTY OF KILKENNY. County of Kilkenny. THe County of Kilkenny is bounded West with the county of Tipperary, East with the counties of Weisford and Caterlogh, South with the county of Waterford, North with Queen's County, and Northwest with upper Osserie. A country that with towns and castles on every side maketh a very goodly show, and for plenty of all things surpasseth the rest. near unto Osserie the mighty and huge mountains Sleiew Bloemy, which Giraldus calleth Bladinae Montes, with their rising tops mount up to a wonderful height: out of the bowels whereof, as from their mother's womb, issue the rivers Shower aforenamed, Neor, and Barrow: which running down in several channels, before they enter into the Ocean join hand in hand all together, whereupon they in old time termed them The three sisters. The Neor, commonly called also Neure, runneth in manner through the midst of Kilkenny county: Upper Ossery. Baron of upper Ossery. and when it is passed with a forward course by the upper Osserie, the first Baron whereof was Barnabas Fitz-Patrick, promoted to that honour by King Edward the sixth, and hath watered many fortresses on both sides, floweth beside Kilkenny, which is as much to say, as the Cell or Church of Canic; which for the sanctimony of his solitary life in this country, was highly renowned: a proper, fair, and wealthy Burrough town this is, and far excelling all other midland Boroughs in this Island: divided into the Irish town and the English town. The Irish town is, as it were, the Suburbs, and hath in it the said Canicks Church, which both gave name unto it, and now also affordeth a See unto the Bishop of Osserie. But the English town is nothing so ancient, built, as I have read, by Ranulph the third Earl of Chester, and fortified with a wall on the West side by Robert Talbot a Nobleman, and with a castle by the Butlers. And sure it is that in the division of lands between the daughters of William Marshal Earl of Penbroch, it fell unto the third daughter, whom Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester married. Somewhat beneath the same Neore, standeth a little walled town, named in English Thomas Town: Thomas Town. in Irish, Bala-Mac-Andan, that is, The town of Antony's son: For it took both names of the founder Thomas Fitz-Anthonie, an Englishman, who flourished under King Henry the third, whose heirs are yet acknowledged the Lords thereof. Callan. Beneath this town the river Callan voideth his stream into Neore: upon which standeth the third Burrough or incorporate town of this county, bearing the same name Callan. Inis Teog. Like as Inise-Teog, which is the fourth. The family of Butlers hath spread and branched far and wide throughout this County, men that with much honour bore a great port, and for their worth and virtues were adorned with the titles of Earls of Carick, Ormond, Wiltshire in England and of Ossorie, as is before said: and at this day there remain of their line, beside the Earl of Ormond, Viscount Thurles, and Knight of the Order of Saint George, Viscount Montgarret, Viscount Tullo, the Barons of Dunboyn and of Cahir, a goodly race also and progeny of Noble Gentlemen. The rest of the Gentry in this Tract that are of better birth and parentage be likewise of English descent, as the Graces, Walshes, lovel's, Foresters, Shortels, Blanch-felds, or Blanchevelstons, Drilanas', Comerfords, etc. THE COUNTY OF CATERLOGH. THe County of CATERLOGH, by contraction Carlogh, toward the Sun rising adjoineth to the County of Kilkenny, wholly, in manner, situate between the rivers Barrow and Slain; of a fertile soil and shaded well with woods; hath two towns in it of better note and importance than the rest, both standing upon the West bank of Barrow: namely, Caterlogh, which Leonel Duke of Clarence began to wall; and Bellingham a most renowned Lord Deputy fortified with a castle; Also Leighlin, called in Latin Lechlinia, where there was an Episcopal Chair, now united to the See of Fernes. These towns have both of them their wards or garrisons, and Constables over them. And whereas the greatest part of this County belonged in right of inheritance unto the Howards Dukes of Norfolk (who by the Earls of Warren drew their descent from the eldest daughter of William marshal Earl of Penbroch) King Henry the eighth by a general consent of the States of the Realm took unto himself, The Statute of Absenties. both from them and also from other Noblemen, yea and from Monasteries in England, all their lands and possessions in Ireland; for that the Lords thereof by neglecting in their absence their own private estates carelessly, brought therewith the public state into danger, as is already showed. From hence Barrow passeth through the Barony Ydron, Barony Ydron. which by right belonged to the carew's: for Sir John Carew an English Knight, died seized thereof in the time of King Edward the third: and which Peter Carew within our memory recovered, as it were by a writ of remitter, after it had been unlawfully usurped, and a long time in the occupation of unjust detainers. Upon the river Slain appeareth Tullo, memorable in this regard, that King James hath lately honoured Theobald Butler, the Earl of Ormonds brother's son, with the title of Viscount Tullo. Cavanaghss. The Cavanaghss dwell a great many of them every way hereabouts, who being descended from Dovenald a younger son, as they say, the Bastard of Dermot the last King of Leinster, are spread and branched out into a very great sept or lineage, a warlike generation renowned for their good horse-manship, and who as yet, though they be exceeding poor, bear themselves in spirit answerable to their ancient nobility. But being at deadly feud amongst themselves, for I wot not what manslaughters, which many years ago they committed one upon another, they daily work their own mischief by mutual wrongs and hurts. When as the English had set some of these to oversee and manage the possessions they had in this part of Ireland, about King Edward the seconds time, they by little and little usurped the whole country unto themselves, and assumed the name of Omores, O More. Out of a pamphlet of Patrick Finglas. and taking into their society the Tolls and Brenes, by little and little disseized the English of all the territory between Caterlogh and the Irish sea. Among these is the confluence of Neore and Barrow, which after they have travailed in a joint stream some few miles from hence in one channel, present both their name and their waters unto their eldest sister the Shower, which straightways is swallowed up at a mouth full of rocks within the gulf of the Ocean: where on the left hand there shooteth out a little promontory with a narrow neck, that showeth a pretty high tower unto the sailors, Hook-Tower. erected by the merchants of Rosse, what time they were in their prosperity, for their direction and safer arrival at the river's mouth. QUEEN'S COUNTY. ABove Caterlogh, toward the Northwest there spreadeth out a little country full of woods and bogs, Lease. named in Irish Lease, and QUEEN'S County in English: which Queen Mary ordained to be a County, by Commission given unto Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex, than Lord deputy, who reduced it into the terms of civil order and government: whence it is that the chief town thereof is called Mary-Burgh: Marry Burgh. where certain garrison soldiers with their Seneschal keep ward, and have much ado to defend themselves against the Omores (who bear themselves as the ancient Lords thereof) against Mac-Gilpatric, the O-Dempsies, and others, a mischievous and tumultuous kind of people, who daily practice and plot all they can to annoy the English, and to shake off the yoke of laws. For to subdue this wild and hostile part of the country, at the first entry of the English thither, Meilere was sent: For whom Hugh Lacie governor of Ireland erected one Castle at Tahmelio, like as a second at Obowy, a third likewise upon the river Barrow, and a fourth at Norrach. But among the rest, he fortified Donemaws, Donemaws. an ancient Castle standing in the most plentiful part of the territory, which came hereditarily unto the Breoses Lords of Brecknock, by Eva the younger daughter of William marshal Earl of Pembroch, and what way as Barrow, which rising out of Slew Blomey hills Westward, runneth solitary alone amongst the woods, Rheba. he visiteth that ancient RHEBA, mentioned by Ptolomee, which keeping the name still entire is called at this day Rheban: but instead of a city it is altogether, as one saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, A city citilesse, or, The remains of that which was a city; even a few little cottages with a fortress. Notwithstanding it giveth the title of a Baronet unto that Nobleman Nicholas of Saint Michael, the Lord thereof, who is commonly called the Baronet of Rheban. Baronet of Rheban. KING'S COUNTY. LIke as the Queen's County aforesaid was so named in honour of Queen Marie, so the territory bordering next unto it Northward, divided with Barrow running between, Offaly. and called in times past Offalie, was in honour of Philip King of Spain her husband, termed Kings County, Philip's town. and the principal town in it Philip's Town; where is placed a Seneschal with a ward: and diverse Gentlemen of English blood are here planted, namely, the Warrens, Herbert's, Colbies, Moors, and Leicester's: amongst the Irish septs of O-Conor, unto whom a great part hereof in old time belonged; Mac-Coghlan, O-Maily, Fox, and others stand stoutly in defence of the lands won by their ancestors, and left unto them. Now these natural Irish inhabitants grumble and complain that their livings and patrimonies have been taken from them, and no other lands assigned and set out for them to live in: Hence it is that taking hold of every occasion to make uproars, they put the English dwelling among them to much trouble ever and anon: yea and oftentimes in revengeful minds festered and poisoned with hostile hatred, they break out furiously into open and actual rebellions. THE COUNTY OF KILDAR. OVer against these all along Eastward, affronteth the county of Kildar a most rich and plentiful country: concerning the pastures whereof Giraldus Cambrensis useth these verses of Virgil. Et quantum longis carpunt armenta diebus, Exiguâ tant●m gelidus ros nocte reponit. And look how much when days are long the beasts by grazing eat, So much cold dews make good again by night when 'tis not great. The chief and head town of the shire is Kildar, Kildar. S. Brigid. much honoured and graced in the first infancy of the Irish Church, by reason of Saint Brigid a Virgin right venerable and highly esteemed of for her devotion and virginity (I mean not that Brigid which about 240. years ago erected that order of the sisters or Nuns of Saint Brigid: namely, that within one Monastery both Monks and Maidens should live, divided asunder by walls, and suffered only one to see another) but another Brigid of greater antiquity by far, as who was a Disciple of Saint Patrick, of great fame and renown throughout Ireland, England, and Scotland. Whose miracles and fire never going out, but kept by Nuns, as it were, in that secret Sanctuary of Vesta, and of the ashes that never increase, are mentioned by writers. This Kildar is adorned with an Episcopal See, named in the Pope's letters in old time, Episcopatus Darensis. After the entrance of the English into Ireland, it was the habitation of Richard Earl of Pembroch, then of William marshal his son in law, that married his daughter, Earl of Penbroch likewise: by whose fourth daughter Sibyl it came to William Ferrars Earl of Derby, and by his daughter likewise begotten of her, unto William Lord Vescy: whose son William Vescy, Lord chief Justice of Ireland, standing in terms of disfavour and disgrace with King Edward the First, for certain quarrels arising between him and John the son of Thomas Fitz-Girald, and being bereft of his only son lawfully begotten, granted and surrendered Kildare and other his lands in Ireland unto the King, so that he might enfeoff his base son surnamed De Kildare, in his other lands in England. And a little while after, the said John son of Thomas Fitz-Girald, whose ancestors (descended from Girald Windesor, Castellan of Pembroch) had with passing great valour performed most painful service in the conquest of this Island, Ch. 9 Ed. 2. N. 12. was by Edward the second King of England endowed with the castle and town of Kildar, together with the title and name of Earl of Kildar. These Fitz-Giralds, or as they now term them, the Giraldines, are a right noble family, and for their exploits highly renowned: by whose valour, as one said, The Englishmen both kept the sea coasts of Wales, and also forced and won the walls of Ireland. And verily this house of Kildare flourished a long time without taint of honour and name (as which never bare arms against their Prince) until that Thomas Fitz-Girald, the son of Girald Fitz-Girald Earl of Kildare, and Lord Deputy of Ireland under King Henry the eighth, hearing that his father sent for into England, and accused for misgoverning Ireland, was put to death; upon this light and false rumour, unadvisedly and rashly carried away with the heat of youth, put himself into arms against Prince and country, solicited the Emperor Charles the fifth to enter and seize upon Ireland, wasted the land far and near with fire and sword, laid siege to Dublin, and killed the Archbishop thereof: For which outrages shortly after he with five of his uncles were hanged, when his father for very sorrow was dead before. Howbeit Queen Mary restored the family unto their blood and full estate, when she advanced Girald brother unto the aforesaid Thomas to be Earl of Kildare, and Baron of Offaly. He ended this life about the year 1558. His eldest son Girald died before his father, leaving one only daughter married to Sir Robert Digby: Henry his second son succeeded, who when he had by his wife L. Francis daughter to Charles Earl of Nottingham only two daughters, William the third son succeeded in the Earldom, who was drowned in passing into Ireland in the year 1599 having no issue. And then the title of Earl of Kildare came to Girald Fitz-Girald son to Edward their Uncle, who was restored to his blood in lineage to make title by descent lineal or collateral from his father and brother, and all his ancestors, any attainder or corruption of blood to the contrary notwithstanding. There be also in this County these places of better note than the rest; Naas a market town, Athie upon the river Barrow, Mainoth a castle belonging to the Earls of Kildare, and a town unto which King Edward the first, in favour of Girald Fitz-Moris granted a market and Fair: Castle Martin, the chief seat of the family of Fitz-Eustace; which descending from the Poers in the County of Waterford, for their valour received the honour of a Parliament-Barons, Barons Fitz-Eustace. Pat. 2. Ed. 4. bestowed upon Rowland Fitz-Eustace by King Edward the fourth, together with the Manor of Port-lester, and the title of Viscount Baltinglas, at the hands of King Henry the eighth: which dignities with a fair patrimony Rowland Fitz-Eustace, seduced by the religious pretext unto rebellion, and flying his country lost by attainder under Queen Elizabeth. The families here remaining, besides the Giraldines, that be of higher birth above others, fetch their descent also out of England, namely, the Ougans, De-la- Hides, Ailmers, Washeses, Boisels, Whites, Suttons, etc. As for the Giants dance, which they talk of that Merlin by art magic translated out of this territory unto Salisbury plain, as also of that most bloody battle which shall be one day between the English and the Irish at Molleaghmast, I willingly leave unto the credulous lovers of fabulous antiquity, and the vain believers of prophecies. For my purpose is not to give fond tales the telling. These be the midland counties of Leinster: now are we to go unto those by the sea side. THE COUNTY OF WEISFORD. BEneath that mouth, at which Barrow, Neore, and Shower, the sister-like rivers, having embraced one another and joined hands, are laid up in the Ocean, there showeth itself Eastward in a Promontory where the shore fetcheth a compass round, the County of Weisford or Wexford. In Irish, County Reogh, where Ptolomee in times past placed the MENAPII. That these Menapians came hither from the Menapii, a nation in low Germany that dwelled by the sea coasts, the name doth after a sort imply. But whether that Carausius were of this or that nation, Carausius. who taking upon him the imperial purple robe seized upon Britain against the Emperor Dioclesian, I leave to others. For Aurelius' Victor calleth him a Citizen of Menapia; and the City Menapia is place by the Geographers not in those Low-countries of Germany, but in Ireland. In this county, upon the river Barrow, there flourished sometimes Rosse, a great City, well traded by merchants and peopled with inhabitants, fenced with a wall of great compass by Isabella daughter to the Earl Richard Strongbow: and that is the only monument which now it showeth. For by reason of discord and home broils between the Citizens and the religious orders, it is a good while since brought in manner to nothing. More East, Duncannon, a castle with a garrison, standeth over the river, so as that it is able to command the river, that no ships should pass either to Waterford, or to Rosse: and therefore it was thought good policy, to fortify this place when the Spaniards hovered and gaped for Ireland, in the year 1588. From thence at the very mouth of the river, there runneth out a narrow neck of land, which presenteth unto the sailors an high Turret, erected by the Citizens of Rosse when they were in flourishing estate, that they might more safely enter into the river's mouth. A little from hence standeth Tintern, Tintern Monastery. upon the shore with many winding creeks, where William Marshal Earl of Penbroch founded a notable abbey, and called it de Voto, for that he had vowed to God to erect an abbey, when he was tossed in a sore and dangerous tempest: and being after shipwreck cast up a land in this place, performed it here according to his vow. This very Promontory Ptolomee calleth HIERON, Hieron a Promontory. that is, Holy: and in the same signification, I would make no doubt but the inhabitants also called it. For the utmost town thereof, at which the Englishmen landed, and set first foot in this Island, they named in their native language Banna, which soundeth all one with Holy. From this Holy point, the shore turning full upon the East, runneth forth along Northward; over against which there lie flats and shallowes in the sea, that endanger many a ship, which the Mariners call The Grounds. In this place Ptolomee setteth the river MODONA, and at the mouth thereof the city MENAPIA, which are so stripped out of their names, that I am out of all hope in so great darkness to discover any twilight of the truth. But seeing there is one only river that voideth itself in this place, which cutteth this county as it were just in the mids, and is now called Slain: seeing also at the very mouth thereof, where it maketh a Pool, there is a town by a Germane name called Weisford, the head place of the whole county, I may the more boldly conjecture that slain was that MODONA, and Weisford MENAPIA; and so much the rather, because this name is of a later date, to wit, a mere Germane, and given unto it by those Germans, whom the Irish term Oustmen. This town is for the bigness inferior to many, but as memorable as any; because it was the first in all Ireland that when Fitz-Stephen, a most valiant Captain, assaulted it, yielded itself unto the protection of the English, and became a Colony of the English: Whence this whole territory is passing well peopled with English, who to this very day use the ancient Englishmen apparel and their language; yet so, as that they have a certain kind of mongrel speech between English and Irish. Dermot, who first drew the Englishmen over into Ireland, granted this and the territory lying to it unto Fitz-Stephen for ever, who began a Burgh hard by at Carrack: and albeit the place were strong by natural situation, yet he helped it by art. But when as the said Fitz-Stephen had surrendered up his right into the hands of King Henry the second, he made it over to Richard Earl of Penbroch, that he should hold it in Fee from him and the Kings of England as superior Lords. From whom by the Earls Mareschals, the Valences of the Lusignian line in France, and the Hastings, it descended to the Greies' Lords of Ruthin, who commonly in ancient Charters are named Lords of Weisford; although in the reign of King Henry the sixth, john Talbot is once called in the Records Earl of Shrewsbury and of Weisford. Touching this river, take with you this verse, such an one as it is, of Nechams making. Ditat Eniscortum flumen quod Slana vocatur, Hunc cernit Weisford se sociare sibi. The river which is called slain enricheth Eniscort, And this said river Weisford sees gladly with him to sort. For Eniscourt, a Burrow or incorporate Town, is seated upon it. More inward by the same river's side, ye have Fernes, known only for the dignity of an Episcopal See in it; which in old time the Giraldines fortified with a Castle. Hard by, but beyond the river Slain dwell the Cavenaghs, Donels, Montaghs, & Omores, Irishmen of a stirring and tumultuous spirit: and among them the Sinottes, Roches, and Peppards', Englishmen. On this side Slain the men of greatest name be the Viscount's Montgarret: of whom the first was Richard Butler, a younger son of Pierce Earl of Ormond, adorned with that title by Edward the sixth, and many more of the same surname; the Devereuxes, Staffords, Chevers, Whites, Forlongs, Fitz-Harris, brown's, Hores, Haies, Cod, Maylers, all of the English race and blood, like as be most of the common people. CAUCI. Cauci. THe CAUCI, who were likewise a people inhabiting the sea coast of Germany, seated themselves next unto the Menapii, but not so far distant a sunder as those in Germany. Their country lying upon the sea was that which the O Tools and O Birns, families of Irishry dwell in, O Tools. O Birns. men fed and maintained by wickedness and bloodshed, impatient of rest and quietness; and who presuming upon the strength of their holds and fastnesses, carry an obstinate mind against all laws, and implacable hatred to English. For the repressing of whose audacious outrage, and to strengthen the authority of laws, there hath been serious consultation had by most prudent and politic persons in the year 1578. that these small territories should be reduced into the form of a county: and set out they were into six Baronies within certain appointed limits, which should make the county of Wicklo or Arcklo. Arklo. For a place this is of greatest name, and the Earl of Ormonds' castle, who write themselves among other honourable titles in their style, Lords of Arcklo: under which castle that river which Ptolomee calleth OVOCA falleth into the sea, making a creek, and as Giraldus Cambrensis writeth, The nature of this river is such, that as well when the sea floweth, as when it ebbeth, in this creek it retaineth still the taste of the natural freshness, saving his own water entire and void of all brackishness, even as far as to the main sea. COMITATUS DUBLINIENSIS, The County of Divelin. BEyond the CAUCI inhabited the EELANI, where now lieth the county of DUBLIN or DIVELIN; which on the East side is wholly washed with the Irish sea, on the West bounded with the county of Kildare, on the South joining to the little territories of the O-Tooles and O-Birns, Glynnes. and those which they term the Glynnes, and limited Northward with the county of Meth and Nanny a little river: the soil thereof bringeth forth corn abundantly, and yieldeth grass and fodder right plenteously, beside it is well stored with all sorts of living creatures that are gotten by hunting and hawking for the table: but so destitute, for the greatest part, of woods, that in most places they use a clammy kind of fat turf, or Sea-coal out of England for their fuel. In the South part thereof, which is less inhabited and more uncivil, and riseth up here and there with an hilly ridge, full enough of woods, and under which lie hollow valleys shaded with trees, which they call Glynnes; every place is sore annoyed with the two pernicious and mischievous septs or kindreds of the O-Tooles and the O-Birnes. Among these Glynnes appeareth the Bishopric of Glandilaw, but utterly desolate, ever since it was annexed to the archbishopric of Divelin. All this county beside is passing well replenished with inhabitants and towns, and for wealthy port, and a certain peculiar fineness and neatness that they use, surpasseth all other parts of Ireland, and is divided into five distinct Baronies, namely, Rath down, New castle, Castle-Knoc, Cowloc, and Bal-rodry, which not withstanding I am not able to go through as I would, for that their bounds are unknown to me. First therefore I will run along the sea coast only, and from thence, as the courses of the rivers lead me, survey the more inland places; for there is no part of this county twenty miles from the shore. Wicklo lately made a county, 1606. To begin then at the South side, the first place that showeth itself upon this coast is Wicklo: where there standeth over the narrow haven a rock, enclosed within a strong wall in stead of a castle, over which, as diverse other castles beside of this kingdom, there can none by authority of Parliament be set as Constable, but an Englishman borne, because to the hurt of the State, the Irishmen that were Constables had both defended the same badly, and also by a certain connivency suffered the prisoners to make escapes. As touching this haven hearken what Giraldus saith, who termeth it Winchiligillo. There is an haven at Winchiligillo, on that side of Ireland where it lieth nearer unto Wales, that ordinarily and usually at every ebb of the sea receiveth waters flowing into it; and again at every return of tide, dischargeth and voideth the said water which it entertained: and when as the sea in the ebb hath now by the going away of the tide forsaken the creek, yet the river that runneth in by every chink and winding crank, becometh bitter and salt with continual brackishness. Then from the top of an hill Newcastle looketh into the sea, and seeth the shelves of sand, which they call The Grounds, lying opposite a great way in length: The Grounds. Howbeit between them and the shore it is reported to be seven fathom deep of water. A little higher, where the riveret Bray cometh into the sea, appeareth Old-Court, the possessions of the Walshes of Caryckmain, who as they are of ancient stock and gentry, Old-Court. so their family hath shot forth many branches in this tract. Next unto it is Powers or Poers-Court, Poers Court. belonging in times past, as appeareth by the name, unto the Poers; a large and great castle, until that Tirlough O Toole, after he had revolted and rebelled, undermined and overthrew it. From Bray mouth the shore for to let in a creek bendeth and windeth itself inward, and at the very bend of the elbow lieth a little Island called Saint Benet's, belonging to the Archbishop of Divelin. This creek or Bay is called Dublin Haven, into which Liffy the noblest river of this county out-powreth his stream: Liffy river, which Girald calleth Aven-Liff. who albeit his spring head where he riseth be but fifteen miles from his mouth, yet with so many winding cranks he fetcheth such a compass, that first he turneth into the South by Saint Patrick's land; then Westward, afterwards North, watering the county of Kildare, and at length into the East by Castle-Knoc, the Barony in times passed of the Tirils, whose inheritance by the females was devolved upon other about the year 1370. and so by Kilmainam, an house in old time of Saint john's Knights of Jerusalem, now converted to a retiring place of the Lords Deputies. This Liffy doubtless is mentioned by Ptolomee, but through carelessness of the transcribers banished out of his own due place. For the river LIBNIUS is set down in the copies of Ptolomee at the very same latitude or elevation of the Pole, in the other part of the Island, where there is no such river at all: but let him, if it please you, by a writ of recovery return out of exile now to his own city EBLANA, from whence unjustly he hath been for a time alienated: and take withal, if you think good, these verses of Necham as touching this river. Visere Castle-Knoc non dedignatur * That is, the river L●ff. Istum Dublini suscipit unda maris. To see and visit Castle-Knock Liffy doth not disdain, At Dublin ready is the sea this stream to entertain. For seated it is seven miles from his mouth, Eblana. Dublin. which alone fame may celebrate for all the cities of Ireland. This is that very city which Ptolomee called EBLANA, we DIVELIN, the Latin writers Dublinium and Dublinia, the Welsh Britan's Dinas Dulin, the English Saxons in times past Duplin, and the Irish Bala-cleigh, that is, The town upon Hurdles: for men say when it was built the foundation was laid upon Hurdles, the place was so fennish and moorish: like as Hispalis or Seville in Spain, which Isidore reporteth to have been so named, because it stood in a marish ground, upon piles and stakes deeply pitched into the earth. For the antiquity of Dublin I find no certainty; but that very ancient it is the authority of Ptolomee persuadeth me to think. Saxon Grammaticus writeth, how it was pitifully rend and dismembered in the Danish wars: afterwards it came under the subjection of Edgar King of England, which his Charter before mentioned confirmeth, wherein he calleth it the most Noble City of Ireland. Then the Norwegians possessed themselves of it: Whence in the life of Gryffith Ap Cynan Prince of Wales, we read that Harald of Norway when he had subdued the greatest part of Ireland, built Develin. This may seem to be that Harald Harfager, that is, with the fair locks or tresses, who was the first King of Norway, whole line in descent goeth thus in the life of Gryffith: Harald begat a son named Auloed: Who also is named Abloicus. Aulafus and Olavus. Auloed begat another Auloed; he had a son named Sitric King of Develin: Sitric he begat Auloed, whose daughter Racwella was mother to Gryffith Ap Cynan borne at Dublin, whiles Tirlough reigned in Ireland. But this is extravagant. Develin at length when the English first arrived in Ireland, yielded unto their valour, and by them was manfully defended, when Ausculph Prince of the Dublinians, and afterwards Gottred King of the Isles fiercely on every side assaulted it: within a while after a Colony of Bristow-men was deduced hither, unto whom King Henry the second granted this City (happily at that time dispeopled) for to inhabit, with all the Franchises and free Customs, which the men of Bristol have, and that by those very words which I have alleged. Since which time it hath flourished every day more and more, and in many tumultuous times and hard straits given notable proof of most faithful loyalty to the Crown of England. This is the royal City and seat of Ireland, a famous town for Merchandise, the chief Court of Justice, in munition strong, in buildings gorgeous, in Citizens populous. joscelin of Furnes in the life of S. Patrick. Lib. 2. verum Anglicar. c. 26. An old writer calleth it, a City in regard of the people noble, of the site most pleasant, by reason of the sea and river meeting together, rich and plentiful in fish, for traffic famous, for the green plain delightful and lovely, beset with woods of mast-bearing trees, environed about with Parks harbouring Dear. And William of Newborrow of it writeth thus: Divelin a maritime city is the mother city of all Ireland, having to it a haven passing well frequented, for traffic and intercourse of Merchants matchable with our London. Seated it is in a right delectable and wholesome place: for to the South ye have hills mounting up aloft, Westward an open champion ground, and on the East the sea at hand and in sight; the river Liffy running down at North-East affordeth a safe road and harbour for ships. By the river side are certain wharfes or Keys, Keys. as we term them, whereby the violent force of the water might be restrained. For this verb (Caiare) in old writers signified to Keep in, to restrain and repress: which that most learned * Upon Ausonius l. 2. c. 22. Scaliger hath well noted. A very strong wall of rough building stone reacheth hence along by the sides of it (and the same toward the South fortified also with rampires) which openeth at six gates, from whence there run forth suburbs of a great length. Dammensis. Toward the East is Dams gate, and hard by standeth the King's castle on high, most strongly fenced with ditches, towers, and an Armoury or Storehouse built by Henry Loundres the Archbishop, about the year 1220. In the East suburbs near unto Saint Andrew the Apostles Church, Henry the second King of England, as Hoveden reporteth, caused a royal palace (or rather a banqueting house) to be erected for himself, framed with wonderful workmanship most artificially of smoothed watles after the manner of this country, wherein himself with the Kings and Princes of Ireland kept a solemn feast upon Christmas day. From hence is to be seen just over against it a beautiful College (in which place there stood in old time the Monastery of All-Hallowes) consecrated unto the name of the holy and indivisible Trinity, All-Hallowes. An University begun 1591. 13. May was the foundation laid, 1593. Scholars were first admitted. which for the exercise and polishing of good wits with good literature, Queen Elizabeth of most happy memory endowed with the privileges of an University; and being furnished of late with a notable Library, giveth no small hope that both religion, and all the exquisite and liberal sciences will return eftsoons after their long exile to Ireland, as to their ancient home (unto which, as unto a Mart of Arts and good learning, strangers sometime used to flock and repair.) And verily in the reign of Edward the Second Alexander Bicknor Archbishop of Divelin began to recall the profession of learning hither, 1320. A Manuscript of Baron Hoult. having obtained from the Pope the privileges of an University, and erected also public Lectures: but the troublesome times that presently ensued, interrupted the laudable enterprise of that good man. The North gate openeth at the bridge built with arched work of new hewn stone by King John, and this joineth Oustmantowne to the City. For here the Oustmen, who came over, as Giraldus writeth, out of Norway and the parts of the Northern Islands, planted themselves, as the Annals bear record, about the year of salvation 1050. In this suburb stood in times past the goodly Church of Saint mary's of Oustmanby (for so in a Charter of King John it is called) an house also founded for preaching Friars, called of them Black Friars, unto which of late days have been translated the Judicial Courts of the kingdom. In the South quarter of the City stand two gates, Ormonds gate and Newgate (which is their common house of correction.) These lead unto the longest suburb of all, called Saint Thomas street, and a magnificent Abbey of the same name, called Thomas Court▪ Thomas Court. founded and endowed in times passed with very ample revenues by King Henry the second for the expiation of the murder of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury. Into the South openeth Paul's gate, and that which taketh the name of Saint Nicolas, making way into Saint Patrick's suburb, wherein standeth the Archbishop's Palace, known by the name of Saint Sepulchers, and a most stately Church dedicated unto Saint Patrick, right goodly to be seen, with fair embowed works, stone pavements, an arched roof over head of stone work, and a very high tower steeple. What time this Church was first built, it is, to say truth, uncertain. That Gregory King of the Scots came unto it about the year 890. the Scottish History doth record. The same afterward being much enlarged by John King of England, was ordained first to be a Church of prebend's by john Comyn Archbishop of Dublin in the year 1191. and Pope Celestine the third confirmed the same. Then after him, Henry Loundres his successor in the archbishopric augmented it with dignities of Personages (for I may be bold to use here the founder's words) and framed it conformable to the immunities, orders, and approved customs of the Church of Salisbury. But in our days it maintaineth a Dean, a Chanter, a Chancellor, a Treasurer, two Arch-Deacons, and two and twenty Prebendaries; Statut. Parli. 18. H. 8. c. 15. The only light and lamp (that I may not conceal the most ample testimony which the Parliament of the kingdom giveth unto it) of all godly and Ecclesiastical discipline and order in Ireland. There is another Cathedral Church also standing in the very heart of the City, which being consecrate unto the Holy Trinity, is commonly called Christ's Church; touching the building thereof thus we read in the ancient records of the same Church: Sitric King of Dublin, the son of Ableb Earl of Dublin, gave unto the blessed Trinity, and to Donatus the first Bishop of Dublin, a place to found a Church in unto the holy Trinity; and not only so, but gold and silver also he bestowed sufficiently for the building of the Church and the whole close. This was done in the year 1012. in which, as Lancarvanensis avoucheth, Sitric the son of Abloie (for so he calleth him) lived and flourished in great name. The work begun by Donatus, Laurence Archbishop of Dublin, Richard Strongbow Earl of Penbroch, commonly called Earl of Strigulia (whose tomb is here to be seen, repaired by Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy) Robert Fitz-Stephen, and Reimund Fitz-Girald finished. Hard at the South side of this Church there standeth a stately Towne-hall, built of four square stone, and called the Tolestale, Tolestale. where causes are tried before the Mayor of the City, and where the Citizens use to hold their Sessions and public assemblies, for it enjoyeth many immunities. In times past this City had for the chief Magistrate a Provost; but in the year of our redemption 1409. King Henry the fourth granted them licence to choose every year a Mayor and two Bailiffs: also that the Mayor should have a gilt sword carried before him for ever. But afterwards, King Edward the sixth changed the Bailiffs into Sheriffs. Neither wanteth any thing here which a man can wish for in a most flourishing City, save only that an heap of sand, which the ebbing and flowing of the sea casteth up into the mouth of Liffy, doth so damn up and bar the haven, that it is not able to bring up any great vessels but at high water. Thus much of Dublin, for the most part of which I acknowledge myself beholden unto the diligence and learning of james Ʋsher Chancellor of S. Patrick's Church, whose variety of knowledge and judgement are far above his years. As touching Robert Vere Earl of Oxford, whom King Richard the second, a Prince too too lavish in giving honourable titles, marquis of Dublin. made marquis of Dublin, and afterwards Duke of Ireland, I have spoken already, and reason I have none to repeat the same here. Yet will I note thus much, which I have since happened upon in the Records. When as King Richard aforesaid had advanced that Robert Vere Earl of Oxford to be marquis of Dublin, and had given to him the Seignory of Ireland during his life: Pr. p. Pat. anno 9 Rich. 2. m. 1. he, desirous to augment his honour by more ennoblishing him with honourable Arms, granted also that as long as he should live, and hold the said Seignory, he should bear these Arms, Azure 3. Crowns Or in a Bordur, in his Standards, Pennons, Coat-armours, and other things wherein Arms are to be showed in all Marshal matters, and elsewhere at his pleasure. But this grant was soon after recalled, and those Arms abolished. Where the river Liffy lodgeth himself in the Ocean, Houth standeth, compassed in manner round about with the sea: of which the Noblemen surnamed Saint Laurence, and dwelling there, Saint Laurence Barons of Houth. become named Barons of Houth; men of rare felicity, for that in so long a descent of their line (for they are able to derive their pedigree from the time of King Henry the second) there hath of them, by report, none been attainted of high treason, none left ward in his minority. And within a little of this place is Malchide, Malchid. or Molachid, ennobled by the Lords thereof the Talbots, English by their first original. More within the country, Northward there adjoineth hard to the county of Dublin, Fingall, Fingall. that is, if you interpret it out of the Irish language, a nation of foreigners, (for they use to nominate the English Gall, as one would say, strangers, and Saissones, as it were, Saxons) a little country, but very good and passing well husbanded; even the garner and barn of this kingdom, so great store of corn it yieldeth every year. And here the soil striveth after a sort with the painful labour of the husbandman, which in other places throughout this Island lying neglected, without tillage and manuring, seemeth to make a very grievous complaint of the inhabitants sloth and laziness. There are planted every where throughout this county right worshipful families, nobly descended of English blood; and namely, besides those which I have already mentioned, the Plonkets, Barnwels', russel's, Talbots, dillon's, Nettervils, Holywoods, Lutterels, Burnels, Fitz▪ Williams, Goulding's, Usshers, Cadleys, Finglases, Sarfelds, Blackneys, Cruceys, Baths, etc. Thus far forth summarily of Leinster, which in old time reached no farther. Now I wot not whether it be worth the laughing at or the relating, that Thomas Stukely, Th. Stukely. when he had in England and Ireland both made shipwreck of his good name, credit, and fortunes, having wound himself out of the danger of the laws, curried such favour with Pope Gregory the thirteenth, what with making many fair promises, and what with bragging of great matters, that he received at his hands these titles, marquis of Leinster. marquis of Leinster, Earl of Weisford and Caterlogh, Viscount Murrough, and Baron of Rosse and Ydron. With which titles he being puffed up in pride, whiles he thought to conquer Ireland, went aside into afric, and there with the three Kings that were slain in one battle, made up the interlude of his life with an honest close and catastrophe. MIDIA, OR MEDIAMETH. THe rest of the Country of the Eblani was in ancient time a kingdom, and the fifth part of Ireland, which in their own native language they call Miih, the English Meth, Giraldus nameth it in Latin Midia and Media, perhaps, because it is in the very middle of the Island. For they say that Killair a castle in these parts, which seemeth to be in Ptolomee LABERUS, Laberus. is as it were the Navel of Ireland. And the very name implieth no less: For Lair in the Irish tongue signifieth The Middle. This Meth lieth stretched out from the Irish sea as far as to the river Shanon: For the soil thereof, as saith Bartholomaeus Anglicus, Fertile it is in corn, pasture ground, and cattle, plentiful in fish, flesh, and other victuals of white meat, as butter cheese, and milk, watered also with rivers. The situation is delectable to the eye, and an wholesome air. In regard of woods and marshes in the skirts and borders, it hath a very hard access and entry unto it: And therefore, considering the multitude of people, the strength of castles and towns, is i● commonly called for the peace thereof, the CHAMBER of IRELAND. Within the memory of our fathers, because the country was too large for to be governed by one Sheriff, and to the end that justice might with more facility be ministered, it was divided by authority of Parliament in the 38. year of King Henry the eighth into two parts, namely, the county of East Meth, and the county of Westmeth. THE COUNTY OF EASTMETH. THe County of EASTMETH is environed round about with the county of Kildar South, with the county of Dublin and the sea East, with the territory of Louth North, and with the county of West Meth on the West. The whole is divided into 18. Baronies: Dueleke, Scrine, Slain, Margallen, Navan, Kenles, half the Barony of Four near to Kenles, Killalou, Demore, Clove, Moylagh, Loghern, Oldcastle, Luyn, Moyfeuraragh, Deese, Rath-touth, and Dunboyn. Boyn, which Ptolomee calleth BUVINDA, Giraldus BOANDUS, a noble river springing out of the North side of the King's county, runneth through this county. In the hither part on this side Boyn, these are the places memorable: Galtrim, where the Huseys have dwelled a long time: Killin Castle, which Hugh Lacie Custos of Ireland under King Henry the second built; and Dunsany, which have their Parliament Barons, Noblemen of ancient descent out of the family of the Plonkets, which others fetch out of Denmark: but they bear the very same Arms in sundry colours, which Alan Plonket of Kilpecke in England did: who also under King Edward the first lived in the dignity and port of a Baron. Now this house of the Plonkets in Ireland came up and grew to be of high estimation, ever since that Sir Christopher Plonket, a valiant and wise man (Deputy, as they term him, unto Richard Duke of York, Lord Lieutenant in King Henry the sixth his time) was advanced to the dignity of Baron of Killin, which fell unto him by his wife, heir to the family of the Cusakes: and his second son by his own worth & valour obtained the title of Baron Dunsany. On the farther side of Boyn, Barnwell. Baron Trimlet stoun. are Trimletstoun, which hath his Baron out of the family of the Barnwells' (for King Edward the fourth promoted Sir Robert Barnwell to the honour of a Parliamentary Baron;) Gormanston, which now hath had honourable Viscount's, men of good desert in the Commonwealth, descended from the line of the Prestons (as it is verily thought) in Lancashire; Baron Slain. and Slain, which is able likewise to show Barons thereof, out of the family of the Flemings: and amongst them stands Aboy, a market town well inhabited and of good resort, upon the river Boyn: which when it hath passed beside Glan-Iores, that is, The land of the sons of George (this George was of the Birminghams' progeny, whose heir by marriage brought a fair inheritance with the castle of Carbray unto the Prestons) runneth under Trim a pretty town of trade, and one of the better ●ort, where William Pepard erected a castle. This was an ancient Barony of the Lacies, which accrued unto the titles of the Dukes of York, who styled themselves Lords of Trim. Then floweth it beside Navan, Navan. Baronet of Navan. which hath a Baron or Baronet, but not of the Parliament house, and affordeth for the most part a dwelling house unto the Bishop of the Dioecesse, who hath now no Cathedral Church, but doth all with the assent of the Clergy of Meth. His See seemeth to have been at Cluanarard, Bishop of Meth. which is called also Clunart, where Hugh Lacie in times past built a castle: For in the letters Apostolical we read him thus, Episcopus Midensis, five Cluanarardensis, that is, The Bishop of Meth or Cluanarard, and corruptly, as it is to be thought, in a Roman Provincial Elnamirand. Boyn now by this time carrying a fuller stream, after it hath with an hasty course swiftly passed on certain miles, near unto Drodagh emptieth himself into the sea. Of this swift running what if I should think this Boyn took his name: for Boan both in Irish and British also signifieth swift, and our Poet Necham of this river hath thus versified. Ecce Boan qui Trim celer influit, istius undas Subdere se salsis Drogheda cernit aquis. Lo Boin that swiftly unto Trim doth run, and mark withal, How at Tredagh his stream into the salt sea gulf doth fall. The men of greatest reputation and name in this county, besides those whom I rehearsed before, to wit, the Plonkets, Flemings, Barnwels', and Husseys, are the Darceys, Cusakes, dillon's, Birminghams', De la hides, Nettervils, Garvies, Cadels, and others: whom if I do not name at all, or if I reckon either these or others elsewhere not in their own rank, according to their worth and degree, I desire no imputation may be laid upon me therefore. THE COUNTY OF WESTMEATH. THe county of WESTMETH, so called in respect of the other abovesaid, unto which it adjoineth on the West side, reacheth unto the river Shanon, and lieth between the King's County South, and Longford County North; unto which it is not willing to give place either in fertility of soil, multitude of inhabitants, or any thing else whatsoever, unless haply it be inferior in civility of manners. Molingar. Molingar by authority of Parliament was ordained to be the head and principal shire town, because it lieth, as it were, in the very midst: and the whole country is laid forth into twelve Hundreds or Baronies, viz. Fertulogh, where the Tirels, Barons Delvin. Ferbille, where the Darcies' dwell; Delvin which adorneth the old noble stock of the Nogents (who came first out of England) with the title of a Parliament Baron. These are descended from that Sir Gilbert Nogent, whom Hugh Lacie the Conqueror of Meth, for his courageous and valiant service in the wars of Ireland, rewarded both with these lands and those also of Furry, as that most learned Gentleman Richard Stanihurst hath recorded: Fourry aforesaid, as also Corkery, where the Nogents dwell; Nogents. Moyassell, where the Tuts and Nogents; Maghertiernan, where very many of the Petits and the Tuts; Moigoysy, where the Tuts and Nangles; Rathcomire, where the dalton's; Magirquirk, where the dillon's, all propagated from English blood do inhabit; Clonlolan, where the O-Malaghlins, of the old royal line of Meth; Moycassell, where the Magohigans, mere Irish bear sway: and others whose very names carry an harsh found of more barbarousness: which notwithstanding, even as Martial the Poet when he had reckoned up certain barbarous Spanish names of places, being himself a Spaniard, said, That he liked them better than British names, so the Irish love these rather than the English: in so much as one of their Potentates gave it out, that he would in no wise learn the English tongue, for fear he should in speaking English get a wry mouth. Thus the crow thinks her own birds fairest; and we all are given to like our own too well, even with the disdain and contempt of others. Lords of Meth. This Meth had in times past Kings, or petty Princes rather to rule it. And, as we read, that Monarch or sole King of Ireland, Slany, caused the revenues of Meth to be assigned and appropriate to the furnishing of his royal table. But when the Englishmen had once set fast footing in Ireland, Hugh Lacie subdued a great part thereof, and King Henry the second enfeoffed him in it, and made him Lord of Meth, who while he was building of a castle at Derwarth▪ and holding his head down to prescribe a Carpenter somewhat that he would have done, had by him his head stricken off with his axe. This Hugh begat two sons, Hugh Earl of Ulster, of whom I will speak hereafter: and Walter Lord of Trim, who begat Gilbert that died before his father. By the daughters of this Gilbert, Genevile. Margaret and Maud, the one part by the Genevils, who were (as they write) of the house of Lorraine; and by the Mortimers, came to the Dukes of York, and so to the Kings domain or Crown: for Peter de Genevile, son to that Maud, begat joan espoused to Roger Mortimer Earl of March: and the other part by Margaret wife to John Lord Verdon, Constables of Ireland. and by his heirs who were Constables of Ireland, was devolved at length upon diverse families in England, as Furnivall, Burghersh, Crophul, etc. THE COUNTY OF LONGFORD. UNto West Meath on the North side joineth the County of LONGFORD (reduced into this rank of Countries a few years since by the provident policy of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy) called before time Anale, Anale. inhabited by a numerous Sept of the O-Pharols: of which house there be two great men and Potentates; one ruleth in the South part, O-Pharoll. named O-Pharoll Boy, that is, The yellow: the other in the North, called O-Pharoll Ban, that is, The white. And very few Englishmen are there among them, and those planted there but of late. Along the side of this County passeth Shannon, the noblest river of all Ireland, which as I have said runneth between Meth and Conaught. River Senus or Sineus. Shannin and Shannon. Ptolomee nameth it SENUS, Orosius SENA, and some copies SACANA, Giraldus Flumen Senense: but the people dwelling there by call it Shanon, that is, as some expound it, The ancient river. He springeth out of Thern hills in the county Le Trim, and forthwith cutting through the lands Southward, one while overfloweth the banks, and enlargeth himself into open Pools: and other whiles draws back again into narrow straits, and after he hath run abroad into one or two Lakes, gathering himself within his banks, valeth bonnet to MACOLICUM, Macolicum. Malc. now called MALC (as the most learned Geographer Gerard Mercator hath observed) whereof Ptolomee hath made mention; and then by and by is entertained by another broad Mere (they call it Lough Regith) the name and situation whereof doth after a sort imply, Rigia. that the City RIGIA, which Ptolomee placeth there, stood not far from hence. But when he hath once gotten beyond this Pool, and draweth himself to a narrower channel within the banks, there standeth hard upon him the town Athlon, of which I will write in place convenient. From thence Shannon having gotten over the Water-fall at Killolo (whereof I must speak anon) being now able to bear the biggest ships that are, in a divided channel, as it were with two arms claspeth about the city Limirick, whereof I have spoken already. From hence Shannon passing on directly for threescore miles or thereabout in length, bearing a great breadth, and making many an Island by the way, speedeth himself Westward; and in what place soever he becometh shallow and affordeth fords at an ebb or low water, there were planted little forts with wards (such was the careful providence of our forefathers) to restrain the inroads of preytaking robbers. And so at length he runneth and voideth out at an huge mouth into the West Ocean beyond Knoc Patric, Which others call Mare Bredunicum. that is, Patrick's hill: for so Necham termeth that place in these his verses of Shannon. Fluminibus magnis laetatur Hibernia, Sineus Inter Connatiam, Momomiamque fluit. Transit per muros Limirici, Knoc Patric illum Oceani clausum sub ditione videt. Ireland takes joy in rivers great, and Shannon them among, Betwixt Connaught and Munster both holds on his course along, He runneth hard by Limrick ways: Knoc Patric then at last Within the gulf of th' Ocean doth see him lodged fast. CONNACHTIA, OR CONAGHT. THe fourth part of Ireland, which beareth Westward, closed in with the river Shannon, the outlet of the Lake or Lough Erne, which some call Trovis, others Bana, and with the main Western sea, is named by Giraldus Cambrensis Conachtia and Conacia, in English Conaght, and in Irish Conaughty. In ancient times, as we may see in Ptolomee, it was inhabited by the GANGANI, Nagnatae. Gangani. Concani. Auteri. who are also named CONCANI, AUTERI and NAGNATAE. Those CONCANI or GANGANI, like as the LUCENI their next neighbours that came from the Lucensii in Spain, may seem by the affinity of name and also by the vicinity of place to have been derived from the CONCANI in Spain, who in Strabo are according to the diversity of reading named CONIACI and CONISCI: whom Silius testifieth in these verses following to have been at the first Scythians, and to have usually drunk horses blood (a thing even of later days nothing strange among the wild Irish.) Et qui Massagetem monstrans feritate parentem, Cornipedis fusa satiaris Concane vena. And Concane though in savageness that now resembling still Thy parents old the Massagets, of horse-blood drinkst thy ●●ll. And beside him Horace, Et letum equino sanguine Concanum. And Concaine, who thinks it so good To make his drink of horses blood. Unless a man would suppose this Irish name Conaughty to be compounded of CONCANI and NAGNATAE. Well, this Province as it is in some place fresh and fruitful, so by reason of certain moist places, yet covered over with grass, which of their softness they usually term Boghes, like as all the Island besides every where is dangerous, and thick set with many and those very shady woods. As for the sea coast, lying commodious as it doth with many bays, creeks, and navigable rivers, after a sort it inviteth and provoketh inhabitants to navigation: but the sweetness of inbred idleness doth so hang upon their lazy limbs, that they had rather get their living from door to door, than by their honest labours keep themselves from beggary. Conaught is at this day divided into these counties, Twomond or Clare, Galway, Maio, Slego, Letrim, and Roscoman. The ancient CONCANI abovesaid, held in old time the more Southerly part of this Conaught, where now lie Twomond or Clare, the county Galway, Clan-richards' country, and the Barony of Atterith. TWOMOND, OR THE COUNTY CLARE. TWomon or Twomond, which Giraldus calleth Thuetmonia, the Irish Twowoun, that is, The North-Mounster (which although it lie beyond the river Shannon yet was counted in times past part of Monster, until Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy laid it unto Conaught) shooteth out into the sea with a very great Promontory growing by little and little thin and narrow. On the East and South sides it is so enclosed with the winding course of the river Shannon, which waxeth bigger and bigger, like as on the West part with the open main sea, and on the North side confineth so close upon the county Galway, that there is no coming unto it by land, but through the Clan-Ricards territory. This is a country wherein a man would wish for nothing more, either from sea or soil, were but the industry of the inhabitants correspondent to the rest; which industry Sir Robert Muscegros an English Nobleman, Richard Clare and Thomas Clare, younger brethren of the stock of the Earls of Gloucester (unto whom King Edward the first had granted this country) stirred up long since by building towns and castles, and by alluring them to the fellowship of a civil conversation; of whose name the chief town Clare, now the dwelling place of the Earl of Twomond, took denomination, as also the whole tract, of it called the county of Clare. The places of greater note and name than the rest, Killaloe. are Kilfennerag and Killaloe or Laon, the Bishop's seat. This in the Roman Provincial is termed Episcopatus Ladensis, where there stands a rock in the mid channel of the river Shannon, Catarracta. from which the water rusheth down a main with a great fall and noise, and by standing thus in the way as a bar, hindereth the river that it can carry vessels no further; which if it were cut down, or a drain made about it, the river were able to bring up vessels much higher, to the great commodity of all the neighbour inhabitants. Not far from the bank of Shannon, Bunraty. is seated Bunraty, for which Sir Robert Muscegros obtained from King Henry the third the liberty of a market and Fair, and when he had fortified it with a castle, gave it at length unto King Edward the first, who granted both this town and the whole territory unto Richard Clare aforesaid. And seven miles from thence, Clare. appeareth Clare the principal town, at a Creek (flowing up out of Shannon) full of Islands: and these twain are the only market towns here, and those but small ones. Most of the English who were in times past brought hither to inhabit, are either rooted out, or become degenerate and grown Irish: but they who carry the whole sway here at this day, be of the Irish blood; as Mac-Nemors, Mac-Mahon, O-loughton, and the mightiest by far of all other, the O-Briens, descended from the ancient Potentates or Kings of Conaght, or as themselves give it forth, Earls of Twomond. from the Monarches of Ireland. Of these, Morogh O-Brien was the first Earl of Twomond, created by King Henry the eighth for term of life; and after him to Donough his brother's son, and his heirs; who at the same time being made Baron of Ibarcan, succeeded in the Earldom, and was slain by his brother Sir Donel: O-Brien Connagher, O-Brien Donaghs son, was the third Earl, and father to Donaugh now the fourth Earl, who hath showed singular good proof of his faithful loialty and courageous valour unto his Prince and country in most dangerous times, to his singular commendation. THE COUNTY OF galway. THe county of galway meereth South upon Clare, West upon the Ocean, North upon the county Maio, and East upon the river Shannon. A land very thankful unto the industrious husbandman, and no less profitable unto the Shepherd. The West shore indented in with small inlets and outlets, or arms of the sea, hath a border all along of green Lands and rugged rocks, set orderly, as it were, in a row: among which, four Lands called Arran, Lands of Arran. make a Barony, and many a foolish fable goes of them, as if they were the Lands of the living, wherein none do dye: also Inis Ceath, well known in times passed by reason of the Monastery of Colman a devout Saint, Bed. l. 4. c. 4. Ecclesiast. hist. founded for Scots and Englishmen: and Inis-bovind, which Bede interpreteth out of the Scottish tongue to signify, The Isle of white Heifers; whereas it is a mere British word. But the Englishmen soon forsook the Monastery, when the Scots and they could not well agree together. Logh-Corbes. Further within lieth a Lake, called Logh-Corbes (where Ptolomee placeth the river AUSOBA) spreading out twenty miles or thereabout in length, and three or four in breadth, being navigable, and garnished with 300. petty Lands full of grass, and bearing Pine-trees; which Lake when it reacheth near the sea, growing narrow into a river, Gallwey. runneth under galway, in the Irish tongue Gallive; named so (or else I cannot tell) of the Gallaeci in Spain, the very principal city of this Province, and which would think hardly to be reckoned the third in Ireland. Surely a very proper and fair City it is, built almost round, and in manner tower-like, of entry, and some stone, and hath beside to set it out a Bishops See: and withal, through the benefit of the haven and road abovesaid under it, being well frequented with merchants, hath easy and gainful traffic, by exchange of rich commodities both by sea and land. The battle of Knoctoe. 1516. Not full four miles from hence standeth Knoctoe, that is, the hill of Axes; under which that noble Girald Fitz-Girald, Earl of Kildare, and by times, for the space of three and thirty years' Lord Deputy of Ireland, discomfited and put to flight, after a bloody overthrow, the greatest rabble of rebels that ever was seen before in Ireland, raised and gathered together by William Burk, O-Bren, Mac-Nomare, and O-Carrall. Not far from hence Eastward standeth Aterith (in which remain some footings of the name of AUTERI) commonly called Athenry, Aterith. enclosed round about with a wall of great circuit, but slenderly inhabited. It glorieth much of that warlike Baron thereof, Birminghams'. john de Birmingham an Englishman; out of which family the Earl of Louth descended: but these Birminghams' of Aterith, being now as it were degenerate into barbarous Irishry, scarce acknowledge themselves to have been English originally. The septs or kindreds of the Irish here, that be of the better sort, are O Kelleis, O Maiden O Flairts, Mac Dervis, etc. Clanricard. Earls of Clanricard. Clanricard, that is, The sons, kindred, or Tube of Richard, or the land of Richard's sons, confineth upon these, and lieth to this county. The name it took, after the Irish manner, from one Richard of an English family, called the Burgh, that became afterwards of most high renown and name in this tract, and out of which King Henry the eighth created Ulick Burgh Earl of Clanricard, whose eldest son carrieth the title of Baron Dunkellin. His son Richard was the second Earl, whose children, begotten of sundry wives, stirred up many troubles, to the grief of their father, the overthrow of their own country, and themselves. After Richard, who died an old man, succeeded his son Ulick the third Earl, and father to Richard the fourth Earl now living, whose fast fidelity and singular fortitude hath, to his great praise, evidently appeared, when the English, and their whole estates in Ireland, were in greatest danger. Archbishopric of Toam, or Tuen. In this territory is the Archbishops See of Toam, unto which in old time many Bishops were subject; but at this day the Bishoprics of Anagchony, Duae, and Maio are annexed unto it. The Bishopric likewise of Kilmacough, which in the old Provincial, unless the name be corrupt, is not mentioned, as also of Clonfert, are seated in this part, and, as I have heard, united to the See of Toam. THE COUNTY OF MAIO. THe county Maio, on which the Western Ocean beateth, lies bounded South with the county of Galway; East with the county Roscoman, and North with the county of Slego. A fertile country and a pleasant, abundantly rich in cattle, Dear, Hawks, and plenty of honey: taking the name of Maio, Maio. a little city with a Bishops See in it, which in the Roman Provincial is called Mageo. But that Episcopal seat is now annexed to the Metropolitan of Toam, and the neighbour inhabitants repair for Ecclesiastical jurisdiction to the Bishop of Killaley, Killaley. Bishopric of Killaley. in the Barony of Tir-Auley. In this Maio, if I deceive not myself, Colman a Bishop of Ireland built, as Bede writeth, a Monastery for thirty men or thereabout of the English Nation, trained in the profession of the Monastical life, whom he brought out of England into Ireland. But hear what Bede saith. Lib 4. cop. 4. Colman found a place in the Isle of Ireland, meet for building of a Monastery, named in the old Scottish tongue Magio. And he bought a part of it, which was not much, of the Earl, unto whose possession it belonged, to found a Monastery therein: but with this condition annexed unto the sale, that the Monk's restant there should pray unto the Lord for him also that permitted them to have the place. Now when he had straightways erected this Monastery, with the help of the said Earl and all the neighbour inhabitants, he placed the Englishmen there, leaving the Scots behind in the Isle Bovind. Which very Monastery is inhabited at this day by Englishmen: for the same it is, which now of a small one grown to be great, is usually termed, In Mago. And having now this good while turned all to better orders, it containeth a notable covent of Monks, who being assembled there together out of the Province of England, according to the example of the reverend fathers, under Regularity and a Canonical Abbot, live in great continency and sincerity with the labour of their own hands. About the year of our Lord 1115. this monastery was re-edified, and flourished in King John's time, who by his Patent confirmed many farms and fair lands unto it. Neither verily is there any other place, that I can find memorable, unless it be Logh-Mesk a good large and fishfull Lake, Logh-Mesk. in two small Islands whereof stand sure forts, that belonged to the family of Burke. This county is not so famous for the towns therein as the Inhabitants, who are either of the Irish race, as O-Mayles, joys and Mac-vadus; or of the Scotish out of the Islands Hebrides, and out of the sept of Donell, Galloglasses. whereupon they be called Clan-Donells, and Galloglasses, and as it were, doughty mercenary soldiers, who fight with two edged axes, and be armed with habergeons or coats of mail, procured in times past to come hither by the rebels, and endowed here with lands: or else of English blood, as the said Burkes, Iordans, descended from one jordan of Excester, Nangles of Castlough, Prendergest of Clan-Moris. But the most puissant be those Burkes, who after a sort are beholden both for their first beginning, and also for their glory unto William a younger brother of Walter de Burgo or Burk of Ulster. This William, highly renowned for his military prowess, being led away prisoner into Scotland, and leaving his wife behind him for an hostage, when he was restored to his own home, by his manhood recovered Conaught (out of which in his absence all the English had been expelled by Phelim O Conor) having slain in the field the said Phelim O Conor, Mac Dermond, Tego and Kelly, and was himself at last, in revenge, killed by Cormac Mac-Dermond. His grandson Thomas, by his son Edmund surnamed Albanach (because he was borne in Scotland) when he saw the goodly and rich inheritance of his own family, translated by a female unto Leonell Duke of Clarence, took it to the heart, and therefore raising a power of lewd lawless and desperate persons (who will be never wanting in Ireland nor else where) by force and wrong seized the Patrimony of the Earls of Ulster in this County into his own hands, and after the name of that Grandfather of his, whose glorious fame and gracious authority was then fresh in remembrance, called himself Mac-William, Mac-William who also is called Mac-William Eughter. Cuttings, Coin, Liverey, etc. 'Cause of Rebellions in Ireland. Richard Bingham. that is, the son of William. And his posterity under that name and title usurped a tyranny in these parts, raging upon themselves other while, with mutual injuries, and oppressing the poor people a long time with extorting, pilling and spoiling: insomuch as they left scarce one village or house in the Country unrazed and unrifled. This powerful violence of theirs Sir Richard Bingham principal Commissioner, or Governor of Conaght, a man resolute, severe and valiant, fit for such a fierce and fell Province, thought not to be endured. For he well understood being prudent and politic, that these injust oppressions, pollings and pillings were the principal causes of the rebellions, of barbarousness, and base beggary of Ireland, yea and that they drew the people away from their due obedience and allegiance to their Prince, so as that they would acknowledge no other sovereign than their own Lords and Captains: he therefore to establish (what he might) the royal power and authority there, and to overthrow this tyrannical government of this Mac-William and of others getting head, employed with all diligence his whole care and cogitations to the uttermost: and albeit he had from time to time many imputations, suggestions, and complaints eagerly urged upon him, both before Queen Elizabeth and also the Lord Deputy, yet proceeded he in his purpose. chose, those of the family of Burke, their followers and dependants, that refused to obey the laws, took arms and drew to band and side with them, the Septs of the Clan-Donells, joys and others, who disinherited themselves and their own power; whom Bingham the Governor soon scattered: and having forced their forts, drove them into woods and lurking hooles, until the Lord Deputy taking pity of them, upon their humble supplication, commanded by his Missives that they should be received upon terms of peace. But they who by war had troubled the peace, and knowing not how to lay down war for sweetness of peace, were no sooner relieved and raised as it were from death, but they took arms again, entered afresh into actual rebellion, drove booties every where, and made foul uproars in all places, crying out, That they would set up their Mac-William, or else send for one out of Spain: That they would not admit a Sheriff, nor yield obedience to laws. And herewith they closely procured the Scottish Islanders from out of the Hebrides, to come over for to aid them, promising them fair lands and possessions: whereupon the Lord Deputy commanded the Governor to repress and bridle this their excessive and malapert insolence. He then immediately, when they rejected all equal and indifferent conditions offered unto them, assembled an army, and pursued them so hotly through the woods and forests, that after six or seven weeks being grievously hunger-bitten, they most humbly submitted themselves. At which very time the auxiliary forces of the Scots aforesaid, came seeking through desert byways, and untravelled out ways, as closely as they could, to come into the county of Maio: but the Governor with continual journeys affronted them by night and day so near, and followed upon them so hard, that in the end he intercepted them at Ardnary, & valiantly giving the charge, put them to flight, after he had killed and drowned in the river Moin about three thousand of them. A happy victory this was, and of great consequence both for the present & future times: whereby the rebellion, together with the title of Mac-William, was extinguished. Donell Gormy, and Alexander Carrough, the sons of james Mac-Conel, and those Islanders who most of all had plagued Ireland were slain. These occurrents have I briefly set down out of my Annals (impertinent though they be to my intended purpose) which for their worthiness ought more at large to be penned by some Historiographer. THE COUNTY OF SLEGO. SOmewhat higher lieth the county of Slego, a plenteous and battle country for feeding and raising of cattle, wholly also coasting upon the sea. Between it and Ulster Northward runneth the river TROBIS, which Ptolomee calleth RAVIUS, as an outlet of the Lake Erne: it is severed from the neighbour counties, Le Trim and Roscoman, by the cumbrous Curlew hills; and the river Suc divideth it in twain. In some place hereabout Ptolomee setteth the city NAGNATA; Nagnata. but what city it was it passeth my wit to find out. He hath placed also the river LIBNIUS in this tract, which through the retchlessness of the transcribers, I reduced even now from out of exile to Dublin his own city. But that place which Ptolomee here pointeth out, is now called THE BAY OF SLEGO, a road full of harbours under Slego the principal place of this county: where standeth a castle, the seat at this day of the Sept of O-Conor, who of it take their addition of Slego, and fetch their pedigree, as they say themselves, from that Rotherick O-Conor Dun, who being a great man and of much puissance, bore himself as Monarch of Ireland, what time as the English entered first into Ireland, & hardly yielded himself unto King Henry the second, although in words he professed submission, and oftentimes raising tumults (as an author without name of that age writeth) used ever and anon to cry out and say, That these words following of Adrian the Pope, in his Patent or Charter made unto the King of England, were prejudicial unto him: Enter you into that Island, Diploma l. 2. c. 6 Girald. Cambren. de▪ expugnatio. Hibern p. 787. and execute whatsoever shall concern the glory of God, and the salvation of that land: and let the people of the said land receive you and honour you as their Lord: until such time as Pope Alexander the third by a new Bull or Charter of his, had confirmed in like manner unto the Kings of England their right to Ireland: for than became he more tractable, and condescended unto more equal conditions, as I shall show anon. After these O Conors, the greatest men of name in this territory are O Don, O Haris, O Ghar, and Mac-Donagh. THE COUNTY OF LETRIM. THe County of Slego Eastward is enclosed with Breany, the possession of the ancient family of O-Rorck, which drew their descent from Rotherick Monarch of Ireland, whom they by contraction (which they take pleasure in) term Rorck, until that Brien O Rorck, Lord of Breany and Minterolise, fed with vain hopes by Pope Sixtus Quintus and the King of Spain, had perfidiously cast off his allegiance to Queen Elizabeth, and taken arms: who being streightwaies chased into Scotland, and sent back into England, suffered for his inconsiderate rashness due punishment upon the gallows, and his lands were adjudged to the Crown. This Breany, by john Perot Lord Deputy was made a county, and of the chief town called Letrim, which riseth up throughout with hills, full of rank grass; yet not so, as that it should be altogether true which Solinus reporteth of Ireland: namely, that it is so full of forage, that unless cattle were kept other while from grazing, their fullness would endanger them. And so much cattle it feedeth, that within the little circuit which it hath, it may reckon at one time above a hundred and twenty thousand head of beasts. In this standeth Achonry Bishopric, united now to the See of Elphin. And Shannon, the Sovereign of all rivers in Ireland, hath here his springhead; which being one while narrower, and another while broader, with diverse turning and winding reaches that he makes, washeth and watereth of either side, as I have said, many a country. The principal families be O Rorck, O Murreys, Mac Lochleims, Mac Glanchies, and Mac Granelles, all mere and stark Irish. Whereas john Burgh, son to Richard the Earl of Clan-Ricards, was created by Queen Elizabeth Baron Letrim, who was afterward slain by his envious concurrents, I cannot say whether he had that title of this Letrim, or of some other place in this kingdom. THE COUNTY OF ROSCOMAN. UNder the county of Letrim Southward lieth ROSCOMAN, ordained to be a county by Henry Sidney Lord Deputy; lying out a good length, but narrow; closed up between the two rivers Suc Westward, and Shanon Eastward, and on the North side bounded with Curlew mountains. A territory it is for the most part plain, fruitful, feeding many herds of cattle, and with mean husbandry and tillage yieldeth plenty of corn. Where it beareth Northward, Curlew hills. the steep mountains of Curlew perk up aloft, and those impassable until by the careful industry of George Bingham there was a way cut out: which Curlews not long since became more notorious, for the disastrous death of Sir Coniers Clifford, and (by his default) for the slaughter with him of most valiant and experienced soldiers. In this county are reckoned four Baronies. Under Curlew hills, by the river Shanon, Barony of boil. the Barony of boil first cometh in view: where was founded in times past a famous Abbey, in the year 1152. together with the Abbey of Beatitude, and Mac Dermot ruleth all there as Lord; then by the river Suc lieth the Barony Balin Tober, Balin Tober. where O Conor Dun is of the greatest command: and upon it joineth Elphen an Episcopal See. Somewhat lower is Roscoman, the Barony of O Conor Roose, that is, Conor the red, wherein is seated the chief town of the whole county, sensed in times passed with a castle by Robert Ufford Lord Justice of Ireland; but all the houses are mean and thatched; and more Southward, Athlone the Barony of the O Kellies, so named of the head town, which hath a castle and ward in it; also a most beautiful bridge of hewn stone, which to the great terror of seditious rebels, Queen Elizabeth in our memory appointing Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland overseer thereof, caused to be built, with a purpose to constitute in that place (as most fit of all others in Ireland to repress seditions) the seat of residence for the Lords Deputies: and thus much for the Counties of Conaght. LORDS OF CONAGHT. AS for the Lords of Conaght, we find it recorded in the Irish histories, that Turlogh O Mor O Conor ruled absolutely in old time this country, and divided it wholly between his two sons, Cahel and Brien. But at the Englishmen first arrival into Ireland, Rothericke bare rule, who styled himself Monarch of Ireland, yet being put in fear with the great preparation for the English war hanging so near over his head, he betook himself into the protection of King Henry the second, Rog. Hoveden. Anno 1175. pag. 312. without trying the hazard of battle. But when as forthwith he broke his allegiance, and revolted, Miles Cogan was the first Englishman that gave the attempt upon Conaght, yet sped he not in his enterprise. Howbeit that King of Conaght abovesaid, was driven to this exigent, as to acknowledge himself the King of England's Liegeman, to serve him faithfully as his man, and to pay unto him yearly of every tenth beast, one hide mercateable, etc. And King John granted that the third part of Conaght should remain unto him still, to be held hereditarily for an hundred Marks. But William Fitz-Adelme, whose posterity are called in Latin de Burgo, and Burke or Bourke in Irish, Robert Muscegros, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloster, and William de Birmingham were the first English that fully subdued this country, and laboured to bring it to civil government. And William Bourk and his lineal posterity, being called Lords of all Conaght, governed that province, together with Ulster, for a long time in great peace and tranquillity, yea and raised thereout rich revenues, until the only daughter of William Burke, sole heir in gross of Conaght and Ulster both, was matched in marriage with leonel Duke of Clarence, King Edward the thirds son. But when as he abode for the most part in England, and the Mortimers his heirs and successors looked but negligently to their patrimony and inheritance in Ireland, the Bourkeses there allies, whom they had appointed as overseers of their lands, taking the advantage of their Lord's absence, and presuming upon the troubles in England, despising the authority of laws, entering into alliance with the Irish, and contracting marriage with them, seized upon all Conaght to their own behoof, and degenerating by little and little, have laid down English civility, and taken up Irish behaviour. Whereof some, who fetched their pedigree from Richard Burke, were called Clanricard; others, Mac William Oughter, that is, The upper; others, Mac William Eughter, that is, The lower; even as they who in the county of Maio were of greatest power and authority, affected to be termed simply Mac-William, as being a name full of honour, glory, and authority, because they descended from William de Burgo, or Burke, whom I mentioned erewhile: under countenance of which name, they for a long time tyrannised over the poor inhabitants with most grievous exactions. ULTONIA, OR ULSTER. ALL the land beyond the mouth of the river Boyn, Meath, the County Longford, and the mouth of the river Ravie that stretcheth Northward, is counted the fifth part of Ireland, called in Latin Ultonia, and Ulidia, in English Ulster, in Irish Cui Guilly, that is, The Province Guilly, and of our Welsh Britan's Ultw. Which Province was wholly inhabited in Ptolomees time by the VOLUNTII, DARNI, ROBOGDII, and ERDINI: A large country, bespread with many, and those very large loghes and lakes, shaded with many and thick woods, in some places fruitful, in others barren, howbeit fresh and green to see to in every place, and replenished with cattle. But as the country for want of manuring is grown to be rough, so the natural dispositions of the people, wanting civil discipline, are become most wild and barbarous. Yet to the end that they might be kept within the bounds of their duty, who were wont to break in sunder all bands of equity, of honesty, and of duty, the hither part of it was in times past divided into three counties, Louth, Downe, and Antrim: and now the rest is laid out into seven new counties, that is to say, Cavon, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Armagh, Colran, Tir-Oen, and Donegall or Tir-Conell, by the provident care of Sir john Perot L. Deputy: John Perot Lord Deputy. 1585. who being notable and worthy man, well acquainted with the humours and haughty spirits of the Province, foreseeing that no policy would serve better to appease the tumults of Ireland, than to reduce these parts of Ulster into order, and to keep them down; going thither in a dangerous and ticklish time, when the King of Spain hovered and gaped both for Ireland and England; with his gravity and authority, whiles by barring all wrongs, he did cut off the causes and quarrels of war, brought all the Potentates or Captains of Ulster to this pass, that willingly they suffered their Signories to be divided into Counties, and Sheriffs to be appointed for the government thereof. But he being within a while after recalled home, and climbing still higher unto honours, the heavy displeasure and envy of some, whom he was not able to counterpoise, and his own lavish tongue together (for unadvisedly he had let fly somewhat against the Prince's Majesty, which to impair in word is a capital matter) plunged him headlong ere he was aware upon his own destruction, as I have declared elsewhere more amply. THE COUNTY OF LOUTH. THe county of LOUTH, Uriel, in Latin Urgalia. in ancient books written Luva and Luda, called in the Irish tongue Iriel or Uriel (if that be not rather a part of this territory) situate beyond Meth and the mouth of the river Boyn, turning full upon the Irish sea, runneth out with a shore much winding into the North; the soil whereof is so full of forage and so fruitful, that it soon answereth and recompenseth the husband man's toil and charges. near unto Boynes mouth is seated Drogheda, Tredagh. or Droghda, in English Tredagh, a fine town, well peopled and frequented, so called of the bridge, and divided by the river Boyne running through it. Unto which King Edward the second, for Theobald Verdons sake, granted licence for a market and Fair; the Kings confirmed many and great liberties, Mellifont Abbey. and among other a Mint. near unto this standeth Mellifont Abbey founded by Donald a King of Uriel, and much praised by Saint Bernard: which Queen Elizabeth (when as the religious Monks were before thrust out) gave unto Sir Edward More of Kent, for his good deserts both at home, and abroad in the wars. Ardeth seven miles from hence is a dry inland town well known: Dundalk. and above it Dundalk, with a commodious haven, and in times passed strongly walled; which Edward Brus, brother to the King of Scots, who had proclaimed himself King of Ireland, burnt: but he within a while after was with eight thousand two hundred of his men slain near thereabout. And in our remembrance Shan O Neale laid siege unto it, but straightways he was forced with shame enough to dislodge. Eight miles from hence standeth Carlingford, Carlingford. a port also of good request and resort: neither be there, to my knowledge, any other places in this county worth the naming. This Louth had for Earl Sir john Birmingham an Englishman, Birmingham, who also is called Brimicham. whom in reward of his martial valour, when he had discomfited and in a pitched field slain that Edward Brus, who assuming the title of King of Ireland for a time, had made soul work with fire and sword in Ireland, King Edward the second advanced to the honour of Earl of Louth, Earl of Louth. to have unto him and his heirs males, and withal, the dignity of Baron of Athenry, to him and his heirs. But this honourable title, as it began, so it ended in him; for he that in war vanquished his enemies, was soon after in a tumult of rebellious people vanquished and slain by his own men in this territory, with many other of his surname, leaving no issue behind him. But in our father's remembrance King Henry the eighth honoured Sir Oliver Plonket with the title of Baron of Louth. Baron Louth. There remain in this county, the Verdons, Tates, Clinton's, Bellews, Dowdals, Gernons, Hadsors', Wottons, Brandon's, Moors, Warrens, Chamberlanes, and very many beside of English blood; and of the Irish the Mac-Mathons, etc. THE COUNTY OF CAVON. THe county of CAVON lieth next unto Louth to the West, called in times past East Breanny, East Breany. the habitation of the O-Reilyes, who vaunt themselves to have had their beginning of the Ridleys in England, whereas in their whole course and manner of life they be mere Irish. O Reily. These O-Reileys not long since were of great power in horsemen: but to the end they might be that way less powerful, Sir Henry Sidney in his policy divided their county into seven Baronies; whereof the Lords out of that family should immediately hold the same by service, in fee from the Crown of England. They dwell scattering in piles and forts, not in towns. A Bishop they have of their own, and him a poor one, God he knoweth, whose See is at Kilmore: Kilmore Bishopric. and yet is not he so poor as those Irish Bishops were, who had no other rents and revenues than three milch kine, which the parishioners exchanged for others new milch when they went dry, Poor Bishops. according as Adam Bremensis from their own relation, when they returned by Germany out of Italy, learned and put down in writing. THE COUNTY OF FERMANAGH. BEyond Cavan West and North FERMANAGH presenteth itself, where sometimes the ERDINI dwelled, a country full of woods, and very boggish. In the midst whereof is that most famous and the greatest Mere of all Ireland, Lough-Ern. Logh Erne, stretching out 40. miles, bordered about with shady woods, and passing full of inhabited Lands: whereof some contain an hundred, two hundred, and three hundred Acres of ground: having besides such store of Pikes, Trout, and Salmon, that the fishermen complain oftener of too great plenty of fishes, and of the breaking of their nets, than they do for want of draught. This Lake spreadeth not from East to West (as it is described in the common Maps) but as I have heard those say who have taken a long and good survey thereof, Bal-tarbet. first at Bal-Tarbet, which is a little town farthest North of any in this county of Cavon; it stretcheth from South to North fourteen miles in length, and four in breadth. Anon it draweth in narrow, to the bigness of a good river, for six miles; in the channel whereof standeth Inis Killin, the principal castle in this tract, which in the year 1593. was defended by the rebels, and by Dowdall a most valiant Captain won. Then turning Westward, it enlargeth itself most of all, Belek. twenty miles long, and ten broad, as far as to Belek: near unto which is a great downfall of water, and as they term it, that most renowned Salmon Leap. A common speech is currant among the inhabitants there by, that this Lake was once firm ground, passing well husbanded with tillage, and replenished with inhabitants; but suddenly, for their abominable buggery committed with beasts, overflown with waters, and turned into a Lake. The Almighty God (saith Giraldus) Creator of Nature, judged this land privy to so filthy acts against Nature, unworthy to hold not only the first inhabitants, but any others for the time to come. Howbeit this wickedness the Irish Annals lay upon certain Islanders out of the Hebrides, who being fled out of their own Country lurked there. Among the Lords in this tract, Mac-Gwir was most noble and powerful, until he overthrew himself and his state in the late rebellion. And they that be of that Sept dwell on both sides, yet so as that those beyond the Lake are reckoned of Ulster, and they on this side of Conaght. THE COUNTY MONAGHAN. ALong the Lough-Erne, on the East side, stretcheth out the County Monaghan, mounting aloft with hills well attired with woods, but known by no town at all (unless it be Monaghan, which imparted the name unto the whole country.) It is divided into five Baronies, & containeth Iriel, Dartre, Ferey, Loughty (which by authority of Parliament were for rebellion, given away from the Mac-Mahons) with the little territory Donemain, which Queen Elizabeth bestowed upon Walter D'Evereux Earl of Essex. Those Mac-Mahons, Mac-Mahon. that is, if we interpret it out of the Irish language, The Sons of Ursus, or the Bear, ruled here as tyrannical Lords a long time, and derive their Genealogy from Walter Fitz-Urse, Fitz-Urse. who imbrued his hands with the bloody murdering of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury. The most puissant of these, after the manner of that nation, took upon him to Lord it over the rest, and by way of excellency was termed Mac-Mahon. About which pre-eminence, when as of late days they of that Sept or Family were at most bitter debate, by way of hard words, open arms, foul practices, yea and close corruptions, Sir William Fitz-William the Lord Deputy came hither among them, 1590. and judicially convented Hugh-Roe, Mac-Mahon, whom he by his authority had set up in this Seignory, and being upon his trial condemned of treason, caused him to be hanged: and to the end that he might suppress for ever both the name and sovereignty of Mac-Mahon, he divided the territory between the kindred of the said Hugh, and certain Englishmen, to have and to hold after the English tenure, to them and theirs. THE COUNTY ARMAGH. ON the East side again lieth out in length the county of Armagh, so as that it is compassed as it were about with the river Neury by East, with the county of Louth by South, and with the Blackwater by North. A County, as I have sundry times heard the Earl of Denshire Lord Lieutenant General say, Charles' Blunt L. Mont-joy. that for a most rich and battle soil passeth all other parts of Ireland, insomuch as if any compost be laid upon it to make it more fruitful, it scorneth and disdaineth, as one would say, the same, and becometh barren. The first place in it that we meet with, Fewes. is Fewes, a little territory belonging to Turlogh Mac-Henry, one of the family of O-Neale, thick set with woods, and by reason of loughs and bogs unpassable. Orry. Then have you Orry, as scarce of woods, where dwelleth O-Hanlan, and the fort Mont-Norris, Mont-Norris. built by Charles Baron Mont-joy when he was Lord Deputy, and so named in honour of Sir john Norris, under whom he had served first, and was trained in military discipline. Armach. Eight miles from hence, near unto the river Kalin, Armach maketh a poor show, albeit it is the archiepiscopal See, and Metropolitan of the whole Island. The Irish talk much, that it was so called of Queen Armacha: but in mine opinion it is the very same that Bede nameth Dearmach, and out of the Scottish or Irish language interpreteth it, The field of Okes. But it was named Drumsailich, before that Saint Patrick had built there a proper fair City, S. Patrick. Vita Patricii. Marianus Scotus. for site, form, quantity, and compass, modelled out, as he saith, by the appointment and direction of Angels. That Patrick I say, who being a Britain borne, and Saint Martin's sisters son, named at his Baptism Sucat, was sold into Ireland, where he became Herdsman to King Miluc, afterwards was named by Saint German, whose disciple he was, Magonius, as a Nurse-Father, out of a British word: and by Pope Celestine, Patricius, as a Father of the Citizens, and by him sent over to catechise Ireland in the Christian faith: which notwithstanding some had received there before, as we may gather out of an old Synodall, wherein is urged the testimony of Patrick himself, The Irish shaving. against that tonsure or shaving of Priests which had been used before his time in Ireland; whereby they were shaved only on the fore part of the head, and not on the Crown. Which manner of shaving he seemeth by way of contempt to father upon a certain Swineherd of King Lagerius the son of Nell: and the writers of that age cried out, See Bed. l. 5. c. 22. that it was Simon Magus his shaving, and not S. Peter's. In this place about the year of our salvation 610. Columbane built a most famous Monastery, out of which very many Monasteries afterwards were propagated by his disciples, both in Britain and in Ireland. S. Bernard in the life of Malachy. Of this Armach S. Bernard thus writeth. In honour of S. Patrick the Apostle of Ireland, who here by his life time ruled, and after death rested; it is the archiepiscopal seat and Metropolitan City of all Ireland, and of so venerable estimation in old time, that not only Bishops and Priests, but Kings also and Princes in general, were subject to the Metropolitan thereof in all obedience, and he alone governed them all. But through the devilish ambition of some mighty Potentates, there was taken up a very bad custom, that this holy See should be obtained and held in hereditary succession; neither suffered they any to be Bishops, but such as were of their own Clan, Tribe, and Family. Neither prevailed this execrable succession a little, but continued this wicked manner for the space well near of fifteen generations. When in process of time the Ecclesiastical discipline in this Island was grown loose, so as in towns and cities, there were translations and plurality of Bishops, according to the will and pleasure of the Metropolitan; for reformation of this abuse, john Papyrio a Cardinal was sent hither from Pope Eugenius the fourth, as a nameless writer then living wrote in these words. In the year of our Lord 1142. john Papyrio, a Cardinal sent from Eugenius the fourth Bishop of Rome, together with Christian Bishop of Lismore Legate of all Ireland, came into Ireland. The same Christian held a solemn Counsel in Mell, at which were present all the Bishops, Abbats, Kings, Dukes, and Elders of Ireland: By whose consent there were established four Archbishoprics, namely, of Armach, of Dublin, of Cassile, and Toam. Wherein sat and ruled at the same time, Gelasius, Gregorius, Donatus, and Edanus: and so the Cardinal, bestowing his blessing upon the Clergy, returned to Rome. For before that time, the Bishops of Ireland were wont to be consecrated by the Archbishops of Canterbury, in regard of the Primacy which they had in Ireland. This did the Citizens of Dublin acknowledge, when they sent Gregory elect Bishop of Dublin, unto Ralph Archbishop of Canterbury for to be consecrated, by these words, Antecessorum vestrorum Magisterio, etc. that is, Unto the Magistracy of your Predecessors we willingly submitted our (Prelates) from which we remember that our Prelates have received their dignity Ecclesiastical, etc. which appeareth for certain out of letters also bearing date of greater antiquity, namely, of Murchertach King of Ireland, written unto Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury, for the ordaining and installing of the Bishops of Dublin and of Waterford: likewise of King Gothrich unto Lanfrank his predecessor, in the behalf of one Patrick a Bishop: of Lanfrank also unto Therdeluac a King of Ireland, unto whom he complaineth, That the Irishmen forsake and leave at their pleasure their wedded wives, without any canonical cause, and match with any others, even such as be near of kin, either to themselves or the said forsaken wives; and if another man with like wickedness hath cast off any wife, her also rashly and hand over head they join with, by law of marriage, or fornication rather: an abuse worthy to be punished. With which vices if this nation had not been corrupted even unto these days of ours, both the right of lineal succession among them had been more certain, and as well the gentry as the communality had not embrued themselves so wickedly with the effusion of so much blood of their own kindred, about their inheritances and legitimation, neither had they become so infamous in these respects among foreign nations. But these matters are exorbitant of themselves, and from my purpose. Long had not that archiepiscopal dignity and Primacy been established, when Vivian the Pope's Legate confirmed the same again; so that their opinion may seem to be worthy of discredit and refutation, who affirm that the Archbishop of Armach had in regard of antiquity the priority and superior place of the Archbishop of Canterbury in the General or Ecumenical Counsels; whereas by the first institution he is by many ages the latter. Neither according to the antiquity of places are the seats in Counsels appointed. But all Prelates, of what degree soever they be, Lib. 1. Ceremoniar sacrar. Sect. 14. sit among their Colleagues, according to their own ordination, installing, and promotion. What time as that Vivian was Legate in Ireland, Sir john Curcy subdued Armach, and made it subject to the English: and yet did he no harm then, but is reported to have been very good and bountiful unto the Churchmen that served God there, and he re-edified their Church, which in our memory was fired and foully defaced by the rebel Shan O Neale, and the city withal, so that they lost all the ancient beauty and glory, and nothing remaineth at this day but very few small wattled cottages, with the ruinous walls of the Monastery, Priory, and Primates palace. Among the Archbishops of this place, there goes the greatest fame and name of S. Malachy, the first that prohibited Priests marriage in Ireland, a man in his time learned and devout, and who took no less of the native barbarousness of that country, than sea fishes saltness of the seas, as saith S. Bernard, who wrote his life at large: also Richard Fitz-Ralfe, commonly called Armachanus, is of famous memory, who turned the edge of his style about the year 1355. against the mendicant Friars, as detesting in Christians such voluntary begging. near to Armach, upon a rising hill, remain the relics of an old castle (Owen-Maugh they call it) which was, as they say, the ancient habitation of the Kings of Ulster. More East glideth the Blackwater (in the Irish tongue More, that is, Great) which is the limit between this shire and Tir-Oen, whereof I am to speak in due place. In this country and about it Mac-Genis, O Hanlan, O Hagan, and many of the sept of O-Neal, assuming unto them sundry additions and by-names, carry all the sway after a sort, and overrule the rest. THE COUNTY OF DOWN. EAstward now followeth the county of DOWN, and that very large and fertile in soil, stretched out even as far as to the Irish sea, reaching on the North side to the Lake Eaugh, by a new name called Logh Sidney, and on the South to the county of Louth, from which the river Newry severeth it. Upon this river, in the very first entrance into this shire, within our remembrance Sir Nicolas Bagnall marshal of Ireland, who by his conduct achieved here diverse exploits, and reduced the country to more civility, built and fortified a town of the same name. Hard by it, the river called Banthelesse, issuing out of the desert mountains of Mourn, passeth through the country of Eaugh, which belongeth to the family of Mac Gynnis: Between whom and the O Neals, who tyrannised in Ulster, there fell in times past a controversy, whether they were vassals to O Neal, and whether they should find their followers and soldiers victuals, etc. (this kind of service they call Bonoghty.) This hath unto it an Episcopal See at Dromore, above which at the edge of Logh Eaugh, are the tracts of Kilwlto and Kilwarny, much encumbered with woods and bogs. These lie inwardly: but by the maritime coast the sea doth so wind itself in, and with sundry Creeks and Bays encroach within the land, yea and the Logh and Lake dilateth itself beside Dyffrin, a valley full of woods, the inheritance in old time of the Mandevil's, afterwards of the Whites, in such sort that it maketh two bilands; Lecall Southward, and Ardes Northward. Lecall, a rich and battle ground, beareth out farthest into the East of any part of Ireland, and is the utmost Promontory or cape thereof, which the Mariners now term Saint john's Foreland, Ptolomee calleth it ISANIUM, Isanium the Promontory. perhaps of the British word Isa, which signifieth Lowest. In the very straight whereof flourished DUNUM, Dunum. Down. whereof Ptolomee also made mention (though not in the right place) now named Down, a town of very great antiquity, and a Bishops See, renowned by the tomb of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid, and Saint Columb, upon which was written this rude rhyming distichon: High tres in Duno tumulo tumulantur in uno, Brigida, Patricius, atque Columba pius. At Down these three lie buried in one tomb, Brigid, Patrick, and that devout Columb. Which monument of theirs, as the bruit runneth, was demolished by the Lord Leonard Grey, Deputy under King Henry the eighth: and sure it is, that when he was arraigned for misgoverning, and condemned therefore to death, among other imputations he was charged, that he had profaned this Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick's Sepulchre. But as touching the Sepulchre of Saint Patrick, the religious Priests were at variance, like as the Cities of Greece in times past strove about the native country of the Poet Homer: These of Down challenge it to themselves, and that upon the authority of the verses aforesaid: Those of Armagh put in their claim out of the words of Saint Bernard, which erewhile I alleged: The Monks of Glastenbury in England averred it to be with them, and that out of the old Records and Evidences of their Abbey: and some Scots have likewise avouched, that as he was borne near unto Glasco, so likewise he was interred there at Kirk-Patrick. Into this Down, Sir john Curcy, that Marshal Englishman, and (for a Warrior) extraordinarily devout to Godward, after he had brought this country in subjection unto him, was the first that brought in the Benedictine Monks: and he translated the Monastery of Cariche, which Mac Neal, Mac Eulef King of Ulster had founded in Erinaich near unto S. Finins Fountain, into the Isle called after his name Ynis-Curcy, and endowed the same with lands assigned for it. For before time the Monks of Ireland, as those of ancient times in Egypt, whose manner and order that devour man congel, that is by interpretation, A fair pledge, brought over into Ireland, being wholly given to prayer, earned for themselves and the poor their living, with the labour of their own hands. Howbeit, these Monastical orders and customs (as all humane things) continued not long, when their manners and carriage grew to be worse, and riches had by little and little polluted piety, which as a mother, had formerly bred them. Robert Abbot of Molisime in Burgundy studied and endeavoured earnestly in times past to reduce and set on foot again the said ancient Discipline: Robert de Monts, de Immutatione Ordinis Monacho●um. and persuaded his own Disciples to live with their handy labour, to leave Tithes and Oblations unto the Priests that served in the Diocese, to forbear wearing of Breeches made of woven cloth, or of leather. But they labouring to the contrary, refused flatly to go from the customs observed in the Monasteries of the West parts of the world, which were known for certain, to have been instituted and ordained by Saint Maure scholar to Saint Benet, and by Saint Columban. But I have digressed too far, now will I return again. By the seaside stand Arglas, where Saint Patrick, by report, founded a Church: and Strangford, called in old time Strandford, a safe harbour, where the river Coin with a great and violent stream breaketh into the Sea. Near unto which, in the Biland Lecale, Queen Mary in her great bounty unto Noblemen liberally gave lands unto the Earl of Kildare. And here, of the English race the russel's, Audley's, Whites, and the Bagnells who came thither last, stoutly defend, among the wild and fierce Irish, not without danger, what they and their ancestors won in these parts. Ardes, the other Biland called The Andes, lieth over against to the North, severed with a small channel out of the Logh-Coin, which on the West side encloseth it, like as the sea on the East side, and the Bay of Knoc-Fergus on the North. You may resemble it to the bent of the arm, which by a very narrow Isthim or neck of land groweth to the rest of the Island, like as an arm to the shoulder. The soil is every where passing good and bountiful, but only in the mids, where lieth out for twelve miles or thereabout in length, a moist, flat, and boggy plain. The shore is sufficiently bespread with small villages, and in times past had a most renowned Monastery at the Bay of Knoc-Fergus, of the same institution, order, and name, as was that right ancient and famous Abbey in England near unto Chester, Banchor abbey. I mean, Banchor. Out of whether of these twain that Arch-hereticke Pelagius came, it is uncertain, whiles some will needs have him to spring from hence, others from that in Britain: but neither of them grounding upon any certain warrant of authority. Howbeit, certain it is that he was of Britain, as may appear by other testimonies, as also by this distichon of Prosper Aquitanus, Pelagius the Arch-heretick. inveighing against his impiety. I procul insana impieta●, artesque malignas Aufer, & authorem comitare exclusa Britannum. Avaunt far hence impiety, and lewd Arts take with thee, Once gone, with British sire of thine keep always company. But touching this place, hear what S. Bernard saith: In the life of Malachias. A rich and mighty man gave a place called B anchor unto Malachy, to build, or rather to re-edify there a Monastery. It had been iwis a most noble house before time, under the first founder and father Congel, breeding many thousand Monks, and the head likewise of many Monasteries. A holy place in truth, and a breeder of many Saints, most plenteously fructifying unto God: so that one of the sons of that holy congregation, named Luan, is reported to have been the founder of an hundred Monasteries. Which I have been more willing to relate, that by this one the reader may give a guess what a mighty multitude there was beside. Thus at length the sprouts thereof replenished Ireland and Scotland. From out of which S. Columbane coming up to these parts of ours here in France, built the Monastery of Luxovium, which grew to a mighty multitude. And so great an Abbey by report this was, that the solemnity of divine service held out continually in one choir after another: so that there was not one moment of time, night or day, without singing praises. Take all this to be spoken of the ancient glory of Banchor Monastery. Malachia both in regard of the noble name that it bore, and of the ancient dignity, especially liked this place, although it was destroyed; as minding to replant it, like unto a certain garden or Paradise; as also because many bodies of Saints slept there. For, to say nothing of those that were buried in peace, it is reported that 900. in one day were slain by Pirates. Verily the possessions belonging to that place were great: But Malachias contenting himself only with the site of the holy place, surrendered the possessions and lands wholly to another: for from the time that the Monastery was destroyed, there wanted not one to hold it with the livings thereto belonging: For they were ordained by election also, and called Abbats, keeping still in name, thought it were not so in deed, as it had been in old time. And when many gave advice not to alienate the possessions, but to retain the whole together unto themselves, this professor of poverty agreed not thereto, but caused, according to the custom, one to be chosen for to hold the same, reserving only to himself and his the place, as I have before said. Moreover, within a few dates there was the Oratory or Church finished, of timber pieces made smooth but fitly and firmly knit together (a Scottish kind of work fair and beautiful enough.) Afterwards Malachy thought it good to have a Church built of stone, proportioned like to those which he had seen built in other countries. And when he had begun to lay the foundation, the native inhabitants of the country began to make a wonder thereat, because there were not found in that land as yet such manner of buildings: and thereupon one cried out, O good Sir, what mean you to bring in this new fashion into our countries? Scots we are and not French. What vanity is this? what need was there of such work, so superfluous, so proud, and so glorious? More inward, Bishopric of Coner. hard by the Lake is the Bishops See of Conereth or Coner, where sat the said Malachy as Bishop. But what manner of flock this so holy a Pastor fed, listen unto S. Bernard. Malachy in the thirtieth year almost of his age, was brought in and presented a consecrated Bishop of Conereth, for this was the city's name. Now when as he began to execute his function according to his office, than perceived this man of God, that it was his lot to come not unto men, but unto beasts. No where had he to that time experience of such, in the most barbarous parts that ever he came unto: No where had he found for manners so froward, for rites so devilish, for faith so impious, for laws so barbarous, for discipline so stiff necked, and for life so filthy. Christians they were in name, and Pagans in deed. Tithes and first fruits they gave none, lawful marriage they contracted none, confessions they made none, to crave or to give penance there could be found just none: And Ministers of the Altar there were very few or none: But what needs many words? where the very paucity and fewness among the lay Persons, was in manner idle and employed about nothing, no fruit was to be expected by their duties and functions among so lewd a people. For in the Churches there was heard neither voice of Preacher nor sound of singing. What should the Lord's champion do in this case? either he must yield with shame, or bicker in jeopardy. But he who acknowledged himself to be a Shepherd, and not an hireling, chose rather to stand to it than to fly, ready to give his life for his sheep if it so behoved. And albeit they were all wolves and no sheep, in the midst of wolves he stood as a fearless Shepherd, by all means casting about how to make of wolves sheep. Thus wrote Saint Bernard; and little better can he that is Bishop there at this day say, as I hear, of his wild flock hereabout. Savage. This Ardes, the Savages, an English family in times past held in possession: amongst whom there goeth a great name of him, who said no less stoutly than pleasantly, when he was moved to build a castle for his defence, That he would not trust to a castle of stones, but rather to a castle of bones, meaning thereby his own body. Afterward the O-Neals wrested it out of their hands: who being attainted of high treason, by permission of Queen Elizabeth, Sir Thomas Smith Knight, and the Queen's Secretary planted a Colony there not long since: a worthy adventure, but it sped unhappily. For after great expenses defrayed, the Irish by a train caught his base son, whom he had made Captain and ruler thereof, and cruelly cast him to hungry dogs: for which barbarous cruelty, those most wicked wretches suffered afterward most grievous punishment accordingly, being killed and given unto Wolves to be devoured. Above Ardes Westward the more Southern Clan-boy, Upper Claneboy. that is, the Yellow Nation or Sept, or the kindred of Hugh the Yellow, a country very full of woods, reacheth as far as to the bay of Knockfergus, inhabited by the Sept of the O-Neales, and is counted the farthest territory of this county of Down. THE COUNTY OF ANTRIM. THE next County in order unto Louth Northward, is that of ANTRIM, so called of Antrim a base townelet of small reckoning at all, had it not imparted the name unto the whole country, which lieth between the Bay of Knoc-Fergus, Logh Eaugh, and the river Ban. This Bay of Knoc-Fergus which Ptolomee termeth VINDERIUS, Knoc-Fergus. took name of a town situate upon it, which the English call Knoc-Fergus, the Irish Carig-Fergus, that is, the Rock of Fergus, of that most renowned Fergus, who first brought the Scottish out of Ireland into Britain, there drowned. This is well inhabited and more frequented than the rest in this coast, by reason of the commodious haven, although the blockhouses thereto be unfinished, having a fortress pitched upon an high rock, a ward of garrison soldiers to keep the country in awe and good order, with an ancient palace converted now into Magazine. Nether Claneboy. Hard by it lieth the Nether Claneboy, which also was the habitation of O-Neales, notable for the death of that most lend rebel, Shan or john O-Neal, who after many robberies and sacrileges committed, being in one or two skirmishes under the leading of Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy, vanquished and weakened, was brought to that exigent, that he was resolved to go unto the Deputy with an halter about his neck and submissly to crave pardon: but being persuaded by his Scribe to seek first for aid of certain Scots of the Islands, who under the conduct of Alexander Oge had encamped themselves here, and preyed in the country, he came unto them, who gave him friendly entertainment, and presently massacred him and all his company in revenge of their kinsfolk whom he had before slain. By whose death the war being ended, and himself with all those that went with him into the field attainted, Queen Elizabeth granted this Claneboy unto Walter D' Eureux Earl of Essex, who crossed over the seas hither, and, I wot not, whether under a goodly colour of honour (for chosen he was Governor of Ulster and Marshal of Ireland) he was by the politic practice of some Courtiers finely packed away into a Country always rebellious and untamed. But whiles with the expense of a mighty mass of money he went about to reduce it to good order, after he had been crossed and tossed with many troubles both at home and abroad in the wars, he was by untimely death taken out of this world, leaving unto all good men a wonderful miss of himself, and this Country unto the O-Neales and Brian Carragh, of the Mac-Conells race, who since that time have gone together by the ears, and committed many murders one upon another, about the sovereignty of this Seignory. near unto Knoc-Fergus there is a By-land, Isle of Magie. with a narrow neck (as it were) annexed to the main, which notwithstanding is called the Isle of Magie, taking up four miles in length and one in breadth: wherein, as some suppose, flourished that Monastery of Magio so highly praised by Bede: whereof I have made mention before in the County of Majo. Then the Glinnes, Glinnes. that is, the Valleys, begin at Olderfleet, a bad road for ships, and run out a great length upon the sea. Bissets. This country belonged in ancient times to the Bissets' Noblemen of Scotland, who when upon private grudges and quarrels they had made away Patrick Earl of Athol, were banished hither, and through the beneficial favour of Henry the Third King of England, received Lands here. For John Bisset, who died in the beginning of Edward the First his reign, had large possessions here, and under King Edward the Second, Hugh Bisset for rebellion lost some of them. But in our father's days, the Highland Irish Scots, out of Cantire and the Hebrides, under the leading of James Mac-Conell Lord of Cantire in Scotland, made an entry upon the same, and he laying claim thereto challenged it as descended from the Bissets. Howbeit Shan O-Neale having slain their Captain easily chased them away. Yet returned they, and in this tract committed continually robberies and outrages in cruel manner, yea and maintained seditious commotions, until that even of late Sir John Perot Lord Deputy of Ireland brought first Donell Goran (who together with his brother Alexander was slain by Sr. Richard Bingham in Conaght) and afterward Agnus Mac-Conel, James Mac-Conell. the sons of James Mac-Conel, to that pass, that they betook themselves to the Queen of England's protection, and upon their humble suit received at her hands this county to be held of her by service under certain conditions, namely, to bear arms within Ireland under none other but the Kings of England, and to pay yearly a certain number of cows and hawks, etc. Above this, The Rout. Mac-Guilly. Surly Boy. Chairly Boy. as far as to the river Bann, all the tract is called Rout, the seat of the Mac-Guillies, a family of good reputation in their county: which, notwithstanding the violence of the Islander Scots, and their continual depredations, hath driven them into a narrow corner. For, Surly Boy, that is, Charles' the Yellow, brother unto James Mac-Conel, who possessed himself of the Glines, became also in some sort Lord hereof; Donluse, until that Sir John Perot Lord Deputy, having won Donluse Castle, a very strong pile, seated upon a rock that hangeth over the sea, and severed from the Land with a deep ditch, dispossessed him and all his. Which for all that, he recovered the next year following by treason, after he had slain Carie the Captain thereof, who manfully defended himself. But the Lord Deputy sending against him Captain Meriman an approved warrior, who slew the two sons of James Mac-Conell, and Alexander this Surly Boys son, so coursed him from place to place, and drove away his cattle the only riches he had (for he was able to number of his own stock 50000. cows) so that Surly Boy rendered Donluse, came to Dublin, and in the Cathedral Church openly made his submission, exhibited a supplication craving mercy, and afterwards being admitted into the Lord Deputies Great Chamber, so soon as he saw the Picture of Queen Elizabeth upon a table, once or twice flung away his sword, fell down at her feet, and devoted himself unto her Majesty. Whereupon being received into favour, and ranged among the subjects of Ireland, he abjured and renounced openly in the Courts of Chancery and King's Bench all service and allegiance to any foreign Kings whatsoever: and he had given unto him by the bounteous liberality of Queen Elizabeth, four territories (Toughes they call them) lying from the river Boys unto the Bay, Don severig, Loghill, and Balla-monyn, with the Constableship of Donluse Castle, to him and the heirs males of his body, to hold of the Kings of England, with these conditions, That neither he nor his, nor yet his posterity serve in the wars under any foreign Prince without Licence; That they keep their people from all depredations; That they furnish and find twelve horsemen, and forty footmen, at their own charges for forty days in time of war; and present unto the Kings of England a certain number of cows and hawks yearly, etc. THE COUNTY OF COLRAN. BEyond the Glynnes West, standeth Krine, which now they call the county COLRAN, of the principal town therein. It lieth between the river Ban and Lough-foile, and confineth South upon the county of Tir-Oen. River Ban. This Ban, a passing fair river, as Giraldus saith (which the name also witnesseth) rising out of the mountains of Mourn in the county of Down, carrieth himself and his name into Lough Eaugh, or Lough-Sidney, a large Lake: which name for all that, after thirty miles or thereabout (for of so great length that Lake is esteemed to be) at his going forth in the end he resumeth again at Tome castle, and being beset and shadowed along the sides with woods, Glancolkein. by Glancolkein, where by reason of thick woods, and unpassable bogs there is the safest place of refuge for the Scottish Islanders and the rebels (and which the English felt, who pursued Surly Boy whiles he lurked here) carrying a proud stream, Salmon. entereth into the sea, breeding Salmon in abundance above any other river in all Europe: because, as some think, it passeth all the rest for clearness, in the which kind of water Salmon take special delight. O-Cahan. In this part the O Cahans were of greatest authority; the principal person of which family O Cahan is thought to be one of the greatest of those Potentates, Uraights. The election of O-Neal. or Uraights as they term them, that aught service unto O Neal the Tyrant of Ulster: as who in that barbarous election of O Neal, which with as barbarous ceremonies is solemnised in the open air upon an high hill, performeth this honourable service forsooth, as to fling a shoe over the head of the elected O Neal. Howbeit he is not of power sufficient to restrain the Scottish Islanders, who to save charges at home, Scottish Islanders. every year in Summer time flock hither out of those hungry and barren Lands (where is nothing but beggary) to get their living; ready upon every occasion and opportunity to maintain rebellions; insomuch as provided it hath been by law, under pain of high treason, that no person call them into Ireland, nor give them lodging or entertainment. But this county with other confining is escheated to the King, who graciously purposing a civil plantation of those unreformed and waste parts, is pleased to distribute the said lands to his civil subjects, and the city of London hath undertaken to plant Colonies here. THE COUNTY OF TIROEN. BEneath Colran lieth Southward the county of TIROEN, in old books named also Tir-Eogain, that is, if a man interpret it, The land of Eugenius, which name the Irish have contracted into Eogain and Oen. This is altogether upland from the sea, divided towards the sun's setting by the river Liffer from Tir-Conell, toward the rising with the Logh Eaugh from the county of Antrim, and Southward with the Blackwater, which in Irish they call Aven More, that is, The great water, from the county of Armagh. A country though rough and rugged, yet fruitful and very large, as which lieth out threescore miles in length, and thirty in breadth: divided by the mountains called Sliew Galen, into the Upper Tir-Oen Northward, Upper Tit-Oen. and the Nether Southward. In it are first Cloghar, Bishopric of Cloghter. Dunganon. Baron of Dunganon. a Bishopric, and that a slender one; then Dunganon, the chief habitation of the Earls; which through the favour of King Henry the eighth gave the title of Baron unto Matthew son to the first Earl of Tir-Oen. And verily this is an house fairer built than commonly they be in this county, but hath been oftentimes by the Lords themselves defaced with fire, because it should not be burnt by the enemy: also Ublogahell, where O-Neal that most proudly ruleth and oppresseth Ulster was wont to be inaugurated after that barbarous manner and tradition of the country: Fort of Blackwater. and the fort at Blackwater on the river More, which hath sustained the variable changes and chances of war, whiles there was no other way into this country, being the place of refuge for the rebels: but now it is neglect, ever since there was found another Ford more below, at which on both sides of the river Charles Lord Mount-joy Deputy erected new Sconces, when with hot war he pursued the rebels in these parts. Who likewise at the same time raised another garrison for't, called by his own name Mont-joy, at the Lake Eaugh (Logh Sidney in honour of Henry Sidney soldiers now term it) which encloseth the West side of this shire, and is made, or much increased by the river Bann, as I have said. Surely this is a goodly and beautiful Lake, passing fishfull, and very large, as stretching out thirty miles or thereabout, as the Poet saith. — Dulci mentitur N●rea fluctu. Fresh water though it be, A sea folk think they see. And considering the variety of show upon the banks, the shady groves, the meadows always green, the fertile corn fields, if they be well manured; the bending and hanging hills, and the rills running into it, fashioned and shaped for pleasure and profit even by Nature herself, who seemeth as it were to be very angry with the inhabitants there by, for suffering all to grow wild and barbarous through their lazy lithernesse. In the upper Tir-Oen stands Straban, a Castle well known, wherein dwelled in our days Turlogh Leinigh of the sept of O-Neals, who after the death of Shan O-Neal, as I shall show anon, by election of the people attained to the dignity of O-Neal: also some other Piles and fortresses of smaller reckoning, the which (like as else where in this Island) be no more but towers with narrow loopholes rather than windows, unto which adjoine Hauls made of turfs, and roofed over head with thatch, having unto them belonging large Courts or yards fenced round about with ditches and hedges of rough bushes for defence of their cattle against Cow-stealers. But if this county have any name or glory at all, it is wholly from the Lords thereof, who have ruled here as Kings, or Tyrants rather: of whom there were two Earls of Tir-Oen, namely, Con O-Neale, and Hugh his nephew by his son Matthew. But of these I will speak more at large by and by, when I am to treat of the Earls and Lords of Ulster. THE COUNTY OF DONEGALL OR TIR-CONELL. ALL that remaineth now behind in Ulster toward the North and South, was possessed in ancient times by the ROBOGDII and VENNICNII: but at this day it is called the County of DONEGALL or TIR-CONELL, that is, as some interpret it, The land of Cornelius, or as others, The Land of Conall, and in truth, Marianus plainly nameth it, Conallea. The county is all in a manner champain and full of havens, as bounded with the sea on the North and West sides beating upon it, and dis-joined on the East from Tir-Oen with the river Liffer, and from Conaght with the Lake Erne. Liffer near unto his spring head, enlargeth his stream, and spreadeth abroad into a Lake, wherein appeareth above the water an Island, and in it hard by a little Monastery, a very narrow vault within the ground, much spoken of by reason of I wot not what fearful walking spirits, and dreadful apparitions, or rather some religious horror: which cave, as some dream ridiculously, was digged by Ulysses when he went down to parley with those in hell. The inhabitants term it in these days Ellan u ' Frugadory, that is, The Isle of Purgatory, Patrick's Purgatory. and Saint Patrick's Purgatory. For some persons devoutly credulous, affirm that Patrick the Irishmen Apostle, or else some Abbot of the same name, obtained by most earnest prayer at the hands of God, that the punishments and torments which the godless are to suffer after this life, might here be presented to the eye: that so he might more easily root out the sins which stuck so fast to his Countrymen the Irish; and withal their heathenish errors. But seeing that this place is named in Saint Patrick's life, Regia. Reglis. Reglis, I would deem it to be the other REGIA, that Ptolomee mentioneth: and the very situation of it in the Geographer implieth no less. Besides this Patrick's Purgatory, there was another Purgatory also of Sir Brendan in this Island; but since I could not find out the place, take here with you that only which I found, namely, Nechams Tetrastichon of it. Asserit esse locum solennis fama dicatum Brendano, quo lux lucida saepe micat. Purgandas animas datur hic transire per ignes, Ut dignae facie judicis esse queant. If common fame say true, a place of Brendan taking name There is, and often times clear lights do shine within the same. The souls have licence here to pass through Purgatory fire, That worthily before that Judge, they may at length appear. Where this river Liffer augmented by other waters coming unto it, approacheth nearer to the sea, it spreadeth out again into a Lake, which Ptolomee called LOGIA, and now they usually term it Logh Foil and Logh Der, whereupon Necham hath these verses. Logh Der aquis dives Lacus est, Ultonia novit, Commodus indigenis utilitate placet. Logh Der a Lake in waters rich, this Ulster knoweth well, Commodious, and pleasing much those that about it dwell. Derry. Hard by this, there flourished sometime Derry a Monastery and Episcopal See; where in the year 1566. Edward Randolph, renowned for his long service in the wars, spent his life in the behalf of his country to his everlasting fame, and gave Shan O-Neal (who had then assembled and armed all the power he could possibly against the English) such an overthrow, as that he could never after recover the loss he then sustained. But now of late Sir Henry Docwra knight, who in the wars of Ireland quit him so well, that with great praise he hath approved his singular valour and martial skill, brought hither first a garrison, and afterward planted here a Colony, to bridle the Earl of Tir-Oens insolent pride: and established and settled the same with so good orders, that it both standeth in good steed for help against the rebels, Robogdii. and also traineth the barbarous people to their duties. The ROBOGDII placed above LOGIA held all that Northern sea coast of Ireland, where O Dogherty an obscure Potentate had great sway. Amongst these, Robogh a little Episcopal town retaineth the express footings of the old name Robogdii. Robogdium Promontory. Which should be that promontory ROBOGDIUM, unless it be Fair Foreland, I know not From hence the utmost shores all rocky bend back again by the mouth of Swilly Lake, which Ptolomee seemeth to call ARGITA. Beyond these more Westward were the VENNICNII seated, Vennicnii. where Mac Rwyn Faid, Mac Swyn Netoeth, and Mac Swyn Bannigh have great lands and large possessions. Among these Ptolomee placeth the river VIDUA, River Vidua. Boreum Promontory. which now is called Crodagh, and the Promontory VENNICNIUM, which they now call Ramshead, and the Foreland BORAEUM, now S. Helen's head. Upon the shore as it twineth back from hence Southerly, Calebeg affordeth an Haven and commodious harbour for sailors: then appear the ruins and rubbish of Sligah Castle, Sligah. ● which Maurice Fitz-Girald Lord Justice of Ireland built about the year 1242. when he had made himself Lord of this country. But john Fitz-Girald the first Earl of Kildare was dispossessed of this castle and a goodly inheritance in this tract, fined also in a great sum of money, for that he had raised a civil and dangerous war against the Earl of Ulster. Lower yet, Donegall. and not far from the mouth of Logh Earn, Donegal, that is, the town of the Gallicians of Spain, with an Abbey showeth itself, whence this county when it was made a county took the name. There have been rulers over this territory for these many ages they of the house of O-Donel, and those extracted from the same stock that the family of O-Neals, neither had they any other title than O-Donel, O-donell. and Lords of Tir-Conell. For the getting of which title, and that they might be by a certain election of the people inaugurated with their due compliments at a stone beside Kilmacrenan, they were at deadly discord, and committed outrages one upon another, until that King James not long since by his honourable Letters Patents conferred the honour, title, and style of Earl Tir-Conell upon Rory O-Donell, the brother of that Hugh the rebel, who being fled out of his country died in Spain; and this Rory his successor practising new treason against King James his advancer, upon the terror of a guilty conscience fled the realm in the year 1607. and died at Rome. The ancient inhabitants of this Ulster, like as the rest of all Ireland throughout, were by one name in times past cleped SCOTI, Scoti. and from hence carried they over with them the name of Scots into the North parts of Britain. For as Giraldus writeth, about the year of salvation four hundred, six sons of Mured King of Ulster seized upon the North parts of Britain, whereupon it was by a special and peculiar name called SCOTIA. And yet it appeareth by the Scottish Annals that this happened long before. Also Ferguse the second, who reestablished the kingdom of Scots in Britain, came from hence, In the life of S. Patrick. unto whom Patrick had prophesied by way of divination or Soothsaying, in these words: Although thou seemest at this day base and contemptible in the eyes of thy brethren, thou shalt shortly be the Prince and Lord of them all. And to avow the credit and authority of this prediction, the said writer addeth moreover and saith: No long space of time after this, Fergus, according to the Holy man's prophecy, obtained the sovereignty in all that land, and his seed reigned for many generations together. From his stem proceeded that most valorous King Edan, the son of Gabran, who subdued Scotland that is called Albanach, whose posterity in lineal descent and succession reigneth there still. The first Englishman that in the reign of King Henry the second attempted this country was Sir john Curcy, Earls of Ulster. who having by force won Down and Armach, either by dint of sword conquered, or by surrender got the whole into his own hands, and was the first that was styled Earl of Ulster: but when his great exploits and fortunate achievements had wrought him such envy, that through his own virtues and other men's vices he was banished out of the Realm, Hugh Lacie, the second son of Hugh Lacie Lord of Meth, who had commandment to pursue him by force and arms, was by King John appointed his successor, being created Earl of Ulster, by the sword, An. 7. joannis. of which honour notwithstanding the same King afterward deprived him for his tumultuous insolency: and he was in the end received into favour again. But for the sounder testimony hereof, it were good to exemplify the same word for word out of the records of Ireland. Hugh de Lacie sometime Earl of Ulster, held all Ulster (exempt and separate from all other counties whatsoever) of the Kings of England in chief by service of three Knights so often as the King's service was proclaimed: and be held all Pleas in his own Court, that pertain to a justice and Sheriff, and held a Court of Chancery of his own, etc. And afterward all Ulster came into the hands of our Sovereign Lord K. john, by the forfeiture of the foresaid Hugh: unto whom after that K. Henry the third demised it for term of the said Hugh's life. And when Hugh was deceased, Walter de Burgo did that service unto Lord Edward K. Henry's son, Lord of Ireland before he was King. And the same Lord Edward feoffed the aforesaid Walter in the said land of Ulster, to have and to hold unto the same Walter and to his heirs, by the service aforesaid, as freely and wholly as the above named Hugh de Lacie held it, excepting the advowsons of Cathedral Churches and the demesne of the same, also the Pleas of the Crown, to wit, Rape, Forstall, Firing, and Treasure Trouve, which our sovereign Lord K. Edward retained to himself and his heirs. This Walter de Burgo, who was Lord of Conaght, and Earl of Ulster, begat of the only daughter of Hugh de Lacie, Richard Earl of Ulster, who after he had endured many troubles and calamities died in the year 1326. Richard had issue john de Burgo, who departed this life before his father, having begotten upon Elizabeth, sister and one of the heirs of Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester, William, who succeeded after his grandfather. This William being slain by his own men when he was young, left behind him a little daughter his only child, See pag. 624. and 725. who being married unto Leonell Duke of Clarence bore one daughter likewise, the wife of Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, by whom the Earldom of Ulster and Seignory of Conaght came unto the Mortimers, and from them together with the kingdom of England unto the house of York: and afterward Edward the fourth King of England adjoined it unto the King's Domaine or Crown land. And when as at the same time England was divided into sides and factions, whiles the civil war grew hot, and the English that abode here returned out of Ulster into England to follow the factions, O-Neal and others of Irish blood seized these countries into their own hands, and brought them to such wildness and savage barbarism, as it exceeded: In so much as this province which in times past paid a mighty mass of money unto their Earls, scarcely ever since yielded any coin at all unto the Kings of England. Ireland neglected. And verily in no one thing whatsoever (pardon this my overboldness) have the Kings of England been more defective in piety and policy, than that they have for these so many ages seen so slightly to this Province, yea and to all Ireland, in the propagation of religion, establishing the weal public, and reducing the life of the inhabitants to civility: whether it was for careless neglect, sparing, or a forecast of damage, or some reason of state, I am not able to say. But that the same may be no longer thus neglected, it seemeth of itself by good right to importune most earnestly, being an Island so great, so near a neighbour, so fruitful in soil, so rich in pastures more than credible, beset with so many woods, enriched with so many minerals (if they were searched) watered with so many rivers, environed with so many havens, lying so fit and commodious for failing into most wealthy countries, and thereby like to be for impost and custom very profitable: and to conclude, breeding and rearing men so abundantly as it doth, who considering either their minds or their bodies might be of singular employment for all duties and functions as well of war as of peace, if they were wrought and conformed to orderly civility. I Intimated even now, that I would speak touching the O-Neals, who carried themselves as Lords of Ulster; and I promised not long since a friend of mine, that I would write of their rebellions raised in our age. And verily I will perform my promise to his Manes, whom whiles he lived I observed with all respect, and being now in heaven I will not forget. Thus much only I will promise by way of Preface, that I have compendiously collected these matters out of my Annals, and here conjoined them, which there are severed and divided according to their several times: and withal, that whatsoever I shall write, is not upon uncertain rumours, but gathered summarily from out o● their own hand writings who managed those affairs, and were present in the actions: And this will I do with so sincere an affection to the truth, and so uncorrupt fidelity, that I doubt not but I shall have thanks at their hands who love the truth, and desire to understand the late affairs of Ireland, and not incur the blame of any, unless they be such as having done ill, take it not well if themselves be accordingly censured. THE O-NEALES, AND THEIR REBELLIONS IN OUR TIME. TO say nothing of that GREAT NEALE, who ruled by force and arms in Ulster, and a great part of Ireland, before the coming of Saint Patrick; nor of those in the middle times, who were but of mean note and memorial to speak of; this family, after the arrival of the English in Ireland, lay close and obscure in remote lurking corners, unless it were when Edward Brus brother to Robert King of Scotland, named himself King of Ireland. For then in a troublesome time Dovenald O-Neale started and roused himself out of his lurking holes, and in his missives unto the Pope used this title in his style, Scotochronicon lib. 12. cap. 26. Dovenald O-Neale King of Ulster, and in right of inheritance the undoubted heir of all Ireland. But after these stirs and troubles were laid, this new King soon vanished away; and Dovenalds posterity plucked in their horns and hid their heads, until that, whiles England was all in a combustion, kindled by the furious firebrands of civil wars between the houses of York and Lancaster for the Imperial Crown, those English that served and lived here, abandoning Ulster, and committing it to the keeping of the O-Neals, returned home to follow the factions. For then Henry O-Neal, the son of Oenone or Eugenius O-Neal, espoused the daughter of Thomas Earl of Kildare: and his son Con-More, that is, Con the great, married the daughter of Girald Earl of Kildare his mother's brother. These supported by the powerful authority of the Earls of Kildare (who verily for many years were Deputies of Ireland) carried their heads aloft, tyrannising cruelly upon the people, & transported with the insolent spirit of pride, disdained all the titles of Prince, Duke, marquis, and Earls, in comparison of the name of O-Neal. Con the son of Con, surnamed Bacco, because he halted, succeeded his father in the dignity of O-Neale, who cursed all his posterity, in case they either learned to speak English, or sowed wheat, or built houses: being sore afraid, left by these inducements the English might be alured to enter again into their Lands and possessions: often saying that language bred conversation, and consequenly their confusion; that wheat gave sustenance with like effect: and by building they should do but as the crow doth, make her nest, to be beaten out by the hawk. When as the greatness of this Con O-Neale became very much suspected of King Henry the Eight, and the King's power having now trodden under foot the family of Kildare, in whose rebellion O-Neale had engaged himself deep, grew dreadful to O-Neale also: into England he comes, and there renouncing the name of O-Neale, put his whole estate into the King's hands: which within a while after was granted again by letters Patent under the great seal of England, to hold as in fee, together with the title of the Earl of Tir-Oen, to him and to Matthew his false reputed son, and to the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten. And Matthew at the same time was created Baron of Dunganon. This Matthew being taken until he was fifteen years old for the son of a blacksmith in Dundalk, was by the said Smith's wife, Shan or John O Neale. whom Con had sometime kept as his concubine, tendered unto Con as his own son, and he accepting him for his own son in deed, rejected John (Shan they call him) with the rest, whom he had begotten on his own lawful wife. Hereupon Shan, seeing a bastard preferred before him, so much made of, and highly honoured, suddenly set his heart wholly against his father, and withal burned in such hatred with most bitter malice against Matthew, that he murdered him out of the way, and so plagued and vexed his father with injurious indignities, whiles he went about to deprive him of his Signiory, disseized him of his dwelling house, and stripped him out of all he had, that the old man for very thought and grief of heart pined away, and died. Straightways Shan being chosen, proclaimed and inaugured O-Neal, by an old shoe cast over his head, seized upon his father's inheritance, and with all diligence sought after the sons of Matthew, that he might be secured from them; but they were fled and gone. Howbeit Brian the eldest son not long after was slain by Mac-Donel Totan one of the O-Neals race, suborned as some give it out, by Shan to do that feat. Hugh and Cormack by the means and help of the English escaped, and yet remain alive. Shan having thus gotten all into his own hands (as he was a man cruel and barbarous) began to exercise excessive cruelty over the great men of Ulster, and made his vaunt, that Mac-Gennys, Mac-Guyr, Mac-Mahon, O Real, O-Hanlon, O Cahan, Mac-Brien, O Hagan, O Quin, Mac-Canna, Mac-Carton, and all the Mac-Donels, the Galloglasses, were his subjects and vassals. And when as Sir Henry Sidney Justice for the time being, in the absence of the Earl of Sussex Lord Deputy, expostulated with him about these points, he answered, that he, the undoubted and lawful son and heir of Con O-Neale, as being borne of his lawful wife, had entered upon his father's inheritance: that Matthew was a Blacke-Smiths son of Dundalke, and by the said Smith begotten, and borne after his marriage with Alison his Wife, yet craftily obtruded upon Con as his son, thereby to intervert another way, and to alienate the inheritance and honour of O-Neale: which howsoever he would endure, yet none beside of the Sept of O-Neals would ever bear and digest. As for the letters Patent of King Henry the eighth, they were of no validity, considering that Con had no right in that he surrendered into the King's hands, longer than his own life: neither could he surrender up the same without the consent of the Nobles and people of Ulster by whom he had been elected O-Neale: Neither were such Patents of any force, unless there were an undoubted heir apparent of the family authentically signified before by inquisition and the oath of twelve men, which in this matter was never certified. Also, that himself was by law both of God and man the true heir, as being the first begotten son of his father, lawfully borne in wedlock; that with the general assent and consent of Peers and people he was chosen, declared, and proclaimed O-Neale according to the ancient law of Tanistry, whereby a man at his full years is to be preferred before a boy, and an uncle before that nephew, whose grandfather survived the father: neither had he arrogated unto himself any authority over the Peers or Nobles of Ulster, other than his ancestors (as he was able to prove by plain proofs produced) had exercised in times passed out of mind most rightfully. Howbeit, soon after he outraged and overthrew O-Raily in the field, took Callagh O-Donell Lord of Tir-Conell prisoner, and cast him with his children into prison, carried away his wife, on whom he begat children in adultery, seized upon his fortresses, lands, and goods, and bore himself as absolute King of all Ulster. But so soon as Thomas Earl of Sussex the Lord Deputy came with a power into the field for to abate this insolency of his, Thomas Earl of Sussex Lord Deputy. he was strangely terrified, and by the persuasion of Girald Earl of Kildare, whom Queen Mary had restored to his former estate, came into England unto Queen Elizabeth, cast himself prostrate at her feet in all submissive and humble manner, and being received with all courtesy, after he had promised his allegiance, returned home, and for a while in his feeding and apparel conformed himself to all kind of civility: he assailed the Scottish and drove them quite out of Ulster, slew james Mac-Conell their leader, kept himself and all his people in good order, and the poorer sort he carefully protected from wrongs: Howbeit he tyrannised most cruelly and insolently over the Nobility: who when they had craved aid of the L. Deputy for to repress his intolerable violence; he thereupon growing more outrageous, in furious manner with fire and sword drove Mac-Guir Lord of Fermanagh (who underhand had accused him) out of house and home, set fire upon the Metropolitan Church of Armach, and burned it, yea and laid siege unto Dundalik on every side: but his enterprise was made frustrate through the valour of the soldiers there in garrison, and William Sarfield Mayor of Dublin, who went forth against him with the very flower of choice Citizens. Howbeit the neighbour Countries round about he harried and spoiled in all manner of hostility. Then Sir Henry Sidney the Deputy, Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy. to restrain and bridle the boldness of the man, came himself in person with an army into the field against him, and by politic forecast sent before Edward Randolph, 1565. an old approved and renowned Colonel, with seven ensigns of footmen, and a cornet of horsemen, by sea into the North side of Ireland; who encamped at Derry by Logh-foil, that he might charge upon the back of the Rebels. Which he fearing, came thither speedily with all the power and forces that he had, to remove him: But Randolph in a pitched field gave him battle, and there manfully fight, with honour lost his life in his Country's service, but gave him withal such an overthrow, that never after he was able to make head again: and being elsewhere in light skirmishes foiled, and by little and little forsaken of his own followers, he was minded with an halter tied about his neck humbly to beseech the Lord Deputy his protection and mercy. But being by his Secretary persuaded first to try the friendship of the Scots, who under the conduct of Alexander Oge, that is, the younger, held their standing Summer Camp in Claneboy, having sent before hand Surly Boy Alexander's brother, whom he had kept prisoner a long time, to prepare the way, he came unto them with the wife of O-Donell whom he kept, was kindly welcomed, and admitted with some few into a tent: where after they had been in their cups, they broke out into a brawl about james Mac-Conell Alexander's brother, whom Shan had slain, and also about the honesty of james his sister, whom Shan had married and cast off: 1567. by which time Alexander Oge, and his brother Mac-Gillaspic being hot set upon revenge, after a signal given, with their drawn swords set upon Shan, and with many a wound hacked and hewed him to death: whereby the Province recovered, after grievous oppressions and war, the benefits of wished peace. Within a while after a Parliament was holden at Dublin, where by the authority of all the States of the Realm there assembled, Shan was attainted, and all the Signories, lands, and goods which he and his followers had, were invested in Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors. And a law was enacted, that from that day forward no man should assume unto him the name and title of O-Neale. And yet shortly after Turlogh Leinigh, a brother's son of Con-Mor O-Neale aforesaid, took it upon him by a popular election, being a man far stepped in years, and therefore more calm and quiet, and so much the rather, because he stood in fear of Shan O-Neals sons, and Hugh Baron of Dunganon, the son of Matthew, although he had given unto the said Hugh his daughter in marriage; whom he notwithstanding quickly after did cast off and repudiate, taking another wife. This Turlogh being most obsequious and dutiful unto the Queen of England, put the English to no trouble at all; but he molested O-Donell his neighbour and the Scots of the Lands, and in an encounter slew Alexander Oge, who had killed Shan O-Neale. Hugh O-Neal Earl of Tir-Oen. Hugh the son of Matthew, commonly called Baron of Dunganon, who had lived a long time one while concealed in his own country, other while in England in the retinue of Noble men, began now to put himself forth, and to raise himself out of that obscure condition, when Elizabeth had given him command of a company of horsemen in the war against the Earl of Desmond, then in rebellion, and assigned to him a pension of a thousand Marks by the year. In that war he acquitted himself valiantly in all places against the rebels; and at length exhibited a supplication in the Parliament house; That by virtue of letters patents, granted unto his Grandfather by King Henry the eighth, he might be admitted to the title and place of the Earl of Tir-Oen, and settled in his ancestors inheritance. The title and place of Earl of Tir-Oen was presently granted: but as touching the inheritance, considering that upon the forfeiture and attainture of Shan O-Neale the Kings of England were invested therein, the matter was referred unto Queen Elizabeth: who most bountifully granted the same to him, for his faithful service performed, and to be performed. Yet so, as that the country should be first surveied, and laid out into several divisions, one or two places fit for garrisons reserved, and namely, the fort at Blackwater, that good order might be taken for the maintenance of the sons of Shan and Turlogh, and that he should not be permitted to have any authority at all against the noblemen his neighbours without the county of Tir-Oen. These conditions he most willingly accepted, and rendered very great thanks, accordingly promising to perform whatsoever he was able, with diligence, authority, study, and endeavour, in regard of so great benefits received: and verily he failed not in his promise, nor omitted any duty that might be expected from a most loyal subject. A body he had able to endure travel, watching and fasting: his industry was singular, his courage in war great, and answerable to the most important affairs: good skill he had in martial feats, and a profound wit and deep reach to dissemble and carry his business closely: in so much as even then some there were who gave this prediction of him, That he was born either to the exceeding good, or as great hurt of Ireland. And such proofs he made of his valour and fidelity, that Turlogh Leinigh at the Queen's intercession resigned up unto him his government upon certain conditions. After whose decease he usurped unto himself the title of O-Neal, which by law was a capital crime; but excused himself colourably, because others should not enter upon the far: and promised solemnly to renounce it quite, yet laboured he most earnestly, that he might not be urged thereunto by any oath. 1588. Not long after, when that most puissant Armada of Spain, which had in vain given the attempt upon England, was put to flight, many ships in their return homeward were cast away and lost in the Vergivian sea, and many of the Spaniards after shipwreck were cast on shore; some of whom Tir-Oen is reported to have entertained and lodged, yea and to have consulted and complotted with them about entering into a secret confederacy with the King of Spain. For which practice Hugh Ne Gaveloc, that is to say, Hugh in the fetters (surnamed so because he had been kept so long in fetters) a base son of Shan O-Neal informed against him, and that upon no light but pregnant presumptions: whom the Earl afterward intercepted, and commanded to be strangled, but hardly could he find any one, that for the reverend regard of the O-Neals blood, would lay hands upon him. For which barbarous and inhuman murdering of his cousin german, he was charged in England; but the Queen of her royal clemency, and for the hope that she had conceived of the Earl, craving with repentance forgiveness of this fault, and submitting himself to diverse good orders, for his obedience, pardoned him, to the great grief of some good men. But this soon after more grieved him, yea pricked (as it were) and sore galled him, that the Deputy had suppressed the name of Mac Mahon in the country next adjoining unto him; and withal to abate and weaken the power of that mighty family, had divided the country among many. He I say hereupon conceived a fear, lest the same would befall unto him, and other Chieftanes of Ulster. At which very time, there began some secret grudges, and heart burnings to arise between the Earl and Sir Henry Bagnall the Marshal, whose sister the Earl had carried away and married. The Earl complained, that whatsoever he had with the loss of his blood and painful travel reduced to the obedience of the Prince, the Marshal, and not he, reaped the fruit and gain thereof: that the Marshal by suborning most base and vile persons as witnesses, had falsely brought him into question for high treason, had incited Sir William Fitz-Williams, than Lord Deputy, his deadly enemy, by corruptions and bribery to work his destruction; and that he lay in wait to take away his life. And in very truth the Deputies information against the Earl found credit in the Court of England, until the said Earl wrote his letters, and offered judicially to be tried either in England or in Ireland. This is for certain known, that much about this time, he together with the chiefery, or greatest men of Ulster, by secret parlays combined in an association, that they would defend the Romish religion (for Religion now a days is made the mantle for all rebellion) that they would in no wise admit Sheriffs or Garrison soldiers in their Territories, and mutually maintain one another's right, yea and withstand all wrongs offered by the English. The first Champion thrust forward to sound the alarm, was Mac-Gwyr, a man of a turbulent spirit: he by way of preying all before him maketh a road into Conaght, accompanied with Gauran a Priest, who being ordained by the Pope Primate of Ireland, commanded him in the name, and with the help of God to try his fortune, and to fight the Lords battle, assuring him of most happy success: yet fell it out otherwise; for Mac-Gwyr, through the valour of Sir Richard Bingham, was discomfited and put to flight, and the Primate with others slain. Soon after, Mac-Gwyr brake out into open rebellion; whom the Earl himself (together with the Marshal) in a show of dutiful attendance pursued; and in this service, with great commendation of his forwardness, was wounded in the thigh. Howbeit wholly intentive to provide for his own security, he intercepteth the sons of Shan O-Neale, and makes them sure for doing any harm: neither would he by any means (being requested thereto) set them at liberty, but minding another matter, maketh most grievous complaints of the injuries offered unto him by the Deputy, the Marshal, and the garrison soldiers: which notwithstanding, within a while after he carried so covertly, that as if he had forgotten all quarrels, he came under safe conduct unto the Deputy, submitted himself, and after he had professed all manner of dutiful obedience, returned home with great commendation. When as now Sir William Fitz Williams, the Lord Deputy was revoked home out of Ireland, Sir William Russell succeeded in that office. Unto him repaired the Earl of his own accord, exhibited an humble submission, upon his knees to the Lord Deputy, wherein he dolefully expressed his great grief that the Queen had conceived indignation against him, as of one undutiful and disloyal. He acknowledged that the late absenting himself from the state was disagreeable to his obedience; albeit it was occasioned by some hard measures of the late Lord Deputy, as though he and the Marshal had combined for his destruction. He acknowledged that the Queen advanced him to high title, and great livings, that she ever upheld him, and enabled him, that she, who by grace had advanced him, was able by her force to subvert him, and therefore if he were void of gratitude, yet he could not be so void of reason, as to work his own ruin. Furthermore, he made liberal promises that he would most willingly do whatsoever should be enjoined him, (which he also had promised in his letters sent unto the Lords of the Council in England) and earnestly besought that he might be received into favour again with the Queen, as before time, which he had lost, not by any desert of his own, but through the forged informations and suggestions of his adversaries. At the same time, Bagnall the Marshal was present in the place, who exhibited articles against the Earl, and accused him, that he had underhand suborned and sent Mac-Guir, with the Primate above named into Conaght, that he had complotted secretly with Mac-Guir, O-Donel and other conspirators, and had aided them by Cormac-Mac-Baron the Earl's brother, and Con the Earls base son, and some of his servants, in the wasting of Monaghan, and besieging of Iniskellin, and by means drawn away the Captains of Kilulio and Kilwarny, from their loialty and obedience to the Queen. Hereupon it was seriously debated among the Councillors of the kingdom, whether the Earl should be stayed to make his answer or no? The Deputy thought good that he should be detained. But when it was put to question generally, the more part, either upon a vain fear, or forward inclination to favour the Earl, were instant to have him dismissed, & the matter to be put off unto a further day of hearing, pretending certain weighty considerations, and that the Articles exhibited were without proof or time. Thus the Deputy in a sort was forced to yield to the experience of the Council, and the Earl was permitted to depart, and his accusers there present had no audience. Which troubled and disquieted the Queen not a little, considering that his wicked designments and acts were now apparent to every one, and the Queen herself had given warning afore hand, that he should be detained until he had cleared himself of those imputations. The Earl being now returned home, when he heard that a new supply of soldiers was coming out of England, and thirteen hundred besides of old servitors out of the Low-countries, who had served in little Britain under Sir John Norris, and that the English intended now to possess themselves of Balashanon and Belik, Castles upon the mouth of Logh-Earn, he being privy to himself of his own evil purposes, and carrying a guilty conscience, on a sudden assaileth the fort at Blackwater, by which the entry lay into Tir-Oen his own country, and had it surrendered up unto him. And at the very same instant in manner, he (wavering in his mind) with one breath (as it were) by his letters offereth unto the Earl of Kildare, his help against the wrongs done by the Deputy, and withal, promiseth the Earl of Ormond, & Sir Henry Wallop Treasurer of the kingdom, 1595. Die 12. junii. to continue firm in his allegiance, yea and beseecheth in his letters Sir John Norris appointed Lord General, that he might be more mildly dealt with, nor against his will be driven headlong upon the dangerous rocks of disloialty. But these letters unto Norris Bagnall the Marshal intercepted, and (as the Earl complained afterward) suppressed, to his greatest prejudice and hurt. For immediately he and his confederates were proclaimed traitors, both in Irish and English, and pardon offered to all such as had been seduced by false persuasions to take their parts, & would now relinquish them and submit themselves to the Queen. At which time there were accounted to be with the Rebel in Ulster, about a thousand horsemen, and 6280. footmen: and in Conaght 2300. who were all at the Earls command, very many of them trained soldiers: as who had been exercised in arms, ever since that Sir John Perot Lord Deputy had appointed to every Lord and Chieftain of Ulster, a certain number to be exercised in their weapons, for to resist the Irish Scots of the Islands: or else had been employed in the wars of the Low-countries, whom he in no provident policy for the future time, had caused to be transported thither. And verily the English forces were equivalent in numbers, which were commanded by Sir John Norris: for the Queen had selected him as a man of especial trust and reputation, to be used martially in such journeys as the Deputy himself in person could not undertake, in consideration that he had performed diverse honourable services was now Precedent of Monster, and had formerly commanded the Britain companies, which were to serve principally in this action. Yet achieved he no memorable exploit, by reason of private misconstruction, suspicious surmises, and dislikes conceived between him and the Deputy. Only the time was spent in preying, truce-making, and frivolous parleys. And without doubt the martial men on both sides were well content to have the war drawn out in length, and the Earl fed himself every day with hope of succour out of Spain. But among all these parleys, that was most memorable, which the two Commissioners, Sir Henry Wallop Treasurer of that Realm, and Sir Robert Gardener chief Justice, most grave personages and of approved wisdom, had with the Earl of Tir-Oen and O-Donell: at which they and others of the rebels both laid open their grievances, and exhibited also their petitions. The Earl complained, that Sir Henry Bagnall the marshal had cunningly withdrawn unto himself the fruit of his labours; that with lies and indirect means and subtle fetches, he had thrust him out of the Queen's favour, and after a sort brought him into disgrace: that to his great hindrance and prejudice, he had intercepted his letters written unto the Lord Deputy, unto Norris, and others; and still detained and withheld from him his wife's portion: and herewith he protested, that he never negotiated with foreign Princes, before he was proclaimed Traitor. Now he exhibited his petitions in most humble manner, That he and all his followers might be pardoned for their crimes, That they might be restored to their former estates, That they might exercise freely their own religion (and yet that had been always tolerated) That the marshal should pay unto him a thousand pounds of lawful money of England for the dowry of his wife now deceased, That no garrison soldiers, Sheriff, or other officer should be appointed within his county and Earldom, That the company of fifty horsemen which he had led, with the Queens pay thereunto, might be restored unto him, and that those who had robbed and spoiled his people might be punished accordingly. O-Donell for his part, when he had rehearsed his fathers and ancestors fidelity to the Kings of England, complained nevertheless, that Captain Boin was sent from Perot the Lord Deputy, with a band of soldiers into his Province, under a colour of teaching his people civility, who being kindly entertained by his father, and having certain towns assigned unto him, offered all manner of injurious indignity and rigour unto his father, and advanced a certain bastard to the dignity of O-Donell: Also that the said Deputy by sending a Bark secretly intercepted him, thrust him (innocent man) into prison, and there unjustly kept him in duresse, until that by the Almighty's goodness he was delivered: Item that the Deputy Fitz Williams laid up fast in close prison for seven years together Sir Owen O-Toole, the second man next to O-Donell in this tract, notwithstanding he was guiltless, and sent for upon promise of his safe conduct: and that he oppressed his neighbours in Fermanaugh with intolerable wrongs: neither could himself devise any other means for his own safety and security, than to relieve his next neighbours thus vexed and molested. He likewise made the same request that the Earl did, and moreover demanded certain fortresses and lands in the county of Slego, which he challenged to be his inheritance. Shan Mat Brian Mac Phelim O-Neal laid down his complaints, That Walter Earl of Essex had wrongfully taken from him the Isle of Magy, and Sir Henry Bagnall the Barony of Maughery-Mourn, both of them his ancient inheritance: That he was himself imprisoned, until that by enforcement he had resigned his right unto Bagnall; beside other infinite injuries done unto him by the Garrison soldiers of Knoc-Fergus. Hugh Mac-Guir made a great matter of the insolent outrages committed by the Garrison soldiers next unto him, in driving away his cattle as booties, and withal that the Sheriff who was sent into his Territories, had cut off the head of his next kinsman, and spurned it under foot. Brian Mac-Hugh-Oge, Mac Mahon and Ever Mac-Couley came in with these their complaints, That over and above other wrongs Sir William Fitz Williams the Deputy for great gifts and presents, had settled Hugh Roe in the dignity of Mac-Mahon: and soon after, for that with banner displayed after the manner of the country he demanded a mulct or fine which he had imposed, hanged him up, and granted his inheritance unto strangers, thereby to extinguish the name of Mac-Mahon. In a word, they were petitioners every one severally for the same things that I have above rehearsed. When some of these their demands were thought reasonable, and others again to be referred unto the Queen's consideration; the Commissioners also on the other side proposed certain Articles unto the Rebels, that they should lay down their arms, disperse their forces, acknowledge submissively their disloyalties, admit Sheriffs in their governments, re-edify the Forts they had defaced, suffer the garrisons to live without disturbance, make restitution of spoils taken, confess upon their oath how far they have dealt with foreign Princes, and renounce all foreign aid, etc. But these seemed so unreasonable to them in their conceit, being now grown insolent, that after agreement of a cessation from arms for a short time, they departed on all hands; whereas the Queen both then and afterwards, as well to spare the effusion of blood, as to save expense of money, was willing enough to condescend unto any conditions of peace, that might have stood with the honour of her Majesty. Lord General of the Army. The time of cessation once expired, Norris (unto whom alone by the Queen's commandment, the command of the military forces was conferred in the Deputies absence) marched with his army against the Earl. Howbeit the Deputy joined with him, and so with great terror to the rebels, went forward as far as Armach: so that the Earl leaving the fort at Blackwater, set fire upon the villages all round about, and the town of Dungannon; yea and plucked down a great part of his own house there, who bewailing now his own estate, as quite undone and passed all recovery, he thought of nothing but how to hide his head: when as they had marched so far, they stayed there for default of victuals; and having proclaimed the Earl traitor within his own territory, and placed a garrison in the Church of Armach, returned back. In their return, the Earl diligently attendeth and accosteth them a far off (yet they strengthened the garrison at Monaghan) and when they were come near unto Dundalke, the Deputy, according to the purport of her Majesty's Commission, rendered the prosecution of the war unto Norris, and after many words passed too and fro between them, with all the compliments of kindness and courtesy that might be, he retireth to Dublin, and providently looketh to the state of Leinster, Conaght, and Monster. Norris stayed in Ulster, but achieved no exploit answerable to the expectation raised of so worthy a Warrior: whether it were upon emulation to the Deputy, or that Fortune altered and went backward (as who in the end is wont to cross great Commanders) or in favour of the Earl, unto whom he was as forward in kind affection, as the Deputy was estranged from him. For Norris seemed to blame the Deputy in some measure, for that entertaining an hard opinion of the Earl, his resolution was to make no peace with him: for he in no wise would be otherwise persuaded, but that he trifled out the time, and made delays for the nonce, expecting aid and succour still out of Spain: whereas Norris in the mean while more favourable to him, and credulous withal, had conceived very good hope to bring the Earl to conditions of peace: which hope he working under hand so fed and fomented still in Norris, as that he also presented unto him a feigned submission, subscribed with his own hand and signed, yea and humbly upon his knees craved pardon. Yet for all this in the mean time he dealt by his spying Agents and Curreours earnestly and secretly with the King of Spain, what with writing, and what with praying to have aid from him; so far forth, as that there were secretly sent one or two messengers from the Spaniards to the Rebels, with whom it was agreed, that in case the King of Spain sent at the prefixed time a competent Army, able to vanquish the English, they would join their own forces, and if in the mean time he furnished them with munition and provision for war, they would reject all conditions of peace whatsoever. To these covenants, O Rorke, Mac-William, and others set to their hands, but not the Earl himself, being providently cautelous, and yet no man doubts but his consent was thereto. And the letters which the King of Spain wrote back full of great promises, he in outward show of dutiful service, sent unto the Deputy, and withal relying himself upon assured hope of help from Spain, started back from that written submission aforesaid, and faithful promise made to Norris: for which, Norris through his own credulty thus deluded and engaged, taketh him up in hot and bitter terms, as if he had gulled him. But he knowing well enough how to temporize and serve the time, entereth again into a parley with Norris and Fenton the Secretary: and so by giving hostages, a peace such as it was (or rather covenants of agreement) was concluded: which soon after with the like levity as before, he broke; alleging for his reason and excuse, that he could not otherwise think, but he was deceitfully dealt with, because the Deputy and Norris agreed so badly; because also the Deputy was discontented with them that in his behalf traveled with him about peace, as though the Deputy desired nothing but war, considering that the troops of horsemen were supplied out of England, the King of Spain's letter abovesaid detained, and the marshal his most heavy enemy, even than was returned with new commission out of England. Hereupon therefore he falleth to harry and waste the countries confining, to burn towns and villages, to rouse and drive away booties: but within a while pricked with some remorse of conscience for such outrages committed, and hearing beside, that there was a peace like to be treated between England and Spain, he sued once again for a parley, and conditions of peace: it irks me to run through all the cloaks of his dissimulation in particular. But to be short, when he was in any danger of the English, in semblance, countenance, and words from teeth outward he so masked himself under the vizard of submission, and pretended such repentance for his former misdemeanours, that he shifted off and dallied with them still, until they had forslipt the opportunity of pursuing him, and until of necessity the forces were to be dissolved and withdrawn. Again, such was the slothful negligence of the Captains in Ireland, the thrifty sparing in England, the inbred lenity of the Queen, who wished that these flames of rebellion (for war it was not to be called) might be quenched without blood, that his fair words and pretences were believed, yea and hope otherwhiles was offered unto him of pardon, lest his peevish pervicacy should be more and more enkindled. In the year 1597. when as by this time all Ulster throughout beyond Dundalke, except seven Castles with wards, Baron Burough, Lord deputy, 1597. (namely, Newry, Knoc-Fergus, Carlingford, Green Castle, Armach, Dondrom, and Olderfleet) yea and in manner all Conaght, was revolted; Thomas Lord Burrough, a man full of courage and politic withal, was sent Lord Deputy into Ireland. And about that time Sir john Norris distasting himself and the new Deputy, ended his life. At which time the Earl beseeched by his letters a Cessation of arms; and verily it seemed good policy to grant it for a month. After the month expired, the Deputy brought his forces together, and which was thought to stand with his profit and honour both, at his first entry into government, aranged them in order of battle against the Earl: and albeit he was welcomed by the Earl with a doubtful and dangerous piece of service within the space of the Moiry, yet made he way through by his valour, and most valiantly won the Fort at Blackewater, repaired and reinforced by the Rebels, by which the way lieth into the County of Tir-Oen, and which besides woods and marshes, was the only strength that the Rebels had: and by this first attempt gave good proof, that if the war were well prosecuted, they might easily be vanquished. The very same day whereon this Fort was taken, whiles the Deputy together with his army were giving thanks unto God for this victory, suddenly an alarm was given, and the enemy showed himself from an hill hard by: against whom, Henry Earl of Kildare presently marched, with a cornet of horse and certain of the better sort of Gentlemen voluntaries, and setting upon them, put them to flight. Yet were there slain of the English part, Francis Vagham brother to the Lord Deputies wife, R. Turner Serjeant Major a doughty and approved servitor, two of the Earl of Kildares' foster brethren: whose death he took so heavily, that himself within few days after for grief of heart ended his life. For there is no love in the world comparable by many degrees to that of foster-brethrens in Ireland. But many more were wounded, and among the rest Sir Thomas Waler, highly commended for his Martial forwardness. After that this Fort was with new munitions reinforced, no sooner had the L. Deputy withdrawn his army from thence, but the Rebels waving now between hope, fear, and shame, thought it their best and safest course straightly to besiege it: For the Earl supposed it was the most important place to offend and annoy them, as that both his honour and fortunes were for ever at their down-set if he might not recover it. With a strong power therefore he beleaguered it round about. Against whom the Deputy straightway setteth forward and marched without intermission: but alas, marching on thus in his full pace to victory, he was arrested by violence of sickness, and cut off by untimely death, leaving a great miss of him to the State, and security to the ranging Rebels. Certes, if he had lived longer, by the judgement of wisemen, he had abated their insolences, and the State had not been plunged into so great perils. The Rebel's understanding of the Deputies death, became exceeding stout and bold, and so eftsoons with mighty out-cries and furious violence assaulted the Fort, but repulsed always they were with the greater loss: they that gave the Scallado were thrown down headlong, and most of them, by the Garrison soldiers sallying resolutely upon them borne down and trodden under foot, in so much as distrusting now to main force, they changed their copy and determined to protract the siege, being persuaded that they within had victuals but for few days; and beside, they conceived good hope that the Garrison soldiers for very want would be wavering in their allegiance and turn traitors. But through the singular valour of Thomas Williams the Captain, and of the band within, the place was manfully defended: who having suffered hunger, sharp fights, and all extremities, after they had eaten up their horses, were driven to pluck up the weeds growing among the stones for their food, and endured all the miseries that might be. Now by this time the government was by authority from the Queen committed unto the Earl of Ormond, under the title of Lieutenant General of the Army, unto the Chancellor, and Sir Robert Gardiner. Then Tir-Oen recapitulateth in a long letter unto the said Lieutenant all his greivances afore specified: and not leaving out the least insolency either of soldiers, or of Sheriffs, coldly excuseth his breach of Covenants with Sir John Norris. But principally he complains, that Feogh Mac-Hugh, a ●eere associate and kinsman of his, had been persecuted and executed: and in the end, That his letters unto the Queen were in England intercepted and suppressed: as also, that those impositions and compositions laid both upon the Nobles and Commons were intolerable. He addeth moreover and saith, he saw full well, that all the Territories of the Nobility and Gentry of Ireland, would shortly be parted and shared among the Councillors, Lawyers, Soldiers, and Notaries. And herewith he closely sendeth succour unto the sons of Feogh Mach-Hugh, that they might kindle new coals in Leinster. So that now, every man might see that this war was begun to no other end (whatsoever was pretended) but to extirpate the English quite out of Ireland. 1598. All this while the Earl continued his siege about the Fort at Blackwater; for the raising whereof, the Lieutenant General of the Army (for there was no Deputy as yet substituted) sent the most choice troops, fourteen Ensigns, under the conduct of Sir Henry Bagnall, the marshal, and the bitterest adversary the Earl had: upon whom as he marched with divided troops, the Earl, edged with fretful malice, assailed most furiously near unto Armagh, and forthwith (the marshal against whom he had bend all his force, being slain amongst the thickest of his enemies) as he obtained a most joyous triumph over his private adversary, so he went away with a glorious victory over the English. And verily, since the time that they set first footing in Ireland, they never had a greater overthrow; wherein thirteen valiant Captains lost their lives, and fifteen hundred of the common soldiers; who being routed and put to shameful flight, as they were disparkled all over the fields were cut in pieces: and such as remained alive, laid the fault reproachfully, not upon their own cowardice, but their chief leaders unskilfulness (a thing now a days ordinary.) Immediately upon this, followed the yielding up of the Fort at Blackwater: when as the garrison soldiers having held out with loyalty in heart, and weapon in hand, unto extreme famine, being now driven to exceeding great distress, saw all hopeless of succour and relief. A notable victory this was, and of great consequence to the Rebels, who furnished themselves hereby with armour and victuals: and now the Earl renowned all Ireland over, and magnified in every place as the founder of their freedom, above all measure swelled with haughty arrogancy: and sent into Monster, Ouny-Mac-Rory-Og-O-More, and Tirell (who although by his first original he were of English blood, yet none so maliciously bend against the English name as he) with 4000 preying rogues: against whom Sir Thomas Norris, Precedent of that Province, advanced forward with a strong power as far as to Kilmalock: but before he saw the enemy he dispersed his forces, and retired back to Corcke. Which when the Rebels understood, having a great rabble of most lewd rascals flocking from all parts unto them, they fell to waste the country, to drive booties before them, to ransack and burn where ever they went, the castles, houses, and farm places of the English, and most cruelly in all places to kill them: james Fitz-Thomas, one of the family of the Earls of Desmond, they set up as Earl of Desmond; yet so, as he should hold as tenant in fee of the O-Neal, or Earl of Tir-Oen. And thus after a month, when they had kindled this fire, and set all in a flame in Monster, they returned back loaden with rich booties. The Earl by this time in his letters to the King of Spain faileth not to resound his own victories with full mouth; and therewith beseecheth him not to give ear and believe, if happily he should hear any Englishmen report that he desired peace: for why? he had hardened his heart against all conditions of peace were they never so indifferent, and would most firmly keep his faithful promise made unto the said King. Yet in this while wrought he means of intercession, by letters and messengers eftsoons sent unto the Earl of Ormond, (but all colourably) about a submission, and his demands withal were most unreasonable. In this desperate estate stood Ireland when Queen Elizabeth chose Robert Earl of Essex (then glorious for the winning of Cadis in Spain) in regard of his approved wisdom, Robert Earl of Essex Lord Lieutenant. fortitude, and fidelity, Lieutenant and Governor general of Ireland, to repair the detriments and losses there sustained, 1599 with most large and ample authority added in his Commission, To make an end of the war; and that which by importunity, as it were, he wrested from her, To remit and pardon all crimes, even of high treason: which always in the Patents of every Lord Deputy were thus in these very words before time restrained (All treasons and treacheries touching our own person, our heirs and successors excepted.) And verily with good and provident forecast he obtained the authority to pardon crimes of this kind, considering that Lawyers do resolve and set down, That all Rebellions whatsoever touch the Prince's person. There was committed to his charge as great an army as he required, royally furnished and provided, and such as Ireland had never seen the like before: that is, sixteen thousand footmen, and thirteen hundred horsemen: which number was made up after twenty thousand complete. And he had special charge given him, without regard of all other Rebels whatsoever, to bend the whole puissance and force of the war upon the Arch-rebel the Earl of Tir-Oen, as the head of all the rest, and with all speed to press hard upon him with garrisons planted at Lough-Foile, and Bala-Shanon: a thing that himself had always thought most important, and in accusatory terms charged and challenged the former Deputies for their neglect in that behalf. Thus he, honourably accompanied with the flower of Noble gallants, and well wishing acclamations of the common people, yet with a strange thunderclap in a clear sunshine day, he setteth forward from London, toward the end of March: and being sore tossed and rejected with an adverse tempest, at length arrived in Ireland. Where having, after the manner, received the sword, presently contrary to his charge and commission, by the advice of some of the Council of State there (who too much regarded their own particular) he, neglecting the Arch-rebel, advanced forward with all his power against petty Rebels in Monster; and having taken Cahir, a castle of Thomas Butler's Baron of Cahir (into which, being environed about with the river Showr, certain seditious persons had betaken themselves) and driven away a number of cattle, he made himself terrible to all the country far and wide, and dispersed the Rebels every way into woods and forests. Yet in this while he received no small foil and overthrow by the cowardice of some who served under Sir Henry Harrington, whom he punished very severely by martial discipline. Neither returned he before the latter end of July, with his soldiers wearied, sickly, and their number more than a man would believe, diminished. When upon his return he understood that the Queen was displeased at this expedition of his, so costly, and yet damageable, and that she urged still a journey into Ulster against the Earl, and no other; in his missives unto her Majesty he transferred all the fault from himself upon the Council of Ireland, unto whom for their manifold experience in the affairs of Ireland, he could not choose but condescend: promising and protesting most faithfully, to set forward with all speed into Ulster. Scarce were these letters delivered, when he dispatcheth others after them, wherein he signifieth, that upon necessity he must turn his journey aside into Ophaly, near to Dublin, against the O-Conors, and the O-Moils, who were there risen and in arms; whom he quickly and fortunately vanquished with light skirmishes. Now returning, and having taken a review of his army, he found it so weakened and impaired, that by his letters subscribed with the hands of the Councillors of Ireland, he craved a new supply of a thousand soldiers for his expedition into Ulster, which he promised to undertake speedily with solemn protestations. Being now fully resolved to turn the whole war upon Ulster, he commanded Sir Coniers Clifford Governor of Conaght, to go with certain bands lightly appointed toward Bellike, to the end that the Earls forces might be distracted one way, whiles he himself set upon him another way. Clifford forthwith putting himself on his journey with a power of 1500. commanded his soldier's out-toiled with travelling so far, and having but small store of gunpowder, to pass over the mountains of Curlew. And when they had gotten over the most part of them, the Rebels under the leading of O-Rorke assailed them on the sudden. The English easily at the first caused them to recoil, and marched on forward in their journey: but when the enemies perceived once that they were at a default already for gunpowder, they charged them afresh, and for that they were tired with so long a march, and not able to make resistance, put them to flight, slew many of them, and among the rest Clifford himself, together with Sir Alexander Ratcliff of Ordsall. Mean while, that supply which the Lord Lieutenant required was levied in England, and transported: some few days after, he gave the Queen to understand by other letters, that he could for this year perform no more, than with a thousand and three hundred footmen, and three hundred horse go to the frontiers of Ulster. Thither came he about the thirteenth day of September; before whom the Earl with his forces two days together from the hills made a Bravado, and showed himself: and in the end sending Hagan before, he requested the Lieutenant that they might parley together: which he refused to do, answering, that if the Earl would talk with him, he should find him the next morrow in the head of his troops. On which day, after a light skirmish made, a horseman from out of the Earls troops with a loud voice delivered as a message, that the Earl was not willing to fight, but to parley with the L. Lieutenant: yet in no wise at that instant. The day following as the Lord Lieutenant was marching forward, Hagan meeteth him, who declareth that the Earl humbly desired to have the Queen's mercy and peace, and besought withal, that he might have but audience for a while: which if he would grant, than would he with all reverence and observance expect him at the Ford of the river hard by (Balla-Clinch they call it.) This Ford is not far from Louth, the head town of the County, and near unto the Castle of Gerard Fleming. Thither sent the L. Lieutenant before some of purpose to discover the place; who found the Earl at the said Ford, and he told them, that although the river was risen, yet might a man be easily heard from one side to the other. Hereupon the Lord Lieutenant having bestowed a troop of horsemen in the next hill there by came down alone; the Earl riding his horse into the water up to the belly, in dutiful and reverend sort saluteth the Lieutenant being on the bank side, and so with many words passing to and fro between them, without any witnesses by to hear them, they spent almost an hour. Then both of them retire unto their companies: and Con a base son of the Earls following hard after the L. Lieutenant, besought him in his father's name that certain principal persons of his train might be admitted to a conference. The L. Lieutenant assented thereto, so they were not above six. Then forthwith the Earl taking with him his brother Cormoc, Mac Gennys, Mac Guir, Ever Mac Cowley, Henry Ovington and O-Quin, showeth himself at the Ford. Unto them the L. Lieutenant came down, accompanied with the Earl of Southampton, Sir George Bourchier, Sir Warrham St. Leger, Sir Henry Danvers, Sir Edward Wingfeld, 8 September 1599 and Sir William Constable Knights. The Earl saluteth them every one with great courtesy, and after some few words between them passed, thought good that certain Commissioners should the next day following treat of peace: between whom it was agreed, that there should be a tr●ce from that very day for six weeks, and so forward from six weeks to six weeks unto the first of May: yet so, as it might be free for both sides, after fourteen days warning given aforehand, to begin war afresh. And if that any Confederate of the Earls would not yield his assent hereto, he left him unto the L. Lieutenant to prosecute him at his pleasure. Whiles these things were a doing, those letters of the Lord Lieutenant which I spoke of erewhile, were delivered to the Queen by Henry Cuffe (a man very learned, but as unfortunate.) Which when she had perused through, and understood thereby, that her Lieutenant, with so great an army, in so long time, and with the expense of so much money, had effected just nothing, nor would do aught that year; she being highly offended thereat, writeth back again to himself, and to the Councillors of Ireland in these terms: That his proceeding answered neither her direction, nor the world's expectation; that she could not but marvel much, why the Lieutenant by prolonging thus from time to time, and by finding means still of further delay, had lost those excellent opportunities which he had of prosecuting war upon that Arch-rebel: considering that himself, whiles he was in England, advised nothing else, but to prosecute the Earl himself, and none but him; yea and in his letters otherwhiles seriously promised to do the same. She expostulated, wherefore he had made those unprofitable journeys (even against his own judgement when it was found) into Monster and Ophaly, whereof he had not certified her, nor given so much as any notice before they were undertaken? which otherwise she would expressly have countermanded. If his army were now broken, weak, and much impaired, why undertook he not the action upon the enemy whiles it was entire, strong, and complete? If the spring had not been a fit season for to make war in Ulster, wherefore was the summer, wherefore was the autumn neglected? what, was there no time of the year meet for that war? Well, she now foresaw that her Kingdom of England must be impoverished beyond all measure by such expenses, her honour blemished among foreign Princes, and the Rebels encouraged by this unfortunate success: yea they that shall pen the Story of this time, will deliver unto posterity, that she for her part was at great charge to hazard her Kingdom of Ireland, and that he had taken great pains, and had left nothing undone, to prepare for many purposes which perished without undertaking, if now at length he took not a course for the main prosecution of the war. In tart terms therefore she admonisheth both him, and the Councillors of the Kingdom, to look more considerately to the good of the State, and not from thence forward to be transported contrary ways by indirect counsel; commanding them withal, to write into what case they had brought the Kingdom of Ireland; and carefully to foresee, that all inconveniences from thenceforth might be diligently prevented. 28. Septemb. 1599 The Lord Lieutenant startled, or rather galled with these letters, speedeth in all haste, and sooner than any man would have thought, into England, accompanied with some men of quality, and well and early in a morning coming upon the Queen at unwares, while she was most private and in her bed chamber, presents himself upon his knees unto her; who after she had welcomed him with a short speech (and not with that countenance as heretofore) commanded him to withdraw himself unto his own chamber, and there to keep. For the Queen was highly offended with him, both because he, contrary to her commandment, had left his charge so suddenly without her leave, and before he had settled the State; and also had treated with the Rebels to her dishonour privately, and upon equal terms, with condition of toleration of Religion, and to her diservice, when as the Rebels made profit of all cessations: and moreover, that he had agreed upon such a cessation as might every fourteenth night be broken, whereas it was in his power by the authority that he had, to make a final end with the Rebels, and to pardon their treason and rebellion. What befell him afterwards in England, and how it appeared by pregnant presumptions, and some evidence, that he aimed at other matters than war against Rebels, whiles he could not find in his heart to remit private distastes for the public good, and relied too much upon popularity (which is always momentany, and never fortunate) it is impertinent to this place, neither take I pleasure so much as to remember the same. The said cessation was scarcely once or twice expired, when the Earl of Tir-Oen drew his forces together, and addresseth himself again to war. Unto whom there was sent from the State Sir William Warren, to know of him wherefore he broke the Cessation that was made? Unto whom in the swelling pride of his heart he haughtily answered, That he had not broken the Cessation, considering he had given fourteen days warning before, that he meant to renew the war; and that he had just cause to war a fresh: for why? he understood that the Lord Lieutenant, in whom he had reposed all his hope and whole estate, was committed in England: Neither would he have any thing to do from thence forth with the Counsellors of the Kingdom, that had dealt before time so craftily and deceitfully with him. And as for the Cessation, would he never so fain, he could not revoke it, because he had already entered another course, and appointed O-Donel to go into Conaught, and other of his confederates into other parts. In this mean space, there ran among the Rebel's rumours very rife (and the Earl of Tir-Oen questionless was the author) that there should be within a while the greatest and strangest alteration that ever was in England; and lewd persons began daily to increase both in number and in courage. For they that were of the Irishry, aspired now to their ancient freedom and Nobility; chose good and honest men of the English blood were much dejected and discouraged, seeing so great expenses of the Prince came to nothing: who also complained one unto another, that they had been of late excluded as mere strangers from bearing offices in the commonweal. But the Earl, all in a glorious jollity giveth it out every where, and that with open mouth, That he would recover the liberty both of Religion and of his Country; he receiveth in every place busy and tumultuous persons into his protection, he sends them succour and aid, strengtheneth and comforteth the distrustful, stoutly straingeth and setteth-to his helping hand to subvert the English government in Ireland, being drawn on and fed with hope which the King of Spain, by sending now and then munition, and some money made show of, and the Pope by promises and indulgences maintained, as having sent unto him before the plume of a Phoenix, haply because Pope Urban the third had sent in times past a little Coronet, plaited with peacocks feathers, unto john, King Henry's the second his son, when he was invested Lord of Ireland. And now triumphantly glorying of his victories, to the end that he might make a goodly show of his greatness in every place, and by his personal presence set that fire to burn out light, which in his absence he had kindled in Monster; under a fair and religious pretence of visiting a little piece of wood of Christ's Cross (which is thought to be kept in the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Tipperary) in midwinter thither he goes on Pilgrimage, and sent out into the grounds of true and faithful subjects a number of preying robbers, under the conduct of Mac-Guir: he by chance happened upon Sir Warrham Saint Leger, who run him through with his lance, and was withal at the same instant himself run through by him. Whose funerals when the Earl had performed, he hasteneth home sooner than all men looked for, as having heard, that the Earl of Ormond, appointed General of the Army, was raising of a power from all parts, Charles' Blunt Lord Deputy. 1600. and that Sir Charles Blunt Baron Mon●joy, appointed the Lord Deputy, was coming; unto whom the Queen before time had purposed in her mind this government; but Robert Earl of Essex (who for to pleasure military men, and to deserve the better of them, into whose love he studiously insinuated himself, sought, though covertly, to compass the same himself) wholly opposed against him, as if he, the said Lord Montjoy, had seen no service, nor been experienced in the wars, more than in the Netherlands, had no followers and dependants, nor much aforehand with the world, and overmuch bookish. He arriveth in Ireland in the month of February, without any great noise and stir, accompanied with a small train, and so entered upon the Government. Now he found the state of Ireland very distressed, or rather desperately sick, and past all hope of recovery, yea at the point, as it were, to give up the ghost: for every good and honest meaning mind was dismayed to see such a confluence of calamities, without all hope of remedy, or any allevation at all: but the worst sort seeing all to go well on their side, and prosper still to their desire, rejoiced and applauded one the other; and the Earl himself without any resistance had passed through the whole length of the Island in triumphant manner, even from the utmost part of Ulster, into Monster. The Rebels moreover, to terrify the Deputy now at his first coming, struck up an Alarm in the very suburbs of Dublin. But he, full of good courage, desired nothing more than to set upon the Earl himself, who, as he had intelligence given him, was to return out of Monster. Mustering up therefore in all haste such a power as he could (for the companies of choice soldiers were in Monster already with the Earl of Ormond) he hastened to stop the Earl's passage in Fereal, and there to give him battle. But the Earl by celerity and quick speed prevented him, being privily informed of the Deputies designs: for certain there were even of the Queen's Council there, who always highly favoured and tendered his proceedings. The Deputy being returned to Dublin, was wholly busied in mustering of the old soldiers, that should be sent by shipping to Logh-Foile and Bala-shanon near unto the mouth of Logh-Earn, that by placing garrisons there, they might make sallies upon the Earl both on back and sides; as also about sending aid unto the garrison soldiers in Lease and Ophaly, a matter by reason of so many enemies round about, of great danger and difficulty. In the beginning of May, the Deputy put himself on his march toward Ulster, with this purpose, to divert the Earl another way, whiles Sir Henry Docwra at Logh-foile, and Sir Matthew Morgan at Bala-shanon planted the garrisons: which they with small ado effected; for Sir Henry Docwra took Logh-foile, and Sir john B●lle who accompanied him, took Don-a-long and Lhiffer castles, suppressing the rebels with diverse overthrows. Whiles the Earl was every day kept occupied by the Deputy with light skirmishes, wherein he evermore had so bad success, that he perceived now the fortune of war was turned, and himself driven back into his own corners. The Lord Deputy being returned in Mid-June, when as the garrisons aforesaid were placed accordingly, required out of England certain companies of soldiers and victuals, for to bestow and plant a garrison also in these parts at Armagh, thereby to bring the Rebels within a straighter compass. Mean while he took a journey into Lease, which was the place of refuge and receipt of all the Rebels in Leinster: where he slew Ony-Mac-Rory-Og, the chief of the Omores family, a bloody bold, and most desperate young man; who of late had made so soul a stir in Monster; him I say he slew, with other most wicked and mischievous Rebels: and after he had laid their fields waste, he chased them into woods and forests, so as that in those parts they were scarcely ever after seen. When as now new succours were come out of England, although he wanted both come and money, the Equinoxe was passed, and winter weather began already in that climate, yet marched he forward to the very entrance of Moyery, three miles beyond Dondalk. This passage is naturally the most cumbersome of all others well near in Ireland, which the Rebels had fortified and blocked up with pallisadoes and fences, with stakes pitched into the ground, with hurdles joined together, and stones in the midst, and turfs of earth, betwixt the hills, woods, and bogs quite overthwart on both sides, with great skill and greater industry, yea and manned the place with a number of soldiers. Besides these difficulties in his way, the weather also was passing rigorous, by reason of much rain that fell continually for certain days together, whereby the rivers swelling high and overflowing their banks, were altogether unpassable. But when the waters were fallen, the English courageously broke through those pallisadoes or senses aforesaid, and having beaten back their enemies, and overcome all difficulties, the Lord Deputy placed a garrison eight miles from Armagh (for at Armagh the Rebels had eaten up and consumed all) which in memory of Sir john Norris, under whom he had his first rudiments in the profession of Arms, he commanded to be called Mount-Norris; over which he made Captain E. Blany, a stout and valiant Gentleman, who afterwards in this part, like as Sir Henry Docwra in the other, troubled the Rebel's sore, and withal kept them forcibly in awe. In his return (that I may pass over with silence the skuffling skirmishes which happened every day) the Rebels in the pass near unto Carlingford, where they had stopped up the way, in a memorable overthrow were discomfited, and put to fearful flight. Some few days after, the Lord Deputy, because he would lose no time, entered in the very midst of winter the Glynnes, that is, the valleys in Leinster, a secure receptacle of Rebels; where having wasted the country, he brought Donell Spanioh, Phelim Mac-Feogh, and that tumultuous and pernicious Sept of the O Tools unto submission, and took hostages of them. Afterward he went as far as Fereall; and drove Tirell, the most approved warrior of all the Rebels, out of his own holds, or as they call it, Fastnesses (a place full of bogs, and beset thick with bushes) into Ulster. Now by this time by fetching many a compass was he come victorious in every place, as far as to the frontier of Ulster: which he entered, and first having slain the two sons of Ever Mac Cowley, he laid the territory of Fernes waist, and sent out Sir Richard Morison to spoil the Fues. In Breany he placed a garrison, by the conduct of Sir Oliver Lambard: and turning down to Tredagh, he received into his protection and mercy such of the principal Rebels as submitted themselves; namely, Turlogh Mac-Henry, a great man and Potentate in Fues, Ever Mac Cow, O-Hanlan, who glorieth in this, that by inheritance he is Standard-bearer to the Kings of Ulster, and many of the Mac-Mahons, and O-Realies, who delivered up for hostages their dearest friends and kinsfolk. The spring now approaching, before all the forces were assembled and come together, the Lord Deputy marcheth to Moyery, where by cutting down the woods, he made the way passable, and there erected a fort: out of Lecall he expelled the Mac-Genisses, who usurped lands there, and reduced all the Rebels fortresses and holds about Armagh to his obedience: Armagh also he fortified with a garrison. And so far went he forward, that he removed the Earl from Blackwater (who had very artificially encamped himself there) and purposed somewhat lower to set up a sort. About which time many signified unto him by letters for certainty, that which he had heard before bruited by a common rumour still more and more increased, namely, that the Sparniards were arrived in Monster. So that now he was of necessity to desist and give over this prosecution in Ulster, and Ireland was to be defended, not so much from inward rebellion, as from foreign enemies. And yet, lest what he had already recovered should be lost again, after he had strengthened the garrisons, he speedily posteth into Monster, journeying continually with one or two companies of horse, commanding the Captains of the footmen to follow hard after. For whiles he was earnestly busied about the war in Ulster, the Earl, and his assiociates the Rebels of Mounsters' by their Agents, a certain Spaniard elect Archbishop of Dublin by the Pope, the Bishop of Clonfort, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Archer a Jesuit, had obtained at length, with praying, entreating, and earnest beseeching at the King of Spain's hand, that succour should be sent into Monster to the Rebels, under the conduct of Don John D' Aquila, upon assured hope conceived, that all Monster would shortly revolt, and the titular Earl of Desmond, and florence Mac-Carty join great aids unto them. But Sir George Carew the Lord Precedent of Monster, had providently before intercepted them, and sent them over into England. Thus D' Aquila arrived at Kinsale in Monster with two thousand Spaniards, old soldiers, and certain Irish fugitives, the last day of October: and straightways having published a writing, wherein he gloriously styleth himself with this title, [MASTER General and Captain of the Catholic King in the war of God, for holding and keeping the Faith in Ireland] endeavoureth to make the world believe, That Queen Elizabeth by the definitive sentences of the Popes was deprived of her kingdoms, and her subjects absolved and freed from their oath of allegiance, and that he and his men were come to deliver them out of the devils claws, and the English tyranny. And verily with this goodly pretence, he drew a number of lewd and wicked persons to band and side with him. The Lord deputy, having gathered together all the Companies of soldiers that he could, prepareth himself to the siege: and Sir Richard Levison the Vice-admiral, sent out of England with one or two of the Queen's ships to impeach all access, fore-closeth the haven. The English, when they had now encamped themselves, began from land and sea to thunder with their ordnance upon the town, and more straightly to beleaguer it round about: which siege notwithstanding was by and by not so forcibly urged; for that, on the one side, Levison with the sea soldiers was sent before against two thousand Spaniards newly landed, at Bere-haven, Baltimor, and Castle Haven, of whose ships he sunk five: on the other side the Precedent of Monster, at the same time was dispatched with certain troops to get the start of O-Donell, who was now approaching, that he should not join with that new supply of the Spaniards. But he, when as now all the Country was over frozen, had by speedy journeys in the night, through blind byways, gotten to those Spaniards newly arrived, and was not so much as once seen. Some few days after, the Earl of Tir-Oen also himself came with O-Rork, Raimund Burk, Mac-Mahon, Randall Mac-Surley, Tirell, the Baron of Lixnaw, and the most select and choice of all the Rebels, unto whom when Alphonso O Campo, the leader of the new-come Spaniards, had joined his forces, they mustered themselves six thousand footmen, and five hundred horse strong, in a confident hope of victory, because they were more in number, fresh and better furnished with all kind of means: whereas chose the English were out-wearied with the inconveniences that follow a winter-siege, excluded from victuals; and their horses beside, with travel and hunger together, altogether unserviceable. In these difficulties and distresses, the Deputy consulteth with the Captains what was to be done: Some thought the best way was to break up the siege, to retire into Cork, and not to hazard the whole Realm upon the fortune of one battle. chose, the Deputy adviseth and persuadeth to persist, and not to degenerate from the approved virtue of their ancestors: adding, that valiant men could not have a more wished opportunity presented unto them, than that which was now fallen into their laps; namely, either to spend their lives with glory, or to vanquish their enemies with honour. He urgeth therefore and plieth the siege with all the power he had, with raising platforms, and continual battering he played upon the town, and withal, fortifieth his Camp with new trenches. Upon the one and twentieth day of December, the Earl of Tir-Oen showeth himself with his horse upon an hill about a mile from the camp: and there encamping himself, maketh a bravado likewise the next day in the same place: the night following, both the Spaniards sallied forth of the town, and the Irish also assayed to steal into the town, but both were forced to retire. On the three and twentieth day, the English men discharge their greater pieces upon the town, as if they had not cared for the Earl now so near at hand, and the very same day were the letters of D' Aquila unto the Earl intercepted: wherein he importuned Tir-Oen, that the Spaniards newly arrived might be put into the town, and that they might assail the camp on both sides. When the Moon was ready to rise over the horizon, the Deputy commanded Sir Henry Poer to lead forth into the field eight ensigns of old soldiers, and to make a stand on the West side of the camp. Sir Henry Greame, who that night had the charge of the horsemen that watched, very early in the morning advertised the Deputy, that the enemies for certain would advance forward, for that a great number of their matches were lighted. Hereupon the alarm was given throughout the camp, and companies placed wheresoever there was any way to the town. The Lord Deputy himself, with the Precedent of Monster, and Sir Richard Wingfeld Martial, marched toward the watch, and withal by the advice of Sir Olivar Lambart, chooseth out a plot, wherein he might give battle to the enemies: Thither were brought the Ensigns and Regiments of Sir Henry Folliot, and Sir Olivar Saint john, with six hundred sea soldiers under the conduct of Sir Richard Levison. But the Earl of Tir-Oen, who resolved (as afterwards it was known) to have brought into Kinsale by dark night the new supplie of Spaniards, and eight hundred Irishmen, when he saw now the day to break, and beheld withal the Marshal and Sir Henry Danvers with the power of horsemen, and Poer with the Companies of old soldiers at the foot of the hill, being disappointed of his hope, stood still, and soon after by his bag-pipers sounded the retreat. No sooner was the Deputy certified of this retreat of his, so confused and disordered, but he commanded the pursuit, and himself advanced before the vanguard, to mark the manner of their retreat, and according to the present occasion to resolve what to do: but so thick a mist with a storm beside fell upon the earth, that for a time they could not see before them. Within a while after, the weather clearing up again, he observed that they retired hastily for fear in three great battalions, and with the horsemen placed behind at their backs: he fully determined therefore to charge upon them, having sent back the Precedent of Monster with three companies of horsemen into the camp, to restrain the Spaniards, if haply out of the town they should sally and break out upon them. And the Lord deputy himself followed after the Rebels, with such speed in their retreat, that he forced them to stand in the brink of a bog, whereunto there was no access but at a ford: but when those horsemen that kept the ford were by the valour of the Marshal and the Earl of Clanricard discomfited, and put to rout the other, and courageously gave the onset upon the main troops of the enemy's horsemen; which charge when Sir William Godolphin, who had the leading of the Deputies horse, Sir Henry Da●vers, Minshaw, Taff, Fleming, and Sir John Barkly Sergeant Major of the Camp, who joined with them, redoubled with so great alacrity, that the Rebels presently broke, and fell in disorder. But it was not thought good to follow the chase, but gathering their forces and power together, they charged upon the main battle now in fear and wavering; which they also broke. Tirell with his company and the Spaniards all this while kept their standing, and made their ground good: against whom the Deputy putteth forward his rearward; and that he might accomplish not only the part of a leader in commanding, but also of a soldier in fight, with three companies of Oliver S. john's, whereof Captain Roe had the conduct, chargeth violently upon them, and so broke their arrays, that in great disorder and confusion they reculed back and betook themselves to the Irish, by whom they were presently left unto the edge of the sword, and routed by the troop of the Duputies horsemen, whereof Sir William Godolphin had the leading. Then Ter-Oen, O-Denel and the rest on all sides put to flight, flung away their weapons, and made what shift they could to save themselves. Alphonso O Campo was taken prisoner with three other Captains of the Spaniards, and six ensign bearers; slain there were one thousand and two hundred, nine ensigns taken, whereof six were Spanish. Of the English part scarce two men lost their lives, many were wounded, and among them Sir Henry Danvers, Sir William Godolphin, and Cr●ft: so little cost this so great a victory. The Lord Deputy after he had founded the retreat, and rendered thanks unto almighty God for this victory among the dead bodies of the enemies lying thick in heaps, gave the order of Knighthood to the Earl of Clanricard for his right valiant service in this battle: and thus with lucky acclamations returned victor into his Camp, which he found safe and found from all dangers. For the Spaniards within the town, seeing all places every way made sure with guards, and having experience before time, that all sallies were to their loss, kept themselves at home in careful expectation of the event. A noble victory this was, and in many regards important, whereby Ireland most miserably distressed and ready to revolt, was retained, the Spaniards ejected, the Arch-rebel Tir-Oen repulsed into his starting holes in Ulster, O Donell driven into Spain, the rest of the rebellious rabble scattered into sundry parts, the Prince's regal authority by daunting the lawless insolency recovered, and within a while after a secure peace throughout the Island firmly established. The morrow after, the Lord Deputy commanded Captain Bodley the Trenchmaster, who both in the fortifications and also in the battle had manfully borne himself, to finish the Mount begun, and to raise banks and rampires nearer unto the enemy: about which when there had been six days spent, D' Aquila in his letters sent by his Drum Major to the Deputy, craved that some Gentlem●n of credit might be sent into the town, with whom he might parley. For this purpose was Sir William Godolphin chosen: Unto whom D' Aquila signifieth, that he had found the Lord Deputy, although he were his most eager enemy, yet an honourable person, the Irish of no valour, rude and uncivil, yea and (that which he sore feared) perfidious and false: That he was sent from the King of Spain his Master, to aid two Earls, and now he doubted whether there were any such in Rerum Natura, considering that one tempestuous puss of war had blown the one of them into Spain, the other into the North, so as they were no more to be seen. Willing therefore he was to treat about a peace, that might be good for English, and not hurtful to Spaniards: albeit he wanted nothing requisite to the holding out of a siege, and expected every day out of Spain fresh supplies to find the English work and trouble enough. To be brief, being as they were on both sides distressed, and weary of siege, they grew to this agreement upon the second day of January, That the Spaniards should yield up Kinsale, the Forts, and Castle at Baltimore, Be●●haven, and Castle Haven, unto the Lord Deputy, and so depart with life, with goods, and their Banners displayed; that the Englishmen should allow them shipping, paying the full price therefore, wherein they might at two several passages fail over into Spain: Also if they happened in their return homeward to arrive at any Port in England, that they might be kindly entertained: and in the mean time whiles they remained in Ireland waiting for winds, have all necessaries for sustenance ministered unto them, for their ready money. These things thus concluded, the Spaniards after certain days fitted with a good gale of wind set fail from the coast of Ireland with dishonour, as having their companies much impaired, and weak. Mean while the Earl of Tir-Oen in fearful flight got him away, making as great journeys as possibly he could, through unknown byways, and recovered his lurking holes in Ulster, after he had lost most of his men, whom the rivers risen and running violently by reason of Winter floods had swallowed up. And afterwards he could not take his rest without care, no not so much as breathe without fear; whiles carrying an evil and burdened conscience he dreaded the due reward of his deserts, and disinherited every one; insomuch as he sought from day to day new blind corners, and the same straightways he abandoned, The Deputy to refresh his wearied soldiers, bestoweth them abroad in garrisons, and after he had settled the State in Monster, returneth to Dublin. And when the winter season was past, he by a gentle and easy march (thereby to spread a greater terror all abroad) returneth into Ulster with an army well appointed, that he might with Forts and garrisons planted round about, belay the Rebels on every side, as it were, within net and toil. When he was come as far as to Blackwater, he transported his army upon floats; and having found a Ford unknown before, beneath the old Fort, he erected a Fort upon the very bank, which after his own Christian name he called Charle-mont. At which time the Earl of Tir-Oen being affrighted, set fire on his own house at Dunganon. Then marcheth the Deputy forward from thence to Dunganon: and after he had encamped himself, so soon as Sir Henry Docwra was come unto him from Logh-foile with his company, he sent out his soldiers every way. Then might you have seen the cornfields spoiled, the villages on every side and houses, so many as they could descry, set on fire and burned, and booties out of all parts harried. The Forts in Logh-Crew, Logh-Reogh, and Mogher Lecowe (where Sir john Barkley, a most valiant martial man was shot through with a bullet) were yielded up, he planted a garrison at Logh-Eaugh, or Logh-Sidney, which after the title of his own honour he named Mont-joy, and gave unto Sir Arthur Chichester (who by the demerit of his virtue is now Lord Deputy of Ireland) the charge and command thereof; another likewise at Monaghan, which he committed unto Sir Christopher St. Laurence: who being leaders of great experience, and greater courage, what with often sallies, and what with traverse journeys made too and fro, so coursed and crossed the rebels, that they seeing themselves environed with garrisons planted round about them, and every day hemmed in and penned in more straight, that now like wild beasts of a rascal kind they must seek holes and lurk among the thickets, in forests and woods; most of them changed their copy, and as their fortune, so their fidelity altered, and every one of them began secretly to submit themselves to the Deputy, striving a vie who should be first; muttering and complaining closely of Tir-Oen, that he had engaged the ruin of the whole nation for his own private discontentments; that this war was only necessary to him, but most pernicious to them: neither was the Earl ignorant that both the force and fidelity also of his people and followers was now sore shaken: he determined therefore to prevent the worst, as being weary of misery and calamity, and yet in some hope also of life, which sometimes overmatch the stoutest. By most submissive letters therefore sent now and then to the Queen, wherein with earnest prayers and tears he besought pardon for his fault, casting himself down in humble and lowly wise; and she observed in him such tokens of true repentance, that (as she was a most mild and merciful Prince) she gave authority unto the L. Deputy to take him to mercy and favour, in case he earnestly craved it. And crave it he did (when he had heard so much from these that affected and loved him) continually by the most earnest mediation of Arthur Mac Baron his brother, and others: and being often rejected, at length in the month of February, after he had promised absolutely, and without any condition, to submit his life and all that he had unto the Queen, the Deputy, who had some intelligence out of the Court in England from his inward friends, that the Queen, now far stepped in years, was dangerously sick, condescended that the Earl might repair unto Mellifont: and thither forthwith came he out of his lurking holes in all speed, accompanied with one or two, and no more. Being admitted into the chamber of presence (where the L. Deputy with a number of martial men about him was set in a chair of estate, in the very entry of the place) he in poor and foul array, with a dejected countenance, bewraying his forlorn estate, falleth down upon his knees, and when he had so kneeled a while, the Lord Deputy signified unto him that he should approach nearer: whereupon he rose up, and after he had stepped in lowly manner some few paces forward, he kneeled down again, and cast himself prostrate like a most humble suppliant. He acknowledgeth his sin to God, and fault unto his most gracious Prince and sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, in whose royal clemency and mercy lay the only hope that he had now remaining, to whose pleasure he submitteth wholly and absolutely his life and whole estate. He most demisely beseecheth, that whose bountiful favour in times past, and mighty power now of late he had felt and found, he might now have experience of her merciful lenity, and that he might be for ever the example of her Princely clemency. For neither was his age as yet so unserviceable, nor his body so much disabled, ne yet his courage so daunted, but that by his valiant and faithful service in her behalf, he could expiate and make satisfaction for this most disloyal rebellion. And yet, to extenuate his crime, he began to say, that through the malicious envy of some, he had been very hardly and unreasonably deali with. As he was enforcing this point further, the Deputy interrupted him, and cut off his speech; and after a few words, delivered with great authority (which in a martial man doth stand in stead of eloquence) to this effect, that there was no excuse to be made for so grievous and heinous a crime, with few other words, he commanded him to withdraw himself: and the next day carried him away with him toward Dublin, purposing to bring him from thence into England before Queen Elisabeth, that she might determine at her pleasure what to do with him. But in this mean time, that most excellent Princess, a little after that she had intelligence (that nothing might be wanting to the accomplishment of her glory) how this rebellion was extinguished, which had not a little disquieted her, departed godly and peaceably out of this transitory life into the eternal. Thus the war of Ireland, or the rebellion rather of the Earl of Tir-Oen, begun upon private grudges and quarrels intermeddled with ambition, cherished at first by contempt, and sparing of charges out of England, spread over all Ireland (under the colourable pretence of restoring liberty and Romish Religion) continued by untoward emulation of the English, and covetousness of the old soldiers, protracted by the subtle wiles and fanied submissions of the Earl, by the most cumbrous and disadvantageous difficulty of the country, and by a desperate kind of people, saving themselves more by good footmanship than their valour, confirmed through the light credulity of some, and the secret favour of others that were in place of authority, heartened with one or two fortunate encounters, fed and somented with Spanish money and Spanish supplies, in the eighth year after it first broke out, under the happy direction of Queen Elisabeth of sacred memory, and the fortunate conduct of the Lord Deputy Sir Charles Blunt Baron of Mont-joy (whom afterwards in regard hereof King james created Earl of Devonshire) was most happily dispatched, and firm peace, as we hope, for ever established. THE MANNERS OF THE IRISHRY, BOTH OF OLD AND OF LATER TIMES. The manners of the Irishry, or wild Irish. THe place requireth now, that I should add somewhat of the manners of this people: and that verily will I do, as touching their ancient behaviour, out of ancient Historiographers: and concerning the latter, out of a modern writer both learned and diligent, who hath set down these matters most exactly. As concerning the Irish of ancient times, when as they were, as all other nations beside in this tract, barbarous and savage, thus much have old authors recorded. Strabo in his fourth book of Ireland, saith, I can deliver nothing for certain, but that the inhabitants thereof are more rude than the Britan's, as who both feed upon man's flesh, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but in the Epitome 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, feeding upon herbs and weeds. and also devour exceeding muth meat; yea and they think it a point of honesty to eat the bodies of their dead parents, and wantonly to have company not only with other men's wives, but even with their own mothers and sisters. Which things verily we relate so, as having no witnesses hereof that be of sufficient credit. Certes the report goes, that the manner of the Scythians is to eat man's flesh; and it is recorded of the Gauls, Spaniards, and many more beside, that by occasion of urgent necessity and extremities of siege, that they have done the same. Pomponius Mela in his third book writeth thus: The inhabitants are uncivil, ignorant of all virtues, and utterly void of religion. Solinus in the 24. chapter, When they have achieved any victory, the blood of those that are slain they first drink, and then besmear their faces with it. Right and wrong is all one with them. A woman lying in childbed, if she have at any time brought forth a man child, layeth the first meat she gives it upon her husband's sword, and with the very point thereof putteth it softly into the infant's mouth, in handsel as it were of the nourishment it shall have hereafter; and with certain heathenish vows wisheth, That it may dye no otherwise than in war and by the sword. They that endeavour to be more handsome and civil than the rest, make their sword handles gay with the teeth of great Whales, and such sea monsters, for they be as white as Ivory. And why? the men take a principal pride and glory in the keeping of their weapons fair and bright. But these fashion's savour of greater antiquity. Their conditions of the middle time Giraldus Cambrensis hath here and there treated of, and out of him others. But now for their later demeanour, take them here with you out of that foresaid Modern writer, a studious and painful man, and that in his own words: who, as I collect, was named I. Good, brought up in Oxford, by profession and calling a Priest, and who about the year of our Lord 1566. taught the School at Limiricke. But first I will briefly premise, according to my promise made even now, somewhat as touching the manner of the jurisdiction that is used among the mere Irish, out of others. O prefixed to the names of the Noblest men in Ireland, by way of excellency. Their great men and Potentates, whose names have the fourth vowel (O) put before them, as a mark of pre-eminence & excellency, as O-Neal, O-Rork, O-Donel, etc. and many of the rest, to whose name (Mac) is prefixed, have peculiar rights and privileges of their own, whereby they domineer and Lord it most proudly, and what with tributes, exactions, payments, and impositions upon their subjects, for their soldiers, Galloglasses, Kerns, and horsemen, whom they are to find and maintain, they so pray upon their goods and estates, and oppress them at their own pleasure, that the condition of all those which live under them is most miserable: and so often as there be any civil wars risen among them, they suck out of them their very marrow and heart blood. These Nobles or Potentates aforesaid have their Lawyers belonging unto them, whom they term Brehons', Brehons'. like as the Goths named theirs Bellagines: who being a sort of most unlearned men, upon certain set days, on the top of some exceeding high hill, sit to minister justice unto the neighbour inhabitants, between such as are at variance and go to law. Before which Judges, the Plaintiffs with a pitiful voice make moan, and complain of the wrongs offered unto them: the defendants stand firmly upon their denial. If any be convict evidently of theft, they give sentence either to make restitution of the same, or recompense by a fine imposed upon them. These Potentates also have their Historians about them, who write down their acts and deeds; they have their Physicians also, and Rhymers, whom they call Bards; yea and their Harpers, who have every one of them their several livelods and lands set out for them: Profession● hereditary. and of these, there be in each territory, several professors and those liable to some certain and several families: that is to say, the Brehons' be of one stock and name, the Historians of another, and so of the rest, who instruct their own children or kinsmen every one in their own art, and have some of them always to be their successors. Now, among these great Lords and Nobles, there is no hereditary right of succession observed, but whosoever of any principal house is of greater puissance in regard of strength, retinewes of followers, and boldness, he by a certain faction or election of the people in that province, usurpeth the Lordship and sovereignty over the rest, quite excluding the sons, nephews, and next in blood of the party deceased: and so with certain compliments of barbarous ceremonies is enthronised in the open air, upon a little hill for that purpose appointed, upon a Stone for a chair of estate. At which time also, by a certain law called Tanistry, Tanistry. there is sometime nominated and declared a successor, who is termed Tanist, I wot not whether by a word borrowed from the Danes, among whom, as among the Northern inhabitants of Britain, Thane was a long time used for a noble man, and the King's especial officer. But whereas I have incidently happened of better observations concerning this Brehon law and Tanistry, diligently collected by Sir john Davis, his Majesty's Attorney general in Ireland, I hope I may, with his good leave, impart some of them to public knowledge in his own words. The several countries or territories possessed by the Irishrie were in number 60. and upwards, and some being greater and some less, did in extent and scope of land contain two parts of the Kingdom at least: in every one of these countries there was a chief Lord or Captain, and under him a Tanist, which was his successor apparent: both these were elected of the country, who commonly made choice of such as were most active, and had most swordmen and followers depending upon him. The chief Lord had certain lands in Demesne, which were called his Loghtii, or mensal lands in Demesne, where he placed his principal officers, namely, his Brehon, his Marshal, his Cupbearer, his Physician, his Surgeon, his Chronicler, his Rhymer, and others: which offices and professions were hereditary and peculiar to certain septs and families. He had also small rents of money, and Cows, and customary duties of Oatmeal, Butter, and the like, out of the lands in the Country, except the lands of the Church, and such of his kinsmen and followers to whom he granted a special discharge or freedom. Besides he had a general tallage or cutting high or low, at his pleasure upon all the inheritance, which he took commonly when he made war either with his neighbours, or against the Crown of England, or made a journey to the State, or gave any entertainment; so as the whole profits of the country were at his disposition when he listed: and so made the inhabitants like the villains of England, upon whom their Lords had power Tallier Haut and Bas, as the phrase of our law is, whereupon the English call this kind of exaction by the name of cutting. This chief Lord had his Cosharies upon his tenants, that is, he and his would lie upon them until they had eat up all their provisions; he would likewise employ upon them his horsemen, his kerns, his horse boys, his dog's boys, and the like, to be fed and maintained by them, which kept the poor people in continual slavery and beggary. The Tanist had also a special portion of land, and certain Chiefrie proper to the Tanist, and within the limits of his portion he had also his cuttings and his Coshiries: the rest of the land being distributed among several septs, every sept had a Chief or Canfinie, as they called him, with a Tanist of that sept, both which were chosen by the chief Lord or Captain of the country, and had likewise their several portions and Chiefries. These Captainships or Chiefries were not partable, but were entirely enjoyed by such as were elected thereunto. All the rest of the lands, except the portions of the Cheifes and Tanists, descended in course of Gavelkind, and were partable among the Males only; in which division the Bastards had their portions as well as the Legitimate. For offences and matters criminal, none was so heinous or of so high a nature as that it was capital, for treason against the chief Lord, and murder were fineable, the fine they called an Ericke, which was assessed by the Lord and his Brehons'. In case of treason the Lord had all the fine, in case of murder the Lord had one moiety, and the kindred of the party slain the other moiety: so as they never forfeited their possessions or their lands for any offence. Howbeit their lands were seized by the Lord for their fines, until the same were levied thereupon, and then restored. Rape was finable in like sort, but theft deserved praise and reward, if the stealth were brought into the country; because the Lord had a share, and the country thereby became the richer. But the theft committed in the country and carried out, if the thief were apprehended before his friend made offer of his fine, he was commonly punished with death. But the Lord in that case might take an Erick if he would. Upon the stealth of any cattle, if the owner followed the tract (wherein the Irish are incredible cunning, insomuch as they will find the same by the bruising of a grass in the summer time) if the party unto whose land the tract is brought cannot make it off to some other land, he is to answer the stealth to the owner. And this being an Irish law or custom, is at this day observed both by the English and Irish, the same being ratified by an act of Counsel in the Earl of Sussex his government, as fit and necessary for that Kingdom. The Brehons', assisted by certain Scholars, who had learned many rules of the civil and Canon law, rather by tradition then by reading, gave judgement in all causes, and had the eleventh part of the thing adjudged for their fee, and the chief Lords Marshal did execution. These are the principal rules and grounds of the Brehon law, which the makers of the Statutes of Kilkenny did not without cause call a lewd custom; for it was the cause of much lewdness and barbarism. It gave countenance and encouragement to theft, rape, and murder, it made all possessions uncertain, whereby it came to pass that there was no building of houses, and towns, nor education of children in learning or civility, no exercise of trades, or handicrafts, no improvement or manuring of lands, no industry or virtue in use among them, but the people were bred in looseness and idleness, which hath been the true cause of all the mischiefs and miseries in that Kingdom. " Now forward, take with you the observations of the said Good: and thus much will I speak before hand for the man, that in nothing he shooteth at reproach, but aimeth all at truth, and speaketh only of those uncivil and mere Irish, that lie shrouded in the utmost coasts, and have not as yet suited themselves with civil qualities and conditions. And to speak in general of them all, this Nation is strong of body, and passing nimble, stout and haughty in heart, for wit quick, martial, prodigal, and careless of their lives, enduring travel, cold and hunger, given to fleshly lust, kind and courteous to strangers, constant in love, in enmity implacable, light of belief, greedy of glory, impatient of abuse and injury, and as he said in old time, in all affections most vehement and passionate: Girald. Cambren. If they be bad, you shall no where meet with worse: if they be good, you can hardly find better. Generally, they give unto their children when they come to holy baptism profane names, adding always somewhat to the name, taken either from some event, or an old wife, or else some colour, as red, white, black: or else from a disease, scab, and peeldnesse, or from one vice or other, as thief, proud, etc. and albeit they be of all men most impatient of reproach, yet these noble men of theirs, even they that have the letter [O] prefixed to their names, disdain not those additions. The name of the Parent, or any of the same kindred then living, it is not lawful to give unto children: for they are persuaded that their death is hastened thereby. But when the father is dead, than the son assumeth his name, left the name should be lost: and if any Ancestor of that name were a redoubted warrior, the like prowess and valour is expected from him. This opinion is increased by their Poets, Bards, or Rhymers, who keep the exploits of those ancient progenitors recorded in writing, which they piece out with many high praises and fables devised of their own brain; whereby these Rhymers or Bards grow rich. For new wedded brides, and women in childbed think themselves discredited, if they bestow not upon one of these Praise-praters, the best garments they have. Mothers, after six days that they be brought a bed, company with their husbands afresh, and put forth their young babes to nurse. They that be of the more noble parentage shall have a number of nurses repair unto them straight ways from far, which make suit for the nourcing of the infant; and of these foster children they make more account than of their own which they bear. And although they are most intemperate, by reason of the distemperature of the air, and the moisture both of the ground, and of their meats; in regard also that all law is exiled; and albeit they think it is a shame for themselves to give their own children the breast, yet for this their nurcelings sake, both man and wife abstain from carnal company together. And if they do otherwise, they entertain another nurse under them at their own charges. And nurses there be among them as many well near as there are young wenches for their servants: and to have the suckling of the little child, they count a sufficient reward for being naught of their bodies. Now if this infant fortune to be sick, they all to besprinkle it with the stalest urine they can get; and for a preservative against all misfortunes, they hang about the children's necks, not only the beginning of Saint john's Gospel, but also a crooked nail taken out of an horses shoe, or else a piece of a Wolves skin. And for that purpose, as well nurses as infants, wear girdles plaited of women's hair. To their lovers also, it is known, they send bracelets finely wrought of these hairs: whether their mind is herein of Venus' girdle called Cestos, I wot not: The Fosterfathers' take much more pains, bestow more goods by far, and show greater love unto their foster children than they do to their own children: From them, these children not so much by due claim of right receive, as by force wrest, even with taking stresses, and driving away booties, apparel, maintenance for their pleasures, money wherewith to buy them armour, yea and to spend in all kind of their lewdness; their dowries also and stocks of cattle. All those that have been nourced by the same woman, love one another more dearly, repose greater trust in them, than if they were their natural whole brethren and sisters; insomuch as in comparison of these and for their sakes, they even hate their natural brethren and sisters. Be they reproved at any time by their own parents, they fly to these their fosterfathers', and being heartened by them, break out oftentimes even unto open war against their said parents; taking instructions from them to all lewd and villainous pranks, they become most ungracious and desperate. Semblably, the nurses train up those maidens which they rear, to all obscenity and filthiness. If any of these foster children chance to fall sick, a man would not believe how quickly their nurses hear of it, yea though they dwell many a mile off, how pensively they attend and watch by the sick body night and day. To conclude, the greatest corruptions of Ireland, are thought to spring from these fosterfathers' and nurses, and from nought else. That these Irish people are both of an hotter and moisture nature than other nations, we may well conjecture. And this we gather by their wonderful soft skin: which doubtless cometh as well by the nature of the soil, as by certain artificial bathe and exercise that they use. By reason also of the same tenderness of their muscles, they so excel in nimbleness and flexibility of all parts of the body, as it is incredible. Given they are to idleness above all things: they reckon it the greatest riches to take no pain, and count it the most pleasure to enjoy liberty. Delighted they are above measure in music, but especially in the harp with wire-strings, which they warble upon with their nimble fingers most melodiously. Do any of them betake themselves to religion, a wonder it is to see how they mortify and keep their bodies under, with a devout kind of austerity, watching, praying, and making themselves lean with much fasting: so that it is no marvel which is written of their monks in the age afore going. Yea the very women and young maidens fast duly upon every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the whole year. Some of them also fast upon Saint Katherine's festival day: and this they fail not to do upon Christmas day, if it so fall out, even when they be most grievously sick. Some make this to be the cause for maidens, that they may be sped with good husbands; for wives, that they may change for a better marriage, either by the death of their husbands, or by forsaking them, or at leastwise by alteration of their conditions. But they that have once given themselves over to lewdness, are more lewd than lewdness itself. Their garments they die with the barks of trees, that English men name Alders: they use also Elder-berries to colour their wool yellow. With the boughs, bark and leaves of the poplar three bruised and stamped, they stain their large wide shirts with a saffran colour, which now are almost out of use, and adding thereunto the rind of the wild Arbut tree, salt, together with saffran. And whatsoever they die, they do not so much boil it long over the fire, as drench and steep the same for certain days together among other things in cold urine of man or woman, that the yellow colour may be more durable. They account it no shame or infamy to commit robberies, which they practise every where with exceeding cruelty. When they go to rob, they pour out their prayers to God, That they may meet with a booty: and they suppose, that a cheat or booty is sent unto them from God as his gift: neither are they persuaded, that either violence, or rapine, or manslaughter displeaseth God: for in no wise would he presence unto them this opportunity, if it were a sin; nay a sin it were if they did not lay hold upon the said opportunity. You shall hear these Cutthroats and Incendiaries come out with these words, God is merciful, and will not suffer the price of his blood to be of no effect in me. Moreover, they say, that they walk in their father's steps; that this manner of life was left unto them: also, that it were a disparagement of their nobility, if they would get their living by handy labour, and forbear committing such facts. As they are setting forth to a boot-haling, or to do any other business, they mark whom they meet first in the morning: if they speed well, they lay for to meet with him oft: if otherwise, they heedfully avoid him. To sleep and snore in a most stormy night, and not to dispatch a very long way by night on foot, nor to adventure upon any danger whatsoever in spoiling and robbing, they take to be tokens of a base and abject mind. Of late days, they spare neither Churches nor hallowed places, but thence also they fill their hands with spoil: yea and sometimes they set them on fire, and kill the men that there lie hidden: And the cause hereof, is the most filthy life of their Priests, who of Churches make profane houses, and keep harlots, who follow them whithersoever they go; but when they are cast off, seek cunning devises to do mischief by poisons. The Priests leman's and their bastards abide within the circuit of a Church, drink until they be drunk, lie together, shed blood, and keep up their cattle there. Among those wild Irish, there is neither divine service, nor any form of Chapel but outwardly no Altars at all, or else they be filthily polluted: the image of the Rood or Cross defaced, if there be any at all. The sacred vestments are so foul and nasty that they would make one to cast up his stomach: The alter portable, without any crosses imprinted upon it, and by some abuse or other polluted: The Missal or Mass book all torn, and bereft of the Canon: yet the same is tendered to all oaths and perjuries; the Chalice of lead, without a cover to it, the samll vessels for wine made of a horn. The Priests mind nothing but gathering of goods and getting of children. The Parson's play the Vicars, and that of many Parishes together: they make it great show of the Canon-Law, but have never a jot of learning. They have their children to succeed them in their Churches, for whose illegitimation they are dispensed with. These will not take the order of Priesthood, but commit the charge to the Curates without any stipend, that they may live by the book, that is, upon some small gift or oblation at the baptism, inunction, and burial, wherewith God wot, they live most bare and miserable. These Priests sons that follow not their studies, prove for the most part notorious thiefs. For they that carry the name of Mac-Decan, Mac-Pherson, Mac-O●pac, that is, the Deans or Deacons son, the Parson's son, and the Bishop's son, are the strongest thiefs that be, and the more able by their Parent's liberality to raise a power of unruly rebels; and the rather, because following their father's steps, they maintain hospitality. As for the daughters of these Priests, if their fathers be living, they are set forth with good portions, in case they wed: but if their fathers be dead, either they beg or prostitute their bodies. At every third word 'tis ordinary with them to lash out an oath, namely, by the Trinity, by God, by S. Patrick, by S. Brigid, by their Baptism, by Faith, by the Church, by my Godfathers hand, and by thy hand. And albeit by these they swear, with the sacred Bible or Missal laid most religiously upon their bare heads, yea and be forsworn, yet if one say they stand in danger of damnation for perjury, you shall hear them straightways cry aloud, The Lord is merciful, and will not suffer the price of his blood shed for me, to be of no effect in me. Never shall I go to hell, repent I or repent I not. But for the performance of promise, and that a man may believe them, these three points with them be of greatest weight to bind them. First, if one swear at the altar, touching the book lying open, and the same laid on the crown of his head. Secondly, if he take to record some Saint, whose crooked staff or bell he toucheth and kisseth. Thirdly, if he swear by the hand of an Earl, or of his own Lord, or some mighty person: for then, if he be convict of perjury by the two former, he incurreth infamy; but in case he be forsworn by the third, the said mighty man will wring from him perforce a great sum of money, and a number of Cows; as if by that perjury the greatest abuse and injury that might be were offered unto his name. For cows are their only wealth, and of greatest esteem. Touching which cattle, this seemeth not unworthy the observation. Most certain it is (as he writeth) that cows in Ireland give no milk, unless their own calf be set by their side alive, or else the skin of the dead calf staffed with straw, so as it may carry the resemblance of a live one, for in that skin they acknowledge the sent, as it were, of their own womb. If a cow go dry or hold up their milk, they send for a witch, who by herbs may cause her to cast her love upon another cow's calf, that so she may give down her milk. Town-dwellers seldom make any contract of marriage with them of the country, and these pass their promise not for present, but for the future time: or else give assent without any deliberation. Whence it is, that for every light falling out they part asunder, the husband to another woman, the wife to another husband; neither is it ever known for certainty whether their contracts have been true or false, before they give up their last gasp. Hence rise contentions about the possession of lands, hence grow robberies, depredations, manslaughters, and deadly hatred. The women that are cast off go to witches for counsel, who are thought verily to bring upon the former husband, or his new married wife, either barrenness or impotency in the act of generation, or else most dangerous diseases. For all of them are marvellously prone to incest, and nothing is there so common as divorces under pretence of conscience. The women as well as the men make great account of the hair or glibbes of their heads, especially if they be of a golden colour, and long withal: for they show and lay them out plaited to the full length in a bravery, and suffer them when they are finely and trimly curled to hang down: when in the mean time they wrap in folds and rolls about their head many else of the finest linen or sendal. This kind of coronet or head-tire they all wear that are able to get it, after their childbirth, whether it be in wedlock, or by playing the whores. To these may be added a number of superstitions. I cannot tell whether the wilder sort of the Irishry yield divine honour unto the Moon; for when they see her first after the change, commonly they bow the knee, and say over the Lord's prayer, and so soon as they have made an end, they speak unto the Moon with a loud voice in this manner: Leave us as whole and sound as thou hast found us. They take unto them Wolves to be their Godsibs, whom they term Chari Christ, praying for them and wishing them well, and so they are not afraid to be hurt by them. The shoulder blade bone of a sheep, when the flesh is clean taken from it, they use to look through, and thereby foretell of some c●rse shortly to be carried out of that house, if they spy any dark or duskish spot in it. They take her for a wicked woman and a witch, what ever she be, that cometh to fetch fire from them on May day (neither will they give any fire then, but unto a sick body, and that with a curse): for because they think the same woman will the next Summer steal away all their butter. If they find an hare amongst their herds of cattle on the said May day, they kill her, for they suppose she is some old trot that would filch away their butter. They are of opinion, that their butter if it be stolen will soon after be restored again, in case they take away some of the thatch that hangeth over the door of the house, and cast it into the fire. And upon these Calends, or first day of May, they fully believe that to set a green bough of a tree before their houses, will cause them to have great abundance of milk all summer long. In their towns, when any Magistrate entereth first upon his office, the Wives along the streets, and the Maidens out of windows, bestrew them and their followers with wheat and salt. And before they sow their seed in the corn field, the Goodwife or Mistress of the house sendeth salt to the said field. That the Kites may not swoupe away their chickens, they hang up in some place of the house-roofe the egge-shels out of which the said chickens were hatched. To rub their horse heels, or to curry their bodies with a currycomb, or to gather grass to meat them with, it is not lawful upon a Saturday; whereas they will not stick to do all this upon other days, be they never so high and festival. If they never give fire out of the house unto their neighbours, they are persuaded their horses shall live the longer, and continue sound. If the owners of horses eat eggs, they must look unto it that they be even in number, otherwise their horses will be in danger. Horse-breakers and horse-keepers are forbidden to eat eggs. A custom there is also among them, that horsemen after they have eaten eggs do wash their hands. When an horse is dead, they hang up his feet and legs in the house, yea their very hooves are esteemed as an hallowed and sacred relic. In no case must you praise an horse or any other beast, until you say, God save him, or unless you spit upon him. If any harm befall the horse within three days after, they seek him out that praised him, that he may mumble the Lords Prayer in his right ear. They think there be some that bewitch their horses with looking upon them: and then they use the help of some old hags, who saying a few Prayers with a loud voice, make them well again. There is a certain small worm breeding in their horses feet, which creeping on still by little and little, breedeth a great many of the same kind, and corrupteth the body: Against this worm they send for a wise woman, who is brought to the horse on two several Mondays, and one Thursday. She breatheth upon the place where the worm lieth; and after she hath rehearsed a charm, the horse recovereth. This charm they teach many for a piece of money, making them to swear that they will not reveal it to any body. Against all maladies and mischiefs whatsoever, the women have effectual enchantments or charms, as they suppose, divided and parted amongst them, each one her several enchantment, and the same of diverse forces; unto whom every man, according as his mischance requireth, speedeth himself for help. They say always both before and after their charms, a Pater Noster and an Ave Maria. When any man hath caught a fall upon the ground, forthwith he starteth up again on his feet, and turneth himself round three times toward his right hand, with his sword, skein, or knife he diggeth into the earth, and fetcheth up a turf, for that, they say, the earth doth yield a spirit: and if within some two or three days he fell sick, there is sent a woman skilful in that kind unto the said place, and there she saith on this wise. I call thee P. from the East and West, South and North, from the forests, woods, rivers, meres, the wild wood-fayries, white, red, black, etc. and withal, bolteth out certain short prayers: then returneth she home unto the sick party, to try whether it be the disease called Esane, which they are of opinion is sent by the Fairies: and whistereth a certain odd prayer with a Pater Noster into his ear, putteth some coals into a pot full of fair water, and so giveth more certain judgement of the disease, than many of our Physicians can. Their warrefare consisteth of horsemen, of soldiers set in the rere-guard, whom they term Galloglasses, Galloglasses. Kerns. who fight with most keen hatchets, and of light armed footmen called Kerns, whose service is with darts and skeanes. To give an acclamation and shout unto every footman or horseman as he goeth out of the gate, is counted lucky and fortunate: he who hath no such applause is thought to have some mischief portended unto him. In war they use the bagpipe in stead of a trumpet; they carry about them Annulets, they recite certain prayers, & in joining battle they cry as loud as possible they can, Pharroh (I suppose this to be that military Barritus which Ammianus speaketh of) with this persuasion, Barritus. that he who crieth not as loud as the rest, shall have this accident befall unto him, suddenly to be taken up from the ground, and carried, as it were flying in the air (avoiding ever after the sight of men) into a certain vale in Kerry, as I have said before. Such as visit and sit by one that lieth sick in bed, never speak word of God, nor of the salvation of his soul, ne yet of making his will, but all to put him in hope of his recovering: If any one call for the sacrament, him they count past hope and recovery. The wives pass not for any will-making, because it is grown now to be a common custom, that a third part of the goods shall be given unto them, and the rest to be divided by even portions among the children; saving that when they come to enter upon the inheritance▪ be that is mightiest carrieth away the best share. For he that is strongest, be he uncle or nephew, most times seizeth upon the inheritance, and shutteth the children out of all. When one lieth ready to die, before he is quite gone, certain women, hired of purpose to lament, standing in the meeting of cross highways, and holding their hands all abroad, call unto him with certain out-cries fitted for the nonce, and go about to stay his soul, as it laboureth to get forth of the body, by reckoning up the commodities that he enjoyeth of worldly goods, of wives, of beauty, fame, kinsfolk, friends, and horses; and demanding of him why he will depart? and whither? and to whom? yea they expostulate with his soul, objecting that she is unthankful. At length they piteously make moan, and say, that the soul now ready to leave the body is going away to these kind of haggish women that appear by night and in darkness: but after it is departed once out of the body, they keep a mourning and wailing for it, with loud howling and clapping of their hands together. Now they follow the corpse when it goes to burial with such a peal of out-cries, that a man would think the quick as well as the dead past all recovery. In these wail and lamentations the nurses, daughters and concubines make the greatest ado, and are most vehement. Neither do they mourn with less sorrow and heaviness for those that are slain in battle, than such as die of sickness: although they affirm, that they have an easier death who lose their lives in fight in the field, or in robbing. Yet notwithstanding they rail upon their enemies with most spiteful words, and continue for a long time deadly hatred against all of that sept and kindred. They suppose that the souls of such as are deceased go into the company of certain men, famous in those places, touching whom they retain still fables and songs, as of Giants, Fin-Mac-Huyle, Osker Mac-Oshin, and they say that by illusion they often times do see such. As for their meats, Water-cresses. Shamroots. they feed willingly upon herbs, and watercresses especially, upon mushrooms, shamroots, and roots: so that Strabo not without good cause said they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i Eaters of herbs, for which in some copies is falsely read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i Great Eaters. They delight also in butter tempered with oatmeal, in milk, whey, beefe-broth, and flesh oftentimes without any bread at all. As for the corn that they have, they lay it up for their horse's provender, for whom verily they are especially careful. When they be hunger bitten in time of dearth, they disdain not to devour raw flesh, after they have pressed out the blood thereof: and for to concoct and digest it, they swill in and pour down the throat Uskebah draught after draught. They let their kine blood also, which when it is grown to a jelly, and strewed over with butter, they eat with good appetite. They go for the most part bore headed, unless it be when they put on an head-piece. The hair of their head they wear long, and nothing set they greater store by than the glibbes or tresses of their hairs; and to have the same plucked or twitched, they take it for a contumelious indignity. They use linen shirts, and those verily exceeding large, with wide sleeves, and hanging side down to their very knees, which they were wont to stain with saffron. Little Jackets they have of woollen, and those very short: breeches most plain and close to their thighs. But they cast over these their mantles or shag rugs, which Isidore seemeth to call Heteromallae, with a deep fringed pur●le, and the same daintily set out with sundry colours; within which they lap themselves in the night, and sweetly sleep on the very ground. Such also do the women cast over the side garment that they wear down to the foot, and with elnes (as I said) of Sendal rolled up in wreathes, they rather load than adorn their heads; like as they do their necks with chains and carkaneth, their arms also with bracelets. These are the manners of the wild Irish, out of our Author: In the rest, for the most part all that inhabit the English Pale (as they term it) there is no point of courtesy and civility wanting: for which they are beholden to the English conquest: and for much more might the whole Island be beholden unto it, in case upon a certain peevish and obstinate love they bear unto their own country fashions, they had not stopped up their ears and shut up their hearts against better governance. For the Irishry are so stiffly settled in observing of the old rites of their country, that not only they cannot be withdrawn from them, but also are able easily to draw the English unto the same (so prone is man's nature to entertain the worst) that one would not believe in how short a time some English among them degenerate and grow out of kind. A PREFACE TO THE ANNALS OF IRELAND. THus far forward was the Printers press a going when the Honourable Lord William Howard of Naworth, for the love that he beareth unto the studies of Antiquity, willingly imparted unto me the Manuscript annal of Ireland, from the year of our Salvation MCLII. unto the year MCCCLXX. Which I thought good to publish; considering that after Giraldus Cambrensis, there is nothing, to my knowledge, extant better in this kind; and because so noble and worthy a person, whose they were by right in private before, permitted so much. Unto whom, the very same thanks in manner are duly to be yielded for bringing them to light, that were to be given unto the author himself, who first recorded them in writing. And albeit they are penned in a style somewhat rude and barren (as those times required) yet much matter is therein contained, that may illustrate the Irish History, and would have given good light unto me, if they had not come to my hands so late. Take them here therefore truly and faithfully exemplified, even as I found them, with all their imperfections and faults; and if you have any better, impart them with semblable courtesy unto us; if not, make use of these with us, until some one come forth and show himself, that will help us to a fuller Chronicle, and happily continue the same in length even unto our days with more elegancy of phrase, which verily would be no painful work to be performed. THE ANNALS OF IRELAND. ANno Domini MCLXII. Gregory the first Archbishop of Dublin, a man praise worthy every way, slept in the Lord: after whom succeeded holy Laurence O-Thothil, who was Abbot of St. Kemnus de Glindelagh. Thomas is made Archbishop of Canterbury. MCLXVI. Rothericke O-Conghir, Prince of Connaght was made King and Monarch of Ireland. MCLXVII. Died Maud the Empress. The same year Almaricke King of Jerusalem took Babylon. And in the same year Dermoc Mac-Murrogh Prince of Leinster, whiles O-Rorke King of Meth was in a certain expedition, carried away his wife, who was willing enough to be ravished. For herself made means to be taken as a prey, as we find in Cambrensis. MCLXVIII. Donate King of Uriel, founder of Mellifont Monastery, departed in Christ. In the same year Robert Fitz-Stephen, neither unmindful of his promise, nor a breaker of his faith, came into Ireland with thirty Knights. MCLXIX. Earl Richard of Stroghul sent before him into Ireland a certain young Gentleman of his own family, named Remund, with ten Knights about the Calends of May. The same year the said Earl Richard, accompanied with two hundred Knights or thereabout, and others to the number as one would say of a thousand, arrived on the even of S. Bartholomew the Apostle. Which Richard verily, was the son of Gilbert Earl of Stroghul, that is, Chippestow, sometime Strogull. This Richard also was the son of Isabella, Aunt by the mother's side of K. Malcome, and William King of Scotland, and of David the Earl, a Gentleman of good hope: and the morrow after the same Apostles day they took the said City; and there Eva, Dermots daughter, was lawfully joined in marriage unto Earl Richard, and her father gave her. MCLXXI. S. Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury was slain. In the same year the City of Dublin was by the Earl and his company taken. And the same year was founded the Abbey de Castro Dei, that is, of God's Castle. MCLXXI. Dermot Mac-Morrogh full of days was taken out of this world at Fernys, about the Calends of May. MCLXXII. The courageous King Henry with 500 Knights arrived at Waterford, and among other things gave Meth unto Sir Hugh Lacie. The same year was founded the Abbey de Fonte vivo. MCLXXIV. Gelasius Archbishop of Armagh, the first Primate of Ireland, an holy man, aged and full of days, rested in Christ. This Gelasius is said to be the first Archbishop that wore the first pale; but others before him were in name only called Archbishops and Primates, for the reverend regard and honour of St. Patrick, as being the Apostle of that nation: whose See was from the beginning had of all men in so great reverence, that not only Bishops and Priests and those of the Clergy, but Kings and Princes universally were subject to the Bishop thereof in all obedience. After whom succeeded in the archbishopric Gilbert a Prelate of good memory. MCLXXV. William King of Scotland was taken prisoner at Alnewicke. MCLXXVI. Bertram Verdon founded the Abbey of Crokisdenne. MCLXXVII. Earl Richard about the Calends of May died at Dublin, and was buried in the Church of the holy Trinity at Dublin. The same year Vivian a Priest, Cardinal entitled of S. Stephan in Mount Caelius, came as Legate of the Apostolical See into Ireland, sent from Pope Alexander. MCLXXVIII. The ninth day before the Calends of December, the Abbey de Samaria was founded. The same year was founded Risen Vale, that is, Rosseglasse. MCLXXIX. Miles Cogan, and Ralph the son of Fitz-Stephen, his daughter's husband, were slain between Waterford and Lismore, etc. as we read in Cambrensis. The same year Hervie Mont-Marish entered the Monastery of Saint Trinity in Canterbury, who founded the Monastery of Saint Marie de Portu, that is, Of Donbroth. MCLXXX. The Abbey of the Choir of Benet was founded. The same year was founded the Abbey of Geripount. The same year Laurence Archbishop of Dublin, upon the 18. day before the Calends of December happily slept in the Lord within the Church of Saint Marie of Aux. After whom succeeded John Cumin, an Englishman borne in England at Evesham, chosen with good agreement and accord by the Clergy of Dublin (the King by his industry procuring the same) and confirmed by the Pope: which John afterwards founded the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin. MCLXXXIII. The order of the Templars and Hospitallers is confirmed. The same year is founded the Abbey de Lege Dei, that is, Gods Law. MCLXXXV. John the King's son, Lord of Ireland by his father's gift, came into Ireland in the 12. year of his age, in the thirteenth year after his father's coming, after the coming of Fitz-Stephen the fifteenth, in the 14. year from the coming of Earl Richard, and in the same fifteenth year returned. MCLXXXVI. The order of the Cartusians and of the Grandians is confirmed. In the same year Hugh Lacie was killed at Dervath treacherously by an Irishman; because the foresaid Hugh would build a castle there: and as he was teaching of an Irishman how to labour with an iron tool, to wit, a Pykax; when Hugh bowed himself forward, he struck him to the ground with both hands, and as he held down his head, the said Irishman with an axe chopped off Hugh Lacie his head, and there was an end of the conquest. In the same year Christian Bishop of Lismore, sometime Legate of Ireland, an earnest follower of the virtues which he had seen and heard of his devout father Saint Bernard, and Pope Eugenius, a venerable man, with whom he was in the Probatorie at Clarevall, who also ordained him to be the Legate in Ireland, after his obedience performed, within the monastery of Kyrieleyson, happily departed to Christ. Jerusalem was taken with the Lords Cross, by the Sultan and the Saracens, after many Christians slain. MCLXXXVII. Upon the Calends, or first day of July, was the Abbey of Ynes in Ulster founded. MCLXXXIX. Henry Fitz-Empresse departed this life, after whom succeeded his son Richard, and is buried in Font-Ebrard. In the same year was founded the Abbey de Colle victoriae, that is, of Cnokmoy. MCXC. King Richard and King Philip make a voyage into the holy land. MCXCI In the Monastery of Clarevall, the translation of Malachi Bishop of Armagh was honourably celebrated. MCXCII. The City of Dublin was burnt. MCXCIII. Richard King of England in his return from the holy land, was taken prisoner by the Duke of Ostrich, and he made an end by composition with the Emperor, to pay for his ransom one hundred thousand marks, and with the Empress, to pay thirty thousand: also with the foresaid Duke 20. thousand marks, in regard of an obligation which he had made unto them for Henry Duke of Saxony. Now he remained in the Emperor's prison a year, six months, and three days: For whose ransom all the Chalices in manner throughout England were sold. In the same year was founded the Abbey de jugo Dei, that is, of God's yoke. MCXCIIII. The relics of S. Malachi Bishop of Clareval, were brought into Ireland, and with all honour that might be, received in the Monastery of Mellifont, and the rest of the Monasteries of the Cistertian order. MCXCU. Matthew Archbishop of Cassile Legate of Ireland, & John Archbishop of Dublin carried away the corpse of Hugh Lacie, the conqueror of Meth, from the Irish, and solemnly interred it in the Monastery of Blessedness, that is, Becty. But the head of the said Hugh was bestowed in the Monastery of Saint Thomas in Dublin. MCXCVIII. The order of Friar's Preachers began in the parts about Tolouse, by Dominicke the second. MCXCIX. Richard King of England died: after whom succeeded John his brother, who was Lord of Ireland and Earl of Mortaigne: which John slew Arthur the lawful heir, son of Geffrey his whole brother. And in this manner died Richard. When K. Kichard besieged the Castle of Chaluz in little Britain, wounded he was to death with an arrow by one of those in the said Castle, named Bertram Gurdon. And when he dispaired of his life, he demised the Kingdom of England, and all his other lands unto his brother to keep. All his Jewels, and one fourth part of his Treasure he gave unto his Nephew Otho, and another fourth part of his Treasure he gave, and commanded to be dealt among his servants and the poor. Now when the said Bertram was apprehended and brought before the King, the K. demanded of him in these terms: what harm have I done thee that thou hast slain me? Unto whom without any manner of fear he answered thus. Thou killed'st my father, and two of my brethren with thine own hand, and me also thou wouldst now have killed: Take therefore what revenge so ever thou wilt of me, for I pass not, so thou mayst be slain, that hast wrought so many mischiefs to the world. Then the King forgave him his death, and commanded that he should be let go at liberty, and to give him beside one hundred shillings sterling. But after the King was dead, some of the King's ministers slayed the said Be●●●am, and hung him up. And this King yielded up his vital breath the eighth day before the Ides of April, which fell out to be the fourth day of the week before Palme-Sunday, and the eleventh day after he was wounded: and buried he was at Fo●● E●●ard, at the feet of his father. Touching whose death a certain versifier saith thus. Isti● in morte perimit formica leonem, Proh dolour! in tanto funere mundus obit. In this man's death, as is well seen, the Ant a Lion slays, And in so great a death (alas) the world doth end her days. The Corpse of which King Richard is divided into three parts. Whence was this verse made. Viscera Carceolum, Corpus Fons servat Ebrardi, Et Cor Rhothomagum magne Richarde tuum. Thy bowels only Carceol keeps, thy Corpse Font-Everard, And Rouen hath keeping of thy heart O puissant Richard. When King Richard was departed this life, his brother John was girt with the sword of the Duchy of Normandy by the Archbishop of Rhoan, the seventh day before the Calends of May next ensuing after the death of the aforesaid King: which Archbishop did set upon the head of the said Duke a Circle flower with golden roses in the top round about. Also upon the sixth day before the Calends of June he was anointed and crowned King of England, all the Lords and Nobles of England being present, within the Church of Saint Peter in Westminster upon the day of the Lords Ascension: and afterwards was John King of England called to a Parliament in France by the King of France, to answer as touching the death of his Nephew Arthur, and because he came not, he deprived him of Normandy. The same year was the Abbey of Commerer founded. MCC. Cathol Cronerg King of Conaght founder of the Monastery de Colle Victoriae, that is, of the Hill of Victory, is expelled out of Conaght. The same year was founded, the Monastery de Voto, that is, Tynterne, by William Martial, Earl Martial and of Pembroch, who was Lord of Leinster, to wit, of Weisford, Ossory, Caterlagh, and Kildare, in regard and right of his wife: who espoused the daughter of Richard Earl of Stroghul, and of Eve the daughter of Dermot-Mac-Murogh. But because the foresaid William Earl Martial was in exceeding great jeopardy both day and night in the sea, he vowed a vow unto our Lord Jesus Christ, that if he might be delivered from the tempest, and come to land, he would make a Monastery unto Christ and Marie his mother: and so it came to pass when he was come safe to Weisford, he made I say the Monastery of Tyntern, according to his vow, and called it the Monastery De voto, that is, Of the vow. In the same year was founded the Monastery de Flumine Dei, that is, Of God's river. MCCII Gathol Cronerg or Crorobdyr, King of Conaght, was set again in his kingdom. The same year is founded the house of Canons or Regular Priests of St. Marry, by Sir Meiler Fitz-Henrie. MCCIII. The Abbey of S. Saviour, that is, Dowi●ky, being founded, was in this year and the next following built. MCCIU There was a field fought between John Curcie Earl of Ulster, and Hugh Lacie at Down: in which battle many on both sides lost their lives. But John Curcie had the upper hand in fight. Afterwards, upon the sixth day of the week, being Good-friday, when the foresaid John was unarmed, and went by way of pilgrimage bare foot and in his linen vesture a visiting the Churches, as the manner is, treacherously he was taken prisoner by his own people for a piece of money given in hand, and for a greater reward to be given afterward for a recompense; and so was delivered unto Hugh Lacie. But he bringeth him unto the King of England, who gave unto Hugh Lacie the Earldom of Ulster, and the Signiory of Conaught, which belonged unto John Curcie. Then Hugh Lacie being Earl, rewarded all the foresaid Traitors that had betrayed John Curcie, and gave unto them gold and silver, more or less: but straightways hung up all the Traitors aforesaid, and took away all their goods: and so Hugh Lacie ruleth over all Ulster, and John Curcie is condemned to perpetual prison, because he had before time been a Rebel to John King of England, and would not do him homage, and beside, blamed him about the death of Arthur the rightful heir unto the Crown. But whiles he was in prison and in extreme poverty, having but little allowance, and the same course and simple, for to eat and drink, he said, O God, wherefore dealest thou thus by me, who have built and re-edified so many Monasteries for thee and thy Saints? Now when he had many times wailed and made loud moan in this wise, and therewith fell asleep, the holy Trinity appeared unto him, saying: Why hast thou cast me out of mine own seat, and out of the Church of Down, and placed there my S. Patrick the Patron of Ireland? (Because indeed John Curcie had expelled the Secular Canons or Priests out of the Cathedral Church of Down, and brought the black Monks of Chester, and placed them in the said Church: And the holy Trinity stood there in a stately shrine or seat, and John himself took it down out of the Church, and ordained a Chapel for that Image, and in the great Church set up the image of S. Patrick, which displeased the most High God:) therefore thus said God, Know thou well that thou shalt never enter into thy Signiory in Ireland. Howbeit, in regard of other good deeds that thou hast done, thou shalt with honour be delivered forth of prison: which also came to pass. And now by this time there arose a contention between John King of England, and the King of France, about a Seignory and certain Castles: and this suit or controversy still depending, the King of France offered unto him a Giant or Champion to fight for his right. Then the King of England called to remembrance his most valiant Knight John Curcie, whom upon the information of others he had before cast into prison. The King therefore sent for John Curcie, and asked him if he were able to help and stand him in stead in a combat: then John answered and said, I will not fight for thee, but for the right of the Kingdom: for which afterward he undertook to do his endeavour in single fight: and so refreshed himself with meat, drink, and bathing, and took the virtue of his own fortitude and strength: and a day was appointed between these Giants or Champions, namely, between John Curcie and the other. But when the Champion of France heard of his exceeding great feeding, and of his strength, he refused the combat, and then was the said Signiory given unto the King of England. Then the King of France requested to see a stroke given by the hand of John Curcie: and he set a strong and doughty good morion full of mail upon a great block or log of wood: and the foresaid John taking his skein or sword, and looking back round about him with a stern and grim countenance, smote the mo●ion through, from the very crest downward into the block, and the sword stuck in the wood so fast, that no other man but himself was able to pluck out the sword: then John at the request of the Kings easily plucked it forth. And the Kings demanded of the foresaid John, wherefore he looked behind him with so grim a countenance before he gave the stroke; who answered, that if he had failed in giving that stroke, he would have slain them all, as well Kings as others. And the Kings gave unto him great gifts, yea and the King of England rendered unto him also his Signiory of Ulster. But John Curcie attempted 15. times to sail over sea into Ireland, but was always in danger, and the wind evermore against him: wherefore he waited a while among the Monks of Chester. At length he returned into France, and there rested in the Lord. MCCU. The Abbey of Wetheney in the county of Lymericke was founded by Theobald the son of Walter Butler, Lord of Karryke. MCCVI The order of Friar's Minors was begun near the city Assisa, by Saint Francis. MCCVIII. William Breos is expelled out of England, and cometh into Ireland. England is interdicted for the tyranny of King John of England. Likewise a great overthrow and slaughter happened at Thurles in Monster, committed upon the Lord Justice of Ireland's men, by Sir Geoffrey Mareys. MCCX. John King of England came into Ireland, with a great fleet and a puissant army: and for that the sons of Hugh Lacie, to wit, the Lord Walter Lord of Meth, and Hugh his brother, exercised tyranny upon the Commons, and especially because they slew Sir John Curson, Lord of Rathenny and Kilbarrocke (for they heard that the foresaid John accused them unto the King) therefore I say the King drove the foresaid sons of Hugh Lacie out of the land: and they fled into France, and served in the Monastery of Saint Taurin as unknown, working about clay and brick, and sometime in gardens as gardiner's: but at length they were known by the Abbot of the said Monastery: and the said Abbot entreated the King for them, because he had baptised his sons, and was Godsib unto him as a Godfather many times: and Walter Lacie paid two thousand and five hundred marks: and Hugh Lacie paid a great sum of money unto the King for his ransom; and at the request of the said Abbot restored they were again unto their former degree and Signiory. And Walter Lacie brought with him John the son of Alured, that is, Fitz-Acory, son to the foresaid Abbats whole brother, and he made him Knight, and gave unto him the Signiory of Dengle, and many other Lordships. Item, he brought Monks with him out of the same Monastery, and gave unto them many fermes, and the Cell called Fourie, in regard of charity, thankfulness, and counsel: and Hugh Lacie Earl of Ulster made a Cell for Monks, and endowed them in Ulster in a place called ..... But John King of England having taken many pledges and hostages as well of English as of Irish, and hanged a number of malefactors upon Jebbits, and settled the State of the land, returned into England the same year that he came thither. MCCXI Sir Richard Tuit by the fall of a tower at Alone was crushed and whindred to death. This Richard was founder of the Monastery de Grenard. MCCXII. The Abbey of Grenard was founded. In the same year died John Comyn Archbishop of Dublin, and was buried within the choir of the Church of the Holy Trinity, who was founder of Saint Patrick's Church of Dublin: after whom succeeded Henry Londres, who is called Scorch Villeyn, by occasion of a certain act of his: for that one day he called his tenants before him, to answer by what te●nure they held of him. And those tenants showed their deeds and charters: but he commanded the charters or deeds of these husbandmen his tenants to be burned: and then the Freeholders evermore called him Henry Scorch-Villein: which Henry Archbishop of Dublin was Justice of Ireland, and built Dublin castle. MCCXIII. William Petit and Petre Messet departed this life. This Petre Messet was Baron of Luyn hard by Trim; but because he died without heir male, the inheritance passed unto three daughters: the eldest of whom the Lord Vernail married, the second Talbot wedded, and the other Lounders espoused, and so they parted the inheritance between themselves. MCCXIX. The City of Damieta, in the Nones of September was about the still time of midnight miraculously won, so that in the forcing and taking thereof there was not one Christian lost his life. In the same year died William Mareshal the elder, Earl Mareshall and of Pembroch, who begat on the daughter of Richard Strongbow Earl of Stroghul five sons; the name of the first son was William, the named of the second Walter, the name of the third Gilbert, the name of the fourth Anselm, the name of the fifth Richard, who was slain in the war of Kildare: and every one of these five sons was Earl after their father by succession in their father's inheritance, and none of these had issue: wherefore the inheritance went away unto the sisters, namely, the daughters of their father: the first was named Maud Marshal, the second Isabel Clare, the third Eva Breos, the fourth Johan Mount Chensey, the fifth Sibyl Countess Ferrer. Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk espoused Maud Marshal, & he in the right of his wife was Earl Marshal of England: which Hugh begat Ralph Bigod, This place is corrupted in the copy. father of John Bigod, who was the son of the Lady Bertha Furnival: also Isabella Lacie, wife to Lord John Fitz-Gefferey: and when Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk was dead, she bore John de G●aren Earl of Surrey, and his sister Isabella Albeney Countess of Arundel. Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester espoused Isabel the second sister, who between them had issue Richard de Clare Earl of Gloucester; and she was mother to the Lady Anise Countess of Denshire, who was mother to Isabel wife of the Lord Robert Brus Earl of Carrack in Scotland, and was afterwards King of the same Scotland. Of Eva Brus the third sister was begotten Maud, who was the mother of the Lord Edmund Mortimer, and mother to the Lady Eve Cauntelow, mother of the Lady Milsond Mohun, who was mother of Dame Eleanor, mother to the Earl of Hereford. The Lord Guarin Mont Chensey espoused Johan marshal the fourth sister, of whom came Johan Valens. Sibyl the Countess of Ferrer, to wit the fourth, had issue five daughters: the first Agnes Vescie, mother to the Lord John, and the Lord William Vescie: the second Isabel Basset: the third Joan Mohun, wife to the Lord John Mohun, son of the Lord Reginald: the fourth Sibyl Mohun, wife to Lord Francis Bohun Lord of Midhurst: the fifth Eleanor Vaus, who was wife unto the Earl of Winchester: the sixth Agatha Mortimer, wife to the Lord Hugh Mortimer: the seventh Maud Kyme Lady of Carbry. All these abovesaid, as well males as females, are of the genealogy of the said William Earl Marshal. MCCXX. The translation of St. Thomas of Canterbury. In the same year died the Lord Meiler Fitz Henry, founder of the house of Connall, who is buried in the Chapter house of the same house. MCCXXIV. The Castle of Bedford was besieged, and the Castle of Trim in Ireland. MCCXXV. Roger Pippard died. And Anno MCCXXVIII. died William Pippard sometime Lord of the Salmons-leap. There departed likewise Henry Londres, alias Scorch villeyn Archbishop of Dublin, and is interred in the Church of the Holy Trinity at Dublin. MCCXXX. Henry King of England gave unto Hubert Burk the Justiceship of Ireland, and a third penny of rent, and made him Earl of Kent. And afterward the same Hubert was imprisoned; and great trouble arose between the King and his subjects, because he adhered to strangers more than to his own natural people. MCCXXXI. William marshal the younger, Earl Mareshall and of Pembroke died, who is buried within the Choir of the Friar's Preachers in Kilkenny. MCCXXXIV. Richard Earl Mareshall and of Pembroke or Stroghull, on the first day before the Ides of April was wounded in battle, upon the plain of Kildare; and some few days after died in Kilkenny, and there, hard by his natural whole brother, to wit, William, lieth buried within the Choir of Friar's Preachers, of whom it is thus written: Cujus sub fossa Kilkenia continet ossa. Whose bones bestowed in grave so deep, Kilkenny town doth safely keep. MCCXI Walter Lacie Lord of Meth departed this life in England, leaving behind him two daughters his heirs: whereof Sir Theobald Verdon married the first, and Geoffrey Genevile espoused the second. The whole year out of an old fragment. MCCXLII. The Castle of Slegah was built by Morris Fitz-Gerald Justice of Ireland. King Edward the first marched into Wales with a great army, and sent to the said Justice that he would come to him with some forces out of Ireland, who accordingly came with the flower of the English in Ireland, and Phelin O-Conor, who was then King of Conacht in his company, and shortly returned with victory & honour. Afterward the said Justice preied the country Tirconnell, and gave a moiety thereof to Cormac Mac-Dermot Mac-Rory, and carried with him pledges for the other moiety, and left them in the castle of Sleagh. Another expedition was made by the said Justice and the English; first he came to Sleigagh, thence to Hohosserovie Mac Morin the Tuesday after the feast of Peter and Paul, and Cormac-Mac-Dermot Mac-Rorie accompanied them. At that time O Donnel assembled all Kineoill Conail against them at the ford of Ath-Shany, so that he permitted neither English nor Irish to pass over the ford: whereupon the English resolved to send Cormac Mac-Rory O-Conor with a company of horse into the champion Westward, and they returned by an higher plain over the moors Eastward to the ford of Quilvain upon the water Earn, so that O-Donnel knew nothing of those companies of horse, until he saw them on that side of the river that he himself encamped: and when he saw the English at his back, he encountered them; but his army was put to rout, & Moils Haghlin O-Donnel, commonly called King of Kineoil Conail, was slain, with Gylly Cavinelagh Obugill, and Mac-Derley King of Oresgael, with the principal men of Kineoil Conail. And many of the army of the said Justice were drowned as they passed over the water of Fin Northward, and among them in the rescuing of a prey there were slain Atarmanudaboge, Sir W. Brit Sheriff of Conacth and the young knight his brother. And afterward the said army spoiled the country, and left the Signiory of Kineoil Conail to Rory O-Coner for that time. There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tirconnell, and great spoils made, and O-Canamayu was expelled out of Kenoilgain, & he left the territory of Kenail Conail with Gorry Mac-Donald O-Donnel. There was another expedition also by the said Justice into Tireogaine against O-Neale, but he gave pledges for the preservation of his country. There was another expedition by the said Justice in Leinster against the Irishry, whom he pitifully outraged, and spoiled their land. In another expedition also the said Justice destroyed Kenoilgain, and all Ulster in despite of O-Neale, tarrying three nights at Tullaghoge. MCCXLIII. Hugh Lacie Earl of Ulster died, and is buried at Crag-fergous in the covent of the Friar's Minours, leaving a daughter his heir, whom Walter Burk, who was Earl of Ulster, espoused. In the same year died Lord Girald Fitz-Moris, and Richard Burk. MCCXLVI. An earthquake over all the West about 9 of the clock. MCCXLVIII. Sir John Fitz-Gefferey knight came Lord Justice into Ireland. MCCL. Lewis King of France and William Long Espee, with many other, are taken prisoners by the Saracens. In Ireland Maccanewey, a son of Beliol, was slain in Leys, as he well deserved. MCCLI The Lord Henry Lacie was borne. Likewise upon Christmas day, Alexander King of Scotland, a child eleven years old, espoused at York Margaret the King of England's daughter. MCCLV. Alan de la Zouch is made Lord Justice, and cometh into Ireland. MCCLVII. The Lord Moris, or Maurice Fitz-Gerald deceaseth. MCCLIX. Stephen Long Espee cometh Lord Justice of Ireland. The Green castle in Ulster is thrown down. Likewise William Dene is made Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCLXI. The Lord John Fitz-Thomas, and the Lord Maurice his son are slain in Desmund by Mac-Karthy: likewise William Dene Lord Justice of Ireland dejected, after whom succeeded in the same year Sir Richard Capell. MCCLXII. Richard Clare Earl of Gloucester died: Item, Martin Maundevile left this life the morrow after Saint Bennets day. MCCLXIV. Maurice Fitz Gerald, and Maurice Fitz Maurice took prisoners Rich. Capell, the Lord Theobald Botiller, and the Lord John Cogan at Tristel-Dermot. MCCLXVII. David Barrie is made Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCLXVIII. Coming Maurice Fitz Maurice is drowned. Item, Lord Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCLXIX. The castle of Roscomon is founded. Richard of Excester is made Lord Justice. MCCLXX. The Lord James Audeley came Lord Justice into Ireland. MCCLXXI. Henry the King's son of Almain is slain in the Court of Rome. The same year reigned the plague, famine, and the sword, and most in Meth. Item, Nicholas de Verdon and his brother John are slain. Walter Burk or de Burgo Earl of Ulster died. MCCLXXII. The Lord James Audeley Justice of Ireland was killed with a fall from his horse in Twomond: after whom succeeded Lord Maurice Fitz-Maurice in the office of chief Justice. MCCLXXIII. The Lord Geffrey Genevile returned out of the holy land, and is made Justice of Ireland. MCCLXXIV. Edward the son of King Henry, by the hands of Robert Kelwarby a Friar of the order of Preaching Friars, and Archbishop of Canterbury, upon S. Magnus' the Martyr's day, in the Church of Westminster was anointed K. of England, and crowned in the presence of the Lords and Nobles of all England; whose protestation and oath was in this form: I Edward son and heir to King Henry, profess, protest, and promise before God and his Angels, from this time forward to keep without respect the law, justice, and peace unto the holy Church of God, and the people subject unto me, so far forth as we can devise, by the counsel of our liege and loyal ministers: also to exhibit condign and canonical honour unto the Bishops of God's Church, to preserve inviolably whatsoever hath been bestowed by Emperors and Kings upon the Church committed unto them, and to yield due honour unto Abbats & the Lords vessels, according to the advice of our liege's, etc. So help me God, and the holy Gospels of the Lord. In the same year died the Lord john Verdon; likewise the Lord Thomas Clare came into Ireland. Item, William Fitz-Roger, Prior of the Hospitalers, with many others, are taken prisoners at Glyndelory: and more there slain. MCCLXXV. The castle of Roscoman is erected again. In the same year Moydagh was taken prisoner at Norragh by Sir Walter Faunte. MCCLXXVI. Robert Ufford is made Lord Justice of Ireland the second time: Geffrey Genevile gave place, and departed. MCCLXXVII. O-Brene is slain. MCCLXXVIII. The Lord David Barry died. Likewise the Lord John Cogan. MCCLXXIX. The Lord Robert Ufford entered into England, and appointed in his room Friar Robert Fulborne Bishop of Waterford, in whose time the money was changed, likewise the Round table was holden at Kenilworth by the Lord Roger Mortimer. MCCLXXX. Robert Ufford returned out of England, Lord Justice as before. Also the wife of Robert Ufford deceased. MCCLXXXI. Adam Cusack the younger slew William Barret, and many others in Connaght. Item, Friar Stephen Fulborne is made Justice of Ireland. Item, the Lord Robert Ufford returned into England. MCCLXXXII. Moritagh and Art Mac-Murgh his brother are slain at Arclowe, on the Even of Saint Marie Maudlin. Likewise the Lord Roger Mortimer died. MCCLXXXIII. The city of Dublin was in part burnt, and the Belfray of Saint Trinity Church in Dublin, the third day before the Nones of Januarie. MCCLXXXIIII. The castle of Ley was taken and burnt by the Potentates or Lords of Offaly, the morrow after Saint Barnaby the Apostle his day. Alphonsus the King's son twelve years old, changed his life. MCCLXXXV. The Lord Theobald Botiller died the sixth day before the Kalends of October in the castle of Arclowe, and was buried there in the covent of the Friar's preachers. Item, Girald Fitz-Maurice was taken prisoner by his own Irish in Offalie, and Richard Petit and Saint- Doget, with many other: and a great overthrow was given at Rathode with much slaughter. MCCLXXXVI. Norragh and Arstoll, with other towns, were one after another continually burnt by Philip Stanton, the 16. day before the Calends of December. In these days Alianor Queen of England, mother of King Edward, took the mantle and the ring at Ambresburie, upon the day of Saint Thomas his translation, having her dower in the kingdom of England confirmed by the Pope to be possessed for ever. Likewise Calwagh is taken prisoner at Kildare. The Lord Thomas Clare departed this life. MCCLXXXVII. Stephen Fulborn, Archbishop of Tuam died: after whom there succeeded in the office of Lord chief Justice for a time, John Sampford archbishop of Dublin. In the same year the King of Hungary forsaking the Christian faith, became an Apostata: and when he had called fraudulently, as it were to a Parliament, the mightier potentates of his land, Miramomelius a puissant Saracene came upon them with 20000. soldiers, carrying away with him the King, with all the Christians there assembled on the even of Saint John Baptists day: as the Christians therefore journied, the weather that was clear and fair turned to be cloudy, and suddenly a tempest of hail killed many thousands of the Infidels together: The Christians returned to their own homes, and the Apostata King alone went with the Saracenes. The Hungarians therefore crowning his son King, continued in the Catholic faith. MCCLXXXIX. Tripoli a famous city was laid even with the ground, not without much effusion of Christian blood, and that by the Sultan of Babylon: who commanded the images of the Saints to be drawn and dragged at horses tails, in contempt of the name of Christ, through the city newly destroyed. MCCXC. Inclyta Stirps Regis Sponsis datur ordine legis. In lawful guise (by hand and ring) Espoused is the King's offspring. The Lord Gilbert Clare took to wife the Lady Joan, a daughter of the Lord King Edward, in the Abbey or Covent Church of Westminster; and the marriage was solemnly celebrated in the Month of May: and John, the Duke of Brabant his son, married Margaret the said King's daughter also in the Church aforesaid, in the month of July. The same year the Lord William Vescie was made Justice of Ireland, entering upon the office on Saint Martin's day. Item, O Molaghelin King of Meth is slain. MCCXCI. Gilbert Clare, the son of Gilbert and of the Lady Joan of Acres, was borne the 11. day of May, in the morning betimes. Item, there was an army led into Ulster, against O-Hanlon and other Princes hindering the peace, by Richard Earl of Ulster, and William Vescie Justice of Ireland. Item, the Lady Eleanor, sometime Queen of England and mother of King Edward, died in the feast of St. john Baptist, who, in the religious habit which she desired, led a laudable life for the space of four years, eleven months, and six days, within the Abbey of Ambresby, where she was a professed Nun. Item, there resounded certain rumours in the ears of the Lord Pope Martin, on the even of St. Marry Maudlin, as touching the City Acon in the holy land, which was the only refuge of the Christians; namely, that it was besieged by Milkador the Sultan of Babylon, & an infinite number of his soldiers; and that it had been most fiercely assaulted about forty days, to wit, from the eighth day before the Ides of April unto the fifteen Calends of July. At length the wall was plucked down by the Saracens that assaulted it, and an infinite number of them entered the City, many Christians being slain, and some for fear drowned in the sea. The Patriarch also with his train perished in the sea. The King of Cypress and Oats Grandison, with their companies, pitifully escaped by a ship. Item, granted there was unto the Lord Edward King of England by the Lord Pope Martin, the tenth part of all the profits of Ecclesiastical benefices for seven years in Ireland, toward the relief of the holy land. Item, the eldest son of the Earl of Clare was borne. MCCXCII. Edward King of England eftsoons entered Scotland, and was elected King of Scotland. Lord John Balliol of Galwey obtained the whole kingdom of Scotland in right of inheritance, and did homage unto the Lord Edward King of England at Newcastle upon Tine on S. Stephen's day. Florentius Earl of Holland, Robert Brus Earl of Carrick, John Hastings, John Comyn, Patrick Dunbar, John Vescie, Nicolas Souls, and William Roos, who all of them in that kingdom submitted themselves to the judgement of the Lord King Edward. Item, a fifteen of all secular men's goods in Ireland was granted unto the sovereign Lord King of England, the same to be collected at the feast of S. Michael. Item, Sir Peter Genevile Knight died. Item, Rice ap Meredyke was brought to York, and there at horses tails drawn, etc. MCCXCIII. A general and open war there was at sea against the Normans. Item, no small number of the Normans by fight at sea was slain by the Barons of the Ports of England, and other their co-adjutors, between Easter and Whitsuntide. For which cause there arose war between England and France: whereupon Philip King of France directed his letters of credence unto the King of England, that he should make personal appearance at his Parliament, to answer unto Questions which the same King would propose unto him: whose mandate in this behalf being not fulfilled, straightways the King of France declaring by the counsel of the French the King of England to be outlawed, condemned him. Item, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester entered with his wife into Ireland about the feast of S. Luke. MCCXCIV. William Montefort in the King's counsel holden at Westminster before the King, died suddenly: which William was the Dean of S. Paul's in London, in whose mouth the Prelates, Bishops, and Clergy putting their words which he was to utter, and doubting how much the King affected and desired to have of every one of them, and willing by him to be certified, in whom also the King reposed most trust, being returned to the King, and making haste before the King to deliver expressly a speech that he had conceived, became speechless on a sudden, and fell down to the ground, and was carried forth by the King's servants in their arms in piteous manner. In regard of which sight that thus happened, men strucken with fear gave out these speeches: Surely this man hath been the Agent and Procurator, that the Tenths of Ecclesiastical benefices should be paid to the King, and another author and procurer of a scrutiny made into the fold and flock of Christ, as also of a contribution granted afterward to the King crying against William. Item, the City of Bordeaux with the land of Gascoigne adjoining, was occupied or held by the ministers of the King of France conditionally: but unjustly and perfidiously detained by the King of France: for which cause John Archbishop of Dublin and certain other Lords of the Nobility were sent into Almain to the King thereof: and after they had their dispatch and answer in Tordran, the Lord Archbishop being returned into England, ended his life upon S. Leodegaries day. The bones of which John Sampford were interred in the Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin, the tenth day before the Calends of March. The same year there arose debate between Lord William Vescy, Lord Justice of Ireland for the time being, and the Lord John Fitz-Thomas: and the said Lord Williliam Vescy crossed the seas into England, & left Sir William Hay in his stead Justice of Ireland: but when both of them were come before the King to fight a combat, under an Appeal for treason, the foresaid William Vescy fled into France, and would not fight. Then the King of England gave all the Signories and Lordships which were the Lord William Vescies unto Sir John Fitz-Thomas, to wit, Kildare, Rathemgan, and many others. The same year Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester returned out of Ireland into England: likewise Richard Earl of Ulster soon after the feast of S. Nicholas was ta●en prisoner by Sir John Fitz-Thomas, and kept in ward within the Castle of Ley, unto the feast of Saint Gregory the Pope: whose enlargement was then made by the counsel of the Lord the King in a Parliament at Kilkenny: for the taking of whom, the foresaid Sir john Fitz-Thomas gave all his lands, to wit, Slygah with the pertenances, which he had in Connaght. Item, the Castle of Kildare was won. Kildare and the country round about it is spoiled by the English and Irish. Caluagh burned all the Rolls and Tallies of the said Earl. Great dearth and pestilence there was throughout Ireland this year, and the two next ensuing. Item, Lord William Odyngzele is made Justice of Ireland. MCCXCV. Edward King of England built the Castle de Bello-Marisco, that is, Beaumaris in Venedocia, which is called mother of Cambria, and of the common sort Anglesey: entering unto the said Anglesey strait after Easter, and subduing the Venodotes, that is, the able men of Anglesey under his dominion: and soon after this time, namely, after the feast of St. Margaret, Madock at that time the elect Prince of Wales, submitting himself to the King's grace and favour, was brought by john Haverings to London, and there shut up prisoner in the tower, expecting the King's grace and benevolence. This year died Lord William Odingzele Justice of Ireland, the morrow after S. Mary of Egypt: whom succeeded Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice in the Justiceship. Item, about the same time the Irish of Leinster wasted Leinster, burning Newcastle with other towns. Item, Thomas Torbevile a traitor of the King and the realm being convicted, was drawn through the midst of London lying along prostrate, guarded with four tormentors disguised under vizards, taunting and reviling him, and thus in the end was hanged upon a jibbet in chains, so as his carcase might not be committed to sepulture, but kites, carrion crows and ravens celebrated his funerals. This Thomas was one of them which at the siege of the Castle of Rions were taken prisoners and brought to Paris. Who spoke unto the Peers of France, and said, that he would betray the King of England into their hands: and leaving there his two sons for hostages, returned from the parts beyond-sea, joining himself unto the King of England and his counsel, relating unto them all how craftily he escaped out of prison: and when he had gotten intelligence of the King's designment, and the ordering of the kingdom, he put all in writing, and directed the same unto the Provost of Paris. For which being in the end convicted, he received the sentence of judgement aforesaid. Item, about the same time the Scots having broken the bond of peace, which they had covenanted with the Lord Edward King of England, made a new league with the King of France: and conspiring together, rose up in arms against their own sovereign Lord and King john Balliol, and enclosed him within the inland parts of Scotland, in a castle environed and fenced round about with mountains. They elected unto themselves, after the manner of France, twelve Peers, to wit, four Bishops, four Earls, and four Lords of the Nobility, by whose will and direction all the affairs of the kingdom should be managed. And this was done in despite, and to disgrace the King of England, for that against the will and consent of the Scots, the said John was by the King of England set over them to be their Sovereign. Item, the King of England brought an army again toward Scotland in Lent following, to repress the rash arrogancy and presumption of the Scots against their own father and King. Item, Sir john Wogan was made Justice of Ireland, and the Lord Thomas Fitz-Maurice gave place unto him. Item, the said John Wogan Justice of Ireland made peace and truce to last for two years between the Earl of Ulster, and john Fitz-Thomas, and the Geraldines. Item, in these days about the feast of Christ his Nativity, Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester finished this life. Item, the King of England sendeth his brother Edmund with an army into Gascoigne. MCCXCVI. The Lord Edward King of England the third day before the Calends of April, to wit, upon Friday, that fell out then to be in Easter week, won Berwicke, wherein were slain about 7000. Scots, and of the English one only Knight, to wit, Sir Richard Cornwall, with seven footmen and no more. Item, shortly after, namely, upon the fourth of May, he entered the Castle of Dunbar, and took prisoners of the enemies about forty men alive, who all submitted themselves to the King's grace and mercy, having before defeated the whole army of the Scots, that is to say, slain seven hundred men of arms: neither were there slain of the English men in that service, as well of horsemen as of footmen, but ... footmen only. Item, upon the day of Saint John before Port-Latin, no small number of Welshmen, even about fifteen thousand, by commandment of the King went into Scotland to invade and conquer it. And the same time the great Lords of Ireland, to wit, john Wogan Justice of Ireland, Richard Bourk Earl of Ulster, Theobald Butler, and john Fitz-Thomas, with others, came to aid, and sailed over sea into Scotland. The King of England also entertaining them upon the third day before the Ides of May, to wit, on Whitsunday, made a great and solemn feast in the Castle of Rokesburgh to them and other Knights of England. Item, upon the next Wednesday before the feast of Saint Barnaby the Apostle he entered the town of Ede●burgh, and won the Castle before the feast of Saint John Baptist: and shortly after, even in the same summer, were all the Castles within the compass of Scotland rendered up into his hands. Item, the same Lord John Balliol King of Scotland came, though unwilling, upon the Sunday next after the feast of the translation of Saint Thomas the Archbishop, to the King of England, with Earls, Bishops, and a great number of Knights beside, and submitted themselves unto the King's grace and will, saving life and limb: and the Lord John Balliol resigned up all his right of Scotland into the King of England his hand, whom the Lord the King sent toward the parts about London under safe conduct. Item, Edmund the King of England's brother died in Gascoigne. MCCXCVII. Lord Edward King of England sailed over into Flanders with a power of armed men, against the King of France for the war that was raised between them: where after great expenses and much altercation, a certain form of peace was concluded between them, with this condition, that they should submit themselves unto the ordinance of the Lord the Pope. From the one side and the other were sent certain messengers to the Court of Rome, but whiles King Edward abode in Flanders, William Walleis by the common counsel of the Scots came with a great army to the bridge of Strivelin, and gave battle unto John Earl Warren: in which battle on both sides many were slain, and many drowned. But the Englishmen were discomfited and defeated. Upon which exploit all the Scots at once arose and made an insurrection, as well Earls as Barons against the King of England. And there fell discord between the King of England, and Roger Bigod Earl marshal; but soon after they were agreed. And Saint Lewis a Friar minor son of the King of Sicily, and Archbishop of Colein died. Also the son and heir of the King de Maliagro, that is, of the Majoricke Lands, instituted the order of the Friar's minors, at the information of Saint Lewis, who said, Go and do so. Item, in Ireland, Leghlin, with other towns, was burnt by the Irish of Slemergi. Item, Calwagh O-Hanlan, and Yneg Mac-Mahon are slain in Urgale. MCCXCVIII. Pope Boniface the fourth, the morrow after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, after all tumults were appeased, ordained and confirmed a peace between the King of England and the King of France, with certain conditions that after followed. Item, Edward King of England set forth with an army again into Scotland, for to subdue the Scots under his dominion. Item, there were slain in the same expedition, about the feast of Saint Marie Maudlin, many thousands of the Scots at Fawkirk. The sun the same day appeared as red as blood over all Ireland, so long as the battle continued at Fawkirke aforesaid. Item, about the same time the Lord King of England feoffed his Knights in the Earldoms and Baronies of the Scots that were slain. More, in Ireland peace and concord was concluded between the Earl of Ulster, and Lord John Fitz-Thomas, about the feast of the Apostles Simon and jude. Also on the morrow after the feast of the 7. Saint's sleepers, the sunbeams were changed almost into the colour of blood even from the morning, so that all men that saw it wondered thereat. Moreover, there died Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice Knight, and Sir Robert Bigod, sometime Lord chief Justice of the Bench. Item, in the City Artha, as also in Reathe in the parts of Italy, whiles Pope Boniface abode there at the same time there happened so great an Earthquake, that towers and palaces fell down to the ground. The Pope also with his Cardinals fled from the City much affrighted. Item, upon the feast of the Epiphany, that is, Twelve day, there was an earthquake, though not so violent, in England from Canterbury as far as to Hampton. MCCXCIX. Lord Theobald Botiller the younger departed this life in the Manor de Turby the second day before the Ides of May: whose corpse was conveied toward Weydeney, that is, Weney in the county of Limeric the sixth day before the Calends of June. Item, Edward King of England took to wife the Lady Margaret, sister to the noble King of France, in the Church of the holy Trinity in Canterbury, about the feast of the holy Trinity. Item, the Sultan of Babylon was defeated with a great army of Saracens, by Cassian King of the Tartars. MCCXCIX. The day after the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, there was an infinite number of the Saracens horsemen slain, besides the footmen, who were likewise innumerable. Item, in the same year there was a battle or fight of dogs, in Burgundy at Genelon castle: and the number of the dogs was 3000. and every one killed another, so that no dog escaped alive but one alone. Item, the same year many Irishmen came to trouble and molest the Lord Theobald Verdon, to the Castle of Roch, before the feast of the Annunciation. MCCC. The Pollard money is forbidden in England and Ireland. Also in the Autumn Edward King of England entered Scotland with a power of armed men: but at the commandment of Pope Boniface he was stayed, and he sent solemn messengers unto the Court (of Rome) excusing himself of doing any injury. Item, Thomas the King's son of England was the last day of May born at Brotherton, of Margaret sister to the King of France. Item, Edward Earl of Cornwall died without leaving behind an heir of his own body, and was interred in the Abbey of Hales. MCCCI Edward King of England entered into Scotland with an army: unto whom failed over sea Sir John Wogan Justice of Ireland, and Sir John Fitz-Thomas, Peter Bermingham, and many others, to aid the King of England. Also a great part of the City Dublin was burnt, together with the Church of Saint Warburga, on S. Columbs day at night. More, Sir Geffrey Genevil espoused the daughter of Sir John Montefort: and Sir John Mortimer espoused the daughter and heir of Sir Peter Genevil. And the Lord Theobald Verdon espoused the daughter of the Lord Roger Mortimer. At the same time the men of Leinster made war in winter, burning the town of Wykynlo and Rathdon, with others: but they escaped not unpunished: because the more part of their sustenance was burnt up, and their cattle lost by depredation: and the same Irish had been utterly almost consumed, but that the seditious dissension of certain Englishmen was an hindrance thereto. Item, a defeature and slaughter was made by the Toolans, upon a small company assembled of the Brenies, in which were slain almost three hundred robbers. Item, Walter Power wasted a great part of Monster, burning many farm houses. MCCCII. There died the lady Margaret, wife to Sir John Wogan Justice of Ireland, the third day before the Ides of April: and in the week following Maud Lacie, wife to Sir Geoffrey Genevil died: also Edward Botiller recovered the manor de Haply Holl●wood. S. Bosco, with the pertenances, from Sir Richard Ferenges Archbishop of Dublin, by a concord made between them in the King's bench, after the feast of S. Hilary. Item, the Flemings gave an overthrow at Courteray in Flanders unto the army of the French, the Wednesday after the feast of the Translation of S. Thomas, wherein were slain the Earl of Arthois, the Earl of Aumarle, the Earl of Hue, Ralph Neel Constable of France, Guy Nevil Marshal of France, the son of the Earl of Hennaund, Godfrey Brabant with his son, William Fenys and his son, james S. Paul lost his hand, and forty Baronet's lost their lives that day, with Knights, Esquires, and others sans number. Item, the tenths of all Ecclesiastical benefices in England and Ireland were exacted by Boniface the Pope for 3. years, as a Subsidy to the Church of Rome against the King of Arragon. Also upon the day of the Circumcision Sir Hugh Lacie raised booties from Hugh Vernail. In the same year Robert Brus, than Earl of Carrick, espoused the daughter of Sir Richard Bourk Earl of Ulster. Item, Edward Botiller espoused the daughter of Sir john Fitz-Thomas: also the City of Bordeaux, with other Cities lying round about it, which by the sedition of the Frenchmen had been at any time alienated from Edward King of England, were restored unto him again upon St. Andrew's even, by the industry of the L. Hastings. MCCCIII. The Earl of Ulster, to wit, Richard Bourk, and Sir Eustace Power, entered Scotland with a puissant army: but after that the Earl himself had first made thirty three Knights in the Castle of Dublin, he passed over into Scotland to aid the King of England. Item, Gerald the son and heir of Sir john Fitz-Thomas departed out of this world. In the same year Pope Boniface excommunicated the King and Queen of France and their children. He renewed also all the privileges granted at any time unto the University of Paris: and strait after the Pope was taken prisoner, and kept (as it were) in prison three whole days. And soon after the Pope died: likewise the Countess of Ulster deceased. Also Wulfrane Wellesly and Sir Robert Percivell were slain the 11. day before the Calends of November. MCCCIIII. A great part of Dublin was burnt, to wit, the Bridge street, with a good part of the Key, and the Church of the Friar's Preachers, and the Church of the Monks, with no small part of the Monastery, about the Ides of June, to wit, on the Feast day of S. Medard. Also the first stone of the Friar's Preachers Choir in Dublin was laid by Eustace Lord Power on the Feast of S. Agatha Virgin. Likewise after the Feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, the King of France invaded Flanders again in proper person, with a puissant army. Then bore he himself bravely in the war, and fought manfully so long, until two or three horses of service were slain under him: but at last he lost his cap that under his helmet was put upon his head; which the Flemings taking up carried by way of scornful derision upon a lance as a banner, and in all the famous Fairs of Flanders, put it out at the high window of some place or stately house, like the sign of an Inn or Tavern, and showed it in token of victory. MCCCV. Jordan Comyn with his complices slew Moritagh O-Conghir King of Offalie, and Calwagh his whole brother, and certain others in the Court of Sir Piers Brymgeham at Carrick in Carbrey: likewise Sir Gilbert Sutton Seneschal of Weisford was slain by the Irish near unto a village (or House) of Haymund Grace, which Haymund verily in the said skirmish manfully carried himself, but stoutly escaped. Item, in Scotland the Lord Robert Brus Earl of Carrack, forgetting his oath made to the King of England, slew Sir John Reed Comyn within the cloisture of the Friar's Minors of Dunfrese, and soon after caused himself to be crowned King of Scotland by the hands of two Bishops, to wit, of S. Andrew's and of Glasco, in the town of Scone, to the confusion of himself and of many others. MCCCVI. A great discomfiture was made in Offaly, near unto the Castle of Gesbill, on the Ides of April, upon O-Conghor by O-Dympcies, in which was slain O-Dympcey Leader of the Regans, with a great train accompanying him. Also O-Brene King of Towmond died. Item, Donald Oge Mac Carthy slew Donald Ruff, that is, the Red King of Desmund. Item, a lamentable defeature fell upon the part of Piers Brymegham the fourth day before the Calends of May, in the Marches of Meth. Item, Balymore in Leinster was burnt by the Irish, where at the same time Henry Calf was slain: and there arose war between the English and the Irish in Leinster: for which cause there was assembled a great army from diverse parts of Ireland to bridle the malice of the Irish in Leinster: in which expedition Sir Tho. Mandevil Knight, and a brave warrior, had a great conflict with the Irish, near to Clenfell; in which conflict he behaved himself valiantly, until his horse of service was slain, and won much praise and honour by saving many a man, and himself also. Item, M. Thomas Cantock Chancellor of Ireland was consecrated Bishop of Ymelasen, in the Church of the holy Trinity at Dublin with great honour: at whose consecration were present the Elders of all Ireland, where there was so sumptuous and so great a feast made, first unto the rich, and afterwards to the poor, as the like had never been heard of before in Ireland. Item, Richard Feringes Archbishop of Dublindied in the vigil of Saint Luke, after whom succeeded Master Richard Haverings, who occupied the Archbishopric almost five years by Apostolical dispensation. Who also resigned up his Archbishopric: after whom succeeded John Leth. The occasion and cause of his giving over (as the archdeacon of Dublin of good memory, his Nephew hath reported) was this, for that one night he dreamt, that a certain Monster heavier than the whole world stood eminently aloft upon his breast: from the weight whereof he chose rather to be delivered, than alone to have all the goods of the world: but when he wakened he thought with himself, this was nothing else but the Church of Dublin, the fruits whereof he received, and took no pains for the same. As soon as he could therefore he came unto the Lord the Pope, of whom he was much beloved, and there renounced and gave over the archbishopric. For he had, as the same Archdeacon avouched, fatter benefices and livings than the archbishopric came unto. Item, Edward King of England in the feast of Pentecost, that is, Whitsuntide, made Edward his son Knight in London; at which feast were dubbed about 400. Knights, and the said Edward of Caernarvan newly knighted, made threescore Knights of those abovesaid, and kept his feast in London at the New Temple, and his father gave unto him the Duchy of Aquitaine. Item, the same year in the feast of Saint Potentiana, the Bishop of Winchester, and the Bishop of Worcester, by commandment from the Lord the Pope, excommunicated Robert Brus the pretended King of Scotland, and his confederates, for the death of john Reed Comyn. In the same year, upon S. Boniface his day, Aumarde Valence Earl of Pembroch, and Lord Guy Earl ............ slew many Scots, and the Lord Robert Brus was defeated without the town of S. john's. And the same year about the feast of the Nativity of St. john Baptist, King Edward went toward Scotland by water from Newarke to Lincoln. Item, the same year the Earl of Asceles, and the Lord Simon Freysell, and the Countess of Carrack, the pretended Queen of Scotland, daughter of the Earl of Ulster, were taken prisoners. The Earl of Asceles and the Lord Simon Freysell were first torn and mangled. As for the Countess, she remained with the King in great honour, but the rest died miserably in Scotland. Item, about the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, two brethren of Robert Brus professing piracy, went out of their galleys a land to prey, and were taken with sixteen Scots besides: and those two themselves were torn and tormented at Carlele, the rest hanged upon jebbits. Item, upon St. Patrick's day there was taken prisoner in Ireland Mac-Nochi with his two sons, near unto New castle, by Thomas Sueterby: and there Lorran Oboni a most strong thief was beheaded. MCCCVII. The third day preceding the Calends of April, was Marcord Ballagh beheaded near unto Marton by Sir David Caunton a doughty Knight: and soon after was Adam Dan slain. Also a defeature and bloody slaughter fell upon the English in Connaght by Oscheles, on Philip and jacob the Apostles day. Item, the preading Brigants of Offaly pulled down the Castle of Cashill, and upon the Vigil of the translation of Saint Thomas they burned the town of Ly, and besieged the Castle: but soon after they were removed by john Fitz-Thomas, and Edward Botiller. Item, Edward King of England departed this life: after whom succeeded in the kingdom his son Edward, who most solemnly buried his father at Westminster, with great reverence and honour. Item, the Lord Edward the younger took to wife the Lady Isabel, daughter of the French King, in St. Mary's Church at Bologne: and shortly after they were both crowned in the Church of Westminster. Item, the Templars in the parts beyond sea, being condemned (as it was said) of a certain heresy, were apprehended and imprisoned by the Pope's Mandate. In England likewise they were all taken the morrow after the feast of the Epiphany. Also in Ireland they were arrested the morrow after the feast of the Purification and laid up in prison. MCCCVIII. The second day before the Ides of April died Sir Peter or Piers Bermingham, a noble vanquisher of the Irish. Item, on the fourth day before the Ides of May was burnt the Castle of Kenir, and certain warders in it slain, by William Mac-Balthor, and Cnygnismi Othothiles, and his abetters. More, on the sixth day preceding the Ides of June, Lord john Wogan Justice of Ireland was defeated with his army near Glyndelory; where were slain john called Hogelyn, john Northon, john Breton, with many other. Also, the sixteenth day going before the Calends of July, were burnt Dolovan, Tobyr, and other towns and villages bordering upon them, by the foresaid malefactors. Item, in England shortly after was holden a great Parliament at London; wherein arose a dissension, and in manner a mortal conflict between the King and the Barons, occasioned by Piers Gaveston, who was banished out of the kingdom of England the morrow after the feast of Saint John Baptist his Nativity: and he passed over sea into Ireland about the feast of the Saints Quirita and Julita, together with his wife and sister, the Countess of Gloucester, and came to Dublin with great pomp, and there made his abode. Moreover, William Mac-Baltor, a strong thief and an Incendiary, was condemned, and had judgement in the Court of the Lord the King in Dublin before the chief Justice Lord John Wogan, upon the twelfth day preceding the Calends of September: and was drawn at horses tails unto the gallows, and there hanged according to his deserts. Item, in the same year there was erected a certain cistern of marble, to receive water from the conduct head, in the City of Dublin, such an one as never was there before, by the dispose and providence of Master John Decer then Mayor of the City of Dublin, who of his own money defrayed the charges for the building thereof: and the same John a little before the time caused a certain bridge to be made beyond the river Aven-Liffy, near unto the Priory of St. Wolstan: also the Chapel of Saint Ma●ie to the Friar's Minours, and there lieth he buried: the Chapel likewise of Saint Marie, to the Hospital of Saint john's in Dublin, etc. Item, the same John Decer was very beneficial to the Covent of the Friar's Preachers in Dublin: to wit, in making one Column of stone in the Church, and giving one great broad altar-stone, with the ornaments thereto belonging. More, upon the sixth day of the week he entertained the Friars, and tabled them at his own charges (thus say Elders to the younger) in regard of charity. More, in the Autumn, Lord john Wogan sailed over the sea unto the Parliament of England: in whose place the Lord William Burke was made Custos of Ireland. Item, the same year, in the Vigil of Simon and Judas the Apostles day, the Lord Roger Mortimer arrived in Ireland with his wedded wife, the right heir of Meth, the daughter of the Lord Peter, son of Sir Gefferie Genevil: they entered I say into Ireland, and took seisin of Meth, Sir Gefferie Genevil yielding unto them, and entering into the order of the Friar's Preachers at Trim, the morrow after the day of St. Edward the Archbishop. Also, Dermot Odympoy was slain at Tully by the servants of Sir Peter or Piers Gaveston. More, Richard Burgo or Burk Earl of Ulster kept a great feast at Whitsuntide in Trim, and dubbed Walter Lacie and Hugh Lacie Knights. And on the even of the Assumption, the Earl of Ulster came against Piers Gaveston Earl of Cornwall, at Tradag. And at the same time he went back again, and took his passage into Scotland. Item, in the same year Maud the Earl of Ulsters daughter sailed over into England, to contract marriage with the Earl of Gloucester: and soon after within one month the Earl and she espoused one the other. Also, Maurice Caunton slew Richard Talon: and the Roches killed the foresaid Maurice. Item, Sir David Caunton is hanged at Dublin. Item, Odo the son of Catholl O-Conghir slew Odo O-Conghir King of Connaght. Item, Athi is burnt by the Irish. MCCCIX. Piers Gaveston subdued the O-Brynnes, Irishmen, and re-edified the new Castle of Mackingham, and the Castle of Kemny: he cut down and cleansed the Pass between Kemny Castle and Glyndelaugh, maugre the Irish, and so departed and offered in the Church of Saint Kimny. The same year Lord Piers Gaveston passed the seas over into England on the Vigil of S. John Baptists Nativity. Item, the wife of the Earl of Ulsters son, daughter unto the Earl of Gloucester, upon the 15. day of October arrived in Ireland. Also on Christmas even the Earl of Ulster returned out of England, and landed at the Port of Tradagh. More, on the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary, Sir John Bonevile near unto the town of Arstoll was slain by Sir Arnold Power and his complices, and buried at Athy in the Church of the Friar's Preachers. Item, a Parliament was held at Kilkenny, in the Outas of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary, by the Earl of Ulster, and John Wogan Lord Justice of Ireland, and other Lords: wherein was appeased great discord risen between certain Lords of Ireland: and many Prouisoes in manner of Statutes were ordained, commodious and profitable to the land of Ireland if they had been observed. Item, shortly after that time returned Sir Edmund Botiller out of England, who there at London was before Knighted. Item, there crossed the seas into England out of Ireland, the Earl of Ulster, Roger Mortimer, and Sir john Fitz-Thomas. Item, Sir Theohald Verdon died." MCCCX. King Edward and Sir Piers Gaveston took their journey toward Scotland, to fight against Robert Bru●. Item, in the said year great dearth there was of corn in Ireland: an eranc of wheat was sold for 20. shillings and above. Also the Bakers of Dublin for their false weight of bread, suffered a new kind of torment, which was never seen there before: for that on S. Samson the Bishop's day they were drawn upon hurdles through the streets of the City at horse-tailes. More, in the Abbey of S. Thomas Martyr at Dublin died Sir Neile Bruin Knight, Escheator to the Lord the King in Ireland: whose body was committed to the earth at the Friar's minors, with so great a pomp of tapers and wax lights, as the like was never seen before in Ireland. The same year a Parliament was holden at Kildare, where Sir Arnold Power was acquit for the death of the Lord Bonevile, because he had done this deed in his own defence. Likewise, on S. Patrick's day, by assent of the Chapter, M. Alexander Bickenore was elected Archbishop of Dublin. Item, the Lord Roger Mortimer returned into Ireland within the Octaves of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin Marie. Also the same year the Lord Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln died." MCCCXI. In Thomond at Bonnorathie there was a wonderful and miraculous discomfiture given by the Lord Richard Clare unto the side of the Earl of Ulster: Which Lord Richard aforesaid taken prisoner in the field the Lord William Burke, and John the son of the Lord Walter Lacie, and many others. In which battle verily there were slain a great number as well of the English as the Irish, the 13. day before the Galends of June. Item, Taslagard and Rathcante were invaded by the robbers, to wit, the O-Brines and O-Tothiles the morrow after the Nativity of S. John Baptist. Whereupon soon after in Autumn, there was a great army assembled in Leinster, to make head and fight against the said robbers, lurking in Glindelory and in other places full of woods. Also, a Parliament was holden at London in August, between the King and the Barons, to treat about the State of the kingdom, and of the King's household, according to the ordinance of six Bishops, six Earls, and six Barons, as they might best provide for the good of the Realm. Item, on the second day before the Ides of November, the Lord Richard Clare slew six hundred of Galegalaghes. More, on All-Saints day next going before, Piers Gaveston was banished the Realm of England by the Earls and Barons: and many good Statutes necessary for the commonwealth were by the same Lords made. Which Piers abjured the Realm of England about the Feast of All-Saints; and entered into Flanders: four months after the said Piers returned presently upon the Epiphanie, and by stealth entered into England, keeping close unto the King's side, so that the Barons could not easily come near unto him. And he went with the King to York, making his abode there in the Lent: whereupon the Bishops, Earls, and Barons of England came to London for to treat about the State of the kingdom: for fear lest by occasion of Piers his return, the Common wealth should be troubled with commotions. Item, Sir John Cogan, Sir Walter Faunt, and Sir John Fitz-Rerie Knights died, and were buried in the Church of the Friar's Preachers at Dublin. Item, John Mac-Goghedan is slain by O-molmoy. Item, William Roch died at Dublin with the shot of an arrow by an Irish mountainer. " Item, Sir Eustace Power Knight died. Item, in the Vigil of Saint Peter's Chair began a riot in Urgaly by Robert Verdon. " Item, Donat O-Brene is traitorously slain by his own men in Tothomon. MCCCXII. Sir Peter or Piers Gaveston entered the castle of Scardeburgh, resisting the Barons. But soon after the Calends of June he yielded himself unto Sir Aumare Valence, who had besieged him, yet upon certain conditions named before hand: who brought him toward London. But by the way he was taken prisoner at Dedington by the Earl of Warwick, and brought to Warwick: whereupon, after counsel taken by the Earls and Barons, he lost his head the thirteenth day before the Calends of July: whose body lieth buried in the coventuall Church of the Friar's Preachers at Langley. Item, John Wogan Lord Justice of Ireland led forth an army, to bridle the malice of Robert Verdon and his abettors: which was miserably defeated the sixth day before the Ides of July: in which fight were slain Nicolas Avenel, Patrick Roch, and many others. For this fact the said Robert Verdon, and many of his complices yielded themselves unto the King's prison at Dublin, in expectance of favour and pardon. Also, on Thursday, the morrow after Saint Lucy Virgin, in the sixth year of King Edward, the Moon was wonderfully seen of diverse colours: on which day determined it was, that the order of Templars should be abolished for ever. More, in Ireland Lord Edmund Botiller was made the Lieutenant of Lord John Wogan Justice of Ireland: which Edmund in the Lent following besieged the O-Brynnes in Glindelorie, and compelled them to yield, yea and brought them almost to confusion, unless they had returned the sooner unto the peace of the Lord the King. Item, the same year, on the morrow after Saint Dominickes day, Lord Maurice Fitz-Thomas espoused Katherine daughter of the Earl of Ulster, at Green-castle. And Thomas Fitz-Iohn espoused another daughter of the same Earl, the morrow after the Assumption, in the same place. Also, the Sunday after the feast of the exaltation of the holy Cross, the daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, wife to the Lord john Burke, was delivered of a son. MCCCXIII. Friar Roland Joce Primate of Ardmach arrived at the Island of Houth the morrow after the annunciation of the blessed Virgin Marie: and rising in the night by stealth, took up his Crosier, and advanced it as far as to the Priory of Grace Dieu: whom there encountered certain of the Archbishop of Dublins servants, debasing and putting down that Crosier, and the Primate himself of Ardmagh they chased with disgrace and confusion out of Leinster. Item, a Parliament was holden at London, wherein little or nothing was done as touching Peace: from which Parliament the King departed, and took his journey into France, at the mandate of the King of France: and the King of England with many of his Nobles took the badge of the Crosse. Also the Lord John Fitz-Thomas knighted Nicolas Fitz-Maurice, and Robert Clonhull at Adare in Monster. More, on the last day of May Robert Brus sent certain Galleys to the parts of Ulster with his rovers to make spoil: whom the men of Ulster resisted and manfully chased away. It is said that the same Robert arrived with the licence of the Earl to take truce. Item, in the same summer Master John Decer, a Citizen of Dublin, caused a necessary bridge to be made from without the town of Batiboght, unto the Causey of the Mil-poole of Clontarf, whereas before time the passengers that way were much endangered. But after he had defrayed great charges thereabout, by reason of a mighty inundation and flood the bridge with the arches fell down. Also, Master John Leeks Achbishop of Dublin in the feast of St. Laurence ended this mortal life. Then in a schism and division of sides were elected for to be Archbishop of Dublin, Master Walter Thornbury the King's Chancellor in Ireland, and Master Alexander Bicknore Treasurer of Ireland: but Walter Thornbury was drowned, and many others, to wit, about one hundred fifty and six took the sea, and the night following were all drowned. At the time of the foresaid Welter's death, Alexander Bicknore expected at home the Pope's favour. The same Alexander was made Archbishop of Dublin. Item, the Lord Miles Verdon espoused the daughter of the Lord Richard Excester. Item, the same year the Lord Robert Brus overthrew the Castle of Man, and vanquished the Lord Donegan, O-Dowill on S. Barnabes day. And the Lord John Burck, heir unto Richard Earl of Ulster, died at Galwey on the feast of St. Marcellus and Marcellianus. Also, the Lord Edmund Botiller dubbed thirty Knights in Dublin Castle on Sunday and St. Michael's day. MCCCXIV. The Knights Hospitallers had the lands given unto them of the Templars in Ireland. Item, Sir John Parice is slain at Pount. Also, Lord Theobald Verdon came Lord Justice of Ireland on Saint Sylvesters day. Item, Sir Geoffrey Genevile a Friar died the twelfth day before the Calends of November, and was buried in his own order of the Friar's Preachers of Trim: who was Lord also of the liberty of Meth. More, in the same year, and upon S. Matthew the Apostles day, Loghseudy was burnt: and on the friday following the Lord Edmund Botiller received his Commission to be Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCXV. On St. John Baptists day the Earl of Gloucester had his deaths wound given him, and died, when many others, as it were, without number, were slain in Scotland, and more taken prisoners by the Scots. For which cause the Scots became bold, and carried their heads aloft, and got good land and tributes out of Northumberland. Item, shortly after this came the Scots and besieged the town of Carlisle, where James Douglas was squized to death by misfortune of a certain wall falling upon him. The same year the Scots not contented with their own land, arrived in the North part of Ireland at Clondonne, with six thousand fight men and expert warriors: to wit, Edward Brus whole brother to Robert King of Scots, and with him the Earl of Morreff, John Meneteth, John Steward, the Lord John Cambel, Thomas Randolfe, Fergus Andressan, John Bosco, and John Bisset, who seized Ulster into their hands, and drove the Lord Thomas Mandevile and other liege men out of their own possessions. The Scots entered Ireland first on St. Augustine's day, that was the Englishmen Apostle, in the month of May, near unto Cragfergus in Ulster: between whom and the English the first conflict was near unto Banne, in which the Earl of Ulster was put to flight: there were taken prisoners William Burk, John Stanton, and many others, and the Scots having slain a number of the English, prevailed and had the day. The second conflict was at Kintys in Meth, wherein Roger Mortimer with his followers was put to flight. The third conflict was at Sketheris hard by Arstoll, the morrow after the conversion of S. Paul, wherein the Englishmen were chased, and the Scots had the better hand. And the foresaid Edward Brus soon after the feast of Philip and Jacob caused himself to be crowned King of Ireland: and they took Green Castle, and left their men there, whom the Dublinians quickly after expelled, and recovered the said Castle to the King's behoof, and finding Sir Robert Coulragh the Keeper of the Castle there, brought him with them to Dublin: who being imprisoned and put to short diet, ended his days. Item, upon Peter and Paul the Apostles day came the Scots before Dundalk, and won the town, spoiled and burnt it, killing as many as made resistance: and a great part of Urgale was burnt by the Scots. The Church of the blessed Virgin Mary in Atterith, being full of men, women, and little children, was burnt by the Scots and Irish. In the same year the Lord Edmund Botiller, Justice of Ireland, about the feast of S. Marry Maudlin, assembled together a mighty power out of Monster, Leinster, and other parts: and the Earl of Ulster on the contrary side, as it were, coming from the parts of Connaght with an infinite army, met all together about Dundalk, and consulted among themselves to kill the Scots; but how it is not known: the Scots fled, otherwise, as hope was, they had been taken prisoners. Which done, the Earl of Ulster, with the foresaid Justice and other great Lords, took in hand, after they had slain the Scots, to bring the Lord Edward le Brus quick or dead to Dublin: which Earl followed them in chase as far as to the water of Bran, and afterwards the said Earl retired back toward Coiners: which the said Brus perceiving, warily passed over the said water, and followed him: whom with some other of the Earl's side he put to flight, having wounded George Roch, and slain others, namely, Sir John Stanton, and Roger de sancto Bosco, that is, Holy-wood: likewise on the part of Brus many were slain, and the Lord william Burk was taken prisoner the tenth day of the month of September: and the Earl was defeated near unto Coiners: and then the Irish of Connaght and Meth, rose up in arms against the King, and against the Earl of Ulster, and burned the Castle of Atholon and of Raudon, and many other Castles in the said war of Coiners. The Baron of Donell bore himself there right valiantly: but he lost much goods there, and the said Scots manfully chased them as far as to Cragfergus: and there on the Earls side they fled, and some entered the Castle and valiantly kept it: and afterwards came mariners from the havens and Port towns of England, and on a night surprised the Scots, and slew forty of them, and had away their tents, and many things else. And the morrow after the exaltation of the holy Cross, the Earl of Morreff passed the seas into Scotland, and took the Lord William Brus with him, seeking for more warlike and armed men, with four Pirates ships full of the goods of Ireland: whereof one was sunk; all which time the said Brus laid siege to the Castle of Cragfergus. At the same time, Cathill Rogue razed three Castles of the Earls of Ulster in Connaught, and many towns in the same Connaught he burned and sacked. And at the same time the said mariners went to the said Castle, and the Lords there skirmished, and in the mean time slew many Scots; at which time Richard Lan de O-ferivill was by a certain Irishman slain. Item, afterwards upon St. Nicolas day the said Brus departed out of Cragfergus, unto whom the Earl of Moreff presented himself with 500 men unto the parts about Dundalk they came together: and to them many fled, and some gave unto them their right hands: and from thence they pass on to Nobee, where they left many of their men about the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle: and Brus himself burned Kenlys, in Meth, and Grenard Abbey: and the said Monastery he rifled and spoiled of all the goods in it: Also Finnagh and Newcastle he burned, and all that country: and they kept their Christmas at Loghfudy, and then burned it. And after this they marched forward by Totmoy unto Rathymegan and Kildare, and the parts about Tristeldermot, and Athy and Reban, not without loss of their men. And then came Brus to Skethy, near Arscoll in Leinster: where there encountered him in fight the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ireland, and Sir John Fitz-Thomas, and Thomas Arnald Power, and other Noblemen of Leinster and of Monster: insomuch as one of those Lords, with his army, was sufficient to vanquish the said Edw. and his forces. But there arose a discord among them, and so being disordered and in confusion, they leave the field unto the said Edward, according to that which is written, Every kingdom divided in itself shallbe made desolate. There also was slain a noble esquire, and faithful to the King and the Realm, Haymund Grace, and with him Sir William Prendregest, Knight. On the Scots part were slain Sir Fergus Andressan, Sir Walter Morrey, and many others, whose bodies were buried at Athy, in the Covent of the Friar's Preachers. Afterwards, the said Brus in his return toward Meth burned the castle de Loy: and then the said Scots depart away from Kenlis in Meth, against whom the Lord Roger Mortimer came with a great army, well near 15000. but, as it is thought, not true and faithful among themselves, but now confederate with the Lord Roger, who about three of the clock began to fly, and turned their backs: and principally the Lacy's, leaving the Lord Roger alone with a few: whom it behoved then to fly toward Dublin, and to Sir Walter Cusake at the Castle of Trim, leaving with the Scots that country, and the town of Kenlis. Also, at the same time the Irish of the South, to wit, the O-Tothiles and the O-brynnes, burned all the South-country, namely, Arclo, Newcastle, Bree, and all the villages adjoining. And the O-Morghes fired and wasted part of the Leys in Leinster, whom for the most part the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ireland slew, whose heads to the number of fourscore were brought to the castle of Dublin. Item, in the same year about the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Marie, certain Lords of Ireland, and the Lord Fitz-Thomas, the Lord Richard Clare, Lord John Power, and the Lord Arnald Power, for to establish peace & greater security with the King of England, came to Sir John Hothom, assigned there by the said King of England, which said Lords and Nobles swore to hold with the King of England come life come death, and to their power to quiet the country and make peace, and to kill the Scots. For the performance whereof by the leave and help of God, they gave hostages and so returned: which form if other Nobles of the land of Ireland would not keep, they were generally held for the King's enemies. Item, there died Sir John Bisset. And the Church of the new town of Leys with the steeple and belfray was by the Scots burnt. The Scots won the Castle of Northburgh in Ulster. Also Fidelmic O-Conghir King of Connaght slew Rorke the son of Cathol O-Conghir. More, Sir William Maundevile died: and the Bishop of Conere fled to the Castle of Cragfergus, and his Bishopric was liable to an interdiction: and Sir Hugh Antony is killed in Connaght. Item, in the same year, on Saint Valentine's day, the Scots abode near Geshil and Offaly: and the army of the English about the parts of Kildare: and the Scots endured so great famine, that many of them were starved to death: and for the same cause they took their way closely toward Fowier in Meth. The Sunday following so feeble they were, what with hunger, and what with travail, that most of them died. And afterwards the Nobles came unto the Parliament, and did nothing there; but as they returned, spoiled all the country: and the Lord Walter Lacie came to Dublin, for to clear himself of an imputation (touching his credit) laid upon him, and to tender hostages unto the Lord the King, as other Nobles had done: and the same time Edward Brus peaceably abode in Ulster. Item, the O-Tothiles and O-Brynnes, the Archibaulds and Heralds conspired and banded together: the town of Wicklo, and the whole country they laid waste. And in the first week of Lent the Earl of Moreff sailed over into Scotland, and Brus held pleas in Ulster, and caused many to be hanged. Also in the midst of Lent Brus held Pleas, and slew the Logans, and took Sir Alan Fitzwarin, and carried him into Scotland. Also in the same year Fennyngher O-Conghir slew Cale-Rothe, and with him of Galloglaghes and others about three hundred. The same year in Mid-Lent wheat was sold for 18. shillings, and at Easter following for 11. shillings. MCCCXVI. Lord Thomas Mandevile, with many others, came from Tredagh to Cragfergus upon Maunday Thursday, and joined battle with the Scots, put them to flight, and slew thirty of the Scots: and afterward on Easter even the said Lord Thomas with his men charged upon the Scots, and slew many of them about the Calends: and there was slain the said Lord Thomas Maundevile in his own country, in defence of his right. Item, in the parts of Connaght many Irish were slain by Lord Richard Clare, and Lord Richard Bermingham. Item, on Saturday after the Lord's Ascension, Donnyger O-Brynne a strong thief, with twelve of his confederates, was slain by Sir William Comyn and his followers, keepers of the peace, whose heads were carried to Dublin. Item, the Dundalkers made a road against O-Hanlan, and slew of the Irish about two hundred: and Robert Verdon a warlike esquire there lost his life. Item, at Whitsuntide the same year Richard Bermingham slew of the Irish in Monster about three hundred or more: and afterwards at the feast of the Nativity of S. John Baptist came Brus to the Castle of Cragfergus, and commanded the keepers to render up the Castle unto him, according to the covenant between them made, as he said: who answered, that they ought indeed so to do, and willed him to send thirty of his men about him, and required that he would grant them within life and limb; who did so: but after they had received thirty Scots into the Castle, they shut them up and kept them in prison. At the same time the Irish of O-mayl went toward the parts of Tullogh, & fought a battle: whereupon of the Irish were slain about four hundred, whose heads were sent to Dublin: and wonders were afterwards seen there. The dead, as it were, arose and fought one with another, and cried out Fennokabo, which was their signal. And afterward, about the feast of the translation of S. Thomas, there were rigged and made ready eight ships, and set out from Tredagh to Cragfergus with victuals. Which were by the Earl of Ulster much troubled for the delivery of William Burk, who had been taken with the Scots: and the Saturday following there were made friends and united at Dublin the Earl of Ulster and the Lord John Fitz-Thomas, and many of the Nobles sworn and confederate to live and die for the maintenance of the peace of Ireland. The same year news came out of Connaght, that O-Conghir slew many of the English, to wit, Lord Stephen of Excester, Miles Cogan, and many of the Barries and of the Lawlies, about fourscore. Item, the week after Saint Laurence feast, there arose in Connaght four Irish Princes to make war against the English: against whom came the Lord William Burk, the Lord Richard Bermingham, the Lord of Anry with his retinue of the country, and of the same Irish about eleven thousand fell upon the edge of the sword near unto Anry; which town was walled afterwards with the money raised of armour and spoil gotten from the Irish: because every one of the English that had double armours of the Irish, gave the one half deal toward the walls of the town Anry. Slain were there Fidelmic O-Conghir, a petty King or Prince of Connaght, & O-Kelley, and many other Princes or Potentates. John Husee a butcher of Anry fought there, who the same night at the request of his Lord of Anry stood among the dead to seek out and discover O-Kelley: which O-Kelley with his Costrell or esquire rose out of their lurking holes, and cried unto the foresaid man, to wit Husee, come with me and I will make thee a great Lord in my country. And Husee answered, I will not go with thee, but thou shalt go to my Lord Richard Bermingham. Then said O-Kelley, Thou hast but one servant with thee, and I have a doughty esquire, therefore come with me that thou mayst be safe: unto whom his own man also said, Agree and go away with O-Kelley, that we may be saved and enriched, because they are stronger than we. But the said John Husee first killed his own servant, and O-Kelley and his Esquire: and cut off all their three heads, and carried them to his Lord Richard Bermingham: and that Bermingham gave unto the said John Hussee fair lands, and dubbed him Knight, as he well deserved. The same year about the feast of S. Laurence came O-Hanlan to Dundalk, for to destreine, and the Dundalkers with their men killed a number. Item, on Monday next before the feast of the nativity of Saint Mary, came David O-Tothill with four more, and hid himself secretly all night long in Coleyn wood: which the Dublinians and Sir William Comyn perceiving, went forth and manfully pursued them for six leagues, and slew of them about seventeen, and wounded many to death. Also, there ran rumours to Dublin that the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland entered Ireland to aid Edward Brus his brother, and the Castle of Cragfergus in Ulster was besieged by the foresaid Scots. The Monasteries of St. Patrick of Dune, and of Seball, and many other houses as well of Monks as of regular preaching Friars and Minors, were spoiled in Ulster by the Scots. Item, the Lord William Burk, leaving his son for an hostage in Scotland, is set free. The Church of Brought in Ulster being in manner full of folk of both sexes, is burnt by the Scots and Irish of Ulster. At the same time news came from Cragfergus, that those which kept the Castle, for default of victuals, did eat hides and leather, yea and eight Scots who before were taken prisoners: great pity and grief that no man relieved such. And the Friday following news were brought that Thomas the son of the Earl of Ulster was dead. Also the Sunday following the feast of the nativity of the blessed Virgin, died Lord john Fitz-Thomas at Laraghbrine near unto Mayneth, and he was buried at Kildare among the Friar's Minors. Of which Lord John Fitz-Thomas, it is said, that a little before his death he was created Earl of Kildare: after whom succeeded his son and heir the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn, a prudent and wise personage. And afterwards news came that the Castle of Cragfergus was rendered to the Scots, and granted there was to the keepers of it life and limb. Also upon the day of the exaltation of the holy Cross, Conghar and Mac-keley were slain, with five hundred of the Irish, by the Lord William Burke and Richard Bermingham in Connaght. Item, on Monday before Holloughmas happened a great slaughter of the Scots in Ulster, by John Loggan, and Hugh Bisset; to wit, one hundred with double armour, and two hundred with single armour. The number of those men of arms that were slain in all, was three hundred beside footmen. And afterward, in the Vigil of Saint Edmund King there fell a great tempest of wind and rain, which overthrew many houses, and the Steeple of Saint Trinity Church in Dublin, and did much harm on land and sea. Also in the Vigil of S. Nicholas, Sir Alan Stewart, taken prisoner in Ulster by John Loggan and Sir John Sandale, was brought unto the Castle of Dublin. In the same year news arrived out of England, that the Lord King of England and the Earl of Lancaster were at variance, and that they were desirous one to surprise the other: for which cause the whole land was in great trouble. Item, in the same year, about the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, sent there were to the Court of Rome the Lord Hugh Despencer, & the Lord Bartholomew Baldesmere, the Bishop of Worcester, and the Bishop of Ely about important affairs of the Lord King of England, for Scotland: who returned into England about the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary. Also, after the said feast the Lacies came to Dublin, and procured an inquisition to prove that the Scots by their means came not into Ireland: which inquisition acquitted them. Whereupon they had a charter of the Lord the King, of peace and upon the Sacrament given unto them, they took an oath to keep the peace of the Lord King of England, and to their power to destroy the Scots. And afterwards, even in the same year after the feast of Shrovetide, the Scots came secretly as far as to Slain, with twenty thousand armed men; and the army of Ulster joined with them, who spoilt the whole country before them. And after this, on monday next before the feast of S. Mathias the Apostle, the Earl of Ulster was taken in the Abbey of St. Mary, by the Mayor of the City of Dublin, to wit, Robert Nottingham, and brought to the castle of Dublin, where he was kept in hold a long time, and the chamber wherein he lay was burned, and seven of the said Earls men were there killed. In the same week, and upon the Vigil of St. Mathias, came Brus with his army toward Dublin: and because he had quickly intelligence of the said Earls apprehension, he took his journey toward the castle of Knock, and entered the said castle, and took the Lord Baron of the same, namely, the Lord Hugh Tirell and his wife, who for a piece of money were delivered. And the same night, by common consent, the men of Dublin for fear of the Scots burnt St. Thomas street; and with the said fire the Church of St. john, with the chapel of S. Marry Maudlin was by casualty burnt: yea and all the suburbs of Dublin were set on fire, together with the Monastery of S. Mary, and the Church of St. Patrick in Dublin was by the said villains spoiled. Item, the said Mayor with the Commonalty destroyed the Church of St. Saviour, which is the place of the Friar's Preachers: and carried away the stones of the same place toward the building of the City wall, which he then enlarged on the North side above the Key: because the wall at first went along by the Church of St. Owen, where a tower is to be seen beyond the gate; and in the Vintner's street appeareth another gate. But afterwards the King of England commanded the Mayor and Communality to make a covent Church of Friars as before. And after the feast of Saint Mathias, Brus understanding that the City was strongly walled and fortified, took his journey toward the Salmon leap, and there they pitched their tents, namely, Robert Brus King of the Scots, Edward Brus, the Earl of Morrey, john de Menteth, the Lord john Steward, the Lord Philip Mountbray, and abode there four days, and burnt part of the town, broke down the Church and spoiled it, and afterwards marched on toward the Naas, and the Lacies against their oath conducted them and gave them counsel: and Sir Hugh Canon appointed Wadin White his wife's brother to be their guide through the country, and they came to the Naas, and sacked the town, broke into the Churches, opened the tombs in the Churchyard to seek for treasure, and did much mischief while they remained there for two days together. And afterwards they went on toward Tristeldermot, in the second week of Lent, and destroyed the Friar's minors, the books, vestments, and other ornaments they had away, and then departed from thence to Baligaveran: and from Baligaveran leaving the town of Kilkenny, they came as far as to Kallan, about the feast of St. Gregory the Pope. At the same time there came letters from the Lord Edmund Botiller Justice of Ireland, the Lord Thomas Fitz-John then Earl of Kildare, the Lord Richard Clare, the Lord Arnald Power, and the Lord Maurice Fitz-Thomas, for the delivery of the Earl of Ulster by mainprize, and by a writ of the Kings: about which nothing was then done. And afterward the Ulster men came with an army, about two thousand, and craved the King's aid for to destroy the Scots, as they said: for which cause the King's standard was delivered unto them: and when they had it, they did more harm than the Scots, and fell to eating of flesh all Lent long, and wasted in manner the whole country, whereby they purchased the curse of God and man. Item, a great overthrow was given unto the Irish, near unto the desert of Dermot, that is, Trostil-Dermot, by Edmund Botiller. Also the same Edmund Botiller Lord Justice of Ireland for the time being, gave a great overthrow to O-Morgh at Balilethan. Then Brus with the Scots marched forward as fa●●e as Limericke. But after that the bravest forces of the English in Ireland were assembled together at Ledyn, they retired privily by night from the castle of Conniger. And about Palme-sunday there came news to Dublin, that the Scots were at Ke●●ys in 〈◊〉, and the Nobles of Ireland at Kilkenny, and there levied a power to set forward against Brus: and the monday following the King gave commandment to the men of Ulster to speed them against the Scots, whose leader and head the Earl of Kildare, to wit Thomas Fitz-John was appointed to be: and so they put themselves on their journey: and then was Brus at Cashill, and he marched from thence to Nanath, and there abode, and all the lands of the Lord Butler he burned and destroyed quite. MCCCXVII. Upon Mandie thursday the Lord Edm. Botiller the Lord Justice of Ireland, and Sir Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earl of Kyldare, because the King gave unto them the jurisdiction and liberty of the county of Kildare, also Richard Clare with the army of Ulster, Sir Arnold Po●●r Baron of Donnoyll, Maurice Roch-fort, Thomas Fitz-Moris, and the Ca●ntons with their retime assembled themselves together about the Scots: and for one whole week abode about them, and did nothing: whose forces were reckoned to be about 30000. strong. And afterwards upon thursday in Easter week, arrived Roger Mortimer at Yoghall with the King's power, because he was Lord Justice, and the monday following speedily took his journey toward the army, and sent his letters unto Edmund Botiller late (as it hath been said) Justice, that he should attempt nothing against the Scots before his coming. But before that Mortimer came, Brus was forewarned by some to depart from thence: who the night following taken his journey toward Kildare, and afterwards in the week following every one of the English returned hence into their country: and the army of Ulster came to the Naas. And at the same time two messengers were dispatched from the city of Dublin, who passed the seas toward the King of England to ask advice, and to advertise as touching the State of Ireland, and about the deliverance of the Earl of Ulster. Also at the same time the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland, and the Nobles of Ireland were at Kilkenny to dispose of Brus, but nothing effected they there at that time. And about a month after Easter Brus advanced with his army about 4. leagues near unto Trim in a certain wood, and there stayed a week and more to refresh his men, who with 〈◊〉 and travail were almost perished, and for that many of them died there. And afterwards on Philip and Jacob the Apostles day the said Brus entered on his journey toward Ulster: and after the said feast came the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland to Dublin, accompanied with the Lord John Wogan, and Sir Fulk Warin, with thirty Knights and their trains: and they held a Parliament with all the Lords and Potentates of the land at Kylmainan; but did nothing there save only treat about the deliverance of the Earl of Ulster. And on the sunday before the feast of our Lord's ascension, there repaired again unto the Parliament at Dublin the said Nobles of the land, and there they delivered the Earl of Ulster by mainpri●e and hostages, and upon an oath. And the said Earl having an oath tendered unto him, swore upon the Sacrament that he would never work or procure by himself or by any of his friends and followers, harm or grievance upon the occasion of his apprehension unto the Citizens of Dublin, but that which himself might by order of law obtain or get against the offenders or transgressors in that behalf, and thereupon he had time and day until the feast of the Nativity of S. John Baptist: at which day he came not. Also in the same year Corn and other victuals were exceeding dear. A Cranok of wheat was sold for three and twenty shillings, and wine for eight denires: and the whole land in manner was wasted by the Scots and Ulster-men: yea many householders', and such as had sustained and relieved a number of folk were driven to beg: and a number were famished. So great also was the death and dearth together, that the poor were pined with famine, and many died. At the same time came messengers to Dublin out of England, with grants of pardon which they had at their will and pleasure: but before their coming, the foresaid Earl was delivered. And at the feast of Pentecost, Mortimer the Lord chief Justice took his journey towards Tredagh, and from thence to Trim, and sent his letters for the Lacies to repair unto him, who contemptuously refused to come. And afterwards Sir Hugh Crofts Knight was sent unto the Lacies to treat about a peace, who by them was slain, the more the pity. And after that Mortimer L. Justice assembled his army against the Lacies, who seized upon their goods, cattle, and treasure, and brought them to final destruction, slew many of their men, and chased them into the parts of Connaght. And it was said, that Sir Walter Lacie went forth as far as to Ulster to seek Brus. Item, in the town of St. Cinere in Flanders, about the feast of Pentecost, the Lord Aumar Valence and his son were taken prisoners, and conveied into Almaini And the same year, on Monday after the feast of the nativity of S. John Baptist, the Potentates of Ireland assembled themselves to the Parliament at Dublin: and there was the Earl of Ulster enlarged, who took his oath, and found mainprisers or sureties to answer the writs of law, and to pursue the King's enemies, both Irish and Scots. Item, upon the day of the Saints Pnocesse and Martinian, Sir john Atly encountered at sea Thomas Dover a right strong thief, and took him, and about forty of his men well armed he slew, and his head he brought with him to Dublin. Also upon the day of the translation of S. Thomas, Sir Nicholas Bolscot came out of England with news, that two Cardinals were come from the Court of Rome into England, to treat concerning a peace, and they brought a Bull to excommunicate all the troublers of the peace of the Lord the King of England. Likewise, the Thursday next before the feast of St. Margaret, Hugh and Walter Lacie were proclaimed seducers and felons to the King, because they had advanced their banner against the peace of the Lord King of England. More, on the sunday following, the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice of Ireland, took his journey to Tredagh with all his soldiers. At the same time the Ulster-men raised a booty near unto Tredagh: and the men of Tredagh went out and fetched the booty back again: where was slain Miles Cogan with his brother, and six other great Lords of Ulster were taken prisoners, and brought to the castle of Dublin. And afterwards Mortimer the Lord Justice assembled his army against O-Fervill, and commanded the Mal-passe to be cut down, and destroyed all his houses: and afterwards the said O-Fervil rendered himself to the peace, and put in hostages. Also the Lord Roger Mortimer Justice took his journey toward Clony, and made an inquisition or inquest, as touching Sir john Blound (to wit, White) of Rathregan: which inquest accused the said john; whereupon he was of necessity to fine for two hundred marks: and afterward on sunday after the feast of the nativity of blessed Marie, the said Mortimer with a great power marched against the Irish of O-Mayl, and came to Glinsely, where many were slain both of Irish and English, but the Irish went away with the worst: and soon after came O-brynn, and rendered himself to the peace of the King. And Roger Mortimer with his company came to the castle of Dublin. And upon the day of Simon and Judas the Apostles▪ the Archbales had peace by mainprize of the Earl of Kildare. And at the feast of Saint Hilary following there was a Parliament holden at Lincoln, about a treaty of peace between the Lord King of England, and the Earl of Lancaster, and between the Scots: and the Scots continued in peace, and by reason of that Parliament, the Archbishop of Dublin, and the Earl of Ulster stayed in England by the King's commandment. And about the feast of the Epiphany there came news to Dublin, that Sir Hugh Canon the King's Justice in his bench, was slain by Andrew Bermingham, between Naas and Castle-Martin. Item, at the feast of the purification of the blessed Virgin Mary, there came the Pope's Bulls, so that Alexander de Bicknor was confirmed and consecrated Archbishop of Dublin: and those Bulls were read and published in the Church of the holy Trinity. And at the same time was read another Bull, that the Lord Pope ordained peace between the Lord King of England, and the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland for two years: to which time the said Brus refused to condescend and agree. These things passed about the feast of St. Valentine. Item, the sunday following came the Lord Roger Mortimer to Dublin, and dubbed john Mortimer Knight, with four of his fellows: and the same day Mortimer kept a great feast in the castle of Dublin. Item, at the same time a great slaughter was made of Irishmen in Conaght, through a quarrel between two Lords of Princes there: and slain there were of both sides about four thousand men: and afterwards there was taken great revenge upon the men of Ulster, who in the time that the Scots spoiled and preaded in Ireland, had done much harm, and eat flesh in Lent not of necessity: therefore much tribulation came upon them, insomuch that they did eat one another; so that often thousand there remained about 300. and no more, who escaped in manner all for to be punished. And here appeared the vengeance of God. Item, it was reported of a truth, that some of the foresaid evil doers were so hunger-starved, that in Churchyards they took the bodies out of their graves, and in their skulls boiled the flesh and fed thereupon, yea and women did eat their own children for stark hunger. MCCCXVIII. In the Quindene of Easter news out of England arrived in Ireland, that the town of Berwicke was betrayed and taken by the Scots: and afterwards in the same year Master Walter Islep, the King's Treasurer in Ireland, landed, and brought letters to the Lord Roger Mortimer, that he should address himself to repair unto the King; who did so, and substituted the Lord William Archbishop of Cashil Custos of Ireland, who at one and the same time was Lord Justice of Ireland, Lord Chancellor, and Archbishop. And afterward, at the three week's end after Easter, there came news to Dublin that the Lord Richard Clare was slain, and with him four Knights, namely, Sir Henry Capell, Sir Thomas Naas, Sir James Cannon, and Sir John Caunton: also Adam Apilgard, with 80. other men, by O-Brene and Mac-Carthy, on the feast of Saint Gordian and Epimachus. And it was reported that the said Lord Richard his body was in despiteful malice cut into small pieces; but his relics were interred in Limerick among the Friar's Minors. Item, on sunday in Mense Paschae, that is, a month after Easter, john Lacie was led forth of the castle of Dublin, and brought to Trim, for to be arraigned and to hear and receive his judgement there: who was adjudged to be straight dieted, and so he died in prison. Item, the sunday before the Lord's Ascension, Lord Roger Mortimer sailed over into England: but paid nothing for his victuals that he had taken up in Dublin and elsewhere, which amounted to the value of one thousand pounds. Also, the same year about the feast of S. john Baptist the great grace and mercy of God was showed, in that wheat which before was sold for 15. shillings, was now not worth above seven shillings, and oats were bought for five shillings: great plenty there was of wine, salt, and fish: and that in such sort, that about St. james day there was new bread to be had of new corn, a thing that never or seldom had been seen afore in Ireland: and this was a sign of God's tender mercy, and all through the prayer of the poor, and other faithful folk. Item, the Sunday after the feast of Saint Michael, news came to Dublin, that Lord Alexander Bykenore then the King's Justice in Ireland and Archbishop of Dublin was arrived at Yoghall. On S. Denis day he came to Dublin, and with great procession and honourable pomp of the religious persons and of others, as well of the Clergy as the Laity, he was received. Item, on Saturday falling out to be the feast of Pope Calixtus, a field was fought between the Scots and English of Ireland, two leagues from the town of Dundalk: to which battle came of the Scots part, the Lord Edward Brus (who named himself King of Ireland) the Lord Philip Mowbray, the Lord Walter Souls, the Lord Alan Stewart, with his three brethren: also Sir Walter Lacie, Sir Robert and Sir Aumar Lacie, John Kermerdyne, and Walter White, and about 3000. others. Against whom came into the field of the English side, the Lord John Bermingham, Sir Richard Tuit, Sir Miles Verdon, Sir Hugh Tripton, Sir Herbert Sutton, Sir john Cusack, Sir Edward and Sir William Bermingham, and the Primate of Armagh, who assoiled them all: Sir Walter Larpulk: and certain came from Tredagh, to the number of twenty, well appointed and choice soldiers, whom John Maupas accompanied: and so they joined the said battle. The English were the first that entered with great vigour upon the front and vaward, where the said John Maupas manfully and with much honour in this conflict slew the Lord Edward Brus: which John also was found slain upon the body of the said Edward: and all the Scots in manner were killed up, even to the number of two thousand or thereabout: whereby few of the Scots escaped, beside the Lord Philip Mowbray, who also was wounded to death: and Sir Hugh Lacie, Sir Walter Lacie, with some few others that were with them, made shift hardly to save themselves. This fortuned between Dundalk and Faghird. Now the head of the foresaid Edward, the said Lord John Bermingham brought unto the said Lord King of England: upon whom the King bestowed at the same time, the Earldom of Louth to him and to his heirs males, and the Barony of Aterith. And one quarter, with the hands and heart of the foresaid Edward, were carried to Dublin, and the other quarters divided and sent to other places. MCCCXIX. The Lord Roger Mortimer returned out of England, and is eftsoons made Lord Justice of Ireland. The same year at the feast of All-Saints came a Bull from the Pope to excommunicate Robert Brus King of Scotland at every Mass. Also the town of Athisell, and a great part of the country, was burnt by the Lord John Fitz-Thomas, whole brother of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas. In this year the foresaid john Bermingham was created Earl of Louth. Also the Stone bridge of Kil-Coleyn was built by Master Moris jack, Canon of the Cathedral Church of Kildare. MCCCXX. In the time of Pope John the 22. and of the Lord Edward son to King Edward, which Edward after the coming of Saint Austin into England was the 25. King; also under Alexander Bicknore then Archbishop of Dublin began the University of the said City of Dublin. The first that proceeded Master in the same University, was Friar William Hardite, of the order of preaching Friars: which William under the said Archbishop solemnly commenced Doctor in Divinity. The second Master that proceeded in the same faculty, was Friar Henry Cogry, of the order of the Friar's Minors: the third Master that went forth was William Rodyard Dean of the Cathedral Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin, who solemnly commenced Doctor in the Canon law. And this William was made the first Chancellor of the said University. The fourth Master in sacred Theology or Divinity, that went out, was Friar Edmund Kermerdin. Item, Roger Mortimer Lord Justice of Ireland returned into England, leaving in his place the Lord Thomas Fitz-John then Earl of Kildare. Item, the Lord Edmund Botiller entered into England, and so came to Saint James. Also the bridge of the town of Leghelyn was built by Master Moris jack Canon of the Cathedral Church of Kildare. MCCCXXI. A very great overthrow, with much slaughter of the O-Conghors, was given at Balibogan the ninth day of May, by the men of Leinster and of Meth. Item, the Lord Edmund Botiller died in London, and lieth buried at Balygaveran in Ireland. Also john Bermingham Earl of Louth, is made Lord Justice in Ireland. Likewise john Wogan departed this life. MCCCXXII. Andrew Bermingham, and Nicolas de La-Lond Knight, and many others are slain by O-Nalan on St. Michael's day. MCCCXXIII. A truce is taken between the King of England, and Robert Brus King of Scotland for 14. years. Also john Darcie came chief Justice of Ireland. Item, John the first begotten son of the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earl of Kildare, in the ninth year of his age ended this life. MCCCXXIV. Nicolas Genevile, son and heir to the Lord Simon Genevile, departed out of this world, and was buried in the Church of the Friar's Preachers of Trim. Item, there happened a great wind on twelve day at night. Item, a general murrain there was of oxen and kine in Ireland. MCCCXXV. Richard Lederede Bishop of Ossorie cited Dame Alice Ketyll upon her perverse heretical opinion, and caused her to make personal appearance before him: and being examined as touching sorceries, he found by an inquest that she had practised sorceries: among which this was one foul fact of hers, that a certain spirit named Robin Artysson lay with her: and that she offered unto him nine red cocks at a stone bridge, in a certain four cross high way. Item, that she swept the streets of Kilkenny with besoms, between Complin and Courefew, and in sweeping the filth toward the house of William Utlaw her son, by way of conjuring mumbled these words: Unto the house of William my son, High all the wealth of Kilkenny town. Now the complices of the said Alice, and those that agreed unto this devilish and wretched practice of hers, were one Pernill of Meth; and Basilia the daughter of the same Pernil. When the above named Alice was by inquisition attainted of these foresaid imputations, the Bishop punished her by the purse, and caused her utterly to abjure all sorcery and witchcraft. But when afterwards she stood convict eftsoons of the same crime, herself with the foresaid Basilia fled, but was never after found. As for the said Pernill, she was burnt at Kilkenny: but at the hour of death she avouched that the foresaid William deserved death as well as herself, affirming that he for a year and a day wore the devil's girdle upon his bare body. Whereupon the Bishop caused the said William to be apprehended and laid in prison for eight or nine weeks within the Castle of Kilkenny: and by the Bishop's decree and appointment he had two men to give attendance and to minister unto him, with express commandment, not to speak unto him but once a day, nor to eat or drink with him. At length the said William, by the help of the Lord Arnald Poer Seneschal of the County of Kilkenny, was delivered forth of prison: and the foresaid William gave a great sum of money unto the abovenamed Arnold, to imprison the Bishop aforesaid. The Lord Arnold before named caused the Bishop aforesaid to lie in prison about three months. Now among the goods and implements of the said Alice, there was a certain holy Wafer-cake found, having the name of the Devil imprinted upon it: there was found also a box, and within it an ointment, wherewith she used to besmear or grease a certain piece of wood called a Coultree: which being thus anointed, the said Alice with her complices could ride and gallop upon the said Coultree whethersoever they would, all the world over through thick & thin, without either hurt or hindrance. And because the foresaid things were so notorious, Alice was cited again to appear at Dublin, before M. Deane of the Church of St. Patrick, there to find greater favour. Who there made her appearance, and craved a day of answer, under a sufficient mainprize and suretyship, as it was thought. But she was no more to be seen: for by the counsel of her son, and others that were not known, was she kept hidden in a farm house or village, until the wind served for England, and so she passed over: and never was it known whither she went. Now because it was found by the inquisition and recognizance of the said Parnell condemned to be burnt, that William Utlaw was consenting to his mother in her sorcery and witchcraft: the Bishop caused him to be arrested and taken by the King's writ, and to be kept in prison: who in the end through the supplication of great Lords was set free: yet with this condition, that he should cause the Church of S. Mary's in Kilkenny to be covered all over with lead, and to do other almsdeeds by a certain time; which almsdeeds if he performed not within the said term, than he should be in the same state wherein he stood when he was taken by virtue of the King's Process. MCCCXXVI. A Parliament was holden at Whitsuntide in Kilkenny: unto which Parliament came the Lord Richard Burk the Earl of Ulster, although he was somewhat weak and crazy: thither repaired also all the Lords and Potentates of Ireland: and there the said Earl made a great and noble feast unto the Lords and the people. Afterwards the Lord Earl taking his leave of those Nobles and Lords, went to Athisell, where he ended his life. And a little before the feast of S. John Baptist he was there interred. The Lord William Burk became his heir. MCCCXXVII. There arose a quarrel and a fray between the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas and the Lord Arnald Power: and the Lord Moris had in his train and company, the Lord Botiller, and the Lord William Bermingham: and the Lord Arnald had in his retinue the Bourkeins: of whom the said Lord Morrice Fitz-Thomas slew many, and some he chased into Connaght. In the same year after Michaelmas the Lord Arnald came to aid the Bourkeins: and by occasion of certain rude and uncivil terms which the Lord Arnald had given out, in calling him Rymour, the said Morris raised an army again, and together with Botiller and the said William Bermingham with a puissant host burned the lands and possessions of the said Lord Arn●ld in Ofath. Also the said William Bermingham fired the lands and man our houses of the Lord Arnald Power in Monster; and Kenlys in Osserie he burned: so that the Lord Arnald was forced to fly with the Baron of Donnyl to Waterford, and there they remained a month, until that the Earl of Kildare, than Lord Justice of Ireland, and others of the King's Counsel took a day between them: which day the Lord Arnald kept not, but came to Dublin, and passed the seas into England about the feast of the Purification: and after that Arnald had sailed over, the said Moris Botiller and the Lord William Bermingham with a great army came, spoiled, harried, and burned the lands of the said Arnald: and by reason of those puissant forces that they had led, and the many mischiefs which they had done, the King's ministers of his Counsel feared lest he would besiege Cities: and therefore the Cities made provision with more warding and watching the while between. And when the said Lord Moris' Botiler, and William heard that the Cities made such provision and preparation before hand, they gave intelligence unto the King's Counsel that they would come to Kilkenny, and there clear himselves, that they never thought to do any noisance to the lands of their sovereign Lord the King, but only to be revenged of their enemies. Unto which Parliament came the Earl of Kildare then Justice of Ireland, the Prior of Kilmaynon, to wit, Roger Outlaw Chancellor of Ireland, Nicholas Fastoll Justice in the Bench, and others of the King's Counsel: and the foresaid (Moris and William) demanded the King's Charter of peace, but they of the King's Counsel warily making answer, took day unto the month after Easter, that they might with their fellows of the Counsel, treat upon this point. In the same year before Lent the Irish of Leinster gathered themselves together, and set up a certain King, namely Donald the son of Art Mac-Murgh. Who being made King, determined to set up his banner two miles from Dublin: and afterwards to pass through all the lands of Ireland. Whose pride and malice God seeing, suffered him to fall into the hands of the Lord Henry Traharn; who brought him to the Salmon's leaps, & had of him 200. pound for his lives ransom, & then led him to Dublin, to wait there until the King's Counsel could provide and take order what to do with him: and after his taking many infortunities lighted upon the Irish of Leinster, to wit, the Lord John Wellesley took David O-Thothiel prisoner, and many of the Irish were slain. The same year Adam Duff the son of Walter Duff of Leinster, and of the kindred of the O-Tothiles, was convicted; for that against the Catholic faith, he denied the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and held that there could not be three persons and one God: and he affirmed that the most blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord, was an harlot: he denied also the resurrection of the dead, and avouched that the sacred Scriptures were fables, and nothing else: and he imputed falsity upon the sacred Apostolical See. For which and for every of these articles the same Adam Duff was pronounced an heretic and blasphemer: whereupon the same Adam by a decree of the Church was on the Monday after the Outas of Easter the year 1328. burnt at Hoggis (Greene) by Dublin. MCCCXXVIII. On Tuesday in Easter week Thomas Fitz-John Earl of Kildare and Justice of Ireland died: after whom succeeded in the office of Justice, Friar Roger Outlaw Prior of Kilmaynok. The same year David O-Tothil, a strong thief and enemy to the King, a burner of Churches and destroyer of people, was brought forth of the Castle of Dublin to the Tolstale of the City, before Nicolas Fastoll and Elias Ashbourne Justices in the (Kings) bench: which Justices gave him his judgement, that he should first be drawn at horses tails through the midst of the City unto the gallows, and afterward be hanged upon a jebbit, which was done accordingly. Item, in the same year the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas raised a great army to destroy the Bourkeins and the Poers. The same year also the Lord William Bourk was knighted at London on Whitsunday, and the King gave unto him his signory. Also in the same year james Botiller in England espoused the daughter of the Earl of Hereford, and was created Earl of Ormund, who before was called Earl of Tiperary. The same year a Parliament was holden at Northampton, where many of the Lords and Nobles of England assembled: and a peace was renewed between Scotland, England and Ireland by marriages between them: and it was ordained that the Earl of Ulster, with many Nobles of England, should go to Barwick upon Tweed, to the espousals and assurance making. The same year after the said espousals and contract made at Berwick, the Lord Robert Brus King of Scotland, and the Lord William Burk Earl of Ulster, the Earl of Meneteth, and many of the Scottish nobility arrived at Cragfergus peaceably, and sent unto the Justices of Ireland and to the Counsel, that they would come to Green Castle, to treat about a peace of Scotland and Ireland. Now because the said Justices of Counsel failed to come as the said King desired, he took his leave of the Earl of Ulster, and returned into his own country after the feast of the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary. And the Earl of Ulster came to Dublin unto the Parliament, and there stayed six days, and made a great feast, and after this went into Connaght. The same year, about the feast of Saint Katherine Virgin, the Bishop of Osserie certified the King's Counsel there, that Sir Arnald Power was convicted before him upon diverse articles of perverse heresy. Whereupon, at the suit of the said Bishop, the said Sir Arnald by virtue of the King's writ was arrested and laid up in the Castle of Dublin: and a day was given unto the Bishop for to come unto Dublin, to follow the foresaid suit and action against the foresaid Lord Arnald: who made his excuse, that he could not then come, because his enemies lay in wait for his life in the way: whereupon the King's Counsel knew not how to make an end of this business; and so the Lord Arnald was kept in duresse within the Castle of Dublin until the Parliament following, which was in Midlent, where all the Nobles of Ireland were present. In the same year Friar Roger Utlaw, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, Lord Justice and Chancellor of Ireland, was disfamed by the said Bishop, and slandered to be a favourer of heresy, a Counsellor also and a better of the said Lord Arnold in his heretical naughtiness. And because his person was thus villainously delamed, the said Prior went to the Counsel of the King, and put up a petition that he might purge himself. Whereupon they of the King's Counsel took advice, and upon consultation had, granted unto him that he might make his purgation: And they caused it to be proclaimed for three days, That if there were any person, who would follow suit and give information against the said Friar Roger, he might come in and put in his pursuit: But no man was found to follow the matter. Whereupon at the procurement of Sir Roger the Friar, there went out the Kings writ to summon the Elders of Ireland, to wit, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and four Majors of four Cities, namely, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, and of Tredagh: also the Sheriffs and Seneschals, yea and the Knights of the shire, with the Freeholders' of the county that were of the better sort, for to repair unto Dublin. And there were chosen six examiners in the said cause, to wit, M. William Rodyard, Deane of the Cathedral Church of St. Patrick in Dublin, the Abbot of Saint Thomas, the Abbot of St. Mary's, the Prior of holy Trinity Church in Dublin, M. Elias Lawles, and M. Peter Willebey: These Inquisitours convented those that were cited, and they examined every one severally by himself: which examinats all upon their oaths deposed, that he was honest and faithful, a zealous embracer of the faith, and ready to die for the faith: and in regard of this great solemnity of his purgation, the said Friar Roger made a royal feast to all that would come. Also the same year in Lent died the said L. Arnald Power in the Castle of Dublin, and lay a long time unburied in the house of the preaching Friars. MCCCXXIX. After the feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Nobles of Ireland came unto the Parliament at Dublin, to wit, the Earl of Ulster, the Lord Thomas Fitz-Moris, the Earl of Louth, William Bermingham, and the rest of the Lords: and a peace was renewed there between the Earl of Ulster, and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas: & the said Lords with the King's Counsel ordained there that the King's peace should be fully kept: so that every Nobleman and Chieftain should keep in his own sept, retinue, and servants, and the said Earl of Ulster made a great feast in the Castle of Dublin: and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas the morrow after kept a great feast within the Church of St. Patrick in Dublin: and Friar Roger Outlaw Justice of Ireland feasted likewise upon the third day at Kylmaynon, and so they departed. The same year on the Virgil of St. Barnabee the Apostle, Sir John Bermingham Earl of Louth was slain at Balybragan in Urgal, by those of Urgal: and with him Peter Bermingham the said Earls legitimate and whole brother, also Robert Bermingham the same Earls putative brother, Sir John Bermingham the son of his brother Richard Lord of Anry, William Finne Bermingham, the Uncle's son by the mother's side of the foresaid Lord of Anry, Simon Bermingham the same William's son, Thomas Bermingham the son of Robert of Conaght, Peter Bermingham the son of james of Conaght, Henry Bermingham of Conaght, and Richard Talbot of Malaghide a valiant man at arms, and two hundred with them whose names are not known. Item, after the foresaid slaughter the Lord Simon Genevile his men invaded the country of Carbry, for to spoil and harry them, in regard of their robberies and manslaughters committed many times in Meth: but before the said invasion, they of Carbry arose, and slew of the said Simons men threescore and sixteen. Also the same year on the morrow after holy Trinity Sunday there came to Dublin, John Gernon and Roger Gernon his brother in the behalf of those of Urgal, and made humble request, that they might stand to be tried at the Common Law. And on Tuesday, which was the morrow after the feast of St. John Baptist, John and Roger hearing that the Lord William Bermingham was coming, departed out of Dublin. The same year on the Vigil of St. Laurence, the Lord Thomas Botiller went with a great power into the parts of Ardnorwith, and there encountered the said Lord Thomas William's Mac-Goghgan with his forces: and there was the said L. Thomas to the great loss of the land of Ireland, & with him were killed the Lord John Ledewich, Roger Ledewich, Thomas Ledewich, John Nangle, Meiler Petit, Simon Petit, David Nangle, Sir John Waringer, James Terel, Nicholas White, William Freines, Peter Kent, John White, and together with them one hundred and forty men whose names are unknown. And on the tuesday next before the feast of St. Bartholomew, the body of the said Lord Thomas Botiller was conveied to Dublin, and bestowed in the house of the preaching Friars, but as yet not buried: and the sunday next ensuing the feast of the beheading of St. john Baptist, the said Lord Thomas his corpse was very honourably carried through the city, and interred in the Church of the preaching Friars, and the wife of the said Lord John that day made a feast. In the same year John Lord Dracy came Justice of Ireland the second time: and the said Lord John espoused the Lady Joan de Burk Countess of Kildare, the third day of July, at Maynoth. Item, Philip Stanton is slain. Also Henry Lord Traham is treacherously taken in his own house at Kilbego by Richard the son of Philip Onolan. More, the Lord james Botiller Earl of Ormond burnt Foghird against Onolan, for the foresaid Henry's sake brother of Botiller. The same year, on wednesday next after the feast of the Ascension of the blessed Virgin Mary, John Lord Darcy Justice of Ireland went toward the parts of Newcastle, of Mac-Kingham and Wikelow, against the O-Brynns: and the monday following certain of Lawles were slain, and many wounded, and namely, Robert Locam was hurt, and of the Irish the better sort were slain, many likewise wounded, and the rest fled. But Murkad O-Brynne yielded himself an hostage together with his son, uncle, and uncle's son, and they were brought to the castle of Dublin. But afterwards delivered for other hostages the better sort of their sept and kin. The same year the Lord Justice, namely, the Lord John Darcy and those of the King's Counsel in Ireland, about the feast of the Circumcision of our Lord, charged the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas of Desmund, that himself should come into the field with his forces for to vanquish the King's enemies: giving him to understand, that their sovereign Lord the King would provide for to defray the charges of him and of his army: and the said Moris came with his power, and Briene O-Brene was in his company: and their army consisted of ten thousand men: and the said Lord Moris' advanced with his army first against the O-Nolanes, vanquished them, got a great booty, and wasted their lands with fire: and the O-Nolanes fled, and afterwards delivered hostages, who were sent unto the castle of Dublin. And afterwards the said Lord Moris made a journey against the O-Morches, who did put in their hostages for to keep the King's peace. The same time the castle of Ley which O-dympcy had won and kept, was rendered up to the said Moris. The same year after the Epiphany of our Lord, Donald Arts Mac-Murgh made an escape out of the castle of Dublin by a cord, which one Adam Nangle had bought for him: which Adam afterwards was drawn and hanged. MCCCXXX. Mighty winds were up in diverse places, about the feast days of St. Katherine, S. Nicolas, and of the Nativity of our Lord: by which wind part of the wall of a certain house fell down, and killed the wife of Sir Miles Verdon with his daughter, on S. Nicolas even, such winds as the like were never seen in Ireland. Item, there was such an inundation of the water of Boyn, as never had been known before: by which flood all the bridges, as well of stone as of timber, standing over the said water, were utterly cast down, unless it were Babe bridge. The water also carried away diverse mills, and did much hurt to the Friar's Minors of Trim, and Tredagh, in breaking down their houses. The same year, about the feast of S. John Baptist, there began a great dearth of corn in Ireland, and continued until Michaelmas. Item, a cranoc of wheat was sold for 20. shillings: also a cranoc of oats for eight shillings, and one cranoc of peason, beans, and of barley for 8. shillings. And this dearth happened by occasion of abundance of rain, so that much of the standing corn could not be reaped before the feast of St. Michael. The same year, the English of Meth made a slaughter of the Irish (to wit, of Mac-Goghigans people) about Lent, near unto Loghynerthy, whereupon the said Mac-Goghigan in anger burnt in those parts 25. small villages, and sacked them: which the English seeing, gathered themselves together against him, and of his men slew one hundred, and among whom were slain three Lords sons of the Irish. Item, the Lord William Burgh Earl of Ulster led forth an army out of Ulster into Monster against Briene O-Brene. Also the Lady Joan Countess of Kildare, was at Maynoth delivered of William her first son, that the Lord John Darcy had by her, whiles the Lord John abode in England. " Item, Reymund Lawles is slain treacherously at Wickelow. More, a Parliament was holden at Kilkenny, by Friar Roger Utlaw the Prior of Kylmainon, than Lieutenant under the Lord Justice, at which were present Alexander Archbishop of Dublin, the Lord William Earl of Ulster, the Lord James Earl of Ormond, the Lord William Bermingham, and Walter Burk of Conaght: and every of them with a great power set forward to expel Brien O-Brene out of Urkiff near Cashill. Also, Walter Burk, with his army of Connaght, harried the lands of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas, bringing back with him the booty to Urkiff. Item, the Lord Earl of Ulster, and the Earl of Desmund, namely, the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas (for this is the first time that I call him Earl) are appointed to the safe keeping of the Marshal at Lymeric, by Friar Roger Utlaw Justice of Ireland. But the Earl of Desmond by a wile escaped out of the custody of the said Marshal, and went his way. MCCCXXXI. The Lord Hugh Lacie with the King's pardon and peace entered Ireland. Also the Earl of Ulster entered England. Also there was given an overthrow to the Irish in Okenseley by the English the one and twenty day of April. Item, the same day on the Vigil of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the O-Tothely came to Tanelagh, and rob Alexander Archbishop of Dublin, took away three hundred sheep, and slew Richard White and other honest men of his company. Then ran rumours to Dublin of that depredation and slaughter: and Sir Philip Bryt knight, and Friar Moris Fitz-Gerald Knight of the order of Knights Hospitalers, Hamnud Archdekyn, john Chamberlain, Robert Terrell, and the two sons of Reginald Bernewall, and many others, but especially of the retinue of the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, were by a train or ambush slain by David O-Tothill in Culiagh. Also the Lord William Bermingham led forth a great army against the foresaid Irish, and did much harm unto them, but more would have done, had he not been impeached by the false promises of the Irish. Item, those of the English pale at Thurles gave a great overthrow unto Briene O-Brene, and slew many of the Irish in the month of May. Item, at Finnagh in Meth the English of the said pale defeated the Irish upon the eleventh day of June. Also, when famine increased much in Ireland, the mercy of God so disposed, that upon the seven and twenty day of June there came to land a mighty multitude of great sea fishes, to wit, Thurlhedis, such as in many ages past had never been seen, which by the estimation of many men amounted to the number of five hundred: and this happened near unto Cunning, and the water called Dodyz in the haven of Dublin, about evening: and Anthony Lord Lucy then Justice of Ireland, with his own people and certain citizens of Dublin, amongst whom was Philip Cradock, killed of the foresaid fishes above 200. and no man was forbidden to carry away, the same Justice giving order therefore. Item, Antony Lord Lucy Justice of Ireland ordained a common Parliament at Dublin, in the Utas of Saint john Baptist: unto which certain of the Ancients of the land came not. Then the said Justice removed to Kilkenny, proroging the said Parliament, from the foresaid Octaves unto the feast of Saint Peter ad Vincula. Unto which place there repaired the Lord Thomas Fitz-Thomas, and many other Nobles of the land, who came not in before, submitting themselves to the King's grace and mercy. And the King for his part as much as concerned himself under a certain form of pardon graciously forgave all the mischiefs committed by the foresaid persons in the land. Also the castle of Fernis is taken by the Irish perfidiously, and burned in the month of August. Item, the said Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas of Desmund is taken by order from the counsel at Lymerick by the said Lord Justice, the morrow after the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, and with the Justice brought to the castle of Dublin, the seventh day of October. Item, Henry Mandevile is apprehended in the month of September, and led to the castle of Dublin, by virtue of a warrant from Simon Fitz-Richard Justice in the King's Bench. Item, Walter Burck, who with his two brethren of whole blood are taken in Connaght, by the Earl of Ulster in November, and conveied by the same Earl unto the castle of North-burg, in the month of February. Also, the Lord William Bermingham, with his son Walter Bermingham, are attached at Clomell, by the said Justice in the month of February, notwithstanding the King's charter or pardon given unto them before by the Justice above named, and are brought unto the Castle of Dublin the nineteenth day of April. Item, the Irish of Leinster made spoil of the English, and burnt Churches: and in the Church of Freineston they burned about fourscore men and women, and a certain Chaplain of the said Church, arrayed in his sacred vestments and with the body of our Lord, they repelled back with their javelins when he would have gone forth, and burned him with the rest in the Church. These news came unto the ears of the Lord Pope, who sent his Bull or brief unto the Archbishop of Dublin, commanding him to excommunicate the said Irish, and all their adherents, together with their retinue and followers, and to interdict their lands. Now the Archbishop fulfilled the commandment of the Lord Pope: but the said Irish, contemning the said Bull, excommunication, interdiction, and chastisement of the Church, and continuing still in their wickedness, drew themselves again together, and invaded all the county of Weis ford, as far as to Carcarne, and spoiled the whole country. Whom the English made head against, to wit, Richard White and Richard Fitz Henry, with the Burgesses of Weisford and other English, slew of the Irish about 400. and many others of them as they fled were drowned in the river which is called Slain. MCCCXXXII. William Bermingham is put to death and hanged at Dublin by the said Lord Justice, the eleventh day of July, and Walter his son is set free. The foresaid Sir William was a noble Knight, and among many thousand knights most renowned and excellent for feats of arms: Alas the day! great pity it was of him; for who relating his death can forbear tears? But at length interred he was in Dublin among the preaching Friars. Also the castle of Bonraty was forced and razed to the very ground by the Irish of Totomon in July. Also the castle of Arclo by the said Justice, with the citizens of Dublin and the help of the English within the pale, was won from the Irish, and in the King's hand, on the eighth day of August, & in part is newly erected. Also the Lord Antony Lucy Justice of Ireland is put out of his office, and returneth into England with his wife and children in the month of November. In whose place also is set john Lord Darcy Justice of Ireland: and he entered Ireland the thirteenth day of February. Item, the English of the pale gave a great overthrow to Briene O-Brene and Mac-Karthy, and slew many Irish in the parts of Munster. Item, there deceased John Decer a citizen of Dublin, and lieth buried in the Church of the Friar's Minors: a man that did many good deeds. Also, a certain malady named Mauses reigned all over Ireland, as well in old men and women, as in young and little ones. Item, the hostages abiding in the castle of Lymericke slew the Constable of the same castle, and seized the castle into their own hands: but after that the castle was recovered by the citizens, the same hostages were put to the sword and killed. Likewise the hostages took the castle of Nenagh, and when part of it was burnt, recovered it was again, and the hostages were reserved. Also one P ... of wheat about Christmas was commonly sold for 22. shillings: and strait after Easter, and so forward, for twelve pence. " Item, the town of Newcastle of Lions was burnt and sacked by the O-Tothiles. MCCCXXXIII. The L. John Darcy arrived Lord Justice of Ireland at Dublin. Item, O▪ Conghirs lost a great booty, two thousand cows and above, by the Berminghams' of Carbery. Item, the Lord John Darcy Justice of Ireland caused the Pass at Ethergovil in Offaly to be cut down, against O-Conghir. Item, the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond is taken forth of the prison of Dublin, after he had been imprisoned one year and a half, having gotten many mainprisers first, even the greatest and noblest personages of the land to be bound for him, in the forfeiture of life, loss of all their goods, if then the said Lord Moris attempted aught against the King, and if those Nobles abovesaid presented not his person unto the King for his demerits. Also William Burk Earl of Ulster, between the Newtowne and Cragfergus in Ulster, was traitorously (the more pity) slain by his own company, in the twentieth year of his age, and the sixth day of the month june: Robert the son of Mauriton Maundevil was he that gave him his first wound. Upon the hearing of which rumours, the Earl's wife being then in the parts of Ulster with her daughter and heir, presently embarked and went over into England. After whose murdering, John L. Darcy Lord chief Justice of Ireland, to revenge the Earl's death, by advice of all the States of the land assembled in the said Parliament, forthwith with his army took his journey, and by ship arrived at Cragfergus upon the first day of July. Now the people of the country rejoicing at the Lord Justice his coming, and thereby taking heart unto them against the murderers of the said Earl of Ulster, with one assent rose up to revenge the kill of him, and in a pitched field obtained victory: some they took prisoners, others they put to the sword. The things thus dispatched, the said Justice with his said army went into Scotland, leaving in his place M. Thomas Burgh Treasurer at that time of Ireland. Item, many Nobles of the land and the Earl of Ormond with their retinue and followers assembled together at the house of the Carmelite Friars in Dublin, the 11. day of June: and during this said Parliament, whereas they were going out of the Court yard of the said Friars, suddenly within the press of the people Murchard or Moris the son of Nicolas O-Tothil was there murdered. At whose sudden killing all the Elders of the land fearing and supposing there was some treason, were strucken with an extraordinary and strange affright, and much troubled. And he that killed the same Murchard stoutly escaped all their hands: but neither the party himself nor his name they ever knew. " Also John Lord Darcy returned Justice of Ireland. Item, Sir Walter Bermingham, son to the Lord William Bermingham is delivered out of the castle of Dublin, in the month of February. More, the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond by a fall off his Palfrey broke his leg. Item, it fell out to be a fair and dry summer, in so much as at the feast of St. Peter advincula bread made of new wheat was eaten, and a peck of wheat was sold for sixpence in Dublin. Also Sir Reimund Archdekon Knight, and many others of the same kindred, were slain in Leinster. MCCCXXXVII. In the Vigil of S. Kalixt Pope, seven partridges (and unknown it is what spirit moved them) leaving the plain field, made way directly unto the City of Dublin, and flying most swiftly over the market places, settled on the top of the Brewhouse, belonging to the Canons of holy Trinity in Dublin. To which sight some Citizens came running, and wondered much at so strange a prodigy. But the boys of the city caught two of them alive, a third they killed: and the rest scared therewith mounting up higher took their swift flight and escaped into the fields over against them. Now what this accident (not heard of in the ages before) did portend, I leave to the judgement of those that are cunning and skilful. Also Sir John Charleton Knight and a Baron, with his wife, sons, and daughters, and his whole family, came at the feast of S. Calixtus Pope, as chief Justice of Ireland: and of his sons and household some died. Also Lord Thomas Charleton, Bishop of Hereford, & brother in the whole blood unto the said Justice, came the same day with his brother as Chancellor of Ireland, together with Master John Rees Treasurer of Ireland, and Doctor in the Decretals, bringing with them many Welshmen, to the number of two hundred, and arrived in the haven of Dublin. Also whiles John Charleton was Lord Justice and held a Parliament at Dublin, Doctor David O-Hirraghey Archbishop of Ardmagh being called to the Parliament made his provision for housekeeping in the Monastery of S. Marry near unto Dublin: but because he would have had his Crosier before him, he was impeached by the Archbishop and his Clerks, and permit him they would not. Item, the same year died the same David Archbishop of Ardmagh: after whom succeeded Doctor Richard Fitz-Ralfe Deane of Lichfield, a notable Clerk, who was borne in the town of Dundalke. Item, James Botiller the first Earl of Ormond departed this life the sixth day of January, and lieth buried at Balygaveran. MCCCXXXVIII. Lord john Charleton at the instigation of his whole brother, to wit, Thomas Bishop of Hereford, is by the King discharged of his office, and returneth with his whole household into England, and Thomas Bishop of Hereford is by the King ordained Custos and Justice of Ireland. Item, Sir Eustace Power, and Sir John Power his Uncle, are by the said Justice brought out of Monster to Dublin, and committed to prison in the castle the third day of February. Also, in the parts of Ireland the frost was so vehement, that Aven-Liffie, the river of Dublin, was so frozen that very many danced and leapt upon the Ice of the said river, they played at football, and ran courses there: yea and they made fires of wood and of turf upon the same Ice, and broiled herrings thereupon. This Ice lasted very many days. And as for the snow also in the parts of Ireland that accompanied the same frost, a man need not speak any more, seeing it was known to lie on such a wonderful depth. This hard time of weather continued from the second day of December unto the tenth day of February: the like season was never heard of before, especially in Ireland. MCCCXXXIX. All Ireland was generally up in arms. Item, an exceeding great slaughter there was of the Irish, and a number of them drowned, even 1200. at the least, by the means of the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond, and the rest of the Geraldines in the parts of Kernige. Item, the Lord Moris Fitz-Nicolas, Lord of Kernige, was apprehended and imprisoned by the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond, and died in prison, being put to straight diet, for that he openly went out and rebelled with the said Irish against the Lord King of England, and against the Lord Earl. Item, a number of the O. Dymcies and other Irish were killed and drowned in the water of Barrow by the English, and the hot pursuit of the Earl of Kildare. Also a great booty of cattle of sundry sorts, and such a booty as had not been seen in the parts of Leinster, by the said Lord Thomas Bishop of Hereford and Justice of Ireland, and with the help of the English of that country, was taken from the Irish in the parts of Odrone in the end of February. MCCCXL. The said Bishop of Hereford and Justice of Ireland, being sent for by the King, returned into England the tenth day of April, leaving in his place Friar Roger Outlaw Prior of Kylmaynon. Also this Sir Roger Lord Prior of Kylmainon, Justice and Chancellor of the said land, died the thirteenth day of February. Item, the King of England granted by his letters patents unto john Darcy the office of Lord Justice of Ireland for term of life. MCCCXLI. Sir John Moris' Knight came Lord Justice of Ireland in the month of May, as Lieutenant unto john Darcy in the foresaid land. Item, this wondrous prodigy following, and such as in our age had not been heard of before, happened in the county of Leinster: where a certain waifaring man as he traveled in the King's high way, found a pair of gloves, fit, as he thought, for his own turn: which as he drew upon his hands, forthwith instead of a man's voice and speech, he kept a strange and marvellous barking like unto a dog: and from that present, the elder folk and full grown, yea and women too throughout the same county, barked like big dogs; but the children and little ones waughed as small whelps. This plague continued with some 18. days, with others a whole month, and with some for two years. Yea this foresaid contagious malady entered also into the neighbour shires, and forced the people in like manner to bark. Also, the King of England revoked all those gifts and grants that by him or his father had been conferred by any means upon any persons whatsoever in Ireland, were they liberties, lands, or other goods: for which revocation great displeasure and discontent arose in the land: and so the land of Ireland was at the point to have been lost for ever out of the King of England's hand. Item, by the King's Council there was ordained a general Parliament of Ireland in the month of October. To the same Parliament Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond came not. Before which time there was never known so notable and manifest a division in Ireland, between those that were English by birth, and English in blood. The Majors beside of the King's cities in the same land, together with all the better sort of the Nobility and Gentry of the said land, with one consent upon mature deliberation and counsel had, among other their conclusions, decreed and appointed a common Parliament at Kilkenny in November, to the utility and profit both of the King and the land before named: without ask any counsel at all of the Lord Justice and the King's officers aforesaid in this behalf. Now the Lord Justice, and the rest of the King's Ministers, in no wise presumed to come unto the same Parliament at Kilkenny. The Elders therefore of the land aforesaid, together with the Ancients and Majors of the cities, agreed and ordained as touching solemn Ambassadors to be sent with all speed unto the King of England, about relieving the State of the land, and to complain of his Ministers in Ireland, as touching their unequal and unjust regiment of the same, and that from thenceforth they neither could nor would endure the realm of Ireland to be ruled by his Ministers, as it had wont to be. And particularly they make complaint of the foresaid Ministers, by way of these Questions. Imprimis, How a land full of wars could be governed by him that was unskilful in war? Secondly, how a Minister or Officer of the Kings should in a short time grow to so great wealth? " Thirdly, how it came to pass that the King was never the richer for Ireland? MCCCXLII. The eleventh day of October, when the moon was eleven days old, there were seen by many men at Dublin 2. moons in the firmament well and early before day. The one was according to the course of nature in the West, and appeared bright: the other to the quantity of a round loaf appeared in the East, casting but a mean and slender light. MCCCXLIII. St. Thomas street in Dublin was casually burnt with fire upon the feast of S. Valentine Martyr. Item, the 13. day of July, the Lord Ralph Ufford, with his wife the Countess of Ulster, came Lord chief Justice of Ireland: Upon whose entering, the fair weather changed suddenly into a distemperature of the air, and from that time there ensued great store of rain, with such abundance of tempestuous storms, until his dying day. None of his predecessors in the times past, was (with grief be it spoken) comparable unto him. For this Justicer bearing the office of Justiceship, became an oppressor of the people of Ireland, a robber of the goods both of Clergy and Laity, of rich and poor alike: a defrauder of many under the colour of doing good: not observing the rights of the Church, nor keeping the laws of the kingdom, offering wrongs to the natural inhabitants, ministering justice to few or none, and altogether distrusting (some few only excepted) the inborn dwellers in the land. These things did he still, and attempted the like, misled by the counsel and persuasion of his wife. Item, the said Justice entering into Ulster in the month of March through a Pas, called Emerdullan, was fiercely set upon by Mac-Carton, the which Mac-Carton verily having encountered with the said Justice, spoiled him of his clothes, money, utensils, silver, plate, and horses, yea and slew some of his men. But in the end, the foresaid Justice with the help of the men of Ergale got the victory, and entered into the parts of Ulster. MCCCXLV. The seventh of june a common Parliament was holden at Dublin, unto which the Lord Moris Fitz Thomas came not. Item, the Lord Ralph Ufford Justice of Ireland, after the feast of S. John Baptist, with the King's standard raised (yet without the assent of the Elders of the land) against the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond, marcheth forthwith into Monster, and there seized into the King's hands the Earls lands: and these lands so seized letteth out to farm unto others for a certain yearly rent, to be carried unto the King. Item, the said Justice being in the parts of Monster, delivered unto Sir William Burton Knight, two writs: the one whereof the said William should deliver unto the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Kildare: the contents of which was this; That upon pain of forfeiting all his lands, he should with all speed repair unto him, to aid the King and him with a strong power. Now in the other writ contained it was, that the said Sir William should apprehend the said Earl of Kildare, and so apprehended commit him to prison. But Sir William seeing that this could not possibly be brought about and effected accordingly by himself, with colourable words framed for the nonce, persuaded the said Earl, whiles he was preparing himself with his army, and levying a power unto the foresaid Justice, that before his departure out of the country, he should repair unto the King's Counsel at Dublin, and that by the unanimity and joint counsel of the same so deal, as to provide for the safe keeping of his own lands in his absence: and if after that any hurt should befall unto his lands whiles he was absent, it should be imputed unto the King's counsel, and not to him. The Earl therefore giving credit unto the Knight's words, and thinking of no treacherous practice in this behalf, disposed and addressed himself to come unto Dublin. When he was come, altogether ignorant of any treachery toward, whiles himself sat in consultation with others of the King Council in the Exchequer-court, suddenly he was by the said Sir William betrayed, attached or arrested and apprehended, and brought to the castle of the said city, and there clapped up in prison. Item, the said Justice entered with his army the parts of O. Comill in Monster, and by a treacherous device taketh two castles of the Earl of Desmonds, to wit, the castle of Yniskisty, and the castle of the Island: in which castle of the Island thus taken, the Knights being within the said castle, namely, Sir Eustacele B●re, Sir William Grant, and Sir john Cotterell, were first drawn, and afterward in October openly hanged until they were dead. Also the said Earl of Desmond, with some other of his Knights, were by the said Justice banished. The foresaid Justice having attchieved these exploits in Monster, returned in the month of November with his company unto his wife then great with child, remaining at Kilmaynon, which is near to Dublin: over and beside those things which had been done against the Laity, by inditing and emprisoning some of them, and turning them out of their goods, he also caused the Ecclesiastical persons, as well Priests as Clerks, to be indicted; and standing indicted, attached and imprisoned them, and fetched no small sums of money out of their purses. Item, as touching the grants and demises of their lands, to wit, whom before he had deprived of their lands, he bestowed the same upon diverse tenants (as hath been said) as also the very writings concerning those grants, so sealed as they were by him and with the King's seal, he revoked, took the same from them, canceled, defaced, and wholly annulled them. Item, all the mainpernours of the said Earl of Desmond, in number twenty six, as well Earls as Barons, Knights and others of the country, whose names be these, to wit, Lord William Burke Earl of Ulster, Lord james Botiller Earl of Ormond, Sir Richard Tuit Knight, Sir Eustace Le Poer Knight, Sir Gerald De Rochfort Knight, Sir john Fitz-Robert Poer Knight, Sir Robert Barry Knight, Sir Moris Fitz-Gerald Knight, Sir john Wellesley Knight, Sir Walter Lenfaunt Knight, Sir Roger de la Rokell Knight, Sir Henry Traharn Knight, Sir Roger Power Knight, Sir john Lenfaunt Knight, Sir Roger Power Knight, Sir Matthew Fitz-Henry Knight, Sir Richard Wallis Knight, Sir Edward Burk Knight, the son of the Earl of Ulster, David Barry, William Fitz-Gerald, Fulke Ash, Robert Fitz-Moris, Henry Barkley, john Fitz-George Roch, and Thomas de Lees de Burgh, their own travels and proper expenses, which some of them with the said Justice in his war had been at, and in pursuing the said Earl of Desmond notwithstanding, he by definitive sentence deprived of their lands, and disinherited, and awarded their bodies to the King's pleasure, excepting four persons only of all the foresaid sureties, whose names be these, William Burk Earl of Ulster, james Botiller Earl of Ormond, etc. MCCCXLVI. Upon Palme-Sunday, which fell out to be the ninth day of April, the above named Lord Ralph Ufford Justice of Ireland went the way of all flesh: for whose death his own dependants, together with his wife, sorrowed not a little: for whose death also the loyal subjects of Ireland rejoice no less. The Clergy and people both of the land, for joy of his departure out of this life, with merry hearts do leap, and celebrate a solemn feast of Easter. At whose death the floods ceased, and the distemperature of the air had an end, and in one word, the common sort truly and heartily praise the only Son of God. Well, when this Justice now dead was once fast folded within a sheet and a coffin of lead, the foresaid Countess (with his treasure not worthy to be bestowed among such holy relics) in horrible grief of heart conveied his bowels over into England, there to be interred. And again, in the month of May, and on the second day of the same month, behold a prodigious wonder, sent, no doubt, miraculously from God above. For lo, she that before at her coming entered the city of Dublin so gloriously, with the King's arms and ensigns, attended upon with a number of soldiers in her guard and train along the streets of the said city, and so from that time forward (a small while though it were) living royally with her friends about her, like a Queen in the Island of Ireland, now at her going forth of the same city privily by a posternegate of the castle, to avoid the clamour of the common people calling upon her for debts, in her retire homeward to her own country departed in disgrace, sad and mournful with the doleful badges of death, sorrow and heaviness. Item, after the death of the said Justice of Ireland, the Lord Roger Darcy, with the assent of the King's Ministers and others of the same land, is placed in the office of Justice for the time. Also the castles of Ley and Kylmehede are taken by the Irish and burnt, in the month of April. Item, Lord john Moris cometh chief Justice of Ireland the fifteenth day of May. Also the Irish of Ulster gave a great overthrow unto the English of Urgale, wherein were slain three hundred at the least, in the month of June. Also, the said Lord john Moris, Justice of Ireland, is discharged by the King of England from that office of Justiceship, and the Lord Walter Bermingham set in the same office by the foresaid King: and a little after the foresaid slaughter committed, entereth with Commission into Ireland in the month of June. Item, unto the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmond the maintenance of peace for a certain time is granted by the King of England. Which being granted upon the Vigil of the exaltation of the holy Cross, he together with his wife and two sons take sea at the haven of Yoghal, and crosseth over into England; where he followeth the law hard, and requireth instantly to have justice for the wrongs done unto him by Raulph Ufford, late Lord Justice of Ireland above named. Item, unto the said Earl, by commandment and order from the Lord King of England, there are granted from his entrance into England twenty shillings a day, and so day by day still is allowed for his expenses. Also, the Lord Walter Bermingham Justice of Ireland, and the Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas, Earl of Kildare, rose up in arms against O-Merda and his complices, who burned the Castle of Ley and Kilmehed: and they with their forces valiantly set upon and invade him and his complices, spoiling, killing and burning, in so much as the said O-Morda and his complices (although at the first they had manfully and resolutely made resistance there with many thousands of the Irish) after many wounds and a great slaughter committed, were constrained in the end to yield; and so they submitted to the King's grace and mercy, and betake themselves full and whole unto the said Earls devotion. MCCCXLVII. The Earl of Kildare with his Barons and Knights goeth unto the King of England in the month of May, to aid him lying then at the siege of Caleys. Also the town of Caleys was by the inhabitants upon the fourth day of June rendered up into the King of England's hands. Item, Walter Bonevile, William Calf, William Welesley, and many other noble Gentlemen and valiant Knights as well of England as of Ireland, died of the sickness in Caleys. Also, Mac-Murgh, to wit, Donald Mac-Murgh the son of Donald Art Mac-Murgh King of Leinster, upon the fifth day of June is treacherously slain by his own people. More, Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Kildare is by the King of England made Knight. Also the town called Monaghan, with all the territory adjoining, is by the Irish burnt on the feast day of S. Stephen Martyr. Item, Dame Joan Fitz-leoves, sometime wife to the Lord Simon Genevile departed this life, and is buried in the Covent Church of the Friar's Preachers of Trim, the second day of April. MCCCXLVIII. And in the 22. year of King Edward the third, reigned the first pestilence, and most of all in Ireland, which had begun afore in other Countries. Item, in this year Walter Lord Bermingham, Lord Justice of Ireland came into England, and left john Archer Prior of Kylmainon his Lieutenant in his room. And he returneth again in the same year Justice as before: and the King conferred upon the same Walter, the Barony of Kenlies which is in Osserie, because he led a great army against the Earl of Desmond, with Raulfe Ufford, as before is said: which Barony belonged in times passed unto the Lord Eustace Power, who was attainted and hanged at the castle of the Isle. MCCCXLIX. Lord Walter Bermingham, the best Justice of Ireland that ever was, gave up his office of Justiceship; after whom succeeded the Lord Carew Knight and Baron both. MCCCL. And in the 25. year of the foresaid King Edward, Sir Thomas Rokesby Knight was made Lord Justice of Ireland. Item, Sir Walter Bermingham Knight Lord Bermingham, that right good Justice sometime of Ireland, died in the Even of S. Margaret Virgin in England. MCCCLI. Kenwrick Sherman sometime Mayor of the City of Dublin died, and was buried under the Belfray of the preaching Friars of the same City: which Belfray and Steeple himself erected, and glazed a window at the head of the Choir, and caused the roof of the Church to be made, with many more good deeds. In the same Covent he departed I say the sixth day of March: and at his end he made his Will or Testament, amounting to the value of three thousand Marks: and bequeathed many good Legacies unto the Priests of the Church, both religious and secular, that were within twenty miles about the City. MCCCLII. Sir Robert Savage Knight began in Ulster to build new castles in diverse places, and upon his own Manors: who while he was a building said unto his son and heir Sir Henry Savage, let us make strong walls about us, lest happily the Irish come and take away our place, destroy our kindred and people, and so we shall be reproached of all Nations. Then answered his son, where ever there shall be valiant men, there is a Castle and Fortress too, according to that saying, The sons encamped, that is to say, valiant men are ordained for war, and therefore will I be among such hardy men, and so shall I be in a castle: and therewith said in his vulgar speech, A castle of Bones is better than a castle of Stones. Then his father in a fume and chafe gave over his work, and swore an oath that he would never build with stone and mortar; but keep a good house, and a very great family and retinue of servants about him: but he prophesied withal, that hereafter his sons and posterity should grieve and wail for it: which indeed came to pass; for the Irish destroyed all that country for default of castles. MCCCLV. And in the thirty year of the same King, Sir Thomas Rokesby Knight went out of his office of Justice the six and twenty day of July: after whom succeeded Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Desmund, and continued in the office until his death. Item, on the day of Saint Paul's conversion, the same Lord Moris Fitz-Thomas died Justice of Ireland in the castle of Dublin, not without great sorrow of his friends and kinsfolk, and no less fear and trembling of all other Irish that loved peace. First, he was buried in the choir of the preaching Friars of Dublin: and at last interred in the Covent Church of the Friar's Preachers of Traly. This man was a righteous Justicer, in that he stuck not to hang up those of his own blood for theft and rapine, and misdemeanours, even as soon as strangers: and chastised the Irish very well. MCCCLVI. And in the one and thirty year of the foresaid King, Sir Thomas Rokesby was made the second time Justice of Ireland, who tamed the Irish very well, and paid as well for the victuals he took, saying, I will eat and drink out of Treen vessels, and yet pay both gold and silver for my food and apparel, yea and for my pensioners about me. The same year died that Sir Thomas Justice of Ireland, within the Castle of Kilka. MCCCLVII. Also in the two and thirty year of the same King's reign, Sir Almarick de Saint Aimund was made chief Justice of Ireland, and entered into it. At this very time began a great controversy between Master Richard Fitz-Ralfe Archbishop of Armagh, and the four Orders of the begging Friars: but in the end the Friars got the mastery, and by the Pope's means caused the Archbishop of Armagh to hold his peace. MCCCLVIII. In the 33. year of the same King Sir Almarick Sir Amund chief Justice of Ireland passed over into England. MCCCLIX. In the 34. year of the same King, james Botiller Earl of Ormond was made chief Justice of Ireland. Item, the Lady joan Burke Countess of Kildare departed this life on St. George's day: and was buried in the Church of the Friar's Minors of Kildare, near unto her husband the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earl of Kildare. MCCCLX. And in the 35. of the foresaid King, died Master Richard Fitz-Ralfe Archbishop of Armagh in Hanault, the sixteenth day of December: whose bones were conveied into Ireland by the reverend father Stephen Bishop of Meth, to be bestowed in S. Nicolas Church at Dundalk, where he was born: But doubted it is whether they were his bones or some other man's. Item, Sir Robert Savage, a doughty knight dwelling in Ulster, departed this life: who with a few Englishmen slew of the Irish three thousand near unto Antrim: but before that he went forth to that battle, he took order that there should be given unto every Englishman one good draught or pot of wine or ale, whereof he had a number of hogsheads and barrels full: and the rest he saved against the coming of his friends: he caused also to be killed sheep, oxen, tame foul crammed fat, wild foul, and for venison red Deer: that they might be dressed and made ready for such as returned winners out of the field, whosoever they were. And he was wont to say, a shame it were if guests should come and not find what to eat and drink. But when it pleased God to give the English victory, he invited them all to supper, and they rejoiced with thanksgiving: and himself said, I give God thanks: For better it is thus to keep it, than to let it run forth upon the ground, as some gave me counsel. Buried he was in the covent Church of the preaching Friars of Coulrath, near to the river of Banne. Also, the Earl of Ormond, Lord Justice of Ireland entered England: in whose place Moris Fitz-Thomas Earl of Kildare was made Lord Justice of Ireland, by this Charter and Commission as appeareth: Omnibus ad quos, etc. that is, To all whom these letters shall come unto Greeting: Know ye that we have committed to our sweet and faithful subject, Moris' Earl of Kildare, the office of our L. Justice of our land of Ireland: and our land of Ireland, with the Castle and all pertenances thereto, to keep and govern so long as it shall please us: and to receive at our Exchequer in Dublin yearly, so long as he shall remain in that office, five hundred pounds: for which he shall keep that office and land, and he shall be himself one of the twenty men in arms (whom he shall find) with as many horses armed continually, during our foresaid commission. In witness whereof, etc. Given by the hands of our beloved in Christ Friar Thomas Burgey, Prior of the Hospital of S. John of jerusalem in Ireland, our Chancellor of Ireland, at Dublin the thirtieth day of March, and of our reign the thirty five year. Also james Botiller Earl of Ormond came again out of England Lord Justice of Ireland, as before, unto whom the Earl of Kildare resigned up the office of Justiceship. MCCCLXI. Leonell Earl of Ulster in right of his wife's inheritance, and being the King's son of England, came into Ireland as the King's Lieutenant, and arrived at Dublin the eighth day of September being the feast of the blessed Virgin's nativity, bringing his second wife Elizabeth, daughter and heir of the Lord William Burke Earl of Ulster. In the same year was the second pestilence. There died in England Henry Duke of Lancaster, the Earl of March, the Earl of Northampton. Also on the sixth day of January, Mons Doncref a Citizen of Dublin was buried in the Churchyard of the Friar's Preachers of the same City: unto which covent or brotherhood he gave forty pounds, toward the glazing of their Church. Item, there departed out of this life the Lady joan Fleming, wife to the Lord Geoffrey Trevers, and the Lady Margaret Bermingham, wife to the Lord Robert Preston, on the Vigil of St. Margaret, and were buried in the Covent Church of the preaching Friars of Tredagh. Also, the Lord Walter Bermingham the younger, died on S. Laurence day, who divided his inheritance between his sisters, the one part thereof the foresaid Preston had for his share. Item, the foresaid Lord Leonell, after he was entered into Ireland and had rested some few days, made war upon O-Brynne, and proclaimed throughout his army, that no man borne in Ireland should come near unto his camp: and an hundred of his own Pensioners were slain. Leonell seeing this, forthwith reduced the whole people as well of England as of Ireland into one, and so he prospered, and struck many battles round about in all places with the Irish, by the help of God, and the people of Ireland. He made also many Knights of English and Irish: and among them Robert Preston, Robert Holiwood, Thomas Talbot, Walter Cusacke, james de La Hide, john Ash, or de Fraxius, Patrick and Robert Ash, or de Fraxius, and many beside. Also, he removed the Exchequer from Dublin to Carlagh, and gave five hundred pounds to the walling of that town. Item, on the feast of Saint Maur Abbat, there rose a mighty wind, that shook and overthrew pinnacles, battlements, chimneys, and other things higher than the rest, trees without number, diverse Steeples, and namely, the Steeple of the Preaching Friars. MCCCLXII. Also in the 36. year of the same King, the Church of St. Patrick in Dublin through negligence was set on fire and burnt, the eighth of April. MCCCLXIV. And in the 38. year of the foresaid King, the Lord Leonel Earl of Ulster entered England the 22. of April, and left his Deputy-Justice of Ireland, the Earl of Ormond: and the same leonel Duke of Clarence returned the eighth of December. MCCCLXV. Also in the 39 year of the said King, the same leonel Duke of Clarence passed over into England, leaving behind him Sir Thomas Dale Knight his Deputy-Custos, and Justice of Ireland. MCCCLXVII. Great war began between the Berminghams' of Carbry and the men of Meth, because many robberies by the foresaid were committed in Meth. Then Sir Robert Preston Knight, and Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer, set a strong guard in the castle of Carbry, and laid forth a great deal of money against the King's enemies, to defend his own right, in regard of his wife. Item, Gerald Fitz-Moris Earl of Desmond was made Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCLXVIII. And in the 42. year of the same King, in Carbry, after a certain Parliament ended between the Irish and English, there were taken prisoners Friar Thomas Burley Prior of Kylmaynon, the King's Chancellor in Ireland, john Fitz-Reicher Sheriff of Meth, Sir Robert Tirell Baron of Castle-knoke, with many beside, by the Berminghams' and others of Carbry. Then James Bermingham, who had been kept in the castle of Trim in iron manacles and fetters as a traitor, was delivered out of prison, in exchange for the foresaid Chancellor, the other were put to their ransoms. Item, the Church of Saint mary's in Trim was burnt with the fire of the same Monastery. Also in the Vigil of St. Luke the Evangelist, the Lord Leonell Duke of Clarence died at Albe in Pyemont. First he was buried in the City of Papie, hard by St. Augustin the Doctor; and afterward interred at Clare in the covent Church of Austin Friars in England. MCCCLXIX. And in the 43. year of the foresaid King, Sir William Windesore Knight, a doughty man in arms and courageous, came as the King's Lieutenant into Ireland the twelfth day of July: unto whom gave place in the office of Justiceship Gerald Fitz-Moris Earl of Desmond. MCCCLXX. And in the 44. year of the same King, began the third pestilence, and the greatest in Ireland, in which died many Noblemen and Gentlemen, Citizens also and children innumerable. The same year Gerald Fitz-Moris Earl of Desmond, the Lord john Nicolas and the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn and many other noble persons were taken prisoners upon on the sixth of July, near unto the Monastery of Maio, in the county of Limerick by O-Breen and Mac-Comar of Thomond; and many were slain: in regard of which occurrent, the said Lieutenant went over to Limericke to the defence of Monster, leaving the wars against the O-Tothiles, and the rest in Leinster. In this year died Lord Robert Terel Baron of castle Knock, the Lady Scolastica his wife, and their son and heir: by reason whereof Joan Terel and Maud Terel, sisters of the said Robert, parted the inheritance between themselves. Item, there departed this life Lord Simon Fleming Baron of slain, Lord John Cusake Baron of Colmolyn; and john Tailor sometime Mayor of Dublin, a rich and mighty moneyed man. That which followeth was copied out of the Manuscript Chronicles of Henry Marleburgh. MCCCLXXII. Sir Robert Asheton came Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCLXXIII. Great warring there was between the English of Meth, and O-Ferdle, in which war many of both sides were slain. Item, in May Lord John Husse Baron of Galtrim, John Fitz Richard Sheriff of Meth, and William Dalton, in Kynaleagh were killed by the Irish. MCCCLXXV. Thomas Archbishop of Dublin died: and in the same year was Robert of Wickford consecrated Archbishop of Dublin. MCCCLXXXI. There departed this life Edmund Mortimer the King's Lieutenant in Ireland, Earl of March and Ulster, at Cork. MCCCLXXXIII. There was a great pestilence in Ireland. MCCCLXXXV. The bridge of the city of Dublin fell down. MCCCXC. Robert Wickford Archbishop of Dublin died. The same year Robert Waldebey Archbishop of Dublin, of the order of Austen Friars, was translated. MCCCXCVII. There happened the translation and death of Friar Richard Northalis Archbishop of Dublin, one of the Carmelites order. Also in the same year Thomas Crauley was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin. The same year the Lord Thomas Burgh, and the Lord Walter Bermingham slew six hundred of the Irish, and their captain Mac-Con. Item, Roger Earl of March, Lieutenant of Ireland wasted the country of O-Bryn, with the help of the Earl of Ormund, and dubbed there seven Knights, to wit, Christopher Preson, John Bedeleu, Edmund Loundris, John Loundris, William Nugent, Walter de la Hyde, and Robert Cadell, at the forcing and winning of a most strong Manor house of the said O-Bryn. MCCCXCVIII. Upon the Ascension day of our Lord, the Tothils slew forty English, among whom John Fitz-William, Thomas Talbot, and Thomas Comyn were killed, which was a pitiful mishap. In the same year on St. Margaret's day, Roger Earl of March the King's Lieutenant was with many others slain at Kenlys in Leinster, O Bryn and other Irish of Leinster, in whose place and office Roger Grey is chosen Justice. In the same year upon the feast of S. Mark Pope and Confessor, came to Dublin the noble Duke of Sutherey, as the King's Lieutenant in Ireland: with whom at the same time arrived Master Thomas Crauley, Archbishop of Dublin. MCCCXCIX. And in the 23. year of King Richard, upon Sunday which fell out to be the morrow after S. Fetronill or Pernill the Virgin's day, the same glorious King Richard arrived at Waterford with two hundred sail. Item, the sixth day of the same week, at Ford in Kenlys within the country of Kil●are, were slain of the Irish 200. by Ie●icho and other English: and the morrow after the Dublinians made a road in the country of O-Bryn, and slew of the Irish 33. and fourscore men and women with their little children they took prisoners. The same year, the said King came to Dublin the fourth day before the Calends of July: where he heard rumours of Henry the Duke of Lancaster his coming into England, whereupon himself passed over with speed into England. MCCCC. In the first year of King Henry the fourth, at Whitsuntide the Constable of Dublin castle and many others encountered the Scots at sea before Stranford in Ulster: whereupon fell out a lamentable accident, for that many of the English were slain and drowned there. MCCCCI. In the second year of King Henry the fourth, Sir John Stanley the K. Lieutenant passed over into England in the month of May, leaving in his room Sir William Stanley. In the same year, upon the Vigil of Saint Bartholomew, there entered into Ireland Stephen Scroop, as deputy to the Lord Thomas of Lancaster, the King's Lieutenant in Ireland. The same year, on the day of S. Brice Bishop and Confessor, the Lord Thomas of Lancaster the King's son, arrived at Dublin, Lieutenant of Ireland. MCCCCII. On the fifth of July was the Church of the Friar's Preachers at Dublin dedicated by the Archbishop of Dublin: and the same day John Drake the Mayor of Dublin, with the citizens and men of the country, slew in battle of the Irish near unto Bree 493. and were victorious over the Irish. The same year in the month of September, a Parliament was holden at Dublin: at which time in Uriel Sir Bartholomew Verdon, James White, Stephen Gernon, and their complices, slew John Dowdal Sheriff of Louth. MCCCCIII. In the fourth year of King Henry the fourth, and in the month of May, was killed Sir Walter Beterley a valiant Knight then Sheriff there, and with him thirty men. In the same year about the feast of S. Martin, there passed over into England Thomas the King's son, leaving Stephen Scroop his Deputy, who also himself upon the first day of Lent returned into England: and then the Lords of the land chose the Earl of Ormond Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCCIV. In the fifth year of King Henry died john Cowlton Archbishop of Armagh the fifth of May, whom Nicholas Fleming succeeded. The same year on S. Vitalis day began a Parliament at Dublin, before the Earl of Ormond then Lord Justice of Ireland: wherein where confirmed the Statutes of Kilkenny and of Dublin: also the charter of Ireland. In the same year Patrick Savage in Ulster was treacherously slain by Mac-Kilmori; and Richard his brother given for an hostage, who likewise was murdered in prison, after he had paid two hundred Marks. MCCCCV. In the sixth year of King Henry, and in the month of May, were taken three Scottish Galleons or Barks, two at Green-castle, and one at Dalkey, with the captain Thomas Mac-Golagh. The same year the merchants of Tredaght entered Scotland, took pledges and preys. The same year Stephen Scroop crossed the seas into England, leaving the Earl of Ormond Lord Justice of Ireland. And the same year, in the month of June the Dublinians entered Scotland at Saint Ninians, and there behaved themselves manfully: then landed they in Wales, and did much hurt to the Welshmen there; yea and carried away the Shrine of S. Cubie unto the Church of the holy Trinity in Dublin. Also, the same year on the Vigil of the blessed Virgin, died James Botiller Earl of Ormond, whiles he was Lord Justice (to the grief of many) at Baligauran; unto whom there succeeded in the office of Lord Justice, Gerald Earl of Kildare. MCCCCVI. And in the seventh year of King Henry, on Corpus Christi day the Dublinians with the people of the Country about them, manfully overcame the Irish, and killed some of them: they took three ensigns, and carried away diverse of their heads to Dublin. The same year, the Prior of Conall fought valiantly in the plain of Kildare, and vanquished two hundred Irish well armed, killing some, and putting others to flight: there were in the Prior's company not above twenty English: and thus God regardeth those that repose trust in him. In the same year, after the feast of S. Michael, Sir Stephen Scroop Deputy Justice under the Lord Thomas the King's son Lieutenant of Ireland, entered into Ireland. The same year died Pope Innocentius the seventh, after whom succeeded Pope Gregory. The same year began a Parliament at Dublin on Saint Hilaries day, which ended at Trim in Lent: and Meiler Bermingham slew Cathol O-Conghir in the end of February, and Sir Geoffrey Vaulx a noble Knight in the county of Carlagh died. MCCCCVII. A certain Irishman, a most false villain, named Mac-Adam Mac-Gilmori (who caused forty Churches to be destroyed) one that was never christened, and therefore termed Corbi, took Patrick Savage prisoner, and received of him for his ransom two thousand Marks, and yet killed him afterwards with his brother Richard. The same year, in the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross, Stephen Scroop, Deputy under Thomas the King's son Lieutenant of Ireland, accompanied with the Earls of Ormond and Desmond, and the Prior of Kylmaynon, with many out of Meth, set forth from Dublin: and in hostile manner invaded the land of Mac-Murgh: where the Irish had the better of the field in the forepart of the day; but afterwards they were manfully by the said Captains repulsed: where O-Nolam with his son and others were taken prisoners. But hearing then and there, that the Burkeins and O-Keroll in the county of Kilkenny had for two days together done much mischief, suddenly the said Captains rode in all haste with bridle on horse neck unto the town of Callan, and there meeting with the said enemies, manfully put them to flight. O-Keroll, and to the number of eight hundred they killed in the place. The same year Stephen Scroop sailed over into England, and james Butler Earl of Ormond was by the country chosen Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCCVIII. The said L. Justice held a Parliament at Dublin, in which Parliament were confirmed the Statutes of Kilkenny and of Dublin: and a Charter granted under the great seal of England against Purveyouris. The same year, the morrow after S. Peter's day ad Vincula, the Lord Thomas of Lancaster the King's son arrived as Lieutenant of Ireland at Cartingford, and in the week following came to Dublin: and arrested the Earl of Kildare as he came unto him, with three of his house: and all his goods he lost by the servants of the said Lieutenant: and in the castle of Dublin he imprisoned him, until he made payment of 300. Marks for a fine. The same year on Saint Marcellus day died the Lord Stephen Scroop at Tristel-Dermot ." The same year the said Thomas of Lancaster was wounded at Kylmainon, and hardly escaped death: and afterwards caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever by his tenors owed service to the King should appear at Rosse. And after Saint Hilaries feast he held a Parliament at Kilkenny, for to have a tallage granted. And afterwards upon the third day before the Ides of March, he passed over into England, leaving the Prior of Kylmainon his Deputy in Ireland. In this year Hugh Mac-Gilmory was slain at Cragfergus, within the Oratory or Church of the Friar's Minors: which Church he before had destroyed, and broken the glass windows thereof, for to have the iron bars therein: at which his enemies, to wit, the Savages, entered. MCCCCIX. In the tenth year of King Henry, and in the month of June, janico of Artoys with the English slew fourscore of the Irish in Ulster. MCCCCX. On the thirteenth day of June began a Parliament at Dublin, and continued three weeks, the Prior of Kylmainon sitting as Lord Justice. The same year, on the tenth day of July, the same Justice began the castle of Mibracly in O-Feroll, and built De la Mare: and a great dearth there was of corn. In the same year the Justice entered the land of O-brin with a thousand and five hundred kerns, of whom eight hundred departed unto the Irish: and had not the Dublinians been there, there would have been wailing and many a woe; and yet john Derpatrick lost his life there. MCCCCXII. About the feast of Tiburce and Valerian, O-Conghir did much harm to the Irish in Meth, and took prisoner 160. men. The same year O-Doles a knight, and Thomas Fitz-Moris Sheriff of Limerik, killed one another. In the same year, the ninth of June, died Robert Monteyn Bishop of Meth, after whom succeeded Edward Dandisey sometime Archdeacon of Cornwall. MCCCCXIII. The seventh of October there landed in Ireland at Cloncarfe, john Stanley the King's Lieutenant in Ireland, who died the sixth of January in Atterith. The same year, after the death of john Stanley Lord Lieutenant, Thomas Crauley Archbishop of Dublin was chosen on the eleventh day of February Lord Justice of Ireland. A Parliament eftsoons began at Dublin the morrow after Saint Mathias the Apostles day, and lasted fifteen days: during which time the Irish fell to burning in diverse places, as they had done often in Parliament times; wherefore a tallage was demanded, but not granted. MCCCCXIIII. The English slew of the Irish the O-Mordries and O-Dempsies near to Kilka, even whiles the Justice of Ireland Thomas Crauley Archbishop of Dublin went in Procession at Tristeldermot, praying with his Clerks: and his servants with their countrymen overthrew of the Irish an hundred. Upon the feast day of Saint Gordian and Saint Epimachus a foil or discomfiture was given to the English of Meth, and there was slain Thomas Maurevord Baron of Scrin: and taken prisoners there were Christopher Fleming, john Dardis, and many others slain by O-Conghir and the Irish. In the vigil of Saint Martin arrived the Lord john Talbot Lord Furnivall, as Lieutenant of Ireland, at Dalkay. MCCCCXV. In the month of November died Robert Talbot a Nobleman, who walled the Suburbs of Kilkenny. Item, after the feast of All-Saints died Friar Patrick Baret Bishop of Ferne, and a Canon of Kenlis, where he was buried. MCCCCXVI. On the feast day of Gervasse and Prothasius the Lord Furnivall had a son borne at Finglas. About this time the reverend Lord Stephen Fleming Archbishop of Armagh departed this life: unto whom succeeded john Suanig. And at the same time the Lord Bishop of Ardachard, Friar Adam Lyns of the order of preaching Friars. Item, on Saint Laurence day died Thomas Talbot Lord of Furnivall, lately borne at Finglas, & is interred in the choir of the preaching Friars Church of Dublin, within the Covent of the said Preachers. A Parliament was holden at Dublin, in the time whereof the Irish fell upon the English and slew many of them, among whom Thomas Balimore of Baliquelan was slain. This Parliament lasted in that place six weeks, and then was removed to Trim the eleventh day of May, and there it continued eleven days: and granted there was unto the Lieutenant a subsidy of four hundred Marks. MCCCCXVII. On the Eve of Philip and jacob Apostles, Thomas Crauley Archbishop of Dublin passed over into England, and died at Farindon: he was buried in the New College at Oxford: a liberal man he had been, and an almes-giver, a great Clerk, a Doctor in Divinity, and excellent Preacher, a builder of the places wherein he dwelled, beautiful, sumptuous, of sanguine complexion, and tall of stature: so that in his time it might well be said unto him, Fair art thou, and of a goodly presence above the sons of men, grace is seated all over thy lips for the eloquence of thy tongue. Fourscore years old he was, and for the space almost of twenty years he governed the Church of Dublin peaceably. MCCCCXVIII. The feast of the Annunciation of our Lady fell out to be on good Friday, and strait after Easter the Lord Deputy spoiled the tenants of Henry Crus and Henry Bethat. Item, at slain on the day of S. John and S. Paul, were arrested the Earl of Kildare, Sir Christopher Preston, and Sir John Bedleu, and committed to ward within the castle of Trim, because they were desirous to common with the Prior of Kylmainon. The fourth of August died Sir Matthew Husee Baron of Galtrim, who lieth buried at the Preaching Friars in Trim. MCCCCXIX. The eleventh of May, Edmund Brel sometime Mayor of Dublin departed this life, and was buried at the Friar's preachers of the same City. A Counsel royal was holden at Naas: and there a subsidy of 300. Marks was granted to the Lord Lieutenant. At the same time died Sir john Loundres. On the fifth day of the week, falling out to be Maunday Thursday, O-Thoill took 400. kine that belonged to Balimore, so breaking the peace against his oath. The fourth of May Mac-Morghe chief Captain of his own Sept, and of all the Irish in Leinster, was taken prisoner. And the same day Hugh Cokesey was made knight. The last day of May, the Lieutenant, the Archbishop of Dublin, and the Mayor together razed the castle of Kenini. The morrow after the feast of Processus and Martinian, the Lord William Burgh, and other of the English slew 500 of the Irish, and took O-Kelly prisoner. On the feast of Mary Magdalen, the Lieutenant John Talbot passed over into England, leaving for his Deputy the Archbishop of Dublin: carrying with him the curses of diverse, for that he paid a little or nothing for his victuals, and was indebted unto many. About the feast of Saint Laurence, diverse there were that died in Normandy, and by name, Friar Thomas Botiller Prior of Kilmainon, with many others. After whom succeeded in the Priory Friar John Fitz-Henry. The Archbishop being Deputy fell upon the Scohies, and slew of the Irish thirty near unto Rodiston. Item, upon the Ides of February died Friar John Fitz-Henry Prior of Kylmainon: whom succeeded Friar William Fitz-Thomas, elected and confirmed the morrow after S. Valentine's day. Also the morrow after the feast of Saint Peter in Cathedra, the Lord john Talbot Lord of Furnivall yielded the place into the hands of the Lord Richard Talbot Archbishop of Dublin, who afterward was chosen Lord Justice of Ireland. MCCCCXX. Upon the fourth day of April, the Lord james Butler Earl of Ormond arrived at Waterford, Lieutenant of Ireland, and quickly caused a combat to be fought between two of his cousins: of whom the one died in the field, and the other was carried forth of the place sore hurt and lamed unto Kilkenny. On St. George's feast day, the same Lieutenant held a Counsel at Dublin, and summoned a Parliament there. And in the mean while he raised great booties from O-Raly, Mac-Mahon, and Mac-Guyr: And the eighth day of June began a Parliament at Dublin, and there were granted unto the Lieutenant 700. Marks: and that Parliament continued for 16. days: and the same was prorogued unto the monday after St. Andrew's day: also in the foresaid Parliament were cast up the debts of the Lord john Talbot late Lieutenant, which arose to a great sum. Also the morrow after St. Michael's day died Michael Bodley." On the Vigil of Saint Francis, there departed this life Friar Nicholas Talbot, Abbot of St. Thomas the Martyr in Dublin. After whom succeeded Friar John Whiteing. The morrow after the Apostles Simon and judes' day, was the castle of Colnolin taken by Thomas Fitz-Geffery. Also in the Vigil of S. Katherine Virgin, Botiller the son and heir of the Earl of Ormund was borne. Item, on monday after the feast of S. Andrew the Apostle, the said Parliament began at Dublin, and continued 13. days: and granted there was to the Lieutenant there 300. marks: and the Parliament was adjourned eftsoons unto the monday after St. Ambrose day. Then rumours resounded, that the Lord Thomas Fitz-Iohn Earl of Desmund died at Paris on St. Laurence feast day, and was buried there at the Friar's Preachers covent, the King of England being present at his funerals. After whom succeeded in that Signiory James Fitz-Gerald his Uncle by the father's side, who had three times thrust him out of his patrimony: and laid an imputation upon him that he was a prodigal spendthrift, and had wasted his patrimony both in Ireland and England, and that he gave or would give lands to the Abbey of St. james at Kernisham. 1421. The Parliament began upon prorogation the third time at Dublin the monday after the feast of S. Ambrose: and there certain persons were ordained to be sent in message to the King, as touching the redress of the land, namely, the Archbishop of Armagh, and Sir Christopher Preston Knight. At the same time Richard O-Hedian Bishop of cassel was accused by John Gese Bishop of Lismore and Waterford, upon thirty Articles laid to his charge. After all that, he charged him that he made very much of the Irish, and loved none of the English: that he bestowed no benefice upon any Englishman, and gave order likewise unto other Bishops, that they should not confer the least living that was upon them. Item, that he counterfeited the King of England's seal, and the King's letters patents, that he went about to make himself King of Monster: also that he took a ring away from the image of S. Patrick, which the Earl of Desmund had offered, and bestowed it upon an harlot of his: beside many other enormities, which he exhibited in writing. And the Lords and Commons were much troubled between these twain. Now in the same Parliament, there was debate between Adam Pay Bishop of Clon and another Prelate: for that the said Adam went about to unite the others Church unto his, but the other would not: and so they were sent and referred unto the Court of Rome, and this Parliament lasted 18. days. In the Nones of May there was a slaughter committed by O-Mordris upon the family or retinue of the Earl of Ormund, Lieutenant, near unto the Monastery of Leys, where were slain of the English 27. The principal parties were Purcell and Grant. Then Gentlemen of good birth were taken prisoners, and 200. fled unto the foresaid Monastery, and so were saved. In the Ides of May died Sir john Bodley Knight, and Geoffrey Galon sometime Mayor of Dublin, and was buried in the house of the preaching Friars of the same City. About this time Mac-Mahon an Irishman played the devil in Urgal, wasting and burning where ever he went. The seventh of june the Lieutenant entered into the country, to wit, of Leys against O-Mordis, and led thither a most puissant army, having the kill of his enemies for four days together, and until the Irish promised all peace and quietness. Upon the feast of Michael the Archangel, Thomas Stanley, accompanied with all the Knights and Squires of Meth and Iriel, took Moyle O-Downyll prisoner, and slew others, in the 14. year of King Henry the sixth his reign. Thus far forth were continued the Annals of Ireland which came to my hands, and upon which I have bestowed these few pages, to gratify them that may delight therein. As for the nice and dainty readers, who would have all writings tried to the touch of Augustus his days, I know they can yield no pleasing relish to them, in regard of the harsh words, and the sapless dry style, familiar unto that age wherein they were penned. Nevertheless, I would have those to remember, That HISTORY both beareth, brooketh, and requireth the Authors of all ages: Also, That they are to look as well for real and substantial knowledge from some, as for the verbal and literal learning from others. THE SMALLER LANDS IN THE BRITISH OCEAN. NOw will I at length weigh anchor and set sail out of Ireland, and launching forth take survey of the Lands scattered here and there along the coasts of Britain. If I durst repose any trust in myself, or if I were of any sufficiency, I would shape my course to every one. But sith it is my purpose to discover and enlighten Antiquity, such as are obscure and of less account I will lightly coast by: and those that carry any ancient name and reckoning above the rest, I will enter and visit, yea and make some short stay in them, that now at last in a good and happy hour they may recover their ancienty again. And that in this voyage I may at first set out orderly, and take a strait and direct course, I will, to begin, sail out of Ireland into the Severn sea, and by the Irish sea (after I have doubled the utmost point of Scotland) follow my course down into the German Ocean, and so from thence through the British sea (which extendeth as far as to Spain) hold on my race as prosperously as I can. But I am afraid lest this my ship of Antiquity, steered by me so unskilful a Pilot, either run and be split upon the rocks of errors, or else be overwhelmed with the waves of ignorance, yet venture I must. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, saith Antiphilus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Adventure is a good sea Captain: and he that saileth the same voyage a second time, may haply speed much better, and finish his desired course. First and foremost, because it seemeth not impertinent to my matter, I will set down what Plutarch, out of a fabulous narration of Demetrius (who seemeth to have lived in Hadrians time) reporteth generally as touching the Lands lying near to Britain. Demetrius made report, that most of those Lands which coast upon Britain, lie desert, desolate and scattering here and there; whereof somewere dedicated to the Daemons, and Heroes: also that himself by commission from the Emperor, sailed toward one that was nearest of those desert Isles, for to know and discover somewhat: the which he found to have in a few inhabitants, and those he understood were reputed by the Britan's sacred and inviolable. Within a while after he was landed there, the air and weather (as he said) became foully troubled, many portenteous signs were given by terrible tempests, with extra-ordinary storms, flashing and violent lightnings and fiery impressions: which after they were appeased, the Islanders certified him that some one of great eminency was dead. And a little after: Now he said moreover, that there was a certain Island there, wherein Saturn was by Briareus closed up and kept in prison sound asleep (for sleep was the means to hold him captive) about whose person there were many Daemons at his feet, that stood attending as servitors. Thus they took pleasure in old time, as now also at this day, boldly to devise strange wonders and tales of places far remote, in a certain secure vein of lying, as it were by authority. In the narrow sea of Severn there peep up first of all two small Lands, whereof the one, because it lieth flat and with an even ground, is by us called Flatholme, in the same sense that Planarie is named Italy: the other Step-holme, because it riseth steep, in the British tongue Reoric: both of them, when the Britan's bare rule, were termed Echni, like as in our age Holmes, for so the Anglo-Saxons called green plains enclosed within water: neither were they in ancient times famous for any thing else, but for that the Danes lay there at road: and for the tomb of one Gualchus, a Britain of singular devoutness, whose Disciple Barruch left his name to the Island Barry in Wales (as an ancient monument of the Church of Landaff witnesseth) which Island in like manner hath given name to a noble house of the Barraies in Ireland. This hath lying hard to it the little Island Silly, upon the coast of the ancient Silures, of whose name it seemeth to retain still more than a shadow, like as a small town over against it in Glancorgan-shire: yet dare I not avouch it to be Silura, or Insula Silurum, the Island that Solinus mentioneth, seeing there be other Lands bearing the same name; yet, far distant from the Silureses. From thence we come to Caldey, in the British Imis-Pix, lying near unto the shore; and to Londey farther within the sea, over against Caldey, & belonging unto Devonshire; from the promontory or cape whereof, named Hert-nesse, it lieth 14. miles. Larger this is counted of the twain, howbeit reported to be not much more than two miles long, and one mile broad, so encircled with rocks and cliffs round about, that there is no avenue unto it but in one or two places. A fort or sconce it had: the ruins whereof, like as of S. Helen's Chapel, are yet to be seen. That it had been in time past eared with the plough, the ridges and furrows in it do evidently show: now all the commodity and profit that it yieldeth doth arise from sea-fowle, whereof it hath great store. Trees it hath none but stinking Elders, which the Stairs haunt in such multitudes, that uneth for their dung there is any coming unto them. But what mean I to stand hereupon? considering that Sir Thomas Delamere Knight (in reporting how that silly king Edward the second, when his froward and unreasonable wife, together with the unruly Barons thundered out threats, and denounced terrible menaces, was minded to withdraw himself hither, as to a place of refuge) hath in old time described it in this wise. Londay (saith he) is an Island lying in the mouth of Severn two miles long over way, full of pleasant pastures: it affordeth Coneys in great store: doves and stairs (which Alexander Necham termeth Ganymedes birds) it hath continually from time to time ready to lay: it serveth the inhabitants beside, with fresh water, walming abundantly out of springs, though itself be on all sides compassed with the sea. One way of entrance it hath into it, wherein two men can hardly go affront together on foot; on every part besides the dreadful rocks bearing out a mighty height, hinder all ingress. But scarcely do our Historians make any mention of it, save only how William de Marisco, a most lewd and mischievous rover in the reign of king Henry the third, from hence sore infested these coasts in times past: and that in King Edward the third his days it was part of the Lutterels inheritance. From thence in the very bent and turning of Pembroch-shire, we meet with Gresholme, Stockholme, Gresholme. Stockholme, and Scalmey. Silimnus. and Scalmey, in which is plenty of grass, and wild thyme groweth very fresh and pleasant. The day was when I thought Scalmey to have been that SILIMNUS, which Pliny in old time wrote of: but the truth hath now made me change my opinion. For that SILIMNUS of Pliny (as the affinity of the word implieth, seems to be Ptolomee his LIMNI. That this here is the Britan's Lymen, the word itself (if I should say nothing) showeth evidently, which the Englishmen by a new name have now a days termed Ramsey. This lieth full against the Episcopal Sea of Saint david's, whereunto it belongeth, and was in the foregoing ages very famous for the death of one justinian a most holy man; who after he had withdrawn himself hither out of little Britain in France, in that age that brought forth so many Saints, and led a long time an Eremits life, wholly devoted to the service of God, being in the end slain by a page, was registered in the roll of Martyrs. In whose life we find it oftentimes written, Lemen●ia Insula. Which denomination verily, together with the British name Limen, by which name it is known unto the Britain's themselves, checketh and taxeth his drowsiness who maketh this Island lying next above it to be Ptolomees Limnon: which the Britain's now name Enhly, and English Berdsey, as one would say the Isle of Birds. But that this should be it that Ptolomee calleth EDRI, and Pliny ANDROS or ADROS (as it is in some place read) I durst more boldly guess by the signification of the word: for Ader in the British tongue signifieth a Bird, and in the very same sense the Englishmen afterward called it Berdsey. As for Enhly, it is a name of a later stamp, and came by occasion of a certain holy and devout man, who here lived as an Eremite. For this Island, which toward the East mounteth aloft with an high promontory, but Westward lieth plain, and is of a fertile mould, harboured in old time so many holy men, that beside Dubrith and Merlin the Caledonian, ancient histories record there were twenty thousand Saints buried here. Next unto this lieth MONA, that is, Anglesey, which the Britan's also name Mon, Tir-Mon, and Ynis Dowyll, that is, A dark or shady Island, the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whereof I have treated already in the page 671. To Moon or Anglesey there adjoine three smaller Lands, Moyl-Rhoniad, that is, The Isle of Seals, upon the Northwest; which after it had been withheld by certain that unjustly seized upon it, from the Bishops of Bangor, unto whom it belonged, Henry Deny Bishop of Bangor (as we read in the history of Canterbury) with a fleet manned with soldiers in King Henry the seventh his time, recovered. Eastward lieth Ynis Ligod, that is, The Isle of mice: and more beneath, Prest-home, that is, The Isle of Priests: and nothing saw we in it but the tower steeple of Saint Cyriacs chapel, which showeth itself to the beholders afar off. Incredible it is what the neighbour's report of the infinite multitude of sea fowl that here do breed: as also what they tell of a causey or bank which went from hence through the sea to the foot of that huge mountain Pen-Maen-Maur, for their use who of devotion went on pilgrimage to visit this place, held in times passed so holy and religious. I pass over Lambey a little Island opposite unto this toward the coast of Ireland, although our Metall-men have to their great charges sought there of late for Alum. More Northward lieth that Mona whereof Caesar maketh mention, in the mids of the cur, as he saith, between Britain and Ireland. Ptolomee termeth it MONOEDA, as one would say Mon-eitha, that is, if I may be allowed to conjecture, The more remote Mona, to put a difference between it and the other Mona, that is, Anglesey: Pliny MONABIA, Orosius MENAVIA, and Bede Menavia secunda, that is, the second Menavia, where he termeth Mona or Anglesey, Menavia prior, that is, the former Menavia, and calleth them both, Lands of the Britan's: in which writers notwithstanding it is read amiss Mevania: Ninius who also goeth abroad under the name of Gildas, nameth it Eubonia and Manaw, the Britan's Menow, the inhabitants Maning, and we Englishmen, The Isle of Man: stretched out just in the mid level (as saith Girald Cambrensis) between the Northern coasts of Ireland and Britain; about which Isle, and namely to whether of the two countries it ought of right to appertain, there arose no small doubt among those in ancient times. At length the controversy was taken up in this manner. For as much as this land fostered venomous worms brought over hither for trial, adjudged it was by a common censure and doom to lie unto Britain. Howbeit the inhabitants both in language and manners come nighest unto the Irish, yet so as they therewith savour somewhat of the qualities of the Norvegians. It lieth out in length from North to South much about thirty Italian miles: but reacheth in breadth where it is widest, scarce above fifteen miles, and where it is narrowest eight. In Bedes days it contained in it three hundred families, like as Anglesey 96. but now it numbereth seventeen Parish Churches. Flax and hemp it beareth abundantly: it hath fresh pastures, and fields by good manuring plenteous of Barley, and Wheat, but of Oats especially: whence it is that the people there eat most of all Oaten bread. Store of cattle every where, and mighty flocks of sheep: but both their sheep and other cattle also be smaller of body there, like as in Ireland neighbouring upon it, than in England, and nothing so fair headed. And considering it hath few or no woods at all, they use for fuel a kind of clammy turf, which as they are digging out of the earth, they light many times upon trees buried under the ground. In the midst it riseth up with hills standing thick, the highest whereof is Sceafull, from whence a man may see on a clear and fair day, Scotland, England and Ireland. Their chief town they count Russin, situate on the Southside, which of a castle wherein lieth a Garrison, is commonly called Castle-Towne: where, within a little Island Pope Gregory the fourteenth instituted an Episcopal See: the Bishop whereof named Sodorensis (of this very Island as it is thought) had jurisdiction in times passed over all the Lands, West Irish Isles or Hebrides, but exerciseth it now only upon that Island, and is himself under the Archbishop of York. Howbeit, he hath no place nor voice in the assembly of the States of England in Court of Parliament. Duglasse is the best peopled town, and of greatest resort; because the haven is commodious, and hath a most easy entrance: unto which the Frenchmen and other foreigner's use to repair with their bay-salt, having traffic with the Islanders, and buying of them again, leather, course wool, and powdered beef. But on the South side of the I'll stand Bala-Curi (where the Bishop for the most part is resiant) and the Pyle, a Block-house standing in a little Island; where also there are soldiers in garrison. Also before the very South point there lieth a pretty Island, called the Calf of Man, wherein are exceeding great store of sea-foule called Puffins, and of those ducks and drakes which (breeding of rotten-wood, as they say) the Englishmen call Bernacles, Bernacles. the Scots Clakes and Soland geese. That which here followeth I will set down out of a letter, which that learned and reverend father in God John Meryk Bishop of this I'll wrote unto me. This Island, for cattle, for fish, yea and for corn, rather through men's industry than by any goodness of the ground, hath not only sufficient for itself, but also good store to send into other countries. Yet happier it was for the government thereof, as being defended from neighbour enemies by soldiers pressed and ready, at the expenses of the Earl of Derby, upon which he employed the greatest part of his yearly revenue in this Isle. All controversies are decided without writings or any charges, by certain judges, whom they choose from among themselves, and call Deemsters. For the Magistrate taketh up a stone, and when he hath given it his mark, delivereth it unto the plaintiff, who by virtue thereof citeth his adversary and witnesses. If there fall out any doubtful case & of greater importance, it is referred to twelve men, whom they term, The Keys of the Island. It hath certain Coroners, and those they call Annos, who stand in stead of Sheriffs, and execute their office. The Ecclesiastical Judge doth cite persons and determine causes, within eight days they stand to his award, or they are clapped up in prison. They had, as I have heard say, as a peculiar language of their own, so also their peculiar laws, which are signs of a peculiar signory. Their Ecclesiastical laws, next after this Canon Law, come nearest unto the Civil. Upon any judge or Clerks of the Court for making of Process or drawing Instruments, the people never bestow so much as one penny. As for that which English Writers report of mischiefs done by witchcraft and sorcery, it is mere false. They that are of the wealthier sort and hold fair possessions, and for their good housekeeping, and honest carriage, are conformable to imitate the people of Lancaster. The women whither soever they go out of their doors, gird themselves about (as mindful of their mortality) with the winding sheet that they purpose to be buried in. Such of them as are by law condemned to die, are sewed within a sack, & flung from a rock into the sea. They are all of them in this Isle as far from the customary practice of thieving or begging from door to door, as may be: wonderful religious, and most ready every one to entertain the form of the English Church. The disorders, as well Civil as Ecclesiastical, of their neighbour nations they detest: and whereas the whole Isle is divided into two parts, South and North; this in common speech resembleth the Scottish, the other the Irish. Haply it were worth my labour, if I should here insert a little History of this Island, which truth of due demandeth at my hands, that so I may keep alive and in remembrance still, the Acts heretofore achieved: which if they be not buried, yet are waxen old, and have as it were one foot in the grave of oblivion. That the Britan's held this Island, as they did all Britain, it is confessed by all. But when the Nations from the North, like violent tempests, overflowed these South parts, it became subject to the Scots. For under the Emperor's Honorius and Arcadius (as we read in Orosius) it was inhabited as well as Ireland by the Scottish Nations: and Ninnius hath written that one Biule a Scot was Lord of it. But (as the same writer recordeth) the Scots were driven out of all the British countries and Lands by Cuneda, Grandfather of Maglocunus, whom Gildas (for the foul work that he made in these Lands) termed the Dragon of the Iles. After this, Edwin King of Northumberland brought this Island, like as the foresaid Anglesey, under the subjection of the English, if we understand them both by the name of Menaviae, as writers persuade us: at which time it was reckoned an Island of the Britan's. But when the North had sent abroad his brood the second time, I mean the Normans, Danes, and Norwegians: these Norwegians, who with their manifold robberies and roveries did most hurt from the Northern sea, took up their haunt into this Island and the Hebrides, and therein erected Lords and Petty Kings, whose brief history I will here put down word for word out of an old Manuscript, lest it should be utterly lost, which is entitled, The Chronicle of Man, seeming to have been written by the Monks of the Abbey of Russin, which was the principal place of religion in this Isle. A CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF MAN. ANno Domini MLXV. Edward of blessed memory King of England departed this life: after whom succeeded in the kingdom Harald the son of Godwin; against whom Harald Harfager King of Norway came into the field, and fought a battle at Stainford-bridge; and the English obtaining the victory, put them all to flight: out of which chase Godred surnamed Crovan, the son of Harald the black of Iseland, came unto Godred the son of Syrric, who then reigned in Man, and by him was honourably received. The same year, William the BASTARD conquered England and Godred the son of Syrric died, after whom succeeded his son Fingal. MLXVI. Godred Crovan assembled a great fleet and came to Man, fought with the people of the land, but was overcome and put to rout. A second time he rallied his forces and his fleet, sailed into Man, joined battle with the Manksmen, was vanquished and driven out of the field. A third time he gathered a great multitude together, and by night arrived in the haven called Ramsa, and hid three hundred men within a wood, which stood upon the hanging hollow brow of an hill called Scacafel. Now when the sun was risen, the Manksmen put their people in order of battle, and with a violent charge encountered with Godred. And when the fight was hot, those three hundred men starting out of the ambush behind their backs, began to foil the Manksmen and put them to the worst, yea and forced them to fly. Now when they saw themselves discomfited, and no place for them of refuge to escape, (for the sea water coming in with the tide had filled the channel of Ramsa river, and the enemies on the other side followed the chase hard) they that then remained alive took up a pitiful cry, and besought Godred to save their lives. And he moved with compassion, pitying their woeful calamity (as who for a certain time had been nursed and brought up among them) sounded the retreat, and forbade his host to pursue them any longer. Gored the morrow after proposed this choice unto his own army, whether they would rather divide Man among themselves, and therein dwell, or only take the substance and pillage of the country, and so return unto their own homes? But they chose rather to waste and spoil the whole Island, and with the goods thereof to enrich themselves, and so return home. But Godred himself, with those few Islanders that remained with him, inhabited the South part of the Island, and granted to the remains of the Manksmen the North part, with this covenant and condition, That none of them should at any time venture and presume to challenge any part of the land by right of inheritance. Whereby it came to pass that even unto this day the whole Isle is the Kings domain alone, and all the revenues thereof belonging unto the crown. Godred then reduced Dublin, and a great part of Leymistir under his subjection. As for the Western Scottish, he so overawed them, as that no man who built ship or cog-boat durst drive into it above three nails. Now he reigned 16. years, and died in the Island that is called Isle. He left behind him verily three sons, Lagman, Harald, and Olave. Lagman the eldest taking upon him the kingdom, reigned seven years. And Harald his brother a great while rebelled against him; but at length being taken prisoner by Lagman, he had his members of generation cut off, and his eyes plucked out of his head. After this Lagman repenting himself that he had pulled out his brother's eyes, gave over the kingdom of his own accord, and wearing the badge of the Lords Cross, took a journey to Jerusalem, in which he died. MLXXU. All the Nobles and Lords of the Islands, hearing of the death of Lagman, dispatched their Ambassadors to Murecard O-Brien King of Ireland, requesting that he would send some industrious and worthy man of the blood royal to be their King, until Olave, Godreds' son, came to full age. The King very willingly yielded to their requests, and sent unto them one Dopnald the son of Tade, warning and charging him to govern the kingdom (which by right belonged unto another) with all gentleness and modesty. But he after he was come to the Crown, not weighing of the charge that his Lord and M. gave him, abused his place, and lorded with great tyranny, and so committing many outrages and villainies, reigned cruelly three years. Then all the Princes of the Lands agreed together in one conspiracy, rose up against him, and expelled him out of their coasts. Who fled into Ireland, and never looked them in the face after. MLXXVII. One Ingemund was sent from the King of Norway, to take upon him the dominion of the Lands: and when he was come to the Isle Leodus, he sent messengers to all the Nobles of the Lands, with a commandment that they should meet together and ordain him their King: Mean while, himself with his companions did nothing else but rob, spoil, make good cheer and banquet, dishonour and abuse married wives, deflower young maidens, yea and give himself over to filthy pleasures and fleshly lusts. But when tidings hereof came to the Nobles of the Lands, now assembled to make him King, they were set on fire with furious wrath, and sped themselves in all haste toward him: and surprising him in the night, burned the house wherein he was, and with fire and sword made a quick dispatch of him and his company. MXCVIII. The Abbey of S. Mary at Cistertium or Cisteaux was founded. Antioch was won by the Christians: and a Comet or blazing star appeared. The same year there was a field fought between those of the Isle of Man, at S●antwas: and the Northern men got the victory. In which battle were slain Earl Oiher and Mac-Moras, Generals of both the sides. In the same year Magnus' King of Norway, the son of Olave, son of Harald Harfager, desirous to try whether the corpse of S. Olave King and Martyr remained uncorrupt, commanded that his tomb should be opened and notwithstanding the Bishop and Clergy withstood it, the King himself came boldly thither, and by force that he brought with him caused the coffin to be opened. Now when he had both seen and handled the body uncorrupt and nothing perished, suddenly there was a great fear fell upon him, and in all haste he departed thence. The next night following Olave King and Martyr appeared unto him in a dream, saying thus: Choose thou one of these two things, either to lose thy life and kingdom both within thirty days, or to depart from Norway and never see it again. When the King awakened, he called unto him his Princes and Elders, and declared unto them his dream and vision: and they being sore afraid gave him this counsel, to depart with all speed out of Norway. He without delay caused a fleet to be rigged and put in readiness, of an hundred and threescore sail, and cutteth over to the Isles of Orkney, which he forthwith subdued; & making way by dint of sword throughout all the Isles, and bringing them to his subjection, went forward still as far as to Man, and when he was arrived and landed he came unto St. Patrick's Isle, to see the place wherein the field had been fought a little before between the Manksmen, because as yet many of their bodies that were slain lay there unburied. Now when he saw this most goodly and beautiful Island, it pleased his eye, and he chose it to seat himself therein, built fortresses in it, which unto this day carry his name. And those of Galway he held in so great awe, that he compelled them to cut down wood for timber, and to bring it unto the shore, that therewith he might build his Forts and Bulwarks. To Anglesey, then called Mona (an Island in Wales) he sailed, and found in it two Earls by the name of Hughes: the one he slew, the other he put to flight, and subdued the Island. But the Welshmen presented him with many gifts, and so he bade them farewell, and returned unto Man. Unto Murcard King of Ireland he sent his shoes, and commanded him to carry them on his shoulders through the midst of his house on Christmas day, that he might thereby understand he was subject unto King Magnus. Which the Irishmen as soon as they heard of it took grievously, and disdained exceeding much. But the King following a wiser course, I had rather, saith he, not only carry his shoes, but also eat them, than King Magnus should destroy one Province in Ireland. He fulfilled therefore his commandment, and honourably entreated his messengers. Many presents also he sent over by them unto King Magnus, and entered into league with him. These messengers being returned unto their Lord, related unto him many things touching the situation of Ireland, the pleasantness thereof, the abundance of corn and wholesomeness of air. When Magnus heard this, straightways he thought of nothing else but to conquer Ireland, and bring it wholly under his dominion. He commanded therefore his men to prepare a navy; and himself in person setting forward with sixteen ships, desirous to take a view of the country, as he unwarily departed aside from his shipping, was suddenly compassed about by the Irish, and so lost his life, together with all those in manner that were with him. And he was buried hard by S. Patrick's Church in Down. He reigned six years: after whose death the Princes of the Lands sent for Olave the son of Godred surnamed Crovan, who lived in the Court of Henry King of England, son of King William. MCII Olave, the son of Godred Crovan aforesaid, began his reign and reigned forty years: a peaceable Prince, having all the Kings of Ireland and Scotland to be his confederates. He took to wife Africa the daughter of Ferguse of galway: of whom he begat Gadred. By his concubines he had Regnald, Lagman and Harald, beside many daughters, whereof one was wedded to Summerled Prince of Herergaidel, who was the cause of the ruin of the whole Kings of the Lands. On her he begat four sons, Dulgall, Raignald, Engus, and Olave. MCXXXIII. There happened so great an Eclipse of the Sun, upon the fourth Nones of August, that the day was turned into night. MCXXXIV. Olave gave unto You Abbot of Furnes a plot of his land in Man, to build an abbey, in a place called Russin: and both enriched with revenues, and endowed with privileges the estate of the Church in the Lands. MCXLII. Godred, Olaves' son, saileth over sea to the King of Norway, whose name was Hinge, and did his homage unto him, and stayed there being honourably entertained of him. The same year three sons of Harald, Olaves brother (who had been brought up in Dublin) raising a great number of men together, and all those who were fled from the King, came to Man, demanding of the same King to have the one moiety of the whole kingdom of the Lands to be given unto them. But the King, when he had heard their demand, being willing to pacify them, answered, That he would take counsel of the matter. Now when they had appointed the time and place where the counsel should be held, in the mean while those most lewd and wicked villains complotted among themselves the King's death. At the day appointed both parts met at the haven which is called Ramsa, and sat in order by rows, the King with his counsel on the one side, and they together with their company on the other, and Reginald (who was to dispatch him) was in the midst between, and stood talking apart with one of the Peers of the land. But when the King had called him and he was come unto him, he turned toward the King as though he would salute him, and therewith lifting up a glittering axe a great height, at one blow cut off the King's head. And forthwith as soon as they had committed such a bloody murder, they divided the land among themselves: and after some few days, having gathered a navy together, failed over to Galway, desirous to bring it also under their subjection: But those of Galway sticking close and round together, gave a fair onset, and joined battle with them. They by and by turning their backs fled in great disorder to Man: And as for all the Galwaymen that dwelled therein, some of them they slew, others they expelled. MCXLIII. Godred, Olaves' son, returning out of Norway was created King of Man, and to avenge his father's death, he caused two of Harald's sons to have their eyes pulled out, and slew the third. MCXLIV. Godred begun his reign, and reigned thirty years. In the third year of his reign, the people of Dublin sent for him and created him King of Dublin, against whom Murecard King of Ireland raised war, and encamping himself before the City which is called Coridelis, sent his half brother (by the mother's side) Osibeley, with three thousand men of arms to Dublin, who was by Godred and the Dublinians slain, and all the rest put to flight. These exploits achieved, Godred returned to Man, began to use tyranny, and turned Noblemen out of their inheritances, whereof one called Thorsin, Oters' Son, mightier than the rest, came to Sumerled and made Dubgall, Sumerleds son, King of the Lands, subduing unto him many Lands. When Godred had intelligence of these things by one Paul, he prepared a navy, and setteth forward to meet with Sumerled, who was coming with a fleet of 80. sail. And in the year 1156. there was a battle fought at sea on Twelve day at night, and after many a man slain on both sides, the next day after they grew to a pacification, and divided among themselves the kingdom of the Lands: and so it became two several kingdoms from that very day unto this present time. And this was the cause of the overthrow of the kingdom of the Isles, since time that Sumerleds son seized upon it. MCLVIII. Sumerled came to Man with a fleet of 53. sail, put Godred to flight, & wasted the Island. Godred then crossed over to Norway, to seek for aid against Sumerled. MCLXIV. Sumerled gathered together a fleet of 1060. ships, and arrived at Rhinfrin, coveting to subdue all Scotland. But by the just judgement of God he was vanquished by a few, together with his son and an infinite number of people there slain. The same year there was a field fought at Ramsae between Reginald brother of Godred, and them of Man: and by the deceitful practice of a certain Earl, those of Man were put to flight. Then Reginald began to reign, and on the fourth day after came Godred upon him out of Norway with a great multitude of armed men, and took his brother Reginald, whom he bereft both of his eyes, and of his genital members. The same year died Malcolm King of Scotland, and his brother William succeeded him in the kingdom. MCLXVI. Two Comets or blazing stars appeared before Sunrising in the Month of August, the one in the South, the other in the North. MCLXXI. Richard Earl of Penbrock sailed over into Ireland, and subdued Develin with a great part of Ireland. MCLXXVI. John Curey conquered Ulster, and Vivian Legate of the Apostolic Sea came into Man, and caused King Godred to be lawfully espoused unto his wife Phingola, daughter of Mac-Lotlen, son to Murkartac King of Ireland, to wit, the mother of Olave then three years old. Sylvan the Abbot married them: unto whom the very same day Godred gave a piece of land at Miriscoge, where he built a Monastery: but at length the ground was together with the Monks granted to the Abbey of Russin. Reginald son to Eac-Marcat, one of the royal blood, coming into Man with a great band of men in the King's absence, at the first conflict put to flight certain warders that kept the shore, and killed about 30. men. Afterwards the Manksmen gathering their forces together, the same day slew him and almost all his company. MCLXXXIII. O-Fogolt was Sheriff of Man. MCLXXXV. There fell out to be an Eclipse of the Sun on Saint Philip and jacob's day. MCLXXXVII. On the fourth Ides of November died Godred King of the Lands: and the next Summer was his body translated to the Isle of Hy. He left behind him three sons, Reginald, Olave, and Tvar. In his life he ordained his son Olave to be his heir, because he only was borne in lawful wedlock. But the people of Man, seeing that Olave was now scarce ten years old, sent for Reginald out of the Isles, and set him up for their King. MCLXXXVIII. Reginald Godreds' son began to reign over the Lands: and Murchard, a man of great power throughout all the kingdom of the Isles, was slain. MCXCII. A battle was fought between Reginald and Engus the sons of Sumerled, but Engus won the victory. The same year was the Abbey of Russin translated to Dufglas: but after four years the Monks returned to Russin. MCCIII. Michael Bishop of the Isles died at Fontans, after whom succeeded Nicolas. MCCIU Hugh Lacie came with an army into Ulster, and gave John Curcy battle, took him prisoner, and conquered Ulster. Afterward he set John at liberty, who came to King Reginald: and he honourably entertained him, because he was his brother in law: for John Curcy had taken to wife Africa Godreds' daughter, who founded the Abbey of S. Marry de jugo Domini, and was there buried. MCCU. John Curcy and Reginald King of the Isles having entered into Ulster with one hundred ships, in the haven which is called Stranford, slackly besieged the fortress of Rath: but Walter Lacie coming upon them with an army, put them to flight: after this Curcy never recovered his land. MCCX. Engus, Sumerleds son, was with three of his sons slain. John King of England at the same time brought a navy of 500 sail to Ireland, & subdued it: who sending a certain Earl named Fulk unto Man, in one fortnight and a day wholly in a manner wasted it: and taking hostages, returned thence into their country. King Reginald and his Nobles were not in Man. MCCXVII. Nicolas Bishop of the Lands departed this life and was buried in Ulster within the house of Benchor, after whom succeeded Reginald. Here I think good to write somewhat again of Olave and Reginald, Brethren. REginald gave unto his brother Olave the I'll called Lodhus, which is said to be larger than the rest of the Lands, but slenderly inhabited, because it stands much upon mountains, is stony beside, and almost all unfit for tillage. The inhabitants thereof live for the most part by hunting and fishing. Olave therefore went to possess himself of this Island, and dwelled in it, leading a poor life. And when he saw it would not suffice to maintain himself and his army, he came boldly unto his brother Reginald, who then made his abode in the Lands, and spoke unto him in this manner. Brother, saith he, my Sovereign Lord the King, thou knowest that the kingdom of the Lands belonged unto me by inheritance; but since the Lord hath elected thee to sway the Sceptre thereof, I envy thee not, nor take it grievously that thou art exalted to that royal dignity. Now thus much I heartily beseech thee, that thou wouldst provide me some portion of land in the Isles, wherein I may live honestly according to mine estate: for the Island Lodhus which thou gavest unto me is not sufficient to sustain me. Reginald his brother after he had given him the hearing, said he would take counsel upon the point: and the morrow after, when Olave was sent for, and came in place to parley of the matter, Reginald commandeth that he should be apprehended and brought unto William King of Scotland, that with him he might be kept in prison. And Olave lay prisoner in irons and chains almost seven years. In the seventh year died William King of Scotland, after whom succeeded his son Alexander. Now before his death he gave commandment that all prisoners should be set free. Olave therefore being enlarged and at liberty came to Man: and soon after, accompanied with no small train of Noblemen, he went to S. James: and after he was thus returned Reginald his brother caused him to marry a Noble man's daughter of Kentyre, even his own wives whole sister, named Lavon, and gave him Lodhus in possession to enjoy. Some few days after Reginald Bishop of the Lands having called a Synod, canonically divorced Olave the son of Godred, and Lavon his wife, as being the cousin german of his former wife. After this Olave wedded Scristine daughter of Ferkar Earl of Rosse. For this cause Reginalds wife Queen of the Lands was wroth, and directed her letters in the name of Reginald the King, into the I'll Sky, unto Godred her son that he should kill Olave. As Godred was devising means to work this feat, and now entering into Lodhus, Olave fled in a little cog-boat unto his father in law, the Earl of Rosse aforesaid. Then Godred wasteth and spoileth Lodhus. At the same time Pol the son of Book Sheriff of Sky, a man of great authority in all the Lands, because he would not give his consent unto Godred, fled, and together with Olave lived in the Earl of Rosses house: and entering into a league with Olave they came both in one ship to Sky. At length having sent forth their spies and discoverers, they learned that Godred lay in a certain Island called St. Columbs Isle, having very few men with him, misdoubting nothing. Gathering therefore about them all their friends and acquaintance, with such voluntaries as were ready to join with them, at midnight with five ships which they drew from the next seashore, distant from the Island aforesaid some two furlongs, they beset the Isle round about. Godred then, and they that were with him, rising by the dawning of the day, and seeing themselves environed on every side with enemies, were astonished: but putting themselves in warlike arms, assayed right manfully to make resistance, but all in vain. For about nine a clock of the day Olave and Pol the foresaid Sheriff set foot in the Island, with their whole army, & having slain all those whom they found without the enclosure of the Church, they took Godred, put out his eyes, and gelded him. Howbeit to this deed Olave did not yield his consent, neither could he withstand it, for Books son, the Sheriff aforesaid. For this was done in the year 1223. The Summer next following Olave, after he had taken hostages of all the Lords and potentates of the Isles, came with a fleet of 32. sail toward Man, and arrived at Rognolfwaht. At this very time Reginald and Olave divided the kingdom of the Lands between themselves, and Man was given to Reginald over and beside his own portion, together with the title of King. Olave the second time, having furnished himself with victuals from the people of Man, returned with his company to his portion of the Island. The year following, Reginald taking with him Alane Lord of Galway, went with his soldiers of Man to the Island parts, that he might disseise his brother Olave of that portion of land which he had given unto him, and bring it under his own dominion. But because the Manksmen were not willing to fight against Olave and the Islanders, for the love they had to them, Reginald and Alan Lord of Galway returned home without achieving their purpose. After a little while, Reginald under pretence of going to the Court of his Sovereign the Lord King of England, took up of the people of Man an hundred Marks, but went in very deed to the Court of Alan Lord of Galway. At the same time he affianced his daughter unto the son of Alan in marriage. Which the Manksmen hearing, took such snuff and indignation thereat, that they sent for Olave, and made him their King. MCCXXVI. Olave recovered his inheritance, to wit, the kingdom of Man and of the Lands, which his brother Reginald had governed 38. years, and reigned quietly two years. MCCXXVIII. Olave accompanied with all the Nobles of Man, and a band of the strongest men of the country, sailed over into the Lands. A little after Alan Lord of Galway, and Thomas Earl of Athol, and King Reginald, came unto Man with a puissant army: all the South part of Man they wasted, spoiled the Churches, and slew all the men they could lay hold of, so that the South part of Man was laid in manner all desolate. After this returned Alan with his army into his own country, and left his bailiffs in Man, to gather up for him the tributes of the country. But King Olave came upon them at unwares, put them to flight and recovered his own kingdom. Then the people of Man, which before time had been dispersed every way, began to gather themselves together, and to dwell with confidence and security. In the same year came King Reginald out of Galway unlooked for, at the dead time of night in winter, with five ships, and burned all the shipping of his brother Olave, and of the Lords of Man at Saint Patrick's Island: and suing to his brother for peace, stayed forty days at the haven of Ragnoll-wath. Mean while he won and drew unto him all the Islanders in the South part of Man, who swore they would venture their lives in his quarrel, until he were invested in the one half of the kingdom. On the contrary part, Olave had the Northern men of the Isle to side with him: and upon the 14. day of February, at a place called Tingualla, there was a battle struck between the two brethren, wherein Olave had the victory: and King Reginald was by some killed there without his brother's knowledge. And certain rovers coming to the South part of Man wasted and harried it. The Monks of Russin translated the body of King Reginald unto the Abbey of S. Marry the Fournes, and there interred it was in a place which himself had chosen for that purpose. After this went Olave to the King of Norway; but before that he was come thither, Haco King of Norway ordained a certain Noble man named Hu●bac, the son of Owmund for to be King of the Sodorian Lands, and called his name Haco. Now the same Haco, together with Olave, and Godred Don Reginalds son, and many Norwegians came unto the Lands: and at the winning of a fort in the Island Both, Haco chanced to be smit with a stone, whereof he died, and lieth buried in jona. MCCXXX. Olave came with Godred Don and the Norwegians to Man: and they divided the kingdom among themselves: Olave held Man, and Godred being gone unto the Lands, was slain in the Isle Lodhus. So obtained Olave the kindgome of the Isles. MCCXXXVII. On the twelfth Calends of June died Olave the son of Godred King of Man, in S. Patrick's Island, and was buried in the Abbey of Russin. He reigned eleven years, two by his brother's life, and nine after his death. Harold his son succeeded him being 14. years of age, and reigned 12. years. In the first year of his reign he made a journey to the Lands, and appointed Loglen his cousin, Custos of Man. In the Autumn following Harald sent three sons of Nell, namely, Dufgald, Thorquill Mormore, and his friend joseph to Man, for to consult about affairs. On the 25. day therefore they meet at Tingull: and by occasion of a certain envious quarrel that arose between the sons of Nell and Loglen, there was a sore fight on both sides, wherein were slain Dufgald, Mormore, and the foresaid Joseph. In the spring ensuing King Harald came to the Isle of Man, and Loglen, as he fled toward Wales, perished by Shipwreck, with Godred Olaves son his foster child and pupil, with 40. others. MCCXXXVIII. Gospatricke and Gillescrist the son of Mac-Kerthac came from the King of Norway into Man, who by force kept Harald out of Man, and took tributes to the King's behoof of Norway, because he refused to come unto the King of Norway's Court. MCCXL. Gospatric died, and is buried in the Abbey of Russin. MCCXXXIX. Harald went unto the King of Norway, who after two years confirmed unto him, his heirs and successors under his seal, all the Lands which his predecessors had possessed. MCCXLII. Harald returned out of Norway to Man, and being by the inhabitants honourably received, had peace with the Kings of England and of Scotland. Harald, like as his father before him, was by the King of England dubbed Knight, and after he had been rewarded with many gifts returned home. The same year he was sent for by the King of Norway, and married his daughter. And in the year 1249. as he returned homeward with his wife, and Laurence King elect of Man, and many other Nobles and Gentlemen, he was drowned in a tempest near unto the coasts of Radland. MCCXLIX. Reginald the son of Olave and brother to Harald, began his reign the day before the Nones of May, and on the thirtieth day thereof was slain by one Yvar a Knight and his company, in a meadow near unto the Holy Trinity Church, on the South side, and lieth buried in the Church of Saint Mary of Russin. At that time Alexander King of Scots rigged and brought together many ships, meaning to subdue the Island: and in the I'll Kerwaray he died of an ague. Harald the son of Godred Don usurped the name of King in the Lands: all the Nobles of Harald King Olaves son he banished, and placed in their stead all the Princes and Peers that were fled from the said Harald. MCCL. Harald the son of Godred Don, being by missives sent for, went unto the King of Norway, who kept him in prison, because he had unjustly intruded himself into the kingdom. The same year there arrived at Roghalwaght Magnus the son of Olave, and John the son of Dugald, who named himself King: but the people of Man taking it to the heart that Magnus was not nominated, would not suffer them to land there: many of them therefore were cast away and perished by shipwreck. MCCLII. Magnus' the son of Olave came to Man, and was made King: The next year he went to the King of Norway, and stayed there a year. MCCLIV. Haco King of Norway ordained Magnus, Olaves son, King of the Isles, and confirmed the same unto him and his heirs, and by name unto his brother Harald. MCCLVI Magnus King of Man went into England, and was knighted by the King of England. " MCCLVII. The church of S. Mary's of Russin was dedicated by Richard of Sodore. MCCLX. Haco King of Norway came unto the parts of Scotland, and without any exploit done turned to the Orkneys: where at Kirwas he ended his days, and lieth interred at Bergh. MCCLXV. Magnus, Olaves son King of Man and of the Lands, departed this life at the Castle of Russin, and was buried in the Church of S. Marry de Russin. MCCLXVI. The kingdom of the Lands was translated, by reason of Alexander King of Scots. That which followeth was written in another hand, and of a later character. MCCLXX. The seventh day of October, a navy set out by Alexander King of Scots, arrived at Roghalwath: and the next morrow before sun rising a battle was fought between the people of Man and the Scots, in which were slain of the Manksmen 537. whereupon a certain versifier played thus upon the number. L. decies, X. ter, & penta duo cecidere, Mannica gens de te, damna futura cave. L. Ten times told, X. thrice, with five beside and twain, Beware future harms, I reed, of thy folk Man were slain. MCCCXIII. Robert King of Scots besieged the Castle of Russin, which Dingawy Dowyll held against him: but in the end the King won the castle: MCCCXVI. On the Ascension day, Richard le Mandevile and his brethren with other Potentates of Ireland, arrived at Ramaldwath, requesting to be furnished with victuals and silver, for that they had been robbed by the enemy's warring upon them continually. Now when the commonality of the country had made answer, that they would not give them any: they advanced forward against those of Man with two troops or squadrons, until they were come as far as to the side of Warthfell hill, in a field wherein John Mandevile remained, and there in a fought battle the Irish vanquished the Manksmen, spoiled the Island, and rifled the Abbey of Russin: and after they had continued in the Island one whole month, they returned home with their ships fraught with pillage. Thus endeth the Chronicle of the K.K. of Man. The Process or course of the History following, I will now continue summarily out of other Writers. WHen Alexander the third King of Scots had gotten into his hands the Western Lands, partly by way of conquest, and in part for ready money paid unto the King of Norway, he attempted the I'll of Man also, as one of that number, and through the valiant prowess of Alexander Stewart brought it under his dominion: yea and placed there a petty King or Prince, with this condition, that he should be ready always at his command, to serve with ten ships in his wars at sea. Howbeit Mary, the daughter of Reginald King of Man (who was become the Liegeman of John King of England) entered her suit for the Island before the King of England: but answer was made unto her, that she should demand it of the King of Scots, for that he then held it in possession. And yet her grandchild John Waldebeof (for the said Mary married into the house of Waldebeofe) sued for his ancient right in Parliament, holden in the 33. year of King Edward the first, before the K. of England, as the superior Lord of the kingdom of Scotland. But none other answer could he have than this (if I may speak the words out of the very authentical Records) Sequatur coram justitiariis de Banco Regis, etc. that is, Let him sue before the justices of the K. Bench, let him be heard, and let justice be done. But that which he could not obtain by right, Sir William Montacute, his kinsman (for come he was of the race of the Kings of Man) won by his sword. For with a band of English mustered up in haste, he drove all the Scots out of the Island. But being by this war plunged deeply in debt, and not having wherewith to make some payment thereof, he mortgaged it for seven years to Antony Bec Bishop of Durham, and Patriarch of Jerusalem, and made over the profits and revenues thereof unto him: yea and soon after the King granted it unto the said Antony for term of life. Afterwards, King Edward the second passed a grant thereof unto his minion Piers Gaveston, what time as he created him Earl of Cornwall: and when the said Piers was rid out of the way, he gave it unto Henry Beaumond, with all the domain and regal jurisdiction thereto belonging. But shortly after the Scots under Robert Brus recovered it; and Robert Randulph that right warlike Scot, like as a long time after Alexander Duke of Albany, used to style themselves Lords of Man, and bore the same coat of Arms, as did the later Kings of Man; namely, three armed legs of a man linked together, and bending in the hams: such for all the world as the Isle Sicilia gave, the three legs naked, in like form in her coins of money in old time, to signify three Promontories. Notwithstanding, before time the Kings of Man used for their arms, as we have seen in their Seals, a ship with the sail hoist up, with this title in the circumference, Rex Manniae & insularum, that is, King of Man and of the Islands. Afterward, about the year 1340. William Montacute the younger, Earl of Salisbury wrested it by strong hand and force of arms from the Scottish: who in the year of our Lord 1393. as Thomas Walsingham saith, sold for a great sum of money, Man, with the crown thereof, unto William Scrope. Who being for high treason beheaded, and his goods confiscate, it came unto the hands of Henry the fourth King of England: who granted this Island unto Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland (as a conqueror triumphing over William Scrope, whom he as yet a private person had intercepted and beheaded, when he aspired to the crown) with this condition: that himself and his heirs should when the Kings of England were installed and crowned, carry before them that sword, which the said Henry wore by his side, what time he came back again out of exile into England, commonly called Lancaster sword. But I think it good to set this down out of the Record, in the very words of the K. himself. De nostra gratia speciali dedimus, that is: Of our special grace we have given and granted unto Henry Earl of Northumberland, the Isle, Castle, Pile, and Seignory of Man, and all the Lands and Lordships to the said Isle belonging, which were Sir William le Scropes', Knight, now deceased, (whom in his life time we conquered, and have decreed him so to be conquered) and which by reason of our conquest of him we took into our hand as conquered: which conquest verily and decree in our present Parliament, with the assent of the Lords Temporal in the same Parliament being, as touching the person of the foresaid William, and all the lands, tenements, goods, and chattels of his, as well within our kingdom as without, at the petition of the Communality of our kingdom, stand confirmed, etc. To have and to hold unto the said Earl, and his heirs, etc. by service of carrying at the days of our coronation, and of our heirs, at the left shoulder, and the left shoulder of our heirs, either by himself or a sufficient and honourable Deputy of his, that sword naked which we ware, and were girt with, when we arrived in the parts of holderness, called Lancaster sword, etc. But in the fifth year following the said Henry Percy entered into open rebellion, and the King sent Sir john Stanley and William Stanley to seize the Isle and castle of Man, the inheritance whereof he granted afterward to Sir john Stanley and his heirs by letters Patents, with the patronage of the Bishopric, etc. And so his heirs and successors, who were honoured with the title of Earls of Derby, were commonly called Kings of Man. Annals of Th. Otterborn. Anno 7. H. 4. From Man, until we come to the Mull of Gallaway, we meet with none but very small Lands. But after we be once past it, in the salt water of GLOTTA, or Dunbritton Frith appeareth the Island GLOTTA, whereof Antoninus maketh mention, which the Scots now call Arran, whereof the Earls of Arran in Scotland were styled: and neighbouring unto it is that which was in times past named Rothesia, now Buthe of a sacred Cell which Brendan erected (for so they term a little Cell in Scottish) thence come we to Hellan, in times past called Hellan Leneaw, that is, as john Fordon interpreteth it, The Isle of Saints, and to Hellan Tinoc, that is, The Isle of Swine: and these Lands are seen in the same Frith or Forth. But of these I have spoken before. Without this Bay or Frith lie a number of Lands very thick together, which the Scots themselves that inhabit them call Inch-Gall, that is haply, The Isles of the Gallicians: the English and the rest of the Scots, The Western Isles: the writers of the former age HEBRIDES; but the ancient Ethnics Bettoricae, and Giraldus other where Inchades and Leucades: Pliny, Solinus, and Ptolomee name them EBUDAS, HEBUDAS, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which names have some consonant affinity with Epidium the promontory of Britain opposite unto them, and an Isle among these so named. The reason of the name I cannot pick out, unless I should think they were so called, because there groweth here no corn or grain. For Solinus writeth, Scottish or western Iles. that the inhabitants of these Lands are not acquainted with corn, and live only upon fish and milk: and Ebb eid in British soundeth as much as without corn. The inhabitants, as saith the same Solinus, have no skill or knowledge of corn, they live of fish and milk only. They all have but one King: For how many soever they be, they are severed one from another by a narrow enterflow of the Sea between. The King hath nothing that he may say is his own, all things are common to them all: and held he is to equity by certain laws: and lest he should for covetousness swarve aside from the truth, by his poor estate he learneth justice, as who hath no house, furniture, and provision of his own, but all his maintenance is from the common coffer. No woman is he allowed to have in propriety, but by turns he taketh for to use whomsoever he fancieth, whereby he neither can have his wish, nor hope of children. Of these Islands, the common people affirmeth there be 44. whereas in truth there are many more. Pliny wrote that there were 30. of them. But Ptolomee reckoneth up but five. The first is RICINA, Pliny calleth it RICNEA, Antoninus RIDUNA, now termed Racline: and I think it should be read in Antonine Riclina: for (cl) easily maketh a (d) by joining a (c) at the back unto it. A small Island this is, butting full upon Ireland, known unto the ancient writers, for that it lieth in the very narrow sea between Ireland and Scotland: famous at this day for no cause else, but for the overthrow and slaughter of the Scottish Irish, who otherwhiles possessed themselves of it, and were thrust out by the English, under the conduct of Sir William Norris in the year 1575. The next is EPIDIUM, which by the name I would guess, with that excellent Geographer Gerard Mercator, lay near unto the promontory of the Epidii, and to the shore. And seeing there standeth apparently in the same situation an Island called Ila, of good largeness, and of a fruitful, plain, and champion soil, I dare avouch that this was Epidium, or the Isle of the Epidii; for in some places it is read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. This carrieth in length 24. miles, and is 16. miles broad, so plentiful of cattle, wheat, and herds of red dear, that it was the second seat next unto Man, for the King of the Lands, as it is at this day of the Mac-Connels, who herein have their Castle at Dunyweg. Betwixt Ila and Scotland lieth jona, which Bede termeth Hylas and Hu, given by the Picts unto the Scottish Monks, for propagating and preaching of the Gospel among them: where stood a Monastery, famous by reason of the Scottish Kings tombs and the frequent conversing of holy men therein: among whom Columba, the Apostle of the Picts, was the principal: of whose Cell the Island also is called Columb-Kill, like as the man also himself, by a compound name was termed Columbkill, as Bede witnesseth. And here at length, as some will have it, a Bishops seat was ordained in Sodore, a little town, whence all the Isles were also called Sodorensis, for that it is reckoned to be in his Diocese. Then have you MALEOS, that Ptolomee writeth of, now called Mula, whereof Pliny seemeth to make mention, when he saith, Mella is reported to be 25. miles larger than the rest. For so we read in the most ancient edition of Pliny, printed at Venice, whereas in the Vulgar copies, in steed of Reliquarum Mella, is read Reliquarum nulla, that is, None of the rest, etc. The Eastern HEBUDA, now called Sky, from hence lieth out in a great length over against the shore or coast of Scotland: the Western HEBUDA bending more Westward, is now called Lewis (the Lord whereof is Mac-Cloyd) and in the ancient history of Man is named Lodhus, full of steep and craggy little hills, stony and very slenderly inhabited: howbeit the largest of them all; from which Eust is dis-joined with a very narrow wash. All the rest, save only Hyrtha, are of small account, being either very stony, or else inaccessible by reason of craggy cliffs, & scarce clad with any green-sord. Yet the Scots purchased all these with their ready money of the Norwegians (as I have said before) as if they had been the very buttresses or pillars of the kingdom, although they reap very small commodity thereby: considering that the inhabitants, the ancient true Scots or Irish, being men of stout stomaches and desperate boldness, will by no means be subject to the severity of laws, or awed by justice. As touching their manners, apparel, and language they differ nothing at all from the wild Irishry, of whom we have spoken before: so that we may easily know thereby that they be one and the self same nation originally. They that bear the sway and do rule in these Lands are the families of Mac-Conel, Mac-Alen, whom others term Mac-len, Mac-Cloyd of Lewis, and Mac-Cloyd of Harich. But the mightiest house of them all is that of the Mac-Conels, who glory in their pedigree, as derived from Donald, who in the reign of james the third styled himself King of the Lands, and with all kind of cruelty in most savage and barbarous manner plagued Scotland: which notwithstanding, his son being outlawed paid dearly, as forced to submit his whole estate absolutely unto the Kings will and pleasure, and had of his gift some possessions assigned to him in Cantire. In the foregoing age, of this stock there flourished Donel Gormy, Mac-Conell, that is, The blue, haply so surnamed of his apparel. He had issue two sons, Agnus Mac-Conell, and Alexander, he who leaving this barren and hungry Cantir, invaded the Glinnes in Ireland. Agnus Mac-Conell aforesaid, was father of james Mac-Conell slain by Shan O-Neale, and of Surly Boy, upon whom Queen Elizabeth of her bounty bestowed lands in Rout within Ireland. james Mac-Conell had issue Agnus Mac-Conell, of whom I have spoken before, between whom and Mac-Clen there was such a deep and inveterate hatred, that the force of consanguinity was never able to quench the feud, but that they polluted themselves most wickedly with one another's blood. From the Haebudes, if you hold sails along by the shore toward the North-east, you may at length discover the ORCADESES, now called ORKNEY, being thirty Lands or thereabout, sundered by the Ocean which hath his walk and current between them. A certain ancient fragment so calleth them, as one would say, Argat, that is, as the same interpreteth it, Above the Geteses: but I would rather expound it, Above Cath: for it lieth over against Cath, a country of Scotland, which of the Promontory they use to call Cathnesse: the inhabitants whereof seem to be named amiss by Ptolomee, CARINI for CATINI. In Solinus his time no man dwelled in them, but overgrown they were Vinceis, or junceis herbis, that is, With binding or rushy weeds: but now inhabited indeed they are, yet destitute of woods, bearing barley good store, and altogether without wheat. Among these Pomonia, famous for an Episcopal See, is the principal, called by Solinus POMONA Diutina, for the length of the days there: now the inhabitants term it Mainland, as if it were the continent or maine, adorned with the Bishop's seat in Kirkwale a little town, and with two castles: it yieldeth plenty of tin and of lead. OCETIS also is reckoned by Ptolomee in number of these, which now we guess to be named Hethy. But whether hay, which is counted one of these, be Pliny's DUMNA or no, I could never yet resolve. Surely if it be not, I would think that Fair Isle, the only town whereof (for it hath but one) they call Dumo, is that Dumna rather than with Becanus judge Wardhuys in Lapland to be it. julius Agricola, who first of all sailed round about Britain with his fleet, discovered out of these Isles of Orkney, which till that time were unknown and subdued them, if we may believe Tacitus: but questionless they were known in the time of Claudius the Emperor; for Pomponius Mela who then lived mentioneth them. Yet doubtless Orosius is untrue, in that he writeth that Claudius conquered them: and so far is it off that Claudius should conquer them (which is avouched in S. Hieroms' Chronicles) that juvenal in Hadrians time, not long after Agricola, wrote thus of them. — Arma quid ultra Littora juvernae promovimus, & modò captas Orcades, & minima contentos nocte Britannos? Why warred we past Irish coasts, and Orkneys lately won, Beyond the Britan's, where there is least night and longest Sun? Afterward when the Romans Empire in Britain was utterly decayed, now the Saxons, as it seemeth, were seated in them: for Claudian the Poet played upon them in these terms. — Maduerunt Saxone fuso Orcades.— With Saxons blood that there were slain The Orkneys was imbrued again. Ninnius also writeth, that Octha and Ehissus Saxons, who served for pay under the Britan's, sailed round about the Picts with 40. Ciules, that is, Flyboats or Roving Pinnaces, and wasted the Isles of Orkney. After this, they came into the hands of the Norwegians (whence it is that the inhabitants speak the Goths language) by the grant of Donald Ban, who after the death of his brother Malcom Canmor, King of Scots, by excluding his nephews, had usurped the kingdom, that by their help he might be assisted in that intended ambition: and the Norwegians held the possession of them unto the year of salvation 1266. For then Magnus, the fourth of that name, King of Norway, being by the Scots that warred upon him brought to distress, surrendered them up again unto Alexander, the third King of the Scots, by covenant and composition, which Haquin King of the Norwegians confirmed unto King Robert Brus, in the year 1312. And at length in the year 1498. Christian the first, King of Norway and of Denmark, renounced all his right for himself and his successors, when he affianced his daughter unto James, the third King of Scots, and made over all his interest to his said son in law and his successors: and for the stronger assurance thereof, the Pope's confirmation was procured to ratify the same. To say nothing of the Earls of Orkney that were of more ancient times, Earls of Orkney. who also in right of inheritance obtained the Earldoms of Cathnesse and of Strathern, at the last the title of Orkney came by an heir female unto Sir William Sent-cler: and William the fourth of this line, called The Prodigal Earl for wasting his patrimony, was the last Earl of this race. Howbeit, his posterity enjoyed the honour to be Baron Sent-cler, unto these days. And the title of Cathnes remaineth still in the posterity of his brother. But within our remembrance this honourable title of the Earl of Orkney and Lord of Shetland was conferred upon Robert, a base son of King James the fifth; and Patrick Steward his son enjoyeth the same at this present. Beyond the Isles of Orkney, and above Britain, the author of that ancient Commentary upon Horace, placeth the Fortunate Lands, wherein, as they write, none dwell but devout and just men; and the Grecians in their verses celebrate the pleasantness and fertility of the place, calling them the Elysian fields. But as touching these Fortunate Isles, take with you, if you please, another relation of that old fabulous Grecian, Isacius Tzetzes out of his notes upon Lycophron: In the Ocean (saith he) there is a British Island, between West Britain and Thule that look toward the East. Thither men say the souls of the dead are translated over: for on the shore of that sea wherein the Island of Britain lieth, there dwelled fishermen, subject unto the French, but paying them no tribute, because (as they say) they ferry over the souls and folk departed. When these fishermen return home in the evening, within a while after they hear some knocking at the door, and hear a voice calling them unto their work. Then rise they, and to the shore they go, not knowing what causeth them for to go; where they see boats prepared, but none of their own, and no men in them: which when they be entered into, they fall to their oars, and feel the weight of the said boats as if they were laden with men, but see no body. After that, with one push they come to a British Island in a trice, whereas otherwise in ships of their own they could hardly get thither with a day and nights sailing. Now when they are come to the Island, than again they see no creature, but hear a voice of those that receive them that are a shipboard, and count them by the kindred of father and mother, yea and call them one by one according to their dignity, art, and name. But they, after that the ship is discharged of her load, return home again with one yerk of their oars. Hence it is that many men think these be the Lands of blessed ghosts. Of the same stamp also may that Poetical Geographer seem to be, of whom Muretus maketh mention in his variety of readings: who hath written that C. julius Caesar went thither once in a great galley, with an hundred men aboard: and when he was willing to have seated himself there (as being wondrously delighted with the incredible pleasantness of the place) he was full against his will, and struggling what he could to the contrary, thrown out by those invisible inhabitants. Thule. Five days and nights sailing from the Isles of Orkney, Solinus placeth THULE: An Island, if any other, often celebrated by the Poets, whensoever they would signify any thing very remote and far off, as if it were the furthest part of the whole world. Hereupon saith Virgil, Tibi serviat ultima Thule, that is, Let Thule most remote thee serve: Seneca, Terrarum ultima Thule, that is, Thule the farthest land that is: Juvenal, De conducendo loquitur jam Rhetore Thule, that is, Now Thule speaks, how Orators to hire: Claudian, Thulen procul axe remotam, that is, Thule far remote under the Pole, and in another place, Ratibusque impervia Thule, And Thule where no ships can pass: Statius, Ignotam vincere Thulen, that is, To conquer Thule all unknown: And Ammianus Marcellinus, by way of an Adage or Proverbial speech, useth it in these words, Etiamsi apud Thulen moraretur, that is, Although he made his abode even in Thule. To pass over other testimonies, give me leave yet to note thus much moreover, that the said Statius used Thule for Britain, Thule for Britain. in these his verses. Caerulus haud alitèr cum dimicat incola Thules, Agmina falcifero circumvenit acta covino. Even so the blue inhabitants of Thule when they fight, Environ battles, marching on with sithed chariots might. As also in this place of his Poem entitled Sylvae, as it seemeth: — restuo circumsona gurgite Thule. Thule that doth resound amain, With sea that ebbs and flows again. Suidas writeth, that it took the name of Thules a King of Egypt: Isidore, of the Sun: Reynerus Reneccius, of the Saxon word Tell, that is, A limit, as if it were the bound of the North and West. But yet for all this, Synesius doubteth whether there were any Thule or no; and our Giraldus Cambrensis writeth, that it is no where extant to be seen: and the better sort of learned men are of sundry judgements concerning it. Most of them have affirmed Island, Island. that is subject to extreme sharp cold and continual winter, to have been called in times past Thule. But Saxon Grammaticus, Crantzius, Milius, jovius, and Peucerus are of a contrary opinion. Neither am I ignorant, that the vast and huge country of Scandia is described by Procopius under the name of Thule. Lib. 2. belli Gothici. But if that be true which the most learned Peucer hath recorded in his book entitled De dimensione terrae, that is, Of the measuring of the earth, that sailors call Shetland Thilensel (neither dare I impeach his credit) then surely we have found Thule, and the matter is now at an end and questionless. For this Shetland is an Isle under the Scottish dominion, Shetland, which some call Hethland. environed with other Islets, and the same is nipped with frost and chilly cold, lying open on every side unto bitter storms; the inhabitants whereof, like as those of Island, use in steed of bread-corne dried fish, and the same brayed and beaten, which we call stockfish. And although it have not the North pole so elevated, that there is continual day six months together, as Pithaeas of Marsils' hath feigned of Thule (for which he is justly taxed by Strabo:) and this happeneth not to Island itself, where there is in manner a continual Winter, and an intolerable settled cold. Yet that a man should think this Shetland to have been Thule, first the situation thereof in Ptolomee may induce him, being set 63. degrees from the Equinoctial, as Thule is in Ptolomee: again, for that it lieth between Norway and Scotland, where Saxo Grammaticus placeth Thule: then, because it is two days sailing distant from the point of Caledonia or Cathnes, according to which distance Solinus placeth Thule: also, Tacitus saith that the Romans kenned Thule afar off, as they sailed round about Britain by the Orcadeses: lastly, because it faceth the shore of Bergae in Norway, against which place Thule lieth according to Pomponius Mela: in which Author the reading is corruptly, Belgarum littori in stead of Bergarum. For Bergae a city in Norway lieth over against Shetland: and Pliny nameth in this tract BERGOS, Bergos. which I doubt not but it is that little country wherein BERGAE flourisheth, Nerigon. like as no man will deny that Norway is NERIGON specified by Pliny. But enough of this Thule, which snow and winter weather, as one saith, hath hidden from the ancient writers, and from us too I assure you: neither is any of them able to say, which of the Northern Lands they meant, when they spoke so much of Thule. As touching the length of days in that unknown Island, Festus Avienus, when he treated of Britain, translated out of Dionysius these verses. Long a dehinc celeri si quis rate marmora currat, Inveniet vasto surgentem gurgite Thulen; Hic cum plaustra Poli tangit Phaebeius ignis, Nocte sub inlustri rota solis fomite flagrat Continuo, clarumque diem nox aemula ducit. From hence if one with pinnace swift along the sea doth sail, Thule above the Ocean vast to find he shall not fail: Here when about the Northern pole the Sun's fire doth sejourne, The night is lightsome, and his wheels continually do burn, The night, I say, resembling day fair light makes soon return. Which Pomponius Mela likewise hath noted in these words. Opposite unto the coast of Bergae lieth Thule, an Island much renowned both in Greek Poems, and in ours also. In it, for that the Sun riseth and is to set far off, the nights verily are short; but in winter time, as elsewhere, dark; in summer light: because all that time he mounteth very high, although his body be not seen, yet with his near brightness he doth lighten the parts next unto him. But about the solstice there be no nights at all, by reason that he being then more apparent, not only casteth bright beams from him, but showeth also the greatest part of himself. Above these Lands the sea is termed, The frozen sea, or Cronium The slow, frozen, and Icy sea; for that it is so rough by occasion of heaps of Ice, and scarce navigable. It is also named of ancient writers CRONIUM, or Cronian sea, of Saturn; because here in a British Island, as Plutarch recordeth, there goeth a tale, how Saturn is kept sleeping in a deep cave, or bottom of a golden pumish stone: that he is by Jupiter cast into a most deep and dead sleep, which serveth in stead of bonds: that birds bring him Ambrosia the divine meat, with the odoriferous smell whereof all the place is perfumed. Also that he hath many spirits or daemons attending upon him as servitors, who reverence him, serve him, and attend upon him. By which pretty fable, (unless I be deceived) is covertly couched by a Mythiology, that there lie hidden in these Lands, veins or mines of Metals, over which Saturn is precedent: which notwithstanding are forlet and out of request, for want of wood to maintain the fornaces. Now beneath Thule Southward, the Germane sea spreadeth itself wide, wherein, as Pliny affirmeth, there lie dispersed the seven ACMODAE, Mela termeth them HAEMODES: But seeing it is known for certain, that these be Lands belonging to Denmark in the Codan Gulf, namely, Zealand, Fuynen, Lagland, Muen, Falstor, Layland, and Femerem, there is no cause wherefore I should say any more; neither of the Isle GLESSARIA or ELECTRIDA, so called of Amber cast up there out of the Sea: which Sotacus supposed to drop forth of trees in Britain. But seeing that the ancient Germans called Amber Glesse, willing enough I am to think with that most learned man, Erasmus Michael Laetus, that the Island Less, hard by Scagen, or Promontory of Denmark, was in times past called GLESSARIA. Now within the Germane sea on that side where it beateth upon Britain, appear very few Lands, unless they be those that lie in Edenburrough Frith, namely, May, Basse, k, and Inch Colme, that is, Columbs Isle. On the coast of Northumberland, over against the river Lied, Lindisfarne. one showeth itself, namely Lindisfarn: the Britan's call it Inis Medicante, which, that I may use Bedes words, as the sea ebbeth and floweth at his tides, is twice a day inundated and compassed about with water in manner of an Island, and twice likewise made continent to the land, as the shore is laid bare again: whereupon he aptly termed it a Demy Island. The West part of it being the narrower, and left unto coneys, joineth to the East side by a very small spange of land: and this part which bendeth toward the South is much broader, having a pretty town in it, with a Church and a castle: where sometimes had been that Episcopal See, which Aidan the Scot (called thither to preach the Christian faith unto the people of Northumberland) instituted, as being much delighted with the solitary situation, as a most fit place of retire. In this small Island there sat eleven Bishops. But afterwards when the Danes rifled and robbed all the Seacoasts, the Episcopal See was translated to Durham. Under the town there is a good commodious haven, defended with a Block-house situate upon an hill toward the Southeast. Holy Island. This, for the habitation therein of holy Monks, is called in English Holy Island. Concerning which Alcuin, in an Epistle unto Egelred King of Northumberland, writeth thus. A place more venerable than all the places in Britain, is left to the spoil of Pagans and Miscreants: and where after the departure of S. Paulinus from York, Christian religion in our nation first began, there it hath felt the first beginning of misery and calamity. Farn Isle. Seven miles from hence South-Eastward, Farn Isle showeth itself, distant almost two miles from Banborrow castle, enclosed within the most deep Ocean, and encircled about with craggy cliffs, and this hath also in the middle well near, a Fort belonging unto it; even in that place, as the report goeth, where Cuthbert Bishop of Lindisfarn, that tutelar St. and Patron of the Northern Englishmen, to the end he might wholly give himself to the service of God, Bede in the life of Cuthbert. built, as Bede saith in his life, a city fitting his government, and erected houses in this city, sorting well thereto. For the whole building stood almost round in compass, reaching from wall to wall the space of four or five perches. The wall itself on the coast side was more than a man's height: for on the inside with hewing down into a mighty rock he had made it far higher, sufficient to withhold and keep in the wanton lasciviousness either of eyes or thoughts, and to elevate the whole intention of the mind up to heavenly desires, in such sort as that the devout inhabitants thereof could out of his mansion place behold nothing but the heaven. Which wall verily he made not of cut squared stone, or of brick; nor laid the same with strong mortar, but raised altogether of cobble and unpolished rough stones, and turf between, which with digging he had taken out of the midst of the place. Of which stones verily some were of that huge bigness, as four men were uneth able to lift one of them. Within this mansion he had two houses, a Chapel, and a dwelling room for common uses. The walls whereof he brought up of very natural earth, by digging much of it within and without round about, or else by paring it up. And roofs over them of timber without all form, and straw thereupon. Moreover, at the haven of this Island there stood a greater house, wherein the brethren that came to visit him might be entertained and lodged, and not far from it a fountain meet for their uses. Upon this there adjoine other smaller Lands toward the North, as Widopens, Staple Island, which lieth two miles off, Bronsman, and two lesser than these, which they call the Wambes. After these the Island commonly called Coquet lieth right before the mouth of the river Coquet, wherein is a plentiful vein of Sea-coal. Neither are there any more Lands to be seen in this coast: but over against it be the Saxonum Insulae, that is, The Saxons Lands, now called Heilich lant, that is, The Holy-Ilands, Saxon Lands. and they lie, as it were, in a continued range along East and West Frislands: Among which that was best known unto the Roman Captains which Strabo called BIRCHANIS, Lib. 7. Birchanis. Pliny BIRCHANA, and the Romans FABARIA, of the resemblance of a certain Grain or Pulse coming up there of the own accord: which that I may restore it again to the due place (although it be nothing pertinent to my purpose) the very name itself witnesseth to be that Borkun which lieth over against the mouth of Ems. Borkun. Somewhat lower upon the shore of Holland, The British Armoury or Storehouse. where in ancient time was the mouth of Rhine, the foundations of a most ancient Storehouse, Magazine or Armoury, are covered over with the waves, which being very seldom discovered and laid bare at a low ebb of the Ocean, showeth both an admirable spectacle of reverend antiquity, and also a most noble model and form of building; which, Abraham Ortelius, the repairer of ancient Geography, and my entire and inward friend, hath preserved out of the main Ocean by his exact description thereof. Holland coast Britten huis. I have mentioned this the more willingly, because the Hollanders call it in their language Huis te Britten, that is, the British house, so that it belongeth at least wise in name to Britain, and therefore not impertinent to my purpose. For as it is evident and confessed of all, that the Emperor C. Caligula, when he intended the conquest of Britain, in that ridiculous voyage of his, built it for a watchtower: so an ancient Inscription there digged up doth testify, that the Emperor Septimius Severus, after it was fallen to decay rebuilt it. But whence it was named Britten, let him tell that best can guess. Probable it is that it took this name from the Britan's: for that Bretta the natal place of Philip Melanchthon took name of the Britan's, he himself was fully persuaded: and that Mounts in Heinault were of the Britan's termed Breten, we have read elsewhere. But yet (that I may speak as Pliny doth) seeing he marvelleth why the Herb that is peculiar unto Holland, as growing no where else, is called Britannica, unless perhaps those that bordered upon the Ocean dedicated it unto Britain so near unto it: so for my part I wonder as much, why this tower should be termed Britannica, or Breten, unless the Hollanders consecrated it to our Britain, lying opposite unto it. Pliny calleth a place in Picardy, Portus Morinorum Britannicus. Portum Morinorum Britannicum, that is, The British haven or port of the Morines, either for that they took ship there to pass over into Britain, or because it kenned Britain over against it on the other side of the sea. Why then should not this tower by the same reason be called Britannica or Breten? for that the Britan's often arrived here, and that from hence out of Germany there was a common passage into Britain, it is most certain; considering that Zosimus hath given the just measure of the sea betwixt Britain and this mouth of Rhine, The Chamavi dwelled thereby, as appeareth out of the Embassages of Eunapius. to be 900. Stadia over, as though it had been an usual passage: and written beside, that corn was wont to be brought by ships out of Britain to this place, and from thence with barges and boats haled up the Rhine against the stream to serve the Roman garrisons: seeing that julian the Emperor built garrisons, as Marcellinus saith, wherein might be inned and kept the corn that the Britan's usually transported thither. At which time this said Armoury may seem to have been converted into a Garner or Storehouse for corn, and of the said British corn termed Britannicum: and so much the rather, because in the old Records of Holland, we find it written Brittanburg: for that age termed castles standing commodiously, and such as were stored with plenty of corn, Burgus what it is. burgh's, as we read in the history of the Burgundians. Moreover, what if the Britan's (that in this doubtful matter I may run out of one conjecture to another) sometimes held it in their own hands, and so adopted it into their own name? considering they invested Magnus Maximus, whom some name Clemens Maximus, in the purple robe, and proclaimed him Emperor against Gratian. For he arrived at this mouth of Rhine. If again, it had not as yet taken this name Britannicum, what if the Saxons termed it Huis te Britten, for that they took ship from hence into Britain, when they annoyed our shores with their Cyules? for so they termed their pinnaces or Brigantines. Zosimus l. 4. Saxons in Holland. Janus Douza in his Nomenclator. Verily Zosimus showeth that the Saxons, after they had driven out the Frankers called Salii, planted themselves in Batavia, that is, Holland: and that from thence they put over by multitudes into Britain, it is most clear and evident. Which also as I said before, janus Douza, a noble Gentleman indeed, and passing well learned, in his Ode of Leyden seemeth to imply: yet here again, lest I might seem too forward and lavish in setting forth the glory of Britain; considering that the right learned Hadrian junius, borne and bred in Holland, hath fetched the original of the herb Britannica from Britten a word of his own country, Britten an herb. because it groweth plentifully upon those turfs which they call Britten, and whereof they raise great banks and dikes against the violence of the encroaching Ocean; it will be no absurdity if one should reduce this Huis te Britten, unto the same original: and suppose it to have been so called, because it was fenced with banks of turf, or of Britten, set opposite against the forcible surges of the waves; which when the surges of the sea had once pierced and overthrown, it may seem to have borne down this house also. But let them see to these matters who have a deeper insight into the nature of the word, and the situation of the place, and pardon me withal, if here I have thrust my sickle into another's harvest. Zealand. See pag. 333. & 441. Toliapis. Caunus. Canvey. See in Essex, Shepey. In that coast there be also Isles of Zealand compassed about with the rivers Scaldt, Maese, and the Ocean: Touching which I will only add thus much, that the name of Valachria (for of these this is the chief) as Lemnius Levinus conjectureth, came from our Welshmen. Over against Zealand, Tamis the goodliest and noblest river of Britain dischargeth himself into the sea: in which place Ptolomee setteth TOLIAPIS and CAUNA, or CONVENNON. Of Toliapis, which I suppose to be Shepey, see in Kent. Of Convennos I have spoken in Essex in the page 441. More Eastward without Tamis mouth, there lieth along before the Island Tenet, a place full of shelves and sands, and very dangerous for sailors, which they call goodwin's sands, Goodwin Sands. where our Annals do record that in the year 1097. an Island which was the patrimony of Goodwin Earl of Kent, was quite swallowed up and sunk in the sea: concerning which John Twin writeth thus. This land was very fruitful, and full of plenteous pastures, lying somewhat lower and more flat than Tenet; out of which there was a passage by boat or barge three or four miles long. Some call it Lomea. This Island in an unusual tempest of winds, and boisterous fury of stormy reins, and uncooth rage of the sea, was drowned, and lieth overwhelmed with sand cast up after an incredible manner, and without all recovery is turned into a middle or doubtful nature of land and sea. For I wot well what I say, because one while it wholly floateth, and another while at a low water after an ebb, it beareth walkers upon it. Haply this is Toliapis, unless you had rather read Thanatos, for Toliapis, and in some copies we read it Toliatis, of which we have treated in Kent. See the 345. page. In this very place, the huge vastness of the sea gathereth into such a strait, that the gullet of the Ocean between the firm land of France and Britain, is not above thirty miles over, The British narrow sea. which straits some call the Narrow sea of Britain, others of France (and the bound it is of the British sea) which by little and little removeth the shores farther asunder, that were in manner meeting together, and by the driving back of the lands on both sides equally, floweth between Britain and France from East to West. At this beginneth the British sea: wherein first you meet with the Island, or byland rather, Selsy; in the English Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, according to Bede, The Island of Sea-calves, which in our tongue we call otherwise Seals. But hereof I have spoken already in the page 308. Somewhat higher lieth the Isle Vecta, in the British tongue Guith, in the Saxon, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for the Saxons termed an Island 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we The Isle of Wight, and White. Whereof also I have written before in the 273. page. Of Portland likewise, which now is no Island, but annexed to the continent, I have treated heretofore in Dorsetshire in the page 210. Hence will I cut over to the shore of France just against it; where from Beer-fleet in Normandy unto the midst of the Channel, the sea, by the Mariners saying, is paved, as it were, and overspred with rocks and crags: among which, William son to King Henry the first, and heir both of England and of Normandy, whiles he crossed the seas out of Normandy into England, in the year of salvation 1120. was by woeful shipwreck, together with his sister, his base brother, and others of the flower of the nobility, drowned. Whereupon a Poet of that age thus versified. Abstulit hunc terrae matri maris unda noverca, Proh dolour! occubuit Sol Anglicus, Anglia plora: Quaeque prius fueras gemino radiata nitore, Extincto nato vivas contenta parent. Him, from the land his mother kind, the Sea a stepdame caught; Now England's Sun, alas, is set: weep England, weep for thought: And thou that didst enjoy the beams of twofold light before, Since Son is gone, content thyself with father and no more. Funus plangendum, private lapis aequoris unus, Et ratis una suo principe regnaduo. O doleful day, one rock in Ocean main, One bark of Prince bereaveth kingdoms twain. And another Poet at the same time hammered out these verses touching that shipwreck. Dum Normannigenae Gallis claris superatis, Anglica regna petunt, obstitit ipse Deus: Aspera nam fragili dum sulcant aequora cymba, Intulit excito nubila densa mari. Dumque vagi caeco rapiuntur tramite nautae, Ruperunt imas abdita saxa rates. Sic mare dum superans tabulata per ultima serpit, Mersit rege satos, occidit orbis honos. Whiles Normans after victories of Noble Frenchmen won, Make sail for England, God himself withstood them all anon. For as the rough and surging waves they cut with brittle bark, He brought upon the troubled sea thick fogs and weather dark▪ Whiles sailors then in coasts unknown were driven and haled astray, Upon blind rocks their ships were split and quickly cast away. Thus when salt water entered in, and upmost hatches caught, Drowned was that royal progeny, world's honour came to naught. More Westward, certain Lands affront France, yet under the Crown of England: and first of all upon the coast of Normandy, or the Lexobii (whom our Britan's or Welshmen term Lettaw, as one would say Littorales, that is, Coast-men) lieth Alderney, Alderney. which in the Records is named Aurney, Aureney, and Aurigney: so that it may seem to be that ARICA, which in Antonine, according to the King of Spain's copy, is reckoned among the Isles of the British sea. Others hold it to be that EBODIA, or EVODIA, whereof Paulus Diaconus only hath made mention, who had small skill of this coast; which he placeth thirty miles from the shore of Seine, and telleth of a rumbling & roaring noise of waters, falling into a gulf or Charybdis, that is heard a far off. This Alderney lieth in the chief trade of all shipping passing from the Eastern parts to the West: three leagues distant from the coast of Normandy, thirty from the nearest part of England, extended from South East to the North West, and containeth about eight miles in circuit, the South shore consisting of high cliffs. The air is healthful, the soil sufficiently rich, full of fresh pastures and cornfields: yet the inhabitants poor, through a custom of parting their lands into small parcels by Gavelkind. The town is situate well near in the midst of the Isle, having a parish Church, and about 80. families, with an harbour called Crabbic some mile off. On the East side there is an ancient fort, and a dwelling house built at the charge of the Chamberlans: for the fee farm of the Isle was granted by Queen Elizabeth to G. Chamberlain, son to Sir Leonard Chamberlain of Shirburne in Oxfordshire, when he recovered it from the French. And under this fort, the sand with violent drifts from the Northwest overlaied the land, so that now it serveth thereabout most for coneys. I know not whether I were best to relate of a Giants tooth, one of the grinders, which was found in this Island, of that big size that it equalled a man's fist; seeing Saint Augustine writeth of one that himself saw, so big, that if it were cut in small pieces to the proportion of our teeth, it seemed it might have made an hundred of them. Hence Westward there runneth out a craggy ridge of rocks, which have their several eddies, Casquettes. and therefore feared of the Mariners, who term them Casquettes. Out of one of the which properly named Casket, there gusheth a most sweet spring of fresh water, to the great comfort of the Iland-fishermen beating up and down hereabout. At these, to remember incidently (that the memory of a well-deserving Patriot may not perish) the fleet which john Philipot Citizen of London set forth and manned at his own private charges, had a glorious victory over a rabble of Pirates, who impeached all traffic, taking their Captain, and fifteen Spanish ships that consorted with them. Which worthy man also maintained 1000 soldiers at his own pay for defence of the Realm against the French, who sore infested the Southern coast in the beginning of the reign of King Richard the second, to omit his great loans to the King, and other good and laudable offices to his country. Under these lieth Southward CAESAREA, whereof Antonine hath written, scarce twelve miles distant from Alderney, which name the Frenchmen now have clipped so short, as the Spaniards have CAESAR AUGUSTA in Spain: Gerzey. for they call it Gearzey, like as Cherburgh for Caesarisburgus, and Saragose for Caesar augusta. Gregorius Turonensis calleth it, the Island of the sea that lieth to the City Constantia, where he reporteth how Pratextatus Bishop of Rouen was confined hither: like as Papirius Massonius termeth it, the Isle of the coast of Constantia, because it butteth just upon the ancient city Constantia, which may seem in Ammianus to be named CASTRA CONSTANTIA, Castra Constantia. Moritavum. and in the foregoing ages Moritonium. For Robert Montensis writeth thus: Comes Moritonii, id est, Constantiarum, if that be not a gloss of the transcriber. For Moritonium, which now is Mortaigne, is farther distant from the sea. This Isle is thirty miles or thereabout in compass, fenced with rocks and shelves, which are shallow places, dangerous for such as sail that way. The ground is fertile enough; bearing plenty of sundry sorts of corn, and breeding cat-tail of diverse kinds, but sheep especially, and most of them with fair heads, carrying four horns a piece. The air is very wholesome and healthy, not subject to any other diseases but agues in September, which thereupon they term Settembers, so that there is no being for Physicians here. And for that it is scarce of fuel, in steed of fire wood they use a kind of Sea weed which they call Uraic, Uraic. Fucus marinus. deemed to be that Fucus marinus, which Pliny mentioneth, and groweth every where about in craggy Lands, and on rocks most plenteously. This being dried at the fire, serveth for to burn; with the ashes whereof (as it were with Marle and the fat of the earth) they dung commonly their fields and fallows, and thereby make them very battle & fruitful. Neither are they permitted to gather it but in the spring and summer season; and then upon certain days appointed by the Magistrate. At which time, with a certain festival mirth, they repair in numbers from all parts to the shore with their cars, as also to the rocks near unto them they speed themselves a vie with their fisher-boats. But whatsoever of this kind the sea casteth up, the poor may gather for their own use. The inward parts of the Isle gently rise and swell up with pretty hills: under which lie pleasant valleys watered with riverets, and planted with fruitful trees, but apple trees especially, of which they make a kind of drink. Well stored it is with farm places and villages, having within it twelve Parishes, and furnished on every side with creeks and commodious roads: among which the safest is that in the South part of the Isle, between the two little towns, Saint Hilaries and Saint Alban: which harbour hath also a little Island belonging to it, fortified with a garrison, having no way of access unto it: wherein, by report, Saint Hilary Bishop of Poitiers, after he had been banished hither, was interred. For the town dedicated to his name just over against this Island is accounted the principal town, both in regard of the market and traffic there, as also of the Court of Justice which is there established. On the East-side, where it faceth the city Constantia, there is seated upon a steep rock a most strong castle, with an haughty name called Mont Orgueil, which is much beholden unto King Henry the fifth, who repaired it. The Governor of the Isle is Captain thereof, who in times past was called the Custos of the Isle, and in Henry the third his reign had a yearly pension of 200. pound. On the South side, but with longer distance between, Saint Malo is to be seen, having taken that new name of Maclou a very devout man, where before time it was called the city Diablintum, and in the ancient Notice, ALETUM: for in a Manuscript of Isidor Mercator, we read thus in express terms, Civitas Diablintum etc. that is, the city Diablintum, which by another name is called Aletum. As for the inhabitants, they freshly practise the feat of fishing, but give their minds especially to husbandry: and the women make a very gainful trade by knitting of hose, which they call jarsey Stockes or Stockings. As touching the politic state thereof, a Governor sent from the King of England is the chief Magistrate: he appointeth a Bailiff, who together with twelve Jurats or sworn Assistants, and those chosen out of the twelve several parishes, by the voices of the Parishioners, sitteth to minister justice in Civil causes: in criminal matters he sitteth but with seven of the said sworn assistants, and in causes of conscience to be decided by equity and reason with three. Twenty miles hence Northwest, lieth another Island, which Antonine the Emperor in ancient time named SARNIA, we at this day Garnsey, Sarnia. Garnsey. Haply Granon● by, a transposition of letters which the N●●titia placeth i● the Tract of Armorica. Smyris. lying out East and West in fashion of an harp, neither in greatness nor in fruitfulness comparable to jersey; for it hath in it only ten parishes, yet is this to be preferred before it, because it fostereth no venomous thing therein, like as the other doth. It is also better fortified by natural fences, as being enclosed round with a set of steep rocks, among which is found that most hard and sharp stone Smyris (which we term Emerill) wherewith Goldsmiths and Lapidaries cleanse, burnish, and cut their precious stones, and glaziers also divide and cleave their glass. Likewise it is of greater name for the commodiousness of the haven, and the concourse of merchants resorting thither. For in the farthest part well near Eastward, but on the South side, it admitteth an haven within an hollow Bay bending inward like an half Moon, able to receive tall ships; upon which standeth Saint Peter's, a little town built with a long and narrow street, well stored with warlike munition, and ever as any war is toward mightily replenished with Merchants. For by an ancient privilege of the Kings of England, here is always a continual truce, as it were: and lawful it is for Frenchmen and others, how hot soever the war is, to have repair hither too and fro without danger, and to maintain intercourse of traffic in security. The entry of the haven, which is rocky, is fortified on both sides with castles. On the left hand there is an ancient bulwark or blockhouse, and on the right hand over against it standeth another (called Cornet) upon an high rock, and the same at every high water compassed about with the sea. Which in Queen Mary's days, Sir Leonard Chamberlain Governor of the Island, as also under Queen Elizabeth, Sir Thomas Leighton his successor, caused to be fortified with new works. For here lieth for the most part the Governor of the Island, and the Garrison soldiers: who will in no hand suffer Frenchmen and women to enter in. On the North side there is La-vall, a biland adjoining unto it, which had belonging thereto a covent of religious persons, or a Priory. On the West part near unto the sea, there is a lake, that taketh up a mile and half in compass, replenished with fish, but Carp especially, which for bigness and pleasant taste are right commendable. The inhabitants are nothing so industrious in tilling of the ground as those of jarsey, but in navigation and traffic of merchandise, for a more uncertain gain they be very painful. Every man by himself loveth to husband his own land, so that the whole Island lieth in several, and is divided by enclosures into sundry parcels: which they find not only profitable to themselves, but also a matter of strength against the enemy. Both Lands smile right pleasantly upon you, with much variety of green gardens and orchards: by means whereof, they use for the most part a kind of wine made of apples, which some call Sisera, and we Sydre. The inhabitants in both places are by their first original either Normans or Britan's, and speak French: yet disdain they to be either reputed or named French, and can very well be content to be called English. In both Lands likewise they burn Uraic for their fuel, or else sea-coals brought out of England: and in both places they have wonderful store of fish, and the same manner of civil government. These Lands, with others lying about them, belonged in old time to the Dukedom of Normandy, Normandy lost. but when as Henry the first King of England had vanquished his brother Robert, in the year of our Lord 1108. he annexed that Dukedom, and these Lands unto the kingdom of England. Since which time they have continued firm in loyalty unto England, even when John King of England being indicted for murdering Arthur his Nephew, was by a definitive sentence or arrest of confiscation, deprived of his right in Normandy, which he held in chief of the French King: yea moreover when the French had seized upon these Isles, he through the faithful affection of the people twice recovered them. Neither revolted they when Henry the third King of England had, for a sum of money, surrendered his whole interest and right in Normandy. And ever since they have, with great commendation of their constancy, persisted faithful unto the Crown of England, and are the only remains that the Kings of England have of the ancient inheritance of William the Conqueror, and of the Duchy of Normandy: although the French otherwhiles have set upon them, who from the neighbour coast of France have hardly this long time endured to see them appertain not to France but to England. And verily Evan, a Welsh Gentleman, descended from the Princes of Wales, and serving the French King, Tillet. surprised Garnesey in the time of King Edward the third: but soon lost it. And also in the reign of King Edward the fourth, as appear by the records of the Realm, they seized upon the same: but through the valour of Richard Harleston, valect of the Crown (for so they termed him in those days) they were shortly disseized; and the King, in recompense of his valorous service, gave unto him the Captainship both of the Island and of the castle. And in the year 1549. when England, under King Edward the sixth a child, was distressed with domestical troubles, Leo Strozzi Captain of the French Galleys gave the attempt to invade it, but with the loss of many of his men had the foil, and desisted from his enterprise. As touching the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, they were under the Bishop of Constance in Normandy, until that he in our remembrance refused to abjure the Pope's authority in England (as our Bishops do). Since which time they were by Queen Elizabeth severed from the Diocese of Constance, and united for ever to the Diocese of Winchester, so as the Bishop of Winchester and his successors execute every thing appertaining to the Episcopal jurisdiction: yet their Ecclesiastical discipline is conformable to the Church of Geneva, which the French Ministers have brought in. As for the civil customs of these Lands, I could now note some of them out of the King's records: namely, How King john instituted twelve Coroners sworn to keep the pleas and rights belonging to the Crown, and granted for the security of the Islanders, that the Bailiff henceforth by advice of the Coroners, might plead without writ of a new disseisin made within the year, of the death of any ancestors and predecessors within a year, of dowry likewise within a year, etc. Moreover, that the said juries may not delay their judgements beyond the term of one year: likewise that in Customs and other things they should be dealt withal, as natural inborn inhabitants, and not as strangers or foreigners. But these points I think good to leave unto others, who may search more curiously into particulars. Generally, the customs of Normandy take place here in most cases. Touching Serke, Serke. a little Island that lieth between these above named, walled about, as it were, with mighty steep rocks, in which I. de S. Owen of jarsey (whose antiquity of descent some avouch (I know not upon what credit and authority) from before Saint Owen's time) by commission from Queen Elizabeth, and for his own commodity, as the report goeth, made a plantation, whereas before time it lay desolate. As touching jethow, which for the use of the Governor of Garnsey serveth in steed of a park, to feed cattle, to keep Dear, coneys, and pheasants: as also touching Arm, which being larger than the other, was first a solitary place for Regular Canons, and after for the Franciscan Friars; seeing they are not mentioned by the old writers, I have no reason to speak much of them. After these, upon the same coast, LIGA, whereof Antonine maketh mention, shooteth up his head, which retaineth the name still, and is now called Ligon. Then lie there spread and scattered seven Lands, termed by Antonine SIADAE, of the number: for Saith in the British tongue betokeneth seven; which the Frenchmen at this day term Le set Isles. Set-Iles. And I suppose these Siades to be corruptly called Hiadatae by Strabo: for from these, as he saith, it is not a days sailing into the Island of Britain. From these SIADAE to BARSA, Barsa. whereof Antonine also hath made mention, there is the distance of seven furlongs. The Frenchmen call it the Isle de Bas, and the English Basepole: Basepole. For the Britan's term that Bas which is shallow, and the Mariners by sounding find the sea in this place to be more ebb and shallow: as which lieth not above seven or eight fathoms deep: whereas along all the shore beside, the sea carrieth 12.18. and twenty fathoms of water, as we may see in their Hydrographical cards. Where the British sea is deepest. Howbeit between these Lands and Foy in Cornwall this our British sea, as Mariners have observed, is of a mighty depth, which they measure to be in the channel fifty eight fathoms deep, or thereabout. From hence I will now cut over to the coasts of our own Britain, and keeping along the shore, as I pass by Ideston, Moushole, and Longships (which be rather infamous and dangerous rocks than Lands) at the very utmost point of Cornwall, lieth Antonines LISIA, now called of them that dwell thereby Lethowsow, but of others The Gulf, seen only at a low water when the tide is returned. Lisia by transposition of leters Silia. I take this to be that Lisia which ancient writers do mention; because Lis (as I have heard among our Britan's in Wales) signifieth the same. For Lis● soundeth as much as to make a noise with a great rumbling or roaring, such as commonly we hear in Whirlepits: and in that place the current or tide of the Ocean striveth amain with a mighty noise both Northward and Eastward to get out, as being restrained and penned in, between Cornwall and the Lands which Antonine calleth SIGDELES, Sulpitius Severus SILLINAE, Solinus SILURES, Englishmen Silly, the low country Seamen Sorlings, and the ancient Greek writers term HESPERIDES and CASSITERIDES. For Dionysius Alexandrinu● named them Hesperides of their Western situation, in these verses. — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Which Priscian translated thus: Sed * Sacrum Promontorium. summam contra Sacram cognomine dicunt, Quam caput Europae, sunt stanni pondere plenae Hesperides, populus tenuit quas fortis Iberi. Which may be englished thus. Now just beneath that Isle which Sacred, High, And head of Europe men are wont to call, The Lands named Hesperides do lie, And those well stored with Tin, a rich metal. But would ye know the people? then note well, The glorious wealthy Spaniards therein dwell. These also Festus Avienus, in his poem entitled Orae Maritimae, that is, The sea coasts, called Ostrymnides: touching which he inserted these verses, as they are found in the Paris edition, and the notes upon the same. In quo insulae sese exerunt Oestrymnides Non usque navibus, we read in the notes of Paris. Lax jacentes, & metallo divites Stanni at que plumbi: multa vis his gentis est, Superbus animus, efficax solertia, Negotiandi cura jugis omnibus Nolusque cumbis turbidum late fretum Et belluosi gurgitem Oceani secant; Non hi carinas quippe pinu texere Facere morem non abiete, ut usus est, Curvant phasello: sed rei ad miraculum Navigia junctis semper aptant pellibus, Corioque vastum saepe per currunt salum. Wherein the Isles Oestrymnides do spread, And show themselves broad lying all about, In metals rich as well of tin as lead: The people strong, their stomaches high and stout, Active and quick, fresh merchants all throughout: No troublous waves in Frith or Ocean main, Of monsters full, with ships cut they in twain. For why? no skill at all have they to frame, Of Pine tree keels for bark or gallion: Nor know they how to make oars to the same, Of fir or maple wood, where sails are none, As others use: But which is wonder one, Of stitched hides they all their vessels make, And oft through sea in leather, voyage take. Like vessels unto which were used in this our sea, in the year of salvation 914. For we read of certain devout men, that in a Carab (or carogh) made of two tanned hides only and an half, sailed out of Ireland into Cornwall. Afterwards also of the said Lands the same Avienus wrote thus: Tartesiisque in terminos Oestrymnidum Negotiandi mos erat, Carthagini● Etiam colonis. Those of Tartessus eke, as well As they in Carthage town that dwell, Were wont to trade for merchandise, To skirts of Isles Oestrymnides. Other Greek writers termed these Cassiterides, of Tin: like as Strabo nameth a certain place among the Drangi in Asia, CASSITERON, of Tinn: and Stephanus in his book of Cities, reporteth out of Dionysius, that a certain Island in the Indian sea was called CASSITERIA, of Tin. As for that MICTIS, which Pliny citeth out of Timaeus, to be six days sailing inward from Britain, and to yield Mines of white lead; that it should be one of these, I dare scarcely affirm. Yet am I not igrant, that the most learned Hermolaus Barbarus read it in manuscript books, Mitteris for Mictis, and doth read for Mitteris, Cartiteris. But that I should avouch these to be those CASSITERIDES so often sought for, the authority of the ancient writers, their site, and the mines of Tin, are motives to persuade me. Full opposite unto the Artabri, saith Strabo (over against which the West parts of Britain do lie) appear those Lands Northward which they call Cassiterides, placed after a sort in the same clime with Britain. And in another place: The sea between Spain and the Cassiterides is broader than that which lieth between the Cassiterides and Britain. The Cassiterides look toward the coast of Celtiberia, saith Solinus: And Diodorus Siculus, in the Lands next unto the Spanish sea, which of Tin are called Cassiterides. Also Eustathius, There be ten Islands called Cassiterides lying close together Northward. Now, seeing these Isles of Silly are opposite unto the Artabri, that is, Gallitia in Spain, seeing they bend directly North from them, seeing they are placed in the same clime with Britain, seeing they look toward the coast of Celtiberia, seeing they are dis-joined by a far broader sea from Spain than from Britain, seeing they are next unto the Spanish sea, seeing they lie hard one by another toward the North, and ten only of them be of any good account, namely, Saint mary's, Annoth, Agnes, Samson, Silly, Brefer, Rusco or Trescaw, Saint Helen's, Saint martin's, and Arthur, and that which is most material, seeing they have veins of Tin, as no other Island hath beside them in this tract, and considering that two of the less sort, to wit, Minan Witham, and Minuisisand, may seem to have taken their names of Mines, I would rather think these to be CASSITERIDES, than either the Azores, which bear too far West, or Cisarga with Olivarius, that lieth in manner close unto Spain, or even Britain itself with Ortelius; considering there were many Cassiterides; and Dionysius Alexandrinus after he had treated of the Cassiterides, writeth of Britain apart by itself. If any man by reason of the number deny these to be CASSITERIDES, for that they be more than ten, let him also number the Haebudes and the Orcadeses, and if after the account taken, he find neither more nor fewer with Ptolomee than five Haebudes, and 30. Orcadeses, let him search in any other place but where they are now extant, and with all his searching by reckoning of the numbers, I know for certain he shall not easily find them. But the ancient writers had no certain knowledge of these most remote parts and Lands of the earth in that age, no more than we in these days of the Isles in the straits of Magellane, and the whole tract of New Guiney. And that Herodotus had no knowledge of these, it is no marvel: for himself confesseth that he knew nothing for certain, to make report of the farthest parts of Europe. But lead was brought first from hence into Greece. Led, saith Pliny, in his eight Book, and in the Chapter of the first Inventours of things, Midacritus first brought out of the Island Cassitiris. But as touching these Islands, listen what Strabo saith in his third Book of Geography, toward the end. The Island Cassiterides be in number ten, near one unto another, situate in the deep sea, Northward from the haven of the Artabri. One of them is desert, the rest are inhabited by men wearing black garments, clad in side-coats reaching down to their ankles, girt about the breast, and going with staves, like unto the Furies in Tragedies. They live of their cattle, straggling and wand'ring after a sort, as having no certain abiding place. Metal mines they have of tin and of lead, in lieu whereof and of skins and furs they receive by exchange from the Merchants, earthen vessels, salt, and brazen works. At the beginning the Phoenicians only traded thither from Gades, and concealed from others this their navigation. But when the Romans followed a certain Master of a ship (that they themselves might learn this traffic of merchandise) he, upon a spiteful envy, ran his ship for the nonce upon the sands; and after he had brought them that followed after into the same danger of destruction, himself escaped the shipwreck, and out of the common Treasury received the worth of the commodities and wares that he lost. Howbeit the Romans, after they had tried many times, learned at length the voyage hither. Afterwards Publius Crassus when he had sailed thither, and seen how they digged not very deep in these Mines, and that the people were lovers of peace and lived quietly, desirous also to sail upon the sea, he showed the feat thereof to as many as were willing to learn: although they were to sail a greater sea than that which reacheth from thence to Britain. But to discourse no farther whether these were the ancient Cassiterides or no, and to return to Silly. There be about an hundred forty and five Lands carrying this name, all clad with grass, or covered with a greenish moss, besides many hideous rocks, and great craggy stones raising head above water, situate as it were in a circle round, eight leagues from the lands end, or utmost point of Cornwall West-South-West. Some of them yield sufficient store of corn, but all of them have abundance of coneys, crane's, swans, herons, and other sea-foule. The greatest of them all is that which took the name of Saint Marie, having a town so named, and is about eight miles in compass, offereth a good harbour to Sailors in a sandy Bay, wherein they may anchor at six, seven, and eight fathom; but in the entry lie some rocks on either side. It hath had anciently a castle, which hath yielded to the force of time. But for the same Queen Elizabeth in the year 1593. when the Spaniards, called in by the Leaguers of France, began to nestle in little Britain, built a new castle with fair and strong ravelines, Stella Maria. and named the same Stella Maria, in respect both of the ravelines, which resemble the rays of a star, and the name of the Isle; for defence whereof she there placed a garrison under the command of Sir Francis Godolphin. Doubtless these are those Lands, which (as Solinus writeth) a troublous and rough narrow sea separateth by the space of two or three hours sailing from the coast of the Danmony, and the inhabitants whereof observe the custom of ancient times. They have no fairs nor mercates, and refuse money; they give and take one thing for another, they provide themselves of necessaries by way of exchange, rather than by prising and giving of money, they serve the gods devoutly: both men and women will be counted wizzards, and skilful in foretelling things to come. Eustathius out of Strabo termeth the inhabitants Melanchlanos, because they were clad in black garments reaching down to the ankles: and as Sardus was persuaded, they depart out of this world for the most part so long livers, that they desire to live no longer. For from the top of a rock (as he saith) they throw themselves into the sea, in hope of a more happy life: which doubtless was the persuasion of the Britain Druids. Hither also the Roman Emperors were wont to send persons condemned to work in the Mines. For Maximus the Emperor, when he had condemned Priscillanus to death for heresy, commanded his sectaries and disciples, justantius a Bishop of Spain, and Tiberianus, after their goods were confiscate, to be carried away into the Lands of Silly: and Marcus the Emperor banished him, that in the commotion of Cassius had prophesied and uttered many things, as it were by a divine instinct of the gods, into this Island, as some are verily persuaded, who willingly for Syria Insula read Sylia Insula, that is, The Isle of Silly, considering the Geographers as yet know no such Island as Syria. Ulpian lib. 7. de Mathematicis. This confining or packing away of offenders into Lands, was in those days a kind of exile; and the Governors of Provinces might in that manner banish, if they had any Lands under them: if not, they wrote unto the Emperor, that himself would assign some Island for the party condemned: neither was it lawful without the privity of the Prince to translate else whither, or to bury the body of him that was thus banished into an Island. In the Writers of the middle time we find not so much as the name of these Lands of Silly, but only that King Athelstane subdued them, and after his return built a Church in honour of S. Beriana or Buriena, in the utmost promontory Westward of Britain, where he landed. Full against these on the French coast, Axantos. lieth Pliny's AXANTOES, an Isle right before the Osissimi, or Britain Armoury, which keeping still the name whole, is called Ushant: Ushant. Antonine termeth it UXANTISSENA, in which one word two Lands grew together, to wit, UXANTIS and SENA. For this Island lieth somewhat lower, now called Sayen, Siambis. which butting full upon Breast, is named in some copies SIAMBIS, and of Pliny corruptly Sounos: about which from East to West, for seven miles together or thereabout, there shoot forth a number of rocks rather than Lands, standing very thick together. Mariners call it the Seam. Touching this Sain, take with you that which Pomponius Mela reporteth. SENA, saith he, lying in the British sea opposite unto the shores of the Osissimi, is famous by reason of the Oracle of a French God, whose shee-Priests vowing perpetual virginity, are said to be nine in number: the Frenchmen call them Zenas or Lenas', (for so read I with Turnebus, rather than Gallitenas) and men are of opinion, that they being endued with especial endowments of nature, are able by enchantments to trouble the sea, and raise up winds▪ to turn themselves into what living creatures they list, to heal all those maladies, which with others are incurable, for to know also and to foretell things to come, etc. Beneath these there lie other Lands in length, namely, Isles aux Motions, near unto Pen-Mac, that is, the horsehead: Gleran over against old Blavic (which at this day is Blavet) Grois and Bellisle, all which Pliny calleth VENETICAE. For they lie opposite unto the Veneti in little Britain, Veneti. Insulae Vene came. Vannes. Venna Caro i. Charles Fi●shing, as He●gardus saith. Nesidae. who I wot not whether they were so named, as one would say, fishermans: for Venna in the ancient language of the Galls seemeth to signify so much. These Strabo supposeth to have been the founders and stockfathers of the Venetians in Italy: who writeth also, that they intended to have given Caesar battle at sea, when he minded the conquest of Britain. These Island VENETICAE, some out of Dionysius Afer term NESIDES, whereas in the Greek book we read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the Tract of the Islands. Of which, Priscian out of him writeth thus; Nec spatio distant Nessidum littora longè, In quibus uxores * Samnitum Amnitum Bacchica sacra Concelebrant hederae foliis, tectaeque corymbis. Non sic Bistonides Absynthi ad flumina Thrace's, Exertis celebrant clamoribus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Nor distant far from hence the shores do lie Of Lands, which Nessides many call, Wherein the wives of Amnites solemnly Concelebrate their high feasts Bacchanal With Ivy leaves and berries covered all. The Thracian dames make not so loud a cry, At Bacchus' feast, the river Absynts by. Which Festus Avienus also hath expressed in these verses: Hinc spumosus item ponti liquor explicat aestum, Et brevis è pelago vortex subit: hic chorus ingens Poeminei coetus pulchri colit Orgia Bacchi, Producit noctem ludus sacer: aera pulsant Vocibus & crebris laiè sola calcibus urgent. Non sic Absynthi propè flumina Thrace's, & almae Bistonides, non quà celeri ruit agmina Ganges, Indorum populi stata curant festa Lyaeo. From hence likewise the foaming sea displays his swelling tide, And from the deep short whirl puffs rise. Here by the water side, A mighty sort of women meet, the feast of Bacchus' fair To celebrate: their sacred sports last all night long. The air Rings over head with voices shrill: and under foot, the ground With many a frisk and stamp of theirs in dancing doth resound. Like noises make not Thracian Dames, the Biston wives, I say, Along Absynthus river, while they use to sport and play: Nor Indians near swift Ganges stream far in such frantic wise. Bacchus. What time to God Liaeus they their set feasts solemnize. Now that Bellisle is one of these foresaid Nessidae, the authority of Strabo, from the faithful report of other, doth prove sufficiently. For it lieth before the mouth of the river Loire: and Ptolomee placed the SAMNITAE in a coast of France opposite unto it. For thus writeth Strabo. Moreover (they say) there is a little Island in the Ocean, lying not far into the deep sea, full against the mouth of Ligeris: that in it inhabit the wives of the Samnitae, which are inspired with the instinct or divine power of Bacchus, and by ceremonies and sacrifices procure the favour of Bacchus: that no man cometh thither, but themselves taking their barks sail away and company with their own husbands, and so return again into the Island. Also that a custom it is among them, to take away the roof of their temple yearly, and to cover it again the very same day before the sun setteth; every one of the women bringing their burden: and look which of them letteth her burden fall, she is by the others torn in pieces: and that they gathering together the pieces as they go unto the temple, make not an end before they be out of this furious fit: and that it always usually happeneth, that one of them by falling down of her burden is thus torn piecemeal. Thus old Authors, writing of the utmost parts of the world, took pleasure to insert pretty lies and frivolous fables. But what things are reported of Ceres and Proserpina, they carry with them, saith he, more probability. For the report goeth of an Island near unto Britain, where they sacrifice to these Goddesses after the same manner that they do in Samothrace. Then follow the Isles aux Mottouns, Gleran, Grois, Belle-isle, upon the coast of little Britain, Niermoustier, and L'isle de Dieu upon the coast of Poictou, and Lisle de Re, Islands full well known, and much frequented for the plenty that they yield of bay salt: but for as much as they are not once mentioned by the ancient Geographers, it may be sufficient for me that I have named them. Only the next Island, at this day known by the name of Oleron, Oleron. Uliarus. was known to Pliny by the name of ULIARUS, which lieth, as he saith, in the Bay of Aquitaine, at the mouth of the river Charonton, now Charent, and had many immunities granted from the Kings of England, than Dukes of Aquitain. At which time it so flourished for marine discipline and glory, that these seas were governed by the laws enacted in this Island in the year 1266. no less than in old time the Mediterranean sea by the laws of Rhodes. Lex Rhodia. Hitherto have I extended the British sea, both upon the credit of Pomponius Mela, who stretcheth it to the coast of Spain; and upon the authority of the Lord Great Admiral of England, Admiral of England. which extendeth so far. For the Kings of England were, and are rightful Lords of all the North and West seacoasts of France (to say nothing of the whole kingdom and crown of France) as who, to follow the tract of the sea-coast, won the county of Guines, Hereditary territories in France belonging to the Crown of England. Merk, and Oye by the sword, were true heirs to the county of Porithieu and Monstrevil by Eleanor the wife of King Edward the first, the only heir thereof. In like manner most certain heirs to the Duchy of Normandy by King William the Conqueror, and thereby superior Lords of Little Britain dependant thereof; undoubted heirs of the countries of Anjou, Tourain, and Maine, from King Henry the second, whose patrimony they were: likewise of the county of Poictou, and Duchy of Aquitaine or Guyenne, by Eleanor the true heir of them, wife to the said Henry the second; to omit the counties of Tholouse, March, the homage of Avergne, etc. Of all which the French by their arrests of pretended forfeitures and confiscations have disseized the crown of England, and annexed them to the Crown of France; taking advantage of our most unhappy civil dissensions: whereas in former ages the French Kings were so foreclosed by these territories, as they had no access at all to the Ocean. Nothing remaineth now, seeing my pen hath with much labour struggled and sailed at length out of so many blind shelves and shallowes of the Ocean, and craggy rocks of antiquity, save only this, that as seamen were wont in old time, to present Neptune with their torn sails, or some saved planks, according to their vow: so I also should consecrate some monument unto the ALMIGHTY and MOST GRACIOUS GOD, and to VENERABLE ANTIQUITY: which now right willingly and of duty I vow, and God willing in convenient time I will perform and make good my vow. Mean while I would have the Reader to remember, that I have in this work wrestled with that envious and ravenous enemy TIME, of which the Greek Poet sung very aptly in this note. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hore-headed TIME full slowly creeps, but as he sly doth walk, The voices he as slily steals of people as they talk: Unseen himself, those that be seen he hides far out of sight, And such again as are not seen he bringeth forth to light. But I for my part am wont ever and anon to comfort myself with this Distichon of Mimnermus, which I know to be most true. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Heart take thine ease, Men hard to please Thou haply mayst offend: Though one speak ill Of thee, some will Say better, there an end. SOLI DEO GLORIA. PHILEMON HOLLAND THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER. IT is now almost thirty years agone, since I enterprised the translation of this Master Cambdens' work, entitled Britannia: and it is full twenty six years since it was printed in English. In which former Impression, I being far absent from the Press, I know not by what unhappy and disastrous means, there passed, beside ordinary and literal Errata, many gross and absurd mistake and alterations of my translation, which was done precisely and faithfully according to the Author's Original. Whereof to give you but a touch or taste: Page 23. line 11. the Latin is, quam Cambrica, i. Britannicagens, is printed, Than the British Britain, without all sense, for, Than the Welsh, that is, the British Nation. Page 38 line 15. Purple Tapestry remove, for, Purple Tapestry rid, as it ought to be. Page 200. line 14. of Saint Nicholas, for, Saint Michael, as it ought to be according to the Latin. Page 266. line 10. the Latin is, Aerem insalubrem, is crept in, Wholesome air, for, Unwholesome air, as it should be. Besides, whole Verses and Lines left out, and eftsoons other Words and Sentences foisted in: Substantives used for Adjectives, Adjectives for Substantives; Passive words used for Active, Actives for Passive; and so diverse other passages, against the Law of Priscian, and Rules of Grammar. Moreover, that Hiatus and want of number in some Verses, in other some Hypermeter, all by me translated with full feet and musical measure: and in some places, for Sense, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or down right nonsense, and such like stuff in above a hundred places. All which now by my means, and command of the higher Powers, care of some of the Partner-Printers of this second Impression, and not without the industry and help of my only Son H. H. a member of the Society of STACIONERS, are rectified, supplied, and amended, to the better illustration of the work, contentment and solace of the future diligent Readers, and perusers of the said Work. Vale. 85. Aetat. suae, Anno Dom. 1636. Φ. THE SHIRES OF ENGLAND. Berkshire, 279 Bedford-shire, 399 Buckingham-shire, 393 Cambridge-shire, 485 Cheshire, 601 Cornwall, 183 Cumberland, 765 Derbyshire, 553 Devon-shire, 199 Dorsetshire, 110 Durham, 735 Essex, 439 Gloucestershire, 357 Hantshire, 258 Hereford shire, 617 Hertford-shire, 405 Huntingdon shire, 497 Kent, 324 Lanca-shire, 745 Leicester-shire, 517 Lincolnshire, 529 Middlesex, 419 Monmouth, 631 Norfolk▪ 467 Northamptonshire, 505 Nottinghamshire, 547 Northumberland, 799 Oxford-shire, 373 Richmondshire, 727 Rutland-shire, 525 Shrop-shire, 589 Somerset-shire, 220 Stafford-shire, 581 Suffolk, 459 Sussex, 306 Surrey, 294 Warwickshire, 561 Westmoreland, 759 Wilt-shire, 241 Worcester-shire, 573 Yorkshire, 689 THE SHIRES OF WALES. ANglesey, 671 Brecknock, 627 Cardiganshire. 657 Carmarden-shire, 649 Carnarvon-shire, 667 Denbigh-shire, 675 Flintshire, 679 Glamorgan-Shire, 641 Merioneth-Shire, 665 Montgomery, 661 Penbroke-Shire, 651 Radnor-Shire, 623 The first Index or Table, serving from the beginning of BRITAIN to the end of ENGLAND. A A, The first letter, thus shaped, A 762 c Aaron a martyr, 73 f. 636 f Ab-adam a Baron, 364 d Aballaba, 761 a Abendon or Abington, 279 d Aber, 21 f Aber Avon, 645 f Aberbury castle, 592 f Aber Conwey, 669 e Aberford, 696 b Aberfraw, 672 f Abergevenny, 635 a Abergevenny castle defamed for treason, 635 b Abergevenny Lords, ibid. Abtots, a family, 579 b Abus, the same that Humber, 710 d Academia in Attica, 486 f Accabler, 21 f Ackmancester, 234 d Acmunderness, 752 e Acton's, 364 a Acton Burnel, 591 f Adam de Portu, 269 a Ad Ansam, 448 c Adeliza Queen her praises, 309 a Aden what it signifieth, 117 c Aderborne a river, 245 d Adington, 510 b Ad Lapidem, 262 d Adminius, 418 c Admirals court, 180 b Ad murum, 819 c Adraste a goddess among the Britain's, 31 c Adrian the Emperor in Britain, 65 d Ad Rotum, etc. 449 c Adalph re-edifieth Peterburgh Abbey, 512 f Aeleonor K. Edward the First his wife, 397 a Aeleonor K. Henry the Third his widow liveth in a Nunnery, 254 c Aeleonor Cobham, 304 a K. Aelfred, a Prince much troubled, 224 b, c. First Monarch of England, 158 c. Second founder of Oxford University, 376 b Aelfritha K. Edgar's wife, 254 c 262 b. a cruel and hateful stepdame, 211 d Aelward Meaw, that is to say, white, 217 b Aeneus Silvius, that is, Pope Pius Secundus, 818 e Equity courts in England, 178 Aequivocation of Adam bishop of Hereford, 363 b Aesica, 781 d Aestii, 21 f Aeternalis Domus, what it is, 645 d Aethelbald the good King of the Mercians, 554 a. stabbed to death, 569 e Aethiopians why so named, 23 c 26 b Aethling, that is, the Prince, 614 a Aeton, 393 f Aeton or Eton School, 288 f Agelocum, 545 f Jul. Agricola Lieutenant of the twentieth legion in Britain, 53 e. Propretor in Britain, 54 b. discomfiteth the Ordovices, 54 c, d. conquereth Anglesey, ibid. his civil and politic government in Britain, 54 f. his martial skill, 55. his other virtues and behaviour, 55, 56. he vanquisheth the Caledonians, 57 his patience, 57 his Oration to his soudiers, 59 his victory, 61. his modesty, 62 Agrippina the Empress her haughty mind, 44 e, f Aidon castle, 808 f Ailesburies' gentlemen, 395 f Ailesburie, 395 c Ailesford, 3●1 f Ailwin Healf Koning, 499 e Ainsbury or Ainulphsbury, 497 c Ainulph a religious man, ibid. Airmins' a family, 5●3 a Akemanstreet-way, 377 b Alabaster-stone, 544 c Alabaster stone about Burton upon Trent, 586 b Alan a river, 194 c. 246 d Alan the son of Flaold, 589 f Alaricus King of the Goths, 86 b Alaun a river, 259 c. 813 c Alban a country, 126 c Albans whence they took their name, 26 b S. Alban of Verlam our Stephen and Protomartyr of Britain, 73 f. 409 f Albany, 126 S. Alban a town, 408 c S. Alban Church & town, 410 c 412 d S. Alban battles, 413 c Albenies Earles of Sussex, 320 e Albinus, 126 Albina, 24 b Albinus created Caesar, 68 he usurpeth the Empire, 69. is slain, ibid. Albion, 1, 23. whence it took name, 24 a Albrighton, 594 a Alchester, 377 b Alcwin a learned English Saxon, 137 f. 704 c Alborow, 701 c. 731 c. 466 a Aldelme Abbat, 244. a singular scholar and a devout man, ibid. Aldersgate in London, 423 d Aldgate in London, 423 e Aldingham, 755 d Ale the ancient englishmen's drink, 554 f allen a riveret, 676 f. 681 f Alexander of Hales a great Clerk, 365 a Alexander the bountiful Bishop of Lincoln, 383 e. 539 d profuse in building, 549 d King Alexander the Great never in Britain, 32 d Alfreton, 555 e Algar Earl, 379 a Alheale, 14 d Alford in Lincolnshire, 542 b Alingtons a family, 489 e Knights, 406 d Alipius, 79 Allabany, 126 alectus his treachery 73. is vanquished and slain, ibid. Allobrogae, 19 Almans whence they took their name, 26 b. 124 Almondbury, 692 d Alne river, 566 a. 813 c Alnwick or Anwich, 813 c Alon a river, 801 e Alone, 794 c Alps of Britain, 667 c Alps why so called, 24 Alresford, 262 e All-souls College in Oxford, 382 Alsten more, 799 c Alt a river, 748 c Althorp, 508 d Altars of the Gentiles and their Religion, 751 d, e Alterynnis, 617 c Altmouth a town, 748 e Alvertonshire, 723 e Alum made, 217 a Alum earth discovered by Sir Th. Chaloner, knight, 721 d Alured, See Aelfred. Alwena a devout woman, 494. d Ambacti, 16 Amboglana, 760 b Ambleside, ibid. Ambresbury, 254 b Ambro. what it is, 127 Abrones, ibid. Ambrose Aurelius, 128 Ambrose Aurelianus, 254 b Amersham, 394 e Amphibalus a martyr, 636 f Ampthil, 401 d Anas a river, 297 a. why so called, 245 c Ancaster, 537 b Ancaster heath, ibid. d Andate or Andates a goddess among the Britain's, 31. 457 e Andradswald, 306 c Audragathins a traitor drowneth himself, 83 Anderida the weald, 329 d Andernesse, 752 e Androgeus, Cynobelinus his son, the same that Mandrubatius, why so called, 417 e Anesty in Hertfordshire, 405 f Angel a Province in Dania, 130 Angels, 610 c Ri. Angervil Philobiblos, 381 f Angle's or Englishmen whence they came, 130 Anglesey, 671. why so called, 672 c conquered by king Edward the first▪ ibid. d. invaded by Suetonius Paulinus, 49 Angotby, 545 a Anger, 440 b Ankam a river, 543 a Ankro the river, 569 c Anne wife to King Richard the Second, 297 d Anne Bullen mother to Queen Elizabeth, 256 f Anna a Christian King, 466 a Annius Viterbiensis, 24 Anselm against Priest's marriage, 201 b Ansty or Ancienty liberty, 707 a Ant or Anton a river, 260 e Antivestaeum, 187 Anthony, 193 Antoninus Pius Britannicus, 66 Philosophus, ibid. Anubis Latrans, 17 Apelby, 761 a Apennini, 18 Apollinaris an herb, 98 Appropriate Churches what they be, and how many, 161 Apthorp, 514 e Aquila his prophecy, 214 c Aquileia the city commended, 83 Aquitania why so called, 27 Are, 21 Ara, ibid. Arar, 20 Araxis a river in France, 694 a Arat, 20 Arbeia, 769 c Arches a court, 181 Archbishop of Canterbury, 136 Archbishops three in Britain, 155. in England two, 160 Arconfield, 618 a Archdeacon's, 222 c Archdeaconries in England how many, 161 Archigubernius, 66 Ardudwy, 665 e Areol, 594 e Are a river, 693 f. why so called, 694 a Arians what they were, 81 Arelate, 21 Aremorica, 19 Arfast Bishop of East England, 471 f Arden forest, 358 b Arden a forest in Warwickshire, 565 c Arderns a family, 604 b Argentons, 406 d. 489 e Arians condemned, 77 Arianism in Britain, 78 Ariconium, 618 d Aristobulus mentioned by Saint Paul, in Britain, 68 Arlech castle, 665 e Armanthwaite, 777 f Armaturae what they were, 783 Arms of Ailsburies', 395 d Arms of Will. de Albeny, 320 e Arms of the Alfretons Barons, 555 e. of the Bainard's, 271. d of the Argentons, 406 d. of the Bardolps, 481 e. of the Blewets, 271 d. of the Bows, 737 b. of the Bohuns, 311 f. of Brabant, 820 e. of Charleton Lord of Powis, 663 c. of Colchester, 451 a. of Cusanz. 271 d. of Ela Countess of Salisbury, 249 d. of the Ferrars, 526 a. of Sir Hen. Guildford, 352 b. of Harold, 617 d. of Holland's Knights, 749 d. of Th. Howard Duke of Norfolk, 483 c. Of the first Kings of England of Norman blood, 724. of the Lucy's. 768 f. of Lumlies, 742 b. of the Mauleis, 719. of Montfichets, 453 of the Monthaults, 690 e. of the Mortimer de Attilborough, 473 b. of the Musards, 555 f. of the Muschamps, 815 c. of Saier Quincy and Roger his son, 267 Arms of the Percies, 768. of the Percies and Lucy's, ibid. of Redvers Earls of Denshire, 207 e. of the Scales, 405 e. of the Segraves, 568 f. of the Sturmies, 254 f. of the Lord Stourton, 245 b. of Vaulx, 786 e. of Vermandors, 304 b. of Vescy, 723 a. 722 f. of Viponts, 763. of Warren Earl, 304 b Army of God and Holy Church, 509 d Armorica what it signifieth, 111 Armorica, 19.12 Armorican Britons whence they came, 5 Arnulph of Montgomery conqueror of Penbrochsh. 655 a Arrow a river, 565 d Arrow a town, 566 a Arthur a British Prince, 128 arthur's place of Nativity and death, 194 Ap. Arthur a writer, 632 f arthur's battle against Mordred, 194 arthur's sepulchre, 227 f arthur's Epitaph, 230 a, b Arthur's table, 776 d King Arthur's Palace, 221 b Artisans or Craftsmen, 177 Arvandus his children killed, 262 d. 276 a Arveragus, 62 Arundel Earls, 309.310 Th. Arundel Baron of Wardour, 246 a. Count of the Empire, ib. Arundale, 308 d Arundels Knights, 193 Arwerton, 463 e S. Asaph a Bishops See, 679 d S. Asaph a goodly and upright man, ibid. e Ascohes Knights, 543 a Ascot, 396 a Ashbie Mares, 507 b Ashbie de la Zouch, 519 a Ashburnham, 317 e Ashburne in the Peake, 553 d Ashle manor, 481 f Ashdown, 442 f Ashridge, 395 a Ashford, 335 d Ashwell, 406 a Ashwell Thorp. 472 d Askerton castle, 782 f Asks a family, 729 f Asserius a learned Monk, 378 c Assizes what they are, 445 ● Astbury, 608 f Astley castle, 569 b Astleys Barons, ibid. b Astleies a noble family, 581 d Astleis Knights, 217 a Astons a family, 584 e Th. Aston the first head-schoolemaster of Shrewsbury, 596 b Astroites a stone, 536 c Astwell, 505 e Athelney, 224 b Athelwold murdered by Edgar, 262 b Athyrston, 569 d Attrebatii, 278 Attacotti, 79.127 Attal-Sarisin, 185 Attilbridge, 473 d Attilburgh, ibid. b Attila the scourge of God, 197 a Atton a place and family, 722 b Avallon an Island, ●25 e Aubrey a family, 628 e Audience court, 181 Audre causey, 459 d Audre, 492 e S. Audre or Etheldreda, ibid. f S. Audries Liberties, 493 c Aventon, 258 d Aven a river in Hantshire, 258 e Avens a family, 485 d Averham or Aram a place, 549 Aufon river, See Nen. Augusta, See London. Augusta what they be, 424 d Augustus Caesar intended a voyage into Britain, 39 he neglecteth Britain, ibid. Augustine Apostle of the English nation, 336 d. 136. where interred, 337 f. S. Augustine's cross, 342 a. Augustine's oak, 578 d. e Aulus Atticus slain, 61 Aulus Plautius sent into Britain, 40. his exploits there, 41 market Aultun, 269 a Awdleys or Aldeleghs, Barons, 583 ● Henry Awdley, 583 f. 584 a james Lords Awdley, 584 a Awdley end, 452 a Baron Awdley of Walden, 452 d Awkenbury, 501 c Awkland, 738 d Aulaf the Dane adopted, 261 f Aulbemarle Earles, 715 b Auldby, 709 e Aulcest●r, 566 b Aulton castle, 587 c Avon a river in Somersetshire, 236 c Avon what it signifieth, 358 a Avon a river in Wiltshire, 242 a Avon river the less, 515 b. 517 Avon a river in Wales, 665 e Avon-well, 515 b Aure a yellow or golden colour, 26 Aurelius Conanus a tyrant, 113 Aurelius Ambrose, 259 a Aurenches or de Abrincis, 349 b Ausley castle, 588 e Austclive, 363 d S. Astins Church in Canterbury, 337 e Axe a river, 206 f Axan minster, ibid. f Axelholme an Isle, 544 b B BAblac, 373 c Babthorp, name of a place and family, 710 Babthorps' father and son, ib. b Bacons a family, 463 e Sir Nicholas Bacon, L. Keeper, 461 f john Baconthorpe the resolute Doctor, 479 b Bad, 21 Badbury hill, 216 e Baddeley, 607 e Bartholomew Lord Badilsmeere, 331 d Badesley, 566 d Baggington, 562 e Bagot's, 586 e Bagmere Poole, 609 b Baines or Baths much used, 732 Bainard's castle in London, 424 b Bainard's, 243 f Bailliol college in Oxford, 381 c Baine a river, 727 f Bainhams, 359 a Baintbrig, ibid. Baskewell a river, 557 b Bala a town, 666 c Baldach, 473 f Baldock, 406 c Baldwine a justice, 395 e Baldwine le Pettour, 464 b Balshall a Commander of the Templars, 566 d Bamborow, 813 e Bampfeilds a family, 203 e Bampton, 207 b Ban a river in Lincolnshire, 541 Banbury, 376 a Banchor or Bangor Monastery, 603 a Bannavenna, that is, Wedon, 508 Bannes Down, 234 b Bandogs or Mastiffs, 434 e Banerets, what title of Gentry, 171 a Baram Down, 345 a Barangi, 154 Barbacan in London, 433 d Bard, 4.14.15 Bard, 19 Bardolphs Lords, their tenors of certain Lands, 302 d Bardus, 19 Bardney Abbey, 540 f Bardolphs Barons, 481 e. 548 f Bariden a river, 473 d Barkley Barons, 239 a William Viscount Barkley Earl of Nottingham, 551 c Barklow, 452 a Bark-shire, 129 Barkway, 405 f Barnard castle, 736 e Saint Barnard College in Oxford founded, 382 b. re-edified, 383 b Barley a town and famly, 405 f Barley the best, 485 b Barnwel Abbey, 487 f. Castle, 510 c Barnet, 425 e Barnet field, 415 d Barry an Island, 643 a Barries Viscount's in Ireland, 643 Baringtons a family, 453 d Barington Hall, ibid. Baro what it signifieth, 168 Barons what degree of honour, ib. Baronies many in Northumberland, 799 c Barons to the Count Palatine of Chester, 612 a. their office, ib. Barow, 521 b Barows or Burrows, 255 b Barton upon Humber, 542 f Baruch an holy man, 643 a Bascaads or Baskets, 491 e Basilicae, 743 f Basile, 473 f Basin, 269 b. the honour of the Barons S. john Poinings and Powlets, Basin Stoke, 269 b Basin Werk, 680 b Baskervils worthy knights, 620 c Basset's a notable family, 581 f Basset's of Welledon, 514 d Basset's of Brailesford, 553 d Baston, 21 Batable ground, 782 a Bateau, 21 Batersey, 303 a Batherton, 607 e Bath gate, 557 Bath Earls, 235 a Bath Knights, 172. their dubbing, ibid. Bath City, 233 b. the hot Waters thereof, ibid. Battle Bridge, alias Stanford Bridge, 709 e Battle Abbey founded, 317 b Battle of the Standard, 724 a Battle field, 596 c Battle at Nevil's cross, 741 b Battle at Solon Moss, 782 a Battle a town, 317 c Bauchadae, 19 Bawds a family in Essex, 426 b Bawdsey haven, 465 d Beachy point, 313 d Beacons, 272 d Beavons of Southampton, 250 e Beamfleot, 441 b Bear the badge of the Earls of Warwick, 570 b Beanfield, 695 a Beauchamps, 399 d Henry Beauchamp Earl of Warwick his style. 570 b. Duke, also of Warwick, ibid. john Beauchamp Baron of Keddermister, 574 b Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, 563 e. his tomb and epitaph, 564 a Beauchamps Barons, Lords Brook, 223 f William Beauchamp the blind Baron, 574 b Beauchamps court, 565 f Beauchamp Baron of Pewich, 565 f Beauchiefe Abbey, 555 e Beaucliffe, 313 d Beaudley, 573 e Beaudesert, 585 a Sir Thomas Beaufoe of ancient descent, 564 e john de Beaufort Earl of Sommersert, 230. refuseth the title of marquis Dorset, 217 d Beaufort's Dukes of Somerset, 414 e Beaulieu, 260 b Beaumanour park, 521 d Beaumarish, 672 d Beaumeis, 594 a john Beaumond the first Viscount in England, 521 Beaumont's of Cole Orton anciently and highly descended, 519 Beaumond a family in Yorkshire, 693 a Rob. Beaumond of Pont Audomar Earl of Mellent and of Leceister, 523 c his race or progeny, ibid. e Beavior or Belvior castle, 536 b Beauvoir or Belvoir vale, 535 d Bebba, 813 f Bebham, ibid. e Ant. Bec or Beck Bishop of Durham untrusty to his Ward, 328 a. 723. a Tho. Becket slain by Courtiers, 337 b Becco, 20 Beda, 6. a learned Englishman, 137 Beda venerabilis, 744 a Bedw. 19 Beddington, 302 c Bedfordshire, 399 Bedford town, ibid. e Bedford Lords, Earls and Dukes, 402 f john Duke of Bedford his style and monument, 403 a Bedifoyd, 208 a Bedingfeild a place and family, 468 b De la Beech Knights, 282 e Beeston a castle and family, 607 b Saint Bees, 766 a Saint Bega a devout Irish woman ibid. Beichiad, 19 Belerium what cape, 1 Belgae in Gaul and Britain, 219 b. whence so named, ibid. d King Beleus his Habergeon, 11 Robert de Belesmo rebelleth, 591 d. a cruel man, 599 b Bellisma aestuarium, a frith, 752 Bellister castle, 799 e Beln, Melin & Phelin, all one, 98 Belingsgat in London, 423 e Belinuntia, 98 Belinus a god, ibid. what it signifieth, 391 e Belleland or Biland, 723 b Bellasise a family, 723 b Bellers a noble family sometime, 522 f Bellotucadrus, 691 d Benefician, what town, 478 f Benedictine Monks, 226 d Benington, 407 f S. Benno, 680 c S. Bennaventa, is Wedon, 508 c, d S. Bennit in the Holm an Abbey, 478 c Bengley, 815 b Bengorion, 125 Bensted a family, 407 f Bensbury, for knebensbury, 302 f Benson, 388 d Bently, 463 e Bear park or Beau park ne'er to Durham, 741 Bericus a traitor to Britain, 40 Berengarius le Moigne, that is, Monk, 510 c Berkhamsted, 414 c Bermingham or Bremicham, a town and family, 567 b Bermondsey Abbey, 434 b Bernack 514 e Benrers a family, 405 d Berniciae, 817 a. 797 b Bernwood, 393 e. 395 Berohdon or Baradon, 525 f Berosus confuted, 10 Berry by Wicomb, 393 c Berstaple, 208 b Bertelin an Eremite, 584 d Berwick town, 816 e Berwicks' what they be, ibid. f Berwic in Elmet, 696 b Bery, 594 d Bery Pomerie, 202 a Betula or Betulla, 19 Betheney, See Stafford. Betony, 20 Beverley a town, 711 d john of Beverley, ibid. Bevers in Tivy river what creatures they be, 657 e Beverston castle, 364 d Beufes of Lancashire, 745 e Bevils a family, 192.562 a Bezants or Bezantines what they be, 421 a Bibroci, 286 d Buy what it signifieth, 543 b Begleswade, 401 c Bigod, the name of Rollo the Norman, 144 Hugh Bigod, Lord chief justice of England, 482 c Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, 482 b Bigod, the name of hypocrites and superstitious persons, 144 Bigods a family, 465 d Bigots a family, 633 c Bigrames a family, 501 c Billesdun, 812 f Biland or Belleland, 723 b Th. Billing Lord chief justice of the King's bench, 505 e Bindon, 212 b Binchester, 738 e Binchester penis, ibid. Binbrige Isle, 274 a Birdlip hill, 365 f. 366 c Pirinus the Apostle of the Westsaxons, 384 c Birling, 332 d Birthin a river, 636 c Birtport or Burtport, 210 e Biscaw won, 188 Bisham, 286 b Bishops of Durham, 735 Bishops of Bath and Wells, 232 c Bishops castle, 189 e Bishops Thorps', 707 c Bishops whether they might hold castles, 244 c Bishops gate in London, 423 d Bishops their place and precedency in England, 161 Bissemed, 401 b Bissets an honourable family, 245.574 a Bittlesden, 396 d Bitumen, that is, Sea coal, 735 c Biwell castle, 808 c Bihan castle, 537 a Bithric Lords of Gloucester, 368 Bizacium in Africa, 478 e Blackborne, 752 d Blackburne shire, ibid. e Blacklow hill, 564 d Blackelead, 767 b Blackemere a Barony, 598 d Blackemore forest, 213 f Blackeamore, 717 b Blacketaile Points 213 Blackewater a Creek, 443 e Rob. Blanchmains, 518 b Blackeney, 479 a market Blandford, 215 e Blatum Bulgium, 775 c Blean Leveney castle, 628 d Blatherwicke, 514 b Blechindon, 377 a Blencarn a brook, 763 c Blenkensop a place and family, 800 b Blestium, 617 c Blickling, 478 b Bletso, 399 d Blewets, 224 c Blisworth, 507 a Blithe, 551 a Blithe a river, 586 d. 466 e 812 a Bliphborough, 486 e Blithfield, 586 e Charles Blount or Blunt, Lord Montjoy Earl of Devonshire, 208 d Blounts or Blunts of Kinlets, 574 why so called, 591 b blunt's Barons Montjoy, 555 c Gilbert Blund, 461 d Boadicia or Bunduica wife to King Prasutaegus, 49 Boadicia, or Bunduica a noble and warlike Lady, 406 e. 51 is vanquished and poisoneth herself, 52 Bocking a fat Personage, 446 a Bocton Malherb, 331 b Bodine what he conceiveth of the name Britain, 5 Sir Th. Bodley a singular benefactor to Oxford Library, 382 c Bodman, 191. Boduarie, 679 c Boeth what it signifieth, 732 c Bohuns Earles of Hereford, etc. 621 e Humphrey de Behun Earl of Essex, 454 Hugh de Bolebec, 396 a Bolebec Barony, 809 e Bolebec Castle, 396 a Bolerium, 187 Bollin a river, 610 b Bolingbroke, 541 f Bolsover Castle, 556 c Bonosus a notorious bibber hangeth himself, 71 Boniface, See Winifrid. Bonvill Lord, 206 c. 231 b. his calamities, ibid. c Bolton castle, 729 a Borrodale, 767 a Bone-well, 619 f Bonhommes a religious order, 395 a Bonhommes College, 244 Bonium, 602 e Booth a family, 610 c Borsarse alias Brentwood, 442 Borwick, 809 d Borrovicus, ibid. Boscastle, 195 Boseham, 306 f Bostoke a place and family, 609 d Boston, 532 c burnt and ransacked, 532 d Bothal castle, 812 d Bosworth town, 518 d Bosworth field, ibid. d Botereux castle, 195 Botereux a family, 566 b Botherwic, 544 d Botontines, 515 d Bottlebrig or botolph Bridg, 502 Bought on, 510 a Bovium, 643 c Bourchiers Earls of bath, 598 c 207 c Bourchier Baron of berner's, 405 d Bourchiers de berner's Lords, 472 d Bourchiers an honourable family 450 d Bowes or Bough a worshipful family, 731 c. 737 a. why so called, 732 e Bowland forest, 750 b Bowtetorts a family, 465 b Boxley, 332 c Brachae, 19 Bradenham, 393. e branch, 19 Briti, ibid. Bridburn a place and family, 553 Bradford, 244 f Bradewardin a place, 6●8 c Bradwardin the profound Doctor, 618 c Bradstons' Ancestors of Viscount Montacute and Barons Wentworth, 364 a Braibrooke castle, 1513 e Braibrookes' Barons, ibid. e Brackley, 505 d Braibrook, 329 c Brakenbake, 724 e Brackenbury's a family of good note, 737 c Brambles, 274 c Brampton, 783 a Bramton, 815 b Bramton Brian castle, 619 c Bramish a river, 815 b Bancaster, 408 a Brian de Brampton, 619 c Brand, 568 e Brandon's a family Suffolk, 465 e Branspeth castle, 739 Branonium, 575 a Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, 470 c Brannodunum, 480 a Bransford or Bensford-bridge, 517 e Brazen weapons, 188 Brazen nose College in Oxford, 383 a Brasmatias, a kind of Earthquake, 620 c Bray, 286 d. Lord Bray, 297 b. The breach by Greenwich, 328 a Nicolas Breakspeare, That is, Pope Adrian the forth, 414 f Breakspeare a place and family, 419 b Brechanius his 24. daughters all Saints, 627 a Breden forest, 224 a Breedon hills, 577 e Breedon a village, ibid. Breertons a family, 608 f. their death foreshowed, 609 b Breerton a place, 609 Brechnockshire, 627 Brechnock town, 628 a Brechnock mere, ibid. Brechnock Lords, ibid. Brechnock made a shire, 677 e Bremenium, 803 Brember castle, 313 c Bremetonacum, 753 c Bremicham or Bermingham a town and family, 567 Bren what it signifieth, 677 Bremin, what it is, 33 Brennus, 677 Brennus a renowned King, 33 Bretenham, 463 b Breton a river, ibid. Brent a river, 421 Brent, See Falkes de Brent. Brentmarsh, 230 e Brentford, 421 Brentwood, 442 a Brentwell or Brounswell, 421 Broses Barons, 113 c. 201 f Breoses a family, 553 d Will. de Breos, or Braus, a strong Rebel, 629 b Breoses Lords of Brechnock▪ 623 Bretons a family, 556 b Bretts, 128 f Breusais, 138 f Brian, who so called, 117 Bridlington, 714 d john of Bridlington, ibid. Brewood, 583 a Bricols, 400 e Bridge Casterton, 534 b Bridgford by Nottingham, 548 Brig for Glansford, 543 a brigants in Britain rebelled, 43 brigants, 685. whereof they took name, ibid. Brill for Burihill, 395 b Breint Fitz Conty, 282 a Brients, 202 c, d Brients Barons, 215 d Brinlo, 568 f Brienston, 215 e Brimsfeild, 365 f Bridgewater, 225 a Earl of Bridgewater, 225 c Bridkirk, 768 b Briewer Baron, 222 e Bristol or Bristol, a City, 237 a the reason of the name, ibid. b Bret the Primitive of the Britain's, 26 Brit or Birth the first name of the Britain's, 25 Birth what it signifieth, 26 Britain or Britanny whence it took name, 27. why late discovered and known, 33. mentioned by Lucretius, first of any Latin writer, ib. twice Schoolemistres to France, 138 Britain the great, that is, England, 155 Britain the less, that is, Scotland, ibid. Britain how divided, 154.155 Britain what names it hath, 1. the site thereof, 1. the form of it, ibid. why called another world, 24. the division and compass of it, 2.4 Britain hath sundry names, 23 the position thereof in respect of the Heavens, 4. how fruitful and commodious, 3. her first inhabitants, 4. the name, 5 Britain under what sign or Planet, 182 Britain portracted in woman's habit, 24. the Roman world, 45 discovered to be an Island, 61 a province Presidial, 62. How it was governed under and after Constantine the Great, 62 76. how it became subject to the Romans, 62. infected by Barbarians, 79. brought to civility, 63. called Romania, and Roman Isle, 88 Britain's ruin and downfall, 107 Britain and France whether ever conjoined, 346 a Britain's came first out of Gaul, 11.12 Britan's, in Religion, language and manners agree with the Gauls, 13.14.15.16.17 Britan's employed by Caesar in base services, 38 Britan's generally rebel, 49. their grievances, ibid. Britain's cast off the Romans yoke, 86 Britain's how they may derive their descent from the Troyans', 88 Britan's in Armorica, 110 Britan's of Wales and cornwall, 112.113 Britan's send Ambassadors to the Saxons, 128 Britan's retain their ancient language, 23 Britan's long lived, 555 b Britan's painted themselves blue with wood, 20 Britan's manners and customs out of julius Caesar, 29. out of Strabo, ibid. out of Diodorus Siculus, 29. out of Pomponius Mela, ibid. out of Cernelius Tacitus, 30. out of Dio Nicaus, ibid. out of Herodian, ibid. out of Pliny, 3●. out of Solinus, ibid. Britain Burse, 428 d Britannica the herb. See Scorby or Scurvigrasse, Britanniciani what they were, 111 Briten huis, 40 Brithin a kind of drink, 5 British tongue full of Greek, words, 28 British States submit to Caesar, 37 British Isles mentioned by Polybius, 33 Of British Pearl a breastplate, 38 British names import colours, 26 British towns what they were, 29 Britwales or Welshmen, 113 Briva what it signifieth, 414 Brockets knights, 406 f Brocovum, 762 d Broge, 19 break by a place, 522 f. a family, 523 a Brome, 467 f Bromesgrave, 574 ● Bromefield, 677 a Wolter Bronscorn Bishop of Excester, 190 Brooks a family of ancient descent, 611 a Brook, L. Cobham, 329 c Barons Brook, 244 c Bronholme, 478 e Brougham, 762 d Brotherton, 695 b Sir Anthony Browne first Viscount Montacute, 482 b Sir Ant. Brown marquis Montacute, 222 d Broughton, 376 e Broughton in Hantshire, 262 c Brundenels' a family, 514 b Bruges Baron Chandos, 365 b Bruin a family, 442 b Burg-morfe or Bridg-North, 591 b Robert Brus the noble, 500 e Baron Brus of Skelton, 720 c Bruse's a noble family, 526 b Brutus 5. why so called, 8 Bucken, that is, Beech trees, 393 George Buck, 22 d Buchonia and Buckenham, 393 a Buckinghamshire, 393 Buers a family, 463 b Walter Buc and his race, 812 b Buckingham town, 396 c. Earls, 397 d Buckhurst Baron, 320 Buelth, 627 e Bugden, 497 d Bulchobaudes, 79 Buldewas or Bildas, 593 e Bulkley a town and family, 607 Anne Bullen or Bollen Marchianesse of Penbroch, 655 e Bullen or Bollen Earl of Wiltshire, 256 e Bullen or Bollogne in France, the same that Gessoriacum and Bonoia, 348 d Th. Bullen Earl of Wiltshire died for sorrow, 257 Bulleum Silurum, 627 e Bulley or Busley a noble Norman, 551 a Bulverith, 316 e Buly castle, 76● c Bulnesse, 775 c Bumsted Helion, 452 a Bungey, 468 b Burdos' or Burdelois, 473 a Burford in Shropshire, 590 f Burnt Elly, 463 d Burgesses, 177 Burgh under Stanemore, 760 Burgh castle, 468 e Burgh Clere, 72 c Burgi what they were, 760 f Burly a fair place, 526 b Burons an ancient family, Burrium, 636 c S. Buriens in Cornwall, 188. why so called, ibid. Burnel Baron, 330 c Burcester, 337 b Burdet, 566 c Bunbury for Boniface burry, 607 Burghersh alias Burgwash, 320 Bartholomew Burgwash a Baron 320 b Burghley, 514 ● Burgh, 727 f Burghsted, 442 e Burgh or Burrow Barons, 543 f Burne a Barony, ibid. Burnels a family, 591 f Burrowes what they are, 515 e Burrow bank, 452 e Burrow hill, 522 a Burrow bridge, 701 a Burrow a town, 522 b Baron Burrow or Burgh, 303 f Burrough a town and family, 522 Burrow of Southwark, 303 d Burthred the last King of Mercians, 554 a Burse of London or Royal Exchange, 439 b Burgh upon Sands, 775 e Burgundians brought into Britain, 71 Burton Lazars, 522 a Burton upon Trent, 586 b Burwell castle, 490 Burial of men with legs a cross, 808 a Bury Abbey, 460 e Bustlers a family, 489 e Busleys or Busseys a family, 535 Busy Gap, 800 f Butlers of Wem, 592 c Butler of Woodhall, ibid. c Butler Earl of Wiltshire, 256 d Butlers a family, 748 b Butlers or Botelers of Ireland, 752 f Butterby, 739 Butsiet, 20 Buttington, 662 Burton well, 557 c Byliricay, 442 e C CAblu. 21 Cadbury, 221 c Cadier Arthur or Arthur's chair, an hill, 627 c Cadocus Earl of Cornwall, 197 b Cadugan ap Blethin, 658 c. 662 c a renowned Britain. Caerulus & Caerulum, 24 Caesars entry into Britain, 343 e where he passed over the Tamis, 295 e Caesaromagus, 442 b Caesarea the name of many Cities, 442 b jul. Caesar his temperance and small port, 38 his patience, ibid. conquered not Britain, 38 he neglected Britain, ibid. Caesares, 164 Caer what it signifieth, 204 a Caer Caradocke an Hill, 590 a Caer Custeineth, 668 d Caerdiff, 642 d Caerfuse, 661 e Caer Gai, 666 a Caer Guby, 673 a Caer Guortigern, ibid. Caerhean, ibid. Caer Leon, ibid. Caermardenshire, 649 Caermarden City, 649 e Caernarvonshire, 667 Caernarvon-towne, 668 e Caer Pallad●r, 270 a Caer Phillicastle, 642 a Caer Segonte, 270 a Caer Vorran, 800 e Caer went, 633 d Caer wisk, 679 d Caihaignes a family, 395 Caius Caesar meant to invade Britain, 40. his vanity, his voyage thither, 41. his triumph over Britain, 42 Cainsham, 236 e Calaterium nemus, 723 d Caishoberry, 415 a Calc. i. lime, Calcaria, 699 a Calder the river, 691 a Caldwell, 731 c Caledonians make head against the Romans, 56 Caloughdon, 568 c Calphurnius Agricola, 66 Calshot or Caldshore, 260 d Calveley a place and worthy family, 608 d Sir Hugh Calveley a valiant knight, 608 d Callais no ancient town, 348 b calthrop's a family, 463 e Cam a river, why so called, 486 a Cam, 21 Camalet, 221 b Camalet towns, ibid. c Camalodunum, 43. lost, 50 Cambodunum 449. Camb-alan-river, 194 Camboritum, 486 a Camden or Camp den, 364 f Camden the Author his opinion of the name of Britannia, and the original of Britan's, 9 Cambridge in Glocestershire, 362 c Cambridgeshire, 485 Cambridge defaced and burnt, 488 b Cambridge town and University, 486 c When it became an University, 489 a Camulus a God, 446 e Camel a river, 194 Camelsford, ibid. Candishor Cavendish, 554 b Camois Barons, 312 e Candocus see Cadocus. Cambridge Earls, 495 e Camvills a family, 569 a Camur, 21. Candetum, 20 Cangi a people in Britain, 611 b 231 a. subdued, 43 Cankwood, 583 e Canterium, 19 Cantroed, 20 Cantelowes an honourable family, 514 a Cantlow, 201 f Th. Cantlow a Bishop and Saint, 619 c Cantium what cape, 1 Canterbury College in Oxford, 381 a Canterbury, 336 c. Canterbury Archbishop's Primates of Britain, 338 e Cantred what it is, 650 b Cantred Bitham, ibid. Cantred Maur, 650 c Can a river, 759 c. 445 d Cancefeilds a family, 755 d Candale or Kendale a Barony, 759 c Canel Cole, 735 d Canonium is Chelmesford, 445 d Cantabri and Scythians of like manners, 121 Canvey Isle, 441 a Cantaber a Spaniard founder of Cambridge University, 487 a Canutus his Apophth. 261 e Canvills a family, 515 c Capgrave his legends, 646 Capitatio a Tribute, 100 Caradauc Urichfas, 590 c King Caradock, 633 ●, f. delivered unto Ostorius, 590 a. taken prisoner by Queen Cactismana, 44. his undaunted courage, ibid. Caratacus Prince of the Dimeiae 657 e. 43 Caranton, 220 Cardiganshire, 657. Lord thereof, 658 c Cardigan a town, 657 e Careg castle, 650 Carleton a town and family, 472 d carew's of Surry, 302 c carew's a family, 652 c Carew castle, ibid. Carew of Anthony, 198 d Carewes a noble family, 202 e 282 d Caries, 202 e R. Carew, 193 Carew Baron of Clopton, 565 b Careston, 517 c Carlisle, 778 d. Old Carlisle, 773 b. Carlisle had one Earl, 780 d Carnabies a family, 808 f Carthismandua wife to Venusius a stout Lady, 48. her loose life and adultery, 53 Carmelite Friars, 351 e. brought first into England, 813 d Carthmell, 755 a Caribec, 121 Carisbrook, 275 c Careswell a castle and family, 587 Carausius usurpeth the Empire 72. governeth Britain well, ib. slain by alectus, 72 Carus and Carinus Emperors, 73 Carminow, 190 Cars a family, 815 Carr a river, 210 c Carmouth, 210 b Carram, 815 a Carvills a family, 481 a Carvilius, 37 Henry Cary Baron of Hunsden, his high and noble descent, 408 409 Sir Edmund Cary knight of high descent, 414 e Cassibelinus General of the Britain's army, 36 Cassibellinus or Cassiavelanus encountereth Caesar and the Romans, 37. is repulsed, ibid. treateth about peace with Caesar, 37 Cassii, 391 c. why so called, ibid. f Caster, 473 d Caster in Huntingdonshire, 502 a Castigand an high hill, 501 d Castle in the Peake, ib. 502 a Castle Acre, 481 c. 557 d Castle Ashby, 509 e Castle Camps, 488 f. 489 f Castle Cary, 696 b Castle Coach, 662 b Castle Colwen or of Maud in Colewent, 623 b Castle Crest by Lichfeild, 582 e Castle Comb, 243 e Castle Dinas Bran, 677 c Castle Dinas, 628 d Castleford, 695 a Castle Gardiner, 345 a. 201 c Castle Pain, 623 b Castle steeds, 783 b. 793 d. 808 Castor, 542 d Catadunae or waterfalls, 759 f Castellan Denis, 194 Catesby a town, 508 b. anancient family, ib. tainted by Rob. Catesby of Ashbie Saint Leger, ibid. 431 d Catheri Heretics, 84 Catlidge, 498 b Catmose a vale, 525 f Caterna, 18 Caterva, ibid. Cattieuch lani, 391 Catarick, 730 c, d Caturactonium, 730 c Caturfa, 18 Caud a river, 778 b Caudbeck, ibid. c Sir Will. Cavendish or Candish Baron of Hardwick, 556 a Caves, a family, 515 b A Cave wonderful in Glamorganshire, 643 b Course castle, 592 e Causeys or highways in Britain, 63. what names they have in diverse authors, 64. by whom and how they were made, 64. in Italy and else where, 64 Cawood, 707 d Caxton, 485 c Cecily Nevil, mother to King Edward the fourth, 511 b. an unfortunate Lady, ibid. b, c. her tomb subverted, 510 e Rob. Cecil Baron of Essendon, Viscount Cranburn, 217 c Rob. Cecil Earl of Salisbury, 250 e Thomas Cecil Earl of Excester 206 a Sir Wil Cecil baron Burghley, 514 e Cedos, Caesar, 18 Centuries, see Hundreds. Celtaes, whence derived, 20 Cerdick a warlike Saxon, 477 d Cerdick sand, ibid. Cerdick shore, ibid. Cerastis, 184 Cerealis vanquished 50. he conquered the brigants, 54 Cerne Abbey, 212 b Cerygy Drudion, 675 c Cester an addition to cities, 517 Cester Over, ibid. Cleycester, 518 b Chad a famous Bishop of Lichfield, 585 e. 441 a canonised a Saint, ibid. Sir Thomas Chaloner a learned knight, 721 d Chambre in the forest, 607. a Chamberlains sometime Tankervils, 389. d Chamberlainship of England, 489. f Rob. Chamberlain an Archrobber, 531. e Champernouns or Campernulhs, 201. c john Chandos made Baneret, 171.365. b Chandos Baron, 365. b Chariot fight of the Britan's, 36 Charing cross, 432. c Charles the eight king of France his Apophthegm. 403. a Charleton in Worcestershire, 578. b Charleton Castle, 594. a Charletons' Lords of Powis, ib. Charlecot a place, 564 f. a family, 565. a Charnewood or Charley forest, 521. d Charta de Foresta, 293. ● Charter house in London, 433. d Chartley castle, 584. f Chure, a fish, 755. d Chateries or Cheatrish, 494. d Chatmosse, 747. a Chuttesworth, 554. b Chaucer, our English Homer born at woodstock. 375. f Chaucombs, a family, 568. e Chaumonds, 196. b Chancery, 80 Chancellor, 180 Chaworths, a family, 395 e. 555. descended from Cahors in Quercy, 549. c Cheapen what it signifieth, 243. d Cheardsley, 395. f Chea●ford hundred, 442▪ c Cherk●●i, 587. d Cheadse, 587. d Chellington, 581. e Chelmer river, 444. d Chelmerford or Chenceford, 445 Chelsey, 421. c Chen●y Baron of Hersford, 466 Chencies or Chienies an house, 394. a Sir Henry Cheiney Baron, 401 Chepstow, 633. b. Lords thereof ibid. c Cherry tree brought into Britain, 324. b Chertford, 258. e Chertsey, 294. the monastery thereof founded, 294. d Cherwel the river, 373. b. his head. 507. e Chesil a bank or sandrige, 210. e Chesses of the best, 601 Cheshire, ibid. County Palatine, 601. b Chesham bois, 394. f Chesterfield 452. e. in Scardale, 556 Chester Earls, 611. f Chester Earl Count Palatine, 612. a. what Barons he had under him, ibid. Chester Earldom made a principality, 612. f Chester, or West-Chester city, 604. c Chester, and Cheshiremen described, 602. a chester's what they are, 793. d Chester in the wall, 800. f Chester upon the street, 742. c Little Chester, 554. c Chesterton under Lime, 583. c Chetwoods a family, 399. d Chivalry court, 190 Chevin, 698. d Cheviot hills, 812. e Chic, or Chick, the old name of Saint Osiths, 451. c Chidleys, 203. a Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, 510. b Chichester, 307. c. Earls of Chichester, ibid. f Chicksand, 401. c Chillingham, 815. c Chilterne 389, c. 393. c. why so called, ●●id. Chippenham, 243. d Chirke, 677. c Christ's Church in Hantshire, 259. c Christianity flourisheth in Britain, 75, 67, 68 Christ's Church in Oxford, 383. a Chrisanthus Bishop of the Novatians, 84 Churn the river, 366. a Churnet a river, 587. c Cholmondley a town and family, 607. d Chopwel a riveret, 735. b Christ Church in Canterbury, 337. b Cirncester, 366. b Cinque ports, 318. a▪ which they be, 325 Cilurnum, 806. b Cimbrica Chersonesus, 129 Citizens, 177 Cissbury, 312. d Cistertion Monks. 295. a Civilis a deputy in Britain. 80 Civitas or City what it signifieth in Caesar, 417. d Cities by what ceremonies built by Romans, 102 john Clapham a brave warrior 697. b Clare a noble village, 462. a noble family of Earls, ibid. b Clarence, 462. b. Duke's thereof, ibid. Claridon, 240, e Clares Earls of Gloucester, 330 Richard de Clare his commendation. 416. a Earls of Clare whence so styled, 415. e Claudia Rufina, a British Lady, 62, 68 Claudius Caesar honoured as a God in Britain, 448. b Clausentum, 261. a Claudius Caesar first that vanquished the Britain's, 45. he brought the South part of Britain to be a Province, 101 Claudius Contentus, 341. e Clavering, 453. b Clavering the name of Fitz Richard, 81. a Claxton, 738. a Claxtons a family, ibid. Clay-Hill, 245. d Clemens Maximus an Usurper, 341. c Clee Hill, 591. d Cleres a family, 478 b Cley brook, 518. b Clifton's a family in Nottingham, 547 Sir Gervase Clifton, Baron Clifton, 502. d Cl●ff a town, 329. d Clifford castle, 618. a Cliffords Earls of Cumberland, 618. b Clifton's a family, Earls of Lincoln, 545 Clipsby a town and family, 478 d Clithero castle, 750. a Clives ad Hoo, 329. d Cliveland, 720. b Clopton a town & family, 565 Clodius Albinus propretor in Britain, 67 Cloudesbury, 749. e Cluid a river in Wales, 676. c Cluid a river, ibid. d Clun castle, 589. e Clun or Colun, a river, ibid. e Clyto, that is, the Prince, 164. an addition given to all the King's Sons, ibid. Cnobersburg, 468. e Cnouts or Canuts delf, 501. b Cobham town, 329. c Cobham Barons, ibid. b Lords Cobham of Sterborrow, 303. e Coc, a river, 696. b Coach or Coccus, 19 Coach what colour, 26 Coccium, 745. f Cockar a river, 767. f Cockington, 202. e Cockley chapel, 745. f Cocks eyes a worshipful family, 574. a Codanus Sinus, that is, the host Sea, 141 Codenor castle, 555. d Canobies what they are, 603. c Cogans, 207. c Cogeshal a town, 446. a Cogeshal a family, 446. b Coin antique of Aemilianus & Marius etc. 643. e Coined pieces of embased silver, 65. a, d Coins British and Roman in Britain, 88 etc. Coinage of Tinn, 186 Coigniers a noble family, 737. d Coigniers Barons, ibid. Coitie, 643. e Cokains a family, 553. d Coker a river, 753. c Cokarsand Abbey, ibid. Cokermouth, 767. f Sir Edward Cook Knight, 481. c his commendation, ibid. Cokerington, 542. c Cole a river, 394. a Col a river near Saint Alban, 414. a Colbrook, 394. a Coalpits on fire, 581. d Coles give evidence of ancient mere-markes, 515. d Coles-Hull or Hill, 681. d Coleshul, 567. c Cole Overton, or Cole Orton why so called, 519. c Colbrand the Giant, 267. a Colliweston, 514. d Colchester, 450. e Colecester, 808. c Colham, 419. c Colingwoods a warlike family, 813. c Collerford, 806. b Colne a river, 450. a Carls Coln, ibid. Wakes Coln, ibid. Whites Coln, ibid. Calne a town, ibid. Coln Engain, ibid. Colepepers a family, 526. b Colonies, 703. a Colony what it is, 448. a Colvils, 537. a Columbe a river, 203. a Columbton, ibid. Saint Columbs, 193 Comata, 20 Comati, ibid. Comb what it signifieth, 207. b 393. d Comb Marton, 20. a Comb, 21 Comb Abbey, 569 a Combat appointed between Henry of Lancaster and Thomas Mowbray duke of Norfolk, 428. f. Between Roger Bishop of Salisbury, and William-Montacute Earl of Salisbury, 249. a. Between Edmond and Cnute, 360. b Comes Britanniorum, 76 Comes Littoris Saxonici, ibid. 325. a Comes Sacrarum Largitionum, 77 Comes privatarum, ibid. Comes a title of dignity, 166 Comites what they were at first 165. See more in Earls, Comitatus Caesaris, ibid. Cominus Atrebas or of Arras, 35.37 Commodus the Emperor, 66 Common Pleas Court, 178 Compton in the Hole, 561 c Sir Henry Compton Baron, 561 Compton Murdack, 565. a Composition between King Stephen and Henry Duke of Anjou, 482. b Composition of names, 27 Concani a Nation in Cantabria, 121 Condate, 608. c Condorcum, 742. c Condover, 592. a Congar, 231. d Congersbury, 231. d Congleton, 608. n Conquests a family, 401. e Wil. canning's his monuments, 237. f Coningsbees, 415. d. a family of good name and worth, 620. d Connisborow castle, 689. f Constable Burton, 714. b Constables a great family, ibid. High Constables of England, 621. c Constantius Chlorus riddeth Britain of Usurpers, 73. elected Emperor, 74. espoused Helena mother of Constantine the great, 74. putteth her away, ibid. weddeth Theodora, ib. a godly Emperor, ibid. died at York, ibid. buried there, 703 Constantine the Great Emperor, 74. his warlike exploits, 75. advanceth Christian religion, 75 proclaimed Emperor in York, 703. e. f. his renowned titles, 76. first entitled Dominus Noster, 76. taxed for subverting the Roman Empire, ibid. altereth the state of the government. ibid. Constantine the younger ruleth Britain, 77. slain by his brother Constans. ibid. Constans an Imperial Monk, 264. c. 85. is killed, ibid. Constans Emperor in Britain, 77. holdeth a council at Sardica, ibid., killed by Magnentius, ibid. Constantius the younger Emperor, ibid. favoureth Arianus, 78. holdeth a council at Ariminum, 79 Constantine created Emperor in Britain for the name sake, 270. d. 85. his exploits, ibid. his gourmandise, ibid. Constantine a tyrant among the Danmoni● in Britain, 113 Constitutions of Clarinton, 251 Conwey a river, 667. b. 669. d conway a town, 669 ● Convocation, 181 Converts their house, 428. b Sir Th. Cook a rich Mayor of London, 441. f Counts Palatine. See Earles, Th. Cooper Bishop of Lincoln, 540. c Copes, a family, 376. e Copper or Brass mines, 767. a Coper as made, 217. ● Copland or Coupland, 765. d john Copland or Coupland, a brave warrior, 775. e. made Baneret, 171 Coquet the river, 812. e Copthall, 439. ● Corbets a great family, 592▪ e 594 e Corbet a forename, ibid. Sir Wil Cordall Knight, 462. e Corinaea and Corinaeus, 184 Corinaeus and Gogmagog, 200 c Coritani, 504 Cornden hill, 662 b Cornelius Nepos, for joseph of Excestre, 32 Cornavii, 614, 560 Cornovaille in little Britain, 184 Cornage, 787 a Cornwalleys a family, 467 f Cornwailes of Burford highly descended, 590 f Cornwall a dukedom, 198 c why so called, 184 Cornwallians soon subjected to the Saxons, 114 Corpus Christi College in Oxford, 383 a Court Barons, 168 Cornishmen manners, 186 Cornish Chough, 188 Corham in Coverdale, 729 Corbridge, 808 b Corby Castle, 777 f Corstopitum, ibid. Corve a river, 590 c Corvesdale, ibid. Coway stakes, 296 a Cowling Castle, 329 d Cosham, 243 c Coughton, 565 ● Covinus, 18 Costrells, See Esquires. Coy-fi a convert Bishop of the heathen, 711 c Coteswold why so called, 364 c Henry Courtney marquis of Excester, 206 a Courtneyes knights, 206 b. Earls of Denshire, 207, 208. Courtneyes, 190 f Cottons knights, 313 ● Coverts knights, ibid. Cottons of Cambridge-shire knights, 491 a Cottons of Cunnington, 526 c Sir Robert Cotton of Cunnington a learned knight, highly descended, 500 d Covetousness complained of. 562 ● Coventry. 567 c Coventry Lords, 568 a Council of the Marches, 590 e Cow a Town West and East, 274 c Cowbridge, 643 c Cradiden, 493 a Cranburn, 217 b Crecan or Crey a river, 328 f Creek Lade, 241 e Credendon or Credon, 396 Creplegate in London, 413 d Cressy a family, 550 ● Crevequeurs, 331 c Crawdundale, 761 f Crew a place and notable family, 608 c Creden a river, 203 d Crediantun or kirton, ibid. Craven, 694 b Creak in Cliveland, 723 e Le Craux, 21 Croco or Croke a river, 609 b De Croeun or de Credonio a Barony, 532 f Crococalana, 537 b Croidon, 302 b Cromwell's knights, 497 d Sir Th. Cromwell, 526 b. Earl of Essex, 454 e Cromer, 479 a Croft Castle, 619 Crofts knights, an ancient family 619 f Crophuls a family, 620 c Crouch a creek●, 443 b Crowland, 530 b Crowland Abbey, 530. the foundation and building of it, 531 c. d. e Cruc Maur, 537 c Cruc Occhidient, ibid. Cuckmere, 315 d Cucul, 19 Saint Cudman, 313 c Cuentford a brook in Coventry, 567 d Culchil, 747 c Culfurth, 461 ● Cumberland, 765 Kings and Earls of Cumberland, 788 a Cumbermer Abbey, 607 e. 799 Cumero, 21 Cuneglasus a Tyrant in Britain, 113 Cuno what it signifieth, 98 Cunobelinus, 418 a Cunobelin, 447 b Curia Ottadinorum, 818 b Curiales what they were, 771 a Cursons a family, 553 c Sir Rob. Curson Baron Imperiall, ibid. Robert Curthose an unfortunate Prince, 361 d Curcies, 221 a john Curcie his virtues, ibid. Curtius' Montanus a dainty teothed glutton, 342 e Saint Cuthberts' parsimony, 735 Saint Cuthbert Bishop of Lindefarn, ibid. Cworwf, 20 Curwens knights, 769 a Custodes or captains in every shire, 159 Cuthred King of the West Saxons, 373 f Cyprus called Keraftis, 184 Cyrch, 18 Cythariftes, 21 D DAbernoun, 297 b D'acre Barons of Gillesland, 594 c Dacre castle, 776 c D'acre Baron, ibid. Leonard D'acre a Traitor and Rebel. 784 f Dacor a river, 776 c D'airells or D' Hairells, 369 e Dalaley castle, 593 Dalison or D'alanson a family, 544 c Dalrendini, 126 Dan or Daven a river, 608 d Danby, 721 f Danbury, 446 b Dancastre, 690 b Danewort, See Walwort. Danes infested the coasts of England, 139. why so called, 141 they land in England, etc. 142 Danes massacred by the English, 143 Their detestable sacrifice, 142 Danegelt attribute, ibid. Danmonii, 183. whence their name cometh, ibid. Daning-schow a riveret, 608 e Dantesey a town, 243 c Danteseys' knights, ibid. Dantrey town, 508 a. the fort there, ibid. Henry Baron Danvers of Dantesey, 243 c Derby shire, 553 Derby town, 554 c Derby Lords and Earls, 558 d Darcies de Nocton, etc. 543 c Darcies Barons de Chich, 451 c Darent river, 328 d Darenford or Dartford. 328 ● Darwent a river and city, 709 Davenport or Damport a place and notable family, 609 a Saint David's land, 653 c Saint david's an Archbishops See, 653 d David bishop refuteth the Pelagians, 657 b Davery, or de alta rupe, 312 b Dawns of Utkinton, foresters of Delamere, 607 a Deben a river, 465 b Depenham or Dapenham, ibid. Dee a river, 594 c. whence so called, 602 c. Deemouth, 604 b Dee head, 666 b Devonshire or Denshire, 199 a Walter, and Robert Deureux Earls of Essex, 455 a john Dee a famous Mathematician, 746 c Decimes, See Tithings. Decuman a Saint, 220 e. murdered, ibid. Decuriones what they were, 771 Saint Decombs, 220 e Deale or Dole, 343 a Deaneries how many in England, 161 Deanforest, 358 b Deane a place, 514 a Deans a family, ibid. Deifying of Roman Emperors, 70 Deiri, that is, Hol-der-Nesse, 136 De la-mares, 233 a De la mere forest, 607 a De-la-pree, a Nunnery, 509 b D' eincourts Barons of Blankenay, 535 f Edmund Baron D'eincourt desirous to perpetuate his name, 536 a De la cres abbey, 787, c john De la Pole Earl of Lincoln slain, 549 a. 388 f De la bear, an ancient family, 620 c D'elveseyes, a family, 607 e Delgovitia, 711 b Delgwe what it signifieth, 711 b De la val Barony, 811 f De la ware, 364 c Dench-worth towns, 281 a Denelage, 153.159 Dengy, or Dancing hundred, 443 c Dengy town, ibid. Dengy Nesse, 352 a Dennington castle, 284 a Edward Deny Baron of Waltham, 439 b Denisses, 206 c Denbigh-shire, 675 Denbigh town, 675 d Denbigh Baron, 676 b Denbigh made a shire, 677 e Depford, 326 c Depenbach, 603 c Deping, 534 c Derlington, 737 d Derwen a river, 752 d Derwent a river, 553 b Derwent fells, 767 a Deorhirst, 360 a Deorham or Derham, 364 Dercoma, 20 Derechel, 21 Dereham, 482 a Derchefu, 21 Dert a river, 201 d Dertinton, 201 ● Dertmore, 201 d Dertmouth, 202 c Despencer a noble family, 322 b Hugh le Despencer, 267 c Despensers Barons, 636 a Devi a river, 258 Devy Bishop of Saint david's, 226 Deverril, why so called, 245 Dewsborrough, 693 a Devonshire Earles, 207 c Despotae, 164 Diana's chamber, 426 a Digbies an ancient race, 525 e Sir Everard Digby, 525 f Alane de Dinant Baron of Burton, 510 a Dimetae, 647 Dimocks a worshipful family, 535 f. 541 c Dimocks the King's champions, 541 c Dilston a town, 808 b Dinevor Castle, 649 ● Dinleys' or Dingleys a family, 578 b Dishmarch, 690 e Ditches or fore-senses in Cambridge shire, 490 a Dinhams a family, 395 f. 207 b or Dinant's, Aul. Didius Lieutenant in Britain, 48 Dicalidones, or Deucalidones rather, why so called, 117 Dignities ecclesiastical how many in England, 161 Diamonds in Cornwall, 186 Diamonds or Diamonds near Bristol, 239 a. b Dictum, 669 f Diganwy, ibid. Dioceses under every several Bishop, 160, 161 Disce or Dis a town, 472 e Distent●ns Gentlemen, 766 f Disart Castle, 680 b Dive a family, 399 ● De Divisis a Monastery, 513 e Division of Country's threefold, 154 devils or Devilsburne a river, 808 b devils or Devil's dike, 459, 490 c devils or Devils, 609 c devils or Devil's bolts, 701 b Divona, 17 Divitiacus a mighty Prince, 34 Dobuni, 354. whence so named, ibid. Dodo or Dudo an English Saxon, 581, 359 c Dod of S. Quintin's a writer, 142 Dodington, 607 e Dogs of Britain, 263 d. 126. of Scotland, S. Dogmael, or S. Tehwell, 654 d D'oilyes of Hoch Horton Barons, 375 b Dologethle, 665 e Dolphins, 164 Doomsday book, 153 Domitian tormented with envy, 61 Don or Dune a river, 689 d S Donats Castle, 643 e Dor a river, 176 d Dormceaster, 501 e Dormers knights, 395 f. 396 a Dornford, 501 e K. Dorne his pence, 212 b Dorchester, 384 b. 212 c Dorsetshire, 209 Dorset Marquesses and Earls, 217 c Dotterell, a bird, 443 c Dove or dough a river, 587 b Dover, 344 b Dover Castle, ibid. Dovy a river, 665 Dowbridge upon Watling-streete, 408 d Dowgate or dourgate in London, 423 e Downes, 313 d Downham, 494 c Draicot a town in Staffordshire, and a family, 587 e Dragons in Banners, 195 Sir Francis Drake, 200▪ e. where born, ibid. his navigation, ibid. Draiton, 419 c Draiton in Shropshire, 594 b Draiton Beauchamp, 394 f Draiton Basset, 581 f Draiton in Northamptonshire, 510 b Drax a village, 707 e Driby a town and family, 542 c Driffield, 711 d Droit-wich or Durtwich, 574 e Dropping well, 700 a Druidae, 4, 12, 13, 14, the Etymology of their name, 14 Druidae in Britain did service in war, 49. they held one God, 68 Druidae seated in Anglesey, 671 d Drumbough castle, 775 c Druries a family, 461 e Drystocke, 325 e Duddensand, 754 f Dudden a river, 581 c Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, 571 a john Dudley Earl of Warwick beheaded, ibid. Dudleys', 280 e john Dudley duke of Northumberland his style and demeanour, 821 e, f Rob. Dudley Earl of Leicester, 524 b Dulcitius a redoubted captain, 80 Dulverton, 220 c Duina first Bishop of Lichfield, 585 d Duglesse a riveret, 749 c Dun a notorious thief, 402 d Dunbriton frith, 56 Dunham, 610 c Dunmaw, 444 e Dunnington, 521 f. 567 c Dunstable, 402 a. the cross there ibid. Dunster castle, 220 d Dunstan Abbot, 227 d Dunstan putteth down married Priests, 576 b. 243 d Dunstaburg, 813 e Dunsley, 718 d Dunseavill, 243 Dunum, 21, 247 Dunwich, 466 c. a Bishops See, ibid. Dunus Sinus, 718 d john Duns alias Scotus, 814 b Durobrivae, 501 e Dur and Dour, beginnings and terminations of places what they signify, 209 d Durham city, 739 e Durham College in Oxford founded, 381 f. re-edified, 383 Durham Bishopric a County Palatine, 736 a Dursley, 364 c Durance an house of the Wroths, 437 e Durocobrivae, 413 e Durnovaria, what it signifieth, 212 ● Durosiponte, 491 d Durotriges whence derived, 209 Dû, what colour, 26 Dutton a place and worthy family, 602 f Dwr, 20 Dux Britanniae, 76 Dux or Duke what title of honour, 164. under a Count or Comes, ib. Dux and Comes the same, ibid. Dux or Duke a title of charge, ib. a title of honour, 165 Duke's investure or creation, ibid. Duke's hereditary, ibid. E EAdburga a Lady professed religions, 395 c Eadburton a town, ibid. Eadelmton or Edmonton, 437 d King Eadgar styled Monarch of whole Albion, his triumph, 605 b K. Eadgar the peaceable, 130 a Eadred styled King of Great Britain, 139 a Ealburg, 701 e Ealdermen, 164 Ealphage a learned Priest married, 201 b Ealpheg Archbishop of Canterbury executed, 326 d Earl what title of honour, 165 Earls by office, 502 c Earles or Eorles hereditary, 166 Earls how created, ibid. Earl Apostolical, 239 e Earl Imperial, ibid. Earls Coln, 450 d Earles dike, 714 d Earth, 155 Earth turning wood into stone, 401 e Earth a rampire in Cornwall, 189 Easton Nesse, 467 a East-riding, 709 East-Angles, 456, 458 Eton in Bedfordshire, 401 a Earth by diverse occasions altered, 1 eaton's what they be, 63 Eaye, 467 f Saint Ebba an holy virgin, 743 a Ebchester, ib. Ebissa, 128 Eboracum, or Eburacum, that is, York, why so called, 702 d Eccles, 478 e Eccleshall, 584 c Ecclesiastical livings hereditary, 595 f Echingham Baron, 320 Eclipses of the Sun in Aries disastrous to Shrewsbury, 598 a Edelfleda or Elfleda, a noble Lady, 610 d Eden a river, 776, 760 c Edenborgh frith, 56 Edgecombs. 193 Edge an hill, 561 b Edgar Eathling or Aethling 146 Edindon, 244 e Edith virgin, a Saint, 582 b Edith King Eadgars' daughter, 246 d Edith a Lady professed, 395 c Edmund of Langley his devise and presage, 510 Edmund Crouchbacke King of Sicily deluded by the Pope, 756 b K. Edmund's martyrdom, 467 Saint Edmund a most Christian King and martyr, 460 c S. Edmund's liberty, 459 c S. Edmunds bury, ibid. S. Edmund's dike, 490 f Edmund King of England piteously slain, 364 a K. Edmund Ironside, 143 Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent, 353 a Edrick Streona, 595 d Edrick Sylvaticus, 624 e K. Edward the Confessor where borne, 377 a Edward Confessor, 143 b Edward Earl of Warwick beheaded, 670 e Edward the First, King of England his praises, 776 a Edwardston, 463 a K. Edward the Second entombed, 361 a. murdered, 363 b K. Edward the Third his virtues, 297 d. a most renowned Prince. 278 Edwin the Prince made away by his brother Athelstan, 213 e Egbert calleth his kingdom England, 138. vanquisheth the Danes, 143 Effingham, 296 f Egelricke a wealthy Bishop of Durham, 742 egerton's whence descended, 603 Egleston, 736 e Egremond an arch-rebel, 724 d Egremont castle, 766 a The Eight, 360 b Eimot a river, 762 d Ela Countess of Salisbury, 244 a Queen Elizabeth an excellent Prince, 256 f. her virtues, 292. 297. 298. her tomb, 430. b Ellandunum, 446. d Elen a river, 769. c Elden hole, 557. e Elenborough, 769. c Elephants bones found in Britain, 447. c Ellen hall, 584. c Eliot his conceit of the name of Britain, 5 Ellesmer a Barony, 592. a Sir Th. Egerton Baron Ellesmer ibid. North Elmham a Bishops See, 466. d Elmeley, 650. e Elmesley, 722. d Elmet a territory, 694. e Elmore, 362. b Elesly, 485. d Elnemouth, 769. c Eleutherus Pope, 67 Elrich road, 532 Elsing, 482. a Eltham, 327 Eston, 501. e Elvan, 67 Elwy a river, 679. d Emildon, 814. b Emme Mother to King Edward Confessor cleareth herself of incontinency, 211 Enderbies, 401 Hugh Enermeve of Deping, 533 Englishmen converted become zealous Christians, 137. Studious in Liberal Sciences, ib. Enfield, 437 English names what they signify and imply, 139 Engelrame de Coucy first Earl of Bedford, 402. f England, 138 English Saxons return into Germany, ibid. brought thither military knowledge, learning and religion, ibid. Engines to assault in old time, 400 England full of vices, 143 England divided into Counties or Shires by Aelfred, 138 Little England beyond Wales, 652 English men whence they took name, 138 Englishmen the guard of the Emperors of Constantinople, 154 English tongue of what continuance, 133 English Mayor, 681. e Entweissel name of a place and Gentlemen, 746. a Equites Aurati, that is, Knights, whereupon so called, 174 Erdburrow, 522 Erdessey, 620. e Erdeswick, 583. e Eriry mountains, 667. d Ernald Bois or de Bosco, 396. b Erewash a river, 555. c Eryngum in Cornwall, 186 Escrick, 707. ● Eske a river, 765. ●. 781. c Eslinton, 813. c Espringolds, 400. d Eresby, 541. e Ermin-streete, 64 or Ermingstreet, 485. c. 501. f Erminsul or Irmunsull, 64 Esquires what degree of Gentry, 176 Esquires of five sorts, ibid. Steph. de Eschalers a Baron, 485. ● Essex, 439 Essex Earls, 453 Essex Cheeses, 443. c Essexes Knight, 283. f Henry de Essex became a Monk, 681. d Essex, a family, 443. a Essendum, 18 Essendon, 526. d Esterford or East-Sturford, 446 Ester or Easter celebrated on the Lord's day only, 118 Eston aliâs Estanues ad turrim, 444. e Eston Nesson, 506. c Estotovils an honourable family, 533. b Estre aliâs Plaisy, 445. a Ethered vanquished and slain, 550. e Esturmies or Sturmies, 254. f Ethelbert an insufficient King, 143 Ethelbert King, Martyr, 618. e Etocetum, 582. e Ethelbury, 728. d K. Etheldred, a virtuous Prince 216. b. his tomb, ibid. Ethelward a writer, 130 Covesham, Evesham or Eisham, 577. e Eudo Sewer to K. Henry the first, 459. e Eudo a noble Norman, 541. d evil a town, 221. b Evelmouth, 225. d Evenlode a river, 376. b Vale of Eisham or Evesham▪ 577 Ever or Ewer a town, 394. b Evers Barons, ibid. e Everingham a Baron, 550. d Evers Barons whence descended, 453. b Evers of Axholm, 813. b Evers noble Barons, 738. e Ewelme or Newelme, 388. c Ewias, 631. c Ewias Castle, 617. d Eustach de Hach a Baron, 246. b Eustow aliâs Helenstow, 40●. a Exchequer Court, 177.178 Ex a river, 203. b Exeter College in Oxford, 381 Exeter, 203. f Exeter Dukes, 205. d Exeter marquis, 206. a Exeter Earl, ibid. a Exminster, ibid. b Exmore, 203. c Eythorp in Buckingham-shire, 395. f F. OF Faculties the Court, 181 Fairefax a family of gentlemen, 692, b. 723. d Falco or Falques Brent a faithless men▪ 400. c. 812. b Falcons of the best kind, 644. b Falkesley bridge, 582. a d Falemouth, 189 Fanhop Baron, 401. d Farendon, 279. e Farmers Knights, 506. e Fastineog, 666. a Fastidius a Bishop of Britain, 84 Faulconbergs Barons, 714. a Faustus a good son of a bad father, 642. c Fawey, 190 Fawsley, 508 Faux what it signifieth, 692 Fekenham Forest, 574. f Feldings' Knights, 519. f Fenwick Hall, 809. d fenwick's a family, ibid. Ferrars Barons of Grooby, 520. f Henry Ferrars of Baddisley a gentleman well descended, and as well seen in Antiquities, 568. d Rob. Ferrars how interred, 569 Lords Ferrars of Chartley, 584. f Fernham Royal, 394. d Fernham why so called, 294. e Fetherston Haugh, 799. e Fetherstons a family, ibid. Fettiplaces a family, 220. ●. 281. Feversham, 334. d Fieldon a part of Warwickshire, 561. b. 223. a Feldon, 561. b Fenis or Fienlesse, 223. a. 316. b Fienes, Barons Dacres, 813. b Sir Richard Fienes or Fenis Baron Say and Sele, 376. f The File, 753. a File what it signifieth, 715. a Files, ibid. Filioll, 217. c Finborrow, 607. b Finchdale, 742. a Fir trees found in Axelholm, 544. b Fisburging, 819. c A Fish pool or Mere by Saint Alban dried up, 411. c Fishes with one eye a piece, 667 Fishgard, 654. c Fish pond foreshowing the death of Monks, 609. c Fittens a family, 610 Fitz-Alans Earls of Arundel, 309.310.589. f Fits-herberts an ancient family, 553. d Sir Anthony Fitz-herbert, ibid. a most famous Lawyer, 359. b Fitz-Hugh, Baron, 730. d Fitz-Harding Lord of Berkley, 362. d Robert Fitz-Haimon slain, 368 Fitz-Teke, 406. c Robert Fitz-Stephen the first of Norman race that attempted Ireland by way of Conquest, 657. f Rob. Fitz-Walter de Clare, 407 Fitz-Walters Barons, 446. c Fitz-Walters ensigne-bearers of London, 215. d Fitz-Lewis a family, 442. e Geffrey Fiz-Peter Earl of Essex, 454. b. a worthy justicer of England, ibid. c Fitz-Stephen a writer, 427. b Fitz-Paine Baron, 215. d Fitzwarins, 281. b Sir Fulque Fitzwarin, 598. b Fitz-Williams an ancient family, 690. a Rich. Fitz-Punt a Norman, 618 Henry Fitz-Roy, Earl of Nottingham & duke of Richmond, 551. d Flamborough head, 714. ● Flamstead, 414. b Flatbury, 578. b Plavi●s Sanctus, 341. d Fleame dike or Flight dike, 490 Fleet a riveret in London, 423. f Flemings a family, 646. e Fleming, 202. d. 755. d Flemingston or Flemston a town 646. e Flemings planted in Wales, 654.652. d Flemish high way in Wales, 652 Flint shire, 679 Flint castle, 680. d Flint Earles, 681. f Flixton, 715. b Flixton or Faelixton, 468. b Floddon an hill, 816. a Floddon field, ibid. Florus a Poet, ibid. Floats a kind of boats, 597. b Faelix Bishop of East England, 466. c. 480. c Fluor found in Derby shire, 557 Foix a family, 759 Foliambs a great family, 556. b Foliots a family, 575. c 482. a Folkingham, 535. a Folkstone, 349. b A Font of Brass in Saint Alban Church, 412 d Forcatulus his conceit of the name Britain, 5 Fordington, 212. d Ford castle, 815. e The Foreland of K●nt, 342. d Fornesse, 754. ● Fornesse Fels, 755. a Sir john Fortescue, 396. e Forses or waterfalls, 759. f Forefenses, 780. the first. ibid. the second, 790. a. the third. ibid. b. the fourth, 16. c Forestwhat it is, and why so called, 293. c Forest laws, ibid. d Forests in Sussex, 320. d Fortunie a Tournament, 407. d Fortunate Lands, 4 Forty foot way, 511. f. 515. a. 64 Fosse dike, 537. f Fosse wad what it is, 569. c Fosse a river, 702. b Fosse way, 562. b The fossae, 366. a. 64 Fowls delicate, 543. b. c Fossards' a family, 709. b Fotheringhay Castle, 510. d File of Fouldrey, 755. c Foulness a river, 711. b Foulness an Isle, 443. c A fountain ebbing and flowing, 643. f. 650. b Fountains Abbey, 700. e Fowy, 190 Fracastorius his opinion of stone-fish, 363. ● Framlingham castle, 465. d Fraomarius K. of the Almans, 79 Frankners in Britain, 72. destroyed, 73 Fredrick the first Emperor, held Pope Adrian the fourth his stirrup, 415. a Franks a people of Germany, 122 where they dwelled, 130 Freedstol, 712. a French or Gaulifh provinces cast off the Roman yoke, 86 Free waren what it was, 694. d Frea or Frico a Saxon Goddess, 135. how portrayed, ibid. Fremund villainously slain, 561. e registered a Saint, ibid. Fremantle, 272. c Frechevils or Freshwels a family, 555. f Fresh water Isle, 274. a Fretherick Abbot of Saint Alban, 414. c Frevils a family, 582. c. d Friday, 135 Fredeswide a Saint, 378. a Frisones come into Britain, 131 Frodesham Castle, 610. a from river, or Frau, 212. a Frompton, ibid. jul. Frontinus his exploit against the Silureses, 54 Froshwel a river, 443. d. 444. d Frowen Shoal, 347. ● Fulham, 421, c Funarius, a name of Gratianus, 77 Furnivalls a noble family, 587. c Furnivall Barons, 394. d G GAbrantovici, why so called, 714. d Gabrosentum, 743. c. 810. a Gael, 121 Gaesatae, 18 Gauges, 315. c Gaidelach, 121 Gaideli, that is, Scots, 123 Gainsborough, 543. c Gaiothel, 121 Gaiothlac, ibid. Gal a sweet smelling shrub, 544 Gallath why so called, 23 whence derived, 20 Galba, ibid. Gall, 22 Galls, ibid. gaul's commended, 22. their exploits, ibid. gaul's named Gomori and Cimbri, 11. their religion, 12 Galgacus a valiant Britain, 47 his oration, 58 Gallana, 802 a Gallatum, 761 d Galtres forest, 723 d Galvus, 20 Gamages, a family, 643 Gamlinghay, 485 d Ganoc, 669 f Gaol, 22 Gargraves, knights, 691 a Garianonum, 477 a. b Garlick growing in plenty, 213 d Order of the Garter, 278 c Garum●a, 20 Garw, ibid. Gascoignes an ancient family, 698 f Gasehound, 263 f Gastenoys, a family, 553 c Gateshead, 743 b Gavelkind, 325 d Gaunlesse a riveret, 738 d Gaunts Barons of Folkinham, 535 a Gawthorp, 698 f Gait or Black Amber, 719 d Gehennae, 21 Geddington, 509 f Gedney or Godney Moor, 230 c Geduch, 18 Geffray ap Arthur, or of Monmouth, 5. his narration of Brutus and the name of Britain discussed, 5 b Geldable a part of Suffolk, 459 c Gelt a river, 783 b Geneu what it signifieth, 190 Saint Genovefs Fernham, 461 e Genounia a Province in Britain, 66 Gentlemen, 177 George Duke of Clarence murdered, 462 e. drowned in a butt of Malvesey, 510 e Saint german in Britain, 132 192, 410 c. he rebuketh Vortiger, 624 d. preached against Pelagians, 378 f. 707 d Germans called Scythians, 122 Germans whence they took their name, 26 Germane words agreeing with the Persian, 129 Gernegans knights, 729 d Gernons a family, 537 b Gernston, 472 f Gerrard's Bramley, an house and Barony, 584 b Gerrard de Rhodes, 541 c Gerrard a Baron, 584 c Gessi, 18 Gessum, ibid. Gessoriacum, 348 a, d. it is Bologne or Bullen, ibid. d Geveny or Gevenny a river, 635 Gevissi, 294 c Giants in Cornwall, 186 Giants teeth and bones, 451 d Giddy hall, 441 f giffard's a family, 581 e giffard's, 365 f giffard's Earles of Buckingham, 397 d giffard's Barons, 396 a. 541 b Gilbertines a religious order, 534 c Gildas, 8. a learned professor, 378 f Gilded vale, 617 e Gillesland Barony, 782 e Gillesland Lords, 786 e Gilling, 730 a Gillingham forest, 214 d Gilbourgh, 507 f, a fort there, 508 a Gipping see Orwell, Gipping a village, 463 Girald of Windesor a valiant Captain, 652 a Giralds or Giraldines a noble and renowned family, 652 b Giraldus Cambrensis Archdeacon of Brecknock, 627 b Giraldus Cambrensis, 8 Girwy, 743 Gervii what people, 491 c Gisburgh, 721 b Gises a family, 362 b Gisleberi of Clare Earl of Hertford, 407 b Githa Earl goodwin's wife, 207 b Glanoventa, 812 d glanvil's a family, 469 a Glass, 19 Glass houses, 306 e Glamorganshire, 641 a Glanford a town, 543 a Glasiers first brought into England, 743 a Glastenbury Abbey, 226 a Glastum, that is, woad, 19 Glawn, ibid. Gledaugh, 652 c Glediau, 215 f Glemham, a town and family, 465 e Glen, a river, 534 d. 815 d Glendal, ibid. Gloucester shire, 357 a Gloucester City, 360 d Gloucester Earl, 368, c. d etc. Gloucester Dukes, 369 c Gloucester Hall in Oxford built and enlarged, 382 a Gluis, 20 Godiva the wife of Earl Leofrick, 543 d. she freed Coventry from Tributes, 568 a Gods house, 268 c Godstow Nunnery, 376 b Godmanchester, 498 b Godmanham, 711 c Godolcan or Godolphin hill, 189 Godrick or Goodrick a good and devout man, 74● a Godrus a Danish K. Christened, 223 Godwin or Goodwin Sands, 340 f Godwin or Goodwin the Earl of Kent his treachery, 295 c his equivocation, 307 a, his frandulent fetch to get Barkley, 36● e Gold-Cliff, 634 e Gold and silver veins, 767 b Golden Harnish found, 816 c Gold and silver Mines in Cornewal, 186 Gomer and his posterity, 10 Gomer what it signifieth, ibid. Goodwick, 481 c Gorlois Prince of Cornwall, 195 Gorlston, 468 d Gorges a family, 364 ● Gormo or Guthrum the Dane, 463 d Gormod, 21 Gormon the Dane, 498 d Gorombery, 413 d Goropius Becanus what he thinketh as touching the name of Britain, 5 Goths language hath some resemblance of Welsh and Dutch, 123 Government of the Roman Empire under and after Constantine the Great, 76 A Goth depainted, 123 Goths a noble Nation, 123 Goths and Vandals the same, ib. they came from the Getae, 130 Gourmand, 21 Gournaies' or Gornayes, 222 e Matthew Gournay, 222 f. 364 Hugh de Gornay a traitor, 472 Gouttes what they are, 237 b Gower, 646 a Grace Dieu, sometime a Nunnery 521 f Grafton, 506 Grafton in Worcestershire, 574 e Grandebeof a Baron of Normandy, 712 c Grandison Lord his descent, 286 b Grandison Lords. 617 d john Grandison Bishop of Exeter, 203 b. 206 d Grand-Sergeanty, 406 c Grant a river. 486 a Grancester, 486 b Grantham, 537 d Hugh Grantmaismill, or Grant-maisnill, 518 c Granvill, 645 f Granvils a family, 646 Gratianus surnamed Funarius, and why, 77. perfidiously slain by Andragathius, 81 Gratianus a Britain declared Emperor by the Army, 84 Gravesend, 329 b graham's a family, 781 Gregory the great a means of the Englishmen conversion to Christ, 136 Greleyes a family, 746 b Greeklade, see Creeklade. Greeks inhabited the Coasts, and along the Isles. 27 greeks arrived in Britain, 28 Griesley Castle, 553 c Griesleys an ancient family, ib. e Grenvils. 196 a West Greenwich, 326 d. Greenwich, 326 d Green's a wealthy family, 507 a Green's Norton, ibid. Green's noble Gentlemen, 510 c Grenhaugh Castle, 753 a Gresham's College. 4●5 b Greshenhal, 482 a Greve what it signifieth, 330 a Sir Foulk Grevil a worthy knight 517 e Sir Foulk Grevil father and son worshipful knights, 565 f Greys of Grooby, 520 f Sir Henry Grey Baron Grey of Grooby, 521 a Greys of Sandacro, 553 d Greys Earles of Kent, 553 c Th. Grey of Ruthin marquis Dorset, 217 e Henry Grey marquis Dorset and Duke of Suffolk, 217 f 470 c. beheaded, 217 Greyes Barons of Wilton, 396 d. their badge, 621 a. 396 d john Grey Earl of Tankervil, 663 d Greystocks Barons, 778 c Greystock Castle, 778 b S. Grimbald, 378 c Grimsby, 542 c Grimstons-garth, ibid. Grimstons' a family, 714 a Griphins a family, 507 b. 607 e Grismunds' tower, 366 d Gr●n and Gronnes what they signify, 486 b Grooby, 520 f Grossement Castle. 630 b Grossvenours, commonly called Gravenours, a famous family, 604 b Grosthead or Grostest a worthy Bishop of Lincoln, 540 b. c Ground most fat and battle, 478 Ground burnt for tillage, 675 c Gruffin ap Conan a noble Prince of Wales, 670 a Guadiana, 297 a Guaine, 21 Gwain, ibid. Gualt what it signifieth, 20 Guarth what it signifieth, 563 b Guarthenion why so called, 624 Guash, See wash. Gueda wife to Earl Goodwin, 363 b Guenliana a woman of manly courage, 649 c Grerif, 21 Guerir, ibid. Gwif, 19 Guild hall in London, 435 a Guildford, 295 b Guildfords a family, 352 b Guineth Uranc, 19 Guineth, 659 f Guiniad fishes, 666 b Guiscard of Engolism, 502 c Gundulph Bishop of Rochester, 333 a Gunora a Norman Lady, 620 c Gunpowder treason, 754 a Gunters a family, 628 f Guorong what it signifieth, 325 c Guortimer defeateth Hengist & the Saxons, 332 a. where buried, 340 a Guvia, 19 Gwin, a colour, 26 Guoloppum, 132 Guy Brient a Baron, 212 e Sir Guy of Warwick, 267 a. 564 Guy cliff, or Gibcliff, 564 ● Gyn●ecia, 263 c H HAcomb, 202 e Hadseigh, 441 b Hadley, 463 d Pope Hadrian the fourth choked with a fly, 415 a Hadugato a Duke or Leader of the English Saxons, 138 Hagmond abbey, 594 Hail a river, 193 Haduloha, 138 Haimon Dentatus, 641 c Robert Fitz Haimon subdueth Glamorganshire, 641 d Hakeds a kind of Pikes, 499 Haledon, 80● d Hales Monastery, 197 e. 365 a Halesworth, 467 c Halifax, 691 f Halifax law, 69● b Halton hall, 808 f Halyston, 812 f Hamden a town and family, 395 Hameldon hills, 215 c Hamon, 260 f Sir Hamon Mascy, 610 c Hampton in Herefordshire, 620 Hampton Court, 420 b Hamsted hills, 421 b Hanging walls of Mark Antony, 763 c Hanley Castle, 577 b Hanmere a place and family, 68● Hannibal never warred in Britain, 32 Hans a river, 587 c Hansacres a family, 578 b Hansards a family, 543 a Hantshire, 258 Hanwell, 376 e Hanworth, 420 b King Harald slain, 317 a Harald Lightfoot, 379 b Harald Haardred, 707 d Harald the Bastard, 143 Harald goodwin's son usurpeth the crown of England, 145 His worthy and Princely parts, 146 Harborrow or Haaburgh, 517 c Harbotle a place and family, 812 f Andrew of Harcla Earl of Carlisle a traitor, degraded, 780 c harcourt's, 584 e Harden or Hawarden, 680 e Hardes ancient Gentlemen, 339 d Harde-Cnut his death, 303 b his immoderate feasting, ibid. Th. Harding, 208 e Fits Hardings Barons of Barkley, 223 a Hard Knot a mountain, 765 e Hardwick a town, 555 f. and a family, ibid. Haresfield, 419 c Harford West, 653 b harington's or Haveringtons a family, 755 d harington's Barons, 526 b. of old descent, ibid. Harington Lord, 206 e Sir john Harington Baron Harington of Exton, ibid. Haringworth the honour of the Zouches Barons, 414 a Harleston, 472 e Harlestons a family, ibid. Harold Ewias, 617 d Harold a Gentleman, ibid. Harptree, 223 d Harrow on the hill, 420 a Harrowden, 510 a Hartle pole, 738 b Harts hall in Oxford, 381 d Harewich, 451 e Harewood castle, 698 e Haslingbury, 453 d Hastings a noble family in times past, 584 c Hastings Lords of Abergevenny, 568 e Hastings Baron of Loughborow, 394 c Sir Edward Hastings sole Baron thereof, 521 b Baron Hastings and Hoo, 319 b Sir william Hastings Lord Hastings, 318 f Hastings great Gentlemen in Sussex, ibid. Hastings a town whence it took the name, 317 f Rape of Hastings, 318 d. Lords thereof, ibid. George L. Hastings first of that name Earl of Huntingdon, 503 a Hatfield Bradock, 453 e Bishops Hatfield, 406 f Hatfield Poveril, 445 c Hatherton, 607 e Hatfield Chace, 690 e Hatley S George, 485 d Hatterel hills, 6●1 c Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancellor of England, 508 his commendation, ibid. his Monument, 509 a Havelock a foundling, 542 d Haverds a family, 628 e Haudelo, Lord Burnell, 330 c Havering, 441 ● Hawghton Conquest, 401 e Hawghlee Castle, 464 a Sir john Hawkwood, 450 b Haulton a town and castle, 611 Haure, 21 The Haw, 200 Hawsted, 450 d Hawthorn at Glastenbury, 227 e Hay a town, 627 f Hay castle, 766 f Headon a town, 713 c Healy castle, 583 e Hartly castle, 760 d Heavenfield, 806 d Hebrews called Huesi wherefore, 23 Heidons or Heydons Knights, 479 b Sir Christopher Heidon, 326 c Heil an Idol of the Saxons, 212 Heilston or helas, 189 Heina a religious votary, 699 e Heitsbury, 245 d Hieu a religious woman, 738 b Helbecks, 727 ● Helbeck a crag, 784 b Helena the mother of Constantine the Great borne at Colchester, 451 a Helena a devout Empress, 74 Helenum, 187 Helion a family, 452 a Hell-Kettles deep pits▪ 737 ● Helmet of gold found, 537 e Helvius Pertinax employed in Britan, 66. Propraetor in Britan, 67 Hemingston, 464 a Hemp the best, 210 d Hempsted, 414 c Hen-Dinas, 588 b Heneti whence they took name, 26 Hengham Lords, 472 f Hengist and Horsa brethren, 127. they signify an horse, ibid. Hengrave, 461 ● Hengston hill, 196 d Henningham, 450 a Henly in Arden, 566 a Henly hundred, 389 a Henly upon Tamis, 389 b King Henry the sixth his virtues, interred and translated, 294 d King Henry the seventh his virtues, 297 f Henry the fourth Emperor interred in Chester, 605 c Henry of Lancaster claimeth the crown of England, 680 d Henry Fitz-Roy, 240 b King Henry the second his commendation, 284 e Henry Prince rebelleth against King Henry the second his father, 465 a Henry the seventh proclaimed King, 518 c King Henry the sixth twice taken prisoner by his own subjects, 509 e Heorten, 738 b Heorthus, 135 Heptarchy of the Saxons described, with several shires under every Kingdom, 157 Heptarchy of the Saxons, 136 reduced to a Monarchy, 138 Herbert Bishop of Norwich, 475 a Herbert Losenga Bishop, 472 a Herbert Baron of Shurland, 334 b herbert's Earles of Penbroch, 359 a Sir Philip Herbert Baron of Shurland, & Earl of Montgomery, 663 b herbert's an honourable family in Wales, 655 d Le Herbert a way in Wales, 665 f Hercules whether ever any, 207 c Herefordshire, 617 Hereford City, 618 e Hereford Earles, 621 b. c. etc. Hereford Duke, 622 a Hereford Viscounts, ibid. Herring fishing by Hollanders, etc. 717 f Herrings in Yarmouth, 478 a Herrings frequent our coast, 718 a Herlaxton, 537 d Herons or Heirons a family, 806 b. 815 e Herlot●a, 197 b Hermae, 64 Herst Monceaux, 315 a Herst what it is, ibid. Hertlebury castle, 574 b Hertford shire, 405 Hertford town, 407 a Hertford Earles, 415 e called Earls of Clare, ibid. Herty point, 207 b Doctor Hervey his Causey, 489 c Hervey first Bishop of Ely, 493 d Herward a valiant Englishman, 533 a Heston, 420 a Hesus, 17 Hesselwood, 696 c House, 17 Heveningham a town and family, 467. c Hexhamshire, 799. d Hextold a river, 807. d Hextoldesham, ibid. Heyford Warin, 377. a Heyford Purcell, 377. a Hides a family, 281. a Hide what it is, 158, 339. e Highgate Castle, 778. c High Cross, 518. a High Dike a streete-way, 534. a 64 High ridge, ibid. Highham a town and family, 463. c Highham Ferrars, 510. b High-land men, 119.126 Higra 707. c. What it is, 357. e Saint Hilda a she Saint, and her miracles, 718. e Hills erected, for what purpose, 406. e Hildersham, 489. e Hildeards ancient Knights, 713. f Hilton a Castle and family, 742. e Himilco never in Britain, 33. Hinchingbrooke, 497. d Hindersket or Hunderdskell a Castle, 723. e Hinkley a Barony, 518. c Heath or Hide a town, 349. b Heath what it signifieth, ibid. Hitching, 406. c Honorio, 329. c Baron Honorio, 318, 319. Hoes a family, 542. c hobart's Knights, and Attorney's General to Kings, 476 Sir Edward Hoby Knight, 286. b 334. a Hobelars, 272.275. b Hocke and Hocks old English for mire and dirt, 402. a Hoch Norton, 375. a Hockley in the hole, 402. c Hodde hills, 215. c Hodesdon, 408. d Hodingdon, 578. c Hodlestons an ancient family, 699. e. 765. d Hodengs a family, 394. c Hodnet a town and family, 594. b Hodney a river, 628. a Hoel the good Prince of Wales, 650. c Holborn or Oldburn, 432. f Holcrofts an ancient family, 608. d Holcroft a place and family, 747. d holderness a promontory, 713. c Holdenby house, 508. e holderness a promontory, 713. c holderness honour, 715. b Holes within the Ground, 440. d Holland a part of Lincolnshire, 529. why so called, ibid. Holland's a great family, 519. b and most noble, 749 john Holland of Denshire, 205. a his coat of arms, ibid. d john Holland Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntingdon, 205. d Henry Holland Duke of Excester ibid. his miserable case, ibid. f john Holland half brother to King Richard the second, beheaded at Plaisi, 445. b Hollands, Knights, 353. b Holland's Earls of Kent, ibid. john Holland the younger his style, 502. f Henry Holland Duke of Excester his fall, 502. f Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and Duke of Surrey, 304. ●. beheaded, 304. c Holme Cultraine Abbey, 773. a Holmesdale, 294. b Holme Pier Pount, 548. f Holme castle, 296. f Holmes chapel, a town, 609. a Holme Lacie, 621. a Holt in Denbigh shire, 677. b Holt castle, 594. b Holly head, 673. a Holy Island, 814. e Hooten, 606. e Hope castle, 681. a Horn church, 441. f Horn castle, 541. c Hornby castle, 753. f Honorius Emperor, 83. succoureth the distressed Britain's against invasion of Barbarians, 86 Honoriaci what Soldiers, 118 Honoriani, 127 Horse running, 723. d Horse, the badge or cognisance of the old Dukes of Saxony, 135 Horse heath, 489. e Horton, 691. f Hote-Spur, 596. c hotham's a family, 711. d. 721 howard's a Noble Family, 472. c Henry Lord Howard, Earl of Northampton, 516. e Henry Baron Howard, of Marnhil, 215. c Charles Lord Howard Earl of Nottingham, 551. d Tho. Viscount Howard of Bindon, 213. a Howards Earls of Surrey, 304. e Thomas Lord Howard of Walden, 452, e. 470. d. Earl of Suffolk, ibid. William Lord Howard of Naworth, 783. b john Lord Howard, duke of Norfolk, the first of that house, 483 slain, ibid. Thomas Howard his son vanquished the Scots, 483. c Henry Howard Earl of Surry a learned Nobleman, ibid. Tho. Howard last duke of Norfolk, ibid. Houden and Houden-shire, 710. c Houghton, 480. a howgil castle, 762. c Howley, 693. e Howty, a brook, 608. e Hubert de Burge Earl of Kent, 352 Hubba the Dane, 208. f Hubbestow, ibid. Huckstow forest, 592. c Huddleston, 696. c Huesi, 23 Hugh the Norman, 212. d. a traitor, 205. a Hugolin, or Hugh Spenser, 642, b Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury slain, 672. d Hull the river, 711. c Hull, the town, 712. d Humphrey Duke of Gloucester and his style, 369. c. The good duke and a favourer of learning, 382 his death, 561. c Humber an arm of the Sea, 689 542. e Humel or Hymell castle, 514. b Hundreds or Centuries appointed, 158. d Hungerbourne, 255. c hungerford's, 195 Hungerford town, 282. e Hungerford Barons, 245. d. 282 Hunibald a bald writer, 6 Hunsh●l ● for●, 509. d Hunstanston, 418. b Hansdon, a Baron's seat, 408 c Hunt cliff, 720. e Huntercombs, a family, 394 c 815, d Huntingdon castle in Hereford shire, 620. c Huntingdon shire, 497. e Huntingdon town, 497. d Huntingdon Earles, 502. c Huntingfeld town and Baron, 467. c Huntly Nab, 720, f Hurling, 186 Hurlers, 193 Hurst castle, 260. d Huscarles what they be, 576. e Hussy the first and last Baron of that name, 535. d Hyeritha a Sheesaint, 208. b I JAmes the sixth of Scotland, styled King of great Britain, 141. a mild and gracious Prince, 298. b james the fourth King of Scotland, slain, 483. c Tho. james of Oxford a studious Antiquarian, 639. ● janus' with two foreheads, 97 japhets progeny how it was propagated, 10 jarrow, 743 d Iberi whence they took name, 20 Iccius portus, in France, a port townelet, 3● Iceni, 456 Ichnild-street, 456. d Icenii● Britain discomfited, 43 Idle a river, 550. d jermins' Knights, 461. d jermegans Knights, 468. e jerby a town, 769. c jervis or jorvalle Abbey. 729. c jerusalem in hand to be re-edified. 79. jestine a rebel against Prince Rhese. 641. e jesus of Bethlems' house, 297. e 410. f jesus College in Oxford, 383. b john jewel Bishop of Salisbury, 208. e. a profound Clerk, 248. e S. jies, 193 Ikborowgh, 482. b Ike●ild street, 64 Ikening street, 402. d Ikesworth, 461. d Lands of what use, 478 d An Island floating, 478 d Isle of Ely, 485. c. why so called, 492. f Il-bre, an Isle, 607. a Ilcester, or Ivelcester, 221. e Ilfarcomb, 207. a Ilkley, 697. c Ilstreet, 603. e K. Ina, 226. c Innes of Court and Chancery in London, 427. c Inborow what it is, 815. b Incubi, 17 Infants of Spain, 164 Inglebeys a family, 535. f. 699. f Ingleborne, 242. c Ingleborrow Hill, 749. e Inglefields an ancient family, 284. c Inglini bipenniferi, 154 Inis wen, 24 Insula Caeruli, ibid. Inundations in Monmouth shire, and Somerset shire, 634. d joan the fair maid of Kent, 353. b joan de Acres, 369. b johannes de Sacro bosco, 692. c john of Weathamsted, 7 john Earl of Athol cruelly executed, 336. a john of Gaunt his style, 757. b King john his sword at Lin. 480. f King john called judicially into question in France, and indicted for murdering his Nephew Arthur, 733. d Saint john's Knights of jerusalem, 428. a. 433. a joseph of Arimathea, 68 joseph Iscanus a Poet, 204. d joseph Scaliger, 10 Ipres tower, 319. d wild Ipres, 332. c. Earl of Kent 352. e Ipswich or Gipwich, 464. c Ireland, the site thereof, 56 Irk a river, 746. a Irchenfield or Archenfield, 617. e Irt a riveret, 765. e Irmunsull. See Ermine, 64 Irthing a river, 782. f Irthington, 745. e Irwell a river, 745. e Iron or Iron ours, 581. b Isa, a river. See Usa. Isabel● de Fortibus, 207. e Isan parles a rock, 763. b Isc river. See Ex. Isca Danmoniorum, 203. f Isca Silurum, 204. a Iscaw, 20 Isis hair or Isidis plocamos, 211 Isis a river, 241. c Isis a river in Glocestershire. See Ouse. Islip, 377. a Simon Islip, 332. c Is-urium Brigantum, 701. c Ithancester, 443. d Itium is whitsan, not Callais, 348 judeal de Totenais, 201. f Ivel the river, 221. b julham or Chilham, 336. b julia street, 639. e julian the Apostata usurpeth the Empire, 79. is declared Caesar, 78 julius Caesar attempteth Britain, 34 julius a Martyr in Britain, 73 636. e jullaber, 336. b Ivo Talboys of Anjou, 532. f Ivo a Persian Bishop, 499. a A jury of 12. men, 153 justices of the Forest, 293. e justices ordained by Aelfred, 158 justices of Peace instituted by K. Edward the third, 160 justices of Assizes, 160.179 justice, or chief justicer of England, 178 justices Itinerant, 179 justices in Eyre, ibid. justices of Goal delivery, ibid. justices of Nisi prius, ibid. jutae a people in Germany, 128 why so called, 130 Ixning, 459. d K▪ KAderne, 18 Kainho a Barony, 401. d Katherine Dowager of Spain interred, 513 Keiana Scot, 649. b Keidelston, 553. e Keimes a Barony, 654. c Keina, a devout Virgin, 236. f Keirch, 20 Kilhop a riveret, 738. c Kelnsey, 714. a Kelsay, 543. a Ken a river, 753. f Kenchester, 618. d Kendale, or Kirkby Kendal, 759 Kendale Barons and Earls, ibid. K. Kenelm a Saint, 365. e Kenelworth, or Killingworth, 566 Kenelworth castle, ibid. Dictum de Kenelworth, 567 Kenet the river, 255 a Keninghal, 472 c Keniwalcsh vanguisheth the Britan's, 221 d Kent, 323. why so called, ibid. Kentishmen right courteous and valiant, 324 c Kent Earles, 352 d Kentish Pety-kings or Potentates, 37 Kentsand, 753 f Kentigern Bishop of Glasco, 679 c a great Clerk, 378 f Kernaw, 183 Kernellare, what it is, 753 f Kesar, for Caesar, 326 c Kesteven a part of Lincolnshire, 533 b Keston, 326 c Keswicke, 763 c Ket a rebel, hanged, 473 b Kettel, the name of a family, 543 b Kettleby, 543 a Kettering, 510 Keven, 21 Keven Caer, 661 e Kevenles Castle, 624 a Kevin, 21 Saint Kibie an holy man, 673 a Kidderminster, 573 f. a Barony, 514 a Kidwelly, 649 Kildale Castle, 721 e Kighley, a place and family, 693 Kilgarth, 192 Killey, 816 e Kilgarran, 654 e Killingworth, See Kenelworth, Kilmain Lhoyd, 650 d Kilnsey Crag, 697 b Kilpeck a castle and family, 617 The King's Champions, ibid. Kilton castle, 720 c Kime a noble family, 535 e Kimbolton or Kinnibantum Castle, 501 c Kindreton, 610 b Kindreton Barons, 609 b Kined a Saint, 646 c Kinefeage Castle, 644 d King what it signifieth, 163. his sovereign power, etc. ibid. his royal prerogatives, 163 Kings of England made heirs to their subjects, 485 e. f Kings in Britain during the Romans Empire there, 67 The King's Courts of justice, 177 Kings Bench, 178 Kingston Lacie, 216 f Kings Clear, 272 c Kings knight or Taine, 293 e Kingston upon Tamis, 297 b Kings Delfe, 500 b Kingston upon hull. 712 d King's Ditch by Cambridge, 488 c Kingswood Abbey, 364 c Kinnoburga, 502 b Kinnersley, 620 c Kinton, 561 c Kirkham, 709 d Kirkby Bellers, 522 f Kirkby Morside, 722 c Kirkby the same that Pontfret, 695 c Kirkby Lonsdale, 760 c Kirkby Stephen, ibid. d Kirby Thore, 761 c Kirk Oswald, 777 f Kirkton, 532 c Kirsop a river, 781 d Kirtling, 491 b Kirton, 203 d Kits Coty house, 332 b Kitsons knights, 461 e Knarisborow Castle, 699 f Knebworth, 406 e Knevets a family, 472 c. d Knevet or Knivet, Baron of Escrick, 707 e Knight what degree of Gentry, 170 Knights simply so called, 173 Knights of four sorts, 171 Knights Banarets, ibid. Knights of the Bath, 172 Knights dubbed Earls, 174 Knight a title of dignity, 175 Knights how dubbed, 176 Knights Bachelars, ibid. Knights twelve, employed in the Conquest of Glamorgan-shire, 641 e. f Knightleys ancient knights, 508 Knighton, 623 e Kniveton a place and family, 553 e Knocking Castle, 597 b Knoll, 328 a Knolls Barons de Rotherfield, 389 e Knots a dainty fowl, 543 c Knotsford a town, 610 c Knute the Hardy, or Hardy Knut, 143 Knute King of the Danes vanquisheth Ethelbert, 143 Kowain, 18 Kumero, 10 Kumbri or Kambry, 765 b Kumari, ibid. Kumeraeg, ibid. Kwrm, a British drink, 31 L. LAberius Durus slain by Kentishmen, Lac a riveret, 753 d Lacie, 213 d Lacy's Conquerors of Ireland, 631 c Lacie the Norman, 695 d john Lackland, who he was, 255 f Lacon, a family, 591 d Lactorodum seemeth to be Stony Stratford, 397 b Laelianus an usurper in Britain murdered, 71 Laetavia, 111 Laeti, ibid. Laetus a valiant Captain, 69 Laeford, by contraction, Lord, 168 Lanae, 19 Lakes in Staffordsh. of a strange nature, 588 b. c William Lambard commended, 323 b William Lambard his hospital, 327 f Lambeth, 303 b Lambley Nunnery, 799 ● Lamborne, 283 f Lambourn Manor, 440 c Lampreys, 574 c Lane the name of a family, 509 f Lanandiffry, 649 d Lancashire, 745 Lancaster or Loncaster town, 754 b Lancaster Lords, 755 f Lancaster Earles, 756 Lancaster Dukes, 757 Lancham, 463 d Lanchester, 742 ● Landaff, 642 d Lands end, 188 Lanercost Abbey or Priory, 782 c 785 c Langerston, 465 a Abbots Langley, 414 f Kings Langley, ibid. f Langley, 592 a Langho, 750 a Langtons a family, 752 e Langanum, 668 b Lanheath, 491 a Lapis Tituli. See Stonar. Lacelles a family, 707 e. 724 c Latham, 749 a Latimer what it is, 598 ● latimer's, a town, 394 e latimer's de Corby, a family, 507 b latimer's, Lords, 721 f. 729 d Latimer a surname, 598 c Lavatrae, 732 d Laver a river, ibid. e Lavellin an high hill, 767 f Lawleyes, a family, 591 f Lawless Court, 441 e Laws of England in a tripartite division, 153 Law-courts of England, 177 Laws, that is, Heaps of stones, 802 b De la Lands, a family, 542 c Laurence Noel, repairer of our Saxons language, 188 Laxton or Lexinton a town and name of a family, 550 Layth, 21 Lea or Ley a river, 406 e Lea, the name of a family, 592 d Leach, 21 Lead of Darbyshire, 556 e League, 21 Leaks Knights, 556 b Leam, the river, 507 e Leama brook, 561 d Leamington, ibid. d Leanminster, 17 Leckhamsted, 396 e Leddets, a family, 507 b Long-Leat, 245 a Leaden a river, 620 e Ledbury a town, ibid. Lee, Knight, 280 c Lee a place and family, 610 c Sir Henry Lee, 395 f Leeds Castle, 331 c Leeds, 694 e Leegh, 441 c Leez, 445 c Legeolium, 695 a Leibourne, 332 c Leiden Castle built by Hengist, 130 leighton's knights, 593 a Leighton Buzzard, 402 e Leighton in Huntingdon-shire, 501 d Leiton, 439 f leighton's a family, 667 d Leicestershire, 517 Leicester town, 519 d Leike a town, 587 c Lemster or Leinster, 619 f Lemster Ore, 620 a Lemster bread, 620 Lenae, 17 Leneham, 331 a Leofrike Earl of Mercians, 567 e Leofrike first Bishop of Excester, 204 d Leofrike Lord of Brane or Burne, 533 a Leoftane Abbot of S. Albans, 393 c Leolin Prince of Wales his behaviour to King Edward, 363 e Lean Vaur a fabulous Giant, 604 Leon Vaur what it signifieth, ib. Leonell Duke of Clarence, 462 d Leprosy why termed Elephantiasis, 522 d. when it came first into England, ibid. Lestoff, 468 d Leskerd, 191 Lestuthiel, 190 Lettuy what it is, 399 f Leuca, 21 Leven a river, 781 c. 782 b Leveney a river, 628 c Levensand, 754 f Lever Maur, 67 Leventhorps' a family, 408 c S. Lewis King of France taken prisoner, 249 e Lewis of France his pretended title to the Crown of England, 340 Lewis a town, 313 e Lewknors, 312 e Leymouth, 440 a Lhan what it signifieth, 631 d Lhan Beder, 657 d Lhan Badern vaur, 658 a Lhan Stephen, 650 c Lhan Devi Brevi, 657 b Lhanthony Abbey, 631 c Lhan Vais, 672 e Lhan Vethlin, 662 d Lhan Heron, 193 Lhan Stuphadon or Launstaveton, 196 c Lhein, 668 b Lhewellin ap Sisil Prince of Wales, 680 a Lhewellin ap Gryffith the last British Prince of Wales, 670 b Lhewellin last Prince of Wales of British race, 624 c. slain, ib. Lhuyd his opinion concerning the name of Britain, 5.24 Library in Oxford furnished, 381 Lichfield, 585 b. an archiepiscopal See, 585 d Lickey Hill, 574 d Lid what it is, 491 d Lid river, 199 d. 781 f Lida town, 351 a Lid Castle, 781. Liddesdale, ibid. Lidgate a village, 461 f john Lidgate a Monk, ibid. Liesnes Abbey, 328 b lieutenants in every County or Shire instituted by King Aelfred, 159 Lilborne, 515 c Lime river and town, 210 b Limestone great store, 694 f Limits of the Roman Empire, 789 e, d. see Scotland. Limseys a family, 567 e Lime a port town, 549 e Line or flax of the best, 620 a Lillinstone, 396 c Lincolnshire, 529 Lincoln City, 538 b. whence the name is derived, ibid. Lincoln Earls, 544 e▪ f Lindsey a part of Lincolnshire, 537 f Robert of Lincoln, 313 d Lincoln College in Oxford, 381 Linstock Castle, 778 a Lingeins a family, 665 d Lin 480 d. why so called, ibid. Old Lin, 480 King Lin, ibid. Linnum Episcopi, ibid. Lin peris pool, 668 d Lin a river, 547 c D● la Lined, 213 f Linton or Lenton a town, 547 d Lioness, 187 Lisls a family in the Isle of Ely, 494 d L'isle a family, 276 a L'isle of Rougmount, 490 b Lister's a family, 592 e Viscount L'isle, 280 d Liver a river, 192 Littons a family, 406 e Litchfield in Hantshire, 272 c Littleborough, 549 e Lites Cary, 224 f Littleton's a family, 574 d Littleton alias Westcot a learned Lawyer and a famous, ibid. Livery and seisin in old time, 340 The Lizard, 189 Llydan what it is, 111 Louder a river and family, 792 Lode works, 184 Looghor, 646 a Lollius Urbicus Propretor in Britain, 66 Lollham bridges, 512 a London, 421 d London an ancient Colony, 50 London called Augusta, 79, 80 London stone, 423 a London wall, ibid. c London bridge, 434 a London highway from Saint Albans turned out of Watling-street, 415 b London or Londres, a family, 649 d Maurice de Londres or London, ibid. c Lonchamps a family, 532 Longford a place and family, 553 d Long-Meg a stone, 777 e Longvils a family, 397 c Lonsdale, 760 Loo a river, 192 Lophamford, 467 d Lora Countess of Leicester, a reclused votary, 339 a Lortie the name of a family, 221 d Lothbrooke the Dane, 207 a Lottery used by Saxons, 135 Louvain a family, 444 e Lovels, 374. a family, 505 d Lords of Castle Cary, 514 a Lovets a family, 553 d Loughborough, 521 d Lowland-men, 126 Louth, 542 c Lowy of Tunbridge, 330 a Lowy of Briony, ibid. Luceni in Ireland, 121 Lucensii in Spain, ibid. Sir Rich. Lucy Lord justice of England became a Cannon, 328 b Lucy's a family, 769 f Lucius King of Britain, 67 Lucy's Knights an ancient family, 564 f Luculleae certain spears, 62 Ludgate, 423 c Ludham, 478 d Ludlow, 590 c Ludlowes a family, 594 b Luffeilds, 396 f Luffenham or Leffingham, South and North, towns, 525 Lugier, a river, 619 d Lugus, what it signifieth, 779 a Lullingstone, a town and family, 328 e Lumley Castle, 742 b Lumleys Barons, ibid. Lune or Lone a river, 753 c Lupicinus sent into Britain, 78 Lupus Earl of Chester, 611 a Lusoriae naves, 811 d Luthing, a lake, 468 d 442 a Luthingland, ibid. Luton, 402 e Lutter worth, 517 f. an Episcopal See, 519 d Lygons a family, 577 b Th. de la Lind, 213 f Lyquorice in great plenty growing, 550 f Lyrpoole or Litherpoole, 748 d M MAchleneth, 661 b Maclesfield, a town and forest, 610 b Madin-boure or Madning bower, Madning money, ibid. Madock falsely dealt withal by his Guardian john Earl of waren, 677 b Maeatae, 796 d Magic practised in Britain, 234 a Magnavills, alias, Mandevil, 452 b. Earls of Essex, 453 e Magnavil his end, ibid. f Magnentius an usurper, 77. called Taporus, ibid. a fortunate Prince, 77. killed himself, ibid. Magnus' a Dane, 314 c. his monument, ibid. Magoclunus a tyrant in Britain, 113 Magon a god, 803 d Mahel Earl of Hereford, 358 f Maiden Castle, 212 c Maiden Bradley, 24 Maiden way, 761 e Maidenhead or Maiden-Hith, 286 c Maidstone, 330 e Maidulph the Irish Scot, 242 c Main, what it signifieth, 569 c Mayor of London first ordained, Main Amber, 188 Malcolm Can Mor, King of Scots, 500 c Maldon, 446 e. forced by Queen Boadicia, 448 Malduit or Manduit, 570 Mallets a family, 223 e Malliveries, 700 b Malmesbury, 242 b Malpas, 603 e. Barons thereof, ibid. Maltravers Barons, 217 a Malvern hills, 577 b Malveisin, 814 a Mamignot, 326 d Maminots Barons, 332 d Mancastle, 746 b Mancester, 569 c Manchester, 746 a Manchet the finest, 420 a Manchester why so called, 747 a Mandrubatius, See Androgeus oppressed by Cassibilinus, 37 Manduites a family, 591 e Mangonells, 400 d Manors or de Maneriis a family, 815 e Manors Earls of Rutland, 527 a, b. 536 b Manober Castle, 651 c Mansions what they were, 65 Mansfield a great market town in Shirewood, 550 b Manwarings or Memilwaring a family, 608 a Sir Peter Manwood Knight, 339 b Sir Roger Manwood Knight, ibid. Marble quarry, 736 e Marca, 18 Marden, 620 d The Marches, 589 b Marga what it is, 536 e Margan Castle, 644 e Marga, 20 Margaret Countess of Richmond, 216 d Margaret Countess of Salisbury beheaded, 250 d Lord Marchers, 589 c. 165 Marcley hill, 620 b. moveth ibid. Marcus made Emperor in Britain by the armies, 84 marshal of Harlots, 294 b marshal Earl of Penbroch why so named, 655 b marshal Earl of Penbroch slain at a Tournament, 407 d Mary Queen of Scots her end, her tomb, 511 c. 513 b Mary Lady Fane, 330 d Mary Hall in Oxford, 381 d Mary Magdalen College in Oxford, 382 b S. Maries of Radcliff, 237 ● Marius a mighty strong man, 779 d Markham an uncorrupt judge, Markham a village and name of family, 550 e Markham lord chief justice of England, 550 e Marle, 20.393 c Marleborough, 255 d Marleborough statute, 256 a Marlowe, 393 Marmions a family, 729 e Marmions the king's Champions, 582 c Marney Baron, 213 a Marnhill, 215 c Marquesites found, 720 f marquis what degree of honour, 165 marquis how created, ibid. Marchland, 690 e Martin Bishop of Tours, against putting heretics to death, 82 Martin Vicegerent in Britain, stabbeth himself, 78 martin's, lords of Keimes, Martin's a family, 654 d Martyrs in Britain, 73 Masons first brought into England, 743 a Massageteses, Scythians, 121 Massham, 729 c Matrafall, 662 d Mawde the Empress, Lady of the English, 453 e. King Henry the First his wife, 284 d Mawde of Saint Valeri a stout Dame, 623 c Saint Maudit Castle, 189 Maugre Lhewellin a Castle, 623 c Mauleys Barons, 709 c Peter Mauley, 719 c Malt of Abbington, 280 a Malt how made, 485 b Maundbury, 212 c Maunsels, 641 e Maxey castle, 515 a Maximus usurpeth the Empire, 82. his virtues, ib. styled Trevericus Emperor, ibid. Maximus the usurper vanquished and put to death by Theodosius, 83 Maxstock castle, 567 c Meals what they be, 479 e East-Mean Hundred, 268 f West-Mean Hundred, ibid. Meansborow Hundred, ibid. Meanuari, ibid. Meaux Abbey, 712 e Walter Medantinus an Official Earl, 621 Medaghom, 634 b Medcalfes a numerous family, 729 a Medeshandsted, alias Medeswelhamsted, ibid. Medeswel, a gulf, 512 b Medley, 693 f Medvan, 67 Medway river, 329 d Meermarkes in old time, 515 c Melborn castle, 554 a Melcomb Regis, 211 c Melfield, 815 d Long Melford an hospital, 462 Melienith, 624 a Melin, what colour, 26 Melitus a Roman, Bishop of London, 426 c Melkin a great professor of learning, 378 f Melton Mowbray, 522 e Menai, 668 c Mendip hill, 230 d Mendlesham, 465 b Meneg, 189 Menevia, 653 d Menils Barons, 721 b Merbury a place and family, 609 f Mercians of the North, 559 b Merchenlage, 153 Merworth, 330 d Mercury had the charge of ways, 64 Mergate, 413 Merioneth shire, 667 Merivale, 569 d Merkin, 188 Merlin the Britan's Tages, where borne, 649 f Mersey a river, 745 ● Mesey mouth, 610 b Mershland, 481 a Merton a pool, 749 d Merton, 302 d Merton College, 302 Statute of Merton, 302 e Merton brook a riveret, 554 d Metham a place and family, 710 Metaris or Maltraith, 529 c Mettingham, 468 c Merlin Sylvester, the British Apollo, 640 a Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, 7● e Saint Michael's mount, 188 Michelham, 315 d Michael Scotus a great Mathematician, 773 b Middlesex, 419 Middleton Abbey built by King Athelstane, 213 middleton's a family, 698 d Middlewich, 607 f Mikel bar, 701 f Milburga a devout virgin, 591 e Sir Walter Mildmay a worthy knight, 514 c Mildred a Saint, 340 b Milstons, 681 a. 556 f Milford haven, 651 d Millum castle, 765 d Mimmes, 415 d Mineran what town, 407 f Minchins, that is, Nuns, 362 b Mineral stones, 720 f Minshul a place and family, 608 Minster, 334 a Minster what it signifieth, 245 c Minster Lovel, 373 f Misselto of the Oak, 14 Missenden a town, 394 c. de Missenden, Gentlemen, 394 e Mitford, 812 b Mitton, 731 b Mittens a family, 665 d Mixon, 274 e Modwena or Mown a religious Virgin, 569 e. 586 b. her Epitaph, 586 c Moeles, 196 a. 221 c Mogontus, 691 d Mohuns, 190 f Mohuns or Moions, 220 d Moignes or Monks of Essex a family, 245 b Moilenly, 676 c Moinglath, ibid. Mole a river, why so called, 297 Mould, 681 a Molineaux a family, 748 Mona Taciti, an Isle, 671 Mona subdued by julius Agricola, ibid. Monastical life or Monkery when first professed, 603 a Monasteries what they were, 603 c Monasteries suppressed, 163 Monkchester, 810 b Monkton, See Exeter, Monks Laymen, 603 c Monks a family, 208 a Monks regular or of the Clergy, ibid. Monks Weremouth, 742 f Monmouthshire, 631 Monmouth town, 632 b. the natal place of King Henry the Fifth, 632 e Monmouth an Academy, 633 e Monow, a river, 617.631 c Montacute a place, why so called, 222 b Montacutes Knights, 510 a Montacutes a family, 222 c Earles of Salisbury, ibid. 249 Th. Montacute Earl of Salisbury slain before Orleans, 250 Mont Aegle Barons, 753 f Montchensyes', Barons, 329 a Guarin Montchensy another rich Crassus, 463 b Montferrant Castle, 709 b Montfichets Barons, 453 c Montfichet Baron, 440 a. 809 e Montforts, 566 a Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester, 523 e Simon de Montford the younger disloyal to his Prince, 523 e Simon Montfort another Catiline, 577 f. slain, 578 a Montgomeryshire, 661 Montgomery town and Castle, 661 f Montgomerie Earl, 663 b Montgomerie made a shire, 677 Mont Turold a fort, 513 a Montjoy, 555 Monthault Barons, 680 e Monuments or Tombs in Paul's Church in London, 426 d. etc. The Moor in Monmouthshire, 694 d Moores what they be, 759 b Mordants Barons, 399 b Moresby, a place, and name of gentlemen, 766 c, f Mooreland, 586 e Mor, 21 Morinwyr, ibid. Morimarusa, 11 Morleys, Barons, 315 c. 453 d Morisons, Sir Richard and Charles, 415 a Moregate in London, 423 d Mordant, 510 c Morton Cardinal and Archbish. of Canterbury, 212 b Morpeth, 812 c Morton Corbet, 594 e Morvils a family, 775 f Hugh Morvil, that slew Thomas Becket, 777 f Mortimer Earles of March, 619 Mortimers of Attilborough, 473 b Morwic, 813 b Mortimer hole, 548 e Roger Mortimer the elder sentenced to death, 624 e Roger Mortimer the last declared heir apparent to the Crown, 625 a The Mosses, 745 d. whence they come. 747 b The Moto, 783 b Mont Sorel or Mount Soar Hill, 521 a Mowbray, 304 f Mowbraies a family, the original of their race, 723 c Mowbray much affected the Templars, 566 d Mowbraies whence descended, 481 c Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, 482 e. banished, ibid. Mowbray, 221 f Moult-Grave Castle, 719 c Mountsbay, 188.189 Moushole, 188 Mouthwy, a Commot in Wales, 665 d Moyen, 213 b Moyly Gaer, 679 c Muchelney, 222 a The Mues, 432 c Munden Furnivall, 408 b. 703 a Municipia, what they were, 409 Murdacks a family, 565 a. 409 Musards Barons of Staveley, 555 f Muschamps Barons, 815 c Musgraves villages and a family, 760 d Musgrave Baron, ibid. d Mustard the best, 359 b Mynyd Margan, 644 e N NAdder a river, 245 d Naitanus a King of the Picts, 118 Names of families altered, 583 e Names of families taken from places, 748 a Names taken from the father's forename, 813 b Nannius, 82 Nant Pencarn a river, 639 f Nant-wich, 607 f Natan Leod, or Nazaleod, 258 f Nations the same have sundry names, 23 Nations at first had names of their own, 25 Navy Royal of England, 333 e Naworth Castle, 784 f Neath or Nid a river, 645 f Neath a town, 643 d Neath land, 649 d Nectan a Saint, 207 b Nectaridius, 79 Needles, 274 e needham's a family, 464 a 598 c Needwood, 586 ● Neirford a town and family, 480 481 d Neirborough, ibid. d Nen the river his head, 507 c Nen river, 497 a Nen or Aufon river overfloweth the flat Country, 513 c Nesse, 351. a Promontory, 451 d Nesta a welsh Lady and a revengeful woman, 628 e Netherby, 781 d Netherwent, 640 b S. Neoth, 378 c S. Neots or Needs, 497 c Neotus an holy man, 191.497 a Neotstow, 191 Nero the Emperor how he stood affected to Britain, 48 Nettlested, 463 c Nevern river, 654 d nevil's a family, their descent, 737 c Nevil Lord Faulconberg Earl of Kent, 353 c Rich. Nevil Earl of Warwick, slain, 415 d john Nevil marquis Montacute, 222 c. 403 Rich. Nevil Earl of Warwick, ibid. Rob. Lord Nevil killed in adultery, 729 c nevil's an honourable name, 769 Nevin a market village, 668 b Newark upon Trent, 549 c Newburg, 672 f Newborrough Abbey, 723 b Newborroughs or de Novo Burgo, 213 a Will. of Newborrough, 723 b Newbury, 283 d New Castle upon Tine, 809 f New Castle upon Tivy in Wales, 650 e New College in Oxford, 381 e Newenden, 351 b Newenham Abbey, 207 a Newgate in London, 423 c New forest, 259 b Newhall, 446 c newland's, 767 a Newleame, 495 b Newmerch, 364 b Bernard Newmarch a valiant and Politic Norman, 628 e New-market or Newmercate town, 459 d New-market Heath, ibid. e. 490 d Newmarch the name of a family, 221 c Newnham, 401 Newnham Regis, 562 d Newnham wells, ibid. e Newport Painel, 397 c Newport in Monmouthshire, 639 d Newport in Penbrockshire, 654 Newports a family, 605 d Newports Knights, 594 f Newsted, 547 c Neustria what country, 144 Newton in Northamptonshire, 509 f Newton in Glamorganshire, 643 Newton in Mongomeryshire, 661 Nicen Creed established, 77 S. Nicolas Isle, 200 Nicolas of Tewksbury, 202 c Nicolans Fabricius de Petrisco a good Antiquarian, 97 Nicolaa de Albeniaco an Inheretrix, 364 f Nid or Neath a river, 645 f 699 e Nidherdale, ibid. e Niding a name of Reproach, 333 b Niger usurpeth the Empire in Syria, 68 slain by Septimius Severus, ibid. Ninnius a learned professor, 378 f Ninius, 6 Ninias or Ninianus an holy Britain, 118 Nobilis Caesar, what title, 104 Nobilissimus the son of Constantine an Emperor, 85 Nobility in England of two sorts, 164 Noels a family, 284 c Nonesuch, 287 c Normanton Fields for Dormanton fields, 511 f Norris, 384 a Norris of Ricot, 384 a Normans, why so called, 144 what outrages they committed, 144 Normans renowned for Martial Prowess, 153 Normans Conquest set down at large, 145 etc. Normandy given to Rollo, 144 Normandy awarded away from the Kings of England, 733 d Norrham a town, 816 b North Allertonshire, 723 f. the fair there, ibid. b North, Barons, 491 b North, Hall, 415 d Northamptonshire, 505 North Elmham, 481 f North Leach, 366 b North-wales, 659 c Norfolk, 471 Northwich, 607 f Norfolk men wrangling Lawyers, 471 c Norwich a Bishops See, 472 a Norwich what it signifieth, 473 e Norfolk Earles and Dukes, 482 b Norton in Suffolk, 464 a Norton Dany, 507 a Norwich a City much endangered, 475 c North-Riding, 717 Northampton, 509 a. why so named, ibid. Northampton field fought, 509 e Northamptonshire, ibid. f Northamptonshire Earles, 515 e Northumberland, 799 Nosthil, 690 f Noteley Abbey, 396 a Nottinghamshire, 547 Nottingham, 547 d. why so called, ibid. Nottingham Earls, 551 b Northumberland Kings, Dukes, and Earls, 819 d Novatians heretics, 84 Nun Eton, 569 a The first English Nun, 339 c O OBsidianus Lapis, what Cole, 735 c Ochi●hole, 230 d Ock-river, 286 c Ockham Octha, 128 Odiam, 269 e Odingsels, 567 c Odo Bishop, 333 a Odo Earl of Kent and Bishop of Baieux, 352 c Oën a welsh rebel, 658 b Offa King of the Mercians his devout munificence to the Church, 410 f Offa Dike, 421 e. 623 Offa Church, 561 e Offton, 463 c Ogle Castle, 812 a Ogmor, 643 a Ogle Barons, ibid. Oilway a riveret, 636 c Oysters called Mira, 449 f Oyster hills by S. Alban, 413 d Oyster pips in Kent, 335 a Okeham, 526 a Okenyate, 593 Oldbury, 269 d Old man of Bullen, 345 c Old Castle executed, 329 ● Old street or Ouldstreet, 540 ● Old Town, 617 c South Okindon, 442 d O-Neall great Monarch of Ireland, 126 Onions hole, 271 b Onions Pennies, ibid. e Orbeies a family, 607 ● Orcas what point, 1 Orchard the Honour of certain Barons, 223 ● Ordalium, what trial, 211 a Ordulph his tomb, 199 e Ordgar, ibid. o'er a river, 465 d Oreford, ibid. Orell a family, 748 a Oriall College in Oxford, 381 d Original of Nations and their names, 4 Ormesby a town and family, 542 c Ormeskirke, 744 a Orthotes, 139 Orton or Overton, 502 b Orwell a river, 463 f Orwell Haven, 465 a Orewood, 184 Osgodby, 543 a Osith a virgin, 451 c S. Osiths a town, ibid. b Osney Abbey founded, 375 c Ostorius Lieutenant for the Romans, 590 a Ostorius his adventures, and service in Britain, 42.43. his victory, 44. honoured with Triumphant Ornaments, 45 Oswald Bishop of Worcester, a maintainer of Monastical life, 576 b Oswald slain by Penda, 597 gloriously entombed, 540 f Oswald, 690 f. 806 c Oswald his Epitaph, 748 c Fables going of him, 540 f Oswaldslaw Hundred, 578 c Oswestre, 597 c Otherhalfe stone, 191 Otelands', 295 ● Otford, 328 e Oteley, 698 d Ottadini, 796 Ottery river, 206 c Otterbourne field, 803 c Ottery S. Maris, ibid. Overburrow, 753 d Overwent, 640 b Oulney, 397 c Oundale, for Avondale, 510 c Ounsbery Hill, 721 d Ousley, 565 e Ouse a river in Glocestershire, 367 a Ouse river first called Ure and Your, 689 Ouse or Ouze river, 241 Ouse the greater, 471 b Ousbourne a riveret, 701 d Owen justice of the common Pleas, 592 a Owen Glendowerdwy, or Glendour, a notable Rebel, 623 c Owers, 274 e Outborow what it is, 815 b Oxfordshire, 373 Oxford, 377 c. made an University, 380 f Oxford Earles, 389 d Oxney, 351 f P PAcatianus, Vicegerent or Deputy in Britain, 75 Padstow, 193 Palace in Westminster, 431 b Palatine what it is, 601 b Paganells or Painells, 207 b Pagetts of Beaudesert Barons, 585 a Palatine Counts, 167 Pandon gate, 810 b Pant a river or creek, 443 b Pannonians whence they took name, 26 Pantulphs Barons, 594 c Pall, what it is, 336 d Paul Papinianus the great Lawyer, 703 d Palmer, 366 a Pap Castle, 768 a Parr Earl of Essex, 454 f Parr of Kendale, 759 e Parr Lord of Horton, 509 f Parcus in Varro for a Park, 375 e Parises, a family, 489 e Parishes first set out in England, 160 Parish Churches how many in England, 161 Parks in England, 375 e Parkers a family, 463 e Parkers, Lords Morley, 473 a Parker Baron Mont-Aegle, 754 a Parliament house, 431 c Parliament, 177 Parrham a little town, 465 e Passham, 397 b Paston, a townelet and family, 478 f Pastwn, 21 Pattern a Bishop in Wales, 668 b Pateshul, a town and family, 507 a Pateshulls, 399 d Paul's or Paul's Church in London founded, 425 c Paul's steeple burnt, 425 e Paul, 68 Paul the Notary, surnamed Atena, 78 b Paulinus first Archbishop of York, 693 d Paulinus preached God's word in Lindesey, 539 a Paunton, a town, 537 b pain Peverell, 488 a Peada a Christian prince murdered, 512 e Peag-Kirk, 515 a Peake in Darbyshire, 553. why so called, 556 c P●asen growing of themselves, 351 b. growing out of rocks, 466 b Peché, 485 ● Peculiars' Court, 182 Pedred or Parrot a river, 222 a Pedwar, 19 Pedwardins a family, 532 f Peer of Dover, 345 d Pega an holy woman, 515 a Pehiti for Pecti, 118 Peincting that Britan's used, 31 Peito a Franciscan Prior, 562 b Peitoes a family, ibid. b Peitons of Peiton hall, knights, 491 a Pelagius an Arch-Heretick, 602 f a Britan born, 87 Pelagian heresy in Britain, 410 c Pelham, 315 c Pembridges a family, 594 a Pempedula, 19 Pen, by Wicomb, 393 e Penne, 18. what it signifieth, 393 e Pencoh Cloud, 19 Pendle, 19 hill, 749 e Penguall, what it signifieth, 117 Pennigent, 19 hill, 749 c Pen a village, 221 d Penninus, 18 Pentachie of the Romans in Britain, 156 Penuahel, what it signifieth, 117 Pen-Elin, 187 Pensans, 188 Pennant, 191 Penal, 661 c Penbroch or Pembrok-shire, 651 Penbroch town, 651 c Penbroch Earls, 555 a Pen Maur, 19 Pen Maen Maur, 669 c Pen Maen Bichan, ibid. Penball Crag, 811 d Pendragon Castle, 760 c Penk, a river 582 f Penkridge, a town, 583 a Penrith, 776 d Pensneth chase, 581 d Penshurst, 329 e Pennyworth or Penverdant, 752 d Pentaphyllon, 19 Penteney Abbey, 481 ● Peperking, alias Peverell, 443 f Percies a family, 312 b Perci●aies a family, 722 d Percy Hotspur, 803 c Percy Earl of Northumberland slain by rebels, 724 d Percepierre, an herb, 237 a Peregrine Berty, Lord Willoughby of Eresby, 541 f Peregrine's, Falcons, 654 b Perennius a Minion of the Emperor Commodus, 67. beheaded. 67 Perin, 190 Perith or Petrianae, 777 a Pearl's shell fish, 669 d Pearls, 765 e Perkin Warbeck, 205 b Pershor, 578 b Pertinax, Emperor, 68 Peter in Britain, ibid. Peter's Post a delfe or quary of stone, 696 c Petre of Writle Baron, 442 d Saint Peter upon the Wall, 443 e Sir William Petre his commendations, 446 a Peter pence, 226 c Peterburgh, 512 a Peterril, a river, ibid. Petor, 19 Petoritum, ibid. Petrarie, 400 d Petrock, 194 Petronius Turpilianus sent as Propretor into Britain, 52 Pevensey or Pemsey, 213 e Peverells Lords of Derby, 558 d Peverells a family, 445 c Pever a river and place, 609 e Pewter vessel, 184 Phelips or filips a family, 467 Philibert, 269 c Philip Earl of Flaenders, Earl of Kent, 352 Pickering a town, 781 b Pickering Lith, Pickering a Liberty and forest, 722 b Picot Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, 485 e Picts wall, 789 Picts what it signifieth in old British, 116 Picinino, 20 Picts whence descended, the progeny of ancient natural Britain's, 115. why so called, when the Northern Britan's, became so called, 116. divided into two nations, 114 Picts, what become of them, 118 Piddle a riveret, 213 d Piers Gaveston, 198 Pierpount a family, 548 f Pigot's, 401 c Pilchards, 186 Pilgrimage to our Lady of Walsingham, 479 c Pimble mere, 666 b Pimthecnos, 15 Pinkneys Barons, 505 e Pinson a Noble Norman, 541 d Pits, 334 e. 440 Pitchford a village and family, 592 b Placence, 327 b Plague in Yarmouth, 477 f Plains of Salisbury, 245 d Planarat, 20 Plautius a governor in Britain, 447 Pleshi Plaisi, or Estre, 445 a Plime river, 200 a Plymouth, ibid. a Plimpton, 201 b Plin Limon an high hill, 658 b Plin Lin mere, 666 b Plugenet a Baron, 618 a Plumpton Park, 776 f Poenius Posthumius killeth himself, 52 Poinings Barons, 215 d Pointz Barons, 223 f Points a family, 364 b Poleland, why so called, 27 john de la Pole Earl of Lincoln 469 f. executed, 470. b Pollesworth, 569 e Wil de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, 469 d. banished, 469 f. beheaded, ibid. Henry Pole Lord Montacute, 222 d. 453 d Pole, Cardinal, 206 a Poltimore, 203 c Poltrosse a river, 799 f Pole, 192 Policletus a favourite of Nero sent into Britain, 52 Pontes, 394 a Pool, 606 f. Pontthive County or Earldom in France how it came to the Kings of England, 394 b Poole a town why so called, 211 e Pomeries, 202 a Pomponius Laetus his opinion of the name of Britain, 5 Pools on hill tops, 667 e Popham, 223 e. 256 c Pontfret or Pomfret, 695 c. infamous for the bloodshed of Princes, 695 f Pont a river, 809 d Port Gate, 808 f Port a Saxon, 210 d Portland, 210 e Portchester, 268 a Port Peris, ibid.▪ Portsey Island, 268 a Ports mouth, 268 b Portstaw, 313 d Potheridge, 208 a Potton, 401 c Portcleis, 603 d Portmen, 477 e Portogan, 603 d Port sholme, 498 a Portskeveth, 633 f Pouderbach Castle, 592 c Poultney a family, 517 Povers a family, 377 a Powder treason of Rob. Catesby, 431 Powick a Barony, 577 b Powis Lords, 663 c Princess of Powis, 663 Powise Land, 659 c Powlet Lord S. john Earl of Wiltshire, 257 a Powlet his honourable titles, 267 Powderham, 206 b Powndbury, 212 c De Praeriis a family, 607 e Prasutagus King of the Iceni, 49 457 a Praefecti Praetorio under Constantine the Great, 76 Prefecture what it is, 422 Prerogative Court, 181 Presidium, 563 a Priests forbidden marriage, 201 Priests married, 576.201 b Priscus Licinius Propretor in Britain, 66 Priscillianists the first heretics condemned to death, 82 Priests marriage debated of in a Synod, 243 d Prestom, 623 e Prichards, a family, 628 e Probus Emperor, 71 Preston in Andernesse, 752 d. e Prideaux, 194 Protolitia, 808 d Prittlewel, 441 c Provincial Latin affected by the Britan's, 116 Provinces 2. in England, 160 Prowess, 203 a Princes of Wales, 683 The Prince, his place, and style, 163.164 Prudhow Castle, 808 d Pseudocomites, 167 Puckerich, 408 a Puclechurch, 364 a Pudsey Bishop of Durrham and Earl of Northumberland, 741 f Pulein a professor in Divinity and favourer of learning, 379 e. 380 c Pulhealy, 668 b Purbeck Isle, 211 e Purcells, or de Porcellis, 377 a Puseys, 280 f Putney, 303 a Pymp, 19 Pyramids of Glastenbury, 229 Pyramidal stones, 701 a Pyran, 193 Pyrry, a drink, 573 d Q Quatremans' men of good note, 383 f Queen Borough, 334 a Queen's College in Oxford 381 d Querendon, 395 e Quicksands in Holland, 529 f Quincy Saer Earl of Winchester, 267 b Quintinus, 82 Quintin's a family, 731 a R RAby Castle, 737 b Raculph Minster, 335 b Radcliffes a family, 767 d Radcliffe or Redcliffe, 437 d Radcliffe in Bristol, 237 e Radegund, 349 a Radmilds, 312 Radnorshire, 623 Radnor town, 623 c Radnore made a shire, 677 e Radwinter, 446 a Ragland, 636 c Raihader Gowy, 623 a. b Raleghs, 208 e Ralegh a town, 443 a Ramsey Isle and Abbey, 499 b Ramsey mere, 499 d Rams foreheads, that is, Promontories, 184 Ramesbury, 256 b Rank-riders, 799 c Ranulph Earl of Chester, 607 b Rapes in Sussex, 306 e Ratis, 20 Ratcliffs Earls of Sussex, 321 a Ravenglasse, 765 Ravensburne river, 326 Ravenswath castle, 730 b Reads a family, 577 b Reading, 284 Readsquire a mountain, 802 a Reafan the Danes Banner, 195 Reach a town, 490 c Recall a river, 722 d reach dike, ib. Reculver, 335 b Redcastle, or Castle Rous, 594 d Redin, 20 Redhorse vale, 561 c Red colour giveth name to many places, 525 d Redbourne, 413 d Redbridge, 262 d Red rose and white, for Lancaster and York, 725 e redshanks, 126 Redvers or Rivers Earls of Denshire, 207 d Redverses or de Ripariis, 201 c Redwald King of the East Saxons, 465 c Reforming errors a Court, 180 Reginald Pole his commendation, 216 b Religious houses dissolved, 163 Remney ariver, 631 b. 642 a Remni what it signifieth, 642 a Remigius Bishop of Dorchester, 539 c Rendlesham, 465 c Renimed, 419 e Reptacester or Richborow, 341 a Repton, 553 f Requests Court, 181 Rerecrosse, 732 f Reuda, 126 Rheda, 18 Rheder, ibid. Rhedec, ibid. Rhedecfa, ibid. Rhead a river, 802 a Rheadsdale, ibid. c Rhediad, 18 Rhegium, why so called, 347 d Rhese ap Gruffin, 623 a Rhese ap Thomas a valiant knight, 650 e Rhie a river, 722 d Rhidale, ibid. Rhia, Baron, 472 Rhre whereof so called, 319 d Rhodanus, 21 Rutupina littora what they be, 342 Ribel a river, 749 d Ribelchester, 750 b Ribald L'isle, 485 f Ricall, 707 d Richard the Second renounceth the crown, 680 d Richard Duke of York claimeth the crown, 725 b Richard a renowned Earl of Cornwall, 197 d. his death and sepulchre, his son Henry murdered, 197 f Richard Coeur de Lion, 380 a Richard the Third, a bad man and a good Prince, 212 a Richard, Duke of Gloucester an usurper, 369 f. his practices to win the crown, 370 Richard the First his praises, 285 Richard the Second his Relics translated to Westminster, 414 f Richard King of Romans, etc. 414 Richborow, 341 a Richborow decayed, ibid. f Riches Barons, 441 d Richard Lord Chancellor of England, 445 Richards Castle, 619 e Richmond shire, 727 Richmond town, 729 f Richmond Earles, 733 Richmond the King's house, 297 Richmonds a family, 778 a Rickmansworth, 415 c Rising Castle, 481 c Risingham, 803 d Rith what it signifieth, 486 a Rivers had Divine honours, 602 heaped upon them, 698 a Robert bridge, 320 c Robert Earl of Leicester, 466 c Robert Crouchbacke Earl of Leicester, 519 f Robert Consul or Earl of Gloucester, 368 d Robert Fitz Haimon, 359 d Robin Hood, 693 a Robin Hoods bay, 718 c Roch, a river, 745 f Roch Dale a town, ibid. Rochester a castle, 802 c Rochester city, 332 c Rochester or Roffes a family, 405 d Rochfort town, and Hundred, Rochfort Barons, ibid. Rochfort Viscount, ibid. Rockingham Castle and Forest, 513 Rock-Savage, 610 a Roden a river, 594 c Roding a river, 440 b Roger the magnificent Bishop of Salisbury, 243 a Rogerses Knight, 215. ibid. Roise a Lady, 405 b Roiston, ibid. Roises Cross, ibid. Rolrich stones, 374 c Rollo the Norman, 144 his dream and conversion, 144 The Roll of Winchester, 153 Rome called Constantina, 85 Romania, 24 Romeswork, 343 f Romans foiled and massacred in Britain, 51 Roman Empire in Britain at an end, 87 Romans in Britain, 34 Romescot, 411 a Romara a Norman, Earl of Lincoln, 544 e Roos Barons, 532 f Rosamund Clifford King Henry the Second his paramor, 375 Rosamunds bones translated, and afterwards reduced again, 376 c Rose red and white for Lancaster, and York, 725 e Rosse, 190.714 a Rosseland, 190 Rosse in Penbrochshire, 652 d Rosse in Cardiganshire, 657 c Rosse Barons, 714 a Rosebery Topping, 721 d Rose Castle, 778 c Rota temporum, that is, The wheel of Times, an History, 790 b Rother a river, 320 a Rotherfield, ibid. Rotherham, 689 e Rotherham Archbishop of Canterbury, 689 e Rowcliff Castle, 781 c Rouchester, 809 e Round table, 265 b Rowles in London, 428 c Rousses a family, 467 c Routon Castle, 592 e. 662 Rugby, 562 Rudheath Sanctuary, 609 a Ruffs, fishes, 476 c Rugemond or Richmont Greys in Bedfordshire, 734 d Rugemont, 204 c Rumalds shrine, 396 d Rumford, 441 f Rumon, 199 e Rumney Marsh, 350 b Rumney town, ibid. Runkhorne, 510 d Rushbrooke, 461 d Rushton, 509 f Russel Lord Russel of Thornaugh 514 c russel's, Knights, 578 e russel's Earles of Bedford, 394 e 403 Ruthin, 676. Ruthlan, 679 f Rutlandshire, 525. why so called, 525 b, c, d Rutland Earles, 426 f Rutters what they were, 812 b S SAbridgeworth, 408 c Sacae 129. Sacasones, ibid. Sadlier, 408 a Sacvil Earl of Dorset and Chancellor of Oxford, 382 Saer de Quincy Earl of Winchester, 521 a Salisbury Church, 248 a, b Saffron, 453 a Salisbury Earles, 249 c Salarin a custom or Impost for salt, 608 a Salisbury for Sarisbury, 246 f Salisbury Hall, 750 c Salkelds towns, 777 e. and a family, 778 a Salmon the best called Umbrae, 627 Salmon leap in Penbrochshire, 6●4 e Salndie or Sandie, 401 b Salston, 48 e Salt made, 268 b, e Salt Esse, 196 Salt hills, 529 e Salt artificially made, 753 b Salt stones, 739 d Saltpits, 573 b, c Saltry Abbey, 500 b Salt pits in Cheshire, 608 a, b Salustius Lucullus in Britain, 62 Saltwood Castle, 349 c Salwarp a river, 574 d Salmonds or S. Amands, 283 c Samonds or S. Amands Barons, 244 a. 366 e Samothea, 24 Sampire growing abundantly, 434 a Sandal Castle, 693 d The Sand, part of Notinghamshire, 550 a Sandalum, 19 Sandgate Castle, 349 e Sandiacre or S. Diacre, 555 d Sands Barons, 269 b, & e Sandon, 343 a Sandy, See Saludica. Sanctuaries, 260 Sandwich, 342 Sanguelac, 317 e Sapcots a family, 501 e Sarasins-heads, 695 a Sarmatians are Scythians, 121 Sarn Helen a Portway in Wales, 666 a Sasson, 23 Saxon language maintained by Lectures, 200 a English-Saxons called into Britain, 100.127 Saxons, 119. their valour and cruelty, 134 Saturn well affected to Britain, 556 e Savages a great family, 610 a Saulden, 396 c Scarborough Castle, 717 Scardale, 556 a Schilpor, See Esquires, 176 Scaeva his valour and advancement, 37 Scalbie Castle, 782 e Scilicester in the wall, 806 b Scipio Africanus, where buried, 340 a Sclate-stones digged, 514 d Scorby or Scurvie-grasse, 328 b Scordium an herb growing plenteously, 491 f Scoteney a Barony, 542 c Scottishmen of East-Scotland, right English-Saxons, 129 their fashions, 133 Scots willed or Highlandmens' habit sort well with the Goths, 123 Scots whence they took name, 119 Scots of West Scotland are Highland men, ibid. Scots came first out of Ireland, 120 Scots when they came to be of name, 125 Scot what it signifieth, 124 Scots a family, 349 Scotus, aliâs, Duns, 814 b his pitiful death, ibid. Scovies, 20 Screking ham, 535 c Screven a place and family, 700 Scroby, 551 b Scropes' Barons, 729 b Scruffel hill, 767 e Scudamores a family, 621 a Sculton, 473 a Scutary, 176 Scythica vallis, 120 Scythians in Spain, 121 Scythicum a promontory in Spain, 121 Seaton, 206 e Sea Holly, See Eryngium. Sea heard to groan, 720 c Sea sand good for ground, 199 c Sea is warm, 2 Sea coals, 735 c. 799 d Sea men caught, 466.720 b Seals how they sleep and are caught, 720 c Seven mile dike, 490 b Seavenshale, 801 f Seckinton, 569 e Sefton, 748 d Seghil, ibid. Segonax, 37 Segrave a town, 523 b. a family, ibid. Segraves Barons, 568 c Stephen Segrave his rising and fall, 501 c, d jane Seimor mother to King Edward the sixth, 224 Seimors' or Saint Maurs Earls of Hertford, 416 Seimor Duke of Somerset, 240 b Seimor or Saint Maur Earl of Hertford, 634 d Seneca a great Usurer in Britain, 457 c Sejont a river, 668 d Selwood, 233 a Selwhat it signifieth, 271 c Selbeies a family, 812 f Selbrittenden, 351 c Selaby, 737 c Selbury, 255 a Semarc or de S. Medardo a family, 714 d Sempringham, 534 d Serjeanties', 213 Seovenburgenses, 829 c Seton, 811 f Sevenoke, 328 d Sevenoke Alderman of London his Hospital and School, 328 d Severn river, his head, 661 c commended, 357 d a noble river, 573 d Severus Propretor in Britain, 65 Severus Emperor, his exploits, 67. he entereth Britain, 69. fenceth Britain with a wall, 69. died at York, 70.703 b his funerals, ibid. canonised a god, 70 Seward a Poet, 632 d Sexwulph first Abbot of Peterburgh Abbey, 512 c Sezay, 724 e Shafts, 184 Shaftsbury, 214 d Sharnborne, 480 c Shavington, 607 e Scheaths, 609 d Sheafield, 689 c Shene, 297 c Sheep devour men, etc. 505 c Sheffelds Barons, 544 d Shengay a Commaundery, 485 e Shelford a Barony, 472 e Shepey Isle, 333 c Ship of King Hiero, 32 Shipston, 561 c Shirburne a brook running through Shirbourne, 696 b a town and Castle, 214 a. A Bishops See, 214 b Shirley a place, and family, 313 c 553 d. 505 e Shires divided into Hundreds, 158 Shirewood forest, 547 b Shires how many in England, 159 Shoad, 184 Shobery, 441 c Shorne, 329 b Shobery Nesse, ibid. Shochlach, 604 b Shoreham, 313 b Shotwich Castle, 606 e Shrawerden Castle, 597 b Shrewsbury, 595 a Shrewsbury Earles, 599 b Shropshire, 589 Shugbury a town and family, 561 d Shurland, 334 a Sible Hemingham, 450 b. See Heningham or Heveningham, Sicily the Isle cut from Italy, 346 d whence it took name, 273 d Sidlie a learned knight, 332 b Cider a drink, 20 Sidius Geta his good service in Britain, 41 Sidmanton, 272 c Sidnacester, 543 f Sidneys, 329 e Sir Robert Sidney Baron of Pensherets and Viscount Lisle, 329 e 280 f Sigebert a tyrant, 272 e Sigga a noble woman, 806 b Silcester, or Selcester, 270 a Silt, ●9 d Simon Zelotes in Britain, 68 Sinbrech or Simon Breach, 126 Sinodun, 281 b Zion, 420 e Sisters kirks, 714 b Siwards a family, 646 e Siward Earl of Huntingdon, 502 c Skales, Barons, 405 e Skeffington a town and family, 522 e Skelton Castle, 720 c Skiddaw an hill, 767 c Skinffrith Castle, 632 b Skipton in Craven, 694 b Skipwiths a family, 521 b Slebach a Commandery, 652 c Sleford, 535 d Sleep a town, 498 f smith's a family, 607 e Snath, 729 d Snodhil Castle, 617 d Snowden Forest, 667 a Snowdon hills, ibid. Soar, a river, 517 b Sockburne, 737 d Sodales Augustales, 448 b Sodbury, 364 c Soham, 493 a Solway frith, 775 Solente frith, 267 e Soldurii, 20 Solidurii what they are, 99 Solidarii, 171 Solidus, a coin of Gold, 99 Solyhill, 567 a Solom Moss, 782 a Someries Barons of Dudley, 397 a noble family, 581 Somerley, 468 e Somersham, 499 a Somersetshire, 220. whence it took name, 220 b Somerset Dukes and Earls, 239 c Somerton, 224 f. town, 220 c Snite a brook, 549 c Soureby, 724 e Sow a river in Staffordshire, 583 e Southam, 561 d Sowdiur, 20 South-Anton town, 260 f Southton or Sutton in Herefordshire, 620 d Southampton Earles, 272 f Southybank, 530 a South rhey, or Sutherey, why so called, 295 South Saxons kingdom, 321 c South Wales, 659 c Southwels a family, 473 a Southwold, 467 a Spadiards, 185 Spain rend from Africa, 346 ● Spalding, 532 b Spaldwick, 501 d Spelwell by Dantrey, 508 Spensers knights, ibid. Spenser, alias, de Spenser executed, 269 c. De Spenser Barons, Spenser Lord Spenser, Baron of Wormleighton, 508 De Spenser Baronesse, 330 Hugh Spenser, 642 b Spigurnell what it signifieth, 312 a Spilmans knights, 480 d spital on Stanemore, 732 f spital in the street, 540 e Sponde his tomb in Torcester-church, 506 b Spring turning sticks & straws into stones, 518 a Spurnhead, 714 a Saint Ives a town, 498 f Saint john's Barons of Basin, 269 b Sir Oliver Saint john, 239 Saint john's Barons of Lagham, 303 e Saint Legiers or Sellenger's, 331 Saint Guerir, or Saint Leech, 191 Saint Lizies a family, 498 a Saint Lo or Sentlow, 196 a Saint George's knights, or of the Garter, 485 d Saint Martin's a family, 246 a Saint Maries a town, 481 b Saint Paul, or Sampol a family, 544 a Saint Stephens in Westminster, 431 a Saint Maurs or Seimors', 224 a Saint Cler, 591 e Simon, Saint Liz or Selis the first Earl of Northampton, 509 Simon de Saint Liz the second, 515 f Saint john his knights, 241 f Saint Swithins feast rainy, 265 d Staffords of Blatherwic knights, 514 b Staffords of Grafton, 395 e Staffords Dukes of Buckingham, 397 e Stafford of Suthwick Earl of Devonshire, 208 Staffords Earls of Wiltshire, 256 c Staffordshire, 581 Stafford town, 584 d Stafford holdeth Carborough Castle, 717 e Stamford a Citizen of London, 208 Standard, what it was, 724 Standon, 408 a Standrop or Stainthorp, 737 b Stanford upon Avon, 515 b Stanford rivers, 440 Stanford upon Welland, 533 e an University begun at this Stanford. 533 e Stanford destroyed, ibid. Stanes, 419 d Stanes forest or waren, 421 c Stanely the Expensfull Bishop of Ely, 499 a Stanlaw, 606 f Stanleies a noble family, 583 f Stanleys whence descended, 606 Stanleys Earls of Derby, 749 f Stanemore, 732 e Stannaries, and their Lord Warden, 185 Stanhopes, 549 a Stantons a family, 553 d Stanwel, 419 c Stanwicks, 782 e Star Chamber, 179 Stations or Mansions in Antonine, 399 f Steanford, 547 c Steort, 187 Stert point, 201 d Stews, 434 d Stephanides, See Fitz Stephen, Steven Hauh a town, 406 e Stibium found in Darbyshire, 556 f Stiliard, 435 c Stilton or Stichilton, 501 f Stilicho protector to Honorius in his minority, 73 Stipper stones hill, 592 c Stoke battle, there fought, 549 a Stonar, what place, 339 f Stoke Curry, 221 a Stoke Pogeys, 394 c. 521 c Stockepont a petty Barony, 610 Stoke Fleming, 202 Stokesley, 521 a Stone a town: why so called, 783 Stones made by art, 253 a. b Stoneheng, 251 Stoneham, 262 d Stonely Abbey in Huntingdonshire, 501 c Stoneley, 562 e Stonely Holme, ibid. Stony serpents of S. Hilda, 718 e Stones with stony serpents in them, 721 a Stony street, 349 Stones resembling Cochles etc. 363 e Stony strand, 21 Stoners a family, 389 a Store a river, 408 c Bishop Stortford, ibid. Stow on the would, 366 a Stow in Lincolnshire, 543 d Stouphs or Hot houses used much, 681 d Stow in Suffolk, 464 b Stow, 196 Stour river in Suffolk, 462 a Stour river in Dorsetshire, 214 c Stour mere, 462 a Stour a river, 573 f Stour a river in Kent, 335 d called Wantsume and Inlade, 339 e Stourbridge fair, 489 b Stourminster, 215 c Stourton, 245 a Stourton Castle, 581 c Stourton the Honour of the Barons de Stourton, 214 c Stourtons' Barons, 245 b their Crest, 245 b straddlings or Esterlings a family, 641 f straddling knight, 641.643 e Strange a family of knight's degree, 480 b Strange de Blackmere, 365 f 598 f. de Knocking, 597 c Strangbow Conqueror of Ireland, 397 d Strat Clud, 676 d Strangwaies a family, 721 b Strangwaies, 212 f The Cross there, 397 a Stratford upon Avon, 565 a Stony stratford, 396 f Strait of Callais, 345 e Stratfleur, 657 Strath what it signifieth, 117 Stratton, 196 a Stream works, 184 Strelleys knights, and Sturleys the same, 550 d Strelley Sturley or Strellegh a town and family, 550 a. b Strensham, 578 c Strettons, 593 a. d Stretlham, 737 a Strighul castle, or Struggle, 633 Strigulia, 633 c Strigulia Earles, ibid. Strickland a place and family, 762 ● Strongbow first Earl of Penbroch, 655 b Strangbow, 633 c Stroud, a river, 362 b Studia the same that Universities, 379 c. 381 a Sudbroke, 633 f Sudley the Barony of Chandos, 365 b Sudbury, 462 e Suffolk, 459 Suffolk Cheeses, 459 b Suffragans to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 344 d Suerby, 714 b. c Simon Sudbury Archbishop of Canterbury, 337 b Sully an Island & name of a man, 642. f Sueno King of Danes subdueth Ethelbert and England, 143 Sunning a Bishops See, 286. a Superstition of the Britan's, Surrey Earles, 304 a Suria the goddess, 801 e Sur-teis, Gentlemen, 737 Susana in Spain, 12 Sussex, 306 Sussex Earls, 320 e. f Suit in law between Edward Nevil and Dame Mary Fane determined in Parliament, 636 Sutton Colfeld, 567 b Suthwicke, See Earl of Devonshire, 208 b Suthwell, 549 b Sutton Vautort, 200 a Sutton Prior, ibid. a Suttons a family, 581 c Suttons Gentlemen of worth in Notinghamshire, 549. e Sutton in Darbyshire, 556 b Swaffham, 481 f Swallow hole, 297 a Small river, 729 e Swaldale, ibid. f Swale the river used for Baptism, 136 Swanscomb, 329 a Suene Tiugs Kege a Danish Tyrant, 543 e Swerds delfe, 501 a English Sweat whereof it came, 24.596 Suetonius Paulinus Propretor in Britain, 49. His oration and battle with Queen Boadicia, 51 Swidelme King of the East Angles, 465 c Swine's pennies, 550 Swift river, 517 d Swinborne a place and family, 806 b Swinsey or Sinsey, 646 b Synods, 181 Syriack tongue mother of all languages, 204 b T TAbbes for S. Ebbs, 743 b Tadcaster, 699 a Taff. a river, 650 c. 642 c Taisborrough, 473 b Talbois Barons, 535 e Talbots Earls of Shrewsbury, 598 f Talbot Viscount Lisle slain by the Lord Barkley, 364 c Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, a worthy warrior, his Epitaph, 598 d. his style and honours, 599 c Talbot skilful in Antiquities, 182 Talcharn Castle, 650 c Talmaches, a family, 463 e Tame river, 383 e Tame town, ibid. Tame and Isis meet, 384 e Their marriage poetically described. 384 f Tamis or Thames the river, 241 281 Tamis why so called, 384 e Tamis how far he ebbeth and floweth, 298 d Tamis mouths, 333 f Tamis mouth, 441 d Tamar river, 196 b. 197 a Tamerton, 196 b Tame a river, 581 f Tamworth, 582 a Tanet a river in Wales, 662 e Tanet or Tenet Isle, 335 d Tanet Isle why called Thanatos, 339 f Tanet inhabitants industrous, 340 d Tanfeld, 729 d Tania what it signifieth, 27 Taran, 17 Taranis, ibid. Tarian, 18 Tascia what it signifieth, 97 Task what it is, 409 c Tatershall a Barony, 541 d Tathai a British Saint, 633 Tatsalls a family, 472 c Tavistoke Abbey, 199 e Taw river, 208 b Tawstock, ibid. Tawton, ibid. Taxea, 20 Taximagulus, 37 Teave river, 199 e Tees or Teis a river head, 736 ● Tees mouth or Teis mouth, 721 b Teg what colour, 26 Teg-Engle, 680 c Teigne river, 203 a Tein a brook, 587 d Teis or Tees river, 718 c Telean, 642 d Telen, 21 Temesford, 401 b Temd, a river, 589 e The Temple at Bristol, 238 a Temple, 396 e Temple Bruer a Commandery, 535 f Templars, 427 d Tenby, 651 b Tenham, 334 d Terminations of places names, 20 Terne a river, 593 b Terringham a town and family, 397 c Test a river, 260 e Tetnal, or Theotenhal, 581 e Tetrachie erected by Aelfred in his Monarchy, 160 Teverton or Swifordton, 203 a Teutates, 17 Tew, 20 Tewksbury, 359 c Thanes, 168 Thaxted, 444 e Thessey a river, 565 Thellesford, ibid. Thelwall, 610 c. why so called, ib. Theobalds' a stately house, 408 d Theocus an Eremite, 359 c Theodosius an expert warrior sent into Britain, 79. his exploits there, 80. he recovereth the Roman province there, 80 honoured for his service. 81 Theodosius his son Emperor, 81. he triumpheth over Maximus the usurper, 83 Theon the last British Bishop of London, 425 b Theophilus Antrochenus, 9 Thet a brook, 471 d Thetford, 471 d. a Bishops See, ibid. f Thin studious of Antiquities, 160 Thins a family, 245 a Thireos, 18 Thirlwal Castle, 799 f Thirlwal a family first called Wades, 800 Thirlwall, why so called, ibid. Thirty tyrants or usurpers at once, 71 Thirstleworth, 420 e Thonderdach, 17 Thone river, 223 b Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester smoothred at Calais, 369 d Thoneton or Taunton, 223 Thongcaster, 542 d Thor, a god, how portrayed, 135 Thoresby, 774 c Thornaugh, 514 ● Thornbury, 363 f Thorndon, 442 e Thorney Abbey, 494 d Thornhils. 693 d Thornton, 396 e Thornton in Lincolnshire, 542 f Thorps' a family, 472 d Thorpston, alias Thrapston, 510 Thredling See Deben, Thresk castle, 724 c Throcknortons a family, 565 e Throgoy a river, 634 c Thurgarton, 549 a Thurkil, 326 e Thurland Tunstalls, 753 e Thwengs a family, 721 e Thwengs, 196 a Thyrn, a river, 478 b Tibba a she Saint and patroness of Falcony, 526 d Tiberius Caesar meddled not with Britain, 4 Tibetofts or Tiptofts Earls of Worcester, 549 c Tibury or Titusbury hill. 262 a Tichburne, 262 f Tickhil, 690 Ticks hall, 584 e Tideswell, 558 c Tikenhal by Beaudly, 573 f Till a river, 815 b Tilbury, 440 d Tilliots a family, 782 Tilney a town, 481 b Tilneys a family, 472 d Tilneys Knights, 481 b Tilneys smeth, ibid. Tiltey Abbey, 444. e Timbod castle, 624 a Times of the world, 334 Timothy an heretic in Britan, 87 Tin in Cornwall, 184 Tin of two sorts, 185 Tinworkers common wealth, 185 Tindagel, 194 Tindale, 802 a Tine, 799 e Tine, 802 a Tinmouth, 811 Tio, vel, Finga-Cester, 549 b Tippall, a river, 800 b Tirells a family, 396 e Tithings or Decimes ordained, 158 Titus his warlike service in Britain, 42 Titus the world's joy dieth, 56 Tivie the river, 949 b. where he springeth, 657 c Todenay, or Tony, 536 b Todenay or Tony, 414 b Todington, 365 c Tong castle, 594 a Tonsure or shaving the Crown, 118 Topcliff, 731 a Torbay, 202 d Torcester, 505 f Torksey, 538 a Torneaments, 407 d Tosto vanquished, 145 Totnes, 201 e Totnesse shore, 202 Touchets a family, 584 b. Barons de Audeley, ibid. Tovie the King's Standard bearer, 439 d Tovie, the river, 649 d Tours d' Ordre, 345 c Tower of London, 423 e Towridge river, 207 f Tourington, 208 b Towton battle, 696 d Trabucks, 400 Tracies, 36● d Traiford a place and family, 747 Traith Maur, 666 a Traith Bichan, ibid. Traith Taff, 642 c Trebellius Max. Propretor in Britain, 52 Treboeth, 605 f Trederman, 783 b Tr●es under ground, 745 d. 607 Tregaron, 657 d Tregonie, 190 Tregian, ibid. Tregoz Barons, 617 d Trelawnies, 192 Trematon, 193 Trenewith, 661 e Trent a riveret, 213 Trent a river. 547 Treutham a Monastery, 583 Treshams a family, 509 c Trevilions, 196 b Triadum, a British book, 33 Tribet, 29 Tribunals or Courts of justice in England, 177 Tribunitian authority, 101 Trihine what it was, 159 Trimarcia, 18 Tripetia, 20 Trophy in Cornwall, 188 Trubridge, 244 e True-place, 802 a Trusbut, 540 e Tuddington, 401 f Tufa a Banner, 195 Tuisco the Saxons stock-father, 135 Tuisday, ibid. Tunbridge why so called, 330 a Tunstall a worthy Prelate, 744 d Turbervelis, or de Turbida villa, 213 e Turbevils a family, 643 e Turkil a Coward, 464 e Turkils of Arden, 565 d Turkil the Dane, 500 b Tirold Abbot of Peterborough, 513 a Turton chapel and tower, 745 Turpins' Knights, 517 Turets a family, 594 e Turvy, 399 b Tuscets or Touchets Barons Audeley, 609 a Tutbury Castle, 587 f Twede the river, 814 e Twifford, 813 c Twinamburue, 259 c Tyrants in Britain, 23 Tzetzes a fabulous Greek writer, 32 V VAle a river, 189 Vale, 393 b Vale of Ailesbury, 395 c Vale Royal, 608 d Vallachians why so called, 11 Valle Crucis, 677 a Valect what he is, 663. a worshipful title, 713 c Valoinois a family, 465 f Valtorts, 193 Valvasores, 168 Vandals and Burgundians in Britain, 114 Vandals brought into Britain by Probus, 71 Vandelberia, 489 d Vargae, 19 Varia what it signifieth, 679 c Vaulx Barons, 786 b. 510 Ubbanford, 816 b Uchel, 21.190 Vectius Bolanus, 53 Venables Barons of Kindreton, 609 b Vandraeth Vehan, a river, 649 Venedocia, 659 f Venutius a Potentate of Britain. 48 Venutius warreth upon his wife Cartismandua, 53 Verannius Propretor in Britain, 49 Verbeia, the river Wherfe, and a Goddess. 697 Veres Earls of Oxford, 389 d Vere the good Earl, 390 b Vere Earl of Oxford became a Monk, 450 d Vere, 202 f Vere Earl of Oxford and marquis of Dublin, Verdons a family, 517 f. 620 b Veriad, 19 Vernaies' Knights, 565 a Vernons a family, 567 a Verulam or Verlam City in old time, 408 f Vesey, Barons, 722 c. near to Saint Albon, Verulam Tribute, 409 c Vespasian his acts in Britain, 41 42 Uffa, 458 a Ufkins, ibid. Ufford a town, 465 c Valentinian an Arrian, 83 Valentine a rebel in Britain suppressed, 80 Ufford Earl of Suffolk, 465 c Uffords, 813 b Vicarius or Vicegerent in Britan, 76 Viscount's, what title of Honour, 167 Viscount of Honour who was first in England, 521 e Victor the son of Maximus slain, 83 Victorina, 271 b Victorinus a commendable governor under Honorius in Britain. 85 Victory what names it hath in diverse languages. 457 e Vecturiones who so called. 117 Vellocatus Costrell to Venutius marrieth his wife, 53 Victrix, a Legion, 604 c vieth, 244 a Villa forinseca what it is, 391 e Villiers a family, 523 a Vineyards in Britain, 71 The Vine, 269 d Vines in England, ibid. e Vineyards in Glocestershire, 357 f Vincents' Rock, 239 a Virius Lupus Propretor, 69 Virgins eleven thousand Martyrs, 197 a. 286 c Visigothi, 294 c Visi saxons, ibid. Viscounts a family, Vitsan, 347 d Vitrum, 19 Viterinus, 691 d Ulpius Marcellus a brave warrior, 66. his vigilancy and temperance, ibid. Ulphus his horn, 704 e Ulse a lake, 776 c Ulstley, 773 a Ulysses whether ever in Britain, 32 Ulyssippo, that is, Lisbon whence it took name, 32 Ulverston, 755 c Umfranvils a family, 806 b. 535 University College in Oxford, 381 c University, a public school, 381 b Unstrote a river, 138 Voisy Bishop of Excester, 567 Vortigern the last Monarch of British blood, and the bane of his country, 624 b. burnt with Lightning, ibid. Vortigerne alias Gourtigern sendeth for Saxons, 128 Vortimer a valiant Britain where buried, 538 e Uppingham, 525 e Upton, 577 Vortiporius a Tyrant of the Dimetae, 113 Ursula, an holy Virgin, 197 Ursus de Abtot, 570. Sheriff of Worcestershire, 578 e Usa, or Isa, that is, Ouse a river, 296 Usipians their venturous and memorable fact, 57 Uske a river, 628 a Uske a town, 636 c Utcester, 587 e Uther Pendragon, 195. why so called, 410 Uxbridge, 419 ● W WAda a Saxon Duke, 719 b Wadensbourg, 241 d Wadham, 382 a Wahul, Woodhil, or Odill, 399 c Baron's de Wahul, ibid. Wakes Barons Wake and Estotevill, 202 d. 407, 533 a Wakes of Blisworth, 533 b Wakefield, 693 d Wakeman of Rippon, 700 d Wainfleete in Lincolnshire, 542 b Wales, 615 c, d. 22. annexed and united to the Crown of England, 114 Walch, 22 Walcher Bishop of Durham slain in a Commotion, 743 d Wall by Lichfield, 582 e Wall of Turf between Edinburgh Frith and Cluid, 86 Walls end, 811 b Wall of stone built in Britain, 86 Wallbery, 453 d Walbrooke in London, 423 a Walbeofs a family, 628 e Walden, 452 b Walde of Earl of Northampton and of Huntingdon, 502 c 515 c. his disloyal treachery, ibid. Walleran Earl of Mellent, and first Earl of Worcester, 579 a waller's, 330 e Wallerond, 618 a Walfleot Oysters, 444 d Walli, Wallon, 22.113 Wallingford, 281 d Wallop or Welhope, a place, 262 Wallops a family, ibid. b Wallot Isle, 443 c Walmesford bridge, 511 d Walnut-tree at Glastenburie, 227 Walney an Island, 755 c Walpole, 481 b Walshal, 581 f Walsh, a family, 364 Walsh, what it signifieth, 113 Walsingham, 470 c Walsingham a town, 479 c Walsingham Knights, ibid. Walter de Hemingford, 721 Walter, 752 f Walter Espec, 709 d Waltham Cross, 437 d Waltham Forest, 439 c Waltham Abbey or Waltham Cross a town, 439 c Walton in Darbyshire, 556 b Walton a place and family, 572 Walwick, 802 a Walwort a herb called Danes-blood, 452 b Wandlesworth, 303 a Wandle a river, 287 f Wansdike, 241 d Wantage, 281 a Wantsum, or Wentfar a riveret, 473 c. see stour in kent Beware a town, 407 c Wapentakes, what they be, 159 Ware a Priest and Baron of the Parliament, 746 a west's, Barons de la Ware, 312 Warburgton a place, and family, 610 b Wards, 179 Wardens of the Marches, 799 b Warden of the Cinque ports, 325 b Wardon, 401 c Wardon Hundred in Northamptonshire, 507 b Wardour a Castle, 246 a Ward-staff. 440 c Warham town, 213 c Warkworth, 813 a Warington, 748 b Warnford, 269 a War civil between York and Lancaster determined in the death of Edward the young Earl of Warwick, 570 Warwast, 201 c Warwickshire, 561 Warwick town, 562 f Warwick Earles, 569 f Warwick in Cumberland, 778 a Wash a river, or Guash, 525 e Washes a dangerous arm of the Sea, 480 d Washburnes, villages and families, 577 d Wastes, 806 a Waterfall, 730 c Water divided, 399 c Water Germander. See Scordium, Watford, 415 a Watchtower erected by C. Caligula, 40 Watlesbury, 592 f Watling-street highway, 64 Watling-street a town, 593 Waveney, a river, 467 d Waver a river, 773 b Wauburn, 479 a Wauburnham, ibid. Weably, 620 b Weably Ale, ibid. Weald in Kent, 329 d Weare a town, 205 c Wears the Decay of Excester haven, 205 c Weddesborrow, 581 f Wedensday, 135 Weedon in the Street, 508 c Weimouth, 211 b Will ebbing and flowing, 558 c Welles medicinable, 497 d Welch Poole a town, 662 b Welles Barons, 541 e. 542 b Welles viscount, 542 Welles the City, 223 d Welland river, 505 b Welledon, 514 d Welhop a riveret, 738 c Wellingborow, 509 f Wenlock, 591 e Wemme, 594 c Wenmans, a family, 384 a Went a river, 690 f Wentsbeck a river, 812 b Wentsdale, 727 e Wentworth a place, and family, 689 e Wentworths Barons, 463 c Weorth what it signifieth, 582 Were a river, 738 Werburga or Warburga an holy virgin, 508 c. 583 Werburgs Church in Chester, 605 Werith, what colour, 26 work Castle, 815 a Werlam or Verlam City in great distress, 51 Werlam-street, 64 Werminster, 245 c Werywall, 754 d west's Barons de la Ware, 312 d 746 b Westminster, sometime Thorney, 428 e Westminster Church, 428 f Monuments therein, 429 f Westminster hall, 431 e Westmoreland, 759 Westmoreland Earls, 763 d Westriding, 489 d West Saxons bring the Heptarchy to a Monarchy, 138 West● sexenlage, 153. 159 West Saxons kingdom, 294 c West wales, 647 b West weals, 184 Wetherby, 699 a Wetherill, 778 a Wever a river, 601 e Wever an hill, 586 f Wey river, 294 e Whaddon, 396 d Wiatts a family, 331 e Wyatt his unfortunate end, ibid. e Wic what it signifieth, 326.355 Wiceii, 354 f. 573 d Wiches, that is, Salt pits, 573 b Which a town, 575 b Which wood forest, 374 b Which a learned Canonist, 575 a Wichliff died, 517 f Wickham Bishop of Winchester, 265 e. his praise, 266 c. d his equivocant mot, 288 d Wicombe, or wickham a town, 393 d Widdevile or Woodvill a family, 506 c Widdevill Lord Rivers, ibid. d Earl Rivers, ibid. High Constable of England, ibid. etc. beheaded, ibid. e Widdevill, Earls rivers, 405 e Wie river, 358 e. 618 a A wife demised to another, 312 f Wigenhall, 481 b Wight Isle, 273 c. etc. why so called, ibid. the Lords thereof, 276 c. d Wiggin, 749 c Wigmore, 619 c Wigton, 774 b Wilberhams or Wilburhams a family, 607 d Wilberham, 490 b A wild man caught in the Sea, 466 a Wilfride Bishop, 275 d. 308 c Wilfride Archbishop of York 700 c Wilfreeds Needle, ibid. c Willebrode a learned Englishman, 137 Willey or Willeley, 591 d a river and village, 245 e. 246 Wharton Castle, 701 d Wheallep Castle, 701 d Wheathamsted, 406 e john of Wheathamsted, ibid. f Wherfe the river, 696 d. why so called, ibid. f whetston's, 339 c Whitehart forest, 213 f whereupon so called, 214 a Whitehart silver, ibid. Whitchurch in Shropshire, 598 Whitgaraburge, 275 c Whitgift Archbishop of Caterbury, 542 d. his good deeds, 302 b Whitby, 718 b White Hall the King's house, 432 Whitham, 446 b Whitehorse vale, 279 c Whitney a place and family, 618 Whitsan, 348 b White spurs, 176 Whittington, 598 b Whorwel, 262 a William of Newborough, 8 William or Wilcock of Mouthwy 665 William of York, 695 c William of Malmesbury, 242 f William Long-Espee, 145, 249 d slain near Damiata, 249 e William the Bastard, or Conqueror, 145. his title to the crown, ibid. where he landed, 316 e. invadeth England, 145 he fought with King Harald, ibid. f. sworn to keep all the ancient laws of England, 414 c. is inaugurated King, 152 disavoweth his title and Conquest, 152. his behaviour presently upon victory, 152. his seal, ibid. he enacteth excellent laws, 153 His policy to root out and weaken the English, 152 Williams of Tame, 384 a Willibourne a river, 245 d Willimots wick, 801 e Willoford, 785 c Willoughby frozen to death in a voyage, 555 d Willoughbyes Barons of Brook, 244 c. 577 b Willoughbies' Barons, 465.541 e Willoughby of Parrham, 543 d Willoughby earl of Vandosme, 54r Willoughby knight, 547 c Wiltshire, 241 Wiltshire Earls, 256 d. e Wilton a town, 246 c Wilton Castle, 621 a. 721 a Wimundham or windham, 473 d Wimundham in Leicestersh, 522 Wimondly, 406 c Winander mere, 755 b Winburne what it signifieth, 216 a Winburne minster, 215 e Wincaunton, 221 d Winchelcombe town & abbey, 365 d Winchelsey, 319 b Winchel. See o'er, Old Winchester, 809 e. 269 a Winchester, 262 Winchester bishops, 265 e Winchester tower in windsor Castle, 288 d Winchester Earles and Marquesses, 267 b. d Winchindon, 395 f Windesor Barons, 289 a. 320 ● Windesors a family, 419 c Windesor town, 286 d. e Windsor Castle, 288 d Windlesor forest, 293 b Windrush river, 374 a Wingfeld in Darbyshire, 555 e Winfeilds' Knights, 512 a Winifrid a learned Englishman, 137. the Apostle of Germany, 203. d Winkles or cockles on Hil-tops, 727 c Winster a river, 760 a Winterton a Cape, 478 d Winwidfield, 694 e Winwicke, 748 b Wipped fleet, 340 a Wire a river, 753 a Wire-dale, ibid. Wirkington, 769 Wirral, 601 e. 606 d Wiske a river, 723 e Withburga a Saint, 482 a Witherington or Woderington a castle and name of a martial family, 812 e Wittlesmere, 500 d Witton a Castle, 738 c Wiza a riveret, 773 b Wye a town in Kent, 335 d Woad, 19 Woburn, 401 e Woden, 241 d Woden a Saxons god, 135 Woderington. See Witherington, Wold in Leicestershire, 523. a Wollaton, 547 Woodvil. See Widvil, Wolpher a Pagan King killeth his two sons, 583. became a Christian, 512. d Wolsey Cardinal a Butcher's son, 469 c Wollover, 815 c Wolstane Bishop of Worcester canonised a Saint. 576 d Wolvehunts a family, 556 d Wolverton a town and family, 397 Wolves destroyed, 665 Wondy, 634 c Woodbridge, 465 d Wooden, how portrayed, 135 Woodhall, 407 Woodham walter's, 446 b Woodland a part of Warwickshire, 561 b Woodnoths, 607 e Woodstock, 375 d Wooton Basset, 242 a Woodrising, 473 a Worcestershire, 573 Worcester, 575 c Worcester Earles, 578 f Workensopl, 550 f Workesworth, 556 e World how it began to be peopled, 11 Wormhill, 556 d Wormleighton, 561 d Wormgay or Wrongey, 481 e Worsted a town, 478 c Worsted stuff whence so called, 478 c Wortley a place and family, 689 Wotton under Wever, 586 Wottons a family, and Baron Wotton of Merlay, 331 a Wotton under Edge, 364 c Woulds what they be, 364 ● Wragby, 540 e Wreak a river, 517 b Wreken a river in Leicestershire, 522 c Wreken an hill, 593 d Wreshill castle, 710 a Wrexham, 677 b Wriothesleys or Writhosleys, Earls of Southamton, 273 a Wringcheese, 19● Writtle, a large parish, 445 e Wrotesley or Wrothesley a place and family, 581 d Wroxcester, 593 b Wroxhall, 566 d Wulfrune a devout woman, 581 Wulfrunes Hampton or Wulver Hampton, 581 e Wulpet, 463 f Wyre forest, 573 e X X. No British letter, 97 Y YAle, 676 e Yanesbury castle, 245 e Yardley Hasting, 509 e You're, 721, a. a river, 468 d Yarmouth, 476 f Yeomen, 177 Yeverin, 815 d Y-kil what it signifieth, 714 a York's would, 709 b York City, 701 Yorkshire, ibid. York Earls and Dukes, 724 e Iron Mynes and works, 306 d Ystwith, 658 a Yvo Ellas, 675 c Yvor Bach, 642 e Z ZOuches, 201 f. 202 c. whence descended, 519 a Zouches of Haringworth and Ashby de la Zouch, 224 e Zouch Mortimer, 514 a Zouch killed in Westminster hall, 519 b Zythum, 20 THE NAMES OF SEVERAL Nations, Cities, and great Towns, Rivers, Promontories or Capes, etc. of Britain in old time; such as Caesar, Tacitus, Ptolemaeus, Antoninus, Notitia Provinciarum, and other Authors, have made mention of: together with the later and modern names. A ABallaba, Appleby in Westmoreland. 761 Abone, Avington or Aventon in Glocestershire. 358 Abus aestuarium, Humber in Yorkshire. 710 Aesica, Netherby upon Eske in Cumberland. 781 Ad Ansam, Near Coggeshall in Essex. 449 Ad Pontem, Paunton in Lincolnshire. 537 Adurni Portus, Ederington. 313 Agelocum. Little borough upon Trent. 549 Alone, Whitley in Northumberland. 794 Alannius flu. Avon in Wiltshire. 243 Alaunus flu. Alne in Northumberland. 813 Amboglanna, Ambleside, haply. 760 Ancalites, The Hundred of Henly. 389 Amnitum vel Samnitum Insulae, Isles upon the West coasts of Britain in France, 221. p. 2 Andates Lucus, Anderida, Newenden in Kent. 351 Angli, sive Anglo-Saxones, Englishmen or English-Saxons. 127 Antona sive Aufona, Aufon. 507.508 Antivestaeum, The Cape of Cornwall. 187 Aquae Solis, Bath in Somersetshire. 233 Arbeia, jerby. 769 Ariconium, Kenchester near Hereford. 618 Atacoti, or Attacotti, 127 Atrebatii, or Attrebatii, Berkshire. 278 Augusta, See Londinum. Axelodunum. Hexham in Northumberland. 807 B BAdiza, Bath. 233 Bannavenna, or Bannaventa, Weedon on the street. 508 Belerium, The same that Antivestaeum. Belgae, Sommersetshire, Wiltshire, and Hantshire. 219 Bellisama flu. Rhibell in Lancashire. 749 Bennones, High-Crosse. 518 Bibroci, The Hundred of Bray in Berkshire. 289 Binovium, Binchester. 738 Blatum Bulgium, Bulnesse in Cumberland. 775 Blestium, Old town in Herefordshire. 787.617 Bonium, Banchor in Flitshire. 602.681 Bononia, Bollonge in France. 349 Borcovicus, Borwick in Northumberland. 809 Brannodunum, Brancerster in Norfolk. 488 Bremenium, Brampton in Northumberland. 803 Brementuracum, Brampton in Cumberland. 783 Brementonacum, Overborrow in Lancashire. 753 brigants, Yorkshire, Lancashire, B. of Durham, Westmoreland, Cumberland. 685 Brovonacum, Brougham. 762 Bullaeum, Buelth in Brecknocshire. 627 Burrium, Uske in Monmouthshire. 636 C CAesarromagus, Near Brentwood in Essex, fortè. 442 Calcaria, Tadcaster in Yorkshire. 696 Callena, See Gallena. Camboritum, Cambridge. 486 Camalodunum, Maldon. 446 Camundolunum, See Cambodunum. Cambodunum, Ruins near Aldmondbury in Yorkshire. 692 Calagum, See Galacum. Canonium, Chensford in Essex. 445 Cantum, Kent. 324 Cantium Promontorium, The foreland of Kent. 342 Cangi, 231 Castra Exploratorum, Burgh upon Sands. 773 Castra Constantia, Constance in Normandy. 224 Cassii, The hundred of Caishow in Hertfordshire. 395 Cassiterides, The Isles of Silly. 227 Caturactonium, Cataricke in Yorkshire. 730 Cartieuchlani, Buckingham, Bedford, and Hertfordshires. 391 Causennae, See Gausennae. Cenio flu. The river by Tregeny in Cornwall. 190 Ceni-magni, See Iceni. Cilurnum, Collerford in Northumberland. 806 Clausentum, South hanton. 261 Clevum, Gloucester. 360 Coccium, Riblechester in Lancashire. 752 Colonia, Colchester in Essex. 450 Candate, Congleton in Cheshire. 608 Concangii, Barony of Kendale. 759 Condercum, Chester upon the street in the Bishopric of Durham. 742 Combretonium, Brettenham in Suffolk. 463 Conovius flu. The river Conway in Wales. 669 Conovium urbs, Caer hean upon Conway in Caernarvonshire. ibid. Convennos insula, Convey at the Tamis mouth. 441 Congavata, A place upon Caudbecke in Cumberland. 778 Corinium, Circester or Cirencester in Glocestershire. 366 Coritani, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutlandshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Darbyshire. 504 Cornavii, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire. 560 Corstopitum, Morpit in Northumberland, fortè. 808 Cossini, 833 Crococalana, Ancaster in Lincolnshire. 537 Cunetio, Marlborow or Kenet in Wiltshire. 255 Curia, Corebridge in Northumberland. 808 D DAnmonii, Cornwall and Denshire. 183 Danmoniorum Promontorium, The Lizard in Cornwall. 189 Danum, Dancaster in Yorkshire. 690 Delgovitia, Godmundham in Yorkshire, 711 Derventio, Auldby upon Derwent in Yorkshire. 709 Deva flu. Dee in Cheshire. Devana sive Deva urbs, Chester or West-chester. 604 Dictum, Diganwey. 669 Dimetae, Westwales, Caermardinshire, Penbrochshire, and Cardiganshire. 647 Dobuni, sive Boduni, Glocestershire and Oxfordshire. 354 Dorobernia, See Dorovernum. Dubris, Dover. 344 Dunum sinus, The Creek at Dunesby near whitby in Yorkshire. 718 Ducornovia, See Corinium. Durotriges, Dorsetshire. 209 Dur-co-brivae, Redborn. 413 Durnium, See Durnovaria. Durobrivae, Caster near Wandlesworth in Huntingdonshire. 501 Durnovaria, Dorcester. 212 Durobrovae, Rochester. 332 Durolenum, Leneham in Kent. 331 Durolitum, Old ford upon Lee in Essex. 439 Durosiponte, Gormonchester, 498 Durovernum, Canterbury, 336 E EBoracum, York. 701 Epiacum, Papcastle in Cumberland. 768 Etoletum, The Wall in Staffordshire. 587 Extensio Promont. Easton Nesse in Suffolk. 467 F Fretum Britannicum, The straight of Calais. 345 G GAbranto vicorum portuosus sinus. Sureby in Yorkshire, 114 Gabrocentum, Gateshead in the Bishopric of Durham. 743.818 Gallatum, Whealp-Castle in Westmoreland. 762 Gallana, Walle-wic. 802 Gallena, Wallingford. 761 Ganganorum Promont. Lheyn in Caernarvonshire. 668 Garianonum, Yarmouth. 477 Garienis flu. youare river in Norfolk. 476 Gausennnae, Brig-Casterton upon Wash. 534 Genunia, North-wales. 660 Glannoventa, Upon Wentsbeck in Northumberland. 812 Glessariae, 220 Glevum, Gloucester. 366 Gobannium, Abergevenny. 635 Gessoriacum, See Bononia. H HErculis Promont. Herty point in Denshire. 207 Hunnum, Sevenshale in Northumberland. 801 I JAmesa, See Tamesis. Iceni, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgshire, and Huntingdonshire, 456 Icianos, Icborrow in Norfolk. 482 Idumanus flu. Blackewater river in Essex. 448 Isannavaria, See Banavenna, for they seem to be the same. Isca flu. Ex river in Denshire. 203 Isca Danmoniorum, Excester. ibid. Isca, Legio Augusta, Caer Lheon in Monmouthshire. 636 Iscalis, Ivelcester. 221 Isurium, Aldburge in Yorkshire. 701 Jugantes, whom Tacitus mentioneth; I wot not who they be, unless they were the Cantiani, that is, Kentishmen, whom the Welsh Britan's were wont in their language to call Y-Gant. And yet it may seem as probable, to read brigants, for Jugantes. 688 Itium Galliae, Vitsan. 348 Ituna flu. Eden river in Cumberland. 760.776 L LActodurum, sive Lactorodum, Stony-Stratford. 397 Lagecium, vel Legeolium, Castleford near Pontfreit. 695 Legio 11. Augusta, See Isca. Legio 11. Victrix, See Eboracum. Legio xx. Victrix, See Deva. Lavatres, Bows upon Stanemore. 731 Leucarum, Loghor in Southwales. 646 Littus Saxonicum, East and South coast. 325 Lemanis, Limehill or lime in Kent. 349 Lindum, Lincoln. 538 Londinum, London. 421 Longovicum, Lanchester. 754 Luguvallum, Carlisle. 778 Loventium, Leveny in Brecknocshire. 628 M MAdus, Maidston in Kent. 330 Magis, Old Radnor. 623 Maglona, Maclenith in Montgomerishire. 661 Magna, Chester in the Wall near Haltwessell. 800.801 Magnus Portus, Portesmouth, or Portchester. 268 Maleos, Mula among the Western Isles. 215 Mancunium, Manchester in Lancashire. 746 Mandevessedum, Mancester in Warwickshire. 569 Magni, See Magi. Mediolanum, Lhan Vellin in Montgomerishire. 662 Magioninium, Dunstable. 402 Meatae, Northumberland. 796 Margid unum, Near Bever-Castle. 536 Mena, Meneg in Cornwall. 186 Metaris aest. The Washeses between Lincolnshire and Norfolk. 480 Mictis, See Vesta. Morbium, Morsby in Cumberland. 766 Maridunum, Caermarden. 649 Moridunum, Seaton in Devonshire. 206 Moricambe aest. The Bay of Caerdronack. 773 Morini, Morinorum Portus Britannicus, N. NIdus, Neath in Glamorganshire. 645 Neomagus, sive Noviomagus. Woodcote near Croyden in Surrey, 302 Novus portus, See Lemanis. T OCtopitarum prom. S. David's head in Penbrockshire. 653 Ocellum prom. Kelnsey in Yorkshire. 714 Olicana, Ilkeley in Yorkshire. 697 Olenacum, Elenborrow in Cumberland. 778 Ocrinum, See Danmonium. Ordovices, North-wales. 615.659 Ostidamnii, 183 Ottadini, Northumberland. 796 Othona, Ithancester in Essex. 443 P PArisi pop.. holderness in Yorkshire. 709 Pennocrucium, Penkridge in Staffordshire. 583 Pettuaria, Beverley. 711 Petrianae, Some place near Peterill in Cumberland. 777 Picti, The Picts. 114 Praesidium, Warwick. 563 Praetorium, Patrington in Yorkshire. 713 Pontes, Colebrook in Buckinghamshire. 394 Pons Aelii, Pont-eland in Northumberland. 809 Procolitia, Coleceaster in Northumberland. 808 R RAtae, Leicester. 519 Ratostibius flu. Taf in Glamorganshire. 642 Regni pop.. Surrey, Sussex, and the sea coasts of Hantshire. 295 Regnum, Ringwood in Hantshire. 259 Regulbium, Reculver in Kent. 335 Ribodunum, Riblechester. 752 Rhutupiae, Richborrow near Sandwich. 340 Ru●unium, Routon in Shropshire. 592 S SAbrina flu. Severn. 661 Salenae, Salndy in Bedfordshire. 401 Segodunum, Seton in Northumberland. 811 Segontium, Caer Seiont near Caernarvon. 66 Segontiaci, In Hantshire. 26 Setantiorum Palus, Winandermer. 119 Scoti, Scots. 684 Seteia aestuar. pro Deia, Deemouth. 604 Segelocum, See Agelocum. Silures, Southwales. 615 Sitomagus, Theiford in Norfolk. 471 Simeni, See Iceni. Sinus salutaris, See Gabrantovicorum. Sorbiodunum, Old Sarisbury. 246 Spinae, Spene near Newbury. 283 Stuccia flu. Istuyth in Cardig anshire. 658 Sulloniacae, Brockley hill near Ellestrey. 415 T TAmarus flu. Tamar. 196 Tamara, Tamarton. ibid. Tamisis, Tamis, or Teamis. 384 Tanatos, Tanet. 339 Tesis flu. Tese. 736 Tina flu. Tine in Northumberland. 799 Toisobios, See Conovius. Tobius flu. Tovy in Wales. 649 Toliatis, Shepey. 333 Trajectus, Passage near Aust. 358.363 Trinobantes, Midlesex, and Essex. 417 Tripontium, Torcester. 505 Trisantonis Portus, Southanton. 260 Tucsis, Berwick upon tweed. 816 Tuerobius flu. Tivie in Wales. 657 Tunocellum, Tin mouth. 811 Trutulensis Portus, See Rhutupia, Tacitus named Trutulensis, for Rutupensis: as B. Rhenanus supposeth. V VAgniacae, Maidstone. 330 Valentia, 797 Vallum, The Picts Wall. 789 Varis, Bod-vary in Flintshire. 679 Viroconium, Wroxcester. 593 Vedra flu. Were in the B. of Duresme. 738 Veneti, Guineth, or North-wales. 660 Venta Belgarum, Wintchester. 263 Venta Icenorum, Caster near Norwich. 473 Venta Silurum, Caer Went in Monmouthshire. 633 Vennones, High-Crosse. 518 Verlucio, Werminster. 245 Verometum, Burrow hill in Leicestershire. 522 Verolamium, Verulam near S. Albon. 408 Verterae, Burgh upon Stanemore. 760 Uzella aestuar. Ivel-mouth. 221 Viconia, See Vinovium. Vinonium aut Binonium, Binchester in the Bishopric of Duresme. 738 Villa Faustini, S. Edmunds Bury. 459 Vindelis, Haply, old Winchelsey. 319 Vindobala, See Vindomora. 776 Vindomora, Wallesend in Northumberland. 811 Vindonum, Silceaster. 270 Vindolana, Winchester in the wall. 809 Vindogladia, Winburne in Dorsetshire. 215 Virecium, Wroxester in Shropshire. 593 Virosidum, Werewic upon Eden near Carlisle. 778 Voluba, Volemouth. 189 Voreda, Old Perith. 776 Usocona, Oken gate. 593 Uzella, Lost-Uthiel. 190.221.225 A Table or Index to Scotland. A ABerbroth or Arbroth, 44 c Abercorn, 15 d Abercornor Abercuyning, 28 d Abereorneth, ibid. d Aberdon new and old, 46 c Abthanes, 7 d Adain what it signifieth, 13 f Aire a Sherifdome, 20 c Ainza, 49 b Albainy, 39 a Dukes thereof, ibid. b Albinich, who they be, 39 e Alclith, 37 c Alcluid, 25 a Alectum, 43 c Alexander Duke of Albany, killed, 39 c Amber, 48 b. name thereof, ibid. c Amund, or Almund a river, 40 Andrews an Archbishopric, 7 a Andrews, 32 f Anguis or Angus, 43 a Earls thereof, 45 a Annan a river, 16 d Annandale, ibid. Annandale a Territory, ibid. Apollo Grannus, 13 e Aptera, 14 a Arbella Steward a learned and noble Lady, 26 a Archibald Duglasse Earl of Anguis, 12 d Ar-Cluid what it is, 25 a Ardmanoch, 52 b Ardossan, 21 c Argathelia or Argile, 37 a Argile Earles, ibid. e Argetorix a petty Prince, 32 b his wife how she answered julia the Empress, ibid. b Argonauts, 38 c Armitage, 16 c Arran Isle, 22 a Arran Earles, 22 b Arrol, 42 e. Earls thereof, ibid. Arthur's Chair, 14 c arthur's Oven, 28 f Assinshire, 52 a Athelstanford, 12 d Athol infamous for witches, 40 b Earles thereof, 40 c john Earl of Athol hanged on high, 40 d Aubigni or Obigni Lords, 26 b Eberad de Aubigni his devise and coat of Arms, 28 c Aven a river, ibid. c Azure gotten, 22 e B BAclugh surnamed Scot, a family, 16 b Baileries or Bailiwickes', 7 c Baileries and Ballives their original, 20 a Balmerinoch, an Abbey and Barony, 34 d Bamff, 49 a Banbrich, a place, 34 d Banoc bourn, 30 a Bankquo, 51 d Bargeney, or Berigonium, 19 e Barons, 7 e Bas, an Island, 12 f Bean Castle, 50 a Bears in Britain, 30 f Bernswell, 54 d Berigonium Castle, 38 d Birth, 41 a Berubium, 54 d Berwicke Sheriffdome, 10 c. d Bissets, ● kindred, 40 c Bitumen, 32 e Black-knight, 41 a Blackness Castle, 15 e Bluidno a river, 18 c Boen, 49 a Boides Barons, 21 c Borderers, their behaviour, 18 a Borthwicke a Barony, 13 b Boschain, 44 f Bothwell Earles, 23 d Braid Albin, 39 a Brankensey, 16 b Brechin, 44 c Brendanus, 22 c Brochty Crag, 43 b Brun-Albin, 39 b Bruse's Lords of Annandale, 16 e Brus discomfiteth the English, 30 b Buchanan, 29 a Beavis Bulmer, 22 c Buquhan, 47 f Buquhan Earles, 48 d Buth, 22 c C CAer Guidi, 15 d Caer Laverocke, 17 e Caledonia in Scotland, 30 c used for all Britain, 31 e Caledonia in Epirus, 30 e Caledonian wood, 30 e. 40 c Caledonii whence they took name, 30 d Castle calendar, 29 b Cambels a family, 22 f Cambel Castle and Barony, 37 e Camelot, 29 a Candida Casa, 18 f Cantire, 38 a Cardines a fort, 18 e Carrict a Baillery, 20 a. 19 e Carric●t Earls, 20 a Carron a riveret, 28 c Cassile a Castle, 19 f Carthcart a river, 24 b Cathanesse, 53 d Cathnesse Earls, ibid. Cathcart a Baron, 24 b Craufords' a family, 20 f Celurca, that is, Mont-Ross, 44 Cerones, 52 e Chanonry, ibid. d Clackmans' a Sheriffdome, 32 Claick-geeses, 48 b Clannes, 39 f Clan Haton, 35 c Clan mack Duff, ibid. c Clan Ranalds a bloody generation, 52 c Cluid, what it signifieth, 25 a Cluid a river, 23 Cluidsdale, 22 d Clydsforth or Cluydforth, 18 c Cockeram of a Mason became Earl of Mar, 47 d Cole plot, 32 e Coldingham, 10 e. College of justice, 8 d Columban, 38 e Combat between Sir james Lindesey and Baron Wells, 22 f Coming or Cumen, a mighty family, 36 e Coming a mighty man murdered by Robert Brus, 17 d Commissariats, 8 f Commissioners, ibid. b Commons, 7 f Constablery, 6 e Constables of Scotland, 19 c Corneth a river, 28 d County, the same that Sheriffdome, 6 d County Courts, 8 e Courts Civil, ibid. f Courts of criminal causes, 9 a Crauford Moor, 22 e Crauford Castle and Earlededom, 22 e Creightons a family, 17 c Cromarty, 52 d Cromer, ibid. e Cross, 14 c Cruickston, 24 b Culros, a Barony, 32 d Cumbernald, 29 c Cuningham a town, 21 a Cuninghams' a numerous family, 21 f. their coat of Arms, ibid. Cuninghams' Earls of Glencarn, 17 e. 21 f Cupre, 34 b D DAl, 37 c Dalkeith, 13 b Dalrea, 37 c Dalrendini, ibid. Dalrieta, 37 d Darly Lords, 24 b L. Darly husband to Mary Queen of Scots, 22 c David heir to the Crown of Scotland, famished, 39 c David the first King of Scotland a religous Prince, 10 e Days longest, 54 b Dee a river, 18 e. 46 a Depth of the sea, 52 c Dessie a french Captain, 12 a Dicalidonis, 5 a. 30 c Disert, 32 e Dioceses first set out by Dionysius Bishop of Rome, 65 Donald of the Isles, 53 a Done a river, 46 a Dornock, 53 e Douglasse. See Duglasse. Dromund Barons, 36 a. Women of that race right beautiful, ibid. Drum Albin, 39 b Drimem Castle, 36 a Drumlanrig, 17 d Duff a King murdered, 49 f Duglasse or Douglasse a river, 23 a Douglas dale, ibid. Duglasse Castle, ibid. a Duglasse a noble and ancient family, ibid. a. their arms, ibid. b Duglasse Earles of Angus, 36 c. Duglasse Earls of Morton, 17 d Duglasse a fast friend unto King Rob. Brus, 23 a Duglasse Earl of Wigton, Duke of Tourain, 23 b Duke a title, when first brought into Scotland, 7 e Dun a river, 19 f Dunbarre, 11 c Dunbarton Sheriffdome, 25 c Dunblan a Bishopric, 36 ● Dunbritton or Dunbarton, 25 a Dunbritaine frith, 18 c Duncaves bay, 54 d Dun Dee, 43 c Dunfermling, 32 d Dunfermling Earl, 32 d Dunfreis, 17 d Duni pacis what they be, 28 e Dunkelden, 41 a Dunotyr Castle, 45 d Dunnur a Castle, 20 a Dunsby, 54 d Dunstafag, 38 d Duplin Castle, 36 b Dyrlton, 12 e E EBba Prioress of Coldingham Nunnery, 10 f. Her chastity and her Nun's ib. daughter of Edelfrid king of Northhumberland, 11 a Saint Ebbs promontory, ibid. a Eden or Ethan a river, Edenburough, 13 f Edenburough Frith, ibid. Eglington a Castle and family, 21 d Elfeing stone a Barony, 29 c Elgina, 49 e john Eriskin earl of Mar. 47 e Th. Ereskin, Baron of Dyrlton, Viscount Felton: first Viscount in Scotland, 12 e Ern a noble river, 35 f Esk a river, 13 b Esterlings, 29 d F FAlkland, 34 Fast-castle, 10 f Fergus, 39 b Fergus Lord or Prince of Galloway, 19 b. His Arms, ibid. c became a Cannon, ibid. Fernhersts a Barony, 10 b Fleanch the Son of Banquo, 51 e Fl●et a river, 18 e Flemings, Barons, 29 c john Lord Fleming Earl of Wigton, 18 e Fife, 32 c Fif-Nesse, ibid. f Fife Earles their privilege, 35 Forces, 49 e Forbois Barons, 46 b Fordon, 45 e john de Fordon, ibid. Forth or Frith, 12 e Fresian sea, ibid. G GAlgac or Galauc, 31 f Galloway, 18 Galloway Ecles, ibid. Galloway nags, ibid. Galloway Princes & Lords, 19 b Gentlemen, 7 f George of Dunbarre Earl of Merch, 11 b Girnego, 53 d Glamys, a Baron, 43 b Glasco an archbishopric, 7 Glasco an University and Archbishops See, 23 d Glencarn, 17 e Glines, 38 Glotta, See Arran, 22 gordon's Earls of Huntly, 49 Gospatrick, Earl of Northumberland, 11 b Goury a Country, 42 c Gouryes conspiracy, 12 b graham's dike, 28 d Granni, what they are, 13 e Grantzbain or Gramphil, 30 e Greys of Chillingham, 43 c Guith what it signifieth, 15 d H HAdinne or Hadington, 12 Viscount Hadington, ibid. Haies Earls of Aroll, ibid. Haies family almost extinguished, 36 b Haliburtons' a family, 12 e Haskhead, 24 b Hamilton Castle, 23 c. a family, ibid. their original, ibid. james Hamilton Earl of Abercorn, 15 d Hamilton of Peyle, ibid. e james Hamilton Regent of Scotland, and Duke of Chasteau, Herald in Poicton, 23 d john marquis of Hamilton, 23 Hay a strong and valiant man, 42 e Hector Boetius, an Elegant Hitoriographer, 43 d Height of Hills, 52 c Hellan Leneoc, 22 c Hellan Tinoc, ibid. c Hepburnes a family, 16 b Earles of Bothwell, ibid. 23 d Herris Baron, 17 e Hii an Island, 38 e Highlandmen, 39 e. their description, ibid. Holy Ruid house, 14 c Horesci a people, 16 c Henry Percy Hotspurre taken prisoner by Montgomery, 21 d Howburn, 54 d Hume Castle, 10 d Humes a great and noble family, 10 e Hume created Earl, ibid. e Hume Earl of Dunbarre, 11 f Huntly Castle, 42 f I IAmes the second, King of Scots untimely slain and much miss, 10 b james the sixth, King of great Britain, 25 f jed a river, 10 a jedburgh, 9 f I-comb-kil, 38 e Island floating, 24 e Inborow and Outborow, 11 b Inch-Chafra, 36 b Inch Keith an Island, 15 d Innerlothan, 50 b Innermeth, 36 b Innernes, 50 b john's town, 41 c john Duke of Albany honoured by the French, 39 d johnston's a warlike family, 16 e Irwin a river, 21 b Irwin a burrow, ibid. c julius Hoff, 28 f K KAledon, 30 d Keiths a family ancient and noble, 45 a Kelso, 10 e Ken a river, 18 e Kennedies a noble family, 19 f kennedy Earl of Cassile, ibid. Kerrs a family, 10 b Kerr Baron, ibid. Kerr Earl of Lothien, 15 f Kilconath, 20 a Kildrummi, 46 a Kile, 20 c Kilflos, 49 f kilian a river, 52 ● Kilmarnocke, 21 b Kilmonorock, 24 f Kincardin, 36 e King of Scotland, 7 e Kinghorn Earl, 32 c Kinlosse, 49 f Kinnadie, 37 d Kinrosse, 32 c Kirkbird, 36 c Kirkonbright, 18 ● Knapdale, 38 c Knights solemnly dubbed, 7 e Kyle, See Kile. L LAdeni, 9 Lairds, 7 e Lanric a Sheriffdome, Largesse, 21 d Lauden or Lothien, 11 d Lauther a riveret and town, 10 Leave a lake, 38 d Leeth a river, 15 ● Lennox, 24 d Lennox Earles, 25 d Lennox Dukes, their Arms, 26 Lesley the noble Knight, 52 f Leth an Haven town. 15 c Levin a river, 29 d Levinia, ibid. Levin a lake and river, 32 e Levingstons Barons, 29 c Levingston first Earl of Lithquo, 15 c Lin what it signifieth, ibid. e Lindeseys a noble family, 22 f. 36 Lindum, 15 e Lions a family, 43 b Lithquo, or Linlithquo, 15 e Logh Aber a lake, 38 d Logh Cure a lake, 17 c Logh Err a lake, 35 f Logh Fin, 38 a Logh Kinkeram, 38 d Logh Lomund, 24 d. 36 e Logh Luthea or Louthea, 50 a Logh Loathes, 51 d Logh Nesse, 50 a Logh Rhian, 19 b Lough Maban, 16 d Loghuabrie, 51 c Longas a river, 20 f Lough longus, 52 e Lords who they be, 7 e Lorgis slew Henry the Second K. of France running at Tilt, 52 Lorn a family, 38 c Lorn, ibid. Lovet Castle, 52 c Loxa or Loss a river, 49 e Lowland men, 5 c Loundoris a Monastery and Barony, 34 d M MAc-Conels, 38 b Mac-Duff first Ea●le of Fife, 35 b Maden Castle, or Virgin's Castle, 14 c Mailross, 10 a Malcolm Canmor, 11 a Mar. 46 a. Earls, 47 c Marchidun, 100L ● Mareschals of Scotland, 45 e Q. Mary deposed by her base brother james, 51 b marquis a title, when first brought into Scotland, 7 e Martha enamoured upon Robert Brus, made him her husband, 20 a Maxwell Earl of Morton, 17 e Maxwels a family, 16 ● Menteith, 36 d. Earls thereof, ibid. c Merch or Mers, 10 d Merch Earles, 11 a Mernis, 45 d Methwen or Methven a Barony, 42 b Metellan Baron Thirlestan, 10 Monks living upon their own hand labour, 10 Montgomeries a family, 21 Monuments of stone, with their inscriptions, 27.28 Montrosse, 44 c Montrosse Earles, 36 e Morton a place, 17 d Mor wiridh, 12 e Mull of Galloway, 19 b Murdack executed, 35 d Murray, 49 c Murrey Earles, 50 f Murthlake, 46 Murscamp, 36 b Musselborow a town, 13 b Musselborow field, ibid. c N NAbe a river, 53 f Napier a learned man, 13 c Nardin or Nan Sheriffdom, 50 Nesse mouth, 52 d Nesse a Lake, 38 d Newbottle a Monastery and Barony, 13 b Nida river, 17 c Nidisdale, ibid. Night's shortest, 54 b Ninian Bishop of Candida casa, 18 f North Berwick, 12 e O OGilvi Barons, 44 f Oliphant Barons, 36 b Olorina an herb, 49 e P PAlladius Apostle for the Scottish Nation, 45 f Parliament, 8 a Pasley a Monastery and Barony, 24 b Peblis a Town, 10 c Penvael or Penvallon, 28 d Perth the City, 41 b Perth Sheriffdome, 40 b Perth Earl, 42 a Picts divided into two Nations, 5 a Picts, 30 d Pictland, 11 d Pollac a fish, 24 d Portus Salutis, 52 e Ponuny a fort, 21 c Prince's simply, 7 Prince of Scotland, ibid. Prophesy of a Stone, 42 d R RAmsey, Viscount Hadingson 12 b. his faithfulness and valour, ibid. Ramsey Earl Bothwell, 23 d Ratra a river, 48 a Raven's trench, 32 e R●dhead a Cape, 44 e Regimund, 32 f Reinfraw a town and Barony, 24 a Rethven the name of a Castle and Barony, 42 b Rethvens Conspiracy, ibid. b Rheuda, 37 c Rian a river, 19 b Robert, Bishop of Cathanes, Earl of Lennox▪ and of Merch, 11 c Rosburge or Roxburg, 10 a Rossia or Rosse, 52 a Rosse Earles, ibid. f Rosse Barons, 24 b Rothamay Castle, 49 b Rothes Earl, 35 e. 49 d Rothes Castle, 49 d Rothsay Castle, 22 c Rothsay Dukedom, ibid. c Routs, 38 b S Salmon's, 47 a Salmon breed, ibid. a Salmon hunted, 17 f Salton Barons of Abernethy, 45 b Sanctuary, 35 c Sauhquer Castle, 17 c Barons Sauhquer, ibid. Scone 42 c. a Barony, 42 c Scotish Sea, 12 ● A troop of Scots in France, 25 c Scotland divided into seven parts, 5 c, d Scouts, 12 f Seincler Barons, 32 e Selkirk, 10 c Sempil a place and Barony, 24 c Seneschalsies, 6 c The Session 8 d. by whom instituted and when, ibid. Seton, 13. a town and noble family, 13 a Sheriffdomes, 6 c Sheriff, 8 c Sheriff of Teviot Dale, 10 b Slugh hounds, 18 b Soland geese, 12 f Solway a village, 17 d Somervill Baron, 23 a South Esk a river, 44 d Spey a river, 49 d Speyny castle, 49 Sterling Stewarty or Territory, 26 c Sterling town, ibid. Sterlin or Strivelin a town, 29 Sterling or Esterling money, ib. States or Degrees of Scotland, 7 c Stewarties, 6 c Stewarts family how it began and arose, 51 f Stewards a noble family of the blood royal, 20 f Sir james Stewart guardian to james Hamilton, 22 b Stewarts the royal line of Scotland whence descended, 25 d Walter Stewart Earl of Athol, for his parricide cruelly executed, 40 f Strath bolgy, 49 b Strathern, 35 ● Straith Ern, ibid. f. Earls thereof, 36 d Strath Navern, 53 f Struthers, 34 b Suit between Robert Brus and john Bailioll, 17 a Sutherland, 53 b T TAichia, a Territory, 36 e Tantallon Castle, 12 d Taodunum, 43 c Tarbarth, 52 e Tarbar, 38 d Tarvus' what it signifieth, 54 d Taw the river, 35 c Taw overfloweth, 41 a Teifidale, 9 ● Teith or Taith, river, 36 d Tenariff, an exceeding high hill, 52 c God Terminus, 26 ●. his temple, 28 f Teviot a river, 10 d Thanes, 7 d. what they are, 35 b Thirlestan a place and Baron's honour, 10 c Tine a little river, 11 f Toricles, Barony of the Lord Hereis, 17 e Tulibardin castle, 36 a. a Barony, ibid. and Earldom, ibid. tweed a river, 10 c Twedesdale, ibid. V V Turned into M. 45 d Uchiltrey Castle, 20 f Uchiltrey Barons, 21 a Ucthred Fergus his son murdered by his brother Gilbert, 19 ● Vecturiones, 5 a. 30 c Viscount a title, when first brought into Scotland, 7 e Underthanes, ibid. d Urdehead, 54 d W WAll of Hadrian, 26 f Wall of Antonius Pius, 27 a Water of an admirable nature 48 a Wemeseys a kindred, 35 c Wemmis a Castle and noble family, 32 e Whitherne, that is, Candida casa, 19 a Wifle, a river, 53 d Wigton an Haven-towne, 18 e Wilford a valiant English Captain, 12 a Wolves, 54 a Y YOung Knight Pedagogue unto King james the sixth, 13 Z ZEister a place and Barony, 12 a Zester a Baron, 10 c A Table of the names of several people and places of more ancient record in Scotland. ABravanus, Rian the river and Logh-Rian the Lake, 19 Alauna, about Sterlin, 30 Bod●tria▪ flu. The forth and frith, Edenborrough Frith, 12 Caledonia and Caledonii, 30 Cantae, the people inhabiting Rosse, 52 Carbantorigum, Caerlaverock, 17 Catini. The inhabitants of Cathanesse, 53 Cornabii. The people of Strathnavern, 53 Castra alata or Castrum alatum, 52. Edenborrough, 13 Cerones, Assinshire, 52 Calonia Coldingham, 52 Colnie, flu. The river kilian, 22 Corda a town near Logh-Cure, 17 Coria Damniorum, haply Camelot, 29 Creones, See Cerones. Damnii, people of Cluydsdale, Re●fraw Barony, Lenox, Strivelin, Menteth and Fife, 22 Dea flu. The river Dee, 18 Diva flu. The river Dee, 46 Epidii, people of Caledonia, 30 Gadeni or Ladeni, Teisidale, Twededale, Merch and Lothien, 9 Glota in's. The Ifle Arran, 22 Gran●pius Mons, Grantzbaine, 28,30 Horesci, haply the people inhabiting Esk-dale, 16 jena. The river Ken, 18 Ila flu may seem to be the river Wifle, 53 Ladeni, See Gadeni. Lelanonius flu The river Levin, 24 Leucopibia, haply Candida Casa or Whitherne, 18 Lindum, Linlithquo or Lithquo, 1● Littus altum seemeth to be Tarbarth, 52 Longus flu. Loughlonges, ibid. Loxa flu. The river Loss, 49 Novantes. People of Galloway, Carick Kyle & Cuningham, 18 Mertae, in Sutherland, Novantum Chersonesus sive Promontorium. The Mull of Galloway, 19 Nodius flu. The river Nid, 17 Orcas sive Tarverdrum. Howbune, 54 Randvara. Reinfraw, 24 Rerigonium. Bargeny, 19 Selgovae. The people of Lidesdale Evesdale, Eskdale, Annandale and Nidisdale, 16 Tamea, haply Tanea in Rosse. Taizali. The people of Buquahan 47 Tarvedrum promont. See Orcas. Tans flu. Tau the river, 35, 41 Vacomagi. The people of Murray, 49 Vararis. Murray, ibid. Vernicones, haply Mernis, 45 Victoria, haply Inch-Keith, 15 Vidogara, haply Air, 20 Virvedrum, See Orcas. Uzellum, a place in Eusdale, 16 The Families of greater worth and honour in Scotland in this Book mentioned. A ABercorne Earl, 15 Aberneth or Abernothy, 36 Albany Duk●s, 39 Angus or Anguis Earls, 4● Areskin, See Ereskin, Ardmanoch, 52 Arol Earls, 42 Argilo Earls, 37,38 Arran Earls, 22 Athol Earls, 40 Aubigny or Obigny Lords, 26 B BAclugh, 16 Balmerinoch, 34 Bothwell Earls, 48 Buquhan Earls, 48 Borthwicke Barons, 13 Boids Barons, 21,22 Brus, 16,19 C CAmbell, 37 Cassile Earls, 19 Crawford Earls, 22 Cathanes Earls, 53 Creictons Barons Sauhquer, 17, 51 Carthcart, 24 Carliles, Carrict Bailives and Earls, 20 Chasteau Herald Duke, 23 Clan-Hatan, 35 Clan-Ranald, 52 Colvil, 32 Comen, 36.45.48 Culrosse, 32 Cuningham, 21 D DArnley or Darley, 24 Douglasse or Duglasse, 19 23.45.48 Dromund, 36 Dunbarre Earls, 11 Dunfirmling Earl, 13.32 E EGlington Earles, 21 Eriskin, 12.29.47 Elphingston, 29.34.49 F FIvie Baron, 32 Fleming, 18.29 Forbois, 46 fraser's, 52 Felton Viscount, 12 Fife Earls, 35 G GOrdon, 49 Glencarn Earls, 21 Glamies Baron, 44 Graham, 36 Goury, 42 Greyes, 44 Galloway Lords, 693 H HAdington Viscount, 12 Halyburton, ibid. Hamilton, 15.22.23 Huntley, 13.42.49 Hepburn, 16 Hereiss or Herris, 17 Hides, 36.42 Home or Hume Baron de Berwicke, 11 Hume Earl, ibid. I INnermeth, 36 K KEith, 45 Kennediss, 19 Kir, 10.15 Kinghorn Earl, 32.44 Kinloss, 49 L LEvenox or Lennox Earls, 25 Lindeseys, 22.44.49 Lesley, 34.49 Levingston, 29 Leon or Lion, 32.43 Lovet, 52 Linlithquo or Lithquo Earl, 15 Lorn Lords, 38.49 Lothien Earl, 15 Lundoris, 34 M MAc-Conell, 38 Mac-Intoscech, 35 Mar Earls, 47 Marshal Earls, 45 Maxwels, 18 Menteith Earl, 36 Merch Earls, 11 Methwen, 42 Murray Earls, 50 Montrose, 44 Montgomeries Earls, 21 Morton Earl, 17 Murray, 36.40.42 N NEwbottle, 69 O ORkeney Earles, 53 Olyphant, 36 Ogilvy or Ogilby, 44 P PEarth Earl, 42 R RAmsey, 12.23 Randolph, 50 Reinfraw, 24 Rethwen, 42 Rothes Earl, 35.49 Rothsay Dukedom, 22 Roos, 24 Rosse Earls, 52 Roxburgh, 10 S SCone, 42 Scot, 16 Steward, 25.48.51 Sutherland Earls, 53 Seincler, 32.53 Somervill, 23 Seton, 13 Sempell, 24.49 Sauhquer or Sanquer, 17 Salton, 49 Strathern Earls, 36 Spiny, 49 T TOricles, 17 Thirlestan● 10 Tulibardin, 36 V URquhart, 52 Uchiltrey, 21 W WEmmis, 32 Wintwoun Earl, 13 Wigton Earl, 18 Z ZEister or Zester, 10.12 A Table of Ireland, and the Isles adjoining to BRITAIN. A ABsenties, 85 Admiral of England, extent of his authority, 232 Alderney, 214 Anglesey, 203 Antrim County, 112 Annals of Ireland, 150 Annals of the Isle of Man, 205 Arran, 99.214 Armagh County, 107 Arklo, Lords thereof, 90 Arts and piety sowed among nations in sundry ages, 85 B BAgnall, 121 etc. Bannomanna, 62 Barry, 78 Base pool, 227 Bernacles, 204 Barnwell, 94.95 Berminghams', 100 Bingham, 100L. 103 Bissets, 113 Bishoprics of Ireland, 73. Poor, 106 Blunt, Lord Montjoy, 77.105 107. Deputy, 133, etc. Boil Barony, 103 Brehon Law, 140 Britaines inhabit Ireland, 65 Britain herb, 222 Britain Huis, 221 British Armoury, ibid. British sea, 57 where deepest, 227 Burk, 81.100.101.104.117 etc. Burgus, what. 222 Buth, 22 Butiphant Viscount, 78 Butler, 82.88. etc. Burrough Baron, Lord Deputy, 115 C CAesarea, 65 Cavon County, 106 Cahir Baron, 82 Carew, 76.79.85 Carick Earl, 82 Carausius, 88 Cassiles Archbishop, 82 Casquets, 224 Castle-Conell Baron, 81 Caterlough County, 85 cattle, 63 Cavanagheses, 85 Causes of rebellion, 101 Caurus the winds, 59 Chamberlan, 224 Cerne Island, 62 Chamber of Ireland, 95 Chevers, 90 Chairly Boy, 113 Clany-boy, Clan-Moris, 75 Clancar Earl, 76 Clandonels, 101 Clan William, 81 Clan Gibbon, ibid. Clogher Bishopric, 115 Clare County, 98 Clan Richard Earls, 100 Cogan, 70.79 Connacht or Conaught, 98 Colby, 86 Conaught Lords, 104 Constables of Ireland, 97 Colran County, 114 Columb Saint, 215 Cork, County, 77. a kingdom, 79 Courts of Ireland, 72 Coner Bishopric, 111 Curraghmore Barons, 79 Croft Sir Hugh slain, 179 Curcy, 71.77.53.209 Curthbert a Saint, 220 Cuttings, Coin, Livery, 76.101. D DArcy, 96 Deemstert, 204 Delton, 96 Dalvin Baron, ibid. Deputies of Ireland, 71 Desmond Earls, 76 Dessie Viscount, 79 Diseases in Ireland, 63 Devereux, 90 Dillon, 96 Donell Gormy, 102 Docwra, 133, etc. Dublin County, 91. City and University, 92. Marks, 94 Duke of Ireland, ibid. Dunboin Baron, 85 Dunganon Baron, 115 Durgarvan Barony, 79 Dunkellin Baron, 100 Dansany Baron, 95 216 E ENglishmen first entered Ireland, 70 Eastmeath, 95 Essex Earl, 112. Lord Deputy, 117 Ewst, 216 F FArn Island, 220 Fermoy Viscount, 78 Farn, Isle, 220 Fermanagh County, 106 Fitz Eustace Barons, 88 Fitz-Patric, 8 Fitz-Geralds, 82.87 Fitz-Stephens, 70.79.89 Fitz-William Lord Deputy, 121, etc. Fitz-Urse, 107 Fortunate Isles, 217 Frozen sea, 219 G GArnesey, 224 Galloglasses, 101.147 Galloway County, 99 Gavalock, 122 genevil, 97.163 Gersey, 224 Glinnes, 90.113 Goodwin sands, 222 Gormanston Viscount, 95 Lord Grey, 75 H Hawks, 63 Hereditary territories of England in France, 232 Hylas, Island, 216 Hirth, ibid. Hobies, 63 Holy Cross of Tiperary, 82 Holy Island, 62.220 Holy-wood, 94 Horses, 63 Houth Barons, 94 Husey, 95 I IBarcan Baron, 99 Ila, 215 jenevill, see genevil. jona, ibid. Iniskellin, 106.112.101 Ireland called Ogygia, 64. called Scotia, 66.117. inhabited by Britain's, 65. not conquered by Romans, 66. entered by Henry the second, 69. divided, 72. neglected, 118 Irishmen out of Spain, 66 Irish Monks, 67.110. taught the English to write, 68 their Manners, 140 Ireland neglected, 218 K KErry County, 75 Kilkenny County, 84 Kildare County, 87. Earls, Killalo Bishopric, 100 Killin Baron, 95 Kinsale, 135 Kings County, 86 Kerns, 147 Knight of the Valley, 81 Konctoe battle, 100 L LAcy, 82.95.96, etc. 203 Leinster, 84 Leinster marquis, 94 Leicestre, 86 Letrim County, 103 Letrim Baron, ibid. Levison, 135 Limerick County, 81 Lewis, 216 Lindisfarn, 220 Lixnaw Baron, 75 Lovel, 85 Longford County, 97 Londey, 202 Louth County, 105. Earl, ibid. Baron, 106 Lycanthropia a disease, 83 M MAc Andan, 85 Mac Carty, 77 Mac-Clen, 216 Mac connel, 102.113.216 Mac Guilly, 113 Mac Donells, 120 Mac Guir, 106.121 Mac Genis, 109.120 Mac Mahon, 107 Mac Morogh, 69 Mac William, 101.104 Mac Teg, 77 Man Isle, 203. Lords, 213 Mac Swim, 117 Mac she's, 82 Majo County, 100 Mandeviles, 109.213 Marshal E. of Penbroke, 70, 86 87.155 Marshal of Ireland, 72 Malachi a Saint, 108 Meth, 94. the Bishop, 95. the Lords, 96 Messet, 155 Monaghan County, 107 Montgarret Viscount, 89 Mont-Norris, 107.134 More, 105 Morley, 72 Munster, 74 Muscegroes, 99 N NAngle, 96 Navan a Baronet, 95 Nogente or Nugent, 96 Norris Sir john, 122, etc. Normandy lost, 226 O OBrien, 82 Obrins, 89 O-Cahan, 114 O-Carell, 69 O-Conor Dun, 102.104 O-Donell, 117 O-Hagan, 109 O-Hanlon, ibid. O-Kelly, 103 Ogygia, 62 O-Mahon, 76 O-Maily, 86 O-More, ibid. O-Neale election, 114.120 Earl of Tir-Oen, 122, etc. Oleron, 232 O-Pharoll, 97 O-Quin, 131 O-Reyley, 106 Orcadeses Isles, 216. Earls, 217 Ormond, 82 O-Rorke, 103 O-Swilivant, 76 Ossery Earl, 82 Ougans, 88 O-Tooles, 89 P PAlladius, 67 Pearls, 59 Pelagius, an Arch-heriticke, 111 Perot, 103 Phelipot, a good Patriot, 224 Poers, Barons of Curraghmore, 79 Prestholm, 20●, Preston, 95 Professions hereditary, 141 Plonkets, 94.95.96 Q QUe●nes County, 86 R RHeban Baronet's, 86 Ridiculous conceit, 75 Ringrom Baron, 77 Roch. Baron, 78 Roscomon County, 103 Russell Lord Deputy, 121 Rug, 63 S Salmon's, 59.114 Savage, 112 Saint Bernard, 103 Saint Brigid, 87 Saint Laurence, Baron of Houth, 94. Saint Michael, 86 Saint Patrick's Sepulchre, 110 Purgatory, 116 Saint Owen, 227 Saxons Islands, 220 Scalmey, 202 Serk, 227 Scots, 117 Shaving of Irish, 107 Shires of Ireland, 37 Shetland, 219 Sidny, Lord Deputy, 97.121 Silly Isles, 227 etc. slain Baron, 95 Slego County, 102 Small Island, 201 Smyris a stone, 225 Steward of Ireland, 80 Spaniards in Ireland, 75.77 Stanihurst a learned man, 66 Steptholme, 202 Stella Maria, 230 Stockholme, 202 Strongebow, 69.87 Stukley, 94 Surly Boy, 113 Sussex Earl Lord Deputy, 121 T TAlbot, 79, 80, 94, 155 Tanistry, 141 Thule, 218 Three sisters, 84 Tipperary County, 82. Earl, ibid. Tirconel County, 115 Tirell, 91, 96 Tiroen County, 114 Toam or Tuen archbishopric, 100 Trimletstoun Baron, 95 Twomond Earls, 99 Tullo Viscount, 85 c. etc. f Turlogh Lenigh, 115 Tutes, 96 V VAlentia Baron, 76 Verdon, 97 Vernayle, 155 Ufford, 103 Vergivian Sea, 61 Vescy, 87 Vines why not in Britain, 63 Ulster, 104. Earls, 117 Upper Ossery Baron, 84 Uriaghts, 114 Ushant, 231 Ussher, 94 Uskebah, 63 W Welsh, 91 Warren, 86, 132 Waterford County, 79. Earls, 80 Weisford County 88 West Meath County, 96 Western Isles, 215 White Knight, 87 Wicklow, 89 Wicker boats, 59 Wolfmen, 83 Y YDron Barony, 85 Ancient names of Places and Rivers in Ireland. ARgita flu. 117 Ausoba flu. 99 Auteri, 100 Birgus flu. 84 Boreum Prom. 117 Birgantes, or brigants, 84 Buvinda flu. 95 Cauci, 90 Conca●i, 98 Coriondi, 77 Darnii near Derrie, 104.116 Daurona, 78 Dunum, 109 Duri flu. 75 Eblana, 91 Eblani, 84 Erdini, 106 Gangani, 98 Hieron Prom. 89 Iberni, 76 jernus flu. ibid. Isannium Prom. 109 Laberus, 94 Libnius flu. 91 Logia flu. 116 Luceni, 74 Macolicum, 97 Menapia, 89 Menapii, 84 Medona flu. 89 Nagnata, 102.103 Nagnata, ibid. Notium Prom. 76 Ovoca flu. 90 Ravius flu. 102 Rheba, 8 Rhobogdii, 115 Rhobogdium Prom. 116 Rigia, 97 Rigia altera, 116 Senus flu. 97 Velabri, 76 Vennicuium Prom. 117 Vennicnii, 115.117 Vidua flu. 117 Vinderus flu. 112 Vodiae, 77 Voluntii, 104 Ancient names of the Isles adjacent to Britain. ACmodae, 220 Amnitum, See Samnitum insulae, 231 Adros called also Andium, 203 Axantoes, See Uxantisa, 231 Barsa, 227 Bergae, 218 Birchanis, 221 Caesarea, 224 Cassiterides, 227 Caunos, 222 Dumna, 216 Ebudae, 215 Ebuda prima, 216 Ebuda secunda, ibid. Evodia, 214 Electridae, 220 Epidium, 215 Edris, 203 Fortunate Islands, 217 Glessariae, 220 Glotta, 22.214 Hebrides, 215 Hesperides, 228 jeta, 223 Limnos, 203 Liga, 227 Lisia, ibid. Mictis, haply Vectis, 223 Menavia, 203, 205 Mona, 203 Monaeda, ibid. Mula, or Maleos, 215 Nerigon, 218 Nessiada, 231 Ocet●●, 216 Orcadeses, ibid. Pomona, ibid. Ricina, or Ricluna, 215 Sanitum insulae, 231 Sarnia, 225 Saxonum insulae, 221 Sena, 231 Siambis, ibid. Siade, 227 Sicdelis, ibid. Silimnus, 203 Silinae, 227 Tanatos, 222 Thule, 218 Toliapis, 222 Vecta or Vectis, 223 Venetica insulae, 231 Vindelis. Old Winchelsey. Uliarus, 232 Uxantisa, 231 FINIS.