THE famous AND Remarkable History of Sir Richard Whittington Three times Lord Major of London Who lived in the time of King Henry the Fift, in the year 1419 With all the remarkable Passages, and things of Note, which happened in his time: with his Life and Death.  
Written by T. H.  
LONDON, Printed by W. Wilson, and are to be Sold by Francis Coles in the Ould-Bayley 1656.   

The Life and Death of Sir Richard Whittington, who was Three times Lord Major of LONDON.  
THe saying is not so old as true, He that refuseth to buy counsel cheap, shall buy Repentance dear, neither let any mock a man in his misery, but rather beware by him, how to avoid the like misfortune. If thou intend to do any good, defer it not till the next day; for thou knowest not what may happen over night to prevent thee: Behold thyself in a looking-glass, if thou appearest beautiful, do such things as may become thy beauty; but if thou seem foul, or deformed, let the actions of thy life make good that splendour which thy face lacketh. Tell not thy mind to every man, make thyself indebted to no man; be friend to few men, be courteous to all men: let thy Wit be thy friend, thy mind thy companion, thy Tongue thy servant: Let virtue be thy Life, Valour thy Love, Honour thy Fame, and Heaven thy Felicity: These (Reader) be good decuments for thee to follow, and I am now to present thee with a worthy precedent to imitate: observe his beginning, forget not the middle passage of his life, and thou wilt, no question, crown his end. He that made all things of nothing, can of a little make much, and multiply a Mite unto a magazine, as will easily appear by the succeed  
This Richard Whitington was so obscurely bred, that he could scarcely give account of his Parents, or kindred; and being almost starved in the country, necessity compelled him up to London, hoping to find more charity in the City than Country: To beg he was ashamed, to steal he did abhor: two days he spent in gaping upon the shops, and gazing upon the buildings; feeding his eyes, but starving his stomach. At length mere faintness compelled him to rest himself upon a bench before a merchant's gate, where he not long sat, but the owner of the house having occasion of business into the town, finding him a poor simple fellow, and thinking that he had no more within than appeared without, he demanded of him why he loitered there, and being able to work for his living, did not apply himself unto some lawful calling, threatening him at the first with the Stocks, and Whipping-post: but the poor man after the making of some plain legs, and courtesy, desired him to pardon him, and told him, that he was a dejected man, who desired any employment, and that no pains, how mean or course soever, could seem tedious or burdensome unto him, so he might but find some good Master, by whose charity he might relieve his present necessity: for his greatest ambition was, but to keep his body from nakedness, and his stomach from hunger; and told him withal how long it was since he had tasted meat or drink.  
The worthy Merchant seeing him of a personable body, and an ingenious aspect, howsoever both were clouded under a rustic habit, began somewhat to commiserate his estate, and knocking for a servant, bade him take in that fellow, and give him such victuals as the house for the present afforded, and at his return he would have further conference with him. The servant did as he was commanded, and took him in.  
The Merchant went to the Exchange, which was then in Lumberstreet, about his affairs: In which interim poor Whittington was had into the kitchen to warm himself; for faintness, by reason of hunger and cold, (for it was then in the winter time) had quite robbed him of his colour meat was set before him in plenty, and being dread in the Country, as the proverb goeth, he fed like a Farmer; and having sated himself sufficiently, and warmed him to the full, a teeth colour began to come into his cheeks: At which time the merchant's Daughter, (hearing of a new-come guest, came into the kitchen, and began to question him of divers things concerning the country, to all which he gave her such modest and sensible answers, that she took a greatliking unto him, and so left him.  
Dinner time came, and Master Fitzwarren (for so was the Merchant called) came home with a good stomach, and brought a friend or two with him from the Exchange; down they sat to meat, and had speech of many things at the Table, mean time the servants were set also to Dinner, who would needs have whitting on, though he had so lately broke his fast to keep them company; some of them delighting in his country speech, others deciding his supposed simplicity.  
But to come to the purpose, the Table being with-drawn in the Parlour, and the guests departed, & Master Fitzwarren and his Daughter left alone, she being of a good and gentle disposition, began to commend ●is charity concerning the poor man whom he had relieved that morning; to whom he answered, Godamercy Daughter, thou hast done wellto remember me; such an one I sent indeed but have my servants done as I commanded them? and where is he now? who answered him, that she had given order he should stay Dinner, and not depart the house till he himself had further spoken with him. At which they both went into the Hall, and called the Fellow before them; who appeared unto them with such a bashful humility, that it seemed to them both to beg a charity: Some language past betwixt them concerning him which gave them content: at length they bid him retire himself.  
When the Father & the Daughterhad some private conference concerning him, she urged him to entertain him into his house, and that there would be some employment for him either to run, or go of Errands, or else to do some drudgery in the kitchen, as in making of fires, scouring ketles, turning the spit, and the like: To whom the Father replied, that indeed his work might be worth his meat, but he had no lodging to spare: She again answered, there were Garrets in the house, that were put to no use at all, and in one of them he might be conveniently lodged, and put the house to no trouble at all.  
Well, at length he was admitted, and made a member of the Family, in which he demeaned himself so well by his willingness, to run, or go, or to do any service, how mean soever, that he had got the goodwill of all the whole household, only the kitchenmaid being a cursed quean, and knowing him to be an under-servant to her, domineered over him and used him very coursely and roughly, of which he would n●ver complain, though he had cause enough.  
The Garret in which he lay, by reason it had been long unfrequented, was troubled with Rats and Mice, in so much that he could not sleep in the night, but they ran over his face, and much disturbed him in his rest: To prevent which, having got a penny, either for going of an Errand, or for making clean boots, or shoes, or the likes with that he bought a young Cat which he kept in his Garret; and whatsoever he had from the reversion of the servants Table, he would be sure to reserve part for her, because he had found by experience, that she had rid him of the former inconveniences.  
The History tells us, that his Merchant, Master Hugh Fitzwarren was so generous, that he never adventured any Ship to Sea, but he would have his Daughter, his Cashier, and every one of his servants, what, or whosoever, to put in something, and to adveuture with him; and according to that proportion which they could spare, every one received to a token at the return of the Ship.  

Turn again Whittington,  
Lord Major of London.  
Turn again Whit●ington,  
Lord Major of London.   
This took such a great impression in him, that finding how early it was, and that he might yet come back to his Master's house before any of the Family were stirring, he resolved to go back, and found every thing according to his own wishes, and desires; insomuch, that when the household were up, none could challenge him to have been missing. And thus he continued as before in his first plainness and honesty, well beloved of all, save the Kitchingdrudge: I come now now to tell you what became of his adventure.  
It so happened, that this good Ship the unicorn, was by contrary gusts and bad weather driven upon the utmost coast of Barbary, where never any English man, (or scarce any Christian) had ever traded before: Where they showed some of their commodities, and offered them to be bended. The moors came down in multitudes, much taken with the beauty of their ship for they had never seen any of that building, or burden before: But when they had taken a serious view of their commodities, as Hatchets, Knives, Looking-glasses, fish-hook, &c. but especially their Cloth and kerseys of several sizes and colours, they brought them Gold in abundance; for it was more plentiful with them than lead, or Copper is with us.  
Presently news was carried to the King, who sent some of his chief Nobility to bring him some sorts of every commodity that was aboard: vohch when he saw, they pleased him highly, sending for the Master, and merchant's Factor to Court: He at their own rate bargained with them for their whole lading, nor would he suffer them to depart, till he had feasted them royally.  
Now the fashion of the moors, is not to sit at the Table, as the custom is amongst us, but to have a rich Carpet spread upon the ground, and when the meat or banquet is served in, as well the King himself, as the rest, sit round about cross legged, as tailors commonly use to do upon their Shop-boords, and in that manner our English were set at the King's banquet: but the meat was no sooner served in, but swarms of Rats and Mite seized upon the dishes, and snatched away the meat even from the King and qeens' trenchers: At which the Factor being amazed, asked one of the Nobiti the (by an Interpreter) if they preserved those verm ne for their sport, or if they were noisome and troublesome unto them? who answered him again, that they were the greatest vexation unto them that could be profitable, and by reason of their multitudes they could not be destroyed: but the King would willingly give half the revenue of his Crown, if he could but only clear the Court of them; for not only his Table, but his very Chamber swarmed with them, in so much, that he durst not lay him down to rest without a watch about him, to keep them off from his pillow: To whom the Factor replied, that they had a strange beast aboard, which he made no doubt, would rid them of those vermin: Which being oold the King, he rose from his place, and imbrating the Factor, told him, if be could shem him such a creature, he would ballest his vessel with Silver, and lade her with Gold and Pearl. Who apprehending the occaston, made very coy of the business, telling him, it was & creature of great value, and not common: besides, they could not spare her from their Sip, in regard, that when they were asleep, yet she was still waking in the night, not only to preserve their Merchandise but their Diet from the like spoil. The more dainty that he made of the matter, the more earnest was the King for this Beast; in so much, that she was presently sent for.  
Great pleasure took the King and the Nobility in the sport, vowing that the hunting of the lion (of which there are plenty in that Country) was not answerable unto it, In the Interim one began to praise her for her colour, another commended her for her valour; one said she had the countenance of lion, and every one gave his sentence. When the poor Cat finding no more work for her to do went round to the King and Queen, purling and curling, (as their manner is) which they apprehended to be, as if she inquired of them what she had deserved for that la●e service.  
To cut off circumstance, no price could part them, and the rather, when the Factor had told the King that she was with kittens, and that her brood would in some few years, being carefully looked unto, furnish the whole kingdom: so that Whittingtons' Cats adventure only surmounted all the Ships lading besides; with which fortunate and unexpected gain we bring them safe into England: the Sip lying at Anchop near Blackwall, and the Pilot and Cape-merchant, with some other Officers in the Ship, at Master Fitzwarrens house, which was by Leaden Hall, to give account of their voyage. But these Caskets of jewels and Pearls, with other unvalued Riches which were given for the Cat, they caused to be brought along, not daring by reason of their inestimable value, to trust them in the Sip. The Bills of lading, and the benefit of the return of the commodities being viewed, and considered of by the owner, he● praised God for so prosperous a voyage and called al● his servants, and gave order that according to their adventures, every one should receive his portion.  
At length casting his eye upon those rich Caskets and Cabinets, asked to whose share they belonged? who whispered him in the ear, and told him, to his poor Whitington, relating every particular as is before discoursed. To whom Master Fitzwarren replied, If they then be his, God forbid I should keep from him the least farthing that is his right, and presently commanded Whittington to be sent for by the name of Mr. Whittington.  
The servants not knowing any thing of the business, went unto him into the kitchen, where he was then rubbing the spits, scouring the kettles and making clean the dressers, and told him, he must come to his Master presently into the Parlour: The poor man excused himself, that his shoes were dirty, and the room was rubbed, and if he should but touch any thing there, he should spoil and deface those things in the room: But still the Master of the house called for Master Whittington, sending one servant after another, till he was brought before him; and having scraped some few legs, instantly his Master took him by the hand, and called for a chair for Master Whittington: his Daughter, the Pilot, and the Factor, every one of them saluted him by the name of Mr. Whittington, and forced him to sit down: He wondering what this should mean, desired them not to mock a poor simple man, who meant none any harm, &c. and wept (the tears dropping from his eyes) desiring them not to deride his poverty; for his ambition was never to come so high, as from the Kitchen to the Hall, much more from the Hall into the Parlour.  
Then came his Master to him seriously, and said, Indeed Mr. Whittington we are all in good earnest, for you are at this tune a better man than myself in estate; and then she wed him all those Cabinets and Caskets, and how richly they were lined. When he perceived by all their earnest asseverations that all was true, he first fell down upon his knees, and gave God most hearty thanks, who out of his great bounty would vouchsafe to cast an eye upon so poor and wretched a creature as himself: Then turning to his Master, he presented all his Riches before him, and told him, that all he had was at his disposing and service: who answered him again, that for his own part, God had lent him sufficient of his own; neither would he take from him the value of one Barbary Ducket. He came next, and with a low leg saluted his Mistress, and told her, that when she pleased to make choice of an husband, he would make her the richest Marriage in; London, because she was so willing, out of her own purse, when he was altogether penniless) to lay out for his adventure. To the Pilot, and Master, and every officer or common sailor, he gave liberally according to their degrees even to the ship-boy; and then to every servant of the house, nay, to the very kitchen wenth, who was so churlish unto him, and had so often basted him in the stead of her roast meat, haviug caused her to be called unto him, he gave her an hundred pound towards her marriage.  
This being done, tailors were sent for, Sempsters and the like, to put him into Clothes, and linen of the best; who were to accommodate him with all speed possible: and his lodging in the Garret was changed into the best Chamber of the house. And when the Barber had been with him, and the rest, to make him complete in his habit, there was a strange and sudden Metamorphosis; for out of a smoky and dirty kitchen-drudge, there appeared a proper and well proportioned man, and a gentile Merchant: in so much, that his young Mistress began to cast a more amorous eye upon him than before, which not a little pleased Master Fitzwarren, her Father, who intended a match betwixt them.  
The brute of this great adventure was presently noised through the whole City, in so much that his Master entreated his late servant to walk with him into the Exchange, to see the fashion of the Merchants, which he did; where all of them came about him, and saluted him; some bid God give him joy of his fortune, others desired of him better and further acquaintance, and every one as his several fancy led him: Some commended him for his person, others for his modest answers, and discreet carriage: Indeed, Wealth is able to make all these good where they are most wanting, which was not in him, as appears by the sequel.  
After this, the Father in law demanded of his Son what course he purposed to take? (his freedom being offered him, and accepted of) who made answer again, that suice God had so blessed him in his small adventure, he would not leave it off so, but prove his goodness in a greater, and that his purpose was to turn Merchant: which reply gave him no small content, in regard he knew the best amongst them would be glad to have the society of so hopeful a Citizen: which he continued, adventuring in divers bottoms with his Father, and had very happy and prosperous, returns,  
The time when he was pricked for sheriff, which he modestly refused, as unable to undertake so great a charge, and would willingly have paid his Fine, which his Father in law would not suffer: at whose persuasion he took the place upon him, in which he so well behaved himself in the management of all affairs belonging to his Office, that he not only left it without the least taxation, but with a general love and approvation, in so much that the universal eye of the whole City was fixed on him, in an hopeful expectation what a profitable member of that united body he might futurely prove. And this happened in the year of our Lord 1393. Sir John Hardley Grocer being Maior, and Drewry Barentine his fellow sheriff; of the truth of which, Master Fabian in his Chronicle, and Master John Stow in his Survey of London can fully sarisfie you.  
And in this year also, about the Feast of St. Bartholomew, grew a great discord betwixt the Duke of Hereford, and Mowbrey Duke of Norfolk, the beginning thereof being as followeth. The two Dukes riding from the Parliament towards their lodgings, the Duke of Norfolk said to the other, Sir, you see how variable the King is in his words, and (reflecting upon what had past) how without mercy he putteth his Lords and Kinsfolks to death, imprisoning some, and exiling others: There it hehooveth us not too much to trust to his fair and smooth language, for doubtless in time he will bring even to us the like death and destruction. Of which words he accused him to the King, which the other denying, it was to be tried by combat: the Lists were appointed, and the day of meeting, the eleventh day of September; to which place, and on the day assigned came both the Dukes, and bravely accoutred, appeared before the King, ready to enter into battle; where the King threw down his Warder, and staying the combat, banished the Duke of Hereford for ten years, but the Duke of Norfolk for ever; who travelling many Countries, at the last came to Venice, and there ended his life.  
Again, in the year 14●6. and in the eighth of Henry the fourth, Sir Richard Whittington was the second time Lord Maior, Nicholas Worton and Geffrey Brook being Sheriffs. Again, in the year 1409. being the seven●h year of Henry 5. he supplied the praetorship, Robert Whittington (his near Kinsman) John Butler being Sheriffs: and which is more remarkable of him than of any other, that either precded him in that place of Honour, he was once sheriff, and three times Lord Maior of this famous and honourable City in three several Kngs reigns.  
Now, to cut off all circumstances, and come close to the matter, we may easily find what this man was, by the pious and religious acts done in his life to the Cities present grace, use, and benefit, and to his own blessed memory for ever.  
In the Vintry Ward he built a Church, and dedicated it to Saint Michael, calling it Pater noster in the Royal, and added to it a college, founded to Saint Mary; and placed herein a Prestdent and four Fellows which ought to he Masters of Arts; besides other yearly allowance to Clerks and young Shollers: near which he everted an hospital, which he called God's House, for thirteen poor men; and these, according to the devout superstition of those days, were to pray for the souls of his Father in law Hugh Fitzwarren, and Dame mould his wife, for whom he erected a fair tomb in the Church he before built, leaving also a place for himself, and Dame Alice his Lady, when it should please God to call them: In which place they were afterwards both of them, according to their degree very honourably interred, great mourning and much lamentation being made for him by the commons of the City, in regard he was a man so remarkable for his charity.  
And on the west side of the City he built that famous gate and prison, to this day called Newgate, and thereupon caused the merchant's arms to be graven in stone. He added to St. Bartholmews hospital in Smithfield, and was at the charge of repairing thereof.  
Further, at the Gray-Fryars in London he erected a Library, as a testimony of the great love he had to learning, which he began in the year of our Lord 1421. and finished it in the year following. Moreover, that place which is called the Stocks to this day, betwixt Cheapside and Cornhill, a goodly house of stone, which serveth for a flesh-market, and a fi●h-market, greatly beneficial to the City.  
Besides, he enlarged Guildhall, and glazed most, or all of the windows at his own cost and charges, paving the Hall, and contributing largely to the Library, adding to the see bases Conduit, which yieldeth store of sweet and wholesome water, to the general good and benefis of the City.  
In the year 1397. when Sir Richard Whittington was first elected Lord Maior, that rebel Sir John Oldcastle was taken, in the Territories of the Lord Powes, not without danger and hurt of some that took him: At which time all the States of the Realm were assembled in Parliament at London, therein to provide the King of a Subsidy, and other aid of money and munition, who took great pains beyond the Seas, in France: these Lords and others, when they heard that the public enemy was taken, they agreed all not to dissolve the Parliament, until he were examined, and heard to answer in the same: whereupon the Lord Powes was sent for, to fetch him up with power and great aid, who brought him to London in a Litter, wounded very much, having received seventeen wounds; and also a Clerk which he called his Secretary, with him, tha 'twas of of his counsel in all his secrets. As soon as the aforesaid Sir John Oldcastle was brought into the Parliament before the Earl of Bedford, who then was left Regent, and governor of the Realm in the time of the King's absence, being in France, and other Lords and States: His indictment was read before him, of his forcible insurrection against the King and State in Saint Gyles Fields, and other treasons and outrages by him committed, the question was asked, how he would excuse himself, and show why he should not be judged to die according to the Law: But he seeking other talk, began to talk & discourse of the mercies of God, & that all mortal men, that would be followers of God, aught to prefer mercy above Judgement, and that vengeance pertained only to the Lord, and ought not to be practised by them that worship, but to be left to God alone: with many other words to detract the time, until the Lord chief Justice admonished the Regent, not to suffer him to spend the time so vainly, in molesting of the Nobles of the Realm: whereupon the Duke of Bedford, Regent, commanded him to answer formally and punctually to the matter laid to his charge.  
The said Sr. John being thus urged, at last after deliberation taken, he said, it is the le hast thing that I account of, to he judged by you, as of man's judgement; and again, he began to talk, but nothing to the purpose, until the chief Justice commanded him again to answer finally and to answer them if he could, why he should not suffer death according to his desert: To which he stoutly answered, that he had no Judge amongst them, so long as his liege, Lord King Richard was alive, and in his Realm of Scotland; which answer when he had made, because there needed no further witness, he he was there presently censured to be drawn, and hanged upon a Gallows, and there to be burnt hanging upon the same: Which Judgement was executed upon him the thirteenth day of December in Saint Gyles fields, where many honourable persons were present; and the last words that he spoke, was to Sir Thomas Eupingham, adjuring him, that if he saw him rise from death to life again the third day, he would procure that his Sect which he had raised, might be in peace and quiet. He was hanged by the neck in a chain of Iron, and after consumed by fire.  
Moreover it is recorded, that in time of this worthy praetor Sir Richard Whittington, the glorious City of Constantinople was taken by Mahomet, the second Prince of the Turks, whose soldiers sacked it with all extremity, and omitted no manner of cruelty or violence either to virgins, aged women, nor sucking babes. This Sir Richard Whittington had traffic from thence by his Factors which there abode, and were then taken prisoners; so that he lost near upon fifteen thousand pounds: which when he heard of, never was so much as cast down, or dismayed, but said, God will send more: yea, such was the incessant practice of the Turkish tyranny upon this imperial City, as it exceeded the damage, rapes, and spoils of other Cities. They also beheaded at the same time Constantine the Christian Emperor thereof, and put his head upon the top of a lance, and with derision caused it to be carried thorough the Turkish camp.  
In the space of a week after, there happened a horrible tempest of Thunder and Lightning, which burned almost eight hundred houses, and spoiled three thousand people at the sacking of the aforesaid City by the said Mahomet. The Turks found therein so much treasure, that they wondered that the Citizens would not spend it upon soldiers for their owe defence, but so dotingly to spare the true spending thereof, to become an enticing prey for their unreconcilable enemies: for indeed it was thought, that if the State would have hired soldiers, and given them good pay, they might have raised the siege of the Turks. It is an old and a true saying, covetousness is the mother of ruin and mischief.  
This strange thing happened in the second time that he was elected Lord Maior, and that was upon the twenty seventh of April, being Tuesday in Easter-week: William Foxley, Pot-maker for the Mint in the Tower of London, fell asleep, and so continued sleeping and snoring, and could not be wakened with oricking, cramping, or otherwise burning whatsoever, till the first day of the term, which was full 14. days, and 15. nights: The cause of this his sleeping could not be known, though the same were diligently searched for by the King's command of his physicians, and other learned men; yea, the King himself examined the said William Foxley, who was in all points found at his waking, to be as if he had slept but one night, and yet lived 41 years after: But in length of time he did call to mind, how he did wish to God that he might sleep a Fortnight together, if it was not so and so; concerning a bargain between a neighbour of his and himself  
On thursday in Whisun week following, the Duke of Somerset, with Anthony Rivers, and four other, kept jousts and tournaments before the King and Queen, and other of the Nobility in the Tower of London, against three Esquires of the Queen's bedchamber, which were performed before some of the French Nobility, that then were prisoners to the King, which he took in France; to the great admiration of those strangers who never saw the like action before, being so earnestly performed. There was also Sir Richard Whittington, and the two sheriffs, and that night the King and Queen did sup with the Lord Maior.  
Those strangers which beheld the jousts, were prisoners in the Tower at that time; namely, the Duke of Orleans and Bourbon, brother to the Duke of Britain; the Earls of Vandosme, of Ewe, and Richmond, and the High marshal of France, and many other Knights and Esquires. to the number of seven hundred; all all which were at one time prisoners to the King, but nobly used and attended, every one according to their rank and quality: who, when they were ransomed, made it known to their King, how honourably they were attended in England, and what re●pect the King and our English Nation showed them being prisoners, who might have taken their lives away, as well as their persons prisoners.  
The second thing that was remarkable in Sir Richard Whittingtons' year, was that the King kept his Christmas at Lambeth; and at the feast of Purification, seven Dolphins of the Sea came up to the River of Thames, and played there up and down, while four of them were killed.  
On Saturday, the Eve of Saint Michael the archangel the year following, in the morning before day, betwixt the hour of one and two of the clock, began a terrible Earthquake, with Lightning and Thunder, which continued the space of six hours, and that universally through the whole World; so that menhad thought the world as then should have ended. The unreasonable beasts roared, and drew to the Tow n with ahideous noise: also the fowls of the Air cried out; such was the work of God at that time, to call his people to repentance.  
The four and twentieth day of January following, a battle, or combat was fought in Smithfield within the lists, before the King, between two men of Feversham in Kent, John Upton Notary, Appellant; and John down, Gentleman, Defendant: John Upton accused John down, that he and his Compiers should imagine the King's death on the day of his Coronation following. When they had fought some what long, and had received each of them some wounds, and still persisting in their violent action, and no hopes to find out the truth, the King took up the matter, and forgave both parties.  
On Candlemas Eve following, in divers places of England was great weathering of wind, hail, snow rain, with thunder and lightning, whereby the Church of Baldock in Hertfordshire, and the Church and part of the Town of Walden in Essex, with other neighbouring Villages, were sore shaken; and the Steeple of Saint Paul's in London, about two of the clock, in the afternoon, was set on fire in the midst of the shaft, first on the West side, and then on the South; and divers people espying the fire, came to quench it in the steeple, which they did with Vinegar, so far as they could find; so that when the Lord Maior with much people came to Paul's to have holpen if need had been, returned again every man to his own home, trusting to God all had been well: But anon after, between eight and nine of the clock, the fire burst out again atresh out of the steeple by reason of the wind, more hot and fervent than before, and did much hurt to the Lead and Timber thereof. Then the Lord Maior and many people came thither again: and with vinegar quenched the fire which was so violent, so that no man received any hurt.  
Moreover, in Sir Richard Whittingtons' time lived one Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln in the year 1430, Who founded Lincoln college in Oxford, which was afterwards in Richard the thirds time, in the year of our Lord 1479. by Tho. Rotheram Bishop of the same Sea, much augmented and enlarged, with great revenues. Likewise Magdalen College in Oxford was built; and also a great part of Eton college in Oxford was built, and also a great part of Eton college by William Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester, who was a loving and a constant friend to Sir Richard Whittington, and did much good in many parts of this Kingdom; and the said Sir Richard did largely contribute to these and the like pious uses by the entreaty of this Bishop.  
The four and twentieth day of February following, being Saint Matthews day, her Coronation was solemnised in Saint Peter's Church in Westminster: which being ended, she was ateerwards royally conveyed in the great Hall, and there under a rich Canopy of State sat to Dinner: upon whose right hand sat at the end of the same Table, the Lord Archbishop's Grace of of Canterbury, and Henry called the rich Cardinal, Bishop of Winchester: upon the left hand of the Queen sat the King of Scots, in a chair of estate, and was served with covered Dishes as the Bishops were. But after them, and upon the same side next to the boards end were seated the Duchess of York, and Countess of Huntington: the Earl of March holding a sceptre in his hand, kneeled upon the right side, the Earl Marshal in the like manner kneeled upon the left hand of the Queen: The Countess of Kent sat under the Table at the right foot, and the Countess marshal at the left foot of her Majesty.  
Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, was that day overseer, and stood before the Queen baresheaded: Sir Richard newel was Carver, and the Earl's brother of Suffolk cupbearer; Sir John Steward Sewer the Lord Clifford (instead of the Earl of Warwick) Pantler, the Lord Wllowby (instead of the Earl of Arundel) chief Butler, the Lord Gray Kater, Naperer, the Lord Audley (in the stead of the Earl of Cambridge) almoner: the Earl of Worcester was Lord High marshal, who rode about the Hall on a great Courser with many tip-stave about him, to make room in the Hall. In the which Hall next after the Queen, the Barons of the Cinque-ports began the Table; upon the right hand towards Saint Stevens chapel; and beneath them at the tables are the Vouchers of the Chancery, and upon the left hand next to the cupboard sat Sir Richard Whittington (now the third time Lord Maior) and his brethren, the Aldermen of London. The rest of the Bishops began the table over against the Barons of the Cinqueports, & the Ladies and chief noble women the table against the Lord Maior and the Aldermen: At which two tables of the Bishops, the Bishop of London, and the Bishop of Durham sat highest at the one, and the Countess of Stafford, and the Countess of March on the other. And for ordering of the service, divers chief Lords were appointed Officers; as Steward, controller, Surveyer, and the like; which places were supplied by the Earls of Northumberland, Westmoreland, the Lord Fizhue, the Lord Furnevall, the Lord Gray of Wilton, the Lord Feres of Groby, the Lord Poynings, the Lord Harington, the Lord Darcy, the Lord Daker, the Lord Delaware, &c.  
I have showed you only the ordering of this rich Feast, but the cost and sumptuousness of the fare, would ask too large and long a circumstance to discourse: what I have hitherto done, was only to show to the World, that at those high Solemnities, Inaugurations and Coronations, the Lord Maior of the City of London, and the Aldermen have place, and their presence is still required: the City being the King's Chamber, and in an Interregnum he the first and prime Officer in the Kingdom. But I fear I have dwelled too long upon the premises, which I hope, none will hold for an unnecessary deviation: I come now to deliver unto you of Sir Richard Whittingtons' invitation of the King and Queen into the City, where he bounteoussy feasted them in his own house, and at his own proper charge.  
How great and magnificent the Londoners feasts be even amongst themselves, especially at that high and pompuous festival at Guild-Hall the day after Simon and Jude, at the solemn Inaugutation of his Lordship, who but knows; as also the ordinary Tables of the Lord Maior and the sheriffs, where there is free and generous entertainment for all men of fashion, and quality; the like both for plenty of dishes, and order of service it is not else where to be seen, or found through Europe. If then their daily provision be so curious and costly, what may we think their variety and rarity was at the invitation and entertainment of two such great Majesties? I must therefore leave it to the Readers imagination, being so far transcending my expression: Let it therefore give satisfaction to any one that shall doubt thereof, that it was performed to the everlasting reputation of the Inviter, the honour of the City, and great content of these royal Personages invited: The bounty of his Table not to be questioned, I come to the fire that he made in the Presence-chamber, where the King and Queen then Dined, which was only of sweet and odoriterous Wood, far exceeding the smell of juniper; for it was mixed with Mace, cinnamon, and other rare and costly spices, which did cast such a pleasant and delightful labour through the room, that it pleased his majesty to call him unto him, and say, my good Lord Maior, though your fare be both choice, costly, and abundant, yet above all things I have observed in your noble entertainment, this Fire, which you have provided for me, gives me most content: To whom Sir Richard Whittington making a low obeisance, made answer, it much rejoiceth me Dread sovereign, that any thing which remaineth in my power, can give your highness the least cause to be pleased: but since you praise this fiire already made, I purpose ere your sacred Majesty depart the house, to entertain you with one (I hope) that shall content you much better: the King not thing it could be possible, desired him to make a proof thereof: when he (having before provided himself for the purpose) brought a great bundle of Bonds, Indentures, and Covenants under his arm, said said thus to the King; royal sovereign, to whom I owe both my fortunes, and my life, I have here a faggot of purpose left for this Fire, which I hope, will smell much more sweetly than the rest in your nostrils; for saith he, here is first your highness' security for ten thousand marks, lent you for the maintenance of your royal wars in France, by the Right worshipful Company of the Mercers, which I here cancel, and cast into the Fire: Fifteen hundred lent by the City to your Majesty, I send after the former; two thousand marks borrowed of the grocer's Company, three thousand of the Merchant tailors, one thousand of the Drapers, one thousand of the Skinners, one thousand of the Skinners, one thousand of the Ironmongers, five thousand of the Merchant-Staplers; of the Goldsmiths three thousand, of the Haberdashers as much; of the Vintners, Brewers, and brownbakers' three thousand marks: All these you see are canceled, and burnt saith he; with divers other Bonds for money lent by my: father in law, Alderman Fitzwarren, for the payment of your soldiers in France, which coming unto me by Exetutorship, I have taken in, and diseharged.  
Others there are likewise due to me of no small sums; by divers of your Nobility here present, all which with the former I have sacrificed, to the love and honour of my Dread sovereign, amounting to the sum of threescore thousand pounds sterling, and can your Majesty (saith he) desire to sit by a fire of a more sweet sent and sovour? At this the King was much ecstasied, and the rather, because it came so unexpectedly, and from so free a spirit, and embracing him in his Arms, said unto him, That he thought never King had such a subject: and at his departure, did him all the grace and honour that could descend from a King to a Subject, promising him moreover, that he should ever stand in the first rank of those whom he favoured. And so the Lord Maior bearing the sword before their two most sacred Majesties as far as Temple-bar, the King for his former service, and his most kind and loving entertainment at that time, and the Noble men, for that extraordinary courtesy offered them, all unitedly and unanimously commended his goodness, applauded his bounty, and wished that he might live to perpetual memory, and so bid both him and the City for that time adteu.  
FINIS.